FOCUS

SURRENDER

“not my will but YOURS be done” Mt. 26:39

Our challenge during these months is for TOTAL SURRENDER. Laying our personal ambitions, our families, our church, and our daily activities at the feet of Jesus-and leaving hem there. Leaving all the struggles-all issues of life at the feet of Jesus. As we rise, we are aware that we are able to walk lightly, without shouldering the weight of daily life. Without the resistance to God’s will we sense that the pressure has been released, like releasing the tension on an elastic band.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

There are a few questions that are seldom asked of us Pastor’s wives. Almost never asked is the question of our personal relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ. So I’ll be bold and ask the question now - Are you fully sold out to Jesus? Are you wholly committed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? IS YOUR ALL ON THE ALTAR? Ask yourself the questions, as I am asking them of myself.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest
As you yield Him your body and soul.

Yielding to Jesus – yielding LIFE to Him – that’s the rub. How can one have one’s own way if life is yielded to Him? Full commitment to Jesus would mean that pastors and wives cannot make the final decision as to where we serve – the determining factor cannot be our personal desires. Simply stated, it would mean that pastors and wives cannot choose which congregations they serve based on size, location, church leadership, age of the people, etc. Setting aside personal desires and ambitions is not easy – but it’s the only way to serve when full commitment is sincere.

Or, perhaps when and where you serve is not the issue in your life? It may be something entirely different. But trust me, if you’ve read this far there is something He wants you to learn regarding commitment. Ask yourself, “What has God put his finger on in my life?” We can get so used to rationalizing – making adjustments – telling ourselves “well that’s life.” It is possible to “adjust” ourselves right outside of God’s perfect will and intention.

Remember Abraham – without knowledge of where he and Sarah were going, they followed step-by-step to the land God desired to give them. They made mistakes along the way, but they continually redirected their focus to God.
Remember Joseph – Pridefully he wore his coat of many colors until placed in a pit by his siblings and sold as a slave in Egypt. He complained not but looked to the Lord for deliverance and was honored to save the chosen people from famine and possible extinction.
Remember Jonah – who didn’t want to preach to the people of Nineveh – perhaps he didn’t find them worth his time. Result? A large fish swallowed him up until he willingly went to the repentant people.

The Lord applies pressure in the lives of His people in order to move them into the center of His will. Sister, where is the Lord applying pressure in your life today? What has God put his finger on in your life? Let the Holy Spirit examine your life. Open up to His scrutiny. He wants our repentance – He is searching for our willingness. When willing and cooperative, He will enable us to obey.

MINISTERING EFFECTIVELY

Serving the Special Needs Child
Ruth Rautio, Special Ed Teacher, Specializes in EBD/LD.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16. Currently there are more than 7 million children with special needs throughout our nation. Two specific disabilities are Autism and Emotional Behavioral Disorder (EBD). Find out from the autistic parent exactly what the child’s favorite treat is at home and always have it for after church fellowship time that way the parent can enjoy the time without the child being upset due to unfamiliarity. Ask the parent what their favorite toys, games, or items are at home and try to get those exact items for a church bag so the child knows there is normalcy at church and the parent doesn’t have to remember to bring the favorites. Have the same two people that the autistic and EBD child knows and is comfortable with in the nursery so that the parents can successfully leave the child and enjoy the service. The key for Autistic children is to have as much the same as home for that carryover and normalcy which provides for an easy transition from home to church and minimizes the difficulty that can occur from change. Most of these tips are very good for the EBD children as well however, make certain that the child is only re-directed by the caregiver when an incident occurs because the caregiver knows best how the child will respond. For the EBD and Autistic child know that the parent often has a constant battle at home and everywhere they go. They have come to church for a reprieve and a place of security. Most of all remember to surrender these children along with all other children to the Lord for such is the kingdom of Heaven.

CHECK IT OUT

Let me recommend...

Book review by: Ellen Monseth

SURRENDER: The Heart God Controls, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

An important aspect of effective gardening is learning to "deadhead". This involves cutting away old growth which encourages new growth. In her book, SURRENDER: The Heart God Controls, Nancy Leigh DeMoss speaks of the lifelong process of cutting away or crucifying the old nature which follows our salvation in Christ. This Scripture-rich book with deep insights from author DeMoss is a must read for every believer. Her emphasis is expressed in Romans 12:1 ". . . . .in view of God's mercy. . present your bodies a living sacrifice (surrender) . . . .this is your reasonable (logical) act of worship."

