Eileen felt a yearning to paint...and then she allowed herself to do it. As a result, many have been blessed and touched by the heart of the Father. Join us this March at MIA and be encouraged to step out into something new.
If you don't live locally, you can still be blessed by her work...
Showing posts with label MIA News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MIA News. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Call to Spiritual Motherhood
Periodically I have been asked if I miss teaching. Sometimes I do but not because I miss imparting my biological knowledge to high school students or I like to challenge them to think critically. Although that is a lot of fun. Yes...I used the words "fun" and "high school students" in the same paragraph. LOL.
The students. My kids. That is how I thought about them. Interacting with them and having a positive impact on their lives...that is what I sometimes miss.
My husband is great with all kids - even little ones. And they adore him. He is like a magnet or the pied piper where children are concerned. During Parent's Day at my son's school, Simms was constantly surrounded by children that are not ours. They would ask him questions, want to show him something, request that he read to them, etc. He graciously complied and blessed each and every one of them that day.
Are kids drawn to you? Is your house the one where they congregate? It might be due to more than your great cooking. Join us in February for MIA when Pastor Beth Kempf shares her journey of spiritual parenting.
The students. My kids. That is how I thought about them. Interacting with them and having a positive impact on their lives...that is what I sometimes miss.
My husband is great with all kids - even little ones. And they adore him. He is like a magnet or the pied piper where children are concerned. During Parent's Day at my son's school, Simms was constantly surrounded by children that are not ours. They would ask him questions, want to show him something, request that he read to them, etc. He graciously complied and blessed each and every one of them that day.
Are kids drawn to you? Is your house the one where they congregate? It might be due to more than your great cooking. Join us in February for MIA when Pastor Beth Kempf shares her journey of spiritual parenting.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Call to Prayer
What do you do to celebrate the New Year? Get together with family and or friends? Stay up much later than usual to watch the ball drop? Do you make resolutions and/or keep them?
You may do one or more of the above or you may do nothing. I like to reevaluate the year that we have completed and contemplate what the future holds. I don't necessarily make resolutions. Rather, I prefer to seek God and inquire what changes would benefit me and my family. Does that sound super spiritual to you? Really...it isn't. It's my life. Real life. That doesn't mean that I am able to seclude myself for a large part of January and just rest in His presence. Sounds lovely. Picture that for a moment...back to reality...I am a mom and wife and there are a lot of responsibilities that are mine on a daily basis. Responsibilities that He has blessed me with.
How is this (time with God) accomplished? I rest in the knowledge that He knows where I am at and meets me in that place. I take comfort in the fact that no matter what I am doing, I can talk to Him. There is no other relationship I have that is like this. It's special. And the best part is, no matter what I am doing, I can listen to Him. Conversing with God = prayer. Prayer in my life will not always look like this but in this season - for this period of time - it largely does.
This month at MIA, Sue Eichelberger will be joining us. She is a seasoned mom - one who has faced many storms and challenges. If you live locally, be sure to join us as she shares how she has learned to balance her call to prayer and intercession with the responsibilities of family.
You may do one or more of the above or you may do nothing. I like to reevaluate the year that we have completed and contemplate what the future holds. I don't necessarily make resolutions. Rather, I prefer to seek God and inquire what changes would benefit me and my family. Does that sound super spiritual to you? Really...it isn't. It's my life. Real life. That doesn't mean that I am able to seclude myself for a large part of January and just rest in His presence. Sounds lovely. Picture that for a moment...back to reality...I am a mom and wife and there are a lot of responsibilities that are mine on a daily basis. Responsibilities that He has blessed me with.
How is this (time with God) accomplished? I rest in the knowledge that He knows where I am at and meets me in that place. I take comfort in the fact that no matter what I am doing, I can talk to Him. There is no other relationship I have that is like this. It's special. And the best part is, no matter what I am doing, I can listen to Him. Conversing with God = prayer. Prayer in my life will not always look like this but in this season - for this period of time - it largely does.
This month at MIA, Sue Eichelberger will be joining us. She is a seasoned mom - one who has faced many storms and challenges. If you live locally, be sure to join us as she shares how she has learned to balance her call to prayer and intercession with the responsibilities of family.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Spring Coffeehouse
We had such a good time in December that we had to add a new twist to our Coffeehouse again this spring...games!
When was the last time that you were able to play something other than Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders? Gear up and get you game face on as we gather for a great time with Pictionary, Catch Phrase, Scattegories, Jenga and cards. While you are attempting to come up with a city that starts with the letter H or determine which piece you can pull without knocking over the leaning tower of Jenga, there will be a variety of snacks for you to enjoy!
