January/February Shepherdess Voice

make them, but how can
You
keep them?
you
is your perspective
What
today?
taste of what happened
A
Crystal Mountain this
at
Shepherdess
Voice
T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R F O R M I N I S T R Y W I V E S I N
T H E M I C H I G A N C O N F E R E N C E
January/February 2017
New Years Resolutions
A Change in Perspective
For Love's Sake
year

facts and practical solutions
Shocking
your healthy new year!
for
to keep resolutions? Find
Struggling
in this issue to help you along.
tips
Highlights
T O L O O K O U T F O R
A Healthy New Year
Resolutions
A Change in
Perspective
What is your perspective today?
Meet Your Sisters
to know the facts behind the face!
Get
month, we talk with Mia Silva
This

am finding a passion for photography. As I have been learning
I
to improve my pictures, I will intentionally change the
how
of my picture. By moving one foot over, or standing up
angle
kneeling down, I can change the whole look of a picture
verses
convey a specific meaning or to hide eyesores. For example,
to
are two pictures of my boys, taken at the exact same time,
here
place. Picture 1, I am on their level. Picture 2, I am standing
same
Notice how just by standing up, I now don’t have the
up.
garage and house in my picture. Personally I like the
neighbor’s
of being down on their level, but given the situation, it
angle
better without the neighbor’s buildings in the
looks
background.
think we can apply this same principle in our lives. Ministry is
I
especially for those of us behind the scenes. There is a
hard,
lot of sacrifice, self-denial, and plain old hard work
whole
with ministry. Our husbands are on the front lines
involved
the “glory” (or getting shot down), but for those of us at
getting
with the little ones or working a full-time job to make
home
meet, we can feel used, lonely, or discouraged. It’s easy to
ends
through our “viewfinder” and see the “ugly garage” and the
look
house” and feel that it has ruined what is supposed to be a
“big
picture, ministry. We need a shift in perspective. By
great
claiming promises, and turning our feelings over to
praying,
He can help us to capture a beautiful picture although
Jesus,
does it matter? Sometimes, just being honest here, I like to
What
about the irritations in my life. I want to have a pity
complain
because it feels good and is a whole lot easier to go with
party
feelings. But we have a job, as spouses in ministry, to help
my
A Change in
Perspective
by Katie Chitwood
there are eyesores all around us.
our husbands. Our attitudes and perspectives rub off on him.
“The wife of a minister of the
gospel can be either a most
successful helper and a great
blessing to her husband or a
hindrance to him in his work. It
depends very much on the wife
whether a minister will rise from
day to day in his sphere of
usefulness, or whether he will sink
to the ordinary level.” AH 355
want to see my husband rise each and every day in his
I
of usefulness. I want to be a most successful
sphere
and great blessing to him. But it takes an
helper
decision about what I am focusing on each
intentional
every day. The rewards are huge! Not only will it
and
happiness to me, but my husband will have a
bring
successful ministry. Let’s ask ourselves, “What is my
more
today?”
perspective
your mind on things above, not on things on the
“Set
Col 3:2 Paul pleads with us to “…walk worthy of
earth.”
the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1

asked for some of your New Years
We
the ones that you would like
Resolutions;
keep this year. Today, we are sharing
to
of the responses with everyone!
some
We Asked.
You Answered.
Collected from Shepherdess'
Enjoy and Happy New Year!

DIANE BLOOM KOBOR
BY GOD'S GRACE, I WANT TO KEEP ALL
HIS HEALTH LAWS, IN ADDITION TO THE
TEN COMMANDMENTS, OF COURSE.
STEPHANIE AKENBERGER
DECLUTTER MY HOUSE!

ARIEL HINKLE
THIS PROBABLY SOUNDS
RIDICULOUS.... BUT THIS YEAR IT
WAS TO MAKE OUR BED
EVERYDAY!
ANGELA SPARKS
TO KEEP IN TOUCH BETTER WITH MY
FAMILY, NOT LET LITTLE THINGS BUG
ME (BAD HABIT OF MINE), TO EXERCISE
CONSISTENTLY.

JEANNE SOPER NEPHEW
TO DAILY CELEBRATE THE HEALTH GOD
IS GIVING ME BY EXERCISE, EATING
HEALTHY, GETTING REST AND
TRUSTING HIM.
CASSANDRA MCNULTY
FIND A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN
MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD, MINISTRY
AND CAREER. ALSO STARTING AN
EXERCISE ROUTINE NEXT WEEK THAT I
HOPE CONTINUES INTO THE NEW YEAR.

