Christmas Shoes!

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Do you have a favorite Christmas gift? It may have been given to you years ago, but you still remember it with great fondness. Perhaps you cannot isolate one particular gift but instead have a "Top Ten" list of memorable gifts. I am a member of the second group - those with a list.

In spite of this, I decided to highlight just one of the gifts on my list. It is the gift shown in the above picture. Just an Alpha-Bits box? Hardly. The gift pictured above was made by my oldest son and youngest daughter. At the time they were about five and three years old respectively. Today they are 25 and 22 years of age.About 20 years ago, the two worked together to make Christmas gifts for everyone. My son thought of an idea and they made the idea a reality. The picture above is one of their creations. It was made to hold my paintbrushes. Much to the bemusement of my son, I still use the "paintbrush holder" today.

Some may wonder why I bother to keep such a thing. Others might say,"What kind of gift is that?" The very best kind! This is why I still have the gift. I keep it because it reminds me of the tender giving hearts of two of my children. They had no money but wanted to give something to me. They found a box and put it to good use. The top opening was covered and two holes were punched into the covering. The gift was wrapped and given with great excitement, including an enthusiastic explanation of how it was to be used. It was a thoughtful, humble, precious gift. I treasure it.

As followers of Jesus we all know about the gift that we celebrate at Christmas. When given, this gift did not appear very luxurious. There was no opulence, no grand announcement. A baby? A stable? What kind of gift is that? The very best kind! Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth. He did not come because we asked him to come. He came while we were still sinners. He came because He loved us. By giving Himself, Jesus made it possible for us to receive the gift of eternal life. Have you received this gift? If you have, remember how precious the gift is. Remember by remaining close to the gift through the study of His Word. Remember by seeking to live as He lived - in obedience to the Father. Most of all, treasure the gift. You will never receive a better one!

Thanksgiving Shoes

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (2 Chronicles 16:8)

This year I put on my "Thanksgiving Shoes" with greater gusto and joy than in some years. The simple reason is illustrated in the above photograph. All five of my wonderful children as well as my two bonus children (in-laws) were in our home from Wednesday through Sunday afternoon! Our house was as stuffed as the turkey I roasted on Thanksgiving Day. For a glorious five days there were more dishes in the sink, extra shoes by the door, more food to prepare, games to play, family movies to watch, lots of laughter and extra hugs. Simply put, it was heaven on earth!

As on previous Thanksgivings, our family took the time after dinner to share what we were especially thankful for as we reflected on the past year. Several themes began to emerge as we shared around the table. The first included expressions of thanks for various relationships: family, husband-wife, friends. The second featured testimonials to God's provision and faithfulness. Among these were employment,  places to live, scholarships, internships, and new church families. Together our family rejoiced and thanked God from whom ALL blessings flow.

In the NIV Bible there are 150 references using some form of the word "thank". We are instructed to thank God with our offerings, for others, using a harp, with choirs, in song, with shouts, for God's goodness, to Jesus Christ our Lord, and in all circumstances. Once we start down the road of Thanksgiving we will find that the road has no end! There is always one more thing to add to the list. Along the road, another discovery will be made as well. As we give thanks, our attitude about everything begins to change. Giving thanks recognizes God's continual work in our lives, reminding us that he is always there, always knowing, always loving, always faithful. Thank you God.

" Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness endures through all generations. (Psalm 100: 4-5)

Friendship Shoes

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)

There is a common axiom frequently expressed in gatherings of pastors and their wives : "One cannot have true friends within one's own congregation." As a young PW I refused to agree. "Our experience will be different," I thought. The years of ministry passed and I began to understand the reason for the axiom. My heart did not want to agree, but my mind had to face the facts.

And what were the facts? During our time of ministry we experienced abandonment and betrayal. Friends chose to leave the church. At an especially difficult time I confided with one I considered a friend only to learn that my confidence had been shared with another. The result of this betrayed confidence was a biting email written to my already beleaguered husband and the closing of my heart to any intimate friendship. Too much pain. Finally, my husband was wrongly treated by one who had described him to be "like a brother". Result? Twenty-five years of ministry at the same church ended. The common axiom rang true.

Thankfully, the story does not end here. A ray of light pierces through the pain. I have a friend - a sister who was born for adversity and understands the job. As my husband and I endured the tragedy of being  ripped away from a church where we had given of our hearts, our time, and our energy, there was a friend in whom I could confide. I'm not talking about our blessed friend Jesus - I'm talking about an earthly friend. This earthly friend provided a sounding board for me. She prayed with me, called me to see how I was, and encouraged me. She kept her word to not share with others what I had shared with her. More than a year later, she continues in the work of a true friend.

Dear sisters, if you are a PW please be careful before you wear friendship shoes. Be aware that you may be hurt. Observe the character of those around you and choose carefully. Once you have found a friend, wear your shoes proudly and with gratitude. Be the friend you desire her to be. Such a friend is rare. Enjoy the blessing! If you are not a PW, consider being a friend to one. Be willing to persevere and not demand. Listen and keep your tongue from gossip. Be ready to pray at a moment's notice. When adversity comes, stay on the job.

In closing I want to thank my dear sister in Christ. You know who you are, and I want you to know of my gratitude. You are a gift from God and I am greatly blessed.

Museum Shoes

"Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri,the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahismach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them master craftsman and designers....' (Exodus 35: 30-35)

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to view some of the work of the seventeenth century Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. The exhibit was entitled: "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus" and was the first exhibit of the artist since 1932. The museum had never before displayed the series of paintings depicting the face of Christ. Etchings and drawings by the artist were also on display - all with the focus upon one subject: Jesus.

