Being a Girl in Ministry
I can't actually say enough on this topic. There are trials, struggles and everything else that is hard or difficult no matter who you are in ministry. Life is hard. I am by no means a feminist, I do not believe that "women are just as strong as men", let me tell you! When there is something super heavy to be lifted I am MORE than willing to let the guys, who are much stronger than I am, do the heavy lifting. If there is a ladder to be carried, or a septic system to be installed and there is a good section of guys around, go for it guys! I will make the coffee.
When there is not a guy around to help, or there is a mass amount of work to be done I will jump into my carharts, grab a hat and go to work along side them. I have been in the trenches, literally, for many many hours of the time I have worked on staff at a church. I have shoveled poo out of closets (yes I said poo, darn septic systems), I have sunk up to my knees in mud at the bottom of a 15' hole working to screed out gravel to drop in a septic system, I have been covered head to toe in mud and water and yuck many many many times. Many of my Saturday nights have been a wild party night with me and plunger in the mens room in the church foyer yelling "GOD JUST LET IT FLUSH!"
Now that we have the basics out of the way, there are a lot of things about being a girl in ministry that are really cool. I have found that many women see things that are harder for us as girls as a negative thing. There are moments where I have seen them as negative too. But most of the stuff that is really hard can be worked out to be the best thing that could have happened.
Many of the men or guys we work with in the ministry world tend to have old world chivalry. They often want to hold doors, lift heavy objects, have you make the coffee and care about you a little bit more than you might see elsewhere. The key, the important thing is to LET THEM! Can I open my own door? Yup. Can I lift said heavy object? Yup Can I lead a ministry? Can I lead a group of people? yes, yes I can. Know when you are a being loved and cared for and know where God has called you to lead.
More to come! I'll "unpack" ( like me christian phraseology here?) more about what I have learned!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Great Guru
The great guru.
Who knew like they have so many questions? OO me, picked me! Questions are what makes life fun. There are fun questions, unfun questions, silly questions, serious questions and then that a category that is, what I call, my questions.
Question number one:
What kind of looks do you get when you walk through an Airport wearing a cape?
Answer:
That can of course be answered by doing just that. I have discovered that a soft, burgundy, airline blanket makes for an excellent cape at 2:00 AM.
Tip and trick:
Two achieve the full effect you may pose like superman whilst riding the escalators. CAUTION: this will cause other members of your group to walk a considerable distance behind you.
Question number two:
Is it cooler to wear blue argyle socks, black argyle socks or knee high converse?
Answer:
Although the above console the voices in your head for the correct answer for today.
Last but not least
Question number three:
To be or not to be is nothing compared to- to Mascara or not to mascara?
Answer: ALWAYS MASCARA! (assuming of course you are a female)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Prayer
This is a blog with a purpose. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated in a mission situation. Teams that have prayer cover are more effective, healthier, more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and are over all better to be on. The difference between having prayer and not having prayer on a team is physically tangible. Those of you who have been on teams will understand this well. I have been on several teams that had great prayer cover. The result was a team that was truly friends, a country and church that was impacted, meetings and devine appointments, health and love. I have been a team that did not have prayer cover. The result being team members sick everyday, team meetings that were awkward and unproductive, a community that was reached physically but not spiritually and a team that split up upon hitting the USA.
So please please, never undervalue the power of prayer. Below is a prayer I am asking you to pray for the team I am on right now. May 15-25th
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for who you are, for your love and for your Grace. Lord I lift up the King's Way team that is in Haiti right now. Lord I ask for health over their team and the people they work with, Protect them from disease, from people that would cause problems, and from any attack of the enemy against them. Lord I call angels to protect them in every move, from slivers to robbers cover them with your blood. I ask that you would give them divine appointments and your divine wisdom. I pray peace, health and love over the whole team and those with them. Protection when traveling and that all the flights would be on time and the luggage get thru with out a problem. Lord your will be done.
I ask this in your name, and I thank you in faith that it will be done.
Amen
THANK YOU!
So please please, never undervalue the power of prayer. Below is a prayer I am asking you to pray for the team I am on right now. May 15-25th
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for who you are, for your love and for your Grace. Lord I lift up the King's Way team that is in Haiti right now. Lord I ask for health over their team and the people they work with, Protect them from disease, from people that would cause problems, and from any attack of the enemy against them. Lord I call angels to protect them in every move, from slivers to robbers cover them with your blood. I ask that you would give them divine appointments and your divine wisdom. I pray peace, health and love over the whole team and those with them. Protection when traveling and that all the flights would be on time and the luggage get thru with out a problem. Lord your will be done.
