Ministry of a Pastor's Wife

When we started this Messianic ministry almost 10 years ago, I had 2 small children, and 2 more that would arrive eventually.  I was at home, drinking coffee all day and changing diapers.  How was I going to contribute to this ministry?   I am not a public speaker, I don't sing and I can't even play the piano! Don't ALL pastor's wives at least sing and play the piano?  I'm just not fit to be one.  Unfortunately, I was stressing myself out over all the ministries I thought I needed to head up or be in charge of since we were a church plant, starting from scratch. Thankfully, my wise and level-headed husband told me no. He was protecting me from myself.  Things will work out. Focus on our home, you have enough on your plate. And boy was he right, once the 4th child arrived, we were starting homeschool, then the sports, music lessons, and field trips.
  This is my ministry.
My children, my husband, my home.  Yeshua as the center, this is my first calling. Little did I know, that my ministry at home, helped my husband minister to others.  Knowing that we were all safe at home, helped him focus on God's calling on his life.  He was so focused that his days would often turn into nights.  There was one night that helped me put everything into perspective.  It was a normal day of children, tantrums and someone peeing on the floor.  It was getting late, and my husband was still not home.  So, I proceeded to make dinner and do the bedtime routine.  After the kids were in bed, I indulged in a chocolate snack to congratulate myself on surviving another day.  It was now almost 11pm.  I started thinking, I should call and ask when he plans on being home.  Probably not in a nice tone. But, I withheld my nagging flesh and told myself that he has a good reason.  So I waited. This is my ministry. 
Little did I know that at that time, a young man was wondering from church to church desperate for Yeshua, only to come to locked doors and darkened windows. Until he came to our church.  The door was "accidently" unlocked.  The doors are always locked after hours.  This young man looked down the hallway and saw a glimmer of light coming from under a door.  Under the door of my husbands office.  He proceeded down the hallway and knocked.  My husband was able to pray with this young man and lead him to Yeshua.
  This is my ministry.
If I had called and bugged him, he may have left and completely missed this God appointed time.  This is what it's all about.  Souls for Yeshua. I've come to realize that this is our ministry.  Together we serve in different ways. Together we support each other.  Together we love this community of believers.

ABC's of Shabbat

When I first started keeping Shabbat, I didn't have the best attitude.  If I had a list like this to help me transition out of a self-centered Saturday to a holy, Christ -centered Shabbat, it wouldn't have taken me so long to appreciate how beautiful and set-apart this day can truly become.  May your Shabbats be richly blessed!

Acts of Love-Above all days, lets speak and have actions of love
Bike ride- A leisurely ride and praying as you go.
Create and decorate a Bible/Prayer journal
Design a Bible Study just for you
Erev Shabbat Meal-light some candles and pray and eat together as a family.  My daughter likes to set the table extra special for Shabbat meal.
Feed the Duck or birds.  This is relaxing thing to do if you have littles.  Letting them appreciate God's creation.
Gather with believers.  We are commanded to fellowship with like minded believers.  This can be a lonely path, and we need to sharpen each other weekly.
Hospitality-Open your home to others to share a simple meal and encourage fellowship
Inspect your Heart- It is important to have a weekly check up to remove any bitterness, anger or unresolved issues to truly have a healing Shabbat.
Jigsaw puzzle- If you can truly relax(I can't) doing a 10,000 piece puzzles, it's a nice activity during those long peaceful summer Shabbats.
Knit a gift- One Shabbat I was home with my sick toddler and was able to knit a baby hat for my niece.
Listen to Worship or a favorite sermon or teaching.  This creates such a wonderful atmosphere to welcome in Shabbat.
Make a card --Snail mail is dying art.  Especially something hand made.  Add a verse and encouragement. If you are feeling creative, this will truly bless someone.  If you just write a card, it will equally bless the receiver.
Nature Walk- I love doing this with my family.  Peaceful family walk. Surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork.
Organize a prayer group- This a great way to welcome in Shabbat for Erev Shabbat or for the end of Shabbat as a Havdalah.
Pray-If a group setting is not your thing, then get in that prayer closet
Quiz your family on Bible Trivia- We like doing this on Friday Nights in the winter when Shabbat begins at 4pm.
Read the Word- This needs to be one of the first things we do
Sing Praises-This is a wonderful runner up
Talk with your spouse, kids, --I like to take this time to have one on one devotions with each of my girls and take the time to see how they are doing.
Unplug-In this day and age, this is an important thing to do.  We are so tied to our electronics, we need to cut the cord on Shabbat and focus on Him.
Visit the sick, homebound, new mother.  This a wonderful time to visit someone who is unable to attend services or needs to see Yeshua in you by giving your time to care.
Write in your prayer/Bible journal- This past 6 months I have incorporated a Bible Journal where I write the verses that minister to me during my devotions and I love it.  Decorating it is fun too!
Xamine your attitude- Shabbat is made for us. If you want to truly be blessed by it, your attitude may need to be adjusted.
Yeshua is the center of the day.  We keep Shabbat because we love Him. May all we do, point to Him on Shabbat and bring honor and glory to Him.
Zzzzzzzzzz.....Rest, nap...we worked 6 days and now it's time to rest. 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."  Exodus 20:8

Is Yeshua Enough??

