Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
New Web Page
Hello All:
Please note that I have moved from this blog spot to a web site that is better suited for what my goals are. The new web page address is www.peggyweddendorfministries@webs.com
It's up and running, but I have not yet figured out how to upload pictures on the page. It's merely a matter of time.
We have a discussion forum, as well as a place to submit prayer requests. So, please consider becoming a member and join me.
I'm enjoying every minute of seeing what the Lord has next!!
Please note that I have moved from this blog spot to a web site that is better suited for what my goals are. The new web page address is www.peggyweddendorfministries@webs.com
It's up and running, but I have not yet figured out how to upload pictures on the page. It's merely a matter of time.
We have a discussion forum, as well as a place to submit prayer requests. So, please consider becoming a member and join me.
I'm enjoying every minute of seeing what the Lord has next!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
New Direction
I don't know about you, but there have been times I've found myself admiring a person's ministry. So much so, that I have been guilty of taking my eyes off what the Lord was doing in my life, and more focused on theirs. Clearly this is not the Lord's Will for us. We're all different, called to minister in different areas, none being more important than the other. It's the Lord's work. That's what we should be about. Doing His work. 1 Cor. 12:14-20.
It should become evident to us that a ministry is "on target" when we see it bearing fruit. This would clearly indicate that they're doing something right, as the evidence of growth is there. On the other hand, if the ministry we're involved in is not growing, not bearing fruit, and has been on-going for a number of years, we might want to ask the Lord if we need to change directions, and quite possibly if the people working with us actually share our vision. This certainly doesn't mean we've failed. Why do we sometimes assume a change of direction means we've missed the Lord? Could it be that the "season ended" on the particular ministry/project/vision that we were involved in? Would that be a bad thing? Not at all! This could actually be a change of direction, which can be exciting, if we will see this new path in our journey through the eyes of the Lord.
I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that no growth, as well as an on-going battle to finance our vision just may not be the Lord's plan. Could it be that what was initially the Lord's plan, veered off and became our plan? That can happen with even the most seasoned Christians. If that's the case, don't give in to discouragement. Rest assured that the Lord will open up an opportunity for you.
Seek the Lord's guidance in any ministry you feel the Lord is calling you to, and wait for confirmation from Him. Don't get caught up in NOT seeking counsel from those whom you know are wise in the Lord. There are already too many Christian leaders who are too puffed up to go to others, within the body, for prayer regarding what they believe the Lord may be calling them to do. Proverbs 12:15. Oh, and if there's a need to "control," allow me to assure you that the Lord can, and will, help you break that. He wants to be in control.
In closing, be encouraged if you feel that a door has been closed. Your Father is still on the job! He's got another door for you. Remember you're on a journey. You'll encounter many forks in the road, closed, as well as opened doors, opportunities for ministry, and life lessons along the way. He is good !!
It should become evident to us that a ministry is "on target" when we see it bearing fruit. This would clearly indicate that they're doing something right, as the evidence of growth is there. On the other hand, if the ministry we're involved in is not growing, not bearing fruit, and has been on-going for a number of years, we might want to ask the Lord if we need to change directions, and quite possibly if the people working with us actually share our vision. This certainly doesn't mean we've failed. Why do we sometimes assume a change of direction means we've missed the Lord? Could it be that the "season ended" on the particular ministry/project/vision that we were involved in? Would that be a bad thing? Not at all! This could actually be a change of direction, which can be exciting, if we will see this new path in our journey through the eyes of the Lord.
I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that no growth, as well as an on-going battle to finance our vision just may not be the Lord's plan. Could it be that what was initially the Lord's plan, veered off and became our plan? That can happen with even the most seasoned Christians. If that's the case, don't give in to discouragement. Rest assured that the Lord will open up an opportunity for you.
Seek the Lord's guidance in any ministry you feel the Lord is calling you to, and wait for confirmation from Him. Don't get caught up in NOT seeking counsel from those whom you know are wise in the Lord. There are already too many Christian leaders who are too puffed up to go to others, within the body, for prayer regarding what they believe the Lord may be calling them to do. Proverbs 12:15. Oh, and if there's a need to "control," allow me to assure you that the Lord can, and will, help you break that. He wants to be in control.
