Post on 29-Mar-2016
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A JOURNEY TO HEALINGa mommy meltdownME? A MARTYR?!
A Game of Cat-and-Mouse
THE SOY VEY COUPLE
EDITORIAL:Debbie Morris, Editor-in-Chief
Stephanie Evans, Managing Editor
Stacy Pack, Editorial Director
S. George Thomas, Editor
Joyce Freeman, Editorial Assistant
Gateway Media Ministries, Creative Direction
Katrina Sirmon, Graphic Designer
HOW TO CONTACT STUDIO G:STUDIO G
2121 E Southlake Blvd • Southlake, TX 76092
817.328.1000 • studiogmag.com
4 FromtheEditor by Debbie Morris
5 FindingMe by Kathy Henigan Jimerson
6 GreatExpectations by Joyce Simmons
9 Legacy:BuildingaLifethatLasts by Tammy Kling
11 AmazingAnswer by Lori Rush
12 Home by Margie Grantham
14 ADivineOrderofKosherPekingDuckonBagel by Elena Glassman
15 EmbraceLife by Ryane Nichols-Moates
16 SliceofLife by Barb Stage
17 ALife-ChangingConversationwithGod by Rebecca Wilson
19 ATitusTwoWoman by Jan Grubbs
20 MyLifeisNotMyOwn by Tammy Adams
21 MySpiritualGift by Ethel Azariah
22 It’sAllAboutMe by Irini Fambro
23 Fit4theKingdom by Emily Gilstrap
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CONTENTS
2121 E Southlake Blvd • Southlake, TX 76092Phone: 817.328.1000 • Fax: 817.416.5701
gatewaypeople.com
A JOURNEY TO HEALING
a mommy meltdownME? A MARTYR?!
A Game of Cat-and-MouseTHE SOY VEY COUPLE
Hello Ladies!
Do you remember the cool, crisp days of your childhood when you played schoolyard games like Red
Rover, Freeze Tag and Hide-and-Seek? If you’re anything like me, then recess was the best part of the
school day.
I recently noticed a king in the Bible who also played Hide-and-Seek, and no, it wasn’t David
hiding from Saul. Rather, it was King Saul who tried to hide from God’s anointing, God’s people and
God’s destiny for him. As young men often were in those days, Saul was sent out to find his father’s
donkeys. After awhile, Saul was ready to return empty-handed, but his servant persuaded him to go
ask the prophet Samuel about the location of the missing donkeys.
It all seemed so normal and innocent at the time. But what Saul didn’t know was that God was
ordering his steps and leading him into his destiny. When Samuel met Saul, he anointed Saul the
king of Israel. Amazing, isn’t it? The young man who couldn’t find his father’s donkeys was now the
king! Along with his new title and position, Saul received the Spirit of the Lord as well as a new heart.
After several incredible encounters with God, Saul went back to his family and normal life.
When Samuel called Israel together to anoint Saul as the king before all the people, Saul couldn’t
be found. It seems like Saul would have swaggered into the crowd out of his eagerness for the people
to know he was God’s chosen one. But that’s not how it happened. Saul was hiding
in the baggage or the equipment, or as one translation simply puts it,
Saul was hiding in “the stuff.”
I’ve realized that I, just like Saul, still play Hide-and-Seek.
I know God has called me, and I know He has gifted me with
everything I need. My own insecurities, however, cause me to
want to take refuge in “the stuff” and hide from the destiny
which God has called me to.
I’m sure I am not the only one who tends to play
childish games, so let me encourage you with this thought:
You have a destiny and everything you need to accomplish
it. God has numerous opportunities for you to walk in your
anointing. Don’t be found hanging out around the baggage.
Blessings,
Debbie Morris
Editor-in-Chief
Debbie Morris has been married to Pastor Robert Morris for over twenty-five years. They are blessed with two children at home and one married son. Debbie is the Pastor of Gateway Women’s Ministries and is the Editor-in-Chief of Studio G.
FROMTHEEDITORg
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“God, You must have us confused with someone else!”
My husband, Phil, wasn’t Abraham, and I certainly wasn’t
Sarah; but here we were, packing up our things and moving.
Disguised as “a really good job” and “a golden opportunity,”
nothing about this felt really “good” or “golden.” I packed for weeks,
but I couldn’t pack up all the memories. The day the
U-Haul truck pulled out of our driveway, I could only look back
and cry. Even though my body was in the truck, my heart was still
clinging to the four walls of that house. I had to keep reminding
myself it was only a house—it’s people who make a home.
Phil settled into his new job, the kids made new friends, and
I was left to turn a rundown rented house into a home. Every
morning my family would leave, and I would be faced with a
lonely house and stacks of boxes. I longed to go home and return
to the life I had known. I couldn’t let go, and I couldn’t move
forward. I felt like I was stuck in neutral.
After weeks of grieving, I confided in my best friend and told
her how miserable I was. Two days later, she called me back and
said, “I’ve spent some time praying, and this is what the Lord
keeps saying: ‘Tell her to pray, “Lord, what is Your perspective of me?” ’ ” I pondered her words, feeling almost angry. “That’s it?” I shot back.
“I’m dying over here and that’s the best you can do? What does
that have to do with anything?” Softly but firmly she replied, “I
know what I heard; try it.”
For days I stewed over her words: “Lord, what is Your
perspective of me?” It didn’t make sense; nothing made sense! Life
was turned so upside down, and I felt empty. Down on my knees,
I sobbed, “Lord, what IS your perspective of me? I don’t know
what to do. I’m lonely. Help me please!”For hours I lay on the hardwood floor drained of all emotion.
Drifting in and out of sleep, I began to dream. I pictured our
beautiful house in East Texas and the wisteria which wrapped itself
around the porch columns. The deep purple blooms completely
hid the columns. Suddenly, the vine took on a life of its own as
it began to slowly and almost effortlessly unwrap. Without the
trappings of the vine, the columns were strong and even lovely.
“That is you.” It was like a whisper, yet undeniably clear. I didn’t
move. A presence filled the room.
“You are like those columns. Like the wisteria vine covering and hiding the columns, the trappings of life and the needs and opinions of others have formed who you think you are. These things do not define you; I do.”
I had struggled with my self-worth for a lifetime. At a very
early age, the words and views of others led me to believe I
didn’t measure up. I never seemed to shine or be outstanding at
anything. Over the years, I found value and identity through my
husband’s success and our children’s accomplishments. People in
our community either knew me as Phil’s wife or as the mother
of Traci, Bret and Gay Lynn. Now I felt like I had no identity or
worth; I felt lost.
Mistakenly I thought God had abandoned me; but in reality,
He was finding me.I had nothing to hold on to, but God helped me understand
He was all I really needed. He knew me before others told me who
I was. He knew me before I was even formed.
“Lord, what is your perspective of me?”
