Blogging burdens
When the congregation I'm now with hired me nine months ago, it was with the understanding that weekly contributions were not enough to sustain a full-time preacher's salary. The church had been without a paid preacher for three years, though, and had saved enough money to pay me through the end of the year.
The idea was to ask other churches to help pay my salary for a few years while our little congregation grew to be self supporting. A few Christians and congregations responded in amazing ways, and I thank our God for them. Still, contributions aren't enough to support the Stanley family, even with generous donations from Christians outside the congregation.
So this week I've started a second job stocking groceries full-time at Wal-Mart. On one hand I'm honored to make tents for the sake of the Gospel. On the other hand, I'm really not sure I'll be able to deal with the rigors of this additional burden--on top of my work as minister and my family's trying to remodel our house so that my dad, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, can move up here from Tennessee. Please pray for us.
I intend to keep blogging, but sometimes only one post per day. Also, I'll probably have to cut down on my commenting on others' blogs. I hope and pray that what I do write is edifying for you and me both.
The idea was to ask other churches to help pay my salary for a few years while our little congregation grew to be self supporting. A few Christians and congregations responded in amazing ways, and I thank our God for them. Still, contributions aren't enough to support the Stanley family, even with generous donations from Christians outside the congregation.
So this week I've started a second job stocking groceries full-time at Wal-Mart. On one hand I'm honored to make tents for the sake of the Gospel. On the other hand, I'm really not sure I'll be able to deal with the rigors of this additional burden--on top of my work as minister and my family's trying to remodel our house so that my dad, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's, can move up here from Tennessee. Please pray for us.
I intend to keep blogging, but sometimes only one post per day. Also, I'll probably have to cut down on my commenting on others' blogs. I hope and pray that what I do write is edifying for you and me both.
posted by Milton Stanley at 8:02 PM
32 Comments:
Milton, I'll tell you what I tell other bloggers who write things like you have written here. Your blog is, first and foremost, for you. You give us the privilege of looking into your world and seeing it from your perspective. You don't owe us a thing. I subscribe to your blog via Bloglines, and when you write, I read because you give quality. When you don't write, I don't read, and that's the way it ought to be.
God has called you to preach his gospel, but he has also called you to care for your family. To the extent that you don't, you're worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim. 5:8) And you most assuredly have to honor your father. Don't you even give us a second thought. When you do write, those of us who appreciate your contributions will still be here waiting.
Blessings upon you and yours ... I'll be praying for you.
Hello Milton, I read your blog via bloglines too. And you do produce quality work. God has certainly gifted you.
Will keep you in prayer.
Milton, you and your family will have my regular prayers! You're such an encouragement to me; it is a privilege to pray for you.
Thank you so much, Mike. I really do appreciate your encouragement. Peace.
Thank you, Marianne.
Geez, Louise, you praise me more than I deserve! Thanks for praying for me. Peace.
Milton,
I read about your situation. I know that times are difficult, but your have my prayers and the prayers of your readers to comfort you at this difficult time. You also have a good of love who is there for you.
Thank you for your faithful work.
Claude Mariottini
You have my prayers,Milton. I enjoy reading your posts. You have introduced me to several of my favorite blogs to read. May God bless you and your family and your ministry.
Milton, were you just waiting for an opportunity to use the phrase "Geez, Louise?" :-)
Kim: Yes I was!
Claude: Thank you so much for your encouragment and for your continued helpful, intellectually sound blog posts.
Glad to hear it, Jason! All the best to you and the folks at Sunshine Church. Thanks for praying for me.
Walmart is the best you can do? I do believe God calls us to do our best and stocking shelves at Walmart is a job for a kid in high school, perhaps college.
You must have skill with words if you preach, ever think of writing? Try associatedcontent.com, they pay pretty well and through pay pal.
Plus, Walmart is Satanic. Don't make baby Jesus cry by working there, he looks the other way if you just shop there as there isn't much choice these days, but to be yoked with unbelievers really makes Jesus mad.
Nice blog!
We're praying for you, your family and your church, Milton. God's blessings!
Milton, as a fellow Pastor myheart goes out to you, and I know exactly how you feel, having been there myself, but its only for a season my friend... Ps 23.
I love your blog, and you have been a great friend and mentor since I started blogging. I just want you to know that my prayers are with you and your family.
Be encouraged!
GBYAY
Thank you so much, John. I appreciate your spirit of encouragement both here and at Scotwise. Peace.
Glad you like the blog, Annie.
Thanks, Paul.
I honor the care you are taking of your father. Words are cheap, and easy for those of us who don't face your challenges.
Know this, however: all of us have had our challenges, if not now, in the past. Many of us, myself included, sometimes forget Who brought us through. And will always bring us through, if we but let Him.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you, John Luke.
Milton, can you get me a discount at WalMart now? Cuz that's the only reason I log on here...
Are you kidding? Everybody gets a discount at Wal-Mart.
You are in my prayers.
Thanks, Mark.
Sorry to be late in posting here, but I have been dealing with some things offline this week. No excuse, just not as focused this week as normal. I hope you know that it was not out of late of concern, but just lack of time.
Anyway, I will not repeat all the other things that have been said in regards to the quality and consistency of your blog. You know that I consider you to be one of the best bloggers in the game. As I said last year - your stuff is always Lexus quality in a blogsphere full of Yugos.
I am personally consider you one of my best online friends, and when you blog I love it, but I would rather see you never blog again and be a great father, husband, son, and minister then to blog here regularly. So, I would encourage you to only blog when you can, and if that means once a month that is fine. The important thing is not to worry about us (the blogosphere), but to worry about your family (including your dad), and your flock. I know you know that, but I want to tell you that I am COMPLETELY behind you.
Basically Milton, I encourage / urge you to your blog behind the real world. I am sure you will do that as I know you to be a man of quality and Christian character.
Know that I have been, and will continue to be, praying for you, your family (specifically your dad's situation), and your flock. If you are ever down this way and need something NEVER hesitate to call me. I will be there ANYTIME.
I would also urge you to stock groceries for the Lord. God has this all under control, which you know, and He profits the labor of His people, which you definitely are one of.
Stay strong, be courageous, stay in touch if you need anything, and serve God in all things. Know as well that I will be praying for you, and yours regularly.
Frank, I'm touched by your kind words of encouragement. Thank you so much for helping me keep things in perspective. Peace.
Milton as a pastor of a very small rural church and a full-time Ph.D. student, I know some of the strain that you are feeling. My prayers are with you brother. May God supply all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Pray also for me.
In His Grip,
Alan
Milton,
You are in my prayers. You are doing great work with this blog.
Thank you, Jim.
Milton,
Thanks for sharing your struggles with us so we know how to pray for you and your family. I like pastors that are vulnerable...and who don't try to make it appear that all is well.
Each event is God-designed, and I look forward to hearing about how God is going to use you at Wal-Mart while all the rest is going on for your family.
Russ
Thanks for saying so, Russ. I'll keep you posted.
Alan, sorry not to answer your comment sooner. Thanks for your encouragement, and I will indeed think of and pray for you as I'm preparing for my own Ph.D. studies (to begin in the fall). Peace.
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