In closing, be encouraged if you feel that a door has been closed. Your Father is still on the job! He's got another door for you. Remember you're on a journey. You'll encounter many forks in the road, closed, as well as opened doors, opportunities for ministry, and life lessons along the way. He is good !!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Homecoming
Bill and I rejoiced when he caught a pesky squirrel that had been feeding off our bird feeders, and beginning to enjoy the suet as well. We discovered that a small bowl of peanut butter in the back, with pecans, and a drizzle of sunflower seeds were necessary to lure the gourmet squirrels into the trap so that they could be nabbed. Yet we knew we still had two more out there. It seems that "Ed" had some relatives.
Once Ed was caught, Bill took him miles away. He found a nice "squirrel friendly" spot, with trees, and a pond. To insure that Ed would not return to our home, Bill made sure that Ed would have to cross the pond, cross I 40, cut through the Wolfchase Mall parking lot, cross Highway 64, then make his way all the way down Germantown Parkway without becoming roadkill.
Feeling encouraged, Bill staged two more traps to catch Ed's relatives, as he knew it would be difficult for Ed to adjust to his new environment without his family. Ed's family members fell for the traps. Earline, Ed's wife, was the first, with Elbert, their son, following the next day. Boy oh boy !!! All three family members were reunited.
As I waited for Bill to return home with the emptied cages, from dropping off Elbert, I discovered two more family members. Should we have been surprised by the size of this family?
Out Bill went again. Traps were baited and set. The following day Enoch was taken to his family, and again the next day Eli joined them. Finally !! The family was complete, or so we thought.
Our hope is that this last little squirrel, Earl, will be the last of Ed's family. I suppose those little imps were delighted to see all their family members together again. I know we were happy to locate a new home for the entire family, far away from us.
If you discover seven extra squirrels residing in your backyard, give us a call. We'll loan you the cages, if you'll take them all the way to Collierville. We have friends there. Give me a call. I'll give you their address.
Once Ed was caught, Bill took him miles away. He found a nice "squirrel friendly" spot, with trees, and a pond. To insure that Ed would not return to our home, Bill made sure that Ed would have to cross the pond, cross I 40, cut through the Wolfchase Mall parking lot, cross Highway 64, then make his way all the way down Germantown Parkway without becoming roadkill.
Feeling encouraged, Bill staged two more traps to catch Ed's relatives, as he knew it would be difficult for Ed to adjust to his new environment without his family. Ed's family members fell for the traps. Earline, Ed's wife, was the first, with Elbert, their son, following the next day. Boy oh boy !!! All three family members were reunited.
As I waited for Bill to return home with the emptied cages, from dropping off Elbert, I discovered two more family members. Should we have been surprised by the size of this family?
Out Bill went again. Traps were baited and set. The following day Enoch was taken to his family, and again the next day Eli joined them. Finally !! The family was complete, or so we thought.
Our hope is that this last little squirrel, Earl, will be the last of Ed's family. I suppose those little imps were delighted to see all their family members together again. I know we were happy to locate a new home for the entire family, far away from us.
If you discover seven extra squirrels residing in your backyard, give us a call. We'll loan you the cages, if you'll take them all the way to Collierville. We have friends there. Give me a call. I'll give you their address.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Brook is Dried Up
I'm sure we've all known someone who has complained that they are often misunderstood, others seem unable to understand their personalities, or humor, and simply have difficulty even maintaining a true deep friendship. They have a number of friends, most acquaintances, but have expressed that they long for that special confidant. I've noticed that it's particularly telling when a person is of a mature age, 40's and up, and still complains of their lack of true friends.
I believe we all have a number of people we call friends. We have people we enjoy having lunch with, from time to time, another who makes an extremely good shopping partner, one who is fun to spend a day sharing crafts, but none of them really know what's deep inside our hearts. It's not that we don't like them. It's simply that they have a different place in our lives. This is not a bad thing at all. It's actually quite good. We all need people like that. Yet, women have a real desire to find that one very special friend that will understand every mood, attitude, frustration, short-coming, and love them unconditionally.