I posed that question over twenty years ago, and it has been
life-changing. Over the years, I’ve shared these words with other
hurting people experiencing their own identity crises. These crises
can be brought about through the death of a spouse, the end
of a relationship, a job change or, as it was in my case, moving.
Circumstances may change, but they don’t change who we are.
Our worth and identity are secure in Christ, because He defines us.
When all else fails, ask the right question; He will answer.
Kathy Henigan Jimerson and her husband, Phil, have been attending Gateway Church since May 2005. She and Phil have been married 40 years and have three grown children (all married) Traci, Bret and Gay Lynn. They also have four grandchildren. Kathy was a counselor for ten years for pregnant/parenting teens in the Grand Prairie School District and still conducts support groups in her home. She shares her gift of encouragement through writing and speaking.
by Kathy Henigan JimersonFindingMe
IwillgivethankstoYou,forIamfearfullyandwonderfullymade…Psalm139:14a(NASB)
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Most couples enter into marriage with totally unrealistic expectations. Upon seeing the
man of her dreams, a woman may think, “He will be my Prince Charming—my romantic
fulfillment—who will bring financial and emotional security into my life. He’ll spend all of his
spare time with me. He will lift me up when I’m down and will cheer for me when I succeed.
He’ll build up my self-image and defend me against the cold, cruel world. He will understand
me like no one ever has before.”
A man, upon setting his sights on his Princess, thinks to himself, “She will be my dream
lover and will cook gourmet meals, raise our children and encourage me. She’ll always be able
to see the light at the end of the tunnel and will only have eyes for me. Whenever I arrive
home after a long day’s work, there will be a meal ready and waiting for me.”
When Prince Charming’s armor begins to rust and the little Princess throws a royal
pout, idealistic expectations tend to take a nose dive down the castle staircase! There are no
perfect people or perfect marriages on this side of heaven, and no one other than yourself
can assume responsibility for your personal happiness. Unrealistic expectations are completely
wrong, and they provide an unreliable foundation for marriage.
Romantic love, the kind of love that sends quivers up your spine and causes you to write
“Mrs. Prince Charming” all over the place, can never be the primary component within a strong
relationship. While feelings are a part of love, they are only a part. Young people grow up
thinking that happiness is only attached to romance. They believe when romance is gone so
is the relationship. In reality, a person who hasn’t found happiness while being single won’t
find happiness through marriage. True happiness comes from God’s Spirit within you and is not
dependent upon your situation or circumstances.
Novels, movies and television seek to tell us that “love is a many-splendored thing,” but
love is actually “a many-splintered thing” with several areas that require nurturing. Only with
the right tools—commitment, a healthy dose of selfless love, an understanding of God’s
Word and a fervent prayer life—can these areas be properly managed. When these tools
aren’t in their proper place, couples easily fall into traps that keep their relationships in
bondage.
Two of the primary traps which
sabotage relationships are unforgiveness and
miscommunication.
UNFORGIVENESSAcid can destroy the vessel used to
hold it. In the same way, unforgiveness
brings destruction into both your personal
life and your relationships. It is an
unattractive garment easily recognizable by
your sadness, sarcasm, criticisms, hateful
looks and unkind actions. Matthew 6:14
(NASB) says, “If you forgive others … your
heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Forgiveness clothed in love brings peace.
MISCOMMUNICATIONOne hot summer day, Tony, a six-
year-old entrepreneur, set up a lemonade
Great Expectations
by Joyce Simmons
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stand. He placed a sign on his stand that
read: Lemonade | 10¢ | All you can drink.
A man driving past the stand stopped
and gave Tony ten cents for a tall glass of
lemonade. After drinking it heartily, the
man asked for another glass, but to his
surprise Tony said no! The man retorted,
“But your sign says ten cents—all you can
drink!” “That’s right,” replied the boy, “The
sign says ten cents, and that’s all you can
drink!”
What is perfectly clear to one person
may often mean something totally different
to another person. Healthy communication
involves talking about your differences and
airing out your discrepancies in order to
understand each other’s opinions. When
communicating, remember the following
three things:
LEARN TO REALLY LISTENJames 1:19 (KJV) tells us to, “Be swift
to hear.” When someone is talking to
you, be a steady listener. Don’t withdraw,
shut down or start thinking about what
you’re going to say next. Listening may
reveal something which can be used to
disarm anger or correct a misunderstanding.
Everyone has a right to their feelings and
concerns.
Also watch body language. This can
often reveal the root of the problem. Take
into consideration the fact that we learn
our reactions from our family members.
GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS IN A WAY THE OTHER PERSON WILL UNDERSTAND
People deal with conflict in different ways.
Screaming or yelling can often turn some
people away, while others may have a hard
time understanding someone who pouts or
withdraws. Before a conflict arises between
you and your spouse, take the time to talk
about how each may possibly react.
Dissolve your arguments so you can resolve them. A conflict that is left unaddressed can often grow into an unnecessary fortress.
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Building a healthy marriage requires
having the heart of a servant. You need to
be willing to listen, to consider how others
think and feel and to work hard to make
things happen.
TALK BEFORE YOU GET TICKEDWhat you communicate on
the outside is usually a direct
byproduct of how you feel on the inside.
Have you ever had a conflict with your
spouse in the morning but then completely
forgot about it as the day continued? Later,
your cheerful homecoming greeting may
have been met with a deep-freeze look
because your spouse was brewing over your
argument all day long as well as every other
fight you’ve ever had!
Dissolve your arguments so you
can resolve them. A conflict that is left
unaddressed can often grow into an
unnecessary fortress. Talk it out between
yourselves. Be positive and focus on
solutions as opposed to problems or
imagined anxieties. To learn how to build
bridges rather than barriers, read
Ephesians 4:25–32. This passage deals with
being truthful, loving, giving, forgiving and
real with each other.
Understand there are consequences to
your actions.
As I conduct workshops and retreats,
the saddest statement I hear time and time
again is, “I wish I would have tried harder
to make our marriage work. At the time, I
thought getting out was the right decision.
But now I’m facing the same problems, and
they’re even more complicated than before
because of my choices. Why didn’t someone
encourage me to hang in there and make it
work? Look at what it’s done to my kids.”
Many marriages perish due to a lack
of knowledge. Work together at identifying
and understanding the tools God has given
you to build a strong relationship. Use those
tools regardless of your feelings. Feelings
come and go, but commitment restores
order and provides a healthy environment
for your children. Learn how to do battle
for your family by knowing God’s Word and
standing firm on His promises. God is on
your side, and He’s waiting to restore the
desires of your heart. Through Him, your
expectations can be greater than you ever
imagined!
Joyce Simmons has been involved in women’s ministry
for over 27 years. She has authored several books
including Shared Joy is Double Joy and Selfless Love.
