Spring 2011 Wrap-up and BIG NEWS!

Our Spring Semester at Moms & More seemed so short, didn't it? But it was jam-packed with good friendships, great teaching, and excellent resources. I'm still applying what we learned from our teachers and our book, Stuck by Jennie Allen, when I feel like I've stopped relying on God to guide me on a daily basis... which happens way too often!

If you enjoyed Spring 2011 at Moms & More, then stay tuned. I promise you will love what's happening on Tuesday mornings at Fellowship Bible Church.

Moms & More has a new name, a new curriculum, and a whole new mission.

We are now bloom...Building a Legacy Out Of Motherhood.

Just because you attended Moms & More for a few years doesn't mean you have to move on! We have fresh, inspiring topics about motherhood, marriage, and our own spiritual growth as women.

You are welcome at bloom, whether you have a newborn or school-age children.

Childcare is still provided, and we're excited that we can now also accommodate home-schooled children and special-needs children.

We will begin registration for Fall 2011 in just a few weeks. We'll be sure to let everyone know as soon as registration opens, and it'll be really simple to register online. Please be sure to register so you can secure your spot for childcare.

Also, remember that anyone is welcome at bloom, whether they are a member at FBC or not. So tell all your mom friends, new neighbors, or gal you run into with your cart at Target (after you apologize, of course!) about bloom.

Also, be sure to find us on Facebook (search "bloom") and Twitter @bloomFBC.

Enjoy your summer!

Overwhelmed?

We're studying our Overwhelmed Chapter of Stuck this week.

As I was driving home from a Kroger run this morning, this song came on KLove. I just grinned and thanked God because it describes how we can feel when life starts to overwhelm us. Take a listen...



Enjoy thanking God for the blessings of your life, and let's be sure to ask God what He would have us do with our time today.

Stuck - Lesson One

We were so blessed to have Jennie Allen, the author of our study Stuck, as our speaker at Moms & More yesterday. Her message of hope was incredibly encouraging as we navigate through life wondering what to do with all our hidden "junk". God is so much bigger! And wasn't it so relieving to hear in small group time that other women are struggling with hidden junk in their own lives? Let's continue to be transparent and draw nearer to God and each other as we prepare for next week's discussion on Lesson One, called "Broken".

We apologize that we ran out of books yesterday. Another order has been placed, and everyone who wasn't able to get a book yesterday will be able to purchase one next Tuesday. In the meantime, we're providing you with a scanned version of the Introduction and Lesson One, so you can go forward in your study and be prepared for discussion next week.

Stuck_lesson 1_broken

Unfortunately, we found out that due to reasons dealing with Jennie's book publication, we will be unable to broadcast her talk on the website. We're so sorry to those of you who needed to miss yesterday.

Are you ready to get un-stuck? Boy, I sure am. See you next Tuesday!

Organizing Snippet Resources

I truly hope you were inspired - not discouraged - by the Organizing Your Junk Drawer Snippet I presented today. My goal is to empower you to tackle little bits of chaos, because I know how out-of-control being a mom of little ones can feel. I'm right there in the trenches with you! Life doesn't always look perfect, but think about it this way: your home is the only place on this planet that can be a safe haven for you and your family. Any process that could take away just a little bit of stress will contribute to that end goal.

Imagine it's a typical Saturday afternoon, and you need to leave the house for a birthday party in 10 minutes, but the present isn't wrapped. Even worse, you have NO clue where your scissors and tape are. You are stressed. You may even snap at your child. Now, are you in the state of mind to enjoy that birthday party? No, you probably want to call the hostess and tell her everyone has a sudden stomach virus, stay home, lock yourself in the bathroom, and have a good cry.

But here's the flip side of that scenario: You have 10 minutes until you need to go, and you reach in your Junk Drawer in the kitchen to find scissors and tape right where they always live. You quickly wrap the gift, usher your kids out the door (kissing each one on the head on their way out), and arrive to the party 5 minutes early, in a great mood because you were successful!

This scene is real life. And you, in the midst of your real life, can experience the second option if you spend a couple of minutes right now to set yourself up for success.

Plus, making your home run a little more smoothly may actually encourage the rest of the family to join you in your efforts. Use language like:

"Where do these toys live?"
"Let's give these beautiful drawings a home!"
"Choose 3 toys out of this [bulging at the seams] toybox to give to children who don't have many toys."

I know you can do this. Just be willing to give it a try, be creative, be flexible, and be prepared to be a success!

