Preacher’s Wife Teaching Life

Have the last 2 months been crazy hectic, or is that just me?? My goodness, with the post holiday wind-down, the dawn of a new semester, taking on more classes, and being sick with allergies, I have been RUN DOWN. My laundry piled up, the dishes sat dirty and dinner was served late more than I'd like to admit. It was easy to see that crumbling of my physical life was a reflection of distraction in my spiritual life. I had shifted my focus away from spending intentional time with Jesus to juggling the chaos of everyday life in my own strength. As I looked around, I could easily see the effects of not being renewed each day by his light and love. I needed a reboot. Desperately. My new schedule doesn't allow much morning time to soak in his presence, but I do get two 30 minute breaks throughout my work day. In those 30 minute breaks, I've sought God as my refuge amidst the stress and chaos associated with a new semester. He gives me energy and strength to finish the day and ...

Last week, I overreacted about something my husband did and a seed of resentment was planted without me even realizing it. My resentment caused lack of motivation/laziness (the house was a mess) and the inclination to talk out about what bothered me to my friend. As soon as God brought it to my mind, I forgave Jarrod in my heart and was excited about going home to clean up the mess that had been sitting there for *days* (embarrassing).   The forgiveness was an issue in my own heart that I dealt with through God's guidance and I was encouraged to go home and deal with the mess I had made.  We talked about how everything unfolded, and Jarrod was reminded of the Proverbs 31 wife. She is of noble character that loves God, brings joy to her husband, works hard and speaks kind words. A noble wife was made to be a blessing in the home and a light source in the world. She is made to be loving, caring, giving and nurturing to those around her. Her children rise up and call her ble...

Even if you're not married, this post can benefit you and your future spouse...if you are married, you might find out a new way you can connect with your spouse. My husband and I celebrate our 8th anniversary this year; while 8 years is nothing compared to the 40+ my parents have and 60+ my grandparents have, I can undoubtedly say I've learned a lot about marriage over the last 8 years. I'm sure my marriage education started far before I ever got married when I was a kid watching my parents relate, but first-hand experience is a guaranteed fast track education in the area of relationships. We know as humans that relationships are built on an emotional connection . We find someone we can emotionally relate to and our foundation is formed. Either you found something similar that connects you, or you found something totally different that you wish you had, but the two of you formed a bond that goes deeper than any surface level acquaintance. Another connection, and not ...

At the dawning of a new year, we can't help but see what's coming as a clean slate and a fresh start. Most of us make resolutions or goals for the new year. Did you make any this year? Did you have any prayers you wanted answered or hopes you wanted fulfilled? Internet!!!!!! Our very pregnant mini goat The past two years, my husband and I have written down our hopes for the new year. I can honestly say that most of those hopes have come true. There are a few things we are still praying for, but ultimately we know that everything happens in God's good timing. Some of the things I hoped for were kind of silly, like for our mini goats to have babies and internet at our house (we live in between two middle-of-nowheres and there's nothing but land and cows); some of my hopes were a little more serious, like becoming spiritually closer with Jarrod and reaching more people for Jesus. Those four things alone came true this year: our mini goat is currently about to pop...

God sure has been saying a lot and saying it clearly to me lately in my time set aside for him.The peace I feel throughout each day comes from time spent resting in his presence and listening to his plans and hopes. He told me today that my hopes and his plans are very closely aligned. He said I've lived a life walking closely to him, and the things I dream about and hope for are the things he plans for me to have. Going into my day knowing that certainly changes the way I view the day that unfolds. The small hardships or harsh words that used to crumble me are brushed away with the knowledge that God is pleased with me. The distractions of life are pushed aside as I remember the plans he has for me. I'm telling you, it's a different quality of life than the one of worry and anxiety I used to live. This little guy is one of my dreams come true. There is an indescribable feeling of fulfillment that comes from experiencing his love and hearing his thoughts about me an...