May 7, 2012

5 Weeks, 5 Challenges – Week 3: Words

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Week 1 & 2 Update: I’ve done much better this week with the challenges. Though I haven’t gotten up in the morning to go running as part of Week 1′s challenge, I’ve still done well at exercising. It’s crazy how much better I feel as soon as I increase my activity! And to boot – I’ve managed to lose 3 pounds! Ye-haw! Week 2′s challenge was to spend the first 10 minutes of each day in devotion. I have loved this time each morning. Though a relatively short amount of time, God has spoken to me in these simple times of focus. And how about you?

Remember the verse that started this 5 week journey?

1 Thessalonians 4:7b – God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

These challenges are about recognizing areas in our lives that are “disorderly and unkempt” and doing something about them. As Pastor’s wives and women in ministry we are not exempt from struggles and shortcomings. But the good news is given to us in Romans 8:26 where we are reminded that the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

So on that note we move on to Week 3: Words.

Our words can bless, gripe, complain, and communicate the gospel—all within a matter of minutes! Tongues can inspire the hardest heart or crush a tender spirit. Proverbs 21:23 warns us to “guard the tongue” in order to stay out of trouble.

But how?

James 1:26 –If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

James warns us that we cannot share our faith if we’re not actively working to “bridle our tongues.” Just as a horse needs a bridle to direct his course, we need to put “bridles” or disciplines {there’s that word again! oy…} in place that will help in taming our tongues.

While James states that no one (in their own power) can “tame the tongue,” thankfully, God provides all you need to discipline this unruly critter.

2 Peter 1:3-8 - His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Week 3 Challenge:

Post scriptures which apply to the tongue and begin memorizing them. Each time you step to the mirror (or wherever you post them), read the verses, recite them, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you when your words do not glorify Christ.

As you begin this difficult challenge, here are some practical tips to continue the journey of taming that unruly tongue:

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you when your words do not glorify Christ. And when He does, ask for grace to speak life-giving words (Ephesians 4:29).
• Ask for input from family members and friends. This can be so hard, maybe even humiliating, but it allows those who know us best to uncover “blind spots.” Please be prepared with a receptive heart! (Proverbs 27:5-6)
• Ask a friend to hold you accountable. Again, so hard, but a true friend will pray together with you for victory and grace.
• Practice the principle of crying out for HELP! When tempted to tear down rather than build up: Stop. Close your mouth. Take a deep breath and cry out for God’s grace to overcome the temptation!
• Use fewer words. Practice the spiritual discipline of “quiet.”

We’re halfway through our 5 Week Challenge. I hope you’re feeling challenged (in a good way!). Leave a comment and let us know!

Related Post:

Introducing 5 Weeks, 5 Challenges – Week 1: Health
5 Weeks, 5 Challenges – Week 2: Devotion

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Apr 30, 2012

5 Weeks, 5 Challenges – Week 2: Devotion

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Week 1 Update: Well, I failed. Yup. I did. {sigh} I didn’t realize last week would turn into such a crazy week. It definitely did not lend itself to starting a new habit. Particularly  the habit of running. But luckily for me, this is a new week and another opportunity to hit the reset button. How did you do? Let me know in the comment section. Again, this is a chance for you to join the community and help keep each other accountable!

Let’s get moving on to Week 2 – Devotion.

Wow – it’s hard in this fast paced, technology-dependent culture to just stop and sit at the feet of Jesus.  Obviously, we have 10 times more distractions than our grandparents ever had.  Consequently, this means we’re going to have to be 10 times more tenacious to maintain our walk with God. And just because we’re women in the ministry does not mean we’re exempt from struggling in this area. In reality, we might actually have a harder time. We might say things like, “I spent time prepping my lesson or sermon series for this weekend – that counts for time in the God’s WORD!” or “I prayed with my kids when I was tucking them in to bed. I have three kids so that’s three prayers every single night!!!” (Hehehe…ok, that might be extreme.)

“Life Management is really spiritual life management”. ~ Elizabeth George

I know that we may be tempted to say we don’t have time to read God’s word but let me suggest that reading God’s word does not have to be time-consuming!  Let’s clarify ~ If you want to do an in-depth study or read through the Bible in a year or journal long passages – it’s going to take time… lots of time. And truthfully it’s going to be the best time of your life!!!  But grace reminds us that in some seasons of life we truly are up to our ears in bottles, binkies, babies and blankies. Others of us have plates so full of ministry obligations they look like platters!

