I had the privilege of hosting the Women in Ministry Retreat a few weeks ago for the pastor's wives and credentialed women in the Potomac District. It was a phenomenal weekend! God's presence was so sweet. He ministered in a powerful way through our speaker, Kerry Clarensau. It was a great weekend with other women in ministry!
As a young pastor's wife who was filled with insecurities and intimidation, I made many mistakes throughout the early years of ministry. If only I would have had a seasoned pastor's wife to come alongside me to coach and encourage me as I walked that unfamiliar territory. I was not raised in a Christian home and had no idea what my role as a pastor's wife really meant. It was very lonely. I chose to pour my life into my career for eighteen years in Corporate America. My heart breaks now as I think about all those wasted years I could have been doing something for the Kingdom of God but instead my focus was on "me" and what I wanted for my life.
Mentoring is so dear to my heart. As Christians, God is calling us to step out and profess our faith. We are called to live our testimony so people can see Jesus Christ in us. My heart burns with passion to minister to other pastor's wives who may be walking in a deep valley of discouragement. God's purpose for our lives is to reach out to others who are hurting, confused and lost. We need to be that encourager who will come alongside a lonely Christian. We need to be someone who will love them and pray for them.
When someone is hurting,encourage them and remind them that Jesus loves them and has an awesome plan for their life. This life throws all types of obstacles in our paths even when we are striving for that prize at the end of our journey. Life will become overwhelming at times but through prayer and the encouragement and prayer of others we will see victory!
Blessings and hugs!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Good Morning Beautiful Girlfriends!!
Another Sunday and another opportunity for God to Rock the House! Another opportunity for God to do a mighty work in our lives!!
Maybe you are feeling everything but joy this morning. Life can be filled with tons of disappointments and overwhelming challenges. Sometimes the circumstances we are walking through have a way of totally stealing our joy!
Corrie Ten Boom knew that and wrote, “Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things." Yes, my God controls all things and He is on the throne today!!!
We need to learn to trust God and open the door of our soul to Christ. He promises that He will give us pure peace and joy even when life seems very dark and uncertain.
I pray your day is filled to overflowing with God's amazing peace and overwhelming joy!!!! He loves you and only wants the very best for you, your family and ministry.
You are appreciated and loved!!!!
Blessings,
Debbie
Another Sunday and another opportunity for God to Rock the House! Another opportunity for God to do a mighty work in our lives!!
Maybe you are feeling everything but joy this morning. Life can be filled with tons of disappointments and overwhelming challenges. Sometimes the circumstances we are walking through have a way of totally stealing our joy!
Corrie Ten Boom knew that and wrote, “Jesus did not promise to change the circumstances around us. He promised great peace and pure joy to those who would learn to believe that God actually controls all things." Yes, my God controls all things and He is on the throne today!!!
We need to learn to trust God and open the door of our soul to Christ. He promises that He will give us pure peace and joy even when life seems very dark and uncertain.
I pray your day is filled to overflowing with God's amazing peace and overwhelming joy!!!! He loves you and only wants the very best for you, your family and ministry.
You are appreciated and loved!!!!
Blessings,
Debbie
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Waiting Sometimes Brings Frustration
Dreams. Visions. Hopes. Goals. Sometimes, we have clear direction from God regarding our next steps in life. Sometimes, we have no idea. For many of us waiting for that next step to become a reality can be an incredibly tough process as we trust God and pray for His will day after day after day. What happens between the dreams dreamed and the dreams realized? LIFE!
Between the dreams and the reality of the dreams coming true we patiently wait, NOT, living our lives, but remaining faithful to God and His calling, trusting Him to bring about what He would have us to do. We don't stop being faithful, and we can't stop living as if we were literally frozen in time, but we must be patient. For many of us, that is an extremely challenging task.
Every one of us has at some point dreamed a dream that was beyond us, perhaps even a divinely initiated dream. For some, God has fulfilled that dream. For many of us, we are still waiting for those dreams to come to life. Often times we may even become frustrated from waiting for that God-sized dream and pursue a more manageable people-sized dream instead. Maybe the people-sized dreams feel safer because we feel we can accomplish them more easily. We find the God-sized dreams overwhelming, and so we become creative to find ways to put them aside for fear of failure.
