Returning to the Call

It's been 7 months almost to the date. 

Bruce resigned a church that we loved with all our hearts. And I thought I couldn't breath. 

I was 16, a scrawny teenage girl, attending youth camp in Tennessee, when I gave my life to Jesus to do whatever He wanted. I already knew....I wanted to be a pastor's wife. I wanted to wear the pretty clothes my childhood pastor's wife wore, I wanted to sing like her, I wanted to walk proudly beside my husband and I wanted to pray for people at the altar. That's what I thought her life was all about.

Fast forward less than 10 years down the road and I was traveling with Bruce to begin living the dream....our first church pastorate...13 people and a tiny white building with a little yellow parsonage in the back. I was in heaven. Since then, 20 plus years have passed. 2 other churches and the 16 year old girl with dreams of ministry is nearing 46 and in the last 7 months has dealt with the realities of ministry. Ministry is hard...but God is faithful to walk every single step with me. 

Tomorrow we move to a new town. New church. New faces. New ministry. I feel like a junior high student....nervous, excited and a little clumsy. But God has this. He has carried me through the darkest time of my life and brought me out to walk in truth. And the truth is, God has called us. God wasn't through with us. God, in His sovereignty, has worked what I thought was tragedy into something beautiful. God has protected my family. My children's faith has grown and we have been humbled by the things the Lord has allowed us to experience. He has been better than good to us. 

I could dwell on the bad...cause there's been some.

I could meditate on the disappointments...cause there's been some.

I could count my losses...but honestly I can't count that high. 

It has been painful.

But in every surrendered situation...God can bring beauty from ashes. And He has done that...the masterpiece maker has been busy. 

Thanks be to God for calling a scrawny 16 year old girl. 

PS...ministry is way more than pretty clothes and walking with your pastor husband and praying with people at the altar. Mrs. Jackson made it look so easy....yet, I am sure she struggled with everything I have. What grace she walked in! 

Day #17 Beautiful Promises

No earthly promise is as beautiful  to me as the vows I exchanged with Bruce 20 years ago. The day, the moment...etched in my mind and my heart forever. 

The next most important and beautiful promise I made in my life was when my kids were dedicated back to the Lord. I promised to do my part in training them up to love the Lord...heart, mind and soul.

Recently I was at a meeting with Bruce and the speaker spoke on "ministry vows". These promises that we made or maybe needed to make in ministry. I'm reposting them here so maybe if you're in the ministry, serve as a teacher or helper in a class at your church...or are a minister in any way...you might glean something from them. I know they have helped me to renew my own vows to serve God faithfully with my life. 

1. I promise to depend on God alone to provide for all my needs.

2. I promise to remind myself daily that I cannot accomplish my calling without the Holy Spirit.

3. I promise not to seek significance or approval in what others think about me.

4. I promise never to convince myself that I am indispensable.

5. I promise not to isolate myself in sin, sorrow or success.

6. I promise to be a man/woman of God...not a whiny, little baby.

7. I promise to be myself, not some version of someone I wish I was.

8. I promise to never stop saying "Yes" to new ministry opportunities.

9. I promise to walk with the Lord...not run.

10. I promise to prioritize renewal in my weekly and yearly schedules.

(From Pastor Max Kennedy)

An Open Letter to Ministry Personnel

Dear Ministry Personnel,

We've been in ministry for twenty years. First in Springfield, Mo, where we worked quietly in our church while finishing college and then full time in several churches. Fourteen of those years as the Senior Pastor (and wife). If I could describe our ministry experience over the last twenty years in one word, I would say, "blessed", not because it's been flawless, but because we have had godly men and women investing and breathing truth and light into our lives. I truly believe this, along with God's protective hand, has sheltered us from a world of hurt so common to those in ministry. It's been God's grace all the way.

So, when my husband signed us up to go to Don and Sheryl Rooks's Ministry Conference that specializes in dealing with the stress involved in ministry, I balked. I even told him I didn't need that "touchy feely stuff". Besides I knew that my kids would be at camp the week before the conference and I didn't want to be apart from them that long. Two weeks is a long time in this momma's mind. I also came up with about 200 excuses and actually had hoped that a snake would bite me while I was at my mom's house in Georgia two weeks ago, thinking for sure, that could get me out of this. Yes, I'm so mature.

