Have Some Fun by Ember Sherman

Hi, ladies!

Becky asked me to write a post for the blog well over a month ago. I was excited and freaked at the same time!! I wrote a few things and deleted them. Wrote a few things. Deleted them. And finally just said "God...what do I say!!??"

And I waited.

And this morning it hit me.

There is a video going around of the cutest woman that has gone crazy viral. I'm sure you've seen it. She buys a Chewbaca mask for herself at Kohl's, for her birthday, and then tries it on and is so amused with herself she is in tears!! And you can't help but laugh...or at least smile! I read an article this morning about her explaining where her joy comes from...God! Of course it does! She goes on to share some of the comments she had received...one of them saying I haven't belly laughed like this in over 2 years.

TWO!

That's crazy to me.

One thing I get from people a lot is that I don't look or act my age. Which, I never really know how to take that, but whatever. I love to be a kid at heart. I love to be silly and laugh and have fun! And I see that missing in so many people's lives right now. I mean, that video broke records! Almost a billion views in 24 hours-ish. Which made me think...people want to laugh. They are craving joy and happiness. Something not so darn serious. People want to have fun. God wants us to have fun, have joy, to laugh!

The Bible tells us...
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“But the righteous shall be GLAD; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with JOY!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Even in the bad times...

“Count it all JOY, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”
James‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Things have become so hateful and angry. We are divided and frustrated. We are busy and tired. We are offended and defensive.

And I'm not immune to this. A little over ten years ago my mom went to be with Jesus and I lost my joy. I lost my excitement for life. And it took me almost 9 years to realize it. It was after watching the movie "Inside Out". I realized my "Goofball Island" had been destroyed by that life event and I needed to rebuild it. I still struggle, but everyday I am working to bring back some of the old me. The happy, fun, joyous me! And boy has it made a big difference in my life and those around me.

So...when is the last time you had fun? When is the last time you enjoyed some simple things in life? When is the last time you belly laughed with your family? Your friends? Your grocery checker? (I just felt like I needed a third and threw a random in there!)

You need some ideas?

•have a dance party in your living room

•go play in the rain

•go try on funny masks at the party store

•go to the jumpy house place (whatever that's called)

•talk in British accents at the dinner table

•download the HeliumBooth app and go to town

One of our family favorites, pause the TV and then everyone mimic what's on the TV.

These are just a few ideas! There are millions more...I'm sure of it! Now go out there and have fun! Be JOYful!!

What are some of the ways your family has fun?

Ember is married (18 yrs this year) to Derek Sherman, Pastor of Connections, at RockPointe Church in Leander, Texas. She is a work at home mom of two awesome boys, Corbin-17 and Bryson-10. Most of her free time is spent volunteering at the church on the creative team, with the youth or planning time together with the women of RockPointe. She also loves date nights, coffee and/or shopping with friends, pedis and snow cones. 8)

The Crosshairs of Ministry by Becky Dietz

We've all experienced difficult things in the ministry--all the way from feeling lonely to being attacked in a vicious way.  There's no doubt Christian leaders are in the crosshairs of the enemy.  Satan wants us to fail.  If he can take out pastors and their wives, he'll also succeed in taking out lots of the Church.  Satan's goal is to destroy the testimony of the Church.  If we are weak, lifeless, disunified, or fighting one another, he has a better chance of keeping unbelievers from coming to Christ and new or weaker believers from growing.  We are definitely in the crosshairs of the enemy...maybe more than any other profession.

God gave us some advice in I Peter 5.  First of all, he told pastors that they are to shepherd, guide, and protect the flock of God.  We are to do it in humility, truth, and love.  He knew we were going to carry worries and cares in this position so He prepared us ahead of time by telling us to cast them on Him.  He can handle them all.  Imagine!  The cares of every single pastor can be carried by God!

And here's where it gets good.  We're to be sober, alert, and cautious (well-balanced and self-disciplined).  We are to be clear-headed and serious...watchful and wary...vigilant and calculating.  Why?  Because we have an enemy, the devil, and he's prowling around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.  Unfortunately, he's already devoured many pastors and wives.  But this is POWERFUL:  WE ARE THE ONES WHO SHOULD HAVE SATAN IN THE CROSSHAIRS! We don't have to expect to be consumed by the enemy--we should be the ones who are well-armed with Satan in our sites!  How?  By resisting him, standing firm in our faith, using the sword of the Spirit, praying and listening to our Father,  being fearless--which assures Satan of his impending doom, and laughing over our future.

