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Part 2~ Shepherd-Princes & Sarah’s Daughters ~A Series of Interviews with Pastors and Their Wives in Honor of Pastor Appreciation Month 2016

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Pastor Schaffer and his wife Suzanne answered my questions separately, as have several of the couples I interviewed. I thought it would be interesting to put them together for this post.

Pastor and Suzanne,          Thank you for your honesty, your heart to serve Christ and His Church and for your sense of humor.

For a bellyful of laughs and sometimes a good Gospel kick in the pants, visit Suzanne’s blog at: http://notenoughchocolate.blogspot.com/

(The scripture above is my contribution to this post.)

Pastor Wayne & Suzanne Shaffer~  New Life, Altoona PA   

Both raised in Christian homes.

Born Again:  Pastor Shaffer 43 years / Suzanne Shaffer:40 years      

Married: 25 years   Children: Son 22 & daughter  19

Full time ministry: 25 years. Lead pastor: 16 years. Pastored: 3 churches.    

Missions trips to 5 countries.    

Did you think when you became a Christian you would be pastoring one day?

No. -P

In high school I had a desire to be a pastor’s wife. I have no idea why! If I had known how hard it is I never would have wanted it. PW

Why did you become a Pastor?

The call of God. I was called when I was 16 traveling with a Christian singing group. -P

I have heard people say “The pastor has it so easy, he doesn’t have to go to work. What does he do all day? All he has to do is write a few sermons a week. So, the following few questions are aimed at setting the record straight. What does a day in your life as a pastor look like?

I wish I knew. It is never the same! 

What are some duties you perform for the church on a regular basis that your congregation may not be aware of?

Building/grounds maintenance, bulletin, counseling, vehicle repair/maintenance, visitation, set audio, lighting and video, checking on financials, etc… -P

On average how much time does it take you to put together a sermon, including research, study, etc.? How much time in personal Bible study,praying?

8-10 hours for a sermon. 30 minutes -1 hour

What has being a Pastor cost you?

It has cost me nothing yet everything. There is no price too great when serving the Lord.

What has been the most unexpected hardship to Pastoring?

Mean “Christians” (in quotes because I’m not sure they’re all saved!) -PW

Living in the fishbowl. I knew it was there (I’m a PK), but wow! It can be so draining. -P  (Pastor Shaffer is a 2nd generation pastor and their son recently became a Youth Pastor.) 🙂

What most breaks your heart?

People who hear the Word week after week and never allow the Spirit of God to transform them. -P

People going to the altar week after week for years but not willing to change. -PW

Do you ever want to quit?

I quit every Sunday and hire myself back every Monday. P

Most of the time. -PW

What keeps you going?

It truly is just being obedient to the call of the Lord. If God ever tells me to stop, I will. -P

The thought of retirement in the next 20-25 years ha ha. Knowing that a life outside of God’s will is a miserable life. -PW

Pastors and wives: Do you have someone you can talk to for counsel, direction, encouragement, prayer, someone you can be really open with? What about friends?

 Yes I do. I have several individuals I can confide in and seek counsel from.

Yes. Long time friends. No one local. -PW

What most encourages you?

I have an incredible church board. We spend most of our meetings rejoicing in what God is doing and praying for direction and more of the  Holy Spirit.-P

Who inspires you?

Pastors that have been faithful through so much. I have had incredible pastor role models and mentors.

 What has been the most unexpected benefit to pastoring?

Having one of my students, then youth pastor become the District Youth Director of Illinois.

What kind of challenges do you face as a Pastor’s wife raising Preacher’s Kids?

Expectations. People telling me I need to be more involved.

What is the hardest thing about being a Pastor’s wife? 

Being in the spotlight, expected to be perfect, people twisting my words.

What is your favorite thing about being Pastor’s wife?            

Knowing that it’s what God wants. -PW

How do you keep your heart and zeal for people and God, in spite of people’s failings and some turning against you?

