Growing Pains
Jul. 24, 2009 6 Comments Posted under: Uncategorized
We’re showing the Fireproof movie at our church tonight. When my husband told me about it, he also suggested that he and I facilitate the Fireproof study after we all watch the movie. A month ago, when he asked me to do this, it sounded like a good idea. I like to say yes to my husband. It makes him happy. (And I have to admit that when he asked me, a month away sounded like a long time) But now the time to start this group has arrived and I have to… you know…share stuff.
I made a commitment way back almost twenty years ago when Allen and I got married to try to live an authentic life (as a pastor’s spouse), whatever that means. I don’t want anyone to think for a second that real Christians don’t have struggles and real moms don’t ever yell at their kids and real pastor’s wives don’t ever get mad at their husbands or leave the house without lipstick on. But being that real with a small group, like my Wednesday morning Bible study, and being that real with a large group of married couples and really being myself with all the goofy-ness that goes along with it–that seems a lot harder.
Being up in front of people is so not my favorite thing to do. But I was a guest speaker at a writing class a couple of weeks ago and now Allen and I are doing this study together. My friend and I are going to be teaching workshops this next year. I’m thinking God is trying to break new ground here. I really hate when He does that. (Aren’t things that are good for you usually painful? The dentist—hello?)
It’s going to be a learning experience, this group. And that’s okay. Marriage certainly is one. Every. Single. Day.
This entry was posted on Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 7:26 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can leave a comment and follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Veronica said:
Jul. 25, 2009
Fireproof is a great movie for married people and single people (like myself). Really makes you think about how and what you do affects those around you. God at times really does have a plan for the ground breaking or training is how I describe it. Cause you never know when you’ll have to put that training into action! Just finished readding Perfect Target and about half way through Moving Target cannot put it down even when see is required
.
Is there another booking that continues on after this one?
Sierra Donovan said:
Jul. 25, 2009
Steph,
You can do this! You may even find, over time, that speaking in front of people can give you a real charge. It does for me, and I’m one of the most inherently shy people you’ll ever meet. There’s something to be said for slaying a dragon and living to tell the tale.
At least you don’t have to pretend you always wear lipstick.
Sierra
Stephanie Newton said:
Jul. 28, 2009
Veronica,
Thanks so much for stopping by my website! There is another book after MT. It’s called SMOKE SCREEN and it’ll be out in January!
God’s plans are always better than mine. I need reminding of that occasionally!
Steph
Stephanie Newton said:
Jul. 28, 2009
Sierra,
I’ll have to take your word for it!
Steph
Renee Ryan said:
Jul. 29, 2009
Steph,
You are so utterly charming in person I can’t imagine you not doing well with this. Wish I could be there to take the class.
~Renee~your luncheoun buddy in DC
Renee Ryan said:
Jul. 29, 2009
Um…I meant luncheon buddy. Yep, I are a writer!