Muddy Boot Prints

   Daylight creeps through the windowpanes teasing my eyes to wake. Sleep beckons me to say and  soak up one more moment here before the business begins. Pushing aside my selfish desires I stretch, tossing the sheets away rising with an unwelcome gush of chilly air.
   Willing my feet to touch the cold hardwood floor I am greeted with a crunch- yuck! Focusing my eyes in the bright morning light my irritation rises with the sight of muddy boot prints.

   Funny how things look different depending on which side of them you're standing on. Several years ago, my husband's job caused him to rise and leave long before the children and I. It was his "quiet before the storm" and he appreciated the time to himself before the demands of the day weighed him down. However, he had a nasty habit that irked me to no end; walking back through the house after putting on his heavy, muddy work boots.
   After spending many days sweeping the trail he had left, I finally asked him what was up. To me, these muddy boot prints were uncaring; a disregard for my attempts to keep the house clean. My attitude toward the boot prints changed drastically when I heard what they looked like from his eyes.

   After rising early in the quiet of my home, I walk through the rooms one by one. Brushing my teeth the sink my hands find their way to a fresh hand towel; folded neatly and waiting there for me. In the living room I sit in my favorite chair as my eyes fall upon books and devotionals neatly stacked nearby. In the kitchen my lunch is ready and waiting for me; all I have to do is place it in my box before I go. As I stand near the door: welding cap, keys, lunch box in hand- I stop to lace up my heavy work boots.
   Before opening the door and facing the day I turn and head to my room. Quietly I slip to the bedside- face my sleeping wife- I love you- and place a soft kiss on her cheek. Now, I am ready. Walking back through my house I breathe a quiet goodbye to my sleeping kids and head out for a long day at work. Thousands of choices are made in this one simple choice- to first love my wife, and my family.

   You see, things look quite different from another's eyes. How selfish I felt; how wrong. Such a simple thing- muddy boot prints; such a deep meaning. The trail of dirt became a sweet and playful thing in our married life. Sweeping them each morning- he loves me- I am reminded that he wouldn't leave the house before saying so.

   The days of the muddy boot prints are gone along with the job he had back then. His new employment came with a late shift; and alot of concrete and an indoor weld area. However, now and then, my mind drifts back to those long ago days...days when muddy boot prints were the sweetest sight in the light of morning.

simplychele

Educating.....Biblical Foundations

   In our home, the basis of all learning starts with God's Word. Period. The foundation for all course of study from reading to mathematics to science and humanities is Scripture. My husband and I teach expository Bible learning: line upon line, verse by verse. So when it comes to building Biblical foundations in our childrens' hearts we started at the beginning.
   Beginning Biblical foundations start with simply reading Scripture: to them as infants, toddlers, and beyond. Reading Scripture cover to cover started in our home at our childrens' births and carried through to our current teen years. Straight forward, letting God speak for Himself. Yet, while there is a need for this type of Biblical foundation, left without explanation where will it go in a little heart?
  
Some tools I found useful:

*the flannel graph; all-time favorite of the young and the old!
*pictures; I prefer not to attune God's Holy Word to cartoon imagery..pictures that depicted reality were my preference (after all they are real people and events, right?)
*imaginative play; march the walls of Jericho, part the shaving cream Red Sea, get into it.
*object based lessons; tangible items --a variety of garden foliage to depict the Garden of Eden, the Nativity to teach the birth of Christ, be creative!
*The Bible- either your own study version or a chronological one is nice; I have used both and loved them.

   I started (and still do) every Bible study session stating the plain truth: our Bible is God's Word, it is all true..no pretend stories, every event and every person are real just like you and me. Speaking realistically reinforces the fact the events in the Bible are true (in a world of so much fiction) One pet peeve of mine is teaching from other sources. Lesson books and study guides are great helps and that is all they are. My desire if for those I am teaching to know the Source of my lesson: the Bible.
  Early on, I learned that you cannot teach if you do not have their attention. To engage young students, I started with song (do you know how many children today cannot sing "Jesus Loves Me" or "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"?). Interacting and moving with the music engages their whole being in learning and attention. With some energy released, we settled down with objects (or pictures, flannel boards, etc.) to read the Scripture and share the lesson. It has always been my practice to reinforce the lesson by asking questions; review what you have just taught; let them tell you. Praise and encouragement is always on hand for their earnest efforts to retell or remember parts or all of the lesson.
   As they grow, so do the lessons. It is an amazing fact that no matter how many times you study the story of Jonah or Daniel or Ester you will always learn something new and different. Biblical foundations are timeless and they never get old. When my children joined various church studies such as Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, or Bible drill, our home lessons were complimented by including memory work and study from these classes. As we grow, we glean nuggets of truth and re-instill lessons already learned.
   Teaching God's Word has been the most important and most powerful class ever held in my home. Every other study has its root here and often comes back in discussion to here. When you build a strong foundation, you are setting your home on solid ground.