If God has given you a dream pursue it! We should never settle for anything less than what God intends to accomplish through us. We must not allow ourselves to become distracted but consistently wait patiently for the realization of the dreams. Do not allow the enemy to fill your minds with doubt but rejoice because God is still in control!
I know from experience waiting is not always an easy task. I am reminded often that God's timing is not my timing. Between the dreams dreamed and the dreams realized life continues to move forward.
What are you doing with that time today? Don't allow frustration and discouragement to alter your God-given dreams. Remain faithful to the call God has placed upon your life and allow Him to use you where you are while you wait for that dream. One day God will let us know that it is time for His dreams to become a reality in our lives. Even though life happens, God still works His purposes out in detail. The path to our dream may not be exactly how we thought we would get there. Just trust God. We have a responsibility to be faithful and patient as His will becomes a reality for each of us.
Blessings!
Between the dreams and the reality of the dreams coming true we patiently wait, NOT, living our lives, but remaining faithful to God and His calling, trusting Him to bring about what He would have us to do. We don't stop being faithful, and we can't stop living as if we were literally frozen in time, but we must be patient. For many of us, that is an extremely challenging task.
Every one of us has at some point dreamed a dream that was beyond us, perhaps even a divinely initiated dream. For some, God has fulfilled that dream. For many of us, we are still waiting for those dreams to come to life. Often times we may even become frustrated from waiting for that God-sized dream and pursue a more manageable people-sized dream instead. Maybe the people-sized dreams feel safer because we feel we can accomplish them more easily. We find the God-sized dreams overwhelming, and so we become creative to find ways to put them aside for fear of failure.
If God has given you a dream pursue it! We should never settle for anything less than what God intends to accomplish through us. We must not allow ourselves to become distracted but consistently wait patiently for the realization of the dreams. Do not allow the enemy to fill your minds with doubt but rejoice because God is still in control!
I know from experience waiting is not always an easy task. I am reminded often that God's timing is not my timing. Between the dreams dreamed and the dreams realized life continues to move forward.
What are you doing with that time today? Don't allow frustration and discouragement to alter your God-given dreams. Remain faithful to the call God has placed upon your life and allow Him to use you where you are while you wait for that dream. One day God will let us know that it is time for His dreams to become a reality in our lives. Even though life happens, God still works His purposes out in detail. The path to our dream may not be exactly how we thought we would get there. Just trust God. We have a responsibility to be faithful and patient as His will becomes a reality for each of us.
Blessings!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Good Morning Beautiful Friends!!
This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it!!
Be encouraged today. We need to get up in the mornings and enter into the King's presence with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts. I know that sometimes the biggest battles we face are in our own homes. Remember that our homes are on the top of the enemy's hit list so cover your family in prayer every day!
No matter what we may be facing God has the power and solution to overcome the problem. Look to Him today and allow Him to do a great work in your life. I know many of us are walking through some very challenging times but nothing is too big for our God. NOTHING!! No matter how many times the enemy whispers lies into our ears, God is still on the throne. He loves us and protects us and wants victory in our lives.
Embrace God today with your love and trust. He will work everything out when we completely let go and let Him. His plan and purpose is amazing for our lives but we have to relinquish our will to Him so His will can be completed in a beautiful and incredible way.
Thank you girlfriends for your friendship and support to one another. You are amazing and such a blessing. Have a wonderful Sunday! I pray God will ROCK your world today in a very special way!
Hugs,
Debbie
This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it!!
Be encouraged today. We need to get up in the mornings and enter into the King's presence with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts. I know that sometimes the biggest battles we face are in our own homes. Remember that our homes are on the top of the enemy's hit list so cover your family in prayer every day!
No matter what we may be facing God has the power and solution to overcome the problem. Look to Him today and allow Him to do a great work in your life. I know many of us are walking through some very challenging times but nothing is too big for our God. NOTHING!! No matter how many times the enemy whispers lies into our ears, God is still on the throne. He loves us and protects us and wants victory in our lives.
Embrace God today with your love and trust. He will work everything out when we completely let go and let Him. His plan and purpose is amazing for our lives but we have to relinquish our will to Him so His will can be completed in a beautiful and incredible way.
Thank you girlfriends for your friendship and support to one another. You are amazing and such a blessing. Have a wonderful Sunday! I pray God will ROCK your world today in a very special way!
