November Blessings

This is a re-post of my top 30 list from two years ago for the month of "giving thanks".  As I read it, it brought a smile to my face, and since my blog needed to be updated, I tweaked it a little and decided to share it again.  Hope you enjoy it!

With the month of November at hand and the fact there are 30 days in November, I decided to list the 30 things I am most thankful for.  These are in no particular order except #1.

1.  My salvation through Jesus Christ.  There is no other name by which we are saved.

2.  My wonderful husband who is everything to me.  I could not have been given a more patient, kind, and loving gift from God.

3.  My beautiful teenage daughter.  She is truly beauty inside and out and fun to hang out with!

4.  My very entertaining 7 year old son who keeps me young (and tired).

5.  My parents...my heros....my inspiration.

6.  My baby sister who makes me proud.  What a great woman she has turned into. (and of course, I love her family too...thankful for our newest little man, Bodie)
7.  My extended family.  God has given me great in-laws.
8.  My job.  I am blessed to be a counselor at Siloam Springs High School and work with  some of the most wonderful teenagers I know.  A lot of people don't think the next generation is going to make it, but there is definitely a group in Siloam Springs who are awesome and are world changers!
9.  My essential needs are met.  Thank you Lord!
10.  My church family.  When you do not have the privilege of living close to relatives, it is such a blessing to have an incredible church family who loves you in spite of your humanness.
11.  My friends.  What an amazing group of girlfriends I have! I love you all!
12.  My Bible.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to read God's Word whenever I want and wherever I want.  I never want to take that for granted.
13.  I am proud to be an American!  I am blessed to live in the USA and count it an honor to pledge allegiance to the flag every day!
14.  My freedom!

15.  The ability to sing and worship the Lord.  I love to sing His praises!
16.  Encouraging words.  These can make the difference in your day. 
17. The simple things in life...quiet moments, dandelions, falling leaves, a calm breeze.

18.  I am highly favored!

19.  Pictures....memories truly last forever with photos and bring a smile to my face.
20.  Sweet Iced Tea, a great Southern treat!
21.  Modern conveniences...cell phones (most of the time), air conditioning, hair spray, internet, etc.  I'm glad I live in this day and time.
22. Flowers...my favorite is the gerbera daisy.  Of course, pink roses from my husband are special, too!
23.  Living in Northwest Arkansas. It's a great place to raise a family.
24.  My yorkies, Max and Molly.  It's nice to come home and know at least the dogs are happy you are there!
25.  Seasons.  Isn't God amazing for His creativity?
26.  Pecan pie...need I say more?
27.  Transportation besides horse and buggy.  Lucky me!
28.  Vacations.  It is one of our family's favorite times of year.
29.  Missionaries.  Without these servants, how would the Good News be spread around the world?  They are His hands and feet to the nations.
30.  Thanksgiving.  What a blessing to give thanks!

I challenge you to take a few minutes to reflect on what you are thankful for this November.  You might not make an all-inclusive list like me, but be sure to have a heart of thanksgiving.  I know my list could have been longer, but these were the things that came to me as I blogged.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where in the world is....Krystal?

I just looked back and realized I haven't posted anything on my blog in 3 1/2 months!  That's insane, and I actually thought  I should delete the entire blog.  But instead, I will spend a few minutes writing my thoughts.

A lot of change has happened in the past 3 1/2 months.  I have taken 5 graduate courses, changed to a new position, sent a Junior to High School, packed my 2nd grader for school, gone on an incredible vacation, and tried to maintain my sanity. :)  That's more to do in 14 weeks than should be allowed!

Besides all the craziness and change, life is good!  I am really trying to allow God to work HIS will in my life and learn to "go with the flow".  If you know me at all, you know I am a planner and try to plan everything out about everyday of my life.  Not so much any more.  As a counselor, I never know what is coming at me next.  It's been interesting to see how I am changing and learning to be flexible.

We just finished a Bible Study with the ladies at church called "The Best Question Ever" by Andy Stanley.  I highly recommend it!  Last night we learned the best decision ever is to allow God to have control of our lives and follow wherever He leads.  My mind went back to a popular 90's worship song that has resonated in my heart for a week now...

Painter God, I will be Your canvas
Potter God, mold me in Your hands
Author God,  pen me my purpose
I long to be the image of You.

That's my heart's cry!  I want to be the image of my Heavenly Father; I want to be His hands and feet extended to those around me; I want to fulfill my calling so when I look back over my life there will be NO REGRETS.

Father, I'm Yours....

When Dreams Come True

I just read my blog from October and January where I shared about my new journey to earn my Master's in School Counseling.  I also remember EXACTLY how I felt when I sat down and wrote both of those posts.  And today...I have that SAME feeling yet again.

I knew in my heart this was the journey God had me on at this time. What I didn't know was how soon He intended for my dream to come true.  This week I was hired to be a school counselor at my high school in Siloam Springs.  I absolutely love my students there and am so happy to follow my heart and be one of their counselors.

If God has given you a dream, you may think you have a plan, but He determines it all.  I applied not knowing if I even had a chance at the job.  I am so elated that I was chosen and will be working with my current staff, faculty, administration, and students.  My dream is coming true! 

The Real Meaning of Spring Break

Well, the countdown has begun.  Only 7 school days until Spring Break is officially here.  I told my students the other day that I was looking forward to the break....not a break from them, but a break from all the other "stuff" that surrounds teaching.  I love my kids and if that was all I was required to do, teaching would be easy. 

As I was reflecting on the thought of a much needed break, a thought came to me.  God has been challenging Gary and I to "remember the Sabbath and keep it holy."  We live in a society that doesn't know how to take a break of any kind.  Our calendars keep us instead of us keeping our calendars!  It's almost as though people brag about how much they have to do.  Me included.  The Bible is very clear that God took a day of rest, and if He set the example, shouldn't we follow?

It's easier said than done, especially when your husband is the Pastor and not going to church on Sunday is your ideal of a Sabbath.  We have started trying to set aside time each week where we do absolutely nothing but relax and refresh our minds and our bodies. 

So take it from me, a Sabbath is very important!  Find time each week to be refreshed and renewed regardless of the day.  It's what a break is really all about.

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.