Learning from Mrs. P

Just in case you didn't catch it, I'm sharing a learning from "Mrs. P" not from a Mrs. Pastor. So this is one lesson that is applicable to all wives - Mrs. Pastor or not. Mrs. P's influence and impact is amazing considering that she has only one verse of Scripture to her name. Let’s read it together:

"Do it this (my) way"

Do you ever feel like that? Personally, there are times when I see how someone is doing some delegated task(s) that I want to go over and say: "Do it this (my) way."

Deep or Debate?

We must actively seek and properly utilize every opportunity we have to spread the Word of Life. Who knows? You may just be tilling the ground, sowing the seed, watering it, weeding or even be the instrument for bringing in the harvest. Whatever our role is, we must take it seriously for as long as we have our breath. We must make good use of the time God provides for us to spend with others. In spending time, sharing the Word, we need to be careful that we don't squander and waste our time. It's easy to go down that route with "deep" discussions. I find that if you're not careful, the discussion could degenerate to a debate and get downgraded to debasement. Debating with or debasing people rarely, if ever, brings them to Christ. "Debating is not going to save anyone." @EllaOnakoya


We must consciously and constantly assess whether our discussions are deep or a debate; Paul knew that and warned more than once - in fact twice in the same chapter:

Tit 3:9 - But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (NIV)

2 Timothy 2:14 - Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them.

2 Timothy 2: 16 - Stay away from foolish, useless talk,

because that will lead people further away from God. (NCV)

Stay away from people who talk about useless things that are not from God.

That kind of talk will lead a person more and more against God. (ERV)



Here's a recent example: A few months ago, someone (at work) read this and my other blogs and wanted to have a discussion with me. In fact, the person not only wanted to share their thoughts but actually plant seeds (more like weeds) on topics for me to write on. As our conversation progressed, rather than deepen, it digressed...the person started talking about what they don't believe in etc. At the risk of starting a debate about, I stopped responding.
Later, I prayed for the person because that's a better use of my time than debating.

"Catch..."

(oops it dropped)

Has that ever happened to you? I'm sure you're wondering what the question is about.

Mind your mind

This verse scared me:

"I'm a Pastor's wife"

Recently, I was visiting a church and when the altar call was made, a voice in my head said,
"If anyone approaches you to encourage you to go forward, say 'I'm a Pastor's wife' to them." Within seconds, the very kind Holy Spirit reminded me "that has nothing to do with it..." without a shadow of doubt that is true - very true - actually very, very true.

This quick encounter with the devil planting an evil seed in my mind got me thinking about how easily we (could) fall for his tricks and into his trap(s). When you hear about some Mrs Pastors' struggles it is easy to appreciate to why and how easily one can fall from faith without meaning to or even noticing. In other words, being a Pastor's wife is NOT = being born-again.

Philippians 2:12b (emphasis mine) says:
"continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]." (AMP)


This is one scripture every Christian must take to heart and act on daily - yes that includes all Mrs Pastors that are born-again. No position attained by acceptance of a marriage proposal or by ministerial appointment can secure your salvation. With all that we are faced with daily, we must continually check ourselves as we work out our salvation. Imagine what would happen if you had a garden and just left to self-sustain itself. Of course, the weeds will have a field day, fill your garden and choke your plants. Likewise, we must continually seek and root out weeds in our lives - the explanation of the Parable of the Sower tells us why - 3 times


Matthew 13:22 - And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit. (AMP)

Mark 4: 18-19 - ¹⁸ And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, ¹⁹ but the worries and cares of the world [the distractions of this age with its worldly pleasures], and the deceitfulness [and the false security or glamour] of wealth [or fame], and the passionate desires for all the other things creep in and choke out the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (AMP)

Luke 15:14 - The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, but as they go on their way they are suffocated with the anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity. (AMP)


We must check our lives so we don't have thorns or weeds that will choke the Word that falls on the soil of our hearts. Yes, you are a Pastor's wife - so am I but w must remain Christians for any of that to ever matter. It's only Christians that will be found in Heaven...see you there.

"...the Lord will use a woman..."

A few months ago, I was sharing with one of my Mrs. Pastor friends on this and finally felt it was time to share this word the Lord had impressed on my heart last year.

It's no "Playing" matter...

...even if you're on a "stage" (Puns intended).

