Here is the AJ article.
http://www.atimeforwomen.com/2008/jennifer_riley.shtml
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Number One Rule in Ministry--Be Flexible
I got an email from someone recently that chastised me and said "the number one rule in business is..." Like I didn't know that. Really. I was offended that she thought I didn't.
But, I am humbled to say there are rules I don't know. I am learning first hand what the number one rule in ministry is: be flexible. In my mind, I had the class going a certain way. On schedule. Tidy and neat. Nothing happened that way.
At the Fall Kick-Off, I met six women interested in the study. I heard from six more right after. Add that to the seven who were corresponding with me through this blog. I thought that was the makings of a great class.
The first night came and went and no one showed up. Same with the second night. We moved the class to Saturday mornings at the request of several and no one showed up. We are now meeting virtually. Each Saturday I email the week's lesson. Someone in the group launched a secure chat room. We talk throughout the week and commiserate through posts.
Each of the women have heartbreaking stories. I have been touched and honored to meet them. Some I've met in person and some only on the internet. One lives in Australia. She moved there from Lubbock about two years ago and heard about my blog.
Three are now pregnant and doing great. I set a rule from the get go that if you become pregnant during the study, then as a consideration to the others you need to leave the group. They have moved on to reading What to Expect When You're Expecting. It's amazing to share their excitement.
I've asked the others to share their stories on this blog. Time will tell how it grows, but I believe God will bless you through these stories.
A few more posts are on the way this weekend. Micah and I will be featured in the Sunday edition of the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. I can't wait to share that story.
But, I am humbled to say there are rules I don't know. I am learning first hand what the number one rule in ministry is: be flexible. In my mind, I had the class going a certain way. On schedule. Tidy and neat. Nothing happened that way.
At the Fall Kick-Off, I met six women interested in the study. I heard from six more right after. Add that to the seven who were corresponding with me through this blog. I thought that was the makings of a great class.
The first night came and went and no one showed up. Same with the second night. We moved the class to Saturday mornings at the request of several and no one showed up. We are now meeting virtually. Each Saturday I email the week's lesson. Someone in the group launched a secure chat room. We talk throughout the week and commiserate through posts.
Each of the women have heartbreaking stories. I have been touched and honored to meet them. Some I've met in person and some only on the internet. One lives in Australia. She moved there from Lubbock about two years ago and heard about my blog.
Three are now pregnant and doing great. I set a rule from the get go that if you become pregnant during the study, then as a consideration to the others you need to leave the group. They have moved on to reading What to Expect When You're Expecting. It's amazing to share their excitement.
I've asked the others to share their stories on this blog. Time will tell how it grows, but I believe God will bless you through these stories.
A few more posts are on the way this weekend. Micah and I will be featured in the Sunday edition of the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. I can't wait to share that story.
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