Still I Wouldn't Trade Being a Woman for Being a Man Anyday!! / Mrs Sarita Buchanan

Mrs Sarita Buchanan

Pastor's Wife

Central Baptist Church

Baton Rouge, LA

STILL I WOULDN'T TRADE BEING A WOMAN FOR BEING A MAN ANYDAY!

Man has to put up with woman and all her hormones and sometimes silly and contentious ways.  (to have wearisome tendencies to quarrels and disputes.)

Pro.  21:19 - "It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman."  26:21 - "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man (or woman) to kindle strife."  Then Romans 2:8 - "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, (v.9) Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil...."

Contentious also is another word for rebelliousness.  Deut.  31:27 - "For I know thy rebellion; and thy stiff neck:  behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD;  and how much more after my death?"  Joshua 22:23 - "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."  Nehemiah 9:17 - "And (they) refused to obey neither were mindful of they wonders that thou didst among them;  but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage;  but thou are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and forsookest them not." 

 Proverbs 17:11 - "An evil man (woman) seeketh only rebellion:  therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him."

Jeremiah 28:16 - "Therefore thus saith the LORD;  Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth:  this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD."

REBELLION = WHEN YOU KNOW TO DO RIGHT AND REFUSE TO DO IT

In Numbers 12:1 - 10 we see that Miriam was rebellious and had bitterness in her heart against Moses.  What happened because of her contentious rebelliousness?  The Lord gave both Miriam and Aaron leprosy because they "spoke" against His servant Moses. (v. 8) Then in Deuteronomy 24:9 we see that the Lord told the Israelites to remember what HE did unto Miriam.  She knew to do right and didn't do it.  She followed the wrong person and did the opposite as to what the Lord would have her to do.

Oh be careful what you do!!!!  (2 Corinthians 5:10)

 We do reap what we sow!!! (Galatians 6:7-9)

For our Father up above is looking down upon us!!  (Proverbs 15:3)



THINKFULNESS = THANKFULNESS / Mrs Amy Sapp

THINKFULLNESS = THANKFULNESS

Mrs Amy Sapp

O'Fallon, MO

It's that time of year!!  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, more than likely this month at some point in time we have all thought about something we are thankful for, or have been asked what we are thankful for.  Every day of every week of every year we all have something to be thankful for.  Even in the worst of situations, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. 

Many times during a "praise" report time at church, people (me included), will say things like, "I am thankful for my salvation"  or "I am thankful for my husband".  If I really "think" on those things, WOW, it really makes my heart thankful!  I am not only thankful for my salvation, but when I think of what my Jesus went through to bring me where I am today, that is way beyond my human comprehension!!  I am not only thankful for my husband, but when I think on the things my husband does for me and our family without complaint, he is truly an amazing man. 

Take a little extra time to think on the things that make you thankful!  Don't take anything for granted!  I hope everyone has an AMAZING Thanksgiving, be sure to laugh and smile A LOT!  Turn your scales back 10 pounds before you go to bed tonight, and eat lots of turkey tomorrow!!  Gear Up and Gobble Down!!

I am thankful for each and everyone of you!  A special thanks to all of you ladies who are Pastor's Wife's, Thank You for standing behind your husband so that he can lead in the ministry. 


1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 



Recipe : Snow Cocoa / Marcella Smith

SNOW COCOA!!

Mrs Marcella Smith

Pastor's Wife

Magnolia, OH

Although this looks like a simple recipe, it is extremely delicious. Works well for those very few that don't like chocolate. haha I have used it for 2 years at my Ladies Christmas Coffee and there was not a drop left!  I doubled the recipe with out any trouble. If it is too rich you can add a bit more milk. Also you can make it on the stove top if you are in a hurry, just be careful not to scorch the chocolate. You may want to use a double boiler for melting the chocolate. Found this recipe on Pinterest. :)Perfect for the holidays! Enjoy!

