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Introducing Nona Muss!
 Part of what we want for contagious joy is a real interaction of dealing with the issues that are not always addressed in regular venues. So this week we are introducing a woman that we are calling, "Nona Muss" She is a real woman of God and I am glad to call her friend. When we first met she said, "I don't even know if you are the real deal!" Recently, she let me know that I had passed the test. I WAS the real deal! Whew! Now that was a test ;)
She has always been the real deal. Raw and honest concerning where she was and where she was headed especially when it came to her relationship with our Abba! She challenges me! She encourages me! She has pushed me to know what I believe and why? So I have asked her to share her lessons of the last few years in a monthly column! She will meet with us in the forums the following week to answer questions and discuss her experiences! You will not want to miss this!
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Don't Stop Believing!
"...Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."
As the minister read 1 Corinthians 13, everything in my wedding day world glittered. Even factoring in my toes, which at that point were triangulating on the
 | | Nona Muss |
ends of my feet due to a ridiculously high pair of sparkly, pointy heels, I had no doubt that I COULD bear all things, I COULD believe all things, I COULD hope all things, I COULD endure all things. Duh! Of course, I could endure bliss. I married Prince Charming and happily ever after was now my Cinder Ella reality. I took my young minister husband's hand and I blithely nestled into my belief that we were magically safe, faithfully and joyfully serving our King i n a red brick castle with a white steeple, white columns, and a Family Life Center. But, as is often the case with fairy tales, an evil presence soon reared its snake-like head and I, armed only with a quiver of naivet� and wearing a sweet pair of heels of denial, was ill-equipped to defend my castle.
I feel achingly out of place in the presence of you minister's wives because after two decades in the sorority, I'm not one anymore. In fact, I'm not a wife at all. I do not believe in divorce...and yet, here I am. At the risk of shocking some of you, I openly confess that I no longer believe ALL things. My trust in people, even (especially) in the people of the church has been shaken to dust. But, there is one thing I have come to believe more than ever--God, the Father, loves me with a faithfulness and a fervor unlike anything I can ever know this side of heaven. And my experience, in His time and in His healing hand, must become a tool for Him because God would not have allowed it if He did not plan to use it.
I chuckled at a cartoon where Sally says to Charlie Brown, "I stopped believing for a little while this morning. Journey is going to be so upset when they find out." I see a spiritual application-it's only when our beliefs are held to the fire do we know if they are worthy and only then do we find out if those around us will bear with us through the process. So, with apologies to Steve Perry and those who judge me for the time it is taking me to sweep up the pieces and sift through to find what's worthy, I know my King is leading me to this place to share my heart and what I hope will help you defend your castle in a world where Satan knows there is no better way to hinder the cause of Christ than to destroy a minister and his family.
So, let me challenge you to take off those oh, so sweet heels of denial and strap on something more sensible and, in the months to come, let's see what we can do to beef up your moat and reinforce that drawbridge.
Nona Muss is a former pastor's wife now called to encourage those in ministry marriages to guard their castles and to champion those wearing the same painfully mass-produced shoes she now wears.
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WARNING! Deception is possible...
 | | Rachel Lovingood |
Have you ever been going along, doing well spiritually and 'boom' bad decision? Sometimes we can be deceived by appearances or circumstances. I was just reading in Joshua where the Israelites were in the process of taking over the Promised Land. They had been winning battle after battle and the inhabitants of the land were scared and nervous. Joshua and the people were doing great and God was working on their behalf. He instructed them not to make any peace treaties with any residents of Canaan. BUT... click to read more from Long Hollow's Women's Ministry
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Are You Moving?
 | | Susan Miller |
If you struggle with an upcoming or recent move, or you feel "stuck" and haven't been able to feel at home in your surroundings...don't worry. You are not alone. Help is here with Just Moved. You see, we don't just help once and let you go. Instead, we provide continued support and encouragement no matter what season of life you are in. Look for articles from Susan in the month of MAY!
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Heal the Heartache!
 | | To go to Website click on picture |
Did you know that 43% of childbearing women have experienced the pain of a past abortion!
Millions of women hide the secret of abortion deep in their hearts.
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Monday Morning Pastor's Wives Session
June 18th, 2012, Hall B Morial Convention Center New Orleans, LA. 8:30 a.m. Featured Speakers  | | Jeannie Eliff |
As a minister's wife for over forty-five years, mother of four, grandmother of twenty-five, former missionary, author, cancer survivor, and wife of IMB President, Tom Elliff, my life is filled with daily opportunities to trust Christ 'in everything.' My greatest joy is in plumbing the depths of God's Word and feasting on His truths with my family, our friends and the dear people God brings into our lives.
As the daughter of an army colonel, Pam Tebow lived all over
 | | Pam Tebow |
the world until she was seventeen, when she entered the University of Florida. The Tebows lived for a number of years as missionaries in the Philippines, where Bob continues to have an ongoing ministry, the Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association. BTEA supports 50 nationals, who preach the gospelthrough out the Philippines and stimulate church planting.Through the preaching of the national evangelists and the Americans who accompany Bob on numerous mission trips, over one million people a year are professing their faith in Jesus Christ. Bob and Pam also run an orphanage (Uncle Dick's Home) in the Philippines, which has been home to scores of orphans since 1992. Pam is very involved in her husband's ministry and coordinates numerous projects and personnel. Plus - a panel discussion focused on raising PK's! Expo 2012 - Monday and Tuesday Mornings - Featuring Exhibits and door prizes from
Lifeway
NAMB The Jesus Film Surrendering the Secret New Orleans Seminary Southwestern Seminary Broadman Holman NavPress Thomas Nelson and more to come.... | |
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Gift Card is on it's way to Glenette. Use it for Date Night!
Another one is on it's way - to help you take the Date Night Challenge
Yes, we are giving away another $50.00 gift card!
For every post to our devotionals or to the forums - if you are a minister's wife or woman in ministry you will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. If you need to know if you qualify to enter click below
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Date Night Challenge!
 Research shows that if we will take the time at least once a month and date - it significantly improves our relationship with our spouse! For ideas and to register for the challenge click on the picture from Focus on the Family. To enter to win $50.00 gift card click here to post a comment about how to date your spouse |
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Check out our online Store!
 Ministry Wives Resources in one place. More to be added in the coming days. Each purchase helps to support CJ4H. Click on the open sign and check us out.
Featured Book this month
Too many Christians go through life unaware of the riches we have in Christ. Discovering these blessings is the first step to living them out in daily life.
Every purchase helps to support Contagious Joy 4 Him |
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Link to Lisa McKays Book
 We are providing a link for you to purchase Lisa McKay's book. (Click on the book to purchase) Lisa is busy with her own ministry but will be helping us out with CJ4H as we strive to connect ministry wives through prayer and encouragement. Click on the link below and Lisa (as only she can) explains better than I ever could.......So glad you are joining my crazy world - my friend!
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