This Messianic movement has grown leaps and bounds over the years.  It has rabbit trailed this way and that way.  I am afraid Satan is using the internet to distract us away from the Word and the Spirit of Torah.
Am I Jewish enough?  Am I Christian enough? Headcovering? Fringes?
Isn't Yeshua Enough?
Tzitzi ? Phylacteries? Long Hair? Long dresses? Beards?
Isn't Yeshua Enough?

That is the question I want to shout from the mountain tops!  Is Yeshua Enough for you or do you feel the need to scour the internet for more ways to please Him?  Instead, we should be scouring the Word for more ways to please Him.  You will find that the internet and God's Word do not always line up.  So why not just stick to what we KNOW is true..the Bible.
It reminds me of the Haggadah during Passover...DAYENU!  It would have been enough!  If the Israelites has been taken out of Egypt...It would have been enough.   Is what Yeshua did for you, enough? Or are you adding on baggage that we were not supposed to bear.

Yeshua, you love me more than anything....Dayenu
Yeshua, you promise to never leave my side...Dayenu
Yeshua, you can give a peace and joy that can't be taken....Dayenu
Yeshua, you died on the cross for my sins...Dayenu
Yeshua, you rose again...Dayenu
Yeshua, you are coming back for me...DAYENU!

Just give me Yeshua!

My Marriage is on the Rocks!



 

 

Yes, my marriage is on the rocks.....Biblical rocks that is.  Jesus the Rock, the rock of forgiveness, the rock of joy, the rock of submission, the rock of self-control, and the rock of love.  The unity of marriage is getting weaker and weaker as days go by.  Couples, Christian or not, are giving up on their vows. Satan is after marriages stronger than ever, so we have to be diligent more than ever to be in prayer and in God's Word, and shut out the world.  A world that is telling you that you deserve more, a husband who helps more, or plays with the kids more, who tends to your needs more...those are Satan's whispers of discontent.  See them for what they are..lies!   Let's just set the flaws of our husbands aside for now...let's look at you.  What rocks are you building on???  Personal dreams, climbing the corporate ladder, diet and exercise, getting that degree, vacations and large home??  There is nothing wrong with wanting or having these things.  But if you are putting them before your husband, then the downward spiral begins.  Our husbands deserve our respect, even when you think they don't deserve it.  When we stand on the rock of self-control and submission, then God can work amazing and beautiful things in our marriage thru our attitude and behavior.  Stop pouting, complaining, picking fights, and nagging..When we bring our selves willingly and joyfully under the leadership of our husbands, those dreams can happen in a healthy and respectful way.

Are you holding onto bitterness for things that were said in a heated argument or careless jibing?  You need to stand on the rock of forgiveness.  God does not say forgive only these certain things.  He just says to forgive. And forgive again.  And forgive again.  And forgive again. If you truly forgive, then you are not bringing it up ever again. 
⁵ But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. ⁶ This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, ⁷ so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. ⁸ Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. ⁹ For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. ¹⁰ Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one^[a] for your sakes in the presence of Christ, ¹¹ lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor. 2:5-11

Are you mad that he doesn't meet your expectations??  Why are you putting expectations on an imperfect man.  Our help cometh from the Lord.  He shall supply all our needs.  Stand on the rock of joy.  Don't waste another day being mad at your spouse because he didn't take the garbage out.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Are you "falling out of love" with your spouse?  Then you need to choose to love even when you don't feel like it.  Continue honoring him, respecting him, and submitting to him.  Serve and love him as unto the Lord and you will not come back empty.
that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:4

 
I am reminded of the foolish woman in Proverbs who tears her house down.  Our foolish behaviors can destroy a marriage quickly.  Don't be that woman. Bring honor to your husband.  God can restore your marriage thru your biblical attitude and behaviors.
Marriage takes alot of work, but it is so worth it. Standing on those Biblical rocks will bring you closer to a beautiful, passionate, loving, and respectful marriage with your spouse.  Fight for it.  Desire it.  Pray for it. 
I will be praying for you my friends.  Give it to Jesus. 







