by Vicki MillerAre you the mom who cries on her kids’ first day back in school, or are you one of those moms who can’t wait for the little sweeties to be out from underfoot, so you can move on to other things that may seem more productive? If the latter, I bet you are ready to trade pool parties for coffee dates with friends, and unstructured living for routine mornings and early-to-bed schedules. Even if you don’t have children in school, you still feel the effects of an increased pace now that church ministries are back in full-swing. With the demanding schedules my husband and I have, it’s necessary to be purposeful in how we manage our day-to-day lives. I am not saying that we have it all figured out. However, we understand that if we “fail to plan," then we "plan to fail.” Perhaps these six practices will benefit you, too:So whether you have a busy-mom schedule, work a secular job, or are in full-time ministry, be proactive in living a life you love. Join me and other women ministers as we take just six weeks to focus on Healthy Ministry Life. See you at our first-ever Lunch & Learn at noon on September 8th. Let’s be healthy together! ![]() Vicki and her husband, Don, have been in ministry for more than 35 years. They have four daughters, four sons-in-law, four grandsons, and three sweet granddaughters who keep their lives full of joy and laughter. After pastoring the same congregation for more than 25 years, they now serve in ministry to SOMO District ministers and their spouses. Traveling is a shared interest between Don and Vicki, especially as they connect with churches and church leaders across our state and around the world. Encouraging ministry wives in their unique role and their walk with Jesus is one of Vicki's passions. For fun, she loves to read, sleuth décor ideas on Pinterest, drink iced tea (no coffee for her) especially with a friend, and take car rides in the country.
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by Pamela J. Morton I had one of those mornings. I'm sure you have, too. The mornings where you are in a deep, sound sleep dreaming blissfully of well-behaved children and the slimming swimsuit that actually keeps its promises. Then the alarm sounds. Bleary-eyed, I try to locate the annoying little beep-beep-beep of my iPhone. I used to "whack" the snooze, but no longer. Now with much genteel effort, I must brush the touch screen to purchase seven more minutes of sleep. I begin to prioritize the things that I need to do to get out the door. Let's see... Will my hair still look decent if I don't wash it today? What if I eat cereal instead of eggs? Slowly I begin to gain one minute here, an extra two minutes there...Zzzzzzzzzz........... My father got up every day at 5 AM even after he retired. He would sit at the kitchen table sipping his coffee, doodling on a napkin, and reading his Bible. When visiting my mother-in-law, I know she will prepare breakfast, fold a load of laundry, work on a sewing project, and start lunch before I even shuffle into the bathroom to splash water on my face. I push the covers back and begin my morning regimen. Some I know are like motorcycles. One turn of the key and rev of the engine and they're off. Others, like myself, could be compared to a push lawnmower which requires a few yanks of the crank and some serious coercion to get the motor going. Still, I wish I could be different... I stare at my closet, chiding myself for not planning the night before. But I never know how I will feel. Is it an aqua day? Maybe khaki pants and a sharp blazer? Or a swishy skirt to look easy, breezy walking down the street. As a woman, my mood can switch very quickly and the outfit that seemed perfect at 11 PM could be utterly unacceptable at 6 AM. Still, I could have risked it. I grab something that doesn't require ironing and move on mentally to breakfast and lunch. If my husband and I eat cereal, that will save me five minutes of egg preparation time. That's the ticket...except there's no milk. Seriously, I'm beginning to think the whole "get out of bed thing" was a terribly bad idea. Okay. Next plan. Maybe I can whip up a quick egg and put it on toast. (More mobile that way.) I look in the little egg caddy and see one cracked egg. How metaphorical. So, no eggs. Ooooo, here's one that Whole Foods people would be proud of. I cut up a fresh apple and place some roasted almonds into a little container. How very delicious. How very healthy. How very natural. (Now I'm thinking that I should change into the swishy skirt ensemble since that fits the "granola" outlook I'm currently adopting.) My husband announces that he's almost ready to go and begins to gather his things. Well, no breakfast at the table today. I grab my purse and my sliced apple. I start to pick up the small bowl of almonds and place them in front of me. Somehow, in my hurry, I miscalculate where the table is located and miss it by a full three inches. Almonds scatter all over the floor. I stare at the mess. No morning Bible reading AND no protein will prove to be a deadly combination for anyone who happens across my path today. Those poor, poor people! I can feel tears welling up in my eyes but decide I don't even have time for a good meltdown. I sweep up the almonds, throw them away, and run out to our vehicle with the now-paltry apple slices. Not a lot of food for sharing between two people. I tell my husband what happened, and he gives his most sympathetic smile. (Good, wise move.) He prays a prayer for me, and we begin our drive to work. How will the rest of this day unfold? Beep-Beep-Beep. My soul alarm goes off. Will I hit the snooze and go about my business in full grace-less fashion? Or do I take a deep breath, pause, and allow the Lord to flood me with His peace and mercy? Seven Steps to Starting Off the Morning Right
