You know, I debated on whether or not I was going to participate in this for a while before I decided to do it. We currently aren't in a pastorate. In fact, the one year anniversary of the Hubs being fired is coming up. So, it's longer than most I would guess? And I have a feeling it may be a while before God leads us to a ministry position. I have never spoken publicly about the details of what happened and I don't plan on it. Like I've said before, it's delicate. Not in the sense that I don't want anyone to know what happened. It's just that there are others I have to think about when speaking publicly. I have shared my feelings and how God has worked. And I'll continue to. But I do want to take the opportunity to let anyone out there in the Ministry Wives' world that I am here to listen if you need a shoulder. I didn't have many friends that I felt I could call anytime and just pour my heart out to when it all happened to us. Don't get me wrong, I had wonderful friends of support and encouragement. Wonderful! But sometimes you just need to vent and cry. Sometimes I still do.
My husband hasn't 'left the ministry'. I know it's a desire that burns deep inside him. We will just wait on God and I know He will be faithful to us. He is always faithful.
1. First Name. Crystal
2. State and Country of Residence. Sweet Home Alabama
3. Husband’s Ministry Title. He was Associate Pastor/Youth Minister
4. Length of time in Current Ministry Location. We were at our last church for almost two years.
5. Children? If yes, give gender and ages. Yes!! I have two boys, Luke (3) and Eli (14 months)
6. Number of unique homes in which you’ve lived during your marriage. We have been married 5 years and have lived in 5 different houses! The most unique being my parents house. We lived with my parents for 8 months right after my husband was fired. I never expected to move back in with my parents at 27, with my husband and two small children!
7. Cook Sunday lunch or eat out? I cook most Sunday's, even if it's just sandwiches! And honestly, most Sunday's it is just sandwiches!
8. Typically on time for Sunday School or not? Seriously?? We have two small children, what do you think? Most of the time we're right on time!
9. Favorite TV Show. I love the Duggars! They fascinate me! I have even read their book! I'm also a BIG fan of The Cosby Show but I have no clue if re-runs even come on anymore! What happened to good TV? I do have the first season on DVD that I pull out every once in a while!
10. Something you watch/like/do that you would never tell the church people. (Except now you just did…lol) I must be completely and totally boring because I can't think of anything. This is totally lame.. but the only thing I can think of is that I stay up waaay too late. I usually go to bed around 12am. I need to work on that!
11. Most annoying church-related pet peeve. One thing that comes to mind is when people hold strongly to opinions on things that aren't biblically based. So many base their opinions on something they've been taught (by man) or tradition.. not the Bible.
12. One thing you need to throw away but can’t bring yourself to do it. I have a huge folder of recipes that I NEVER look in. It's followed me everywhere. I need to just chunk it. That and clothes. Last year I finally went through my tiny, strappy cute shoes and got rid of them. I kept thinking that my feet were going to shrink after I had my first. Nope. They never did. I will forever be a 1/2 size bigger. Doesn't mean I can't buy cute shoes.. it just means I can't squeeze my feet into that small size anymore!!
13. The one food you can not live without. Caffeine... either in the form of Diet Coke or coffee.. wait, is caffeine food? I say yes.
14. Parsonage or have your own home? That is a no brainer, right? We're renting a house from my dad currently. What a blessing!
15. Freak when the doorbell rings or always ready for a visitor? I tried to always be ready for visitors. We didn't have many though. Now? You better call me before you come over! I'll probably come to the door.. but it might not be pretty! :)
I'm looking forward to learning more about the other women who are part of The Preacher's Wife, Married to the Ministry blogroll!
20 comments:
I just love you sweet Crystal!! I am so glad you played along and absolutely know that the Lord will prepare a place of ministry for His called out ones!
I am totally with you on answering the door not looking so pretty...lol As in, I hope no one comes knocking right now...:)))
Crystal,
I can not tell you how much your story resonates with me! My husband and I have been through some extremely challenging places of ministry. The hurt is very deep at times. My husband has been known to say on occasion, "I think I'll go get a regular job." The thing is the Lord never lets him entertain that thought for long.
Know I'll be praying for you and your sweet husband! So nice to meet you!
