On June 3, our family moved to a new ministry location. We were assured that this was God's will - the next step in our journey as a pastoral family and and as a ministry couple. We are now unpacked and feeling settled.
Throughout our lives together, my husband and I have desired to have authentic, Christ-centered ministry and to raise our children in an environment that will help them reach their full potential both in their areas of giftedness and in their own spiritual walk. It has been amazing to see how God has come alongside us in this task. At every church, He has taught us lessons vital to our relationship with Him and others. Each year has been another opportunity to love Him more and understand more about the people whom we serve. And in every place we have lived, there have been those who have contributed to us as a family and to the continued growth of our children. There are so many dear folks who are almost "family" to the Quesenberrys. You have loved us, had us over for dinner or snacks, prayed for us and taken us into your own families. You loved our children and encouraged them through your friendship and little gifts. For all of this, we are deeply grateful - God blessed us through you.
In this next step, we sense God's ongoing presence and leadership. It is exciting to imagine what He is going to do. In our ministry, we have the chance to experience a new and different type of challenge -- planting and watering a new church group and expecting His increase. In our family, we have the opportunity to see God supply unique needs in our present situation. In my own writing, I can watch God use a new season to challenge me and provide new perspective for the projects He brings to me.
The next step is always shown when it's needed. And I'm glad that the Scripture reassures us in this verse.
" The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way." (Psalm 37:23 NKJV) I'm positive that means the steps of a good "woman" too! (and probably a pastoral family :)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
of independence and free will
Today is my country's 234th birthday. I am proudly American. To me, there is no more beautiful trio of colors than the red, white, and blue. I like parades and fireworks and a contemplative walk through a military cemetery. I get chills when I hear a veteran recall his adventures. I feel goosebumps when the flag is raised.
Some people would call me arrogant because I have this deep loyalty to my nation. They dislike Aermican's prosperity and prominence. They call her citizens arrogant. They think we sit high atop our greatness and care not for others less fortunate. They are wrong.
The great thing about America is that she still stands for "liberty and justice for all." That is why we love our nation. She does not clench us in beaurocracy; she does not stifle our creativity; she does not limit our opportunities; she does not regulate our families; she does not prohit our worship. America was founded
on the belief that each individual has been bestowed by God with a choice and should have the freedom under Him to use that choice. She offers that blessing to any and all who would come to her shores and become one of her children. And for the many who do not live on her coast, she still offers aid when they are battered -- food and water and military assistance to the needy and oppressed.
Yet, those who claim her as their own know that personal liberty is what makes her great. And it is because of the origin of that liberty. Free will is the gift of God that He will not withdraw. In that way, we bear His image. No other creature in the cosmos can choose--animals are directed by instinct; planets are guided by celestial forces; angels were made to serve. But the human family has the freedom to choose and the understanding to make that possible.
Being American does not give me special standing with God; He ranks no person higher than another. But being American does give me the opportunity and the liberty to publicly and proudly serve Him and invite others to do the same. Being American lets me study truth and share it without fear; it gives me the chance to raise my children as I see best and pray anytime and anywhere.
In actuality, I know that I am a citizen of heaven and only have temporary status on earth. But when I count my blessings, I will thank my Father for the privilege of residing (even for a while) in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." God bless America -- "from sea to shining sea."
Some people would call me arrogant because I have this deep loyalty to my nation. They dislike Aermican's prosperity and prominence. They call her citizens arrogant. They think we sit high atop our greatness and care not for others less fortunate. They are wrong.
The great thing about America is that she still stands for "liberty and justice for all." That is why we love our nation. She does not clench us in beaurocracy; she does not stifle our creativity; she does not limit our opportunities; she does not regulate our families; she does not prohit our worship. America was founded
on the belief that each individual has been bestowed by God with a choice and should have the freedom under Him to use that choice. She offers that blessing to any and all who would come to her shores and become one of her children. And for the many who do not live on her coast, she still offers aid when they are battered -- food and water and military assistance to the needy and oppressed.
Yet, those who claim her as their own know that personal liberty is what makes her great. And it is because of the origin of that liberty. Free will is the gift of God that He will not withdraw. In that way, we bear His image. No other creature in the cosmos can choose--animals are directed by instinct; planets are guided by celestial forces; angels were made to serve. But the human family has the freedom to choose and the understanding to make that possible.
