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Does one ever truly understand the difference between being thankful and being grateful? These two words are similar though different in meaning. Henri Frederic Amiel, a famous German poet and philosopher, stated, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” The word “completion” stood out to me when I read this. It’s like the icing on the cake that finishes the beauty of the dessert. Gratitude completes the beauty of our thankfulness.  As women in ministry, we often find ourselves trying to be grateful to those around us and set a good example. We may feel it’s important to go the extra mile on occasions by demonstrating our thankful heart. Basically, we can be thankful in our spirit, but when we put action with that thought, it becomes beautiful graciousness. Proverbs 11:16 NIV(1984) reminds us, “A kindhearted woman gains respect…” It’s important as a leader to take our thankful heart and turn it into a grateful act of love. When we demonstrate this through loving acts of kindness, it not only gains us respect from those we’re leading, but also brings glory to the God we serve. Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” If you’re married and in ministry, this woman’s character brings honor to her husband. Although it doesn’t specifically say this wife is thankful, I think this would be one of the characteristics making her noble. Sometimes ministry can be challenging. Women become more emotionally drained than their husbands because it’s their nature. We may find it difficult to embrace the thankful heart that God so longs for us to have. Depending on the circumstances, we may find ourselves feeling the opposite of thankful and becoming resentful. This happens when we set our eyes on circumstances rather than the one who can change the circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes it’s easy to give ourselves permission NOT to be thankful. We want that “get out of thankfulness” free card. As women, we are naturally more emotional than men. We carry deep feelings for so long and then, like an erupting volcano, we explode with emotions, tears, and words. However, this passage reminds us to give thanks in “all” circumstances. This requires a change of perspective. When we choose to be thankful for the person who might be making our ministry challenging, we grow spiritually. We change our perspective and see that situation or that person through God’s eyes. He then begins to give us unique and creative ways to turn that new attitude into an outward expression of loving gratitude. A few years ago, I was really struggling to show gratitude toward one of the leaders in our church. There was an unspoken wall between us, and I just couldn’t do anything to make this person come around. Avoiding her became my goal. I bought into a lie that the enemy planted and found myself pulling away and not even wanting to be in the same room with her. Week after week, I dreaded seeing this person. I finally heard the Holy Spirit say, “Be thankful for her and pray over her.” I found myself becoming more reclusive while at the church or performing my ministerial duties. After a few weeks, I heard the Holy Spirit say it again. “Be thankful for her and pray over her.” I knew I needed to be obedient, but I struggled because this person had hurt my feelings with her authority and had created a toxic environment to be around. I had covered for her multiple times and took on responsibilities that she was being paid to do. I willingly did these but was treated with disrespect and gossip. The enemy was working to destroy the ministry and we were both feeding into it. However, I chose to listen and began thinking of things to be thankful for concerning her position and accomplishments in ministry. The Holy Spirit began to reveal to me things going on in her life that not many knew. This woman needed prayers and gratitude, not discontentment or judgement. It wasn’t my place to judge her or stir up more problems for her. This person needed my prayers, my acknowledgement of her past sacrifices, and a thankful, gracious heart. By doing this, it brought potential peace rather than overwhelming chaos. I began to see her through God’s eyes and began to embrace her vision and goals for the ministry God had birthed through her. Over time, she stepped away and endured some difficult trials in her marriage and family. I continued to pray for her, but also understood that being thankful for the foundation she had laid out for this ministry was crucial. My gratitude would be shown by continuing with a strong team to fulfill that vision. It takes a thankful heart to work in the kingdom. We’re told multiple times to give thanks to the Lord for He is good. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” We know that being thankful and grateful are key components to existing in the kingdom of God, and we know working in the ministries of the kingdom requires a thankful heart despite the challenges. Turning our thankful thoughts into acts of gratitude is very rewarding. As women, we can use our sensitive emotions God has given us to see and feel things around other people. We can take those thankful thoughts and turn them into acts of gratitude. This can be done with words of affirmation, cards, letters, gifts, or random acts of kindness. The important thing is to put action to thankful thoughts. This makes these two words take on a different meaning. As Amiel stated, “Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.” As women in ministry, we can use our position of leadership to show others how these two similar, but different words, can be effectively demonstrated. Be aware of the enemy and his schemes to thwart relationships in your ministry. Turning your thoughts of thankfulness into acts of gratitude can be instrumental in making your leadership respected and well-received by others. Never underestimate the power of a thankful heart.  Raised in Springfield, Tamie experienced much of what the Missouri Ozarks had to offer, including a few years at Evangel College, where she met her now husband Tim in a college Sunday School class. During their 38 years of marriage, they have raised and homeschooled 5 children, served in various ministry positions in Illinois & Missouri, and have owned several small businesses. They currently own a gourmet seasonings company called Crawdad's Classics, which they purchased from Tamie's father. Presently, they attend Oak Grove A/G. Tamie is an inspirational speaker, business owner and author. She wrote a 31 Day inspirational devotional called "This Life We Live" and is currently finishing a recovery book called "Knowing Your 'Why'," which she hopes to publish in 2024. Tamie can often be found entertaining her 9 grandchildren and looks forward to enjoying 3 new ones coming in 2024.
