This story is BIG. Our God is BIG. A story of HOPE in God, His faithfulness and His provision.
It all started way back in 1989. I was in 2nd grade and I had a stirring to move to Texas. Little did I know, Texas had something waiting for me, a chapter in my story. God was preparing a young heart. Fast forward 12 years to my sophomore year at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado. I wanted to complete my undergraduate degree; my parents and I started looking at schools in Texas. We visited West Texas A&M and after making a second trip to Texas, we looked at Texas Tech University. This is how I felt and like to say it, “I knew, big black and white letters on the wall…this is where I was suppose to go.” God ordered my steps. He led me to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas to complete my undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications. While there I was fortunate to be a part of the 2003 National Champion Meats Judging Team. This was an incredible experience.
In 2005, I started dating Kris Wilson. *Disclaimer* When I talk about Kris Wilson, I light up…the love of my life.
This was pivotal, defining step for me, for us. God introduced me to my soulmate. This was the start of our journey together. The number one attribute that drew me to Kris was his faith. I wanted what he had and I wanted to know more. I was raised a Lutheran and had a good foundation. But I wanted to build a relationship with the Lord. Kris was the man that God used to shape me into the woman I am today.
May 20, 2006 God untied us as one, husband and wife. Starting our life together as one. We lived in Lubbock, Texas, both working at Texas Tech, living the newly wed life. Kris had obtained his Doctorate Degree in Ruminant Nutrition before we were married. He was a professor in Animal Science and I worked on the Marketing Team in the Admissions office. Kris completed all four degrees without stopping, 10 years straight through. God knew what He was doing. During this time, the Ranch Horse Team started. Kris was driven, determined and destined.
After 3 years at Texas Tech, Kris was feeling a stirring. We prayed and took communion together every evening we could together for 8 months. Asking God to open a door. God opened a door.
In August 2009 Kris and I packed up our house and left his professorship to move to Matador, Texas. Kris had accepted a job with the Matador Cattle Company as the Headquarters Cowboy. Some thought we were crazy. All of Kris’ education to leave a job that he had worked so hard to obtain. God was calling us. Kris was so excited to be a ranch cowboy, every boys dream, every mans dream. It was an adventure. I like to say this, “That year we lived on love, one of the best years of our marriage.” I will forever cherish the memories and friends turned family in that small little West Texas town.
I told Kris I would make this move, but we had to add to our family, it was time. He agreed. God blessed us. We welcomed our little cowboy to our family on August 20, 2010. Grady Spur Wilson. His Dad named him.
I want to tell an important story right here. One day I was feeding the bulls, my job while we were at Matador Ranch was to feed Kris’ cows and the bulls. I loved it! I was 8 months pregnant and Matador Ranch doesn’t have cattle guards (I feel that this needs to be said). The Bulls, the last pasture to feed. I slid out of the old green feed pickup and made my way to the gate. While waddling over there, I heard the Lord in an audible voice. He said, “I have BIG plans for Kris Wilson.” I wondered what BIG was…hmmm. God was fixen to start unfolding it.
All the while we were preparing and having Grady Spur, God was moving. Three weeks after Grady Spur was born. We packed up our little house in Matador, Texas and moved to the Bell Ranch in New Mexico. Kris interviewed for the job of manager of the very historic Bell Ranch. God was asking us to step up. After only a year in ranch country at Matador Ranch. Were we ready? God was equipping and preparing.
We took on a BIG job…was this it? Kris jumped all in…with that drive and determination. I was very concerned what I was suppose to be doing out there. Was I suppose to write a book like the previous ranch wives on the history of this ranch. One day Kris came to me and calmed my young mother heart and said, “Your job is Grady Spur.” From that day forward that has been my priority and focus, our children.
We loved life! It was a great adventure living at such a magical place, the Bell Ranch. Kris had an amazing crew, our ranch family. We did life together. I was cooking for the cowboys and chasing Grady Spur.
March 17, 2023 we were roping with friends having a great Sunday afternoon. Monday, March 18th 2013 Kris woke me up, he was screaming in pain in the shower. That was the day that changed our lives forever. We found out that Kris had a tumor above his left kidney. He uttered the words, “They think I have cancer.”
10 days later we welcomed our little cowgirl, Josey Rae Wilson. My middle name is Jo and Kris’ was Ray. She has a piece of each of us. She is so very special to us. God was showing us that in the middle of the raging storm there is JOY. She is our JOY.
The doctors said 18 months. Remember me saying Kris was driven, determined and destined. God had been preparing us. For the next 3.5 years we fiercely battled cancer with God at the lead. He was teaching us, guiding us, asking us, surrounding us with people that would stand with us. Showing us what faith in Him looked like.
In 2014, we were over in Germany seeking wholistic treatment for the cancer. Kris had a dream that would spark a wildfire. Kris dreamt of Jesus riding to him over a hill on a white horse in a fiery mass. At first, he was scared, then he was relived and hoped He was coming for him. The Lord, quickly revealed to Kris that he wasn’t finished with his works. He wanted Kris to write a 40 Day Devotional for Cowboys.
We came home and got back to ranch and life. Kris doubted for a while that he wasn’t equipped enough for this. But remember God equips the called, He doesn’t call the equipped. He had been preparing Kris and us all along. Looking back, you can see his fingerprints all over every detail. God is God of the details.
When Kris fully surrendered to what the Lord was asking the fire blazed and “I’ll Drop You Off, A 40 Day Devotional for Cowboys" was wrote and published within 6 months. What God was doing was INCREDIBLE. I was watching the Lord use my husband powerfully. It was…
September 7, 2016, Kris’ rode HOME victorious to be with the Lord. Cancer didn’t win, God did! “Victory in Jesus my Savior forever…” Kris’ was obedient to the calling for his life and what the Lord asked him to do. He was obedient, for many many others to build a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This was BIG! God plans are BIG! God is BIG!
Now, 8.5 years later we are so happy to announce we have the “The Audio Works” available. The audiobook to “I’ll Drop You Off, A 40 Day Devotional for Cowboys.” 40 Days – 40 Voices.
It was our calling. His calling is still my calling. About a year ago, I had a friend say this to me, “You are still doing Kingdom work, he is just in the Kingdom.” I will carry that with me the rest of my days. God is continually working.
Grady, Josey and I have walked through grief together. Greif is hard, it hurts, it is raw. It is something you learn to live with. We have become so close, the three of us. We have an INCREDIBLE family that has stood by our side. God has showed us His goodness and provision in so many ways. We are grateful Kris was ours and are grateful for the HOPE of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Eternal life where we are healed and made whole, complete.
The story is BIG. I love to the tell the details, it is who I am. I remember the details.
It's a story of love and loss, faith and purpose-our story, God's story-and it continues to be used for His glory.