The Seasons of Life
By Lynette Decker
 
To everything there is a season
A time to be born and a time to die
A time to eagerly learn and a time to process what we have learned,
A time to shine and a time to be set aside
A time for paradise and a time for wilderness
A time when everything clicks and a time when all seems to fall apart,
A time to be full and a time to be empty,
A time for chaos and a time for intimacy,
A time to feel God's presence near and a time when our prayers hit the ceiling,
A time to be cherished and a time to be ignored,
A time to concentrate on the needs of others and a time to focus on me,
A time for community and a time for solitude,
A time to stand firm and a time to surrender,
A time to hold firm on and a time to let go,
A time to die to what is and a time for new beginnings,
There is a gift in each season.  God is faithful through it all.
 
11 Great Ways To Say No
by © Nita Jackson
 
This list helps you to word what you need to say in a more effective manner without guilt and apologies.
 
1) I really don't have any skills in that area so I don't think I would be a benefit to you.
2) I'm so involved already in several important projects and it would not be a good idea to add anymore. .
3) Not at this time, my calendar is loaded for this month.
4) Several unexpected things happened at work (home,etc) and I really would be best if I dealt with them before I took on the more.
5) My past experience with (whatever. . .) the leads me to believe I would not be effective in the area.
6) I just have a great faith and confidence in you, I'm sure you'll do an excellent job.
7) It would be against my better judgment at this time.
8) I know I could not do my best with my mind and my time will be divided -I just don't feel confident not being able to give my best.
9) I am trying to seek excellence and taking on a too many projects makes me mediocre rather than focused like I would like to be.
10) I'm needing more peace so I need more time to seek the spiritual side of life. I hope you understand.
11) There is someone else who needs me much more so I truly can't .
 
 
I Am the Preacher's Wife
by Diane Pellin
 
I am the woman who proudly sits in the shadows as her husband stands in the light. I am the one who knows her husband is a gift from God, and so I give him back to my Lord through his full-time service. Often times, I am so lonely for him because I share him with others.
But I am also pleased that he gives of himself so unselfishly. I am the one who encourages the preacher when others sometimes fail to. I am the one who listens to his dreams for the church and helps him look into the future and see his dreams become a reality.

And when others wonder if he really cares, I am the one who sees him on his knees, shedding tears for the future of the Lord's church.