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by Rhonda Barnes  I live in Missouri, where we typically have four distinct seasons each year. We are in one of those changes of seasons now where many activities are shifting, the weather is altering, and change is in the air. In our natural and spiritual lives, we will also experience seasons. How we navigate these times can determine our future success. I sit now looking out the window of a lake home I have loved for the past twelve years. It has been called my “happy place,” has served as a get-away from work and life challenges, and has been a wonderful place to spend time with family. While this place is full of great memories, it has been a season that is about to change. In just three days we will say goodbye to this place. I sat here this morning praying that the Lord would help me correctly process my emotions. I was reminded of the Sunday afternoon that followed taking my first-born son to college. I honestly thought I would choke to death that day before as I said those brave goodbyes in the dorm, while my son was giving me the eye that let me know I better not break down in front of is new friends. It was the next day as I lay across his bed in his old bedroom, knowing he would never live under my roof again, that I began to process the change of season. I didn’t want to live in sadness, so I let the tears flow, while I remembered all the amazing memories we had made together so far in his life. I had to let go and treasure those moments to release him into his next. Now as I look back 19 years later, I see the beauty in his next seasons. He has a successful clinical pharmacy career, a beautiful wife, and two amazing children. A reminder that life is full of seasons! Goodbyes and last times can be challenging for our human emotions, but that famous verse found in Ecclesiastes says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (3:1 NLT). Instead, we should try to focus on the new beginnings, on the firsts, and on the exciting next God has planned for us. Sadly, many never experience God’s best for their lives because they are stuck in the past--both past failures and past victories. We can’t live our lives too focused on the rear-view mirror. When we use it appropriately, it provides us with some perception and caution, but our vision must be forward focused. If you find yourself in a busy or difficult season in your life right now, don’t necessarily wish it away. You will never have this moment again. Stop and ask yourself, “What does God want me to do with this season?” He uses our best and worst times for a purpose…if we will just allow Him to do so. I pray God will bless you during your current season and help you to experience His best plan for your life! This article is a reprint of this previous blogpost from Rhonda's website, SecretPlaceRevelation.com.  Rhonda Barnes is an author, speaker, Christian blogger, and gifted teacher of God’s Word. Rhonda is ordained with the Assemblies of God, and currently serves as the Associate Pastor at Grace Community Church in Salem, Missouri. Rhonda’s first book, Road to Transformation, Journey to God’s Glory, was released in 2014. Since then, she launched the Christian teaching blog Secret Place Revelation, inspired by Psalm 91:1. In 2017, she released two additional books, Keys to the Kingdom, and It is Written. Rhonda is passionate about sharing the truths of God’s Word and enjoys writing, speaking in many settings, and teaching small groups. To contact Rhonda, please visit secretplacerevelation.com or email rbarnes@gccsalem.org.