simplychele 
  

My Heart is Heavy

   The farm boy and I have been battling a virus. Down with a bug, my heart was drawn to prayer: for my family, for others as they lay on my heart. Prayer that saw me through the shocking events of this weekend. Events that had been burdening my husband's heart. Events that drew him to his knees..that lead him to resign the pulpit...to step down as their pastor. Events thatwill lead to change. Change that will effect our lives, our relationships, our home. Change that is difficult and leaves my heart heavy.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday: Do We Know.......

   Getting ready for the day; before the chores; before my teeth were even brushed..one of our teens called me aside for a talk. As a mamma, this tells me something very important is about to be discussed...and it was.
   You see, she had received a message from a teen younger than her needing to talk about a terrible situation. This very young teen was just leaving the local free clinic (she can drive) where it was confirmed she had been given the date rape drug and sexually assaulted. She needed help. My daughter's question came because of the kind of help she was asking.
   This young girl had been prescribed the morning after pill and could not pick the prescription up because she was under age. She wanted our help.
   Grief spilled over my heart as I heard this terrible situation. I now had a moment in life to not only teach my teen, but to learn about her as well. My question to us is..do we know?
 
Do we know:
* our convictions regarding...sexual purity, cohabitation, abortion, birth control , cyber relationships, etc.
* their convictions about such things
* how to respond to situations involving our convictions
* how to teach our youth to respond to such situations
* where helping becomes hindering
                     do we know?

   Moments such as these have come into our lives quite a bit these past months. Home school families are not immune to such situations (the influence of them or the instance of them). As parents it is our God-given responsibility to know our convictions, to teach our children our convictions, and to know their developing convictions. How do we do this?

How do we know?
* seek God's direction and Wisdom through His Word and prayer
* use current events through culture studies, current events and world new as triggers for teachable conversation
* when sharing convictions with our family (or others) always back it up with God's Word..this gives validity making it more than just your opinion
* know why you have this conviction...if you don't know, how can you teach it
* time together lends opportunity for discussion...sometimes the most teachable moments are in the mundane places of our day
 * invest in knowing your kids..share in their interests, know their friends, know their activities (Internet, phone, extra curricular, etc.

   These young people are the adults of tomorrow; have we equipped them for that responsibility? Already in our world today we see the consequences of not knowing:
* young adults who cannot hold a job
* cohabitation without shame or remorse
* unwed pregnancy, abortions, and high foster care situations
                the list is unending..and it's sad.
   We are called to train up our children in the way they should go..to know them; do we? I cannot change the world. I cannot change the hearts of others. I can start with me. I can expand to my family. I can reach to those who reach out to me. I can pray...love is tough and it is not easy to refuse to help when it will be a hindrance; when we are giving the impression that we applaud and accept the behavior instead of standing for our convictions.
   I choose to stand...I choose to know.

simplychele

Thoughtful Tursday...Ponderings of an Accidental Pastor's Wife

Being the Hands and Feet of Christ

An ordinary day filled with the business of life; another class, another job, another moment in an ordinary day. Stepping from the truck, something is out of place- different. Entering the home- it is disrupted, someone is there. A stressful cloud of emotions are swirling around; tension is rising. Wherein does her commitment lie? A message is sent, "Pray, Mom, pray for them."

My hands fall still from the quilting in my lap. I fold them, bowing my head in humble submission. My heart cries out in intercession for a family, for broken hearts, for the little ones, for my girl. Words of His wisdom come to my heart- I send them to her: "Be the hands and feet of Christ."

Yes, that is it. Little ones are ushered up the stairs. Keeping their routine as best she can, their tummies are filled, stories are read, time is spent in play. She is concerned for their safety, their security, their emotions. She prays for quick and peaceful resolve. 

Quiet comes to the home. Again, a message is sent, "Mom, what do I do?" My answer returns, "Be the hands and feet of Christ."

Little ones are bathed; held close and comforted until they drift off to sleep. She tiptoes downstairs. Calmly sitting, she offers her presence to a woman much older than she is. Sweetly she listens to the broken heart of a mother. Compassionate quietness; a peaceful presence is shared. She tidies the home before heading off to her own.

We never know what may come in to a day; disruptions are part of life. Our family has experienced our share of disruption over the years. I have learned- our concern is not for the disruption, it is for the strength to handle them. In every situation we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. No task is beneath Him, no tear is without value to Him. 

