Starting A New Chapter

If you didn't read my blog post about "Indecisions," you might want to read it before diving into this one.  I wrote about how I was facing a major decision in my life.  If you follow me on Facebook, you already know what the decision was and the outcome.

After much prayer and consideration, I applied to Grad School.  I am pursing my Master's degree in School Counseling from Harding University.  Harding is located in Searcy, AR but has a satellite campus in Bentonville which will be convenient for me.  The classes are one night a month on campus and the remainder will be online.  Harding refers to this as Hybrid Classes (partial classroom/online).

I am very excited about this new chapter in my life that begins in two weeks.  I have always said if I had the opportunity to earn my Master's Degree, I would like to be a counselor and help kids.  God had confirmed to me that I am headed in the right direction!  I want His perfect will for me and His favor when I am finished and qualified.

My biggest concern personally is juggling all I have to do, but with God's help, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.  I just keep telling myself...."This is a season."  It will be worth the sacrifice.

So if you have a spare minute, or if you think of me in the early morning or late night hours, say a quick prayer for me.  Those will be my "peak" study times.  I would greatly appreciate it!

I will keep you updated on my journey.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I opened my blog and realized it had been almost two months since I updated.  Shame on me!  I decided to share with you the things I love most about this time of year:

1.  Christmas Music - I am a huge music fanatic, but I absolutely LOVE Christmas music.  I've been listening since before Thanksgiving. 

2.  Kindness - It seems people are more kind during this season.  I know it's a stressful time, but most everywhere you go, people are kind and sharing nice sentiments with others.

3.  Homemade goodies - YUMMY!  I love all the treats.

4.  Christmas Shopping - Most everyone knows that I like to shop but not necessarily buy anything.  During this season, I am shopping with a mission for gifts for members of the family, and I enjoy it!

5.  Kids - The wonder of Christmas in a child's eyes is amazing.  I enjoy listening to them talk about Santa and the things they get excited over during the season.

6.  Christmas Trees - I am not much on decorating my house, but I do like putting up my trees and decorating them with my kids.  It is the one decoration I can't wait to set up.

7.  Friends and Family - There are parties and time to spend with friends and family even in the hectic times. It's fun to catch up and hang out with each other.

8.  Christmas lights - If you live nearby and haven't driven by the Wheat House, please do!  I tell everyone I am married to "Clark Griswald" during the holidays.  We like putting lights on our house and driving around looking at other's homes as well.

9.  Christmas Movies - Grab a box of Kleenex and take in the great story lines.

10.  JESUS - Most of all, above all things, I enjoy celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is really what Christmas is all about! 

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." ~ Luke 2:11

And this is why I think this is the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

Life's Indecisions

So I am sure you already know, but sometimes there is indecision at the Preacher's house.  Right now it is the Preacher's Wife (me) who is struggling with indecision.  I really don't want to share at this point what I am contemplating....maybe next post....but what do you do when you can't hear God clearly?

This is where I have been for almost two weeks.  I am trying to make a decision right now and all options are good ones, but I don't want to settle for a "good" decision,  I want a "God" decision.  I have been praying, seeking some counsel, and fasting.  So I am expecting God to give me the answer any day now!

The reason I am sharing this is because maybe you are like me and you battle indecision.  Sometimes we can make a decision on our own.  But other times, we MUST depend on God because if we mess up, we will pay the price.

So if you are also in a season of indecision, be still and know that He is God.  He has a perfect plan for you, and He will answer when He chooses.  We can't force God to give us answers when we demand.  But in due time, He will answer.  I've heard my Pastor say many times, it will be one of three answers...Yes, No, or Not Yet.  Wait patiently, keep seeking and He will guide your every step.

Proverbs 16:9  In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Thank You, Lord, as I wait on You that You will determine my very next step.  Amen.

New York New York

 I must say the surprise trip to the Big Apple is still amazing to our family!  We were absolutely shocked when we found out that our congregation gave our family a trip to NYC for Mitchell (and us) to see the Statue of Liberty.  We took the trip over Labor Day weekend because the Statue is closing for renovations in October for several months.