JANICE SCHMIDT
MY 2016 GOAL WAS TO MEMORIZE
THE BOOK OF REVELATION. I'M
GETTING CLOSE! WHEN I GET DONE
I'M GOING TO PICK ANOTHER BOOK
OF THE BIBLE!
TAMARA CONWAY
TO COMPLETE THE PROJECTS I
START....TO EXERCISE THROUGH THE
WINTER MONTHS

a newly married couple in ministry, my
As
and I had a lot to learn. We were
husband
to say “yes,” quick to put off “date
quick
quick to “serve.” After all, isn’t that
nights,”
ministry is all about? Over the past 12
what
we have learned many things indeed.
years,
many of those things have
Unfortunately,
learned the hard way.
been
Michigan Conference has put much
The
on marriage and family retreats
emphasis
the years. My husband and I were very
over
with that when we came to
impressed
here and have promoted them
work
in our churches. I’m sad to say,
immensely
that in 12 years of marriage, we
however,
took the time to attend one
never
Oh, the excuses were many: we
ourselves.
newlyweds and had no problems yet,
were
were too busy traveling and doing
we
we had no child care, and on and
ministry,
November everything fell into place and
In
were finally able to attend our first
we
retreat at Crystal Mountain
marriage
It was a tremendous experience,
Resort.
I can only say that I’m sorry we hadn’t
and
it sooner.
done
might describe it as a vacation
Some
sorts. It certainly was, but oh, so
of
more! For my husband and I, it
much
a time to reconnect without
was
or church members
children
us. Marriage can be trying
distracting
times, especially when busy in
at
It can be easy to forget to
ministry.
with our spouses on a daily
connect
and to communicate about the
basis
things, not just “church
important
things.”
and Gail Micheff, along with many
Jim
do an amazing job making
others,
retreats special and meaningful.
these
accommodations and food were
The
notch, the schedule was relaxed,
top
the little details were very well
and
(down to the chocolate around
done
corner). But, of course, the most
every
of all were the seminars
meaningful
by Pastor Buford and
conducted
Griffith. Their talks were
Carmen
practical, and humorous.
spiritual,
you had been married 6
Whether
or 40 years, all were able to
months
and be blessed by the sincerity of
learn
speakers.
the
would encourage you, as a pastor’s
I
to persuade your husband to take
wife,
on one of these retreats, whether it
you
at Crystal Mountain or Camp Au
be
Strong marriages make strong
Sable.
couples. Yes, keep
pastoral
your church members to
encouraging
advantage of these weekends, but
take
the example yourself. If you are
set
take the time out to reconnect
able,
God and your husband through
with
of the Conference marriage
one
More importantly, though,
retreats.
to connect with your
remember
on a daily basis. Be his support,
spouse
his ear, be his protector, be his
be
God has given us an amazing
friend.
important job to be a “helper” to
and
husbands. What a great honor and
our
privilege it is!
a
thanks to the Michigan
Many
for caring about our
Conference
and our families! I, for one,
marriages
been personally blessed by their
have
For Love's Sake
by Marion Peppers
on.
prayers and sacrifice!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR
by Lindsey Mills
a reason that Losing
There’s
consistently ranks at the
Weight
of the Top 10 New Year’s
top
For Americans, the
Resolutions.
Year comes after the two
New
popular feasting holidays of
most
year, Thanksgiving and
the
Here are some facts and
Christmas.
to keep in mind as we move
tips
the holidays into a new year.
past
for maintaining your
Formula
Your weight x 12 = calories
weight:
to maintain your
needed/day
weight.
for losing weight: Your
Formula
x 10 = calories needed per
weight
day to lose weight.
An average
person eats
5,000 to 7,000
calories on
Christmas day
1 pound of fat =
3500 calories.
1 mile
walking/jogging
burns
approximately
100 calories
Tips:
go of All or Nothing thinking –
Let
you may have just eaten a 1,000
Yes,
dessert and immediately
calorie
it, but that doesn’t mean that
regret
might as well have the ice cream
“I
a Martinelli, too, since I’ve
and
blown it.” Forgive yourself
already
keep trying to make healthy
and
choices.
aware of calories – You may or
Be
not want to calorie count, but
may
least understand the rough
at
value of foods you eat.
caloric
until you are 80% full - Eat less
Eat
you want, but not less than you
than
need.