Halloween Alternative.........

There are so many Christians out there wanting a Halloween alternative for their kids...a church harvest festival, a fluffy and cutesy costume party, or just stay home and hand out candy! A lot of us have been there.  I certainly was growing up. But I also didn't know what it was really about, and now knowing what I know, I have decided to not participate. I'd like to share the best alternative....there is no alternative!
There is no place for believers to participate in a holiday dedicated to Satan and his followers.  You can attach the name of Jesus on it, dress up as Moses and celebrate within your church doors, but you are celebrating a demonic holiday. Black and white.  We are called to be separate from the world, and not look like it in any way, shape or form.  Satan must be giddy to have believers participating in his favorite holiday. 
Most say, "It's for the kids."  or "It's night of harmless games and treats.".  "It's not a Halloween Party, it's a Harvest Party(but come dressed up in a fun costume, there will be a contest later)
Halloween is not Snoopy, princesses or SpongeBob Square Pants....that is the cover. Satan likes to make things look pretty and fun...to cover up the truth. 
Dressing up on this holiday, handing out candy,  trick or treating, and celebrating is a pagan ritual.  Trying to evade demons. It's history is horrifying. You may have your own reasons or justification, but I urge you to dig deep into the origins and push aside the mini-snickers bar and take the mask from your eyes and see it for what it really is.  Evil. 

Genesis 2:17

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

 

My hubby recently did a sermon on the two trees in the garden.  Tree of Life, and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  We are presented with options, who we will obey and follow.  God said not to partake of the tree knowledge of good and evil.  I am sure that tree had some yummy looking fruit on it, looked harmless enough...but the truth is...God said NO!  Too many Christians today are partaking of the fruit of that forbidden tree.  An evil we were never supposed to be exposed to..a choice that causes death.

Let's stop trying to justify evil deeds.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

This has been on my heart.  God is calling you to draw close to Him, which means leaving the things of the world behind, because those things separate us from Him. 
   
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I don't want to come across judgemental  or harsh.  I wasn't even planning on publishing this, it was my own personal "writing rant".  But it happened.  
God has to reveal this to your heart.  You have to be the one to WANT to know where this holiday comes from and where it leads.   Take the time to discover the Truth for yourself.

Are You In Vain????

As I was doing my devotionals this morning, I was reading in Psalm when I was struck by this verse...."Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."  Psalm 127:1

Being a busy mom of 4 little girls, I think of all the work I do everyday, from sun up( well, mine doesn't start til 9am) to sun down!!  If I don't give it to the Lord, it's all in vain.  Ahhhh!!  Really!!  That is the last thing a mommy wants to hear!  My looong days of laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooking, ect is in vain.....UNLESS....it's given to God.  As I keep a hawks eye on my kids, guarding and watching them as they play and teaching them about stranger danger....it is in vain.....UNLESS....I give them to God..Everyday, I am building, building, building into my children, my house, my friends and family, my church...but if I am not bringing them to the Lord in prayer first, giving control over to the Savior of mankind, it is in vain.  My work profits them very little.  But the work of the Lord will profit them for eternity and that is what I want......

So, they have clean underwear, BUT do they have a clean heart?
So, they have food to eat, BUT are they hungry for God?
So, they have a roof over their heads, BUT are they in a house that God built?

It is good that God reminds me that even tho I am running my kids to soccer, playdates, field trips..thinking this is what they MUST have in life, that doing these things will make me a good mom...it is all in vain compared to the building blocks of righteousness I need to build in them to make them strong in this world.  I want them to have a Godly foundation of prayer, worship, Bible and church fellowship.  Then we can build other things on top of that, but if God is not their foundation, it will crumble.  Those other things will fall away and when they hit bottom, God will be there!  That is what I want .........

Fight For Your Marriage

Today I heard another sad story of a Christian couple who ended their marriage in divorce.  It just breaks my heart as I am sure it does to our Heavenly Father.  People are fighting less and less for their marriages,  abandoning their families, friends and most of all their faith.  Marriage is a constant state of compromise and understanding, it actually takes work!  As a woman, I hear alot of, "if onlies".  If only...... my husband were more romantic, If only....... my husband helped around the house, If only........ my husband was the spritual leader I want him to be...ect... THEN I might consider fighing for our marriage and doing what I can to make it work.  I am no expert theologian, but my Bible doesn't say it that way.  As wives, we have the power to build up our homes or tear it down(Prov. 14:1).  You can make that choice to nag and complain..OR hold your tongue and encourage your husband instead of pointing out the negative.  Let's just work on us, our side of the marriage, and see how much your actions can change things around.  Here are a few things that I have gleaned from others over the years and have to remind myself daily if I am being the helpmate my husband needs.

