This seemed like a good way to get back into one of the things I've always loved the most...writing. I think it will also be a great chance to talk openly about the life of a pastor's family and the ministry that God has made most important in my life. I hope to share my thoughts on many things, but most importantly would love to encourage other wives (of pastors or not), women and mommies. I love the Lord and am a follower of Jesus Christ and He is #1 in my life. My husband and I have been married for 20 years and have three wonderful children. My husband has been serving as the Senior Pastor of our church for 11 years. We have an amazing church of great people who pray for us and make us feel that it is okay to just be "us". They don't try to put me into a "mold" or stereotype of what some think a "pastor's wife" is supposed to be or look like. I am asked often by people that don't know me very well - and can say that I do not play the piano or sing (except in the car or at home with my kids) haha!
I find myself most comfortable serving more behind the scenes in our church when it comes to ministry, but would love to step out of my comfort zone more as my kids get older and pray for direction from God for His will in placing me where He can use me for His glory. I truly believe that the most important ministry God has for me is in my home. Someone said to me recently that as mothers, we only have a small window of opportunity to raise our children and train them up to serve the Lord, and I completely agree! As parents, we are basically on a mission field in our own homes!It's important to have a balance between keeping things running smoothly at home, ministering to our husbands and children and using our talents and abilities in the church. Many wives also balance a career outside of the home, and my hat's off to them. I feel very blessed to be able to be at home full-time and realize that it is not possible for everyone for different reasons. The job of a full-time Pastor is unique. I have learned over the years that the best way I can help my husband is to take care of home and all the necessities, so that when he is at his busiest with ministry, he doesn't have to worry about things being taken care of on the homefront. We are by far, not perfect parents and make mistakes just like everyone does. My desire is for my husband and I to be the biggest influence in our children's lives...bigger than their friends, teachers, school, and world influences. Kids today are getting so many things thrown at them from all directions every single day. Just as God's word tells us that we have to put on the whole armor of God, it is our responsibility to arm our children with the knowledge of God and His word because they will need that more than anything else we can give them.
Marriage is very important and foremost in my heart as well. It is vital to put effort, time and energy into our marriages. They are to be treated just like our personal relationship with Jesus. We communicate with God, and spend time learning more of Him and in fellowship with Him and it helps us grow in relationship with Him. The same is true for our relationship with our husbands. Even after being married for 20 years, and knowing my husband for about 21 years, there are still new things that I learn about him in our conversation that I did not know! As wives, showing respect to our husbands is vital to our relationship (I have to work on this, just like every wife). And as wives, we need to feel loved and respected. Marriage is give and take and putting your spouse above yourself. Marriages change and grow and they are a constant work that can't remain stagnant.
I'm so glad that God knows we fall short and the only thing that is perfect about our family, ministry and marriage is HIM being in the center of it!