For those of us who are praying for a special friend, I think it's important that we look very closely, and ask ourselves a few questions:
1. Do I find myself struggling a bit to remain Christ-minded when I'm with this person?
2. Am I comparing myself to them, or they to me?
3. Have I discovered a few lies?
4. Do they come across as self-righteous?
5. Do they feel the need to be right about everything?
Let's not get carried away here. I'm certainly not suggesting that Christians cannot socialize, or make friends with people who are struggling in their Spiritual walks. Nor am I saying that Christians are not to befriend an unbeliever. What I am saying is that we need to use wisdom in selecting friends that will not pull us down, or cause us to feel less than who we are.
There is a particular trait that I think can be toxic in a relationship. That's the need to compare. This sets the stage for disaster, and will surely destroy a friendship.
I'm sure many would say they've all had a friend who became a "copycat." They visit your home, a few months later they're selling their nice home for a larger one. You let your hair grow out, months later their hair is growing out, the Lord is using you in a beautiful ministry, months later they report something the Lord has called them to do that is on a grander scale, and unfortunately they may even lie about their income.
It's not uncommon for these friends to have confronted people in authority, as they feel they are a step up spiritually. They also like to report that those who have a spiritual education reported being intimidated by their knowledge, and a few other falling outs with leaders in the Church. They leave a trail of annoyances behind them along their journey. My fellow believers, I feel this is the evidence of a proud and self righteous attitude.
We are not called to compare ourselves one to another. The Lord made each one of us beautifully, uniquely, and according to His choosing.
In James 4:4-6, there are some questions that every person in conflict, or frustrated with friendships should ask themselves. Actually, it just can't hurt to ask ourselves those questions period. It's important that we learn to be content. Contentment brings about happiness.
In closing, if you are finding yourself in the midst of a long time friendship that has been "rocky" for years, or in the midst of one that has raised some serious questions, use the 5 questions above as a checklist, but most importantly go to the Lord in prayer. You never know. The Lord may have you help bring some things to light for your friend, and they develop a heart that is willing to be honest before the Lord. On the other hand, be willing to close the door on the relationship if the Lord reveals to you that it's time.
Sometimes "the brook has dried up" in a relationship. It was "tapped out" a long time ago, as we could see the evidence all along. We simply feared losing what we thought was a true friendship.
Pray about it. Ask the Lord to show you what His Will is in the midst of it. But, be ready for Him to answer.
I believe we all have a number of people we call friends. We have people we enjoy having lunch with, from time to time, another who makes an extremely good shopping partner, one who is fun to spend a day sharing crafts, but none of them really know what's deep inside our hearts. It's not that we don't like them. It's simply that they have a different place in our lives. This is not a bad thing at all. It's actually quite good. We all need people like that. Yet, women have a real desire to find that one very special friend that will understand every mood, attitude, frustration, short-coming, and love them unconditionally.
For those of us who are praying for a special friend, I think it's important that we look very closely, and ask ourselves a few questions:
1. Do I find myself struggling a bit to remain Christ-minded when I'm with this person?
2. Am I comparing myself to them, or they to me?
3. Have I discovered a few lies?
4. Do they come across as self-righteous?
5. Do they feel the need to be right about everything?
Let's not get carried away here. I'm certainly not suggesting that Christians cannot socialize, or make friends with people who are struggling in their Spiritual walks. Nor am I saying that Christians are not to befriend an unbeliever. What I am saying is that we need to use wisdom in selecting friends that will not pull us down, or cause us to feel less than who we are.
There is a particular trait that I think can be toxic in a relationship. That's the need to compare. This sets the stage for disaster, and will surely destroy a friendship.
I'm sure many would say they've all had a friend who became a "copycat." They visit your home, a few months later they're selling their nice home for a larger one. You let your hair grow out, months later their hair is growing out, the Lord is using you in a beautiful ministry, months later they report something the Lord has called them to do that is on a grander scale, and unfortunately they may even lie about their income.
