Your family and friends

I don't know who came up with the "Friendship Day" but it is so interesting how these things catch on. It was only last year that the UN declared July 30 as the International Friendship Day. Yes, today is International Friendship Day.

Friends are a wonderful part of life. Think about it: since we cannot choose our family members, it was so gracious of God to give us all the privilege of choosing our friends. When I saw this poster, I smiled then wondered how true it really is. 

Do Pastor & Mrs. Pastor really "get to pick their own friends?" Or should we even pick rather than be "all-embracing" and "take" anyone who comes our way?

It's a "high calling"

I couldn't agree more with Patricia Jones (pastoral counsellor) who said:
"Being a minister's wife is a "high calling" and a difficult one, but well worth it if you know how to protect your marriage, your family and your identity."* Indeed, you need to know who you are & Who has called you...

Knowing this is so very true, like Paul, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"** and constantly remind myself that: "I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength."***

I also consciously take Paul's advice (& warning) to heart & to head: "For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not ot estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance]... Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits."****

As we all know, being Mrs. Pastor is a high calling but we must be careful not to become highminded. Additionally, it always comes back to HIM (Hierarchy In Ministry), once you mix up the order and/or become highminded, you will not only falter, but fail so please beware. Rather than becoming or being highminded, we should set our hearts, minds and sight on things above (on high)***** and success is sure. Also, be careful not to be "low-minded"****** - just have the mind of Christ and be lowly in everything you do....as you respond to this high calling. 

God bless.

Sources:

*http://www.dovechristiancounseling.com/MinistersWives.html
**Phil 3:14 - King James Version

***Phil 4:13 - New Life Version
****Rom 12:3a &16 - Amplified
*****Col 3:2 - And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. - Amplified
****** Don't look down on yourself - look up to God and what He can do with and through you (see 1 Cor 2:16 and Phil 2:6) 

Assignment vs. "Assistant"

I found this tweet by Tommy Tenney interesting:
"Adam received his assignment b4 he received his Assistant.

Eve walked into a functioning vision."

I understand what he means though I know this is not always the case - in many people's lives. The fact is that some people only hear, or maybe only just answer the call, after they are married. Experiencing a bit of what it takes, I can't blame them though I know it's not the right thing to do - that's just me being authentic :)

Let me explain that some more...using 2 people in the Bible - who were not married to each other but clearly had a God-given assignment to do (together).

A, B, C...

These pieces of advice from some Mrs. Pastors truly resonated with me...

Amy Goen has been a Mrs. Pastor for about 2 decades, on the subject of "Authenticity" she advises: “Don't be afraid to show the real you to the congregation, complete with flaws. It shows that you're human and someone they can relate to.”* Humility and humanity always wins.

Beverly Hild has been married for almost 30 years and she said this about: “Being supportive” to our husbands. "I've learned that my husband does not need me to play the devil's advocate in difficult situations; he has enough of those. I try not to give him advice unless he asks for it. He needs me to listen to him and trust his judgment."*

Jani Ortland, a Mrs. Pastor, has an insightful perspective on being the direct "Channel of Favour." "You are one of the main vehicles God uses to show your husband his favor. Proverbs 18:22 says, ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.’ It’s as if God was thinking, ‘How can I help this man as I call him to serve Me? I know. I’ll make ____________, introduce them, and ignite their hearts to yearn to be one. Then I’ll use her as my main channel to show him my favor."**

Pulling it together into a sentence:

As his direct Channel of Favour, 

Being supportive to our husbands in this call,

means we must be Authentic.

I can't (so won't) promise that we'll go through all the letters of the alphabet - but will do my best to share advice I hear or see...so we grow.  

Sources:

*Advice for ministers' wives from ministers' wives by Grace Clausing: http://www.lifeway.com/ArticleView?storeId=10054&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&article=Advice-for-ministers-wives-from-ministers-wives
**http://www.sovgracepastorswives.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

SPA

Have you ever had a spa? Well, it was an answered prayer for me last year when I got a coupon...in fact it was another confirmation of God's promise in Isa. 65:24: 

"I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"*

You know, I hadn't even whispered it to anyone - indeed the Word works...

Ok back to our topic...

After that experience, I said I'd like my husband to go for a spa and to go again myself, of course. The more I thought about it, the more desirable it became. Then just before Christmas, the thought occurred to me again and I got it...