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

Passing this Legacy on to the Next Generation

Throughout the Old Testament God tells us that one generation is to tell the next generation about Him. “We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD,
and his might, and the wonders he has done” (Psalm 78:4).

This instruction is not just a principle - it can be applied practically. We are to “talk to them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

In Titus this command is made gender-specific:

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanders or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled (Titus 2:3-5).

I trust that this series has aided you, as it has me. Lord, teach us to be redeemed helpers to our husbands, servants in the church, and teacher of the truth to our children, grandchildren, and other women who need this Biblical understanding.

NEEDS OF THE REAL WORLD

Nurturing Mothers
How to Raise Feminine Daughters

One of the most blessed things we can do as mothers is right away when our daughters are born is to let them sense the closeness that you have with them and the spirit of the Lord that is within you. They will feel that from the very beginning each day as you are with them. Do our daughters know that we love Jesus with all of our hearts? Do our lives show it in our actions? Can our children picture us sitting somewhere in a chair or by the bed reading God’s Word or praying every day? Do they know that you love the Lord first in your life?

A spiritual mother develops closeness with their daughter so that they don’t feel loneliness or a feeling of confusion. She instills in them that their purpose in life is God’s glory. We as mothers should teach her that in all the decisions that she makes in her life that she asks the Lord. “Doing everything to God’s glory” I Corinthians 10:31.

The strongest thing that we can give our daughters is teaching them the Word of God. There they can rest assured for everything in their lives. When the temptations come for our daughters to go to feelings they will learn from us mothers that it is to the Word of God that we go to for faith and Love. We must be wise women of faith and warn our daughters too of the temptations of life and ungodliness also.

Mothers should always be in prayer for their daughters. We should pray specifically about the areas that God wants to teach our daughters so that we can apply the scriptures that God wants us to apply to our daughter’s lives for every situation. This means then mothers, that we must know our daughters very well so that we can rightly divide the truth of God’s Word for their lives. Let us not as mothers spend too much time on happiness for our daughters but spend time on holiness for our daughters.

Another important thing to teach our daughters is how much God loves them. God doesn’t use a measuring cup to determine how much He loves them according to how good they are. He loves them. They don’t have to keep working for that love. That love for them is there all the time.

Nurturing continues for us mothers to our daughters even into Adulthood. God Bless each of us as we seek His guidance in nurturing our daughters.

CHECK IT OUT

Growing Little Women
*Capturing teachable Moments with Your Daughter
By Donna J Miller

Do you have a daughter whose time with you is suddenly half over.

Take the time to ask yourself these questions:
· am I sharing my insights an d experiences with her?
· Am I preparing her to become a godly woman?
· Am I establishing a bond with her that will smooth her passge to
womanhood?

This book , Growing Little Women , is designed to capture those fleeting moment before she becomes a woman. Within the pages of the book you will discover engaging store, fun activities, and lessons on life to be shared between a 9 to 12 year old girl and her mother, grandmother, or mentor. In just one hour a week you can impact the future of that special young lady and create a bond that will last forever.

Yes! Use it with your daughter, your granddaughter and encourage others in your congregations to use it also. It will be a blessing for generations to come.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HOME

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Being in full-time ministry often includes the opportunity to practice hospitality. People of all ages, with many different needs, can be blessed by the opening of our homes’ doors. The sharing of a meal, or simply a glass of lemonade, can tell people that they have found a safe and accepting place to share their joys, hurts, and struggles.

One simple way I’ve found that lets people know they are a special guest in my home, is to serve their meal or snack on unusual dishes. I’ve had the privilege of living in several areas where I’ve been given or purchased “fun” dinnerware pieces. Using them brings me the joy of special memories and the delight of seeing people enjoying being served in something different than the everyday norm.

For children: Even if you don’t have little ones in your home, do you have some child friendly dishes and utensils? Cheery unbreakable plates seem to make everything taste better. How about some easy to handle plastic tumblers for little hands to grasp? When we have children into our home (in addition to our own), I love pulling out my Looney Tunes plastic cups. Drinking juice out of a Tweetie Bird mug has made many a little one smile. Also, visiting moms and dads will feel much more relaxed knowing their little sweeties won’t break your great aunt’s glass goblets.

