michellesingleton.com // Confessions of the Preacher’s Wife

I got the phone call this morning.  Great Uncle Paul died last night.  He was my Granddaddy’s older brother.  96 years old and until yesterday, still living at home with his wife of 70 years, Gertrude.

Just like everyone on my Granddaddy’s side of the family, Uncle Paul was gentle, a hard worker, and a kind friend to everyone he met ~ tall and lanky in stature, with a heart the size of Texas.  And just like my Granddaddy, his strong arms gave the best bear hugs ever.

I remember visiting Uncle Paul and Aunt Gertrude when I was a kid.    Aunt Gertrude would bring me lemonade and Uncle Paul would say,  “Pull up a chair and tell me what you know.”  He always made me feel special, like I was a celebrity or something.

We’d talk for hours about anything and everything.  Uncle Paul was genuinely interested in all the little details of my life ~ he really listened to every word I said. 

But my favorite part of the visit was when Uncle Paul would break out Rook.  Ever played this card game of trickery?  Our games were animated, competitive and chockfull of laughter.  Somehow us kids were always on the winning team.  Funny how it only worked that way at their house!

Uncle Paul’s last few years were painful years.  An old neck injury complicated by advanced arthritis made it hard for him to hold his head up.  He never complained to us, but he did have to rest with his head supported against pillows for the better part of each day. 

Uncle Paul will be missed by all of us.  In my sadness my son, Nathan, reminded me that now Uncle Paul is in heaven.  His neck won’t hurt anymore and one day, we’ll see him again!

That is good news!  Do you know for sure that you will see your friends and your family in heaven?  If you have doubts, bring them to Southbrook for our “One Month to Live” series.  It could be the day they secure their eternal destiny!

Blessings,

Michelle

When I was a starving grad student, I worked in a hospital not far from the chiropractic school I attended.  Because I was a full time student and involved in clinical studies and teaching anatomy labs, I could only work part time hours at the hospital.  But living on a student budget was tight, so I kept my ears open for opportunities to make an extra buck whenever possible.  One opportunity that came my way provided me with memories I’ll never forget.

I was hired by several families to sit by the side of their dying family members through the long dark night.  As a young intern with little, true “life experience,” I thought this morbid job would be quite simple.  Perhaps I could study a bit or even catch up on some sleep.  I sure called that wrong.

Most of the patients I sat with were old and had maybe a day or two left although some hung in there for serveral weeks.  They couldn’t talk or communicate with me. 

One man in particular lingers in my mind.  He was in his late 80’s and struggling to take his last breaths.  He cried out horribly, wailing through most of the night.  I wanted to comfort him but couldn’t.  I held his hand for awhile, rubbed his feet, brushed his forehead but nothing seemed to help.  His loud moaning was disturbing.

I prayed for him.  All night long I prayed.  I told him about Jesus and how much Jesus loved him.  That Jesus had died to save him from his sins and give him eternal life with God.  I asked him if he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart.  I prayed as if he answered yes.  His heart stopped a few hours later.

But the truth is, I don’t know.  I don’t know if he heard me.  It bothers me even still that I don’t know if he knew Jesus.  This dying man gave me no indication ~ only loud moaning and relentless cries.  The whole night was anything but peaceful.

So my question is this:  What if you do have one month to live?  What if you spent your last month in the state of this dying man?  If your mind is gone and you’ve lost the ability to communicate, could it be too late?  Or not?

I don’t know.  It is a chance I would not want to take.  I am so grateful that I do know Jesus and that He is with me every minute of every day.  No matter what I may go through, my eternal destiny is secure and I will spend it in heaven with my Savior.

In light of these memories, eternity seems so urgent.  

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) tells us, “… now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. 

If now is the time, we can’t wait.  Do your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members know Jesus?  What would they do if they found out they were dying?  I encourage you to bring them to Southbrook this Sunday for our series, “One Month to Live.”  You can be sure they will hear the Good News of Jesus and learn of His saving grace.  See you there!

Living in His Grace,

Michelle

What a day to celebrate!  146 people put their trust in Jesus!  This is evidence that God is alive and working in our church!  What a privilege to be part of God’s mighty work at Southbrook!

Now, to set the record straight.  Want to know what I really caught Rob hiding in our pantry behind the cans of beans?

And Rob said he hid a single candy bar!     

I can’t believe the abuse I take.  Really, now I am known as Atilla the Pantry Hun!  And was the “Help Me”  sign necessary?  It never ceases to amaze me the stories Rob will paint. 

The truth of the matter is, I put 100% natural, freshly ground, peanut butter on Rob’s celery for a special treat.  What more could a man ask for? 

No, all kidding aside, Rob and I both enjoy eating ~ and neither one of us are picky eaters!  And I do keep a well rounded pantry!

But back to our cause for celebration!  146 New Believers!  Way to go God! 

I love Romans 5:1-2 (MES) “We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.”

Can’t wait to see you next week-end!