Hugs,
Debbie
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Good Morning Beautiful Girlfriends!
It has been such a busy and full week both at work and in my personal life. Just returned last night from an awesome women's conference in Williamburg, VA. God met us there and it was powerful! I left feeling refreshed and renewed in my spirit.
I am praying for you today and I want to encourage you this morning. God loves you so much and many of you are really walking thru some overwhelming challenges in your life. Look up and trust the One who created you. No matter how bleak things may look today, God is still on the throne and in control.
I pray that you will have a very blessed day and that God will ROCK your world this morning in your services. I pray for a fresh anointing upon your life and ministry. And if you are dealing with discouragement and stress this morning I pray that God will meet you today in a very special way, reminding you that He is in control of your circumstances. Worry and stress takes our focus off of God and we waste time thinking about things that we cannot change. Let go and let God!
Each of you are a blessing. Thanks for the trust you have in me as you continue to send me your prayer requests. And thank you for sharing your frustrations and challenges you are facing in the ministry.
Have a blessed day! Encourage someone and may God encourage you this week.
Love and appreciate you!♥
It has been such a busy and full week both at work and in my personal life. Just returned last night from an awesome women's conference in Williamburg, VA. God met us there and it was powerful! I left feeling refreshed and renewed in my spirit.
I am praying for you today and I want to encourage you this morning. God loves you so much and many of you are really walking thru some overwhelming challenges in your life. Look up and trust the One who created you. No matter how bleak things may look today, God is still on the throne and in control.
I pray that you will have a very blessed day and that God will ROCK your world this morning in your services. I pray for a fresh anointing upon your life and ministry. And if you are dealing with discouragement and stress this morning I pray that God will meet you today in a very special way, reminding you that He is in control of your circumstances. Worry and stress takes our focus off of God and we waste time thinking about things that we cannot change. Let go and let God!
Each of you are a blessing. Thanks for the trust you have in me as you continue to send me your prayer requests. And thank you for sharing your frustrations and challenges you are facing in the ministry.
Have a blessed day! Encourage someone and may God encourage you this week.
Love and appreciate you!♥
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Success Driven - For the Kingdom or Self
"Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you."
Isaiah 41:10 MSG
For many years in my career in Corporate America, my focus was about climbing the coporate ladder to success. Even as a pastor's wife, God was not a priority in my life.
As a Christian, we have opportunities and advantages each day with our Lord and Savior that those in the world do not. As a Christian, God cares about every detail of my life and He will always be with me. When I need to make choices I am thankful my God is there. When fear entangles my heart, Jesus is there to provide comfort and peace. As Christians we don't need to attempt to do everything in our own strength. Women carry a very heavy load, but God is there - personally and professionally. He cares and love us so much. He not only cares but He wants to help us.
What is success? To the world it is money, power and materialistic things. To God it is obedience, commitment and putting God first in our lives. Success in God's eyes is not the same to the world.
I am so thankful that I crave success in God's eyes today. That goal has not always been my heart. The things of this world crowded my vision for a long time.
Lean on God. Success in Jesus is real stuff. It is eternal. Seek God's face and permit Him to minister to your heart and soul today. Reach out to Him. His Word and promises are always true.
Blessings and hugs!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fighting The Amalek's In Our Lives
"Under the banner of God, victory is always assured; but apart from it, defeat is a certainty. When the banner of God's rod was not held high, Amalek prevailed. you can't do battle against the flesh under your own power."
~Kay Arthur~
I am so tired of Christians being beat up and defeated by Satan. Recently I had a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend who is really going through the trenches of a very dark valley. Satan is a liar and his only purpose is to completely destroy lives. He is whipping up on Christians all over the world. These people are crying out in desperation seeking refuge from the darkness of sinfulness. Why is this happening to people in our churches?
We know that we must read our Bibles and pray daily in order to cultivate a close relationship with Christ. Even though this is so true Christians are not doing it. All of us have "Amaleks" waging sin against us. No matter how strong we are as Christians we will continue to face temptations until we take our last breath on this earth. If we are not constantly filling our minds with God's Word and spending quality prayer time with the Lord we will not be equipped to resist the devil when he comes knocking on our door. We just don't have it in the flesh to tell him to take a walk. Sin is fun. It is exciting and the flesh craves it. So unless we are prepared to fight this battle with God by our side we are going to lose in a huge way.
