~
There's JOY in the Kitchen ~
~When we realize that ~
The Future Belongs To Those Who See Possibilities
Before They Become Obvious.
- John Sculley * * * * * * * * * *
Dearest Ladies & Friends,
Please forgive the late-ness and the length of
this week's newsletter. Needless to say, after
being offline for almost two weeks, there is
plenty to catch up on! I would like to say thank
you from the bottom of my heart to a couple of
the ladies.
Christina, thank you so much for taking the
baton when I needed to pass it - you did a
terrific job, and the others said you did it
well! Carol, how can I ever thank you for being
my go-between and online "secretary"?
Your passing messages along helped me more than
you will ever know. Lisa, I can never say thank
you enough for being so faithful in your hosting
Monday evening chats. What a tremendous step of
faith, and look at how many lives you are
affecting! Thank you so much for your gentleness
and peaceful heart - you are like an Oasis!
And to the rest of you - all you wonderful and
gracious ladies who have touched my life in so
many ways - thank you for being a part of this
ministry and being so willing to love others
before yourself. Your actions and enthusiasm has
brought such healing to my heart and many others
- only God knows how many lives will be touched
by the love and joy expressed in this ministry. I
love you all, and wish that I could have tons of
time with everyone of you, but alas
(:::::::::::::deep and heavy sigh:::::::::::::)
that just isn't possible! You will reap a harvest
such as you've never known by your tenderness
towards our precious Lord Jesus and Heavenly
Father, and towards His daughters. Thank you -
Thank you - Thank you!
Love, Shannon (JoyfulArt)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dare I Say?
by Shannon Parish
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting my
first online Pastor's Wife. A real flesh and
blood person with a great smile, a kindred heart
and a passion for Jesus. Teri, otherwise known as
Hrt2Sing just happened to be going to the same
Family Church Conference with her family as I and
my family.
On the very first day, the very first person I
spoke to was my most wonderful surprise.
Actually, she had an advantage. . . I had sent
her my picture, but did not have hers, and so had
no idea how we were going to find each other. But
God is so good. Just before the first workshop, I
stepped in behind another woman signing in her
daughter for children's church. She straightened
up and turned around. Her eyes got big and she
did this little jump. "Shannon!" she
said.
Boy, did I feel stupid. I thought this was
someone I had met before and had forgotten their
name. So I leaned around her and read her name
tag. I just couldn't believe my eyes!!!! I had
already run into Teri!!!
It was funny to see how we both reacted. . . .
excited yet bewildered as we came to the
realization that the person we had shared so much
with online was actually now before us in the
flesh! After some awkward moments of getting used
to each others "Earth Suit" we agreed
to sit in the workshop together and to have lunch
later with our families. (Intelligent conclusion,
huh?) LOL
Standing next to Teri I had flashes of memory
of what she had shared about herself, and finally
got to hear her beautiful voice singing along
side my own. Her husband was very charming and
our daughters hit it off right away as well. I
almost had to shake myself to really comprehend
what God was doing. How could He knit two hearts
together who had never met each other, and lived
in separate states? I knew her spirit. I knew her
like I had known her all of my life. We had
crossed hurdles online that take most people
years to cross over because of what we see with
our eyes, we had already become knit together by
and with Jesus Christ. Amazing!
To make a long story much shorter, we had
wonderful times of sharing, (especially in the
bathroom waiting lines away from our families)
LOL, we sat by the pool side while Teri played
this cheapy guitar I brought with me for just
that purpose. (She did wonders with the thing!)
We fellowshipped and sang praises to our Lord. .
. . . then all too soon, it was time for Tom and
Teri to fly back to Florida.
As we said our goodbyes at the door we
struggled with the frustration of having so much
to share and so little time, and knowing that we
would still see each other online. . . but well,
you know, it just isn't the same. . . .but would
it be another year before we could see each other
again?. . . . . but then, there was the phone. .
. or e-mail. . . or. . . .we just laughed. God
would work it out, He was already doing a fine
job!
There was a moment there when all of a sudden
it was like the little puzzle pieces that God had
been handing me for years started coming
together. . . . Dare I Say what I saw?
What I saw was Pastors encouraging Pastors
across the nation, laying down denominational
differences and extending their hands of
fellowship. . . "not forsaking the
assembling of ourselves together as is the habit
of some. . . ." In a way, you might say it
was like the feel of a neighborhood. One in which
we all have different houses and different ways
of living in them. Each with their own way of
landscaping and interior decorating.
Nevertheless, each with the same concern for our
home and those who live on our block. A place
where we have our families in common, same
marriage issues to work out, children to raise,
jobs to accomplish. . . and the understanding
that we agree to disagree on some things, and
accepting each one for who they are. (Just do a
word study on what God has to say about neighbors
to see how we should treat one another)!