We don't have to be victims.  Jesus warned us we would be hated by the world...but He also asked the Father to protect us.  He still intercedes for us!  It's time we understood what is available to us.  God has called us and God has placed us.  He's given us authority and we are His ambassadors who are already seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  Satan is positionally under our feet.  God has equipped us for victory!  Oh sisters...we need to get this.  If we as leaders don't understand the victory that is ours, our people will probably never get it either.  We don't have to walk in intimidation or cowering fear...not of Satan nor of his emissaries.  God is greater.  Let's be fearless and courageous because God is with us wherever we go.  His Spirit will empower us, guide us, and even give us the answers we need to speak in those intense situations.  We are meant to be overcomers in this world!  Surround yourself with strong believers who will encourage you and guard your back.  It's in our unity, as believers, that the world will know and understand that the Father sent the Son.

And that's really the focus.  That's the reason we're to keep Satan in the crosshairs.  We need to be aware of his every move, understanding that he wants to throw us into confusion so that we ultimately destroy ourselves and one another.  We need to remember why he wants us out--we are a threat to him and his devious plan.  We need to stay focused on the goal--to love God and love people.  UNITY...so that the world may know of God's love.

The Power of Vulnerability by Brene' Brown

Pastoring a Small Church by Becky Dietz

My husband is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Groom, TX.  Groom's population is around 600 and our sweet church has around 100 members.  We never dreamed we'd be in a church this size.  We started out in a medium-sized church and went to a mega church and then back to a medium-sized church where we stayed for 26 years.  And we've learned so much along the way.

We were members of our first church before Andy went on staff as a youth minister there, so when we left, it was a very emotional experience because it was like leaving family.  A family to whom we were very attached. When we went to the mega church, they probably had 300 youth...and it grew to around 600.  Andy didn't have a youth intern, so it was a big undertaking.  This is where we began to learn how to organize ministry...because we had to.  It was a little overwhelming at times.  And it was certainly hard to know everyone because we had so many services and a divided Sunday School.  It was almost a relief to go to a smaller church from there...an average-sized church.  Add to that, it was the church where Andy grew up, so we were home.  We loved our ministry there.  We grew spiritually.  God taught us so much and our friendships were deep.  And Andy impacted a lot of students...and a lot of adults.  Our own kids grew up in this church.

So we never dreamed we'd end up in a small church.  But I'm so glad we did!  Having experienced a church of every size, I have to wonder why pastors feel the desire to "move up."  Most pastors start out in a small church but aspire to go to a bigger...and then a bigger church.  I think they see it as success.  (I also think it's Satan's diabolical plot to make us feel discontented, disqualified, and disheartened.  He's such a liar!)  But after 36 years of ministering in a church of every size, if I had to choose a church size, I'd choose a small church.

Here's why I love a small church:

1. You get to really know the people.  Everyone.  
2. You know the state of your flock all the time.  
3. Every little step forward is huge in a small church.
4. Ministry is simpler.  
5. People love one another well.  Lots of people in small towns are related, so they know how to overlook faults.
6. People in small towns are hard workers.  
7. Small churches operate by volunteers.  And there are lots of them.  It takes everyone to make a small church run properly.
8. People minister to one another well.
9. When one person is discipled in a small church, it makes a huge difference!  Their excitement is contagious.
10. It's easy to impact an entire community.

If you're "stuck" pastoring a small church, be encouraged!!  God isn't concerned about the size of your church; He's looking at your heart.  Are you content?  Are you being faithful with what you have?  Are you looking for Him to work in your situation?  Are you expecting God to do big things where you are?  

The grass may appear greener in a bigger church, but that just means there's more mowing to do.  

Who are you?? by Sandra Langford

Well according to Ephesians 1 & 2...

1. I am an ambassador of Christ Jesus. I am a saint – consecrated and set apart.

2. I am faithful, loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus.

3. The grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace (harmony, unity, undisturbedness) of God are mine from God my Father and Jesus Christ.

4. I am a daughter of God and therefore, a sister to Jesus Christ.

5. I am blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing among the heavenly realm by Holy Spirit.

6. I am loved by God.

7. I am chosen: picked out by God as His own. Even before He laid out His plans for this world He had me in mind.

8. I am holy – set apart for Him.

9. I am blameless in His sight.

10. I am above reproach before Him in love.

11. I am predestined, planned in love, predetermined, He knew me before I was made.

12. I am adopted, planned in love.

13. I belong to God because of Jesus Christ, my big brother.

14. God is my Father.

15. God took pleasure in planning me. He delighted in adopting me.

16. I am His pleasure.

17. His intent for me is good.

18. My Father is worthy of praise. He is my glory! (Proverbs 17:6)

19. My Father is merciful and marvelous, freely giving me gifts in the Beloved.

20. I am delivered, set free, redeemed.

21. I am forgiven by the riches of His grace.

22. He has abundantly lavished that on me in wisdom and understanding, in accordance with the riches, bounty and generosity of His gracious favor, goodwill and lovingkindness.

