Sunday, January 27, 2008

Frozen Chosen

I can’t believe the amount of snow that’s falling down on our city. Tom and I got ready for church and gave ourselves extra time. It never entered our minds to cancel services this morning. We didn’t know who would be able to drive through the bad roads to come, but we would be there. One of those brave souls (John G.) called all of us “frozen chosen,” hence the name of this post. I just thought it was a cool title. I totally get those who didn’t come. If Tom wasn’t the pastor, I probably would have stayed at home.

The service was good. We (those who attended the conference) shared about the week we had in Dallas. I shared about some of things that impacted me the most. One thing was I found myself having a heart of compassion for other pastor’s wives. I realized how much pain there was behind their eyes. Some pretend so well that life is wonderful they fool even themselves. Some are just burned out and if you gave them a ticket out of Dodge they would take it. Along with a friend/associate pastor from our church, I was able to minister to one of these women and it was powerful. I knew that I wanted to do more of this.

The other thing was I found myself being bolder when it came speaking words of encouragement to strangers. I have in the past when I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to speak a prophetic word. Except for our outreaches, this doesn’t usually happen that often. This past week I had three opportunities and took each one. When their eyes well up, you know that the word given was timely. I love it when God does that.

I’ve been praying that God would transform my life. I prayed that I would be more like Him and sensitive to my surroundings. I want more of Him and less of me. I’ve noticed that I’ve keep very short accounts with God. If I’ve done something wrong I instantly feel the sense to make it right.

I’ve made God too small in my eyes. I need to expand my box. I need to look beyond myself and see the needs of others. I’ve not come close to being perfect in this area, but I’m trying to be better at it.

© Nadine Z. 2008

24 comments:

Jen(n) said...

Great Blog! We will have to download the "sermon" and listen to it this week!

Shionge said...

You are so humble Nadine....you are never too small in God's eye and I think you are doing well and progressing fine :D

Art said...

"I’ve made God too small in my eyes..." Isn't that so easy to do? And it is something that almost everyone is guilty of. I'd say you're doing better in that area than most of us, Nadine!

Susan said...

"I’ve been praying that God would transform my life. I prayed that I would be more like Him and sensitive to my surroundings. I want more of Him and less of me. "
That's truly what it's all about isn't it? Dying to self!!! A life long job.

I also Like "I've made God too small in my eyes...." I think we are all guilty of this one. We cannot fathom the BIGNESS of our God and we need to give more thought to that fact.
Susan

Knit-Wit said...

We would have braved the snow to join you at church. Coming from snowy climates all our lives, it seems strange to let snow hinder travel (at least for my husband who will drive through anything - I'll ride along as a faithful and trusting companion).

palmtreefanatic said...

preach it girl! you are an amazing woman Nadine! A blessing to us all!

KarenW said...

I think we all need to expand our box. We serve an Awesome God!

Dedee said...

I love hearing you talk about lifting other people. It must be a gift for you. Everytime I hear it I want to go lift someone as well. Thanks.

Scarlet said...

Nadine, when you take time to minister to others (as you do and did as a "Frozen Chosen" this weekend...love that title!), you are honoring God.

He's gotta love that! ;)

Dawn said...

My mom is a retired PW. That makes me a PK. We loved our life, but I know it was lonely for Mom at times. She never said anything, though.

Deb said...

Hummmm very thought provoking, I think our PW could benifit from a little TLC. I guess we can have the proclivity to think life must be perfect but when I stop and think about it there much be a certain standard they feel they are expected to meet. Glad to hear you are shedding some light on some of their lives. Your an inspiration. Enjoy your snow!

Keshi said...

U may think ur small in God's eye..but I think He knows how BIG ur heart is.

Keshi.

a woman who is said...

By your example, you encourage me. Every time I hear that you shared an encouraging word with a stranger, I am provoked to do the same. Pray that my courage and obedience in Him will increase.

Unknown said...

It was worth slugging through the snow to hear some great stories - I think I liked the rodeo stories best!

Dawn said...

I answered your question!

Shadraq said...

Good stuff. I like the idea of The Master being bigger than we think he is.

I'm glad you are stepping into a new season of Faith. I've always heard that Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.

Jill said...

I'm glad to hear the conference went so well and that you were able to minister as you did. I pray for that ability and strength in the Lord. You are a wonderful example of faithfulness.

The Creative Nut said...

Just to let you know, I was VERY touched when you went out to dinner that one time with jen(n) and I. I see you reaching out to people with your beautifull, energetic, and caring friendship all the time and it is wonderful to see the creator using you.

Dawn said...

Re your comment - I didn't even think that far back. That would have been the most logical answer!

Tammy said...

Beautiful post!
And I think what you said about pastors wives would be so true...and yet, I think it probably also can be the same with Christian women in general...trying to put on a happy face when there is some real hurt inside.
Loved reading your thoughts here, Nadine!

EM said...

Nadine thank you for your inspiration and your courage to face the hard issues in our lives.

Damselfly said...

Ah, so you have the gift of prophecy. The last time I took an assessment, the test said I have the gift of wisdom.

I think something is seriously wrong with that test!

The Edwards said...

Many times I make God too small in my eyes...WHAT a GREAT BLOG thank YOU!

eph2810 said...

Nadine - I think it is so awesome that you not only are an encourager to your husband, but to other pastor's wives. I too know some pastor's wives in real life, and I know that it is not easy to have to share the husband with others. I think it is cool that God gave you the gift to encourage others.