Just look at David in the Bible! If ever someone went through “seasons” it was him! He lingered in the presence of God in all seasons of life – morning, noon, night, in times of fear, weakness, sadness, joy and delight. And he wrote about it:

Psalm 63:

1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.

If you’re like me, your phone is also your alarm clock. And your social media source. But I also have a Bible app. I am making it a point to open it as soon as I reach for my phone. My app has reading plans that only take about 5 minutes to read. After I read and pray, I get out of my bed and feel ready to start my day.

So here’s my challenge to you this week:

Week 2 Challenge:

Before you do anything else, start your day by opening your Bible to read God’s Word and pray! Read it on your phone, or keep your Bible next to your bed and read it for 5 minutes before you get out of bed. And then take 5 minutes to respond to what you read through prayer. That’s it – we’re looking at taking 10 minutes to begin your day. This may seem like an unacceptably small amount of time for women in ministry, but let me remind you that this series about taking the small steps that lead you to growth in the Lord. And it’s about accepting the fact that we all need seasons of grace. Maybe now is a season when you need to accept the free gift of grace and hit the reset button in your devotion life.

The iPhone app I regularly use is YouVersion. But there are versions for nearly every platform. Even you Android users (ahem… ;) )

Alright, my dear friends in ministry, who is willing to commit the first 10 minutes of their day in devotion time? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Related Post:

Introducing 5 Weeks, 5 Challenges – Week 1: Health

 


Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Apr 27, 2012

Checking in: 5 Weeks, 5 Challenges

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I introduced our 5 Weeks, 5 Challenges series at the beginning of this week, so I thought I should check in to see how it has gone so far.

I have struggled to complete the task myself. In fact, I felt a little thwarted because as soon as I posted the challenge Hubs informed me that he would have to leave for work the rest of the week around 6 a.m. With little kids in the house I couldn’t be gone running if he was already gone. So…I haven’t accomplished the task myself. It’s frustrating, to be sure.

This is the very reason I posted this challenge. Life has a way of taking control no matter how hard I try to be in control. The question then becomes, “What are you going to do about it?” I, uh, don’t have an answer for that. Except that there are a few more days left to this week so I’ll try to get out and run one of these two days. That’s why this is such a challenge. But that is also why we’re taking 5 weeks to work on these areas of our lives. I had hoped to make more progress than this, but I didn’t expect to be a ninja in 4 days’ time. :)

So how about you? What has your week been like?

Next week’s challenge has to do with our devotion time. This is also an area that can be easily thwarted (particularly if you have littles!). So until Monday, have a great weekend!

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Apr 24, 2012

Introducing 5 Weeks, 5 Challenges: Week 1 – Health

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I’ve done several different series lately. I talked about Mentoring, about Planning a Reception, and even some Frugal Living Tips.  But now I’ve got a series that’s all about US.

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A few weeks ago as I was spending some time with God, I read this verse:

1 Thessalonians 4:7b – God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

Something about that verse struck me and I’ve been mulling it ever since. It’s as if it is saying that a “disorderly, unkempt life” – or, a disorganized undisciplined life – is not holy and pleasing to God.  Ouch! I couldn’t help but sit and examine my own life. Were there areas in my life that were “disorderly and unkempt” and keeping me from honoring God? My response was yes. Yes there was. And I needed to do something about it.

So for the next 5 weeks I want to invite you to join me on Do More of What Makes You Holy: 5 Weeks and 5 Challenges.

The 5 Areas of Personal Discipline We’ll Focus On Are:

Health, Devotion, Words, Appearance, & Time.

Elizabeth Elliot writes: “Discipline, for a Christian, begins with the body.  We have only one.  It is this body that is the primary material given to us for sacrifice.  If we didn’t have this, we wouldn’t have anything.  We are meant to present it, offer it up, give it unconditionally to God for His purposes. This we are told is a “spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

About 4 years ago I started a personal weight loss journey. After the birth of my 3rd child, I realized I could no longer excuse my weight-gain away. I had reached a top weight of 209 pounds, and I was not happy with how I looked and was even more unhappy with how I felt.