My heart was greatly touched when simplynic shared the events of this night with me. God gave me a glimpse into the heart of my girl..a peek into her character; a revelation of His presence in her. I needed this and so did she. 

Stop and ask yourself today, "What can I do?" The answer is, "Be the hands and feet of Christ."

  



joy comes in the morning
simplynic
a loving caregiver, listener, and friend
to a family outside of her own



Thoughtful Thursday..The Ponderings of an Accidental Pastor's Wife

                            A Simple Testimony in an Unusual Place

   I didn't want to be there and I wasn't happy about it. My Saturdays are my time to start a little slower and work on the household chores that I didn't get to during the week. With a quilt near completion, this was going to be my time to really knock it out, but instead I found myself here..in a place where I just had to be patient and wait. I was not impressed.
   Funny how God has plans for us- often plans to teach us a lesson we didn't think we needed. Lately, pondering the commercialization of the season and the blatant lack of respect for all things holy- I have been trying to see how to keep Christ in focus - and how to share Him during the celebration of His birth-how to simplify things and truly honor my Lord. So, looking back now, it is plain to see how I ended up on a bench at the college waiting for one of my teens on a Saturday.
   A young man sat by me, we have seen each other before and had simple conversations here and there about classes and thesis statements and such. Today I listened to him practice a speech, he asked me to give him some helpful hints for extending his time and sparking the listeners' attention. As I listened, I realized I was hearing a simple testimony; a view of holidays through the eyes of someone with a simple understanding and a family's simple purpose for celebrating.
   The first point that sparked my attention was his comment about "eating until we are full, because we don't really get to most of the year." He talked of "pretty white rice" and gumbo filled with "lots of meats that is special on Christmas." As he went on, his thoughts went to his grandmother who made sure they "minded good" and took them to church; of "wearing his gifts all day and playing with everyone". What really touched my heart was his last few statements. He told me that he needs to "do everything he can to make his Saviour Jesus happy on His birthday because He makes him happy all the other times." How precious.
   This young man is of simple understanding, yet his understanding is profound. He shared his faith and testimony unashamedly in plain speech that all could understand. In his closing statement he proclaimed that his Saviour Jesus was the real reason for celebrating." I couldn't have said it better myself...and I wouldn't. Instead of trying to help him "glam up" his speech, I encouraged him to share it the way it was...a revelation of his own heart and a glimpse into his private life.
   My drive home was a reflective one...anger melted away...the to-do list just didn't seem as important. In my own desire to simplify the holiday, I was complicating. God showed me the simplicity of it all with a simple testimony in an unusual place.

simplychele

*Note, the young man met up with me after his speech class to tell me how good his speech went and that his professor loved it. His classmates also gave him words of praise. As he left, he handed me a handful of chocolate kisses and simply said, "Thank you for helping me."  Oh, no...thank you for helping me.

  

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of an Accidental Pastor's Wife

extra small egg from the hens

                              One Tiny Gift

     This week, we found a tiny gift in one of the nests. Barely an inch across and blue as the morning sky, a tiny egg lay pitifully in the big nest box. Perplexed, I wondered which one of my gals may have left this for me. Setting it in my basket, it looked just as out of place there as it did in the nest box. Yet, my heart was drawn to this tiny gift.
   I knew this egg would not be fit to box with eggs we often share with others - who would want such a pitiful thing? Taking it inside with me, I sat the little egg in the window sill over the sink- to ponder over for a while.

   Seems my acts of service, pitiful things they are, are much like this tiny egg; such little things- so out of place with the others. Discouragement comes when we compare the tiny egg, or our acts of service, to the others. They just can't measure up. What good is such a little thing? Can it be useful? Yet...
   In my eyes, the tiny egg is precious- unique- useful. In God's eyes, even a tiny act of service is precious, unique, useful. It is not the size of the gift that matters, it is the heart that gives it. My hen gave of herself and left the gift for me; I have given of myself to my Father and left the gift for Him.
  
   Discouragement sometimes comes when, looking around us, it seems God's Word is not effective in reaching others; that our acts of service (outreach/encouragement) are so small...almost nonexistent. This week I had the privilege of attending a mission update dinner for International Commission. As I sat there, knowing my personal part in this ministry is small in comparison to some, my heart realized that my small part is still a part. God's Word is still working, still effective in our world to day, and I am a small part of that. This, in addition to my other small attempts make up a bigger gift..and are part of the whole.
  