Well, the snake didn't bite and my sister in law suggested a mini-vacation for the kids and so my excuses and solutions had run dry. So, on Monday afternoon we checked ourselves into the hotel and settled in for a week long waste of time....so said me. I didn't need this.

Sometimes we don't know what we need until we are faced with a few quiet minutes and a crazy person like Don Rooks (and a few of his wise friends) to help us figure things out. Before Monday evening concluded I knew God had something for us at the conference. No, we didn't come in with any major issues, our marriage is good, our kids still love us, we had four great parents, we have dealt with our legalistic upbringings at times in the past, we love our church, we don't have a history of abuse but there was something here for us....So how could this conference help us??? Thanks for asking.

First of all, as stated numerous times by the facilitators of the conference, they would much rather deal in prevention than recovery. The tools on forgiveness and church dynamics that we learned this week will be tools we will implement in our ministry and counseling and our own family. We were reminded constantly that God loves us regardless of our past, present or future choices. No matter what. Who doesn't need to be reminded of that? We gained insight to dealing with our kids, who no matter how much I try to shield them from the hurts of the ministry, they will eventually feel the shrapnel from the explosives that come our way. Not to mention the enormous skill set that was present during each sessions. We learned about paradigms, abuse recovery, church family, hurt, parenting and so much more.

I can think of only one word to describe my attitude and resistance before the conference...PRIDE. And I humbly dare say, it might be what's keeping you from attending one of the conferences. We treated it like a wellness check at the doctor. We let them poke and prod and most of the time it didn't hurt us too bad...but every once in a while something would be said and I'd say "Ouch!" and I'd know that was an area I needed to check out with God. We are all flawed. We all struggle. We all have stuff.

Yes, it's a long week. Yes, it's going to stretch you. Yes, you might realize that you have some stuff to deal with. Yes, you will be stronger when you leave. Yes, you will be more healthy to serve your family and church. Yes, it will be worth every second of the time you spend there. Yes, you will leave encouraged and better equipped to deal with forgiveness, abuse, addictions and other relevant issues in the church.

Now, I'm thankful in the biggest way that I got to attend. I feel more credible and more confident in my calling as a pastor's wife and I love the encouragement Bruce received from godly counsel. In fact, it NOW seems foolish that I'd want a snake bite instead of this (...duh.)

The conference is totally supported by people who love this ministry. I can think of very few ministries that benefit the body of Christ like this one does. So, we need to be throwing our resources its way. Hotel rooms, conference rooms, food, travel, printed materials...these things cost money. Can you support them (message me for more information on that if you're interested)? And might I boldly say, that our fellowship of churches is only fooling themselves if they don't think they need a ministry like this as part of our affiliation. I think anyone who has attended the conference would agree. Our churches are eaten up with dysfunction, abuse, addictions and unforgiveness. This is a tool to fix those debilitating diseases.

Lastly, I'd like to thank the facilitators who selflessly give their time to pour into the lives of others in ministry. These godly men and women were a safe landing place for those who needed to pour their heart and soul out to someone. I have a deep respect for the amazing work they do.

Thank you!
Gina Stinson

On Being the Pastor's Wife

I rarely talk about the stress of being a pastor's wife. My main reason? Because I am truly so incredibly, almost indescribably thankful that God has called Bruce and I to serve Him this way. Hopefully, I would be just as thrilled and thankful if He had called me to do something else....because I don't really believe one job is more important than any other if you're totally willing to do what God wants you to at that job.

However, I do believe there are stresses involved in ministry that (humbly speaking) only other people in the same shoes as you can fully understand. I would also say, this is true for whatever job you have. For instance, the stay at home mom has stresses that no one understand except others who also stay at home full time. The garbage man has to meet deadlines and deal with issues we don't even know about. We often find ourselves wishing for different roles, but let's be honest, every role involves it's own stress, deadlines, time restrictions....

I was looking at a few blogs the other days trying to find the right Bible study for the ladies at my church this winter. In my searching I came across this article about a pastor's wife who had committed suicide just days ago.  It broke my heart. On the outside, everything looked fine, people believed she could change the world, she was successful, a mom, a grandmother, business owner, creative pastor's wife. And as I sat there reading, I thought of the many women I know that are juggling the weight of the world or their family or their church or their business on their shoulders....and realize how quickly it can all change.