Jennifer
Crystal, I also have an Eli and a nephew, Luke. I can remember those names. :)
I totally agree with your pet peeve of people who hold so strongly to unbiblical teaching. It about pushes me over the edge sometimes!!
And yes, caffeine is a food group in my book!
Caffeine is %100 food! The most important meal of the day:)
I hate hearing about people being wounded in the ministry. It is a hard road we are all on and yes, friends sometimes feel few and far between. We are dealing with ministry wounds in our home as well. I am praying for you girl. Hang in there.
It's so nice to meet you Crystal! Be assured that God is working out His plan in your life - and your call to ministry. He does all things well!
I think the Duggar's are fascinating too - wouldn't it be a hoot to meet them?
I have just said a prayer for you and your husband. I don't know your hurt, but I hate to see a man of God wounded by people. It isn't right.
I know all about the shoe size thing. I was a 71/2 narrow since I was 13 and now, 4 kids later, I'm an 8! I wonder if Michele Dugger has this problem?
I know where you are coming from. It's hard to find people to talk to because those who don't have a "call" on their lives truly do not understand it. We took a year long sabbatical before coming to our present church because of the hurt caused us. It was a total God thing....and we both know that we couldn't minister here if God had not given us that break. However, we tried to hold on to the thought that God does not call us to abandon us.....your next place of ministry will be a blessing to you, I am sure.
Hey Crystal,
Thanks for being honest with us and I'm so glad you decided to play along!
I love the Cosby's too. I was up with my 6 month old the other night and I caught the classic (at least imo) when Cliff has to play horsey with Peter(Rudy's friend) on his knee. Do you know the one I'm talking about? HILARIOUS!
Anyway, take care of you you and your precious family! You can friend me on fb if you want!
Thanks for you honesty! I have a friends who could use that encouragement. I'll pass on your info to her!
I love Cosby too!
I love the Duggars too! My mom and my sister loved their book as well, but I haven't read it yet. I love your fall design!
Chrystal,
Very honest. I really appreciate your sharing that. I think we all sympathize with you in that. Hope deep healing and renewed ministry for you both is soon.
I have a rarely looked in recipe folder too! lol
I am so glad you participated in this! :) My hubby left our last church where he was associate pastor/youth pastor for 3 years. He was on the verge of being fired and it was the most awful witch hunt... a secretary wanted her husband to have his job and he was even physically threatened and cussed out in the church parking lot! insanity!! I will definitely pray for you and your family. God will bless you as you continue to serve Him. I've seen it in our family! If you ever need to vent to a stranger who will pray, I'm here!
And I am so jealous that you've read the Duggar's book. I reaaaallllly want to read it.
I see you've picked the laughter of your children as your blessing. I don't believe that there is anything more lyrical than the sound of a child truly belly laughing - what a treasure.
Just stopped by to visit, and to check on your Giving Thanks list. It's growing - good! =)
I'm with you on the Duggar's. Riveting! And what an example Michelle is to so many of us. For one, the sweet spirit she always has. And second, trusting God for their family size. I think she is amazing!
Have a great weekend!
~ Leah
P.S. We both chose the same blog template from TCBotB! You know what they say about great minds...
Hello. Nice to meet you. I like the Duggars too. Interesting people. I'm with you on the firing thing. Happened to my hubby too. It's so hard. But God is faithful and now he has been our current church for over 13 years. God Bless!
Hi Crystal~ My husband is without a church right now, too. I was blessed by reading the comments to your post and reminded as these dear ladies reminded you that God is indeed faithful, and He WILL complete what He starts in us. (Phil. 1:6?)
I pray the Lord's encouragement upon you today...
In Jesus' Joy,
Jennifer Walker
PS: I think caffeine is a food, for sure, and I, too, love the Duggars and am inspired by Michelle's kind and gentle manner with her children. :-)
I love the duggars too! oh and i have a thing with a folder of recipes.
Praying God would bring the right ministry position for you at just the perfect season!
nice to meet ya!
I love the Duggars, too! We are getting ready to move to SW Missouri and they live in NW Arkansas...not too far away. Do you think they'll let me in if I ring the doorbell? :)
Crystal - I'm sorry that you and your hubby have been wounded in ministry. Unfortunately, I know that is more of the norm. I hate the devil and how he works to destroy our churches. Anyway...know that you are prayed for today. Thanks for sharing your story!
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