I purchased my ticket and eagerly took my place at the end of a long line. The entrance and exit of visitors was carefully controlled and monitored. While in line I received a set of headphones to enable me to hear commentary about the exhibit. Finally, it was my turn to enter the exhibit area. I turned on the headphones.

As I looked and listened, tears came to my eyes. The commentator spoke of the life of Christ, quoting directly from the Bible. Passages discussing sin, Christ's miraculous healing work, and His resurrection were not ignored. They were stated as factual information.

I slowly walked through the exhibit, taking time to move within inches of the various etchings and paintings. The details and energy of the lines was beautiful. The use of light and the portrayal of Christ? Glorious! My heart was encouraged with the mastery on display.

Driving home later that day I continued to marvel at the exhibit. Lines of visitors came and stood patiently to see Rembrandt's work. Why? Rembrandt was "filled with skill and knowledge of all kinds of crafts" given to him by the greatest of all creators - God. Rembrandt used his artistic skills to the fullest and as a result God was glorified. Hundreds of years later, God continues to be honored and glorified by Rembrandt's artistic genius.

Dear sisters if you are skilled with "knowledge of all crafts", do not minimize those gifts! Use them. Develop them. Work at them. Enjoy them. They have been given to you by God. Glorify Him by using the skills given to you. May others see your work and glorify our Father - even hundreds of years from now!

Stand Firm Shoes

"Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."

Two weeks ago I did something that I had never done before. In all the years that my children attended public high school, I never hosted a breakfast for their friends on the morning of "See You at the Pole". I would not have thought about it this year unless the idea had been posed by my son's youth leader.

"See You at the Pole" is a day set aside for students and teachers to gather around their school's flagpole and pray. Students are encouraged to pray for their school, their teachers, their fellow students. The prayer time takes place before school begins. "See You at the Pole" challenges students to stand firm as they represent Jesus at their local school. There is no hiding behind a flagpole. People see you.

Wanting to encourage my son to stand firm, I found myself awake at 5:00AM, preparing a 6:00AM breakfast for my son and two of his friends. At 6:00AM, the two friends arrived, ready to eat. The table was set with cloth napkins and placemats. Breakfast sausages and eggs with cheddar cheese filled the kitchen with appetizing scents. My son prayed over the meal and the boys ate heartily.

At about 6:45 I loaded the three into our van and drove them to the middle school. At 7:00 they walked from the van to the flagpole area. I stayed in the van and watched. Several other students walked to the pole area as well. At first there was an awkwardness in the middle schoolers' body language. Then, one bowed their head, followed by others. Five minutes later some of the students sat down and bowed their heads. It was clear they were praying. They stood firm.

Tired, Old Shoes

The nasty looking shoes in the picture were my husband's before he threw them away yesterday. The shoes are illustrative of the figurative ones that I wore for awhile last week. Tired, old shoes. They are no fun to wear and yet I choose to wear them sometimes.

Such shoes reflect the reality of being involved in full-time Christian ministry. Sisters, I do not want to be negative, but I do want to be real. Ministry can be hard! When one first begins, there is excitement and enthusiasm. The possibilities seem endless. As time continues, the first conflict is encountered. One can feel blind-sided, surprised, and then hurt. After all, you are in the church to serve. How can people be so unkind and unloving?

The answer is simple: the church is made of sinners...redeemed sinners.... but sinners nonetheless. In addition, when you step into full-time ministry you enter the front lines of spiritual warfare. Your marriage is in the crosshairs of the enemy. You will have conflict and trials. This is a given. A common response to such trials is a tendency to withdraw into a "protective" shell. Who wants to be hurt again? So, care is given to avoid any potential occasion or relationship that may lead to pain.

Sometimes it may be necessary to emotionally withdrawal for a time - but not for long. This withdrawal should serve only as a time of spiritual retreat; a time to heal and remind oneself of the Truths of God's Word. Suddenly the Words become real and tangible because they apply to a real-time situation."Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."(Galatians 6:9) What a verse!

Sisters, don't give up! Hold onto the Truth. Get up, dust off your tired, old shoes, and polish them with the Confidence found in God's Word. You do not have to be strong! The Lord God on high is all the Strength you need.

"Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." (Psalm 28: 6 - 7)

Faith-Walking Shoes

"We will stand as children of the promise, We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward,'Til the race is finished and the work is done, We'll walk by faith and not by sight." (From "By Faith" by Keith & Kristyn Getty)

 Next Sunday there will be a new song sung at my local church. I learned of the song from my oldest daughter and once I heard it I forwarded the song to one of the brothers who leads praise. This coming Sunday I will help to lead the congregation in singing this wonderful song entitled "By Faith", written by Keith and Kristyn Getty. In order to fully prepare to introduce the song, I have been listening to it over and over. My son has installed it on his i-pod. Whenever he and I travel anywhere, it is required that we listen to "By Faith" before he can listen to any of his musical choices. The words have become engraved on my mind as well as in my heart - especially the words of the chorus.

In my fervid preparation, I was unaware that God was using the memorization of the song's words to provide loving support for me. The support was needed when a series of recent events went a different way than I had wanted, planned, and expected. When the final event in the unfortunate series occurred, I immediately thought, "I'll walk by faith and not by sight."

How do I walk by faith and not sight? Trust. Confidence. Assurance. I trust that He will fill me with all joy and peace so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans15:13) I am confident that He who began a good work in me will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.(Phil.1:6) I have the assurance of history. God has spoken in the past and continues to speak through his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2) My personal history demonstrates these truths to me.

God is at work!!! We cannot always see. It is not always tangible. But it is very real. Let's remember to walk with trust, confidence, and assurance. Let's walk by faith and not by sight.