By the way, you can find the Junk Drawer Organizer I used - and many other great organizational products - at any Target, WalMart, or Container Store. Look in the Kitchen Organization section, with the utensil drawer dividers, etc.

Click here for a listing of my favorite books and resources that I used in my Former Life as a Professional Organizer. And be sure to look under the Handouts tab to see the handout from the presentation.

Catch Up with Online Audio Recordings

If you miss a week of Moms & More, you can stay caught up by clicking on the Fellowship Women's Ministry webpage and scrolling down a little bit to the Moms & More section. An audio recording of each Tuesday's teaching will be posted the following Thursday.

So now if you had to stay home with a sick kiddo, you won't feel left behind at Moms & More!

A Little Encouragement

Cindy's talk on the importance of disciplining our kids was great, wasn't it? For those who missed it, we'll have the audio posted soon.

Until then, I have two questions for you.

Have you ever felt like being the perfect parent is impossible? Do you find yourself wanting a Parenting Vacation? Yes? Great - I'm not the only one!

Here are a couple of blog posts meant to encourage you today.

Parenting: The Joyful Impossibility
"It was eleven o’clock on a Sunday night, and I was pulling out of the grocery store parking lot exhausted and overwhelmed. After we had put our four children to bed, later than we had planned, Luella discovered that we had nothing in the house to pack for lunches the next day. With an attitude that couldn’t be described as joy, I got in the car and did the late-night food run. ..."
[click the link to read more]

Parenting: It's Never an Interruption
"Parenting is all about living by the principle of prepared spontaneity. You don’t really know what’s going to happen next. You don’t really know when you’ll have to enforce a command, intervene in an argument, confront a wrong, hold out for a better way, remind someone of a truth, call for forgiveness, lead someone to confession, point to Jesus, restore peace, hold someone accountable, explain a wisdom principle, give a hug of love, laugh in the face of adversity, help someone complete a task, mediate an argument, stop with someone and pray, assist someone to see his heart, or talk once again about what it means to live together in a community of love. ..."
[click the link to read more]

Enjoy your Snow Half-Day!

Moms and More Cancelled Tomorrow

Moms & More will be cancelled tomorrow, Tuesday January 11th, due to inclement weather.

We look forward to seeing you next Tuesday!

Spring 2011 Childcare Information

Moms and More is gearing up to return on Tuesday, January 11. That's less than a week away! We've been planning and preparing throughout the Christmas break, and we're just so excited to see what God has in store for each one of you this semester.

Our Childcare Director, Amy Moore, sent out an email recently regarding sign-up for Mom's Tyme. Here's what she says:

I want to first take this time to introduce myself, my name is Amy Moore and I am the new Child Care Director at Fellowship Bible Church. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work for you and your sweet children. As a mother of four, I understand what a blessing it is to have the opportunity to fellowship and study God's Word with other moms. We are excited that we have the privilege of taking care of your child while you do this.

I pray the Lord will bless you over this semester and minister to your hearts with this new study.

It's time to sign up for Mom's Tyme! Below is a link to the Mom's Tyme form and your options:


1. Follow the link below, fill out the form and email it back to me.


2. Print it off, fill it out and mail with payment to: FBC Child Care, P.O. Box 7123, Little Rock, AR 72223


3. Drop it off filled out, with payment on your first day back to Bible Study.


Mom's and More luncheon schedule is included in the link, check the last page.

To reserve your spot, payment must be received, so if you opt for the electronic option please be sure to drop off your payment on your first day back. We will have extra copies on hand if needed.

The Moms Tyme Form is available below, or use this link: http://freepdfhosting.com/f4c05591fa.pdf

I look forward to seeing you all next week. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Amy Moore
Director Child Care/Special Needs Coordinator
224-7171 or 412-5030
FBC Moms Tyme Info

If something has changed for you, and you won't be returning to Moms and More for this semester, please contact your small group leader or Ann Denny at FBC Women's Ministries (224-7171). We need to have an accurate headcount so that our Childcare Team can be most effective for you!

Pacifiers and Beanie-Baby-Sized Stuffed Animals

In lieu of giving gifts to our leaders and group members (as has been done in the past), this year our leadership has decided to support an awesome ministry.

This past Tuesday, we heard from Linda, who is part of a group that regularly visits Hospital Esquela, a children’s hospital in Honduras. Her stories were gut-wrenching…moms who sleep on the concrete floor next to their sick babies’ cribs and don’t eat for days because they don’t have a penny to their name, a dad who had no way to carry his daughter’s body back to his hometown 8 hours away, and babies who have nothing to comfort them in a scary place. The pictures of those kids were heartbreaking.