Now, 4 years later I have lost 60 pounds and have been able to maintain it. Changing my eating habits was tough but it’s the exercise discipline that still gets me in trouble! Sometimes I blame it on the blogging – it takes a lot of my free time.  Sometimes I blame it on homeschooling – I think, “if my kids went to school outside the home, I could go for an hour-long run every morning after they left the house!”  Sometimes I blame it on my husband! He’s not overly fond of salads and always prefers something other than fresh veggies with just lean meat for dinner.

Wowsers…listen to those excuses!

The truth? I struggle with self-discipline.

If I got out of bed an hour earlier, I could exercise. My husband may not love all fresh vegetables, but he does like some. And we all love fresh fruit.

Elizabeth Elliot goes on to write:

“The Christian’s body houses not only the Holy Spirit Himself, but the Christian’s heart, will, mind and emotions – all that plays a part in our knowing God and living for Him…the body was a gift to me.  Whether I will thank God for it and offer it as a holy sacrifice is for me to decide.”

Holiness has never before been a driving force for “getting fit,” but I must admit that her writing challenges me. And so that brings us to our first challenge on the list of disciplines!

Week 1 Challenge:

Name 1 healthy habit that you would like to begin to work on establishing in your life over the next 5 weeks.  Maybe it is cutting back on junk food, fast food, or soda.  It could be to exercise more, drink more water, or get more sleep.  Leave a comment and tell us what you’re going to work on…often times we are more apt to follow through on commitments when we make them known!

My personal goal is to begin getting up 1 hour earlier to go running.

If you don’t know where to start with this challenge, I’m going to use The Project Girl’s free Workout Worksheet to track my exercise and her free Printable Food Journal to track my food intake. I use the MapMyRun app on my iPhone and have several exercise ideas pinned on my Pinterest board.

So what healthy habit are you going to work on? Leave a comment so we can encourage each other. Don’t forget we’re in this together!

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Apr 12, 2012

Guest Post: Depression: Feeling More Than Just Bla’se’ Fair

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I love when God ordains the meeting of a new friend! Such is the case with today’s guest author. Dr. Sonja and I literally met poolside while we were hanging out watching our kids play (we each have a daughter with the same name! How can you NOT start a conversation, right?!?). Over the course of the months since we’ve shared our ministry stories and our heart for the spiritual and mental health of ministers and women in ministry. A couple weeks ago we met for dinner. Remember those statistics I shared with you a few weeks ago? We began discussing that post which lead to a great conversation about one of the leading issues among women in ministry: depression. I asked Dr. Sonja if she would share her thoughts from her experience and unique perspective as a healthcare provider. And she was willing. It’s my privilege to have her as part of the Ministry Momma community and to introduce you to her! Read on…it’s an excellent and encouraging post, friends!

Depression: Feeling More Than Just Bla’se’ Fair

First off I want to give a hearty “THANK YOU” to JulieAnn for asking me to contribute to her blog on the topic of depression.  I hope that after reading this post you will recognize the reality of what some women are coping with on a day-to-day basis.  This is a blog that many of you, personally, will be able to relate to because you are “right there” with the concrete facts of what I’m going to share.

I have the privilege, as a healthcare provider, of meeting with women in my office everyday to discuss symptoms and concerns related to the natural aging process.  The consultations that I provide can go in many directions whether it hormones, emotions, physical needs, or mental needs.  I should also preface this blog by saying that these women I meet with serve in every walk of life and are in every stage of life from young to old.  I provide care to executives, local celebrities, healthcare providers, school teachers, stay-at-home moms, ministry wives, construction workers, and nearly any role you can imagine.  After years of doing this I can say without a doubt that no one, regardless of professional status or responsibility, is exempt from the impact of depression. Each time I do a consultation, I always touch on the issue of depression and anxiety to fully assess the reasons for various problems.  The “cause” of depression is sometimes identifiable, but most often is not.  For some, depression can be explained as an inherent propensity to depression due to a strong family history of the disorder; for others it’s brought on by stress and emotional trauma; for others it’s a slow downward decline due to unhealthy relationships and poor social networks; for others it’s the consistent feelings of failure or not meeting expectations; and for others it’s due to endocrine and biological shifts of the body due to some other disease state.  The reality is that whatever the cause, the effects can be significant and long lasting for some women who struggle with clinical depression.