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stargazer Shoes

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." (Psalm 147: 4)

Have you taken the time to look at a star filled sky lately? During our recent camping trip, I made time to be still and observe the beauty of the night sky. Late into the night I walked to the lake near our site and gazed at the declaration of God's glory. The view was absolutely breathtaking. There were no commercial or residential lights to wash away the brilliance on display. Stars upon stars filled the sky. The Milky Way stretched across the expanse, reflecting its beauty on the lake. As I stood there with my oldest son and his wife, a shooting star blazed across the sky, trailed by a stream of red and yellow light. The three of us stood still, amazed at the wonder of God's creation.

A few days later I read the above passage in the Book of Psalms. That night I went to the lake again. I reviewed the words in my mind over and over, trying to grasp the fact that God had named each of the stars that I could see as well as the millions I could not see. He knows their number, because He determined it! An overwhelming sense of the Majesty of the Lord filled my soul. The Providence of God  was on display and it brought encouragement. How can I be anxious when the God who made the stars has called me his child? Why should I worry when the One who filled the sky with beauty knows my name? I asked for the Lord of the Universe to forgive me for forgetting Who He is.

Are you struggling to make sense of where things are in your life right now? Put on some Stargazing Shoes and find a place that is removed from the lights of civilization. Take the time to listen to the declaration of the heavens: "God is glorious!"

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." (Psalm 19:1-4) 

 

 

Camping Shoes

"From there he (Abram)  went on towards the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent,with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east." (Genesis 12:8)    

 

It has been a few weeks since I have published a new post because I have been wearing camping shoes! Yes, camping. I'm talking about the hard-core-in-a-tent-on-the-ground camping. (No pop-ups!) What made the camping especially fun was that all of our children except one (she was out of the country) joined us in the camping experience. Above shows a delicious breakfast cooked by my daughter and her husband over an open fire. The pan is called a "lumberjack pan" due to its large size.  Breakfast tasted as good as it looked!

While we were sitting around the campfire, the question was posed, "Why go camping?" I began to think about an answer. I have been camping literally all my life. As a child, my brother and I would sleep in the car while my parents slept in a real double bed that was inside their old canvas army tent. As a  pastor's family in a small church setting, we had very little expendable income for a vacation. Both of my parents knew the importance of taking a vacation.....getting AWAY from home and church. Camping provided an inexpensive solution to the tension between desire for vacation and lack of income. This is the first reason for camping : it is affordable!

One of the delights of camping is the opportunity to observe other families interacting. As I walk up the hill to use the "facilities", I enjoy the sights. There are families that simply sit around the campfire and talk. Others may be seated at the picnic table for a meal. Fathers walk beside their little ones as they bike along the path. Some sit quietly and read while others play card games. Laughter fills the air along with the smell of campfires. It is an atmosphere of family togetherness. There are no rooms in which to escape from each other. No T.V. You must INTERACT. So, the second reason: it promotes family togetherness.

As my children have grown independent, another aspect of camping has become more apparent with each new adventure. I now have a bit more time to reflect and consider the beauty of where we have pitched our tent. The trees, the wildlife, the lake or stream, the flowers, the stars. All of these combine to display the hand of God, the Creator. Camping enables us to more clearly understand Romans 1 :20 :

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen , being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." 

It is very difficult to try and escape from God (why would you want to?) when camping. Instead, the opposite should happen. You move closer to him. The third reason: gaining a closer look at our Father's Creation.

Maybe you have thought of other reasons to camp. No doubt some of you have developed a long list of why camping is NOT a good thing. I will keep to the three noted above:

• Camping is affordable - even on a pastor's salary
• Camping promotes family togetherness
• Camping draws you close to the Creator

Dear sisters, consider the benefits, find a tent, and pitch it!

 

Big Picture Shoes

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance . Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

During the past two weeks, God has been pounding me with an answer to my wrestling spirit. Simply put, the answer is , "Step back!" What? "STEP BACK!" When I step back from my tiny picture of the world and expand my point of view, all the events around me begin to look very different. I am able to see a big picture.

The big picture draws my eyes away from my concerns and enables me to see the needs of others as well as God's purpose in bringing about a given trial or event. Sometimes it is impossible to see God's purpose because an event is so very harsh and painful. Still, the big picture reminds me that God is over all things, because I know "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."(Romans 8:28) The big picture considers that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."(Romans 8:18) The big picture is beautiful.

In the past two weeks I have witnessed the pain and suffering of my brothers and sisters. It is painful, and so I weep with them. I pray for them. I write notes of encouragement to them. I show them the love of Christ. I listen. I am also very careful not to flippantly quote a verse about God working it for good.   Their pain makes seeing the big picture very difficult. Instead, I pray that the Great Healer will bring about His purpose and enable my brothers and sisters to step back and open their spiritual eyes. If I  share a verse, it is carefully chosen to reflect the truth of God's love and comfort.

 How can we wear " big picture shoes "? Simple. Open up the Word, read it, apply it. Turn your eyes and thoughts away from yourself. Step back and see the beauty:

" ' No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' " (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Wrestling Shoes

" He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured." (Colossians 4:12b)

Wrestling shoes have been the chosen footwear recently. As disciples of Jesus, wrestling shoes should always be worn because we are in a spiritual battle, wrestling against the powers of this dark world. Yet, the wrestling shoes that I have been wearing are for prayer. I have been wrestling in prayer, seeking God's direction for a specific area of my life.

The shoes in the picture are my son's. He used them to wrestle while on his high school team. I watched him wrestle in amazement, struck with his discipline and determination. Each bout that he wrestled lasted for only six minutes - three two minute periods. Sometimes the bout would end early, sometime there would be an overtime period. The short periods seemed like an eternity as my son worked to hold his opponent or escape an opponent's hold. The bouts always ended - sometimes with a victory, sometimes a loss. Nevertheless, the wrestling ended for a time.

