Blog Posts - Atypical Pastors Wife

"Fik it!" - Day 13

11/22/2024

Because of some of the events of last week, I didn't do much writing. I didn't want to write what was really on my heart because it hurt and would not have been edifying. The weekend away helped so much to get my mind and perspective back to where it should, focused on what God says, what He's done, and what He's doing.

What He did all this week was encourage me with scripture after scripture. He reminded me that He is fully aware of what is going on in my life and that He is the defender of the righteous. I truly have been able to put the negative events in His hands.

As a child, if I had something that was broken or needed fixed, I would automatically take it to my father and place it in his large, capable hands. He would assure me that he would take care of it and I would skip gleefully on my way. That is how I picture giving my burdens to the Lord. I take them to Him and leave them there. Then I can move on into whatever the Lord has for me today and in the future.

One of my grandsons, when playing with his Pappy, would always say "Fik it, Pappy, Fik it." And Darrell would fix whatever it was that he felt was broken. T"here was no doubt in the child's face that Darrell could fix whatever wasn't working right. And there is nothing that the Lord can't redeem and restore.

Today, I'm thankful that the Lord can "Fik it".

He Gets Me- Day 12

11/14/2024

I read second Timothy over the weekend and on Monday morning, I was reminded in real life that men in the times in which I live will be lovers of self, boastful, attogant, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, reckless, conceited, holding to a form of godliness, but denying it's power.

So I just haven't been my usual easy going self. Life at times is just unfair, that comes at no surprise but for some reason, it bothered me this week. I was sitting in my chair in the living room and my hubby popped his head up from downstairs and said, "Hey, want an adventure this weekend?" I thought that our Fall Follies were over since the leaves are done, but he rented a cabin up north in God's Country (Potter County) and we spent the weekend visiting museums and relaxing in a little cabin in the middle of nowhere. We also found a church from which we brought away a new-to-us (old) song that has blessed us ever since.

Relaxing in nature, away from things, is good for the hurting soul, especially when you spend it with your best friend.

Today I'm thankful that my husband gets me and he cares.

He Fights For Me - Day 11

11/11/2024

There are five years between my sister and I. Now, if any of you have a sibling with that age span between you, I’m sure that you, as I do, have some stories of conflict between the two of you. Yet, the one thing that I remember with clarity is the day that my sister, who I assumed was not real pleased that I had come along when I did, stepped in and defended me when someone was picking on me.

We were walking home from the bus stop and the neighbor girl was picking on me. I don’t even remember why or what was said. All I remember is that my sister stepped in to defend me and the neighbor girl took a swing at my sister with her lunchbox and ended up hitting herself in the head, breaking her thermos. My sister and I escaped unscathed, even when the girl’s mother tried to make us replace the thermos that her daughter broke on her own head! (Maybe my sister should have taken up boxing because she had some pretty good reflexes that day!)

I don’t remember if I was in the wrong at all that day, I was only a kindergartener, but in spite of the fact that my sister thought I was the most annoying person on the face of God’s green earth, when someone was threatening to harm me, she stepped in and protected me. I just stood there and watched as she confounded my enemy.

Now my sis could have agreed with the neighbor and told her all the things that she didn’t like about me but she didn’t. Instead, she took offense at what was being said to me and stepped in to shut her mouth. Why? Because I was family and that is what family does.

I am again reminded that although the Lord still has work to do in my life, He is for me. He goes before me and clears the way as I follow Him. And when others try to come against me, He steps up in my defense. As imperfect as I might be, He loves me anyway and will step up in my defense.

Today I am thankful that the battle is not mine, it’s the Lord’s.

Come Jesus Come - Day 10

11/10/2024

It’s been quite a week. A change of power in the USA has caused all kinds of reactions around the world. Many are in a state of upheaval, while others are breathing a sigh of relief. The world is in turmoil in general as struggles for power leave many innocents without homes, provision, or hope. Nature itself seems to be groaning for things to be made right. There is coming a day when all will be well when Jesus comes!
Oh, how I look forward to that day!

We listened to this song on the way to church and I want to share it with you.

Today, I am thankful that Jesus is coming again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZdrn0PLqQk&list=RDvZdrn0PLqQk&start_radio=1&rv=SzoSTqyrQlM

Come Jesus Come
Sometimes I fall to my knees and pray
Come Jesus come, let today be the day
Sometimes I feel like I'm gonna break
But I'm holding on to a hope that won't fade
There'll be no war and there'll be no chains
When Jesus comes, let today be the day
He'll come for the weak and the strong just the same
And all will believe in the power of His name
Come Jesus come
We've been waiting so long
For the day You return to heal every hurt
And right every wrong
We need you right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know this world isn't home
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come
One day He'll come, and we'll stand face to face
Come and lay it all down, 'cause it might be today
The time is right now, there's no need to wait
Your past will be washed by rivers of grace
Come Jesus come
We've been waiting so long
For the day You return to heal every hurt
And right every wrong
We need you right now, come and turn this around
Deep down I know this world isn't home
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come
Come, come Jesus come

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Stephen Mcwhirter / Hank Bentley / Bryan Christopher Fowler / Tara Mcwhirter
Come Jesus Come lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Songs By That Dog Will Hunt

Redemption - Day 9

11/9/2024

Of all the names of God there are, one my favorites is "Redeemer."

