Recently, I was asked if I had any advice for those women in ministry who feel like they live in a fish bowl - constantly on display, every move noticed, every choice open for analysis! Well, at the risk of sounding like a Dear Abbey wannabe, I do have a few thoughts.

First, transparent walls are good for us! Now, be brave... keep on reading!

If we live our lives with a constant awareness that others are watching us, it can bring us an unexpected gift. What?, you might say. It seems more like a burden than a gift! The gift of which I am speaking is a deeper desire for personal holiness. A life of holiness is not a burden, it's a blessing.

Holiness had always been an intimidating concept for me. It sounded so unattainable. It reminded me of constant striving, and certain failure. But life in a fish bowl has taught me that holiness is not intimidating, but inviting. Why? Personal holiness has nothing to do with my own effort. Personal holiness is the gift God gave me. It's the gift I give back to God, and it's the gift others are blessed by when they observe me swimming by.

Holiness is...
all of God being fully active in all of me.

If I recognize that other's eyes are on me, then I want to make sure they see God when they look at me. For others to see God, I must breathe in the Living Water through my gills daily, and exhale evidence of His Spirit living within me.

Second, the transparent walls within which we swim (I know, sometimes it feels like we are drowning) are really life giving boundaries.

Often God makes our ministries a place where we recognize we are completely dependent on God to be fed. Our ministries are not anything we have achieved. A fish doesn't flip and flop its way into the bowl of its choosing. No, it is intentionally placed there by one who fully intends to support, nurture, and sustain it. You see, my water logged friend, true ministry is received, not achieved.

Sometimes our fish bowls become cloudy. Sometimes the ph (pride-humility) balance isn't quite right. Sometimes we get distracted by the curious onlookers. We feel intimated by the apparent audience and we begin to perform. Sometimes unexpected waves begin to churn when the bowl gets jostled.

But ride the waves my friends! Look up to be fed! Enjoy the boundaries. It is where Living Water is contained. Swim on. Your purpose in the fish bowl is not to perform, but to reflect the one who placed you there in the first place. He is the one who feeds you. He is the one who chose you. He is the one who empowers you to thrive in His living water. When others take a look into your fish bowl, may they see Him. May your holiness be the gift you give to all of those who observe your life. May your personal holiness ultimately be the gift you give back to God.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children." Ephesians 5:1

Blessings and Joy,
Jennifer Rothschild
Author of Lessons I Learned in the Dark (and Light), and Founder of WomensMinistry.NET

We host an event called "Heart to Home" once a year. Those who have the ability to both do a particular craft and present it to a class of women are asked to prepare a project. The classes are then listed in a brochure, and women select and signuup for the class/classes of their choice.

We have done "Heart to Home" as a morning only event and a full day event in which the agenda goes something like this:

Half-day events are nice as they require less time away from home and other responsibilities for our busy women, and follow the same format, with the exception that lunch is not provided, but in its place, a lovely breakfast buffet is offered before the worship and devotion time before the classes begin.

Some classes we've offered include:

The list is as endless as the gifts and talents of the women in your body! We've had lots of fun and sweet friendships have formed as we enjoy the day away from our usual responsibilities. Also, everyone feels quite accomplished in their new skills as they tote home a newly finished project at the end of the day!

We also have a weekly evening set aside for our more serious crafters, called "Piece Makers." Though originally started as a quilting group, now women who enjoy many different hand-crafts have joined in on the fellowship!

Submitted by: Robin Milhouse, Director of Women's Ministries Church: Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley, CA

Following the Shepherd, a mentoring program by Edwina Patterson, will give you and the women of your church concrete, practical examples of ways to apply God's Truth to their daily lives... Impacting the world...one life at a time!

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Tonight, October 4, on Trinity Broadacsting Network

Joni Eareckson Tada, Jennifer Rothschild, and Tony Melendez will be interviewed on the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Praise the Lord Program, Live from Costa Mesa, CA, Thursday night, October 4 (tonight).

If you know someone who needs a bit of encouragement and inspiration, tell them them to tune in to hear remarkable stories of triumph over trouble. You'll hear what it's like trusting Jesus while living in a wheel chair, walking in darkness, and playing guitar with no arms. You'll be intrigued by their stories, but amazed by the God who sustains them.

Other guests include Bob Wieland, Nick Vujicic, Arthur Blessitt, James Bertrand, and Vicki Yohe.

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

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