Wrestling in prayer also requires discipline. Prayer is work! In fact, the Greek word translated "wrestling" from the Colossians passage literally means "agonize". To voluntarily "agonize" requires determination. As we wrestle in prayer it may feel like an eternity....like we will never know the answer. For God it is only a 6 minute bout. There will be direction. There will be an answer. Whether the answer is the one we wanted or not, the end of the bout will leave us standing firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Freedom Shoes

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:31-32)

Freedom. Such a beautiful word, a word heavy with meaning. This weekend those in the United States celebrate the freedom and independence of their country. It is freedom that has been bought at the price of many lives. Because of the price, this freedom is precious. It is worthy of great celebration! I am grateful to live in this nation of freedom.

For a follower of Jesus Christ, the concept of freedom is regarded on a different level than just an outward freedom. A Christian's freedom includes the whole person. As a result, a believer living in an oppressive country, imprisoned for their faith can speak of their freedom. Their spirit is always free. As a follower of Jesus we are freed from the law of sin and death. We are called to be free to serve one another ( Galatians 5:13). We are free to no longer sin.

Freedom in Christ grants us the ability to become who God made us to be. We are given gifts to freely use for "faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10) This is especially true within the church. If you are a PW, this includes you too! Do not be intimidated if your gifts are not the typical "pastor's wife job description". Don't play the piano? No worries. Never worked with children? No problem. Not sure what "women's ministries" means? Relax. Be who God designed you to be, and do it with gusto.

When I married my husband, my mother (also a PW), said to me, "You are better prepared than I was..." She was referring to the issue of understanding the role of a PW. Maybe I was. However, what my first generation Christian mother demonstrated to me was the principle described above: BE YOURSELF.
In every church that my father served, I watched my mother interact with others in her very own unique way. She had no preconceived ideas about the role of a PW because she did not grow up in the church. My mother relished her freedom in Christ and used her special skills to serve the church.

Sisters, celebrate your freedom! It is precious and of high value, being paid for with the blood of the Son of God. It is worthy of celebration. Let go of conforming to the expectations of others. Seek instead to conform to the image of Christ. Serve Him with passion. Serve Him with joy. Serve Him in FREEDOM.

" So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

Daughter Shoes

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother ' - which is the first commandment with a promise - 'that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:1-3)

Every female, no matter what their age, is a daughter. So, all daughters wear daughter shoes. It is part of who we are. Some wear them joyfully, others do not. Many daughters have cruel, unloving fathers. Some have fathers who are cold and uncaring. Others have fathers who are kind and loving. I was blessed to be in this last group.

My father was easy to honor. If one word were used to describe him, it would be "LOVE". He was the embodiment of love. Love was demonstrated through how he lived his life, his interaction with others, his family, his wife, and with his Savior, Jesus Christ. His approach to life was to laugh and enjoy it. He took the Proverb that a merry heart is good medicine and ran with it! His merry heart enabled my father to laugh at himself and enabled others to laugh as well. Rare is the person who would leave my father's presence without a lighter heart.

As a child I thought my Dad was the most wonderful man in the world. When I was sick, he would lay his hand on my forehead and pray for me. When I needed a hug, he was always ready to oblige. As I matured, he was there to edit my papers, help me with Algebra, and transport me to where I needed to go. All of my father's behavior and words modeled the love of Christ to me. When I was in eighth grade, it was very natural to pray with my father to become a follower of Jesus.

My image of my father never changed throughout his entire life. His was a life without duplicity - what others saw away from home was what I saw in the home. He loved me, and I knew it. Even when he was old and frail, my father would always greet me, "My darling daughter..." His eyes would light up and he would reach from his wheelchair to give me a hug.

This precious earthly father went home to be with my Heavenly Father on September 12, 2010. He was a faithful son. It is a joy to know that I will see him again!

For some of you, the task of giving honor to your earthly father seems impossible. Whatever the reason for this, please be reminded of one thing: you have a Heavenly Father who loves you. He is not capricious. He has adopted you as his daughter and you are a co-heir with Christ! Your Heavenly Father has asked that you give honor to your earthly father. If you struggle with that, remember that as you honor your earthly father you give honor to your Heavenly Father. And He is worthy of honor.

Maybe you have not seen your father for years and do not desire to do so. Pray for him. Send him a card. No response? Keep praying. Keep sending the cards. If your father responds with unkind words, respond with words of kindness. Continue to pray. Be a daughter who works to honor her Heavenly  Father.

"'I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18) 

Running Shoes

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12: 1-3)

There are many images presented in the Bible that are both literal and figurative. The running of a race is one such image. Some of us like to "go for a run", while others have no desire to do so. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are not given a choice. We are to wear running shoes every day. And we are to run.

Each of us has been given a race marked out especially for us by the Creator of the universe. Your race is not mine; mine is not yours. While the races are all different, God has given all of us the same directives about how to run:

• We are to get rid of everything that hinders us.
• We are to avoid sin.
• We are to persevere.
• We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering all that He endured on our behalf.
• We are to not grow weary and not lose heart.

The most important in this list is to fix our eyes on Jesus. To focus upon Jesus enables us to accomplish all the other directives. Without the proper focus, we can do nothing.

As a PW, how does this specifically apply to you and me? Consider if there is anything that hinders your race. Have you been hurt by comments made to you or others within the church? Give that hurt to Jesus. Have you been tempted to sin? Confess the sin and avoid it! Are you weary and worn? Upgrade your training regimen by spending more time with your Trainer and His Book. Last, remember that your goal is not to please the church leadership or its members. Your goal is to win the prize for which God has called you. Forget the past and keep running!

