IF:Gathering = NOT normal

Saturday Feb 6th, 2016

I've spent the last two days at #IF:GATHERING here in Wheaton, IL.  It was not normal. It was not what I expected. It was not your run of the mill, fluffer-nutter, Christian women's conference. 

This gathering challenged my, not so missionary, never left the continent and I like it that way, heart. 

This gathering stretched my comfy pants way out there into the UN-comfy zone. I didn't like that AT ALL.  But did I need it? YES! 

Every session was a call to action. Action! Each session felt like an, "in my face" kind of challenge. 

I heard the call to spend less time crying out to God and more time simply deciding to DO SOMETHING WITH GOD.

I'm a pastor's wife for crying out loud. I'm always doing stuff. I have a list of stuff I did just last week that would blow a lay person's mind. I won't even attempt to write it all down it's ThAT Massive. 

Okay picture break while I catch my breath! I was on the planning team and brought most of my house to decorate! 

So, today? Today, my world was rocked by one word. 

I don't even remember which speaker said it or even if they actually straight out said it. But, I came away from two days of challenge with this word in my head. 

What IF I am so busy doing things 

FOR God 

that I've forgotten what it looks like to do things 

WITH God?

What's the difference between the two? 

Yeah, I believe it's a  night and day kind of difference. 

If I'm doing things for God, It's possible He hasn't even asked me to do the stuff I'm doing. Like a mom who does all the laundry and all the dishes and but forgets to sit down and look her kid in the eye and say, "What would you like to do together." 

If I'm doing things WITH God, I'm pretty sure He and I are in looking eyeball to eyeball and heart and to heart and He's saying, "Joleen, this is what I want to do together!" 

Oh Lord! I'm asking it right now! "What do you want to do WITH me? Forgive me for being so caught up in doing things for you that I forgot to ask you what you want. 

Fill me up with your living water, Fill me up with your thoughts and your will and your way. Show me how to walk WITH you. I want to be arm and arm from now on. Amen"

Okay, so it's true IF:Gathering was NOT normal it was EXTRAORDINARY!!!

Thanks IF:TEAM 

Creating an heirloom from your "art"

Few people know I have a degree in English Literature. During my undergrad years, I fell in love with Shakespeare, Wadsworth, Whitman and Dickinson. Yet, of all the famous literary figures, Emily Dickinson is the poet who most captured my attention and imagination. 

Emily's somewhat solitary life is folded up with the warm ideals of hearth, home and wandering over hills in the afternoon. It's said she kept many active correspondences and often enclosed poetry with her letters. She even hand bound forty volumes of her nearly 1,800 poems. She actually made them out of stationary paper that she folded and stitched together.

I love that. Even though she was not famous during her lifetime, she valued her own work enough to document it. This idea has inspired me. What will my children and grandchildren know of me? Yes, they may eventually own one of my three bibles with notes in the margins and drawings throughout.

But what about the other things I love like recipes and poetry and drawings? I guess, I could hope they'd find my FB files someday. But, I've decided to compile as many of these precious things into a notebook as possible.  I'm pretty sure no one will find them and try to sell them on ebay like Emily's  manuscript books  But, I do hope they will become a treasure of memories and thoughts for the next few generations. 

So here's where i've started. I bought a spiral bound multi-media book of paper. Multi-media just means you can use watercolor, pens or colored pencils. I've started with simply creating pages of my favorite birds and flowers. I plan on adding a favorite scripture verse or one of my original poems to some of the pages. 

One of my poems is inspired by Emily Dickinson's entitled HOPE.

Here is Emily's original poem: 

"Hope" is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without the words

And never stops - at all

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm

I've heard it in the chillest land

And on the strangest Sea 

Yet, never, in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of ME.

So, I'll keep you posted on this little project, though I suspect it will be lifelong. In the meantime, share your ideas about documenting your "art" how will you create an heirloom for the next generation of your family? Share below. I'd love to hear from you!

WHEN I COLOUR

When I colour, I ponder

I ponder

 Easing through the door of creativity

My heart slows

 My thoughts turn towards God

We sit

talking and sharing

He listens through the colours

He speaks into the silence

I hear

I smile

I colour

-Joleen

Ready to ponder? www.colormecards.moonfruit.com

Scripture coloring pages? Yes please!