I don't know what prompted this pastor's wife to commit suicide. I don't have to know. What I do know is that sometimes, in ministry and other places, people can be mean, the enemy can feed us lies, we can believe them, the burden of keeping up a spiritual appearance can be more than we can handle, we can get depressed, discouraged and completely consumed with negative, destructive thoughts. And those thoughts lead to actions...and sometimes even death.

Thankfully Jesus Christ is the answer to all those overwhelming thoughts that can consume us quickly. His Word provides every single answer that we need to overcome this world. Yes, counselors help (my mom is a great one) but she will tell you in a heartbeat, the root of all these negative actions is our own sin or the consequences of someone else's sin. The enemy wants us to get bogged down and discouraged and depressed and overcome. And in ministry...where you give of yourself, your time, your talents and your husband and yes, even of your children, it can become too much.

My heart aches for the many people I know that have been hurt in ministry. Imperfect people, who at some point in their lives felt God asking them to surrender all and go, preach, baptize and make disciples for Me, feed My sheep, take up your cross and follow Me. It's sad to watch them walk away from that call, that commission, that zeal they once had.

But what can we do? I have no real answers...on suggestions...but maybe if we become a more loving, caring body of Christ, that extends God's grace to those in leadership and those in the pew. Not ignoring or turning the other way when we need to address sin, but lovingly facing each other in agape love, shoulder to shoulder, iron sharpening iron, building up and strengthening each other, not esteeming ourselves higher than the other. Growing, learning and loving. Maybe if we have a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives to say an encouraging word, extend our arms to hug each other, offer a shoulder to cry on or lean on. Maybe we would see more people totally willing and excited about giving their all to Christ's service.

And for those in ministry, my heart screams out sometimes to CHEER UP! God could have called anyone to do your job but He called you! Be excited about what God is doing around you. Be in love with the Savior. Let people know He's the greatest thing that has ever happened to you. Be glad that your job happens to be helping care for the sheep....the beloved sheep...the bride of Christ....the church. What a responsibility to take hold of! Look at life through eternity's eyes. Don't be easily offended or you'll never make it! Give people room to mess up...after all isn't that what we all want...a little grace? Be REAL.....and smart. Let people know you're human but be smart enough to realize some will use this against you. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength. He's strong...He can carry you...your burdens, your failures, your children and spouse, your thoughts.....all of it. He's got it.

As for this family who has suffered such loss. I'm praying that someone close to them is being the body of Christ during this gut wrenching time. No matter the circumstances, she was a mom and a wife and a grandmother who leaves behind people with questions and heartache. May God's peace envelope them.

Welcomed

Last night our church welcomed us as the new pastor's family....and of course that means there was food...lots of good food. After church we gathered in the Family Life Center for finger foods...and well...here you go:

Pam Carter of The Catering Company and The Lodge in Commerce is also a member of our church and a friend...she made all the sweets at the celebration. In her words....she's never sliced and served a cake so fast....it was delicious! Each layer was a different flavor.....red velvet, carrot, white and marble...with butter cream icing. Yummmmmmmyyyy! My kids loved that they each had their own custom layer!

It was such special time of fellowship and getting to know our church family a little bit better. They've been so good to us over the last three years...and yet again last night. 

Thanks CBC for making us feel welcomed again!

Under Attack!

Ever feel under attack? Bruce and I made a decision years ago that Sunday mornings would not be the enemy's victory ground. You see, even before we had kids Sunday mornings always seemed to be the time that we would argue over small, unimportant, petty....even stupid things. It would be the time where the blow dryer would stop working or the iron would give out or the hem would be out in a pair of suit pants or the power would go out. It just seemed we couldn't make it to church without something terrible or irritating happening.

So, 16 years ago when Bruce started pastoring we decided to figure out a way that this Sunday morning havoc wasn't ruining our attitudes and actions before the day really got started. We started laying out and ironing all our clothes on Saturday nights. We started limiting what we did and how late we stayed out on Saturday evenings. We went to bed at a decent hour. Bruce started leaving earlier on Sunday mornings and I would have the house to myself and the kids so that his mind was at ease and in tune without having to worry about finding kids shoes or a blow dryer malfunctioning.

