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? 

Horse Camp at Devil's Den

Ashlyn's Horse ~ "Catcher"

This past weekend was a great time for me and Ashlyn.  We both really enjoy horseback riding.  Krystal's dad invited us to Devil's Den State Park to camp out and be a part of the Northwest Arkansas Cavalcade's fall ride.  The NWA Cavalcade is a riding club that was established in 1951 and they hold three annual rides a year at Devil's Den State Park.  There are organized rides that leave out each day at 10am or you can go on your own.  This was the first time for me and Ashlyn and we had a great time meeting new people and seeing the beautiful scenery at Devil's Den on horseback. 

The timing worked out great for us since Ashlyn was out of school on Friday.  We left Thursday evening and arrived just in time to crawl in the sleeping bags.  I had gone earlier that afternoon and set up our tent so I wouldn't have to do it in the dark.  I have done that before and that is no fun. 

"Whiskey Cave"

Ashlyn at "Whiskey Cave"

The next morning we headed out to see the "Whiskey Cave".  It was about a 3 hour ride that took us to a cave that a family had built and lived in up until the 1960's.  It was a beautiful ride and very interesting to see how the family built a rock wall against the mountain to make a one room "apartment" in the middle of nature.  We were able to take a few photos of it.

Ashlyn & her Papaw at "Yellow Rock"

After returning for lunch and having an auction, me and Ashlyn headed back out for an evening ride.  It was great to enjoy the cool evening and enjoy God's creation.  We got back just in time to dig into the fish fry that the club had for everyone at dinner. 

"Yellow Rock" Overlook

Saturday morning we went out on another ride that took us to a place called "Yellow Rock".  It was a huge "yellow rock" that was an overlook. WOW, is all that a person can say as they look over the Ozark Mountains from Yellow Rock.  It was a great way to spend the Saturday.  We got back to camp, ate lunch and began tearing down.  Looking back is when I say to myself, "Why don't we do this more often?" 

Krystal and Mitchell stayed at home.  They had a picnic at Sonic and then Krystal's mom met them in Fayetteville on Saturday for a day of shopping.  We all were able to do something we really enjoy but don't take the time to do it very often. 

All of us made it back home to enjoy the ending of a perfect weekend by watching the Razorbacks beat Texas A&M in football.  Wow, life it good!

Back In the Groove!

Last week a team from our church was preparing to make their way back to Siloam Springs from their missions trip to Brazil.  We got back last Saturday around noon.  It was just enough time for me to get home, unpack, clean up, get a bite to eat and then settle in to watch the Arkansas & Alabama game.  Unfortunately, the game didn't turn out the way I wanted it to.  The first three quarters were great but it fell apart in the last quarter.

This week has been one of catching up and getting "Back In the Groove".  Monday was a day of going through mail, email, phone calls and catching up on the "sick call" list.  We have had many people in our congregation who have been sick or in the hospital.  I also was catching up on my duties of being Sectional Presbyter as well.  Thankfully it wasn't too crazy.  That is because I have a great staff & a great wife who keeps everything going smooth while I am away.

Our family was able to eat dinner and watch a movie together this past Monday as well.  I think that was the highlight of my day.  Tuesday was soccer.  Wednesday was church.  Thursday was soccer and so on.  Mitchell has begun his soccer career.  It is hilarious.  So far he has played three games and he has scored a goal in every game.  Too bad all three goals were for the other teams.  He didn't care because he "made it in the goal."  We have really laughed at his soccer team and the fun they have on the field.  We have 11 more games to go and hopefully by that time Mitchell will know which goal to kick the ball toward.

There is a book that I want to recommend for your reading.  The book is called Radical by David Platt.  It has really been challenging me and my walk with Christ.  It is also challenging me in how we do ministry at our church.  Are we really following the Bible and the words of Jesus Christ.  If you haven't heard of or read Radical, I would highly recommend it.  Our men are studying it on Wednesday nights and it has been an eye opener.

Just one question comes to me after reading this book.... "Do I really know the cost of being a follower of Jesus Christ?"  Christianity can become a label and not a lifestyle if we are not careful.  Our schedules, commitments and even "church" activities can make us feel like we are making a difference.  But I don't think these things make us a true discipleship or even make a difference in other people's lives.   We have to be willing to obey and give up everything for the cause of Christ. 

Not only am I getting "Back in the Groove" of being back home but I believe there is something that is getting me "Back in the Groove" of being a follower of Jesus Christ. What are we doing to make an eternal difference?  Maybe we all need to "Get Back In the Groove".