Years ago I came to the conclusion that we are all sinful by nature and that without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life on a daily basis they will always give in to that sinful nature. So I don’t take it personally anymore. -P

Learning to let things go as soon as they happen. Not allowing bitterness to creep in. -PW

What is the hardest part of being a Pastor?

Balancing home, work and ministry.

What are some things your church could do to lighten your load or refresh you and your family, so you can better serve God and them?

Convey to the congregation that we have office/working hours just like they do and to try and be considerate of our personal time. Don’t call unless it’s an emergency and don’t expect to get a call or text back on my day off. -P

If you could tell your church anything about yourself, your family, or anything else what would it be? What’s on your heart?

We are people just like you. Same struggles and passions. Same tragedies and triumphs. Don’t put us on a pedestal, but imitate us as we imitate Christ.  -P

Stop playing church and get serious, want to see the miraculous in your life? Get right with God every day of the week.-PW

What do you see as the biggest threat to the church today?

Apathy to the Gospel and a false gospel of law and legalism as opposed to grace being preached and taught in many churches. -P

Christians who are legalistic and just plain mean. -PW

 What do you believe is the key to revival?

When the people of God on an individual basis go after God with everything in them, this will bring revival. -P

Hearts that seek God and His kingdom with everything in them. -PW

What are your favorite memories of pastoring?

The joys of seeing a family share in that moment of a family member coming to Christ or Water Baptism. -P

The weddings, the baptisms, the people who have had life-changing encounters with the Lord. -PW

What is the funniest or craziest situation you’ve experienced during your ministry that you are free to share?

The guy who would shout out, “And women too” whenever anyone would close in prayer with “Amen.” (This is actually a very mild story. I have hundreds I could share, but that’s for another book.) -P

I have way too many to list! (Some will be in my own book) One is the lady who told me, “You’re so different from (former pastor’s wife), I think I need you in smaller doses.” Who says that? How was I supposed to take that? -PW           (…WOW!)

Is there anything else you would like to share that hasn’t been covered?

Trust God, stay faithful and persevere in all things! -Pastor Schaffer

Share some words of appreciation for your pastor and he will be listed on the Wall of Honor and entered to win a retreat at the Energize Lodge.

Pray for your pastor! Text the word PASTOR to 74574 for daily reminders and prompts to pray for your pastor.

© 2016 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart

Shepherd-Princes & Sarah’s Daughters ~ A Series of Interviews with Pastors and Their Wives in Honor of Pastor Appreciation Month 2016, (Part 1)

In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, October’s posts will feature interviews with Born Again Christian pastors and their wives from around the world. Some I know personally, others I don’t. There are also a few interviews with preacher’s kids, (PKs).The participants represent a variety of churches- Baptist, Pentecostal, Non-denominational, Presbyterian… I will be posting several times throughout the month.

My intention is to bless ministers. I want to introduce people to the life and heart of pastors and their wives so they see them as the heroes of the faith they are, and also as people who need the love and support of their congregations. 

I believe education can bring understanding, which brings respect and appreciation for one another, maybe even make us pray a little more for each other. The churches featured range from small struggling pioneer works to established larger ones on three different continents.There is no compare factor here as far as I’m concerned as we’re all called to do what God calls us to, and there is nothing better than fulfilling what God has for each of us. I believe there is no insignificant task when we are in God’s will, but all our loads feel lighter with a little appreciation.

                               ______________________

And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV

They opened their mouths and jewels came tumbling out. I tried to catch them all, lest any fall to the ground. Oh God; woe is me. This is holy ground.

I set out to bless pastors and wives with this project, but in the process, I have been blessed, challenged, humbled. They have shown me my poverty. I am made rich by the words of their testimony. They have brought me low, to the foot of the cross, the highest place on this side of eternity. I have laughed, I have cried, I have repented. Oh wretched man that I am…

“God, change me. I want a heart like theirs, wholly after You, one willingly given for the cause of winning souls. Jesus, I want to know you, to honor You and to make You known.”