Here’s how we’re going to help: Linda needs us to bring pacifiers and beanie-baby-sized stuffed animals to help soothe the babies. The pacifiers and stuffed animals can even be used, just be sure to boil the pacifiers. New paci’s and stuffed animals are great as well. Bring them with you on the morning of the brunch, and let’s make a difference in the lives of these little babies!

God's Pumpkin Patch Party

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. 

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes off all the dirt you may have gotten from other pumpkins.  Then He cuts the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.  He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.  Last, He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

Join us this Friday 10/29 for a

God's Pumpkin Patch Party

at Kristen McConnell's House

15 Scarlet Maple Court

217-0475

10:00 am

Wear a festive costume (not required)

Bring a snack

Make a craft

Have fun!

We hope to see you there!

Further Resources for Chapter 5

We didn't get to touch on this topic much during Cindy's talk, but here is some excellent information from Focus on the Family regarding combatting the sexualization of American girls.

Click here to read the article.

Money-Saving Ideas Handout

In case you missed last Tuesday, you can find a copy of the "Been There, Done That" Money-Saving Ideas Handout on our Handouts Page.

Keep checking back to the Handouts Page. We'll post every handout from each week of Moms & More.

See you Tuesday!

News and Announcements

Fall is full of activities at Fellowship Bible Church!

FBC has re-vamped their website to make it easier to navigate. You can find Upcoming Events by clicking on the Events tab in the lower center of the home page. Check it out now at fellowshiponline.com.

Here's a quick run-down of some upcoming events you won't want to miss:

Love and Respect Video Conference
Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9th

The Love and Respect Video Conference will unfold the basic principles to help adults experience the many blessings God intends for them. Attendees will learn how men and women are wonderfully, and differently made and the secret to cracking the communication code.

The Conference meets October 8 6:00-9:30pm and October 9 9:00-2:00pm. Childcare is available Saturday only. You must pre-register your children by calling 501-224-7171 ext. 1222

Alive After 5
Tuesday, October 19th, 5:55pm, in the Warehouse
"When Life Hands You Lemons" by Nancy Hamilton
Register online (click here!) for attendance and childcare
Childcare deadline is Tuesday, October 12th

Fellowship FamilyFest
Sunday, October 31, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Fellowship's North Parking Lot

For those of you looking for a fun, safe family activity on October 31st, the SageWorks congregation of Fellowship is putting together a family fest! They will share candy from the trunks of cars and create a number of game stations to entertain the children. Come in costume to make it festive, and we will end the evening with a dessert social and prizes for all the sages who have served.

Girls Gotta Get Out! Night with Carol Kent
Tuesday, November 16th 7-9:00pm, in the Warehouse

Join us for a very special edition of Alive After 5. Carol Kent is a popular international public speaker best known for being dynamic, humorous, encouraging, and biblical. She has been a keynote speaker at Women of Faith, Time Out for Women, and Heritage Keepers arena event and so many others. On this evening, Carol will be sharing with us an updated version of her incredible journey as she has walked through one of the hardest things a parent could ever imagine.

You will not want to miss this event, bring a friend and enjoy great food, an exciting speaker and a fun night out! Tickets available now for only $5. Childcare available by reservation only.

Catch Up On What You Missed!

Has your kiddo ever woken up with a fever on a Tuesday morning? Or have you ever gone out of town, missing a Tuesday? If you're like me, you were probably totally bummed out wondering what you missed at Moms & More, right?

Take heart, ladies! Now you can listen to our Moms & More speakers online! They're available on the Fellowship Women site. Please note, CD's are also available in the FBC Bookstore.

For some details on upcoming Fellowship Women events you don't want to miss, click on the picture to the left, and keep clicking it to zoom in for the text.

Wanna Have Fun This Friday?

Fun Friday at the St. Charles playground last Friday morning - great weather, great friends, and a static-y slide. Who could ask for more?

A Hair-Raising Good Time!

"PUPPY!!!!!"

Lovin' the Swings!

 "Help! I'm stuck!"

If you want to have a Fun Friday this week, we're heading out to the Pumpkin Patch at Bo Brook Farms - come join us! This Tuesday during small group, your leader will be getting a head count of those who think they'll be going. Hope to see you there!



Ideas From KidzRAP For Serving

Yesterday, Karman from KidzRAP (Reaching All People) gave us some amazing ideas for serving alongside our children. We teach our kids by showing them what we want them to do. In order to raise kids who serve their community with love, we need to show them what that looks like!

