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Simplicity - Grace Me!

The Holidays are here and you are most likely expecting this post to be about something fun, festive, and holiday-ish. Under normal circumstances, you would be right.

 

But, my husband and myself are in a season of ministry that is anything but normal. Our little church is growing exponentially keeping us over the top busy. We just completed a writing project for NavPress. We are struggling with major allergy issues of our three-year-old daughter. Then out of nowhere we lost two staff members to an emergency medical crisis in their lives.

 

Just when I need to be conjuring up festive feelings for the upcoming holidays, I feel so empty. Like completely empty.

 

I spend my days trying to figure out what to say to people in need and how to pray for my ever-growing list of prayer concerns in our church. Despite my emptiness, people are hurting. They need comfort, counseling, and encouragement and their hurts and needs don't wait for me to get over the numbness and emptiness I feel.

 

Heather Moore I dare to tell you this, because I am betting that there are more than a few pastors' wives out there that are like me. Surely, I am not the only PW who is a little tired or overwhelmed or even maybe just maybe feel like you have nothing to offer the very people you are responsible for ministering too.

 

There are some things we are doing to get back to normal. We have a date night, we have taken some vacation days, and we have improved our eating habits in an effort to bring balance and normalcy back to our lives. But, these things alone are not capable of eliminating my emptiness.

 

Date nights and a healthy eating plan are good things, but they don't meet the deepest needs of the soul. The only thing I know to do is to call out to God and allow the richness of Scripture to fill me up. God's Word has the ability to fill to overflowing the deepest holes in a heart.

 

The Message says, When I call, give me answers. God, take my side! Once, in a tight place, you gave me room; grace me! hear me! (Ps 4:1).

 

The Psalmist has but one request--"Grace me!" Such a simple but profound request; just give me grace, grace, and more grace. These days, I find myself praying a similar prayer. I am desperate for God's grace in my life and ministry to wash over me and to fill the deepest needs of my heart and soul.

 

Maybe you have some empty places that can't be satisfied apart from God's grace. If so, join me in praying for God's grace to wash over those empty places.

Join us in the forum and tell us how you fill the empty with Grace 

 

 
Simple yet Wonderful!

 

Donna's 2011 headshot
Donna Hutchman

Think about your Christmas' past. No, I'm not the ghost from A Christmas Carol. I am just prompting you to pause and consider. Remembering moments from past Christmases will help you decide what is most important to you. What was it about that Christmas that was so special?

 

For some, Christmas is that beautiful warm feeling of "no place like home for the holidays". The smell of baking and the gathering of family is what's all about.  Others love the Christmas season and what it stands for, but get blinded by beautiful lights and the expectation of gifts.

 

 During this season you see people everywhere, fighting the traffic and crowds to get just the perfect gift. There are some who live for gift giving and others who would rather do anything else but they shop out of duty and obligation.

 

Then there are the expectations of others. As women in ministry we wrestle with unrealistic expectations often. This time of year this can bring on even more stress to our family and ministry.   It can become way too much!

 

I've tried to make a true effort to keep things simple so we don't miss Christmas or lose sight of why we as Christians acknowledge it. Here are a few suggestions regarding keeping Christmas simple for ministry families. 

 

*Gifts -  I consider each person and what is truly important to them.  Shopping is done bit by bit throughout the year and without putting our bank account in the red.  

*Decorations are simple and meaningful. And I am more intentional about my involvement in each activity.

*Establish boundaries: Schedule days to enjoy as a family. Don't allow the expectations of the church family encroach on your family. This must be done intentionally or it just won't happen.

*Ask am I the one who should.... Are you the one who should host, plan, play, cook, etc. Or are you doing it because others expect you to?

 

I pray you all have a very peaceful and meaningful Christmas. May you all be blessed by the simple yet wonderful things that happen this time of year.
Read More in the forums on contagiousjoy4him.com.  Donna writes to us concerning, "Making Decisions"  - see you in the forums!

 

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SBC International Mission Board
WEEK OF PRAYER

click on the picture for more information.

 

 Week of Prayer, Dec 4-11, 2011

If you are a follower of Jesus, you are part of the task to fulfill the Great Commission.
DAY 1: Tokyo

DAY 2: Jerusalem

DAY 3: Karachi

DAY 4: London

DAY 5: Johannesburg

DAY 6: Dongguan

DAY 7: European City

DAY 8: Rio de Janeiro

 

Starting today, December 1st we are posting
 Daily Devotions @
 www.contagiousjoy4him.com
  Click on the link read the daily devotion.  We are focusing on Simplicity this month and each time you post a comment you will have an entry into our weekly giveaway for our One-Year Women's Devotional (pictured below)

Each time you post in the forum or comment to the Daily Devotional you will be entered.  We will announce the first winner by posting her username in the "Daily Devotional"
First winner to be announced Thursday, December 8th
Last winner to be announced Thursday December 29th

 


Along with our devotional we will be giving away a little Flip Book (pictured below).  It's a 25 day challenge to help us stay focused.  My good friend  - Rachel Lovingood put this together for a conference that she is doing entitled "Lighten up"  You can order them from her for $5.00




Rachel writes:

Imagine what could happen if:

-our Christmas season really is all about Jesus and not about impressing others or running ourselves ragged like culture says we should.

-we choose to invite some people over(maybe lost people) and share some favorite Christmas memories together.

-our encounters with others in stores, schools, work or wherever are all about bringing light into the dark of this world (Matt 5:16)
LOVE IT!

Women's Conference
 Visit  www.contagiousjoy4him.com.  Let us know about your events -  by submitting a calendar form.  If we have room we will be glad to advertise it for you.

Registration opens
 December 12th!
January 12th - More  - InJoy an on line experience


In Joy!
featuring
Lisa Mckay and Rachel Lovingood
plus a panel of pastor's wives
and worship music!
Lisa McKay
Lisa McKay

Rachel Lovingood
Rachel Lovingood

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