I saw their humanity and the Divine Who dwells in them. They are leaking Jesus. They are humble and mighty. They are convicting. Their hearts are beautiful. I am honored to shine the light on them. Allow me to introduce you to some of God’s shepherd-princes and Sarah’s daughters.

                                                                                               -Rachael M Colby

                                         ~~~~~ * ~~~~~

 

What has being a pastor/ pastor’s wife cost you?

It has cost me nothing yet everything. There is no price too great when serving the Lord.   -Pastor Wayne Shaffer,  New Life AG, Altoona PA

 

My will for the will of God.  -Pastor Patrick Jordan, The Door CFM,  Jamaica West Indies

 

We left our daughters at 16 and 18 to become a missionaries, which was the hardest part.  Also we closed 2 businesses, gave both our vehicles to people who needed them, and all our furniture and belongings.                     -Pastor Raul and Stephanie Delcid, Potter’s House CFM, Ecuador

Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. Mark 10:29 – 30 NASB     

What is the hardest part of being a pastor/ pastor’s wife?

I think the hardest thing about being a pastor for me is the fact that I do not know how much of a difference I am actually making.                             -Rev. Michael Duncan, speaker, author, Pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church, Darrington, WA

 

The roller coaster ride of your heart, feeling the hurt of others.Seeing someone begin the race and not finish. When people leave, feeling the empty place that no one else is going to fill and realizing that could happen to me too.  –Alejandra Williams, Pastor’s Wife, Victory Chapel, Cape Cod, CFM

 

Focusing on a pastor’s primary job, which is an intimate relationship with the Lord and one’s family. The temptation is to make solving church-member problems my priority.  -Dr.George W. (Bill) Nichols, Ph.D., Pastor, missions worker, author.

 

What is your biggest challenge pastoring?

Attempting to reach the youth who have been brought up in a culture that is greatly disconnected from a Biblical foundation.                                       -Pastor, Transformation Ministries, Ohio.

 

We have to be intentional about setting time for family and for us as a couple. -Pastor Bruce Hanlon, Forrestdale Church, Sandwich, MA

 

What is your favorite thing about being a pastor/pastor’s wife?

Encouraging others to rise up, imparting the vision to them. When they catch the vision! Helping people, ministering to them. -Pastor Roger Williams, Victory Chapel CFM, Cape Cod, MA

 

Seeing God change people’s lives and they are blessed and go on to do the will of God. -Lori Ganiear, Pastor’s Wife, Victory Chapel CFM, Cape Cod MA

 

What are your favorite memories of pastoring?

… seeing the people “get it.” My greatest joy is seeing the people meet Jesus in the preaching of His Word. They come to church hungry, and when they get filled by the preaching of the Word, my heart is overjoyed.   -Pastor James La Belle, author, Pastor of Presbyterian Church of Cape Cod

 

How do you keep your heart and zeal for people and God, in spite of people’s failings and some turning against you?

By always thinking about the BIG picture, that it’s not about us, it’s about the people. Like my husband always says, “We are here to serve.” So when you have that mentality you realize you will be used, hurt by people and that is OK. After all we don’t love and serve people because they are nice back to us, but because we are capable of loving them with Jesus’s help, even when it’s hard. -Vika Aaltonen, Missionary Wife, The Door, CFM, Helsinki, Finland

 

What is the funniest or craziest situation you’ve experienced during your ministry that you are free to share?

When potty training my toddler, they ran down the church aisle naked during praise and worship. Yikes! – Donna, Pastors Wife

 

What do you see as the biggest threat to the church today?

I think we are on a teetering point. The biggest problem I think is internal; people who lose faith to take God at His Word. People who like to wear the Christian badge, but that’s it. It’s part of their Facebook profile, but not part of their personal profile. They are not converted. -Pastor Chip Ganiear, Victory Chapel CFM, Cape Cod, MA

 

What do you believe is the key to revival?

