Touching my Ozark heart

Today in chapel, folk music was the theme. A fiddle player, pianist/vocalist, and a guitarist combined to bring music that brought back so many memories for me.

I could picture my ancestors walking to church as I listened to Down to the River to Pray. For some reason, I could picture a woman in a calico dress and sunbonnet walking barefoot along a path through the woods toward a white clapboard church. Perhaps that church is Sweethome Church in Montgomery county, Arkansas, where my mom grew up. Several generations of her family, the Hovells, worshipped there.

The music made me think of driving down interstate 540 through the Boston mountains with fog laying like a blanket over the hills. I was remembering driving through the hills to Aunt Kathy's for Christmas with snowflakes swirling through the air and peering through the clouds as we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway as a child.

The service ended with a spiritual called Hush, Somebody's Calling My Name. My mind drifted back to a sweltering afternoon in August of 1997, as my family and I said goodbye to my Mema. I could see the funeral home fans with a picture of Jesus in the garden. I could hear old hymns sung by about one hundred southern souls in a Church of Christ Church in Tuckerman, Arkansas. I could feel the sweat running down my back as I stood under a huge old pecan tree as folks filed past my family telling me how much Sister Pearl was loved.

While my family didn't listen to this kind of music at home, there is a current of this music running through my mind just from living in the beautiful Ozark Hills. A piece of my heart is always there.

How can you not love that?

Thanks to Valerie McEvoy for her love of Top 5 Lists.

Top 5 Things everyone loves that I don’t…

1. Twilight. To me, there is nothing romantic about a conflicted vampire competing for a girl with a similarly conflicted werewolf. And, seriously people…those boys are the age of some your children. Stop the screaming.

2. Harry Potter. Wizards, spells, etc. don’t really interest me, but kudos for getting kids to read. I’m all for that.

3. Lord of the Rings. In movies, I prefer that the characters are all human or all animal. No creatures, please. I also want the movies I see or books I read to take place on earth. No, not Middle Earth. Regular old earth.

4. Princess Bride. This one gets me in trouble every time. EVERYONE loves it. Mahwige is what brings us together…a classic line, right? No. Still don’t love it.

5. NASCAR. Ok, I don’t know too many people personally who love it, but millions do. You do know you’re watching people drive around in a circle, right?

To everything, turn turn turn..there is a season...

I've heard that the only thing (other than God) that you can count on in life is change. I've definitely seen that in my own life.

Professionally, I have a tendency to start a new job without knowing much about it, and spend the first year or two learning as much as I can. Once I reach the point where I'm the "go to girl", I leave. I did that at JBU admissions--I resigned right after I won the Midwest Regional Service Award. I left development just as the department really started to come together. I left Lindsey Management once I was the most experienced person in my department and the one that others turned to when they had questions. Now I'm at OCU, but I'm not leaving anytime soon. I'm still in the learning phase.

I feel settled in Oklahoma City now. I know my way around, can take alternate routes to get around traffic, and have favorite restaurants. I know the best place to park at the mall (on the top level by Macy's, in case you're wondering).

I'm also in the lifelong process of learning how to be a good wife. Of all the jobs and roles I've ever had, I've never wanted to succeed more than I have in this role. Two things I've learned so far are: Men like home cooked meals and they need encouragement from their wives. That's what I've learned about being a wife. So, I cook and encourage. I'm continuing to learn about this mysterious union of marriage.

I'm settled in OKC and into my role as a wife. So, what's next, you might ask? If your life has been characterized as being in a constant state of flux, what could be around the next corner?

One big change that will occur soon is that David's parents are moving to our neighborhood. We saw this open house sign and decided to go in and take a look. It was exactly what they were looking for--small yard, 3 car garage, beautiful interior. To make a long story short, they sold their house before it was even on the market, and bought the one in our neighborhood in short order. They are moving September 21.

Despite the look of horror that some people (who don't know my in-laws) have given me when I told them, this is actually a wonderful thing. I love them, and to have them nearby when we have a baby is going to be amazing! I'm also looking forward to the simple things like family dinners and pedicures with my mother-in-law. They are very respectful of our privacy and time.

We are also hoping to adopt another golden retriever later this fall. There is a golden retriever rescue in town, and we've been searching the website for a good match. They are all adorable, so it will be hard to choose. We need one that is kitty-friendly and completely housebroken. Check out http://www.sgrr.org/ to see these precious puppies.

Hopefully, a baby will be on the way in the next year or so and that will be our next big change! I will have another echo cardiogram in October to make sure my heart is still doing well. Then, we'll just have to see what God has in store! I've turned this over to Him, but that is a process that takes daily prayer. David and I have our individual worries about me getting pregnant. David's are for my safety and that my heart is strong enough. I worry more about having enough energy and money, and about the changes having a baby would bring to our lives. When I come home exhausted at the end of the day, I wonder what I'd do if I had a baby screaming at 2 am.