![]() Pam and her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2009. 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 deserts unknown, Pam continues to learn, live and thrive in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. An author, global worker, teacher trainer and self-proclaimed “professional luncher,” Pam wants to share laughter, life and hope with her dear Middle Eastern neighbors while providing insight into their customs and everyday life with her friends in the West. by Terry Magness A friend and I were enjoying a leisurely afternoon breakfast at Village Inn before heading home when I suddenly realized I had forgotten to return a package to The UPS Store. Google Maps showed there was one less than a mile away, but in the opposite direction from where we needed to go. Maps also gave another option in the general direction we desired, but it required a sizeable detour from our route home. My friend chose the second option. When I pointed out the difference in mileage, she responded, “But that’s in the wrong direction!” I explained the difference between the two extra miles it would take to drive to the first store and back, and the five to six extra miles it would require driving the detour to the store on our way home. ![]() She didn’t get it. Her focus was on her desired destination. Traveling in the opposite direction of home—though it consumed less time, less car mileage, and less gasoline—simply did not make sense to her, and from her perspective, seemed an imposition. We have often seen or perhaps experienced this scenario first-hand. Something happens. Life presents us with an unexpected turn of events or change in direction. It seems wrong, possibly ominous, unpleasant, and sometimes downright painful. So, we set our compass and step on the gas, speeding in the direction we have predetermined, only to discover the road we are traveling has endless hills and valleys, blind intersections, road barriers, detours, potholes, and stand-still traffic. Eventually, we discover our wheels are spinning in place and we are going nowhere--and we are not quite sure how we got here. What if we were to put on the brakes and consider? Does God have a plan for my life? Can He be trusted? Does He really love me? God’s Word answers these questions in the affirmative--Yes. Yes. And yes! Jesus said you would have trials in this life, but He has plans that will prepare and equip you to prosper in the journey, that you may arrive at your destination triumphantly. Right? So then, you might ask, “If He loves me, then where is He in all this?” A dear friend, Linda Brown, is a Celebrate Recovery leader and Certified Peer Specialist at Burrell Behavioral Health. Her occupation and mission in life is to help souls find healing, deliverance, and redemption. Linda loves and follows the Lord with her whole heart, but a phone call one morning changed the course of her life. Her daughter, Jessica, the mother of her three grandchildren, died in a tragic auto accident in May 2021. Linda now parents one of those children. How could she ever imagine this as the right direction for her life? It feels completely counterintuitive and is still unbearably painful at times! Please allow me share what she wrote in her blog on the first anniversary of her daughter’s death: One year ago today I received the worst phone call of my life. No words can describe it, or the year that has followed. I can say, however, and mean it, that God has shown himself to be loving, good, and faithful through every circumstance of my life, including this one. Christians are not exempt from hard things, because we live on Planet Earth where sin, sickness, and death are. Sometimes there are seasons of grief and deep sorrow, sometimes there are times of anger and questions with no clear answers. Sometimes there are days when you just can’t think about. one. more. thing. When your life takes an unexpected turn that doesn’t make sense, run to God. Leave your will at the door. Seek His guidance; ask Him for direction. Remember, He knows this road you are traveling. He has designated your route. As Linda does, read His Word and pray every day. Peace and assurance will come that God loves you--that He is good. Look for the beauty He provides in each day, and realize He is working His beauty in you. ![]() God’s Guidance System (GGS) is foolproof and trustworthy. Follow His step-by-step en route instructions to reach your destiny. ![]() 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. Terry 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 Kim Boley Have you ever eaten too much? Like, where you’re just miserable? It feels kinda gross, right? What about when you enjoy a meal, you’re full, but you don’t feel miserable? You still feel normal and pleasant? It’s so nice! I love that feeling when I’ve enjoyed everything on my plate, but I don’t feel awful. This is how I recently began looking at my time. I’ve been offered some amazing things the past couple of years, but I know I can’t say yes to it all. Even with the amazing things I already get to do, I’ve been offered more. But I’m limited. I hate that. ![]() So how do I determine what to say “yes” to and what to say “no” to? I remember saying to my husband one night when discussing what my roles should look like in Chi Alpha next year, “I think my plate is too full.” And I was hit with this metaphor. I saw a plate full of delicious food: My main course was my family—my biggest priority after God—my daughters and my husband, and yes, my