One In Christ

I want to share an article with you that perfectly describes our relationships as a christian family, sisters in Christ.

One of the largest organisms in the world is the Aspen tree in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. It is a unique tree because it has a single interconnected rootstock that supports 41,000 trees above the ground ("Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad." II Cor. 12:20,26).

After a fire sweeps through the forest Aspens are the first to recover and regrow. Although fire burns the leaves and branches, the interconnected network of roots remain alive beneath ground ("In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor , and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls. " I Peter 1:6-9).

During Spring and Summer the leaves of the Aspen tree wave in the wind proclaiming the works of their Creator as they simultaneously provide shade for the understory plants below ("Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:2,10).

Each fall the Aspen leaves drop from their branches and blanket the forest floor increasing the richness of the soil. Valuable nutrients and minerals from decomposing leaves provide for and allow new plants to germinate and grow (We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28).

Sisters, we are in this journey together! We are partners (rootstock).

"I urge you, brothers by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me." Romans 15:30

New Life

Did you love seeing the picture of Tara's new baby? Beautiful, sweet, innocent, a brand new life with a brand new beginning!

Do you ever wish you could start over? If only we could have 'do overs' when we mess up and make mistakes.

As you already know, in Christ, we can! I am so glad that He promises, "His mercies are new every morning." "Each and everyday we get a brand new start. As you begin to wake each day start with a clean slate. Go before our God and confess, repent and follow with thanksgiving.

As we serve in the churches God has given us, we will make mistakes. Relationships will be broken, feelings get hurt, people are disappointed or we are disappointed. There is no perfect except for our Lord.

Satan is our accuser and if we listen, he can stop us in our tracks. He tells us it is ok to hold a grudge because we are right. He tells us we cannot love the people who hurt us, they don't deserve it. He tell us we can never measure up to the expectations they put on us, so don't even try.

Today, listen to God's voice. Hear what He says about His plans for you.

II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Rev. 21:5 Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."

Isaiah 43:9 "Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them."

Isaiah 43:18-19 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old, Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth..."

When Christ saved us, we were made new. I am so glad that His work did not stop there. Each and everyday He makes us new. We have the opportunity to serve Him fresh, start over and let Him live through us.

Let's give Him today and listen to His Words. Let's choose to believe Him, not the accuser. Confess, Repent and Thank! He will do a "new thing" in you today if you will let Him.

Being a Naomi

As I have mentioned in earlier blogs, I have raised three boys (my husband and two sons). Our household has always been testosterone filled and sports minded. We do not go for fluff and foofoo. We tried to stick with the manly motif in the home. However, this past weekend I got to experience what my family will be like with another female added in the mix.

You see, I went to a wedding shower for my future daughter-in-law, Robyn. The experience was just so much fun-wall to wall girls, great food, and lots of gifts. As I watched Robyn during this special event for her, I am just so blessed that she accepted my son’s marriage proposal. She a godly young lady loves to laugh, loves chocolate plus cheesecake, and loves my son. (She even tolerates and loves my husband even though he constantly asks her if she is sure she wants to marry our son. She never backs down but just replies laughingly “Yes, yes, and always yes!”)

It is my hope that Robyn will consider me as another mother because she will not be just a daughter-in-law. She will be our daughter. She won our hearts over and we love her that much.

Personally, the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law issue has received a bad rap over the years. I do not think all mother-in-laws are bad. In fact, I have a great mother-in-law who at times is just a crazy as I am. I certainly try to be a loving daughter-in-law as well. I even know what my mother-in-law likes for gifts-perfume and candles. (She raised three boys as well-her husband and two sons).

With my son’s approaching marriage, this weekend reminded me of the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi. What a precious story of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Their love for one another carried them through the grief of losing their spouses. Instead of running back to her family, Ruth left her home country in order to stay with and care for Naomi. What a perfect example of selfless love. In turn, Naomi loved Ruth and helped her in seeking another husband, Boaz. Instead of being overbearing and bossy, Naomi offered careful advice and encouragement to this young woman.

Ladies, I desire for Robyn and I to have the same special relationship as Ruth and Naomi. I want Robyn to be able to come to me for advice and encouragement. I want to help her reach her full potential in Christ. However, I believe as godly ladies we should also be Christian examples to younger women in our churches. I have plenty of older women I look to for advice and encouragement. In turn I try to live my life in a way that encourages younger ladies. Let’s take the time to be a Naomi to other ladies including our daughter-in-law.

