Two Dogs ~ Two Attitudes

We have two dogs in our home.  Both are Yorkies and both have two totally different personalities and attitudes.  Molly is our oldest.  She is actually a birthday gift for Ashlyn.  She is a little older and is very mild and "rolls with the punches".  She is pretty much set in her ways and just goes about her business.  She will sit by you and be relaxed as long as you have to pet her.    She is a little hyper when guests come over but settles down pretty quickly. 

Max is our other Yorkie.  He is younger (just turned 1) and has a totally different personality and attitude.  He is hyper except when he is sleeping.  He is full of energy but has a mind of his own.  He is as cute as Molly, but doesn't like to be bothered when he has found a comfortable place to rest.  It's not the fact that he doesn't like to be bothered, but it's how he shows it.  He will give a little "growl"; not a "I'm going to bite you" growl.  It's more of a "leave me alone" growl.  It's pretty funny. 

In fact, Max is sitting by me as I write and I disturbed him when I moved him over a little.  He just looked at me and gave me that little growl of "leave me a lone."  Molly is laying in the middle of the floor and would never think of growling at me if I went over to move her.  It's just funny how even dogs have different personalities and attitudes.

People have different attitudes and personalities and it is wise to treat them accordingly.  There is a book called "Personality Plus" by Florence Littauer that helped me and Krystal learn that people have different personalities and why they act or do what they do.  It was a great help.  I would highly recommend it.


We love our dogs.  They are always happy to see us when we get home and love us back.  But we also understand that each one has its own personality and attitudes.  What type of attitude/personality do you have?  Do you try to "roll with the punches" or do you "growl" to let others know they are bothering you? 

Power of Purpose

I get a daily devotional from John Maxwell called "Leadership Promises for Everyday".  This one was sent to me on January 9.  I believe that it is more than a leadership Promise/Principle, but a Life Principle.  Read this devotional and ponder on the bullet points of how a "Purpose" will affect you.


The Power of Purpose 
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Philippians 1:12-14

Paul might have been forgiven had he chosen to take a little sabbatical as he sat in prison, awaiting his trial. Yet he used even this opportunity to advance the gospel. Paul was a leader who never drifted from his mission. He determined to leave his mark wherever he went.

How did Paul's sense of purpose keep him in the battle as he sat in prison? What did he learn behind bars? Consider the following:

• A purpose will motivate you.
• A purpose will keep your priorities straight.
• A purpose will develop your potential.
• A purpose will give you power to live in the present.
• A purpose will help you evaluate your progress.

(used from John Maxwell's daily devotional ~ "Leadership Promises for Everyday")


We all have a purpose but we must identify that purpose and live our life to fulfill it.  I want to encourage you to spend some time at the beginning of this year and evaluate how you are fulfilling your purpose in life.  Many people do this at the beginning of each year and it really does help us to stay focused.  
If you would like to subscribe to the "Leadership Promises for Everyday" daily devotional, Click Here

It is a great devotional that will inspire you and also challenge you.  Be blessed and be a blessing!

Merry Christmas!

Wow, it's Christmas Eve and tomorrow is Christmas 2010.  It doesn't seem possible.  My dad has told me several times "The older you get, the faster time goes by."  Well, I don't really consider myself old, but this year has flown by. 

Thinking back I have memories of great times at Christmas.  I remember that I couldn't hardly go to sleep on Christmas Eve because my mind was racing with what "Santa" would bring.   Just like all kids, the three of the children in the Wheat's home always like the presents.  We weren't poor, but we were just broke.  We never knew it.  Mom and dad always seemed to make sure all three kids had plenty for Christmas.  I know now that mom and dad made every penny stretch and probably did without some things for themselves to make sure there were smiles on our faces on Christmas morning.  Thanks mom & dad.


Now the roles have changed.  It seems like yesterday that Krystal and I celebrated our first Christmas together.  Then Ashlyn came along and gave a whole new meaning to giving.  It's amazing how things change with time.  Being the parents, Krystal and I are more happy watching the expression on Ashlyn & Mitchell's face on Christmas morning than anything else.  Ashlyn may be 14, but she still knows that Christmas is a special time.  Christmas is a time for giving and also receiving.  Mitchell, being 5, still is more interested in the "getting", but that will change as he gets a little older. 


