Author: Sara

In Her Shoes – The Pastor’s Wife

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”
I Thessalonians 5:12-13
My first memory of a pastor’s wife is of Mrs. Ben Strohbehn who was helping me in my duty as a five-year-old flower girl.  She gently instructed me: “Stand tall, like there is a string on the top of your head pulling you up.”  Undoubtedly, helping children in a wedding was just one small item on her list of countless responsibilities (most of them never formally listed in a job description).


While growing up, I never guessed that a woman married to a pastor had a life any different from my mother who was married to a realtor.  A pastor’s wife was always at church, always dressed nicely, and always smiling.  That’s about all I knew of her.   I took every pastor’s wife for granted until both of my sisters married pastors, and then I began to have a far greater appreciation for those in full-time ministry.


Since women married to pastors often face things we never realize and carry unique burdens about which they never complain, it would be difficult for them to share publicly without causing offense and possibly hindering their ministry (or that of their husband).  Therefore, I proposed a venue where they could share anonymously from their hearts.



Seven friends of mine who are married to pastors volunteered to contribute to this article.  Two of these dear women have been my pastor’s wife at some point in my life.  I am extremely grateful for the impact they have had and continue to have in my life.  Thank you, Ladies!  Your gifts of time and transparency are priceless.


To you who are married to a pastor:  Thank you for your faithful service!  I hope you will be encouraged as you read these testimonies.  You are not alone!  There are many women like you who understand and care about you.  And there are many of us who are not married to a pastor who want to minister to you and be a true friend.  Please feel free to add your comments below!  We would love to hear from you.

To you who are not married to a pastor:  Thank you for being willing to learn how to better encourage your pastor’s wife.  As you read, ask God to help you grow in your understanding of how to bless your pastor and his wife.  There are wonderful ideas below, many of which you can easily implement right away in your local church body.  You can be an incredible encouragement to your pastor’s wife today!


Alabama
1.  I never wanted to be a pastor’s wife. In fact, I really never felt qualified to be one. But when God called my husband to be a pastor, guess what!? He called me, too. Pastors and their wives are just real people being obedient to God’s direction.
2.  I really do need a close friend or two. The whole concept that I can’t  have best friends or I’m playing favorites is not realistic. I try very hard to love everyone, but I really do need to be able to have a friend I can just hang out with once in a while.

3.  My husband says it’s harder to be the pastor’s wife than the pastor. He can choose to address or confront criticisms or negative remarks if he thinks it is biblically right to do so. I don’t always have the freedom he does. I think he’s right. Oh, and I know my kids will also do something wrong. (My 5-year-old really did stick her tongue out at the head deacon and then run into the girls bathroom.)

4.  When you get mad at me, it hurts.  I’m not superhuman.

5.  Being the wife of the shepherd means I get to help carry the responsibility that God has given him. While it often comes with some (large) challenges, it is the greatest privilege I could ever imagine. Though I never aspired to it, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I am so thankful God knew what was best for me. I pray that I will be a blessing to our church family and sensitive and obedient to my loving heavenly Father.


Colorado
 

I had the joy and privilege of being a Pastor’s wife back when we still lived in the Midwest 10 years ago, and also an Associates Pastor’s wife of a Native American church back in 98, so, my experience isn’t “recent” but hopefully, still valuable. 😉 Both experiences also unfortunately weren’t very long and both were stressful, since my husband was bi-vocational! (Very tough, when also raising a family and going to school, along with a 50 hour work week on top of it, and small churches, where the Pastor is expected to be everything to everyone! Tough….but we learned soooo much!)


Loved being the Pastor’s wife and getting to help encourage everyone and pray for everyone, and listen to their hearts, and help motivate them and cheer them on, so to speak, and help wherever I was needed and then some. Being in ministry has always been my heart’s desire, along with being a wife and mother, so it was truly a blessing!

However, being involved in smaller churches in both situations, I was also expected to be and do everything, along with raising our children and supporting my husband, etc. It can be fun and also very lonely at the same time. Who does the Pastor or his wife go to when they have a problem and are in need of counsel? Since every one’s expectations are so high of you, it’s hard to let them down, so you just continue “doing it all” and it’s hard sometimes to just be honest and admit, you really can’t do it all and are in need of help and encouragement yourself! Ya know what I mean? We were still human! But felt sometimes that we had to be “super human”!

All these years later, God has grown me in soooo many ways and I am NOT the same person I was then…thankfully…and I am still hoping that God allows us to be back in the ministry again…full time…not bi-vocational this time!!! And I will definitely do things differently and with my new perspective and all that God has done to change me over the years, it will be even more joyous this next time around I believe!

I would soooo encourage a new young pastor’s wife to just be herself…be totally honest from the start, with love and grace of course. But to also let everyone know she will do her best by the power of the Holy Spirit, but is still human, so please remember to extend grace to her (me) as well. Let’s work together in this ministry…everyone using their gifts to edify the saints, and not being “territorial” about certain ministries, etc…love one another, pray for one another, encourage one another…be about “one another”…

Pastors and their wives need encouragement and prayer more than anyone can even begin to realize! They need to be lifted up and appreciated, because it is such a thankless “job” sometimes and the hours are long and hard, and no one realizes just how much time they do put in and how many sacrifices they do make!
In both of my experiences, I was able to let people in to really get to know me and that was a huge positive…they knew that I absolutely LOVED purple, I collected tea-pots, and loved relationships and getting together with women to talk over a cup of coffee…in my case…tea. 😉I was vulnerable and transparent and they loved that about me…that was especially interesting with the Native American women! lol!

Get to know your pastor’s wife…know her favorite color and favorite flower or favorite Starbucks drink and then surprise her one day by bringing her a bouquet of flowers, along with her favorite coffee/tea drink! Or her favorite movie or book or take her out to lunch at her favorite place…offer to watch her children, if they are younger, so she and her husband can go on a date and just have some beautiful, uninterrupted time, just the 2 of them! Send her a card, an email or a text telling her just how special she is and how much you appreciate her! Soooo many things you can do to just let her know you care and love her and are glad she is your pastor’s wife!


