Yokemates

We all know that it takes many volunteers to carry on the work of ministry each Sunday morning and throughout the week. Depending on the size of your church that number might be in the double digits, the hundreds or beyond. Each person is valuable to the process. When someone is missing, it is usually pretty noticeable – at least to someone. That someone is the one that has to fill in the gap.  Sometimes I fill gaps gladly. At other times, my reaction is almost an auto-pilot response. Either way is pretty stress free. A minute or two of juggling, and I can jump in and help out. (We won't focus on the times when my initial reaction is less than stellar...at least not now.)  This past Sunday, I got an SOS call about 20 minutes before I would normally head to church. However, I didn't have to panic! On this particular morning, I was planning to get to church early so that I wouldn’t have to scramble to get a few extra things done for Sunday School. Thankfully, God p...

Anytime we receive news that is unexpected or larger than life, be it good news or bad, we can quickly feel overwhelmed! An unexpected pregnancy, a letter from the IRS, a bad report card or even an IRA that has multiplied like the parable of the fish and loaves. Wow, God! What do we do now? How can I process this information? I’m feeling more than a little overwhelmed. Step one : Breathe, jump, dance, cry or run! Find a safe place to let the emotions out. From a sigh, to a tear, to a wail. Whatever it takes to unlock your release valve so you can let some pressure off - in a healthy way, of course! Step two : Remember that You’re not alone! You’re not alone in your miracles – even when beyond comprehension. You’re not alone in your misery –  because God promises to be with you in the valleys. You’re not alone in your surprise – and soon life won’t seem so out of control. Step three : Go to God’s Word! “For this great God is our God forever and ev...

Apparently, I giggle when I'm nervous, when I'm scared and when I'm happy. I've been doing a lot of giggling lately, and it's all because God keeps opening doors that I wasn't totally expecting. Now in each of those circumstances, I was praying for the door to open, and I was hoping the door would open. But, when the door did open wide for one of my prayers, my nervous giggle came bubbling to the surface. I have to wonder if God is grinning a little extra too as He watches me walk in faith – or at least try to. Here's a little glimpse into what I've been talking to God about lately and how He has responded. Prayer #1 - Lord, I'd love to have a meaningful connection with someone this week. Guide me to who I can encourage or befriend. Show me who You want me to connect with. (Oh, and, I know you know that in my heart I'd love to sit down and catch up with ___, but I want your will, Lord, not my selfish desires.) Amazingly, within 15-2...

Nesting. It is a strange phenomenon. Often the result of an impending birth. Now, I can assure you that I’m not pregnant, but I’ve definitely been nesting recently. Is it the new year, or am I just finally caught up on sleep? Perhaps my need to sort, declutter and clean is just the reality of life post-Christmas? An inner need to get back to normal. Whatever the cause, not only does my home feel a bit more organized than it has for the past few weeks, but this urge to nest has also resulted in having the brain power and energy to tackle another project - one that both my husband and I had been putting off for way too long. Like many projects, thinking about doing them often takes a lot more energy than actually getting them done. Which makes me wonder if you and your husband have beaten us in completing one particular task in life and marriage that we all tend to avoid. What is it? Well, it’s one thing that many pastors encourage everyone in their church family to take care...