Blessings,

Michelle

Last Saturday was a perfect rainy day ~ perfect for a movie!  So the kids and I went to see Horton Hears a Who.  Most of you remember the lovable elephant from the Dr. Seuss books.

Turns out, Horton has a few terrific principles he lives by.  One of my favorites:   A person is a person no matter how small!  Horton also puts it another way: Even though you can’t hear or see them at all, a person is a person, that is my code. 

If everyone’s code was to love and treat their neighbors (including the small or difficult or seemingly unimportant folks) the way Horton did ~ with patience, tenderness, understanding, compassion and respect ~ what a world this would be! 

Isn’t this the same code the Bible gives us?  Galatians 5:14 tells us the entire law is summed up in a single command:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Yep!  Seems like Horton’s code is tracking with God’s important command.  What a no brainer way to discuss the Bible with your kids! 

As you’re inviting your friends to Easter at Southbrook, encourage your children to invite their friends too!  Truly loving your neighbor means sharing the Good News of our Risen Lord!

See you under the tent!

Easter Blessings,

Michelle

Top o’ the day! 

Did you know that St. Patrick was a Christian missionary to Ireland?  He was!  Today is really a celebration for Christians.  The kids and I talked about St. Patrick and how being Christ followers we have so much to celebrate.  In fact, most of our holidays are steeped in Christianity!

We also decided to have some fun with the tradition of wearing green and if you don’t……the risk of getting pinched!  With a maiden name like “Murphy” I’d better wear green on St. Patrick’s day!

Juliana announced at breakfast, “Mom, even if I didn’t wear green today, I’d be alright.  I have green eyes.”

My brown-eyed Nathan was quick to respond, “Mom, even if I didn’t wear green today I’d be alright too.  I have lots of green snot!”  (He is his father’s son!)

Here is an Irish Blessing for you:

May the roads rise to meet you.

May the wind be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Michelle

My drive to work last Friday was hilarious!  I got stuck behind a school bus in Morning Rush Hour Traffic.  Ever travel Weddington Road into Matthews at 7:30am?  Stop and go all the way from the Siskey Y to the Downtown Matthews Train Tracks.

The last couple of rows on the bus were loaded with boys.  Half in the seat, half on the floor, all laughing and “seat wrestling” ~ having way too much fun!  They appeared to be about the age of my own son, Nathan, which would make them 4^th or 5^th Graders. 

One boy waved.  I waved back.  The “Waver” got the other boys to stare me down.  I stuck my neck out like a chicken and stared back.  They all cracked up.  Then one by one, they made funny faces and I imitated them.  In just 2 miles of commute time, the bus boys had me laughing so hard I could barely stand it!

Back home that night, I asked Nathan why he thought the boys were laughing so hard.  “Mom, they were laughing at your futile attempts to imitate their faces.  Have you ever seen what your faces look like?”  And that started Family Face Imitations with a big belly laugh all over again. 

What a gift boys are!  I’m still trying to figure them out.  One thing is for sure, no matter their age, boys love a good laugh.  There is another thing that is certain, boys need Jesus.  We all do.  And I can’t help but wonder if someone will be bringing the “Funny Face Bus Boys” to church for Easter. 

If I knew how to get in touch with their parents, I would invite them myself.  This is why it is so important that each of us take action and bring someone to Easter at Southbrook.  We just might bring a person that someone else has prayed for.  And it might be the day they decide to ask Jesus to be their Savior! 

God uses all of us, working together, to build His kingdom.  Maybe you will bring the families that the Bus Boys belong to…..I hope to see them Easter!  And you too!

Blessings in His Resurrection,

Michelle

As parents, one of our responsibilities is to provide ways to get to our children’s hearts ~ to help them develop compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) towards others. 

Last night I got a glimpse of the hearts of my own children as we watched a movie called “Beat the Drum.”  The story is about an orphaned boy who sets out for the big city to find his uncle after a mysterious illness strikes his village.  This young South African, driven by determination to survive and his growing social awareness, finds a way to make an honest living and returns to his village with a truth and understanding his elders have failed to grasp.

To call this an emotional drama is an understatement.  All four of us were in tears as we followed this little boy’s journey through a Godless culture and the devastating destruction it has brought to millions of lives.  But we also saw hope ~ how one small voice can start a colossal change.

Before you run out and buy this “not rated” movie, let me just warn you there were several times Rob and I had to pause the film to explain to our 9 and 10 year olds innocent minds what was happening.  Some of the scenes were hard to take.

Our teary bedtime prayers were filled with thankfulness for the life we know in Jesus, our family and the ministry opportunities God has entrusted to us. 

Even this morning, the movie memories lingered.  One of our kids told me they had cried themselves to sleep until they had no more tears to cry.  During breakfast, our hearts were filled with compassion as we talked about the film and prayed for the millions of lost people around the world. 

The film got us and we are planning to take a family mission trip this summer.  Nathan and Juliana are excited to tell others about Jesus and His redeeming love.  Will you join us?

