This has been a hot and dry summer. I heard on the weather report the other night that it has been 47 days since our last measurable rainfall. Combine that with 100+ degree weather and it becomes dry very quickly. In fact, you can see the effects of the hot and dry weather as you drive through the neighborhoods and look at the brown crisp yards. When you walk across your lawn, the brown grass sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies as it "snaps, crackles and pops".
This past week was the first time that I had mowed our yard in about three weeks. I drove home from running errands to begin the task. There was a note on our front door from our lawn care service. I have our yard sprayed and fertilized through the year to keep the weeds away. The note made this statement, "Mr. Wheat, ...The lawn is very heat stressed. Need to water 3-4 times per week for about 30 minutes each." My first reaction was, "duh, do you think". I chuckled at the obvious then I began to mow.
As I was mowing, the words written in the note kept coming to mind..."the lawn is heat stressed". I began to think that a lot of times our lives become "heat stressed". In life there are a lot of things that go on that brings about stress. Jobs, family, bills, calendar activities, blended families, deadlines, are just a few and the list could go on. Then my mind began to think of ways to combat the "heat stressed" lives that we live. "Water them and take care of them". The reason why my lawn was "heat stressed" and basically dying was because it had been neglected. I have always tried to have a nice looking lawn but this year I had neglected it. Schedules, heat and other reasons come to mind and they sound like good reasons. But the bottom line is that my lawn was dying because of neglect. It is the same with our spiritual lives too. If we neglect watering our lives with the word of God and worshiping God, it won't take long before we will have "heat stress" and begin to die. We have "good reasons" or "excuses" why we can't read the word of go to church, but the bottom line is the "heat stress" of life will kill us spiritually if we don't water it.
We need to pay close attention so we live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and be strong. In Psalm 1, it shares how we can become like "trees planted by streams of water."
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
May we not become "heat stressed" and die, but may we live for the Lord and prosper. Oh by the way, I have been watering my yard to help it become green and alive again. There is the hassle of getting moving the sprinklers and turning on the water, but the results will be a fresh, living, green lawn. It will take time, but it will come. It is the same spiritually. There is work, but with time it will come.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Back To School "Firsts"
Well, it has taken place. "Back to School" took place this past Thursday, Aug 19th. It was a lot of "firsts" for our family.
It begins with Krystal. This is the first time in several years that she will be teaching full-time and the first time she will be teaching full time at Siloam High School. She taught full time at the middle school before we adopted Mitchell. After the adoption, she took time off to be a full time mom and my part-time assistant at the church. We all know that a pastor's wife is never "part time". The opportunity came up to teach full time this year in the business department. After much prayer and discussion, she applied, offered the job and she accepted it. I'm proud of her and know that she is going to do a great job.
The next of the "firsts" is Ashlyn going into high school. Wow, how time flies. She is on a different campus this year as she begins her 9th grade year at the high school. It's hard to believe that when we moved to Siloam 9 years ago she began at Northside Elementary in kindergarten. She said she enjoyed her first couple of days and likes her classes. Basketball has already begun and she starts her day with practice at 7:30am. I can't believe she is a 14 yr old 9th grader. She really enjoyed not having too much homework for the first couple of days, but she also knows that will change quickly. She's a smart young lady and is doing very well! We are proud of her.
The last of our "firsts" is with Mitchell. He began his kindergarten year this past Thursday. If you know Mitchell, he doesn't like change and loves a schedule. He didn't really know about going to kindergarten. In fact, he told Krystal that he was going back to being 4 yrs old so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. She explained it didn't work like that and he would love it. We met his teacher at open house and her name is Mrs. Kindy. In fact, at open house Mitchell saw that she had street signs he could play with. After seeing Mrs. Kindy's street signs and the computers in her room, he was ready for the start of kindergarten. After the first day, he told Krystal and Ashlyn that he didn't get into trouble or have to sit in "time-out". I guess for a kindergartner that means you've had a great day at school.
