You matter...

A few months ago, our church members wanted to surprise my husband and to thank him for how he's positively impacted their lives. I felt that was a really nice gesture. I was particularly touched when one lady said, we want you to sit beside him when we put up our "show"; to which I said...

"Pastor Treatment"

Sometime ago I was thinking about how the prophetic words of my pastor have come to pass in my life over and over again. For me it is a great privilege to see the word of God come to life in my life and of course the life of others. The Bible clearly advises: "Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper."

(2 Chron 20:20 - NKJV)

Each time the word of the Lord from my pastor's mouth comes to pass it's a reaffirmation that he is indeed the servant of God and I must continue to God in his life - and of course honor him. I then started asking myself if I give my husband the same kind of honor and treatment as I give to my pastor who I look up to. To be clear, my husband is my pastor and too often those lines get blurred as it should be - or should they? I'm not really sure if they should or shouldn't so I'll let you decide as you read on...

To avoid burnout...

...write it down

...reach out for resources

The Bible is such a rich source that keeps giving...you can find a word for any and every situation in life.

I take Habakkuk 2:2-3 literally - "And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day." (Amplified)

Marriage comes before Ministry...

I was opportuned to attend a Pastors' Wives Conference and it was interesting and illuminating to hear some of the issues that some Mrs. Pastors are facing.

On the first night, this topic dropped in my spirit - Marriage comes before Ministry...before God and even in the dictionary. Before we dive into this topic, let's be clear...Marriage is between a man and a woman - opposite genders - no more no less. Ok, let's go on.

As I was saying, marriage comes before ministry. Ok, let me back up for a second here...I am not saying that you must be married before you can go into ministry. What I am saying is: even if you or your husband was called into ministry before you got married to each other, you must reprioritize so you get the right results.

I daringly say this to Mr & Mrs Pastor: it is more important to preserve and protect your marriage than it is to preserve and protect the ministry. Ah! Yes ah! Remember the ministry is God's work...the church is God's bride. Let me pause here to say:

Dear (male) Pastors, take care of your bride - let God take care of His.

Too many marriages are in deep trouble because of the wrong priorities when it comes to these 2 "M" words - I won't even add children into the mix for now...

Marriage is God's idea so why would anyone think that their ministry is more important than their marriage? The only other thing more important than your marriage, is your personal relationship with Him. I encourage you to invest quality time and emotions in your relationship with God and your marriage - you'll see the fruits your ministry. Otherwise you'll have to deal with more thorns & tares in ministry than you need to - I join you to say: "God forbid!"

Watch your words...

Words make the world go round and also go round the world faster than you can imagine so we need to watch our words. Last week, we said we should T.H.I.N.K. about and before we speak.

Words are like eggs, once spoken (or broken) can never be "contained." It's always more pleasant to break an egg - an make an omelette or something similar than to make a mess.

To help put this in perspective, I've put different renditions of Proverbs 12:18 - a verse I recommend we commit to memory...and meditate on before we speak...

NLT:

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

The Message:
Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.

God's Word Translation:

Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing.

Good News Translation:

Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword,

but wisely spoken words can heal.

English Standard Version:

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, 

but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

NIRV:

Thoughtless words cut like a sword. 

But the tongue of wise people brings healing.

Napoleon Hill gave the same advice slightly differently: 

“Think twice before you speak,

because your words and influence will plant the seed of

either success or failure in the mind of another.”

We are in a unique position to make or mar with our words - the choice is ours...watch your words.

Words travel and act fast...watch your words.

"Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit—you choose." (Prov 18:21 - Message)

Watch your words... 

T.H.I.N.K.

Someone blessed me with this by email...so I decided to be a blessing too.

Alan Redpath once formed a "mutual encouragement" fellowship at a time of stress in one of his pastorates. The members subscribed to a simple formula applied before speaking of any person or subject that was perhaps controversial.

T - Is it True?

H - Is it Helpful?

I - Is it Inspiring?

N - Is it Necessary?

K - Is it Kind?

Paul wrote, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  (Philippians 4:8 - NIV)

I like this rendition: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  (Philippians 4:8 - NLT).

In trying to be a virtuous woman and walk worthy of my calling as a Christian woman, wife, mother & Mrs. Pastor, I hold this other verse close to heart:
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

(Proverbs 31:26 - NLT).