Snow Cocoa

Ingredients -

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 6 cups milk (I usually use whole milk or 2%)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 oz pkg. white chocolate chips (try to use Ghiradelli if you can – YUM!)

Directions -

1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Heat on low for 2-2 1/2 hours or until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot.
3. Stir well to blend.
4. Enjoy from a Snowman mug on a chilly day.

Cast all your care upon Him / Mrs Charissa Andrews

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you

~I Peter 5:7

“Mom, something is wrong with my computer. I can't get it to pull up my math homework that I saved.”

“Okay honey. Just bring it in to me, I'll fix it.”

“Dad, my bike chain fell off again! I can't ride it like this.”

“No big deal bud, just bring it into the garage and Dad'll take care of it.”

“Mom, my Nabi isn't turning on. What's wrong with it? I can't get it to work.”

“It's okay, bring it to me and I'll figure it out.”

Don't you love the fact that when your children need help they call on you? I love that even my teens still need me to “fix” things. That they know to call on me. I take much pleasure in every opportunity to shine as a “Super Mom” in their eyes. It brings my mommy heart joy to be relied on, to be trusted. The same is true for our Heavenly Father. He desires for us to bring our care to Him. ALL of our care. We believe that every single word, jot and tittle in the Bible is on purpose. He tells us to bring ALL our care to Him. Not just to bring it to Him, but to cast it upon Him. And better than just telling us to do that, this verse tells us WHY. Because He cares for us.

What if the conversations with my children went like this:

“Mom, something is wrong with my computer. I can't get it to pull up my math homework that I saved.”

“Okay honey. Just bring it in to me, I'll fix it.”

“But what if you can't?”

“Dear, it'll be fine. Just bring me the computer.”

“I know, but...what if it doesn't work? What if I can't hand in my homework on time and I get a zero for the assignment?”

“Listen to me. Haven't I fixed your computer before?”

“Yes, but...what if it doesn't work this time? Maybe I better try to fix it myself first.”

“Dad, my bike chain fell off again! I can't ride it like this.”

“No big deal bud, just bring it into the garage and Dad'll take care of it”

“Dad, this is a special bike. I saved my money for a long time to buy this bike.”

“I know that son. Just bring it to me in the garage and I'll fix it. It's just a chain.”

“Oh great! My friends are waiting for me. You probably won't be able to fix it in time.”

“Listen to me. I've fixed many chains before. You just have to bring it to me.”

“Mom, my Nabi isn't turning on. What's wrong with it? I can't get it to work.”

“It's okay, bring it to me and I'll figure it out.”

“Okay, here it is.”

“Thank you. I'll be able to fix this...wait, what are you doing?”

“I'm taking it back. It isn't fixed yet.”

“If you will leave it with me, I can fix it.”

“Well, okay. Here, you can try to fix it. But I'll hold on to it too.”

“Dear, you need to let go of it. Just give it to me.”

“Maybe you don't care enough about my Nabi to really fix it.”

“Listen to me, I care about YOU.”

How silly would that be? I do know if my children responded that way to me, I would be hurt. Especially after I have already been proven to be a loving, caring parent. How much more does it hurt our Heavenly Father when we don't trust Him enough to cast all our care upon Him? “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:11

“Heavenly Father, my heart is broken. How could they have treated me like that?”

“Bring it to Me, I'll fix it.”

“Jesus, what are we going to do about our financial situation? How will we make it?”

“Bring it to Me, I'll take care of it.”

“Dear God, this illness. I'm scared.”

“I know, child. Cast all your care upon Me, I'll take care of everything.”

Can you do it? Can you just bring it all to Him? He is a worthy God, a proven Father. He sees your need. He understands your fears. He has it all under control.

“Father, I need....”

“My child, bring it here.”