I believe that the world is our pulpit...not a stage. I understand what the original saying:
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players..." by William Shakespeare
implies but I no longer fully agree. This belief came to mind when I recently listened to a pastor who said something about the altar vs. a stage.

He talked quite a bit about how (very sadly) many altars have become a stage - with more Entertainers than Edifers being given the space to impact people's lives. He gave examples of the new 'trend' of inviting Comedians (who may not be Christians), to church.

I appreciate that church has to be an attractive place where the world - people of all ages -should look forward to coming to regularly. However this thought was implanted in my heart: Every word or act (including Acts) that proceeds from the altar MUST alter lives for the better (all puns intended).

The minute the altar stops altering lives, it is nothing more than a stage. A stage is the platform for entertainment - it rarely leads to encouragement and edification of people.


Today, we remember a man who used the pulpit effectively to his last day - Dr Myles Munroe - let me wrap this us up with something he said:

"The value of life is not in its duration, but in its donation.

You are not important because of how long you live,

you are important because of how effective you live."

Our lives and ministries must be a donation to the altering and improvement of people's lives... and that's no "playing" matter.

Don't "band aid" it...

When I listened to Esther 4:4 recently, I was reminded about how easily we try to 'band-aid' situations - mostly because it's more convenient to do that. Let's read the verse first then I'll share a few examples and my thoughts.

Service an honour...

I had to stop when I came across this translation of this verse...and wonder if I ever "say" that not in words, but in action:

Spot on!

A few months ago, I was analyzing feedback received and this verse dropped in my spirit - it was spot on!
"Whoever watches the wind will never plant. Whoever looks at the clouds will never harvest."* 

I particularly like this rendition of the verse because it says "never," not "not" - and that's very telling for me. One thing we all know from experience, besides my writing about it** over and over again, is that
"Everyone has their right to (express) their opinion(s)." Similarly, we each have the right not to let others' opinions stick on us.

I agree with Les Brown that "Other people's opinion of you does not have to become your reality" if you do, you will never, ever "plant" or "harvest" anything.

What we each need to do is know what God thinks about what we want to do or have done and move on. You can never satisfy everyone - so focus on satisfying only one Person. No not you - God.

Don't ever let winds of words or clouds of countenance stop you - because they never stop.
Keep planting and harvesting as led by the Lord...because He's the only One Who's approval and reward we need and want.

This is my prayer for you - actually for us:

²⁴ The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; ²⁵ The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; ²⁶ The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).***

AMEN!

References:
* Ecc 11:4 GWT
** Water off a duck's back etc.
*** Num 6: 24 - 26 (AMP, emphasis mine)

Stay thankful

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, I was reminded and led to thank God for everything.


Being a wife and even a Mrs. Pastor is a blessing we must never take for granted even though it is a very interesting life - experience altogether.


I'm sure we do this often already - so I know "I'm preaching to the choir" in suggesting that we take the time this week...and the rest of this month which I gather is "Pastor Appreciation Month" to be thankful.


Think about it:
To have people who can appreciate you and your husband (whether or not they actually do), is something to be thankful for.


More importantly, for God to have entrusted His precious possession - men, women and children - into your care is definitely something to be thankful for. 


I know that being thankful is easier said than do but it's really easy to do when you put things in perspective.


Happy Thanksgiving...may your reasons for thanksgiving continue to increase. AMEN!

The other Pastor's wife

My dear Mrs Pastor, have you ever been "the other Pastor's wife"? Strange question right?

Tough-skinned yet sensitive

My eye caught that header a few years ago. I smiled when I realized that they were talking about elephants...in my usual manner, I went digging.

I remember that when I was much younger, we were taught that elephants are the largest land animals. Thinking about it, it means that they are noticed wherever they are - in other words because of their mere size, they cannot be ignored; we can't say the same for many other animals. What about you? Do you make an impact wherever you go? I'm not saying you must announce yourself or be loud - does your countenance or even quietness send or leave a message wherever you go or whenever you leave? For avoidance of doubt, I'm not saying "size" is required to make an impact...

Back to our topic, elephants are tough-skinned yet sensitive - sounds like a paradox won't you say?
"The elephant´s skin is despite of its thickness a very sensitive system and has a rich nerve providing. An elephant notices every fly landing on him!"*

I have written quite a bit about having a "water off a duck's back" attitude to things.** This is a critical attribute because you cannot afford to be phased by everything people do or say to or about you. Even Jesus was tough-skinned - and knew when to let things slide off like water off a duck's back.