I ask this in your name, and I thank you in faith that it will be done.
Amen
THANK YOU!
Monday, May 9, 2011
used or new?
To be or not be? Decaf or regular? Gieco or Allstate? Yes my blog world world friends, these are the ever important questions in life. To be pondered, to be tried, to be asked and to be answered.
Today yet one more question was added my already question filled life.. . used or new? Set the stage, I leave for Haiti on Sunday next. Where I am going there is no plumbing, no electricity, and no running water. So the team is taking a portable camping toilet, this makes sense. So after a quick look on Amazon I found portable toilets, 7 new from $14.99 (no problem) and 1 used from $18.99. excuse me but why used? Who sells a used Port-a loo?! why is this considered ok? Why is the used Port- a- loo more expensive than the new one? do YOU consider it ok? If you do consider this ok, stop reading now, get out and stop polluting my blog! This indecent incident got me thinking (as well as laughing) what else could there be out there being sold used?? below are some references:
Today yet one more question was added my already question filled life.. . used or new? Set the stage, I leave for Haiti on Sunday next. Where I am going there is no plumbing, no electricity, and no running water. So the team is taking a portable camping toilet, this makes sense. So after a quick look on Amazon I found portable toilets, 7 new from $14.99 (no problem) and 1 used from $18.99. excuse me but why used? Who sells a used Port-a loo?! why is this considered ok? Why is the used Port- a- loo more expensive than the new one? do YOU consider it ok? If you do consider this ok, stop reading now, get out and stop polluting my blog! This indecent incident got me thinking (as well as laughing) what else could there be out there being sold used?? below are some references:
Buy new: $21.98
Buy new: $14.06
Ok GROSS!!! Now its the BAGS????? These are not wash and wear here people!
Underwear! by Mary Elise Monsell and Lynn Munsinger (Paperback - Jan 1, 1998)
Buy new: $6.99
19 used??? There are 19 NINETEEN of these being sold used?? There isn't one crazy person but NINETEEN?
Tooth brush Philips Sonicare Elite (E-Series) Replacement Brush Head, Compact, 2-Count by Philips
Buy new: $29.99 $24.97 ($24.97/Count)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
tips and tricks- missions
I will now list some tips and tricks for a successful missions trip. Some you will find are more serious than others but all are written from experience and the best advise I can offer.
tip #1 Bring extra deodorant. SUPER important. Missions mean work, hard work and lots of it. you are representing your country and your God, this is difficult to do well if you smell like the black goo that lines a shower drain. *personal experience ~ 4 hours on a bus behind someone who smelled of stale blue cheese.
Trick~ bring a neutral scented mans spray on deodorant. Easy to use, easy to share and easy to smell.
tip #2 hearts, stars and horseshoes, my snacks are crushed again! Don't you hate it when your cheeze-its get smashed to small cheesy dust during the flight? And how annoying is packing a water bottle that you can't have water in due to TSA? Two birds one stone: empty the boxes and bags of snacks into "Nalgene" type water bottles. The bottles are useful in not smashing the snacks and keeping them tasty, delicious, and intact. *personal experience ~ whoppers melt in water bottles and you will not be able to get them out, then when you do finally get then out your water will taste of whoppers the whole trip! this goes for melty anything!
Trick~ Bring empty zip lock bags for the snacks not consumed on the flights then you be able to use your bottles for water.
tip #3 Throw fashion to the wind. Its true that tennies and skirts don't mesh. But welcome to world of missions ladies and gentlemen. Bust out the close toe high back shoes and capris and cargo pants. Its not horrible, its not the worst thing that will ever happen its wonderful. ** A moment for the ladies. I know that you dress nicely everyday, I know that a shirt slightly below the collar bone is fine, i know a scoop or v neck is flattering. Bust out the guys t shirts! up to the neck and down the arms. Cap sleeves, lower necks or short torso will only make you and other very uncomfortable. Wedgies, panty lines and tight rumpus' are not good.