   My tiny egg will be added to others to nourish my family. My tiny gifts to God will be added to others' to nourish the people. If I can daily strive to give even one tiny gift, I can be effective to my Heavenly Father's purpose. The key is doing....I doesn't have to be bit, but it must be done. Join me this week in striving for at least one tiny gift.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday...The Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

        Teaching The Word of God


   I am a teacher and have been for many years, even before I married. While educating is important in all aspects, I firmly believe that teaching the Word of God is the most vital part of educating there is. This does not apply only to the Sunday School teacher or the pastor of your church, it applies to our homes - our families - every aspect of our lives.
   My husband and I have taught Biblical education (in the form of Sunday school, AWANA, youth ministry, music and missions, pastoring, and Bible studies) from infant to elderly. Every age and season of life has its joys and its difficulties- every age is vital and important to the body of Christ - every age needs taught the Word of God. I would like to share with you the top three vital keys to my teaching strategy.


1. Validity.
     If I don't believe God's Word, I shouldn't teach it. If I don't know it, I shouldn't teach it. Preparedness and planning produce validity and yield a good lesson.

2. Attentiveness.
    If I don't have their attention, I can't educate them. To have success in gaining attentiveness I must first know my audience: what are their ages, interests? can I identify with their joys, struggles? Find a connection. Younger students enjoy games, object lessons, interaction (I love my flannel graph) before settling into a lesson. Older students love to be "drawn in" to a lesson. Our elderly students love a little personal fellowship before a lesson.

3. Obedience.
    With out order there will be chaos- that is not conductive to learning. Younger children need to have creative and energetic release, but they also need to be able to settle down and participate in the learning. It always pays to have a plan when teaching young students; what will you do if there is a situation. Older students still need a sense of order and rhythm - a pattern to follow. Elderly are generally more comfortable with a familiar routine, making teaching smoother.

      Is this an exhaustive list? No, but with out these top three...my teaching doesn't flow and is much less effective. So, as I ponder my Sunday school lesson for this week, I prepare with the keys to teaching God's Word.


simplyscaife   

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

                                                                 Life in the Blender

   Have you ever made a smoothie or iced coffee drink in the blender? We made some the other day and boy they were good. Ice, fruit, fresh milk swirling around the blender in a vortex of tasty goodness. The end result was sweet and very tasty, but many changes had to happen to the ingredients before the end result could be achieved....kinda like life.

   Here on the farm, the family has been facing "life in the blender"; a season of bumps and bruises that will change the shape of our being. Difficult decisions, doctor's visits, family discord, resurfacing of an oppressive situation, ministry, a drought, a storm and loss swirl around us- leaving us to feel out of control. As we sink in the vortex, unable to stop the motion, despair and discouragement fight to overtake us.

   In the midst of such a time as this, two questions for the Lord come to my heart: 1. Am I harboring a hidden sin that needs addressed and confessed? 2. Is this a proving, a time for my growth and Your glory? For the past few weeks, this has been my heartfelt prayer- which one is it? and where do I go from here? Show me..

   The answer is personal; a deep peace in my heart...a knowing..He is with me..He will lead us through. Whatever the answer is, He will provide..His grace is sufficient...His promises are true. We will get through this...we will have joy in the midst of trial....we will praise Him in this storm- we know the end result is a life will much sweeter.

   If sin is the culprit, we must recognize it for what it is- sin against a Holy God, then address it and confess it. Only in His precious Son are we able to do this..yet, until we do this..He cannot bless our service; our offerings.

   If it is a proving, we must accept God's decision and allow His will, His grace to carry us through- always keeping our humble spirit in communion with His. He cannot receive the Glory if we fail to allow His divine Hand.

   If you are experiencing life in the blender, let me share our steps to peace: 1. Breathe, 2. Bow the knee, 3. Believe. First, stop everything and take a deep breathe..be still before God. Then, bow the knee; unburden your heart to a Holy, Loving God- cry, yell, scream, groan- He already knows...you just need to let it go before Him. Now, believe: His grace is sufficient, His Word is pure, His promises are true..He will guide you through- you will have peace.

   Though none go with me, still I will follow.......even when life is in the blender.

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

"...go and bring forth fruit,"  John 15:16 

  
   A command; not a suggestion: "...go and bring forth fruit.."  This I ponder this week. I am seeking. How? The answer has not yet come.
   I have always believed growth must start at home- with the training and discipleship of our children and ourselves, but, where does it go from here and how is it done? Is this a personal or collective endeavor? The job of the family? The church? Is the Lord speaking of discipleship or outreach?
   Growing fruit trees has taught me that proper conditions must be met in order for the tree to bear fruit; light, water, fertilizer, season- proper pruning and trellising. Can this parallel our "fruit bearing"? What are the right conditions for bearing fruit? I am just not seeing it. Have you ever known there was a lesson there, yet it was just out of reach- the connection was just not being made? It's maddening!
   This week I consider, I ponder- how do we "go and bring forth fruit"? Can you tell me?