skip meals – it may be
Don’t
to skip breakfast or lunch
tempting
you can save the calories for a
so
dinner, but you’re more likely
large
be so hungry that you gorge on
to
big meal and eat more calories
the
you would have for lunch and
than
combined.
dinner
tight clothing/belt – This may
Wear
like a move against modesty,
sound
the idea is to wear something
but
will feel restrictive when you are
that
full at the dinner table. A belt
getting
a great option since there is little
is
and it will be uncomfortable to
give
overeat.
reasonable goals for exercise – A Gallup poll
Set
that the percentage of people who
suggested
regularly is lower in December than at
exercise
other time of the year. You may not exercise
any
much as you usually do with all the busy-ness
as
Christmas preparation, but that doesn’t mean
of
should let go and not even try. Accept that
you
may not get as much exercise as usual and
you
stress about it, but getting some exercise
don’t
better than getting none. Parking farther from
is
stores, taking stairs instead of the elevator,
the
your core muscles for some toning
engaging
you shop can all be little things that can
while
make a difference for your body.
help
Scripture when tempted – “Blessed art
Claim
O land, when thy king is the son of nobles,
thou,
thy princes eat in due season, for strength,
and
not for drunkenness!” Ecclesiastes 10:17
and
the Lord for help to treat your body as His
Ask
temple – “And this is the confidence that
holy
have in him, that, if we ask any thing
we
to his will, he heareth us: And if we
according
that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we
know
that we have the petitions that we
know
the reason for the season - As much
Remember
we love food and family, the real focus on
as
is to celebrate that Christ came in
Christmas
flesh to deliver us from the lusts and
human
of the flesh. This in and of itself can
demise
us that, in everything we do, we are to
remind
it to the glory of God. We may fail, but
do
the immense love of Jesus toward
recognizing
and his understanding of our struggles
us
encourage us afresh to take care of our
should
for Him. "For ye are bought with a price:
bodies
glorify God in your body, and in your
therefore
wish you the Lord's blessings as we look
I
new beginnings and renewed
toward
12 M&Ms = 120 calories
1 PB & J Sandwich = 343 calories
1 Cup Fruit Juice = about 110 calories
lots of water – Many times we feel like we
Drink
hungry when we are actually thirsty.
are
water helps to curb hunger and thus,
Drinking
the likeliness that we will overeat. Also,
reduces
is a zero calorie beverage. Juices and
it
ciders can easily be from 100-150
Sparkling
calories per serving.
desired of him.” 1 John 5:14, 15
spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:20
resolutions.

New Year, we make promises to ourselves to
Every
healthier. No matter our resolution, we want to
live
happier and more successful. More often than
feel
though, around February our promises fall by
not,
wayside and we experience feelings of regret
the
disappointment. In fact, research from the
and
of Scranton suggests that only 8% of
University
achieve their New Year’s goals.
people
how do we keep our resolutions throughout the
So
How do we turn our promises into lifestyle
year?
that stick? Below are six tips that can assist
changes
in making permanent changes.
you
it to God. So often we set out
Commit
change our behavior for ourselves
to
even tapping into the one
without
that can accomplish it without
power
and remind yourself that
Understand
is hard to do. Talking about it
change
planning is the easy part; it is the
and
that is difficult. Fast food is
doing
available, it is faster to take the
easily
than the stairs, and even if
elevator
could find the time to exercise, it
you
difficult when you are busy and
is
Own it. Remind yourself
exhausted.
this fact when you have a little
of
Then get back on that
setback.
and focus on your “why.”
horse
"No matter our
resolution, we
want to feel
happier and
successful."
anything else, write down your
Before
If you start this journey and do
“why.”
have a motivator or a “why,” it will
not
hard to keep going. Energy to play
be
your kids? More stable moods?
with
that health problem? Write it
Beat
post it where you will see it, tell
down,
about it, and remind yourself
others
when the going gets tough.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
FOR A HEALTHY NEW YEAR
Before plans, before actions, give
fail.
goals and “why” to God. Admit
your
you cannot accomplish this by
that
own strength and plan to daily
your
this journey to Him. Then do your
give
part.
by Cassandra McNulty