"...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me....But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."               (Philippians 3: 12a-14)

 

Stormy Sea Shoes

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)

I am riding on some stormy seas right now. All the churning is a result of events that took place almost a year ago. Just when I think that the churning will stop, another wave of reminders comes my way to knock me down. The waves speak to me. "Nothing is the same anymore," they say. I consider this. For the every day activities, this statement may be true. About 80% of my life is radically different. The remaining 20% is the part that never changes - the important part. The truth expressed in Psalm 139 will NEVER change. It is a solid rock.

A few weeks ago I mentioned the hymn Jesus I am Resting. At the time, I did not know the writer of the words. A friend recently provided me with the information. The authoress is Jean Sophia Pigott. The hymn was written in 1876 and said to be a favorite hymn of J. Hudson Taylor. Because of wearing my stormy sea shoes, I am going to share the full text of the hymn with you. Perhaps the words will bring encouragement to you when you are wearing "stormy sea shoes".

 "Jesus I am resting, resting, in the joy of what thou art; I am finding out the greatness of the loving heart. Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, And Thy beauty fills my soul, For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole."

"O, how great Thy loving kindness, Vaster, broader than the sea! O, how marvelous Thy goodness, Lavished all on me! Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, Know what wealth of grace is Thine, Know Thy certainty of promise, And have made it mine."

" Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart. Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed."

"Ever lift Thy face upon me as I work and wait for Thee; Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, Earth's dark shadows flee. Brightness of my Father's glory, Sunshine of my Father's face, Keep me ever trusting, resting, Fill me with Thy grace."

Ride the churning waves of change, hurt, frustration, disappointment and weariness if you must, but remember Who made the waves.

 

 

 

 

"A Little Advice" Shoes

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,' and ' The worker deserves his wages.' " (1 Tim 5:17-18)

As the beginning of June approaches, I am reminded that this is often the time of year when pastors may leave one church setting and move to another. School is almost finished, so the time is convenient for most families to plan a move. With this in mind, here is a little advice to those churches who would like to see their current pastor leave when he shows no signs of doing so on his own. The following list of time-tested ideas should bring about the desired result:

• When hiring a new staff member who will be working closely with your senior pastor, be sure to select the individual that the senior pastor does not prefer.
• When you provide annual reviews of the senior pastor, make certain that you give him an unhealthy dose of negative feedback. 
• Whenever someone leaves your church, or some other difficulty occurs within the church, always find a way to blame it on the senior pastor.
• If you are the executive pastor and are a part of a meeting between the senior pastor and another staff member, please allow that staff member to yell at and disrespect the senior pastor without comment or correction.
• When the senior pastor has made it clear that a specific idea should not be considered, simply ignore his expressed opinion and bring it directly to the elders. Remember to assist the elders in choosing the best talking points to "sell" the idea to the congregation.
• Encourage others involved in the Sunday morning service to take additional time, thereby limiting the amount of time available for the sermon.
• Establish a sermon review committee to advise the senior pastor about his sermons. Make sure the committee includes high school students.
• When the senior pastor finally writes an 8 page letter listing a variety of concerns that he has concerning the direction of the church and his role as senior pastor, simply ignore the issues raised and do not even mention the letter at the following elders' meeting.
• If the senior pastor finally resigns, ask him to withdraw the resignation to make an appearance of trying to resolve the issues.
• Finally, even though the senior pastor does NOT resubmit his resignation, give him a call on Wednesday and let him know that the following Sunday (the one only four days away) will be his last.

This list of bullet points is not all inclusive, but it should achieve the desired result of removing your current senior pastor. Though he is a man of integrity, an expounder of Truth, and a servant-leader, you will succeed. Another set of bullet points concerning how to treat the senior pastor after he has left your church may be available at another date.

But wait, what about the verses from 1 Timothy that are shown at the top of this post? That is a very good question.

Tea Shoes

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)

It was last week that I wore my tea shoes, but the blogger was making repairs, so I could not share with you the pleasure of wearing them. I have fought through the drama of uploading a picture (current photo not my first choice...) and am now ready to begin.

About five years ago, our former place of ministry had struggled through a very difficult crisis. Close friends left the church, and I felt the need to develop deeper relationships with the wives of the others on the ministry staff. I had begun to learn about the art of serving tea, and decided to begin hosting "high teas" in my home for these women. These teas involved the preparation of a lot of food as well as decorating to make the table beautiful and inviting. Tea time was from 11:00 until 1:00 and included the enjoyment of all the food as well as a time of sharing and prayer for each other, our husbands, and the church.I sent out the invitations about 4 weeks before the day of the tea and waited to hear if anyone would come. All but one responded that they would come!The first tea was followed by many more and produced a closer bond between myself and the other wives.

Five years later, I no longer can provide "high teas" for the wives of ministry staff. If I did, that tea would include one person: me. What to do? How could I use the gift of tea in our new ministry? I had a thought: why not serve "high tea" for the women of this new body of believers? It was impossible to serve everyone at the same time, so I decided to break the women down into age groups, limiting the invitations to no more than ten at a time. In addition, I planned to hostess these teas every other month. So that no one would feel slighted, I placed a notice in our newsletter to let women know that if they were not invited the first time, they would be in the future.

Eagerly I planned the first tea menu of my new venture. The first course was fresh salad greens, the second included two different scones - currant and cheese. "Devonshire cream" was to be served with the scones as well as blackberry jam. Scones were followed by tea sandwiches: cucumber, chicken salad, and raisin bread with cream cheese. The dessert course featured a chocolate covered strawberry, raspberry tart, and chocolate truffle. Assorted teas were to be served throughout the time together. I looked forward to using my lace tablecloth and china teacups to help create the ambiance. The goal of all the preparation was to make the women coming into my home feel special. Without a spoken word I wanted to communicate, "You are my sisters and I value you."