So far so good. I know we have only had two days of school. There are going to be some big adjustments with Ashlyn in high school and Mitchell getting used to going to school full time but they will be fine. I am probably the one who will have the biggest adjustment. All my family is in school. It just means that we'll have to do really good at making time for our family and make a lot of memories throughout the year to come.
School is great, but his year we have several "firsts" that the Wheat family will have to get accustomed to.
It begins with Krystal. This is the first time in several years that she will be teaching full-time and the first time she will be teaching full time at Siloam High School. She taught full time at the middle school before we adopted Mitchell. After the adoption, she took time off to be a full time mom and my part-time assistant at the church. We all know that a pastor's wife is never "part time". The opportunity came up to teach full time this year in the business department. After much prayer and discussion, she applied, offered the job and she accepted it. I'm proud of her and know that she is going to do a great job. The next of the "firsts" is Ashlyn going into high school. Wow, how time flies. She is on a different campus this year as she begins her 9th grade year at the high school. It's hard to believe that when we moved to Siloam 9 years ago she began at Northside Elementary in kindergarten. She said she enjoyed her first couple of days and likes her classes. Basketball has already begun and she starts her day with practice at 7:30am. I can't believe she is a 14 yr old 9th grader. She really enjoyed not having too much homework for the first couple of days, but she also knows that will change quickly. She's a smart young lady and is doing very well! We are proud of her.
The last of our "firsts" is with Mitchell. He began his kindergarten year this past Thursday. If you know Mitchell, he doesn't like change and loves a schedule. He didn't really know about going to kindergarten. In fact, he told Krystal that he was going back to being 4 yrs old so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. She explained it didn't work like that and he would love it. We met his teacher at open house and her name is Mrs. Kindy. In fact, at open house Mitchell saw that she had street signs he could play with. After seeing Mrs. Kindy's street signs and the computers in her room, he was ready for the start of kindergarten. After the first day, he told Krystal and Ashlyn that he didn't get into trouble or have to sit in "time-out". I guess for a kindergartner that means you've had a great day at school.
 |
| First Day of School Tradition ~ photo in front of the fireplace |
So far so good. I know we have only had two days of school. There are going to be some big adjustments with Ashlyn in high school and Mitchell getting used to going to school full time but they will be fine. I am probably the one who will have the biggest adjustment. All my family is in school. It just means that we'll have to do really good at making time for our family and make a lot of memories throughout the year to come.
School is great, but his year we have several "firsts" that the Wheat family will have to get accustomed to.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Generosity
I enjoy giving. Krystal and I have always given our tithes and offerings. It didn't just happen, but it was because our parents taught us to be givers. I have never met anyone who regretted giving to the Lord's work. The following is from a booklet that I have that was written by Brian Kluth. The booklet is titled, "40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life". It is a devotional booklet to help people become better givers and stewards. I want to share what I read in the "Day 28" reading.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV) God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
"I have watched over 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling. I always saw greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed than among those who didn't."
~Sir John Templeton
God Will Reward You for Your Faithful Generosity
and Diligent Labors
"Giving is a giant lever positioned on the fulcrum of this world allowing us to move mountains in the next world. Because we give, eternity will be different - for others and for us". ~ Randy Alcorn
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV) God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
"I have watched over 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling. I always saw greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed than among those who didn't."
~Sir John Templeton
Think about and pray about these scriptures. Pray about them and how they relate most to your life.
One thing I know by experience is that whenever I am obedient to God, the blessings flow in my life. Krystal and I have many testimonies of how God blessed us because we have been faithful in our giving. If you would like more info on this devotional booklet by Brian Kluth, you can visit his website. It is www.maximumgenerosity.org.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Back to Work
Well, this was the first week back to work since coming back from vacation. It has been busy catching up on things, returning phone calls, emails, etc. But that isn't anything unusual. In fact, it's pretty normal for anyone who goes away for a two week vacation. One thing that I am very thankful for is a great staff. They are the reason that me and the family can take some time away for rest and relaxing. Thanks guys!!
