For My Scrapbook |

As a Christian, and especially as a Bishop’s wife, I strive to be consistent in my walk with the Lord. I may not ever achieve great things for God, but I want to be faithful in what little I do accomplish. So many ministry children – pastor’s kids, assistant pastor’s kids – grow into adulthood and turn on the Lord. My own husband turned away from the Lord as a teen, despite his parents’ faithfulness and love for the Lord. The Lord drew him back, and I believe it is because of his parents’ prayers and love for their struggling son.

I am trying to build a hedge around my children by protecting them from sinful influences and by teaching them the truths of God’s Word. Yet, I find that many days, the one “sinful influence” that I allow to break this hedge is me. Yes, I often portray a bad spirit, spew angry words, and let down my Savior in front of their watchful gaze. I apologize to my Savior, and to my children, but I fear the damage has been done.

I often pray and ask the Lord to fill in the gaps that I am leaving and to help them to succeed spiritually where I fall so glaringly short. I never disparage the ministry, or the people we serve, because I do not want them to grow bitter toward the Lord or His work. I watch for changes in attitude and spirit, and quickly talk to them and get to the root of the matter. But still, I cannot do the work on their hearts, only God can.

What a joy to my heart when my oldest brought me a letter she had written to our church family recently. I have not let it out of my possession because it means so much to me. I am sharing it here as a testimony that God can do amazing things in spite of all of our shortcomings. I am also posting it because this blog is my scrapbook. I often lose paper, but I can always locate my blog! lol! I pray the Lord will continue to work in Lauren’s heart and life, as well as my other four children, so that one day they serve Him faithfully as adults.

Sept. 25, 2010

Dear church family,

You are such a blessing to me and my family! I appreciate your compliments and gifts! I wish I could repay all your kindness to me. I greatly appreciate the house you have provided for me and my family. I do not deserve anything you do or give to me. If I could repay you, I would repay you four fold. But I am grieved that I cannot. But I shall do my best to obey and to discipline myself. If I have done wrong, correct me, for I wish to be as good as you.