dog. My favorite side dish is our ministry—Chi Alpha at Southeast Missouri State. Which, honestly, is super easy to fill up on. I love what we do, so it’s easy to put a lot of that on my plate, and I must be careful how much space that takes up. Other side dishes are things I do for National Chi Alpha and our district, but I must keep these dishes small. Desserts are my hobbies. Mostly reading. I know I could indulge a lot on it, but I also know my entire meal can’t be made up of just dessert. But a little is very enjoyable, and I could argue dessert is very necessary! ![]() Coffee is my connection with friends. Sadly, I feel as if this one does get sacrificed a lot, but I’m so aware that I need it to get me through. I’ve been prioritizing this one more lately. You might be wondering where God is in this metaphor? My time with Him is the napkin. So simple. So necessary. Cleans me up no matter what’s gotten on my hands and face. Refreshes me. My time with Him determines the quality of the napkin. The plate is my time. My time has not grown and never will. I still have only twenty-four hours in a day. My plate is fixed. About a year ago, I recognized my plate was full and I’d already included dessert. Sometimes dessert was knocked off the plate for a bit. But if I add one more thing, something more important than dessert would fall off my plate, and if I was not careful, I’d drop the entire meal. So, when asked to take on another project or step into another role, I needed to assess the overall priority. What kind of dish is this? What will I lose on my current plate if I take this on? How many meals will that be? Is that overall worth it? Yes, there are seasons of tasks, projects, etc. But how long do I want less of my main dish? How much extra of that smaller side do I want on my plate? Thanksgiving does have a big meal but that’s not meant to be consumed every day. Sometimes my kids only eat mac and cheese for dinner but that’s not supposed to happen at every meal. I don’t want to feel too full and miserable. I don’t want to stack so much on my plate and cram it all in those twenty-four hours that I feel miserable afterwards. I don’t want to rush time with my kids because I have to get something else done for Chi Alpha. And I don’t want to do so much for our ministry that my time with my family gets covered by it. Then when I go to bed, I feel miserable, because I didn’t do any of it well and I can’t even remember the last time I had a cup of coffee! I don’t know if any of this will help you or not. Life is busy. But it’s okay to say no. It really is. I’ve been practicing it more. I’ve been getting more creative with what I do and embracing peace about passing on things. I’m not perfect but I’m getting better. I would encourage you to write out your own “meal” plan. Talk to your spouse and/or an awesome friend on your priorities. My husband knows things that will tempt me and knows what I would say yes to and make room on my plate for, should certain opportunities arise. This helps when I’m tempted to take something on that doesn’t fit; he can remind me what kind of meal I committed to eat. And, of course, don’t ever forget your napkin! ![]() Kim serves alongside her husband, James, as Chi Alpha missionaries at Southeast Missouri State University. They have 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. by Pamela J. Morton Although I can’t say math is my favorite subject, I do have varied calculations for determining how and when a vacation could and should take place. If you'll indulge me, I'll share the process with you. (You may have already seen me on the cable channels late at night demonstrating how it works and telling you that it could be yours for only 5 installments of $19.95.) Question #1: How much do I want to spend on vacation? (This includes the TOTAL amount.) Question #2: How much can I REALLY spend on vacation and not go into debt? (Have you been watching Suzi Orman? She would NOT approve of overspending right now.) Question #3: Where do I want to go? Where does my husband want to go? Where do the kids (if applicable) want to go? List all possible destinations. Question #4: How will I get there? Plane? Train? Car? Rickshaw? Question #5: What is the most economical transportation for all travelers? Question #6: What kind of lodging will I stay in? 5-Star, camping, hostel, 3-Star, Mom and Dad's? Question #7: How many days will I stay? (This could affect lodge prices based on length.) Question #8: How much do I have left from the grand total when I subtract transportation and lodging? Question #9: How many days can I stand to eat bologna? (No, seriously...now on to food budget.) Question #10: Will I eat three meals a day plus snacks? If so, will it always be at restaurants, or will I have a place to do some cooking? Does the hotel include breakfast? Question #11: Realistically, how much will it cost for each traveler to eat a day? Question #12: What is the projected total cost of food for the vacation? Question #13: What is my new total of money left? Question #14: What would I like to do at the destination? Will it cost money? (For instance, a day at the beach usually doesn’t cost anything, but a trip to Disney World...well, Mickey needs a new pair of shoes.) Question #15: Can I balance “expensive” days with “low-cost” days and stay within budget? Question #16: Are there any discounts available for pre-purchased tickets, AAA, or package deals? Question #17: Now how much money is left from the grand total? Question #18: How much "fun money" do I allot for each vacation day? (You calculate this by your remaining balance, subtracting a small emergency amount and dividing by the