Go to the Handouts Page of this blog to see KidzRAP's helpful listing of service projects in which we can include our children as young as 1 year old. Remember, her first and easiest suggestion was to prepare and take a meal to any new neighbors. Involve your kids by letting them come with you to meet your new neighbors and welcome them. For lots more ideas, look at the handout, located on the Handouts Page of this blog.

Thanks, Karman, for inspiring us to help instill loving service into our children!

Natasha's Practical Tips for Becoming a Keeper of Your Home

1. Spend time with Jesus every day.
2. Put your husband before your children.
3. Develop a system for keeping the house clean.
4. Develop a menu each week.
5. Start teaching you children the word and truths of God from the very beginning.

Read much more in Natasha's full article on her blog:
http://keepinupwiththejoneses-natasha.blogspot.com/2010/09/entire-talk-way-too-long-for-blog.html

Keeping My Eyes Up

Isn't it so easy to get bogged down in the everyday living of life?

Cleaning up the house, running countless errands, not to mention being "everything" to your kids, husband, and household pets (who are sometimes like little kids). It can all weigh heavy on my heart and mind.

When this happens to me (quite often and too easily, I might add), I find myself looking down at the ground. Literally. I don't make eye contact with people at the store. I don't look up at the blue sky to enjoy a beautiful day. I don't have a grateful heart. I'm merely surviving.

Ever been there?

Then this song is for you. Keep your eyes on the One whose love and mercy for each of us is incomprehendable. My eyes are looking up now. It's a beautiful day, by the way.



Our God is, a consuming fire,
A burning holy Flame, with glory and freedom
Our God is, the only righteous judge,
Ruling over us with kindness and wisdom

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your Name
Your Kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign

Our God is, jealous for His own
None could comprehend, His love and His mercy
Our God is exalted on His throne
High above the heavens
Forever He’s worthy...

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You

We will keep our eyes on You
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord we will set our hearts on You!

Written by Nathan and Christy Nockels
© 2009 worshiptogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (ASCAP)

Get Excited, People!

Moms & More starts tomorrow morning! Woot woot!

Here are a few important reminders for you:

1. Bring your FBC barcode keytag to check in your child(ren). Check-in kiosks are available at the East (Warehouse) and South (near the playground) entrances. Childcare opens at 8:45.
2. Please bring your Childcare Emergency Information and Medical Release Form, your Mom's Tyme Sign-up Form, and payment for Mom's Tyme with you tomorrow morning. You may drop it off at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse Entrance.
3. Please check the Childcare Volunteer Rotation List for the date you will be asked to volunteer. Check-in at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse at 9:00am to see if you’re needed that morning. If you cannot be available on the morning you’re signed up, please ask someone to switch dates with you.
4. The book “For Women Only” will be available for purchase tomorrow morning if you haven’t already picked up your copy.
5. Come as you are and be ready to have a fantastic morning of fun, food, and fellowship.
6. Small Group Leaders will be stationed all over the campus to help you. Let them do all the work for you! They will be available to help you carry your bags from the parking lot to the building, help you check in, help you find the classrooms, hold your newborn (oh, the smell of a newborn!) while you get food, and the list goes on. They will help, help, help!

We'll see you tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 14, at 9:00am!

Kicking Off The New Semester

Welcome back, Moms!

I hope you enjoyed your summer. I can sum up my entire summer with one picture:

It was all about staying cool in the pool! I know many of you other moms felt the exact same way.

Well, I don't know about you, but I also enjoyed getting back into the routine of the new school year. There's something about new school supplies that gets me all worked up - and my daughter is only 15 months old. I just go out and buy a few new pens and pencils for the fun of it!

I'm also excited because Moms & More is starting back next Tuesday, Sept. 14th. This semester promises to be a fun-filled, refreshing time of fellowship, discussion, and food. Nourishment for your body AND your soul. Be there at 9:00am, or if you're anything like me, come on down and get your kiddos checked in a few minutes before 9:00 so you can relax and enjoy yourself. If you're sitting here thinking "getting there at 9:00 would be early for me", then no sweat! We'll be more than happy to see you whenever you get there.

There will be women available to help you check in, answer your questions, carry your diaper bags (or your kids), get you to the right rooms, and just generally figure it all out. Parking either in the East Lot (in front of the Warehouse entrance) or in the South Lot (near the playground) will help you be close to the Childcare Rooms and Check-in Kiosks.

Please remember to bring your Childcare Forms and hand them to the wonderful women at the Childcare Desk across from the Warehouse. If you will be signing up to use Moms Tyme, please also turn in your form and payment.

See you soon!
-Jen M