I returned Thursday from five days in Texas, attending my daughter’s wedding shower and working on preparations for her January marriage. What a blessing to spend time with my precious daughter! But that’s not why I’m exhausted.

We drove home from Kokomo just a few minutes ago, where Steve and I led a Deacon and Deacon Wives Retreat for five churches. It was beautifully hosted by Pastor Mike and Shanna Sawyer at Indian Heights Baptist. God is certainly using those enthusiastic leaders across that area of our state. But that’s not why I’m exhausted.

I’m trying hard not to over-stress with my final heavy semester of seminary classes and research papers and tests and books. It’s extremely time-consuming, but will be worth the effort when it’s over! 

I’m exhausted, though, because as I prepared a bio for a new book proposal for a book about pastor wives, I began counting my speaking engagements for the recent past. No, I certainly don’t consider myself a fabulous speaker, but I love the opportunities God gives to encourage pastor wives and deacon wives and Christian women. 

Many times every month, I travel across Indiana with my husband and his work with Southern Baptist churches, and I’ve enjoyed dozens of opportunities to speak at ladies retreats and conferences in our state. 

In addition to Indiana engagements, I realized I’d been in 26 states and three foreign countries in the past year and a half, with speaking engagements in twenty of those…

• Indiana,
• California,
• Colorado,  
• Delaware,
• Florida,
• Georgia,
• Hawaii,
• Illinois,
• Iowa,
• Kansas,
• Kentucky,
• Maryland,
• Michigan,
• Minnesota,
• Missouri, 
• Montana,
• New Mexico,
• North Carolina,
• North Dakota,
• Ohio,
• Oklahoma,
• South Carolina,
• Tennessee, 
• Texas,
• Virginia,
• Wisconsin,
• Mexico,
• Cuba and
• Ukraine.

In the past couple of years, I’ve had 50 speaking engagements at national, statewide, associational or local church events–women’s conferences, retreats, luncheons, training for pastor and deacon wives and women’s ministry leaders.

When I see that big picture, I’m overwhelmed. Exhausted! On a week by week basis, it doesn’t seem like that much! 

Maybe that’s why the Lord instructed us to “cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for you.”  I sure can’t handle this fun schedule alone, but with God, “all things are possible.” 

Well, maybe I’m not so exhausted…

Praising God for the opportunity to encourage His followers. Please keep us in your prayers.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I was in my early twenties when I met Bess, and she quickly became a Christian mentor and dear friend.  She was 35 years older than me, and I was her new pastor’s wife. Over these many decades, we’ve done lots of enjoyable projects together–planted a church, planned events, took family vacations. We’ve shared long chats, heartaches, celebrations and prayers.  We talked about things like loving our husbands and kids, about household stuff and how to love unlovable people.  She reminded me to enjoy motherhood and to live with dignity and purity.  (Funny, all those things are found in Titus 2–”older women should teach the younger women…”. I wonder if she considered that?)

Her friendship was a great encouragement, and over the years, she became a trusted confidant and wise counsel. At the age of 92, Bess died this week. She’s joyfully in heaven today.  Steve and I will travel to Oklahoma City and back on Saturday, so he can help with the funeral. 

When my life is done, I hope that I’ve impacted someone’s life for Christ as much as Bess impacted mine.

God cares deeply when one of His loved ones dies.  ”Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

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New “Fresh Ideas” articles published this week:

South Carolina Baptist Courier

The Illinois Baptist

Almost slipped?

Have you ever messed up? Or almost slipped? Have I got a Scripture for you!

Dr. John Sullivan (Florida Baptist Convention executive director) preached the annual sermon, and used Psalm 73 as a Scripture reference.  I’ve sat and read the chapter, and found it intriguing.

The Psalmist begins with “But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my steps nearly went astray.”

This world holds so many temptations. It’s easy to get our eyes on other people or on ungodly things. I can just picture the Psalmist, almost slipping…but he looks up and…

“Yes I am always with You; You hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward You will take me up to glory.” 

You can read the whole chapter (printed below), but I’ve spoiled the ending. The chapter ends in triumph. When he almost slips, God catches him! He’s holding his hand, right beside him, ready with counsel. 

Slipping?  Look up! 

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BILLINGS BOUND:

The 50th anniversary for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana was wonderful. Our state has so many wonderful pastors and pastor wives and members! It’s exciting to get together and remember God’s blessings of the past, and proclaim His blessings of today.

Steve and I are heading for Billings MO for a few days of R&R.  We’ve never been to that state, and are looking forward to a relaxing time, with a little excursion over to Yellowstone National Park one day, too. 

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Psalm 73

God is indeed good to Israel,
    to the pure in heart.

    ² But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
    my steps nearly went astray. 

