Bride Bared By Breeze

I have been reflecting not only on the past 35 years of our marriage, but also of the wedding and the festivities around it. My beautiful wedding dress appeared on the cover of Bride Magazine that summer of 1975 and I purchased it at a well renowned store in Dallas who offered the service of storing the dress and delivering it to both the bridal portrait session and the wedding so we did not have to worry about where to hang it, cart it around, etc. Bad idea!!

The Dallas Morning News’ article was entitled, “Bride Bared by Breeze”. This highly reputable store accidently delivered my size 4 (yes, I used to be little) wedding dress to the wedding location of a size 12 bride instead of to where I was to get my wedding portrait done!!!

The article went on to say that the mistake was discovered too late for the bride to do anything but to wear the dress. She was able to get it on….but she was not able to zip it up. No worries though because her veil covered up what the dress did not. That is….until….as she walked down the aisle, the Dallas summer weather stirred up a breeze which “bared” the bride!

It is hard for me to imagine how that bride must have felt, but….you know….if you and I are not careful, we will try to fit into someone else’s mold or expectations or even someone we want to be…and it just does not fit!! You know scripture teaches that we have been created by the Potter for His purposes…why in the world do we want to squeeze into something that never was intended to fit us? Stop doing or being what you know God did not design you to do or be!!

Be You and Love It!

Thirty five years ago this month I walked down the aisle and married the man of my dreams!! I had no idea what I was getting in to….all I knew was that I loved this Godly, silly man and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I wish I had a picture from that day to show you....they are all boxed up waiting for us to sell our house and move our stuff....so instead I am putting this silly picture Lana Rose took at the Secretaries Conference!!

Certainly I did not know he would one day be a pastor….which would mean one day I would be a pastor’s wife!! If that were the case…..I am pretty I would have had to think twice about marrying him!!! You see, I did not know any pastor’s wives at that time….I had never gone to church growing up and I did not know the wife of the pastor at the church I was going to. But what little I did know….I knew there would be NO way I’d ever be a pastor’s wife!! Never!

Ernie told me about five or six years into our marriage that he thought God was calling him to pastor….which would make me a pastor's wife!! I had major conversations with God telling Him He could NOT let this happen!!! By that time I actually knew two pastor’s wives….but I was nothing like either one of them!! Nothing! There was NO way I could be them!

I will never forget how God sweetly came to me and said, “Dana, I am not asking you to be like them….I am asking you to be you!” Oh, how freeing that was!! All God was asking me to be is me???

I don’t know if you are struggling with the “role” of being the pastor’s wife….or if you are fulfilling a dream you have had ever since you were a little girl, but let me tell you my friend….all God is asking is that you be you!! Not be like the other staff wives or other pastor's wives you know. Be you and love it!!

Power Shortage

Well, I officially had a power shortage this week. Like many ministers wives, my proverbial wagon was overholded. Since school has started I have subbed everyday but two. However, on those two days, which were this week, I spent my days in a flurry of chores-housecleaning, laundry, grocery, errands. (I also believe part of my problem is that I am trying to reduce my chocolate intake. Well, I'm just saying). It was not until today that I glanced at my calendar and realized it was my week to blog. I felt like Isaiah who cried, "Woe is me for I am undone!"



I think life happens to all of us at times. We get so wrapped up in the little things of life that we fail to slow down and recharge. To say that I felt terrible for missing my week of blog is an understatement. I love this "job" because it allows me to fulfill a burden God has placed on my heart which is to encourage other ministers wives. However, I confess the rush-rush of the past two weeks caused me to not only fail you but the Lord.



One thing I have learned as a Christian is that God is a gracious and loving Father. When we fail or disappoint Him, we only have to come before the throne. Isn't that an amazing thing! When we confess our shortcomings to the Father, He recharges us and gives us the power and strength to continue on life's journey. The Bible speaks of the power of God in Ephesians 1:20 which says, "He demonstrated (the power) in the Messiah by raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens" Ladies, I firmly believe in a God who raised His Son from the dead and I firmly believe God can recharge our dead batteries as well.



