Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and honestly, I wish I had posted this earlier. But that’s what happens when you’re a busy mom of 4 and a pastor’s wife, HA. Anyway, here’s a list of some fun gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. I focused on general gifts for moms, dads, wives, husbands, and kiddos around the teen – younger kid ages. Let me know if you bought any goodies from this list!
The links below are affiliate links of which I earn a small commission of each item sold, however, the price remains the same for you
Mom, Mother, Momma, Mommy, Mama, Whatever name you go by to your kids, I see you. I do, I see you. I see you are tired. I see you are exhausted. I know you think you are failing. I know you feel like you are not enough for your family.
Will you listen for a minute… or two? Your precious children were given to you because you are exactly the mom they need. Let that sink in. The Lord could have given them to anyone. But He gave this child to you.
Your kids don’t care what you look like. Mom, they don’t see the extra 5 pounds that you do. They don’t see that you haven’t showered in a week. Your kids don’t care about all of the degrees that you have or don’t have. They don’t care that they don’t get the Pinterest perfect party. They don’t care how many mistakes you make as a parent.
They are thankful for you. You are the most beautiful woman in the world to your kids. Your smile calms their fears. Your hug tells them they are loved. We will never be able to fix all of their problems, and we don’t want to because they wouldn’t learn that they need to depend on God.
Your faith will get you through the hard parenting days. I promise.
The most important work you will ever do is within the walls of your own home. You are such a special momma, and you are doing a great job. Now keep going. I know the days are so long, but sweet Mama, the years are short. This season will soon be over, and you will wish you had embraced it more. Let us be parents without regrets knowing we have done the best we can!
Try to do something this week too – Bless another Mama. A simple “you are doing a good job” can go such a long way to a tired mama. It may be in a grocery store or at a gas station. Ask the Lord to show you a Mom that needs a blessing this week.
Hold these two scriptures close and go give your kiddos the biggest hug. You rock, Mama!
Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Proverbs 31:28
Sister, I need to share the goodness of God with you today.
The Spirit has been thick today. If you know, you know. Hours later, the tears picked up, so off to get dressed I went. Of course, when I say “get dressed,” I mean pulling clothes out of the dirty laundry because I haven’t had a chance to wash my clothes. Moms, you know this too well. Their clothes get washed, and if there’s room in there, then yours will. So I am writing this in a sweatshirt that says “Sunday Kinda Girl,” and it’s Saturday. No judging. I have on Christmas pajama bottoms from last year that are a bit snug. Thanks, thyroid medicine. And to top it all off, I am still wearing yesterday’s makeup from going to bed a little too late. The teens hung out at our house until late last night and of course, I had to give advice. Ha! If you are perfect and don’t get any of the above, I am sorry and hope you stick around. I promise you’ll like it here. I woke up with my eyes leaking. I knew what this meant. The Lord is saying, “There is something I need to tell you.” “There is something I need to show you.” Do you know that feeling? Doesn’t it feel so good? You feel so lost in His presence, but this time you like being “lost.” Not a “lost” like you are in Oklahoma, supposed to be in Arkansas, and end up in Missouri lost. That’s a story for another day. The tears haven’t stopped flowing. Praying in the Spirit. Come Holy Spirit. All of the noise is blocked out. The Lord is giving visions. You can SEE them. You are broken, but it’s a “good broken.” No, nothing is weighing on me. I’m not heavy today. I’ve gone to the burden bearer, so I’m light. He carries that load so much better than I do. Yes, He’s the most outstanding counselor ever. He doesn’t even charge an hourly rate. Thank goodness because I would be broke. Ha! Just in case you haven’t heard, HE paid my bill. He has paid yours in FULL too. We are undeserving. Aren’t you grateful? The Lord is working. The Lord is moving. I am thankful for what the Lord is doing. I am thankful for how HE is moving. I am grateful. He is worthy.