Being pastors, sometimes our "Christmas Season" is a little hectic.  We enjoy the gatherings, parties and fun of friends around Christmas time.  Sometimes it's not until Christmas Eve or Christmas that we have some down time and let out a big "sigh".  Last night our family loaded up and headed to eat out and to see the light in Fayetteville.  The town square is lit up with billions of lights it seems.  Our first stop was Red Robin.  Their burgers are great.  Afterwards, we enjoyed seeing the lights, laughing and making memories.  Today, Krystal and the kids are going to bake cookies for Santa and we are hanging out at the house.  There are some gifts that will be wrapped and placed under the tree and then the fun will begin tonight as the kids go to bed with the same excitement that I had when I was there age.  We'll do our best to video and take photos to capture the laughs, smiles and excitement.  Wow, can't wait.


Times have changed.  I do get more pleasure in giving gifts than receiving them.  One day Ashlyn and Mitchell will have families and they will have that same feeling.  It really is more blessed to give than receive.  Isn't that what Christmas is all about?  Leaning the true meaning of giving.   God gave to us because He loved us.  He gets so much enjoyment in blessing His children. Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us the example of giving and also the great feeling we experience as we become more generous....Just like You! 

Merry Christmas from the Wheats!  We are truly blessed.

"SLOW ME DOWN"

Many times people will come up and hand me a note or a cartoon that they know that I will enjoy.  Some are articles pertaining to current events and others are just funny cartoons that will make me laugh.  Not to long ago, a gentleman in my church by the name of Neal Reed gave me a business card that I really need to read more often.  In fact, we were at the 50th Wedding Anniversary of his and his wife.  That day was one of those days where we felt like we needed to be at several different places and the day was "packed".  Neal handed me this business card and said, "Hey pastor, I think this may help you out."  He chuckled because he knew we were heading out to catch Ashlyn's basketball game and had a busy schedule ahead of us.

One side of the business card has Neal & Irmalee's mailing address, phone numbers and a phrase that says: "Smile! God loves you and We love you!"  It's always encouraging to hear those words, but it was the words on the opposite side that Neal wanted me to read, too.  The other side reads with the following "prayer".

"Slow me down, Lord, I am going too fast. 

I can't see my brother as he goes past; 

I miss a lot of good things day by day.  

I don't know blessings when they come my way.  

Slow me down, Lord, so I can see

More of the things that are good for me;

A littel less of me, a mite more of you,

Let Heavenly atomospherre trickle thru,

Let me help a brother when the going's rough

When folks work together, things aren't so tough;

Slow me down, Lord, so that I can talk

with more of your angels...slow me down to a walk."

In the last phrase the writer says, "Slow me down, Lord, so that I can talk with more of your angels..."  As I read this, I took it that "angels" were the wonderful people that God has placed in our lives and not of the "angels" we think of with wings.

We all are busy and especially this time of year.  Actually I have noticed that it's not just Christmas time that we are busy.  I am usually filling up my calendar 12 months out of the year.  I'm not saying that we need to not work hard.  I believe in working hard and giving it my best.  But sometimes we equate "business" with being productive and that simply isn't true.  God has placed wonderful people in my life and He also brings people across my path.  My desire is that I don't become so busy that I am not making a difference in their lives.  My prayer is that my calendar doesn't get so busy that I don't have time to slow down and enjoy the "angels" God has placed in my life.  "Slow me down, Lord.  Slow me down" so that I can make a difference in someone's life.

It's Christmas Time!

Ahhhh...Christmas Time.  I can't believe it is Christmas 2010.  My dad has told me many times that time goes by faster the older you get.  Well, I know I am getting older but this "time thing" is getting bit ridiculous. 

It is Christmas time again and it really is the "most wonderful time of the year".  For the most part, people's attitudes change.  I know there are the "scrooges" out there with their "bah humbug" attitudes, but for the most part I have found Christmas brings out the best in people.  I have already witnessed the attitude and spirit of generosity this season in great amounts.  There have been several people who have shared how they are going to bless others during this Christmas time.  There are many ways to show this caring attitude.  We can give money, gifts, time or sit down and write a note to someone who has been an inspiration in our lives.  If you haven't done this yet, I would encourage you to stop right now and think of a way that you and your family can show the Spirit of CHRISTmas to someone.  After all, look at what Christ has done for you.

It is Christmas time and you can tell it at the Wheat's house.  Last week the lights went up on the house.  I love putting lights up.  We really don't have that much traffic where we live.  In fact, Krystal asked me why I do it for the few cars that come by our house and I said that I do it for those few to enjoy.  She just laughed and went on doing what she was doing.  It's not just the outside but also the inside of our house that yells "It's Christmas Time".  All the decorations are out for this holiday season.  Everyone is asking "What do you want for Christmas?"  Our answers are pretty much the same (except for Mitchell), "Well, I really don't need a thing."  We are truly blessed. 

