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