Why do we doubt God's power and His strength in our lives? The Bible is full of testimonies of those who have gone before us who truly experienced God. Jesus healed the blind. He raised the dead. He healed the woman who crawled through the crowd with the issue of blood. She simply wanted to touch the hem of His garment and she was healed! He performed miracle upon miracle. Why do we doubt Him today? Doesn't the Bible tell us that He is the same yesterday, today and forever? He hasn't changed. His power hasn't changed. His miracles haven't ceased. Why do we live like we don't believe?
When Satan strikes he leaves his mark on his victims. People are overwhelmed with guilt and shame and he constantly reminds them they are losers. That is nonsense! My Bible tells me that God buried my sin in the deepest sea. He restores us and wipes the slate clean. We are a brand new creature in Christ when we ask for forgiveness with a repented heart. Chase Him with perseverance. Seek Him with passion. He gives strength. He gives each of us purpose in this life. He has a plan for you and me.
We have a huge responsibility to disciple people in our churches. When someone comes to the altar God instantly changes them. They truly are a new creature but it doesn't stop there. We must come alongside those people and mentor them. We need to disciple and coach them. Will Satan strike again? Most definitely and they need to be aware of that also. Just because we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior doesn't mean that we will never again experience another problem or trial. Matter of fact there will probably be more problems and trials to deal with but the difference is the Lord will be there to help us through the situation.
We won't walk the road alone. God will be there to help us make the right decisions. And through discipleship, mentoring and life coaching we can teach others to resist the devil when he shows up attempting to destroy their lives and families.
Under the banner of God victory is always assured. That statement my friend is our strength today. Be steadfast under His banner today. God has a plan!
Blessings friends!
~Kay Arthur~
I am so tired of Christians being beat up and defeated by Satan. Recently I had a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend who is really going through the trenches of a very dark valley. Satan is a liar and his only purpose is to completely destroy lives. He is whipping up on Christians all over the world. These people are crying out in desperation seeking refuge from the darkness of sinfulness. Why is this happening to people in our churches?
We know that we must read our Bibles and pray daily in order to cultivate a close relationship with Christ. Even though this is so true Christians are not doing it. All of us have "Amaleks" waging sin against us. No matter how strong we are as Christians we will continue to face temptations until we take our last breath on this earth. If we are not constantly filling our minds with God's Word and spending quality prayer time with the Lord we will not be equipped to resist the devil when he comes knocking on our door. We just don't have it in the flesh to tell him to take a walk. Sin is fun. It is exciting and the flesh craves it. So unless we are prepared to fight this battle with God by our side we are going to lose in a huge way.
Why do we doubt God's power and His strength in our lives? The Bible is full of testimonies of those who have gone before us who truly experienced God. Jesus healed the blind. He raised the dead. He healed the woman who crawled through the crowd with the issue of blood. She simply wanted to touch the hem of His garment and she was healed! He performed miracle upon miracle. Why do we doubt Him today? Doesn't the Bible tell us that He is the same yesterday, today and forever? He hasn't changed. His power hasn't changed. His miracles haven't ceased. Why do we live like we don't believe?
When Satan strikes he leaves his mark on his victims. People are overwhelmed with guilt and shame and he constantly reminds them they are losers. That is nonsense! My Bible tells me that God buried my sin in the deepest sea. He restores us and wipes the slate clean. We are a brand new creature in Christ when we ask for forgiveness with a repented heart. Chase Him with perseverance. Seek Him with passion. He gives strength. He gives each of us purpose in this life. He has a plan for you and me.
We have a huge responsibility to disciple people in our churches. When someone comes to the altar God instantly changes them. They truly are a new creature but it doesn't stop there. We must come alongside those people and mentor them. We need to disciple and coach them. Will Satan strike again? Most definitely and they need to be aware of that also. Just because we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior doesn't mean that we will never again experience another problem or trial. Matter of fact there will probably be more problems and trials to deal with but the difference is the Lord will be there to help us through the situation.
We won't walk the road alone. God will be there to help us make the right decisions. And through discipleship, mentoring and life coaching we can teach others to resist the devil when he shows up attempting to destroy their lives and families.
Under the banner of God victory is always assured. That statement my friend is our strength today. Be steadfast under His banner today. God has a plan!
Blessings friends!
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