Teens: They’re always hungry and thirsty aren’t they? When my sons’ friends come over I break out the big A&W mugs, get some divided Chinet paper plates, and have plenty of napkins on hand. For teen girls, bring out some of your pretty dishes, colorful tablecloths, and a vase of flowers from the backyard. Girls of all ages enjoy feeling special, don’t they? I still have girls who’ve eaten off my vibrant flower plates that ask me if I still have them several years later. I’m happy to say yes, although a few have been broken with moves and wear.

Men: When I married my husband he had no less than twenty-two Big Gulp Twins glasses from 7-Eleven. I was quick to liquidate that supply, but have learned through the years to keep a few replacements on hand. Why? Because he and his friends like BIG tumblers much better than my dainty water glasses. I guess Mountain Dew was meant to be enjoyed 32 oz. at a time. Also - do you have big mugs in your home for serving coffee? So much easier for many men to use rather than the standard cup size.

Women: Having a friend, or a group of ladies over? Do you have a special set of dessert plates that you save for special occasions? Break them out and enjoy! I love using my hand painted Portuguese dishes that seem to make something as simple as a brownie and cup of chai seem more delicious. Don’t have pieces on hand? Check out your local thrift store, garage sale, or attic, for fun mismatched heirloom style dishes to use.

Enjoy welcoming people into your home, making them feel comfortable and loved, and the benefits may very well last not just for a lifetime, but for eternity.

IDEAS THAT WORK

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


Read: Romans 12:2, Hebrews 12:14-15

Emotional Healing – It’s basically forgiveness and reconciliation. Physically we don’t see the pain but it’s manifested in our behaviors and/or physical health. Emotions are God’s gift so we may have abundant life! Emotions aren’t designed to trap and torture us. We live in a fallen world where trauma, hurt, sin, embarrassment, rejection, fear, accidents or death are all around us. We respond negatively or positively. Our response determines our need for healing.

Between 80-90% of all illnesses are psychosomatic. This does not mean they are not real. It means it involves both the mind (psyche) and the body (soma). Research and science have determined emotional pain as the root cause for many diseases: hypertension, cardiovascular disease, immune system diseases, infections, allergies – to name a few. Harmful emotions, which lead to diseases, are: hostility, anger, stress, bitterness, self-bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, envy, rejection, fear. Harmful emotions can trigger the development of various diseases because hormones plus chemical and physical responses are released into the body to do battle.

Positive Solutions

Find verses that directly speak to the problem so healing can be applied. If an emotional button is pushed, repeated input of reading or hearing God’s Word can change our thought patterns or transform our minds.

Separation from God, others or ourselves? Recognize it, acknowledge it, confess it and repent of it.

Emotional Healing Involving Others (Present or Not)

1) Recall emotionally painful event.
2) Verbally forgive the person responsible.
3) Verbally ask God to forgive you for your attitude towards them.
4) Ask Jesus to give you a scene in your mind of Him being there with you

when the event took place.

Jesus is Omnipresent – always with us. His presence brings healing and we are no longer a victim but the victor with His help.

Resources: “The Word on Health” By Michael D. Jacobson, Moody Press
“Healing Academy Manual” By Rev. Larry and Audrey Eddings
Seminar Manual by Wind of the Spirit Ministries, P.O. Box 175, Silverdale, WA 98383

HERE'S WHAT'S COOKING

Banana Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients
2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup white sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the mashed banana, eggs, oil, pumpkin, honey and sugar. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pie spice and cinnamon, stir into the banana mixture until just combined. Fold in the raisins and walnuts if desired. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool loaf in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

From: allrecipes.com

Twice Baked Potatoes

Ingredients
4 large baking potatoes
4 tablespoons milk
salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Clean and scrub baking potatoes. Pierce skin with a fork once or twice. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 1 hour or until the potatoes are soft and firm.
3. Let potatoes cool slightly. Cut baked potatoes in half and scoop out pulp within 1/4 inch of the shell edge. Mash the pulp with milk, salt and butter to taste. Stuff shells with mashed pulp mixture sprinkle tops with grated cheddar cheese. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

From: Allrecipes.com

TOGETHER THROUGH PRAYER

Titus 2:3-5 "the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

Lord, Cause within us a desire to be clear reflections of Your love as we serve as examples to young woman in our family of faith. May we realize that the tasks that often seem menial to us, have great value to You. The work we do today may seem so temporary in it's worth, but please Lord, remind us that it has eternal value. Show us how to serve our families and friends with purpose in our hearts and hands. May we teach by word and by action that a life lived for Jesus is a blessed life, to our daughters, grand-daughters, and other family members. Help us to remember that we have the greatest treasure ever to share with those we will one day say good-bye to on this earth - the promise of eternity with You in our heavenly home.Amen.

