~
There's JOY in the Kitchen ~
~ When we realize that ~
God's gifts are never loans;
they are always deposits. * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME IF I'M UGLY?
By JoyfulArt
Opening my e-mail I read the itinerary. Jimmy
and Carol were actually going to come and visit
us here in Colorado. We had spent many hours on
the phone (just ask our husbands what the bills
were like) and countless hours typing secrets
back and forth. Now, something we had dreamed of
and talked about was actually going to happen.
Finally, we would be able to see each others
"Earth Suits"!
Speaking to many others who have met their
online friends, I've heard it mentioned more than
once that they were nervous and hoped that things
wouldn't turn sour once the meeting had taken
place. Hiding behind a white screen, one feels
safe and can express themselves without
hesitation or embarassment. "You aren't
reacting to anothers facial expressions or body
language", and "you can't hear the tone
of their voice". "We all look
different, and dress differently". "How
we connect online MAY not be the same way we
connect in real life". These thoughts and
more Carol and I discussed before our meeting.
Pretending to have all the confidence in the
world, with occasional flippant remarks about
facial features or weight we prepared to meet
each other - and brace the other for what they
would find. (Not that we were insecure mind you).
When the big day arrived we pushed aside our
nervousness and tried to pretend that we were
just fine and heartily greeted each other. Later
however, we giggled as we insisted on touching
each others hair and face to see if the other was
really real. We just HAD to put all our 'puzzle
pieces' together with our five senses.
This is where I'm going to end my story. Carol
asked me not to read her side of the story until
I had written my side. But this strange thing
happened. . . I accidently opened her letter up
and had it read before I realized what I was
reading!! (Do you believe that?) Anyway, when I
saw how LENGTHY it was, I decided to be merciful
to you all, and leave you guessing. The joy in
Carol's letter says it all. (She's going to 'get
me' for cutting this short you know.)
One thing is certain. The time flew by too
fast, the memories of our first visit will last
forever, and there was a precious deposit of love
and strength left behind in their wake. I don't
know how God did it, but He took two, no, make it
four, strangers in two different states, brought
them together and blessed them all. What we need
in our lives - Carol and Jimmy brought with them.
What they needed in their lives, they recieved
from us. Now that they are back home in Alabama,
and we remain in Colorado, I have just a tiny
sense of what Jesus must feel when He left His
disciples on the earth and went to Heaven to
await their reunion. The Body, separated, is
never complete until together. (Now THAT'S a
profound statement!! hahaha)
It will be so much fun to meet some of the
other 'parts' to see what it was that we were
lacking. I'm still shaking my head over the
things that we saw in our dear friends that
enriched us so, and brought more of Christ's
abundant life into our lives. What a joy to have
had the incredible gift of getting to know one's
heart BEFORE I made any harsh judgments or
assessments. How often we don't even give someone
the benefit of a doubt, but draw conclusions by
what we see. It's no wonder we are so fragmented
and lacking in so many areas. We've cut off
blessings because we didn't like the wrapping! In
our case we LOVED the wrapping and all that was
inside as well!
~ ~ ~ ~
God always gives His best to those who
leave the choice with Him.
~ ~ ~ ~
CAROL'S SIDE OF THE STORY
By Justaservn
Hi Fellow PW'S!
Just got back from meeting JoyfulArt and
PastorDP! Thought you might wanna hear about it!
My husband Jimmy and I just traveled from Alabama
to Colorado, and we made it back home Monday
night.
One reason we went, was to celebrate our
anniversary...and the other one was to meet
Shannon and Dewayne. They have been so precious
to us...and we just HAD to check out their earth
suits!
We have known them for about a year online.
Shannon and I met through "Sarah's
Tent," (well, actually BST, Before Sarah's
Tent...that was when she only had the
"breakfast nook" wif Joy in the
Kitchen) ...and being a part of it has really
enriched my life.
Because of the outlet now provided for
Pastors....Jimmy and Dewayne connected...and
another friendship developed. We were soo excited
to meet them...! But I gotta tell you the facts..
The plane ride went well...except for three
flight cancellations...and barely catching our
connecting flight. Jimmy and I have
learned...that when things like this
happen....God is up to sumpin good! And that
"sumpin" could simply be patience being
worked in us....or maybe a little more time in
the lobby with someone...so they might see Jesus.
We met some awesome people through the course
of these events...and two interesting ones to
mention...are Samuel and Peter. When we got on
the connecting flight...in Atlanta, Ga....Jimmy
and I found that our seats were not together.
Bummer! (But, once again..not a coincidence...
After all, Who is directing our steps?)
Jimmy sat in the middle seat...directly in
front of me...so that meant I was also in a
middle seat. Well...anyone who has ever had a
middle seat...KNOWS that you have NO place to put
your arms! Cause the armrests are hogged
by.....Samuel and Peter. I was talking to them on
the way...and killing time doing so....cause just
like Gilligan's Island...this was a 3 hour
tour!!!