See Sister, You shouldn’t just enter into His presence on Sundays. You have to crave His presence. Yes, crave. I crave Hershey Almond bars almost every day. Crave Him more than that candy bar, Sis. Your Sunday should carry into your Monday-Saturday’s. A presence of worship should fill your home, office, car, or WHEREVER YOU ARE. We have to get to the point where we can’t step a step without Him. We can’t roll out of bed without Him. We can’t go into our day until we have first talked to HIM. I have to take daily medicine to function since I am missing my thyroid. It’s the first thing I do as soon as my eyes open. I have my pill and water on my nightstand. I know if I miss that dose, I will get sick. I can’t live without it. What if we approached His presence just like this? What if, as soon as our eyes open, we go straight to Him and His word? What if we lived like we can’t live without HIM? Sis, don’t put on a front. Stop saying the proper lingo. Don’t just post your love for Him. Be “hungry” for Him deep down. You know those hunger pains when you have missed a meal. Let that be your prayer. “Lord, give me that kind of hunger pain for more of you!” I can’t eat breakfast or drink coffee for 1 hour after my medicine. What if we approached the worldly noise the same way? What if we didn’t check email, social media, texts, or the news until 1 hour after spending time with Him? Something I have learned since taking this medicine is that my taste for coffee has changed. Some days I don’t even want it, and I don’t crave it as I did. I think you my, Sister, will see the same changes happen in your life when you start. Start your day in His presence first. Things and relationships that once filled you will not serve you any longer. Your life will drastically change. It’s a good change, Sis.
Sister, Surrender. He’s waiting. His arms are open wide. He doesn’t care what you’ve done. You don’t have to have it all together to go to Him. Because when you go to Him, you don’t leave as you came. He’s the chain breaker. He’s a giant slayer. He’s a miracle worker. He’s the soft, sweet, still voice that whispers, “It’s going to be Ok!” He’s waiting. He’s waiting on you, Sweet Sis. There is beauty in fully surrendering to Him. It’s more beautiful than any handbag you will ever carry. Yes, even Hermes.
Sister, Give him your life. Give him your marriage. Give him your kids. Give him your ministry. Give him your job. Give him your hopes. Give him your friendships. Give him your finances. Give him your dreams. Give it all.
Sister, Let’s go a little deeper. Give him your tongue. Sis, this can and will hold you back. Give him your words. Give him your anxiety. Give him your depression. Give him your mind. Give him your thoughts. Give him your fears. Give him your pride. Give him control. Give him the toxic relationships. Give him the bitterness. Give him the offenses. Give him your conversations. Give him your addictions. Give him every chain in your life. What else can you give Him? Sweet Sis, go to Him in prayer and ask Him to show you? But, don’t be scared when He shows you. Also, don’t ask and not do what He says. You will find a great reward in your obedience.
Sis, Go ahead and give it to Him. He’s waiting to take it all. Take that first step. You got this. It’s time. Go into His presence. Invite Him back into your life. Invite Him back into your home. You got this because He’s got you!
Holy Spirit, Speak to my dear Sister right now. I pray for total surrender. Let her surrender every area of her life to you. I pray for a new move in her life. I pray for a fresh anointing. Renew her mind. Guard her heart. Saturate her in your peace. Come Holy Spirit. Move Holy Spirit. Speak to my dear Sister.
One of my favorite things to do at the start of a new year is read through the entire Bible. As intimidating as this might sound, with a good plan it’s actually easy and so fulfilling! I wanted to share a few of my favorite resources to support you in reading through the bible in 2022. Leave me a comment and let me know what you’re getting or what your favorite Bible study tools are!
The links below are affiliate links of which I earn a small commission of each item sold, however, the price remains the same for you
This year, I’m so excited to share our “Minick Family Gift Guide” with you! Our family has a wide range of interests and hobbies, so I hope that this Christmas gift guide makes shopping for your family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors a little bit easier.
The links below are affiliate links of which I earn a small commission of each item sold, however, the price remains the same for you
Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter – https://amzn.to/3oBA3t3 (This has been on my list for years!) Here is a cheaper water filter option that we use everyday and we travel with – 5-Stage Water Filter Dispenser – https://amzn.to/3oCYfvo
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my family’s Christmas gift guide, let me know if you’re purchasing any of these fun wishlist items in the comments!
One of my dear friends calls me “Sister Pastor,” and I giggle each time. Don’t you love and cherish the Prayer Warriors in your life? She’s one of mine! I was not scheduled to put out another blog post, but the Lord poured this out today, and I know it’s for someone. I pray this will minister to you during this Holiday season, dear Sister Pastor!