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday..the Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

             Once a Mother, Always a Mother

   As you know, I am a mother, I have a mother and a mother-in-law, a grandmother or two- you get the picture. Serving in assisted living ministry has given me some mothers-in-love; they just adopt you the minute you walk in the door. We have noticed that when our mothers develop dementia or Alzheimer's and are placed in a group care environment, one will often become the mother of the group. Such was the case with Miss Faye.

   I have loving memories of dear Miss Faye; she was somewhat quiet and kept up her appearance. She was very able in body, however, she suffered the effects of Alzheimer's. Ever faithful to attend the little church service we held in her center, Miss Faye was also a leader- a mother to her roommates.

   My favorite loving memory of her is the Sunday morning she came to service with her friends- who, at that time, were being rather noisy. Now during the singing portion of the service, Miss Faye was cautiously warning her friends to quiet down and listen. When the singing was over and the preaching began, our dear Miss Faye would have no disrespect of God's Word. She proceeded to pull a comb out of her pocket, reach across the table and swat the talkers on the hand- reminding them that the preacher was talking and they needed to hush up and listen.
   Now, I had never in my wildest dreams expected such a thing- it shocked us all! Bless her heart, she meant no ill will, but she did mean business. Miss Faye was a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and would always be. The Lord must have smiled at her simple devotion and boldness in response to His servants because it ended well. Things settled down and the service went on.
   I treasure the memory of this unique woman and her motherly way. She was caring and eager to hug you when you arrived- she often recognized you, just not sure why or how she knew you. Miss Faye is with our Lord now, and surely keeps Him smiling. Whenever I see a little black comb, I think of Miss Faye, once a mother, always a mother.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

                                                   Lessons From the Broody Hen & Me


the broody ol' hen

    It seems that one of my hens has decided to usher in the fall season with an activity all her own; she has decided to be broody. If you have ever spent some time with a broody hen- you haven't forgotten it. Nothing makes an impression around the barnyard like a broody hen. She is puffed up and full of irritation. Broody Betty wants no part the other ladies' chatter and charm- nor the rooster's incesant fussing. This hen wants to be, well, broody.
   My daily interactions with the old broody hen have got me pondering; we are so often like this broody hen. You see, she is puffed up-attempting to make herself bigger than she really is. When other hens drop by for casual conversation broody hens raise quite an unpleasant ruckus, thus running off good company. Her rooster comes home to the coop and broody hen is too busy with her brooding to pay him any mind. Attempts to assist or aide a broody hen are met with angry aggression. She is just no fun to be with.
   Unlike the broody hen, our broody moods are caused by a myriad of things. Unpleasant family interactions, uncooperative children, selfishness, pride, arrogance, anything that unbalances our emotions. Sometimes it takes just one little thing to send us brooding, but most often the pressure has been building and we've had it. There is only one cure for a broody hen- remove the cause of her broodiness (her nest of eggs). Once the cause is removed she will go about being a functional part of the flock again.
   Guess what I discovered. The only way to cure our broodiness is- you guessed it- remove what is causing the broodiness. If a relationship is the trigger- consider time away to settle the emotions. When it's the children- ask them to give you some quite time; even small children can understand when you're out of sorts and need a break. Selfishness, pride and arrogance take a bit more effort- seek God's help. I personally search out Scriptures relating to my broody trigger, write them on note cards or sheets of paper, and tack them up around the house in the areas I will encounter them the most. This prompts me to ponder the word and pray for guidance.
   In the hen house, I gave in and let the hen set her nest. When a ruckus occurs I smile and think ahead to little, fluffy chicks yet to come; before too long she'll be back to herself. In my house, the battle is there- yet progress is being made. Maybe I'll pour a cup of coffee and spend some time to myself out under the trees pondering the broody hen and me.


simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday...Ponderings of the Accidental Pastor's Wife

   The farm kids and I are studying Pure Joy God's Formula for Passionate Living. This weeks session has been heavy on our hearts; a Psalm of David that challenges us to take inventory of the impurities we have been confronted with in the past. We contemplate the danger zones that undermine our purity; rob our joy and steal our testimony.  Purity is not limited to sexuality, but includes our mind, our actions, the motives of our hearts. Purity encompasses all of the parts of us.  This week I ponder:

   Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have rusted also in the Lord; therefor I shall not slide.
   Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
   I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
 I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked.
   I will wash mine hands in innocency; so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: 
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. 
  Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
  In whose hand is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. 
But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me. 
 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.   
                                                                                                           Psalm 26

simplychele

The Accidental Pastor's Wife....

