FOCUS

Biblical Womanhood

What is the Legacy of Biblical womanhood? What is Biblical Womanhood? It is not surprising that the secular world is confused about the identity and calling of woman. But what can be distressing is the extent to which this has happened within the evangelical world. To understand this heritage ourselves enables us to pass it on to the next generation (a Titus 2 approach to relationships) During the 2010 year we would like to present a series of 5 Themes concerning the topic of Biblical Womanhood. (these are possibly not all inclusive concerning the subject BUT they do give “food for thought”) We may also conclude our series with thoughts on seeing Biblical womanhood “lived out “ in our churches. God Bless you in your pursuit of holding to a Biblical Womanhood perspective in a secular world. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

WORDS TO INSPIRE

"Continuing in our series on Biblical Womanhood concerning the topic:

The Authority Structure that
Releases Women to Fulfill their Creation Design.

We teach our children that mom and dad are the authority at home – as well; we need to teach them that the Elders, (Deacons, Church Council) are the authority in the church. We all, as members of the church, voluntarily place ourselves in submission to them. As we do this submitting voluntarily, we are positioning ourselves to receive the blessings, benefits and protection of the church.

We as redeemed helpers are not threatened by this type of headship in the church, instead we value God’s design and order. Redeemed women know that this submission has nothing to do with status, but has to do with function. This is similar to the functional submission in the Holy Trinity (as explained further in a previous article.) Submission is built into the way God has ordered life in the kingdom, and it is good because God is good. Headship and submission are God’s ordained order for achieving oneness in marriage and unity in the church.

Those of us who are married want our husband to be a leader who cherishes us – but we don’t want to be coddled. Coddling will lead to immaturity and weakness. In 1978, when I was in the process of being healed from an acute depression, my husband learned this truth – I had remained immature and weak because of being coddled. He learned skills that enabled me to be strong and carry on the daily routine when he was absent – yet I remained submissive to him as the head of our home and family. You too are strongest when you fulfill all your duties in the strength of the Lord, and under the headship of your husband.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

Liberated Through Submission

Sometimes we get submission and surrender mixed up when we are thinking about submissiveness. Let’s look at some definitions. Submission according to Webster’s Dictionary defines the word submit as ‘to Yield,’ which is voluntary. Submission in our world today and in the past has not received the right definition applied to it by many. When the word submission is stated the thoughts go more towards Surrender. According to Webster’s Dictionary surrender means “to give oneself up into the power of another.” The word surrender is a military term. It means a war is taking place and someone wins and someone will lose. Submission is yielding it is not a war.

Did you know that submission is powerful because it operates on faith? “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Heb. 11:6. Whether we are talking to married women or single women in the ministry we must explain to them that it is faith that submission operates on. God is the intervention and we must allow Him to do so. A small example is the yield sign when we are driving. We must yield to the other car that may be coming. Yielding is submission. While we operate on faith patience is one of the largest ingredients in submission. Yet, by today’s standards to have patience only means that we are releasing control of the situation. When we don’t have the patience to wait and the faith to believe then sometimes God can’t intervene. We simply get in the way and try to figure out how best we can handle the situation. Submission then has stopped and we are standing in the way of the Lord’s intervention.

A constant prayer over the situation is immensely important. Talking and praying to the Lord. Even saying one word that reminds you of the situation in prayer helps us to get back on track and to have faith and patience. This allows you then to yield again to the Lord’s intervention. Let’s try to make submission to God, to our husbands and situations a priority in our lives.

CHECK IT OUT

Becoming a Vessel GOD CAN USE –by Donna Partow

What does it take to be a woman who makes a difference in her world? Do you have to be perfect? Do your spices have to be in alphabetical order?