by Pam Morton Sweat trickled down my forehead as I opened what I deemed “The Absolute Last Box of the Day.” We recently moved into a new town, new community, new home, and I had the boxes to prove it. I was anxious to unpack our items so I could feel a sense of familiarity and settledness. I didn’t realize how much I wanted this until I looked around the garage and saw the chaos I had created with packing materials, empty boxes, and bubble wrap in the frenzy just to get it done. Now as I began unearthing the final items, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Carefully wrapped in layers of brown paper was a tiny Pillsbury Doughboy® holding a pumpkin. What? I laughed some more. Could these be...? Are they...? YES! As I continued to unroll the paper, Pillsbury Doughboy® figurines in varying poses began to emerge. PBDB holding a heart. PBDB waving a flag. Even PBDB sporting a green vest for St. Patrick’s Day. Twelve of these gems in all.  by Jonnie Anderson, on Flickr "Carefully wrapped in layers of brown paper was a tiny Pillsbury Doughboy®..." I paused and wondered how long it had been since I had actually displayed these in our home. 2008! Wow! Fifteen years. 2008 was the year we packed up our Missouri lives and moved to the Middle East. All of the items I couldn’t part with had been carefully stored in my in-laws’ home until now. Our new AGWM assignment is with Missionary Kids (MKs), so we are State-based, which means…the PBDB Crew could once again see the light of day! Or would they? Off to my right, a pile of decos from our lives in Africa and Israel needed a place to go. How could I mesh Shabbat candlesticks, a Beja sword, and PBDB into a cohesive look that the Property Brothers would like? I stood in the center of it all and sighed. This was a summation of my life displayed in decos. Yes, I still like the Pillsbury Doughboy® figurines. Why? I don’t know if I’ll ever have an answer to that question. But I also like the candlesticks and the sword. They all represent places I’ve lived and the dear people with whom I’ve shared life. They represent the person I’ve become since Pam Version 2008 first packed her house. I’m not sure where these will all end up in our home, but they each will have a place. Upon visits, our neighbors may find it weird or eccentric, but I’m okay with that. We’ll call them conversation starters and see where it goes. The Lord has helped us through many (and I mean many!) moves. Some were voluntary and some were not. We had seasons that were warm and inviting like the Shabbat candlesticks and some that were sharp and gutting like the Beja sword. Yet, I can’t mention one without the other, because I discovered different facets of the Lord’s care through the days and the nights of the soul. I’m grateful, and our home will reflect all of it. And the Pillsbury Doughboy®? Well…he gets a spot, because at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to dress up for a holiday and eat a warm biscuit?  Pam, her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2008. Her dream of serving overseas became a shocking reality of daily cultural encounters that often left her wondering if she’d actually landed on Mars instead! From Cairo to Khartoum to Upper Egypt to Israel, Pam learned, lived, and thrived in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. Pam and John's new assignment provides support to MKs and their families through TCK International Academy and parent mentoring. Pam loves to connect with her church family to encourage, laugh and inspire. (www.johnandpammorton.com). Pam and John have two married daughters and are smitten with their three granddaughters.
by Terry Magness It was a mature tree—a survivor—when the man bought his place nearly forty years ago. Somehow it had escaped the Dutch Elm disease that ravaged its way through the elm tree population in this country. He knew the tree was special. He carefully removed clothesline stakes and nails that had been hammered into its trunk, tended its wounds, then carefully shaped and fertilized his beloved Elm. In his care for the tree, he became quite attached to it. The birds and squirrels loved to play in its branches. It was beautiful and provided refreshing shade in the summer. The man built his home and landscaped, giving his tree a place of honor. Although surrounded on three sides by sidewalk and driveway, his elm continued to grow. Its mighty roots tunneled under these formidable barriers—lifting and breaking the slabs of concrete like crackers and slicing through the asphalt as if it were warm cheese. Its heightened boughs rested upon the roof of his house, bending the gutter and filling it with leaves. When the winds blew, limbs and branches fell, strewing his beautiful lawn and flower garden with debris. The man saw the carnage his special tree had wrecked and was sad. He was torn by two choices: cut the tree down and repair the damage or allow the tree to continue to grow and pursue its devastating course.  