Sister Pastor, I wanted to encourage you. I hear you even though you are saying nothing. I feel the aches of your heart even though you are not expressing them. I know the pressures you are putting on yourself. I know all about the Christmas activities with the family, Staff gifts/parties, how to show your congregation love at Christmas, serving your community, weddings, sickness, school programs, Christmas shopping, dinners, and trying to make everything perfect for everyone this time of the year. Yet, you still feel like you are not measuring up to what you need to be, all while neglecting your mental health and needs. I know what it’s like to hear everyone else’s problems all day, yet not one person asks YOU how you are doing. I know what it’s like to sit with someone at the hospital, all while fighting your own secret health battles. I know what it’s like to take a phone call with someone complaining about every petty thing under the sun, and yet you are dealing with your own battles that no one knows about. I know what it’s like to feel like you are everyone’s sounding board. I know what it’s like to always have to be strong for everyone. I know what it’s like to take several baths a day so the running water will disguise the sobbing cries. I know what it’s like to soak just a little longer in the tub because the tears keep streaming down your face. Just make sure you don’t have that long “ugly cry” with new lash extensions; wait 24 hours! Can you say burning eyes?! HA! I know what it’s like to be in a room full of people and yet feel so alone. I know it too well, Sis. Please know you are not alone. Please know there is a whole army of us out there just like you. Please know some of us are there now, and some of us have already walked this. Please know there is no such thing as “Perfect.” Please know you are loved.
Sister Pastor, I know this time of the year is when you feel the heartache of those who have lost family members over the past year, and you know they are facing their first holiday with an empty seat at their table. I know the scenarios of waking up all hours of the night praying for peace over them and that every broken piece of their heart would be mended. I know what it is like to ask the Holy Spirit what you could do to make their holidays just a little extra special. I know how you can feel what they feel because of the love the Lord has given you for those in your life. I know how this great love is indescribable and comes with saying YES to the Lord. You won’t know this love unless you have answered the great call of Pastoring.
Sister Pastor, I know this time of the year is when you feel the loneliness of those who have left your church over the past year. I know how it’s the ones you thought at one time “they would never,” and well, they did. I know what it’s like to reflect back on false accusations and get frustrated all over again. I know what it’s like for the Lord to tell you to be quiet when you want to show proof of what they did. I know what it’s like to “know what you know,” and yet you remain silent. I know what it’s like to want to act in the flesh and let all confidentiality fly out the window, but you don’t because your integrity and convictions are stronger than the flesh. I know the thoughts of “How can they not see through that?” and “How do they not see the evil?” I know what it’s like to have to tame your inner Madea. HAHA! I know what it’s like to have people call you that you don’t even know and say those words, “the same thing happened to us,” over and over. I know what it’s like to want to kick yourself for not seeing the signs. I know what it’s like not wanting to trust anyone ever again. But I also know what it’s like to forgive and love. Sis, that’s where the peace is. Sis, Listen. Listen close. What the enemy means for evil…. Say it with me “God uses it for our good!” Sis, every time. Every single time. Who wants to run some circles with me? I feel a Pentecostal service coming on. I see people running and wigs flying! HA! Isn’t He just SO SO SO good?!?! I know what it’s like to choose to think about the fun times and memories. Choose to hold onto those instead of the ending sent by the enemy. Choose those fun memories, Sis. Choose them every single time. I see you smiling now. Smiling looks good on you.
Sister Pastor, I know this time of the year is when you are interceding all hours of the night and day for those facing depression. I know you know what they are going through silently. I know you see past their fake smile. I know you see the heartaches that they are so good at hiding in front of everyone. Your prayers will not go in vain. Your love is cherished more than you know. They will live all week off of your encouraging words and smile from Sunday. The Lord woke me up a couple of months ago praying for someone and their “suicidal thoughts,” and I found out that they gave them to the Lord at the altar the very next day. Pastor Sister, no one sees your warring. No one sees you battle in your kitchen on your knees for that precious family to be restored. NO ONE SEES. NO ONE WILL EVER SEE. Oh, Sister, but the Lord does! Ok, wait, your dog will see and think you are a crazy squirrel! HA! How precious it is for the Lord to see and hear you walking out what He has called you to do! What a beautiful sight to His eyes! This, my dear Sister, is why he called YOU to Pastor, be a helpmate, and lead. You have been chosen for this position and at this time.