Do you have a special relationship with your mother-in-law or daughter-in-law? I’m looking for advice so please share.

Thanks for the Prayers!

Ladies  . . . I can't thank you enough for all your prayers as we "waited" for Piper's arrival. Labor and delivery could not have gone ANY better. I know that was  the result of God's mercy as He answered our prayers. 

Here is a picture, like I promised. Please join me in praising the Lord Most High, whom we serve  . . . 

Tara has her baby!

Congratulations to one of our blog writers, Tara, on the birth of her second daughter.


Piper Gail Vinson was born Tuesday, March 24, at 3:30 p.m., weighing 8 ¼ lbs. and 21 ¼ inches long.

Congratulations Tara and Wally!!

What is God Trying to Teach You?

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Beth Moore Living Proof Conference for Ministers Wives in Nashville, TN. I really did not have a clue of what to expect but I knew that anything when Beth and God show up. I was certainly overwhelmed by God’s Spirit and by the time the conference was over, I just wanted to gather around some girlfriends and gobble some chocolate.

Seriously, my heart was blessed. I went as a weary and worn minister’s wife and left refreshed and encouraged. From my advantage point in the upper level, I could look across the room and see hundreds of fellow sisters who needed a fresh touch from the Heavenly Father.

However, it was not until Saturday morning during a break time that I fully understood that I am not in this job alone. During the break, the team opened the altar to anyone who just needed to confess a sin, pray with an encourager, or just pour their hearts out to God. My heart broke as I saw so many from our sisterhood come forward. At one point I saw a woman literally fall in to an encouragers arms and bury her head on her shoulder and cry. I think the thing I remember the most is the loud weeping almost wailing of a sister whose heart was broke or hurt. Girlfriends, God was using these encouragers and the ministry team as His arms on earth.

It is only those of us in this sisterhood that truly understands the overwhelming responsibility, need, and deep hurt that exist in God’s service. It is no wonder that so many ministers leave their ministry or why so many ministers wives are bitter, isolated, or even worse, leave their husbands. It is no wonder that many minister’s children want no part of church when they see the ugliness inside the church. If only the congregations of our churches could understand that we too hurt, have needs, and need encouragement just they do. Sometimes all it takes to lift us up is a simple kind word or a hug from the flock.

If I may I would like to borrow something from the conference. In preparing for what she should discuss at the conference, Beth Moore’s Living Proof Ministry asked only ministers wives to comment on their blog about what they would like Beth to know about the ministry. Believe me, there were some great answers-sad and very funny. A couple of comments rang true for me: “Sometimes sheep bite” and “What is God trying to teach us?”

So sisters, hear is what I want you to do. Post a comment on what you wish church members knew about the ministry or perhaps you might like to share what God has taught you during your ministry.

You are loved dear sisters!

Chipmunk Watching

While walking in the park one day, I was voicing simple sentence prayers to God. It was a cold day and the wind was cutting, however, I just needed to be outdoors. I also just needed to see or hear God.

One of the simple prayers I prayed was for the economic future. In these unstable times, no one knows what the day holds. Many people are facing joblessness, foreclosure, or the loss of their retirement nest egg. Since I am a penny pincher and also have a college senior son seeking a job, I often find myself “concerned” over the financial crisis at hand. On this particular day, I need a sense that God was in control of my family’s well-being.

No sooner had I placed this prayer before the throne than a small chipmunk jumped in my path. Once I got control over my shepherd breed dog and stopped my heart from racing, my thoughts were drawn to this small creature. Watching the chipmunk, I saw him busy finding food for his meal. A light bulb went on for me. God was providing for one of His creatures and He will also provide for His children.

As I continued on the walk, the path took a sharp left curve. Now I have walked this path many times and I know that it continues up a steep incline. However, I remember the first time I walked this path. I did not know that lay beyond what I could see. Would it come to a dead end? Would there be a fork in the road and I would have to choose a route? Would there be something in the path that would harm me?

Realization hit me again. None of us knows what our futures hold. God allows us to see just so far and as much as He wants us to see. It is there that we must trust in the One who holds our futures in His hands. If God revealed all of our future, we, or at least I, certainly would not learn the lesson of trust.

So girlfriends, things may be a little discouraging in these times. However, remember our Heavenly Fathers knows the future and He cares for all his creatures-even chipmunks and His children.