As the women arrived and sat around the table, something beautiful began to happen. Everyone relaxed and began to converse with one another. We all had seen each other on Sunday mornings, but suddenly things were shared that would never have been shared in the Sunday church setting. A precious fellowship emerged and blossomed in my dining room.

That first tea ended with a time of prayer. Since then I have given a second tea with much the same result. Plans for the next tea are in the development stage. The women in the church are beginning to feel more connected and at ease with one another. It has been wonderful.

Dear Sisters, I share this story to encourage you to consider wearing tea shoes. You do not need to provide all the food that I have described here! How about simply serving tea and scones? Limit those you invite to how many can fit around your table. Use a cloth tablecloth and napkins. Bring out the candles and fresh flowers, even if the flowers are from a nearby field. Strive to make the women you invite feel special. "But, I don't even know what scones are!", you might say. No worry. I am including a recipe at the bottom of this post. The recipe is from a book entitled, "Simply Scones", by Leslie Weiner and Barbara Albright. You can make them!

If for some reason you have no desire to serve tea, I urge you to consider what you might like to serve in the intimacy of your dining room. Paul states it very succinctly in Romans 12:13b: "Practice hospitality".
Hospitality removes walls of protection and opens the doors to a sharing of hearts. Prayerfully seek how you can be used to open doors to new relationships.

Apricot,White Chocolate and Walnut Scones

2 cups flour  , 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (chilled), 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, 6 oz. white chocolate, cut into 1/2 inch pieces, 1 cup coarsely broken walnuts, 1 cup finely chopped dried apricots

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender or two knives used scissors fashion, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together cream, egg, and vanilla. Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and knead until combined. Knead in the white chocolate, walnuts, and apricots.                 With slightly floured hands, pat the dough into a 9 inch diameter circle in the center of an ungreased baking sheet. With a serrated knife, cut circle into 8 wedges. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.     Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool 5 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the scones to the wire rack to cool. Recut into wedges, if necessary. Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.           Makes 8 scones. 

One last reminder: 1 Peter 4:9! 

Mommy Shoes

It was 26 years ago that I first put on my "Mommy Shoes". After 21 hours of labor, I held our firstborn child, a little girl. The wonder of seeing this precious little life was overwhelming. Her tiny rosebud mouth, delicate fingers and dainty feet reminded me of Psalm 139:14 :

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 

Over the course of years, we enjoyed the blessing of four more children to our family - a boy, a girl, and then two more boys. Each birth brought great wonder and greater responsibility. As disciples of Jesus, my husband and I understood that our responsibility included more than the provision of food, clothing, and shelter. Our greatest responsibility was to make our children disciples of Jesus Christ!

As a PW, the task of raising the children tends to fall more heavily upon us than upon our pastor-husbands. It is just the way it is. A pastor's schedule is full and unpredictable at times. He will often be gone during the day, and then during the evening as well. Sundays usually involve getting yourself and the children ready without the assistance of your husband. This means that you also must get everyone in the car and to their appropriate nurseries/classes on your own too! ( I remember expressing to my husband that at times I felt like a single mom. Have you ever felt that way?)

How should the PW respond to this extra level of responsibility? One response is to complain. This is not very productive! Complaining does not help your children and it certainly does not help your husband. A second response is to recognize that this is part of your ministry within the church as well as your ministry to your husband. Romans 12:1 always succeeds in giving me the right perspective:

" Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

But what about those times when you are absolutely exhausted and need a break? Let me share a few ideas to enable you to persevere:

• Have a regular weekly "meeting" with your husband to discuss schedules, any issues with your children, and to pray about the week. My husband and I have done this at different times as our family dynamics have changed through the years. 
• Schedule a date with your husband at least once a month
• Set aside one day every week as "Family Day", or "Family Night" when the children are older. This should be the day that your husband is NOT involved in pastoral work - it is his DAY OFF. On this day the phone is NOT answered unless there is a life or death emergency. This is the day to play games, put together a puzzle, or come up with other activities that can be done with your children. Note that even when our children were in high school they were not allowed to schedule their part-time work on "Family Night".
• ENJOY your children. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we sometimes forget to simply have fun! Your children really will grow up and leave your home, and it will happen faster than you think.
• Devote yourself to the task of motherhood. It is full time work and it is a work that is often neglected. Your children will thank you.

I have stated that PW's share a heavier part of the child-bearing burden than their pastor-husbands. I want to express a word of caution : do not minimize your husband's role at home. While his physical presence at home may be less than what you would like, he still has a huge influence upon the stability of your home. This truth impacted me when my husband was seriously injured in a twenty foot fall. As he lay on a hospital bed, our children surrounded him, holding hands. Some were crying. We prayed together and the sweetness of that moment is a precious memory. I understood then that the stability and strength of our household was due to the character of my husband. I may handle more of the day-to-day events, but my pastor-husband is the head!

I have been blessed to wear "Mommy Shoes". I will be wearing them for the rest of my life. They are, without a doubt, my favorite shoes! "Mommy Shoes" have brought blessings and challenges. They have brought frustration and fulfillment. Most of all, they have provided pure JOY. If you are a Mommy who happens to be a PW, be encouraged by these words written by Dorothy Patterson in Chapter 22 of Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood :

"It is true that many 'perfect jobs' may come and go during the childrearing years, but only one will absolutely never come along again- the job of rearing your own children and allowing them the increasingly rare opportunity to grow up at home."

