"Noted"

Have you noticed how rich this world, especially the church, is with ideas of what we should do (better)? Try having what I call a “blank sheet of paper” meeting. You’ll end up with a book – actually a catalogue of things “we” can do.

Water off a duck's back...

Have you ever heard the saying: "Water off a duck's back?" Well, over the years, it's one phrase I've come to love and use a lot when describing myself.

It's an idiom that encourages us not to notice or dwell on negative words directed at us. It's not the easiest thing to do. However, when you realize that ducks swim (& feed) in water and yet water doesn't stick to them, you'll know that God must have made them that way for a reason...

...so Mrs Pastors and others can learn from them.

Beware of Parallel lines

I really cannot remember exactly how this topic came to me - I just remember it had something to do with the level or lack of relationship between church members.

It is fearful and even depressing to go to a church filled with what I'd call "parallel line" members...who are on their own all the time.

From personal experience, I know that when you first join a church you don't know who's who and may want to take your time to get to know people and "choose" who you relate with and how (deeply) you do. I fully understand that. What I don't get is when people just come and go - never wanting to be involved in anyone's life or in the church and clearly not wanting anyone in their space.

The paradox with such people is when something (especially negative) happens to them they wonder where their church members are and start broadcasting: "There's no love in the church. No one cares." I mean how can you say there is no love if you refuse to become part of the "Loving and Giving Circle?"

As a church member and Mrs Pastor, I'm more comfortable in a church where the members are interacting with each other - not just with the Pastor (& his family) - but are truly and regularly involved in each other's lives.  I'm aware that in interacting with each other, sometimes we can even get tangled and need help sorting out knots. I mean that's the essence of church - being there for each other and that sometimes results on stepping on each other's toes.

Church is meant to be a "Loving and Giving circle" - yes a bigger family and no family thrives on parallel lines. I almost feel that I may be "preaching to the choir" because in some instances, some pastors or more so Mrs Pastors want to be "left alone." In other words, their actions say: "I'm your pastor's wife - here to do a job or be by his side and that's all - no one should get into my business."
I agree that some of us may have been hurt (or burnt) before when we tried the "Loving and Giving circle" however, if Jesus didn't (& hasn't) given up on us - we shouldn't give up on interacting with others. The next time you want to live as a parallel line (as I sometimes want to) or see someone who wants to be a parallel line, ask yourself or them: "What if Jesus lived as a parallel line?"

How strong are you?

A weeks days ago, I was chatting with a dear friend (and fellow Mrs Pastor) - and ended up sharing what my definition of a strong woman is.

Before sharing my definition with more of us, I was curious about other people's definitions. This quote is a great starting point because I both agree and disagree with it...please "read" me out...