1. Ladies, SUBMIT to your husbands(Eph. 5:22).   Before you get your tailfeathers all ruffled over that word submit, you need to read it for youselves.  This is the way God designed marriage. You have to aligned yourself, thoughts and ideas under God and His Word. We are not the leaders of the home, and if you are, then you need to hand the reigns over to your husband.  Marriage is designed for us to be under the protection and care of our husbands, and then our husbands are under God.  If you not submitting to your husband, then you are not submitting to God.(Eph. 5:23-24)  I love this illustration!

2. Stop the nagging/complaining(Prov. 19:13).  Our disagreeing and nagging are like a continual dripping! Don't be a leaky faucet!   We always want to have our say and be heard. Wanting to correct our husbands and show them the "correct" way in doing things.  Sometimes, we just gotta sit back and enjoy the ride.  So, if your husband wants to take the long way on Hwy 8 instead of the freeway, don't try to tell him all the logical reasons of why he needs to take the freeway.  One beautiful Sunday, our girls were napping in the back seat while we were driving.  My husband was driving all over the place, and I didn't know where we were half the time but I just sat back and enjoyed holding his hand in the quiet.  He ended up(by mistake of course) on some back roads of St.Paul by the Mississippi River, and it was such a beauiful back road. We would never have found it if I had tried to tell him that he missed his turn about 3 miles back.  In the grande picture, it's not worth it to nag him about picking up his dirty clothes, complain about watching the kids all day, or nag him about doing HIS part.  Do these things as unto the Lord, with a cheerful heart, and you will notice a change in your attitude and a possible change in his actions.

3.Be his cheerleader(Prov. 31).  I am not saying to go don your high school cheerleading out fit and find those pom-poms, but I am pretty sure he wouldn't mind :)  It might help more......but, Proverbs 31 shows us a great deal.  One of my favorite verses in Proverbs 31 is..."The heart of her husband safely trusts her;"    Can you say that???  I know my heart wouldn't feel safe if I didn't have the support of my husband.  If I am not encouraging, supportive and "cheering" him on in his ministry or work, how will his heart be entrusted to us.  If you are going to shoot down his dreams, goals or ideas, he will be reluctant to ever share his true heart to you.  That is a precious gift that I want to be entrusted with for the rest of our days.

These are just a few things that were on my heart lately!  Not every marriage is the same, we are all at different stages and situations, but it is never too late to start fighting the Devil to keep your marriage.   Now go get that cheerleader outfit on, and stand under that umbrella with a smile on your face!!
***This doesn't apply to those who don't feel safe or are being harmed in their marriages.  Seek outside help immediately. ****

Ooops, we did it again!

God has decided to grow our family again, and we are expecting baby #4 in September 2012.  We are so excited and know that this new little one is a blessing from above.   As soon as the giddiness of sweet visions of little baby toes and fingers wears off a little, the reality sets in and I freak out a bit....Ok...alot!   I will be going back to sleepless nights, we have no room in our little house, we need a mini-van now, we have NO health insurance and how will I homeschool with 4 kids....!!!!

Ok, I take a deep breath...slowly, as I rest in God's hands and remember that I am not in control, He reassures me. The things that seemed so big, are shrinking.  All the chaos I see and feel is something I am creating that does not need to be apart of my life. 

Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

God does not promise to keep us from having crazy lives, but He will help us handle it!  He gives us plenty of resources to get us through, we need only to grab hold of them and not let go!

1. His Word--start your day in God's word

2. Prayer-give your self time to talk to your Savior

3. Believing Friends--you are NOT the only one struggling with the day to day life of motherhood, finances, household, ect. Be encouraged by them and pray for each other.

4. Church and mom groups--get involved, get out and be a blessing.  Don't shut yourself up at home and wait for people to come wait on you.  Get out and bless others, you can help in the midst of your business and be fruitful for the kingdom!

 

Graceless But Full of Grace!

Giggly
 Relaxed
 Animated
 Carefree
 Embarrassing
 Loony
 Entertaining
 Strange
 Silly

This pretty much me in a nutshell! I am one of these at one point in the day, sometimes, all at once, but that happens maybe with the help of some sugar and caffiene.  I have never thought of myself as graceful, I grew up a tom-boy, fishing and building forts. It didn't hit me until college when I met  one of my roommates, who grew up in the south.  She was tall, elegant, beautiful and never made bodily noises.  She could sing AND play the piano!  She properly placed her napkin in her lap and used wine glasses for every day beverages.  She even wore high heels!!  I was pretty much her opposite. She tried to class me up and even tried to teach me the piano....but, it just wasn't me.  I learned to love my "graceless" self, because I knew God made me this way.  The more imperfect I was, the more Jesus was perfected.  I can try drinking with my pinky in the air or learn to walk in heels, but that will not fill me with grace.  God's grace is what I need to be desiring and I can't earn it...whew!!
 Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

I serve a wonderous God of grace who takes me as I am and gives me grace in those imperfect areas so that I can glory in Him and give Him the praise.  All I am is thru the grace He has granted me.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Eat F-O-O-D!