As I thought about his situation, I received a personal revelation. I, just as the man’s prized tree, when left to my own devices can become a destructive force adversely affecting not only myself, but also those around me—even to generations. When left unchecked and unattended by God’s laws and boundaries, we run headlong into God’s laws of nature governing this planet, namely, the second law of thermodynamics which establishes the concept of entropy. In other words, with a lack of order or predictability, comes a gradual decline into disorder. Left to themselves, everything, including people, will begin to degenerate and eventually come to ruin. God the Father was faced with the same choices as the man with the unruly Elm tree. Israel, whom He has loved and treasured as His own since Abraham, became a wild tree—a prideful and rebellious people. Like many of us, they grew outside the parameters He had established for their wellbeing. They refused to listen to God’s wisdom and instructions. They chose instead their own path. God had to make the hard choice to cut them off from His protective care. His great desire was that the ensuing trials and heartaches they would suffer would prompt them to change direction. Just as when a prideful, rebellious son finds himself on a path of incalculable hardship and sorrow, true parental love will do whatever it takes to turn him around. Our Father’s foremost concern is reconciliation and restoration. Likewise, we cannot afford to be afraid, but must bravely take firm but loving action where sin is involved. Yes, it can be a tough choice to make, but genuine love calls for selflessness that realizes the issue is not whether someone will become angry with us--maybe quit the church, avoid us at work, or perhaps think we are a mean mom. It is really not about us! With our children, this is the consideration: what sort of an adult am I raising? How am I helping to cultivate character in those around me? Am I encouraging growth in a positive direction in others? Do we love enough to allow the people we care for to suffer the consequences of their choices, so they are given the opportunity of seeing their need for God? Do we love enough to set proper boundaries and parameters? Do we think in terms of what we will lose in the process, or do we consider instead what they can gain--what is truly best for those in our sphere of influence? Tough love may seem harsh initially; but if done with the same purpose and compassion of Christ, it can yield the delicious fruit of righteousness. Yes, the old stump will die, but you can celebrate and rejoice because hope lies ahead—Jesus is the resurrection and life: "At least there is hope for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail. Its roots may grow old in the ground and its stump die in the soil, yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth shoots like a plant.” --Job 14:7-9 NIV God’s choice purpose for Israel was a change of heart in the people, so he could help them grow and could bless them: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. People will dwell again in his shade.” --Hosea 14:4-7 NIV  Now an ordained AG minister, Terry Magness was once a broken, wounded, angry, and abuse-hardened woman, until God’s redeeming love confronted, delivered, healed, and transformed her life. In 1995, Terry founded Grace Harbour Ministries, a not-for-profit, Biblically based teaching, prayer, and discipleship ministry to women. Through Biblical counseling, coaching, and mentoring, she helps soul-wounded women come to know God in a personal way, conquer sin, overcome life challenges, and live Spirit-empowered lives. Throughout her global ministry she has witnessed God’s captive-freeing power at work. Terry has authored two books--Ever Increasing Grace and Azadiah Reynolds: God’s Jamaica Man—and three booklets in her Pocket Scriptures series. She enjoys people, writing, photography, art, nature, and relaxing on the water while fishing with her quick-witted husband, Don, who keeps her laughing. Their amazing children and three priceless granddaughters remind them daily to be ever thankful for God’s wondrous blessings.
by Jill St. John  by Tomasz Tomczak from Getty Images Make hay while the sun shines. The early bird gets the worm. Any job worth doing is a job worth doing right. I’m a farm girl, and my family had more sayings like that than ants at a picnic. The truths of those sayings continue to replay in my mind and shape my behavior. We raised sheep and grew alfalfa, wheat, corn, oats, barley, and soybeans. I learned to work hard and to love the outdoors. Because farming is an outdoor enterprise, weather plays a huge role in it. But even if the weather kept us out of the field, we were busy in the waiting. We would be in the barns and shops, making repairs and preparations for when we could go out into the field. On our family farm, my dad grew alfalfa that made hay for the sheep. As he waited for the alfalfa to grow, he was preparing all of the equipment to be ready for the harvest. It reminds me of James 5:7: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains." (NIV, emphasis added) See how the farmer waits. I know firsthand how farmers wait. They wait for the frost of winter to give way to the warmth of spring. They wait for the ground to be pliable enough to sow the seed. They wait for the seed to germinate, sprout, root, and grow, developing the crop to be harvested. In the waiting, they are not sitting around twiddling their thumbs. They are not biding the time for the corn to be waist-high by the 4th of July. To see how a farmer waits is to see how a farmer is always working. Even in the waiting, they are always tending what they are growing and preparing for the harvest. They know the crop is growing, even if it does not look like it. They know the tractors and equipment will need to be ready to go. Farmers are active in the waiting. In the field of ministry, we are often in the position of waiting and can take cues from this passage. Waiting like a farmer might be identifying an incredible young woman of God who needs time to develop and mature before she is ready for greater responsibility. Instead of waiting for her to mature and be ready, I can invite her to join me in what I am doing for Jesus. I do not have it all figured out, but over my years in ministry, God has taught me things that might be helpful to pass on to her; e.g., lessons I’ve learned the hard way, as well as books and podcasts that I find