FOCUS

The Excellent Wife

There isn’t a one of us who doesn’t desire to become an Excellent Wife. For some it appears to come so easily. They seem to be the perfect example of the Excellent Wife. Maybe their personality type displays these excellent qualities easily with what seems to be no effort on their part. Then again, age may be the key and over time they have been tempered and they have indeed learned how to become an Excellent Wife. Truly it is a process of becoming. We do seek to “become” but we will never fully arrive at the “perfect” until we’re HOME!! You’re in safe company here (we haven’t arrived yet!) as we journey together in our understanding of what an Excellent Wife is. During the 2011 year we will discuss the Foundational Truths of the Excellent Wife and also the Faithful Commitments of the Excellent Wife. New topics concerning these areas will be posted six times a year (every two months). Please join us.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

The Wife's Respect
based on the book THE EXCELLECT WIFE by Martha Peace

Five Biblical principles that explain the wife's respect for her husband:

1. The wife Is to respect her husband.
The amplified Bible gives further insight into this verse from Ephesians 5:33. “...let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband – and that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates and esteems him, and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly.”

2. The wife is to respect his position.
As pastor's wives it may be fairly simple to show respect to our husbands when they are in the pulpit, but what about in his life – at home? The Lord would have us be “thankful in all things...” I Thessalonians 5:18. That means showing respect during the difficult times, such as in his failures. Respect him when he is just in his everyday, ordinary life.

3. The wife is to behave in a respectful manner.
Be especially cautious of your words, tone of voice, and countenance as you speak to your husband. Ephesians 4:29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...” Perhaps the most helpful thing you can do is ask your husband to hold you accountable for showing respect to him. Your willingness to let your husband help you in this way, reflects your level of maturity.

4. The wife is to reprove her husband respectfully.
If your husband is doing something wrong, and a reproof is needed, so so gently and privately in order to restore him to a right relationship with God. Scripture says, “Love … does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth...” I Corinthians 13:5,6.

5. The wife who is disrespectful may experience severe consequences.
The most likely consequence to disrespect would be a rebuke from your husband because he has the responsibility before God to reprove you - “...if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” After all, disrespect toward your husband is a sin! Or he may respond by feeling hurt, pouting, becoming bitter, angry, abusive, or defensive. None of us wants that, do we. Additionally, disrespecting our husband tarnishes the reputation of the Lord Jesus Christ since our response to our husbands should be, “...as is fitting in the Lord” (Colossians 3:18.)

Treating your husband with respect is not based on his merit, he doesn't have to first earn it. Respect is something you choose to give him, it's a heart attitude. On page 115 of the book THE EXCELLENT WIFE there is a self-assessment that would be beneficial for all. The book is worth buying, if for no other reason than to gauge your own personal level of respect. If you find yourself guilty of the sin of disrespecting your husband, confess it to God, realizing He will be “faithful and just to forgive...” (I John 1:9) and ask your husband's forgiveness too.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

The Issue of Anger

Anger is a tough subject to write on because it can entail so many other emotions such as forgiveness, resentment and many more. With God’s help only can we understand this word.

We can suppress a lot of things in our lives and then explode. Sometimes the explosion is not even involving the person that you exploded to. But it seems like the cap comes off or we have had enough and the suppression of some anger issues comes out. Do not let the sun go down before the anger is settled.

Sometimes we feel people owe something to us and then the issue is who are we looking at. Then anger piles up like a lot of building blocks and as soon as it is moved it topples over and spills out.

A giving person gives and gives and if the root of that giving gets destroyed that giving turns to non giving and then it turns to resentment which in turn turns to anger

God wants us to give everything to Him, even our anger. When anger strikes our soul we should always take it to the Lord immediately. Obedience is a decision we make. Obedience is immediate. When anger is gripping our soul we have to obey and give it to the Lord immediately. Rebellion is opposite of obedience. So if rebellion takes over and we do not want to give the anger over to the Lord we then are not being obedient.

Colossians 3:8 says “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” Ephesians 4:31 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you.”