Joyce, the mother of three and grandmother of six, is
married and lives in Keller, Texas. Her official website is
www.dfmtoday.com.
READER’SPOLL →→ Whatisthebestmarriageadviceyoueverreceived?Expectations are always expected but hardly communicated. And
as you grow, your expectations change. Always talk about them.
–Jessica G.
Marriage is a “full-time” job and you have to work at it all the time.
Just like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.
Always work at “out blessing” each other.
Never stop laughing together…choose to have fun. –Kristen R.
My favorite line from My Big, Fat Greek Wedding … “Remember, the
husband… he is the head of the house. But the wife… the wife is
the one that turns the head.”
Remember to make time for each other throughout the years so
when your children leave you are left not with an empty nest but
with your best friend. –Kathy O.
To pray with your husband before you go to bed. –Loresha W.
Deal with your issues now. Don’t put them off, they only get bigger
with time. –Karla L.
Mention it once, maybe twice, pray about it.
Argue naked…the argument ends quickly. –Hannah M.
When your husband comes home (after errands, after work, after
a golf game) greet him like he has just returned home from a great
conquest. It is amazing how a good greeting can impact the next
few hours.
Also, once or twice a year, ask what their dreams are (long-term
and short-term) and verbally express your support to help make
those dreams happen. –Aja S.
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YOURPLACEINTHISWORLDNo matter who you are, God has a plan for your life, although
at times it can be difficult to know what it is. Building a legacy
involves deepening your relationship with God and understanding
yourself and your capabilities.
A friend of mine believed her legacy would be to have a baby
and be a stay-at-home mom. When she and her husband were
unable to conceive, she was surprised because she had been so
certain of God’s purpose for her life. My friend and her husband
prayed and sought God’s voice on the matter. They eventually
adopted a beautiful baby boy, and today she’s fulfilling her life’s
purpose as a homeschooling mother.
I know another woman who never had any children. Now that
she’s in her sixties, she understands that God’s purpose for her life
is to have many spiritual children. She works in nursing homes and
helps friends and neighbors whenever they need it. She cooks for
them, counsels them and loves them.
Maxine Clark, the founder and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop®,
runs a multi-million dollar company listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, but that’s not why she works. She recently shared with
me her own legacy to give back to the world through her business.
On a trip with Oprah Winfrey to Africa, Maxine experienced the
ultimate opportunity of giving back by distributing 40,000 Teddy
Bears to children with AIDS.
WHATWILLYOURLEGACYBE?You don’t have to be the CEO of a company to leave a mark on the
world. You only need to follow three important steps to build a
legacy that lasts.
by Tammy Kling
What’syourlegacy?Areyoulivingapurpose-drivenlife,orareyougoingthroughthemotionswithdaysfilledwithendlessemailsanderrands?Buildingalegacyrequiresprayer,contemplationandplanning.Itmeanssettingasideadayoraweektothinkaboutthestepsyouneedtotaketotransformyourlifeandensurethatyoucreatealegacythatlastsforgenerations.
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STEP1:PrayforGod’swisdomaboutHisplanforyourlife. Ask God to reveal His life-plan for your life. As you pray, use your
own words and terms. Ephesians 6:18a (NIV) instructs us to, “Pray
in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
All too often, we end up following our childhood dreams
without taking time to recalibrate ourselves along the way. It’s easy
to become fixated on a dream, but sometimes our dreams don’t
line up with what God has planned for our lives. What’s your life’s
work? How will people remember you? What imprint will you leave
behind? Seek God and ask Him to give you the answers to those
questions.
STEP2:ListencarefullytowhatGodtellsyou.Makeaplantoliveoutyourdream. Creating a legacy involves taking the time to plan how you want
to live the rest of your life and to figure out what it will take to
accomplish that. Are there things you need to work on? Do you
want to live a healthier life, be more connected to your children or
be more joyful overall? Take a day off from all of your obligations
and think about how you need to live the life you are destined for.
Planning involves listening. Continue listening to God’s voice,
and write a list of the steps you will take. Is it your legacy to be a
parent? Make a note of all the things that need to happen for that
to come about—including taking a vacation with your husband!
Is it your legacy to become a singer and share your vocal talents
with the world? Pray, plan and follow God’s leading, and then write
down the top ten things you’ll need to do to follow your dream.
Your list may include getting a vocal coach, setting aside two
hours every day to practice or joining the praise and worship team.
STEP3:Executebytakingbabystepstowardsyourlegacyeachday,andstayfocusedonit! Once you’ve taken the first two steps, post your action plan in a
visible place! Is it your legacy to build a stronger marriage? What
obligations, commitments or activities detract from that? Your
written plan of action might include a note to “just say no” as a
reminder to stay centered on your husband.
I have my Legacy Plan taped to the bathroom mirror as a
reminder to stay congruent with God’s purposes for my life. It’s
a fairly simple plan, however, when I wake up cranky, my mood
instantly changes once I read, “Thank God for this beautiful family!”
and “Be a better wife and mom.” I know I have to do both each day
to fulfill my own legacy of building a solid, God-centered marriage.
With a little planning and a lot of prayer and listening, you
can live the life you’ve always dreamed of and leave a lasting
impression!
Tammy Kling is an international author, writing coach and a member of Gateway
Church. Her books have been translated in various foreign languages and have been
featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on Dateline NBC. She
writes with the hope of changing lives through the written word. Her official website
is www.TKling.com.
Studio G is published by the Women’s Ministries of Gateway Church, a nonprofit corporation, Southlake, Texas USA © 2006 Gateway Church. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Studio G has no subscription price and is supported through ministry contributions worldwide. All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible (in countries where this applies). For more information or to order, call 817.552.3612. Internet address: studiogmag.com
Do you have a friend that would love to receive Studio G? Contact Sarah Wronko at, 817.552.3612, or email their name and address to studiog@gatewaypeople.com.
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World peace, an end to poverty, healed
marriages—those things take awhile
to come about. That’s why I never
expected a one-day turnaround on my
prayers, but that’s all it took for God to
rock my little world.
I’m often awake at odd hours
during the night, and I usually take that
time to pray for whomever may be on
my heart. One Friday night in particular,
I was thinking about James. He has
been friends with my husband, Philip,
and me even before we were married.
He was at our wedding and blessing
shower, and he frequently went with
Philip to the driving range. James is a
diabetic, and over the last few years
had started dialysis while waiting for a
kidney transplant. His dialysis center
was near our home, and I would often
see his car there as we drove to church
on Saturday nights. Whenever I saw
James’ car, God would remind me to
pray for him.
After several months, I started
noticing that his car wasn’t there
anymore. As time passed, I grew more
concerned. Was he all right? Had
anything happened to him? We kept
reminding ourselves to call James, but
we never got around to it. So as I lay
awake on this particular Friday night, I
prayed, “God, where is James? Is he OK?