The bottom line is…as women especially…we all need to feel loved and accepted and your pastor’s wife is no exception!!! Love on her and pray for her every day all the time!!! Ask God to bless her bountifully! Treat her like a queen! Most that I know, unfortunately, are treated like everything else but this…so sad…and ministry is just plain hard, no matter how you look at it, but it can also be the biggest blessing in your life and bring you such overwhelming joy that you can’t even contain it!!! I would rather be the “joy” to my Pastor and wife and NOT the “burden!”


Iowa
 


A few things I meditate on to be put into practice:  Count it all joy! Give thanks in all things! If any of you lack wisdom…ask!  Count my things as rubbish! Will it matter in eternity?

Feel like you live in a fish bowl? If people see me at home not dressed up, with no make up, in work clothes cleaning cupboards, laundry on the couch … good! I am normal and have a real family life. They will be more comfortable with me and not afraid of what I expect at their homes.  The Lord sees me all the time! He is more important!

Feel like you live in a fish bowl… Praise the Lord. People need to see that real life happens to pastors families and how we handle it. Paul said Watch me and do as I do.

Practical Tips:

Expect and be ready for unexpected dinner and house guests and last minute surprises or needs!  Come up with a couple of simple meals, dishes that you can keep supplies on hand. Dishes that take little prep. It doesn’t need to be fancy. Even a can of slices peaches with some Tang sprinkled in it is a treat for those who are hurting.

Keep a supply of sample toiletries on hand. If you can have a set of clean sheet, towels and a basket of basic needs handy.

Make those surprises easy on your self by thinking ahead and be as ready as you can for the unexpected. People will be more at ease if they are made to feel that you are not put out by there arrival or need.

My time: It is NOT my time it is the Lord’s.
  I must keep Titus 2 in mind.  The Lord tells me to teach the younger women to love their husband, be discreet, sober how to care for children and the home.

Also, I am to obey MY husband and the Lord.  If I keep that in mind it will help keep me from becoming overwhelmed by tasks and time users that take me away from what the Lord and my husband say I am to do.

I can even put pressure on myself to do things believing that it is from the Lord but if my husband does not agree then it is not the time.  I am my husband’s wife just as other wives. I am not the assistant pastor.  My life will be easier if I keep this in mind and remember that every request for me to do something does not have to be done by me. 



Iowa


 


When I was seven years old, as I was seated on a comfy chair in our church’s fellowship lounge, my pastor, his wife and their two children walked past me in Mother Goose order, just like a Norman Rockwell painting. Mrs. Mark was young, beautiful, and wore a pillbox hat and matching gloves. Pastor Mark was neat, gentle and strong. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be a pastor’s wife. 


 


The life in a pastor’s household seems, well, glamorous, fulfilling, happy; but you already know what’s coming to the naïve seven-year-old when she grows up and becomes one. Leadership Life always looks glamorous from the outside. It looks entirely different from within.


 


After over 25 years in the ministry, I can tell you that Leadership Life is a lonely life. After all, the sheep interact with one another, eat together, rest together, play together. The shepherd watches, feeds, guides and corrects. They do not look at their shepherd the same way they look at each other. And do you think that they would look at the shepherd’s wife as one with the sheep or one with the shepherd? The “pillbox hat and matching gloves” that you see on your pastor’s wife cover someone who is just like you ~ a dirty, filthy rotten forgiven sinner trying to handle the same challenges, temptations and stresses as you are.


 


Pastors and teachers are to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God…”  (Ephesians 4:12,13). That’s a tall order. Leadership Life is a life full of endless, hard work. Being limited by time and the overwhelming pull of various responsibilities, you can make sure your pastor and his wife are not fulfilling this particular function alone by a) participating in the training that God asks your pastor to give you, b) by helping them “visit the orphans and widows in their trouble… “ (James 1:27), and c) make sure that you are actively using the spiritual gift God has given you to contribute to the health and profit of the local body (I Corinthians 12:4-31).


 


Leadership Life is a serious life (Hebrews 13:17). If you think that the man responsible for “watching for your souls, as they that must give account” is a happy-go-lucky guy, you need to adjust the focus on that microscope of yours. You can do much to contribute to your pastor’s ability to watch over the souls of your congregation with “joy, and not with grief.” That should be the caveat when you are ministering to your pastor’s wife. After all, they are “one flesh,” so if you minister to her, you are ministering to him, and vice versa.


 


The following are some tips for increasing your pastor and his wife’s joy:


 


1.) When you introduce her to others, do not introduce her as your “pastor’s wife.” Introduce her as your friend. The title “pastor’s wife” does not imply any amount of intimacy, which is the exact thing that your pastor’s wife desires. If you must refer to her as your pastor’s wife (being proud of her and the role she has in your life), be sure to include the lovely, complimentary term of “friend.


 


2.) It is always a surprise to me when I am speaking one-on-one with an individual that acts stiff or unnatural. Then my heart falls when I remember why. I am the pastor’s wife. Please, do not walk on eggshells in the presence of your pastor’s wife. Forget her “title” and see a woman who has a similar story to your own. Get to know her as a real person who can be a kindred spirit as you both learn and grow in the Lord.


 


3.) There have been days when all I wanted was to go out for lunch with a friend and be a normal person without me being the one to do the inviting. Without me being the one to lead in a prayer of thanks before eating. It is a dream-come-true for a pastor’s wife to laugh, to enjoy a tête-à-tête, to roll her eyes… to feel comfortable and to be someone with whom a friend can be comfortable.


 


4.) One of the best things you can do for your pastor’s wife is to ease the work load of your pastor. As a family, go into your pastor’s office and say, “Pastor, we love you and appreciate you as our spiritual shepherd. We see that you are working really hard. What can we do with you or for you that can ease your load in ministry? Can we pray together about how we can aid you and what ministries God would have us be involved in here at church?”

