Changes

Our son, Phillip, and Patty, his sweet new wife, got home from their honeymoon last night. They have been in the Bahamas for the last week and had, mostly, warm sunny days. Today they woke up to cold weather and sleet. Talk about a change in their world. 

Life is like this all the time. You are headed in one direction then all of a sudden something happens and you find yourself in completely different circumstances. Sometimes these changes are pleasant and make us happy, but most often we find ourselves under stress and are very frustrated by the change.

God never promised us that life would always be perfect and understandable. As a matter of fact throughout the scriptures we read that troubles and changes will come. The one thing that He has promised is that He will be there for us throughout every thing that happens in our lives. God will be there to give support, hope, and to be happy with us or be sad with us. 

Romans 5:3-5 shows us this very thing.......

Romans 5:3-5

The Message (MSG)

3-5 There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Thank goodness for change. It builds our character and helps us to love God even more. It helps us to become stronger and stronger and helps us meet these setbacks, on our paths of life, with grace and virtue.

For the ones who do not understand that they have a creator who will help them through anything, and they see you staying positive through your troubles, it helps make them want the peace you have. What a great time to point them to Christ. Then both of you will feel all the generosity and love God can give. Life and it's changes will turn out to be the best thing that could happen. Salvation will come. Peace will come.

My hope for you is that this peace is with all of you for Thanksgiving and on into the Christmas season!

Blessings!

Bite My Tounge

There are times as a pastor's wife that I need to bite my tongue. I know that some things are not worth stirring up and that the situation will resolve itself, more times than not, with time and patience. The hardest times for me are when things are said about my husband, that are not true, and my wife defenses want to stand up to scream to defend him.

I'm not saying that pastor's are perfect. I'm not saying that they don't make mistakes. I know that they are just as human as the rest of us. They live in glass houses, though, and are scrutinized and judged more than anyone can imagine. We spouses have some of that but we can escape behind the curtain in the glass house. But it never seems to be pulled for the pastor.

I have seen my husband go through some tough things in our marriage. Life is not always fair. But he has always held his head up and remained strong, maybe just for me, but he never seems to lose his way and can always see that things will be better tomorrow.

 I do have to admit that there is one thing that does seem to bring him down a little and that is when his motives are being questioned. He does not do anything in a rash manner and thinks everything through. Sometimes this drives me crazy because there I times I want to lead with my emotions and do not want to think things through. But he never wants to do anything that would bring shame to the Lord. He is a good good man.

Every minister that I have ever known, who truly is doing the work of the Lord, is the same in this. They know that what they are doing is something they feel God is telling them to do. They all have such hard times when what they are doing is called into question.

I can't do much, except pray, about the other pastors. But I, as Rodney's wife, can and will support him whole heartedly. Because I know his heart. I know his love for his savior. I know his love for his family. I know his love for his country. And I know his love for his flock!!  He is, without a doubt, the kind of man God has called him to be!  

One thing I do, when he is saddened is to go to God and seek a gentle word to say to my husband. Also I remind Rodney that as he leads he is never alone. Of course he has me, but I really mean God. I remind him (although he already knows) that He will help and see him through. Moses reminded Joshua of the very same thing......

Deuteronomy 31:7-8

Common English Bible (CEB)

7 Then Moses called Joshua and, with all Israel watching, said to him: “Be strong and fearless because you are the one who will lead[a] this people to the land the Lord swore to their ancestors to give to them; you are the one who will divide up the land for them. 8 But the Lord is the one who is marching before you! He is the one who will be with you! He won’t let you down. He won’t abandon you. So don’t be afraid or scared!”

It is amazing to be with Rodney in the ministry. It is amazing to see how he is being used to lead others as they show the love of Christ. It is amazing to watch as God goes before him and protects and directs him. I know he and I wouldn't trade this life for anything, glass house and all. But because I love him so fiercely, sometimes I do have to bite my tongue!!!


Blessings!!