I have always loved to color. My kindergarten teacher had to watch me carefully lest, I sneak that favorite coral crayon into my pocket to take home.  The waxy smell of my first BIG box of crayons is like an indelible happy memory.

 So, I've decided as an adult to keep that happy memory flowing. I'm currently creating a line of scripture coloring pages. I'm so excited about this, I am actually running out of ink for my calligraphy pens.

Here's a few examples of what I'm working on: This page depicts a beautiful array of poisonous plants and critters in order to illustrate the allure of sin. It appears beautiful, but be careful, it's full of poison that will eventually lead to death.

Here's an example of the page colored in.

Here's growth! This has two verses and is such a delight to color. The flowers simply pop off the page as you add the colors.

This page is all about Jesus. Each letter reminds me of the world as I color the insides blue and the landmass markings green. 

These pages will be available tonight at midnight at my www.campingstickkids.com website.  There will be one free download for you so come on over! 

Is coloring in your bible okay?

When I was a little girl the thought of drawing, marking or even letting a crayon come close to a Bible was taboo. Of course delicately scrawled notes in the margins were okay as long as they were in pencil.  But coloring? Full on drawing in your Bible would have brought gasps and scoldings about the importance of respecting this sacred book.

My journey into this previously frowned upon behavior started with the inductive Bible study method. My artistic soul grasped the pencil and began highlighting with gusto! 

Suddenly, I found myself pouring over scripture, gleefully working to "correctly handle the word of truth". 2 Timothy 2:15 Before long, I was teaching others to do the same. 

Yet, I will admit to feeling somewhat reluctant to bring that colorfully marked up Bible to church lest, it meet with disapproving glances. I also saved doodling or drawing for pieces of paper. The thought of actually drawing in my Bible still seemed a bit sacrilegious. 

But then I saw this new Bible by Tyndale Publishers called the Inspire Bible.  My reaction? This!

I know, my ancestors would have a few words to say about turning the Word of God into some sort of party in a box! But, my heart lept at the thought of coloring, really coloring in my bible!

So I entered the contest to win one! I was so excited when I got a instagram message from Tyndale saying they liked my picture and would be sending me my very own Inspire Bible. 

Every once in awhile my traditional roots whisper, "Are you sure this is okay?" My response is this. If drawing in my Bible causes me to open it, read it, ponder it, and spend time talking to God then a little or a lot of coloring is a good thing. 

So here's what I've decided about coloring in your bible. 

#1. It's okay

#2. It's okay

#3. IT"S OKAY!

What do you think? Let's chat.

How making soap "saved" me

How making soap "saved" me

Honestly, I've been feeling a little low emotionally and spiritually lately. In the past six months, I've started and quit three jobs.  As a result, I've been holding a little pity part for myself. No one else invited!  Frankly, I've been tempted to roll up in a ball on my couch and never attempt a "real" job again.  

Thankfully, I have a supportive husband and family who believe I am incredible and frequently tell me so.  They are so great!

It's also a blessing to know and be known by our great God who constantly encourages me and leads me to do things, I never thought I'd do. Things, like soap making!

A week after I quit my third job, oh that still hurts to say, I was lying on my couch crying and feeling sorry for myself when my sister-in law posted something on FB about the craft I'd created at Thanksgiving. Here's what we did:

Anyway, she was saying nice things about my creative prowess and encouraging me to think of some craft to teach them all at Christmas. 

So, I pondered her words and poked around Pintrest a bit, okay ALOT.

Aha! Soap making. Let's learn to make soap!

So, I've been experimenting with the cold process method for a few weeks. here's what my first batch looked like! not bad. 

So how did making soap save me? 

I've learned three lessons about soap:

#1.  Making Soap Stinks! 

When you put the lye into the water you have to actually wear protective eyewear and stand back or the fumes will gag you.  It's also dangerous as it could explode if you don't do it right. Here's my nervous self stirring my first batch of lye. You can hear me start to gag at one point.

#2. Making Soap takes time

The cold process of soap requires it to sit and "cure" for four weeks. 

FOUR WEEKS! That's tough for a person who likes to see results right away.

This soap is only two weeks old! I have to wait two more weeks!

#3. Making Soap is worth the effort

The joy of using that first bar of homemade soap is so great. Everything from the fragrance to the clean feeling made me grin from ear to ear.  Not to mention the joy of giving it away to people I love! 