We have been so busy since we returned that I haven't even had a chance to share much about our trip, so I thought I would take a few minutes to tell you about NYC. 

First of all, NYC is a different world than Siloam Springs, Arkansas!  It's fast paced with people everywhere!  We stayed at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square, and I commented there were more people on Times Square in the evening than in our whole town. 

We arrived Friday at noon and took our first yellow taxi cab ride into the city.  It was interesting but not too scary!  After checking into the hotel, we walked across the street for lunch at Juniors.  What a wonderful restaurant with amazing desserts!  That day, Gary and I shared the Carrot Cake Cheesecake...yummy!  After lunch, we walked to the Empire State Building, strolled by Macy's on 34th Street, and just took in life in NYC.  Friday evening, we went to see "Wicked" on Broadway.  INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! 

Saturday was the big day....we met the woman of Mitchell's dreams...Lady Liberty!  It was a neat experience to go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  After that, we went to Little Italy where we enjoyed a fabulous Italian meal and then strolled through Chinatown.  It was a long day, but we did a little sightseeing on Times Square that evening.

Sunday was another packed day!  We got up early, rode the subway to Brooklyn, and attended morning service at The Brooklyn Tabernacle.  It was a special day for us to be at a church we have always admired and respected.  Best of all the choir sang 3 songs and Pastor Jim Cymbala was there and preached the Word.  What a grand experience!   After church, we went to Wall Street, NYSE, and through the Financial District, Ground Zero 9/11 memorial area, then to Rockefeller Center.  The evening finale was The Lion King on Broadway.

Monday was our last day so we attempted the American Museum of Natural History.  You need a week to see it all!  We took a quick stroll through Central Park, went to FAO Schwarz Toy Store, by the Plaza Hotel, and then back to Rockefeller Center.  The night was complete with one more trip to eat at Juniors but this time we shared the Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake!

Needless to say, we were exhausted and needed to come home by Tuesday to get some rest!  You never know when it might be your only chance at a memory, so we packed as much as possible into four days.

So the big question has been "what was your favorite?"  I must say Wicked on Broadway was my favorite! 


Thank you First A/G for creating memories that will last a lifetime for us and our children.  We look forward to serving all of you another 10 years!

Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11  

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

Encouragement is something we all need and should all give.  I just want to encourage you to encourage others.  Isn't it amazing how your spirit can be lifted when someone encourages you with positive words?  It is so easy to encourage others with all the technology we have available to us. Find a way to lift someone today.  Send a text, an email, a Facebook message, or better yet, pick up the phone and call someone and speak life to them today.  You never know what a difference it will make for them, and how great it will make you feel.

Blessings!

The Life of a Pastor's Wife

This weekend, Gary and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary as pastors at First Assembly in Siloam Springs.  It's unbelievable how fast it has gone by!  What a great place to worship the Lord and raise a family.

So in celebration of our "pastoring anniversary" I thought I would share some of my thoughts on life as a Pastor's Wife.  Some are funny; some are serious; but all are part of my life.  Understand this is my personal list so other pastor's wives may or may not agree with this list.

1.  It's okay to be yourself - This is the biggest lesson I have learned in the 20+ years of ministry!  I thought you had to fit a "mold" when we first started ministry.  I soon found out I cannot live up to the expectations of everyone, and God made me who I am for a specific reason.  So I love who I am and who God made me.  It's much easier to be yourself than someone you are not.

2.  Ministry is full of joy and pain - Most of the time the joys outweigh the pain, but there are seasons.  Funerals are the saddest part of ministry but when you know the final destination is Heaven, it is comforting.

3.  Confidentiality is a must - people TRUST us with their confidential information and there is NO ROOM for compromise.  I place a very high priority on keeping confidentiality.

4.  Not everyone likes me - This is one that took a long time for me to learn to live with because I want everyone to not only like me but love me!  Just a complete myth so I refer back to #1 on the list...just be who you are.

5.  Parties wear me out eventually - My mom teases me every year around Christmas.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE hanging out with friends and socializing, but sometimes I get too much and just have to make myself go to another event.  My mom says "remember when you were a teenager and wanted to be a pastor's wife so you could go to lots of parties?"  That makes me laugh that I thought that was what ministry was about.

