MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

The month of December has special meaning for my husband and me, not only because we love to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, but because December is also our wedding anniversary. The years fly by with amazing rapidity, and the winter season brings memories of that long ago day when we said our wedding vows in the little church on the hill.

It was deep in December, the 20^th to be exact, and the day was cold with snow blowing through the frigid air. Never did I dream that one day, life would take some unbelievable twists and turns that challenged our commitment, our love, and our faith. But here we are in 2009, still married, still in love, and by God’s grace, still shepherding His flock. Our life together has been an incredible journey!

Because of You

Because of you, life began again

When deep beneath the shadows of my heart,

You brought the sunshine of your love,

With tender care, you healed my broken heart.

Because of you, I learned the way

With patient heart, you taught me how to sing

Love’s song again—silent for so long,

The melody of its meaning ever ceaseless ring.

Because of you, with steadfast faith believed in me

And brought me inspiration to try again,

Still…you gently urge me to press on,

For you’ll be there to hold my hand.

All through the years I came to you

With troubles, tears, and wounded sore,

Then gently you’d fold me in your arms,

With hearts laid bare, we’d find the way once more.

Because of you, with willing hand

Led me down the years of time,

I see your face, the love light in your eyes,

And find with joy the precious moments of my life.

©2009 Ruth Ellinger all rights reserved

The Harvest

Book 3 in the Wildrose inspirational book series is finished and the edits are dribbling back to me inscribed with those predictable little red marks and those terse little notations. My editor, Adele, sends a few at a time or I would be overwhelmed.

I don’t like getting red marks from God either, but I’ve had my share. I’m glad He didn’t plunk the whole manuscript of my life down in front of me at once with all the corrections to make. That would have been overwhelming to say the least. The “edits” of my life are worked on one page at a time and the Author of Faith works with me to fix things.

I am eager and waiting for a harvest from Sword of the Wild Rose. What will it be? Fame? Fortune? I doubt it will be either of those. But there will be a harvest— for I have planted and something will grow. God grant that this harvest will bring honor and glory to His name and inspire some weary heart along life’s journey.

HARVEST TIME

"For the time has come for thee to reap,
For the harvest of the earth is ripe."

Rev. 14:15

Often, God chooses the simple things in nature, the earthy, mundane things of our lives to help us see a greater truth. The things familiar, often repeated in the cycle of life, are the things He chose to declare Himself, to proclaim His love and mercy to all who will receive it. No wonder the shepherd boy wrote in his psalm, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork." Harvest time is one of those beautiful truths that brings the heart of His message to mankind into a reality that is easily understood. Have you thought about the harvest lately?

Did you know that God is also a gatherer... a harvester and gleaner of precious souls? He knows when the fruit of the earth is ripe and He walks the fields in search of the present harvest. He sends the rain, the sun, and a faithful worker to till the ground. Because you are precious to Him, He will patiently wait. He is looking for you in the fields of this world. Have you been gathered into His great storehouse? Are you ready for His coming?

THE ARTIST

When autumn colors cloak the earth
From tree to golden rod,
I find no painter to compare
With the artistry of God!

Ruth Ellinger© 2009 all right reserved

God is Still in Control

God is Still in Control

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. PHIL. 4:6 NKJV

Remembering that God is in control is sometimes forgotten when everything around us seems to be spinning out of control. As a ministry wife, We are often alarmed by the things we hear circulating among the flock. We are troubled by circumstances we cannot control, by war and terrorism, by shocking media reports, and of course, there is our own personal dilemmas and difficulties. Worry and unrest creep stealthily into our lives to steal our joy and discourage our spirits.

Finding a solution to our problems often becomes the main focus of our daily life. When this happens, we take our eyes off Jesus, the One who is waiting to help us. Seek the Lord early when trouble arises. Take your cares and concerns to God who is able to resolve the most difficult situation. When we remember that God is in control of all that touches our lives, calm and quiet of spirit are restored and our focus returns to Him.

The psalmist says, Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty in battle. Focus on the “King,” where all things large and small are under His authority. Do not be anxious about anything. Jesus says, Come unto me…and I will give you rest. ♦

©2009ruthellinger all rights reserved

"Taking" Time

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?

Job 34:29

There are times when we need to rest from the hectic pace of life with its schedules, deadlines, and demands. We must simplify our life, take time to muse and reflect, to consider and listen. Just “take the time.” Schedule some time for a soul cleansing. Turn off the computer, the radio, the CD’s and TV’s. Quiet every voice and wash your mind of the internal and external noises of life.

If we do not find this quiet place in our life, we will miss the beauty and peace that comes from being alone with God, of listening for His voice and sharing moments with Him throughout the day. Discover the joy of spending quiet time with the King.

We are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and He delights in sharing this beauty with us. Go outdoors with Him, enjoy a sunset, marvel at the starry heavens together, wonder at the beauty of a flower, the song of a bird, and the mysteries of nature. Take the time. Just do it.