Thinking before speaking takes conscious effort. Speaking kindly is another kettle of fish. I never cease praying that whenever I open my mouth to speak that there is kindness in my words whether it be in the form of advice or admonition. And now I pray: May this acronym guide our thinking and speaking...Amen.

Suggestion or Instruction?

When you read 1 Kings 11:1 - 10, it's crystal clear how Solomon made a mess of his life. How could someone who started so well end so badly...especially for the man who God made the wisest one that ever lived? A really unenviable ending.

As I thought about it and even as I type, I can't help but make a distinction between instructions and suggestions.

An instruction is: a spoken or written statement of what must be done, especially delivered formally, with official authority, or as an order.*
While a suggestion is: an idea or proposal put forward for consideration.**

Busy Bee

I find the story of Deborah very interesting as well as challenging...especially when we talk about "the other ministry."* I love the way she is introduced: "Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time." (Judges 4:4 - NLT)

Obviously, being a wife was more important than being a prophetess...a reminder of the priority for being effective in ministry. We must all attend to Marriage matters before Ministry matters - always. The reason is obvious in 1 Cor 7: 1-5 and 1 Peter 3 verses 1,2 & 7 - I'll let you look those up.

I can only imagine how busy she was - she even had to go to war with Barak - to encourage him to obey God. I'm sure there are times like that when we are so caught up in helping others. We must be careful so the buzz of our busy-ness does us not keep us from "hearing" the silent hints from our husbands/family. 

The second element is she even had a Palm named after her - so she was well-known and highly regarded. In contemporary terms, her husband would have been referred to as "Deborah's husband" rather than how the Bible has referred to her as "Lapidoth's wife." There is a lesson in it - no matter how prominent you are, you must never relegate your husband or let anyone else do that. Despite how successful and industrious the Proverbs 31 woman was, "her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders." (Proverbs 31:23-NLT). The fact is no-one can respect your husband any more than you do.

I know of a wonderful Mrs. Pastor (of blessed memory) who had a very successful ministry that reached out to Single and Married people. Despite the fact that the ministry thrived, extended beyond the church and attracted many people to become members of the church, she always made sure it was clear who the Senior Pastor was. She was one busy bee who modelled total submission despite the fact that she was quite a trail blazer in their Ministry. She also kept emphasizing the importance of her husband and family - they were 2nd & 3rd on her priority list after God. I'm sure there are other examples of such women.  
We too can all become and remain examplary Busy Bees too...God helping us.

Fun Fact:

Do you know what Deborah means? According to Wikipedia - Deborah (Hebrew: דְּבוֹרָה, Modern Dvora Tiberian Dəḇôrā ; "Bee")** She sure lived up to her name - she was one Busy Bee that impacted her generation.

References:

* See posting on June 6: http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2011/06/other-ministry.html

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah 

The Waiting list

On the last day of May, we talked about how we must learn to be flexible. Previously, I used to be upset about having to be so flexible as to put off things that I deemed important but now I've taught myself to find a way to strike a happy balance - to "flow" when I have to and be firm when I just have to be. To do that, I just need to distinguish between what to put on my "To do" list and what to put on my "Waiting list" and what to move from one list to the other. The point is not to put off things till "someday" - an unknown yet very wise person said: "Someday is not a day of the week." The other thing about the "Waiting list" is to realise the truth in the Spanish proverb:

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.

If you are not careful with your tomorrow, you'll get there to find out that you are swamped - again. So I'm working on remaining set in my ways to be flexible and not swamping or overstretching myself with my "Waiting list" of basically things that I know I have to do sometime...

eventually.

The fall-out of having a Waiting list is too many things get deferred e.g. organizing personal space or decluttering. For that, there's help: "The two rules of procrastination:

1) Do it today.

2) Tomorrow will be today tomorrow."

~Author Unknown

Soaked sponge?

Sponges are very useful and handy...you can use them in practically every part of the home - oh yes, I'm sure you know that already.

Well, one day in church, everyone was asked what they learned from a previous message. Too many times we come to church, listen and go home...with no check-up. Some people spoke up - there were some theoretical "the bible says" type responses and some "what I gained" experiential ones and the difference was clear.

Later on, I was saying to my husband is good to give people an opportunity to speak up and share what they learn in church, smaller groups or even any other form of spiritual (Christian), secular or social interaction.

