Author Archives: texpatfaith

About texpatfaith

I'm a returned Christian expat living in Texas after several years residing in the Middle East and the South Pacific. I have the great privilege of writing about my experiences through the eyes of my faith, and to know and love my brothers and sisters serving in Christ's name all over the world. I have a special heart for the missionary community whom I now serve through the Missionary Care Team at my church. I am a writer, researcher, teacher, and archaeology enthusiast who also loves peering into the heavens any chance I get - but most importantly I am a wife, mother and grandmother who loves the Lord. "The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman." Elisabeth Elliott Shirley Ralston (MA Christian Education, Dallas Theological Seminary)

Your Support Circle of Six

A trusted friend and counselor once told me that it’s hard to have more than six meaningful relationships in your life at any one time. Even that number may be tough, depending on your personality and where you are serving. … Continue reading

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Three Essential Elements of Self Care

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, … Continue reading

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A Window into the Worship to Come

by Shirley Ralston This devotion was originally published at Thrive Ministry “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls … Continue reading

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Market Madness

by  Shirley Ralston A version of this devotion was originally published at Thrive Ministry “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge.I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until … Continue reading

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God’s Presence In Your Absence

by  SHIRLEY RALSTON This devotion was originally published at Thrive Ministry “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will … Continue reading

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Crossing Cultures

This devotion was originally published for Thrive Ministry “…I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share … Continue reading

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More Than Money: How Local Churches Care for Global Workers

Have you ever given toward your church’s mission offering and wondered about who your dollars were supporting? Have you ever wondered how they’re doing—their ministry, personal life and spiritual well-being—but didn’t know how to find out? Are you aware that … Continue reading

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Healthy At Home: More Resources for Healthy Minds, Bodies, Souls, and Practical Needs

Over the last couple of weeks, we have talked about holistically caring for returning sent ones—caring for their minds through debriefing and counseling, caring for their bodies, caring for their souls, and providing for their physical needs. Below is a … Continue reading

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Healthy at Home: Helping Hands

One of the returned global workers I’ve come to know served in the Middle East. She lived and worked in a modern Emirate governed by Sharia Law. Still, the Emirate had a thriving Christian community and it was filled with … Continue reading

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Healthy at Home: Healthy Souls

“I’ve been adjusting well, though I also feel kind of lonely in ministry here. I don’t know how to explain it. I’m on a team in my host country, but it’s just me when I’m back home. I miss the … Continue reading

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