Mentoring College Students

Invite some one over to bake with you! Yes, I highly recommend this activity.

Our church attracts a good number of Wheaton College Students. So, I invited a few of them over to my house this week to bake apple pie with me. We had such a wonderful time sharing and baking together! It felt like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. So in honor of that great artist, here's our pictures, put into a format you may find quaintly familiar. 

I think it's interesting that all the girls who came today had mothers or grandmothers who taught them the art of baking pie. This simple activity may seem outdated or even a waste of valuable time in our busy, fast food world. I believe that taking the time to be with other women in the kitchen holds more than just domestic value. 

BTW we did invite some guys to join us lest you think I believe only women should be in the kitchen!

 Here's one of the girls using my apple/peeler/slicer/corer - Best kitchen invention besides the oven!

The girls and I had a wonderful time talking about pies and baking. They also, introduced me to some new music. Let's see if I can remember the names: Jack Johnson's sweet song called I got you. And a darling song by Mindy Gledhill called All the Pennies. 

I love how this picture turned out. That's my Great Aunt's kitchen table. I'm sure it's had many pies assembled on it over the years.  That's Becky putting the finishing touches on one of our five pies!

So, why on earth would I suggest you invite some college girls or neighbor's over to bake with you? Because you need women in your life. You need  to laugh and talk and learn from each other. This is what it looks like to be in community with one another. Sitting in a pew or a bible study chair will not help you build lasting, meaningful relationships with other people. Take the risk and invite some new faces into your home for a baking day. You will find it to be deliciously fulfilling!

Pumpkin Centerpieces! Who said Fall had to be orange?

Oh my goodness! I can't stop painting pumpkins! Here's how to turn everyday pumpkins into an amazing centerpieces like these: 

You will need: 

3 White pumpkins

3 short pillar candles

Fall foliage from the dollar store

Some burlap for ribbon

You will also need:

Two colors of paint: I used Behr's base paint

Circle stickers: I used some left over Avery circle labels 

Packing tape: this is for the lined pumpkin

Your power tools include: A drill with a small drill bit and a hot glue gun. You might also want some wire cutters to separate the flowers and a screw driver to help you get the stems off the pumpkins.

Here's a little video to get you started

Be sure you press down on the stickers or tape really well. You'll still get some bleed through, but I'll show you how to fix it!

So now you are ready to paint. Be sure to spread out a drop cloth. I just used an old plastic shower curtain! 

Paint right over all the tape and stickers. Be sure to let this first coat dry really well. Hint: If you use white pumpkins you won't need a second coat. 

Once paint is dry, remove stickers and tape. As you can see the results are less than perfect. So here's what I did to fix it. Get a small paint brush and dip it in the opposing color. Carefully paint in the circles and lines. Once that dries go back with your original color and touch up the edges. 

When everything is dry you can begin adding the decorations. 

Hot glue the pillar candles to the top of each pumpkin. I suggest wrapping the pillar candles in the burlap ribbon beforehand. 

Then use the power drill to plunge holes around the candle. Place holes about 1/2 inch away from the candle. Cut the floral pieces so that you have individual stems. Firmly push the stems into the holes you have drilled. Be careful not to pull on the pillar candle. 

I suggest storing your pumpkin centerpieces outside where it's cooler. They will last longer outside than inside. But, if you want to use them indoors, they should be fine for several days. 

Decorating the Parsonage for Fall

Decorating is one of my favorite things to do. If I had endless hours, I would decorate and drink tea and study the word of God! 

People often ask me where I get my ideas for decorating. Most of the beginning ideas come from things I see on pintrest or color combinations that just spark my imagination.  

So, Today, I'm going to show you how I decorated our porch for fall. I really don't like the scary aspects of the season, so I decided to cheer things up with three beautiful colors.

Introducing moss blue, bear brown and country yellow!  Yay! I love them together so much. 

I bought the traditional pumpkins at a local farmers market and proceeded to turn them into the decor I desired. 

I also gathered my stash of tin cans and mason jars. I just couldn't resist painting them all! 

