The Gathering Place Where Family Matters

Years ago, Karen and I were invited to speak to pastors and wives at a retreat sponsored by the Practical Bible College. We were so honored to be invited, and there we were reacquainted with friends from long ago as well as met many pastoral couples new to us. I was to speak several times to the couples. However, in one of the sessions, Karen spoke to the ladies and I spoke to the men. From Karen’s notes that she prepared for the pastors’ wives I want to share with you today. It is my intention for the next several weeks to honor the faithful wives of pastors all across the United States and around the world.

While never living in denial and pretending that all is well when it isn’t, the believer is not designed to live “under the circumstances!” We acknowledge our difficulties. We’re honest with ourselves and others when troubles come. But our troubles must not become our sole focus.

He is the Lord that we can know, trust, and love! Thanks for taking a moment to see what she wrote!

The invitation to speak at a particular event would arrive and then often a little explanation as to the theme of the engagement would be shared. Sometimes the speaking invitation came with no particular theme, and the one doing the inviting would say something like this: “Just speak on whatever you sense the Lord is leading you. It’s up to you.”

Such an invitation came to Karen. She was invited to speak three times over two days. Let me share a verse of Scripture with you and then just wait until you read what Karen was told.

You know that Karen held such a personal conviction that her public speaking engagements were ONLY for ladies. But men, I want to tell you that this is so good for us as well. I’m not sure where this seminar took place; however, she was speaking to the ladies about making their Bible reading and prayer time more meaningful.