This is an evening gathering (7:00-9:00 PM...tonight!) so it is a perfect time to invite moms who work outside the home or have scheduling conflicts with our morning meetings.
Please note that childcare is not available.
Questions? Click on Questions? (in the left column under MIA FAQ) and email us.
When was the last time that you were able to play something other than Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders? Gear up and get you game face on as we gather for a great time with Pictionary, Catch Phrase, Scattegories, Jenga and cards. While you are attempting to come up with a city that starts with the letter H or determine which piece you can pull without knocking over the leaning tower of Jenga, there will be a variety of snacks for you to enjoy!
This is an evening gathering (7:00-9:00 PM...tonight!) so it is a perfect time to invite moms who work outside the home or have scheduling conflicts with our morning meetings.
Please note that childcare is not available.
Questions? Click on Questions? (in the left column under MIA FAQ) and email us.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Which Fork Do I Use First?
Hospitality. It sounds so simple and yet this very thing can cause knees to knock and stomachs to turn. Why does the thought of having guests arrive send some of us into a frenzy while others joyfully sing as they are setting the table? Could one reason could be that you have a 3 year old following you around and an infant in your arms? How could you possibly think of entertaining?
On April 14th we had a mother and daughter team up and share their passion for welcoming and ministering to those that enter their home. This is truly a gifting that they have been blessed with and I appreciated the heart in which they shared with us - regardless of what you do, the key is to love and honor your guests. It really isn't about entertaining at all. Rather it's about serving and blessing those that enter your home.
This dynamic duo offered sound advice on how to practically serve others as well as how to incorporate details that add a special touch. Here is a sampling of the goodies we received:
On April 14th we had a mother and daughter team up and share their passion for welcoming and ministering to those that enter their home. This is truly a gifting that they have been blessed with and I appreciated the heart in which they shared with us - regardless of what you do, the key is to love and honor your guests. It really isn't about entertaining at all. Rather it's about serving and blessing those that enter your home.
This dynamic duo offered sound advice on how to practically serve others as well as how to incorporate details that add a special touch. Here is a sampling of the goodies we received:
- Seating Cards - removes the confusion that can ensue before people are seated. This also allows you to place people in such a way that conversation is able to flow more easily. Cards can also be decorated by your children if you trust them with crayons and/or markers.
- Centerpieces - keep them low so it doesn't prevent conversation across the table. These can also be themed according to the meal or the season. They suggested the use of branches, flowers, leaves, small candles, etc.
- We learned that the napkin is one of the most important parts of your table. It is the one item that your guest will be in contact with throughout the meal - either in their hand or on their lap. Hmmm...I'm thinking of investing in some soft cotton napkins now!
- When guests arrive, have tasks for them to do - let them be part of the evening. They also encouraged us to allow the guests to bring something if they ask.
- Consider incorporating a palette cleanser before the entree. This could be a sorbet or mint ice cream. Who wouldn't be thrilled with two desserts?!?
I was inspired and although we didn't have any guests arriving yesterday, I wanted to bless my family last night. So I set the table for dinner yesterday afternoon. Guess what happened after dinner? My 5 year old couldn't wait for us to clear the table so he could prepare it for breakfast! He even put away the place mats that we had for dinner and chose four new ones for our breakfast. The guide for an informal place setting was not followed but that didn't eclipse the blessing and joy the emitted from his action of service and love. Another reminder of how our actions are powerful communicators.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Community Connectors
Connecting lives. Connecting hearts. Connecting hands.
Interested in getting together to learn a craft, bless others and enjoy wonderful fellowship? Then this opportunity is for you!
Livin' jumpstarted Community Connectors February 3rd and about 20 ladies joined us! If you didn't get the chance but still want to join us - good news - you still can! We will meet again on February 17th and 24th. You will have the opportunity to learn and or continue to knit or crochet hats and scarves. On the 24th we will pray over them and then donate them to the community through The Streets Ministry. Please bring your own supplies (needles and yarn). Patterns will be provided.
If you plan to join us and haven't signed up yet for childcare, contact the church. Other questions - leave a comment or email our team.
Interested in getting together to learn a craft, bless others and enjoy wonderful fellowship? Then this opportunity is for you!
Livin' jumpstarted Community Connectors February 3rd and about 20 ladies joined us! If you didn't get the chance but still want to join us - good news - you still can! We will meet again on February 17th and 24th. You will have the opportunity to learn and or continue to knit or crochet hats and scarves. On the 24th we will pray over them and then donate them to the community through The Streets Ministry. Please bring your own supplies (needles and yarn). Patterns will be provided.