                 Lest I Forget....

  Many women married to men in ministry seem to wrap themselves in the identity of minister's wife to the neglect of so many areas of their lives. I am determined not to be one of them!

  So today...lest I forget, I am:

the keeper of the home, teacher, tutor, cook, maid, cab driver, driver's ed teacher, goat wrangler, coop queen, barn mucker, mower of the grass, raker of the leaves, puller of the weeds...

Lest I forget, I am...

a caregiver, a servant, a student, a child.....

I am..

still learning, still growing, still human, still prone to wickedness...still in need of forgiveness, of love, of grace...still, humbly, a child of the King.

Lest I forget, I am HIS; saved by grace, washed by the blood.

I am

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday...Ponderings from the Accidental Pastor's Wife

      Why I Knock on Every Door

   Our family has been involved in nursing home/assisted living center ministry for many years. Each Sunday brings a new story, a new event, a new experience;  you never know what is going to happen. For the most part, the residents are happy to see you. Many have few visitors and welcome the company and interaction. Some are unhappy to be there and can be quite difficult to make contact with. Of all the stories I could tell you, some funny, some emotional, I am going to share a lesson from a woman named Cecilia.
  We had been holding services in this center for several years when Miss Cecilia moved in. She was not particularly happy to be there nor was she very social. My first Sunday to knock on her door, she firmly told me I was the wrong church. You see, Miss Cecile is a Catholic; she was concerned that I would try to change her Catholic beliefs. I reassured her that she was still welcome to come but she firmly declined.
   Every week I knocked on her door; her response to me was the same firm reply. I asked if it was okay to simply check in for a visit when we were there..she accepted. At my knock, our conversation changed, "Good afternoon, Miss Cecile...Yes ma'am I know you are Catholic I just wanted to stop by and say hello..Is there any thing I can pray about for you?" We would have a brief conversation and I would be on my way. After introducing my husband to her once, he occasionally came by with me to "say hello" to her.
   As it goes, Miss Cecile's health began to fail her. She was beginning to live with pain and often had an attendant with her. When I knocked, she would call me to her bed and ask for prayer or for "the pastor" to come pray for her. We always did. On her better days, her attendant would wheel Miss Cecile down to hear the singing or the piano played..and occasionally sit for a bit of the service until she felt the need to rest.
   This was our relationship for several months. One Sunday she seemed particularly distressed. We visited her for a time, prayed with her and went home with her on our hearts. She passed away that week. What a  blessing it is to know that we got to know, to care about, to pray with this unique woman.
   I know not every knock on the door will end this way; not every difficult visit becomes a friendly relationship, but why not try. Some times the most difficult resident is just a person who needs to be given a moment of respect or personal care, a listening ear or a sounding board. Not every door will be opened, but when I am there, every door will be knocked on.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday...Ponderings from the Accidental Pastor's Wife

A Lesson from a Stubborn Little Goat

   It was hoof trimming day. Yes, time for goat pedicures...clean, trim, file..moisturize if need be. Some animals enjoy the whole beautification process, however, most of our little goats do not! Nevertheless, it is a dirty job that must be done..and with the intense heat of summer..we were a little behind schedule on this particular task.

Genesis under the ladder, Leviticus in the front

   To trim a hoof: 1.Get your supplies in order (we have a bucket with blood stop powder, trimmers, file, hoof cream, pick and brush) 2. Catch goat, 3. Straddle goat in rear facing position (facing the goat's rear), 4. Grab a hoof, lift just enough to work. Now I generally clean out the muck, trim nails and dew claws, file gently and check for cracks or damages. We try to work quickly with hind hooves first then fronts; you don't want to hold a goat longer than you have to.

  Alright, the problem came with Leviticus (the goat, not the book). He does NOT like to be restrained in any way..for any reason. This little goat likes his comfort zones. Love me, feed me, never work with me..that's his motto. When in a working situation, he bawls and balks and throws himself on his back..oh, good grief the temper tantrum this kid can work up! Got me thinking......