Is he even alive? Please! Bring him to
us!” God heard my prayers that night. In
fact, He already had a plan in action.
The very next day, as our family
was getting ready for church, I heard
my son say, “Mom, there’s someone
at the door. I’ll get it.” Since my son’s
only four years old, I went with him to
the door. As I opened the door, I was
surprised to see an elderly lady with
white hair standing on my porch. She
greeted me with a question, “Are you
Lori?” When I replied that I was, she
said, “I’m James’ mom!”
I was so surprised, I don’t think I
even greeted her. Hoping with all my
heart that James was still was alive, I
immediately asked, “WHERE IS HE?” I
was so happy when she pointed to my
driveway and I saw him sitting in a car
waving to me! I was shaking as I ran out
to the car to talk with him.
It turns out that James had gone
through a terribly rough year since I
had last seen him. First, his dad passed
away. Then, after finally receiving a new
kidney, he lost it due to complications.
In addition, part of his right leg had to
be amputated. Later, James lost control
of the muscles in his face and had to
relearn how to speak and eat. Now he
was back on dialysis while waiting for
another kidney. It had been a tough
year for him, to say the least. But he
was alive, and God had brought him
to us! I was so thankful to be talking
to him face to face. My husband and
I used this God-given encounter as an
opportunity to pray for James and his
mom. Before they left, we got his new
address so we could stay in touch better
in the future.
Godissogood!He hears my prayers in the early hours
of the morning, and He constantly
shows me how real He is. God brought
James to us because He specifically
wants me to continue praying for him,
and I consider it an honor to do so.
From now on, when I’m awakened in
the middle of the night with thoughts
about my family or friends, I will “count
it all joy” and remember God’s amazing
answer to my prayer.
Lori Rush is a Women’s Life Group Leader at Gateway and a stay-at-home mother. She lives in Bedford, Texas, and has been a member of Gateway for three years. Lori, and her husband, Philip, have two sons.
by Lori Rush
AnAmazingAnswer
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by Margie Grantham
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I stood at my kitchen sink looking at the small wooden house in our backyard—the house where I was born. As I gazed out the window, memories flooded my mind. Back then, our little brown house had a big front porch and a red brick chimney. I remember my dad rocking me in a straight chair when I was four years old. He would hide with me under the bed during thunderstorms, and when I was afraid of the dark, he would hold me until I fell asleep. Because the path to the cotton field was a long way for my short legs, I always wanted my dad to carry me—and he always did.I asked myself why my husband, Calvin, had wanted to bring this house from Ringgold, Louisiana, all the way to our backyard in Marshall, Texas. He said that he wanted to restore it, but now I was wondering what was he thinking! Much of the wood had been gnawed away, and the smell of rats lingered in the air. Every window was broken, and the rusted tin roof was twisted upwards. The wood of the interior walls had once been covered with newspapers, posters and calendar pictures that now hung in tattered shreds.
I heard God whisper to me, “This is what man has done to My church …”My heart ached as I thought about how the children of God gnaw away at each other with no regard to the damage being done. God’s Word has been plastered over with sets of rules, programs and doctrines. The stench of judgmental attitudes and unforgiveness permeates the air. God’s promises are distorted, His gifts are denied, His truth is dismissed as myth, and His love has been spurned. His church stands oblivious to its tattered disarray.
“… and I want to put it back together again.”After the restoration process began, Calvin became critically ill. As he recovered in ICU, I considered the unfinished house and asked God, “What about Calvin?”God answered, “Satan will do anything to stop the building of My house.”After a few months, Calvin was able to continue his work on the house, but I was starting to feel the strain of teaching kindergarten. I was tired all over, and my stomach hurt. Test results were reported to me, but I actually heard only a few of the words: “Cancer … ovarian … final stages … we can make you comfortable … we don’t know how long ….”We were in shock. I cried out to God for direction, healing and answers. I know God’s voice, and He was telling me I was going to be OK, but what did that mean? My family, church, friends and women from Gateway Church fasted and prayed for healing and life for my body. Two thousand years ago, Jesus took my penalty and paid the price for my salvation, which included healing. God spoke to our pastor and said, “This is not a sickness unto death, but for the glory of God.” I held on to that promise.
On January 28, 2005, I underwent extensive surgery at M.D. Anderson in Houston and was scheduled to begin chemotherapy the following week. Three days later, Calvin and I celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary in the hospital. That was the night things changed. I had a massive heart attack, and all my organs shut down except my kidneys. The “silver tree” supported 16 bags of medicines that were being pumped into my veins. Wires ran through both sides of my neck to keep my heart beating. The Disease Control Team was called in, and Calvin was told to call the family because I would not live through the night.My family immediately came and praised God for my functioning kidneys. They read scriptures, proclaimed God’s promises and sang praise songs throughout the night. When the doctors gave up, the Great Physician stepped in. I started breathing on my own, stopped bleeding internally, my heart began to beat on its own, my organs began to function, and the infection that had overtaken my body disappeared. I came out of my coma and said, “I’m ready to go home.”A few weeks later, I sat on the sofa and my thoughts turned to the triple bypass surgery I now faced only a month after my cancer surgery. I stared at the old house in our backyard and said, “Lord, what about me?” He answered,“The bride is sick unto death, and only the Father can heal her.”Nine weeks after heart surgery, I began chemotherapy. I was extremely sick for several months, and it seemed endless. I lost my hair, my eyebrows and my eyelashes. During this time, Calvin cradled me and rocked me like a baby. My family, church and friends were Jesus to me. When I couldn’t pray, they prayed for me. And all the while I knew the Father was healing me.
Today, I am cancer free, and my heart is strong. I recognize that my sickness was not just about me. It’s about His church and all those who made the journey with me, knowing that God brought me back from the brink of death to bring Him glory. Therefore, we can have joy in tribulation and suffering because God is bringing healing to the Body of Christ and glory to His Name.The house is still in our backyard, unfinished. It continues to remind me that the Great Physician is still working. My Father still shelters me in the storm and comforts me when I am afraid. When the journey is too long, He still carries me—just as He always has.
Margie Grantham has been a pastor’s wife for 47 years and an elementary school teacher for 39 years. She is the mother of Rebecca Henricks, who attends Gateway Church with her husband Tom. Margie is a frequent speaker at Bible studies, retreats, churches and schools. Margie and her husband, Calvin, are both retired and reside in Marshall, Texas. You can contact Margie at grantham@myfam.com.
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People are often amazed by the blend
of my husband, Paul, and me. You could
describe us in a number of ways: the Soy
Vey Couple (oy vey is a Yiddish expression);
When Fried Rice Met Lox; or Matzah Ball
Soup with Wontons. The Lord, with a
sense of humor, put a Jewish boy from
New York and a Chinese girl from Hong
Kong together in union to glorify Him in
spite of our cultural differences.