Resting Shoes

"Be at rest once more, o my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."(Psalm 116:7)

What are "resting shoes"? Are they available at the local department store? Can you find them on the clearance racks of a nearby shoe store? No. Resting shoes are offered freely, but rarely taken. They are available on a daily basis but usually ignored.

Instead, we plow ahead with our "I've got this" shoes and exhaust ourselves with the endless striving to accomplish what we think needs to be done. "Worry Shoes" are often a chosen alternative. Anxious lists of what may happen take the place of what has already happened.

And what has already happened? Our rest has been secured through Jesus Christ. He has secured our future rest by defeating death. Because of Jesus we rest on the hope of eternal life which God promised before the beginning of time (Titus 1:2). The rest presented to believers every day is built upon this future hope, but also upon the strength of who God is. He is the Creator of things seen and unseen. He is Loving. He is Merciful. He knows us by name. He knows the hairs on our heads!
This is why David can state in Psalm 62:1:

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Consider Psalm 91:1:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Why do we find it so difficult to rest? Perhaps rest seems inactive and we want action...NOW. Perhaps it is a little scary. Perhaps we are in so much pain that we simply can't rest.

Dear Sisters, please know that my husband and I have endured some searing pain given at the hand of those who profess faith in Christ. At the very beginning of all that happened, God placed a beautiful hymn in my mind. It is a hymn that I had not thought of for many years. It became my daily song. God was telling me to REST. I do not know the author of the following words, but I encourage you to consider putting on the"resting shoes" that God offers.

"Jesus, I am resting, resting; in the joy of what Thou art. I am finding out the blessing of Thy loving Heart." 

 

Easter Shoes

 Easter shoes. These words remind me of the yearly spring shopping trips made as a child to purchase new shoes for church. The shoes were always white until I began to experiment with colored shoes. (One year when I was in high school, I dyed my white shoes bright pink!) Along with the new shoes came a new dress and maybe even a new hat. Why all the new clothes?

The answer to this question may seem to be fairly simple: I had outgrown my old clothes. Maybe, but is that all? Perhaps there is more. Could it be that the wearing of fresh new spring clothes and bright new shoes is a statement of celebration? The new clothes announced,"This day is special!" They served as a visible reminder to me that Easter is definitely NOT a normal day. I believe that my dear parents chose to illustrate this eternal truth to me with new Easter apparel.

How does this impact the average PW? First, have you thought that maybe you can be a visible celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus? Have you considered wearing something extra special this week because it's Easter? Or is it going to be the usual? If you are a part of a very informal church, perhaps you could start a new tradition? Think about it.

Secondly, as a PW you may have had to confront a time of hurt and betrayal this year. Celebrate, JESUS IS ALIVE! You may have lost a close friend. Celebrate, JESUS IS ALIVE! There may have been unkind words about your pastor-husband. Celebrate, JESUS IS ALIVE! Your husband may have been slandered. Celebrate, JESUS IS ALIVE! And because Jesus is alive, we have become alive in Him. We have been clothed with Christ! (Galatians 3:27)

No matter the situation, this wonderful, amazing truth shakes the earth.....JESUS IS ALIVE! Everything else is overshadowed by the mighty POWER of the Resurrection.

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"(Luke 24:5)

 

 

 

 

Wifely Shoes

The shoes in this picture belong to my dear oldest daughter and terrific son-in-law. When the picture was taken they were engaged and looking forward to their wedding day. My daughter was ready to wear wifely shoes, and now she does! I have been wearing the same shoes for almost 32 years. Sometimes I fit into them quite comfortably and other times they feel tight and constrictive.

Wifely shoes are not exclusive to PW's. They are worn by women of all ages, sizes, and convictions. Some wear them happily, some dutifully, others begrudgingly. Nevertheless, God's expectations for those who wear wifely shoes is steadfast.

This week I have been meditating on a specific expectation - the one recorded in Proverbs 31:11-12. Yes, PROVERBS 31. For some reason, Christian women are afraid of Proverbs 31. "It sets unrealistic goals", some say. Let's be real - the expectations set before us as followers of Jesus are very high! Every thought captive to Christ? (2 Corinthians 10:5) Wow. But back to Proverbs 31:11-12. The verses read:

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

As I thought upon these verses, I asked myself, "Have I been bringing my husband good?" As a PW, I tried to place myself in my husband's place. Today, after over 25 years of faithful ministry in one church, he is now involved in the building up of a new body of believers. Such an undertaking has required a tremendous measure of humility. My husband is working other odd jobs to help supplement our income. This is a man with a seminary degree and years of experience. His attitude toward the odd jobs? Gratitude. His attitude toward his former place of ministry? Forgiveness.

Having tried to understand the way things are for my pastor-husband, I now ask myself, "What am I doing to make things good for my husband? Have I spoken words of encouragement? Have I enabled his work in the church to go more smoothly? Have I thanked him for his faithfulness? Have I thanked him for his hard work? Have I thanked him for anything?

Such thoughts have driven me to thank my Heavenly Father for such a man: my pastor-husband. What a privilege, what a blessing to wear my special wifely shoes - the PW brand!

 

Loving Shoes

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."(1 John 3:16)

The standard has been set and it is high. We are to love. What exactly does that mean? Is it some warm squishy feeling that we need to feel for our brothers and sisters in Christ? No, it is something much deeper. It is not a feeling. Love actively seeks to serve a sister or brother. Love does not hide beneath perceived injury or individual rights. Love does not demand that a sister or brother behave in a certain manner. In fact, true love makes no demands. 

Earlier this week I came face-to-face with the lack of love within the church - again. A small request was made of our former place of ministry. Could they help? Answer: NO. Where is the kindness? Where is the desire to help one another? Where is the understanding of the church universal? Where is the love? How can we impact the world for Christ when we cannot even demonstrate love for our sisters and brothers?