 


5.) Do not expect to have a personal relationship with your pastor. Fulfill that desire by having a personal relationship with a) your pastor’s wife and/or b) your husband. Your pastor and his wife hold the same views and she knows her husband’s heart, but if a friendship with his wife is not enough, your connection with your pastor is through your husband. If you want to know your pastor’s opinion about work you have done, work you will do, or share dreams you may have for the church, etc., talk to your husband first. Go to your pastor together (either with your husband or with your pastor’s wife) to receive guidance or affirmation. “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Your pastor is working hard to remain pure in his thought life and in his daily decisions. Help him in that endeavor.


 


6.) Your pastor and his wife know when you and/or your family are missing from activities and services. Your absence never goes unnoticed. Your presence is always a morale-booster. If you are not able to attend occasional activities, let your pastor know so he will not misunderstand your absence as misplaced priorities. If you cannot regularly attend any of the services, have a meeting with your pastor to discuss it so he will not take your absence as a personal aversion to his ministry


 


7.) Please remember this, a pastor’s wife desires that her children are treated no differently than any other children in your local church. Expectations should be the same across the board. Did you know that the pastor’s family is a dysfunctional family? We are ALL dysfunctional families because ALL our families are filled with sinners, every one, at different stages of spiritual maturity. The descriptive word “impeccable” belongs to the Lord only. Also, what you expect from the pastor’s family, you must also expect from yourself and your family. “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).


 


8.) Your pastor and his wife are in the ministry to impact lives spiritually. If they have impacted your life or the life of someone you love, tell them. That may be the one thing that God uses to keep your pastor from resigning come Monday morning. Your husband, brother, father, could give your pastor a phone call to give him a big “thank you” when something specific is especially appreciated. Have the pastor’s family over to dinner and tell them so as well. Often.



It is usually the pastor’s wife that determines the tenor of relationships between her and the people in her local church. The congregation tends to watch, wait and then respond; but that is a different topic to discuss altogether. This article is for you. Not your pastor’s wife. Take it upon yourself to “do what you can” as Mary did when she anointed the feet of Jesus. She went out of her way and made a sacrifice to minister to Him (Matthew 14:8). When you take care of the needs of your pastor’s wife, you are ministering to the Lord (Matthew 25:45).

Maryland
I met my husband in graduate school, and we dated a little, but I didn’t think that the timing was right. He graduated and moved on, but we kept in touch a very little. About 6 years later, he stopped to see me as he was traveling to Oregon to take his first church as a pastor. We talked, and we began “dating” long distance. We were married 8 months later and I became an instant pastor’s wife!
 
I don’t feel like my life changed drastically as far as ministry goes, because I grew up in a ministry family, and I was teaching in a Christian school. But I have gained a new perspective that I never had before, of the heartaches and joys that a pastor experiences.
 
I learned that Mondays are often “down” days for pastors because of all that they expend on Sundays. Funny story–Often on Mondays, my husband would bemoan that he was inadequate, ineffective, incompetent, and any other “i” word he could think of! I would always try to cheer him up and encourage him–like a good pastor’s wife should do, right? Well, after some months, I guess I was also having a “down” day, too, and when he started with his “i” words, I replied, “Yes, you are”! He surely wasn’t expecting that! I learned that I always need to be careful of how (and when) I “encourage” him that way!
 
For those ladies who are going to be pastors’ wives . . . 
 
1. Prepare yourself by being a student of the Bible. Learn how to use the Word of God to solve your problems and how to teach/counsel/disciple others to do the same. But first the Word of God must be at home in your own heart and life.
 
2. TALK with your husband or husband-to-be. My husband has always given me the freedom to say “No” to a ministry, even if he is the one who asks me. He lets the church know up front that my primary ministry is as his wife, and he does not expect more of me than he does of any other church member. You do not need to do every ministry or fill in every hole in your church. And you are not the Assistant Pastor. You are/will be the pastor’s WIFE–first and foremost you are his wife, and then perhaps a mother. Don’t lose your family at the expense of the ministry. On the other hand, involve your children in ministry as often as you can–but teach them to minister out of a heart of love.
 
I wish that the women in the churches we have ministered in would have known how to care for a pastor and his family.
 
For church ladies . . .
 
1. The new (or even old) pastor’s wife will likely be hesitant about forcing herself on you and your friendships, but she will need friends too. As much as you may tell her she is welcome to drop in or call, YOU still need to invite her or call her, so she will know that she really is welcome. Don’t expect her to make the first move into your established family and friendships.



2. Realize that the pastor really does work more than just on Sundays and Wednesdays. You will not ever know how much time and energy he puts into his “job” because it is his calling, and he can’t get away from it. Even on vacations, he will be thinking about your church and praying for your family and studying the Word of God so that God can minister to him and then he can minister to you. My husband seriously had someone ask him what he did all day–didn’t he have all his sermons done? Really?


3. Also, please remember special days–not just birthdays and anniversaries, but also anniversary of his ordination, or anniversary of his service to your church, and October Pastor Appreciation. And do it up BIG! Make a big deal of your pastor and his family.

4. And whatever your heartaches, struggles, disappointments are–remember that your pastor’s wife has those same heartaches, struggles, and disappointments, perhaps multiplied because she also carries the burdens of her church family.



Minnesota
 

I’ve been a pastor’s wife for 6 years now.  God lead us here through the leading of His people connecting with us. it is really a long story. I really didn’t know what to expect as a pastor’s wife, but I love being one.

My advice to other women married to a pastor: connect yourself with as many pastor’s wives as you can and ask lots of questions. Attend seminars, and if in college or seminary with your husband attend the student wives meetings. They were very helpful to me. Be open to God and His leading.

My advice to church women: I’m just like you, no better, and I need your prayers.  Just letting me know you love me and pray for me is the most encouraging.  Don’t be afraid to be close friends with your pastor’s wife, she needs friends she can turn to.