These above verses speak to me. I am a Christian woman and I am to obey God’s word. His words above are what I am to do. He is not asking me if I would like to put away my anger. No, He says “Put away” which a command. As a Christian woman I have already made the choice to follow God. So in that choice I have to obey Him in everything. Not a have to with a rebellious spirit but a have to because I want Him to be in charge of my life. So as I write this the tears roll down my face and say “yes, lord I will put away my anger.” I want Jesus to be the center of my life and that means in this also.” “You take charge of that issue.”

Then a peace comes over our hearts and our souls are healed. “I will listen Lord to your commands.” Having peace in our souls is such wonderful refreshment.

CHECK IT OUT

Those Prepared are Usually Spared

As pastor’s wives we are placed in the special position of getting asked lots of questions seeking advice on a variety of topics. One subject that I have been asked about, is how do we protect our children and church's children from child predators. Most likely the question has come up in your church family. This is a difficult subject with one reason being the fact that the majority of child predators are family and friends. It’s not enough to tell our young to be wary of strangers. Our children are gifts from God. We need not leave these precious treasures defenseless but rather should arm them with information and instruction in how to identify and respond if a sexual predator makes an advance.

Several years ago, two books came to my attention(which I now recommend) which deal with this delicate issue. They are, Samuel Learns to Yell and Tell and Sara Sue Learns To Yell and Tell, by the Christian author Debi Pearl. These books are directed toward the young child up through early adolescence. Yell & Tell are written in a musical rhyme much like the old Concordia children’s books . Young Samuel is discreetly challenged by his mother and Sara Sue instructs her little sister to consider how to respond if faced with situations concerning sexual advances. More information is in the back of the book directed at parents. We are admonished to be wise and proactive, but not paranoid. One point that struck me was that if we as parents and churches are open with the fact that our children are on the alert for unwanted advances, and that they will “yell and tell” that predators will be less likely to strike our church or family. This is not a subject to be quiet about.

Samuel Learns to Yell & Tell is written from a Christian perspective with biblical encouragement, while Sara Sue Learns to Yell & Tell is directed towards the wider audience. I would encourage every family to own the set and to read them many times over. Giving a child this simple knowledge is arming them with wisdom to always yell and always tell. I was happy to find these books and put them in my library. They can be used as another tool given to parents as they seek to protect their children from those who would do them harm. The old adages “knowledge is power,” and forewarned is forearmed” holds true. It is only after you recognize the enemy that you can formulate an effective campaign against him. May we daily uphold our children in pray and seek His wisdom in how we are to guide and protect them . These books are available online on Amazon and www.nogreaterjoy.org

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

MOVING ON UP, OVER, AND AWAY

Most of us as will find our families making several moves during the years our husbands serve as pastors. Sometimes these moves are welcomed and anticipated, other times they are unwanted and difficult. Whatever the circumstances of the change of address for our families, we can take some practical steps to make the transition from one home to the next easier.

One of the best pieces of moving advice given to me, has been to take time to say good-bye to people and places. It's important to say those words of thanks and love to those who have blessed you during your stay at a congregation. It's important to acknowledge, and let your children express any sorrow they have at moving. It's often been said that children are resilient, and this is true to a point. However, it is very important we provide a safe, accepting environment to allow our families to share their varying emotions regarding a move. If time allows, it's also helpful to take "one last trip" to that special park, restaurant, or lake where your family created memories.

Planning is the #1 key in preparing for a successful move. Keeping a notebook or calendar with projects to be completed by a certain date can be a great motivator and organizational tool. It can be helpful to remember three words while preparing for a move - Purge, Preserve, and Pass-it-on. Get three boxes ready for each room of your house and fill them up. If you're goal is to fill up three boxes a day, think of how easily you'll be packed by moving day. Sometimes it helps to have a friend sit with you and ask you, "Are you really going to use this?" or, "Is this really worth the effort of packing, hauling, and unpacking?" If you're decision is to preserve an item, pack it carefully with like items and label it well so it's easy to find again. Consider giving "pass-it-on" items to friends who would appreciate them. If you have enough time before a move, a garage sale is a great way to earn some extra cash to set up house in your new location. Get pre-priced stickers and mark items for sale as you place them in your purge box. If time and energy are in short supply, donate items to your favorite local charity or thrift store.

