What’s Up?
Well, I’m finally back! I’ve been meaning to touch base for a few days now, but alas, I had to get my kids back in school and my Christmas trees down before I could give myself the liberty to sit on the computer. Not that I haven’t been on the computer at all mind you – now THAT would be insane – but let’s just say the thought of having to come up with some type of intelligble post has ranked a little lower on the priority list than usual. I was also completely sure it was time for the kids to go back to school when I heard myself grounding the #3 boy from CO2 cartridges.
Lest you think we are training up the next generation of militia, CO2 is for paintball guns.
And if you are currently asking yourself, “what was she thinking?” consider yourself in good company because so am I. Actually, I hinted to the grandparents and THEY bought it. And just so they know, it has forever sealed them in my youngest son’s eyes as The Coolest EVER.
I love Christmas but I have to admit I’m always relieved when it is over. I have a friend whose daughter’s birthday is on Christmas Day so they always celebrate in July so she can be the center of attention instead of having to deal with all the insanity of the holidays. I’m thinking at some point the McKay family needs to celebrate Jesus’ birthday in the same manner – apart from the chaos we’ve made His special day. If I’m sounding bah-humbuggy, it’s only because I am.
On a lighter note, I have some really exciting news to share with you. If you will remember a few weeks back, I asked you a few questions about being a ministry wife. I was vague about why but the information you gave me was so valuable. It seems now is the time I need your prayers and wisdom more than ever.
To make a very long story simply long, I have written a submission for a book that is a resource for those married to the ministry. It has found favor with the publisher I am working with and in February, a final meeting is being called to decide whether or not they will actually print it. I still don’t feel I’m free to give a ton of details, but I want to first thank you for your input so far and ask you for your continued help in the process. I plan to ask more questions related to your life in ministry (if you are a minister’s wife) and I also very much will depend on the impressions of laypeople to fill out the picture. If the manuscript is left intact, I will be including quotes from your remarks in the book with links back to your blogs in a resource section. I am convinced the online community is the perfect place for ministry wives to form safe friendships that have at this point eluded them. I’m not at all suggesting we should abandon flesh and blood relationships, but I have made many friends online whom I have had the privilege to meet in person. When sensitive ministry related things come up, I know there is someone I can confide in for wise counsel without compromising my integrity or someone else’s. Technology can often be seen as the devil’s tool but I personally believe it has some redeeming value. Knowing all of you has proven that to me!
Speaking of real life friends, I get to have lunch at Cracker Barrel with Lisa at Lisa-Writes Thursday and I can not wait! I was a total dork the first time we met. I have this awful habit of being way to chatty when I’m nervous. I hope I don’t scare the life out of her this time…:)
Hope you girls have a fab Tuesday!!
Blessings to youon the book possibility, Lisa! Wow! I’m sure it will minister to so many wives who, probably, never imagined what being married to a pastor is really like. Not that it’s bad–but there are certain expectations and situations that only another pastor’s wife will know about.
Enjoy your lunch with Lisa-Writes. Sounds so fun.
praying for you and your possibility of getting your book published
keep us posted
so I can congratulate you if its successful which I hope it is because as Gretchen said it would be wonderful and helpful for some ladies to read
Jen
I am so excited about the book possibility! I know that God has big plans for you! I definitely want my copy autographed!
Also, I would like to borrow #3’s paint gun sometime this summer. I have always thought that a paintgun would be just the thing I needed to solve the problem I have with my neighbor….and his clothing choices, or lack therof. :))
I’ve been saying since I FIRST visited here…’she needs a book..’ I’d buy it…
‘even if it was on being a minister’s wife…and I’m not!:)’
How cool!! praying for good things girl!!
I am with you…we smoosh 3 birthdays into December..spaced far enough from Christmas BUT still be NEAR Christmas….it can sometimes feel like drowning in my own wrapping:)
Oh and that nice little Heart of the Matter thingy…lest you think that I am the ‘mother of the world…’ that would be Amy B. over at Proverbs…I am an Amy wannabe…
the pic is Christine’s (Fruit in Season) little guy!
