An Eternal Thing
By JoyfulArt

Periodically it is important that I share with you all the vision of Sarah's Tent. At the end of this newsletter, you will find these words:

" . . . An online ministry devoted to gathering together God's silent warriors, the wives of pastor's 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

The verses reinforce the idea of family making room for more family. If we have believed in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we have entered into the greatest family affair in the whole universe. We are referred to as the Bride of Christ. Note the word "the", meaning ONE Bride, not many. We are THE Bride of Christ. Notice that Jesus didn't say that He was coming for the Charismatic Bride of Christ, or the Baptist Bride, or the Methodist Bride, or Foursquare, or Lutheran. . .or. . . . and the list goes on.

Jesus didn't say that He was coming for the Bride that danced in church, or the Bride that sat straight and knew how to enjoy the quiet presence of the Lord. Nor did He say that He was coming for the purple Bride verses the green Bride. . . . you get my point. He said He was coming for HIS Bride. He told us to be childlike in our faith. A child doesn't see color, or differences in worship in the same way that we as adults do. They just love and accept each other and enjoy what God gives them. They just enjoy and love God for the mighty and awesome Creator that He is.

As you fellowship with one another online, you see everyone the same. As type. When you meet you are then exposed to such color and richness and interesting differences. Just as a family will experience rough moments with its' members, so you might encounter challenging moments with brothers and sisters online as well. What ever your reactions to one another, I encourage you to filter them through Galatians 5:16-26, and 1 Corin. 13:4 - 7. (Go ahead, I dare you to look them up.) If you fail to pass this test, then repent, confess your faults to one another and begin anew. You see, God isn't nearly as concerned with our packaging as He is in the condition of our hearts. The packaging will fade away. But what the heart holds - that is an eternal thing.

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1 Sam 16:7 " . . . For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
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"I know my Lord is able to carry me through."
By MomWallis

That is a line from a song that is our of our family' s favorite...He's Able. Let me tell you how it has taken on new meaning in our lives.

I was making a trip to my hometown with all 4 kids, by myself, which is 6-7 hours depending on the bladder control...for my Nana's (a.k.a. grandmother, but she thinks it sounds younger) 80th birthday party/family reunion. This was a way to let her know how important she was to us, though we don't see her very often due to the fact that she does not tolerate children very well...white carpet!!

The trip started out unorganized to begin with, but I didn't let it overwhelm me like it usually does. Things started out a bit rocky with the adapter for the CD player and tape deck dying, which meant no tapes...ARGH!!! It turned out well because I got to listen to classical music most of the time and it's actually pretty soothing for the kiddos too:) We only had to make one potty stop and ate our packed lunch in the car so we were making good time. I was hoping to be there midafternoon so we could get a swim in, eat some Domino's pizza (they don't deliver WAY out here!!) and get them to bed as early as possible. Then I'd crash.

With about 1 1/2 hours to go, I happened to glance at the heat gauge, which is actually blocked from my sight by the steering wheel. It was at the 3/4 mark. This didn't seem right and I monitored it for a while. I turned on the heater to cool off the engine, but eventually the indicator kept rising. We could smell that hot burning smell and prayed we'd make to the next exit. We did and found a pay phone in a teeny tiny gas station. After being informed by the operator that our house could not accept collect calls (that's right... no phone with me, not even a calling card!), I called the beauty shop in our town collect and asked them to call my husband. We are in a very small town and these ladies are like family to us.

He called and I explained to him what was wrong. He told me what I could do, very calmly. The problem ultimately turned out to be a busted radiator cap, but we didn't know that yet. So, I did the things he suggested, with only a few minor spills and children running hither and yon in the parking lot...It didn't work.

At this point worry began to set in...I was 1 1/2 hours away from anyone I knew and had nothing. As I reflected later I realized it was the same feeling you have going into labor..no one else can do it for you, there is no turning back, and you have no idea HOW to do it.

As circumstances piled one upon the other I began to feel overwhelmed...Lord please protect my children...this is a parking lot...there are fire ants in the grass...Katie's getting so hot...Okay, take a deep breath.

I tried the second set of instructions my husband gave me which was opening the radiator cap and filling it with water. Going back into the gas station with my brood for the 3rd time (the second time was to ask WHERE ARE WE??, which was San Antonio, FL...thought I was way off track there for a minute...I'm in Texas??)and asked where the hose was. No hose. Called my husband again, with tears this time, and we decided I could make it across the highway to a bigger gas station. Fill it up with water and it should be fine.

We got there and found the hose, which was in the back where all the truckers were. We decided to let it cool off for a while and go in and get a drink so we could cool off too. As we were sitting on the curb drinking in the shade the Lord just gave me such strength! I told the boys how we are supposed to praise God even when we don't feel like it and even in the midst of trials. So, we broke into a chorus of "What A Mighty God We Serve" and "He's Able." It was great. Powerade and Praising the Lord. You can't beat it! We all agreed in prayer that He would, indeed, see us through.