6.  Everyone can't be my best friend - This is another area that I still struggle with.  I want to have LOTS of close, best friends, but it is impossible with a large congregation.  I hate not having close relationships.  Gary often reminds me that Jesus had 12, then 3, then 1.

7.  My priority is my husband - Ministry is awesome but sometimes it's stressful.  My main "job" is to support my man, stand beside him, and love him no matter what is going on.  That's what God has called me to do.

8.  My kids are just kids - I am thankful for a congregation that allows Ashlyn and Mitchell to be kids and not "perfect pastor's kids".  It makes me mad/sad when I hear people criticize other pastor's kids because they were born into ministry.

9.  Loving people is the key - Gary and I laugh when we hear this statement "I would love ministry if it wasn't for the people."  Really?  Isn't that what it's all about?  People are awesome and I love serving them!

10.  Laughter is the best medicine - There are many funny things that happen in ministry, sometimes it's others, somtimes it's me.  It's best to laugh at yourself and find it entertainment and therapy than being upset.  I've said plenty of silly things, done lots of crazy things, and been the recipient of plenty of jokes.  Just laugh and find it humorous!  Life's too short.

So this is my top ten list.  I'm sure you can relate to everything I've mentioned.  Ministry is a high calling I take very seriously, but it is so much fun and worth every minute!!!

Thanks for 10 great years, Siloam Springs, and thanks for 20+ years Fort Smith, OKC, Beebe, and Norman!  Love to you all!!!!

Summer Time

This is the first summer in several years that I have had a complete summer break.  When I left teaching to adopt Mitchell, I worked for the church and had to work in the summertime.  So when I went back to work full time at the High School last year, I was excited about the thought of the summer off.

Because of all the snow, we have a short summer break this year, but I am totally happy with it!!!  With my A-type personality, I created a long list of things I wanted to accomplish during the summer.  I have gotten some things on the list finished and still have lots more to go.

We are currently on vacation in Colorado and when we return, I have one week and then back to school.  I am sure my to do list will not be complete (which drives an A-type crazy), but at least some things were accomplished and I had the privilege to spend lots of time with my kids. 

When I look at the "big picture" that's what really matters.  My daughter will be graduating in three short years and my little guy will grow up faster than I want.  I hope they will have great memories of summer fun with their parents on vacation, sleeping in, swimming, hanging out with friends, and living in a happy home.  That's the big picture....not how clean my closets are, not how well mopped the floors appear, not my crazy A-type demands.

I can't change my personality, but I am trying to enjoy the little things and realize it will be over before I blink and then I can clean my closets and mop my floors everyday if I want.  My kids are growing up too quickly.

So for now, my plan is to enjoy Summer Time!  I LOVE being a teacher! What a great occupation.

Obsessions

 Most of you who know our son, Mitchell, know about his many obsessions.  It started with garage doors, then street signs, and now is the Statue of Liberty.  All odd, of course!  I have told Gary many times I think Mitchell has some form of Obsessive-Compulsive behavior, and this year, his kindergarten teacher agreed with me!   I won't go into great detail about his obsessions because it would take forever to write.  But in general, when he becomes fascinated with an object, it's ALL he can think about and talk about.  In fact, as I am typing, he is standing beside me drawing a Statue of Liberty masterpiece.  He brought home his Kindergarten journal at the end of school, and every page had a writing, some about the Statue, others about varied topics.  But on almost every page, there was a drawing of Lady Liberty.  He even told me recently he wanted "long, lady hair" so he could put it in a ponytail bun like Lady Liberty.  I bet you didn't even know what her hair looked like in the back?  I didn't until Mitchell pointed it out.  Needless to say, this obsession "thing" drives our family crazy at times.

So, this morning I was thinking about Mitchell's behavior, and the thought came to me, "What if I was obsessed with God like Mitchell is obsessed with the Statue of Liberty?"  What if all I thought about was how I wanted to be like Him, look like Him, act like Him?  It was a challenge to me to be more obsessed with my Heavenly Father.  After all, aren't a few obsessions good? 