One thing that is going to be different is Krystal. For the past several years, Krystal has been my assistant at the church office. This past week was her last week to be working at the church. She accepted a full-time teaching position at the Siloam Springs High School. She was teaching part-time in the mornings last year but after a full-time position opened up and a lot of discussion and prayer, it was the move we felt she needed to take. She will always be involved in ministry. It's kind of hard not to be involved in ministry when your husband is the pastor. Not only that, but she loves to be involved in ministry. She is called just like I am called. She also has a special calling and that is to encourage, love and live out Jesus in front of her classroom to make a difference in students' lives. She'll be missed around the church office, but I know she is following her heart and what God wants for her.
Krystal isn't the only one that is experiencing change this year. Ashlyn is starting high school. It's hard to believe that she is going into the 9th grade. Then there is Mitchell. He begins kindergarten this year. He doesn't really know if he is going to like it or not. He told Krystal the other day that he was going to go back to being four so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. :) He'll be fine. In fact, all of them will do great. I am very proud of my wife, daughter and son. They are a real blessing to me.
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Sunday, August 29, 2010
"Heat Stressed"
This has been a hot and dry summer. I heard on the weather report the other night that it has been 47 days since our last measurable rainfall. Combine that with 100+ degree weather and it becomes dry very quickly. In fact, you can see the effects of the hot and dry weather as you drive through the neighborhoods and look at the brown crisp yards. When you walk across your lawn, the brown grass sounds like a bowl of Rice Krispies as it "snaps, crackles and pops".
This past week was the first time that I had mowed our yard in about three weeks. I drove home from running errands to begin the task. There was a note on our front door from our lawn care service. I have our yard sprayed and fertilized through the year to keep the weeds away. The note made this statement, "Mr. Wheat, ...The lawn is very heat stressed. Need to water 3-4 times per week for about 30 minutes each." My first reaction was, "duh, do you think". I chuckled at the obvious then I began to mow.
As I was mowing, the words written in the note kept coming to mind..."the lawn is heat stressed". I began to think that a lot of times our lives become "heat stressed". In life there are a lot of things that go on that brings about stress. Jobs, family, bills, calendar activities, blended families, deadlines, are just a few and the list could go on. Then my mind began to think of ways to combat the "heat stressed" lives that we live. "Water them and take care of them". The reason why my lawn was "heat stressed" and basically dying was because it had been neglected. I have always tried to have a nice looking lawn but this year I had neglected it. Schedules, heat and other reasons come to mind and they sound like good reasons. But the bottom line is that my lawn was dying because of neglect. It is the same with our spiritual lives too. If we neglect watering our lives with the word of God and worshiping God, it won't take long before we will have "heat stress" and begin to die. We have "good reasons" or "excuses" why we can't read the word of go to church, but the bottom line is the "heat stress" of life will kill us spiritually if we don't water it.
We need to pay close attention so we live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and be strong. In Psalm 1, it shares how we can become like "trees planted by streams of water."
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
May we not become "heat stressed" and die, but may we live for the Lord and prosper. Oh by the way, I have been watering my yard to help it become green and alive again. There is the hassle of getting moving the sprinklers and turning on the water, but the results will be a fresh, living, green lawn. It will take time, but it will come. It is the same spiritually. There is work, but with time it will come.
This past week was the first time that I had mowed our yard in about three weeks. I drove home from running errands to begin the task. There was a note on our front door from our lawn care service. I have our yard sprayed and fertilized through the year to keep the weeds away. The note made this statement, "Mr. Wheat, ...The lawn is very heat stressed. Need to water 3-4 times per week for about 30 minutes each." My first reaction was, "duh, do you think". I chuckled at the obvious then I began to mow.
