After living with family for about the past eight years, Crystal and I finally have independence. Crystal was appointed to a church in the mountains of North Carolina, and so that is where we live now; we are staying in the church parsonage, and even though I lived in the East Tennessee Mountains while attending college, I never knew I would be in such a place as where I am now. It is quite simply beautiful here, and every time I look out the front door and see God’s handy work I know I am blessed to be here.

I can not stress enough the pride I have for Crystal and her accomplishments as a pastor. It has been an honor watching her grow and mature in love, spirit and grace. I mention grace because sometimes it is hard to accept God’s grace because we do not feel worthy, but God’s love for us makes us worthy. When we accept God’s grace we do not beat ourselves up quite as bad when we have setbacks, but we reflect and learn from our setbacks only to live more Christ like.

Since going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment, I have noticed God speaking to me more and more because I pause more than I used to and listen for Him. I have been on an emotional roller coaster thinking about my life and the lives of my loved ones; I consider the lives of those that helped pave the way for me whether they have moved on or still live, and of course that includes first and foremost Jesus Christ. I think about my Daddy who died from cancer, and I wonder if I will suffer the same fate, or will I be able to beat the cancer. I believe the cancer is gone, and believing is so important as far as I am concerned; it is called having faith!

I am finding out that being away from my family I worry about them more; I always worry because that is what I do, and as a paranoid schizophrenic I often imagine the worst. I will say being hyper-vigilant has somewhat of an upside; like when I look over my shoulder for black bears because who wants to end up as bear poop? I hear one should make a loud noise to scare a black bear off, and it seems to make sense I guess; so they spook a little more than horses, however, I am not assured I will have the means to make a loud noise should I encounter a black bear. So, if I happen to see a black bear I pray it will be from afar.

Okay, that is enough about bears even though I like them. Crystal was officially installed as the lead Pastor of the Hayesville Church of The Nazarene as of last weekend, and it seemed so surreal; not because Crystal is not deserving or incapable of such a feat, but we mesh so well with the congregation. The congregation is made up of intelligent, thoughtful, and hardworking Christians who love God and love people; they even have a sense of humor which is common of a congregation thank God! It is wonderful to see Crystal starting to work in their lives through Jesus Christ, and it amazes me all the moving pieces that will need to be put in place to grow this awesome church, but “Nothing shall be impossible with God”. Luke 1:37

Sometimes I wonder will we make it out of 2020 alive? Things are slowly getting better it seems regarding COVID 19. It occurs to me we are growing weary yet accustom to devastation, death and destruction, and I do not know if I see an end in sight unless the rapture occurs in my lifetime. Mass shootings, extreme weather, division among American Citizens, and cultural relativism on the brink when it comes to politics. Obviously, I do not know what is going to happen, but I have an inkling what could take place and I pray for our Nation every day; I just want every one to be happy and to feel like they belong regardless of what they look like.

I want to send a SHOUT OUT to the Hoods for coming to visit last weekend and supporting Crystal and her ministry. I also want to thank Dr. Mason for a great installation service and for believing in Crystal and her faith, love, and ability to follow God’s will and lead Hayesville Church of The Nazarene.

I guess this entry is all over the page so to speak; it has been a while since I have had something to say. Regardless of what I said I hope you enjoyed reading. I love you all!

Take care and God bless!

Chris