I am very grateful for the mentors, teachers, family members that have taught me about my God. I have been give opportunities for me to grow and learn from His Word in the ministry than most people. What a blessing!
As I read some of the past blogs of my sisters, the reoccurring theme was difficult situations. This life we are living here and now is a constant classroom of preparation for eternity. No one is surprised to hear of tragedy or disasters in the news. We expect it, we even get a little harden to it.
This week a sweet young minister's wife shared with me the hurt she was experiencing in her church. As I listened, I was hurt with her, angry, judgmental (of the church) and disappointed in some church leaders. (had to spend some time repenting and forgiving)
When these emotions, feelings and thoughts come into my life, I have learned to RUN to God's Word. Listen to what God said - I love Him!!!
Psalm 62 - vs 1-2"I am at rest in GOD ALONE; my salvation comes from Him. He ALONE is my rock and my salvation, my strong hold; I will never be shaken. vs 5 Rest in God ALONE, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He ALONE is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. vs. 8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour our your hearts before Him. God is our refuge."
When people let us down ( and they will) remember God will never let us down - Trust in Him ALONE and do not be shaken!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Forget About Seeking God's Will for Your Life
I read the words in the title of this blog in the book, "Forgotten God" by Frances Chan. That statement definitely caught my attention.
As I have journeyed with the Lord these past 50 or so years, I have often asked God what He wanted me to do. As a pastor's wife, the church had many ideas for God's will in my life. Many times I just let them lead me along and sometimes fell flat on my face trying to please them.
I don't think it is wrong to listen to ideas from friends and church members, it is good to hear about needs and places to serve, but God definitely has a plan and we will only suceed when we are in the middle of His plan. If that is true, how do we know His plan, particularly if I just told you to stop seeking His will for your life.
We have God's Word, Godly people, prayer, circumstances and God living in us (Holy Spirit)to give us direction. Yet as you study His Word, you will find, that He called people to go without much detail.
Abraham packed his bags and began to walk - he had no idea where. Noah built a boat when he had never seen a flood or even rain. Peter went to a deserted road to wait for someone for some reason.
The list goes on and I believe each example is there to remind us we are to walk in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit.
I recommend this book, "Forgotten God". He teaches us to seek the Spirit's leading in our life not God's will for my life. Is there a difference? Yes, we will never make a mistake when the Spirit is leading because His job is to reveal the Father's will to us. When I am personally seeking God's will ( on my own), it is easy to rationalize, compromise, people please or even disobey.
The Holy Spirit will never lead you contrary to God's will. Begin to ask Him to lead you today.
As I have journeyed with the Lord these past 50 or so years, I have often asked God what He wanted me to do. As a pastor's wife, the church had many ideas for God's will in my life. Many times I just let them lead me along and sometimes fell flat on my face trying to please them.
I don't think it is wrong to listen to ideas from friends and church members, it is good to hear about needs and places to serve, but God definitely has a plan and we will only suceed when we are in the middle of His plan. If that is true, how do we know His plan, particularly if I just told you to stop seeking His will for your life.
We have God's Word, Godly people, prayer, circumstances and God living in us (Holy Spirit)to give us direction. Yet as you study His Word, you will find, that He called people to go without much detail.
Abraham packed his bags and began to walk - he had no idea where. Noah built a boat when he had never seen a flood or even rain. Peter went to a deserted road to wait for someone for some reason.
The list goes on and I believe each example is there to remind us we are to walk in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit.
I recommend this book, "Forgotten God". He teaches us to seek the Spirit's leading in our life not God's will for my life. Is there a difference? Yes, we will never make a mistake when the Spirit is leading because His job is to reveal the Father's will to us. When I am personally seeking God's will ( on my own), it is easy to rationalize, compromise, people please or even disobey.
The Holy Spirit will never lead you contrary to God's will. Begin to ask Him to lead you today.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ministers Wives Retreat--East TN
Ministers Wives, it is time to register for our East TN Ministers Wives Retreat at CarsonSprings Conference Center, September 9-10. You can find the registration information and lodging information at www.tnministerswives.org. You can register online but you must call CarsonSprings for your lodging.
Our theme is "Friendship and Chocolate--The Rich Things in Life." Breakouts include "Finding the Joy in Ministry," "Penny Pinching," "Count Your Hugs & Kisses of Ministry," and "The Richness of Being Real."