The only regret I have about meeting David is that it didn't happen sooner. As a result, I tend to feel like I'm playing the love version of Beat the Clock. I never feel like I have enough time with him. It's as if the sand of time that we get to live together slips through our hands so quickly. I wish we had several more years of time as a couple before having kids, but we don't have that luxury if we want to have a child.

I know our blissed out newlywed lifestyle would change forever. No more sleeping late on Saturdays, lingering romantic dinners, and constant couple time? I will miss those times, but my desire to be a family with David and a child outweighs those luxuries. Maybe we can sneak in a dinner out now and then...that's where my wonderful in-laws come in!

So many wonderful changes! Both my family and David's have seen that things can change forever in the blink of an eye. All we can really do is love God today and trust Him for tomorrow. God has great plans in store.

Where Did the Summer Go?

I looked at my last post and it said April. Where did the summer go? Here are some highlights:

May
1-2~David and I went with our Sunday school class to Mena, AR, for a couples retreat. It was so much fun despite the 5 inches of rain that fell on Saturday! Good times with good friends, lots of SkipBo, yummy food, and great conversation.

24~David and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary! What a wonderful first year we had. Our friends Christi & Stan came to visit on the 23rd and we went to a Cheap Trick concert (my gift to David).

We went to church on Sunday, which was our actual anniversary, and I had to go to work. I had a very stressful afternoon checking people into the dorm for the United Methodist Annual Conference.

David and I went to "our" restaurant, InterUrban, that night. He used to take me there when I drove in on Friday nights when we were dating. We love it, and it's right by our house. David gave me a beautiful Brighton bracelet to commemorate the occasion.

Monday was Memorial Day so we got to spend the whole day together. We went to Pearl's and had a delicious seafood lunch. We spent the afternoon at the Paseo Arts Festival wandering around hand in hand.

June
3~We celebrated 2 years since our first date, and the first day we met. It's hard to believe everything that has happened since that day!

12-13~We spent an incredibly relaxing weekend in Duncan, OK with David's parents. We swam, ate out, and went to a movie. My mother-in-law, Sharon, treated me to a pedicure. We always have a great time when we visit them!

July
3-5~We took a trip to Arkansas to see my family and friends. One of my oldest friends, Jennifer, was in town with her husband and three kids. It was great to see her again after several years and to introduce her to David. We had a great 4th of July meal and fireworks. On Sunday, we enjoyed sushi with many of my friends for my pinky Candy's birthday.

16-18~My friend Brian visited us. We had a great time with him. One highlight was a visit to the OKC Bombing Memorial museum. It was incredibly sad, but interesting and extremely well done.

24-27~I worked 14 hour days as the School of Christian Mission was hosted at OCU. Thank goodness, that event is only once a year!

27~Our beloved dog, Max, was laid to rest. He had not been eating well, and David took him to the vet. Initially, we thought he just had an ear infection. He couldn't hold anything down that night, so we took him to the pet emergency room. Sadly, they told us that he had an enlarged heart, possible cancer, and lung issues. We made the difficult decision to put him to sleep so he wouldn't suffer. It was the hardest thing we've had to face as a couple. He had a long happy life, and we miss him terribly. We will get another golden retriever as soon as we feel we're ready.

30~We celebrated two years since my heart surgery. My surgeon told me two years ago that I would die within two years without surgery, so I looked at this year as kind of a milestone. I'm so thankful that God healed me--look at all the wonderful things I would have missed! As we were going out to dinner that night to celebrate, David said, "You can wear those earrings, or you might want to change into these" and pulled out a Brighton gift bag! Inside were the earrings that match my anniversary bracelet! What a wonderful surprise. He took me to a Brazilian restaurant that had a rooftop bar. It was so romantic and beautiful!

So far, August is looking calmer. A little work to get the school year started, a couple of birthdays, and a visit from my parents.

Looking ahead to fall...

September 4-6~We are going to Indiana to celebrate my niece and nephew's birthdays. Caroline will be 6 (going on 16) and Bennett will be 2.

September 5~Football season begins! Go Hogs, Go Pokes!

October 2-3~My 20th high school reunion. This may be in conjunction with a family reunion.

October 17-19~OSU Homecoming, which is also a huge Krivy family gathering

November 6-9~I'm so looking forward to this! David's parents are joining us in a trip to Arkansas. Our parents love us and each other, what a gift! We are going to play in the leaves one day, either in Eureka Springs or Devil's Den. David and I are going to go to a Razorback game Saturday night. It should be a wonderful fall weekend in the Ozarks. I need at least one of these a year, minimum.

After that, the holidays will descend on us!

I hope you've enjoyed the highlights of our summer. There were many more, and we had a great time!

My life in OKC

Ok, I know it's been a while. Thanks to Kristen for "reminding" me that I've neglected this blog. I have, however been writing a little on redaboutyou.blogspot.com which is an American Heart Association blog.

By request, here's some info on my Oklahoma City life. Enjoy the glimpse into what has made my life here so happy.