I love f-o-o-d, however, I love c-r-a-p too!  But, the OLDER(yikes!) I get, the more I realize I have to take care of myself .  Our body is a wonderful gift from God and it's our responsiblitly to treat it respectfully.

1 Corinthians 6:19

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Not having my afternoon Coke(C),A\as I cut down on my sweets(R) and measuring out 1 serving, which is hardly anything,  staying away from something that is NOT it's intended color(A), and starting to make my own mashed potatoes instead of from the box(P).  Is helpingme  get a handle of what I put into my body. 

My husband has been awesome at juicing. He makes his veggie juice everyday.  He also makes fruit and veggie for me and the girls.  What a great influence he is on his family and I am thankful! It makes a huge impact if you are both on board.

                                      My 2yr old daughter waiting for daddy to give her some juice

My favorite is a Very Berry Spinach Smoothie:

1/2 cup water
1/4 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 cup of FROZEN strawberries
1/2 cup of FROZEN blueberries
1/2 cup of FROZEN rasberries
1 cup of spinach

Blend together in blender for about 2 minutes until it is a smooth consistancy.  All blenders are different, so make sure it is fully blended. Enjoy!!

Actually, God is pretty clear on what we are to put into our bodies.  This is for our own health. If He cares for the birds of the air, He certainly cares for us and what we put into our bodies.  Read Leviticus 11 for what God deems as healthy and unhealthy foods.

Good Bye Sugar..sniff...sniff!

My favorite 600 calorie drink....yikes!

 This past Thanksgiving, my workout buddy and I trained for 3 months to run the Minneapolis Turkey Day 5K.  There were over 15,000 people running on this beautiful morning before the Turkey Inhaling events happened later in the day.  A few months have past.  I had a hard fall down the stairs, bruising my tailbone. So, no gym time for 3 weeks.  Then my entire family, me included, had a whole week out due to stomach flu.  Now, I am getting back on track and feel like I am back a square one...Grrr....so, now that we have a wedding coming up, which means family pictures, which means I want to look decent for the photographer.  I need to buckle down... I am doing the unthinkable...I am cutting out..my...sweets...Ahhhhhh!

coffee creamer...I shall miss you the most..my daily cup of joy :(

Good Bye by favorite movie time snack



I have known I have needed to do this for a
long time now..so, it's time! Join me on
this sweet journey and share with me
your struggles and how you did it.

Chris and I proud of our accomplishment

Our BEST time!!

" YOU'RE a pastor's wife!!"

Ok, so I am not your typical pastor's wife.  I can be loud and a little hyper when I have had too much caffiene or sugar.  Which the ladies of my congregation found out on our first annual Women's Retreat.  I do not possess that natural poise and gracefulness of the typical pastor's wife.  If  you were to tell me I was going to be a pastor's wife 5 years ago, I would have giggled, like Sarah did in her tent, not realizing the impossible was going to happen. But...hey, the Lord has to lay this on my heart too.  And He did. Literally, at the last minute.  The time had come when we were asked to break off from our current church and start up at a new location. I remember my husband telling me about it on the way home from church one afternoon. I was SO excited.  I knew that was from the Lord. I knew only that He could give that kind of confirmation in me thru joy! And the next few weeks were a blur and before I knew it, we were opening our doors to Corner Fringe Ministries in Minneapolis.  The first few months were a little unsettling for me since I KNEW I was not the "pastors wife" kind.  I mean seriously, I don't even play the piano! I thought that was a requirement.  I kept thinking, man, I am supposed to be an example.  People are looking at me and I am going to fail before their eyes.  But with the help of those wonderful ladies in our church, they accepted me as who I was and didn't expect me to be on stage playing the piano or singing(which I can't do that either).  They like ME..yay!! 
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

I am His workmanship.  No matter what I think the typical pastor's wife should be like.  As long as I am honoring Him thru my good works and walking in His commandments, then I am a Pastor's Wife.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..."  James 1:22

                                              Me as Bubbe(Grandma in Hebrew) Nutt
                                               at our Bible Land VBS this past summer.