It's not uncommon for these friends to have confronted people in authority, as they feel they are a step up spiritually. They also like to report that those who have a spiritual education reported being intimidated by their knowledge, and a few other falling outs with leaders in the Church. They leave a trail of annoyances behind them along their journey. My fellow believers, I feel this is the evidence of a proud and self righteous attitude.
We are not called to compare ourselves one to another. The Lord made each one of us beautifully, uniquely, and according to His choosing.
In James 4:4-6, there are some questions that every person in conflict, or frustrated with friendships should ask themselves. Actually, it just can't hurt to ask ourselves those questions period. It's important that we learn to be content. Contentment brings about happiness.
In closing, if you are finding yourself in the midst of a long time friendship that has been "rocky" for years, or in the midst of one that has raised some serious questions, use the 5 questions above as a checklist, but most importantly go to the Lord in prayer. You never know. The Lord may have you help bring some things to light for your friend, and they develop a heart that is willing to be honest before the Lord. On the other hand, be willing to close the door on the relationship if the Lord reveals to you that it's time.
Sometimes "the brook has dried up" in a relationship. It was "tapped out" a long time ago, as we could see the evidence all along. We simply feared losing what we thought was a true friendship.
Pray about it. Ask the Lord to show you what His Will is in the midst of it. But, be ready for Him to answer.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
To Email Or Not To Email
Email has become the norm for daily communication. I can't count the times I've thought of someone, and sent out a quick email just to let them know I was thinking of them.
Now we have Facebook. With this creative invention I can simply post a comment on their page to let them know I'm thinking of them, agree with something they've stated, or just an "LOL" regarding a witty comment they've made.
My husband and I have a group I call the "Monthly Gang" that we socialize with. They've jokingly labeled me their Social Director, as I put together things for the "gang" to do every month, as a means of helping people connect, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. I believe this is an outreach ministry the Lord has led my husband and I to orchestrate. We love it, as he and I both love entertaining, both are serious organizers, and some would even call us compulsive. They're probably "right on the money."
I use email to contact the "gang" every month, regarding what I have planned for them, dates, instructions, and to get a head count. This has proven to be most effective.
Yet, today I found myself wondering if I had begun to allow email to replace the voice that some may desperately need to hear at just the right time.
While on Facebook earlier in the week, I received a IM from a lady I knew from high school. She advised me that one of my childhood friends lost her 3 year old grandson. It seems this little boy drowned in the pool. She advised me as to how my childhood friend was doing, the funeral arrangements, etc. My heart felt so heavy for her, as I knew she had so much on her as it was.
The last time we had talked she shared with me she had her 82 year old father living with her, and her older sister, who is in bad health as well, and she basically was their caretaker. So, I knew this created even more pressure, not to mention heartache for her. I told the lady in IM that I would give my childhood friend a little time, then email her to check on her.
After arriving home from a Father's Day lunch with friends, I sat down at my computer and decided I would email her through Facebook. As I clicked on her name, and titled my email, I thought..."why not just call her?" I told my husband I was going to call her, and stated..."you never know what the Lord is doing." Off I went to make the call.
Much to my surprise, which actually shouldn't have been, she was so happy to hear my voice. I listened to her relive the last moment she saw the precious grandson she lost earlier this week. I listened to her voice break into sobs, as she shared her concern for her daughter, the mother of her deceased grandson. All I could say was how terribly sorry I was, and continue to just listen. It was clear this childhood friend was overwhelmed with grief, worry for her daughter, and expressed concern about returning to work tomorrow morning, leaving her 82 year father, ailing sister, grieving daughter, along with her other 3 children who wanted to be with her, and keep herself composed while she worked.
I asked her, not knowing whether she attended Church or not, if I could pray for her. She eagerly say yes. I began to pray. As I prayed for her, I could hear her cry, which gripped my heart even more. Once the prayer ended, she thanked me. She then informed me that she was a member of a Church. Although her attendance had been down, due to her father and sister's health, her pastor had offered to send her sermon tapes, which she said she never received. She then told me, with the sound of tears in her voice, that her pastor had not stopped by, and had not even phoned her.
