MY BLOG POSTS

Seventeen years ago today, I married David Alan McGee. It was a small wedding, inexpensive.  We had neither the budget nor the desire to spend a fortune on our day. We just wanted to get married and to have our family and friends  there to watch.

We were young (21 and 27), but we knew what we were getting into. We knew marriage would be hard, that the “for worse” parts would come, but we also knew that marriage was God’s idea. We knew if we committed our marriage to Him, He would help us through the difficult times. We also knew God brought us together. We prayed about dating, we prayed while dating. I have only had a handful of moments in my life where I have heard God speaking directly to my soul. “Dave McGee is the one” is one of those moments. I have had moments of frustration, of anger, times when giving up seems easier than moving forward, but I have never once doubted that this is the man God chose for me. And because of that, we have been able to move past those difficult times, to learn from them, grow from them.

God knew that Dave and I would complement each other. Dave is very analytical. I am spontaneous. Dave plans ahead. I live in the moment. Dave is cautious. I am naive. Dave delves deeply into relationships. I tend to make do with small talk. Dave has made me think deeper, slow down, examine myself and others more. I help him have fun, relax, enjoy today. We are a good team.

So as we celebrate 17 years, I can honestly say I love Dave more today than I did on our wedding day. I know him better. I appreciate him more. We have experienced heartaches and joys, we have worked through what at times seemed like insurmountable obstacles and come out stronger. There have been many “for better” days and our share of “for worse.” And there will be more of both because we are both human and happily-ever-after takes a whole lot of work. But we are committed to working toward it, committed to each other, and committed to the God who designed us for each other.

Seriously. Words are words, right? Why do people make such a big deal about certain ones?

Here’s what I think:

1. As Christians, we are told, “Let your speech always be  with grace, as though seasoned with  salt…” (Col. 4:6). I have never, in my lifetime, heard someone curse graciously.

2. Many curse words include the name of God. That name is holy. It should be used with the utmost respect. (Ex. 20:6-8)

3. There are millions of words in the English language. We should look for those words that best explain what we are thinking and feeling.

So if you’re upset and feel like cursing, try saying this instead:

• Your choleric outburst has left me perterbed
• Cease your nugatory interactions
• Your boorish behavior is bedeviling
• I do not anticipate ever being required to utilize this information
• I am distressed at your incongruous behavior
• My penurious sibling has refused to compromise

What do you think? Let’s change the world, one big, unoffensive word at a time

People who know me would say, without hesitation, that I am an extrovert. The poster child for extroverts. I love talking, love laughing, love people. I will stand in front of a crowd and do just about anything. It takes a lot to embarrass me, a lot to make me nervous.

I always wore the title “extrovert” with pride. That’s how God made me. I am loud. I speak without thinking and get into trouble, sometimes. Occasionally, my attempts at humor don’t quite make it, causing a spectacular “wap-wah” moment for myself and everyone around me. God has worked in me to make me more aware of others, less self-centered; He is working on me to listen more than I speak. I am not “there” yet, as those of you who read this blog regularly know, but I am growing, hopefully, to look more like Christ and less like a complete idiot with each passing year.

But a few years back, I read the actual definitions of “extrovert” and “introvert” and it made me reevaluate the label I had always given myself.  Extroverts, it read, are people who are energized by being around other people. Conversely, Introverts are people who are energized by being alone.

I love people. Love them. But I need time alone. When my kids were little, I was a stay-at-home mom (now, I am a stay-at-school mom). I loved the time I got with my babies. But once every few weeks, when Dave got home, I would go out by myself. Usually, I’d go to Barnes and Noble, buy a coffee and read a book in one of their comfy chairs for a couple hours. I only spoke enough words to order my caramel macchiato, then I was done. I’d find the chair farthest from any other people, and I would read. In silence. It was glorious. When I came home, I was energized. Ready to change diapers and watch Barney and play hide-and-go-seek. I needed that time. I still do. Time alone refreshes me, keeps me sane.

I am an introvert.

Weird, huh? But part of God’s amazing creativity. I know He has to laugh at all these stereotypes we create. He delights in throwing in people like me who just don’t quite fit those. A reminder that we are all unique, we are all fearfully and wonderfully made.

“God delights in giving good gifts to His children.”

It sounds so simple. So easy. But this is something that has taken me years to fully embrace.

“God’s people will suffer.” I get that.

“Life is hard. God is good.” Been there.

But recently, God has been showering me….no, flooding me…with good gifts. One right after another.

And I have struggled.

At first, I felt guilty. So many people I know are struggling. Yet, I have a fabulous family, I am writing books and teaching great kids and enjoying so many blessings every day.

But as I struggled, I have felt God speaking to my soul: “Enjoy, Krista.”

The pastor at the church we attended in Texas used to say that God occasionally gives us “glimpses of the kingdom.” Little reminders that what awaits us is incredible, astounding. These great moments God gives us can’t even begin to compare with the glory of heaven. But, in His grace, God gives us a little taste of what is to come.

So I am learning to enjoy, to bask in these “glimpses of the kingdom.”

It’s a good feeling.