  Sound a bit like... me. I don't know about you, but more often than not, when the Lord is working in my heart, my life.....I don't like it. It seems...restraining..uncomfortable. Comfort zones are my friend...peace, contentment, the easy road..yes, I like that. When faced with a work or a change, I often bawl and balk. Sometimes I go so far as to have a down right fit; just like a stubborn little goat.
  In the midst of Leviticus and my "meeting of the mind" he gave me a nasty wound...his untrimmed hoof cut down the back of my calf leaving open skin and an awful bruise. Hmmm. When I fight my Lord, I wound Him, too. Not a flesh wound, but a wound of the heart..grieving Him. Does He still love me? Yes, I am His..He forgives. Does the work end? No, this must be done for my good. Just like the stubborn little goat, I must submit to the working..the change..the cleaning of the muck from my feet (or heart).
  As I ponder my life and the changes that are happening daily, the ministries my family is involved in, the path we are walking..I will try to be sensitive to my Heavenly Father's heart..His working. My prayer is that I can accept the working of the Spirit and not wrestle Him to the point of grief; release my comfort zones and move ahead. Lord, help me to work with You, not against You in the days to come.


simplychele 

Let Them Lead...we can learn from them, too.

It is our job, God given, to teach the children. Whether in our homes, our churches or our schools we must take up the reigns and lead them. Yet, there are times when it is beneficial to let them lead. Mentoring is another important part of learning and teaching. Guide the children in mentoring (leading) the younger ones. No, this should not be the primary source of teaching, but it should aide in it.

Here we have an example of letting them lead. The farmkids and I attended a course at Texas A&M on Poultry care. Our farmboy spent some time with the instructors learning about processing poultry without scalding and plucking. He also learned how to harvest the breast, tenderloin and legs without first eviscerating the bird. Having some extra roosters on hand (who needed a purpose- namely dinner) it seemed a good time to allow him to teach us.

That said, here is the farmboy set up for teaching a new butchering technique:

Gather supplies: a pan of cool water to rinse the meat, ice water to cool the meat quickly, and storage bags to place meat in...you may want tongs for this person so there is a clean pair of hand on deck

Place a trash bag nearby, the carcases will need to be disposed of by either burning or feeding wildlife in the woods. We hung ours on the tractor near our work table.

 To begin, break the neck, drain the blood (not pictured) and, using a very sharp fillet knife, proceed to cut the skin neck to vent. Using your hands pull the skin (feather and all) away from the breast meat. Cut off the feet (we dispose of them) and then the skin will slide over the leg. Remove the legs and thigh if desired; rinse the meat in the water and place it in the ice to cool.

Run the knife along the breast bone gently slicing the meat away from the bone. Under the breast will be a section of meat that seems to "come away" from the breast meat--this is the tenderloin. Cut it away from the breast. Rinse them in the water and then place them in the ice.

If you accidentally cut the craw (as you can see farm dad did) this is what you get- undigested grain. Be sure to clean this away from the work area before you proceed..this is unsanitary for your meat.
Once finished, dispose of the carcase and move on to the next bird. I packaged each bird's meat in a separate bag, labeled it with date of butcher, and froze it in our deep freeze.
If you want the carcases for broth, simply continue pulling the skin from the body, remove the internal organs, and rinse it well with running water (I hose it out) before placing in the ice. Bag, freeze, and label until needed.

My hats off to our farmboy. He did a great job remembering the steps, the layout, supplies and the little tricks that made it easier. Just recently, he attended a class on identifying cuts of meat, their grade and the best cooking methods for the cut. I don't know about you, but I hope he leads us in a class on that, too!

If you have children or work with children in any area, please consider allowing for them, from time to time, to demonstrate some of their strengths. This develops their ability to speak, teach, prepare and retain what they have learned. You may even learn something, too!

simplychele and the farmboy

Thoughtful Thursday...Ponderings from the Accidental Pastor's Wife

    The Almost Awful Lord's Supper Service..aka..My Own Feeble Attempts

  We are a small church..I've said that. To prepare for the Lord's Supper service, I generally make a trip to the local grocery to purchase Matzo and grape juice (baptist, remember). There are a few things about grocery shopping you should know.

  I strongly dislike shopping.. there, said it. Now, wouldn't you know they have not only rearranged "my" store- they remodeled it, and I needed to zip in to purchase items for Sunday's service.

  Upon finally finding the Matzo, I wandered and roamed in an attempt to find the juice (who designed the layout of this store?). Things are no where near the place they were, and not grouped like they use to be. Finding the juice, I grabbed it and moved on. Halting in an unoccupied isle, attempting to think- was there anything else we needed? Looking down at the bottle in my arms I burst out laughing...here's why:

  Picture if you will- the congregation sitting, little communion cups in hands, the pastor says, "Do this in remembrance of Me." Everyone quietly, reverently drinks of the cup----and in unison- spits! You see, I had juice in my hands....prune juice! Can you imagine? Yuck-the words vile, awful come to mind! Talk about spiritual cleansing..whoa.

