found this on flickr. by Divine Decor (May 3, 2006)
Monday, May 22, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
The Life of a Pastor's Wife
I really think I should write a book someday, with a title along these lines:
THE LIFE OF A PASTOR'S WIFE
The first thing I want to do in this column is to express my love and appreciation to you and offer my prayers for a blessed Holy Week. So many will come under your influence who do not understand the cross — or redemption. Please help those you serve this next week to grasp how "high and wide and deep and long" is the love of Jesus (Ephesians 3).
The second thing I wish to address is the emotional and spiritual health of your spouse.
With so much attention being given by the media to the tragic death of Pastor Matthew Winkler, including a recent article in USAToday (4/3/06), I thought it appropriate to give some thought to the mindset of a pastor's wife who was so frustrated — depressed, maybe — that she would shoot her husband in the back.
I admit I do not know any more than you do about the motive of Mary Winkler, but I do interact a great deal with clergy wives. And I sense their concern — and even, at times, their futility.
Oh, I realize that not all clergy wives struggle with the challenges presented when you share your spouse and family with a congregation. But I have not met many who have not had their moments.
Here is what I hear: "Our family needs more balance. It seems we are owned by the church." "Sometimes, when I see how my husband is treated by the church leaders, I wonder if it's all worth it?" "I'm concerned about my husband's health. He does not sleep well, eat well or find time for himself."
When they talk about themselves, so often it is in the area of their own identity or relationship. "I'm not sure who I can trust." "So many of the expectations for me are unrealistic." "If we didn't work here, I'm not sure we would even attend this church." "Sundays are my roughest day of the week." "I feel a heaviness in my heart that I can't describe."
Well, you know the rest. As couples in ministry, you must keep talking, keep observing the one you love. Don't be afraid to ask how the other is doing, and take time to be together. And, if you have a problem — please get help!! Call us on our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at 877-233-4455. Ministry should be a joy — full of love and respect for one another.
Happy Easter! —HBL
Taken from: The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
"Focus on the Family -- Pastoral Ministries"
Volume 14, Number 14 April 7, 2006
THE LIFE OF A PASTOR'S WIFE
The first thing I want to do in this column is to express my love and appreciation to you and offer my prayers for a blessed Holy Week. So many will come under your influence who do not understand the cross — or redemption. Please help those you serve this next week to grasp how "high and wide and deep and long" is the love of Jesus (Ephesians 3).
The second thing I wish to address is the emotional and spiritual health of your spouse.
With so much attention being given by the media to the tragic death of Pastor Matthew Winkler, including a recent article in USAToday (4/3/06), I thought it appropriate to give some thought to the mindset of a pastor's wife who was so frustrated — depressed, maybe — that she would shoot her husband in the back.
I admit I do not know any more than you do about the motive of Mary Winkler, but I do interact a great deal with clergy wives. And I sense their concern — and even, at times, their futility.
Oh, I realize that not all clergy wives struggle with the challenges presented when you share your spouse and family with a congregation. But I have not met many who have not had their moments.
Here is what I hear: "Our family needs more balance. It seems we are owned by the church." "Sometimes, when I see how my husband is treated by the church leaders, I wonder if it's all worth it?" "I'm concerned about my husband's health. He does not sleep well, eat well or find time for himself."
When they talk about themselves, so often it is in the area of their own identity or relationship. "I'm not sure who I can trust." "So many of the expectations for me are unrealistic." "If we didn't work here, I'm not sure we would even attend this church." "Sundays are my roughest day of the week." "I feel a heaviness in my heart that I can't describe."
Well, you know the rest. As couples in ministry, you must keep talking, keep observing the one you love. Don't be afraid to ask how the other is doing, and take time to be together. And, if you have a problem — please get help!! Call us on our toll-free Pastoral Care Line at 877-233-4455. Ministry should be a joy — full of love and respect for one another.
Happy Easter! —HBL
Taken from: The Pastor's Weekly Briefing
"Focus on the Family -- Pastoral Ministries"
Volume 14, Number 14 April 7, 2006
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Songs that Still My Soul
The words to some precious old hymns appear on this post, "Words That Shake My Soul". I like to think along the lines of calming, and quieting my soul, rather than shaking my soul. Hebrews 12 talks about an "Unshakable Kingdom", but only after the author urges entering into rest. Hebrews 6:19(NIV) says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
I believe we are in a time when all things that can be shaken will be shaken. But there is rest for our souls, if we have HOPE in Christ.
