"You Have to BE Here"

Several years ago I had an eyeopening experiencing that I will never forget and convicts me each time it comes to memory.  We were serving at a church with a rich history.  We expected God to do great things, not because we were great (although my hubby is;o)) but because HE IS GREAT. 

However, I was struggling with being patient on waiting for God to do something Great in our church.  To start a revival and a massive movement of people to the altar were a few "Greats" I was expecting any day now from God. And I was praying fervently for our church to be awakened and revived.   Little did I know what "Great" Lesson my Creator was going to teach me very soon.

It was a Sunday morning, and I was tucked in my usual spot in the choir, enjoying worshiping with my "family".  We had just started the fellowship time, and I had turned to shake hands and offer kind greetings to those around me.  I moved a few spots over to give a warm hug to a sweet elderly women, and said in her ear, "It's good to see you here today!"  She returned the hug and smiled, "Thanks, but I won't say the same for you, since you HAVE to be here"  (a.k.a. you are the preacher's wife and you are HAVE to be here).  It took a moment for me to catch what she said and compute it. By that time the offering plates were being passed and the choir was singing.

The rest of the service I couldn't shake her words from my mind, particularly the last part, "You have to be here."  And other questions were now lingering...Do I attend church because I have to? Because, I am the Pastor's Wife, and well, duh, that's part of the job?  Because I am expected to be here?  Or do I come to be encouraged and equipped?   Do I come to church because I desire to worship God with this body of Christ and grow in my walk with Him?  

Remember, at the beginning of the post, I mentioned I was praying (and expecting) for God to do something Great among our church?  He did something great that day!  He reminded this preacher's wife that it's Great to be among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ!  That I get to be worship Christ freely and yes, this "calling" comes with some expectations, but attending church is Not one of them! I have the privilege to attend church and be challenged and taught in the Word of God!  

What about you, fellow preacher's wife?  Are you attending church, singing in the choir, teaching a Sunday School Class, visiting a sick member  because you Have to?  OR are you attending to worship Christ and be equipped for His service?  To fellowship with other believers and sharpen iron?

I pray that God will search your heart (as I have ask Him to do of mine) and to remove anything that would not please Him. 

Father, send a revival to our churches, and let it begin with us, your servants....

Jess:o)

Hello:o)

I KNOW I should write something very encouraging and very profound for my FIRST Post!!   But I have to share with you a conversation I had with our 3 year old daughter yesterday morning....may it bless your hearts...or a least may it make you chuckle!

ME: "What do we NOT ever again put in our noses??"

Our Daughter: "Animal Crackers"

ME: "What else do we NEVER EVER AGAIN put in our noses???"

Our Daughter: "Hearts (see below picture)...we just hold them...only boogers go in our noses"

And this is how yesterday morning began...:o) Removing THIS from our 3 Year Old Princess's Nose...Never a Dull Moment in our Household. 

I would like to WELCOME you to Paraklesis for Pastor's Wives!!  I am so glad you came by.  My name is Jessica, and it's so nice to meet you.  :o)  I would love to get to know you better, and look forward to doing that!

I have been thinking/praying about creating a blog for quite some time.  And after attending First Baptist of Jasksonville (FL) Pastor's Conference with my hubby, and meeting fellow PW, Lisa, main speaker for Women's Conference, that desire to create a blog grew much stronger!  I was greatly encouraged by her and the other speakers and preachers.  We also enjoyed taking a quick to the beach, b/c after all, we were in Florida!! Who cares if it was January!!

You may have noticed the name of my blog, Paraklesis.  I really struggled in finding a name, because I really want this blog to be a place to find encouragement and friendships with other sisters in Christ!  Thank God for a hubby who happens to know Greek;o)  One Greek word used for encouragement/comfort is...Paraklesis!! It literally means be encouraged or comforted.  And fellow PW (Preacher's Wives), we could always use a second helping of that! Can I get an AMEN GIRLFRIEND???   

As a Mommy of 2 Toddlers, whose conversations usually revolve around Dora and Diego,  I know I could use some "Grown Up", Encouraging, Iron sharpening iron, GirlFriend Talk!!

Romans 15:4 says, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort (There it is!! Paraklesis!!) of the Scriptures might have hope."  In this passage, Paul is encouraging Christians (specifically the stronger more mature, see verses 1 & 2) to ENCOURAGE and COMFORT each other.  Having this genuine Christlike love for other believers would result in unity among the body of Christ.  After all, we (as believers in Christ) are on the same team, are we not? And ultimately this unity will bring glory to God (Rom. 15:6) which is why we exist.  Do you desire and seek unity among the body of Christ?  What about among your fellow sisters in Christ?  Let's reel this in, what about among the ladies in your church?  Are you seeking unity among them?  Are you loving them, praying for them, getting to know them?  This has been something that has been burning on my mind (and heart) lately.  You can't spend time with someone 1 or 2 hours a week and expect to really get to know a person (a truth I was reminded of at the Women's Conference).  SO I ask you, how do you get to know your "congregation", the ones we are called to serve alongside?  Please share in the comments:o) 

And please introduce yourself; share a prayer need or praise! God Bless you!

Jessica