Cups Traditional Oats
3
Cup oil 1/3
tsp Baking Powder
1
Cup Milk (Dairy, Nut or Soy)
1
tsp Real Vanilla
1
Tbsp Cinnamon
1
Cup Chopped Nuts
1/3
Mashed Banana (binder and sweetener)
1
Cup Fruit of your Choice (Berries, Peaches, Apples, etc)
1
1/8 Cup flax seed or wheat germ
Optional:
I like.” Making the resolution positive keeps
food
from focusing on what you can’t have and
you
it simple. Be realistic and you will be more
Keep
to stick to it. Planning to exercise for an
likely
every day when you are not exercising at all
hour
may not be realistic for you. Start slow with
now
into your lifestyle and it has become fun,
that
more days or longer sessions. Same goes for
add
loss goals; instead of a yearly goal, focus
weight
how much a week or a month you will lose. It
on
yourself with support. Work on your
Surround
with people that will support you and be
resolution
cheerleaders. Even one person who will check in
your
you and pray with you when you are discouraged
on
make a big difference. If you can find someone
can
the same goals or someone who has
with
those goals already, you can walk the
accomplished
together!
journey
the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all of the
Preheat
except the fruit. Add the fruit last and fold into the
ingredients
mixture.
into a greased 9x9 glass or ceramic baking pan. If you use a
Pour
pan, you will want to reduce the baking heat. You can
metal
double the recipe and use a 9x13 pan for a large group or
easily
make ahead for breakfast during the week. Bake for 30
to
or until golden on the edges. For the 9x9 pan, cut three
minutes
suggestions: serve warm with milk; top with applesauce
Serving
other fruit sauce; nut butter and/or seeds.
or
KEEP IT
SIMPLE
your resolutions positive. Rather than
Make
a list of restrictions, make your
writing
about what you will do. Instead of “I
resolutions
eat desserts,” try “I’m going to find healthy
won’t
helps you focus on all that you can do.
what you know you can do. Once you have fit
BY BRENDA SYKES
will feel less of a feat and much more doable.
POWER OATMEAL
BAKE
by Cassandra McNulty
by three so there are 9 squares.
Servings: approx. 1 “square” = about 400 calories

mother brought my newborn
My
brother, Frankie, home
baby
the hospital when I was 8
from
old. However, I was so
years
to have another
disappointed
in the family that I refused to
boy
against a door jam and
head
him on the floor when I
dropped
over the family German
tripped
But, surprisingly, he
shepherd.
out alright! Gradually, I
turned
more comfortable and
became
don’t know if my early
I
helped prepare me
“mothering”
discovered that parenting is a
I
of learning from the
process
mistakes, and kissing
countless
the hurts. It gave me great
away
to learn that no
consolation
starts out certified in
parent
felt I was letting the ministry
but
because I could not put in
down
much effort as I really wanted
as
I had a young child at home.
to,
was told by those in charge of
I
ministry that my first and
the
important work was to my
most
while she was young
daughter
impressionable. God had
and
me a most important
given
for you moms who have
So,
children, yet wish you
young
be more involved in your
could
ministry, I found this
husband’s
statement and I wish
following
it with you.
share
am happy to report that in spite
I
myself, our daughter grew up
of
be a God-fearing, Christian
to
and has served the Lord
woman,
ministry alongside her
in
She currently is raising
husband.
children to love and serve
two
Praise the Lord!
Jesus.
Mama, Sissy, Mama
by Jodi Gensen
anything to do with him for
have
least the first two weeks. Then
at
heart softened and I fell in
my
with him.
love
a single mom with five
As
to care for, my mother
children
to work, so many of the
had
responsibilities were
domestic
upon me. By age 10, I was
placed
meals, cleaning the
preparing
and caring for my younger
home,
For the first two years of
siblings.
life, Frankie bonded with me
his
called me “Mamma, sissy,
and
He felt safe sleeping
mamma.”
me, finding security in my
with
night gown. He went with
silky
everywhere! Yes, we were
me
inseparable.
don’t know why my mother
I
such an inexperienced
entrusted
to look after her son! I was
child
clumsy with him at first. He
so
a few hard knocks at my
took
Unwittingly I bumped his
hand.
rearing! Every child is
child
and at every stage of
different,
child’s development, (or is it
the
the parents’ development?)
also
the same amount of
requires
grace, and love that
wisdom,
comes only from the Father.
was ecstatic when my daughter
I
born! Yet, there was a sense
was
fear. I trembled at the
of
responsibility. Oh how
awesome
wanted to be the perfect
I
Somehow, an instinct
mother!
over, and I began to learn
took
the job.” Yes, there were
“on
moments when I cried
many
the Lord that in spite of
unto
an impatient word, or
speaking
with feelings of
disciplining
that He would cause
irritation,
to turn out alright!
her
my husband and I entered
When
ministry at a boarding
full-time
school, I really wanted to be
high
involved in all of the work,
totally
“Every mother is God’s missionary
keeping her children close to her
heart. Her efforts in behalf of her
children do not go unnoticed by
God; He records her love, patience,
diligence, and faithfulness. Her
name may never appear upon the
records of history, or receive the
honor and applause of the world, as
may that of the husband and father;
but it is immortalized in the book of
God. She is doing what she can, and
her position in God's sight is more
exalted than that of a king upon his
throne; for she is dealing with
character, she is fashioning minds.”
- Christian Temperance and Bible
Hygiene, page 69
confident caring for him.
for parenthood, but
ministry.