Oregon

Many pastor’s wives are lonely and conflicted about friendship with women in their own congregation.  They are known by all, yet known by no one.  They are present and yet distant.  They give their lives but reserve their complete openness to protect themselves, their husbands and church leadership.  Women are often curious and sometimes critical of the woman who has the heart of their pastor.  Unspoken expectations exist and are usually expressed when building a negative campaign against the pastor or his leadership.  I have been blessed with a few special ladies in our twenty years of ministry who really looked beyond the stigma and expectations and did what it took to get to know my heart and love me, the sinner that I am.  


To have a friendship with a pastor’s wife requires a unique and purposeful relationship.  I would like to share a few of the ways that my dearest friends have endeared themselves to me. 

1. They understand my public ministry to all the ladies in the church. 

My closest friend understands that our friendship is built in the one-on-one moments outside church functions.  Sunday mornings, church activities, ladies meetings are all times when I have the freedom to make connections with visitors, ladies on the fringe, and ladies who are hurting or need counsel.  My friends adjust their expectations of spending time with me at church and know that I may not be able to “give” them any more than a passing smile.  They are the friends who call on Sunday afternoon to ask about my ministry that morning.  They know and expect me to be unavailable to talk, chat or connect with them at church, but it sure is fun when we can find a moment for a quick hug or greeting, knowing that we will talk later. 

2. They are sensitive to my schedule. 

I had one dear friend who would look at her bulletin for events and then check with me later to see if I needed help with the children, refreshments, or transportation so that I could be a part of the scheduled event.  She knew that I loved music ministry so she came early with me every week to watch my babies so that I could practice with the orchestra.  She made ministry possible because she knew my heartbeat.


She also understood that just because I was married to the pastor doesn’t mean that I was all knowing about church activities etc.  Many assume that the pastor comes home and tells his wife about every detail of his day.  But in reality, they are just like your husband.   When they get home from a long day at work, they just want to relax.  The last thing they want to talk about is “work.”  My friends talk with me about church events not assuming that I know any more about them than they do. 




3.  They don’t allow me to “vent” about people or circumstances, but rather encourage me to communicate my feelings. 
This is possibly the most important and valuable aspect of my closest relationships.    It seems like every friendship requires trust and the ability to be completely transparent and tell each other everything without the threat of betrayal or judgment.  The truth is, when you are married to a pastor, you are exposed to some very dark times of personal despair that can be confusing, frustrating, and lonely.  The only thing that can make that worse is to expose others to the darkness of human error among people in their own congregation who they may respect or have a lifetime of experience with and who will remain if the Lord chooses to move you on to another ministry. True friends are aware of your hurt but unaware of the people or circumstances that caused it.  On the occasions when I truly need to express details, I call my dad, sister or someone who has no knowledge or experience with that congregation.  True friends can encourage you through loneliness or despair without knowing the details because they know your heart and your motives.   They can remind you of God’s promises, your calling, and His great mercy and love.  They don’t ask for details or names and stop discussions that might lead to unwanted or unneeded disclosure.  This is extremely difficult yet such a precious gift.

4. They are supportive of your decision to go wherever God leads you. 
True friendship survives geographical distance.  My dearest friends know that to be my friend they took a risk that I may be asked to move to another ministry, yet continue communication knowing that I am investing my life into a new group of ladies.  They are not threatened by new relationships and embrace others who are reaching out to me.

What a wonderful opportunity God has given to me to serve Him full-time.  He has provided me with the gift of true friendship to get through the difficult times and to celebrate the fulfilling and exciting times in His service.
 

 




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Blessed Christmas To All

Thinking of you, my fellow WOGM, as you prepare for Christmas festivities.  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!  My heart goes out in love and prayers for those who are grieving loved ones who won’t be here this Christmas.

When I think of the true meaning of Christmas, I can’t imagine what life would be like if Jesus had not come.  Sadly, most of the time I take my treasure for granted.  But, I would be lost and helpless without it – without Him.

Amid the fun family traditions, we remember You, God, and the incomparable gift of Your Son, Jesus.  Thank you from the depths of our hearts!  Please give us open doors to share the good news with those needing hope this Christmas.

Joyfully His,

Merry Christmas!

by Categories: Miscellaneous Leave a comment

Sparkles of Joy

Two and a half years ago:

It’s a cloudy Saturday.  The dishes and laundry scream “clean me!”  My to-do list is so long it could be used as ribbon to bedeck several beautifully wrapped packages.  I try to remember why I ever wanted to have children (who make messes, yucky smells, and lots of noise), the imperfect carpet and linoleum grind at me, I can’t remember what the word vacation means, my husband and I are in a rut in our relationship, my jeans are too tight, and I am too busy to make a dentist appointment much less squeeze in a coveted hair cut. 

Then it happened. “MOM!!!”  Four-year-old screaming bloody murder.  My husband and I run into the other room to find our son’s forearm hanging gruesomely crooked as terror fills his beautiful blue eyes.  I try to keep from throwing up, reminding myself to breathe as I wonder what to do next.  Between sobs he tells us he jumped off the couch and hit a desk chair (which he knows is a no-no).  Tim gathers a few things as I throw together a sack of hopefully edible items to send with my two men.  Baby and I remain at home, and I ask God to keep my son and our family safe.

They are off to the hospital, and I dissolve in a tirade of tears.  I call my pastor.  He remembers. Same song, different verse.  Two and a half years earlier, when my adorable boysie was learning to walk, he fractured his leg.  It was minor, but because we weren’t sure how it happened (we figured out when it must have happened after the intimidating doctor visit), our doctor informed us that she had to submit our name to the Department of Child Services to be investigated for child endangerment.  I struggled with shock and anger while our betraying doctor assured me, “I know you would never do anything to hurt your child.”  We went through the worst trial we had ever experienced, only to be waved through at the end of a grueling month as “probably not dangerous.”  Violated. Hurt. Labeled. (Reminds me of Someone I know.)  I heard my pastor at the other end of the line saying, “Sara, you need to trust God.”