Her I am in Tennessee, and she in Illinois. We've not seen one another in more than 20 years, recently found one another on Facebook, and I was about to email her with my condolences. Wow ! I knew that I had been prompted by the Lord, after hearing her story, to call her.
Once we were closing the conversation, she began to apologize for not keeping in touch, by phone, on a regular basis. I assured her that we need not feel obligated to call each other each month. We should just rest in our relationship, and simply call when we felt it was a good time. There need not be pressure to maintain that relationship. She agreed, and expressed her relief that we could just relax with one another.
I've got to say I'm an email lover. But, I want to be reminded of today as days pass by. I want to remember someone needed to hear a voice, and not read something I typed. I want to be sensitive to the voice of the Lord. After all, He was the one who prompted me to make that call.
Now we have Facebook. With this creative invention I can simply post a comment on their page to let them know I'm thinking of them, agree with something they've stated, or just an "LOL" regarding a witty comment they've made.
My husband and I have a group I call the "Monthly Gang" that we socialize with. They've jokingly labeled me their Social Director, as I put together things for the "gang" to do every month, as a means of helping people connect, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. I believe this is an outreach ministry the Lord has led my husband and I to orchestrate. We love it, as he and I both love entertaining, both are serious organizers, and some would even call us compulsive. They're probably "right on the money."
I use email to contact the "gang" every month, regarding what I have planned for them, dates, instructions, and to get a head count. This has proven to be most effective.
Yet, today I found myself wondering if I had begun to allow email to replace the voice that some may desperately need to hear at just the right time.
While on Facebook earlier in the week, I received a IM from a lady I knew from high school. She advised me that one of my childhood friends lost her 3 year old grandson. It seems this little boy drowned in the pool. She advised me as to how my childhood friend was doing, the funeral arrangements, etc. My heart felt so heavy for her, as I knew she had so much on her as it was.
The last time we had talked she shared with me she had her 82 year old father living with her, and her older sister, who is in bad health as well, and she basically was their caretaker. So, I knew this created even more pressure, not to mention heartache for her. I told the lady in IM that I would give my childhood friend a little time, then email her to check on her.
After arriving home from a Father's Day lunch with friends, I sat down at my computer and decided I would email her through Facebook. As I clicked on her name, and titled my email, I thought..."why not just call her?" I told my husband I was going to call her, and stated..."you never know what the Lord is doing." Off I went to make the call.
Much to my surprise, which actually shouldn't have been, she was so happy to hear my voice. I listened to her relive the last moment she saw the precious grandson she lost earlier this week. I listened to her voice break into sobs, as she shared her concern for her daughter, the mother of her deceased grandson. All I could say was how terribly sorry I was, and continue to just listen. It was clear this childhood friend was overwhelmed with grief, worry for her daughter, and expressed concern about returning to work tomorrow morning, leaving her 82 year father, ailing sister, grieving daughter, along with her other 3 children who wanted to be with her, and keep herself composed while she worked.
I asked her, not knowing whether she attended Church or not, if I could pray for her. She eagerly say yes. I began to pray. As I prayed for her, I could hear her cry, which gripped my heart even more. Once the prayer ended, she thanked me. She then informed me that she was a member of a Church. Although her attendance had been down, due to her father and sister's health, her pastor had offered to send her sermon tapes, which she said she never received. She then told me, with the sound of tears in her voice, that her pastor had not stopped by, and had not even phoned her.
Her I am in Tennessee, and she in Illinois. We've not seen one another in more than 20 years, recently found one another on Facebook, and I was about to email her with my condolences. Wow ! I knew that I had been prompted by the Lord, after hearing her story, to call her.
Once we were closing the conversation, she began to apologize for not keeping in touch, by phone, on a regular basis. I assured her that we need not feel obligated to call each other each month. We should just rest in our relationship, and simply call when we felt it was a good time. There need not be pressure to maintain that relationship. She agreed, and expressed her relief that we could just relax with one another.
I've got to say I'm an email lover. But, I want to be reminded of today as days pass by. I want to remember someone needed to hear a voice, and not read something I typed. I want to be sensitive to the voice of the Lord. After all, He was the one who prompted me to make that call.
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