These are the hard core statistics about depression so you have an understanding of how significant this is:

  • The World Health Organization identified depression as the third most important cause of disease burden worldwide in 2004, and it is estimated that, globally, depression will be the second leading cause of disability by the end of 2020.
  • In the U.S., depression is the most common type of mental illness (affecting 26% of adults).
  • Women experience depression two times more than men.
  • Bringing the statistics “closer to home” (so to speak), I did an audit of charts that I hold in the office and realized that 88% of my clients responded “Yes!  I have experienced depression”.  Twenty-five percent stated they had experienced it once or twice in their life.  Twenty-three percent said they experienced depression once or twice a year.
  • Then to bring it “really close to home”, I found that depression amongst those that I know are in ministry (or simply ministry wives) experienced an average age onset of depression in their early thirties.  That’s our YOUNG WOMEN in MINISTRY.  WOW!!!  The majority experienced depression at or near five to six years in their ministry career.  Mentoring young women in ministry is clearly needed and critical.  The first five years have a HUGE impact psychologically for those starting their journey in ministry.

What should a woman do if she has consistent feelings of depression?

Talk to your spouse, talk to your most trusted mentor, and go see your doctor.  One of the biggest mistakes made by well meaning people is to give someone who is crying out for help the old “it’ll get better” pat of dismissal on the shoulder.  That, sadly, is often what happens when someone tries to express the feelings of being in a deep bla’se’ fair state.  Many woman, and particularly young women, become confused that depression is a state of weakness and find themselves very vulnerable in reaching out because of the opinions and recommended antidotes of others.  Or, they just soon realize that it’s the “thing I dare not speak of” because of the responses of the past.  If there is one thing I’ve learned over the years, it is to take these conversations about depression very seriously and ask the right questions to direct each woman, as an individual, toward the appropriate help.  Often having an outlet to share feelings and frustrations is all that is needed (along with great studies of the Word or course), but always keep in mind that from time to time, there needs to be medical intervention.

In wrapping this blog up, I want to end on the power that faith holds in the battle with depression.  I’ll share my thoughts with you in this way.  I once had a bathroom scale that was obviously broken and unreliable.  I could step on the scale and it would display 108 pounds.  That seemed great until my seven year old daughter and my husband each stepped on it and it revealed the exact same number.  The scale was obviously broken, but I think we as women want to use a faulty scale to determine our status in life. Plain and simple, you can’t use society’s unreliable “self-worth” scale to determine YOUR own self-worth.  I always tell women not to get their hand caught in the comparison trap.  It will fracture you and your spirit in a heartbeat.  The scripture is clear on the fact that we are each highly favored by God.  No doubt, our earthly life will bring with it trials, temptations, loss, and sometimes defeat, but God’s view of us does not change and is not faulty in any way.  The scripture says that He is the glory and the lifter of our heads.  (Ps. 3:3) There will be times when we have to use the scripture to re-evaluate and re-calibrate our view of ourselves.

I want to tell you what God has to say about you

(By the way, His scale is never broken)

Mark: we are to be believers and not doubters.
John: Christ’s friend, appointed, and a recipient.
Romans: Justified, redeemed, free of guilt, and holy
Corinthians: A new creation, reconciled.
Ephesians: blessed chosen, redeemed, forgiven, God’s workmanship
Timothy: saved and called
Peter: a living stone, established, chosen, royal, God’s own, and a partaker.

Each of us could say that “He loves me the most!” and we would be right.   I firmly believe that God is our ultimate Source and we always need to be looking to Him.   I also believe that he has called and equipped pastors, leaders, mentors, and healthcare professionals to minister to others who need a helping hand and a gracious heart as they struggle through the depression.  I think it’s time we become sensitive to others and especially to those that are younger in ministry.  Our responses and advice could mean all the difference “IN THE WORLD”. Literally.

