Swirling thoughts

The first conversation about future possibilities took place yesterday. I was able to speak with our head pastor about things. It seems that they would love for me to stay, but there are some things that they will not be able to extend to me. Though some things are important, I do not want to make a decision based upon "rewards." I have sent out a batch of resumes to churches in IL. I don't know that anything will come of them. All of the positions were preaching positions, which I lack experience and probably maturity to be in those positions. However, I think the main thing I will look at in all scenarios is that I have an opportunity to grow, and also that God is leading me.

I have thought a lot about the option to stay here. It may be the smart thing to do considering I could gain a lot of experience. It would probably serve me well to experience how God shapes this congregation. However, I have also thought a lot about the options elsewhere. Knowing I will most likely leave in less than five years is a difficult idea to throw into the mix. However, God will lead me to the next step, and then He will lead me from there. My plans are not that solid compared to His plans. It is very good to know that we are wanted, and that the desires God has put on my heart fit in here.

Speaking of the desires God has put on my heart, I could not sleep Tuesday night. I got up after Krissy was asleep and went into our closet. I started writing things out. I sketched some things trying to piece together the model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated in his short but effective ministry. As I thought through things I had learned from T-Net, and from the Great Commission, I started trying to put Scriptures together. I have come up with something Picasso might think makes sense, but not the rest of the world. Jesus had people come and see what He taught and what He did. He turned water into wine in Cana, and He healed all those who came from miles around to see what was going on. Then Jesus took a bit of a step, and began to have people follow Him. He had them watch and learn what He was doing. So He told them what He was doing and why He was doing it, and then He showed them how to do it. Granted, living by the power of the Holy Spirit is not something you just show someone how to do. So then, Jesus transferred the authority in Matthew 10. He let them do it, and He supervised. They were like heralds, going before Him telling people that the kingdom of heaven was here. The He came behind them teaching and preaching. Then after He was dead, buried, and raised from the dead, He gave them this commission: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. Then the remark that He is with us always creates the bookend to the book of Matthew. He told them to repeat the process.

If you really break down the Great Commission, the overarching idea is to make disciples. The way you make disciples is to go, baptize, and teach. This means we have two main pieces of how to make disciples. We must evangelize and equip. So often people think making disciples means evangelizing, and they forget about equipping. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, some think making disciples means Bible study and intrinsic teaching, but they forget that the end (goal) of discipleship is to reproduce and make more disciples.

So my dilemma comes with trying to combine the Great Commission with the way Jesus modeled discipleship. Jesus had people come and see what He was doing and why He was doing it, then He showed those who followed how to do what He was doing, then He allowed them to do what He was doing (with supervision), and then He told them to do it without His physical presence. As T-Net would say, these four steps are "Come and See", "Follow Me", "Be With Me", and "Remain in Me". So how does the Great Commission mix with that?

It seems to me that if we tell people what we are, and why we are what we are, then they will be drawn to see if we really are what we say we are: disciples of Christ. That's called evangelism (Go), spreading the good news. The end of evangelism is not just to tell the good news and walk away. We should ask them to follow us, so we can show them how this is lived out. By watching us respond to Christ through our relationship with Him and other believers, they will be drawn, and will repent and be baptized (which is the end (goal) of evangelism). But then we must begin to allow them to live their faith out, but with supervision. We must hold them accountable and give them pointers along the way to becoming mature (if any of us ever really get there). That's equipping (teaching). So now as we look at what we have, we have a disciple. What does a disciple do? They repeat the process that brought them to the point of "disciple" with others. They go and baptize and teach.

Like I said, it seems rather abstract in my mind, so I can only imagine what it looks like to others. How can I make this plain? How can I teach this so that people can grasp this? Lord, give me wisdom. You said if any of us lacks wisdom we should ask you who gives all good gifts.

It may seem silly to develop this whole process, but I feel that there are believers in the church who do not truly understand because they are being led by pastors who do not truly understand what it means to be a disciple. May we truly grasp this and teach others so that they can truly grasp it. This is not a game, and God does not desire for the blind to lead the blind. If only I truly grasped this. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace. May I always remember what Jesus repeated, that he desires mercy (covenant loyalty), not sacrifice.