We grew up 8,000 miles apart in
two of the world’s largest cities, yet we
are alike in so many ways. Both of our
maternal grandmothers are incredible
cooks. During our childhoods, both would
go to the market every day and pick out
which chicken they wanted butchered,
even though each knew how to do it
themselves. While waiting to be picked up
by his mother after school, Paul enjoyed
eating kosher pickles and egg cream from
Eli at the neighborhood candy store. As for
myself, I liked getting fish meatballs and
soy milk from the vendors on the street
near my apartment building. Both of us
lived in high-rise buildings. He was on the
fourth floor; I was on the twelfth. We
both remember the days when power for
the elevators would go out and we would
have to climb the stairs. Chinese people
have often been called “the Jews of the
Orient.” We both come from cultures that
love to eat. Chinese people are known to
eat just about everything under the sun,
and food is always a must-have on all
Jewish Holy Feasts, except for Yom Kippur.
Chinese and Jews are found virtually
everywhere in the world. Most of them
are entrepreneurial, and they strive to
prosper their own communities by buying
and selling to one another. Both the
Chinese and Jewish civilizations have over
four thousand years of history.
Much of it is glorious,
but both have
had shameful
times as well.
Our cultures
are also
patriarchal-
based societies, and yet, mothers and
grandmothers are very much respected. It
has often been said, “If man is the head
of the household, then woman is the neck
which turns it.”
Surprisingly, there are many other
Chinese Jews besides our own children.
While many countries were turning the
Jews away during World Wars I and II,
China was one of the first countries to
open her borders to the Jews. There are
large communities of Chinese Jews today
in Kaifeng, China, where they still read
from the Torah and keep the Sabbath and
other Jewish Holy Days. It’s humorous
that my mom is so proud to have a Jewish
son-in-law. She even went to her pastor
once and said, “Pastor, you’ve read a lot
about the Jews, God’s chosen people, in
the Bible, but have you actually seen one?
Well, let me introduce my son-in-law to
you.”
Of course, we also deal with the
stereotypes of our cultures. Paul teasingly
says that I am the only Chinese girl he
knows that doesn’t know Kung Fu, and
I tell him that he’s the only Jewish man
I know who is a chef and not a doctor.
If you only knew how many times I’ve
been at a salon or doctor’s office and
people have asked me if I’m related to
Dr. Glassman in Dallas or wherever we
happened to be living at the time. People
have admired Paul for having a Chinese
wife because they assume that I cook,
clean and am always submissive, but then
Paul has to tell them that he didn’t marry
a “typical Chinese woman.”
There have also been many “ah-ha!”
moments throughout our marriage. There
was the time when it dawned on me
that my father-in-law’s name is Sol and
he had named his Jewish son Paul. When
my husband Paul became a believer, his
life was changed forever, and God used
him to lead his family to the Lord. It
reminded me of the apostle whose name
was changed from Saul to Paul and whose
life was changed forever when he met
the Lord on his way to Damascus. There
was another amazing time when we went
by Elena Glassman
A Divine Order of Kosher Peking Duck on Bagel
God brought us, Jew and Gentile,
together to glorify Him.
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embrace lifeby Ryane Nichols-Moates
My Failed Attempt to Look Classy My maintenance man was coming over one morning, and I decided that I
wanted to look a little more decent than I usually do. So rather than wearing
the scroungy sweatsuit, slippers and baseball cap that I typically sport when he
has come in the past, I fixed my hair and put on a casual, coordinating outfit
with matching shoes. I thought to myself, “Today I’m going to look a little more
put together than the frumpy housewife image I usually portray.” As we walked
from room to room talking about maintenance issues, I carried my 10-month-old
daughter, Willow, on my hip because she had a bad cold. Before he was about to
leave, we took one last look at a maintenance issue in the bathroom, and I caught
a glance of myself in the mirror. I saw that my daughter had wiped her face on
my shirt leaving a big streak of snot across my chest! I laughed out loud and
thought to myself, “So much for attempting to look like a classy mom. I guess I’ll
have to stick with the frumpy housewife look for now!”
candy-coated prioritiesAt the beginning of the year, the Gateway Church family made a commitment to
spend forty days praying and fasting. One of the things I gave up was chocolate.
During that time, my four-year-old daughter, Olivia, offered me an M&M which I
declined. When she asked me why, I told her that I wasn’t going to eat chocolate
for forty days in order to get closer to God. She promptly replied, “Well, I’m going
to get closer to God, too, but I’m still going to eat chocolate!”
Have Mercy! As I was eating my breakfast one morning, I heard the garbage truck pull up
outside. Because we were now well into December, the sound was an instant
reminder that I needed to get a rotten pumpkin onto the truck as soon as
possible. Since I had forgotten to take it out to the curb until now, I ran out to
meet the truck doing its pickup across the street. I noticed that it had already
finished picking up the trash from my side of the street, so this was quickly
turning into an urgent situation. I must have been quite a sight standing in the
street in my jammies, holding a rotten pumpkin in the drizzling cold rain. When I
asked the guy if he could take my pumpkin, he said, “No.” I was kind of puzzled as
to why he wouldn’t have mercy on me, so I asked, “Would it be OK if I just throw
it on the truck myself?” Again the man replied, “No.” Not understanding what kind
of policy he was following, I began to grow a little miffed until he said, “This is
the recycle truck.”
Ryane Nichols-Moates had a fulfilling career as an Occupational Therapist for 12 years. She is now delighted to be a stay-at-home mom and finds great joy in her husband of 15 years, John, and two precious girls: Olivia who is 4 years old and Willow who is 2 years old. Her motto for life is: Embrace Life with Passion!
to a Messianic Synagogue and the rabbi
prayed with Paul’s parents, who were in
their late 70s, for their salvation. Paul’s
mother, Millie, interrupted the rabbi five
or six times during the prayer saying, “I
want to make sure we are praying to the
God of Israel. He is the only God I believe
in.” We kept reassuring her that we were
praying to the same God—the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. At the same
time, her husband was saying, “It’s OK. I
believe in this God you are praying to. Just
go on.” I stood there crying joyful tears
and laughing at the same time because the
situation was both moving and humorous.
I entered into my marriage knowing
that Paul had not yet accepted the Lord.
Our marriage was what one might call a
“missionary marriage.” I just knew that I
could bring my husband to the Lord. Little
did I know how my faith would be tested
before I saw my prayers answered. During
the time when I was struggling with my
faith, I was reminded that “the stronger
the struggle, the bigger the triumph.” With
a struggle as tremendous as mine, I knew a
huge triumph would come after my many
tears. God brought us, Jew and Gentile,
together to glorify Him. When Paul
received the Lord’s gift of salvation three
years ago, we had a “hallelujah moment.”
