An Interview with Sarah

I've only been doing this blogging thing for a few months now, but in that time I have read some great blogs and "met" some great gals. One of my favorite reads of the day is Sarah at Life in the Parsonage. She is a pastor's wife, like me, and that is what first drew me to her blog. Sarah's blog is full of fun, laughter, encouragement, faith, and inspiration. Her blog always brings a smile to my face! I was so thrilled that Sarah said yes to being interviewed, I just knew you would all want to know more about her.

Sarah, thanks for being willing to participate in a little bloggy interview.

Without further ado...here's my interview with Sarah:

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

I am 30 years old, married to my high school sweet-heart, who incidentally made me a Pastor’s wife thus the blog title “Life in the Parsonage.” We have 3 little boys, who make life crazy-fun and very messy.

I’m the girl who never wanted to marry a pastor...and then did. The girl who learned that God knows the desires of her heart better than she does. It’s sort of my life theme...thinking I know what’s best, and then God revealing to me He has better, and me standing there in amazement...every single time.

What do you love about being a mom?

I love the hugeness of it. Raising a child, guiding them and loving them, such an incredible gift. I always wanted to be “just a mom” I wanted that to be my only job, my main focus (besides my husband.)

What has been the most challenging part about being a mom?

Whining. It makes me want to rip my ears off. Bickering. Potty-training. Toys...everywhere. Did I mention whining?

Parenting can bring so much joy, but at times it can be incredibly challenging. What kind of advice would you give to moms with young kids?

Find yourself some good godly friends. When I was a new mom, with boys 16 months apart, we lived in the cities and I didn’t have many friends, I sort of isolated myself...which caused me to place a huge burden on my husband to meet all kinds of needs for me. Then, later, as the kids started preschool, I began meeting other mom’s who got me. We could relate to each other...share stories of the craziness...be real with one another. It’s encouraging to know you’re not the only one who’s having a tough day. And the swapping of kids is not bad either!!

What’s your favorite?
_ Color: Red
_ Food: Anything fried (thus the need for running)
_ Cd: I can listen to Casting Crowns over and over and be challenged each time.
_ Scripture: Galations 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”
_ Book: other than the Bible, “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers
_ Tv show: Biggest Loser
_ Board game: Sorry...it’s the all time best game invented.
_ Movie: Sweet Home Alabama...

Do you enjoy?
_ Cooking: Big fat no.
_ Reading: Yes...I’m fast, and I tend to skim, but it totally still counts ;)
_ Playing golf: Because of my self-diagnosed ADD, I find it bor-ing. Too slow. If it only involved golf carts and no clubs or balls, I would be all over it...or maybe that’s just go-carts...anyways...

Being a busy mom involved in ministry I’m sure you don’t have a lot of down time but what do like to most do to relax?

I am all for making down time. Without it, I get a little bit cranky. I enjoy running, hot baths, movies (at home), looking through magazines, listening to my fav CD’s.

How does your faith help you in your everyday life?

My faith in Christ enables me to be who I am. Without Him, I would not have any of the characteristics that define who I am this very minute. Any good that is in me comes from Him...without that, I would not be someone anyone would care to be around...I promise.

There’s a FFH song, called One of These Days...and it’s about Heaven. There’s a line in it that says something about seeing what I would have been if He hadn’t saved me...and I often think how amazing it would be to actually see what I wouldn’t been like without Him...frightening.

What is your biggest spiritual struggle and what do you do to combat it?

My biggest struggle is putting God first all the time and in all things. To combat it requires much time on my knees...and in His Word. I often feel the most strengthened after times of Worshiping Him...it puts life back into perspective.

Your town has recently faced much devastation with both tornadoes and flooding. Can you share with us how you are handling this and what things you have learned through all of it?

I think I’m handling it with a huge amount of hope, blogging ...and crying :) I feel it deep in my spirit that God is moving here, and doing something big...it’s involved a huge amount of faith...believing He’s working things out for good, even if I can’t see it yet. I’ve learned that God is who He is, no matter where I may be at in my life, He’s the constant, the only thing that never changes.
Sarah, thanks again for being a willing participant.
And to the rest of you, make sure to check out Sarah's blog...you won't be disappointed!
Have a very happy 4th of July. Celebrate!