In being tough/thick skinned, we must also be sensitive and tender-hearted - to be effective in ministry.

I recently read an article that puts makes this point simply - see Thick Skin, Tender Heart, and What Every Pastor's Wife Needs Most  - by Elisha Galotti.

I don't know who the quote below is attributed to but it encapsulates the message of this post. In being tough/thick-skinned, never lose touch with your softer side. Strengthen those heart muscles so they are tender...

References:
*http://www.upali.ch/skin_en.html
** http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2013/11/water-off-ducks-back.html
Source of article: 
http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2776

Watch that "broken tooth"...

Proverbs 25:19 says:

"Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble 

is like

chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot." (NLT)

"As well as they are able to."

Those 7 words were Cinderella's response when asked how she was being treated at home. It was obvious she was very selective about her words and it brought 2, actually 3 things to mind:

Focus on the principle...

You may not agree with me, but I sincerely believe that as Mrs Pastor we can learn the wife of any leader. I've written on a few of them: Mrs S. Elkanah,* Mrs Aquila,** Queen Vashti.***

Version Control

These 2 words popped in my head as I read a verse of the Bible that I've read many times before. It was obviously my first time of reading that chapter in that version of the Bible.

Who sees? Who hears...

Who cares?

You can't imagine how delighted I am that I can finally write and publish this piece. I got this title over a year ago because of how I felt but didn't feel I should write from the dregs of my soul. Any accomplished or aspiring writer know that it's always best for themselves and their readers when the write right from the depths of their heart - and that's exactly what I'm doing.

To set this in context let me take you back a year and maybe even a few months ago...

Beyond courtesy

 

I cannot remember exactly when this started but the Holy Spirit drew my attention to it a few months ago. There is quite a bit of "Christianese" woven into our emails to members of the church, or even to others when we use our personal mailbox.

Father's Day...everyday

I can't really explain why I needed to wait till the week before Father's Day to share this. Maybe we can figure out why together...

(Not) for my husband's sake

Have you ever been in a situation where you just want to be left alone? Well I have - more than once. I mean there are times that I can't but wonder what else everyone wants of me - because it sometimes feels that I've given all of myself and it still doesn't seem enough.
Sound familiar?

Just right!

Whether you met and/or married your husband before or after your became a pastor, one thing is certain: You are just right for him!

Exercise regularly...

As Christians, especially Mrs Pastors, we must exercise regularly lest we become flabby.
Oh please don't stop reading. I'm not writing about what you think - although that one really matters too and that will be our launching pad.

Ministry made easy

I don't know about you but I have a Continuous Improvement (CI) mindset. I'm always looking for a better and hopefully easier, more efficient and effective way of doing things. The way I see it, life is already filled with stress so why add to it? Jesus even told us that each day already has enough trouble in it.* The great thing about having a CI mindset, is that you're always on the hunt for hints, tips, nuggets to make your life better. So you can only imagine my delight when I found some nuggets in the book of Numbers. I remember almost feeling "numb" each time I had to read the book of Numbers when I was a younger Christian. BTW, I'm still young.

Let's read these 3 verses together:

Beyond giving cheerfully

Like many Ministers, Mrs. Pastors included, I have quoted this verse to buttress the need for us to always give cheerfully:

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”*  

Recently, as I was preparing for the next post on my Mrs. Pastor Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DearMrsPastor), the word "Generous" was continuously impressed on my heart though I wanted to write on "Gracious" - which is a very important quality as we consider the "A-Z of Mrs. Pastor." I surrendered and as the Holy Spirit expounded the word using the Word, it expanded beyond a 5-sentence piece to a full fledged post - so I'll link both.

ln His Presence

One of my favourite verses is: Psalm 16:11 ~ You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. (Amplified)

As I meditated on the verse, this song also dropped in my heart:

In the Presence of Jehovah

God Almighty, Prince of Peace

Troubles vanish, hearts are mended

In the presence of the King*

As commanded...

...not as preferred.

It doesn't get easier...

...you just get better.

Understand your PoV

I know PoV generally stands for "Point of View" for a lot of people. However, in this instance it stands for "Power of Vulnerability."

Now this is a topic that has been on my heart for some years and remained just a title in this blog until now. I guess I'm finally ready - i.e. willing and "able" to share my PoV¹ on the PoV.²
I recognize that I may be sharing a PoV¹ that may not be generally held however it's my PoV¹.