The Results

Thursday was the first day in a very long time that I was actually really nervous in front of my students! It was the day I had decided to break the news to them that I would be leaving. As I held the microphone, I could see it shaking and feel my heart about to pound out of my chest as I made my way through my speech. Here's basically what I said to the kids:
"Traditions are what keep Klein High School going, and this is no different for Klein Choir. Tradition helps to maintain consistency and give us something to look forward to, year after year. Traditions also help make "change" easier to swallow and accept. Seniors, you are about to experience a huge change, by going off to college, or moving out of your parents' home, or just going out into the real world of working. Juniors, you're about to become seniors and all that encompasses. Sophomores and Freshmen, of course you'll have plenty of changes coming up.
Well, let me tell you about a change that is occurring in my own life. I will not be coming back to Klein after this year. Gary will be finishing school and finishing his internship at our church that he's been at since last August. He's putting in applications at numerous different churches and we're looking at where the Lord will take us after this. Please understand that if I had complete control of my life, I would not be leaving. But I don't. There are two relationships that I honor above everything else. First and foremost my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and second, my relationship with my amazing and godly husband. I must honor them in this decision."
Then I spoke about how much they meant to me, and how the change that would be coming would be just fine because Klein Choir will always be Klein Choir, no matter what.

There were lots of tears and shocked expressions from the kids. Only three students that I know of knew that I would be leaving. It's going to be a big blow for the kids, as I had really developed some close relationships with these kids, and we're not really sure what's going to happen next year.

Gary is going to send out his first round of resumes to 8 different churches on Monday. He'll also be speaking with David and Brent at Northside to see what their outlook looks like for opening up a new position for Gary when his internship ends in August.

Please pray that his resume would land in the right hands and that the Lord would guide our upcoming decisions.

Just another posting...

Hey guys, just wanted to give an update. No pictures, but plenty of stuff to say.


I am married to the most wonderful man in the world. There is no other person that I can imagine sharing my life with that would even come close to what Gary means to me. It's so amazing how the Lord gives us so exactly what we need in our life partner. Gary is currently tweaking his resume to start sending out to churches around the country. I helped him write his cover letter this evening, and I thought it sounded pretty good. We'll see what churches respond to him and which ones are really missin' out... :) Just kidding. I know that God will put on the hearts of those seeking ministers exactly who should fill their spot.



I am planning on breaking the news to the students this Thursday (day after tomorrow) that I will not be coming back next year. It's extremely bittersweet, as I am so excited about what's coming up (the vast amount of opportunity waiting for us), but scared to death in the same that we will be out in the cold, come August. I know that God will provide what we need when we need it, but this territory of the unknown is always a frightening path to walk. Please keep this in your prayers, as it will be an emotional day for the students. Well, we all know what high school is like - emotions run high - and the choir kids, for some reason, have the tendency to be overly dramatic...I guess it's the artsy right-brainededness that makes them that way... But I love it. I have always been a choir nerd, and I'm proud of it, dang it. Maybe that's why I relate to the kids so well.

We've been doing the pop show auditions today, and this morning I took the opportunity to browse the annual art show that was put on by the art department at KHS. I never cease to be amazed at the overwhelming amount of talent at Klein. It's not just the fine arts, but it's also the athletics, academics, and faculty and staff that are so far above the norm. I will definitely miss the privilege of teaching among such fine teachers, but also having so much talent to work with from the students!



I have recently also had the opportunity to lead a group of girl scouts through their "Religious Award" program. We will finish this coming Sunday, and have a pizza party. The title of the program is "God and Family." The girls have learned about what it means to be a part of a family and how God desires to be a part of our lives through our family interactions. They go off of a pizza theme, and we've been building a paper pizza, as each part of the pizza (crust, sauce, toppings, cheese, etc.) resembles an aspect of family. The girls have done really well with it, and I'm anxious to chat with them to see what they've learned overall. I've never done anything like this before, and it's been a neat experience.



