Saturday, May 31

Your Day




IMG_0265

Originally uploaded by Debbie R. Pryor

This bright, new day... complete with 24 hours of opportunities, choices, and attitudes… a perfectly matched set of 1440 minutes.This unique gift, this one day, cannot be exchanged, replaced or refunded. Handle with care. Make the most of it. There is only one to a customer. (Author Unknown)



You choose how to spend our day. Will you make it a memorable, happy one or will you squander it away? Life is full of many challenges, but it is up to you to have a great day. May you laugh instead of cry; may you smile instead of frown. May your words be full of wisdom instead of criticism; may you be encouraged instead of discouraged. May you always put your trust in God and rest in His everlasting arms.


Thursday, May 22

Friends -


Hanging Out At Starbucks 1
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
I just have to share the following words by John Mason:

"Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.

Proverbs says, "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad."

Mr. Mason goes on to state, "A true friend is one who is there to care. They remain your friend even if you don't deserve to have a friend. They will see you through when others think you're through.

He further states, "As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb, will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you, will eventually decrease you.... Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst end of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.

In my personal opinion, this is one great thought by John Mason, and it is so true. Friends are like diamonds, you choose them carefully. Thank you Lord for all my dear friends!

Wednesday, May 21


Golf
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
If I Had my Child To Raise Over Again


IF I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars,
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
I'd see the oak tree in the acorn more often,
I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.
I'd model less about the love of power,
And more about the power of love.

--Diane Loomans

Saturday, May 17

Hope


Hope?
Originally uploaded by MAPryor
Here is a picture that was taken in my backyard. This is actually the very first bloom on my Nasturtium plant. (Thank you, Catherine for giving me the name.) Beauty arises, but only after it endures the dark, desolate time of being hidden.

Hope is the dream of a soul awake! (French Proverb)

Thursday, May 15

Standing Strong

I found this card and knew I would post its contents that reads:

A mighty wind blew night and day. It stole the oak tree's leaves away. Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark until the oak was tired and stark. But still the oak tree held its ground while other trees fell around....The weary wind gave up and spoke, "How can you still be standing, Oak? The oak tree said, "I know that you can break each branch of mine in two, carry every leaf away, shake my limbs, and make me sway, but I have roots stretched in the earth, growing stronger since my birth. You'll never touch them, for you see, they are the deepest part of me. Until today, I wasn't sure of just how much I could endure. But now I've found, with thanks to you, Im stronger than I ever knew."

There are instances in life when you experience that bitter sting of criticism, but stand tall because God will give you strength to stand. I like what John Mason said, "People who are growing with God all share one common trait; they attract criticism. Criticism is a compliment when you are doing what you know you're suppose to do . . .. It can be beneficial to receive constructive criticism from those who have your best interests at heart, but you're not responsible to respond to those who don't." Continue to stand tall dear friend, and do not ever forget just how deep your roots extend.

Wednesday, May 14

Proverbs 11:30 reads, " The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." This weekend was all about reaching out to our community. Evangelist Tim Downs not only shared with us his burden for soul winning, but he helped us to realize just how much more we need to be doing in order to reach someone. I left this meeting knowing that I must personally do more, but I believe I am ready to go because there are adults, young people and children just waiting for you or me to tell them that Jesus loves them.

We endeavored to impact our community with invitation flyers, and God blessed the fruit of our efforts. I am thankful for what God is doing in our church!

Tuesday, May 13

From the Heart of a Pastor's Wife

About a month ago, I was listening to Sabrina talk about various characteristics of a pastor's wife, I had to look over at my husband and just give him that smile that says it all. Some of her points made me laugh while others brought tears to my eyes and I had to bite my bottom lip to keep those tears from falling. It is interesting to note what various people expect from a pastor's wife. Let's get to the heart of the matter: a pastor's wife must remain true to her identity. I like what one pastor's wife said, "Authenticity makes a great pastor's wife... You don't want someone who is aiming to force herself into a role, because its what others expect of her. You want a woman who is real, who is true to herself, true to the way that God designed her, and lives with a fierce love for God and her husband, and a fierce resistance to stereotypes." I wish I knew her name, but she goes on to state, "we [pastor's wives] just need the freedom to be ourselves, the freedom to say no to certain things, the freedom to find our niche in life and not let our entire life be defined by our husband's calling. After all, God calls us too, and sometimes it's to pursuits dramatically different than ministry. ("HopeRising -> RE: Pastors Wife (2/29/2008 1:14:59 AM))

In my short experience as a pastor's wife, I have learned that I cannot be what people expect because peoples' expectations can sometimes be unrealistically too high. Perhaps the greatest lesson I have come to understand is that I can simply be myself. I love to laugh, but there is a side to me that hurts too. I have days when everything is, if you please, picture perfect. There are times when I feel as if I have missed the mark, but I always readjust my aim and go forward. I do not stay in the valley of disappointment or loneliness but rather I choose to experience the great thrills of life; I choose to be happy. I strive to focus on the positive rather than the negative. When the nagging voice of fear tries to reign, I simply, say, "Lord, I trust you." I have learned that everyone will have a different opinion of me and that is okay, but I cannot allow their opinions to define who I am. I am after all, a lady with real emotions. I am a mom, a wife, a pastor's wife, a sister and a friend. I am my husband's faithful supporter. Thank you Lord, for choosing me, and thank you for your gentle hand that leads me.