Encouraging Deep Roots

I felt like a cracked egg with all my insides pouring out.  I had shared a weakness I was having and a concern for prayer and immediately after the words were out of my mouth I had second thoughts.  I had that nagging feeling that I maybe I shouldn't have admitted I struggle with that.  After all, I'm a pastor's wife.  I'm supposed to be one of those piano playing, well-dressed, smile plastered on my face, only sweetness and light pouring out of my mouth women, right? At least I shouldn't ever admit that I struggle with insecurities or sin. My life is perfect and I am that woman with the sweet and gentle spirit.  At least, I should fake it until I make it.  Be quiet, meek and never show a crack in my shell. But that's not who I am or how I was created.  I'm fairly transparent.  I don't go around sharing every little thing and I certainly know when to have discretion.  But overall, the cracks show. ...

My new book, Poured Out, is now available on Amazon  as well as my website, www.terrigroh.com .  Because the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon is not up and running yet, I thought I would print an excerpt here from the book. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~    Rejoice always,   pray continually,   give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.   My life seems to be a constant struggle with trying to figure out God's plan.  Always concerned that somehow I'm not doing what He has called me to do.  Fearful that I’m not walking in His perfect will.   Should I work?  Should I stay home?   Should I homeschool?  Should my kids go to public school? Should I call this person?  Should I write to that one?  Does God want us to stay?  Does God want us to go?   A thousand questions shoot through my mind every day.  A thousand voices create internal turmoil and ...

When I was 12 years old, I felt God's pull on my life.  I clearly remember sensing that my life was to be spent in service to Him.  I wasn't sure what that meant or where it would lead, but even at that young age, I knew that my life was to be used in a different way.   As I heard of Jesus death on the cross, I wept at the thought that he did that for me.  He loved this world so much that he was willing to pour out his life for a world that rejected him.  Because of his sacrifice, how could I not want to turn around and have my life, every part of it, be poured out for him?    It can be hard at times.  There are struggles.  There are times of trials and temptations.  Times of tears and wrestling.  Times of fighting off selfishness.  Yet, there are times of obedience, of thanksgiving, and triumph.  Through all of those times, each of us are to pour ourselves out for Christ.   The w...

Romans 10:12-15 (NIV) ~ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?   And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Our church has a little library area, which is full of donated books.  I was browsing through them one day when I came across a whole series about the lives of different missionaries from our denomination.  I had read a couple of these throughout the years, but not all of them, so I decided I wanted to read through the entire series.  It's been fun because I recognize some of the names and in fact, in a couple of the later book...

My original plan with this new book was to have it come out in time for Lent.  However, uprooting and moving across the state right before Christmas put the brakes on that idea.  However, I've been able to steadily work at it, and it's almost ready!  I'm giving you a sneek peak at the cover today.  My goal is to have Poured Out complete by the end of the month, in time for our annual, district wide ladies retreat.  I'll have a table there with my books and some of my craft items.  I'm pleased with how this has turned out and praying that it's a blessing to those who read it!  My goal is always to combine my love for God's word and my desire to encourage women in their walk with the Lord.  I hope that this book does exactly that. Here is an excerpt from the back cover: "Poured out was the theme of Jesus' life and ministry. His entire life here on earth was an outpouring of his love for us. We, in turn, are to pour out our live...

I'm taking a trip down memory lane today.  I am feeling a bit of nostalgia this morning.   Perhaps it's because Stephen is heading back down to college this morning and I won't see him again until May.   As I was reminiscing I realized how quickly children grow up.  Make sure you enjoy each moment as it passes so quickly. These are in no  particular chronological order.  Just some snapshots of our days throughout the past few years. Love this little face! That was fun!  My babies are all grown up now. 

How can we possibly be joyful when things are going wrong? When we are sunk deep in debt and something else breaks? When our children head down a wrong path? When our spouse is angry with us?  When our lives don't match the dreams we once had?  When the world comes crashing in? Is true joy even possible? Romans 5:1-5  ~ "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to f...

I so often spend my life racing from one thing to the next or even worse, totally wasting it by sitting in front of a screen.  There are so many precious moments than can be missed just by being unobservant.  And yet, as I follow the Lord and wish to spend time with him daily, I most often find him in those little things.  His hand is on the small, unnoticed details. I want to live my life to the fullest and squeeze the last little bit out of it.  Yet, many times I miss things simply because I'm too distracted to notice.   I've been working at opening up my mind and really seeing the beauty in little things around me.  It's there.  You just have to look.  There are such beautiful little intricasies in life that bring joy and enrichment.  Let's take time to stop long enough to notice them and then remember to thank the Lord for His hand in the little details. This week I'm thankful for blessings #1961-1970 ♥ A son ...

My sewing machine was humming merrily along yesterday afternoon.  My mind just as rapidly mulled over different thoughts, ideas and possibilities that are looming in the future.  As my thoughts and ideas jumped from one thing to the next, I realized what a wonderful God I serve. He is a God who delights in achieving the impossible.  He loves taking circumstances that seem overwhelming and daunting and showing us how He works.  He is the God of possibility.  The God of possibility causes endless winter to become summer in time. The God of possibility allows the sun to rise and set each day. The God of possibilties takes a child with multiple disabilites and shapes him into a fine young man who is achieving wonderful things with his life. The God of possibility took an unhappy girl and is helping turn that frown into a smile. The God of possibility is taking a boy with severe anxieties and turning...

March is here!  Even though the weather has not changed and snow is still flying, I always am excited at the beginning of the month because Spring is right around the corner.  The end of winter is in sight!  It's also time to revisit my 2014 goals and see how I'm doing.  Am I on track?  Do I need to make changes?  I'm liking coming back and rechecking each month so I can make sure I actually accomplish what I set out to do in 2014.  I'm updating in blue. 2014 Goals Spiritual  ►  Skip one meal a week to fast and pray. ►  Have consistent quiet times each week. I am having consistent quiet times with the Lord.  I love getting up when the house is peaceful and still to spend time in prayer and Bible study.  I still haven't done any fasting so I need to consider doing a modified fast because of blood sugar issues. Marriage Relationship ► Encourage my husband through my words and supporting him in ministry ► Have ...