In pursuit of a Colossians 3:12 Heart,

Michelle

Did you notice that Rob was missing from Southbrook the past two weekends?  Yep, that’s right!  And Rob  and I are both extremely grateful for some time to reconnect as a couple and as a family.

As a pastor, Rob’s work schedule ends up being Monday through Sunday with his most intense days on the weekend.  The kids and I have slightly different schedules.  The kids are in school Monday through Friday (their intense days) with elective activities on Saturday and Sunday.  Being Rob’s wife, Nathan’s and Juliana’s mother, and a doctor, I feel like I am “on call” 24/7.  That basicly leaves the Singletons with Friday nights!

A Southbrook friend recently asked, “How do you stand that, Michelle?  I would hate your life!”  Other women have asked me the same question.  My answer is, “I LOVE IT!”  Yes, we do have to get creative with our family time, and I have accepted that I will rarely have Rob’s undivided attention. 

But the reality is, we are in awe of what God has done for us.  And we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope for a lost world.  This is our passion.  This is our life journey. 

I love The Message in 1 Peter 1:18: 

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

God not only called us to minister at our wonderful church, but He trusts us with the tremendous responsibility of telling others of His redeeming love.  We take this journey and responsibility seriously.

As much as we look forward to getting “away,” know what we talk about when we are traveling?  Or on a date?  Or even walking in the woods?

We talk about our children, our families.  The very things that are near and dear to our hearts.  And Southbrook is included in most of our conversations.  We truly have a love relationship with our church family.  And by choice, we are never really “away.” 

We constantly talk about God’s vision for Southbrook, the changed lives that are represented and the changed lives that are yet to come.  We talk about missions, children’s ministries, youth ministries, the needs of men and women, our Monroe campus, our new building, outreach events, mission trips and so much more!  God is moving in amazing ways through Southbrook ~ we are never speechless! 

We also spend time praying for you, our church family.  We seek God’s guidance for the journey He has given us.  And we thank Him for the privilege of serving at Southbrook! 

Blessings of Joy in the Journey,

Michelle

On a light-hearted note, here is a follow-up to Tuesday’s post.  Check out these sauna girls!

Three women, two younger and one senior citizen, were sitting naked in the sauna.  Suddenly, there was a beeping sound.  The young woman pressed her forearm and the beep stopped.  The others looked at her questioningly.  “That was my pager,” she said.  “I have a microchip under the skin of my arm.”   

A few minutes later a phone rang.  The second young woman lifted her palm to her ear.  When she finished she explained, “That was my mobile phone.  I have a microchip in my hand.”

The older woman felt very low tech but was not to be out done.  She stepped out of the sauna and went to the bathroom.  When she returned, there was a piece of toilet paper hanging from her rear end.  The others raised their eyebrows and stared at her. 

The older woman finally said,  “Well, will you look at that?  I’m getting a fax!”

Enjoy the laugh (I couldn’t resist) and have a terrific day!

Blessings with Laughter,

Michelle

After my workout, I had 10 minutes to spare so I decided to treat myself with a visit to the sauna.  Two women got there ahead of me and were already sweating and talking about traveling with their middle school aged kids.  One woman was from Japan and the other from Australia, although the Aussie had a German husband.  Both women had lived in the states for about 12 years. 

Aussie had just returned from Germany to visit her in-laws.  She said it was hard to have her kids there.  When she turned on the TV, porn was on several stations.  When they were out and about, she had to cover the eyes of her kids because of the explicit advertisements on the billboards.  Traveling to Australia was a bit easier but she worried her kids would pick up what she called “Melbourne’s prevalent philosophy of godless intellectualism.”

Mrs. Japan traveled home every year to visit her family.  She doesn’t like to bring her kids but she does.  “It seems so dark there.”

So I asked them, “Why America?” 

“Husbands’ jobs, plus we like it here.  It is real living!” 

Since I have never traveled to either Japan or Australia I asked, “What is it that you like about America ~ specifically North Carolina?”

They both like how “moral” this area is and the friendliness of everyone.  “It is easy it is to talk about God and have good morals,”  Aussie said. 

But neither of these women go to church.  How did they get good morals? 

I believe it is because of the Christian heritage that America was founded on.  The roots of our great country are deeply planted in the Biblical soil of our founding fathers.  Click here to see what I am talking about.  And God has honored that. 

It is a privilege to live in this Christian nation where even those who don’t know Christ or even go to church notice a difference between light and the darkness. 

I love the Message in John 8:44 when Jesus said, “I am the light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won’t have to stay any longer in the dark.” 

With the privilege of living in America and knowing the Light comes a tremendous responsibility from Jesus.  Acts 26:17(MSG) “I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.”

I feel such a sense of urgency for my 2 new sauna acquaintances.  They are only getting a glimpse of real living, a glimse of the Light.  But they can know the Light and begin real living by believing in Jesus. 

Please pray that I will be able to share Christ, the Light, with them and that they would come to Southbrook with their families.

Blessings in the Light,

Michelle