Once those boxes are all packed and moving day has arrived, make the day flows as easily as possible for your family and for those helping you. Before helpers arrive, double check and make sure all boxes are clearly marked (according to room and type of items) and securely taped. Have items that are fragile labeled as such with a different color marker and put two people whom you know will handle those boxes with TLC in charge of them. If you have furniture that is disassembled before moving, put all necessary hardware into a sealed baggy and securely tape it to the furniture. If you have little ones at home, set up a babysitter (at their home) ahead of time. The commotion of moving is stressful not just on Mom and Dad, but on children as well. Provide your family and friends with plenty of drinks, and nutritious snacks or sandwiches to keep energy levels high. As a room is emptied, clean it and shut the door. If you have even two friends willing to help you clean as rooms are vacant, your cleaning time will go efficiently.

When you arrive at your new home's door, there are steps that can make unloading easier as well. Consider taking some paper signs labeled for each room so people know where to put boxes. It saves so much time to have boxes delivered right to the kitchen or bedroom so setting those rooms go smoother. If you're moving into a home with light carpets, or it's simply a muddy time of year, buy plastic sheeting to lay down on the floor to keep your new home's pathways cleaner. Again, provide healthy snacks and beverages for those helping you set up your new home. End your day with thanking God for your former home, and asking His blessing on your new one!

IDEAS THAT WORK

DID YOU KNOW . . .

· Health is a three-legged stool? Supplements, Diet, Exercise/Rest. One leg gone and your health will teeter.

· Supplements are to be taken according to each individual’s needs? Common needs: multi-vitamins, extra vitamin C, essential oils (i.e., fish, flax, coconut, etc.), fiber (i.e., ground flax, bran, etc.)

· What you put into your mouth matters? High quality, whole foods are essential. Buy or grow organic fruits and vegetables. Buy or raise free range, wild caught, hormone free meats. Bake your own bread. Get a blood test to determine your intolerable or allergenic foods. Your weight will come into balance once those foods are eliminated! Drink 8 to 10 glasses purified water a day to flush out toxins and help maintain bodily functions. Before eating or drinking ask yourself, “Will this substance harm or help my body?”

· There is a balance needed for exercise and rest? Our bodies were made to move. To maintain health and weight, 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. To lose weight, 60+ minutes aerobic exercise a day. After 20 minutes of aerobic exercise, your body begins to burn fat. Weight bearing and stretching exercises three times a week. Muscle burns fat. Rest 8 to 10 hours a night to rebuild your body and allow your immune system to work.

· Trying to determine your health needs on your own is like trying to shoot at targets with a blindfold (it can be difficult, even if you are well read)? You may or may not hit your needs. It is best to check with a naturopathic doctor (ND) for your specific needs, especially if you are suffering from some physical issues. (www.naturopathic.org)

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...” Hosea 4:6

KEY TO HEALTH: Application of good knowledge.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

Pan-Fried Onion Dip

Yield: About 2 cups of dip
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

2 large yellow onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise

1. Cut the onions in half and then slice them into 1/8-inch thick half-rounds (will result in about 3 cups of onions). Heat the butter and oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions, cayenne, salt and pepper and sauté for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 more minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized. Allow the onions to cool.

2. Place the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth. Add the onions and mix well. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Honey-Oatmeal Sandwich Bread

Yield: One (1) 9×5-inch loaf

Mix Time: 20 minutes
Total Rise Time: 2½ hours
Bake Time: 45 minutes

1¼ cups (10 ounces) boiling water
1 cup (3½ ounces) old-fashioned rolled oats

2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces

1½ teaspoons salt

¼ cup (3 ounces) honey
1 cup (4 ounces) whole wheat flour
1-2/3 cups (7 ounces) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (1 ounce) nonfat dry milk
2 teaspoons instant yeast

1. Place the boiling water, oats, butter, salt and honey into a medium bowl, stir, and let the mixture cool to lukewarm.

2. Mix the remaining dough ingredients with the oat mixture, and knead – by hand, mixer or bread machine – until you’ve made a soft, smooth dough. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour; the dough should be doubled in bulk.

3. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gently deflate the dough – it’ll be sticky, so oil your hands – and shape it into a 9-inch log. Place it in the prepared pan. Cover it gently with lightly greased plastic wrap, and allow it to rise until it has crowned 1½ inches over the rim of the pan, about 1 to 1½ hours. Near the end of the bread’s rising time, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

4. Uncover and bake the bread for about 45 minutes, tenting it with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. The bread is done when it’s golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 190 degrees F. Remove it from the oven, and after a minute or so turn it out onto a rack. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with additional oats. Cool the bread completely before cutting it.

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear Father,
When I wake in the morning, may I ask You to remind me of Your desire for me to respect my husband. May my words and actions towards him be ones that show respect. When I speak about him to others, may my words not be ones that tear him down, but that build him up. May the looks that I give him be given with eyes of love and honor, and not with scorn and ridicule. May I respect him for who You made him to be, and not for who I think he ought to be. May my love and reverence for You, be reflected in the love and reverence I hold for my husband.
In your precious name,
Amen.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An Interview with Cheryl Skordahl

Cheryl Skordahl lives in Pipestone, Minnesota. Her husband Dave Skordahl serves as part-time Associate Pastor at Christ the King Free Lutheran Church in Pipestone. Cheryl is her husband’s helper! She helps him by keeping their home clean and orderly; and also prepares healthy and nutritious meals. She sends him off in the morning with a yummy breakfast and a big kiss! They have two married children and seven grandchildren.

When I asked Cheryl what she thought her ministry was now at Christ the King Free Lutheran Church she said, “Since both of our children are grown and I don’t work outside the home, I am grateful to have lots of time to also work within the church.” “I was asked to be the coordinator of the Cradle Roll.” She said, “Which I accepted wholeheartedly as a ministry to the young families at our church.” In addition to giving Bibles at the time of baptism and distributing the Cradle Roll brochures Cheryl also organizes a meal to be delivered at the time of birth and pays special attention to visiting with the young moms at the church. “ In the future,” she said “I plan to organize a get-together time for young moms and their preschool children.” “ In addition to Cradle Roll, I am on the Campus Vision Team – a team the congregation elected to review the church building structure and make recommendations for changes to the Board of Trustees.” I also am on the Church Decorating Team.”

I asked Cheryl the question if she were to encourage our pastor’s wives or Seminettes what words of encouragement would she say? “ The words I would use to encourage all Pastor’s wives and Seminettes would be to listen and obey the Word of the Lord.” “Then,” she said, “Do all you can whenever you can to further the Kingdom of God.” Cheryl said, “Since there are different phases in life, the “doing” will be different from time to time.” “When the children are young, build the Kingdom of God in them.” “Later,” she said, “will come a time to spread your wings and move beyond the home.” “Remember, she said, “throughout all of life, your responsibility lies in hearing the Word of the Lord and obeying it through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I asked Cheryl to share with us her favorite verse from scripture. She shared Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Thank you Cheryl, for these uplifting and encouraging words.

FOCUS

The Excellent Wife

There isn’t a one of us who doesn’t desire to become an Excellent Wife. For some it appears to come so easily. They seem to be the perfect example of the Excellent Wife. Maybe their personality type displays these excellent qualities easily with what seems to be no effort on their part. Then again, age may be the key and over time they have been tempered and they have indeed learned how to become an Excellent Wife. Truly it is a process of becoming. We do seek to “become” but we will never fully arrive at the “perfect” until we’re HOME!! You’re in safe company here (we haven’t arrived yet!) as we journey together in our understanding of what an Excellent Wife is. During the 2011 year we will discuss the Foundational Truths of the Excellent Wife and also the Faithful Commitments of the Excellent Wife. New topics concerning these areas will be posted six times a year (every two months). Please join us.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

LOVE, the WIFE’S C H O I C E
From the book THE EXCELLENT WIFE by Martha Peace

Did you notice the emphasis on the word “Choice?” How could you help but notice? It could be an insignificant word, but I “chose” to give it emphasis. No matter what has happened between a husband and wife, if we choose to ask, the Lord can give love for each other that was never dreamed possible. We need only ask, and the Lord will give.