Trick~ While you pack, roll up a shirt, a pair of pants, undies, socks and an undershirt (if necessary) so you can quickly grab and go!
Tip #4 gum drops and lemon drops! What to do now! This may come as a shock to you but there is an F- word in missions. it is *the faint of heart turn away* flexibility. there it is. did you survive? good. hurry up and wait will take on a whole new meaning. Time to get over it and move on. just be flexible, this is not your country, this is not your home, this is not your job nor your church. BE FLEXIBLE.
tip #5 la la la la follow the leader la la la la follow follow la......... Your team leader is there to help you. To protect you and to provide an easy contact for the in country people. If you have questions, or concerns talk to your team leader. If there is a problem that you can't work out talk to your team leader ASAP. They are there to help you and if nothing else will point you in the right direction. If there is a problem between you and someone on your team, act like Christ and turn the other cheek. If that doesn't work take it to your team leader and pray it over with Him or Her.
Trick~ to keep the experience pleasant for everyone do not talk about other member of the team if they are not present. Good or bad say it with them there and you will so pleased with the results.
tip #1 Bring extra deodorant. SUPER important. Missions mean work, hard work and lots of it. you are representing your country and your God, this is difficult to do well if you smell like the black goo that lines a shower drain. *personal experience ~ 4 hours on a bus behind someone who smelled of stale blue cheese.
Trick~ bring a neutral scented mans spray on deodorant. Easy to use, easy to share and easy to smell.
tip #2 hearts, stars and horseshoes, my snacks are crushed again! Don't you hate it when your cheeze-its get smashed to small cheesy dust during the flight? And how annoying is packing a water bottle that you can't have water in due to TSA? Two birds one stone: empty the boxes and bags of snacks into "Nalgene" type water bottles. The bottles are useful in not smashing the snacks and keeping them tasty, delicious, and intact. *personal experience ~ whoppers melt in water bottles and you will not be able to get them out, then when you do finally get then out your water will taste of whoppers the whole trip! this goes for melty anything!
Trick~ Bring empty zip lock bags for the snacks not consumed on the flights then you be able to use your bottles for water.
tip #3 Throw fashion to the wind. Its true that tennies and skirts don't mesh. But welcome to world of missions ladies and gentlemen. Bust out the close toe high back shoes and capris and cargo pants. Its not horrible, its not the worst thing that will ever happen its wonderful. ** A moment for the ladies. I know that you dress nicely everyday, I know that a shirt slightly below the collar bone is fine, i know a scoop or v neck is flattering. Bust out the guys t shirts! up to the neck and down the arms. Cap sleeves, lower necks or short torso will only make you and other very uncomfortable. Wedgies, panty lines and tight rumpus' are not good.
Trick~ While you pack, roll up a shirt, a pair of pants, undies, socks and an undershirt (if necessary) so you can quickly grab and go!
Tip #4 gum drops and lemon drops! What to do now! This may come as a shock to you but there is an F- word in missions. it is *the faint of heart turn away* flexibility. there it is. did you survive? good. hurry up and wait will take on a whole new meaning. Time to get over it and move on. just be flexible, this is not your country, this is not your home, this is not your job nor your church. BE FLEXIBLE.
tip #5 la la la la follow the leader la la la la follow follow la......... Your team leader is there to help you. To protect you and to provide an easy contact for the in country people. If you have questions, or concerns talk to your team leader. If there is a problem that you can't work out talk to your team leader ASAP. They are there to help you and if nothing else will point you in the right direction. If there is a problem between you and someone on your team, act like Christ and turn the other cheek. If that doesn't work take it to your team leader and pray it over with Him or Her.
Trick~ to keep the experience pleasant for everyone do not talk about other member of the team if they are not present. Good or bad say it with them there and you will so pleased with the results.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Recovering from missions
Coming home from missions is the hardest part of missions. You expect devastation and poverty when you go, you expect hard times and culture shock. You have prepared and braced your self for a shocking situation, you have a team around you for support, people you can talk to, people who see what you see, who understand what you understand, people who will listen. A mission trip can rock your world, change your life and set everything knew upside down. How do you come home from that?