Sound silly? Well, maybe it is, but it's what it takes for us to arrive at church on Sunday mornings without the traditional fight on the way, or angry looks, or mismatched socks. It just took some intentional planning on our part. It works for us.

Sometimes when fighting the enemy we have to remember that the enemy isn't the spouse or the kids or the blow dryer or iron or _______. It's the prince of darkness...the one who is after your peace and your mind and your hope and your marriage and your contentment and your hope and your Sunday mornings. He wants it....bad. He knows if he can rob Bruce and me of a peaceful Sunday morning, he can distract Bruce from presenting a clear presentation of Christ....he can get him flustered and most of all hinder his worship of the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. The enemy is after you....he hates you.

Take the extra measure of attention to put up the barriers, to fight the good fight, to protect your family. It's worth the odd looks, the inconvenience and the early Saturday nights. Someone asked me once, "so how long are you going to do your Saturday night routine?" I don't know. What I do know is that it's way more important for my family to arrive at the church building in harmony with each other and ready to worship than it is to arrive with a plastered smile, a fake hallelujah and a look that could kill. So if it means we're home every Saturday night until eternity, it's OK with me.

Guard yourself...protect your family, filter your computer, monitor your kids TV (and your own), read your kids text messages if you need to....because your enemy is seeking whom he may devour.

Outreach Ideas for Vacation Bible School

This year for Vacation Bible School our church did a little something different. Since I'm always on the lookout for new ministry ideas, I figure there might be someone out there that could benefit from hearing what we did.

Instead of crafts this year our kids did outreach activities. Grades 1-6 participated in four activities that will benefit someone else. Our VBS theme was "What's in it for me?"...and obviously we were trying to get them to think of others instead of themselves.

Here's what we did:

Monday: The kids wrapped and boxed 2500 water bottles. We printed labels with the church information...times, programs, contact information... And plan to pass them out at a local July 4th event in our community. We finished nearly 1800 on Monday and completed the rest on Thursday. We boxed them up and took them to a man in our church who has a refrigerated truck and he's cooling them down for us before the event.

Tuesday: We painted a clay flowerpot and planted flowers in each one. The kids were challenged to give there potted plant to a neighbor, elderly person or someone who might be lonely. We heard at least a dozen reports at how people were touched by this act of kindness. Our local Lowe's ordered the pots in bulk for us, so if you need an abundance you might check to see your local stores supply ahead of time.

Wednesday: A few weeks before VBS we started collecting sample/hotel size shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, lotions, conditioners and wash clothes. A local dentist donated several hundred toothbrushes. And we used ziplock bags to assemble 1400 hygiene bags. We donated these to the local pregnancy center, our church food pantry and our local hospital.

Thursday: We closed the week out by purchasing enough fleece to make 30 fleece tie blankets. We bought various colors and patterns to appeal to boys, girls and adults. We donated these to Home Health Care who will distribute them this fall as the weather gets cooler.

The great thing about these outreach activities is that the kids understood the correlation with the lesson time and the activities and had a greater understanding of focusing on others rather than themselves. It was a great week!

The People in My Neighborhood

They are unemployed, elderly, sick, mentally debilitated, raising grandkids, single parents, widowed, living on social security, poor, handicapped and some irresponsible, lazy and deadbeats. They stand for an hour in pouring rain, freezing temperatures and extreme heat--- for one thing....food for their families. I'm not naive enough to believe that every single one of them is legitimately needy, but for the most part, to the best of our screening abilities, they need the food from the food pantry our church operates.

Every month, on the third Saturday morning,  they line up outside a little brick house. One hour before the pantry opens you can find 15-25 people waiting before the pantry even opens. More come later. The first time I found out that they were waiting in the 90 degree heat an hour early my response got caught in my throat. Then today when I drove up and saw them standing in the rain...some with an umbrella and some without, it was almost too much. I know rain won't kill you, but we're talking about a group of people that I have grown to love and watching them, knowing what some of them are going through -- knowing that they had been waiting for food, ...something I take so for granted, was a sight to behold.

