Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Your Questions Answered

Thank you (all three of you!) for your questions! I'm wondering if I really have been that thorough in answering any questions that you might have had along the way, if many of you just didn't have the opportunity to see my Monday post (due to the whole Photobucket plastering...), or if you are all just too polite to ask what you might really be wondering about...I will plan to answer any additional questions that you may leave in the comment section today on Friday.

Because two of you, Bethany from Happyascanbe and Warren from Family Fountain, asked about my involvement with Proverbs 31 Ministries, I will begin there!

The blurb on my "About Me" section comes from having attended the Proverbs 31 She Speaks Conference. It is a conference specifically designed to train and encourage (female) Christian writers and speakers. You can click here to read more about the conference. It is open to anyone and only happens once a year. (Fri., July 31 - Sun., Aug 2nd) I chose to do a "split track" - both writing and speaking. After you have completed the speaker track; (complete with speaking and being evaluated on your speaking by a Proverbs 31 speaker - twice) you have the privilege of stating that you are a "graduate of She Speaks" on your bio.

I have also had an article published in Proverbs 31 Magazine. And that is it!

Warren also asked about my involvement with MOPS International. "MOPS" stands for "Mothers of Preschoolers" and is an International ministry that is designed for mothers (either birth or adoptive) from birth through grade school. Here is their mission statement:

"MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ."

I have been a member of MOPS International for a little over 7 years and have progressed through my own local group as a Discussion Group Leader, the Discussion Group Leader Coordinator, and then I Co-Coordinated my local group for 4 years.

This past year I was asked to step into the role as a Field Leader with MOPS International which basically means that I oversee, train, equip and encourage the leaders of local groups for about 12 churches here in our region. I am their point of contact with MOPS International, communicate updates, happenings, answer questions, etc. I facilitate team building and hold trainings for local leaders. I have also done some writing for MOPS Connections Magazine; but it will not be published until later this year.

Bethany and Crew asked:
"I've got a question for you- what is your favorite purposeful and Biblically-minded and FUN activity to do with your children?

I'm looking for ideas, so please don't feel the need to limit yourself to just one thing :)"

Because my answer for you started to get pretty lengthy; I've decided to make it into a post of it's own. So your question will be answered tomorrow. (I apologize for making you wait when you were the first question!) I'd like to invite my readers to also plan to respond to Bethany's question in the comment section tomorrow! Bring your ideas and lets all share together!

Again, if you have other questions for me, feel free to leave them below and I will plan to answer them on Friday.

Many Blessings!

Shanda

"Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." I Chronicles 16:11

7 comments:

Warren Baldwin said...

Thanks. I've seen both Prov. 31 and MOPS on various sites, but had never had an explanation of what they were about. wb

Dawn Jenkins said...

Ooh, I am going to be checking back to see all the comments.

Anonymous said...

Shanda

I am sorry I did not get on with the questions. Something was going on with your blog the past few days and it kept closing down on me. Seems to be OK now...I am going to look into that "She Speaks" conference. This fall I am sending my 11 yesr old twins to a Christian school and hanging up my duties as homeschooling mom! The energizing thing for me is that I am now free again to persue my writing career...haven't published since the boys were born!

You are involved in two interesting ministries and obviously are gifted in leadership as well.I am aware of MOPS as they are quite active here in Rochester NY.I am no longer a mom of little ones but I know what a gift this must be to those who are in those busy self sacrificing years.

And I want to thank you for the incredbile comment you added to my blog today. I am SO blessed to have such a gifted group of commenters!

Still Learning said...

Shanda, sorry. I did try to visit Monday but the whole photobucket thing got me. Sorry :(

Jennifer

Jennifer said...

I really enjoyed getting to know you more with those answers....I attended She Speaks last year and loved it! Congrats on having an article published....will look forward to more answers tomorrow!:)

Anonymous said...

I am trying to help this family they need much prayer.

http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html

Shanda said...

Anonymous,
I have checked out Josh's blog. I will be praying for them.

Blessings to you!

Shanda