number of vacation days. Any money left over from a day can be rolled over to the next day as bonus money.) Question #19: Am I disciplined enough to put this on a credit card and immediately pay it off with the cash tucked away for this trip or am I better off going with the "cash-in-envelopes" system? Question #20: Am I ready to have a fun, guilt-free time away? You may laugh and think, "Does she really, really do all this?" The answer is "YES!" I have a few more questions I include for personalizing the trip, but overall if I follow this method, I am never surprised by the amount of money spent or feel the "post-trip guilt" of overspending. For fun (or some might say ridiculous) I'll go through all the receipts to double check my projections and see how close I came. Having had vacations that provided a time of rejuvenation only to be confronted by a pile of credit card charges upon return has cured me of future similar behavior. I enjoy having parameters. It brings peace to my life. (I think Charles Schwab would be happy.) Sometimes the budget will only go as far as a weekend away to a local hotel with a pool. At other times, places more exotic. Either way, we go knowing that it is all good and we can have fun with no worries. Question #21: Do I think Pam needs a vacation from her planning? YES! Yes, she does. ![]() Pam and her husband, John, and two teenaged daughters packed up their fulfilling, understood Midwestern lives and moved to Cairo, Egypt in 2009. 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 deserts unknown, Pam continues to learn, live and thrive in a sandy, sweaty, hospitable land. An author, global worker, teacher trainer and self-proclaimed “professional luncher,” Pam wants to share laughter, life and hope with her dear Middle Eastern neighbors while providing insight into their customs and everyday life with her friends in the West. by Julie Davenport Much of life has to do with our perspective or point of view. I am so thankful for God's word often making me aware of my point of view. Many times, during worship or a sermon, the Lord has spoken to me about my perspective. Although I was raised on the King James Version of the Bible and now mainly read the New International Version, sometimes I get another perspective from paraphrases such as The Message: ![]() “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14 MSG When Jesus came to earth, He moved into our neighborhood. A few years ago, I resigned a staff position at church because of needs in my family. I walked my neighborhood feeling a little sorry for myself and thinking, "I wish I could go to an unreached people group!" I had recently done a 30-day LIVE DEAD devotional. LIVE DEAD focuses on the unreached people in our world today. I have a few friends who are missionaries to these unreached peoples, and I greatly admire them. They are heroes to me. I know it is not all glorious and glamorous to minister to unreached people. It is hard. It is a sacrifice. However, I got to thinking about what my missionary friends often do to reach these people. They move into the neighborhood. I was convicted as I felt the Lord speak to me that if I wanted to reach the unreached, all I needed to do was to look around me at my own neighborhood. Many of my neighbors living within walking distance do not know the Lord. I began to pray for the Lord to use me to reach my neighborhood. That very day on my walk, I saw a young mother strapping her baby in a car seat. I could see that she was crying. I walked up to her and started a conversation. She was going through a very difficult situation in her marriage very similar to what I had gone through years ago in my own first marriage. I began a relationship with her that continues today, some seven years later. I invited her to my house. I sat with her kids when she went to court. We talked and stayed in touch. She got a job as a real estate agent and was our realtor when we sold our house. She recently visited my church and is doing well. I began to invite other neighbors over to my house for coffee or tea. In the winter, I made a pot of chili and invited a few close neighbors over. In the summer, we had a barbecue and invited a few more close neighbors. I helped organize a block party. We lived in that neighborhood for five years. By the time we moved, I knew over fifty of my neighbors by name. One of the neighbors who had some hurts from church and was only watching online is now a dear friend and involved in our church. Three other neighbors have visited our church. My next-door neighbor became a dear friend and is walking with the Lord. When our other next-door neighbor had a tragedy in their family, I went with her to the hospital to visit her son and walked through it with them. The husband of the couple who bought our house when we moved a year ago passed away from COVID-19 within months after moving. I invited her to our new house for coffee. She now attends our church and is in our life group. When we moved to a new neighborhood, I was excited for a new mission field. However, it was in the middle of the pandemic, so I didn't meet as many neighbors at first. Nevertheless, in the summer when they opened the neighborhood pool, I met several women in my new neighborhood. (I guess you could say that I have been called to "pool ministry"). I am looking forward to my walks this spring and summer hoping to meet more neighbors. For many years, I was so busy attending committee meetings and ministering to those already saved, my focus was not on those right in my neighborhood who needed relationship and needed Jesus. I am thankful for those who are called to minister and disciple those already in a relationship with the Lord. We all have different callings and seasons, but maybe you are in a season where you have more time? Maybe you are looking for more purpose? I am sharing this not to bring attention to what I have done. I am sharing it in hopes that whether you are in a position or you are retired: Don't forget about your neighborhood! There are unreached people in your path. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We are called to do the same. Just like those overseas, you don't always get converts immediately. Sometimes it takes months and years of building a relationship. Sometimes it involves simply listening to someone's story before you are able to share the full story of Jesus. There are people all around us who are hurting and who don't know the Lord. You may not be able to walk your neighborhood, but what about the people who come across your path at the gym or the grocery store or the restaurant or the hair salon? May the Lord help each of us to reach those who are in our path and in our neighborhoods. Jesus heard about it and spoke up, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.” Luke 5:31-32 MSG ![]() 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 Terry Magness Have you ever lain on your back and watched the clouds form pictures in the sky, listened to the soulful sound of a train whistle blowing in the distance, snuggled with a stuffed animal, or napped with a pet, satisfied that all is right with the world?
Have you ever listened to the tree frogs or crickets on a warm spring night, lost yourself in a good book on a cloudy afternoon, watched a bee flit from one flower to another gathering the makings of their golden nectar and pollinating God's garden? Have you ever followed a colony of ants carrying weights much heavier than they, yet keeping perfect form one with another? Have you ever smelled a rose or picked a daisy, made a clover chain, or blown wispy dandelion seeds into the wind? Have you ever run through a sprinkler on a blistery summer day, rolled in the warm green grass, or popped glistening soap bubbles carried on gentle breezes, gazed in wonder upon a 4th of July sparkler and wished it would last forever? Looking up at the night sky, have you tried to count the stars, or marveled at the vastness of the Milky Way, or questioned how the Big Dipper knows to point to the North Star? Have you slipped your toes into the cool refreshing waters of a placid pool or tossed pennies into a fountain, strolled through a park still wet with morning dew, or watched young squirrels chase one another through overhanging branches? Have you mimicked a monkey at the zoo, pet a beetle ambling through the dirt, or watched lightning bugs glow in a jar? Have you caught your breath at a cat’s astounding acrobatics? Has a mockingbird’s rhapsody prompted you to really listen? Have you been rocked to sleep by the cooing lullaby of a dove, or been caught off guard by the course, throaty call of a crow? Have you been captivated by the amazing maneuvers of the tiny hummingbird, the beauty and swiftness of a red-tailed hawk, or the proud majesty of an eagle soaring high among the clouds? Have you ever touched plush moss clinging to the north side of a tree, collected colored leaves in the fall, or smelled the rich fragrance of honeysuckle and sucked the sweet juices from its flower on a warm summer day? Have you roasted marshmallows over an open fire and burned them...on purpose? Have you hugged a child or kissed a baby? Have you picked a bouquet of pretty weeds for someone dear, or colored a picture to give to your teacher? Have you ever explored the delight of cotton candy melting in your mouth, sticking to your cheeks and hair? Have you ever played dress up, paper dolls and Barbies, hopscotch, double jump rope, or jacks? Have you ever roller skated or ridden a bike and had the exhilarating feel of the wind in your face? Did you play "King of the Hill", cowboys and Indians, trucks, or Matchbox cars? Have you collected sparkly gravel in mason jars, bitten your toenails, stuck bubble gum on your nose and looked at it cross-eyed? Have you ever waded in a creek, skipped rocks across the water, caught a fish on a pole or a crawdad in a food strainer? Have you climbed a tree or chased butterflies, made bucket-mounds in the sand, squished mud between your fingers and toes, slipped the food you did not like to the dog under the table, or startled your mom with a frog—and she said the frog would give you warts? Have you ever sneaked a cookie out of the cookie jar, or cut your own bangs? Ever taken a walk in your own back yard just to see what you might see? Life is full of wonder...adventure...beauty...discovery...and fun! Awareness and reception are mostly notable in childhood. Perhaps that is why Jesus said to come to Him as a little child. A child freely experiences, trusts, learns, and enjoys. We mature; yet remaining childlike in heart assures we continue to grow in knowledge and wonder, and to enjoy and rejoice in the beautiful God-given stuff of life that keeps us smiling and forever young. ![]() Terry has been in Christian ministry for nearly fifty years, is a licensed minister, author, pastoral counselor to church leaders, missionary, and founder of Grace Harbour Ministries, a Bible-based international teaching and discipleship ministry to women. She oversees and teaches needs-based Overcomer classes in her local church, dedicated to helping men and women apply Biblical principles to life situations. Terry is a lover of people in general, and her family in particular. She enjoys good friends, stimulating conversation, writing, photography, and fishing