I calm down as I cry out to God.  While fearing the worst, I know my God . . . I can trust the Creator of the universe.  A couple hours later they come home.  My boy’s arm is safe and secure in a new shell.  Tim looks tired, but he says it went pretty smoothly.  He didn’t feel that anyone doubted what happened.  It helps when the child is old enough to explain this time.  I start to breathe again.

Suddenly, even though I am completely drained, I look around and notice that my home is not hum-drum anymore.  I am so thankful to be here. The linoleum is looking shinier, and the carpet spots are hardly noticeable.  My husband and I kiss and hold each other a little longer.  After a nap I have an urge to clean my family’s clothes and cook them a delicious meal. I don’t mind having toys all over the floor, and wall smudges have become my art gallery. As I glance in the bathroom mirror, I think perhaps I am looking prettier than I have in days.  And at supper the whole family seems happy simply being together.  In coming weeks my heart warms at the sight of my boy with his orange cast and matching Tigger overalls.  I can’t help but giggle, while in the same breath praising and thanking God.  God got us through and did what He does best – turning ugly things into His beautiful artwork. He used a terrible day to sprinkle sparkles of joy on my heart.

What happened?  Did a broken arm suddenly and miraculously change everything?  No . . . the carpet was still blotched, the laundry piled high, and my hair seriously in need of reshaping . . . and, yes . . .  God adjusted my heart and healed my blindness.  If only it wouldn’t take hospital trips to make me truly appreciate God’s blessings.  By God’s grace, I’m getting there. 

God’s joy is always there for the taking.  In fact, it has your name and mine written on it by God’s hand with the most expensive and the most powerful permanent ink imaginable: Jesus’ precious blood.

This Christmas will you join me in taking time to open up, admire, put on, and gratefully enjoy His gift of joy?  Let’s close our eyes, take a couple of deep breaths, and accept this lavish gift.  With thankfulness we receive Your gift of joy, Father.  We know this gift is ours because of Jesus.  For He has come . . . and will come again. 

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:10-14 
 
Update: Today my oldest son is a happy and healthy almost seven-year-old.  And I am getting more used to dusting off my priceless gift of joy.

Special thanks to http://poppiesatplay.blogspot.com/2011/11/joy-to-world.html for the above image.

by Categories: Faith, Fear, Joy, Mind, Motherhood, Stress 2 Comments

The Great I AM Still Is

I’m confused . . .
 
I AM intimately involved.  Listen to Me and believe.  I AM in charge of the knowns and unknowns.

I feel alone . . .

I AM always right beside you.  You are exactly where you need to be. Talk to Me.  I AM listening.

I’m hurting . . .

I AM your true Friend.  Deflect your pain to Me.  I AM working on every detail right now.

My life is cluttered . . .

I AM holy, organized, beautiful.  Look at Me.  Dwell in Me.  I AM your eternal peaceful retreat.

I’m needy . . .

I AM able.  I know your need and I AM always right on time.  If I AM not meeting it, it is not a true need at the moment (or I AM working a bigger plan.)

My heart is aching . . .
    
I AM the Healer of broken hearts and the Calmer of storms.  Rest in Me.  I want to hold you.

I’m afraid . . .
    
I AM peace.  Reject the lie that anything is bigger than Me. You are safe with Me.

I don’t like the way things are . . .

I AM Your everything.  Gaze past the temporal to the eternal.  Embrace Me.  I never disappoint.

I’m battle weary . . .

I AM your Protector, My darling.  Relax. Rest in Me.   Let Me put My armor on you.  Stay close.  I have already won the war.

I’m stained . . .

I AM your Redeemer.  The price is paid.  Forgiven.  You are clean in My eyes.  Press on.

I’m crying . . .

I AM crying with you.  I understand earth pain.  What you are going through will not be wasted. Very soon – no more tears, forever.

I’m tempted . . .

I AM the best.  If only you knew how much I love you, you would never interrupt our blissful moments with a useless and dangerous idol.

I’m discouraged . . .

I AM real and I AM strong.  Discouragement is one of Satan’s favorite tools.  I AM closer to you than breathing.  Take My hand and we’ll go through it together.

 Our story has a happy ending. I promise.         

. . . . . . .

“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’'” Exodus 3:14

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'” John 8:58

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10



What are your favorite Scripture passages that speak these truths of God?  Please share!



by Categories: Contentment, God Appointments, Mind, Stress, Transition, Weariness Leave a comment

A Laundromat and Fried Chicken

Today my boys and I ventured out to a laundromat.  During my single teaching days I frequented them, but now that I am blessed to have my own washer and dryer, it was only the icky bulky sleeping bag that drove me there.  Caleb threw up on it about a year ago.  Why rush?

So like I said, we finally made it to the laundromat to cleanse our back-up bed.  And, having never been to one before, my boys were fascinated.  All sorts of machines twirling, swirling, and rumbling. Some customers were staring into space (maybe hypnotized by their own clothing), others were playing games, watching TV, or loading machines.  I was aghast that one load cost $5.00 (of course it was the monster machine able to chew 50 lbs. at once).  After putting my $5 bill into the coin converter, and hearing a clang comparable to a jackpot in Vegas, we stuffed the giant bag and inserted the battalion of quarters.  The machine kindly informed us it would be finished in twenty-five minutes.  Ill prepared and hungry, we wandered next door to KFC.

I hadn’t been to a KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) for years.  Usually the only time I taste their delicious chicken is at church potlucks, when people are kind enough to swing by the fast-food joint on the way to the park to pick up an easy dish to share.

As soon as we walked in the door I was pelted by the wondrous smell of fried chicken combined with the not-so-lovely grease fog.  The entrance was so dirty, I felt I should ask to see their cleanliness certification report.  But, I didn’t ask, because a long line was gathering behind me.  I stumbled through an order and paid the lady.  Once we got our food tray, we were relieved to find the eating area much cleaner, and settled into our meal.

