I am nearing the end of this project - writing along with reading through this book; processing through as we neared the end of our last church and entered the interim wilderness. Has it been helpful? I'm still considering that as past hurts were unearthed and re-examined simultaneously with the stress of the current ministry... Continue Reading →
"The death of a dream has its own shape of grief. You don't go to a church or take a new ministry position expecting to crash and burn. You dream about the lives changed and the difference made. You wonder what the revival will look like when it shows up. And you dream about the... Continue Reading →
"The difficulties of our present do not predict or constrain the future God has for his people. Life and ministry can be hard. Churches struggle with the realities of aging congregations and rapidly changing communities. Where our nation once culturally embraced Christianity, now our faith is often regarded with indifference and hostility." (Renewed, Leigh Powers,... Continue Reading →
"Prayer is the bright thread connecting all my armor, giving it power and ensuring my victory. Help me to persevere in prayer at all times, in all circumstances, with all kinds of requests, and for all your people. Remind me prayer changes me." (Renewed, Leigh Powers, pg 117) When we started at our last church,... Continue Reading →
"...when I've spent the week weeping over the broken relationships and strife we seem unable to overcome, on Sunday mornings it's hard to worship." (Renewed, Leigh Powers, pg 111) This describes my battle most Sundays since September of last year. Once you know that your congregation has people in it who don't want your husband... Continue Reading →
"The hardest part about this is having to remain silent. It's one of the unspoken rules of being a pastor's wife: You can't fight back. ....Hold your tongue and hope the truth will come out in the end." (Renewed, Leigh Powers, pg 106) Sigh. Why? Why do we have this unspoken rule? I guess it's... Continue Reading →
"There's the nagging voice that lurks in the dark corners of my mind, easing out into the light when I'm tired or stressed or afraid. 'You're not good enough. You'll never measure up.' .... There are other voices too. ...Sometimes they come with a smile and a handshake on Sunday morning. ... And sometimes all... Continue Reading →
"Worry finds ways to creep in around the edges on days like these." (Renewed, Leigh Powers, pg 98) As I write, my pastor-husband is attending a board meeting with our District Superintendent in attendance. In two Sundays, our AGM is after our Sunday morning service. The treasurer wants to cut my husband's paycheque and subsequently,... Continue Reading →
"Whatever comes, remind me of your faithfulness. If it feels like I'm standing alone, remind me you are with me. If I'm reviled, remind me you were too. If I succeed, remind me the victory is yours. And if I don't, remind me my ultimate victory is found in you. You are faithful. I put... Continue Reading →