Another Jew had come to know the Lord,
and the angels rejoiced. Paul couldn’t stop
sharing Yeshua with everyone around him,
even when others considered him to be a
Jew who had turned into a “judgmental,
close-minded Christian.”
Paul and I are still growing spiritually
in our walk with the Lord. Looking back
on our journey gives us so much hope and
encouragement for the future. Our life
story has taught me that no matter how
hopeless life may seem at the moment,
God is still in control, and He has the
perfect plan. Just stay faithful and trust in
our King. Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and
watch with anticipation as He unfolds each
new chapter in your life.
Elena Glassman is married to Paul, and they have two children, Matthew and Mollie. They have been attending Gateway Church for two years.
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SliceLifeof
Everyday Sweet PotatoesThese potatoes are easy and can change the complexion of any meal. They offer a different flavor that even kids love.
4 to 6 sweet potatoes
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup sugar
Peal, cut and boil potatoes until tender. Place in bowl and whip just
as you would to make regular mashed potatoes. Add butter, vanilla
and sugar and mix. Serve.
Barb Stage is a wife and full-time working mom of two boys. She has been a member of Gateway Church for 1½ years and is a Women’s Life Group Apprentice.
by Barb Stage
Festive Sweet PotatoesSpruce up everyday sweet potatoes for a holiday treat.
In addition to the sweet potato, butter, vanilla
and sugar mix, add 2 eggs. Put in oven-safe
dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350º. Top with crumbles
(recipe below) and bake until browned.
Crumbles (mix together with fork)1/3 cup butter
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
I sometimes put this in two dishes and freeze one for later, reserving half the crumbles as well.
WhyStudioG?The title, Studio G, was inspired by Psalm 144:12 which is a prayer asking God, “… that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.” The name reminds us that we, as Christian women, are in God’s studio as unfinished works of art. Studio G is committed to reminding us of the ways of the Master Sculptor as He continues to fashion us into “women of palace style.” In His studio we discover who we were created to be and we come to realize our true worth.
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I walk away. I hate this. I hate me!
Spittin’ mad.
Bitterly disappointed.
Grievously sad.
Lord, when are you gonna change him?
Cruel words I don’t mean.
Defensive. Critical.
Cold shoulder.
Pout, pout, pout.
I hear my God loud and clear:
“Do you want to be known to your
husband and children as Rebecca
‘irritable, prickly, grouchy, hormonal’
Wilson? Is that who I created you to be?”
I gasp! WHAT???? Absolutely NOT!!!!!
“ ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are
heavy-laden and overburdened, and I
will cause you to rest. [I will ease and
relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My
yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I
am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in
heart, and you will find rest (relief and
ease and refreshment and recreation
and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My
yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not
harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but
comfortable, gracious, and pleasant),
and My burden is light and easy to be
A Life-Changing Conversation With Godby Rebecca Wilson
borne’ (Matthew 11:28-30, AMP). Come
to Me with your true emotions, but
stop the complaints. Tell Me about your
anger, sadness, hatred, disappointment.
Be brutally honest about your emotions;
grieve loss that stems from unrealistic
dreams and unfulfilled needs.”
No way! Good Christian girls don’t hate and
get angry.
“Oh, OK, they just act awful. Is that it
Rebecca?”
Yep, I should’ve known. It’s me that needs
to change, isn’t it?
OK, no complaining. Just honesty.
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Lord, I’m afraid to admit my emotions—to You
… to me. They are dark. Sharing them with You
would be like throwing up all over You!
A vision instantly appears in my mind:
I throw up all over my Jesus’ feet and nail-
scarred ankles. He bends down and, like a
mother cleaning up after her child, scoops
up my disgusting bile into His strong arms.
He stands up and amazingly the disgusting
bile turns into many, many precious jewels.
“Sweet one, when you come to Me with the darkest part of your soul, then I count it as precious jewels—treasure in heaven!
It’s when you ‘let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind)’ by coming to Me with it that I can implement transformation in your soul so that you can ‘become useful and helpful and kind to one
another, tenderhearted (compassionate,
understanding, loving-hearted),
forgiving one another [readily and
freely], as God in Christ forgave you’ ”
(Ephesians 4:31–32, AMP).
What a trade! What an exchange! My “yuck”
for Your healing.
I want to be Rebecca “kind, gentle,
tenderhearted, joyful” Wilson. Lord, I want
Your character and Your fruit in me.
“ ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me …
to console those who mourn in Zion, to
give them beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, the garment of praise
for the spirit of heaviness; that they
may be called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord, that He may be
glorified’ ” (Isaiah 61:1–3, NKJV).
I don’t understand Your ways, Lord. I’m
sorry for all that is coming out, but I’m
really glad I can be real and honest with You
and with myself. Who would’ve thought I’d
have so much treasure in heaven? I certainly
never thought treasure would look like this!
Beauty for ashes.
What a deal!
Go figure.
Ability to be the person that God created.
A cleansed heart.
Bitterness gone.
Forgiveness.
Intimacy with You.
“ ‘I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh’ ” (Galatians 5:16, NKJV).
Thank You Lord!
You are truly amazing.
Thank You for loving me.
Because of You, I have love and
can also give it.
I love YOU!
Rebecca Wilson is the Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care at Gateway Church. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Rebecca and her husband, Dick, have been married for more than 30 years and have two adult sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
By an act of my will, I choose to submit my emotions and the offense to the Lord.
Luke 22:39–46
I will acknowledge to God my true thoughts and feelings. In doing so, He gives validation
and empathy but also exposes lies and reveals truth. Matthew 11:28–30; Psalm 51:6; Psalm 142
I will repent and take personal responsibility for my actions. Acts 3:19; Psalm 51:1–9
I will forgive—myself, God and others. Matthew 6:9–16; Luke 17:3–4
I will rule out demonic attack by doing spiritual warfare. James 4:7; Jude 9
I will actively receive a heart cleansing from the Lord and then an infilling of His Holy Spirit.
Psalm 51:10–17
I will walk in the Spirit by exhibiting His fruit to others. Galatians 5:14–26; 2 Timothy 2:22–26
Intimacy with God + A Submitted Will & Emotions = Godly Character
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I used to think all there was to being a Christian was just
reading the Bible, praying and going to church. I soon found
out that being a Christian wasn’t at all what I thought it would
be. By the age of 24, I came to a place of desperation in my life,
and I made a covenant relationship with Jesus by accepting Him
as my Lord and Savior.
Yet, even as I began attending Bible studies and listening
to my friends talk, there was something missing. How did they
know so much about life and walking daily with Him? I would
read the Bible and see the words, but they didn’t tell me how to
daily minister to my husband or how to raise godly children. All I
found were instructions on being submissive and using a rod to
discipline, and that wasn’t very appealing to me.