Here's a sign and soap I made to give to my fellow PW, Maggie Rowe

So this does not answer the question of how soap saved me does it? Okay, the three lessons about soap are also three spiritual lessons for me personally. 

#1. Sometimes Life Stinks!

My job fiasco may not be a traumatic loss but it still stinks. I hate feeling like a failure and wondering what my friends and family and church friends think knowing I've not stayed at one job for more than two months. Explaining all the details is so exhausting, so I stopped even trying.  I just acknowledge that the whole thing stunk big time and I'm ready to stop feeling sorry for myself.  See those bible verses on the boards above! They are sticking with me as I move on.  I will be strong and courageous because I know the Lord my God is with me. I will rejoice in the Lord always and I will stand up and say, It is well with my soul!  Yup, life stinks but if you want to make soap..um, I mean progress, you have to keep moving on. 

#2. 

Becoming the person God wants me to be takes time.

I long to be this awesome woman of God that points others to Christ. Yet, I really would rather life just be really fun and easy all the time. I also want to be fully grown up spiritually. Now that I'm almost fifty years old, I really think it's about time I became the spiritual giant I always wanted to be. Nope! I'm just a raw, messed up lady striving after Christ. I do believe I am older and wiser than I was in my twenties.  I also believe, like my soap, that I have a stronger fragrance of Christ in me with each passing day. I guess, I'm okay with this process after all.

#3. 

Growing up in Christ is worth the effort.

Yeah, it does take effort to grow. Perseverance and courage don't come easy to most of us, especially when finances or health, or crucial relationships are in jeopardy.  I am discovering, however, that just as my soaps are an amazing one of a kind gift to give away, my joy and love for Christ is a wonderful gift to share with others. It's the best gift and it's worth the time and effort it takes to fully understand it.

So that's how making soap saved me. Of course it's Christ teaching me as I made soap that saved me.  I'm so glad He did. Though, I still am jobless, I am exhibiting the fragrance of Christ as I trust in his provision and believe that He has the best plan for me. 

How about you? Will you trust in God's plan to take you through some stinky times in order to bring out the best of Him in you? I pray you will persevere and have courage.

If you are interested in learning how these soaps continue to be a blessing go to our brand spankin new website! www.specialteasoaps.com

Visit Pastorswife101's profile on Pinterest.

How TEA brings FRIENDS together

Tea brings out the best in me. 

It's color, flavor and aroma draw me into a world of 

flowers, pressed tablecloths, gleaming tea spoons and polished silver.

When friends come over for tea, I find myself thinking about how to make them feel special and comfortable.  Little things like decorating the table and plumping up cushions on the settee become important.

Recently I've had several older ladies over for tea. We are planning a quilting project for our women's ministry next year.  If you have had any experience making a friendship quilt or group quilt, I'd sure love your input. I'll be posting pictures and ideas regarding our quilt as the year goes on. 

But, back to the tea and friends bit! This is why I think tea brings friends together:

#1. Tea often requires SHARING. 

We share the pot of tea, we share the sugar and creamer and yes, we share what's going on in our lives.

#2. Tea brings out our best MANNERS.  

I am sure  I sit up straighter, use correct grammar and think more about my table etiquette when I drink tea. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for relaxing and propping ones feet up on a nearby chair. But, there's something to be said for behaving in a more civilized, proper manner once in awhile. 

#3. Tea demonstrates, LOVE & HOSPITALITY

When I bring out my fine china or best silver for a friend who's just stopped by, I believe they feel special, loved and cared for.  This is the best thing about TEA! 

So how about you? How does tea bring you and your friends together? Not sure? Give it a try the next time a friend stops by and just see if it doesn't do a little miracle! 

-Under the same wing,

Joleen

Sunshine & Sunday School Songs

Sunday School songs 

Bring back innocent memories.

My best Sunday dress and tiny white shoes.

Rows of little wooden chairs in a sunny room

Me, clapping my chubby toddler hands and singing with joy!

The value of these childhood songs increase with every passing year. 

When I am sad, I remember "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart."

When I am lonely I recall,  "Jesus love me this I know, for the bible tells me so."

When I need peace, I can sing, "I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river. I've got peace like a river in my soul."

When I am afraid,  the song "Heavenly Sunshine, heavenly sunshine flooding my soul with glory divine." comes to mind. 

