November 2015's Large Group Gathering

By Tarah Shrader

 This past Monday night's Large Group Gathering was a treat, from an ice breaker which involved using some artistic ability to describe aspects of one's life, to a panel of four godly women who opened their hearts and shared words of wisdom, to the wives of Trinity.

 The night opened up with prayer and announcements. Everyone was welcome to enjoy the delicious food, from crackers and cheese, to desserts of all sorts, to left over trick-or-treat candy.

  Refreshments and announcements were followed by the ice breaker. Every table had pieces of paper with a different leaf drawn on each paper. Each person at a table picked a leaf and then answered five out of ten questions about themselves by drawing or writing in an artistic manner on the leaf they chose. Finally, each lady shared what they had put on their leaf. Lots of fun and creativity was involved to help break the ice and get to know the ladies at your table.

 After the ice breaker there was a short break for more refreshments and then the panel began. The ladies on the panel were Joy Carson, Suzanne Kilner, Ruth Scharf, and Carol Plueddemann. They were given different questions which centered around these thoughts: being a wife to a pastor or professor, raising children while in ministry, and your relationship with the Lord. The advice and encouragement which these wonderful ladies shared was a delight. Here are several thoughts and quotes from the evening.

Marital Relationship

 "Always be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19" Suzanne Kilner

 "Worship and read God's Word together. Pray together." Ruth Scharf

 When there are conflicts..."Deal with feelings first, then talk about the facts...begin with I, not you...show humility." Ruth Scharf

 Carol Plueddemann shared that she viewed marriage between a husband and wife as cross cultural: Two different people from two different backgrounds, drawn together through love, and growing together for a lifetime.

Mentors

 Joy Carson shared that as far as finding a mentor, she never sought someone out. Rather, she would observe others and if they were doing something that seemed like it was working, then she would implement that same method into her life, whether it be in parenting, being a better wife, or having a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Ministry

 "Don't doubt in the darkness what God is showing in the light." Ruth Scharf

 Carol Plueddemann shared how families in ministry can help one another, especially on the mission field through hospitality, prayer partners, and learning the language/culture.

Devotional Life

 "Our devotional life may change depending on the season. Still seek the Lord." Ruth Scharf

Parenting through Ministry

 "Have expectations for behavior when raising children. Polite behavior at all times, not church behavior." Joy Carson

 "We should boast in our weaknesses through Christ's power, 2 Chorinthians 12:9" Suzanne Kilner

 In closing, I really appreciated when each lady shared the struggles that they had each faced in their lives, and how they came through them by God's strength. May God be glorified throughout our lives and may we strive to grow closer to Him every day.

                          

  

10 Must Read Books for Seminary Wives

by Lexi Zuo

 I absolutely love reading! For as long as I can remember it's been "my thing". Right now especially in this stage of life as a seminary wife and mother of three young children, I love finding quality gospel centered books that spur me on in the work which Lord has set before me in this season! I hope this narrowed down list of "must reads" will be a great encouragement to you as you learn and grow alongside your husband over these next years!

   
Concise Theology by J.I. Packer
 I am currently still working through this book, but it is absolutely amazing. Our husbands are busy studying the original languages, church history, and theology, but picking up one of his textbooks can often be a mind-boggling task. This book is a collection of 94 aspects of theology. Packer is incredibly easy to read and understand while at the same time providing such depth and beauty in his writing. After every chapter, I walk away more in awe of the Lord and meditating more on different aspects of who He is according to scripture.




The Pastor's Wife by Gloria Furman
  I adore pretty much anything written by Gloria Furman. She writes with both deep conviction and winsome humor. With every chapter, I want to make her my new best friend and mentor. This book is specifically focused on spurring on current and future Pastor's wives in the work of serving a church and serving the Shepherd of the church...their husbands. Her stories will make you both laugh and cry, but I guarantee you will finish this book more excited about your husband's call to ministry and your call to serve alongside him in the years to come!



Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine
 This is an excellent resource for getting life organized. Crystal discusses things like cleaning, meal planning, budget, financial goal planning. personal goal planning ect. all in a godly and motivating way. This is a great resource for homemakers!





 
The Gospel at Work by Sebastian Traeger and Greg Gilbert
 This book provides such a beautiful and motivational explanation of how we should view our work as Christians. It's helpful to see how even our work ethic should always reflect the Gospel to a watching world. One particular aspect I appreciated in this book was the discussion on the difference between faithfulness and fruitfulness in work.





Word-Filled Women's Ministry by Gloria Furman and Kathleen Nielson
 This is a lovely new book focusing on how central the Gospel must be in all aspects of ministry to women. I particularly enjoyed the last few chapters' look at what it means to be living a fruitful life as a Christian woman. This book motivated me to examine my own level of service to both my local church body and also those around me in my everyday life. This book truly drips with the Gospel on every page...a true joy to read!




In the Land of Blue Burqas by Kate McCord
 I'm incredibly interested in evangelism to Muslims...especially those in closed countries. This book provides a fascinating view into the lives of rural Afghan women from an American missionary/NGO worker there. I particularly enjoyed the take on telling stories from the Bible in everyday conversation and debates when you are in a country where Bibles are banned, This book also gives another perspective on the extreme poverty that many women face around the world. It's easy to feel depressed about your finances while in seminary, but this book will remind you of just how blessed you are right now!


The Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle
 Written in 1888, this short book provides timeless solidly scripture advice on godly parenting. In our modern day of "mommy-wars" this book will help you get back to the "basics of parenting": teaching them the Word of God, providing firm and consistent discipline, and lavishing them with love! It's by far my favorite parenting book! 





Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
 Jen Wilkin is an amazing women's Bible teacher. She is PASSIONATE about the Word and teaching women how to study the Word of God! This book is an easy read instructional manual of sorts on how to dig deeper in your personal Bible study time. Although her prescribed methods may be difficult to put into practice in certain seasons of life (like when you have many young children...like I do!), this book is a valuable resource to inspire and challenge you to dig deeper during your Bible study times.



Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
 This is one of my favorite novels of all time! It's a little awkward at the beginning, but it's basically a fictional journal from a woman as she matures from her teen years to middle age. She goes through a variety of life changes concerning singleness, marriage, children, sickness, dealing with in-laws, moves, her husband's busy ministry work, serving others around her, and growing in hospitality. My favorite aspect though is her account of growing in sanctification. Even though it's fictional and this novel was written almost 150 years ago, the trails she faces in growing in Christ-like maturity are the very same ones I face today. It's so beautiful to watch her mature as a Christian woman over the years and see her blossom in her roles as wife and mother. It gives me hope and joy to look forward to how I pray the Lord will grow and change me in the years to come!

Lexi Zuo is a sinner saved by grace who loves tough workouts, good books, and dinners with new neighbors. Her husband, Jeremiah, is in the MA Old Testament program. They have been blessed with three children ages 6, 2, and 5 months.