Run For Fun!

Run for Fun?
What in the world am I saying? I can't believe it either. When I was in school, I was in good shape because of playing different sports. Even when I graduated and going to college I was in pretty good shape. I would run, play racquetball and was pretty active. Just like most of us, after getting married and staying busy with ministry or jobs, I became a "more rounded" person. My activities became more of office activities instead of "exercising" activities. There have been a few times when I would get back to walking or playing racquetball but it would fade with business. Yes, I admit, there was some laziness in there, too. lol!

When I was gone to a Fire Bible Summit in California a few weeks ago, I called home to chat with my beautiful wife. As we talked, she told me that she had made a goal to run a 5k with Ashlyn. I paused for a moment and said....okay. She continued to explain that she had found a running program called "The Couch to 5K" running program. Now, before I go any further, you must remember that Krystal is not a runner and she doesn't really do anything athletic. That's not a "slam" or "insult" but just the truth. She would tell you the same thing. After explaining the running program Couch to 5K, I was excited for her. She began running the program with a friend and pushed herself.

She was faced with a "test" because we were heading out on vacation for two weeks. The more she talked to me about it, the more I became interested. It had been a while since I had ran, but thought I'd give it a try. So, on vacation, I began The Couch to 5k program.

Today, Krystal finished week three and I began it. I am so proud of Krystal and a little surprised in myself. It's not an easy program but it has become fun. We talk to each other about our runs and how we struggled and then overcame. It has been a stretch but a fun one. Ashlyn is running but she has a head start because of all the sports that she is involved with.

Krystal has set a goal and she is looking at running her first 5k in September. You Go Girl!!!!! I'll keep updating on how our Run For Fun is going! One last thing, we welcome your comments and encouragement!

Vaction Time!

We are in one of our favorite times of the year as a family. Each year we plan out where we are heading for vacation. This year, it is Gatlinburg, TN and Lake Lure, NC. We are actually staying in Sevierville, TN. Sevierville, Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg are here very close together. They are located in the Smoky Mountains and it a great family get away.

We left out last Thursday evening and spent the night with my mom & dad before heading out to TN on Friday. It has been a great time of relaxing and making memories. We've gone to Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg the other day and really had a great time. We have been there a few times and it's always a big hit for the family. You can see Mitchell & Ashlyn's reaction as we took there photos.

We also went the other night to see the show "Cirque de Chine". I think it means "The Chinese Circus" and it was amazing! We couldn't believe how limber the people were and their balance was unreal. We would highly recommend it. There is one in Branson that we had seen several years ago and it was great, too.

This past Sunday, we attended The Smoky Mountain Cowboy Church. It was good, but wasn't our church. I missed our services this past Sunday and look forward to seeing everyone when we get back. The week has been filled with swimming, shopping, mini-golf, sightseeing, laughing and making a lot of memories.

We love vacation. We head out tomorrow for Lake Lure, NC. It is about 2 1/2 hours from where we are staying now. Krystal, being the planner and detail person, sat down last night and looked at what we could do while we are there. It will be a place of sight seeing, but also hiking, swimming, and picnicking. Look forward to see what Lake Lure, NC holds for the annual Wheat Family Vacation! Just two things are missing from our vacation....Molly & Max. They are our two Yorkies. But they are in good hands with our house sitter. Thanks Jennie!

Ready, Set, Go!

READY, SET, GO!

These are words that I long to hear come this Thursday. Why? It's vacation time come this Thursday. Our family loves vacation. In fact, Mitchell has been asking for the past several weeks, "When is vacation?" It's the same question that me and Krystal have also been asking in a joking manner as well.

I have been traveling a bit more than usual lately but it hasn't been vacation. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago I said to Ashlyn, "I'm ready for vacation." Her response? "You just got back from Brazil." I explained to her that just because I was on a trip didn't mean that I was on vacation. I explained that vacation is when you don't have a schedule and you can sleep in when you want and also don't have to think about much of anything. When I'm on vacation, I don't speak, teach or prepare anything except what we may be doing that day. She laughed and agreed.

I did just get back last week from California. No, it wasn't a vacation but I was part of the Fire Bible Summit for Children. It sounds like a vacation since we were at Pebble Beach, CA. In fact, I was able to check off something from my "Bucket List". I played golf at Pebble Beach. They had just held the 2010 US Open Golf Tournament there. Wow, it was great. But the trip wasn't about golf. It was about the new Children's Fire Bible. We gathered and heard about this great Bible that is being developed just for children. It is the first, to my knowledge, pentecostal study bible for kids. It was great playing at Pebble, but even greater to be a part of giving the Word of God to children.
(18th Hole at Pebble Beach)

Vacation is coming and I'm Ready. I'll keep up posted on our adventures when and if we have internet. We plan to stay around Pigeon Forge, TN for a week and then head to Lure Lake, NC. It will be a blast and I look forward to it.

READY, SET, GO on vacation! Have Fun & Make Memories!

Big Weekend!

Fourth of July is a big day and it will make for a big weekend of being with friends and family. My mom & dad are coming up tonight and will be with us this 4th of July weekend. Tomorrow (Saturday), we will head over to the Springdale Rodeo Parade where me and Ashlyn will ride down Emma St with the Top Hands Riding Club. This is the riding club we are members of. It is made up of a great group of people who enjoy horses, fun and God's creation. After we ride in the parade, we'll head over to my sister's house and spend the afternoon visiting and eating homemade ice-cream. She lives in Springdale and they will be coming to our house on Sunday to grill out and enjoy our freedom.

This is a big weekend for our families and friends because of one reason...FREEDOM. Because of the freedom we have in this country, we can enjoy our family and friends. We can enjoy doing what we want and when we want to do it. Just last evening I was reminded of those who have given so I can live in freedom. I was in Hobby Lobby picking up something for the church when a young man, who looked to be about 25 yrs old, begin sharing that he had been given a medical discharge from the Army. He was serving in Baghdad when his vehicle was hit by an IED (improvised explosive device). He shared that two of the men he was with was killed and he had lost 90% of his hearing in his left year and had major damage to his vertebrates in his back. I stood there thinking how proud I was to live in America. I am grateful for young men and women like Josh who are willing to fight for our freedom.

Freedom....think about it. I'm proud to be an American and I'm thankful for those who fight for my freedom. God Bless the USA!