People ask me all the time…

“Hey, what do you do to your skin? You look only 40!”

(I always feel good about that because I am only 41!)

Through the years of gleaning “beauty wisdom” from magazines to professionals themselves, here’s a quick run-down on how to make your own  Facial Mask . These masks can exfoliate, moisturize, rejuvenate your marriage, solve your job- crisis problem,  and well…clean your face.  See what you think!

My Cheap Favorite…. The White Sugar Mask
I read in a magazine about a stressed-out photographer and “model prep” gal who had no materials in which to exfoliate “their girls’ faces” .
The “prep gal” reached over and grabbed white sugar packets off the breakfast trays. It did the trick…not only do “they work the best because of their cone-shaped molecular structure”. When she said that, I was sold…especially by her scientific words. I know good beauty/science intelligence when I hear it!

The Oatmeal Mask
I do this one, also. This is designed for that “tired” skin that just needs to be reminded “Hey, you are important too!” .On a clean face, combine oatmeal and water into paste and slap it on your visage. Let it dry and voila! You have French skin devoid of all flaws!  Moisturize quickly or you will smell like breakfast, according to my daughter.

The Chocolate Mask
Seriously?! YES! This is my favorite (and other gals I know!) . Now, the trick here is you have to BUY it…but $1.50….dreamy!.  You slice open the packet and smell 3 Musketeers!  On a clean face, smear that goodness all over your face…but don’t eat it….it’s made for your pores, not your taste buds. I don’t think I can try to make it because to be honest, I just don’t like that cocoa   “semi-sweet “ bitterness smell. Go ahead-buy the real one. I promise your children will kiss you good-night happily!

The Yogurt Mask
This is real deal….everyone in the Beauty Industry seems to talk about it and recommend it . BUT, I will tell while I am a big fan of eating plain yogurt for good intestinal activity… it hurt!  I delicately applied the yogurt and it stung and turned my face beet red. Maybe it was just me , but I did not look younger or like a supermodel at the end of that experience… but, who knows? Maybe it’s just good for your gut.

Last , The Classic “Clay” Mask
This is the one we all grew up with…fun gal pal parties with green clay faces, hair piled high in towels, and paintin’ our toes..teehee!
I loved these! My sister and I loved to do these kind of masks, but I think that they were the only ones available. Now, you can get Pumpkin seed, Aloe Vera, and Papaya.  Pretty soon, maybe they will make some for women with  attitude problems, disobedient children, and  P.M.S. ! Brilliant!

Have a great week….enjoy the FACT that Jesus loves you just the way are….in your own skin!

Tristie Fisher, Grace Bible Church, 2010

Sisters in Christ,

I hear from many of you about your current “calling” from God -that of being a Pastor’s Wife.  People OFTEN ask me “What is it like for you being the PASTOR’S WIFE?”  I always say the same thing, “Same as before!”

This is, in actuality, a fantastic question.  As always, it is solely based on our PERCEIVED IDENTITY.   I was on staff with a para-church ministry for 5 years before I married Brian.  So, my identity (in my heart, spirit, and my mind) was based on being a “missionary”.  Granted, I was not married, had no children, and was raising support for myself.

But, there was one thing that has stayed with me as a CONCRETE truth.

I am a MISSIONARY first.

*There is no question we all have different spiritual GIFTS…some to give, some to serve, and some to teach.  How glorious that Paul teaches that we are ALL to pray and  ALL to love!

Now, that I’m married and have children, I get to add to my circle of influence and love !

Now, I get to understand the JOYS and “bumps in the road” of marriage!  Now, I get to go to a “Play Group” and say “Oh, I know…my kids do that too!”   If I am filled with the Spirit
(i.e. walking with the Lord) , I get to love, lead, and impact …..as a missionary.

Ask yourself…”Do I find my significance in BEING a Pastor’s wife?” or “Do I find my significance in being a “Daughter of the King”  whose value to the Kingdom is insurmountable?

Only YOU can be YOU.

You are called to be a “helpmate” to your husband and his calling as a pastor (loving the congregation pro-actively and serving where needed)….most importantly, to LOVE him.  He is your #1 ministry.

If God gave you children (one of the ultimate gifts!) then this is your #2 priority. As my wise husband says, “Only you can be their mommy.”  I want to look back and say “I gave them my “all” in the context of a healthy marriage example and love for Jesus!”

I love the empowering truth of God’s Word!

John 15:16…”You did not choose me, but I chose you that you should GO and BEAR fruit and that your fruit may ABIDE…”

May God bless you!

Love you and Standing with you…
tristie