Over and over again in scripture, God is redeeming His people, Israel from their wanderings. After all, as humans, we are "prone to wander." I used to hate that verse, after all, we want to know the power of salvation to not only save from sin, but to empower us to live a victorious Christian life. I'm not talking sinless perfection, I'm just saying that sin should not be the norm for the believer and as we grow more, we should sin less. That is the process of sanctification.

Yet, God knows that we are "but dust" and I find that thought so comforting. I'm well acquainted with dust. A lot of it lives in my house. On any given day, I don't expect anything from it, except for it to multiply. We do not have a dumb enemy. The devil knows our weaknesses (we ALL have them), and he is patient and will work years to bring us to a place where he can exploit them and cause us to fall, bringing destruction and shame upon the name of Christ.

Enter The Redeemer:

"The Lord redeems the soul of His servants. And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned." Psalm 34:22

"Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion:" Ps. 103:4

"He also made them objects of compassion in the presence of all their captors." Ps. 106:4

I have seen the Lord redeem so many through the years and it's always a miracle to me. Because of that it gives me hope for those that I love who are still running from Him. And as the meme above says, He does not JUST redeem, He ABUNDANTLY redeems! That's just how He rolls. He is a restorer of "the years the locusts have eaten." He makes all things new!

Today, I am thankful that my God is a Redeemer.

The Relics - Day 8

11/8/2024

Meet the Relics. Together they represent 174 years of Godly living and wisdom. Of all the people on this earth that I treasure, they are near the very top of the list.

I don't know why I was privileged to marry into this family, but I'm so glad that I did. When my mom passed away, my mother-in-law stepped right in and became the one that I chatted with on the phone about recipes and all things pertaining to housekeeping and what was happening in the world, our family, and on their farm. She has a kooky sense of humor, always says what she thinks without filtering it through any kind of filter (interestingly enough she gets away with it and literally everyone who knows her, loves her), is a world class cook, and has a tenderness that only those close to her recognize and see but boy, can she make you feel loved. I have had very deep conversations with her about things that really matter and she always makes me laugh. I especially like her hugs. She just knows how to make you feel incredibly loved.

My husband's aunt (his father's sister) is the closest thing to Jesus in the flesh that I have ever known. I can't even begin to list all the spiritual truths she has lived out in front of me, all the prayers of hers I've seen God answer, and all the hours and hours she has poured into my life. What a gift she is. Even after serving the Lord for over 70 of her 88 years, to hear her salvation story is as if it just happened to her yesterday. After hours and hours in the Bible, she will still call me to share a truth, or a verse, or something she is learning from God's Word. It just never grows old or mundane with her. She has taught me many of the things that have sustained me in the hardest of times and God has used her on many occaisions to help keep me on the right path, even on my most tulmultuous days. She never puts herself first, EVER and is the most selfless person that I know, and she is always striving to "grow in love" for the Lord and the brethren. She is never haughty or proud, even though she could be because even in her older years, God is using her more and more to encourage, correct, and instruct in righteousness, now that she finally retired. She is quite the cowboy, even at her advanced age, and I find her more and more remarkable the more I am around her. She always encourages me and lets me know how much I mean to her, and that to me, is very special.

Today, I am thankful for The Relics.

Never Alone - Day 7

11/7/2024

Life has been pretty different the last 10 years. So much has changed. It's not anything like I pictured it would be. It's funny how we get into a groove and think it will last forever or we fulfill a goal in life and think it will be smooth sailing til we glide in Heaven. If I've learned anything in the last 64 years, I've learned that life is unpredictable and unsteady. You just don't know from one minute to the next, what it might throw at you. Sometimes life will absolutely delight you. Othertimes, it will literally crush you.

On April 24th, 1983, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. Immediately He came to dwell inside of me, His Spirit bearing witness with my spirit that I belonged to Him. Since that day He has been the one constant in my life. Dreams have come and gone, jobs have come and gone, friends have come and gone, and circumstances in life have tossed and turned me like a savage sea. Through it all, I have felt and known the presence of my Savior, guiding me, comforting me, helping me, and providing for me. In fact, it those times when I notice Him most. He truly is a friend that sticks closer than a brother, who will never leave me or forsake me.

Today, I am thankful that I never have to walk alone.

America - Day 6

11/6/2024

I can't say that I will miss all the political ads. I'm glad that the election is over. While some are ecstatic with the results, others feel that all is lost forever! Honestly, all through history, we have lived through good presidents and bad presidents and yet, America and its people have survivied.