Robert M. Hensel said: “The mind is like a sponge, soaking up endless drops of knowledge.” This is one more reason why I believe that all Christians must deliberately aspire to be a particular type of sponge...

Power to pursue and recover...

Early this year, we invited a Mrs. Pastor to our Night with the King (Women's Night vigil) and it was quite a night to remember to say the least.

What I found most interesting was how she stepped "out of the box." If you were asked to share that topic, what are the first 3 things that will come to your mind?

Personally, I would have started with the definition of the key words and then explained how they apply to our lives and end up with how we can start pursuing right away in the place of prayer...so we could recover all that we believe we have lost as soon as possible; afterall, God promised to restore what we have lost...

Her approach was a far cry from that...she put a totally different spin on it...

Doing the dishes...

I felt led to give us all a "gift" by sharing on how wonderful one of the many household chores we need to and have to do can be, and for me, is a pleasant one. 

We’re blessed to have a dishwasher – not sure our dishwasher will agree with me though.

In fact, I am sure and know that for a fact and will explain why shortly... 

Three (of many) truths to live by

People come and go in a church, but there is only one guaranteed set of people for which a minister will always be responsible: their spouse and children!*

A common mistake Pastors make is they fail to put up boundaries to protect their family life.*

A good marital relationship provides a haven for couples in the midst of the pressures and struggles of ministry.*

Bottom line:
As Mrs. Pastor, your first call in life is to be a help-meet -

at home then at church.

Source:
*http://www.marriagemissions.com/quotes-on-pastors-and-spouses/

I'm all ears...

Have you ever noticed, overheard or perceived that someone around you is having some challenges in life and yet the person has refused to speak up? What should we do as Mrs. Pastor? Is it appropriate to approach the person/family or just watch from a distance - while praying for the individual(s) concerned?

BEAR Hug

I've previously written about how much of a "hugger" I am.* I really love to give and receive hugs...and without pushing it - which I mustn't so I'm not misunderstood, I encourage those around me to show me the same courtesy.

When you think about it, there is just something so heart-touching about hugs. Of course there is - since you get to "touch" the other person's heart with a hug that's from your heart. Hugs tug at our hearts...and the heart of the giver/receiver too.

More or less prayer?

More recently, I noticed that people keep sending these "Pray for your husband" emails around. Then in church we are encouraged to pray for our pastors. So for Mrs. Pastors does that mean we are expected to pray more or less?

As wives, we must pray for our husbands - yes we must. We cannot afford to have our husbands make wrong decisions. See what happened to some Bible wives...

Itching to hear...

People naturally confide in Pastor or Mrs. Pastor - because they believe that their secrets and pains are safe in their ears and hearts...and that's how it should remain. Unfortunately, I have noticed that some times, we're itching to hear and be "in the know" - well, sometimes I am.

Personally, I believe that that can be and is rather dangerous ground because, the fact that someone confided in you once doesn't mean that they want you in their face or space all the time - especially when uninvited... Think about it, it could mar your relationship too not to mention impact the respect they have for you - that flies out the window very quickly.

Super-Woman

Those 2 words carry quite a bit of weight with them...and there are 2 ways of looking at them.

Some of us like to portray ourselves like a superheroine...who can keep going, helping others, never weary. Like the proverbial Superman - whom I'm sure we all know does not exist - we like to be seen as always available to help and/or rescue others. 

We need to be careful - so people do not expect more from us than we can (humanly) deliver. If you do not meet the expectations, people may see you as unreliable, unhelpful or simply not trustworthy. We need to be careful so no one has unrealistic expectations of us. 

The other perspective of those words I like starts with the definition of the word: "Super". Super means "having outstanding or excellent qualities."*
For this type of Super-Woman, the Proverbs 31 woman comes to mind...

Now, that's the type of Super Woman I desire to be - one with outstanding qualities. I don't want to stand out to show off  -

 I just want to be a bright light bringing glory to God.

I don't need the spotlight, I just desire that the world spots (& is drawn to) the light of God in (& through) me.

Talking to all of us, Jesus said:

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matt 5: 14-16 - NLT)

I agree with Ralph Marston: "Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude."  Indeed, “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”**

We should all strive to be women with that attitude...to be SuperWomen...who sparkle with God's glory. God bless.