   When I finally stopped laughing hysterically I did find the grape juice- on the shelf right next to the prune juice. Oddly enough, they are in the same style bottle..same color...similar labels. Any one could make this mistake, right?

  The Lord is good. He showed me the error of my way..allowed me to laugh at my attempts..and guided me to the right path (or shelf). Here is a lesson for us all...slow down, pay attention to details. No task is so small it is not important to God.

  And...you might want to check the cup before you partake of the communion :).

simplychele

**I view Communion as a serious and solemn ordinance of the church..no disrespect want intended in this writing...only the awareness of my own fallibility even in the service of our mighty God.

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings from the Accidental Pastor's Wife

  Today A Book Review......

       Come to the Lord's Table


   Baptist churches hold two ordinances; believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion, or Eucharist). These ordinances fall at various times in a church calendar according to the individual church.
   Believer's baptism is often held soon after a person's profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. However, the Lord's supper is a bit more varied. Our church holds this ordinance of the fifth Sunday of any month containing five Sundays. Though the timing may vary, the purpose and intent should not.
   I have posted here the cover of the book Come to the Lord's Table by Claude King (with meditations by Andrew Murray). This book has been on my shelves for some time now (purchased at Lifeway Christian Bookstore), studied once before in a large church in preparation for the Lord's supper service. Being rather new to our current church family, and desiring to ensure we are holding to the Biblical ordinance correctly, I pulled this book down for my family to study again.
   Come to the Lord's Table is intended to be a three week study guide directing the individual to search and prepare their heart before participating in the ordinance with their body of believers. Each day the reader is given Scripture, explanations and sometimes a "parable" type lesson with heart searching questions to guide them. A meditation or prayer is given after the day's lesson in order to guide your thoughts throughout the day.
    The book is well written and easy to follow. It can be done as a group, a whole church, a family or as an individual. Our home is studying through it individually, yet with occasional discussion as needed. With our children being teens (17, 15, and 13), this approach seems to be going well. They were younger the last time we studied this book, and as I recall, I studied it and adjusted the lessons to their understanding and attention span.
    Do I recommend it? Yes. If you are seeking to better understand the purpose of the Lord's supper, the invitation the Lord has made to you, and to understand how to partake of it in a worthy manner then I encourage you to study Come to the Lord's Table.

simplychele

Thoughtful Thursday..Ponderings from the Accidental Pastor's Wife

         His Worst Enemy..Me?

Returning from a trip is always hard. Exhaustion and a long to-do list often over take us. Sound reason gives way to irrational emotions. In the midst of the chaos, I stepped out to the green bench near my chicken coop to ponder..to pray.

I recall doing this very thing several times during our stay in Arkansas..sitting on the bench outside our cabin just to breath..to ponder..to pray. Sometimes I would find a moment to connect with my husband (who was many miles away and usually eating lunch at work).
One afternoon it came to me..a thought so frightening it literally made me sick. This thought returned to me this morning as I sat on my bench praying. I have the potential to be my husband's worst enemy. Shocking, don't you think. Brace yourself..it not only applies to the wife of a pastor, but to us all.
As I sit quietly, "Lord, what do You mean?" He answers me with bold and bracing reality. There are many ways. Here I share some of my list with you:

1. When my actions are ruled by emotions, not wisdom
2. When my home is not in order; I am not were I should be doing what I should do
3. When idols take hold of my heart; if I am idle, not active to serve
4. When my words are critical or harsh instead of loving and edifying
5. When bitterness takes root or pride swells where humility should reside
6. When disputes reach my ears and I engage where I should have stopped it
7. When gossip poisons my mind instead of pure thoughts
8. When God is not first; when my husband is not second to God in my heart
9. When I allow my weakness to hinder me; when I am impaired by my shortcomings
10. When others influence me more than he does
When my attitude is out of order!

Only a few listed, some to personal to share..some yet undiscovered. If I am his worst enemy..I am also being the enemy of God and His people. Taking my grief and fear first to my Heavenly Father, then to my earthly husband..I will seek forgiveness for times when...the enemy I may have been..and may potentially be. They both love me..they know I am a mere human..a sinner..and often seeing something in myself they are not.
My husband, he often laughs..he thinks, "only she could think such a thing"..maybe. In my heart I must seek to beware..for I have heard the warning in my heart...a gentle whisper from my Lord. So this verse He gives me..this Word I will cling to:

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things re of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
Philippians 4: 6-9

If I keep watch carefully over my heart, my Lord will keep me from being his worst enemy.

simplychele