with her husband, Don. by Jill St. John “The church should really do something about .” “The church could really use someone who could .” Do those words ring as familiar to you as they do to me? All kinds of things can fill in those blanks. Usually, I whole-heartedly agree when people come to me with those “shoulds” and “coulds.” The Church really should do something about whatever it is, and the Church really could use someone who could do all the things! Our community and church family have so many needs. Ultimately, Jesus is the answer, and thus His Church is the answer. And, how do we actually go about meeting those needs? More specifically, how do I actually go about meeting needs when I feel like I am not enough and that what I offer is not enough? The disciples were struggling with something to this effect in Mark 8. During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” The disciples were doing the math: 4,000 hungry men + women and children + no food = 1 hunger + angry (“hangry”) disaster waiting to happen! I grew up on a farm in South Dakota in a remote place; the nearest supermarket was seven miles away. That’s not very far by car, but as I put myself in this pre-automobile setting with Jesus and His disciples, I imagine being on the farm, surrounded by thousands of hungry people. I probably would have panicked and figured out how to slip away unnoticed before a ravenous riot ensued! But not Jesus. He was driven by compassion and was about to band together with His team and throw down a Miracle Picnic. According to Merriam-Webster¹, Jesus had compassion--“a sympathetic conscious-ness of others' distress, together with a desire to alleviate it.” And He invited the disciples to consider with Him how they could act in compassion to do something for the hungry people. The disciples were asking, "Where can we get enough bread to meet this enormous need?" Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have?” (Mark 8:5 NIV) The disciples were looking at the lack; Jesus was looking at the disciples. What do you have? Jesus is saying: Let’s start where we are with what we have. What resources do you have that don’t seem like enough? They had seven loaves and a few small fish. The disciples handed over to Jesus that seemingly insufficient offering. He instructed the throng of thousands to sit on the ground; it was time for a Miracle Picnic! Jesus took that little bit of food, gave thanks to the Father for it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to feed the people (Mark 8:5-7). ![]() Verse 8 describes how it turned out: The people--we can safely infer that this includes ALL OF THE PEOPLE--ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Miracle Picnic indeed--plus leftovers! Won’t He do it?! Fresh lessons abound from this familiar passage. When I am faced with a need, or that familiar phrase, “The Church really should or really needs,” Jesus asks what I have to offer. Not what I wish I had to offer. Not what others have to offer that I would like to have to offer. Not even what others seem to wish that I had to offer. He is asking what is in my hands; what is within my abilities and capacity? As I offer that to Jesus, inadequate though it usually seems, He takes it. He never rejects it or says: That’s all? It is so humbling to think of this pattern that our Savior, King of Kings Jesus, takes what we give Him, thanks God for it, then multiplies it to meet needs. Miracle Picnics of provision have been part of my experience of Jesus “feeding” me so many times through the offerings of others. I think of Don and Connie, my Sunday School Teachers/Small Group Leaders when I was a new believer, freshly saved out of a pit. They owned a small sporting goods store and were a part of Wellesley Park Assembly of God in Wayland, Massachusetts. (How did a farm girl from South Dakota end up in a suburb of Boston? That’s for another blog!) They had love, time, and kindness that they offered to Jesus. He thanked God for it, multiplied it, and applied it with His compassion to the needs of my life, as well as many other young adults in our church. My hunger or need was to experience and receive God’s healing and freeing love. Jesus met that need through Don’s and Connie’s love and discipleship of me. It came by way of their example of giving what they had: opening their home, feeding me actual food, and teaching me God’s Word. They did not have divinity degrees nor formal training of any kind. What they had was kindness and love; Jesus took and multiplied that, bringing restoration and nourishment to every part of my life. God used what they offered to build His foundation in my life, leading to His call and to my serving as an ordained minister. Using their example, along with countless others, I go about serving and ministering, offering what I have to Jesus to multiply and meet needs. What we offer is enough because He is more than enough! ![]() 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 23 years, they have served at Evangel Church in Kansas City--6 years as youth pastors, and 17 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, laughing, and hanging out with her husband and two children are the delights of her life! by Julie Davenport I recently remembered the lyrics of a well-known Gaither song¹ describing the sweetness of holding a newborn baby and thought of holding my own. How easy it was to cradle them in my arms during those early days. As they got older, I had a wonderful "baby papoose carrier" I could wear and be hands free to wash dishes and still keep my baby calm and comforted next to my body. As my two daughters grew, I read an assortment of parenting