Even under trying circumstances, we can show love to our husbands because God’s “grace is sufficient” (II Corinthians 12:9). God will give us supernatural power (grace) to show love, if we obey God by thinking loving thoughts and doing loving actions toward our husbands. There are times when we need to put our feelings on the shelf, even go directly against feelings and do what we know is right – showing and acting love to our husbands.

Martha Peace says, that when godly love is expressed between husband and wife, they will often experience tender feelings and a sweetness that they never experienced during the early years of “romantic” love.

We as women are usually good at choosing to be neighborly – sharing a cup of sugar, giving garden transplants, getting together for no other reason than just to be together. “Love your neighbor” is the way the Bible says it in Matthew 22:39. We are reminded to give our husband’s this same kind of consideration. She says, in fact, that our husbands are our closest neighbors! Wow, that’s worth our consideration, isn’t it?

The author teaches that there are three categories of sin that will destroy love in a marriage: Selfishness, bitterness or fear – and often a combination of these three.

Selfishness: It is revolutionary in our American culture today to hear someone express the “Deny yourself” concept. The idea of “Putting others first” is so foreign. Yet that is exactly what God asks us to do. If husbands and wives are to have joy and fulfillment in marriage, each must put themselves aside and place God and others first.

Bitterness: Wives may express that they feel “hurt” and “resentful” toward their husbands. These emotions are how women feel when they are bitter. If you feel ungrateful, vengeful, have a loss of joy or excessive sorrow, are critical or brooding – you may be manifesting bitterness. Since bitterness hinders biblical love, ask the Lord to reveal the percentage of your fault, then take responsibility for that percentage by the “Put Off-Put On” method as recorded in Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart… and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

Fear: A common struggle for many wives, fear makes it difficult to love our husbands. Whether the fear may be that he will die, leave you, or even abuse you in some way, the key to overcoming fear is to trust God and love your husband. I Peter 3:6 says “do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”

Love is the character quality on which we must concentrate. Memorize I Corinthians 13:4-7 and write out each aspect of love within this Scripture. What concrete ways can you express love to your husband through your thoughts or your actions?

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

A WIFE’S LONELINESS

There are many examples of loneliness in the Bible. Some of these are Elijah, Jeremiah and Paul. There are also many reasons for loneliness. One woman’s loneliness may not be another woman’s.

Loneliness just like anything else can become the main thought pattern of your life. When it becomes the only thing you dwell on it will draw you away from the Lord.
It will capture you. That is when the focus becomes on us and not on the Lord. The tempter then can take us into many areas of loneliness but we must remember that the Lord can overcome these things. He is powerful. Sometimes we get so ensnared in the loneliness that we cannot focus on what the Lord can do for us to help us with the loneliness.

There is a chorus of a song I like to sing when I am lonely.

You’ll never be lonely again never again.
If you will open your hearts door to Him,
He will brush away your tears and forget your
Foolish fears, you’ll never be lonely again.
Never Again.

Now some may say, this little chorus is talking about coming to know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. The songwriter may have been talking about that but for me, when I am lonely there are many different things that make me lonely. Sometimes it is tears and sometimes it is foolish fears. If I open my heart to Him I won’t be lonely. The circumstances may not have changed around me but I will feel and know His presence and I will feel peaceful.

There are many Bible verses that we can use during our lonely times.

Psalm 9:9,10 says The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Those are powerful words for any of us who suffer with loneliness. Be aware that loneliness can be a struggle that we deal with all of our lives but also be aware that God is the one to give the victory during those lonely times. He wants to hear you say to Him that you are lonely and that you need Him to help you. Don’t delay always pray.

CHECK IT OUT

Life Interrupted, Navigating the Unexpected
By Priscilla Shirer

I don’t usually select a book because of it’s title, but the title of this book caught my interest. In Life Interrupted Navigating the Unexpected Priscilla Shirer wants to help us see that life’s interruptions are really God’s divine interruptions. In our lives when something doesn’t go the way we planned we often blame God for this interruption in our life. Priscilla reminds us that God is there, “He is right in the middle of every interruption.”

By taking an in depth look at Jonah and how he dealt with the interruptions in his life, Ms. Shirer shows us how we need to seek God’s forgiveness for our sin and allow God to use these interruptions for His glory. She also reminds us that our God is a God of second chances.