When I put all my items together, there just seemed to be something missing. I really hated to spend any more money so I decided to search for a solution around my house. I found it in the form of burlap! I know it seems crazy that I just had this lying around! I am such a craft junkie though that I often keep stuff and reuse it in projects like this. I also added seashells and sand to get just the right beach/fall feeling on my porch! 

Who said fall had to be orange and red! Give me blue, brown, and yellow any day!

I loved the colors so much, I ended up painting some of our porch benches as well. Love the two tone brown and blue! 

In the end, I just needed a pot of tea to sit and enjoy the beauty of the day! 

Wish you were here to join me!

The Blessing of being a Pastor's Kid!

I grew up as a pastor's kid and now I have PK's of my own.  At times, I am sorry for the label they must wear. It does seem unfair to be held to higher standard simply because of your father's job. However, most of the time, I am glad of their label. I've tried to teach my children being a PK does not need to be a burden but, a blessing. 

What blessings are there? First, let me say, I am aware of the pain and burden placed upon the pastor's family. When unfair statements are made, I help my kids address them. When people are downright rude, I defend my children. When my family is attacked by criticism, I am loyal and stand firmly on their side. But, there are ways to help the PK see himself or herself as blessed not cursed. 

Here's a few blessings:

#1. Everyone knows who you are

 

Our youngest son with his Daddy!

If I ever get lost in a major city in Canada, I will go to the nearest Free Methodist Church and say, "My father is Eldon Babcock." I believe I will be instantly welcomed and known. Perhaps this is wishful thinking. But the very fact that I've believed this all my life is a blessing. 

This did not suit me as a teenager trying to skip school for the one and only time, only to be seen by a church person who knew me immediately.  However, It only bothered me because I was doing wrong. The church person may have been a busy body, but I should not have been at the bowling alley in the middle of a Wednesday. 

The fact that everyone knows who you are means they look out for you and care for you and remember things like your birthday and the fact that you just got a new bike. People compliment you and praise you and encourage you and that brings us to the second blessing.

#2. People pray for you more often

Our three boys

I certainly hope it's true that the same dear people who pray for my kids are praying for other people's children as well. I am so grateful for those who ask, "How can I pray for your children?" Of course, I am careful not to share things that would embarrass my kids.  But, It's a joy to say,  "Oh, yes please pray for Matthew to form good deep friendships."  or, "Pray for Jonathan's safety as he travels home next week!" 

We had one dear lady who told us every Sunday that she'd prayed for our children that week. How sad we were when she went to be with Jesus. Her life of prayer impacted us and blessed us. We hope she is still daily bringing us to the throne of God as she sits at the feet of her Savior. 

#3. People gift you and your family frequently

Though we certainly do not look for or expect gifts. It's true that we are gifted frequently and often just at the right time. 

The day our eldest son was baptized, we wanted to go out for lunch to celebrate but our budget was tight so I'd planned on making his favorite foods at home. As we were leaving the church a woman walked up to me and shook my hand. It was filled with a wad of money she'd pulled from her purse. I teared up as she said, "Now you take that dear boy out for lunch and tell him, I am praying he will become a great man of God!"  What a blessing those words were and still are to my heart. 

Another time, we were in serious financial need and a check for a thousand dollars arrived in the mail! God had used us in the lives of these dear people and they felt led to share out of their abundance. Little did they know both Dave and I had been on our knees that very morning asking God to meet our needs. Praise the Lord! 

#4. There are always people in your home

our front porch on fourth of July!

I have good childhood memories of fading off to sleep to the sound of clinking glassware and quiet conversation. My parents door seemed to be open to everyone. Now, I practice the same level of hospitality as much as possible. I do everything I can to include our children in the conversations and times with people. We are careful to guard our family time and keep boundaries on our life. Yet, it's the people coming and going, praying, singing, talking and laughing that fill our home with a special atmosphere that I hope our children will remember. 

#5. Your parents lean on Christ daily and encourage you to do the same. 