Those are quite the questions; aren’t they ? What do you think? For several years I have had on my refrig a little saying “If you want to change the world, you yourself must be changed” I have found it to be true in my life that His allowing me to be broken, to be humbled, to be transformed all of this, has been His process of helping me to “become” . To Become a Vessel GOD Can Use. There isn’t a one of use who doesn’t want to feel that our lives have use and value but sometimes (actually many times) His means of using us and His means of helping us to BECOME is far different then we would have ever though (or chosen)! This book is indeed a must read to help turn your heart towards Him in this process. It comes with a study quide included in it.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

A New Point of View

Many of us as a pastor’s wife live far away from our mother, sisters, and long time friends. Because of this challenge, we often miss out on the friendly, trusted advice and counsel those dear women provide for us in the caring of our homes, families, and selves. I encourage each of you to find someone in your present circle who can help fill those areas in your life. Finding such a friend wherever we have lived, has been such a blessing to me as I manage our home and family.

My Mom is a talented nurse and super Grandma. She also is an excellent pantry organizer! I really think she could get her own Pantry Makeover TV show, but she’d rather put her efforts into arranging my soup cans and Tupperware when she makes visits to my home. In handing my jumble of plastic lids and canned goods over to my mother’s hands four times a year, I’m providing her with a way to express her gift, and I gain tidy cupboards.

When it’s time to go through my closet, I enlist the eyes of a local friend who knows what I really wear, will eventually wear, and will never wear. My dear friend Victoria was my set of eyes and voice of reason during our days in Iowa. She would perch herself on my bed with a good cup of tea and kindly but firmly say “Give Away,” “Throw Away”, and “Keep.” My husband also recognized her gift and allowed her to do the same with his side of the closet. We gained much closet space and Victoria was blessed to help us in a way that expressed her time and talent well.

Currently, I am experiencing my second season as a U.P. gardener. The growing season is short, the weather unpredictable, and my skills are much in need of improving. God has blessed us with a wonderful neighbor, Ron, who is known as THE gardener in our community. Recognizing the needs of our large family to be able to put up vegetables for the winter months, Ron blessed us with tomato, pepper, and bean plants. He gives us the thumbs up when it’s time to plant, gives advice about the local soil and how to treat it, and when to cover plants on nights of possible frost. By using his expertise, we’ll be the recipients of scrumptious produce, and Ron has been blessed to help his new neighbors.

I pray for you that you will find a new set of eyes to assist you in your home, and in doing so strengthen friendships with those in your church and community.

IDEAS THAT WORK

HEALTH for BODY (Physical) SOUL (Mind, Will, Emotions) SPIRIT (Spiritual)

Read: I Corinthians 9:25-27

Exercise

“What can you do consistently?” Memorable words from my doctor regarding exercise. Start with small goals – increase those goals as you become stronger.

Alternate between aerobics 3-5 times a week and stretching/strength training the other times a week. Aerobics (fast walking, running, water aerobics, etc.) brings oxygen into our bodies, builds stamina, strengthens our hearts, flushes toxins, and reduces adrenal stress. Anaerobics/Stretching/Strength Training (lifting weights, isometric contractions, weight machines, push-ups, chin-ups, stomach crunches, sit-ups, slow stretching exercises, etc.) builds strength and makes our muscles strong. Muscle burns fats and flushes toxins.

Check with your doctor first. As you find exercises you enjoy, you will be more consistent and look forward to your workouts.

Benefits of Exercise

Rapid breathing eliminates gases in our body that become harmful if they build up. Increased blood flow helps keep plaque from building up in your arteries while stimulating your liver to do its duties. Cell function improves with acceleration of carbon dioxide, oxygen and nutrient exchange. Exercise normalizes levels of cortisol, insulin, blood glucose, growth hormone, thyroid and other hormones and puts more oxygen into your brain. These are only some of the benefits of exercise. The greatest advantage of exercise is how much better it makes you feel!

Rest

Our bodies require at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Short naps are wonderful between 3 pm – 5 pm when our adrenal glands are screaming for a break (10-15 minutes is great)! We also need to take at least one day off a week. We need to guard our rest time so we can continue our duties. Another quote from a doctor, “No one has the right to your energy. Learn to say, “No.” when you need to guard your rest time.” The Lord will give us balance as we pray for wisdom!