Our main speaker will be Dana James from Greenwood IN with "Voice of Mercy" leading us in Worship. Registration will begin at 1:00 on Friday with the first breakout at 2:00 and will conclude on Saturday with lunch. Many fun things are planned for Friday night so make your plans now to join us at CarsonSprings, September 9-10. And of course there will be plenty of chocolate!!
Our theme is "Friendship and Chocolate--The Rich Things in Life." Breakouts include "Finding the Joy in Ministry," "Penny Pinching," "Count Your Hugs & Kisses of Ministry," and "The Richness of Being Real."
Our main speaker will be Dana James from Greenwood IN with "Voice of Mercy" leading us in Worship. Registration will begin at 1:00 on Friday with the first breakout at 2:00 and will conclude on Saturday with lunch. Many fun things are planned for Friday night so make your plans now to join us at CarsonSprings, September 9-10. And of course there will be plenty of chocolate!!
Boasting and Pleasure
I was reading in 2 Corinthians 12 this week. I came to the passage where Paul began to list the things he had experienced as he shared Christ. I am sure you are familiar with this passage, but take time to read this list with me again.
Many more imprisonments - far worse beatings - near death many times - five times I received 39 lashes - three times I was beaten with rods - once I was stoned by my enemies - three times I was shipwrecked - I spent a night and a day in open sea - dangers from rivers - dangers from robbers - dangers from my own people - dangers from Gentiles - dangers in the city - dangers in the open country - dangers on the sea - dangers among false brothers - labor and hardship - many sleepless nights - hunger and thirst - often without food - cold - lacking clothing -daily pressure on me - my care for all the churches -thorn in the flesh - a messenger of Satan to torment me
Let me ask you a question? Have you experienced trials lately? Are you discouraged? Is the battle making you weary, stealing your joy, challenging your faith?
As I read Paul's description of the things he had and was experiencing, I had to stop and thank God for His great mercy in my own life. There have been difficult situations, hard times, disappointments, loses and conflicts, yet I cannot relate to Paul's life.
Let's now read what Paul decided to do with all these experiences.
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly BOAST all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So I take PLEASURE in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Dear Sisters in Christ, I am not diminishing the fact that you may be suffering, but I challenge you to BOAST in Christ - take PLEASURE in His strength and make His Name Famous as those around you watch!
Many more imprisonments - far worse beatings - near death many times - five times I received 39 lashes - three times I was beaten with rods - once I was stoned by my enemies - three times I was shipwrecked - I spent a night and a day in open sea - dangers from rivers - dangers from robbers - dangers from my own people - dangers from Gentiles - dangers in the city - dangers in the open country - dangers on the sea - dangers among false brothers - labor and hardship - many sleepless nights - hunger and thirst - often without food - cold - lacking clothing -daily pressure on me - my care for all the churches -thorn in the flesh - a messenger of Satan to torment me
Let me ask you a question? Have you experienced trials lately? Are you discouraged? Is the battle making you weary, stealing your joy, challenging your faith?
As I read Paul's description of the things he had and was experiencing, I had to stop and thank God for His great mercy in my own life. There have been difficult situations, hard times, disappointments, loses and conflicts, yet I cannot relate to Paul's life.
Let's now read what Paul decided to do with all these experiences.
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly BOAST all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So I take PLEASURE in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Dear Sisters in Christ, I am not diminishing the fact that you may be suffering, but I challenge you to BOAST in Christ - take PLEASURE in His strength and make His Name Famous as those around you watch!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Lost Sheep
"Oh, where oh where have our church members gone? Oh, what, oh, what are they doing?"
Maybe our church is unique, but I do not think so. I fear this is a wide-spread trend. During the Winter our attendance suffers because of the cold, bad weather. During the Summer it suffers because of vacations, the lake and just over-all laziness. Our attendance is always much better in the Spring and Fall.
Why is it that some folks feel they only need church two seasons a year? I love all of the excuses!!! All of the church members are important. Anytime anyone misses, there is a missing link to the puzzle. I wonder what they would do if the pastor and pastor’s wife decided they would just like to sleep in one Sunday???
We have tried planning “special activities” to bring them in especially during the summer, but that still does not work.