helpful for perspective and spiritual development. Waiting like a farmer might be waiting for a loved one to surrender to Jesus. Instead of being frustrated and exasperated in waiting for them to come to Jesus, I can implement a strategic prayer plan. I pray in faith, trusting that God is doing a work even if I cannot see it. Here is a simple daily rhythm I use in praying for those I am waiting to come to Jesus: Weekly Prayer For those I’m waiting to come to Jesus MONDAY: Mind Protection & Softness to God TUESDAY: Timing of God WEDNESDAY: Work Their job & the Work of God THURSDAY: Thirst for Jesus FRIDAY: Friends That the Lord will put Godly people in their lives SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Sometime Soon They will be in church worshiping God Let’s make the most of the time God gives us each day, even when we are in a waiting season. "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up or quit." (Galatians 6:9 The Message) If my Dad had waited for the crops to be perfectly ripe before he fired up the tractor, he would not have been ready for the harvest. If he had waited to prepare the harvest equipment, he would have been late for the harvest and maybe missed it altogether. See how the farmer waits; he is actively preparing for the harvest. May the Lord help us work while we are in the waiting, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be ready for a great harvest!  Jill St. John, once a high school English teacher, is an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. She serves as Co-Pastor alongside her husband, Jason. For the last 28 years, they have served at Evangel Church in Kansas City: 6 years as youth pastors, 22 years as lead pastors. Jill has a passion for Jesus and a zeal for teaching God’s Word – helping others walk in God’s love and purpose. As a 4-time cancer survivor, she knows the goodness of God through the highs and lows of life and ministry. Jill is an authentic, enthusiastic messenger of God’s joy and hope. Teaching, cooking, gardening, laughing and hanging out with friends, her husband and two young adult kids and kids-in-law are the delights of her life!
by Kim Oyler As is typical in life, I have something to celebrate this season and something to mourn. We are new to farming and to cattle. This was our first experience with calving, and we were so excited. I was especially looking forward to the birth and new life on the farm. I wanted to experience it all! I was even willing to get my hands dirty in the process if need be. Actually, I was secretly hoping to get my hands dirty! I was all in! At the very least, I was hoping to be able to witness the birth, watch our first-time heifer cow become a mama, and watch our new calf’s wobbly first steps.
So began the questioning of ourselves: What if we had been there? Could we have saved it? What did we do wrong? And then the sad conclusion: we’re bad farmers! In addition to that conclusion came an onslaught of disappointment and regret. We were now back to square one. What we had worked so hard for was gone and now we had to start over. This last year felt like a waste. And now we must wait another year to see the fruits of our labor. It felt a lot like ministry. The hard work. The investment. The dedication. The anticipation. The hope of seeing all of that hard work pay off. When things don’t work out, we feel the disappointment, the regret. We ponder the "what ifs" and the "if onlys." We question our ability. We question our efforts. Was it worth it? Did we just waste our time? Will anything good come out of this season? The strength to keep investing, keep working, keep loving what we do is challenged. But the Call to Serve is still strong. The Call to Love still beats within our chest. The lack of success at the moment is met with the hope for a new day, a new season, and a chance to try again. My husband and I are non-traditional church planters. We started with a desire to pastor and the blessing of a small building but nothing else. No money. No staff. No mother church. It has been a slow and steady progression of “success” for ten years, but this past year, a setback. A dead calf if you will. Everything we were building and working towards seemed threatened as we experienced our first church split. A reason to mourn. A reason to question ourselves. Are we bad pastors? Could we have prevented this? What did we do wrong? The feeling that we are starting over is real and present. The reality of continuing to work hard is true. We continue to dedicate ourselves to the church and to the people but also knowing there will be a delay in seeing the fruit of our labor.  by Jeffrey Schwartz, from Getty Images ~~~~~~~~~~ Today on the farm, a live calf was born to another first-time mama in our pasture. A reason to rejoice! ~~~~~~~~~~ Much like ministry, there are painful things that exist alongside joyful things. We can mourn our losses. But we must choose to see the new birth that is happening alongside the loss. Currently, we are meeting new faces every week. New life is springing up. People are hungry and growing. There is new freedom bursting forth in our services. So, I will celebrate the new life in the face of mourning our losses. I will also choose to look ahead with hope and expectation for more new life in our church and on our farm!  Kim and her husband, Brad, have been in ministry 30 years, the last 11 years as copastors of Courageous Life Church in Independence, Missouri. They have two adult sons, 3 grandchildren and 2 middle school aged sons that keep them busy. Kim enjoys farm life and being outdoors, as well as writing and teaching. She is stepping into a new season of courage and obedience as she continues to grow in her walk with the Lord.