My parents modeled a dependency on Christ that I in turn strive to share with my children. The ability to turn to God when we are sad, hurt or lonely is a blessing. We don't just teach our children to have a daily quiet time, we do also, spend time in bible study and prayer. We gather as a family before our youngest goes to bed each night. Dave reads a passage of scripture or asks, the kids to share what they have read. We talk and laugh and pray.  It's true there are nights we are grumpy and tired, but it is the daily encouragement that matters in the end. 

So, there you have it. Being a PK has it's blessings. 

I actually love being a Pastor's wife.  Even though we have been burned by betrayal and wounded by words, I can't think of anything I'd rather do with my life. It is this passion for Christ that I hope to impart to my darling PK's.  

How about you? Can you see past the hurts to the blessings? If not, I am sorry. I understand some seasons of ministry are dark and difficult. I am praying for you today. Praying that God would renew the joy of your salvation and heal your broken places. I pray you will be able to walk in the spirit in front of your children. I pray they will see your dependence on Christ and remember the blessings of being your child. 

-Under the same wing,

Joleen

Hosting a Neighborhood Party: Part 3-Creating a welcome atmosphere

In the previous posts I showed you how to invite your neighbors creatively and gave you  tips on getting ready. Finally the night of the event is here! What are you going to do to create an atmosphere that promotes conversation and puts your neighbors at ease? The picture above is of my porch on a regular day. it's wonderful, but there's a few things that will create a welcome atmosphere. 

Lighting is essential! 

There’s just something about candles and special lights that create a feeling of warmth and comfort. I like using candles with names like, pumpkin spice and cranberry-orange peel. One guest commented how she could “smell the welcome” as she came up the drive! 

I also found inexpensive porch lights and hung them across the end of the porch. They add low light and a create a festive atmosphere.

Games are the key to easy conversation! 

Put out a stack of your store bought games. Be sure they are easy to play. We have a lovely old game called Crokinole. I have wonderful memories of playing Crokinole on frosty winter evenings with my Grandfather.  You can actually buy the boards on Ebay.  

I put my youngest son, he’s nine, in charge of showing the first guests our games. He was eager to teach them Crokinole. 

I’ve also found collecting old wooden things like spools and blocks, to be an endless source of entertainment for little guests. They always create something unique.

If you have space, a game of whiffle ball, or ladder golf will help engage the older kids and a few of the adults as well. This creates and opportunity for camaraderie with your new neighbors.

Good questions inspire good conversation. 

My husband is terrific at this. He’s quick to ask questions such as, “Tell me about your family” or “How long have you lived in this neighborhood?” He followed this one up with, “What’s changed over the years?”

This last question launched one neighbor into a story about a famous person who used to live right next door to us.  We also learned that there used to be neighborhood parties but they’d fallen off at some point as people’s kids grew older. 

Our evening was filled with lively conversation and the warmth of new friendships. The highlight of the evening came in the form of a sweet neighbor boy who quickly made fast friends with our youngest son. We’ve lived here three years and never knew a good friend lived right across the street. 

Here's our family the year we moved into the "Blue House" as it is lovingly labeled by the neighbors. We had no idea what a blessing that porch would be. 

So, the verdict on the neighborhood porch party is in. A success! We are already thinking about what to do next. perhaps a neighborhood Christmas party? Hmm.. perhaps. 

Hosting a neighborhood party: part 2 Getting ready

I will admit, I thought my husband was crazy for suggesting a neighborhood porch party. After all, we are in full time ministry and have so many Church things going on.  Silly, I know. But that's actually what I thought.  But, not anymore! Hosting a neighborhood party is the most significant, Kingdom minded thing we've ever done. 

In part one of this series,  I told you  how we invited our neighbors creatively. 

Here's the link if you didn't read that: 

http://pastorswife101blog.blogspot.com/2014/08/hosting-neighborhood-party-part-1.html

Today, I'll show you how we got ready.  Since I am creative and have practically no left brain activity at all. Just Kidding! I had to find a way to make the to do list interesting. So, of course, I made it pretty! 

 Though the process of getting ready is unique to each person, there are a few things that I find make it easier. 

Tip #1. Bleach is your friend

I use my tea cups and tea pots alot. A-LOT!  It is only normal that tea, like coffee will stain cups and saucers. So you have two choices if you want them to sparkle! 