Mrs Charissa Andrews

Pastor's Wife

St Peters, MO

Red Light Green Light / Mrs Amy Sapp

Red Light / Green Light

Mrs Amy Sapp

O'Fallon, MO

Have you ever played the child's game "Red Light Green Light"?  Even maybe as an adult with your own children, down at the other end calling the "red light green light" signals?  Everyone starts at one end, the goal is to make it to the other side before anyone else.  When "Green Light" is called, you run with all your might!  When "Red Light" is called out, you stop immediately!  What happens if you don't STOP?  You are sent back to the beginning, to start all over!

I was thinking about this game not to long ago, as I was calling out the signals to the children that we work with in our "Super Church".  We all start at the beginning line of life and our goal is to finish our race with everything we've got!

1 Corianthians 9:24

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth
the prize?  So run, that ye may obtain. 

As soon as "Green Light" is called.  We run with all of our power!!  When the Lord gives us the go ahead with anything we should run and run with all our heart and might!  If the Lord puts it in your heart to do something, do it to the best of your ability!  If it is of the Lord, do not hesitate!    There have been several times over the past few years that I have had ideas of starting this blog.  However, it just wasn't the right timing.  If I had started it before the Lord was ready for me to start it, I have no doubt in my mind that I would have given up on it already.  The Lord put certain people in my life, to get me motivated and to show me that this was something that the Lord wanted me to do.  And now, at this time, this is one way that the Lord wants me to serve Him, so I want to do it with all of my might, and do it to please Him. 

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart,
 and with all thy soul, and with all they might.

When the "Red Light" is called, we need to STOP!  We could be doing something that would be leading us or others into the wrong direction.  Or it could be that whatever we are doing, is something we should be doing or will be doing, but not the right timing.  If it is something you are unsure of, have patience.  Pray, wait on the Lord, let Him guide you!  I went through several years of Bible college dating the same guy.  We were engaged to be married.  We were in "love".  Two weeks before our wedding, the Lord said, STOP!!  Was it hard??  Yes, it was incredibly hard, but that man was not who the Lord had planned for my husband.  And I am sure glad I did wait!

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the Lord:  be of good courage, and he shall strenghthen thine heart:  wait, I say, on the Lord.

What if you have to start all over, what if you fall?  No big deal!!  Get up, clean yourself off, and begin again, with the same strength and zeal you had the first time!  The only race we have to run, is our own!  Stay on the right course, if the Lord says STOP, then stop.  If not, keep on going!  Finish your race, get your prize!!  Let the Lord direct your path!!

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.




Chili Mac Recipe / Kristalee Miller

Chili Mac

•3Tbs chili powder (or your desired amt)

•1lb hamburger

•1-2 cans 15oz tomatoes

•1-2 cans of tomato sauce

•1C macaroni (or other pasta)

•1/8-1/4c dehydrated onion (or 1 small fresh onion)

•Water- as much as you prefer

•mild chedder cheese or other favorites like crackers or sour cream.

Brown your hamburger in a large pot (Darin if you need to). Dump everything in listed above, EXCEPT the toppings. Cook on med high heat until macaroni is fully cooked. Serve in Bowls with your favorite topping. Makes at least 6-8 (1 cup) servings.

By Kristalee Miller

God's IF / THEN Chart / Mrs Laurie Loveless

God’s IF/THEN Chart

     When our kids were little we had an “IF/THEN” chart from Doorposts Publications.  This chart hung on the wall in our parent/child conference room-- our bathroom.  The chart had a list of “if” you do this wrong action “then” this will be your consequence.  (The parent filled out the consequence for each infraction before hanging up the poster.)  I loved it! No need to remember what you did the last time an infraction occurred and no doing one thing for one child and then doing something else for another if it was the same offense.  There is also a “Blessings Chart” to go along with the “IF/THEN” so that positive, correct behaviors and attitudes are reinforced and rewarded at the same time the negative is discouraged and trained out.