Being American does not give me special standing with God; He ranks no person higher than another. But being American does give me the opportunity and the liberty to publicly and proudly serve Him and invite others to do the same. Being American lets me study truth and share it without fear; it gives me the chance to raise my children as I see best and pray anytime and anywhere.
In actuality, I know that I am a citizen of heaven and only have temporary status on earth. But when I count my blessings, I will thank my Father for the privilege of residing (even for a while) in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." God bless America -- "from sea to shining sea."
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
lovin' truth
As a woman and a writer, I am in love with truth.
It's the foundation of everything good. And always has been.
Satan figured out rather quickly that the human woman was susceptible to words, and the human man was susceptible to images. Cunningly, he used the verbal sensitivity God gave the woman against her. "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'" (Gen. 3:1) And, then, he used her beautiful image against her husband. "She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." (Gen. 3:6) It worked. And every woman since has had to fight his verbal lies. And every man since has had to fight his visual lies.
Women today are assaulted with messages about beauty, worth, and relationships which are engineered by Satan for their destruction. The words are smooth and seductive, but they are only there to disguise the hiss of the serpent. In his heart, he plots and dreams of shattered emotions and charred relationships.
God is pure, glorious, welcoming truth. He offers freedom and abundant life to those who embrace His truth. His voice is safe, loving, and faithful. His plan is always for the good, always full of promise, always warm with hope.
Women today can choose to whom they will listen. And it is a decision we will make every day of our lives. When we center our lives, both the mundane and the momentous, on God's Word, this faith journey begins to make sense. The confusing and painful times will not cause us to fall away because we know that there are solid, immutable things which never change. We will be women with a purpose. We will be able to discern the slant of the culture. We will reflect the beauty of the One who created us and delights to call us His daughters. We will be free.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
It's the foundation of everything good. And always has been.
Satan figured out rather quickly that the human woman was susceptible to words, and the human man was susceptible to images. Cunningly, he used the verbal sensitivity God gave the woman against her. "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?'" (Gen. 3:1) And, then, he used her beautiful image against her husband. "She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." (Gen. 3:6) It worked. And every woman since has had to fight his verbal lies. And every man since has had to fight his visual lies.
Women today are assaulted with messages about beauty, worth, and relationships which are engineered by Satan for their destruction. The words are smooth and seductive, but they are only there to disguise the hiss of the serpent. In his heart, he plots and dreams of shattered emotions and charred relationships.
God is pure, glorious, welcoming truth. He offers freedom and abundant life to those who embrace His truth. His voice is safe, loving, and faithful. His plan is always for the good, always full of promise, always warm with hope.
Women today can choose to whom they will listen. And it is a decision we will make every day of our lives. When we center our lives, both the mundane and the momentous, on God's Word, this faith journey begins to make sense. The confusing and painful times will not cause us to fall away because we know that there are solid, immutable things which never change. We will be women with a purpose. We will be able to discern the slant of the culture. We will reflect the beauty of the One who created us and delights to call us His daughters. We will be free.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
defining womanhood
God's image in earthly skin. That's what humankind is. Male and female. And the Creator said it was good. No, God doesn't have a body. He is a Spirit, as Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman in John 4. Jesus took on a body that we could recognize so He could minister as one of us. How did God decide on the form of the human body on that long ago creation day? I'm not sure. But He was pleased with His handiwork. And then He breathed His very own breath into a motionless, play-dough man and that man became a soul, a living eternal soul. God knew the picture wouldn't be complete without a woman, but He let Adam discover that for himself. And then finally, there was a couple, a complete representation of the nature of God. Man embodies His strength and power; woman reflects His majesty and tender love. And this is seen not only in their physical forms, but in their very natures, their souls which are heaven-breathed.
The handprint of God stamped upon the genders is the defining mark of each. It is rather an instinctual understanding. Even in primitive peoples, men are most often the hunters and warriors while women are the gatherers and nurturers. It is written somewhere in human DNA.