I know we all want things, but do we really "need" anything?  Be a blessing this CHRISTmas season and bless someone else.  There is nothing wrong with exchanging gifts but let's remember the best gift given to us all....JESUS. 

Life Coach

Mitchell & his medal

The Wheat family is going from event to event and enjoying life!  Mitchell finished up his debut soccer season.  His team won only one game but he had a blast.  It was great experience for him to learn "team work" and also worked well as a "sleep-aid".  He didn't have any trouble going to sleep after he played his soccer games.    He mostly enjoyed the "snacks" after each game.  You have to remember that at the age of 5, the biggest question is "Who brought the snacks?" instead of "Who won?"  Not one time did Mitchell ask "Who won?"  He was more interested in "Who brought the snacks?"  The league does a good job of making the kids feel good even if they don't win too many games.  They give out a medal of "participation" to all the kids involved.  You would have thought Mitchell had won the World Cup.  He was so proud of his medal that he wanted to wear it to school the next day.  Mitchell had a great coach.  Coach Brock was there to encourage the boys and instruct them.  He laughed with them and also gave them direction.  He was competitive but the boys were out just to have a great time and enjoy the snacks after the game.  He had tremendous patience and did a great job as Mitchell's coach.

Pete Allen presenting Ashlyn her medal 

Now on the other hand...Ashlyn is playing basketball for the 9th grade Lady Panthers.  At this level, you don't get snacks after the game.  Winning is what is important and they do keep score.  She is doing well and we love sitting in the stands cheering for #25.  Their team won the Annual Allen's Classic this past week and we were proud for all the girls.  We, as parents, also are thankful for the wonderful coaches that God has placed in her life.  The coaches do coach the girls in basketball, but I have also seen them coach them in life as well.  Thanks Coach Mullikin & Coach Wright.  You want the girls to do great in the game and also do great in life. 

Isn't that what all of us want?  Don't we all want someone to "Coach" us through life?  We all desire to have someone who will encourage us and give us direction.  Well, we all have and opportunity to have a coach who will do just that.  There are many who call themselves "Life Coach" and that is great, but the greatest "Life Coach" we have is Jesus Christ.  He instructs us through is "playbook" we call the Bible.  He teaches us through the lessons we learn from our failures and successes.  He has even lived and given us an example to follow.  If you are struggling in the game of life, ask the "Coach" of the Universe what play you need to run and He will give you the answer.

Who Will Take Their Place

This past week I had the honor and privilege of doing a funeral for a sweet lady who was an inspiration to many.  Her name was Mamie Breese and she was 101 years old.  She was an amazing lady who up until a few weeks ago came to church every Sunday morning.  She also lived by herself and was very independent.  Her body didn't "rust" away, but just wore out.  Ms. Mamie was known around our church as the best coconut cream pie maker.  In fact she was known for her pie making, crocheting, sewing, and much more.  She was known as the oldest member of our church and also a prayer warrior.

In fact, there are many things that she did that are becoming lost arts.  Krystal and I have pastored First AG in Siloam for over 9 years now.  When we came, there were many "Prime Timers" that filled several rows of the sanctuary.  Over the past several years, the number of "Prime Timers" has been shrinking.  I have done many of their funerals.  Along with Ms. Mamie's, there was C.W. Cargill, Gerry Hays, Anice Roberts, Naomi McCullough, Wilda McChristian, Jerry Riebe, and others who are now in heaven.  Many of these wonderful people had their own gifts and talents.  For example, C.W. Cargill would make wooden cars and stick horses to give away to children on our missions trips.  Anice Roberts was also known for her pie making skills.  But my question isn't who will take their place of these skills and gifts, but who will take their place as prayer warriors and those who touch heaven?

You see, each one of these people had a special desire for prayer.  Each one of these wonderful people knew how to touch the throne room of God.  I will miss the pies, crocheting, etc., but I will mostly miss the powerful prayers of these dear saints. 

I would love for us to learn some of the "arts" and skills that these dears saints had, but most of all I want us to learn the skill of touching heaven from them.  Just the other day Krystal and I were talking about these wonderful people who have gone to heaven and the question came up, "Who Will Take Their Place?".  Not the pie making.  Not the crocheting.  Not the wood working ability.  But who will take their place and stand in the gap to pray?  Will It Be You and Me?