God, help me to be more like you. Help me to love you more every day, help me to crave Your Word, help me to focus on you continually.  Let me be a beacon of light to my world for YOUR glory!

The Glass House

I'm sure many of you have heard that Pastor's Homes are sometimes referred to as "Glass Houses" or "Fish Bowls" meaning everyone seems to know what goes on at your house or knows all your business.  Thankfully, that really isn't completely the truth for us.  Our congregation and community allows our family to just be humans most of the time.  We get the occasional...."and those are preacher's kids..." but that's not the norm.

Funny thing...just last night we were laughing about how our ordinary life experiences seem to always turn into a great sermon illustration for the preacher.  The kids and I have to watch our moves more for the sake that Gary can turn any story into a great illustration that is shared from the pulpit.

Here's our latest fiasco - we decided that our kids would enjoy an above ground pool for the summer (and we would too).  So impulsively, we went shopping for a pool (thanks to my sweet co-worker Angie who gave me the idea).  This is a really long story, so I am going to try to abbreviate it.

We decided to purchase at Wal-Mart since the price was cheaper.  We got it home, set it up (which took a very long time) and began filling it with water.

Yesterday, we left the water running while we went to our Sunday night Fellowship Group.  Mitchell began complaining that he didn't feel good, so he climbed in my lap.  He was burning up with fever!!!  So we left early and headed home.  Mitchell had a 103.4 temp which concerned me, but what we found at home was traumatic! Ashlyn was going to check on the pool progress.  She announced, "I think there is a bird in the pool".  Upon my quick observation I yelled, "It's not a bird, it's one of our dogs!"  We have two spoiled yorkies that we love dearly.  Somehow our older one, Molly, had leaned up against the pool and fallen in while it was filling.  We have no idea how long she had been there but was completely soaked and shaking!  If we had stayed another one and a half hours at the fellowship group, she would not have survived!  Needless to say, I hated that Mitchell felt bad, but for Molly's sake and the sake of trauma for our kids, I was glad we came home and rescued her.  Okay, so that event ended.

Then a little later, Ashlyn comes in and says, "Why is there so much water around the outside of the pool?"  Upon inspection, Gary found a seam that was burst and spewing water!!!!  This is just our luck.  So after all the hours putting it together, getting it 3/4 way full of water, we had to let all the water out, try to pack it back up, and return the silly thing to Wal-Mart.  Needless to say....several more hours have passed with the pool saga.

I began researching online the pool we purchased and it had very negative reviews (imagine that)!  So it went back today, and we now have a pool waiting to be put together in the backyard.  We checked the reviews on this one!

What's comical is how one thing leads to another....we are hauling in two tons of sand tomorrow, removing a stump, talking about new landscaping and so on just so the kiddos can splash around in the water on these hot summer days.

I really don't think there is a reason for this story other than to share what a crazy event this pool has been.  I guess that's what happens when mama decides to impulse shop!

Have a blessed week and as soon as we get the sand and the pool set up, feel free to come over and hang out with us!

Easter Celebration!

Today we celebrate the greatest day for Christian believers - Jesus Christ is Risen!!!!

As I reflect on our church services today, I found some interesting items.  Today was the largest crowd at our church since Gary and I became the pastors at First A/G in Siloam Springs. There was no "WOW Factor" to draw a crowd.  It was a VERY wet, dreary morning, but the excitement in the building was incredible!  We opened with three praise songs about Jesus, and people were singing like they were happy to be there.  The message was awesome, of course, since I think we have the best pastor in the world!  At the end, we celebrated some more with great music.  Everyone was happy, had a smile on their face, and a bounce in their step!

Now, I say all of this to ask a simple question....why don't we as followers of Christ live this way EVERYDAY?????  I am as guilty as the rest, but it really occurred to me today.  Every Sunday should be Easter Sunday.  Attendance should be increasing every week, we should be singing and rejoicing every week, and smiles and happiness should exude every week. 

So what do we do to keep the "Easter Spirit" alive in us?  The work is finished, Jesus paid the price, now let's celebrate everyday!  Let's try to keep our focus on the main thing.  Our Redeemer Lives!

Celebrations

It seems each year in mid-February, we begin the celebrations!