Resource: www.sparkpeople.com

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

Glazed Teriyaki Meatballs & Noodles

12 oz. Uncooked spaghetti noodles
1 ¾ Pounds 90% lean ground beef
½ Cup finely chopped onion
¼ Cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp Asian Seasoning Mix
1 bag (16 oz) frozen stir- fry vegetable blend such as broccoli carrots and pea pods thawed
1 Cup prepared teriyaki base and glaze divided
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves, pealed and sliced

Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package directions, drain and set aside. Meanwhile combine beef, onion, bread crumbs egg and seasoning mix in mixing bowl. Mix well. Using a scoop form 24 meatballs place into pan microwave, covered, n high 5-7 minutes or until outside surfaces of meatballs are no longer pink; drain. Add vegetables and ¾ cup of the base and glaze. Cover, microwave 4-6 minutes or until internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160F.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil I (12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat 1-3 minutes or until shimmering. Cook garlic 1-2 minutes or until light brown, stirring occasionally. Add noodles and remaining ¼ cup base and glaze; cook 3-4 minutes or until hot. Divide noodles evenly among bowls. Top with glazed meatballs and vegetables.

**Recipe provided by Pampered Chef**

Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Cake

Crust Filling
1 Pkg fudge covered mint cookies 1 qt mint chocolate chip ice cream
2 Tbs butter melted 1 qt chocolate ice cream
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbs powdered sugar
1/8 tsp peppermint extract

1. For crust place 25 of the cookies in a resalable plastic bag and crush into fine crumbs. Place crumbs into bowl. Add butter mix well. Press crumb mixture into bottom of spring form pan and place pan in freezer until ready to fill.

2. Line inside collar of pan with remaining cookies. For filling place mint chocolate chip ice cream in refrigerator for 20 minutes to soften. Scoop mint chocolate chip ice cream onto crust. Carefully spread ice cream evenly over crust. Cove rand freeze for 1 hour. Place chocolate ice cream in refrigerator 20 minutes before removing cake from freezer. Scoop chocolate ice cream over mint ice cream. Carefully spread evenly and return to freezer.

3. Place cream in chilled bowl beat on high speed of electric hand mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Continue beating just until still peaks form. Spread cream over chocolate ice cream. Freeze cake until firm at least 6 hours or overnight.

**Recipe provided by Pampered Chef**

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear Father,
So many days, in so many ways, we struggle with the idea of submission. The world teaches us that we are liberated to do what we want to do, when we want to do it, and however we want to carry out our desires. Lord, please cause us to remember that our one and true liberation is in the forgiveness you provided us through Jesus’ death and triumphant resurrection. May your Word remind us daily that as we submit, we are doing so “as unto the Lord.” May we find abundant joy in living our lives to the fullest according to your perfect plan. Your Word exhorts us to 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” As women of grace, help us live a life of bold beauty and creative compassion as we name Your name, the name above all names. We seek to submit ultimately to You in every area of our lives. Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An Interview With Pam Cherney

Pam and her husband Frank Cherney serve Trinity Free Lutheran in Janesville, WI. They have four grown daughters and ten grandchildren.

I asked Pam what she felt the Lord has shown her to be her ministry in the present church that she is in. “Well, she said, that would have to be visiting with the shut INS and those in the hospital.” “There were many years that I could not go with my husband to visit but now I can.” “It is such a blessing and I truly believe the people enjoy it also.” She said. “I would have to say the other ministry that God has given me is to take care of children.” “I remember how someone took care of our children and helped me when Frank was in Seminary and I was in Bible School.” “Now at this time in my life I am able to do that for other couples that are in need of childcare also.” Pam recited Philippians 4:13 immediately when I asked her what her favorite Bible verse was. “In our first parish, someone brought over a plaque with this verse on it and it has blessed me since.” “There has been many a time that I have gotten through with this verse.”

I asked Pam for words of encouragement for all of the pastor’s wives and she quickly stated, “Prayer”. “Prayer is the key no matter if you are 25 years in the ministry or if you are just going out for the first time.” “You can be a good listener to your husband but he still may need prayer for the situation or the problem and you can give him that.” As an empty nester she said, “That God really prepared them when the last one left.” “It is a blessing to do things with your husband that you couldn’t do before and you can both concentrate on each other.”