Gary and I recently attended the orientation for our local community outreach organization, Northwest Assistance Ministries. We have delivered Meals on Wheels once a month since last November, and have been so blessed in doing this. It is truly becoming a sacrifice, though, when we consider the rising cost of gas. Unbelievable. However, it is so small when considering the fact that the people receiving these meals have next to nothing, and can DO next to nothing, seeing as they are all "shut-ins." On Saturday morning, Gary and I had been asked to, instead of drive the meals around to the different people, come early and help pack up the individual packages. Right before we left a woman came to the door of the pantry in tears and weeping about how she was at the end of her rope and could NAM help her out in her situation. My heart was breaking, as I was trying not to eavesdrop on the conversation our supervisor was having with her. However I could only hear the despair in her voice and it made me so sad to hear her pleadings. I confess my initial reaction was to think, "Well, how could you have let yourself get to this position? There are so many ways to protect yourself and you should have been planning ahead..." but I had to stop myself from making such horrible judgments and listen to her heart.



How often do I come to the throne of God, broken and despised, yearning for a "helping hand?" How many times has God had the opportunity to say to me, "You shouldn't have done this or that. Why didn't you think of this, or why didn't you go this route like I wanted you to?" But, rather, God in all his lovingkindness opens his comforting arms and rocks us like the babes we are. He forgives us and walks with us through life.

I'm always dumbfounded by those people who possess the arrogance to think that there is no God and that we're all just out here on our own, foolishly thinking that we're it. How miserable their lives must be if they have nothing but themselves to put their hope and faith in.

I am also extremely disgruntled by the new religion being pushed by Oprah and her followers. Up until recently, I used to watch her show on average once a week, setting aside any differences of spiritual beliefs, even though I knew that she had some strange ones, but still claimed to be a "Christian." She is still claiming to be a Christian, but I now see her as a false teacher and someone to be avoided at all costs. People are being led astray and are not being prudent about what they glean from her teachings and promotions. I have since boycotted her show, and I'm very open about my disgust for her.



A book that I recently read has had my mind whirling and my thoughts completely absorbed in what's happening in the world. The book - you may have heard about it - Dead Heat is the 5th in a series of political fiction written by Christian author Joel C. Rosenberg. This novel that I devoured in all of two sittings was breathtakingly terrifying. You see, the clencher of this series and this author is that the things about which he has written have generally come true shortly after the books have been published (click here to read an article on the world events that happened - or are occurring now - according to his "fictitious" novels, 9/11 included!). Rosenberg does not claim to be a prophet or a seer, but he is so keen on the ins and outs and goings on of the world's political leaders, that he basically put together his predictions of things that could very well occur if the leaders continue to go in the direction that they are heading. I won't spoil the book for any of you, but let me just say that the story is extremely devastating, and I'm glad I have my hope in Jesus Christ. Joel C. Rosenberg's website is www.joelrosenberg.com. I highly recommend this novel. I'm anxious to get my hands on the rest of the series. This book has really put into perspective just how with the click of a button, the United States could be humbled to the point of complete annihilation, and the fact that our country has no significance in the prophecies of the end times in Scripture. You'll have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. Hate to put it like that, but I really couldn't say it nearly as eloquently or as thoroughly as was depicted in this novel.

Anyway, those are my thoughts and I'm interested in what you have to say. Please, rather than posting a comment, I'd prefer that you email me instead at my snowpuppy address, if you'd like to discuss any of these things.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through this entirely too-long posting. I'm by myself tonight, while Gary is at his Men's bible study.
Off to do laundry...

Downhill Stretch

Hey guys, now that the busy season is over for me (and for Gary, for the most part) I can post again. I know you're jumping up and down in excitement waiting to hear about all the fantastic adventures we've been on since our last post...well, here we go.

At the beginning of March, Gary had the opportunity to present the sermon at our church. You may be able to hear his sermon online. On our blog, click on the Northside Christian Church website, and once you get there, click on "Resources" then "Archives." His sermon is listed on March 9, 2008. He did a really great job, and both of our sets of parents were able to come into town and listen, along with Annie, Travis, Mollie, and Briana. Oh, and Gary's grandmother came over from Tomball for the morning service, as well. It was a really good weekend with everyone in town - no matter how long or short we were able to visit.

