A New Doyle

We have a new addition to our family. Click here to meet her. You are going to love her!

10 ways to Discourage Your Husband in Ministry

I consider myself to be a bit of a "rookie" in the field of being a ministry wife. I have not been fortunate to have many personal ministry mentors and I've "re-invented the wheel" a few times because of it. However, I have learned a few things in my short journey from watching others from a distance. The role a wife plays in affecting her husband's ministry is HUGE. Whether he be a faithful teacher in the church, a godly father to their children, an elder or the pastor.... the wife will build or she will destroy. There seems to be very little middle ground, if any. Unfortunately, I've seen plenty of destruction in my short tenure... plenty.

I found this link today and was challenged. It rings resoundingly true and there's truth in it for every wife because of the reality that every Christian woman, if she is married to a believer, is married to a man in ministry. We all affect the kingdom. The article is mildly sarcastic, but the point is very clear and unfortunately accurate.

May we come humbly to the cross and find grace and strength to be the wife that encourages, and builds. Most of all, may we not fall away. I know I've got some things to work on, even though I've never been accused of being a Nazi domestic godess!

An Attitude of Gratitude

November ... fall, leaves, pumpkins & pie, and, of course, Thanksgiving. So, in spirit of the season I started a list this week as I think about what am I TRULY grateful for. It's been a surprisingly refreshing practice as the mundane and routine, the expected and planned are now seen in a new light. I find myself saying, "I'm so grateful for ______ ," or " Thank you, Lord for ___________." But I've discovered a sobering truth, as well. I find I'm led to evaluate the unexpected, the struggles, and the unplanned in the same light. Am I thankful for that, too? Good question. I pray I can answer well.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will

of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

I'll list a few for you... because God is good. There will be more since the month has only begun!

The Cross

Keith's unconditional love

Dishwashers

Creativity

Yesterday's struggle with my daughter

K5's cuddles

My deep freeze.

Still New

I love the newness of Scripture. Although I've been reading it and studying it for years... there's a wonderful newness to the verses that should have by now become boringly familiar. It's as thrilling to come across a verse I seem to have never read or heard before... the Word of God is alive.

Here's a treasure I came across last week. It creates such a neat visual in my mind.

Righteousness will go before Him,

and shall make His footsteps our pathway.

Psalm 85:13

Still Around

Yes, you are in the right place... both of you :0)

I've decided I needed some fresh inspiration... so here goes. I'll be back soon.

Today

In response to my sister's blog... here's mine. Just in case there are any of you who keep up with this blog and it's dirth of posts...


I'm wondering . . . Why rice crispies are so hard to make-- for me anyway. A really sticky mess.

I'm reading . . . Girl Talk and Teach them Diligently

I'm feeling . . . overwhelmed.

Parenting, schooling, mentoring, dishes... I'll feel better after a good cup of tea.

I'm wanting . . . a foot rub.

I'm wishing . . . for a super motivated, super organized, full time housekeeper (who knows how to handle clutter and Polly Pockets).

I'm thinking . . . about my role as a mother to girls.

I'm going . . . to the store to buy a new hair-dryer. We laid our last one to rest yesterday.

I'm hoping . . . God's might is proclaimed through my life.

Psalm 71:18-- So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.

I'm thankful for . . . dishwashers and an incredibly helpful husband... He makes me look bad, but I love what he does around here... God is so good to me!

I'm clinging . . .Mercy enough for today.

Lamentations 3:22-24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."



My tea is finished and I'm feeling better now. ..

What we've been up to...

We haven't posted in a while, but I thought I'd share some pictures of our summer.

Enjoy. There will be more later... I hope...