by Linda Brown You know that person to whom nobody knows quite how to respond?. The one who makes some people say things like, “She keeps talking about this thing that happened almost two years ago.” “Where is her faith?” “She has lost her joy. I feel kind of sorry for her, but I never know what to say when she talks about her grief.” “It’s like she is a different person.”  by SolStock, from Getty Images Signature Sometimes I am that person--the one with whom nobody knows quite what to do. They kind of hope I don’t talk about suffering today, because it’s an uncomfortable topic. However, it seems like almost every conversation leads to it at some point. To be perfectly honest, sometimes I don’t know what to do with me since losing my daughter, Jessica. I am a different person. My thoughts are different. I see things differently. My faith is different. Let me clarify that statement. My faith is deeper than it has ever been. My joy is deeper, because it is only in Jesus, not in people or things. My perspective is deeper. Losing a loved one—especially a child—makes you take an immediate inventory of what is important in your life. That is partly because you don’t have the emotional energy to deal with the things that aren’t important. I find that I cling to the things of this life less tightly. I love my Lord, I love the Word; and I love my family and friends. Those are what bring me joy, along with so many other things: music, wildflowers, singing birds, sunrises, sunsets, the color green (because grass is green), delighting in a good, sweet watermelon in the summer, and sitting on the porch with my husband and neighbors.  by Johannes Plenio, from Plexels Having joy—living a life of joy—does not necessarily mean laughing all the time and being the life of the party. Speaking of suffering does not necessarily mean a person is filled with depression and gloom. Having a proper understanding of suffering has led me closer to Jesus. He suffered, and He assured us that we would suffer, too. He said that in this world we would have plenty of troubles; but in that same sentence He told us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33 ESV). Because He lived, suffered, died, and rose from the grave, we have a fabulous HOPE! We have the assurance that the pain of this life is not all there is. When we are surrendered to Him, we can look forward to the prospect of spending the rest of eternity with Jesus, while living out the good plan He had for us from the beginning. The question is, "How am I going to live out the rest of my life while I am here on Planet Earth?" I want to be a living example of life, love, and hope, and at the same time, point people to Christ. God had a purpose for me the day before Jessica died; and He had the same purpose for me the day after she died. My life circumstances are entirely different now than they were then. However, my purpose is the same--to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, strength, and soul, and to love my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:29-31). The opportunities each day may look different, but the purpose is the same. It’s not about me, but about what I do with those opportunities. Did I ever think the death of my daughter would be an opportunity to share about the love and hope of Christ? Nope. And it’s certainly not an opportunity I wanted. But here it is. Our suffering may not feel good, but does that make it bad? None of us are Job, but as that wise man said, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” (Job 13:15 ESV) And thousands of years later, we read the story of his great faith in the ultimate goodness of God. If you can relate to this, or if you are struggling with this, I pray for the peace of God to wash over you. There will still be hard days, but be comforted in this, “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort, too.” (2 Corinthians 1:5 ESV).  Linda Brown is a local teacher of the Word, women’s mentor, Certified Peer Specialist, and taker-of-sunrise photos. Her passion is encouraging and discipling women, and she does this through engaging in life with women in her community, writing, leading Bible studies, and facilitating small groups through ministries such as Celebrate Recovery, GriefShare, and While We’re Waiting, which is a biblically-based group focusing on the unique and seldom-talked about needs of bereaved parents. As a bereaved parent herself, and one who has overcome many life challenges through God’s word and the healing power of the Holy Spirit, Linda relates well to women who struggle with similar challenges, and delights in pointing them to the Hope she has found in Christ. Linda lives with her husband Paul and 13 year-old granddaughter in rural Missouri, where they enjoy porch time, and occasionally wrangling turkeys and cattle.