In those quiet moments with God, you will find fresh inspiration, true contentment, and renewed strength and courage to do your work with joy and gladness. Your confidence in Him will be strengthened, and your heart and soul will be revived and cleansed.♦

©2009ruthellinger all rights reserved

The Shepherdess and the Harvest

Be not weary in well doing, for in due season

you shall reap if you faint not. Galatians 6:9

During the autumn months of September and October, I am reminded of the many kinds of harvests in life and the struggles young mothers face as they endeavor to plant the seed of God in their children’s impressionable hearts. When children are small, caring for their needs seems like an endless assignment in a war zone with no end in sight and no reinforcements galloping up to relieve or assume this seemingly thankless task. You are in the trenches, hunkered down for the battle, dug-in for the long haul. As a ministry wife, we assume double duty.

In addition to the daily care of children and our responsibility as a Shepherdess, we must make time to plant God’s Word in our child’s tender heart. Notice that I say, “make time.” Planting and watering is not so difficult, but oh, the toil of cultivation, the backbreaking work of pulling up the weeds seem endless.

The Bible says, the husbandman (planter) waits for the precious fruit, and has long patience for it. The besieged mother must find grace to wait, to cultivate patience in her own life, knowing someday she will reap a good harvest if she doesn’t faint in weariness or frustration. The days of active duty will soon end and your faithful and patient nurturing will give back abundant blessings. A young mother’s sacrifice will return like a comforting benediction in the wintertime of life.

Child rearing is a temporary duty that will soon pass. You will be out of the trenches in no time, awaiting another heavenly assignment. Until then, laugh often with your children, love them unconditionally, play with them daily, and pray for them always. One day soon, you will bring to God a bountiful harvest of your patient and enduring love. ♦

©2009 Ruth Ellinger. All rights reserved

A Time To Gather

"He reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest."

Jeremiah 5:24

There have been some constants in this life that cause me to realize how beautiful and wonderful is the order of nature and what security it brings into our lives. We may not consciously think about it but underneath all of man's doings on the earth, are the everlasting arms of God. From the beginning of time, the seasons have come and gone: winter turns into spring, spring turns to summer and summer turns to autumn. Autumn gives way to winter and the whole cycle begins again.

From my early childhood, I have watched the same stars, brilliant and glowing in the dark tapestry of the midnight sky. I have observed them from various corners of the earth and marveled at their steadfastness and constancy. In a world full of change and uncertainty, God's divine order in nature and His governing hand in the celestial realms of the universe, helps me know that He is real and that His love for mankind has exceeded any love that I may experience in this life.

God's love for man and His concern for his destiny, have created the foundations of all that I behold and all that I know of the universe. God's love keeps the stars in the heavens, the tides of the sea in perfect sequence, and the earth furnishing her seasons. What is man that God is mindful of him and who are we that He chose to sojourn with us?

Did you know that God is also a gatherer... a harvester and gleaner of precious souls? He knows when the fruit of the earth is ripe and He walks the fields in search of the present harvest. He sends the rain, the sun, and a faithful worker to till the ground. Because you are precious to Him, He will patiently wait. He is looking for you in the fields of this world. Have you been gathered into His great storehouse? Are you ready for His coming? ♦

©2009 ruthellinger all rights reserved

The Greatest Gift

Maintaining a balanced life in the ministry is definitely a challenge for a pastor, his wife, and their family. And…there is the congregation to consider, the work of God which must not be neglected, the work to which you are called…above everything else. Maintaining this balance has been my lifelong challenge, actually, more than a challenge, it has been my mission, my quest!
There have been times when I wanted to sit down and cry, or weep from sheer joy, to fix some wrong, or let someone stew in their own juice, to give someone a piece of my mind, only to realize I do not have enough of my own to give away.
If I can share one thing with pastor’s wives, one principle that keeps me sane and balanced through the many years of ministry, it would be this:
“Love your pastor husband.” You are first and foremost, a wife and mother. Yes, I know, God is first, but when you fulfill this Biblical principle, (Titus 2: 4) God is first because we honor His word. Find ways and the time to keep that love burning hot and many of the other ministerial frustrations will not seem so overwhelming. I know this sounds very simplistic, but simply loving your pastor husband will pull you through the most difficult problems. I love him; he loves me; you have each other; the most blessed comfort in your shared ministry, a secret refuge where no one else can intrude, a place of your own where you gather strength to face another day.
Love your husband, your children, your church family.
Love is the glue, the ingredient that keeps us focused, keeps us balanced, so we don’t fall off the edge into a complaining and critical attitude. You will be much happier and more fulfilled if you focus on the positive things your husband does. Center your thoughts on the endearing charms of your children, and the merits and helpful qualities of your church family. Love is truly the greatest of gifts.
©2009 Ruth Carmichael Ellinger. All rights reserved

The Pastor's Wife

-

There is one person in our Church
Who knows our Pastor’s life.
Who weeps and smiles
and prays with Him,
And that’s the Pastor’s wife!

The crowd has seen him in his strength,
While bearing God’s Sharp Sword
As underneath God’s banner’s folds
He faced the devil’s horde.
But deep within her heart she knows
That scarce an hour before
She helped him pray the glory down
Behind the closet door!

She heard him groaning in his soul
When bitter raged the strife.
As, hand in hand she knelt with him,
For she’s the Pastor’s Wife.

You tell your tales of Preachers brave
Who marched across the world
And changed the course of history
By burning words they hurled

And I will tell how back of each
Some woman lived her life
Who wept with him and smiled with him,
She was the Pastor’s Wife!

- Author Unknown -