Planting and Growing Worshipping Caring Churches Globally.
That didn’t work. Ooops, that didn’t go like I thought it would. That reaction hurts. Really, they said that? They did that? Why? Hey, I am pastor/leader around here. I thought that meant something. I think he/she/they have the problem, not me. We could go on phrasing reactive scenar...
For those of you who are in touch with your technical side and are avid bloggers, check out Jamey's latest step up the Technology ladder...A Blog. Right now this consists of his "Jamey's Journal" content, but look forward to photo's, personal updates and the ability to comment on Jam...
Wow, that’s pretty direct. Blunt is maybe more accurate. I’ve heard the statement used in business contexts and it invites listeners to grow their organizations. Usually “growth” involves revenues, or contacts, or production, or sales in general.
I spent last Saturday with a couple heading from Canada to an overseas appointment. I’d tell you where, but the politics of the region they are heading to makes it dicey to even mention it by name. I was impressed with them. No I take that back, I was really impressed with them.
I like viewing the arts. Art varies in the eye of the beholder but I used to really enjoy watching our kids high school choir concerts. They were always good because my kids were singing but sometimes they were just good. I can listen to a symphony but I really prefer watching it as I listen t...
Women's Ministries Articles & Devotionals Wrighteous Wrinkles | Wrighteous Wrinkles |
| Written by Administrator | |
| Friday, 06 February 2009 | |
 Wrighteous Wrinkles by Chris Danyluk Pssst, ever wonder what you're going to be like when you're old? I do, but I've discovered a few fabulous beauty tips from some gorgeous old ladies I've known. Evelyn defines the word "frail". Hugging her wispy frame is slightly akin to hugging air. Yet with measured strength she faithfully cared for her invalid husband for decades. Sometimes I would join her by the slumping shell of the once-strapping farmer, and watch as she kindly lifted a specially-purchased beverage to his dry lips. "How is it that she is not bitter with the Almighty for not preventing this rare disease?" I would ask myself. "Or frustrated with having a spouse who can give so little in return?" As she tenderly wiped a drip from his chin, I marveled further, "And how did she stay so delightfully in love?" Evelyn must have made a practice of pulling the weeds of resentment and growing the fruit of the Spirit. Ida was another one. Ninety-some years old, she tottered along with her walker, her round face bursting with smiles. "How are you today, Ida?" we'd often ask. "Oh, I can't complain," she'd beam, shaking her head sweetly. Can't complain! She had lost her husband, let go of her house, her health was declining and likely the only thing she caught in the church service was the youthful beat of the drums. At her age, I'd probably complain. A lot! Not Ida, though. She had lived another way for decades and she probably couldn't have changed if she tried. And then there's Martha. It was, I'm ashamed to admit, with an ungodly mixture of both dread and pride that I faced the smells and pathetic sights of a local nursing home on the day I met her. Her wrinkled face beamed as she exclaimed, "Oh I've been wanting to meet you!" Meet me? Proud me? Why, seconds earlier I had been far more like the disdainful religious leaders than the kind and good Samaritan. I immediately felt unworthy in the presence of this unselfish soul. As we edged our way down the hallway, I marveled at the loving way she stopped and greeted other residents every few feet. Cheering words. Genuine interest in others. Warm smiles. All spread lavishly around in one of society's most depressing places. It was as though she had practiced it for years. I probably didn't last long in Martha's memory, but she shall live a long while in mine. What will I be like when I am old? The examples of real and beautiful women like Evelyn and Ida and Martha have shone like beacons to me on a hazy path, making the answer clear: I will be then, what I am becoming now. And I am reminded of these God-inspired words: "Your beauty'should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful." I Peter 3:3-5 Chris Danyluk is a pastor's wife and also the team leader for District Women's Ministries in the Baptist General Conference district of Saskatchewan. Women's Ministries Idea It is crucial to honor the seniors in our churches and ministries. One church held a special "Honoring our Senior Women's" tea. On a Saturday afternoon, all women over 65 years of age were invited to be guests of the church women, where they were presented with a rose, and entertained with an "old fashion show." Several senior women were asked to share about their spiritual journey, familiar hymns were sung, and the younger women blessed the older ones. Tea, served in china cup and saucer settings along with dainty sandwiches and bars made the women feel loved and special. |
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