As I was mowing, the words written in the note kept coming to mind..."the lawn is heat stressed". I began to think that a lot of times our lives become "heat stressed". In life there are a lot of things that go on that brings about stress. Jobs, family, bills, calendar activities, blended families, deadlines, are just a few and the list could go on. Then my mind began to think of ways to combat the "heat stressed" lives that we live. "Water them and take care of them". The reason why my lawn was "heat stressed" and basically dying was because it had been neglected. I have always tried to have a nice looking lawn but this year I had neglected it. Schedules, heat and other reasons come to mind and they sound like good reasons. But the bottom line is that my lawn was dying because of neglect. It is the same with our spiritual lives too. If we neglect watering our lives with the word of God and worshiping God, it won't take long before we will have "heat stress" and begin to die. We have "good reasons" or "excuses" why we can't read the word of go to church, but the bottom line is the "heat stress" of life will kill us spiritually if we don't water it.
We need to pay close attention so we live a life that is pleasing to the Lord and be strong. In Psalm 1, it shares how we can become like "trees planted by streams of water."
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
May we not become "heat stressed" and die, but may we live for the Lord and prosper. Oh by the way, I have been watering my yard to help it become green and alive again. There is the hassle of getting moving the sprinklers and turning on the water, but the results will be a fresh, living, green lawn. It will take time, but it will come. It is the same spiritually. There is work, but with time it will come.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Back To School "Firsts"
Well, it has taken place. "Back to School" took place this past Thursday, Aug 19th. It was a lot of "firsts" for our family.
It begins with Krystal. This is the first time in several years that she will be teaching full-time and the first time she will be teaching full time at Siloam High School. She taught full time at the middle school before we adopted Mitchell. After the adoption, she took time off to be a full time mom and my part-time assistant at the church. We all know that a pastor's wife is never "part time". The opportunity came up to teach full time this year in the business department. After much prayer and discussion, she applied, offered the job and she accepted it. I'm proud of her and know that she is going to do a great job.
The next of the "firsts" is Ashlyn going into high school. Wow, how time flies. She is on a different campus this year as she begins her 9th grade year at the high school. It's hard to believe that when we moved to Siloam 9 years ago she began at Northside Elementary in kindergarten. She said she enjoyed her first couple of days and likes her classes. Basketball has already begun and she starts her day with practice at 7:30am. I can't believe she is a 14 yr old 9th grader. She really enjoyed not having too much homework for the first couple of days, but she also knows that will change quickly. She's a smart young lady and is doing very well! We are proud of her.
The last of our "firsts" is with Mitchell. He began his kindergarten year this past Thursday. If you know Mitchell, he doesn't like change and loves a schedule. He didn't really know about going to kindergarten. In fact, he told Krystal that he was going back to being 4 yrs old so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. She explained it didn't work like that and he would love it. We met his teacher at open house and her name is Mrs. Kindy. In fact, at open house Mitchell saw that she had street signs he could play with. After seeing Mrs. Kindy's street signs and the computers in her room, he was ready for the start of kindergarten. After the first day, he told Krystal and Ashlyn that he didn't get into trouble or have to sit in "time-out". I guess for a kindergartner that means you've had a great day at school.
So far so good. I know we have only had two days of school. There are going to be some big adjustments with Ashlyn in high school and Mitchell getting used to going to school full time but they will be fine. I am probably the one who will have the biggest adjustment. All my family is in school. It just means that we'll have to do really good at making time for our family and make a lot of memories throughout the year to come.
School is great, but his year we have several "firsts" that the Wheat family will have to get accustomed to.
It begins with Krystal. This is the first time in several years that she will be teaching full-time and the first time she will be teaching full time at Siloam High School. She taught full time at the middle school before we adopted Mitchell. After the adoption, she took time off to be a full time mom and my part-time assistant at the church. We all know that a pastor's wife is never "part time". The opportunity came up to teach full time this year in the business department. After much prayer and discussion, she applied, offered the job and she accepted it. I'm proud of her and know that she is going to do a great job. The next of the "firsts" is Ashlyn going into high school. Wow, how time flies. She is on a different campus this year as she begins her 9th grade year at the high school. It's hard to believe that when we moved to Siloam 9 years ago she began at Northside Elementary in kindergarten. She said she enjoyed her first couple of days and likes her classes. Basketball has already begun and she starts her day with practice at 7:30am. I can't believe she is a 14 yr old 9th grader. She really enjoyed not having too much homework for the first couple of days, but she also knows that will change quickly. She's a smart young lady and is doing very well! We are proud of her.