When the Church recognizes its distance from God, repents and takes steps toward God. Lordship means supreme authority. Lordship and forgiveness are two keys to revival. Many know Jesus as savior and healer, but not as Lord. Without Christ’s lordship, there is no revival.                       Pastor Greg Winslow, Missionary to Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Share some words of appreciation for your pastor and he will be listed on the Wall of Honor and entered to win a retreat at the Energize Lodge.

Pray for your pastor! Text the word PASTOR to 74574 for daily reminders and prompts to pray for your pastor.

© 2016 Rachael M Colby

Romancing The Rock

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Jesus, Friend of Sinners-

There is a big difference between placing an order with God and taking the time to get to know Him. Jesus calls us friends.

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 NKJV

Friends don’t only talk about themselves- they sow to invest in the other person. The Creator of the universe calls us friends and wants to let us in on His plans for our lives. Every day. But I don’t always stay still long enough to hear what He has for me.

Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Matthew 7:24 NKJV

He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. Luke 6:48 NKJV

Sometimes I am offended by how others treat me, their ungratefulness, insensitivity or lack of willingness to listen, or just slow down and spend some time together. Then I realize that’s how I have been treating God. Their treatment of me is sometimes God’s object lesson to me. “Hey,” Jesus says. “You do that to me.”

Praying amiss is not only praying for wrong things but it’s also praying for right things but with a wrong motive.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. ‭‭James‬ ‭4:3‬ ‭NASB‬‬

I prayed for someone to change and God asked me, “Are you praying for them to change because it will make your life easier, or because you really care for their soul and want me to touch their lives? Are you praying for yourself, or for them?”

Jesus calls me to love others in their imperfection. That’s how He loves us.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; Psalms 139:23 NKJV

Dr. Jesus-

Sometimes I’m broken and need fixing. Jesus offers me the prescription but I don’t always pick it up, or I only take some of it. Sometimes the prescription is delivered in prayer and sometimes it’s found in the Word of God.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

Sometimes I try to go on my own strength, ignore the warning signs and wait until the pain is intense before I remember to ask for help. When the Great Physician tells me I need heart surgery, I say okay, but I run off before He can do His work. “Later.” I say.

Do you know what “I’m busy right now, God,” means? It’s saying “There is something more important right now than receiving what you have to say to me, God.” And there isn’t. Ever. We need to stay on the operating table long enough for Jesus to do the work.

I am altered when I place my heart on the altar of repentance and receive His forgiveness. Jesus is the remedy. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 NKJV

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV

Prayer is the altar. A repentant heart, thanksgiving and praise are my offerings. He is Holy.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalms 100:4 NLT

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Timothy 2:8 NLT

Romancing The Rock-

I am insatiable. Nothing this world has to offer totally satisfies. Even the good things eventually run out, get old, or let us down. When the going is rough, He is the only true solace for my soul. Jesus is enough. I am complete in Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Psalms 62:6 NKJV

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV

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Imagine a date where you showed up, tossed a list of what you wanted from your date at them, and then left without even partaking of the meal.

“Look,” He says, “I’ve prepared a table for you.”

He invites me to drink in His presence, to feast at His banquet table. He invites me to commune with Him, to enjoy His company. The menu: Lamb of God, Bread of Life and Living Water

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 NKJV

Jesus calls the Church His bride. This is a divine romance. It’s The Prince and the pauper. I have nothing to offer, but He wants me anyway. So here I am, Lord.

In my destitution, He has clothed me in His righteousness. I am my beloved’s and He is mine. His banner over me is love.

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You are Holy

I am unworthy

Show me Your glory, Lord

Come what may,

This dust shall praise Your name, oh Lord.

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Wash me in Your blood

Wrap me in Your grace

Clothe me in Your righteousness

Jesus, You are my refuge,

My Rock

The river from whom I draw strength.

           You are my joy.                                                                                                                          I love this Light meets dark,                            meets Holiness                                            and all consuming Power.

Yes, I’m in love with the great I Am.

Yes, I’m in love with the great I Am.

Yes, I’m in love with the great I Am.