     Well, God has an “IF/THEN” and a Blessings Chart too. Did you know that? Absolutely!! In the Old Testament we read many times: “If you do this _____________ (obedient action) then I will ____________ (blessing) but if you do this _________________ (sinful choice) then I will _____________ (consequence).” 

     One example of this is found in I Kings 9:4-9. In this passage, God is talking to Solomon. (Please don’t take my word for it; go read the account for yourself.) God says, “If thou wilt walk before me...then I will establish…but if ye shall at all turn from following me then will I cut off Israel…”  God is very clear about His expectations to Solomon and the blessings or consequences.  The choice is Solomon’s.

     Our society today breed’s the desire for blessings without responsibility and actions without consequences.  However, as God’s children we cannot fall into this mindset.  God doesn’t change.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  He wants to bless us, but blessings come with responsibilities fulfilled.  He still has an IF/THEN for us as well.

If we want to be more Christlike then we have to renew our mind.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2).  We do that by studying and meditating on the Word of God.   Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11) & Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

 If we want to be firmly planted and grounded in our faith we must delight ourselves in the Word of God and meditate in the Word day and night. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

(Psalms 1:2-3).   If we want God to meet our physical needs then we must put Him first in our life. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. If we want our prayers to be answered then we have to abide in Him. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

(John 15:7), then we have to delight ourselves in Him AND trust Him. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:4-5), then we have to follow His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because

we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (1 John 3:22), then we have to be effectual & fervent in our prayers and righteous in our life style, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

      This list could on and on here, but I am certain you get the idea.  God has very specific “IF/THEN”s for us as we live our lives as ambassadors for Him.  May He help us all to keep these in our hearts and apply them day by day.  And may He help us see more as we read His Word. 

Have a GREAT day IN Him!!

Mrs. Laurie Loveless

Pastor’s Wife 

Bloomsdale, Missouri

Many Hands Make Light Work / Mrs Amy Sapp

                                                             Many Hands Make Light Work!!

Mrs Amy Sapp

O'Fallon, MO

  We have all heard the famous quote by John Heywood...

"Many Hands Make Light Work". 

 There is an incredible truth in that statement. 

 One day several years ago (I would have said "many" but that makes me sound so much older than I feel), my husband and I were newer members of a church.  I was on the phone with our Pastor's Wife, and we were explaining what we were each doing the next day.  She was telling me that she was going to be at the church all day taking the Christmas decorations down.  I told her that I was going to be taking my mom out to lunch, but was free after that if she would like help.  She was shocked that I even mentioned helping.   The next day, when I showed up at the church to help, she again looked as if she was so happy that I was there to be helping her.  I asked her who had put up all of these many decorations???  She told me that she had done it all by herself.  Not just that year, but it was very normal for her to do all of that work by herself each year.  I mean it wasn't just a little bit of decorating, it was a lot of decorating.  Not just a tree, not just the auditorium, but also some décor outside, some in the foyer, and also the entire basement. 

 After that day, I made a decision.  That MY pastor's wife was not going to be doing that type of work alone.  She should not have to do it alone, my pastor's wife or YOURS!  I think many times, we just take for granted different things that just seem to magically get done around the church.  Those things that are getting done, SOMEONE is doing them.  Can you imagine how much more would get done in a shorter amount of time with extra help?  Even if just an extra pair of hands, or a set of eyes or brains to help brain storm, etc.  "Many Hands Make Light Work"

 Maybe you are unsure of exactly when decorating or taking things down will take place.  All you have to do is ask.  Ask your pastor's wife, or pastor.  If she is planning on decorating, then ask if you can help.  Try to be flexible with your schedule.  Maybe say, well I can't help at that time, but I can help at this time on this day.  I would venture to say, that if she would like the help, she will be flexible if at all possible.  Things done together are way more fun than things done alone!!  I can tell you that Christmas is fast approaching so now would be a GREAT time to ask.  Do not let her do it alone.  Remember you are not only doing it to help your pastor's wife, you are also doing it for the work of the Lord. 