I told them...that I felt very privileged to
be sitting between a Prophet and an Apostle! I
figured if anything was to happen on this
flight...that I was buffered. (hehe)
Well..at one point in the flight...Jimmy
reached over his seat...and wanted to hold my
hand. Hey..it was our anniversary...and we were
gonna make the best of it...right??
Well..as it goes...I was putting sugar in my
coffee at that same time. I was using both of my
hands, one to hold the cup, and one to pour the
sugar. I was trying to explain this to him, but
he couldn't hear me because he had on
headphones...so he continues to grope. I looked
at Peter...and said..."Will you please hold
his hand while I finish putting sugar in my
coffee?"
Peter gives me this strange look and
says..."Sorry I'm not there for you." I
figured it was worth a try! lol
Well..we arrive in Denver..and Shannon and
Dewayne..are waiting at the gate. As I came
through that little tunnel that they hooked to
the plane. (I found out later from Dewayne that
this is a "jetway." Don't want to sound
like I don't know anything..hehe) I was really
getting excited. I came out.........and there
they were! I just walked closer and
closer...going "Yes..Yes!!"
And then...as we hugged and gazed...we both
had the same thought. "Who are you???"
I mean...we tried to play it cool...but
honestly..it was a shock. I have spent alot of
time over the past year talking to this
person...and for the first time..there was no
computer between us.
It was soo weird! She wasn't the first online
friend I met....but for some reason...we both had
a different picture of each other in our minds.
All I knew of her before, was this fuzzy black
and white picture...and when I used my
imagination...I would think of this pic...on a
popsicle stick...going up and down when she
talked.
And now...here was her flesh....complete with
body language and facial expressions. We adjusted
throughout the weekend...and really had a blast!
We drove through the mountains...and watched the
skiers...and got out of the car for 5
seconds...to throw snowballs at each other. It
was 5 degrees! Alabama skin freaks out in weather
like that.
We don't have much snow in Alabama. If there
is anything white on the ground over here...it
means the kids stripped the sheets off the bed
and spread em out for a picnic...
I must say, all in all...it was one the most,
beautiful, memorable experiences...I have ever
had...and what was so awesome...was the fact that
I saw Shannon's "heart" before I saw
her flesh. And then...I had to connect the two
together...and do away with this image that had
formed in my mind.
And honestly...I like the real one better. She
and Dewayne really blessed us. They treated us
like family from "moment one." We
laughed so hard, we hugged so hard...and we slept
so hard! And...we visited their church. It was
one of the most awesome moments in my life! We
absolutely loved their "sheep."
Spiritually speaking, we felt like we came out of
an all-you-can-eat-buffet. And then we did THAT
really, after church.
The departure was extremely wistful. I felt
torn because, in just four days, these people
seemed like family! As we said our goodbyes at
the gate...I felt a lump in my throat. Shannon's
little girl, Denise, velcroed herself to me from
the moment I got there, and her son Chris
connected with Jimmy, and we kinda liked it!
Here's what I believe I learned from the Lord.
On the way back, at the Atlanta airport, we were
coming down the escalator. And on this big wall,
was a sign. In huge letters, it said: "Think
Goals." Boy, that really jumped right into
me, because, while we were in Colorado...that was
exactly what the Lord was dealing with in my
heart.
I kept thinking about how I sometimes
"scatter-shoot" in my life...sorta like
the Israelites, wandering around the desert...but
not getting anywhere. I thought about my
time...and how I don't always use it wisely. That
airport sign was a confirmation to me, that I
need to "set my face like a
flint"...and look toward Jerusalem.
So, on the plane, I found myself very
quiet...very deep in thought....and very
repentant. I kept thinking..."What are my
goals? What is my agenda?" I have to
wonder..."Is my will really lined up with
God's?" And if the answer to that question
is no...then I want change.
I want my goal to be...that I love the Lord
with all my heart, soul, strength, and
mind....and I want to love my neighbor as myself.
I desire to "fill my cup"...at the
well...ONLY so I can pour out to others.
Self-focus must not be in my vocabulary...because
then, that would put ME back on the Throne. I
will receive the overflow...naturally, because
that's the way God is....but if I concentrate on
that...then I am merely seeking my own will and
my own way.
Look at this quote by Steve Sampson: (This the
author of the book Shannon refers to alot. *I Was
Always On My Mind* It really is good!)
"There is nothing less becoming than
self-centeredness. Those who are still under the
delusion that the universe revolves around them
are in a sad state. There is a saying, 'A man
wrapped up in himself makes a very small
package.'
Talk about ouch, ouch ouch! How many
times...do I pray about my own needs before the
needs of others? I remember one time...I was very
sick. I was laying in bed...and the Lord
impressed my heart...to pray. But, not for
myself. I was led to pray for others. So, I did.
And in that selfsame day, I was healed.
I guess, what I am trying to impart to you is
this: It is filtering through me first...and I
have the opportunity to APPLY it...or lose sight
of a pearl.
We must "Think Goals." What are our
goals? Is this life really a pilgrimage, a
passing through, to eternity, or are we laying up
our treasures here?" What are our goals?