This paragraph from the book sums it up pretty well, “My purpose in writing this book is primarily to help folks like you and me learn how to see our life interruptions as divine interventions and begin surrendering to the authority and sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ. I also want to remind us to receive and respond well to our second chances when we’ve blown the first ones.”

I wasn’t expecting to learn so many lessons from the life of Jonah, but the author has done a good job of showing me how I need to learn from Jonah and let God have control of my life’s interruptions.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

Falling Forward

Fall is in the air! Here in the UP of Michigan, the leaves are at the very beginning stages of displaying their beautiful autumnal tones. The evenings are getting cooler, the air is getting crisper, and before we know it our church and family schedules will follow their new Fall agendas. It's a great time of year for new starts in terms of our home habits and organizational plans.

I'm sure you've noticed that there are many totes, baskets, bins, and bulletin boards on the market. Sales are in swing now as students prepare for their academic year. Managers of the home - take advantage of these good markdowns and products in helping your home function more smoothly.

I've read two pieces of advice when it comes to storage of items family used on a seasonal basis and for keepsake items that aren't on everyday display. The first was to keep labeled cardboard boxes in the garage. I did this for a few years and decided it was not the best system. The boxes got dusty from being in the garage, temperatures fluctuated from lows to highs, and in some regions bugs feasted on cardboard. The next tip I found was the best. Use transparent plastic totes with self locking lids. It's still a great idea to label the totes with an adhesive sticker and a sharpie marker, however being able to glance through the tote's walls and see what's inside saves a lot of time hunting and pecking when you're searching for an item.

A great tool for keeping track of school papers/medical records/receipts is an expandable pocket folder. I've lost more time than I care to think about looking for an important paper I sat down in a special place so I wouldn't lose it, only to not remember where that special place was. There are many bright and cheery colored folders to choose from, and the usually run around $3.00. Choose a different color for each category of papers you need to keep track of and store them all in one place.

Calendars are another tool that make the running of the home easier. I have found that the super large perforated paper ones that you can find at your local super store for under $5 work the best. Have the current month up where everyone can see it. For us that's on the side of the refrigerator. Those big sheets give ample room to record everyone's comings and goings.

I pray as we fall forward into Fall, it will be a with a renewed zeal, joy, and commitment in serving our families for His glory.

IDEAS THAT WORK

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

MAGNESIUM

The average American does not consume enough magnesium. 90-95% are deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is the most important mineral in your body and participates in over 300 hormonal reactions!

Magnesium deficiencies lead to: insomnia, sleep-disorders, fatigue, body-tension, headaches, heart-disorders, low energy, high blood pressure, PMS, muscle tension, backaches, constipation, kidney stones, osteoporosis, accelerated aging, depression, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, muscle cramps, spasms, irritability, eye twitches, neck pain, difficulty swallowing or lump in throat after eating sugar, loud noise sensitivity, uptightness, salt cravings, chocolate cravings, etc. Consuming proper levels of magnesium relieves all the above problems and also helps: prevent and reverse kidney stone formation, relieve fibromyalgia and chronic pain, treat asthma and emphysema, etc.

The recommended daily allowance is of magnesium is 320 mg for women and 400 mg for men. Ideally, we should be getting 500 – 700 mg per day. People with chronic kidney failure should be careful with magnesium because toxic build up could occur; however, it is difficult to reach toxic levels with people who have normal kidneys. You will know if you have too much because the result will be diarrhea. Easy fix – just back off on the amount of magnesium. Magnesium and calcium intake needs to be about 1 to 2 ratio. If you take 500 mg magnesium supplements then you should take 1000 mg calcium supplements. You may need to adjust if you get good amounts from your diet.

Magnesium rich foods include a variety of whole foods, nuts, seeds and green vegetables. AVOID: refined processed foods.

Supplement with magnesium citrate. Peter Gilliam’s CALM or Magna Calm are two excellent products; used on a short-term basis because magnesium from foods is best.

Yogurt and probiotics help build beneficial bacteria and yeast in your intestines which help absorb magnesium. 1 T. Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar in ½ cup filtered water ½ hour before meals helps magnesium absorption too.