Other important times would be around any holiday, or any fellowship, or any special meeting. 

 As I was thinking what Bible verse to apply to this post. The verse that keeps popping into my head is....

Psalm 33:15  "He fashioneth their hearts alike;  he considereth all their works."

The Lord knows!  He will consider ALL of your works, not just some of them, not just the big works, ALL of your works!!



Strawberry - Yogurt Pie Recipe / Mrs Kayla Smith

Strawberry-Yogurt Pie

This is so easy anyone even a child could make it. It is also low calorie for those watching their weight. :-)

Ingredients:

1 15.5 oz tub of frozen sweetened strawberries (thawed)

1 8 oz tub light or regular whipped topping such as cool whip

1 32 oz tub of plain yogurt

2 Graham cracker pie crusts

Directions:

1. Gather all your ingredients

2. In a large mixing bowl blend ingredients well stirring until strawberries are well distributed throughout mixture

3. Pour ingredients into Graham cracker crusts

4. Place in freezer for 4 hours

5. Remove from freezer and enjoy

Notes: You may have enough for another pie, I usually place leftover portion into the cool whip dish and refreeze. My husband eats it right from the dish like frozen yogurt.

Mrs Kayla Smith

Fort Dodge, IA

ARE YOU A GLOOMY GUS? / Mrs Linda Vaprezsan

ARE YOU A GLOOMY GUS?

By Mrs. Linda Vaprezsan

Metro Baptist Church

Belleville, MI

Have you ever heard the phrase - Don't be a gloomy Gus?  I know you are scratching your head and saying who is Gus and why is he gloomy!

Winter is quickly approaching so we as Christian ladies are going to need to rev up our smiles and our attitudes.  Most of us do not like cold, snow, sleet, etc. but it is no reason for us to make everyone else miserable with our whining and complaining.  It is just weather, it will change.  Find fun things to do in the weather to make it more enjoyable for you and your family.

Your smile and your attitude will help so many people in your church.  After a long week at work or after a hard day and they come in on Wednesday night all beaten down, your smile, friendliness and upbeat attitude can change their disposition almost immediately.

Ephesians 4:29-32 says, ”Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  And, grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

Have you been harsh on some people just because they are not doing things your way?  I am one who wants things done my way, but my way is not always perfect or the correct way.  I have had to learn to give in some areas so as not to be a constant complainer that people hate to see coming.

Are your words just noise?  Do people avoid you because of your talk?  Do they think of you as a complainer?  Do you excessively talk?  Psalms 55:2 - “Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise.”

Do you praise the Lord in everything?  I mean everything - flat tire, ten inches of snow, no power, etc.

Mrs. Ellis, an elderly saint who was in our church many years before she died, her life verse was I Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  Even while she spent the last few years of her life in a nursing home she always gave thanks.

Be thankful for everything that comes your way whether good or bad.  God means it for your good.

My mother always told me, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” 

Ladies, let’s be upbeat, smiling and show that being a Christian is the best life going.  Don’t be a gloomy Gus!

I'm Not Going to Tell You Again! / Mrs Beth Spilger

“I’m Not Going to Tell You Again!”

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” ~ Philippians 3:1

“How many times do I have to tell you to …!” we mothers yell at our kids, in our aggravated mother voice. Today it was their messy room. Tomorrow it will be over fighting with their sibling… or one of a myriad of other possible choices.

We get aggravated over the littlest things. A sock left on the floor, a toy misplaced, a mess in the bathroom, a bed unmade, work not finished, an unfinished school project, … and the list goes on…

We coax. We repeat instructions, in not a very nice voice, but in our “I am so tired of telling you” voice. We yell, or even scream, because we are “so tired of repeating our instructions”.

Are you that way? I am!

I learned something from this verse that helped me and it might help you, too.