If you plan to join us and haven't signed up yet for childcare, contact the church. Other questions - leave a comment or email our team.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Artistic Expressions
How do you define 'art'? Is it confined to the use of paint, crayons, glue, pottery, etc.? Maybe you consider music and drama to be included in its genre. How about other gifts or talents? Is it possible for a broader definition to include these? What happens to a talented woman when she enters the world of motherhood and discovers all of the wants and needs that seem to be included in the job description of 'Mommy'?
If you have been asking yourself how you fit into motherhood - know that you aren't the only one. Join us tomorrow at MIA while we tackle this topic. Our guest speaker will share her journey and experiences as she learned to adjust to motherhood without ignoring the gifts that God has blessed her with.
If you have been asking yourself how you fit into motherhood - know that you aren't the only one. Join us tomorrow at MIA while we tackle this topic. Our guest speaker will share her journey and experiences as she learned to adjust to motherhood without ignoring the gifts that God has blessed her with.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The Luxury of a Break
My last two days have been anything but normal. It's amazing how an early dismissal on one day and then a two hour delay on the next really changes the daily routine...especially when we are just getting into that again.
But today...today things are a bit more orderly. Yes, I have a pile of paperwork that I will be going through but the dishes are done, a load is in the washer and basic living spaces are straightened. There is still a lot of work to get done but I'm working on what I can when I can and recognizing that is important to take some breaks in between. Which is what I am doing right now. Break time with a yummy mug filled with delicious Colombian coffee.
Now that I have joined many of you in the digital world with my camera, let me show you two things that are part of my break today.
#1 The snowman mug that Jeter gave me for Christmas
But today...today things are a bit more orderly. Yes, I have a pile of paperwork that I will be going through but the dishes are done, a load is in the washer and basic living spaces are straightened. There is still a lot of work to get done but I'm working on what I can when I can and recognizing that is important to take some breaks in between. Which is what I am doing right now. Break time with a yummy mug filled with delicious Colombian coffee.
Now that I have joined many of you in the digital world with my camera, let me show you two things that are part of my break today.
#1 The snowman mug that Jeter gave me for Christmas
#2 The coffee maker that Simms got for Christmas but it is really for me. If that's confusing, you can read the explanation at my corner.
Well...my mug is almost empty. Break time is over. Time for some water while I hit the paperwork.
Please ignore the shadows in the pictures above. I know sometimes photographers will work with shadows but I don't know how to do that. I need to learn more about taking photos and my camera. Crazy thing is I didn't see a shadow until the picture was taken. Maybe the flash? Oh come on, it's not like all of you are professionals out there either. There is hope for me though - and you too. I am planning of learning some good hints and tips at MIA's meeting next Tuesday when Anne Katherine joins us. Mark your calendars and join me.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
We Laughed, We Cried,
We occasionally looked away, not wanting to witness the carnage.
All kidding aside, although I'm not sure I was kidding, if you weren't at MIA's Mama's Got Talent last night you missed an evening of pure fun. Huge props to Amanda, Nicole and EVERY SINGLE mom who had the guts to get up on stage and strut their stuff. I was so proud of everyone and inspired by your creativity and, well, talent.
Here are just a few highlights, or is it low lights, from the evening:
*Amanda J and Heidi S's dramatic reading of the Christmas story in narrative. Powerful.
*The touching Steven Curtis Chapman song sung by Jennie F that reminded all of us why we wipe noses and butts 26 times a day.
*Sara B's straw tricks.
*Barbara A and her girls performing two Christmas carols. Is Barbara really old enough to have 4 teenage girls?!!
*Rocky (sp? sorry) reading what I guessed was an original poem. Beautiful.
*The plastic gloved trio singing a tribute to Colorectal surgeons everywhere. Yes, you read that right.
*Nifty craft ideas from Amy G.
*Sarah D. showing us what we all look like when we are in a public bathroom with our kids. Funny stuff.
*Sonny & Cher! Timeless.
*And the finale...Amy G, Amanda K and Kristin P doing a dance routine to an 80s medley of popular hits. They even had the leg warmers and off center ponytails. Guts, I tell you, GUTS.
Well, I really hope I'm not missing anyone!! Tell me in the comments if I did. But I truly was inspired by your courage and I"m looking forward to the next talent show already. I may just have to participate myself the next time...
What was your highlight of the night?
All kidding aside, although I'm not sure I was kidding, if you weren't at MIA's Mama's Got Talent last night you missed an evening of pure fun. Huge props to Amanda, Nicole and EVERY SINGLE mom who had the guts to get up on stage and strut their stuff. I was so proud of everyone and inspired by your creativity and, well, talent.
