tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36465369583969989632024-03-18T22:30:26.980-05:00The MacDonaldsKristen MacDonaldKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.comBlogger384125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-31555967269689276722014-03-14T18:09:00.000-05:002014-03-14T18:09:55.105-05:00pray for your pastor... really.I grew up in church. my dad has worked in the church although it never was in the role of 'head pastor' and so I never knew some of the differences that brings, especially on preaching day. <br />
<br />
When I met my husband {then boyfriend} and I got to know his family I began to learn about that 'head pastor role.' In high school i can vividly remember the times we would go to his house for lunch on fridays his dad was always studying in his home office. if you know his dad, he was always up for a joke and a hug but i remember seeing even then the pressure in his spirit as he worked and prepared and studied to share his sermon that weekend. <br />
<br />
Fast forward many years to this one, 2014. In the last couple of months Luke has gotten the opportunity to preach at a campus of our church and I've learned quickly.. once i hear the date i must start praying {like STAT}. It's a big responsibility to 'feed the sheep' and to be accountable for every word preached. <br />
<br />
With any job comes pressure, comes unexpected moments or circumstances, come {you name it} but being a pastor that is preaching the Word of God there is a pressure that's hard to compare. In Ephesians, Paul speaks of the battle we fight, "<i>For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood</i>, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."<br />
<br />
Last weekend I was ever so aware of this 'wrestling match' prior to his preaching, i'll set the stage for you {so to speak}.<br />
<br />
We woke up early Saturday morning to the sound of our one year old, when he's ready to get up, well the house knows it. We drug ourselves out of bed as we were tired from the night before, Luke had hosted the 20's ministry gathering & we had eaten at 10:30 at night..so our stomachs were in rare form. Within minutes the whole house was bustling with noise and sippy cups full of milk and saturday morning cartoons. I had asked Luke earlier in the week if we could drop over to a relative's house to grab a piece of furniture I could paint and I thought it would fit in the van so it seemed like a simple ask. Once the littlest man woke up from his nap we headed out and we had promised donuts, post successful furniture pick up. I was feeling pretty good once I had carried that bad-boy {dresser} up basement stairs and to the van & was feeling even better when it was in the van. <br />
<br />
deep breath.<br />
<br />
until i ran up to lock the door and turned around to the sound of smashing shattered little bits of glass... yep, when the mister shut the van door ... the rest was history. back window shattered. oh yea, did i mention or other vehicle was in the 'shop' because a few weeks prior his car was sitting at the church on saturday before service and someone slammed into it {during a snow storm} and drove away. so, we now have one car with a shattered back window all three kids in the car, not to mention the three children who are ticked that the trip didn't land them donuts. <br />
<br />
yes, i understand that the mister shouldn't have slammed the door, but this event didn't happen on a monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday or friday, nope it happened on a saturday just hours before he had to get up and preach. ask any pastor, ask him what his weekends are like. <br />
be it<br />
illness,<br />
sin coming out in the church,<br />
fight with their spouse,<br />
children acting out,<br />
car problems,<br />
...<br />
<br />
i say all this to say... satan knows your pastor is getting up to preach the Word of God, the good news of Jesus Christ. as the pastor's family, can we get over these temporary problems? of course. Can our cars be fixed? of course. <br />
<br />
your pastor needs to be prayed for. and you need to be one of the people praying. <br />
pray for him and his preparation.<br />
pray for his family.<br />
pray for protection for him.<br />
pray for peace.<br />
pray as you are led... but pray.<br />
<br />
Post shattered window, I texted a bunch of prayer warriors. They prayed and God preached through Luke and as we know but was ever so clear last weekend... it was ALL the Lord.<br />
<br />
Prayerful {even more} for my pastor,<br />
kg<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-20387597696972872792014-03-12T15:27:00.003-05:002014-03-12T15:31:44.865-05:00having it 'all together.' (the much aspired mom award)i don't have an impressive book list this year, mainly my goal was to start {being the main word} because it's something i really do enjoy...<br />
<br />
based on the two books i've read you can kind of get a glimpse into what i'm going for in life...<br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-More-Perfect-Moms-Learn/dp/0802406378/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394654219&sr=1-1&keywords=no+more+perfect+moms">no more perfect moms</a> {i don't know if that means that i'm down with perfection or just that i've realized that i'm no where near perfect :)}<br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Balancing-All-Juggling-Priorities-Purpose/dp/1433681846/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394654259&sr=1-1&keywords=balancing+it+all">balancing it all</a> {now, if i had this down life would dramatically change.}<br />
<br />