Point of correction: You're not "just the Pastor's wife"

You're the Just Pastor's wife.

It is finished...

When Jesus made that statement in John 19:30, He was serious about it.

Jesus already died for the church - you don't need to... Yes, no need to.

It grieves me when I see Pastors who seem to want to "give it all" for the church at the expense of their families. I won't give this topic rest because it's affecting a number of Mrs. Pastors in more ways than some of them are willing or even able to share freely or fully.

I do thank God that my husband has proper balance and perspective on these things but that won't make me complacent and not compassionate towards those who have the challenge.

In her book "I'm more than the Pastor's wife: Authentic living in a Fishbowl world" (which is one of my favourite books), Lorna Dobson said "If a man burns out and loses his family, someone else will step into the pulpit and the work will go on."* I recommend this book for Pastors too.

As I was saying, Jesus said "It is finished" not "I am finished" when He paid the ultimate price for His body. I pray that no pastor will ever have to say "It is finished and I am finished" concerning their marriage, family and/or ministry - in that order.

As we head into the Easter weekend, which is a very busy one for the pastorate and members, Pastors and Mrs. Pastors, please ensure that you have time for your family. Happy Easter!

Reference:
* Page 127; I'm more than the Pastor's wife: Authentic living in a Fishbowl world

For all...not for some

A week after I posted the piece "It's got nothing to do with it*," I was thinking about other commandments and this one came to mind.

Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” (ERV)

3 things struck me about this passage:

The first thing is that this is one commandment for each & every one of us - every Christian.
No exceptions. I agree that light comes in different wattage but they all have the same purpose - which to dispel and displace darkness - when we function as we should.

The 2nd thing is this is an expectation for each day, not just on Sundays. As Mrs. Pastor, I'm sad when I see people who are different depending on where or when you meet or see them. Do you know any such? We need to help people realize that there is no value in "putting up an act" for your Pastor or his Mrs - rather be concerned about what God sees all the time.

Thirdly, we are expected to shine before all men (people), not just before church members.

So as we shine constantly, let's encourage other Christians around us to do likewise daily.

Reference:

* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2015/02/it-has-nothing.html

 

Numbers or Members?

My husband and I were in an interesting chat with our Pastor friends recently. Together we tried to distinguish between "Numbers" and "Members" in church. At the end of our conversation, I decided to pour out and post what was in my heart about it. With due respect, anyone who can be "counted" as someone who is attends a particular church is a "Number" - and that's where we all start. On the other side, "Members" are those you can count on because they go above and beyond being counted.

Yes, a play with words but the difference between someone who can be counted and someone who can be counted on is not a playing matter but definitely a praying matter for all pastors (and their wives, who are also pastors in many cases).

1 Corinthians 12:12 tells us: For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. (ESV)

Ephesians 4:16 - The whole body depends on Christ, and [through/by whom] all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part [supporting joint/ligament] does its own work [performs its function] to make the whole body grow and be strong with [to build itself up in] love. (Expanded Bible)

Romans 12:4- 5 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
New Living Translation (NLT)

Without a shadow of doubt, we all depend on Christ and also need each other i.e. interdependent on each other. 1 Corinthians 12: 14-27 and Romans 12: 6-8 go on to explain our interdependencies not just the dependencies.

Numbers don't take these verses to heart - they rather stand alone/apart except when they want or need something from someone or the church. Members stand with/alongside others... and are there to help/support others as needed even before they are asked. Those who are "Numbers" just expect more and more from the church and never give any thought to what they can give. Remember my piece about the SHADE*?

As Pastor &/or Mrs Pastor, let's not get carried away with the Numbers...rather do what we should which includes prayers that they become Members.
May the our growth in members be faster than the increase in numbers in our churches. Amen.

Reference:
* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.com/2012/12/shade-vs-roots.html

Helping (Heavy) Hands

I really love reading this passage of scripture - it always challenges me.

Exodus 17:10-14 - ¹⁰So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop.¹¹ When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹² But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (Amplified)

Each time I read this, though it's easier to, I rarely think about others - I think about myself.
I challenge myself to be Aaron and Hur on the hilltop all the time. Note that I didn't say that I want to be Aaron always... because we know that Aaron led the people to sin later (see Ex 32) and even spoke against Moses (see Num 12:1-11). Nor do I want to be Hur because the only other time I see him mentioned in the Bible was as Bezaleel's grandfather (see Ex 31:2) - which makes me wonder if this was the first and last time he helped Moses.