Have a blessed month!


One a personal note: I ask that you pray for a fellow minister's wife family whose son was recently injuried in the war. Praise God, his injuries are not life threatening. Please pray for all our service men and women as they protect us. Pray that God will protect them and recharge them when they are discouraged or tired.

Tennessee Ministers Wives Retreat

Ladies, September 1st is the early bird deadline to register online for our Ministers Wives Retreat, October 1-2 at CarsonSprings Conference Center in Newport. Early bird cost is $65 for double occupancy. You can find all the information at www.tnministerswives.org. A brochure is included with online registration instructions. We have a wonderful program planned just for you. This will give you a great chance to meet Jeanne Davis our new Executive Director's wife.

Come join me and other ministers wives in Newport, October 1-2. See you soon.

Praying or Wishing

Isn't that an intriguing title? I saw it on some sermon notes from one of my son's church. It really made me think about the way we talk to God.

I know you are a minister's wife and your job is to pray! (at least that is what a sweet lady in my church told me one day) Yet, I wonder if sometimes we forget that we are talking to Someone who loves us very much, Someone who gave us Who He loved most just to have a relationship with us.

The following are a few points of the sermon that caught my attention.

Read Matthew 6:9-15 to see what transformed prayer looks like.

1. Pray in Relationship - Our view of God affects our relationship.
2. Pray in Alignment - Matthew 6:9-10; John 15:7
3. Pray for Provision - Matthew 6:11; James 4:2
4. Pray Contiguously - Matthew 6:12
5. Pray as a Watchman - Matthew 6:13

Yes, I am going to leave it to you to look up the scripture and ask God to show you how to have a more powerful prayer life. It will be worth your time to take time and study a little about prayer.

(Thank you Pastor Brad Brinson for your teachings)

When God is Silent

Have you ever felt like God was not listening, hearing, or answering? If you have been one of His children very long, you have had times that you felt He was silent.I heard several quotes this past Sunday that reminded me of the faithfulness of our God.

The first quote was, "When God is silent, He is still at work." In Hebrews 13:5 we are told, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Those are not just words, but a promise from the Living God. Whatever situation you are in at the moment, He is walking through it with you. You can count on it, whether you are hearing Him or not.

The next quote was, When you cannot see His Hand, trust His Heart. I realize these are not new thoughts, but they were great reminders and encouraged me. We do not always understand the plan, but we can always trust in our God. His plan is perfect. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts (PLANS) that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts (PLANS) of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

In ministry, we can feel alone and defeated. God assures us that we are not forgotten and His plan is in place. He continues in Jeremiah to tell us what to do in these silent times. Jeremiah 29:-14 "Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity."

Is God silent for you, today? Take time to seek Him, He is there always!

Called, Equipped, Encouraged

I have been preparing for an upcoming event for minister’s wives that I want to share with you. On August 26-27 there will be an event just for wives of ministers. It is in Richmond, Virginia and has been developed just for you.

There will be six minister’s wives speaking on everything you ever wanted to know about being a minister’s wife. Besides myself you will have the opportunity to hear, Becky Badry, Rachel Lovingood, Leighann McCoy, Jennifer Landrith and Sherry Lee.

I will be speaking on God’s Call, Forgiveness and Making Sunday’s Special. The other women will be addressing marriage, children, friendships, ministry, dealing with difficult people and more.

The best part will be Beth Moore who is coming to share, laugh, cry and spend time with you. She will be sharing messages she has received from the Lord for each woman whom God brings.

I hope you will be able to come to this event. It will be a time to meet other wives and share. It will be a time to be prayed over, loved and listened to.

If you are interested in this event, go to Lifeway’s website www.Lifeway.com/women and look for Called, Equipped and Encouraged.

I hope I will see you there. Come up and introduce yourself to me!