God defines manhood and womanhood by His image, His design for the human family. Throughout history, people have defined the genders with clothing, occupations, hobbies, and relationship roles. These are right and good if they mesh with the principles of God's Word. But I think the culture is wobbling on the precipice. Because the present generation scoffs at traditional roles and accouterments, they look for other ways to differentiate the genders. And too often, it seems that society is defining gender through sexuality. Women today feel compelled to confirm their femininity by revealing those parts of their bodies which prove it. Men are emotionally baffled, wandering in a borderless land, unsure of what masculinity is all about. And those who find themselves unhappy with the obvious gender with which they were born are now "becoming" another gender because they feel like it better "fits" who they were meant to be (and they procure the bodily apparatus to confirm their "choice").
I fully understand the fact that humans are prone to error and have, in the past, imposed unfortunate restrictions and burdens on one gender or the other. And, thankfully, men and women of sensibility have tried to correct those errors. Yet, not every "victory" has been a good one; the ranks of confused souls grow daily.
As women of faith, it is our calling, our delight to showcase the beautiful plan of God for womanhood. It need not be proclaimed by sensuality in dress or manner, but is most wonderfully affirmed through our daily lives which are conformed to the image of Christ and displayed in the gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4) which God values in His daughters. And that attitude will affect every detail of our living.
The handprint of God stamped upon the genders is the defining mark of each. It is rather an instinctual understanding. Even in primitive peoples, men are most often the hunters and warriors while women are the gatherers and nurturers. It is written somewhere in human DNA.
God defines manhood and womanhood by His image, His design for the human family. Throughout history, people have defined the genders with clothing, occupations, hobbies, and relationship roles. These are right and good if they mesh with the principles of God's Word. But I think the culture is wobbling on the precipice. Because the present generation scoffs at traditional roles and accouterments, they look for other ways to differentiate the genders. And too often, it seems that society is defining gender through sexuality. Women today feel compelled to confirm their femininity by revealing those parts of their bodies which prove it. Men are emotionally baffled, wandering in a borderless land, unsure of what masculinity is all about. And those who find themselves unhappy with the obvious gender with which they were born are now "becoming" another gender because they feel like it better "fits" who they were meant to be (and they procure the bodily apparatus to confirm their "choice").
I fully understand the fact that humans are prone to error and have, in the past, imposed unfortunate restrictions and burdens on one gender or the other. And, thankfully, men and women of sensibility have tried to correct those errors. Yet, not every "victory" has been a good one; the ranks of confused souls grow daily.
As women of faith, it is our calling, our delight to showcase the beautiful plan of God for womanhood. It need not be proclaimed by sensuality in dress or manner, but is most wonderfully affirmed through our daily lives which are conformed to the image of Christ and displayed in the gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4) which God values in His daughters. And that attitude will affect every detail of our living.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
equality and Easter
No woman is mentioned as having spoken against Jesus in his life, or as having had a share in his death. Of woman born was he annointed for his burial; a woman -- Pilate's wife-- pleaded for him, and here women wept over him. Women ministered to him in life, laid him in the grave, and were the first to meet him at his rising.
-- Spurgeon Devotional Commentary
The femininists rave about equality.
I don't need to do so.
The very life of Jesus bears out the truth that, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
The differences of role and place are very clear in Scripture, but there is never a question of worth. Men and women are simply gifted to do certain things better than others, and life works best when everyone delights in doing what they do well. I am no more insulted that my husband is gifted for leadership than he should be that I am better at multi-tasking, His ability to focus on a single task makes him a a better leader; my ability to do several things at once makes me a better mother. It is a diversity of gifts, never a statement of value.
The creation of man and woman was complete and good in the Divine eyes. Alone, each is incomplete. Together, they balance and complete one another. Incorrect thinking on this topic abounds today -- the culture has skewed it one way; the fearful church another. Yet, the creative design was perfect -- the power of God exhibited in the strength of the man; the majesty of God displayed in the beauty of the woman. And what splendor in their unity -- a portait of the Godhead - a covenant relationship.
What we really need are men and women who will live out the truth; sure of their standing before God and in His creation and quietly prove to anyone watching that our worth comes from what we know about God and His loving plan and it is unchanging.
"And you are complete in him . . ." (Col 2:10)
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