books on issues from raising toddlers to teenagers. What about books on issues with our adult children? I know there are some good books out there, but sometimes the struggles with our adult children are more complicated than when they were little. The truth is this: As our children get older, we learn to carry them differently. We go from cradling them in our arms to carrying them on our hips to them walking on their own into independence and adulthood. As much as I would like to carry and keep my two daughters who are now in their thirties close to my heart and body, it would look really strange to put them in that same baby papoose carrier with their legs dragging on the ground. They would be too heavy. We can't control or fix the things our adult children go through. We can pray and love them and offer advice when asked, but we cannot carry them in the same way we did when they were babies. So often, not only with our children, but with many things in life, we try to carry things that are too heavy for us. The Bible says in Galatians 6:2 NIV, "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Then in the same chapter, in verse 5, ". . .for each one should carry their own load." So, which is it? Carry others' burdens or carry our own load? Yes. Both and. Between the above two verses, verse 4 says: "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." How can we apply this to our own lives, to raising our children, and to our calling and ministry? As an "older person" past the age of sixty, or as I prefer the designation of a "mature person," I have been through many seasons and stages in my life. I have been through a season of miscarriages and unable to have children, through a season of raising children into adulthood, and now a wonderful season of being a grandma. I had a season as a pastor's wife, a season of being on staff at a church, a season of travelling and speaking, and a season of writing and publishing a book. I am now in a season of having more time to invest in my local church and minister to my neighbors. Yet, I still struggle with learning the best way to carry others’ burdens. I still struggle with comparing myself to others. I still struggle with learning to carry my own load. Rather than saying I am struggling, a more positive way would be to say that I am still learning. This is what I wish I could say to my younger self or to those of you who are in the thick of the middle stages of family and ministry. These are a few things I am still learning: I am still learning life will always have loss and sorrow often at the very same time that we are experiencing joy in another area. We often carry others’ burdens of loss along with our own load of loss. We compare our loss to others’ loss. Loss will never go away. We have to learn how to carry it. When I first lost my precious Mother to Alzheimer's disease over two years ago, the weight of the loss was so heavy at first that I could hardly stand the pain. The pain of the loss is not gone, but I am learning better how to carry it. I remind myself of how thankful I am for all the wonderful ways and joys of having my mother for almost sixty years. The pain is still there, but it has been softened. At the same time of the deep sorrow, I have experienced the great joy of having a new baby grandson and watching him grow. I am still learning that we are to carry others’ burdens, but we are not necessarily called to carry them through their entire journey. Sometimes we are meant to plant a seed or to water, but we don't always get to see the harvest. We are to minister to those who come across our path each day. I am still learning to not compare myself to others as I pass through different seasons. Our callings sometimes look different, and we are not called to please others. We are called to please only the Lord. I am still learning that we must ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to carry our own load. We need wisdom to know exactly what is the load we are supposed to carry. Sometimes He asks us to lay the load aside and rest. Sometimes He asks us to divide the load into portions instead of carrying it all at once. Sometimes He asks us to roll the load over to Him. I am thankful the Lord continues to lead and teach us how to carry others’ burdens with our own load. I am thankful, most of all, when any of it gets too heavy, He promises to be with us and to help us. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7 KJV ¹Gloria and Bill Gaither, "Because He Lives," 1971. ![]() 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 Tamie Bixler-Lung We have all found ourselves in a place of disappointment. Perhaps someone close really hurt us or a planned event didn’t quite come together as we hoped. In ministry, it’s easy to get disappointed with fellow leaders, congregations, events, students, or even yourself. Most of the time, we can get past it and move on. One of the most difficult struggles is when disappointment finds you and refuses to leave. ![]() As women in ministry, we may feel added pressure, as if under a microscope, by who’s watching us. As leaders, we’re surrounded by people looking to us to set an example in our everyday lives. So, when it comes to disappointment, we must carefully demonstrate a healthy response. Over the years, I’ve learned that lingering in disappointment too long leads down a dangerous path into self-pity, bitterness, and unforgiveness. We women have a responsibility to be an example to our families and others to whom we minister. Our unique design gives us the capability of being sensitive, emotional at times, and hormonal. These characteristics aren’t negative if they’re not