Josh said, “Mommy, this is a treat!”  And Caleb oohed and ahhed at the biscuit like it was manna.  On the wall were pictures of our town during a flood four years ago.  A history buff, I’m always impressed by such relics of hometown memorabilia.  We relished each bite, said “Have a good day” to a sweet older lady next to us, and made our way back to Happy Suds. I was impressed that we arrived just three minutes before our job was to be done.  We carried the damp, clean sleeping bag to the van, laying it out to dry in the sun as soon as we got home.

My boys and I had a great time at the laundromat and KFC.  I am so thankful for these moments of working together, discovery, and making memories.

God enjoys spending moments with us, too.  He loves taking care of us, showing us new things, taking us to new places, teaching us how to do things we’ve never done before, treating us to “fried chicken,” and providing a means to clean our worldly goods. Thank You, Abba, for showing me Your love in so many unique ways!  Every day with You is an adventure. 🙂

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

by Categories: God Appointments Leave a comment

In Her Shoes – Single Women

Singleness.  We’ve all been there at some point. Some of you live the single life right now – for others of us, the memory of life alone begins to dim. Married at age thirty, I remember being on my own. But, recently I recognized that my memories are getting foggy. So, I asked some godly single women what they would like their married sisters, including me, to know about them.

It is my delight to introduce these lovely women of God!  They are their 30s or 40s; two are in full-time Christian service, and two are in secular professions.  Each wants to honor God in her life and in her relationships.  Their objective is not to promote comparison between married and single women.  They want to nuture unity with their sisters in Christ.

What would you like married women to know about you?

Single Sister #1 – Iowa

“What I want married women to know about me:

1) Church service: I do want to serve, but please don’t treat me like a workhorse, always expecting me to serve anytime there’s a need. Just because I’m single and have no kids, doesn’t mean that I have oodles of free time or that I don’t have other commitments.  Three years ago, I got a personal and painful reminder that I need to be better about saying the word “no.” I had just come off of a summer of constantly serving in various areas, and God showed me that I needed to slow down. 

 

2) Please don’t assume that my job is the only thing going on in my life. I may not be married or have kids, but I do lead a full and active life. I don’t mind when people ask me how work is going, but sometimes I feel like that’s ALL they ask me about. There are times when work has been trying for me that day or week, and I really don’t feel like talking about it. But sometimes I have trouble diverting the conversation in another direction because I feel like ‘well, at least they’re talking to me. I’ll take that over nothing.’ I have hopes, dreams, goals, hobbies, musical interests, etc. Please don’t be afraid to ask about my life.

3) Likewise, I want to hear about your life too. I love hearing about others’ kids and families, but I also want to get to know more about you. I think there is much we can learn from each other.

4) I do appreciate it when people ask me how they can pray for me or what I’ve been learning from God and His Word.

5) I am endeavoring to take to heart Proverbs 31:10-31, particularly verse 12 right now.

6) I aspire to keep growing closer to and loving my Lord more and more every day.”

Single Sister #2 – Pennsylvania

“Some have already mentioned my thoughts, but I’ll reiterate them. Our church has a once-a-month ladies’ Bible study and fellowship. There are some ladies that I work with who attend that I could sit with there, but I’d like to get know some other people. I’ve given up and have quit going because none of the married women will include me in their conversations. Sometimes they don’t so much as look at me. I would like married women to know that I don’t have the plague and I do have a life even though I’m not married. I want them to know that I do want to be their friend and hear about their families though other topics of conversation and interest in my life would be appreciated as well.

My parents married late, so they can very much relate to the problem we face in Christianity. “Oh, she’s single. She can do it.” Within three months of being saved my dad was made Sunday school superintendent because he was single. Mom was so stressed out with all of her responsibilities at church that the married women wouldn’t do that she actually postponed their wedding. Single people have to work full time, do all of the grocery shopping, house and lawn chores, pay all of the bills and make all of the decisions by themselves. There really isn’t that much free time.

 

                                                                           
One thing that has bugged me for many years is to hear married women complain about their husbands. I understand that some women have legitimate reasons to complain about their husbands, but that doesn’t give them a right to do so. Complaining is not honoring. Often the complaints are so petty such as how much laundry and ironing he creates. I would be so happy to have a husband to iron for, and I hate ironing! I vowed years ago that if God ever gave me a husband, I would thank God for him every time I did his laundry, and I practice that when doing my dad’s laundry.”


Single Sister #3 – Wisconsin
“To include everyone, not just married people. I have a lot of friends who include my daughter and I in everything, but then you meet people who act like they’re superior because they’re married. And then I hear women who are so upset because their husband doesn’t do every little thing for them. I hear women who have said they’re mad at God because they can’t have any more children and they already have 3 or 4 kids. Sigh…………I try to be compassionate toward them and understand and just love them but the reality of it is that in my heart, I’m thinking that they need to be thankful for the husband and kids that they already have. Some of us would love to trade places with them in an instant.

I agree that many are busy serving their families, but I have a friend who is a mother of 5 girls, she serves her family and husband very well, yet has always had time for my daughter and I in NUMEROUS ways. Having dinner at their house, parties at their house, game night, etc. I think that no matter where you are in life, it comes back to looking past yourself and loving people. As a single mom who runs 2 businesses, the norm for me has been to be up at 7am, to work by 8:30, back home around 8pm, and to bed around 1am. I had time to run both businesses, spend time with my daughter, keep up the house, have play dates with her friends, cook meals for people who just had babies or surgeries, watch people’s kids if they had a Dr’s appt, etc. and coordinate an entire music program (everything from practice, coordinating the calendar, teaching people how to sing, putting together cantatas, you name it.)

I’m enjoying the break I’m having right now from that busy life (just moved), but still looking for ways to serve people in this community. I’ve been buying school uniforms for kids at school who can’t afford them, and I’m planning to organize buying coats for them too. I always try to remind myself that everyone is at a different place spiritually, and even when God tells someone to do something, they might not actually do it. I have to leave it up to God to bring people to the point of looking at other people’s needs and doing something about it.