Divine Romance- Phil Wickhan

© 2016 Rachael M Colby

Are We Actually Praying?

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I am guilty of referring  to prayer as working or not working; as if I’m turning the key in a car or flipping a light switch. Prayer is the privilege of communing with the all powerful, holy, benevolent God. He responds according to His will and time. The trouble is, I don’t always know what my needs are are or what is priority in God’s eyes. He is the Good Father, who loves me, knows my needs and always meets them. My vision is limited; He sees all.  

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19 NASB                                                                                                                            

 Yes, God wants us to bring all our requests to Him. He is our provider, but He created  us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 -7 NASB

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Notice, the scripture says to approach with thanksgiving, not demanding our way, and the promise to us is His peace. The priceless gift of His peace is not dependent on circumstances. It is the result of trusting God enough to leave our lives, our will, in His hands. Shouldn’t prayer be more about developing our relationship with Jesus than getting something from Him? What would happen if  our prayers  were a little less about gimmie God and more of, give me God. What if sometimes we just sought Him for Himself?          

 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalms 16:11 NASB

                                 © 2016 Rachael M Colby

Welcome to My Dysfunction

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*Disclaimer to all my PC friends, (politically correct): It’s okay. Really. My kids know I love them. I make a point of driving them crazy reminding them way too often.                

Cast of Characters        

Tom Sawyer—My 14 year old son             

Lanky—Tom Sawyer’s friend

Frizz Head—My 17 year old daughter     

Hippy Princess—Frizz Head’s friend

Einstein—21 year old friend of all

Myself—Chauffeur, Commander in Chief, Referee, Chef, and Scribe, aka “Moomm!”

photo 1 (1)-001I shoved tents to sleep six, a ton of books and lots of unnecessary supplies into the limited space of our minivan and managed to slam the doors before anything fell out. I’d planned to leave on Tuesday, but Wednesday dawned before we finally escaped with the dashboard blinking like a Christmas tree, a missing hubcap and a screaming belt. String looped through holes replaced the duct-taped trunk handle. It swished like a small tail above the license plate. That’s one way to keep me humble—or make me cringe. But it was all good! We were on our way to SoulFest Christian music festival! Gotta keep my priorities straight.

The merciless three o’clock sun greeted us at our campsite. Good thing friends a few sites down came by to watch the show as we set up. Teen boys claim to know everything about things they’ve never done, but somehow, the same useless words spoken by “Momm!” are received as great tips from a male.

photo 1 (1)Mission accomplished, Lanky and Tom Sawyer ran up the face of the mountain, something I wouldn’t have attempted at half my age and weight—which could explain why I’ve lived to be my age and why I’m not half my weight. Lanky took pictures of their testosterone driven, death defying antics at the summit and texted them to his mother. I’m not sure she will entrust him to my care again.

“Did you brush your teeth?” I said. “Brush them! Or I will brush them for you!” There! That worked.

Jim Trick plays a mean guitar and with a voice like a lullaby, I could listen to him all day. “Jesus wants you to love yourself,” he said. “Only then you will be able to love others.”

The Bible says to deny myself and pick up my cross. But love myself?

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Tis is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV)

As Christians, we ought to love what God loves and hate what God hates. When we hate what God loves, that’s a problem. If we hate ourselves, we are contradicting God. We can’t truly love ourselves (or others as he calls us to) until we grasp God’s love for us. Biblical love tends to the well-being of its object; it doesn’t indulge or enable sin. Jesus hates sin, but love drove Him to the cross to redeem us.

Sometimes I contradict God by holding onto regret of past failings which Jesus has forgiven and struggle to extend grace to others as scripture exhorts. God reminded me that people mistreat others because of what’s broken in them. When we focus on others’ need for healing, injustices are easier to bear and forgiveness to extend.