being used in negative ways. It’s easy to get on a pity-pot if you stay focused on the hurt for too long. Years ago, a woman, who was part of the outreach program at the church we attended seemed to have a new story of heartache and disappointment every week. She complained how it made her feel and affected her life. I encouraged her to forgive, let it go, and focus on the good things happening around her. She found more gratification in the attention she received by victimizing herself to others. The strife in her life caused her to spiral into a dangerous mental state of suicidal attempts. She became disappointed with everyone around her, including God. Her self-pity led her to unforgiveness and self-destruction. Sometimes in our journey through life and ministry, we find ourselves teetering on the edge of a “disappointment” disaster. We may think we’ve let it go and it’s under control, but the first time that same person disappoints us or a similar situation happens, we dig up the past and fall into a self-pity mindset. Perhaps we really haven’t forgiven them or we become disappointed with God thinking he didn’t come through for us. It’s interesting how women in ministry can find themselves in these delicate places. We would never see ourselves living in self-pity or unforgiveness, but here we are, doing just that. The beautiful thing is: we are not alone. God sees our heart and desires to help us. If we can keep a healthy perspective on our situation, we can learn to handle disappointment with finesse and wisdom. There’s nothing wrong with being disappointed if we don’t take up residence there. It’s easy to become distant from God when deep inside you feel he hasn’t come through for you. ![]() The enemy strategizes to convince you that God doesn’t care because your prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted. If Satan can get you focused on yourself, your disappointment, your inconvenience, and your hurt feelings, then, he can begin to make you feel sorry for yourself and get you on that pity-pot. He knows that you can’t be pitiful and powerful at the same time. Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher that the earth, so are my ways.” In this passage, God reminds us that although we might not understand why certain things or people don’t work out to our expectations, he is still on the throne and in control. He sees things we don’t see. God operates out of time and space, and he sees the beginning as well as the end. Sometimes we must forgive ourselves. As women in ministry, it’s common to feel outside pressure to be many things to many people. We don’t leave room for imperfection. We set up expectations for ourselves and become disappointed when those aren’t met. We confuse our disappointment with ourselves with God’s view of us, imagining he’s sitting with a club, ready to hit us on the head. As God does with us, we must give ourselves and others grace and mercy. The best way to handle disappointment is to embrace a perspective that leaves room for God to work. Romans 8:28 NIV reminds us: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We find in 1 Peter 5:6-7 to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When we choose to handle our disappointments with confidence in God we will see and experience a peace that only God can give through his Holy Spirit. If you are disappointed by not meeting your own set expectations, remember that God’s timing is perfect. Keep him first and trust his leading. As the previous verse stated, “he will lift you up in due time.” Women in ministry are a vital part in the kingdom of God. For some, you are your husband’s right hand with encouragement, friendship, support, and leading programs in your church or organization. For women who are single or widowed, you’re working with fellow leaders using a special focus that has a unique perspective of commitment. Disappointment will find you at some point. Regardless of the reason, try not to linger too long in that place, so the enemy doesn’t take you down a path of self-pity. Remember, forgiveness isn’t an occasional act, it’s a constant attitude. Be generous with extending it—especially to yourself. The enemy fears God’s work inside of you and he’ll stop at nothing to lead you down the wrong path. If you’re struggling, pray in a way that leaves room for God to astound you. Let the Holy Spirit work to give you new perspective and vision for the ministry where he’s placed you. ![]() Growing up most of her life in Springfield, Mo, Tamie experienced much of what the Ozarks had to offer, including a few years at Evangel College. During that time, she met her now husband in a college Sunday school class. They’ve been married for 36 years. Tamie and her husband, Tim, have been involved with various lay ministries throughout the years while living in his home state of Illinois with their five children, whom she homeschooled. They own a gourmet seasonings company called Crawdad’s Classics, which was purchased from Tamie’s father in 2009. Various entrepreneurial endeavors brought them back to Tamie’s roots of Southwest Missouri in 2016, where her husband became a licensed minister and they took their first pastorate with Mt. Sinai A/G, a small, rural church in Rogersville, Mo. Tamie is not only a business owner, but also an inspirational speaker and author. Her most recent book, This Life We Live, is a 31-day devotional with inspiring stories of challenges and triumphs that we all can face. Her six grandchildren are very close to her heart and she can be found many times during the week entertaining them and finding new adventures. |
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