Then on March 13, the very next Thursday, my mom came back into town for a concert that Briana was in. She had auditioned for and gotten the soprano solo to the Mozart Mass in C Minor, and she really did a bang-up job on that solo. Mom and I went out to eat when she got there, and headed down to see Bri in all her glory. Here's a pic of Bri and me in the concert hall after the concert. Briana had no idea that Mom was coming in to hear her, so right before the concert, when Mom stepped into view for Briana to see her, Bri almost burst into tears right there. That would have been a mess. She held it together for the remainder of the evening, and both Mom and I were beaming with pride for her amazing abilities. God is good!

That next weekend was the beginning of Spring Break, and I was able to relax a little bit for the first couple of days of the week - while also catching up on some spring cleaning that needed to be done around the house, as well as some other errands that I had been putting off until I had more time. That Wednesday evening, we headed to Cuero to visit Gary's folks and have a relaxing time there before we headed out to San Antonio to see my family for the Good Friday weekend. Here is a picture of Gary playing "Nerf" football with Moses. The football was almost as big as lil' Mo' himself. By the end of the weekend, Moses had shown that styrofoam ball who was boss, though, and we had to throw the ball away because he had chewed so many holes in the ball.

Here's Ma-B and Poppy with Moses right before we left. They sure do love there Grand-doggy.

When we got to San Antonio, Mom was en route to/from the airport to pick up Grandma. This is the first time Grandma has been able to make the trek out to San Antonio since our family has lived there, so it was a big event that Gary and I didn't want to miss. We took pictures on Friday morning and had a leisurely Friday afternoon/evening. The next day, Annie and Travis had a big breakfast at their brand new house for everyone.

Below is a picture of everyone (except Briana) on Annie and Travis' staircase. It was a good picture, and a good time for everyone to be together.

Unfortunately, somewhere along the way (we're pretty sure it was while he was making friends with the cows on Ma-B and Poppy's land), Moses picked up fleas. By the time we arrived back home on Saturday evening, he was going absolutely bonkers scratching and bouncing off the walls going crazy from the fleas (we actually only found 2 on him). But early on Sunday morning, first thing when we got up, Gary and I dipped Moses and Lucy in the kitchen sink. Lucy turned into Demon-Feline for about 15 minutes there and scratched and bit the heck out of my hand, but it has since healed. Moses has gotten used to taking baths, so he just stood there like a good little boy while we scrubbed him down. That was a big fiasco - and not something everyone can say they've done first thing on Easter morning!

Once Easter was over, I got back to school and had just a week and a half to get my girls polished and ready for our choir contest on April 3 & 4. We ended up - by the skin of our teeth, mind you - pulling off straight ones (the highest ratings) in both Concert and Sightreading. I was so proud of those girls, and they were none the less ecstatic about the Sweepstakes ratings. Now we're gearing up for our Spring Trip to San Antonio next weekend (Apr 11-12), and Gary and I will be able to see my parents for a little bit of time hopefully on Friday evening.

Right now, we're looking at what the future holds (yes, still). Kind of honing in on a couple of key spots - mainly in Illinois. Gary's really had lots of communication with Lincoln Christian College, and that seems to be the one that he's the most interested in. We're planning on taking a tour of the college when we go on our annual road trip. This year, we'll be heading straight north - mainly to check out Illinois, then head southeast to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee. We're going to try to hit a few places where we know some people (Howe, TX to see Stephen and Paige, Omaha, NE to see my aunt Cathy and uncle Bill, and maybe stop in to see my cousin Paul in Chicago). We always love our road trips - however long or short they may be, as it gives us time to just get away and venture into unknown lands and territory and break away from the normal routine of every day life.

So, how can you be praying for us? Well, here's a list:

1. First, that God would maintain his position as the center of our focus in our marriage and family. Please pray for His guidance with the upcoming decisions we will be facing and all the extra details that go along with those decisions.

2. Please pray for a baby for us. God knows His exact timing, and I'm convinced that He knows exactly the perfect time to bring a little one into our lives, to where we will be able to handle it. He gives us no more than we can handle.

3. Please pray for me (Krissy) as I close up shop at the school. Having put my resignation in just before Spring Break, it's wind-down time, and I'm excited, scared, and sad all at the same time. Pray that the Lord would quiet my soul and that He would flood me with his everlasting peace.

