Resting and Recharging

Well, yesterday was our MOPS Spa Day. We all came in our jammies, and then we had a lovely time planned: a little ice breaker activity, and then four stations that allowed for some simple pampering and chatting. The moms all seemed to really enjoy it, and I'm thinking this may become an annual event. I was talking with a friend as we were milling around, and she shared that the day was really a blessing, and that part of her hadn't wanted to come to MOPS and "learn how to be better" - she didn't need to be challenged but simply refreshed. Seems that many of us are in the same place! Anyway, thought I'd share the little handout I prepared (it includes the recipes that I used to create several of the stations - and of course I'll be adding my 2 cents now :)

Personal Pampering

OK, we all know how crazy life gets… but taking just a few minutes for yourself can be a good thing. Here are a few ideas:

Exfoliating Hand Scrub (also great for feet!) – Combine 1 cup white sugar, 1/3 cup honey, 2 Tb brewed tea and 2 drops vanilla. Massage into hands, then rinse off. Follow up with a good lotion. This works best if your hands are just a bit wet first. The moms were really skeptical about this, but it really does work!! You don't need much, so you could store this in a covered container in the fridge and just nuke for a few seconds when you want to use it. And if you don't already have a great lotion, I'd highly recommend Neutrogena Hand Cream. That little tube lasts forever!

Facial – Mash up a banana and spread over clean face. Allow to sit for ten minutes, then wash off.

Foot Massage – Cover the bottom of a basin with marbles, smooth stones, or even golf balls. Cover with approx 2-3 inches of warm water, then soak your feet. Roll your feet across the bottom for a gentle massage. For an extra special touch, add a drop or two of essential oil, tea, or fresh herbs (mint is great!).

Chocolate Milk Bath – Combine 1/2 cup powdered milk, 1 Tb unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle into your bath – bonus points for bathing by candlelight! (This also makes a very nice gift – make a large batch and package it up into small bags or jars) This supposedly is used at the Hershey Spa - I'm not sure whether that's true, but I will say that it smells heavenly. This seriously would be a great gift for a friend: baby food jars or frappucino bottles make great containers!

Hot Oil Hair Treatment – Combine 2 Tb olive oil and 1 Tb honey in small plastic sandwich bag. Warm bag by placing in a mug of nearly boiling water for 30 seconds. Apply warm oil to DRY hair, working it all through your hair. Cover your head with a shower cap or damp warm towel & leave for 15 minutes, then wash hair as usual.

And the best way to rejuvenate? Take some time to read your Bible and pray. Your Heavenly Father does not want you to be stressed out!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Matthew 11:28 (Amplified)
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We also made lip balm using the base from Majestic Mountain Sage. We used the vegan one, and it feels so rich and creamy. Love it! In fact, I may make up some more of it to use as Christmas gifts. We finished off the day with our Mentor Mom sharing from Psalm 61:1-2:
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer
From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

What a blessing to have that rock to cling to. It's so easy to become overwhelmed by life's circumstances, but thankfully the Lord is so much bigger than all of that. He is unchanging, unaffected by pounding rain or battering waves.

EDITED TO ADD:
I just received word that one of our MOPS moms had a fire (electrical issue in their basement) last night - thankfully their home was not completely destroyed, but they did lose all their kids' toys as well as other precious things, and they'll have to stay in a hotel for at least a month while the damage is repaired. A very vivid reminder that nothing in this life is certain. Please pray for the K family.