*http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx?lextype=3&search=super
** Aristotle

"I'd love to help you, but...

...I need help myself."

What?!!! Did I just say that?

Is Mrs. Pastor allowed to say that?

Aloud or even at all ?

Those were the questions that came to my mind when I was pondering on what my response would be if someone came to me for help at a time that I was in dire need of help myself. I asked myself, am I and all those who are Mrs. Pastor expected to always hold up their own and set their face as a flint irrespective of the situations they are facing?

Leading Ladies

When you hear the words or phrase "Leading ladies" what comes to your mind? 2 things come to mind for me:

1. There is a general expectation - rightly or wrongly - that Mrs. Pastor will be or is responsible for leading the ladies (especially as the Head of Women's Ministry/Fellowship). I'm not sure why there is that general expectation especially as the Pastor is not usually the Head of the Men's Ministry/Fellowship - maybe someone can explain why to me - I like learning...and of course sharing what I learn.
2. The 2nd thing that comes to mind that Mrs Pastor must be a Leading lady - and for that she has no choice - because "as pastors’ wives we are in a prime position to influence others by our conduct… good or bad."*  

Each of these have their own pitfalls that we must be aware of - and AVOID.

Day off

I was just wondering if you were wondering why postings are published on Mondays. You may have noticed that from the 4th day of the 4th month of this year, all the posts on this blog, except one, have been on the same day of the week - one we all look forward to in some form or fashion...

Monday.

  

Well, its no mystery...I know that several Pastors (& Mrs. Pastor) see Monday as their day off. Some Pastors have date-night on that day, others don't go to the church office and some others fast...different strokes for different folks and that's understandable...

Caring for the shepherd

God is clear on what He expects of those He as appointed as shepherds (or supporting shepherds) over His people. Starting with His example as our Shepherd, He gave clear instructions too: 

Psalms 23: 1-2:

The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.*

Ezekiel 34:14:

I will feed them with good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be; there shall they lie down in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.*

Isaiah 40:11:

He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.*

Jeremiah 23:4:

And I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. And they will fear no more nor be dismayed, neither will any be missing or lost, says the Lord.*

Isaiah 30:23:

Then will He give you rain for the seed with which you sow the soil, and bread grain from the produce of the ground, and it will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will feed in large pastures.*

As you can imagine (and may have experienced), it is quite a draining task (spiritually, emotionally and physically) to:

• lead others - some may not want to go
• feed them - even on mountains of life
• carry some - willing but unable to follow
• encourage - so they are not dismayed
• look out for them - so no one gets lost

So it goes without saying that the shepherd also needs to be taken care of so he can continue to take care of the sheep God has placed in His care. This is where we come in. While we may be involved in caring for the sheep (directly) alongside our husbands, we must not neglect taking care of the shepherd.

It is a fact that if the pasture is kept green, the sheep will come. However, the shepherd needs to be fit to remain connected to the Source Who keeps the pasture green and to guide (& guard) the sheep that come.

God will help us care for the shepherd in our personal care. Amen.

Source:

*Amplified Bible

Who is your standard?

A few months ago, when my husband parked, I told him that our car was not properly parked - it didn't look straight. When we got out of the car, I confirmed that indeed, our car was not parked straight and quickly "saw" why too- the car parked next to us, which we used as a "guide" wasn't parked straight either. That experience got me thinking about the question: "Who is your standard?"

Double-edged position

Some time ago, I was talking to a new "Mrs. Pastor". She'd been a "Mrs." for a while..."Mrs. Pastor" was just "new" for her. I was amused when she told me about how her husband seemed different each time he stepped up to the "Pastor-plate" - ok, let's just say "Pulpit".  

Have you noticed that about your husband? Does he seem like a different person when he's ministering - as if he's under Superior influence (as he should be) while the Word of God rolls off his tongue like the pen of a ready writer (Psalm 45:1b)? For me, there are times when my husband is ministering and I'm almost asking myself: "Do I know this man?"

- just because of how enlightening and enriching what he's saying is.

Indeed, God overshadows and takes control of any and every one who truly and wholly surrenders themselves to Him for His use. As Mrs. Pastor, we all have a unique position that is double-edged...and that can be dangerous.

Who's your mentor?

