The Moms Of The Great Plains

Ft Collins

2009-07-20T15:11:00.002-06:00

I would love to connect with you at the US Staff Conf. We'll be staying in Ft Collins, but only Eric will be attending the meetings. And I'm afraid I'll be all alone (stuck with my kids) with no way to find you!! So, anyone who wants to get together, let me know when and where to meet! I'd love to have you over, as we'll be staying about 5 blocks from campus, in a house. So if you need a calm place for your kids, let me know.

You can call on my cell phone: 720-519-7723,
leave a message on our vonage number 720-221-7515
or email: kara.coe@uscm.org

I'm really looking forward to seeing you there!

2009-07-17T20:32:00.001-06:00

Do we use this blog much?

We came, we saw, we conquered...

2009-04-14T13:05:00.009-06:00

The Mom's Conference in Kansas City was a special time of connecting for GPI moms. For those of you who weren't able to join us, I wanted to give a more clear picture of what it was like. For those of you who were with us, this will be a slightly cheeky stroll down memory lane.

The first night's theme was Simply Have Fun. We had dinner together at Buca Di Beppo, a feast that Kelly Woodman put together for us. Back at the hotel, we did introductions and then had a "surprise" that was supposed to be a fun filled night of karaoke that people would be talking about for years to come. The six of us who participated had a really fun time with such hits as "Love Shack", "Jesse's Girl", "Hit Me Baby One More Time and "You Sexy Thing" among others. Sorry, no "Shout to the Lord" this time around. For everyone else who politely listened while trying to carry on a normal conversation, thank you for your kindness. It turns out that alcohol consumption is an important ingredient to a successful karaoke time and we didn't have that. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy...

("Let's Hear it for the Boy..." by Rebecca Burgess and Aubrey Dorsch
with back up by the boy himself, Eli)

("American Woman, stay away from me..." sung by American women
Emily and Gracie Lewis, Kelly Woodman and Kelly Verge)

Rebecca Burgess walked us through our week together as our lovely emcee. She reminded us of the joy of being with other women who "get" our lives as staff moms.

We started our first morning (Simply BE) with worship led by our token male, Mark Brende. Liz Thiessen also shared with us about some things she has been learning about loving others "as unto to the Lord". We had some time to process in groups what we are needing from the Lord and then were given extended time to be with the Lord, led by Angela Johnson. Special thanks to Pat Runyon for the Anglican Beads that directed us to pray for ourselves, our marriages, our children, our staff teams and end with communion.

In the afternoon we chose between two "chat rooms" (our word for discussion groups or group therapy) on the topics of sex or anger. I was in the one on anger and found it very encouraging and helpful. But it made me angry that I couldn't be at both discussion groups.

(Nikki Coorts and Terah Wiekamp processing life)

That evening our time was focused around the theme Simply Free. If you have not heard about the Mrs. Crusade 2009 Pageant that will be happening at CSU this summer, we got the opportunity to see the 3 finalists for the GPI region. They are Emily Lewis, Sherri Armstrong, and Stephanie Toigo.

(Two of the GPI Mrs. Cru finalists Emily and Stephanie joined by
Liz Thiessen (an alternate) and little Gracie Lewis

Okay, it was just a skit. There is no pageant. It was to make us laugh while also making the point that we don't need to be the "phantom" staff mom. Phantoms are creepy anyway. On a more serious note, Nikki Coorts shared with us from what God has been doing related to identity. Then Brenda Brown led us in an activity that related to boundaries. We learned how we have the power to make choices to say "No" or say "Yes" in our lives and live in freedom.
This time of processing was very helpful and applicable to us as staff moms. I know I am now practicing the art of saying "no". It turns out that I am quite adept at saying it to my children, but outside of my home? Notsomuch.

(Brenda Brown and Sherri Armstrong)

The theme of Wednesday morning was Extravagant love, Simple faith. During this time we heard from Dawn Dishman about what she has been learning from the book "The Prodigal God" by Tim Keller and the book of Galatians about our God who is lavish and spent everything on us. She also jumped up and down for us, which was a triumphant moment.

(Dawn on the phone with Dave, "First you boil the water. Then you add the
macaroni...")

I spoke on having a Simple Faith in the midst of a complicated life and despite the fact I was among friends, I was sweating like a man. A large, out-of-shape man. We then had discussions about living out the gospel as we grow in Christ. We were reminded by Rebecca, as she told us of her experience, that doing the mom's PDP is a great tool for us as we trust God in whatever stage of life we are in. These were given in hard copy and will be on the Wiki as a resource for you to do and then review each semester. This is not intended to be burdensome to you, but instead to be freeing.