What gets me every time is the type of people...mostly elderly that our pantry helps. It's a lazy generation of children that will leave their parents to raise their children. But that's what they've done. They are raising 2, 3 sometimes more grandchildren while trying to juggle their finances and their retirements and their SSI checks and the month is longer than their money. The face of poverty in America has changed. It's no longer just the unemployed who needs a helping hand. It's no longer just the single mom who can't make rent. It's alarming...but it's the very people who should be honored in their old age...these veterans, these grandparents, this generation of hard working people who stand in the cold, in the rain, in the heat...to get food.

This day a group of 8 black women circled the tiny holding room waiting for their chance to get their food. They had already waiting in the rain. They were talking. The conversation was light until one of the women, 50ish, began to talk about her husband. Debilitated from some kind of accident, hardly knowing her anymore, sharing her soul, her heartache, her loneliness with this group of women. I listened. Wondering what advice to give. What help to offer. But, before I could say anything, one in the company of black women, said quietly, "take it to Jesus darlin" another quietly said "Amen". As you can picture these women each quietly sharing some nugget of advice, I sat there quietly, letting their message, their wisdom of years of dealing with heartache and their compassion oozing over this woman as hands reached out, hugs given, kleenex offered. And then a prayer...short and beautiful...with a soft "yes, Lord" and a louder "help her, Father". It was the presence of God in the brick house.  It was what the company of black women gave me this day.

So, these are the people in my neighborhood. They are my sisters...my company of black women. Ones that I would hold my head up high to spend time with in public or at the food pantry once a month. They are amazing. They are the face of hunger in America...maybe not everywhere...but here...in my neighborhood. I'm blessed and better for knowing them.

Little Known Facts...

Last night at our mom's meeting at church we played a little game....List 3 little known facts about you that you think no one knows...

Here's what I listed:

1. Played high school basketball.
2. I have never worn a baseball cap (you should have heard the gasps!)
3. I broke my arm 2 times playing volleyball

Eventually someone guessed my name and the game went on to the next person. It was a fun "get to know you" game and I actually learned some pretty interesting things about some of the ladies that were in attendance.

I'm thankful God knows about every detail....from my broken bones to my next meal to the things that are too painful to even say out loud. As much as I love blogging and try to be transparent, there are a host of things that never get talked about here. Some things were just meant for my conversations with the Lord. I'm glad he doesn't have to guess which one of His children are bringing their requests to Him. He's completely aware of our needs before we approach Him...and He knows our thoughts without us uttering them.

Is there something too personal to share with a friend, something you think is a little known fact about your life....something your concerned about, ashamed of, maybe you're feeling alone or unloved? Take your burdens to Jesus....He already knows about them anyway...with Him, there are no little known facts.

Two weeks ago

Two weeks ago I met a man.

I had been taking a friend of Savannah's back home after a fun sleepover. It was Saturday. 2pm. I dropped her off and with Savannah in the backseat, we made the short trip home. My guys were hanging at the church doing a few last minute preperatory things for the Sunday service and I had secret hopes of catching a quick nap when I returned home.

But....

As I rounded the corner on my way home, I saw an older man standing on his back porch holding a sign that read "I NEED FOOD". Immediately my emotions were stirred. I looked around my car to see if I had a cereal bar or a juice box or something I could toss out the window to him, but even as I asked Savannah if there was anything in the back seat I knew God was asking me to do more. It was like I heard him say "He's your neighbor". I was crying by this time. Savannah had seen the man and the sign and I knew she was waiting to see what I was going to do. Since I couldn't dig up anything in my car, I knew I had to do something.

For a moment I thought about heading to the church and getting food from the food pantry. I knew there would be some nonperishables and some eggs and butter...and hey, that would be enough right? But that question still lingered..."Isn't he YOUR neigbor? Don't turn him away." So, as I made my final turn into the driveway of my home, I told Savannah to stay put and I would be back in a minute. I unlocked the house, went to the pantry and began filling bags with rice, pasta, canned vegetables, a brownie mix, I looked in the fridge and grabbed a dozen eggs and then opened the freezer and (here's where it gets good) I grabbed 4 ribeye steaks, 5 pounds of ground beef and a couple of frozen dinner type meals. I was able to do that because someone blessed us with giving us a 150 pounds of fresh meat this past winter.....so we were able to share our abundance with someone who had nothing. I love how God allows us to pay forward the goodness we experience. Under ordinary circumstances I never would have had that kind of quality meat at my disposal! Hot dogs...yes.....but not steaks!