We talked about Mrs Elkanah last week. She's been on my mind for a while. I then started wondering if she had a mentor? Did or didn't she see the need for one? Would that account for how her sons ended up badly?

Let's take a few steps back: "Who's a mentor?"

Encarta defines a mentor as: "experienced adviser and supporter: somebody, usually older and more experienced, who advises and guides a younger, less experienced person."* Note that this definition has no restrictions...it doesn't say the mentor should be for only marriage, ministry, money or career matters - which means you can have one for all areas of life or different ones for each area.

Taking it a step further, "Does everyone need a mentor?"

Mrs S. Elkanah

Prophet Samuel was a force to be reckoned with...He was indeed a reward from God. His mother, Hannah, asked God specifically for a son and promised to give him back to the Lord. God did His part and she did hers...without delay.

She didn't spend too long with him. Shortly after he got into active service, he could (& did) hear God. In fact the Bible records that:
"Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground."

(1 Sam 3:19 - Amplified).

He must have been one of the most eligible bachelors of his time...Mrs Samuel Elkanah must have been the envy of other ladies...when she was the chosen one.

Living PIP

Earlier in the year, I heard a message and this topic popped in my mind:

 "Living PIP."

As we all know, a pip is the seed of fruit. Without a pip, so many fruits will not "reproduce" and they'd be exitinct - think about that...

Imagine not finding a particular fruit just because it lacked a living pip...the seed within it didn't reproduce as God intended from the Beginning.

Imagine life without oranges - those juicy, sweet oranges and other "pip-ful" fruits that we enjoy? Let's skip that...I don't want to imagine that either.

Travel light

Some time ago I was thinking about how our experiences shape us and, to a large extent, determine how we respond to people, events and/or situations around us - I know mine have and continue to influence me. With 10 days to the end of the first half of the year this seems like a good time to discuss this. The more I thought about it, the more it became apparent that we must all learn to "travel and live light." This is especially key for each and every Mrs. Pastor because we "travel" from life to life in our interactions with others.

I have a Father....

This coming weekend, we'll join the world to celebrate to celebrate Father's Day. You know, the best thing about being a Christian is that the Almighty God is our Father.

The Bible has so much to say about what a wonderful and faithful Father we have. So I was curious to see what others think about their fathers - or shall I say "Dads" as we call them these days... then I found this lovely poem written by the popular "Author unknown"

A Dad is a person

who is loving and kind,

And often he knows

what you have on your mind.

(Our Heavenly Father always knows what's on our minds) 

He's someone who listens,

suggests, and defends

A dad can be one

of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs

but when things go wrong

A dad can be patient

and helpful and strong.

In all that you do,

a dad's love plays a part

There's always a place for him

deep in your heart.

And each year that passes

you're even more glad,

More grateful and proud

just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad .

for listening and caring

for giving and sharing

but, especially, for just being you! Happy Father's Day

When I finished reading it, all I could think was God does all this and even more for me - He never sleeps or slumbers... watching over and watching out for me - for us all. Even when I am faithless Him, He remains faithful (2 Tim 2:13*). I cannot thank Him enough for all He does - time would fail if I were to recount. I thank Him as much for all that He cannot do - He does not have the ability to lie, change or fail. What more can I ask from a Dad? 

While I am privileged to call God "Dad", I pray I can give Him pleasure so He calls me "Daughter" - I pray we all can...

Besides wishing our Heavenly Father a "Happy Father's Day"** - as we continue to make Him happy, let's take a moment to celebrate all the men in our lives. Young or old, they are either Fathers or Fathers-to-be. Join me to wish them a "Happy Father's Day"...and let's do something to make them happy too.

While you're at it, give yourself a treat and have a "Happy Daughter's Day" - you're a daughter of the Most High. Remember, this is the day our Dad has made, rejoice and be glad in it -

that goes for everyday too... 

God bless

Footnotes:

*2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless [do not believe and are untrue to Him], He remains true (faithful to His Word and His righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself. (Amplified)

**3rd Sunday in June is Father's Day; this year it fall on June 19, 2011.

Always in Active Service

Have you ever heard the term "AWOL"?

Well, it's a military term that stands for Away WithOut Leave.

It was interesting how this term dropped in my spirit...I'd be glad to tell you how.