After praying for direction one day, I received a call from
our pastor’s wife, Lois Marie Freeman. Because we lived across
the street from the church and had a key, we often received
calls from the pastor and his wife when people were locked out
of the church. Yet this day was different; Lois Marie wanted
to meet with me. Chills of fear shot through my body. My first
thought was, “What did I do?” But knowing this precious lady, I
knew there was no reason for my fear.
I quickly dressed and waited for her arrival. As I opened
the door, she greeted me with a reassuring smile. When we sat
down to drink our tea, she asked me if I had ever heard about
mentoring. I thought to myself, “Oh no, here’s another Christian term I’m not familiar with.” I knew what mentoring meant in
the area of business, but I didn’t have any idea what it meant
within the Christian realm. Could it be the same thing? I always
thought you just learned about the Christian life as you went
along. At least that’s how I had always tried to do it. Lois Marie
explained that she had been watching me at the Bible studies.
She noticed I had been taking in all I could while also asking
many questions about life. My questions weren’t
interrupting the teaching,
but she saw my
frustrations
and knew
that I
needed
answers
to
questions
that were
basic to
everyone else.
My hopes
began to rise.
Maybe this
precious, godly woman would take time out of her busy schedule
to mentor me. Then I heard these words: “If you want me to, it
would be a pleasure to mentor you.” With tears in my eyes and
joy in my heart, I answered with a hearty “yes!” Beginning that
day, Lois Marie took me under her wing and began the mentoring
process in my life.
Little did I know that we would soon move away and my
time with her would come to an end. The discouragement I
felt was overwhelming, but the Father had a bigger picture for
my life. Soon after we settled in to our new home, we found
a wonderful church to attend and quickly made new friends.
One of the ladies I befriended was only a few years older than
me, but she was so wise in the Lord. It wasn’t long before she
offered to mentor me.
Time passed, and my husband and I were eventually asked
to plant a church. My friend and I both knew my time of
mentoring had come to an end. It was now my turn to give
back what I had learned. The responsibility of being a mentor
seemed impossible to me, but isn’t it just like the Lord to
provide an opportunity to depend on Him? And what a blessing
it was to begin the process with a younger woman. Yes, it took
time, but the blessings far outweighed the time issue. Now it’s
an encouragement to be introduced as a spiritual mom.
For me, mentoring will never stop. I am honored to mentor
other women while still being mentored in areas of my life. I
never want it to be said of me that I had so much imparted into
my life, but because of time, I selfishly kept a seeking young
woman from experiencing freedom in areas of her life where she
has had struggles.
Rise up women! Live out the life and instructions of
Titus 2. To whom much has been given, much is required. Allow
the generations to come and be equipped. What we have
been given must be built upon and passed down to the next
generation. I want to be a part of an older generation that is
proud of the generation taking my place. Are you up to the
challenge?
Jan Grubbs serves as the Associate Pastor of Women’s Groups at Gateway Church. She has been involved with teaching, equipping and mentoring women for over twenty years. Jan and her husband, George, are founding members of Gateway. They have been married over 36 years and have two married children, Heidi Evans and George Grubbs, III.
Rise up women!…What we have been given must be built upon and passed down to the next generation.
by Jan GrubbsA Titus Two Woman
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My Life is Not My OwnOne day, not too long ago, it hit me—my life is not my own. What’s more,
my stuff isn’t even my own. In fact, who am I kidding? With three small boys,
NOTHING in this house is my own! If I ever leave my warm muffin to answer the
phone, I’m bound to come back and find that someone has either eaten the top
off completely or else they have licked it, decided they didn’t like the flavor and
returned it to my plate with a new, shiny and slimy muffin topping.
When I sit down to read my favorite magazine, I usually find that someone
has ripped out all the pages with animals on them in order to play “scotch-tape
safari.”
My three little men routinely spill my Diet Coke® or drink it all while I’m
putting laundry away. They fill my bathroom sink with water and Hot Wheels
for a “car wash.” They pick all the chocolate chips out of the one cookie I’ve set
aside for myself, and they lick the salt off my french fries.
One morning, I opened up my Bible to have my quiet time, and I saw
that someone had lovingly made a bookmark for me (with lots of glue and
glitter) and placed it inside my Bible (while the glue was still wet) somewhere
around the book of Ephesians. The glittery, gluey bookmark was securely
stuck to the tissue-thin pages of the Bible my parents had given me as a
high school graduation gift 15 years before. It was ruined. Just like my
favorite topiary tree that had been used as a bowling pin and my cell
phone that had been accidentally flung on the tile floor at the McDonalds®
Playland, my Bible was completely ruined. And yes, I admit it—I cried. I
cried like a three-year-old and then proceeded to yell at my sons.
“Leave my stuff alone!!!” I demanded. “You guys either break, destroy
or eat everything I have!” By this time, my arms were waving about wildly.
“I can’t have anything nice in this house!!!”
As I gradually calmed down from my frustration, my sweet sons just
sat and stared at me, a little astonished at my outburst. “Mommy guilt”
quickly settled around me like a heavy, scratchy blanket.
I dropped to my knees, hugging my boys close and asking them to
forgive me. “I love you, boys,” I told them. “I’m so sorry.” As I said this,
the Lord spoke to me ever so sweetly:
“Of course your life is not your own, child. And your stuff isn’t your own either. Don’t hold so tightly to the things of this world. Instead, hold tightly to Me. I alone give you the things that have eternal value—your life, the lives of your children, My Son, salvation for you and for your children.”
“Oh, and one more thing …” Yes, Lord?
“… I love you, daughter.”
Tammy Adams is a member of Gateway Church and has been married to Chris for 12 years. They have three busy, bouncing boys: Davis, Gabe and Trent.
by Tammy Adams
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19–21 (NIV)
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Me? A potential martyr?! I had no
idea how, but according to the gift
placement survey I filled out during a
Discovery class at Gateway, martyrdom is
one of my primary spiritual gifts.
I have never come across any mention of
the spiritual gift of martyrdom in the Bible nor in
any of the numerous spiritual gifts questionnaires
I’ve filled out over the years. However, I did know
that, after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven, God gave the
Holy Spirit as a gift to empower believers in living the
Christian life. With that understanding, simply living a
genuine Christian life makes any believer a potential martyr.
While I was contemplating the meaning of martyrdom, I
discovered a number of books by Ted Dekker from the Martyr’s Song Series, and I began to understand that martyrdom can
often be synonymous with suffering for the kingdom of God.
These books helped me realize that not every martyr dies and
many martyrs often don’t know what’s happening to them or
even realize that they are being martyrs. However, there is one
common thread: Each person’s martyrdom results in allowing
others to see God.
This whole concept of being a living martyr caused me to
reflect on my life and determine whether I’ve actually used this
spiritual gift. I considered the
most difficult aspects of my
life and realized that I had
thoroughly submitted those
areas to God long ago.