Sister Pastor, I know the feeling of wanting everyone to like you. I know what it’s like to be the hot topic of the rumor mill and to know they have it all wrong. I know what it’s like to love that Sister so hard that you have to let it go because she has to “see for herself.” I know what it’s like to want to pick up the phone all day and try to protect that Sister to what she is naive to. I know what it’s like to want to be a protector. I know what it’s like to want what you think is best. I know what it’s like to question what God is doing in this season. But I also know the peace of fully surrendering every Sister in your life to the Lord. Some Sisters are only in your life for a season. Some Sisters have only been put in your life for a reason. Some Sisters are not just “some” but are “chosen” and called to your small circle. Yes, small. I know how small the circle is. But dear Sister Pastor, cherish that small circle. Cherish those three that will hold your hands up in battle. Cherish those three that will war for you. Cherish those three that will have your back when you are not around. Cherish those three who will tell you what you don’t want to hear, but you need to hear. Cherish those three who won’t “listen” when you are not around. Cherish those three who are led by the Holy Spirit. Cherish those three who are not easily swayed. Cherish them. Love them. I love hard, and sometimes I feel like it’s an awful trait for a Pastors wife, but the Lord reminds me sweetly each time that it’s not. He reminds me that it’s exactly what I should do. Love hard. He loves hard. He loves us hard every day, even when we don’t deserve it! Love them hard. Pray for your small circle. Pray for them with boldness. Pray for them with authority. Pray for their needs. Tell them Thank You for answering the call to be in your small circle. I know it takes a particular person to be in the “small circle” of a Pastor’s Wife’s life. Thank them. Thank them for me too.
Sister Pastor, One last thing, If you do not have a prayer life, your time in ministry will be short-lived. You can not survive without hunger for prayer. You can not survive without being in His presence every day. We need Him more than anything in this life.
Sister Pastor, I am praying for you over the next several weeks. I am praying that you: Pray. Feel loved. Restored joy. Guard your heart. Love hard. Forgive. Choose Love. Forgive. Pray with authority. Know you are enough. Guard your mind. Pray in the Spirit every day. Take care of yourself. Pray. Forgive. Choose Love.
I love you, dear Sister Pastor!
I wanted to leave part of the lyrics of one of my favorite songs with you…. “How beautiful are the feet? Keep walking, keep walking. Keep preaching, keep teaching. Keep walking, keep walking. Keep preaching, keep teaching.”
This song is a must listen to! The gates of hell will NOT prevail! “Build Our Church” by Elevation Worship
My Sister-in-law's dressing is the best I have ever had. It's pretty much what made me like her when she started dating my little brother, just kidding! It's so good and my most favorite dish that she always makes me an extra to take home. I hope you enjoy this yummy dressing recipe just as much as I do!
Here are my favorite accessories for your Thanksgiving table! This list is filled with some of my favorite beautiful décor that will certainly make your home feel festive and cozy.
The links below are affiliate links of which I earn a small commission of each item sold, however, the price remains the same for you
Here are my favorite accessories for your Thanksgiving kid’s table! This list is filled with goodies that are sure to keep your little turkeys entertained while the grown-ups are busy eating or catching up.
The links below are affiliate links of which I earn a small commission of each item sold, however, the price remains the same for you
What a friend we have in Jesus! This hymn was written in 1855 by Joseph Scriven and it still rings true today.
Oh, sister! How real are those words?! Read it again.
Why do we carry things that are not ours to carry in the first place?
What needless pain are you carrying around?
It’s time to unpack that bag!
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30.)
We have to learn to let things go and stop carrying the weight around. That bag can get quite heavy, can’t it?! We are all guilty of taking things in and adding them to our life “bag.” It’s usually things that are more than just meaningless; they are harmful. See, we need to be real with ourselves and ask:
What am I carrying?
Unforgiveness?
Bitterness?
Negative emotions?
Other’s opinions?
Depression?
Anxiety?
Negative talk?
Toxic relationships?
Whatever it is, sweet sister, only you and Him know.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22.)
It’s time to unpack that bag, sister!
Guilt has to go.
Anxiety has to flee.
Rejection is bound.
Addiction has no place.
He is THE chain breaker.
Victory is won. Let’s stop living a life of defeat. A very high price was paid for our victory. We are victors, not victims!
See sis, YOU decide on whether you carry those burdens around and let them weigh you down, because only you can do the unpacking.
Jesus is ready and waiting to bear the weight, but will you give the heaviness to Him? Will you leave those unnecessary items from your bag with Him? His arms are open wide, but sometimes we like to hold on with a death grip. Right? We have all been there.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10.)
Let’s focus on Jesus! Isn’t it right, “What a friend we have in Jesus!”
What a precious privilege it is to carry everything to Him in prayer!
Sister, you are a VICTOR! Not “will be” or “has been” but you ARE!
Now, go and walk like it because that bag is lighter so you can walk with that pep in your step! You got this, sister!
I’m Julia, welcome to my corner of the internet. I'm a pastor's wife, mama to four amazing kiddos, a leader, speaker, and now blogger! Here we’re going to keep things fun, real, and loving. Thanks so much for stopping by!
