GEMS

I am a member of a group called GEMS - Godly Encouragement For Moms. We meet once a month at the leader's home and have a different topic each month. We have a program/discussion on things like parenting strategies, kids eating healthy, budgeting, handling sibling issues, school topics, relationships with our spouses, etc. We have been meeting for several years now, and I always look forward to that night each month. I leave with good ideas and am encouraged by the discussion. When we started years ago our kids were all very young, so as our kids have grown, our topics have changed, too, so it is nice being in the same stage of life with the group. Each December we have a Christmas party, and along with food, of course, we have a book gift exchange. Each person brings a book that has been meaningful and helpful to them in parenting or even just in general. There is always a lot of stealing going on and a fight for the most popular books. This year I came home with a children's book called The True Story of Christmas by Nell Navillus. It is a beautiful book, and the kids have enjoyed hearing it. I feel fortunate to be part of such a great group.