Send anyone you know who homeschools over for support..they have pulled it together beautifully…praying it glorifies!
have a great one!!
and you go….I want to say..”I knew her when…”:)
hugs,
lori
Wow, that is incredible, awesome, fantastic – shall I get my Roget’s? – about the book possibility!! I hope it all pans out. If it’s what God wants, of course!! Too bad my hubby’s not a minister. Details, schmetails – I’ll just read it anyway, especially since I’m going to have an autographed copy! ;-)
And I am totally jealous about your lunch. That is so not fair that you blog babes live in the same neck of the woods. One of these days. . . . . .
Welcome back. The blog world’s not the same when you’re AWOL.
Hugs!
SO excited for you!! Praying that it works out! I love your writing style—you really bless me and I know you bless others.
Enjoy your bloggy lunch!
OH! Congratulations to you! How very exciting to have the Lord use your words in this way! I’ll be lifting you in prayer on this end!
Hugs to you and
Have a fabulous lunch!!!
I am very excited about your book. My DH is in Seminary now with the goal of returning to the military as a Chaplain.
I have known so many Godly Chaplain’s wives, and I feel unworthy of the job ahead of me. I’ll be sitting right here on the edge of my chair waiting for updates
What do you mean….you took down your trees already??? Dang, that means I need to get busy!!! I meant to do it before we went skiing and now I wish I had. I was SO sick when we got back that I didn’t get it done either and now I have been back at work for 2 days. OK….it will get done tonight!!!!
On the book thing, I am praying for you. That would be such a great accomplishment. The Lord has truly blessed you with the talent!
And as for the bloggy friendships, I do consider it a blessing for us minister’s wives. I have found this place, this circle of friends to be the biggest blessing lately. It does give me a place to go to “get away” sometimes. To be myself without feeling like I am comopletely under a microscope.
Congrats again!
Angela
Being in ministry is so stressful. There is such a feeling of isolation, unmet expectations. This is a book very much needed! Praying for you! Have fun at lunch!!
Total dork? Like whatEVER!
And may God use this new adventure to minister to many! May you use whatever opportunity He grants you to encourage and support wives of ministers…I’m excited and i’m not even a minister’s wife!
So excited about this opportunity for you! As a minister’s wide, I can’t wait to read it.
Lisa,
I am excited to hear about your book as I think there is a shortage on the subject. I know I was not personally prepared for some of the issues I faced after my husband became a pastor! I am praying about my blog becoming an outlet for that very thing. That’s one reason why I changed the name. There aren’t many places for PW’s to vent that are safe! Way to go!
Kelli
It is very exciting to hear about the book! I think the web is a great way to connect and make friendships.
VERY exciting, Lisa! God is good and I’m sure you’ll love the whole process…it can be long…but it’s FUN!
:-) Susan
What an awesome blessing!!! Congratulations!! I’ll anxiously wait to hear more!! I love your blog so I know the book will be amazing!!
And, have a great time on Thursday!!
Will be praying about the book. I love the way it sounds!
You write will I am sure it well be a blesing to many minsters wife’s. Let us know how you lunch went with Lisa writes love her blog!marina
Yay for you and for favor with the publisher! That’s so cool!
And if you were, say, in my neck of the woods…we must have lunch and a pedicure :)
Praying for your First Place. Chris and I liked Weigh Down (although her theology stinketh). Eat when you are hungry and stop before you feel full. That is a good principle, if I listen to the signs my body gives. Sometimes, I just plain don’t think about it! I am inspired by you and thankful for your faithfulness!
I am so happy for you! You are a very talented and blessed writer and I know God is going to use you in this avenue to touch many people!!
Love You,
Patty
I ran across this article and thought about the research you were doing about married-to-minister-wives. It’s “Encouraging Words for Pastors’ Wives”
http://www.crosswalk.com/marriage/11536161/
Don’t know if this helps or if you can still use it …. just wanted to pass it along! :)
I am excited about the book possibility!