Author: Pearls by Faith

I’ve always struggled with the idea of being chosen by God.

I know He saved me.
I know He has a seat for me in heaven.

Strangely enough, I used to believe that because of His charitable goodness, I could just be a recipient of God-given welfare, rather than be someone in His genuine favor. It’s easy to feel that God cared enough to save your life, just the way we allow a bug to live or place a fallen bird back in its nest. However, to feel that He favored me like you would favor your own child, that required a breakthrough of faith.

Continue reading “How Chosen Do You Feel?” →

I frequently get asked, “How do you do it?”
“It” being how I juggle being a wife, mother, pastor, and pastor’s wife.

In a certain season in my life, I was a full-time youth pastor, full-time grad school student, and a full-time mother, all the while trying to also be a supportive wife to a pastor with his own ministry as well. I was also pregnant for the majority of those years.  Admittedly, it was a lot of hats to wear for one person.

But contrary to popular belief, I’m not very strong.

Continue reading “How I Find Strength…” →

I’ve been a bit numb these days. I think we all have that in our spiritual walk time to time.

I think at this point in the game, I know what to do when I’m not “feeling it.” I just try harder. I shift my mindset. I make the right choices. I die to myself and take up my cross daily.

We are constantly taught that the spiritual way of life is one of peace and joy. But, let’s be real… sometimes it’s just easier to be indifferent. Perhaps, it’s because being indifferent is one step more acceptable than being angry, discouraged, or anxious.

Continue reading “Is it well with your soul?” →

I don’t like pain.

I’m the type that would avoid any level of discomfort at all costs.

So, when I initially chose the life of ministry, I feared that the losses would be too heavy. Indeed, this included a fear that the humble circumstances would be too much to bear.

Nevertheless, I’ve been relatively spared up until now. Compared to the strife endured by the persecuted church around the world, I live a simple and easy life. We have a home. My children are receiving an excellent education. Both my husband and I have a steady paycheck, and we live the average, middle-class lifestyle in the suburbs of New Jersey. We get the occasional Starbucks drink.

Certainly, there is a cross to bear on a daily basis. Nothing comes easy in ministry. Yet, I haven’t quite fought to the literal point of bloodshed just yet. And to be honest, I did not want to. The idea of shaking things up was the last thing on my mind. Continue reading “When Choosing Sacrifice…” →

Most women do not particularly enjoy talking about the female cause in the church. It almost feels petty. Women in ministry, in particular, understand that it is a touchy subject, and some try to avoid the topic altogether in fear of coming off as an angry feminist.

Society tells women that we can do anything. We can pursue degrees and choose careers. We can be politicians, CEOs, directors, creators. Unfortunately, this leaves many women confused within the church context, because what we can do for God feels so limited.

Continue reading “What Christian Women Need…” →