Better Moms make a better world!

I just returned from the MOPS International Convention in Orlando, Florida where 5 of us went from our steering team at church. What an exhausting, exhilarating time we had! These girls were so much fun - I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The convention is always a great time to be away from my family, and yet reflect on them and my role as a wife and mother at the same time. I am grateful that my husband always has renewed appreciation for me after 4 days of handling the boys on his own (with help from Grandma!) We heard lots of great speakers and artists (Matt Redman, Sara Groves, the Go Fish Guys (my kids love them!)) We also were privileged to hear John Orteberg and Julie Barnhill. I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be a part of MOPS and for my church who helps us get to convention. I am excited about this upcoming year and what the Lord has in store for our group. The new slogan for MOPS is "Better Moms Make a Better World". What a true statement that is. We as moms have an awesome responsibility to shape our boys and girls into adults that not only will trust in the Lord, but will trust Him enough to be used for His Kingdom purposes. So if I don't take the time to eat right, how can I expect my child to eat right? If I don't value exercise, my child won't. If I don't turn to the Lord with my struggles, fears and insecurities, how can I expect my child to? And I can't drink or smoke and say to my child - "don't do this". They are watching - always. So for me, I have to take time to make myself better (and NOT feel guilty) so that my world - which for me is my family - will be better.