Get your calcium/magnesium levels corrected and most of your medical symptoms will disappear.

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

Chicken and Biscuit Pie

Ingredients
FILLING:
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups vegetables of your choice (left-overs or frozen ones that have been thawed)
Salt and pepper

BISCUIT TOPPING
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
3/4 cup milk

Instructions
Melt the butter on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or other oven-safe sauté pan with high sides. Stir in the onion and celery, then cover the pan and cook them for 7 to 8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the flour, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly brown it.

Whisk the chicken stock into the pan. When it starts to thicken, whisk in the milk. Add the sage, thyme, chicken, and vegetables, continuing to stir until the mixture is heated through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Remove the pan from the stovetop and heat the oven to 375 F. Meanwhile, make the biscuit topping by combining the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the dry ingredients. Add the milk and stir briskly, just until the dough pulls together.

Flour your work surface and turn the dough onto it. Using floured hands, knead the dough two or three times, then flatten it to about 1/2 inch thick. Using a small round cutter, cut the dough into biscuits and place as many as will fit, barely touching, on top of the filling. (You can bake any extras separately, on a lightly greased pie plate, for about 15 minutes.)

Bake the potpie until the biscuits are golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 20 to 30 minutes. Then let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving it. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Recipes by Disney family fun.com

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried, sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Premade pastry for an 8- or 9-inch 2 crust pie
4 small, cored baking apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup water

Instructions
Combine the raisins, cranberries, walnuts and spices in a bowl and set aside. On a lightly floured cloth-covered surface, roll out the pastry into a 14-inch square, then cut it into 4 squares. Place a cored apple on top of each square and fill the center with the raisin and cranberry mix.

Cover each apple with its pastry square by bringing the opposite corners up over the fruit and pinching them together. Then, seal together all of the pastry edges, moistening them with water if needed. Place the dumplings in a glass baking dish.

In a saucepan, bring the brown sugar and water to a boil, and then pour it over the dumplings (a parent's job). Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven, spooning the syrup over the dumplings a few times, until the crust is golden (about 40 minutes).

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Dear Father,
We confess that our idea of love is so far from Your own. It is far too easy for us to buy into the world's definition of love and forget what Your standard is. Feelings come and go, but your command to love our husbands is based on Your Word, not on our emotional state. Remind us to be faithful in expressing love for our spouses as a reflection of our love for You. During times of loneliness in our marriages, turn our eyes and hearts to You to fill the empty spaces in our lives. As we grow in the realization that with You, we are never alone, may we praise You for being our ever faithful guide and comfort.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

An Interview with Sherri Scavo

Sherri and her husband Pastor Craig Scavo serve Faith Lutheran in Durant Oklahoma. They have two grown children and one grandchild.

When I asked Sherri what her ministry was in the church she immediately said, “My biggest ministry is supporting my husband.” She has been involved in youth, music and WMF ministries. She replied, “I let the Lord draw me into the ministry He wants me to be in.” “The Lord took me into a ministry once that I didn’t think I felt comfortable with but it turned out to be a blessing.”

When I asked Sherri if she could encourage the pastor’s wives what would she say to them she responded with, “Be aware and present in your congregation.” “It is not about the ministry that you do it is just being aware of the members of the congregations.” “This is true for the seminettes as well,” she said, “letting your fellow seminettes know that you care.”

Sherri gave an example of a practical side to being aware and present in the congregation. “For instance, she said, “if there is a lady who is not very vocal but is extremely sensitive in your congregation and the Lord prompts you to call her and you do, you then are being obedient to the Lord.” “Maybe she just wanted someone to visit her and for you to just listen.” “By doing that we show that we care for her.”

“All of us women can be aware of other women and respond to them by letting the Lord lay that woman on our hearts.” “Even by letting them know that you are going to pray for them.” “ It isn’t being a fixer but it is just being aware of what God wants for us.” She said. “ During the 6 years that I have been a pastor’s wife, I have learned that in the ministry just be who you are.” “God uses you for who you are.” “Don’t try to be somebody you are not because they will see right through it”

Another encouragement that Sherri shared with me was to always respond to someone who asks you to serve in this or that capacity with, “I am going to pray about that and talk to my husband and I will get back to you.” Sometimes we are too quick to say no or yes and when we choose to do this properly there is not a negative response. “After all who will argue with you when you say you have to pray about it and talk to your husband”?

