Do we truly appreciate?

I had the wonderful privilege of attending an "Appreciation Party" last night. I confess, alot of times I look at things that I "need to go to" as a chore. Last night was so different. I truly appreciated and loved the people they were honoring. It was a couple that I have known for almost 14 years. They have been serving in ministry most of their lives. They have been a huge influence in my life as well as my husband and children.

So, my thoughts went to this place... do we truly appreciate those who serve us in ministry? Before you get a negative rumbling in the pit of your stomach, let me say that I not only speak from the perspective of being a pastor's kid and being the wife of a pastor, but as a person who sits in the pew.

I readily admit that there are plenty of people out there who misuse their positions of ministry.

I am not referring to them. I also readily admit that those serving in ministry are people just like you... meaning that they mess up.


Getting back to my thought, do we truly appreciate those God has chosen to serve us? Can I tell you that from their side it's not near as glamorous as one may think. I am very proud that my father was a faithful pastor all of my life, but there were many times I wish he just worked a job like my friends dads. So, much so, that at one point I "told" God (ha ha) that I would never marry someone in ministry. I won't bore you with details from my childhood or my experience as an adult. But suffice it to say, those serving in ministry are not shown appreciation.

I encourage you this week to let someone know how much you appreciate them and their ministry. But! before you do, make sure that you truly do appreciate them. If not, ask the Lord to soften your heart to those in ministry.

P.S. Never tell God you won't do something...my husband is in full time ministry.

A simple thought

As I mentioned earlier, our family has taken a new direction in life. One in which I can say I was very fearful of heading into.
It has been 9 months since we left our former church. I questioned what God was doing with us and why He asked us to do what He did.
Needless, to say, I was mentally, emotionally and spiritually worn out. I actually lost my desire to serve.

When I came to Oakwood, our pastor did a very gracious thing by agreeing to just letting me sit and recooperate. I will say that the people of Oakwood have been my healing balm.(they probably have no idea of it either)

As a result of friends praying for me, people allowing me to recover, books crossing my path, ladies conventions, Bible studies, invitations to dinner, and many other things, I once again have a desire to serve. I really just noticed it happening in the last month. I am so glad God hasn't forgotten about me. 9 months ago, I truly thought He was done with me. I didn't have any idea what I would do. My whole life has been centered around ministry. Could it be that He would never use me? Was I that big of a failure to Him?
Boy, that devil can throw some vicious thoughts in one's mind.

I find myself in a position now that I have never been granted before. I can actually pray about what ministry God has for me and not just doing something because noone else will.

I'll let you know where God directs me. I just want to be used. Not for my glory, but for HIS!

Returning to the blogging world!

Summer is just around the corner for me. So, I will once again be a stay at home mom for the summer. I do love my teaching job and the ministry where I teach, but nothing beats being at home and tending to my husband, kids and home. ( oh and hanging out at the pool every day!)

This past year has taken our family in a new direction. One in which I was at first very frightened to go, but God has been so good.

I may share more of that as time go on.

So, to those 5 of you who may have read my blog, I am back.

I also have a Facebook page...check it out!