February 12th is Ashlyn's birthday.  I cannot believe my baby girl just turned 15 and in 365 days will be driving alone!  Look out...  She is such a beautiful young lady, and we are very proud of her.  God has blessed her with an amazing personality, unbelievable musical talent, and a heart for Him.  We couldn't be prouder of the young woman of God she is becoming!

February 14th is Mitchell's birthday.  I still cannot get over the fact that their birthdays are two days apart.  If you "plan" pregnancies, this might happen, but adoption????  It makes me laugh that we celebrate the same week.  Anyway, little man (as we call him) is now 6 and keeps us in stitches.  He has to be one of the funniest kids I've ever seen.  Right now his obsession is the statue of liberty.  He dresses up like a statue, asked for a cake of the statue and talks about it ALL the time.

March 1st rolls around and Gary and I celebrate our wedding anniversary.  This year is our 20th!  I cannot believe it's been 20 years!  I've been married longer than I was single. (I was really young.)  Marriage has its ups and downs, but Gary and I are blessed to have a wonderful, God centered marriage that I have come to cherish greatly.  I really do realize how unique and blessed our marriage is in today's standards. 

So in a few days, the celebrations come to an end for a few months.  It's been fun as it is every year.  Thank you Lord for your blessings of Ashlyn, Mitchell, and Gary in my life.  I am blessed more than I deserve!

The Life of a Rubber Band

As I was cooking last night and thinking about things that are currently happening in my life, I had a "mental pic" of a rubber band.  The purpose of a rubber band is to stretch to fit to hold things together. 

Lately, I feel like a rubber band....God is stretching me!  I am currently teaching an Adult Sunday School class called "Crazy Love" based on Francis Chan's book.  I am also teaching a Ladies Bible Study on Wednesday nights entitled "Radical" by David Platt.  These two books/series have created a "STRETCH" in my life for numerous reasons:

1.  The material in both series are very similar about how Christians ought to live out their faith.  It is not the norm, either.  It's a radical, get out of your comfort zone, and be all that Jesus told you to be kind of message.  That's a stretch for me.

2.  I am not very confident in myself when it comes to teaching adults.  I teach teenagers all day long, and it's a natural process for me.  They are very forgiving.  Adults are another story...but I am finding they are forgiving too and are as hungry for God to move in their lives as I am.   Again....another stretch.

3.  Finally, I feel like I am on a new spiritual journey, so to speak.  God is doing something new, fresh, and exciting in my life.  I think we all reach points where we feel we have become comfortable and need to be stretched spiritually.  So that's where I am.  I am so loving being in the Word, listening to His voice, and seeking His face.  It's an awesome experience.

So if you haven't been "stretched" in a while, I challenge you to pick up a copy of "Crazy Love" and/or "Radical" and see what God has for you.  It's changing our church!!!! 

To God be all glory, praise, and honor~
Krystal

A Special Day

I intended to write this blog this past Saturday, January 8th, but waking up with a stomach virus negated that decision.

Twenty years ago as Gary and I were planning a wedding date, we really wanted to get married on January 8, 1991.  The only problem was it was a Tuesday that year, and I wanted a big, traditional church wedding.  Most people don't attend weddings on Tuesdays, and Gary wasn't willing to wait three more years for January 8 to fall on a Friday night.  :0)

The reason January 8 is a very special day is because both of our parents celebrate wedding anniversaries that day, and we thought it would be neat to share the same anniversary with them.  Well, needless to say, we opted for March 1, 1991, instead of waiting three years.

My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary this past Saturday, and Gary's parents celebrated their 51st anniversary.  It is really neat that we have such great examples of parents who have lived the vows they made so many years ago. 

Now that I have been married almost 20 years, I know marriage is hard work!  When you are young and in love, repeating the vows at the altar doesn't sound difficult.  But we all know, life happens, and the newlywed phase wears off soon.

I am thankful for Godly parents who stood through better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to give our family a legacy of love.

Happy Belated Anniversary, Dad & Mom, I love both of you so much!  And to you Jim and Glenda, thanks for your example and being my second set of parents.  All four of you are wonderful people, and we are blessed to be your children.