I will never forget my first mission to Dominican Republic. I saw starving people, I saw a medical facility that would wouldn't be fit for a first aid station, I saw tin houses and wild pigs and goats. I stayed at a nice hotel, and spent my days digging in a trench. I spent my time around my team, I made friends with locals, I talked to a few members of the team, I learned some Spanish. Then it was time to fly home, I got on the plane to fly and was sick. I couldn't cry, I couldn't talk, I couldn't participate. I withdrew inward, I ate my in-flight meal wishing I was home where I could talk to my family. I spent 18 hours traveling, I arrived home around 2am. No one was up waiting for me, so I showered and went to sleep. The next morning hugs went around and I started to talk, but no-one really wanted to hear. No one wanted to see the pictures, sure maybe a dozen or so but no one would talk to me about it. They didn't understand the raw emotion, the hurt, the wonder the sense of being lost. they didn't get it.
People will ask you " How was the mission trip? Did you have fun?" or say "you went on a mission? where?.....well my daughter went to mexico! blah blah blah" Remember this is important to them. They cannot connect with you about your trip but the person they knew they are relating to. Let them talk, listen, and try not to make it all about you. I recommend you have a 45 second sound byte, when people ask you "how was the trip?" you know what to say, then if they are still interested you can go on about what parts they show interest in. Don't be disappointed if they don't want a detailed explanation. You do need to talk about it, you need to talk thru and process what you went thru, don't diminish that. Find a close friend, tell them that you need to talk it out, and that it might not make sense but you need to talk it out and then sit down and talk.
Other people haven't experienced what you did. Bosses will be just as mean, people will be just as aggravating, people will be upset about the stupidest things and you will want to snap. Don't be afraid to excuse yourself, often that is the key. People here at home will have a much easier time understanding you can't handle whats going on right now if tell them politely (even if it kills to be nice), then excuse your self. Don't make people go around you, if you have the problem it is best to remove yourself from the situation.
And mostly I beg you to get into a devotion. Go to the Lord in prayer, go to the BIBLE. It is the #1 best thing you can do. Read the bible, reading takes your mind off of other things and provides an escape. Reading the Bible is the greatest tool to coping with the post stress. It might be a week, 2 weeks or even a year, or years but God will get you thru this.
Thank you for serving
I will never forget my first mission to Dominican Republic. I saw starving people, I saw a medical facility that would wouldn't be fit for a first aid station, I saw tin houses and wild pigs and goats. I stayed at a nice hotel, and spent my days digging in a trench. I spent my time around my team, I made friends with locals, I talked to a few members of the team, I learned some Spanish. Then it was time to fly home, I got on the plane to fly and was sick. I couldn't cry, I couldn't talk, I couldn't participate. I withdrew inward, I ate my in-flight meal wishing I was home where I could talk to my family. I spent 18 hours traveling, I arrived home around 2am. No one was up waiting for me, so I showered and went to sleep. The next morning hugs went around and I started to talk, but no-one really wanted to hear. No one wanted to see the pictures, sure maybe a dozen or so but no one would talk to me about it. They didn't understand the raw emotion, the hurt, the wonder the sense of being lost. they didn't get it.
People will ask you " How was the mission trip? Did you have fun?" or say "you went on a mission? where?.....well my daughter went to mexico! blah blah blah" Remember this is important to them. They cannot connect with you about your trip but the person they knew they are relating to. Let them talk, listen, and try not to make it all about you. I recommend you have a 45 second sound byte, when people ask you "how was the trip?" you know what to say, then if they are still interested you can go on about what parts they show interest in. Don't be disappointed if they don't want a detailed explanation. You do need to talk about it, you need to talk thru and process what you went thru, don't diminish that. Find a close friend, tell them that you need to talk it out, and that it might not make sense but you need to talk it out and then sit down and talk.
Other people haven't experienced what you did. Bosses will be just as mean, people will be just as aggravating, people will be upset about the stupidest things and you will want to snap. Don't be afraid to excuse yourself, often that is the key. People here at home will have a much easier time understanding you can't handle whats going on right now if tell them politely (even if it kills to be nice), then excuse your self. Don't make people go around you, if you have the problem it is best to remove yourself from the situation.
And mostly I beg you to get into a devotion. Go to the Lord in prayer, go to the BIBLE. It is the #1 best thing you can do. Read the bible, reading takes your mind off of other things and provides an escape. Reading the Bible is the greatest tool to coping with the post stress. It might be a week, 2 weeks or even a year, or years but God will get you thru this.
Thank you for serving
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)