The only other thing I would add is just being sensitive, especially when you’re talking to an older person who’s single. I’ve had people ask me ‘Why aren’t you married?’  and while I really think they mean it as a compliment, it makes you feel like in some way you’ve failed because you’re not married. As if it’s a social class or something. Other times, people have told me that I ‘just need to get married,’ as if that will solve all of life’s issues and as if there’s some big line of guys that I have to choose from. Getting married just to get married never made anyone happy or solved any problems.

Understanding that God’s plan for some people is to be married, and God’s plan for other people is to be single and supporting each other in living out that plan is important.”

Single Sister #4 – Ohio

“That’s a very sensitive question to ask. Because of health problems, I’ve shared with people at church about how much stress has compromised my health. Two older married ladies have commented that I shouldn’t have any stress because I’m not married with children. I wanted to scream! But they had no personal reference point to understand the deprivations of walking through life alone, working full-time, and, in my case, having no family nearby or any Christian relatives at all.


I also wish married women would be sensitive to singles when they’re in a group setting. Many married women talk a lot about their families, and that’s like a knife in my heart, since I am past the age where I could have my own kids.

I appreciate your asking the question. There are a lot of radio programs, Bible studies or whatever that deal with the issues a person faces when married. Because of that, singles have a fairly good grasp of their struggles, but it’s not common to have information about singles, or if there is, it’s usually about dating, not about just plain living.

In my church, most married women work outside the home. In many cases, it’s because their husband makes them do it, because they feel they need to. But even if not, most of these are people who live pretty comfortable lives in large homes. This week I’ve been praying about getting involved with youth at church again. Two years ago I had to step away from all such ministries because of health issues, and I’m so hungry to offer up that nurturing side of me as a woman. But I think I’m going to have to turn down this opportunity, because my job is just too draining (I literally do the work of 3 people). I have longed and prayed that God would somehow remove the burden of having to support myself so I could be more involved in more ministries and volunteering to be a testimony for Christ in my community.


When I see married women either forced to work or choosing to work, it’s such a sadness to me. My church has suffered because so few women are available anymore for ministries. I would challenge women who have the freedom to not work to pour their energies into this very eternal investment. You are very much needed and valued in these roles.

As a final note: I want married women to know that I feel for them with the issues they face too, because raising kids can be very trying. Whether single or married, it’s good to respect each other’s differences and know that the grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. I think a forum like this, though, can help us better understand and support each other as members of the whole family of God. I always bear in mind that in heaven there will be no marriage, so if we can focus on people as people here, we’ll be set for heaven!”

. . . . .

Thank you ladies!  What about you?  Do you have something you’d like to share?  We’d love to hear from you!  Please feel free to leave a comment below.  We are exceedingly blessed to be on God’s mission together!

“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them . . . Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality . . . Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another.”


– Excerpts from Romans 12

 

by Categories: Friendship, In Her Shoes, Single Women 6 Comments

Ten "Going Crazy" Tips

“Call the Funny Farm!”  Not if, but when is the last time you were in a position of confusion, exhaustion, discouragement and/or grief, and you felt someone must quickly provide emergency intervention?  If you’re like me, it was as recent as yesterday or this morning. Stressful moments, from mildly irritating to incredibly difficult, come to all of us!  They can sneak up as a complete surprise.  They can also be predictable.  Can you relate to some of these?

  • Full schedule
  • Homeschooling (especially on wet or cold days after we’ve been inside for too long!)
  • Times of transition
  • Weddings
  • Holidays
  • Illness or injury
  • Hormones
  • New member in the family
  • A time of loss
  • Financial strain
  • Job tension
  • When disappointed by people or circumstances
  • When we sin against or disappoint people 
  • When we receive bad news
  • Reorganization at work or church
  • During a move/remodel
  • Etc!

How do you deal with your craziness? It really is a good thing that our lives aren’t completely trouble free.  If they were, where would our need be for God?  You’ve probably heard these before, but I’m praying that God will use something here to encourage you, dear Sister!  Here are a few of my favorite “Crazy” tips:

1.  Rest

As soon as possible do whatever it takes to get much needed rest.  My two boys, six and four, are pretty much beyond naps.  Yet, we still have a 1 1/2 hour reading/quiet time in the middle of the day.  It is helpful for everyone.  My six-year-old actually looks forward to it!  If you are anything like me, everything seems much worse when I am overly tired.  And my exhaustion can be a sign that my priorities are out of kilter.  My doing too much can be attibuted to my own pride. 

Whenever necessary (not more than once per day :)), get your kids occupied with a good video and go to your room, close the door, put on your MP3 player or a good set of earplugs, lay flat on the floor and stretch your arms above your head while breathing in and out slowly.  Here is one of my helpers:

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2


2.  Eat

It really can be as simple as taking time to nourish ourselves.  My tendency is to crave chocolate and potato chips, but these usually make me feel worse.  At the risk of sounding like your mother, eat well and drink lots of water.  Grill some chicken, make a salad, grab an apple.  Go through a drive-thru and buy a salad if you can afford it.  Indulge in the food you are craving, if you must.  But, don’t go overboard, and don’t resort to splurging as a daily escape from reality.  Popcorn is a calming snack, as is a banana.  I love it that when Elijah was tired, afraid, and discouraged God did not berate him and condemn him.  God isn’t condemning us: let us not condemn ourselves.  Enjoy some of God’s good gifts – eat!

“Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan.  And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’” I Kings 17:2-4


3.  Remember you are in a spiritual battle.

Too easily I forget that I am a soldier in a spiritual war.  I’m sure that my forgetfulness, and the ensuing consequences, makes Satan very happy.  We should expect daily battles!  You think your temptations regarding food isn’t part of your spiritual battle?  What was Eve’s first spiritual battle about?  Yet, what we are really fighting against is far more gigantic than people, circumstances or food:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age” Ephesians 6:12


Would we go to the hottest site in Afghanistan unarmed?  No way.  Give me the largest tank and a wide selection of the most accute bombs available.  So then, how can we expect to face spiritual battles unarmed?  There is no option here.  We must eat, we must breath, we must be in God’s Word!  Especially during days of pressure, weakness, doubt, and possible depression, begin the day by putting on the armor of God, by reading and praying through Ephesians 6:10-20 (you can read it by clicking on the link below):


And, remember, we are on the winning side.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4

We must take time to read God’s love letter to us and . . .