The first choice is to submerge all your stained cups and saucers in the sink. Add 1/4 cup of bleach and let sit for ten to fifteen minutes.  If you only have a few then fill each cup or tea pot with water and add a few drops of bleach to each. 

Tip #2  It's okay to buy scone mixes and boxed muffin mixes from your local tea shop.

My shop even carries Gluten free Scones! Here's their link:

http://www.sereneteaz.com/sale/

Tip #3  Set up the tables and decorations as early as possible.

You can set out the coffee and cups ahead of time as well. 

I always buy fresh flowers and put them out early. Sometimes even the day before. This gives them a chance to open up and look the most beautiful.

Tip #4 Bake the scones and breads in the morning 

After they cool arrange them on your trays and cover them until party time. This is obviously a picture of them out on the table, but I had them all ready before noon. The same with the fruit, It can be washed, placed in bowls, covered and put in the fridge early in the day. 

Tip #5 Changing into something pretty is essential

I don't always remember to take my own advice. However, it is very wise to do your hair and make up and have your shower first thing in the morning. If you wait, hoping to have time later, you may not get it done and well..to bad for your guests. What good is all this beauty if the hostess is a wreck?  So, take the time for yourself early on. 

Okay, well that's about it for getting ready! Make your list, work your list and get ready to have a wonderful time! 

The night of the party will be the subject of the next post. I can't wait to show you how to make your evening a relaxing and wonderful success!

Praying for others is like giving them a priceless gift.

Praying for others is like giving them a priceless gift. It’s even better than that. It’s like putting a deposit in their bank anonymously.  When you pray, really pray for others I believe the Lord hears and answers. 

I am sitting on my porch this evening as I write to you. And God is laying you one by one on my heart. So here. Have a cup of tea with me and enjoy this beautiful cool evening as we discuss what it looks like to really pray!

What should you pray for?

1 John 5:14
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

I ask God for bold things on behalf of my friends. I pray for marriages to be restored, resolution of financial dilemmas and healing from emotional pain. I don’t stop there. I also ask for their faith to be strengthened and their hearts to be in such rhythm with God’s own heart that they beat in unison. I pray and believe that God will hear me? 

I don’t know where this faith in prayer came from. Well, yes, I do. Of course it’s God’s gift of faith that drives my prayers. 

How should you pray?

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Pray without ceasing. I have prayed for some dear friends for years and years. When the marriages I prayed for fell apart, I sought God’s mercy and rescue of my loved ones hearts. When the financial dilemmas became chronic and unending, I lay my beloved sister at God’s feet and plead for strength and faith to endure.   When emotional darkness threatened to sink lives, I prayed for rescue and hope.

Why should you pray?

James 5:16

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

Because God does answer. 

When victories, no matter how small arrive, I celebrate with my friends. 
I tell them, “I’ve been praying.”

I encourage them to never give up hope. I speak truth into their hearts and share with them the treasure of abiding in the arms of Christ. 

I pray because it not only draws me closer to the Lord but it develops a deep love for my friends. Prayer has also brought wisdom to my lips. If I’ve been praying fervently for a friend, my advice is much different than if I’ve only said I would pray but didn’t really put the effort in to bring that friend to Jesus in an intentional way. 

Prayer also has saved my heart from the crushing blow of betrayal. No doubt the pain was atrocious. But it did not crush me. Instead, my prayers became pleas for healing in my own heart and for forgiveness and grace to be evident in my life.

So, I encourage you to pray. 

Pray like never before. 

Pray for people by name. 

Pray for people out loud. 

Pray right where you are standing. 

Pray before hanging up the phone. 

Pray before ending the text. 

Pray on the private message of Face Book. 

As a dear friend once said to me, “Joleen you must pray, pray and pray some more!” 

You will find it is like filling up a treasure box with valuable jewels. Each prayer worth more than gold or diamonds to the life of your dear ones. 

Prayer truly is like giving a priceless gift!

Here is one of my dear friends. She is an answer to many prayers!