My goal, is to know the Father in a deep,
intimate way. To seek His Will above my own. To
put others ahead of myself. To know the enemy's
plan, through discernment and keen
insight...ahead of time. I can do that, through
time spent with the Father...and studying the
word.
Dewayne, Shannon's husband...(I love that
man!) told me something that really blessed me.
We were sitting at their table and reading Psalms
63. (That by the way, is my favorite chapter!)
And one verse says: "Early will I seek
thee." Dewayne said to me, "You know,
that verse not only applies to 'early in the
morning', but also...'early in the situation.'
People have trying situations...and they do
everything in the flesh FIRST...and then they
seek God. What that verse implies...is seek God
early IN THE SITUATION."
I thought, "Man, that is good!"
God's word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light
unto my path...so, just like our car
headlights...(if we turn them on!) we can see
ahead! And when do we usually turn them on? When
things are DARK! And..also, we turn them
on...before the dark hits..right? Why don't we do
that in our Spiritual walk?
Puts things in a whole new perspective, huh? I
thank you guys for indulging with me. Didn't want
to waste the lesson...so I thought I'd share it
with you.
Those of you coming to the retreat are in for
a real treat! I think you will be blessed when
you meet these "vessels" that brought
us all together. I know we were!
God Bless!
Carol
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us
with benefits, even the God of our salvation.
Psalm 68:19
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Sarah's Tent Book Club
~~~ Do you like to read? ~~~
The Sarah's Tent Book Club is an opportunity for
the women of Sarah's Tent Ministry to be able to
find, read and discuss Christian books. These
books will pertain to women's issues and also the
issues that we face in our ministries and in our
husband's ministry. We will pick a different book
each month that discusses relevant topics to help
us and our husband in the ministry. During that
month, if you would choose to be a part, you
would read the book that is chosen. Then, we
would get together and discuss the book on the
last Thursday of the month. This would be a time
for any questions and a time for discussion and
growth. Those who are interested can e-mail me at
WeesaS@aol.com.
The book that we will read for the month of
March is:
" I'm Trying To Sit At His Feet, But
Who's Going to Cook Dinner?" by Cathy
Lechner
Creation House Publishing
Sarah's Tent Book Club chat on March 26, the
last Thursday of the month, will be held in: The Book
Club Save This Link!
~ ~ ~ ~
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Shannon:
Just a thought! Gosh, it is hard to believe
that it has been one year! My, my how time has
flown. Just the other day I was remembering what
brought me to the Pastor's Wives group now known
as Sarah's Tent. I remember when we had just
signed up with AOL and I was searching for
something...a place...a connection......HELP!!! I
had just found out about Christianity Online. So
I started moving from message board to to message
board. In the mean time I was praying God help me
make the right connections...I need fellowship
and understanding with those like me. I had to
move out of my own circle and searched for help
from a stranger. I was scared! I had heard so
much about how folks online would take advantage
of you. Still there was a hunger for fellowship
that I was not getting from those whom I served.
Thank God for Sarah's Tent and JoyfulArt.
As the days past I found friendship,
fellowship, help and understanding. I have met
many wonderful ladies who labor with their mates
and who like myself struggle everyday to keep the
hubby encouraged, praying daily for God to give
Him strength to continue on for the Master! I
have not always been a faithful co-laborer, I
waivered in the storm and wished that our lives
were different. But, through the wonderful grace
of Jesus, I have felt the Father's arms slip
around me. Letting me know that He loves and
cares for His own.
Likewise, I have not been a faithful friend to
Sarah's Tent and those who seek shelter there!
Thank you all who have been diligently praying
for me as I stumble through this trial of my
faith. I am looking forward to continuing under
the tent with my dear friends! May God richly
bless you as you labor for Him!
With all my love!
Lisa aka LLsGran
~ ~ ~ ~
He lifted me out of the slimy pit...
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place
to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:2,3
~ ~ ~ ~
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sarah's Tent FIRST Annual PW Retreat
Vintage Resort in the mountains of WinterPark, CO
April 30 - May 2 If you would like more
information on this OR If you are interested in
helping to sponsor a pastors wife to one of our
retreats, please contact us at
SarahsTent@aol.com. You will not only be sowing
into a faithful warrior in the Kingdom - you will
be sowing into a whole congregation!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POT LUCK!
-Neiman-Marcus Cookie Recipe-
Submitted by VCFFREMONT
(Recipe may be halved)
2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
** 5 cups blended oatmeal
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)
** Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a
fine powder
Cream the butter and both sugars. Add eggs and
vanilla; mix together with
flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.
Add chocolate chips, Hershey Bar and nuts. Roll
into balls and place two
inches apart on a cookiesheet.Bake for 10 minutes
at 375 degrees. Makes 112
cookies. Have fun!!!
For even MORE recipes, click on these!! More
Recipes and Once-a-Month
Cooking (OAMC) AND Doffycook's
Nethome
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Personality has the power to open doors,
but character keeps them open.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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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