Networking their ministries together, being a
resource for those who need it. I saw a place of
refuge and retreat - an actual place in the
mountains - where ministers could come to be
refreshed and restored, a place to get their
focus and purpose back, a place of safety and
worship. All of a sudden so many possibilities
opened up to me and God showed me that it was
indeed possible. So many things. . . . . you
know, we've only touched the tip of the iceberg!
I blurted out to Teri what I saw and she said
"Write it down!". Of course. . . . so
this is the seed of that. It doesn't matter to me
if just two - perhaps four people experience what
Teri and I experienced. There are a couple of
other wives who have already had the pleasure of
meeting one another . . . . .and now they have
"comrades in arms" where before they
had none. Now they have someone who understands
to vent, cry, pray, and laugh with.
After all, Jesus said, "Go into all the
world, preaching the Good News, making DISCIPLES.
. . ." In more ways than one, we are
mentoring and discipling one another. And as this
little flame becomes revelation to us, we will
pass it on to our leadership and others in our
cities, and the leadership will pass it on to the
flock. . . and the older women will teach the
younger, and the older men will teach the
younger. . . . and so on, and so on. Going about
the Fathers business. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The following is a letter and a poem that was
shared with me, written by one of the wives and
sent to one of the other Pastor's wives whom she
has gotten to know well and developed a close
relationship with. Two more lives touching,
crossing denominations, knit together by the
Blood of the Lamb, and straightening one another
for the tasks which lie ahead:
CWEIMER4 to Justaservn:
(I share their names with you because they also
have caught the vision and
heart of this ministry. Together we stand, and
divided we fall. One can put a
thousand to flight. . . but TWO can put ten
thousand to flight!)
Two little girls born in two different states
Each one raised by two parents who made many
mistakes
But God had a plan and it was his intention
That they would be His as was his predestination.
God worked in the lives of those two little girls
He trained them and led them though they acted
like squirrels
With the help of his children He showed them the
way
To life everlasting through the gift that He gave
They became His dear children when one day they
saw
That the Gift was so easy and was without any
flaw
The Gift was salvation so simple and free
He gave it to them without any fee.
So, now as they grew He prepared a new way
For them to be wives of a Pastor some day
He trained them and taught them though they did
not know
He planted a seed that someday would grow
After their marriage and ministry began
He started to work on His other great plan
He worked in the lives of the people who knew
How to make the right things and an industry grew
The computer was formed from the mind of a man
But God knew one day it would be part of His plan
He wanted this tool to connect the two girls
Who had once been as jumpy as two little
squirrels
With the help of the internet there paths soon
would cross
And their new friendship would grow because of
His loss
He died on the cross for you and for me
and our friendship was formed because of HIS tree
Forever connected is what we will be
Until we are taken up to His glory
We may never meet until that great day
But with God on our side He may find a way
I love you my sister.. and I am thankful to Him
That though we are separated His plan is not dim
He planned us to meet and to grow in His way
You are in my heart both now and always
God bless you... Love Christina
You are a special lady and I am glad that God
placed you into my life... two roads going in
completely different directions.. with never the
possibility of crossing.. However, with the power
of God all things are possible... and so God
found a way to make those peoples paths cross..
because their lives were meant to cross... from
the moment they were born ... God willed that
they would one day meet.. but only in His time..
If someone would have told me years ago that I
would be close friends with so many people across
the country I would have said right, sure ,
whatever....
But you know God is a wonderful God ... He
puts people into our lives just at the right
time... when we need them the most... when we can
grow and help each other the most...when our walk
with the Lord can move up in closeness to him (
with our new friend)
hey my little gift from God .... you have a
simply wonderfully blessed day...
God Bless you and Keep you, love, Christina
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Eccl 4:9-12 Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he
has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down
together, they will keep warm; but how can one be
warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by
another, two can withstand him. And a threefold
cord is not quickly broken. (NKJ)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GREAT NEWS!!!!
Christianity Online has asked us to go public
with a chat for Pastor's Wives beginning sometime
in July. This chat will take the time slot of the
Tuesday morning chat. The purpose of this is to
help expose other pastor's wives to one another
and this ministry, as well as just plain ole'
meeting a need. The flavor will be a little
different since it is in the public eye - more
structured and "G" rated. . . LOL (If
you know what I mean)
Please pray for us as we learn more new ropes
and take yet another step with God in this
journey of joy. As far as the private chat now
being held on Tuesday mornings, there will be
more private chats, as well as a Bible Study chat
coming up. So don't worry about losing anything -
we are simply growing and going from glory to
glory! When God does things, he always MULTIPLIES
His work!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOOOO WHO ARE WE ANYWAY???
We need a name for this ministry! Now that you
have read some of our heart in this, we would
like you to help us with a name. Joy In The
Kitchen really wouldn't work because it is the
name of the private chats, and the newsletter.