1. David! Getting to see him everyday is something I hope I'll never take for granted. I can't believe I ever made it Monday-Thursday without him! We truly enjoy our time together, the ordinary time of dishes, groceries, bills, and cooking dinner have been better because we are together. We've had some fun special events, too, but I love our daily life together as much as any special night out we've had. We're about to celebrate our first year of marriage on May 24!

2. Church of the Servant. I love our church! It is unique in so many ways, especially among Methodist churches. One of the pinkies said that they call it "jungle church"! It has live plants, including full size palm trees, growing in the sanctuary and a waterfall in the lobby! Check it out at http://www.churchoftheservant.com/. The people are wonderful. I am involved in a women's Bible study and I'm leading it this summer. David is on missions council.

3. MissionLinc Sunday school class. They are the coolest, most passionate people. David and I have loved getting to know everyone. There are 6 or 7 couples that are the core of the class, and we continue to grow. Check it out at http://www.missionlinc.com/. We are currently mentoring/assisting a needy family. One of the couples in our class actually bought a home for them to rent! We are going over there tonight to start getting it ready for them. Moving day is April 25. We are also going on a couples retreat May 1-3. Check out this photo from our '80s Rock Band night...

**Check out the flair on David's perfectly stonewashed Hard Rock Cafe jacket, his Cliff Huxtable sweater and braided leather belt. You can't see his pegged jeans and penny loafers. I'm working the Flashdance shoulder, and I have David's class ring on a chain around my neck. You probably can't see the purple eyeshadow I'm wearing, but oh baby...did I look the part! David saw me after I got all dolled up and said, "You look totally awesome!" I told him he looked rad.

4. Oklahoma City itself. I read this morning that OKC is the 6th most livable city in the country, as ranked by Forbes magazine. It has sports, the arts, shopping, and, well, interesting weather. Here's a photo:

5. Our little pet family. Here are our children, Max, Clyde, and Possum.








Pictures of our house will be in a future post, once I've planted all the flowers in the front. And once Oklahoma decides to pick a season (hopefully spring) and stick with it for the entire week.

Tagged--10 Songs on my I-Pod

I saw this on jennsylvania.com. I'm sure it's a Facebook thing. It sounded so funny that I thought I'd give it a whirl. Basically, you hit shuffle on your I-Pod and post what comes up along with any witty commentary you'd like to offer.

1. Can't Help Falling in Love--Michael Buble. If you've ever seen David and I together, you don't need further commentary.

2. Someone to Save You--One Republic. My old friend, Zach, is the guitarist. I would love their music even if I didn't know Zach.

3. You Don't Know Me--Michael Buble. This song used to illustrate my love life, which was mainly comprised of unrequited love. No more! Now it's just a beautiful song.

4. You Look So Good in Love--George Strait. I hope this song sounds like I looked and felt on my wedding day.

5. I Melt--Rascal Flatts. The kind of song that makes me want to call David and ask him to come straight home from work! Very sexy song.

6. Angel Eyes--Jeff Healy Band. One of my favorite songs ever! Very romantic.

7. If I Had $1,000,000--Barenaked Ladies. One of David's favorites, funny song.

8. I Ain't Settling--Sugarland. Single girl mantra, also pumps me up to go for it in life in general.

9. Someone Exactly Like You--Van Morrison. Romantic and perfect. I didn't know I was looking for someone exactly like David until I found him.

10. Wonderful Tonight--Eric Clapton. Classic love song. Love it!

So, there you have it. Eric Clapton, George Strait, and Michael Buble. How's that for variety?

Church on Sunday

We are going through a book at church called "Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybels. So far, it has been excellent! A quote:

"True followers of Christ who really get it right, give themselves to people. Most importantly, they give themselves to pointing people to faith in Christ. That is the highest and best use of a human life..."

"...if you really belive in the redeeming and transforming power of God's presence in a person's life, then the single greatest gift you can give someone is a explanation of how to be rightly connected to Him."

It's easy for me to do good deeds most of the time. I like helping others. If you need a ride somewhere, help with a project, or someone to talk to, I'm there. But, often I don't take it further than that. People don't need more of my good deeds. They need connection with the God who loves them. If I fail to point them to God when they are hurting, am I really fulfilling my mission to help?

My Sunday school class has adopted a needy family. You can find out more by checking out my friend Kim's blog at http://www.missionlinc.com/missions. Bill Hybels' words are ringing in my head as I think about our work with this family. As a class, we've cleaned their house and yard, found tutors for the kids, worked on housing and utility issues, and many other missions of mercy.

I know we are sharing God's love by helping to meet their needs, but sometimes that stops short. We need to share God's message and love with them intentionally. Their spiritual needs are as deep as any need for warmth, love, attention, and financial resources. I'm praying that as the Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity, we will seize it and be willing to share God's good news with this family. I agree with Mr. Hybels: this would be the greatest gift we could give them.