Book review by: Gloria Lee

“God: A Good Father”..by Michael Phillips, (Destiny Image Publishers 2001)

As one desires to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit, so the heart seeks God, our Heavenly Father. The author brings to light the unique an intimate relationship we can experience with God our Father. As we come to understand what it is to be His loved, cared for child, we in turn learn to love Him with our whole mind, heart, soul and will.

Bible study review --Naomi Halverson’s

“Breaking Free” by Beth Moore

I love Beth Moore studies because it really gets me digging in the scripture, and contemplating how God’s Word relates to my life. It has been several years since I have done this particular study of hers, but it is one of my personal favorites. One of the main scriptures that is used for memorization in this study is found in Galatians 5:1 which says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” In this study, participants will learn what captivity is, and how it relates to us as believers. Beth uses the following definition to help us in our understanding of it. “A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him/her.” Beth leads the study participants through the benefits that God so graciously extends to His children as they break free from the bonds of captivity. These include:
1. To know God and believe Him
2. To glorify God
3. To find satisfaction in God
4. To experience God’s peace
5. To enjoy God’s presence

I highly recommend this study! In fact, just looking it over again makes me want to dig in, and go through it again!

Websites:
http://www.motherwise.org/ http://www.applesofgold.org/ www.Lifeway:Biblical solutions for Life-Helps for Ministers wives http://www.focusonthefamily.com/

MY OPINION IS

In each HEARTLINE you will be presented with “a question”. The question will give you three to four answer options to choose from. The response answers will be tabulated and the percentages will then be given in the following HEARTLINE issue. And, then again, another question with answer option will be given and so on.

QUESTION:
What is your preferred long distance communication method?

A. Phone
B. Letters
C. E-mail
D. Texting

We invite you to share your response to this question using the long distance communication method that you prefer. Please send your response to Kristi Swenson using that method. Letter-method address is: 1701 Terrace Dr., Minot, ND 58703 . Email ekswenson@hotmail.com. Telephone #612-209-8936. However, Kristi’s cell phone doesn’t text so you will need to use an alternate method if you prefer that means.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

RASPERRY DESSERT

Crust: 1 cup flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
mix, pat in bottom of 9x13 pan, bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned

Next Layer:
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup powdered sugar-mix and add 1 cup cool whip. Spread on cooled crust.

Next Layer:
Mix 2 packages raspberry jello with 2 cups boiling water.
Add 2 10 oz packages frozen raspberries while the jello is still hot.
Cool until it begins to gel, spread over cheese layer. Chill until set.
Top with 1 carton of cool whip.

OVEN-ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

1 bunch beets, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium rutabagas, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound baby carrots
2 large onions, quartered
2 pounds small red potatoes, cut in half, unpeeled
1 bunch parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Position rack in center of oven.
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place baking sheet in oven and roast vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they're brown and tender, about 45-60 minutes.

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Each HEARTLINE will present you with a corporate prayer suggestion for AFLC Pastors' wives.

Let’s begin our corporate prayer emphasis by examining our hearts. Ask the Lord “What are the areas in my heart that need to be surrendered to you?” Let’s pray specifically for the individual areas of your hearts that He reveals.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

INTERVIEW
WITH
PAULA MCLOUGHLIN
By Mary Pollestad

For the next few issues we will be having interviews with several pastor’s wives in our AFLC Family. Our first interview is with Paula McLaughlin. Paula is the mother of two children and she and her husband serve Timberland Ringbu and Hosanna Free Lutheran in rural Wisconsin.

When I asked Paula what she felt her ministry was in the church she immediately replied, “Encouraging ladies to more spiritual growth and to go deeper in the Word of God.” I then asked her what she felt her calling was within the church and immediately she said, “That would be the children.” “I like to teach them because they are so open and honest and so eager to grow to learn more about Jesus.” “They tell it like it is” she said “not like we adults who shy away sometimes” “I also like to go out on some of the visits with my husband.” When I asked her what she thought she could do for her husband to encourage him in the ministry she immediately said. “Encourage him all the time in whatever way I can.” “Just sitting and listening to him and being his confidant” “Also, I can help him in the ministry by making sure the things are done at home so when he gets home he doesn’t have to do them.” “Most of all, she said encouraging him by praying for him everyday.” “Also, if I have a positive attitude as a wife that really encourages my husband.”

If she was going to give a definition of the word surrender she said, “Surrender every aspect of your life all through the week.” “Whether you are in the grocery store, church or gas station.” “If your life is surrendered to Christ it will come out in your daily life.” “It will be evident.”