To your good health, Dr. Sonja O’Bryan

Rev. Dr. Sonja O’Bryan has been married for 21 years to an ordained minister and has three beautiful children. Professionally, Sonja received her Bachelors degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy and her Doctorate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  Dr. Sonja has 20 years of experience professionally with practices in Administration, Advisory Board Member for various pharmaceutical companies, and as an Adjunct Professor for Missouri State University and other national colleges and universities as a student preceptor.  Other areas of experience for Dr. O’Bryan include retail, oncology, long term care/geriatric consulting, and compounding pharmacy. She currently practices at the Custom Compounding Center (www.customcompoundingrx.com) in Bolivar Missouri as a specialized consultant dealing in anti-aging and integrative medicine, weight loss, and Bio-Identical hormone replacement therapy for men and women. Often Dr. Sonja meshes the spiritual and physical aspects of better living in her presentations and women walk away feeling renewed and refreshed mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Dr. Sonja, a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God, is a sought after community speaker and enjoys speaking in various forums to medical professionals, patients, and especially to church women’s groups.

Related Posts:

An Introduction to Mentoring
Why Would I Need A Mentor
What Are the Benefits of A Mentor?
Mentoring: Formal or Informal?
How Do I Find a Mentor?

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement, Home Matters, Living as a Christian, This Crazy Life Called "Ministry" ·
Apr 10, 2012

Monday Musings! Except it’s Not Monday. Right? {sigh}

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My life is so busy right now. You too? I wonder what it is about Spring that makes us feel like we’ve got a few too many wires disconnected? While I’m trying to get my head screwed back on straight I thought I’d just share with you a couple of my musings from the weekend. I’m aware of the fact that it’s not Monday. I’m not sure where Monday went, so in my mind this counts! Right?

My 5 Favorite Things from our Easter Weekend

1. I got to wear white pants! Tehehe…I know, I know. The first day of Spring is when I can start wearing them. Right? Is that the rule? I don’t like rules. Have I ever told you that?

2. Seeing a family come to our church that I’ve been getting to know for a few months! They are a great family who have been seeking change in their life. I’m hoping they make our church their new home.

3. Spending Easter weekend together as a family. This is probably the first year we weren’t up to our eyeballs in Easter activities since we’re not in a local church leadership position. It’s weird. And very nice.

4. That lump in my throat I get every year during the church production when Jesus appears out of the tomb. I can’t believe He loves me that much.

5. The reality of our mortality was in my face again as my darling mother-in-law was rushed to the hospital. Yes, the one we just had a large hoopla for last weekend. She is fine, thank you, but my husband and I found ourselves contemplating, yet again, the brevity of our life and the purpose of our existence:

Psalm: 39:4 “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.”

Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Related Posts:

Monday Musings: People Watching
Planning a Reception: the food. The FOOD!
Preach the Gospel to…Yourself


Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Apr 6, 2012

Good Friday: Oh Sacred Head Now Wounded

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I love this old hymn of the church! Have a blessed Easter weekend as we celebrate the forgiveness of our risen Savior!

O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown:
how pale thou art with anguish,
with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish
which once was bright as morn!

What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners’ gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
‘Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest friend,
for this thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
make me thine forever;
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love for thee.

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Mar 5, 2012

Preach the Gospel to…Yourself

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A couple days ago, I retweeted a quote from John Ortberg: Is the life you’re inviting others into, the life you’re leading?

As a pastor’s wife, the message I often speak to myself is “Do more.” You know: go earlier, stay later, give more, disciple more, sign up more, offer more.

I have to remind myself that this is not the message of God, nor is it what ministry is all about. It really is tempting to listen to and give in to this desire. Because when it comes down to it – doing something is easy and ministry is hard, and I want to believe that I’m following God’s will.

But what if that act of doing is really distracting? Satan would love that, wouldn’t he? For us to believe the lie that says I can just work, work, work for God. This lie only calls us away from our true purpose – to glorify God. To spend time with Him. To talk to Him, and follow His truths.

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4, NIV, emphasis mine)

I trust God when he says

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. (John 6:63, NIV)

and

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6, NIV)

Because I trust Him, I will trust that spending my time worshiping Him will lead me to the actions He desires from me, instead of trying to prove my worship of Him by my work. We need to preach this gospel to ourselves, and we need to do it daily. Hourly. It is vital that we recognize these clogs in the arteries of our worship, our heartbeat. If we spend time with God and studying His truths He will bring these areas to light.

But I also want to encourage you to find someone to be accountable to. The second chapter of Titus talks to us about this. It tells us to teach other. In today’s language: to mentor. And be mentored.