23. God tells me secret plans, the mystery of His will, plans He took delight in making, long range plans to unite all things in Him.

24. I am God’s own possession, He claimed me!

25. I am God’s heir.

26. God is working His purpose in me.

27. I have hope in Christ.

28. I am made to live to bring Him glory and praise.

29. I am stamped, marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit for security and a guarantee of my inheritance.

30. I can have a spirit of wisdom and revelation (insight into mysteries and secrets) to be able to truly know Him personally and intimately.

31. I am called, invited.

32. His power is in me and for me. It is immeasurable, unlimited and beyond anything: the same power that raised Christ from the dead and placed Him at God’s right hand is in me.

33. I am in subjection to, under, and expected to yield to Christ who has all authority and power.

34. I am a part of the church, His body, the fullness of Him filled with the presence, power and riches of God and of Christ.

35. He who causes to abound, supplies liberally.

36. In me lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete and Who fills all in all.

37. I am made alive together with Christ.

38. I was dead in my sin, BUT GOD because of His rich mercy and wonderful and intense love focused on me has made me alive in fellowship and in union with Christ. (I am united with the Anointed one!) He infused my lifeless soul with life.

39. By His grace I am saved, delivered from judgement and made a partaker of Christ’s salvation.

40. I am raised up with Christ to sit with him in heavenly places.

41. God will show me the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward me in Christ Jesus.

42. I am saved, kept safe, rescued, by grace (joy, delight, loving kindness, favor) through faith (conviction of truth, belief). It is a gift from God, not by my doing!

43. I am God’s workmanship (work of art, masterpiece, His poem) created by Him in Christ for good works God prepared beforehand for me to do.

44. My works are not the means of my salvation; they are the evidence of its presence.

45. I was a stranger, an outsider, separated, had no connection with Christ (the Anointed One), had no rights and no share in the compacts of the promises, no hope – BUT God gathered me and brought me near to Him by the royal blood of Christ, my Liberating King.

46. I have access to the Father, and can freely approach Him.

47. I am a citizen with God’s people. I am consecrated and set apart for Him.

48. I am a member of God’s holy family and a resident – I belong to His household.

49. I am being built on a solid foundation with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone.

50. I am being joined together with other believers (Jews and Gentiles) harmoniously, stone, by stone – chosen and sealed in Him, rising up (growing, increasing) to become a holy temple in the Lord. (1Peter 2:5 I am a living stone built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood)

So You're a Pastor's Wife Retreat!

Pastor's Wives...I have one more prize to give away to celebrate you and all you do.  This July, I'm having my first-ever So You're a Pastor's Wife Retreat at this beautiful lodge in Rogers, Arkansas.  I'm offering spots to two friends who also happen to be pastor's wives.  You'll be *reimbursed at the end of the week for mileage (driving up to 7 hours away--anything over that will not be reimbursed), three evening meals at restaurants, and entertainment (movies, golf, bowling...).  You will share a beautiful private room and bathroom (and a queen-sized bed) with your friend.

The week will include some practical helps and encouragement just for pastor's wives.  There will only be 6 other pastor's wives at this intimate retreat.  We will discover who God says you are and the purpose for which He has created you.  There will be times of worship and teaching.  There will be a question and answer time and even one-on-one counseling available.  I can guarantee there will be lots of laughter!

It's going to be a great week!  It's July 11-15, 2016.  We'll meet on Monday at 4:00 PM and leave Friday after breakfast.  To be eligible to win this fantastic, relaxing, helpful week, the two of you must message me together on So You're a Pastor's Wife Facebook page and both answer this question.  (Please know for certain that you both can be there on these dates before you message me.)

• What is your greatest need as a pastor's wife?

*You'll be responsible for all of your expenses until reimbursement at the end of the week.  You will both have to submit proof you are a pastor's wife.  More info will come if you win!  You must message me on Facebook no later than April 15.  Winners will be announced April 22!

Shop & Eat

WOOHOO!!!  Girls!  You can win two gift cards--one to shop at J.C. Penney's and the other to take yourself, your hubby, your BFF, or someone out to eat with you!  All you have to do is tell us in a message below at which church you and your husband serve--or tell us on our Facebook page.

You MUST be a pastor's wife to win!!

Winner will be announced Saturday night---so we have time to squeeze in one more drawing to celebrate the month of YOU!!

HAPPY PASTOR'S WIVES APPRECIATION MONTH!