The last of our "firsts" is with Mitchell. He began his kindergarten year this past Thursday. If you know Mitchell, he doesn't like change and loves a schedule. He didn't really know about going to kindergarten. In fact, he told Krystal that he was going back to being 4 yrs old so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. She explained it didn't work like that and he would love it. We met his teacher at open house and her name is Mrs. Kindy. In fact, at open house Mitchell saw that she had street signs he could play with. After seeing Mrs. Kindy's street signs and the computers in her room, he was ready for the start of kindergarten. After the first day, he told Krystal and Ashlyn that he didn't get into trouble or have to sit in "time-out". I guess for a kindergartner that means you've had a great day at school.
|
| First Day of School Tradition ~ photo in front of the fireplace |
So far so good. I know we have only had two days of school. There are going to be some big adjustments with Ashlyn in high school and Mitchell getting used to going to school full time but they will be fine. I am probably the one who will have the biggest adjustment. All my family is in school. It just means that we'll have to do really good at making time for our family and make a lot of memories throughout the year to come.
School is great, but his year we have several "firsts" that the Wheat family will have to get accustomed to.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Generosity
I enjoy giving. Krystal and I have always given our tithes and offerings. It didn't just happen, but it was because our parents taught us to be givers. I have never met anyone who regretted giving to the Lord's work. The following is from a booklet that I have that was written by Brian Kluth. The booklet is titled, "40 Day Spiritual Journey to a More Generous Life". It is a devotional booklet to help people become better givers and stewards. I want to share what I read in the "Day 28" reading.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV) Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV) God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
"I have watched over 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling. I always saw greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed than among those who didn't."
~Sir John Templeton
God Will Reward You for Your Faithful Generosity
and Diligent Labors
"Giving is a giant lever positioned on the fulcrum of this world allowing us to move mountains in the next world. Because we give, eternity will be different - for others and for us". ~ Randy Alcorn
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV) God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
"I have watched over 100,000 families over my years of investment counseling. I always saw greater prosperity and happiness among those families who tithed than among those who didn't."
~Sir John Templeton
Think about and pray about these scriptures. Pray about them and how they relate most to your life.
One thing I know by experience is that whenever I am obedient to God, the blessings flow in my life. Krystal and I have many testimonies of how God blessed us because we have been faithful in our giving. If you would like more info on this devotional booklet by Brian Kluth, you can visit his website. It is www.maximumgenerosity.org.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Back to Work
Well, this was the first week back to work since coming back from vacation. It has been busy catching up on things, returning phone calls, emails, etc. But that isn't anything unusual. In fact, it's pretty normal for anyone who goes away for a two week vacation. One thing that I am very thankful for is a great staff. They are the reason that me and the family can take some time away for rest and relaxing. Thanks guys!!
One thing that is going to be different is Krystal. For the past several years, Krystal has been my assistant at the church office. This past week was her last week to be working at the church. She accepted a full-time teaching position at the Siloam Springs High School. She was teaching part-time in the mornings last year but after a full-time position opened up and a lot of discussion and prayer, it was the move we felt she needed to take. She will always be involved in ministry. It's kind of hard not to be involved in ministry when your husband is the pastor. Not only that, but she loves to be involved in ministry. She is called just like I am called. She also has a special calling and that is to encourage, love and live out Jesus in front of her classroom to make a difference in students' lives. She'll be missed around the church office, but I know she is following her heart and what God wants for her.
Krystal isn't the only one that is experiencing change this year. Ashlyn is starting high school. It's hard to believe that she is going into the 9th grade. Then there is Mitchell. He begins kindergarten this year. He doesn't really know if he is going to like it or not. He told Krystal the other day that he was going to go back to being four so he wouldn't have to go to kindergarten. :) He'll be fine. In fact, all of them will do great. I am very proud of my wife, daughter and son. They are a real blessing to me.
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