So, we loaded the car, drove the route back to the porch where the man stood with the sign. I got out, handed him the bags and I looked up uncomfortably into the eyes of a 60ish year old man who was crying. I wondered what had happened to him, what had caused this man to end up hungry with no means to take care of himself? Where was his family? His children? What about a job, his health, his rent payment?

And I was reminded...it's our job, the family of God's job, to help the poor...the hungry....the outcast. God's admonished us to be compassionate and willing to share our wealth or ribeyes or vegetables with our neighbors. And I was reminded...that my neighbors have needs...some physical, some spiritual and I have a responsibility...to share what I have, to love them and to introduce them to Jesus.

As I drove off, Savannah heard me sniffling and saw a few stray tears. In Savannah fashion, she was concerned that my tears were "sad tears" instead of my usual "happy tears". She said she was glad we helped the man and I think as she was talking I heard a little sniffle from the back seat too. What a lesson she learned that day!

BTW, before anyone scolds me for doing all this without my husband or a body guard....or with Savannah in the backseat....the hubs gave me a stern scolding and instructions to never go alone again... and because I really already knew this I didn't argue. He's a good guy though...he said he would go with me next time. See, I'm blessed to have someone like him that realizes he probably won't be able to stop me ....so he joins me! Gotta love him!

And...please don't think I'm bragging and saying "Look what I did". My point in journaling this is to help me pay closer attention to all the opportunities we have to make a difference, share Christ, feed the poor...whatever. It's all around us... unless you're called to a foreign land....your ministry is your neighborhood. Right here...where God's placed you. I hope you'll be encouraged just as I was, to open my eyes a little more to the needs that are clearly right down the street from where I live.

Getting out of the Way

The last few weeks have been rough. Emotionally I've been heartbroken about a couple of issues, physically I messed up my diet, Spiritually I was needing to hear from the Lord and mentally....well...I'm off most of the time anyway...so what's the difference??? :)

A week ago Bruce took the kids away for several hours so that I could have some time to sit before the Lord. I was trying to prepare for a speaking engagement, a new Sunday School class and just needed some personal quiet time with the Savior. So I sat down, Bible in lap, diet coke on the nearby table, notepad on the arm of the chair and feet propped up. And that's about as far as it went for the first thirty minutes. I sat there...mind racing...trying to get quiet before God. Seriously. It took for.ev.er. But finally...my mind slowed, my heart opened and within just moments God had completely given me exactly what I needed to be able to prepare for the speaking engagement. If was A-MA-ZING!...and all HIM.

So, today was the day I headed over to Gilmer, a little town just an hour away, to share about the goodness of the Lord with their ladies at their Spring Tea. Bruce was out of town so the grandparents came and watched the kids. I was sure to leave in plenty of time to get there, knowing I needed to stop at the gas station (sorry to the guy I flashed as I pumped my gas...darn dress and the wind made for a disastrous display) and Sonic for a diet coke (yes, there is a pattern here). I was pretty pumped...I felt prepared...peaceful...even had a decent hair day (and yes, if you had hair like mine you would count that as a victory). A friend texted and I had told her that if the Lord would just take care of the giant zit that had appeared on the side of my face yesterday (TMI?) then all would be well with the world. It was a good day. However...with each mile that ticked away on the odometer, I felt my nerves creeping up. Darn them!!! I so wanted the day to go well....God had given me something really special to share with these ladies and I didn't want to get in the way of the delivery.

So....in an attempt to get my mind on the Lord, I started searching for a Christian radio station to listen to.   The first attempt was complete failure. I didn't know east Texans had such a love for Hispanic and Rap stations...but if you're in the market for that...there are 8-10 of them between Sulphur Springs and Gilmer. Start packing now. I gave up, turned the radio off and decided to enjoy the ride. It wasn't five minutes later that I passed a house with large 6 ft letters in the yard that spelled out:

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS

Hmm....was He trying to tell me something? 