Refreshed, we tackled the radiator, but the cap came apart. I had no idea what to do and hailed, with a new Boldness, some help from two nearby truck drivers. They were very nice and began to hypothesize about the problem...telling me that my husband didn't know what he was talking about..funny, everyone who gave me any advice about this said that about whoever had given me the previous advice..MEN!!!LOL They said my radiator cap was broke and it was only $3. I'd make it to Tampa up the road and could get it there. So, they filled it up with water and we were off. Before they drove off I asked one of them their names...Phil and Louie...and I yelled across the parking lot that we would be praying for them. I am not the bold type and this was definitely the Lord at work in me. I had prayed that God would send us some angels, because I certainly couldn't do this by myself(as I kept telling the kids). It was a privilege to pray for our truck driving angels...that He would reveal Himself to them more fully, or that they'd come to know Christ if they didn't already.

We didn't make it to Tampa, as it overheated again. We pulled off at another exit and stopped at the closest gas station. Called my husband again. It was 5:15 on a Friday afternoon and he said we HAD to have a new radiator cap to go any further...look in the yellow pages to see if any parts stores deliver. Both phonebooks had the auto parts sections torn out. Tears again. Upon his advice, I went into the gas station to use his yellow pages. When I said why I needed it he told me there was a Discount Auto Parts right around the corner...Praise the Lord for DAP!!

We made our way, hissing along, to DAP and trooped back to the parts counter. They got me the part and a guy there even came out to put it on for me...guess we looked pretty worn out by then:) As he was doing this another guy in the parking lot was eyeing the engine and asked a few questions. He said he was a mechanic and so was his friend...they had a friend with a garage "just up the road" (which actually translated into 20 miles) who could test the thermostat to make sure it wasn't the problem. Of course, most would expect that I just politely answered no and went on our way...but I had a peace about this guy and we went. I looked him straight in the eye and said, "Look, I don't know you. I'm placing my children's safety in your hands." He looked like a loyal puppy dog who would never even think of hurting his master. So, we followed them. As we were driving I kept going back and forth between trusting God and seeing the headlines about a stupid woman and her 4 innocent children in some terribly grotesque situation. The Trust won out.

We arrived at a house tucked back in the trees...( I kept telling myself if it was on a main road we'd be okay) and the guy we needed to see just left. On the drive there I noticed that the van didn't overheat and it looked like the new cap had fixed the problem. Wild Bill, the guy who suggested I come there, said they couldn't stay, but if it were him, he'd stay and have it tested just to make sure. I went across the street and used the phone to call my husband. He felt sure the problem was fixed and said if it was him, he'd go on. So, we went on.

After a few refreshments we were on the last leg of our journey. I asked my 8 year old son if he believed God could get us to Bradenton. He said he did. I told him I did too. It was amazing to be able to talk to him about stuff like this.

As we got on the highway, worn out, sweat laden, exhausted as we were, we found solace in God's beautiful creation. On the radio was a beautiful mass for 6 voices. It was pure beauty and so soothing that for the first time all day there was peace in the van. Each child was quiet. Now, THAT was a miracle, folks!!

Then, a while later we enjoyed the beautiful Florida sun as it was beginning to make it's descent. It was a bright orange/pink color and just on fire. It would play hide and seek with the clouds and make the most beautiful images of rays shooting out from behind and between the fluffy clouds. My 4 year old son summed it up when he said, "Mommy, they look like God's rays." And they did.

That night after cold pizza and a swim in the dark, we had the honor of praying for Phil and Louie and Wild Bill. I am so humbled by all this. Why God would work this way for me..each time I rethink this experience it hits me anew. It brings the gift of Salvation and His Grace all into focus. How He did these little tings to help me and my children really see that we can, and must, trust in Him.

The rest of our trip was very nice. We got to see some relatives we hadn't seen in a while and my Nana was very touched we had made the trip just for her. It wasn't exactly a resting vacation....but it was worth everything because it taught us so vividly that we know our Lord is able to carry us through.

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1 Cor 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
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A SHORT STORY THAT LASTS A LIFETIME
Submitted by Believe053

There is a marvelous story of a man who once stood before GOD, his heart breaking from the pain and injustice in the world.

"Dear GOD, " he cried out, "Look at all the suffering, the anguish and distress in your world.. Why don't YOU send help? " GOD responded, "I did send help. I sent you!"

When we tell our children that story, we must tell them that each one of them was sent to help repair the broken world - and that it is not the task of an instant or of a year, but of a LIFETIME.

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FAITH IS STRONGER THAN MY FEARS
Submitted by PrasHm

Sometimes my cross is hard to bear
for there is darkness everywhere,
And troubles pile around my door
like autumn leaves forever more.

The morning light seems far away
like I am stuck in yesterday.
My heart is beating like a drum,
I try to pray but words won't come.

But then the sun begins to rise
and hope is born within my eyes.
A rainbow forms among my tears,
for faith is stronger than my fears!!
Clay Harrison

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A Summary of the World
Submitted by Believe053

If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people. With all existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look like this:

There would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere (North and South) and 8 Africans. 51 would be female; 49 would be male; 70 would be non-white; 30 white. 70 would be non-Christian; 30 Christian. 50% of the entire world's wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people and all 6 would be citizens of the United States. 80 would live in substandard housing. 70 would be unable to read. 50 would suffer from malnutrition. 1 would be near death, 1 would be near birth. Only 1 would have a college education. No one would own a computer.