4. Please pray for our families as they get used to the idea of the possibility of us being 1,000 miles away. Especially with the possibility of us having a baby, I know that will be hard on them not being able to be there with us to raise the family. I realize that people go through this every day, but it's difficult when you're used to being 3 hours away your whole life, and then moving very far away. It will be an extremely difficult adjustment all the way around.

I hope this post was everything that you could have hoped for. It's always amazing how the stories of our lives are unfolded just one step at a time - but that we have our hope in the eternal King. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Well, time for another post. I've been trying to save up my pictures for a good post. I've got some really cute ones of Moses, so hopefully you'll enjoy.

Things have just stayed pretty busy these days for both of Gary and me. I had a TMEA convention in San Antonio on the 13 - 16 of Feb, and Gary came up and stayed with me, although he had loads of homework to do, so he just stayed in the room most of the time. It was really good to have him there. It's always so hard to be apart for those longer periods of time (and I'm talking more than one night - yes, if you must gag, go ahead, but Gary and I are still madly in love and we're falling more and more in love every day - after 2 1/2 years). Long convention. Little sis Briana was there, and it was fun to see her and her awesome friends. I had volunteered to be a guide for the choirs from Haltom High School and Texas Tech University choirs. Then Briana's choir from the University of Houston Moore's School of Music performed on Friday night, and I think it really blew everyone away. I was so taken by their performance, that it moved me to tears several times. Briana had a solo, and it mesmorized the audience the entire time. She's gonna be famous one day.

The next week, on Tuesday, he had to leave to go to California with two of the other ministers from the church. They went to a "Small Groups" Conference at Saddleback Church in San Diego and got back on Saturday afternoon.

I had our Solo & Ensemble contest to accompany on Saturday, Feb 23, and was thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. However, seeing Gary for the first time in four days was just the refresher I needed. It was a sweet reunion. I missed him terribly.

Gary's at his men's bible study now, and I'm updating this blog. He's scheduled to preach on March 9 at our church, and he states that he is scared to death. I'm trying to get him to practice on different people and groups a few times before he actually goes before the church. Both his parents and my parents will be coming in, and we'll have a couple of other friends/family come to listen to him preach that morning.

I have let my head director know that I will not be returning to school next year. He was very supportive, and that helped. It's scary, but also freeing knowing that we have nothing holding us here any more, other than the fact that we "own" our house and will need to figure something out with that if the Lord has us going elsewhere when Gary graduates and finishes his internship in August. Please pray for us in this, as we are about to encounter a very unsure part of our lives. Please pray that the Lord would guide our decisions, and that He would open wide the doors that He wants us to walk through. Please pray that both of us would be willing to be used to His glory.

We have been so blessed by this new addition to our family. He has been such a breath of fresh air, and has been the "baby" to hold us out until God brings us one of our own. Take a look at the pictures.

Here he is, sitting pretty and posing for his picture on our kitchen tile. Sorry it's a little fuzzy. For some reason, the "Pet mode" was having a time of it focusing on him.

This is one of the funniest things he does. This blanket covers his crate while we're gone and at night while everyone's asleep. During play time, he'll pull the blanket down, making it into a "couch," and play with his toys. The other night, he had pulled a few of his toys over by his couch, and it looked like he was entertaining them, or something. SO FUNNY!! Gary and I laughed for a while when we noticed this.

I can't not include a picture of "Big Sis" in this compilation. It's really kind of funny how really fat she looks now, compared to little Mo'. We're trying to put her on a diet, but I think she's just ends up eating the leftovers from Moses' bowl when he's finished...

Lucy is getting more used to having him around, however every once in a while, she'll just outright smack him for no apparent reason, which sends him on his way with his tail between his legs. We all know who's the boss.

Here's one final picture for this post. Just thought it would bring a smile to your face. He's got this rawhide chew that's just about the size of a cigar, and I caught him with it hanging out of his mouth. HILARIOUS.

We're enamoured by this puppy, and thank God every day for him. He has brought joy to our lives, and given us much laughter.

Thanks for reading.

G'night!

Krissy :)