6 month check up

So I have made it 6 months as the senior pastors wife and haven’t been fired. I wonder if any senior pastor’s wife has ever been fired. I used my old friend google and only found results of “pastors and their wives being fired from churches, shootings, and being fired up.” Since google seems to be the authority on all things relevant, then I guess I would have to say no.

The last 6 months has been a journey for me. Being a pastor’s wife for 14 years I thought I had this thing down pat, but it’s different when your husband is leading the whole thing and you are with him.  There are some areas in my life where God has been cautioning me.

One area is about positional pride. It is very easy to say, “I’m the senior pastor’s wife I shouldn’t be doing that.” I believe that thought is a lie the enemy brings as a vehicle for pride. My heart has been to do what ever is needed no matter the job and that shouldn’t change now.

Jesus is the best example of the leader I want to be. He came to earth in the form of man and washed the the nasty feet of his disciples. This job was for the lowest servant in the house, and Jesus the son of God did it. Wow! 

I want to have a heart quick to serve no matter the task.

Budget Tactics

Nobody likes to live within a budget because it takes self-control. If it were easy then no one would have credit card debt. Budget is more important now than ever, especially in ministry. I have to be wise to plan for the future and spend less now.

Here are some ways I am budgeting:

• Instead of buying all the food for my volunteers, I am supplying the meat and having them bring side dishes for a meeting. This is helping me stretch money further.
• Reuse paperclips and anything else- I know this sounds corny, but somebody has to buy them 
• Check Craigslist free section and materials section often for items I may need for set design- important to plan ahead if you are planning week to week you won’t know what you need
• Make money by selling items you don’t need any more-old curriculum on Kidology
• Buy used equipment on ebay- I bought all our Zebra printers on ebay refurb for under $200 they have been great. I went with companies that had warranties (Side note anyone looking for Dymo turbo 400’s?)
• Look for the best price.I don’t drive all over town either, I call and find out who has the best price. I have had places match an internet price before too.
• I group my shopping together in as few trips as possible, usually once a month. This keeps me organized and planning ahead. 
• Let people know what you are looking for many times they will help you find it for a great price.
• Use what you have-just because a curriculum says you need  it doesn’t mean you have to have it. Many times I redo a craft for the supplies we already have to save money and for less mess. Say NO to PAINT and feathers!
• Partner with other CM’s for ideas and relationship. I had lunch with a director on Monday and she helped me plan a whole big event on the CHEAP! It helps to run ideas by other CM’s!

The most important budget tactic is to pray for God’s wisdom to guide and direct me everyday. I cannot change the world’s economy, but God can put resources in my hands to reach children who do not know Jesus.

Tim Conway

I never knew Tim Conway and I had so much in common.

• We are both 5 ft 6 in.
• He was born in December: My son Noah was born in December
• He was born in Ohio: I’ve lived in Ohio
• He stared in the Apple Dumpling Gang: I saw it at the movie theater
• He filmed a movie at the Biltmore: I’ve been to the Biltmore
• He played the Old Man on the Carol Burnett show: I’ve been walking like his character since Friday

Who knew I had so much in common with a famous comedian!