The other Ministry

Sometime ago I was wondering what the right response would be if I felt led to do something that doesn't completely line up with the ministry my husband is doing - not that I've been led to do that - at least not yet (and doubt if it will ever happen).

Let me ask you these questions:

"As Mrs. Pastor, are you expected to always be beside your husband?"

"Is that where and how we will fulfill God's will? "

Is it likely for Mrs. Pastor to have a separate call from her husband's call?"

If you ask me, the answers will be "Yes", "No" & "Yes" -

may sound paradoxical, so let me explain...

Be set in your ways

...to be flexible. What a paradoxical statement - and yet that is the life we have and have to live as Mrs. Pastor - at least that's how I live.

People who know me know that I like (pre) planning as much as possible. I mean, it's such a good feeling to start off your day knowing what you hope to achieve; then it's so wonderful to look back on your day & have everything on your "To do" list ticked off as "done". Why put off till tomorrow what you can do today? Indeed - why?

Thomas Jefferson said:

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."

This is profound (& very sound) advice especially when the choice is between what you need (or want) to do for yourself and what others need (or want) you to do for them - and even that needs to be carefully considered.

WoI

What came to your mind when you saw the letters "WoI"?

Several things came to mind and I'll share 4 of them:

One thing I've always desired to be is a

Woman of Integrity

Although it is not the easiest "ambition" to achieve, I've found that it is a critical quality every Christian must obtain & maintain to live a good life. The simplest and nicest defintion of Integrity I've heard is: saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

Here are some things the Bible says about Integrity:

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the willful contrariness and crookedness of the treacherous shall destroy them."  (Prov 11:3 - Amplified).

"People with integrity walk safely,

but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall." (Prov 10:9 - NLT).

"The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them."

(Prov 20:7 - NLT).

The thing that struck me about the first 2 verses is they clearly spell out the pros and cons of being a person of integrity. The 3rd verse also resonated with me because "blessed are their children who follow them." So the onus of our children being & remaining blessed rests on us...we must ensure that they follow after us.

It is up to each of us to "Direct (y)our children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (Prov 22:6 - NLT). The easiest way to direct them is to encourage them to: " This verse leads nicely into the next WoI...

Influence is one thing that every human being has. As Mrs. Pastor, it has less to do with what we say as against what we actually do or are "seen to do". Influence is the power to affect with or without any apparent effort or intention to.

In my years as Mrs. Pastor, I've come to find out that my circle of influence is wider than I know...simply because of the well-known ripple effect. As we know, when you drop something in water, the impact goes further than the point at which the thing was dropped.

This ripple effect also underlies my desire to be a Woman of Issachar*. In addition to being a woman who has a word in due season, it is important to be well-informed so I can understand the times and know what I need to do so I'm doing the right thing at the right time. I have an urgency with this because as Mrs. Pastor, what you do or don't do has an impact on others and could influence them. Therefore, it is imperative to know and do the right things and be in position to guide others likewise. People sometimes look to us for guidance...

Finally, to excel as a WoI, we need to be Women of Involvement...

It pays to be involved in the ripple effect of your influence. To do this, you must have at least 3 "A"s in your life - amiable, accessible and authentic.

Your integrity and influence cannot "rub off" on others if you do not take the time to be relational, reachable and real.

If you put yourself (or others put you) on a pedestal...do the world around you and yourself a favour -

"Step down".

There is nothing you have achieved or possess that you were not given - so why don't you take a moment to give to others?

In aspiring to become and/or remain a WoI, let's summmarize by saying:

If you have integrity, nothing else matters. 

If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.  ~Alan Simpson

In other words, be a Woman of Integrity first and all other things will follow...

P.S. 3 months ago, the Lord blessed me with a namesake. I cannot but pray that she grows up to be a WoI - praying that, in addition to her parents, I an involved in her life so I can inform and influence her so she lives the safe life of integrity. 



Reference:
*1 Chrononicles 12:32 - From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

 

You may want to read: http://wowconnectathisfeet.blogspot.com/2011/02/woman-of-integrity.html

Prayer Partner needed!

 Do you have a Prayer Partner?

Do you even need one?

I know there are different opinions on this matter. Some people say it is not necessary to have a Prayer Partner while others believe it is absolutely required.

Let's assume (and maybe agree) that we must all have Prayer Partners, the next question is:

"Who should be your Prayer Partner?"