    ³ For I envied the arrogant;
    I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 

    ⁴ They have an easy time until they die, 
    and their bodies are well-fed.

    ⁵ They are not in trouble like others;
    they are not afflicted like most people. 

    ⁶ Therefore, pride is their necklace,
    and violence covers them like a garment. 

    ⁷ Their eyes bulge out from fatness;
    the imaginations of their hearts run wild. 

    ⁸ They mock, and they speak maliciously;
    they arrogantly threaten oppression.

    ⁹ They set their mouths against heaven,
    and their tongues strut across the earth. 

    ¹⁰ Therefore His people turn to them 
    and drink in their overflowing waters. 

    ¹¹ They say, “How can God know?
    Does the Most High know everything?”

    ¹² Look at them—the wicked!
    They are always at ease,
    and they increase their wealth.

    ¹³ Did I purify my heart
    and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?

    ¹⁴ For I am afflicted all day long,
    and punished every morning.

    ¹⁵ If I had decided to say these things [aloud],
    I would have betrayed Your people.

    ¹⁶ When I tried to understand all this,
    it seemed hopeless

    ¹⁷ until I entered God’s sanctuary.
    Then I understood their destiny.

    ¹⁸ Indeed You put them in slippery places;
    You make them fall into ruin.

    ¹⁹ How suddenly they become a desolation!
    They come to an end, swept away by terrors.

    ²⁰ Like one waking from a dream,
    Lord, when arising, You will despise their image.

    ²¹ When I became embittered
    and my innermost being was wounded,

    ²² I was a fool and didn’t understand;
    I was an unthinking animal toward You.

    ²³ Yet I am always with You;
    You hold my right hand.

    ²⁴ You guide me with Your counsel,
    and afterwards You will take me up in glory.

    ²⁵ Whom do I have in heaven but You?
    And I desire nothing on earth but You.

    ²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart,
    my portion forever. 

    ²⁷ Those far from You will certainly perish;
    You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

    ²⁸ But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
    I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
    so I can tell about all You do.

If you’ve never had the privilege of spending a couple of days at one of our six Southern Baptist Seminaries, you’ve missed a blessing!  God is working in a miraculous way in the lives of young men and women who are preparing for ministry at those campuses. 

Last year, my husband, Steve, spoke in chapel at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Fort Worth; his alma mater), at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville) and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake Forest NC). As we traveled to each of them, I marvelled at the uniqueness of each one, and the quality and commitment of their faculty and students. 

We’ve also had the privilege of visiting at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (New Orleans) and Golden Gate Theological Seminary (San Francisco) in the past.

The only SBC seminary we’d never seen–until last week–was Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City MO.  The MBTS campus is beautifully situated on a hill overlooking Kansas City, and the students and faculty on that campus are amazing. It is obvious that God is at work there, and the atmosphere is charged with an enthusiasm about sharing Jesus. The school had invited several state executive directors for informational meetings about the school, and Steve was invited to share a word about Indiana Baptists during their chapel service. President Dr. Philip Roberts and his wife, Anya, were wonderful hosts and we enjoyed hearing their heart for preparing future Christian leaders.

If you’ve been following the path of Hurricane Gustav, you may know that New Orleans seminary was evacuated. Their preparation for such an event is extraordinary, however, and seminary classes continue via Internet until students return later this week.  God’s work must go on!  An email from Dr. Rhonda Kelley, President’s wife, says “Thank you very much for your prayers. We feel them. God has been faithful to protect us.” Check their website for updates, and keep on praying for NOBTS.

Our Cooperative Program dollars are well-invested in these six academic training institutions dedicated to teaching future ministers.

I also had the privilege of visiting the campus of the Cuba Baptist Seminary in Cuba this spring, where training has exploded off the campus. We heard personal testimonies of men who spent many years of their lives in prison because they were seminary students. I was on Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary’s campus last month to take a graduate class, and observed a beautiful campus with an enormous commitment to God. Steve and I were at Kiev Theological Seminary last year and were enthralled with our IMB missionaries teaching church planting to Ukrainian pastors. God is raising up many committed young people to vocational Christian ministry across our globe, and He is using seminaries across our world to train and inspire them for service to God.

Pray for our seminary leaders and students! Encourage them. I’ve pasted a chapter of ways to encourage seminarians from my book, Fresh Ideas-1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving and Energetic Church. (pasted below)

RECENT PUBLISHED ARTICLES:

“Fresh Ideas” articles were published this week in the Illinois Baptist and The Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Witness.

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SEMINARY STUDENTS

“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

God’s called them. We’ll encourage them. Need fresh ideas to lift up seminary students from your church?