I know this is hard when you’re a pastor’s wife and woman in ministry. Who can you trust? Who will let you be… you? That person is out there. Pray for this person. Pray for someone who will be full of truth and grace. Someone to whom confidentiality is a big deal. Someone from whom you can learn. Someone you can also love.

In a few weeks I’ll be introducing you to some of my own mentors. They are special friends and wise women. They have helped me as a woman. They’ve helped me be a better mom. They’ve laughed with me (and at me). And they have carried some immense burdens. And I’m very grateful.

So how do you actively “preach the gospel to yourself” daily? Is the life you’re inviting others into, the life you’re leading? And how has accountability helped you do this?

Related Posts:

An Introduction to Mentoring
Why Would I Need A Mentor
What Are the Benefits of A Mentor?
Mentoring: Formal or Informal?
How Do I Find a Mentor?

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement, This Crazy Life Called "Ministry" ·
Feb 27, 2012

Trust Me and Don’t Be Afraid

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From my devotions today:

Trust Me, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom work. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don’t be afraid.

–Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Isaiah 12:2 – Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Psalm 61:2-4 – From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower again the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

2 Corinthians 3:18 – But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

My Prayer for you:

Lord, I pray for all my sisters going about kingdom work today. If any are feeling anxious about life, I pray your peace would wash over them. If circumstances seem out of control, I pray you would remind them of your sovereignty. If they are questioning your calling and purposes for their life, I ask that You would reaffirm your calling of them. Thank you Lord, that you are, indeed, trustworthy. You are faithful. Your love is steadfast. We worship you today and always. Amen. (So be it.)

Related Posts:

Today’s PSA: We’re Not Perfect
Some Lessons I’m Learning Along the Way
Preach the Gospel to…Yourself

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement ·
Feb 24, 2012

Today’s PSA: We’re Not Perfect

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The world of blogging can really set one up for disappointment. Social media has this dizzying effect. We look at other’s tweets (that’s twitter lingo. But you knew that, right?) or through their blog and think their life is beyond perfect. It seems like they hear a word from God every other minute. Like they have the eloquence of King David and write posts that make you feel squeamish (in a good way). Like their parenting skills are very nearly perfect. That they have the patience of Mother Teresa (particularly with their husband).

In reality, the “public” person may very well be the polar opposite to the real person. Or at the very least, a highly polished version. Us pastor’s wives and women in ministry can be guilty of this too. (Imagine this: I’m a pastor’s wife…who is also a blogger!! Heh~)

As a young wife in ministry, I was especially guilty of this. I worried regularly that someone would unexpectedly drop by my house when I didn’t have it clean. I was sure that my effectiveness would be stunted by my “dirty” house. And don’t even get me started on stumbling over my words. I worried about not being able to effectively communicate….whatever it was I was trying to communicate. Like directions to the church, for instance. I’m not even talking about trying to explain biblical truths. I worried about what someone might think if I got directions wrong. And I especially didn’t want anyone to know when I was aggravated with my husband. We were perfect for each other, after all. {sigh}

I can honestly tell you that it kept me from accomplishing some of the work God had set out for me to do. I still worry about it…even to this day. Creating good impressions is, somehow, an intrinsic part of my personality. I don’t have a rocket scientist explanation for that. But then, that’s my point, after all: we’re not perfect.

What I can tell you that I’ve learned these many years later is that it’s okay. Imperfections are part of humanity. And we are humans too.

This blog is meant to be a place of encouragement for pastor’s wives and women in ministry. That means I don’t blog about how annoyed I was that my husband left dishes in the sink when he left for work in the morning. But please don’t think that we whistle while we do the dishes together and sing sweet love songs to each other while skipping to the gym holding hands every morning (that actually made me giggle :) ). I don’t fill my blog with lots of gripes and moaning and groaning. It’s not because everywhere I walk flowers bloom and sun dances off my skin attracting attention from everyone. It’s just because…well, it’s okay.

What I do blog about is that sometimes this life is hard, but it’s okay. Sometimes we feel restless, but this is a place to be encouraged. And together we’re living this life imperfectly and it’s okay!

Related Posts:

Trust Me and Don’t Be Afraid
Some Lessons I’m Learning Along the Way
Preach the Gospel to…Yourself

Filed Under: Everyday Encouragement, Home Matters, This Crazy Life Called "Ministry" ·
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