4.  Pray

We cannot begin to estimate the power of talking to God.  Pour out your heart to Him!  If writing is your thing, grab a pen and paper or a computer and write your prayers to God.  It will help you to get it out of your system and leave it with the One Who has the power to work 24/7 for your good and His glory.  If you write it down it will also help you gain perspective on your problems.  How precious that our almighty God took on flesh and came to this wicked world.  He cried our tears, sharing our sorrows:

“We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15,16


5.  Talk to a godly friend. Ask for help! 

One of the highlights of Sunday is talking briefly with a friend at church about how we can pray for one another throughout the coming week.  And I can’t remember the number of times I have sent emergency emails or Facebook messages to ask sisters to pray for me.  It is an immediate relief to be reminded that we are not alone.  Don’t worry that you will be bothering someone (unless this is the 5th time you’ve called them today!). 

I do want to stress GODLY friend.  Not perfect (there aint any!), but growing.  Who is a godly friend?  One who is going to love you, show you grace, not judge you . . . but, also someone who is going to tell you the truth and not just what you want to hear.  Call the friend who listens, cares, and points you to Jesus.

We recently heard Todd Wilson, of FamilyMan Ministries, speak to our local homeschool parents group.  He spoke of a woman who called his wife and asked if she could come over to talk to her.  They started with small talk, but soon the conversation got deeper.  The visiting woman, one of whom Todd said we would all look at as the ultimate godly woman, quoting Scripture and giving glory to God, shared a personal hurt with Todd’s wife.  She told of a time two years before when she had been studying her Bible and her little girl kept interrupting and trying to get Mama’s attention.  The woman grabbed her little girls wrist too hard and broke it.  Since then the mother had been in agony.  As she shared her burden with this godly friend, she was able to breath and move on.  Todd’s wife didn’t condemn her, but instead told her things like, “Oh, I am so sorry!  Any one of us could’ve done the same thing!  I know you didn’t mean to do it.” (Todd even humorously admitted wanting to share some personal experience/not-so-good advice, “I understand . . . I’ve often felt like I wanted to break every bone in my child’s body!”)  Finally, this Christian sister was able to move on with her life.  Sometimes we just need to confess our mistakes or sins to a godly friend.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

6.  Forget the past and move on. 

If your stress has to do with your past (twenty years ago or yesterday), God wants you to forget it and move one.  If you need to apologize, write the letter, make the visit, or pick up the phone.  Even if people are hesitant to forgive.  God is always ready to forgive us!

If you have been sinned against and are constantly plagued by bad memories, practice giving these burdens to God – the more you do it the easier it will get to give them over to Him and not grab them back.  If you are obsessing, ask God to change your mind and literally get up and move into a different room and do a different activity.  A Christian counselor recommended this when I was obsessing about death after a close call, and it really helped me.  It is so refreshing when we can look forward to the future, entrusting our past and our future to God’s excellent care!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14


7.  Plan something to look forward to. 

We women have the privilege of serving the people in our lives: cooking, cleaning, driving people to appointments, cards, listening, etc.  But we get worn out and need to be recharged.  Get out your calendar and look for the first free space – plan a date with your husband or a friend.  If other people are too busy, plan a date for yourself – go out and get a coffee or ice cream, read a favorite book, sit by a beautiful lake and soak in God’s beauty.  And do it without feeling guilty!  God gives good gifts to His children!  He gave Jesus so that we can live more abundantly.

“And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.  So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.” Mark 6:31-32


8.  Claim your blessings. 

Reminiscent of Ann Voskamp’s wonderful book One Thousand Gifts, simply sit down and start writing down all the things you have to be thankful for.  Your list of “bad things” is much smaller than the “good things” . . . and you’ve probably realized why I set apart “good” and “bad” to remind us that our point of view is terribly limited.  What may seem bad to us may be what God is going to use to do amazingly good things in our lives.

Ask God to help you be thankful for where you are right now, including all the yucky stuff.  He can and will give strength to help us be genuinely thankful for trials. All we need to do is ask and wait on Him.  God highly treasures our sacrifice of praise.

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

9.  Cry and Breathe

Just a couple days ago I let it all out in my room, boo-hooing and doing some much needed grieving.  I felt so much better afterward. Crying purges!  It rids our bodies of toxins. Crying is part of what God has given to help us release some of the pent-up emotional pressure.  These verses are probably familiar to you, so I want to share them in a translation other than the NKJV to give another perspective.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 (NLT)


If you are not a cryer, take a brisk walk, work out, release that stress somehow (and I don’t mean hurling a pan over your husband’s head!).  And as our sweet more mature friends gently remind us, “This too shall pass.” 

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

10.  Pick One

Think of five people you know who are going through a trial right now (not including yourself).  Plan how you, or you along with your family, can do something simple and special for him or her. 

If you have a neighbor who just broke her arm, offer to rake her leaves.  If you have a friend who just went through surgery, take a meal or a happy balloon over with a favorite coffee.  Fresh flowers can be an extravagant gift making people feel loved, but most women I know prefer plants that aren’t going to die (unless they have thumbs not even close to the color of green and are thankful that after a short while their flowers die naturally 🙂 ).

I have a friend who has been suffering with depression. Just a phone call meant the world to him and helped him to be brave enough to seek the help he needed.  I praise God that He used little ol’ me to help a brother in need, and at the same time get my mind off my own troubles.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10

I hope something in this list will help you during this crazy time of life!  The best thing to remember as women on God’s mission, we are not alone, and God is lovingly continuing the good work He started in us.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'” Isaiah 41:10
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”  Philippians 1:6

by Categories: Faith, Fear, Friendship, God Appointments, Grief, Health and Beauty, Homemaking, Illness, Loss, Mind, Prayer, Rest, Stress Leave a comment