So, I teach these songs to my children. I sing in the car, I sing when I do my house hold chores, I remind my children through song that Jesus loves them and that if they are happy and they know it they can clap their hands. Of course my boys are older now and often roll their eyes and say, "Mom!" But, I am not surprised when I hear them humming those same tunes.

So how about you? Do you know some songs from your Childhood days in Sunday school? If not, Here's a few websites for you to visit. Just hit the MP3 version and take a listen, You'll be glad you did! 

http://childrensbiblesongs.us/

http://www.sundayschoolsources.com/songs.htm#My_God_is_so_Great

My Small Town Walk

I felt so restless today. I have a huge project I'm working on but I just couldn't focus. So, I decided to go for a walk. I love this charming mid-west town. It's quaint houses and tree-lined streets are beautiful, even in the cold of winter.  I bundled up and walked to my local thrift store and then through the alley to one of my favorite tea shops. 

It was cold today so I found myself alone in this awesome cobblestone alley.

I just love this window at "IVY" a local restaurant in downtown.

As a pastor's wife, it's nice to go out and about where people don't really identify you as such. I love engaging people in conversation and asking questions about things in their store. Today, I ended up Serene Teas. www.sereneteaz.com

I asked the gal who served me to tell me about a new product I found on their shelf. It's called Rock Sugar! There's also another product called Hail Sugar! She told me all about the process of making it and the awesome flavors that can be added. I found it supremely interesting and can't wait to learn more so I can share it with all of you. 

This darling shop sells a large variety of teas as well as beautiful tea pots and tea cups. The owner has been super sweet to let me take pictures of her things. The cup above is one of my favorites. 

So, why this sharing of my wanderings today?

When I returned home I poured myself a cup of  the French Vanilla Roiboos I'd purchased, and sat back down to work on my project. 

 I found I still could not focus. I kept thinking about my little town and the charming people in it.  I felt glad for the walk, the chat and the tea. I sat and prayed for the ladies who served me at Serene Tea, I asked God to show me how I could be a light in my small town. No huge epiphany hit me but I think I'll take a few more walks and have a few more conversations with people.  

I still have that project to get to. I guess I'll have another cup of tea and get to work. 

Red doors? What's behind them? I guess I'll have to take more walks to find out. 

Okay, I'm working, I'm working. 

Is my pastor's wife a christian?

Snow and tea, they don't really go together do they?

Unless of course you are drinking a warm pot of tea on a snowy day.  But no one would ever ask you, "Would you like some snow with your tea?" 

I wonder how God feels when we allow such juxtapositions in our lives?

Here's something that doesn't seem to go together. A pastor's wife who is not a christian. It's almost impossible to believe. Yet, it happens.

If you are one of my dear pastor's wives following this blog, stick with me okay. Perhaps you are a true Christ follower, but you may have a fellow staff wife who needs you to ask these very important questions.

Have you received Christ as your personal savior? Do you recall when it happened? Are you any different because of it?

When you arrive at church on Sunday mornings are you like these cups? Beautiful, but filled with icy cold anger, bitterness and strife?

or are you filled with the warmth and grace of the Holy Spirit?

Are you overwhelmed with anger, bitterness, hatred, malice, or self- loathing? These are all part of our old nature. If you've prayed to receive Christ you may still be tempted by these things but they ought not control you any longer. Now, I'm not saying to doubt your salvation if you struggle. I'm simple saying, as a Christ follower you have hope and strength. If you feel no hope and can't recall a time you asked the Lord to be the leader of your life then perhaps it is time.

The bible tells us that when we are saved we are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6) and we are marked with a seal of the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1;13, 14)

The scripture says nothing about being married into salvation. You husbands walk will not guarantee your own. Your family history of church going does not save you, any more than going to the grocery store weekly makes you a pineapple.

In order to truly know Christ you must come to a cross roads where you declare you are a sinner, confess your need of Christ and believe on Him alone to save you.  There's no short cut to faith. No way around it. You must believe in Christ alone. Have you? Will you now?

Here's a website with a video I created to explain salvation clearly. There is a prayer at the end of the video. Regardless of your husbands position or how long you've gone to church, you can pray that prayer. You can be sure. You can be transformed.

Go watch the bead story here:
www.wordlesswalkingsticks.com

I long to know we are ...
- under the same wing,
Joleen

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