I continued driving and eventually tried the radio again. Scan....scan...scan...nothing ....until....Yes, 89.5...KVNE. Finally something worth listening to! And wouldn't you know the song playing on the radio....Heart of Worship....It's all about you....It's all about you Jesus. 

Be still my soul. For real. Coincidence? I think not. I continued driving but the presence of God in that car was so great as I talk out loud about giving this day over to Him. He was there...taking away my nerves, my insecurities and my desires for the day. Out loud I said "Ok...Lord I get the message....this day is about You!" Wow...that takes the pressure off me! 

And in another post I will tell you all about the wonderful ladies of Grace Baptist in Gilmer, Texas and their wonderful pastor's wife, Marie. But for now....rest in the fact that when we don't know how to juggle the nerves, the responsibility, the commitments ....we don't have to....He can take all of it and create so much more beauty than we ever imagined. It's all about Him anyway....right?

Paths Crossed

Do you ever wonder why God allows your path to cross someone else's...even if just for a brief moment in time? I do. In fact just yesterday, for the second time since we moved to our new town, I was faced with this very question.

About 3:30pm a woman appeared at our door in tears. We didn't know her.She was 60ish...and obviously upset about something. Bruce was home and called me to the door as he was inviting her in (I can see my mom reading this...and having heart failure...sorry, mom....Bruce didn't learn the rule about not allowing strangers in the house) So I offered her some water and peanut butter crackers. She gave us her story (which I probably shouldn't divulge here, so I won't....but I will tell you it was true and heart wrenching) and within minutes we had summed up that fact that the woman was mentally disturbed. Not violent, just confused. We didn't know what to do, so after a few calls to be sure we were doing the right thing, we called the police. I am pretty sure all my neighbors were wondering why 3 police cars were at my house!

They treated her kindly and she went willing with them, I am pretty sure they took her home.

If you remember before Christmas I shared the story about the man digging through our trash, so this story is filed in the same folder. Why God? What was the purpose of our paths crossing? Did we do the right thing?

What I learned from this is that everyone has a story. As I sat and cautiously listened to this ladies story I realized that some terrible and traumatic events can totally change a woman's life. Other's actions impact and influence the mental and emotional state of others. So, if for no other reasons I hope it will make me more tender to the way I treat and speak to others. I also sensed the deep and never-ending love of a mother-that death cannot quench. I hope I never have to experience what this woman has in her life.

10 things you can do to help a hurting friend

Lately, I've watched several friends go through some pretty "bad" circumstances. We all have times that we feel like we can't handle one more thing...and the truth is, that's exactly where God wants us all the time. TOTALLY dependent on HIM. I want to help. I want to do something that will ease their pain. I want to help shoulder the burden with them.

Here are a few things that might help a friend going through a rough spot:

1. Listen (no brainer here)
2. Distract them - take them shopping, go for a walk, have a game night
3. Take care of their kids
4. Help clean their house
5. Take a meal to them
6. Buy a gift certificate for a mani-pedi
7. Pray with them and for them
8. Don't forget about them after a few days
9. Offer to run errands for them
10. Provide godly counsel...or find someone who can.

How has someone ministered to you through a rough time? What did they do?

Meeting with a Mentor and the Power of Words

Today Bruce and I had dinner with his almost life-long mentor. It's amazing to see a man in his 60's who has lived the majority of his life in ministry, still loving it. Oh- He doesn't leave you thinking there haven't been ups and downs. On the contrary, he is brutally honest about hurt, failures, hope and dreams. I watched as the two men interacted. I saw one older man breathing life, encouragement and wisdom into a younger, slightly discouraged, seeking man and I saw something- the power of words.

It's something that I have been dealing with recently anyway. In just a short hour I watched this older man speak to Bruce in a way that helped him sort his feelings out and encourage him. I watched Bruce's eyes well up once as this mentor/friend said kind and affirming things. I saw Bruce's shoulders go from slouched to straightened. I watched him leave a more confident man.