FOCUS

INTERVIEW WITH
GLORIA LEE

Gloria Lee is the wife of Pastor Robert L Lee. Pastor Lee is now a teacher at our AFLBS. Gloria is the mother of two children and five grandchildren.

When I asked Gloria what she felt her ministry was when her and her husband were serving the churches she said, “First of all my home was first priority.” “I feel that my husband needed a Place of Peace.” “ I also taught Sunday School, lead WMF Bible Studies and directed children’s choirs.” “ Sometimes it was four parishes that had WMF Bible Studies to go to.” “ I counted it a privilege to go to the different WMF Bible Studies as it was there that I learned from other women and grew in the Lord.” As I visited more with Gloria I found out that hospitality was one of their main ministries. She said, “When people came over on the spur of the moment it was fun to just put on the coffee and just visit together in a relaxed atmosphere and to get to know the people.”

I asked Gloria if she could leave words of encouragement to all of us pastor’s wives as she looked back over the years. She said, “Keep your relationship with the Lord the utmost of importance in your life.” She encouraged us to ask our husbands to purchase a second pastor’s handbook and use it during your devotions to pray for each pastor, pastor’s family and all of the committee members including the AFLBS,AFLTS and AFLC staff. She had found it to be most rewarding and felt it was good to pray for one another. Gloria stated with a loving tone, “You know going into the ministry people are waiting to love you more than in any other occupation.” So from that I gathered that we should allow the people to love us and to be so grateful for all of that love. Another idea she has for us is to make a book of all of the weddings, funerals, anniversaries and baptisms that your husband performed or was involved in to look back and remember all of the people that you had been involved with over the years.” “Another thing” she said “I tried to sit in a different place each Sunday with my children because then I would be able to sit around different ones and could visit with them on a more personal basis.” “I also taught Sunday School so that I could share the word of Jesus with the children and to get to know the children at the church better.” When I talked to her about the involvement in the church she said, “It is good to just find out what needs there are in the church that are not covered and then if you see a need then ask if we could start it.” “Remember though,” she warned, “ you can’t do everything all of the time.” Pastor’s wives think they have to be super at everything that they do and they don’t have to be.”

Gloria’s life verse is Isaiah 40:31. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. That verse then has flowed now into Psalm 18:1. I love you, O Lord, my strength.

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.”

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:

IT IS IN THE COVENANT COMMUNITY
WHERE WE ARE EQUIPPED TO LIVE OUT OUR DESIGN

As you know, being in the family is not just about your nuclear family, but also about being in the family of God. When children are confirmed into the faith they are identifying with the Lord as well as with the Lord’s family, the church. As well, all God’s children need to live covenantally before God and with His people.

The Biblical account of Ruth and Naomi gives a dramatic presentation of what it’s like to live covenantally. “Where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you. (Ruth 1:16-17) As Ruth committed her life to Jehovah as her God, she understood that this meant changing her citizenship to the covenant community.

The last half of the meaning of the 3rd Article of the Apostles’ Creed, “…but the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; in like manner as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth…” This is the covenantal concept – that He calls not only me, but also others into relationship within the context of the Christian church.

Women of Christ are crushed when we emulate the pursuit of self-fulfillment and self-actualization in the culture. Countless mothers have told their daughters, “Learn to be independent. Self-sufficiency is power” – these misbeliefs make the helper design seems senseless! But in the covenant community, the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, the helper design is essential.

Redeemed women join together as corporate helpers in God’s church and care for the body of Christ, much like Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome did when they bought spices so they might go and anoint the body of Christ. They made plans, decisions, and carried them out. They functioned well together. And even though they knew the stone was too big for them to roll, they still carried on. This is the essence of community and compassion in the church. It is the helper design in action.

Someone is teaching the women of our churches and our daughters what it means to be a woman. Is it the current culture or the church? How can we help our women? The life-giving culture of caring is not learned from books. They learn how to carry out this helper ministry as, by God’s grace, they watch us speak and live it!

It is in the church that believers are equipped “for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12-13).