Recognize Them

Encourage the church to faithfully pray for church members who are called to fulltime ministry by occasionally printing a list of seminary (more…)

We enjoyed watching a screening up the upcoming moving, FireProof, last night. 

It’s all about a troubled marriage and the difference Christ can make.  Here’s a great idea that B&H is doing - Throughout the movie, the main character is following a “Love Dare” - a notebook his dad gave him to help him re-learn how to love his wife.  B&H is publishing a “Love-Dare” book, with a 40-day instruction plan of things to do, Scriptures and journal space to help a person love his or her spouse anew.  Isn’t that a great idea?!

Today is Steve and my 37th wedding anniversary!  I’m so very thankful to God for my wonderful husband. Happy anniversary, honey.

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ARTICLES:

Articles published this week in:

Deacon Magazine (Fall 08 issue) - Our regular He Said/She Said column, with ideas for deacon wives titled “Service with a Smile.”

Let’s Worship Magazine (Fall 08 issue) - a fun article, “Drive-Through Worship,” about offering a community-wide outdoor nativity scene as a witness.

Check out this article from the Florida Baptist Witness about the pastor/wives and deacon & wives retreat we’ll get to help with in Florida this fall:

http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/9131.article

Isn’t it interesting how things work together?

Here I am on vacation in Colorado. The good news is that the wild flowers are in full bloom, the hummingbird wars at the feeder are astounding, the  lull of the rushing Crystal river a few feet away doesn’t even drown out the beautiful bird songs, and the views of the beautiful red stone mountains never becomes dull. We’ve seen a fox, an elk, dozens of chipmunks and butterflies, and a mountain lion! 

The bad news is that I’m studying for a systematic theology exam. 

The interesting part is that as I’m studying about God’s universal revelation, and how through general revelation He is revealed through His creations, I have this vivid example in real life all around me. 

Prayer requests.

- Pray for wisdom as I prepare for the upcoming state leaders’ wives conference

- Pray for understanding as I stretch my brain for today’s systematic theology exam

- Pray for safety for Steve and Tylor as they fish the Crystal River. Those two are having a blast, and it’s such a very major blessing to spend time with Ty. They’re catching their limit each day, relaxing and enjoying vacation as it should be! That’s Steve in the top photo.

- Pray that these hummingbirds learn to get along and share my unending supply of sugar water. (just kidding!)

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Isn’t this a fun theme? At last week’s deacon wives conference in Ridgecrest North Carolina, we used “No Miniblinds in a Fishbowl” as a theme. One breakout class was titled “swimming lessons” - with tips about how to minister to church members in crisis. 

Steve used a fishing theme with the deacons, too:  “What’s In Your Tacklebox?”  They had an excellent challenge to keep evangelism at the forefront of ministry - “Wishing I was fishing!”

As we head off for vacation time in Colorado, Steve and our son, Tylor, will be doing lots of fishing.  They’ll spend every day in rubber boots in the middle of the Crystal River, fly fishing and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and some great father-son time.  And I’ll be sitting on a rock surrounded by beautiful wildflowers next to the Crystal River, working on my laptop on a manuscript for a book for pastor wives.

Pray for great weather and great fishing. 

Pray for those wonderful deacon and deacon wives we enjoyed at Ridgecrest last week.

And pray for me as I write — for God’s wisdom and inspiration. It’s going to be a fun vacation! 

Psalm 37:37a
“Watch the blameless and observe the upright…”

Marriage matters…

Our daughter, Autumn, is engaged to be married to Yale Wall!  Marriage matters.

Aunt June and Uncle Ferris celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last week.  Marriage matters.

Steve and I will celebrate 37 years of marriage this month.

Marriage matters.

I just spent a week teaching the Deacon Wives track for Ridgecrest’s Evangelism/Discipleship week. Each of those women in the class spent the entire week learning how they can serve alongside their husbands. As I observed their commitment and excitement about serving God AND encouraging their husbands, I was reminded again…marriage matters.

Exciting days area ahead for Autumn and Yale.

And June and Ferris.

And Steve and I.

And all those deacons and wives. 

I’m so thankful that God gave me the gift of marriage to my husband. 

Proverbs 5:18
Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

LifeWay Christian Store in Oklahoma City hosted a book signing for the new Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry book. Travis, the manager, created lovely signs and arranged all the details beautifully.

It was such fun! I saw old friends, met new friends, and since my sister lives in Oklahoma City, got to spend some time with Nancy! (see photo below)

 Isn’t God good to work “all things together for those who love Him” ?!

See that handsome man in the photo? That’s my husband, Steve. Since the Southern Baptist Convention met in Indianapolis this week, he had the privilege of offering a formal “welcome to Indy” to the convention attenders.  The photo is from Baptist Press (baptistpress.org) and you can read lots of reports from the SBC convention there.