What we listen to, read, and watch, either influences us toward or away from Jesus. We love ourselves when we nourish our souls by time spent in the Bible and prayer. Jesus invites us to come as we are so He can transform us into His new creation.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NKJV)

…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV)

“Do you need prayer?” she said. We stood in the shadow of the towering wooden cross that served as an altar, a call to Christ in the middle of it all. I left some things I couldn’t change in the hands of the One who can.

Matthew West made my Friday when he pulled an altar call because I believe hosting Christian events without providing opportunity for salvation is like telling a dying man you have the cure but not offering it to him.

I found Tom Sawyer brandishing bamboo skewers like sparklers as embers floated across the sky toward our neighbors’ tent—but I’m the crazy one. And what part of, “Don’t bring food in the tent unless you want to room with a bear,” don’t they get?

It’s quiet in the bathhouse at midnight, a good time to shower. A canopy of stars lit the path through the rows of tents. In the stillness the earnest whisper of a young man explaining the Gospel floated on the cool night air.

I stepped out of my tent Saturday morning as Hippy Princess, sitting cross-legged beside the fire, reached for the lighter fluid and matches. I seized them. My phone rang.

“It’s going great,” I said. “Jesus is alive! I’m really saved—I haven’t sworn at anyone!”

I lay on the mountainside as Zealand played.

I love you, Lord, to close my eyes and hear Your Name echo all around me like a balm, solace for my soul

The heat was a good advertisement for avoiding Hell. The angels in disguise worked at the iced tea stand. I found shelter in the Justice Center during Andrew Schwab’s talk on The War of Art. It’s worth the war to push through pain, procrastination, doubt and distraction, because when I fulfil my call to write, I honor God. When I draw closer to Jesus and reach out to touch lives through my writing, He heals me too.

Jesus promises us beauty for ashes; His strength is made perfect in our weakness. But first we have to let Him uncover our weaknesses and give Him the ashes.

We were told to take cover as a thunderstorm bore down, but our bags were unattended on the far end of the venue. Cue Chariots of Fire music, as I ran in the opposite direction of the crowd and rescued my daughter’s phone from its demise. Soaking wet, I joined the huddle under the tent by the cross. Someone started singing, and then we were all singing, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” It is well with my soul, even in the storm, when I keep the cross before me.

The mountainside came aglow as we used our candles to light our neighbor’s. The shofar sounded, Rabbi Oliveira sang the Aaronic Blessing, and shalom settled over us as POD jammed out from another stage. The night closed with the real Piano Man, Michael W Smith, leading worship.

Sunday morning en route to rouse the children, I distributed my website cards. “May I pray for you?” she said. — Good thing. I needed it for the task ahead. I hope she’s still praying.

We were one of the first to break camp. Tom Sawyer poked Frizz Head with the tent stakes until she finally punched him. Hard. Hippy Princess, seated, sunglasses on, gently pressed the air away with her palms whenever asked to help. “Shh,” she said. Einstein finally awoke and sprang into action straddling our minivan roof to secure bags, and myriad camping gear. We ignored the younger boys wrestling until we noticed Tom Sawyer using his phone as a weapon to encourage Lanky to release him from a headlock.

“I don’t care where the shadows or north and south are, Einstein! Just tell me whether to take a right or a left!” I said. We were one of the last to leave. It was a quiet ride as Lanky and Tom Sawyer weren’t on speaking terms, despite my mini sermon.

My husband and I pulled into the church parking lot simultaneously, him fresh from his afternoon nap, me returning from the three-hour trip that took five. The doors flung open, and kids and stuff spilled. I slowly hauled my body to face my husband.

“Hello,” I said. “I hate your children.”

“Oh! I was wondering if you hated me for giving you children! What did they do to you?”

“You have no idea,” I said, bursting into uncontrollable laughter.

“I think she’s overtired,” Frizz Head whispered to Hippie Princess as they skittered away.

Wish I’d known hysterical laughter garnered concern from the motley crew; I would have employed it days earlier.

“Vacations are hard work,” my husband said. “That’s why I try to avoid them.”

I gave him a hard look as I yanked at an article of clothing, trying to extricate it from the melded mass in the trunk.