When I asked Sherri if she had a favorite Bible verse she said yes and it is placed on my fridge. It was one that she had from seminettes. I Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up just as you are doing (ESV)

“Be aware and encourage one another.” “Don’t get wrapped up in the negativism of the world.” She said. “Be an encouragement to your family, husband and your fellow believers and non-believers.” “Non-believers recognize when individuals are encouraging.” “When we have the spirit of positivism and not negativism, that raises the question, what is in her to make her happy”?

“In seminettes we encouraged each other in those times of long hours and separation from family.” She reported. “We were there for each other to build one another up during this wonderful, blessed and yet trying experience.” “Always encourage our husbands,” she reminded. “They constantly need encouragement they are not only Pastors but men with daily struggles.”

“ Just like eating is a daily practice so is reading the Word.” “We cannot do any of this with out the Word of God feeding us.”

FOCUS

The Excellent Wife

There isn’t a one of us who doesn’t desire to become an Excellent Wife. For some it appears to come so easily. They seem to be the perfect example of the Excellent Wife. Maybe their personality type displays these excellent qualities easily with what seems to be no effort on their part. Then again, age may be the key and over time they have been tempered and they have indeed learned how to become an Excellent Wife. Truly it is a process of becoming. We do seek to “become” but we will never fully arrive at the “perfect” until we’re HOME!! You’re in safe company here (we haven’t arrived yet!) as we journey together in our understanding of what an Excellent Wife is. During the 2011 year we will discuss the Foundational Truths of the Excellent Wife and also the Faithful Commitments of the Excellent Wife. New topics concerning these areas will be posted six times a year (every two months). Please join us.

WORDS TO INSPIRE

HOME, the Wife’s Domain
Based on the book THE EXCELLENT WIFE by Martha Peace

I enjoy genealogy as a hobby. In my census research, I have noticed that under the category “occupation” all of the women in my families’ past have answered with the words “keeping house.”

What does the Bible say about “keeping house?”

When studying the Proverbs 31 woman, I note that 9 out of the 22 verses refer directly to her work in the home. The Titus 2, 3-5 directive says that women are intended to be “workers at home.” In I Timothy 5:14,15 it states that women are to “keep house.” Martha Peace says that the Greek word for “keep house” is oikodespoteo, that means literally to “guide or rule the house.”

The Biblical concept of a “worker in the home” is not popular in today’s culture, but God gives a clear directive that He intends for women to work in the home and do a good job of caring for their families. Younger women are usually highlighted, as they have children to watch over and train as well as a house to be kept clean. THE EXCELLENT WIFE says that a wife who is gone with too many activities or work may not have the time nor the energy to keep her home as it should be kept, which I agree with. Older women also need to take homemaking seriously and influence their grandchildren in the ways of the Lord. No matter what our age, we need to care for our husbands – even more so when the husband is a pastor!

A personal inventory about the role of homemaking for the Christian woman may include the following questions:

What is your heart set on?
Are material possessions of too much importance?
Are your children/grandchildren high on your list of importance?
Do you have the Biblical mindset of housework being “homemaking?”
Have you bought into the pervasive cultural attitude that a woman who stays at home is an “non-person” and has little value?

A frequently quoted axiom is “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” We smile as we read this quote but a frown comes quickly when truly “Mama ain’t happy.” Either the extreme of perfectionism or laziness can cause emotional stress in homemaking, so both must be avoided or happiness will be destroyed. God wants us to set the tone of joy, optimism, and delight in the Lord and in our families, so consider meditating on Psalm 145:5-10 – read it repeatedly and incorporate the verses into your life. As you go about your daily chores sing hymns and praise songs with “with thankfulness in your heart to God.” Smile and share with your family members what wonderful things God has done for you and for them. A wife’s home is her domain. With the Lord’s strength, make yours a home where faith grows in a calming, soothing, and reassuring atmosphere.