Do not get me wrong….our faithful members are their year round for most if not all of the services. However, we have a large chunk of members that are part-time members.
Maybe they are stronger than me and maybe they do not get as hungry as I do. I could not survive without being fed every Sundays and every Wednesday. I can not imagine going weeks without food.
The little town that we live in still has the snow cone trucks that go around the neighborhoods playing their music and drawing folks out to the truck to buy snow cones in the hot weather. Maybe we need to get us a truck with a large billboard and drive it around the neighborhood of the church, while playing the music of “Oh, where, oh, where have our church member gone….”
Smile. <
Maybe our church is unique, but I do not think so. I fear this is a wide-spread trend. During the Winter our attendance suffers because of the cold, bad weather. During the Summer it suffers because of vacations, the lake and just over-all laziness. Our attendance is always much better in the Spring and Fall.
Why is it that some folks feel they only need church two seasons a year? I love all of the excuses!!! All of the church members are important. Anytime anyone misses, there is a missing link to the puzzle. I wonder what they would do if the pastor and pastor’s wife decided they would just like to sleep in one Sunday???
We have tried planning “special activities” to bring them in especially during the summer, but that still does not work.
Do not get me wrong….our faithful members are their year round for most if not all of the services. However, we have a large chunk of members that are part-time members.
Maybe they are stronger than me and maybe they do not get as hungry as I do. I could not survive without being fed every Sundays and every Wednesday. I can not imagine going weeks without food.
The little town that we live in still has the snow cone trucks that go around the neighborhoods playing their music and drawing folks out to the truck to buy snow cones in the hot weather. Maybe we need to get us a truck with a large billboard and drive it around the neighborhood of the church, while playing the music of “Oh, where, oh, where have our church member gone….”
Smile. <
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Rock-A-Bye-Baby
Well this is only our 15th year to pastor, but our 32nd year in the Ministry. This weekend was our FIRST Infant Funeral. How sad!!! The baby was a beautiful, perfect little boy, weighing 5 lbs. 7 oz. and was a week early. The pregnancy went uneventful and then suddenly mom went into Preeclampsia, without the usual warning signs. They rushed her to the hospital and did an emergency c-section, but it was too late for the boy. His blood supply had been cut off and he was born dead. They almost lost mom too. It was a touch and go for five days.
I had never even attended an infant funeral. The hospital had a photographer that came in and made lots of beautiful photos of baby Bo Thomas and gave the CD to the parents. Since mom had a very hard time and almost lost her life, she never got to see her son, so the pictures were extra special. The CD was playing at the funeral home.
The family had picked out the songs that were played but they broke my heart. They played Rock-a-Bye-Baby, Jesus Love Me and a couple of others. It was so sad.
My heart just goes out to this couple. I can not think of anything worse than losing a child that you have planned for, loved and nurtured for nine months.
I know that God has a purpose for everything and we are not to question, but it is hard, humanly, to make sense of this. As a pastor’s wife, it was hard for me to know how to give comfort to the parents, so all I did was hug them and hold them and tell them I was praying. You can not say, “at least he is not hurting anymore” or “he sure lived a long life…”
Okay…..for future reference….all of you “more experienced pastor’s wives”….PLEASE give me some advice on dealing with infant death. Thanks Bunches!!!
I had never even attended an infant funeral. The hospital had a photographer that came in and made lots of beautiful photos of baby Bo Thomas and gave the CD to the parents. Since mom had a very hard time and almost lost her life, she never got to see her son, so the pictures were extra special. The CD was playing at the funeral home.
The family had picked out the songs that were played but they broke my heart. They played Rock-a-Bye-Baby, Jesus Love Me and a couple of others. It was so sad.
My heart just goes out to this couple. I can not think of anything worse than losing a child that you have planned for, loved and nurtured for nine months.
I know that God has a purpose for everything and we are not to question, but it is hard, humanly, to make sense of this. As a pastor’s wife, it was hard for me to know how to give comfort to the parents, so all I did was hug them and hold them and tell them I was praying. You can not say, “at least he is not hurting anymore” or “he sure lived a long life…”
Okay…..for future reference….all of you “more experienced pastor’s wives”….PLEASE give me some advice on dealing with infant death. Thanks Bunches!!!
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