Very few countries in the world have the benefits and freedoms that we have, even in our worst years. You are not ever denied emergency medical care in America. There is always somewhere to get something to eat, whether it be free meals, food banks, or the compassionate act of a stranger. We can stand on any street corner in this country and speak about any subject we prefer without fear of backlash from the government. If you have a lifestyle or religious belief that is outside of the accepted norm, as long as it isn't illegal, you don't have to fear having your head chopped off or being thrown from the roof of a tall building.

If you don't like the current trends in this country, you have the opportunity to speak your mind through the voting booth and be fairly sure that your vote will be counted. It appears to me that America definitely spoke on 11/5. To be honest, it was encouraging to me to know that perhaps we are more mainstream than one would think from watching the news.

Although I did have a desired election outcome, when I went to bed not knowing what direction this beloved country would be taking when I woke up in the morning, I noticed that my heart was at peace. I know that although I live in America, my citizenship is ultimately in Heaven. I do not have a president that is guarded by checks and balances, I have a King who does what He pleases. My King has unlimited resources, in fact HE is the resource. There is no worry that he is influenced by outside pressures or temptations, He is outside of all of that and can be trusted.

I am very blessed to live in this country, even when this country is not going in a direction I might choose. The freedoms that I take for granted and feel entitled to are not available in many other countries and the citizens there suffer for it. So today, all I can say is God Bless America!

Today, I am thankful that I live in America.

God's Delight- Day 5

11/5/2024

About every 2-3 years, I request a trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area for my birthday. The first year I asked to go, my husband thought I was nuts. "Why do you want to travel all that way just to look at some geese on a pond?", he asked. I was taking it on good authority that the snow geese migration was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should see. Even I didn't really know what to expect, but I figured that it would, at the very least, be an adventure.

I have a million photos like the one above (taken by Michael Russell) of the tens of thousands of geese that you will find on the pond on any given day during the migration season. It's almost impossible to fathom. If you're crazy enough to rise way before the sunrise and traverse the trail from the parking area to the lake in the cold February air, you will experience the morning liftoff. I guarantee that you will never regret it or forget it.

The normally tranquil lake anything but quiet when the geese are there. They honk and squawk, flitter and fly around 24/7. They do quiet some at night, but you wouldn't be able to sleep there. When the sun begins to rise over the horizon, as if someone sounds a call, the geese get deafening loud and all at once, thousands and thousands of them will lift off the lake to continue their trek north towards the summer mating ground. I have to cover my ears as they fly over. Some years there will be upwards of 85,000 geese on the lake at one time.

What is truly amazing to me is that God knows each and every one of those geese, and if during liftoff, one falls from the sky, He knows that too. In scripture, it says that He knows when one sparrow falls to the ground. Now a sparrow is not nearly as magnificient as these geese. In fact, they are quite common and plain, yet God knows and cares about each one. How much more does He care for us, the ones created in His image? The ones He spilled His own Son's blood to save?

In a world where I often feel unheard and unseen, it is amazing to think that God so intently watches over me that He knows when even just one hair falls from my head, and believe me, my head keeps him busy! I'm amazed that He will often bring things to my attention just to remind me that He is watching and that He takes delight in me because I am His. I've learned to look for His goodness in the every day and I'm never disappointed. Oh, what a good God He is!

Today, I am thankful that God delights in making Himself real to me every day.

The Cookie Club - Day 4

11/3/2024

Meet The Cookie Club, the nearly 350 lbs. of dog flesh that lives in our house.

Every time my husband comes home, the dogs follow him to the cupboard where the Animal Crackers are kept and sit patiently until he unscrews the lid and throws them each some cookies (they prefer the iced variety), which is why I call them The Cookie Club. I tried to tell my husband that those are people cookies, but he just smiles and shows me that the package says "Animal Crackers."

Some people can't understand my love for dogs. They are hairy, smelly, and dirty. They take a lot of work and $$ to feed, groom, and care for. They also love us unconditionally, are always glad to see us, are trustworthy, are great companions, and have a way of communicating their love that most humans have not mastered. Frankly, they bring me a lot of joy.

Kai (on the right) only has eyes for me...and cookies. When I am home, he is always where I am. Darrell tries to lure him away, but so far has been unsuccessful. I am definitely Kai's person...and he is definitely my guy! We are Kai's retirement home after a busy life of making puppies for a breeder so we make sure that he is relaxed and well cared for. Darrell thinks Kai probably believes that he has already crossed the rainbow bridge and that our house is heaven. LOL! He is one spoiled animal.

I'm never afraid when Kai is with me because his sheer size and ginormous pittie head make people stop dead in their tracks. Then they discover that he's more like Winnie the Pooh than a guard dog and they fall instantly in love with him. He is very cuddly and I love the way his skin is all squishy and wrinkly - due to lack of exercise more than anything. LOL! Kai invented the couch potato concept and is happy to sleep his days away. But even when he's sleeping, if I change position, one eye opens to see if I'm going somewhere. He is one devoted dog!

After all these years, I honestly can't imagine life without a dog.

Today, I am thankful for The Cookie Club