by Larincia Hambrick A few years ago, we were house shopping and in the market to purchase a new home. We were so excited! Although my husband and I had been married awhile and started our family, this was the first time we had been house shopping together. As Realtor.com and Zillow junkies, we knew if we saw a house on the market that we liked, we had better move quickly, or it would be gone. We had just relocated to St. Louis and lived in my childhood home. That was a blessing, because we were able to save money for a down payment; however, it was not in the best neighborhood, so our goal was to find something quickly. On Sundays after church, we would load up the kids, pack their snacks, and tour as many open houses as we could. The moment came when we thought we’d found the one. The house was absolutely stunning! It had recently been updated, and the smell of fresh paint filled every room. The kitchen had large cabinets and a center island. Each room on the first floor from the dining area to the living room, kitchen, and family room were encapsulated all around with big, beautiful windows where natural light filled the rooms to create an open and airy ambiance. We decided to put an offer on the home and to get an inspection.  by SDI Productions, from Getty Images Signature As a woman, I could already visualize where our furniture would be placed and the family meals we’d be eating together, but as the inspector looked closely at the house, he noted several major things wrong that a person with an untrained eye could not see or know to look for at first glance. The house had evidence of untreated termite damage. The chimney needed to be repaired and the bricks needed to be tuck-pointed, and most of the beautiful windows were missing the springs made to hold them in place when you raised them. The basement was not waterproof, had cracks in the walls, and leaked water in from three sides of the house, which would cause the basement to flood. The inspector also found black mold behind bathroom walls...and the list goes on. The laundry list of issues with this house was unbelievable, because it was aesthetically beautiful. The necessary repairs would be thousands of dollars, and we didn’t have thousands of dollars to sink into a house, so we backed out of the contract. Often, it is the same with us. We look absolutely stunning on the outside, yet on the inside, we have cracks in our soul and are wreaking of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.  by rappensuncle, from Getty Images Signature During the inspection, the inspector called me into the master bathroom. He pushed the bathtub stopper down, turned the water on, and filled the bathtub with water. He then pulled the stopper back up to see how quickly the water would drain to empty the bathtub. He discovered something was clogging the drain because the water drained very slowly. This is exactly what happens in the spirit realm when we harbor unforgiveness; our hearts get clogged. It’s hard to hear from God, experience His presence, have viable relationships with others, or even love ourselves properly when we fail to forgive. There’s no doubt about it, ministry is messy. Our hearts get clogged, and sometimes our experience with just a handful of people can taint our relationships with others we need to let in. As women in ministry, we should be compelled to extend grace, because God has graciously extended it to us. In Matthew 18:22 ESV, Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive his brother. He wanted to know a specific number, so Peter inquired further and said, "Should I just forgive him seven times?” Jesus responded and said, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” The Lord was trying to show Peter that forgiveness is limitless; it knows no bounds. If you can count the number of times you have forgiven someone, then you haven’t forgiven enough. We all have moments we struggle with forgiveness. That’s the reason Jesus talked about it so much in the gospels. The Lord never made forgiveness a conditional act. He doesn’t tell us to forgive if this or if that. The Word declares we must forgive others for their trespasses against us. Forgiveness should be granted without condition and limitation. We constantly need to be forgiven, and we constantly need to extend forgiveness to others. Luke 6:37 ESV says, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Prayer Lord, I choose to forgive and release for . I forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made. I receive your grace and forgiveness. In Jesus Name. Amen.  Larincia holds a B.A. from Kentucky State University, an M.B.A from Indiana Wesleyan University, an A.A. from Valor Christian College and is an ordained minister of the Southern Missouri Ministry Network. She serves as the CFO of WEMA Logistics and is passionate about impacting her community. Larincia is a dynamic speaker, and is the founder of Destined to Reign Ministries, I Am Destined to Reign Boutique, the author of I Am Destined to Reign: Ditch the Baggage, Discover Your Identity & Walk in Royalty and a new devotional book entitled Gratitude in the Journey. Larincia is the proud wife to Hervera Hambrick, Life Groups Pastor at Twin Rivers Church in St. Louis, MO, and is the mom of two amazing boys--Josiah & Gabriel. When she isn't working, you can find her decorating, inviting people over for dinner, reading, or traveling.
by Julie Davenport See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12 I have lived in Missouri for almost all my life. They say if you don’t like the weather in Missouri, just wait until the next day, and it will change. I love that we have four seasons. I love the new life in spring, the sun in the summer, the beautiful leaves in the fall, and I even like to watch the falling snow with my red birds at the bird feeder in the winter. If there is one of those four seasons that I look forward to being over the most, it would have to be winter! Even as I type this and look out my window, it is sunny. Looks can be deceiving, though, because it is actually cold! I am ready for warm!