When one considers our world from such an incredibly compressed perspective, the need for both tolerance and understanding becomes glaringly apparent...

This was forwarded to me by a friend. If it makes sense to you, forward it to a friend.
Bob Ashby
"Walk in peace fore they shall know us only by the tracks we leave" http://www.seanet.com/~bashby

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Name change for Dereinke!! Please change her e-mail address to RevReinke@aol.com

She and her husband are on their way to Africa to minister to the deaf for the next 6 months. This is a big change for them, so keep them in your prayers and in your mind when you are jotting off notes of encouragement. (I'm sure you can imagine how good it will be to hear from friends (even the invisible ones) when you are in a new country with new customs - not knowing your way around, and everybody and everything being new!

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Running with the Vision

Sarah's Tent is anticipating the start of a new chat and support ministry for those who are still preparing for what God has called them to do. It will be open to anyone who has heard the call of God for service in the ministry, and are in a transitional time, or those who are on staff under a shepherd.

Sarah's Tent has been tailored to especially meet the needs of Pastors Wives. As we have welcomed in new "family members" we see the need to continually expand in ministry. A good deal of our new family members are staff wives or those who are waiting for full time ministry position. The issues to both of these is unique from the other. Therefore, God has laid it on the heart of one of our couples to offer to you another extension to this ministry. Especially tailored to the staff person's needs and those waiting for "office" as pastors, or associates.

If you are interested in knowing more about this new extension, please contact TSteven913@aol.com or PrasHm@aol.com

They have prepared a questionnaire which will help us to minister more effectively to those who are the next generation of God's leaders. If you have already received this, please return it as soon as possible. We're really excited about your input, and look forward to announcing further developments as they are solidified. This ministry will be called RUN WITH THE VISION.

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POT LUCK!

Hamburger Soup
Our kids used to call this "missionary soup" because I often made it when we
had missionaries visit and I wanted something nutritious and delicious that
would fit our budget. It's great with homemade rolls! Dot Miller

Cook l lb. ground beef and one onion till pink has disappeared and lightly
browned. Drain.
Add: 1 c. diced potatoes
1 c. sliced carrots
1 c. shredded cabbage (optional)
1 c. sliced celery
1/4 c. rice
4 c. tomatoes
3 c. water
3-4 t. salt
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. thyme
1 bay leaf.
Simmer 1 hr. (9 cups)

For even MORE recipes, click on these!! More Recipes and Once-a-Month Cooking (OAMC)

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I Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
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~ PRAYER ~

Please send prayer request to C.O.P.E. Ministries (Christians Online Praying by Email) in care of Mama Brrr@AOL.com

DON'T FORGET TO LET THEM KNOW YOUR PRAISE REPORTS!! ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ BAMPRAYER@aol.com

For special prayer JUST for marriages. This is a ministry from Born Again Marriages FirstPatG and her husband are the heads of Born Again Marriages and have notified me that they are offering prayer especially for Pastors Wives and their marriages. If you would like to visit their web page. . . click here: BAMWEB

Sandi has let me know that their computer at the BAMPRAYER address got a virus and wiped out some information, including the names of some of those who wished to pray SPECIFICALLY for Pastors Wives. If you are one of those people who has contacted her in the past regarding this, or would like to be involved in this VITAL ministry, please contact her at BAMPRAYER@aol.com.

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CHUCKLES

Out Of The Mouth Of Babes
My children were frequent viewers of the show "Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego?" a geography-based children's game show, but I never knew how closely my 2 year old followed the show until one day during a thunderstorm. There was a very loud clap of thunder, and Rachel ran to me, breathless, in her usual animated way, and said, "Mama, Mama! It's the lightning round!"
~Lambiee

Pastor's daughter?
Submitted by PrasHm

Whenever my six-year-old niece, Katie, would be asked her name, her standard response was, "I'm Katie, Pastor Allen's daughter."

Thinking she needed to assert her own identity, Katie's mother encouraged her to simply reply "Katie."

The next day, a man asked her name. "I'm Katie," she replied. "Oh, you're Pastor Allen's daughter," he said, smiling.

"Well, Dad says so," said Katie, "but Mom's not real sure."

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For your Exploring Pleasure,
(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.)

NEW:
Sonspot - Open Your Eyes And Look Into The Son Nice site, contains links to other Christian sites. Bible links and music links to name a few.

IN CHRIST MINISTRIES Contains descriptions and links to some of the best Christian sites on the Web.

JAF Ministries The disability outreach of Joni Eareckson Tada. Joni, a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident in 1967, is an internationally known advocate for the disabled, radio host, author, conference speaker and mouth-artist.

LAST WEEK: From JeffNet:

SOAR: Searchable Online Archive of Recipes Want to cook? Or even if you don't...give this site a check. Thousands and thousands of recipes......Looking for something in particular.....give it a try.

Whisper Of Angel Wings Here is one I found from a person on the net.....it is a nice poem

Today's Morning Coffee Have you put in Morning Coffee in awhile?? I know that you advocate for it on your page......what do you think???

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