(Actually, there may be a time in the future when
we will have to periodically change the private
chat names in order to keep them private) Put
your thinking caps on. . . . . . . . . God has
birthed a baby here and it needs a name!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sent in by CWEIMER4 (Christina)
Every night I lie in bed
This little prayer inside my head
God bless my mom and dad
and bless my children
and take care of my husband
he brings me so much joy...
and God there's just one more thing
I wish that you would do
if you don't mind my asking
to just bless my putter too??
Now I know that it's not normal
to bless a small machine
but listen just a second
and I'll try to explain...
you see, that little metal box
holds more than odds and ends.
inside those small components
rest a hundred loving friends.
Some its true I've never seen
and most I've never met
we've never shaken hands or
ever truly hugged, and yet..
I know for sure they love me
by the kindnesses they give
and this little scrap of metal
is how I get to where they live
by faith is how I know them
much the same as I know you.
I share in life it brings them
so if its ok with you..
just take an extra minute
from your duties up above..
to bless this little hunk of steel
that's filled with so much love.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Because of our fast growth, I have developed
FOUR Buddy Lists! Please note what they are so
that you can order which you need, and any
corrections that need to be made. 1. Pastor's
Wives 2. Pastor's 3. PK's Pen Pals 4. Women
Ministers Meeting New Friends Online Is Like
Christmas - each one is a special gift just
waiting to be opened! Please consider sending a
brief "Hello" to our new friends! Feel
free to IM a new Buddy and say Hi! You never know
if THIS friend will be your best. . . . . or THIS
friend just might have the answer to that nagging
problem you've been sweating over. . .
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POT LUCK!!!
How to Make Brownies
Ingredients:
1 cup of margarine
2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
shortening
* Remove teddy bear from oven and preheat oven to
375.
* Melt 1 cup margarine in saucepan.
* Remove teddy bear from oven and tell Jr
"no, no."
* Add margarine to 2 cups sugar.
* Take shortening can away from Jr. and clean
cupboards.
* Measure 1/3 cup cocoa.
* Take shortening can away from Jr. again and
bathe cat.
* Apply antiseptic and bandages to scratches
sustained
while removing shortening from cat's tail.
* Assemble 4 eggs, 2 tsp. vanilla, and 1-1/2 cups
sifted flour. Take
smoldering teddy bear from oven
and open all doors and windows for ventilation.
* Take telephone away from Billy and assure party
on the line the call was
a mistake. Call operator and attempt to have
direct dialed call removed from
bill.
* Measure 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup nuts and beat all
ingredients well.
* Let cat out of refrigerator.
* Pour mixture into well-greased 9x13-inch pan.
* Bake 25 minutes.
* Rescue cat and take razor away from Billy.
Explain to kids that you have
no idea if shaved cats will sunburn. Throw cat
outside while there's still
time and he's still able to run away.
FROSTING
* Mix the following in saucepan:
1 cup sugar
1 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/4 cup margarine
* Take the teddy bear out of the broiler and
throw it away -- far away.
* Answer the door and meekly explain to nice
policeman that you didn't know
Jr had slipped out of the house and was heading
for the street.
Put Jr in playpen.
* Add 1/3 cup milk, dash of salt, and boil,
stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
* Answer door and apologize to neighbor for Billy
having stuck a garden
hose in man's front door mail slot. Promise
to pay for ruined carpet.
* Tie Billy to clothesline.
* Remove burned brownies from oven.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
FAITH IS DARING THE SOUL TO GO BEYOND
WHAT THE EYES CAN SEE.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HE HAS ACHIEVED SUCCESS WHO HAS LIVED
WELL, LAUGHED OFTEN, AND LOVED MUCH.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Prov 27:10 Do not forsake your own friend
or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's
house in the day of your calamity; better is a
neighbor nearby than a brother far away. (NKJ)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * *
* * * *
For your Exploring Pleasure,
click on these hyper links and find
something new to investigate!
Web Baby
Birth Announcements Thought you might be
interested in this. . . it has potential!
(If you have discovered a web site that you
think others would be interested in, please let
me know, and I will put it in our newsletter.
Just click & drag the sight from your
Favorite Places and drop it into your letter.)
_______________________________________________________________
YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT to
Sarah's Tent is used for things such as
Scholarships for Annual Pastors Wives Retreats
across the U.S., Financial Aid towards Crisis
Counseling for the Pastors Family.
Make checks payable to Sarah's Tent and send
in care of LIVING STONES CHURCH / P.O. Box 964 /
Broomfield, CO 80038-0964 / USA ~ (Sarah's Tent
is a World Wide Internet Ministry hosted by
LIVING STONES CHURCH and as a co-operative effort
of churches and pastors throughout the United
States.)
__________________________________________________________________
Joy In The Kitchen is an extension of Sarah's
Tent An online ministry devoted to gathering
together God's silent warriors, the wives of
pastors and ministers of all denominations and
cultural backgrounds, as well as their families,
for fellowship, support, laughter and prayer. Isa
51:1-2 / Isa 54:2-3 / Heb 10:24-25
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