Here, Paul is telling the Chruch at Philippi that he really doesn’t mind repeating instructions to them. He doesn’t mind? WOW!!! BUT to Paul it wasn’t irksome to give instructions over and over again but necessary. For those young Christians and even the older Christians, it was necessary for their walk with the Lord! Their future management of life rested on these instructions. It was necessary for the whole church to function successfully.

What if we put this to practice in our homes? What if we viewed our repeated instructions to our children as necessary for their safety in life? Necessary for their future development? Necessary for the whole family? 

What if we put this to practice in our ministries? What if we viewed our repeated instructions to young Christians as necessary for their safety in their Christian walk and life? Necessary for the church as a whole? Necessary for development? It is!

I would imagine that it would change our own attitudes and the “voice” we use in giving the instructions. It would relieve a lot of the inward pressure we feel as we repeat our instructions.  It would certainly change the “face” of our homes and churches!

We might even find ourselves carrying out the instruction found at the beginning of that verse! “Rejoice in the Lord!” Why? because we are choosing to humble ourselves to God and receive His grace. When we humble ourselves the Holy Spirit is free to work His grace in our lives and rejoicing is a result.

Where are you at today? Rejoicing? Or irked? It’s your choice…

Mrs Beth Spilger

Pastor's Wife

St Louis, MO

Magic Cookie Bar Recipe / Mrs Jennifer Vroman

                                                    

                                                            Magic Cookie Bars

1/2 c. butter
1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

1 can Sweetened condensed milk
1 pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 half pkg. butterscotch chips
1 cup  flaked coconut

1 c. chopped nuts

In 13 x 9 inch baking pan, melt butter. Remove from heat. Sprinkle crumbs over butter. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Top with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down gently. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.

Mrs Jennifer Vroman

Natchez, MS

Do You Feel Loved? / Mrs Tiffany Ingham

                        

                         Do You Feel Loved?

I John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love.

  One day an older lady came into the Vacuum store where I work. She told me she was having some back problems and needed a lighter vacuum, we talked for a while. She decided to take a vacuum home and try it out. The next day, she came in with her daughter. They told me how much she liked the vacuum and would like to buy one like it. I was very busy that day but I did my best to take my time to talk to her and answer any questions they had. As I was taking her new vacuum to her car, she thanked me. I asked her how her back was feeling, she told me she had just had an appointment for her back that day. I told her I would pray for her and to please be careful. About a month later that same lady's daughter walked in the store, looked at me and started thanking me over and over with tears in her eyes for how kind I had been to her mom. She told me it meant so much to her and her mom. She then continued to tell me that her mom had passed away with cancer and the day she had came in the store she had just had a treatment. The daughter gave me a hug as we were both crying. What a precious lady! She never one time told me she had cancer. And never one time complained about what she was going through. That day was a reminder to me everyone wants to be loved. We should treat everyone with as much kindness as possible; because we have no idea what people are going through. Many customers have poured out their heart, that they have cancer, health issues, or family issues. They just wanted someone who would listen. The Lord has opened doors for me to witness and give out tracts just from listening to the hurting. I'm so thankful I know a God who can help the hurting.

Do you feel loved today?

1. Have you talked to the Father? Have you talked to the one who is waiting to listen to you, his child. The one whom you will spend eternity with. The one who gave his life for you. The one who is with you 24 hrs a day and hears and sees everything you do. He is waiting! If you love him, you will talk to him.

2. Have you read his word? This is how he reminds us of how much he loves us. He wrote this book just for us, so we can learn more about him. He loves you!

3. Have you shined your light? By listening to others, by a kind action, by accepting the not so easy to love. You will be surprised at how loved you will feel, if you will love others, by letting Christ shine through you. We live in a dark world, without our lights many will not receive Christ! We need to make sure our hearts are right with Christ, so we can shine brightly! Let's go make a difference in someone's life today! Show Christ how much you love him! 

You are loved!!!! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 

Tiffany Ingham

Pastors wife of Joe Ingham

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Newland, NC