The power of our words, whether spoken to someone or about someone is unmistakably the strongest controlable force we obtain. I have heard and participated in careless words that did nothing to edify and build up the body of Christ. Shame on me! I have watched as someone's face went from glad to sad in just seconds because of the power of words. From sarcasm, gossip, empty promises and slander, to truth, compliments, kindness and thankfulness- our words have the power to build or tear down.

I guess as I watched Bruce's demeanor change today, I was reminded of how little it takes to build up another person. Mostly it takes listening to the person and hearing what they really want you to hear. Bruce's mentor did that today.

Here's Your Sign

Click below to see the cool signs Red's Writing has made for the Mission Garden.

http://redswriting.blogspot.com/2009/03/heres-your-sign.html

Losing Logan

Great grief struck our home today. Logan Matak, the sweetest natured young man I have ever met in my life, died in a horrible accident. I can't even describe the details because it hurts to much to think of it. I'm blogging because I have hope that one of his friends might stumble upon this and be encouraged. I'm blogging because for me, writing releases all the stifled emotions I have been holding in all day. Lastly, I'm writing to remember sweet, fun, silly, serious and reflective times that my family had with him.

Logan came into our lives before we had kids of our own. He came with a posse. Elizabeth, Philip, Lacey and Scott spent numerous hours at our home after ballgames, on Saturdays, between school years and any other time they wanted. I can't think of any time we turned them away. We played video games, watched Shrek, played cards, ate a ton of chili and talked. The conversation was sometimes rowdy, sometimes serious, sometimes funny.

Over the years, one thing has stuck out in my head about Logan. He loved deeply. You never had to wonder where you stood with him. He hugged freely, said "I Love You" regularly and treated people with respect. He was a hard worker and a dedicated friend.

I have shed a multitude of tears over the loss of Logan today...and I am sure many more will come. His short 24 years was gone too soon in my book. For me, my heart hurts, my stomach is in knots, I'm sad....for his family, his friends, for us. BUT, the glorious news of salvation reached Logan. His faithful friend for life, Philip, led him to the Lord and we know he's with Jesus. So, while earth cries out- heaven welcomes Logan. He's in Jesus' arms now. He's walking with the Savior. Waiting for us.

Amazing Grace- The Movie

Last night I watched the Amazing Grace movie for the first time. What an amazing story of Will Wilberforce and his calling to help abolish slavery in Great Britain. I was motivated by his level of committment and also with his own internal conflict of knowing his true calling. John Newton's overwhelming guilt, regret and sorrow over the horrible treatment of slaves on his ships, on his watch, was not only heartbreaking, but in a sort of an uncomfortable way...inspirtational...to see how far God can bring a man. If you've seen the movie, you might remember the statement John Newton makes when asked what he knows...he says, "There are only two things I know for sure in life. One, I am a great sinner. Two, He is the Great Savior." I love that statement. Isn't that what we all are. It really didn't matter that John Newton had witnessed or been party to, or even participated in the beating and killing or countless slaves, his need is the same as anyone's. He needed a Savior. It was when he found that Savior that he penned the words to Amazing Grace.

I also loved the way the movie writers paid tribute to others who Will Wilberforce. The woman, the former slave and others that shared a meal around a table and helped influence his decision to make this a life-endeavor. It shows that it really has never been about one man...except one time...on a cross. Most of the time it takes many people to make things happen. I love that teamwork concept.

Certianly, I was motivated to stay the course as I watched this movie.

Game of Hope

Check out this Game of Hope: http://www.nbcdfw.com/sports/football/A_Game_of_Hope_Dallas-Fort_Worth.html

WHIM

I've been part of some kind of on-line group for women in ministry for over 10 years now. I can tell you that I have experienced endless support, encouragement, counsel, correction and love by being a part of a large group of women who walk in the same kind of shoes, live in the same kind of fish bowl and love the ministry that God has given them, the same way I do.

A friend of mine started a yahoo group for women who are in ministry (women's, children, music, missionaries...) or who are married to someone in ministry. It's become a great source for idea exchanges, prayer support and just overall ministry encouragement. We share experiences and heartaches and women share wisdom and bear each others burdens.

If you're interested in learning more about WHIM (Women's Hearts in Ministry) check it out at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Womens_Hearts_In_Ministry/summary You'll need to join the group and the moderator will email you confirmation information.

Hope to see you there!