Here are just a few highlights, or is it low lights, from the evening:
*Amanda J and Heidi S's dramatic reading of the Christmas story in narrative. Powerful.
*The touching Steven Curtis Chapman song sung by Jennie F that reminded all of us why we wipe noses and butts 26 times a day.
*Sara B's straw tricks.
*Barbara A and her girls performing two Christmas carols. Is Barbara really old enough to have 4 teenage girls?!!
*Rocky (sp? sorry) reading what I guessed was an original poem. Beautiful.
*The plastic gloved trio singing a tribute to Colorectal surgeons everywhere. Yes, you read that right.
*Nifty craft ideas from Amy G.
*Sarah D. showing us what we all look like when we are in a public bathroom with our kids. Funny stuff.
*Sonny & Cher! Timeless.
*And the finale...Amy G, Amanda K and Kristin P doing a dance routine to an 80s medley of popular hits. They even had the leg warmers and off center ponytails. Guts, I tell you, GUTS.
Well, I really hope I'm not missing anyone!! Tell me in the comments if I did. But I truly was inspired by your courage and I"m looking forward to the next talent show already. I may just have to participate myself the next time...
What was your highlight of the night?
Monday, December 08, 2008
Mama's Got Talent!
Need a night away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays?
Join us Tuesday for MIA's Mama's Got Talent! You will be blessed with an evening of entertainment while catching up with old and new friends.
Mama's Got Talent! will include:
Join us Tuesday for MIA's Mama's Got Talent! You will be blessed with an evening of entertainment while catching up with old and new friends.
Mama's Got Talent! will include:
- Comedic and musical sets by Sarah D
- Various acts, including song, dance and poetry reading - these include over 15 of your fellow moms!
- Delicious dips, fondues and coffees
- Giveaways! Giveaways! Giveaways!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Christmas Coffeehouse
You have no excuse not to be at the MIA Christmas Coffehouse TONIGHT from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Common Grounds Cafe.
So put down the gift wrap, step away from your knitting project, turn off the repeat of 'Friends,' put the bon bons back in the box and leave the kids with your hubs or mother or best friend. No, tell your best friend she's coming with you, and then you BFFs come and get yourself refueled for the holidays.
You'll be entertained by the music of Sarah Delligatti and Bethany Lewis, laugh at Say Anything's always funny comedy schtick, learn how to make holiday gift tags, hear the Christmas story and eat some fabulous desserts.
Any questions?
So put down the gift wrap, step away from your knitting project, turn off the repeat of 'Friends,' put the bon bons back in the box and leave the kids with your hubs or mother or best friend. No, tell your best friend she's coming with you, and then you BFFs come and get yourself refueled for the holidays.
You'll be entertained by the music of Sarah Delligatti and Bethany Lewis, laugh at Say Anything's always funny comedy schtick, learn how to make holiday gift tags, hear the Christmas story and eat some fabulous desserts.
Any questions?
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Super Summer
If you are just waking up and wondering what you are going to do today with the kids on this hot, soupy day, let me make a suggestion. Head over to Seibert Park in Camp Hill for MIA's Super Summer.
Seibert Park is the perfect park for a day like today because it is shaded! It's breezy. It's clean and easy to get to. Just take route 15, turn left when you see the Camp Hill pool, and head back just a little ways till you see the big, beautiful trees shading the delightful park. Great park for big and little kids.
MIA will be there from 10-12. Will we see you?
Seibert Park is the perfect park for a day like today because it is shaded! It's breezy. It's clean and easy to get to. Just take route 15, turn left when you see the Camp Hill pool, and head back just a little ways till you see the big, beautiful trees shading the delightful park. Great park for big and little kids.
MIA will be there from 10-12. Will we see you?
Monday, July 30, 2007
Super Summer Alert
Join MIA at Friendship Park Tuesday from 10-12:00pm. Friendship Park is outside Mechanicsburg and is a fantastic, new park. In fact, you can bring scooters or bikes and let the kids ride on the great walking trail that circles the playground.
You might also consider bringing a bagged lunch and enjoying the new pavillion.
C'mon, what could be better than the playground with friend. I'll be looking for you...
You might also consider bringing a bagged lunch and enjoying the new pavillion.
C'mon, what could be better than the playground with friend. I'll be looking for you...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
New Look, New Name, Same Game
Stop! You're at the right place. Really. This is MIA with a new name and new look. I know you must be dazed and confused so I thought I'd do a little FAQ.