Have you ever been in a season of life that you are ready for it to be over? I remember when I went through many years of infertility, I was so anxious to someday have babies. When I finally had my two miracle babies, I was looking forward to the day when they would be out of diapers. When they were in all kinds of activities and I was chauffeuring them around, I was looking forward to the day they would drive. Now, looking back, it all went by so fast. Although I miss those days of my girls being little, I am enjoying this season of having them as my adult friends. Now is a season of grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, and I am loving every minute. So many times, we end up wasting our time of enjoying the season we are in by always looking to the next season. I remember a particularly hard season in my life several years ago about this time of year. I gained a bonus son in my second marriage, and he was going through a very low point in his life. We were desperate over his situation. At the same time, our youngest daughter had travelled to India for an extended stay to work as a missionary associate. I was concerned about her being so far away from home and the conditions she would be staying in. On the spring morning after she left, both of these situations were heavily on my mind and in my prayers. I looked outside. In the little tree in my front yard were two dove eggs. I became fascinated with watching them hatch. In just a few days, they did! I watched them learn to fly and leave the nest in the days ahead. Amazingly, every day for a few weeks, they would both come and sit on the rail of my back deck. I named them after our son, Donnie, and my daughter, Chelsea. You may think I am a little crazy, but it was a reassurance to me every day that I saw them that Donnie and Chelsea were in the Lord’s hands. One day I only saw one of them! I was like, “Is that Donnie or Chelsea!” Thankfully, Chelsea made it home safely from India and is now married and a mother. Donnie came through his crisis, miraculously, and came back to the Lord. After that, there would be more hard seasons to come. We have all gone through many seasons of sadness and sorrow. However, the Lord is always faithful. He always brings us through. I want to encourage you today if you are in a hard season, know that “this too shall pass.” God will carry you through, and when you look back you will be stronger and more ready to face the days ahead. Even if like me, you are older and have been through many seasons, you can look forward to the days ahead. I love this scripture in Proverbs 31:25 NIV: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. I encourage you to embrace the season you are in today. God will not fail you. He never has and He never will. He has promised to clothe us with strength and dignity and that we can even face the days ahead with joy and laughter. One more scripture from Psalm 126:2 KJV to put some spring in your step: Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. My prayer for you dear ladies is for you to have a spring and summer filled with laughter, singing, and joy. No matter the season you are in, you can always find something to be thankful for and little things to celebrate. I know that looking back at raising my children and the many seasons we have been through, I can say with confidence that the Lord has done great things, even in the midst of some of the hardest seasons. There have been treasures in the darkness. I am praying the same for you! Happy Spring and Summer!  If one word could depict a life, Julie Davenport’s would be “redemption.” As a child, Julie’s character was forged within a legacy of faith, godliness, and ministry, so when she married a charismatic young pastor on the fast-track to prominence, life was everything she’d dreamed it would be...on the outside. But inside, alone and hidden from view, Julie endured abuse, betrayal, and infidelities that spiraled to include miscarriage, cancer, divorce, mental illness, and eventually suicide. Julie is now an ordained AG minister who through speaking engagements and two daughters continues the legacy of ministry, God is using Julie’s life-story to validate His immeasurable grace and prove His power to redeem what Satan tried so hard to destroy.
by Kim Boley"Teamwork makes the dream work!” ¹ My oldest daughter and I share this quote with each other anytime we’re working on something together. Cleaning up the house, picking out clothes for tomorrow, whatever. One of us will shout, “Teamwork!” and the other finishes by replying, “Makes the dream work!” and we usually high five. This not only gets us in a fun mood, but also helps her to see it’s good to include others in a goal. We can’t do life alone. This thought hit me the other day during our Tuesday night worship service (we’re college missionaries). As I watched my husband, James, preach that week, I was reminded how most of our students don’t know how hard each of our staff members and leadership team work to make that night possible.
However, there are many moving parts to create an environment that is smooth and welcoming to all who attend. It’s something we work at very hard, and each person has a role to play in creating this. ¹ John C. Maxwell, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. |
 | Kim serves alongside her husband, James, as Chi Alpha missionaries at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). Theyhave two daughters, Abbi & Lizzie, and one fur baby, a black Labrador named Natasha. Kim attended Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, where |
she was introduced to Chi Alpha Campus Ministries her freshman year. After she graduated in 2006, she spent the next seven years at the University of Missouri in Columbia, serving as a missionary associate with Chi Alpha. In 2013, she and James felt led to pioneer a Chi Alpha where there wasn’t one. Through a series of God-moments, He brought them to Cape Girardeau, MO and the campus of SEMO. Since then, they have both become ordained ministers, learned even more about life and ministry, and fallen more in love with God and each other. Kim is a huge fan of coffee, dogs (especially labs), books, and her college kids. She loves doing Chi Alpha with her whole family by sharing life together.
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