Welcome to MOPS New Zealand’s

MUM-e-Mail

- a newsletter to enthuse, educate, and entertain
mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters

March 2005

Mothering Maxim – Measure of Success

Judge your success by the degree that you're enjoying peace, health, and love.

Mum Moment - A Picture of Peace

Peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit that God wants to grow in our lives.

Typically we think of peace as the absence of irritation. A quiet afternoon composed of naptime for the children and a cup of coffee with a good read for us. No phone calls. No early awakenings. No to-do list.

When Galatians 5 talks about peace, it conveys something different.

After the end of the Vietnam War, the American Art Institute hosted a contest requesting the submission of artistic expressions of the meaning of peace. Hundreds of entries poured in, many depicting a somewhat stereotypical view of tranquility. Beach scenes at sunset. Mountain streams. Wide valleys framed by hills.

The institute surprised participants and the press with their selection. Picture this: a raging storm - wild and tumultuous. As you stand before its whirl, wet spray blows across your cheeks. Thunder rumbles in your bones, reverberating through your body. In the middle of the picture is an open field, where a solitary tree stands against the howling wind, bowed by its strength. Tucked into a branch in the tree is a nest, where a mother bird cups her babies in safety. This bird has built a nest of rest for herself and for her family. In it she hides, secure and calm amidst the storm. A one-word title captured the painting's offering: peace.

Mum, how are you like that bird today, tucked away in God's peace?

In the years of raising a children, life sways from doldrums to outright storms. How do you know if your experiences are unique? Simple! Talk to other mums.

- from: www.20ishparents.com, Oct 2004, jurgita

For A Mother’s Heart

Perplexed or puzzled? Take Vitamin P.  Jesus said: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

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You are welcome to forward this MUM-e-Mail in its entirety to your friends, mothers of pre-schoolers and their supporters. If your friend has forwarded this to you and you wish to subscribe, it's easy. Click on this hyperlink and send blank e-mail to:  mum-e-mail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .

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Mum’s Mail

Peace happens in our house when …

You're invited to finish this sentence and reply to mumemail@... [you could click on this hyperlink and do it now?]. We'll publish responses in a couple of weeks - next time in MUM-e-Mail.

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Mum etc - Snippets and e-bits that may interest you …
[these websites and their contents are not necessarily endorsed by MOPS NZ]

http://www.thefamilycorner.com/cgi-bin/tips.cgi - hints and tips

http://mopsnz.bravehost.com - drum roll please – MOPS NZ’s website, giving up-to-date local and national New Zealand MOPS information

http://mopsnz.bravehost.com/events.html - wassup? Here are events we know about. Tell us your MOPS group’s events to: mumemail@....

http://www.kidseq.com/articles.html - BEST - help children identify feelings-emotions.

http://www.growthtrac.com/ - tools for transforming your marriage.

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… from last time …

Can you think of a situation in living memory when your heart filled up your chest? A time of utter contentment and joy in the moment! Please tell us …

No responses this time – but do consider your answer in your heart.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6.

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May peace, love, and joy linger with you and your household,

 Johanna Whittaker

mumemail@...
on behalf of MOPS (NZ) Inc.
© 2005 by MOPS New Zealand Inc and MOPS International.