“It’s like labor,” a friend said, laughing at my disheveled demeanor. “You’ll forget the hassles and go to SoulFest again next year!”

Yeah…because sometimes I need to see Jesus in someone else’s eyes who isn’tSoulfest_2016_ Ben_Laine_ Tattoo_it_on_Your_Heartpart of my usual crowd. Because my son is happy hanging with the Word of Life crew, and my daughter could be anywhere, but she loves singing worship songs by the bonfire into the wee hours of the morning.

I want to put five nails in the cross, one for each of my children, and one for my husband and myself because the two shall become one, and sometimes that’s hard. Sometimes we need to nail our hopes, all that we are and all that we aren’t and should be to the cross again.

I’ll return because it’s good to saturate our thirsty, world worn souls with the Gospel served up a hundred different ways, and because I love to hear Jesus’ name echoing all around me.

Next Year’s Packing List for SoulFest, (Lord willing)

Case of Starbucks iced coffee

Drinkable Greek yogurt

Tent

Hose

iPhone as my journal

Buncha kids                                                

© 2016 Rachael M Colby  | Tattoo It on Your Heart | POST UPDATED 6/12/22

Drunk on You

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Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation.  Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God. For to You will I pray.  My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning, O LORD, In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.  Psalms 5:1-3  NKJV

© 2017 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart

Good God

Everything that happens to us isn’t from God. When I am hurt by others’ sin, or bombarded by trials, I can choose to blame God, or navigate the storm with Him. When I stumble and reap the consequences, I can either make excuses, or take responsibility for my sin, repent, and let Jesus help me. I choose; bitter or better.

We live in a sin filled, fallen world. I have been through some deep waters. Everything is not as it ought to be, or as I wish in my life. Much of my circumstances are out of my control, but I can take comfort knowing nothing can happen that God doesn’t allow. God isn’t in Heaven saying, “Oh my God! I can’t believe this! Now what?” Life can blindside us, but nothing takes Him by surprise. He has a plan.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Notice, Jesus says, “…in Me you may have peace.” He is our refuge, our comfort. His peace is not contingent on circumstances; it is there for us when we hide our hearts in Him.

 

We use manure to enrich the soil. It nourishes plants so they flourish and bear fruit. God also uses the “manure” in our lives, the trials, in the same way, when we yield to Him. God works everything for our good and His glory in the end, when we get our hearts right and wait on Him.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”   Romans 8:28 NKJV

Lord,

When life is more valley than mountaintop

More potholes than open highway

More stormy sea than smooth sailing

I will

Cling to your promises

Cleave to your word.

I crave Your presence,

Lord.

“For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.”         ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I have found, it’s by way of the place called broken that I am mended. I am made whole as I place my battle weary, sin scarred heart in the hands of my Maker.

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. ‭ Isaiah‬ ‭61:3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Rachael_ M_Colby_Tattoo_it_on_Your_Heart_That's_What_Heaven's_For

This world is not my home. It’s just the road to where I’m going. Death is just the door to eternal life. Heaven is my home. I’m His ambassador on Earth, but a citizen of Heaven. 

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

© 2016 Rachael M Colby     Tattoo It On Your Heart

***This post was written in response to a message someone sent me on Twitter. My hope is this post will help bring them, and those facing trials and heartbreak to The One who can comfort, restore and redirect their lives.

Below are links to my friend Robin Farnsworth’s site, spencersmom.com. Robin is a fellow writer, sister in Christ and one of my heroes. She is currently in the process of writing her memoir. The posts contain her stories of and resources for dealing with:

Loss of a child                                                                                                                          Battling cancer                                                                                                                                      If someone you love has dementia or Alzheimer’s.                                                              The Greatest Hope of All

© 2016 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart

Just Stop

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Busyness

  1. the quality or condition of being busy
  2. lively but meaningless activity

-dictionary.com

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.  ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭30:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  ‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

© 2016 Rachael M Colby |  Tattoo It On Your Heart