Enough finger pointing. I need to examine my own heart! Am I living a life of love? When given the opportunity to interact with those who have brought great pain into the life of my family, am I prepared to act in love? This is a test I have yet to face. Am I ready? I don't know, but I cling to the words of 

1 John 4:19 : "We love because he first loved us." It is not for me to say to my brother or sister,"You love first, then I will love you." I love because I have been loved. Love has been lavished  upon me! 

This week, make the choice to wear loving shoes.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love on another."(1John 4:11)  

Thankful Shoes

As I write about wearing thankful shoes, I am simply grateful to have a new picture to use. (The blessing of a new computer has produced the necessity to learn how to access pictures!) This young boy lives in an orphanage in Uganda. Knowing that guests would be coming to visit, he dressed in his snowsuit, placing flip-flops on his tiny feet, and a shy smile on his face. It was evident that he was thankful for his clothing. Are you thankful for yours?

The struggle to move past the pain of the past eight months has blurred my vision. I have been focusing on the loss of ministry, the loss of friends, and the loss of our church family. Somewhere in the struggle, there was a clear impression from the Holy Spirit, "Maintain a grateful heart." But, how? The answer is fairly simple: stop looking at the pain and start looking at ALL for which you can be thankful. A common concept, right? Maybe even a bit trite. But how are you doing ?

A few nights ago, my husband and I were lying in bed, listing all the many blessings that God had given to us. It was a long list. As we made the list, my attitude began to change. First, there was a keen sense of shame for the lack of thankfulness. Second came an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a desire to thank the Giver. "Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!"

As we finished our list that night, we arrived at the ultimate point of thanksgiving. We remembered again the bloody cross and the gift of salvation through the work of Jesus Christ alone. God sent his own son to die so that we can live in the hope of eternal life. I have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Such beautiful clothing. Such a gift. Such a Savior.

Dear PW sisters, I encourage you to begin the new day with an attitude of thanksgiving. Before you even jump out of bed, thank God that you are alive. When you set your feet on the floor, thank Him that you can walk. As you brush your teeth, thank your Heavenly Father that you have teeth to brush! Stop focusing on what is bad, and focus on what is good. Be especially thankful for your clothes.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why are you so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you..." (Psalm 42: 5-6a) 

Work Shoes

As a result of the dramatic changes that have taken place in the life of my husband and I , it has been necessary to wear some work shoes that I really do not want to wear. What do I mean by that? The simple answer is that we have bills to pay, our income was sharply reduced, and we need money!  Whether or not I want to do the work,  feel called to the work, or enjoy the work is not the issue. Am I happy about the situation? Not really.

There is a problem here, and it's my problem. I need to take a second look at "work". The fact is, I have been called to wear  these work shoes, and in putting them on I am serving Christ. God recently reminded me of a verse I frequently quote to my children. It is Ephesians 3:23-24:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Notice that these verses do not say, "When you do work that you want to do..." Nor do they say, "When you do work that you enjoy.."  The term used is "whatever". This means everything - no exceptions!

 I have been given these  work shoes to wear right now. To know that I am serving my Lord as I work should make a difference in my attitude. I should want to wear them - to serve the One who gave His life for me. I should enjoy wearing them - to know that I can honor Him.

Father God, forgive my small view of your calling. Forgive me when I do not work as heartily as I should!

Work Shoes, here I come!

Rain Shoes

I'm wearing my rain shoes again. I've worn them a lot these past seven or eight months. At first I was wearing them every day. Now, I put them on at unexpected times. It could happen when I am in the grocery store, or working as a retail sales associate. Sometimes I'm at a local eatery or craft shop. Wherever it is, the change of shoes takes place in the same manner. First, I see someone from our previous place of ministry. Next, there is an awkward moment as we exchange a glance, acknowledging the other's presence. Then there is usually the same question posed: "How's _________?(my husband) I answer that he is doing fine - what else am I to say? Finally, as the individual departs, I begin to change into my rain shoes. It can happen immediately or gradually, but it happens. It rains....from my eyes.

Last night my almost twelve year old son had to put on his rain shoes too. He misses his friends, friends he has had since he was born. My son shared that, because of all that had happened, his relationship with those friends has been forever altered. He will never be as close to them as he would have been. I sadly agreed with him, feeling helpless and frustrated.

As I continued to converse with my son, I shared with him some verses in the Psalms that have filled me with encouragement and hope.The verses are found in Psalm 126: 5-6 :

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him."

When I shared these verses with my son, his reponse was, "Well, we are going to have a lot of songs!" He is right! I am excited to sing those songs with him. The rain shoes will come off and the dance shoes will take their place.

Dear Sisters, fellow PW's, be encouraged. You will not always be wearing your rain shoes! God will enable us to persevere as we sow. He will strengthen us. We can sow our tears with the confidence that we will also reap songs of joy. Live in that truth this week!

Baby Shoes

Greetings to my fellow PW's. This is my first entry into the world of blogging. Clearly, I am not fully sure of what I am supposed to do. But I have this clear compulsion- to do something to encourage my sisters who share that very heavy title of "Pastor's Wife". I have had the title for about 27 years and would like to be able to share with you out of the experience of those years. I wonder, are any of you hurting? Are you frustrated with the expectations of your position? Are you seeking to understand how you walk in the role of a pastor's wife? Are you weary of even thinking about it? I ask these questions in part because they comprise some of the questions I have asked.

My goal? To bring refreshment to you, to walk with you, to enourage you. My shoes for the week are baby shoes because this is a baby blog. Today I am putting on my baby shoes to take some tiny steps along the path to fulfilling the God-given desire to speak life into the lives of my sisters. Will you join me on that path?