This passage is particularly important for me because as Mrs. Pastor, I have insider information on when my husband's hands are getting heavy even if he doesn't want to admit it and of course know when mine are too. I'm already my husband's help-meet - so I do my part to help him but it's easy to wonder why others are not stepping up to help. Infact when all that happens, I move beyond wondering about others to reconsider all that I'm doing to help. I've come to realize that sometimes the best way to help heavy hands - my husband's or mine - is to scale back on all we're doing.

 

Sometimes we actually get weary because we're doing too much - yes more than God has asked us to or even gone ahead to do things without God telling us to. In the passage above, we know that God commanded Moses to go to the hilltop and hold up his hands. Moses was clear on what he needed to do. Aaron and Hur were also clear on what Moses needed to do so it was "easier" for them to support him and help him achieve it. They used their hands to help, not hurt Moses. May God help us and our husbands to be clear on what He wants us to do and use our hands "helpfully." God always sends help for heavy hands...doing His will.

It takes more than capability...

One major - or common - challenge for Mrs Pastors is how to "deal with" or manage people's expectations of us. On the flip side, some of us feel "obliged" to develop our capability and capacity in order to do "all" that is expected of us...and do it all very well.

In more recent months, God has continued to remind me, as I already know, that it takes a lot more than capability or even capacity, to do what we must. And the only thing we MUST do & do well is God's will.

One thing I've learned over the years, in my walk with God & work with (beside) my husband, is that I need clarity, more than capability or capacity, to accomplish God's will. Put differently, capability and capacity are of little use and could be misused if one is not sure on what exactly they should be doing. Samson comes to mind...

Habakkuk 2:2 says The Lord answered me: “Write down the vision; write it clearly [plainly] on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others.” (Expanded Bible)

So it's evident that the question here wasn't if the person had the capability or ability to run. Rather it was more around the clarity of what the runner was to do.

We each need to be clear on what God expects of us so we can run a successful race. Running based on man's expectations could take us away from fulfilling God's will for us. Ensure you have clarity before you build capacity or put your capability to work... God bless

"To be frank..."

Every time I hear that statement or "To be honest..." the question that pops in my head is: "Who/What were you before?"

The "Who" part is my play with words since "Frank" is a male name. J Let's think about it, if someone is always trying to convince you that they are being honest it can make you doubt them if they don't preface anything they want to say with that framing phrase. I'm personally concerned when I hear this in church or Christian gatherings and try to tell those I'm close to.

Matthew 5:37 says
"Say only yes if you mean yes, and no if you mean no [Let your word “yes” be “yes”; your “no” be “no”]. If you say more than yes or no, it [Anything more than this] is from the Evil One.

So even God expects us to be honest at all times without framing phrases.

As I wrote this piece, the Holy Spirit dropped a thought in my heart: imagine if people went around saying "To be a Christian, I do this or that." Or say to their bosses, colleagues or employees, "I'm doing this because I'm a Christian." What would they think whenever the "Christian" doesn't frame their words or actions with that phrase? I can imagine some of them thinking or saying to each other, "maybe this is not a day/time to be a Christian." You see how it's the same concept to me? So please before you say the next "To be frank" or "To be honest" remember this piece and let you last framing phrase be your last one. God bless

Love the Lord with all your heart...

I'm sure that as I do, you know that "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength"* - is the 1st & greatest commandment.

Have you ever wondered why when giving this commandment, God** and then Jesus*** started with the heart? I believe it's because the issues of life, and life itself, flow out of our hearts.****

Therefore it goes without saying that we need to first fully and truy love our hearts...in order to love with our hearts or even put it to any other use.