to know your fellow sisters and put more
Get
a face to a name
than
what are your
Briefly,
your work and your
passions,
am passionate about being
I
to my toddler Gianna.
"Mama"
also enjoy working with
I
at church such as
children
programs and Sabbath
kids
I am currently working
School.
a nurse at Medilodge of
as
and am interested
Livingston
one day becoming a
in
nurse practitioner.
neonatal
you could go on vacation
If
in the world where
anywhere
love to travel in order to
I
time with family, which
spend
found in Australia, New
are
California, Alaska,
Zealand,
and Guatemala.
Peru,
can't pick a
(Certainly
is one of the most impactful
What
you’ve learned in your role as
things
a pastor's wife the most
As
lesson is to trust in God in
important
circumstances. We have a mighty
all
who can save us and others. In
God
spiritual battle we can be more
this
conquerors through Jesus
than
our Lord as "I am persuaded,
Christ
neither death, nor life, nor
that
nor principalities, nor powers,
angels,
things present, nor things to
nor
nor height, nor depth, nor any
come,
creature, shall be able to
other
us from the love of God,
separate
is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
which
MEET YOUR SISTERS:
MIA SILVA
Mia and Steven
serve in the
University Church in
East Lansing
interests?
a pastor’s wife?
would you go and why?
favorite!).
Romans 8:38-39.

Mia Silva
1/05
Coral Arrua
1/06
Kibsa Ludwig
1/06
Midori Sliger
1/09
Patricia Costa
1/12
Janie Harris
1/15
Angi Sparks
1/15
Lorrie Reitman
1/17
Carla Smith
1/28
Brianna Martin
2/02
Lira Scarone
2/08
Christal Herthel
2/17
Laura Jean Francois
2/19
Kim Dowell
2/24
CAN I GRACIOUSLY RESPOND
HOW
CHURCH MEMBERS BAD
WHEN
EACH OTHER IN FRONT OF
MOUTH
ME?
up a quick prayer, and think of
Send
lovely or complementary to say
something
the person being slandered. Something
about
“well, that may be, but I have
like,
or “I have seen them be so
experienced”,
and kind to my children”, etc. This
welcoming
will discourage slander and establish
response
loyalty and confidentiality!
your
God bless you as you influence your
May
in conversational Christian conduct.
sisters
Katie Chitwood
President:
President: Amie Hubbard
Vice
Janice Schmidt
Secretary:
Coordinator: Patsy Tower
Care
Assistant: Marion
Newsletter
Peppers
Editor/Layout:
Newsletter
Walter
Amanda
Helpers:
Shepherdess
Sparks
Angie
Hill Beth
Schefka
Stacy
Garcia
Carol
Um Jewel
Sponsors:
Snyman
Laurie
and Erika Campos to
Michael
Conference as the new
Illinois
Director
Youth
and Patricia Costa to
Ronald
Arbor Spanish
Ann
and Monica Ames to
Chris
Lake, Gaylord
Central
and Kelly Landis to
Monte
Chesaning, and St.
Owosso,
Johns
Brizendine adding
Sean
Hougton
and Kibsa Ludwig to
Tony
Anse and Marquette
L’
Soon!
Coming
and April Oregon are
Nathaniel
January 15 at the
starting
and Belleville Churches.
Adrian
Scarf/Your Scarf: Comb your closets looking for a scarf or two to trade at Ministerial
My
We will have a scarf swap on Monday! The more you bring the more you can take
Meetings.
may submit anonymous questions to Alice by emailing marionpeppers@gmail.com. This can be helpful for us all, so go
You
& ask!
ahead
SHEPHERDESS
OFFICERS
BIRTHDAYS
TRANSITIONS
Editing Help: Diane Kobor
2/24 Laura Im
Alex and Olena adding Edmore
Jolene Messer
Linda Gallimore
UPCOMING EVENTS
1/22 - 1/25 Ministerial Retreat - Au
ANNOUNCEMENT:
home!
We love to hear your special news. If you have reason to celebrate or have any announcements, please let the editor know!
ASK ALICE!
Dear Gracious,
“Alice”