Christmas Ponderings Preparing Our Hearts To Celebrate

Paul Warder almost missed the meaning of Christmas even though he was near ordination ceremonies for entering Christian ministry. Like many individuals, he faithfully attended church and participated in "church life," but early in his marriage, he realized knowing about Jesus Christ was not the same as having a relationship with Him. He's grateful that before he eventually stepped into the pulpits, he wasn't going to just offer nice-sounding pat answers to his congregation. He taught God's Word responsibly, knowing God holds pastors accountable for preaching Truth, even when it makes everyone a bit uncomfortable, including himself. Christianity is not a take it or leave it religion, it's a take it and live it or don't take it at all faith. It's a daily walk with Jesus Christ. After four decades of ministry, Paul and his helpmate, Margery, retired and began finding avenues to make their lives count for the Lord apart from serving as pastor and wife in four congregations. Paul believed Margery had devoted much of her life to helping him in his ministry, so he purposed that he devote "the next forty years" to helping bring to life her desire for a writing and speaking ministry. He didn't realize he would also be spending many hours writing, too, but they like occasionally making writinga a joint venture. Margery had graduated from a Christian college and completed several seminary courses before meeting Paul. Throughout her adult life, she voluntarily taught Bible to almost all ages, but she helped support their ministry with interesting employment outside their home. Nearly each of them required some creativity and writing. Her prayer has been answered because she had claimed she'd have no greater joy than to know that her children (and their spouses and her grandchildren) walk in Truth (3rd John 4). Margery has completed two Christian novels, other inspirational writings, and even books for children, thanks to Paul's willingness to let this be her ministry in his retirement. She is never without a book in her head and sometimes in her hand. Both Paul and Margery like opportunities to speak and teach, and sometimes they do dramatic portrayals of Biblical characters. Twelve Times Through (2014) and Christmas Ponderings (2015) are the two books the couple worked on together. They also host "Missional" Christian Writers Retreats to encourage others to move ahead with their writing and speaking.