The Hymn-writers knew that kind of hope. "It Is Well With My Soul - Be Still My Soul - I've Anchored My Soul (Haven of Rest), etc., etc.." It was that kind of hope that made the musicians play "Near to the Heart of God" as the Titanic was sinking.
To whom or what would your soul cling, if you were surrounded by such tragedy and chaos, as the recent ferry-boat sinking, the 9-11 explosions, or the Katrina flooding?
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6Hebrews 12:25-29 (The Message)
I believe we are in a time when all things that can be shaken will be shaken. But there is rest for our souls, if we have HOPE in Christ.
The Hymn-writers knew that kind of hope. "It Is Well With My Soul - Be Still My Soul - I've Anchored My Soul (Haven of Rest), etc., etc.." It was that kind of hope that made the musicians play "Near to the Heart of God" as the Titanic was sinking.
To whom or what would your soul cling, if you were surrounded by such tragedy and chaos, as the recent ferry-boat sinking, the 9-11 explosions, or the Katrina flooding?
"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6
Hebrews 12:25-29 (The Message)
25So don't turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn't get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? 26His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time--he's told us this quite plainly--he'll also rock the heavens: "One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern." 27The phrase "one last shaking" means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered. 28Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom!
Thanks be to God!
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
FORTY DAYS IN THE WORD
I love these promises; and I love God's perfect timing to encourage and excite His people!
Our church has begun a corporate time of emphasis on Bible-reading, during the season of Lent. We started the new year in prayer and fasting; now we're kicking up a fervor for feeding on God's Word, turning up the dial of intensity in this spiritual discipline.
I have a feeling that God is not just pleased about this direction toward devotion; He is loudly cheering! "I can't wait to show you great and awesome mysteries, to give you treasures and hidden riches--Come on, dive in to the Word, start digging around, just ASK ME to uncover the truths that have been obscured. Surprise! You won't believe your eyes!"
Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt?!!!
March 7, 2006: Ask of Me, and I will show you great and awesome mysteries, and I will uncover those things, which have been hidden from your understanding. You will no longer be kept in the dark with a lack of knowledge of that which has caused you to fall short of victory. And, I do call you forth into great success in your struggle. I will equip and empower you for every occasion. Do not doubt that I will remove the blindfold that has kept you in obscurity. Be alert to receive new revelation of solutions to old problems, says the Lord.
Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.
Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin
Small Straws In A Soft Wind
by Marsha Burns
Faith Tabernacle Website
Our church has begun a corporate time of emphasis on Bible-reading, during the season of Lent. We started the new year in prayer and fasting; now we're kicking up a fervor for feeding on God's Word, turning up the dial of intensity in this spiritual discipline.
I have a feeling that God is not just pleased about this direction toward devotion; He is loudly cheering! "I can't wait to show you great and awesome mysteries, to give you treasures and hidden riches--Come on, dive in to the Word, start digging around, just ASK ME to uncover the truths that have been obscured. Surprise! You won't believe your eyes!"
Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt?!!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
"Touch not my anointed one"
Curt Hendley, "The Happy Husband", has a blog celebrating marriage. He also has a section of the blog dedicated to "ministering to pastors". I appreciate his writings on both subjects, marriage and ministry. Here is an excerpt from his page on ministering to pastors:
My request to you is that you respond with a blog post (or a link to a post if you’ve already written one) listing some practical ways a congregation can encourage their pastor. If you’re reticent about revealing that sort of thing on your own blog, I would be happy to post something you write on my blog and remove your name from it–sort of an "advice from an anonymous pastor" kind of thing. I really want to know this, and I want the flock to stop being unaware of their shepherd’s humanity and needs. If you decide to write a post about this, please let me know so I can read it and link to it.Here is a practical bit of advice for congregations: If you are tempted to send an email to your pastor, please don't flame him. Don't say things you will regret having expressed, when you go to church the next time. And, please, before you press the "send" button, consider what effect your words will have on the reader(s). Remember that e-mail is not a private means of communication. The words you write may be read by staff members and family members of the pastor, including the pastor's wife!
Someday, perhaps I'll write a book: "Dear Congregation," sub-titled, "Everything I've always wanted to tell you, and you've always wanted to know, about being a pastor's wife." The thing that always amazes me most is that people don't realize how badly their words can hurt. It's like they think that pastors are so spiritual they can take anything people dish out to them, even if it's inspired by the devil himself. They don't seem to understand that the devil uses their words to attack and destroy men of God.
God understands, though, and He keeps account of every evil word spoken against His servants.
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