January/February 2008
In this issue:
Flo's Thoughts
Why Do We Need Ministry Centers?
Godly Grandmas
Flo's Thoughts
Finding rest? Where did I lose it? What did it look like? How do I find it again? Lacking all of today’s modern conveniences, the women of Williamsburg engaged in hard household labor all morning, and then wrote diaries and letters for about two hours each afternoon. Susanna Wesley the 24th of a family of 24 herself, married Samuel Wesley and they had 19 children. With Samuel traveling so often, Susanna wrote her decision about her time with the children:
I am a woman, but I am also the mistress of a large family. And though the superior charge of the souls contained in it lies upon you, yet in your long absence I cannot but look upon every soul you leave under my charge as a talent committed to me under a trust. I am not a man nor a minister, yet as a mother and a mistress I felt I ought to do more than I had yet done. I resolved to begin with my own children; in which I observe, the following method: I take such a proportion of time as I can spare every night to discourse with each child apart. On Monday I talk with Molly, on Tuesday with Hetty, Wednesday with Nancy, Thursday with Jacky, Friday with Patty, Saturday with Charles
Glimpses of Christian History records:
The frequent absences of her husband on church business left the management of the household in her hands. Through it all she remained a steadfast Christian who taught not only through the Scriptures, but through her own example of daily trust in God. She once wrote: We must know God experientially for unless the heart perceive and know Him to be to be the supreme good, her only happiness, unless the soul feel and acknowledge that she can have no repose, no peace, no joy, but in loving and being loved by Him.
Scripture records the word rest 269 times, so I’m on a winter quest to investigate what biblical rest involves and how I can taste of it. A quick glance of the verses shows me multiple uses of “day of rest.” When did I last spend a day of rest? Exodus 33:14 records, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” That concept intrigues me for two reasons: God’s presence comes; I’m not alone. Second, the Presence gives the rest. I sense no striving in that.
So please defrock the Christmas decorations, store away the photos, and trade in cookies for salad as January begins. But do join me in taking the “cold, midwinter,” as the carol says, and let’s investigate biblical rest. Flo
Why Do We Need Ministry Centers?
Imagine a group of people as passionate about your minstry as you are. Imagine a group of people working to make your ministry succeed – brainstorming with you about new ways of doing things or ways to fix problems. Imagine a group of people working to get your ministry everything it needs.
The good news of Jesus Christ doesn't change, but times change and people respond to different things. So, imagine spreading the good things about SPEP throughout the community. Imagine building a reputation of trust so that people in the community will feel safe in coming to us. Or building a learning system that teaches us how to really live our faith - not just talk about it. You can imagine all kinds of things, can't you?
Now imagine these groups of passionate leaders including us. Women with leadership skills working with the Elders and Pastors. Women who want ministries to succeed. Women who want to glorify Christ, mend broken lives and build a church that attracts the 21st century generations and touches them for Jesus Christ.
Sounds good, doesn’t it!
SPEP has so many godly grandmas! Some grandmas are blessed by strong relationships, while others struggle with joint custody between the parents of the grandchildren and strained relationships that make any visit a hassle. Whatever your situation, prayerfully make the most of it. The psalmist reminds us of the position we have in chapter 78: 5-7
He decreed statutes for Jacob
and established in the laws in Israel,
which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
Prayer is every grandmother’s privilege. As a matter of fact, as I held my granddaughter early Monday morning, the day after her baptism, I thanked God for this covenant child, and asked he Lord to make me a faithful, praying grandma for her faith, growth in godly character, coming to know Christ personally, and obedience for His will in her life. Read more...
February 12 = National Plum Pudding Day
February 15, 1903 = the first teddy bear was introduced in America
February 15 = National Gum Drop Day
February 19 = National Chocolate Mint Day
Questions? Comments? Send them to the Postmaster.