Why a New Name?
Well, let's just say that there is a complete underworld of people from around the world doing google and yahoo searches for MIA (in its written out form) and numerous variations on the name. No, they aren't looking for recipes and poo stories...they are looking for p*rn . If you don't get my drift, e-mail me and I'll explain in more detail.
I got tired of seeing those types of searches on my sitemeter---yesterday there were 8 searches. Plus, on most of the searches I ranked in the top 5 sites returned. So, in an effort not to attract unwanted attention to this site by the wrong people or to any of you who link here, I'm changing the name. From here on out I will refer to our beloved ministry for moms at CCC as MIA, not in its written out form.
At this point I'm going to keep the same URL, but if I continue to get unwanted searches in large quantity I may have to move this blog to a new location.
Why "Like I Was Saying"?
I threw around tons of names and decided to go with a phrase that many moms use frequently. We all start conversations with friends on the phone or in person only to get interrupted by wee ones with urgent needs. Five seconds or five minutes later we turn back to the person we were talking to and say, 'Like I Was Saying.' Hopefully you won't get interrupted too much while you're reading all the brilliant stories of intrique and glamour that so frequently show up here.
Should I change your name on my Blogroll?
Yes. Please change me from MIA to Like I Was Saying and maybe do a short post to let your readers know that MIA is now Like I Was Saying so they won't be all confused...if that's even possible. Also, please no longer refer to me as MIA in your posts. Natalie will do just fine unless you can come up with something more creative for me.
Now that You're Not the Ministry Leader for MIA, will you continue this blog and will it still keep us updated about MIA news?
Absolutely. I will continue to promote MIA events, meetings and news. In fact, now that I'm not the leader I will do a much better job of keeping you all in the know. Ironic, isn't it?
Is the content going to change on this site?
No way! Who else could I tell my poo stories to and they would understand my pain? I'll still be posting my normal random stories about my life with children, great product finds, new places to visit in the area and various drivel about my life. I'll just be throwing in even more MIA related news and features.
What's the scoop on moving to a 3-column template?
I thought it would give me more room to post MIA-related calendars, news, etc. You'll already see that I've got a special place reserved for the MIA Fall Schedule in the third column.
Still have a question or two?
Leave a comment and I'll make sure I answer them. And welcome to a new day at Like I was Saying.
Why a New Name?
Well, let's just say that there is a complete underworld of people from around the world doing google and yahoo searches for MIA (in its written out form) and numerous variations on the name. No, they aren't looking for recipes and poo stories...they are looking for p*rn . If you don't get my drift, e-mail me and I'll explain in more detail.
I got tired of seeing those types of searches on my sitemeter---yesterday there were 8 searches. Plus, on most of the searches I ranked in the top 5 sites returned. So, in an effort not to attract unwanted attention to this site by the wrong people or to any of you who link here, I'm changing the name. From here on out I will refer to our beloved ministry for moms at CCC as MIA, not in its written out form.
At this point I'm going to keep the same URL, but if I continue to get unwanted searches in large quantity I may have to move this blog to a new location.
Why "Like I Was Saying"?
I threw around tons of names and decided to go with a phrase that many moms use frequently. We all start conversations with friends on the phone or in person only to get interrupted by wee ones with urgent needs. Five seconds or five minutes later we turn back to the person we were talking to and say, 'Like I Was Saying.' Hopefully you won't get interrupted too much while you're reading all the brilliant stories of intrique and glamour that so frequently show up here.
Should I change your name on my Blogroll?
Yes. Please change me from MIA to Like I Was Saying and maybe do a short post to let your readers know that MIA is now Like I Was Saying so they won't be all confused...if that's even possible. Also, please no longer refer to me as MIA in your posts. Natalie will do just fine unless you can come up with something more creative for me.
Now that You're Not the Ministry Leader for MIA, will you continue this blog and will it still keep us updated about MIA news?
Absolutely. I will continue to promote MIA events, meetings and news. In fact, now that I'm not the leader I will do a much better job of keeping you all in the know. Ironic, isn't it?
Is the content going to change on this site?
No way! Who else could I tell my poo stories to and they would understand my pain? I'll still be posting my normal random stories about my life with children, great product finds, new places to visit in the area and various drivel about my life. I'll just be throwing in even more MIA related news and features.
What's the scoop on moving to a 3-column template?
I thought it would give me more room to post MIA-related calendars, news, etc. You'll already see that I've got a special place reserved for the MIA Fall Schedule in the third column.
Still have a question or two?
Leave a comment and I'll make sure I answer them. And welcome to a new day at Like I was Saying.
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