When my children were
six and three, I became a
widow. Although I wanted to remarry, I chose to obey God’s
leading and earn a college degree. I followed His leading again
when I went to India with my children and taught there for
seven years. I am still single, and my daughters are now grown
and married. Raising children without a husband was definitely
difficult, yet whenever I reached my wit’s end, God would come
through in meaningful ways as the Husband to the widow and
the Father to the fatherless.
For example, there was one point in time when my nine-
year-old daughter would have frequent temper tantrums for
no reason whatsoever. I didn’t know what to do except tell my
Husband and her Father that I had done all I could and it was
His turn now. From that moment on, there weren’t any more
tantrums. Glory to God!
Single moms, students and missionaries are commonly
known to experience financial struggles, and I was certainly not
the exception to that. There were times of suffering, but God
told me to live by faith and never ask others for money because
He was my source. On one occasion, I returned to India with
only $50 in my pocket and no certainty of when I’d have more.
Even though I had to walk
everywhere for a while and
not eat much, God used
Indian sources to provide
all of my essentials until
my next check from the US
arrived several months later.
What is amazing is that I had never received financial gifts from
within India before that time, and I have never received any
since!
I guess I do have the gift of martyrdom and I’ve used it on
many occasions. Reflecting back on my life so far has helped me
see that the key to using the gift of martyrdom lies in being
submissive to God—whether living or dying.
Ethel Azariah is a former missionary and a retired ESL instructor. She participates in global prayer meetings, is a member of a Women’s Life Group and is involved in Freedom Ministries at Gateway Church.
by Ethel Azariah
MySpiritualGift
“AndhewhodoesnottakeuphiscrossandfollowMe[cleavesteadfastlytoMe,conformingwholly
toMyexampleinlivingand,ifneedbe,indyingalso]isnotworthyofMe.”Matthew 10:38, AMP
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You’ve got to love the old Tom and Jerry cartoons. I know that’s not a very profound
thought to start off with, but think about
this scenario for a moment. You have a
typical cat, Tom, chasing a typical mouse,
Jerry, in order to eat him. That was the
plot, storyline and basis for every show! Yet
somehow Tom never catches Jerry, because
we all know if he had, Tom and Jerry would
be over. Every episode, Tom almost catches
his prey, but Jerry always gets out in time.
All this happens in a half-hour segment
without a single word.
I love being pursued. I know that
statement makes it seem like I enjoy
playing games, but that’s not what I mean.
When you’re being pursued, you are the
sole object of someone’s attention. (Oh, did
I forget to mention I also like attention?)
A real pursuit takes time. It takes effort
and calculation. It proves that you’re worth
it. Why do you think the Road Runner let
Wile E. Coyote get so close to catching
him? The Road Runner and Jerry always had
a smirk on their faces as their shows would
end with them free from the clutches of
their pursuers. They enjoyed the pursuit, or
more accurately, they liked being pursued.
Few people truly like the pursuit
itself. Sure some love the challenge of
the game, but only if there’s a definite
possibility that they will obtain the object
of their pursuit. Who wants to pursue the
impossible or chase after something which
has the potential to really fail? God does.
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME!
by Irini Fambro
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ByEmilyGilstrap
FIT4THEKINGDOM
At least I know He has with me. It’s odd to
actually discover that God is pursuing you.
All along, I have felt like I was on a pursuit
to figure Him out. I thought I was on a
journey to explain all the mysteries and
to make God into exactly what I wanted
Him to be. Honestly, that pursuit ended
up becoming more about what I wanted
than about Him—the One I was originally
pursuing. Looking back, I now realize
that all my actions were merely responses
to His pursuit. I was only answering His
beckoning. He created me. He chose me
even before I decided to choose Him. He
sent His Son to bring me back to Him. Are
you noticing Who’s doing all the pursuing?
God is.
Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:20 (NIV),
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the
door, I will come in and eat with him, and
he with Me.” God wants me. He’s running
after me. He’s pursuing me. The world has
ingrained in us the desire to pursue, obtain
and achieve, and yet, we see here that
God follows a different economy.
What a relief! God is pursuing me,
because He wants to spend time with me.
He is pursuing me, because He wants to
know me so that I can know Him. He’s not
making all of these gestures so He can put
me up on a trophy shelf or forget about
me once He has conquered me. He’s doing
it because He wants to dine with me. He is
pursuing me for me!
It feels so good to be pursued by
God. Knowing that I’m wanted, desired
and sought after allows me to relax and
breathe a sigh of relief. Just the thought of
it changes how I wake up every morning.
No longer do I drag myself into the day; I
now pursue each day in the same way that
God pursues me—tenderly, patiently and
persistently.
Irini Fambro, an ordained pastor through the
Wesleyan Church, is passionate about preaching,
teaching and writing. She has been married to
her high school sweetheart, Kenneth, for seven
wonderful years and is the mother of three-
year-old Kalila. Irini and her family feel like God
providentially led them to find, join and love
Gateway Church.
NUTSYou’ve probably heard people say, “You shouldn’t eat nuts because they’re high in
fat.” That idea comes from the outdated view that “all fats are bad.” We now know
that while animal fats can contribute to heart disease, healthy fats, as found in
nuts, actually reduce the risk of heart attack and promote health in a variety of
ways. Nuts are a rich source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). A primary function of
EFAs is the production of prostaglandins which regulate body functions such as
heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting and fertility conception and which also
play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the
body to fight infection. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate
supply of EFAs through their mother’s dietary intake. Although nuts are high in
fat, it’s mostly unsaturated fat which has a beneficial effect on health.
• Studies have shown that almonds and walnuts can have a beneficial effect
on blood cholesterol levels.
• The protein in nuts is high in arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, which
is important because it helps to keep blood vessels relaxed and open and
helps to prevent clotting.
• Walnuts, in particular, are high in alpha-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid
that protects the heart and circulation. Various studies have shown that
this fat reduces the risk of heart disease and fatal arrhythmias.
• Because they are good sources of dietary fiber, magnesium, copper,
folic acid, vegetable protein, potassium and vitamin E, nuts can also be
important for the health of your heart.
Nuts provide a satiety which is especially important for those wishing to
reduce overall body fat. As hunger is satisfied, the tendency to binge on high
carbohydrate sweets is minimized. Because they are calorie dense, it’s important
to put the brakes on and not eat an entire jar full of nuts. For optimal health,
enjoy a daily variety of nuts and seeds: walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, filberts,
almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed and
unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter and tahini. Add
nuts to salads, stir fry and desserts. A healthy goal to shoot for is one ounce of
nuts each day.
Emily Gilstrap, a former All-American gymnast, has a Masters degree in Adult Fitness Management and over 23 years experience in the Health & Fitness industry. She is an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and is married to Matthew, Gateway’s Director of Security.
Excerpt taken from “Fit 4 the Kingdom” Wellness Newsletter.
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