So I decided to share 5 tips on how we can and should do that:

H - Have regular spiritual & physical check-ups.*****
E - Exercise physically & spiritually******
A - Attend to your weight spiritually & physically - don't take things heart so they don't fill you up with bitterness and weigh you down. We also need to watch our food intake...it has a way of showing.
R - Rest & relax so you can be refreshed*******
T - Take God's word seriously and live by it daily.  
Proverbs 3: 5-8  - ⁵Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend [rely] on your own understanding. ⁶Remember the Lord [Know him] in all you do [on all your paths], and he will give you success [keep your roads straight]. ⁷Don’t depend on your own wisdom [be wise in your own eyes].  Respect [Fear; Hold in awe] the Lord and refuse to do wrong [turn away from evil]. ⁸Then your body will be healthy, and your bones will be strong [refreshed]. ********

Proverbs 4:20-22 - ²⁰ Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. ²¹ Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! ²² Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health.*********

Love your heart so you're here to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, spirit and strength.
This is key because we need that heart health in order to love everyone else.**********

References:
* Mark 12:30 - And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. (NLT)

**Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV)

*** Matt 22:37 - Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (NIV)

**** Proverbs 4:23
- Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. (Message)
- Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (NIV)
- Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. (GWT)

***** Psalm 26:2 Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. (NLT)

****** 1 Timothy 4: 8 -
Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. (Message)

[For] Training your body [Physical exercise] helps you in some [or small] ways, but serving God [godliness] helps you in every way by bringing you blessings [since it holds promise] in this life and in the future life, too. (Expanded Bible)
******* Psalm 23: 1-4 - The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need [will lack nothing]. ² He lets me rest [makes me lie down] in green pastures. He leads me to calm [quiet] water. ³ He gives me new strength [renews my soul]. He leads me on paths that are right [righteous; or straight] for the good [sake] of his name [reputation].

******** Expanded Bible - emphasis mine
********* Message - emphasis mine

********** Mark 12:31 - The second command is this: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself’ [Lev. 19:18]. (Expanded Bible)


For further reading on Heart Truth & Heart Health:
"Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is a leading cause of death for Canadian women, and yet many are not aware of this threat."
(http://www.heartandstroke.on.ca/site/c.pvI3IeNWJwE/b.3581757/k.DA04/Heart_Disease__Women_and_heart_disease_and_stroke.htm)
"Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States."
(http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_women_heart.htm)

It has NOTHING to do with it!

You'll need to excuse me as this may come across as venting...I'm simply trying to air an opinion. I guess, vents are used for letting air through - so whatever you consider this to be is ok by me. I'm sure it will also be ok with other Mrs. Pastors who (may) agree with my "opinion."

"Live with"

When I was looking for leadership quotes for a piece I was writing on my Professional* blog, I came across this one. I read it more than once and then decided, this is one to be shared "Pastorally."

By his side...

When I read this poem by Diane Tappe, the words that came to mind were: "By his side."

I Am the Preacher’s Wife 

I am the woman who proudly sits in the shadows as her husband stands in the light.

I am the one who knows her husband is a gift from God,

and so I give him back to my Lord through his full-time service.

Often times, I am so lonely for him because I share him with others.

But I am also pleased that he gives of himself so unselfishly.

I am the one who encourages the preacher when others sometimes fail to.

I am the one who listens to his dreams for the church and helps him look into the future

and see his dreams become a reality.

And when others wonder if he really cares,

I am the one who sees him on his knees, shedding tears for the future of the Lord’s church.

If you're someone who has been used to the "limelight" or desirous of it, it's easy to feel slighted or even offended when you're ignored as you husband is honored/applauded. As you mature as a Christian and wife, this is something that should be like water off a duck's back*. God's approval is definitely more important than man's applause.

I don't agree that "behind every successful man is a woman" - for me it's "beside every successful man is a woman." Every woman, not just Mrs Pastor, must be by their husband's side to support and stabilize him not to "stab" him. In John 19:34***, it's obvious that it was a solider close to Jesus who pierced his side. We should also be protective and not pierce them.

Today I celebrate my husband - it is an honour and privilege to be by his side*** - not just today but for life.

References:
* http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2013/11/water-off-ducks-back.html
** John 19:34 - One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (NLT)
***http://mrs-pastor-and-pastor-mrs.blogspot.ca/2014/06/by-his-side.html

Tested...

...then trusted.

Those 3 words struck me as I listened to 1 Timothy 3 sometime ago. Let's read it together:

"Let me get back to you on that one..."

When I saw this picture, I fell in love with it...

For love's sake...

As I write this piece, I'm reminded of a phrase - "for God's sake" - I heard a lot while growing up - not so much these days. I know it is an idiomatic expression and some people may feel it was an "idiotic" expression...especially when it sounded like taking God's name in vain just to emphasize something. Well, I'm not going to spend time there as that's not where I'm headed.