After having the day free for whatever activities suited our needs (yes most of us shopped) we gathered by stage of life for dinner. This is where Rebecca and I made a impulse decision to refer to the groups as small (moms of preschoolers), medium (moms of elementary aged children) and large (moms of middle schoolers or beyond). I must apologize for the fact that this latter group would be referred to as the "large women" for the remainder of the conference.

(Renee Begay gleaning wisdom from Nancy McKinney, a mom in
"the group formerly known as the large moms")

When we gathered for our final time together back at the hotel, we had talked about ourselves as women, wives, friends, mothers and children of God. The last thing left to talk about was what we all have in common: this crazy life on staff. This night's theme was Simple Treasures. Nancy McKinney shared with us from her own life about trusting God with support and believing in His goodness. And then Amy Karst led us in an interactive time focused on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a ministry mom.

(Amy Karst and Jenni Brende)

This was a powerful time of remembering our call and trusting the Lord together with wherever we are in ministry right now. The night closed up with us sharing together our Best Practices. These will also be available on the Wiki. Thanks to Nicole Spears for compiling those ahead of time.

While we were gathered, two darling interns(Daley Dodd and Teresa Barry) had their hands full with the precious nursing babes who joined their Momma's on this trip. They gave of their time to be a blessing to the moms. And it was a pretty fun job given the collective cuteness of those little ones. Laura Watkins used her gift of service to be available to the moms who brought their babies along.

Making all of this possible was Paula Hink who arranged for our incredible hotel. The hotel was a great location on the Plaza and the suites in each room were a helpful amenity. Paula, along with Kelly Woodman, were our Techie Momma's.

(Paula working her magic)

It was such a joy for me to see mom's using their different gifts to be a blessing to other moms in our region. Don't tell the other regions, but we really are the best region. We look forward to being gathered together again this summer in Fort Collins.

Finally, if you want to see something that you missed, you can watch this on You Tube. Warning, it's a little bit spicy, but very funny.

Kansas City here we come!

2009-03-28T23:54:00.000-06:00

I know not all the GPI moms can make it to our Mom's Conference in Kansas City, but we are excited for those of us who will be there. Our theme is Simplicity. Ironic isn't it? Given the fact that we live a life that is anything but simple. I know I have much to learn. So we will learn together from God's Word, His Spirit, and from one another as we gather together for fun, fine dining (according to staff), and a little PEACE AND QUIET.

If you are reading this (I have no idea if anyone does) and unable to join us, please use this opportunity to let us know if there is anything we can be praying for you. My desire is for this blog to become more of an online resource for GPI moms to be connected to one another.

Whether you are with us in KC, at home surrounded by children, or on the other side of the world...may we all simply rest in God's grace and believe in His goodness.

Missy

A question for you all:

2008-12-11T23:33:00.001-07:00

What do you do to keep the focus on Jesus for the kids (and yourself) at Christmas time?

2008-10-22T22:17:00.007-06:00

I would love to recommend a book to you that has been a source of both angst and delight in my relationship with God.

Whiter Than Snow
meditations on sin and mercy
by Paul David Tripp

The sub title may hint to why it has brought some needed angst in my life as I have had to own up to the fact that my greatest problems in life do not exist outside of me, but within me. I don't think there is any arena that I am more aware of this in my life than in my mothering.

This book is neither a traditional Christian book nor a devotional, but 52 meditations on sin and mercy that are intended to sing the tune of grace in our lives. This fall I have felt at times like my world is spinning out of control. But God has used this book to bring a bit of grounding in my life about the freedom and grace found in Him.

P.S. Don't "click to look inside". I'm pretty sure nothing will happen.

Caribbean Taco Salad

2008-10-17T11:05:00.003-06:00

w/ Lime-Cumin-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
Olive oil cooking spray
4 (8-10-inch) whole wheat tortillas
1 (20-ounce) package ground turkey
1 (1.25-ounce) package reduced sodium taco seasoning mix
2 T. water
1 mango, chopped (about 1 cup)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
3 T. finely chopped green onion
3 T. finely chopped fresh cilantro
3 T. finely chopped tomato
1 ripe avocado diced (optional)
1 t. grated lime peel
1 T. brown sugar
2 c. firmly packed fresh spinach leaves
(Vinaigrette directions below)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Invert four, 10-ounce custard cups onto a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Spray outside of cups and one side of each tortilla with olive oil cooking spray. Place tortillas, oiled side up, over cups. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes or until lightly browned. In medium skillet, brown turkey until no longer pink and cooked through. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Cook over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, stir together the mango, bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, tomato, (& avocado just before serving so it doesn’t brown) lime peel, and brown sugar to make the salsa. Place taco shells on serving plates. Divide spinach leaves evenly into shells. Top with cooked turkey and salsa. Drizzle vinaigrette over each serving. Serves 4.

Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 T. rice wine vinegar
1 T. honey
1 T. ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup canola/olive oil blend

Combine lime juice, vinegar, honey, cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the oil. Whisk until well-combined. Reseason with salt and pepper, if necessary.

*This is a staple recipe in our house and is off the charts good!

Yummy Grasshopper

2008-10-17T10:56:00.004-06:00

Brian, Avery, and I went for a walk a few days ago now that she LOVES walking everywhere. Our usual "tour" is just around the block. She loves chasing our neighbors cats, picking their flowers, and most recently eating grasshoppers... Actually, it went something like this...

I was ahead of Brian and Avery and I turned around just in time to see Avery with half of a HUGE grasshopper in her mouth. I screamed at Brian to get it out of her mouth, he frantically shook it out of her hand, and she just looked up at us and started to laugh and clap. It was awesome!

Ukrainian Fences

2008-10-16T22:07:00.002-06:00

Near us is in Kiev is a typical soviet style fence. Plain, somewhat ugly. But actually, I didn’t notice the fence at first. What drew my eye was its beautiful decorations. A few scarlet leaves had found their way onto the fence, climbing high.

Farther on, the vine didn’t just decorate the fence, but covered it, and even poured out on the ground to the sidewalk, and climbed the trees nearby.

As I’ve become aware of how God speaks to me through nature, I’ve been learning to meditate on the beauty that grabs my heart. And as I walked after seeing this fence, God gave me such a clear picture of how He decorates my life.

Last month, my parents left after a long-awaited visit. The next day, Eric left on a nine-day trip to Russia. I expected a huge emotional down-turn. Sumer was over, and there was nothing to look forward to. And summer really was over. We had ten days of rain. Ten Days. For a Colorado-girl, this is emotional death. I was really afraid I would not want to get out of bed in the morning.

But being a few steps from emotional disaster made me especially vigilant. After experiencing some very evil nightmares, I was convicted that I had given Satan a foothold in my life through ‘just a little’ overeating. I repented and reclaimed that part of my soul in Jesus’ name. I posted Psalm 16 by my bed, and prayed through it before I went to sleep. And in the mornings, even if I awoke to the kids crying for me, I took a few minutes to pray through the psalm again. In the evenings, instead of running right to email and facebook, I was (usually) disciplined to first spend time in the Word. I even listened to the Bible as I washed dishes and patched gloves. (Me sewing is a minor miracle in its own right!)

And God gave me truly inexplicable joy. I was singing from morning till night, inventing games for the kids, and really enjoying being with them. There were trying moments—even hours—but somehow I wasn’t exhausted by them emotionally. Even the evenings that I stayed up too long, I experienced the truly undeserved gift of the kids sleeping in really late the next morning! (One benefit of rainy days is dark mornings!)

I tell you all this for two reasons. One is simply to glorify God by telling what He has done. I feel that I invested pennies as I practiced a few basic spiritual disciplines. And He poured out more joy and personalized gifts than I could hold. And the second is to encourage you to offer up the stark fences of your reality, and trust God to decorate your life. Who knows how He will beautify you, until those around are stunned with His glory, and you’ll have to point out the structure that supports it—the hard circumstances that God used to show off His beauty.

Let His sun shine as you bask in His presence. Let His rain pour as you soak up His Word!

Easy-licious Chicken (or Pasta Heaven)

2008-10-16T16:28:00.005-06:00

1 stick butter
1 clove garlic
1 packet Good Seasons Italian dressing
1 can GOLDEN mushroom soup (not regular cream of mushroom soup)
1 tub chive and onion cream cheese
1/2-1 C. white wine (or dry cooking wine)
Melt above on stove top.
Pour over 4-5 chicken breasts in Crock pot.
Put on high for 1 hour, then on low for 3-5 hours.
Serve over angel hair pasta

Okay, I have to admit that I haven't even made this myself. But I plan to tomorrow night and have it on good authority that it's "restaurant good". I also have to admit that I made up that weirdo name for it. Enjoy!

Addendum:
Bill raves about this pasta. My sister calls it "pasta heaven". I've forgotten the Good Seasons dressing packet each time I made it. The first time I went a little overboard with the wine. The second time I added spinach and chopped portobello mushrooms. I liked that change.

2008-10-16T16:18:00.002-06:00

The life of a staff kid...sleeping in a closet!