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Keeping the Home Fires Burning

As a pastor's wife, I feel my primary role is to be a support to Dan and my family in this fishbowl called the pastorate.  I want home to be a place where they feel loved, supported, and cared about.  A place where they can be themselves.  A place where they can let out a sigh of satisfaction.

 I fail quite often, but my goal is always to keep the home fires burning.  To make our "borrowed" house a home.  And this is a lot of the reason I stay home.  

Some ways I've kept the home fires burning this week....

 ♥ I sent a care package to Stephen.

 ♥ Made a new budget to reflect our new income and expenses.

 ♥ Was able to take the time to go with my husband and get together with other area pastors and their wives for lunch.

 ♥ Ironed my husband's shirts.

 ♥ Helped encourage Nathan to follow up on a job interview (by the way, he got the job and starts next week)!

 ♥ Did numerous loads of laundry.

 ♥ Encouraged Emily in her school work.

♥ Was a sounding board for Dan.

♥ Lifted Dan and our children up in prayer each day.

 ♥ Fielded phone calls for my husband.

♥ Did all the little "Mickey Mouse" tasks such as paperwork that Dan hates doing.

♥ Put a hot dinner on the table each night.

♥ Kept the house clean for not just company, but my family.

♥ Baked cookies for the kids and Dan to grab whenever they want.

♥ Chatted with my son away at college via the internet and phone.

♥ Sewed items to sell in a tea shop.

♥ Worked on my newest book, both this and the item above are ways I help contribute to our family income.

♥ Kept in touch with our church family via email and facebook during the week.

♥ Saved money by making almost everything we eat from scratch.

♥ Used my spiritual gifts in ministry that compliment my husband's gifts. 

My role as I see it is to continue to keep those home fires burning.  To keep things running smoothly at home so my husband will be a more effective pastor. 

I'm very thankful that God has allowed me this privilege in my life.  Time to go stoke the fire! (Figuratively that is since we have a gas fire place in the new house) :-)
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Comments

  1. AngelaJanuary 31, 2014 at 4:05 AM

    In total agreement with you on this one. Right at the beginning of ministry, we felt it right that I should not work full-time outside the home, but rather be there as a support. I've been able to pick up supply [substitute] teaching jobs here and there, but still be free when I have been needed for Bob, the girls, or the church [locally, regionally and nationally] and had the opportunity to use my Godgiven gifts in His Service. We have never been excessively rich, and careful budgetting has always been important - but God is SO faithful, and He has always provided over and above our needs.Manse life can be a 'fishbowl' sometimes- but the last 35 years with Bob have been wonderful, I wouldn't ask to change this life.
    No open fires here either- but heating is on, we had our first snow of winter yesterday!! Blessings to you and yours, Terri - you are my sister in Christ x x

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    Replies
    1. TerriJanuary 31, 2014 at 8:37 AM

      I feel the same way, Angela! Thank you for commenting because it's always good to hear from someone who also has experienced the "fish bowl." lol Have a blessed day!

      Delete
  2. Debbie JJanuary 31, 2014 at 5:43 AM

    You did good at keeping the home fires burning!

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 31, 2014 at 10:55 AM

    You are a wonderful wife and mother, Terri. I'm so glad Nathan got a job!
    God bless, Kathy in Illinois

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