and after reading both of these books, i think more than anything i've realized no one totally has it <i><b>ALL</b></i> together and it's even more freeing to admit that. After all there's no trophy I get on Friday if A + B = C this week. If only I had a week that followed A + B... but that's just reality. I wouldn't say that either of these books had gobs of information that i've never heard before, rather gracious reminders that i'm not the only one walking in these shoes called motherhood. I think depending on the season you find yourself in... you are led to different takeaways. <br />
<br />
one of the many things that i gleaned from the book <u>no more perfect moms</u> was this:<br />
"Pride sneaks in, and sometimes we mistake it for confidence. However, pride is comparing ourselves , knowingly or unknowingly, to others with the result that we come out looking better than they do. Pride is a thief. It robs us of our joy because we become obsessed with believing we deserve something better than what we have."<br />
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I want to do this job of motherhood well... so badly i do. I don't want to wish I was walking in someone else's shoes {even if they are cute} because then i will miss the lessons i should be learning in my own..this is what i'll say: I'm a work in progress: that is for sure, oh & just wanted to announce through the loud speaker of this blog: <b><i><u>i don't have it all together.</u></i></b> Ahhhhhhhhh.....I can feel the freedom already. <br />
<br />
If you're a mom, check these books out, they may be an encouragement to you also!<br />
happy reading,<br />
kristen<br />
<br /><!------being-->Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-9447005230737491482014-02-26T15:02:00.000-06:002014-02-26T15:02:08.245-06:00a day in the life...the other day there was a 'friend' on facebook saying that 'today was an i wish i was a stay at home mom day.' i realize that a post on being a stay at home mom stirs a controversy I don't want to stir, trust me. Instead with this post I intend for you to laugh at my circumstances today because for me it's <i>all still too soon. </i><br />
<br />
i woke up today thank God without a headache and at least a hope that we were moving toward wellness since my three year old hadn't puked in the night. When I walked out my door and saw him in the family room, his face coloring was a bit gray but a smile was on his face. folks, i feel as though we are making progress. As I went to his room to make sure I hadn't altogether missed a puking episode in the night (as i did on Saturday night) i indeed found his 'puking bowl' with throw-up inside. The hope just turned although i was enthusiastically excited that the puke seemed to have magically all entered the bowl rather than his sheets and {yes} the beach towels I had so elegantly laid out around his bed to protect the white carpet. flu:1 me:.5 {i'm feeling generous}<br />
<br />
thank the good Lord my five year old who threw up this weekend seemed well so that he could go to school after all he DID puke this weekend so i really hope we are in the clear:) I send him off to school while attempting to fix my three year old three options for breakfast of which he chose a slice of apple. odd but it stayed down, so we'll take one for the win. My third born went down for his morning nap and stayed down while i managed to clean up the kitchen, take a shower {did i mention it feels amazing}, and throw the three year old's sheets in the wash because i forgot that i hadn't put a diaper on him and he peed in his sheets last night. <br />
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Did I mention it's frigid outside, but i have to go out because there was two errands that were MUSTS. We bundled up and I psyched us all up and we went out. We made it through the errands until we were just about to enter our subdivision when i looked back to see my 1 year old sleeping. I found that especially odd seeing as he took a great nap but so be it. until 2.3 seconds later when he started puking all over himself. flu:2 me: 0 THANK GOD it was mostly all over him and not the car. Call me vain, but I was so sad in the moment that my car was going to wreak of vomit. <br />
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Thank God for the kindness of my mother in law who brought us lunch on this bitterly cold day and held the baby for a few minutes so that I could actually eat my lunch. <br />
<br />
Fast forward to naptime where I was throwing in more puke wash, trying to replace a battery of a chirping smoke alarm and calling my bank company who i spent 41 minutes 46 seconds on the phone with because my card had been compromised and the new card that they sent me refuses to work. After communicating that to three or four people who were kind but yet couldn't help me, I got off the phone in tears from frustration. <br />
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I get that being a stay at home mom sounds so glamourous.... and on some days (like once in a grand while) my days are filled with delights. However, today the above six paragraphs ARE my reality. This is what I do know. This is what we've chosen for me and for that I am grateful (minus the picking up puke part) and God has told each of us <i>to be faithful right where we are. </i> So today that means to be faithful even though a few or most of the things in my day stink {somewhat literally}. But it also means that the days that are filled with sunshine and roses that I get to be faithful too. God gives us grace in our circumstances; for that I'm so thankful. <br />
<br />
my day can only go up from here,<br />
kgKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-3399207763081793852014-01-29T21:21:00.001-06:002014-01-29T21:21:49.182-06:00motherhood. the trenches. & five years in. Tomorrow, I will have been a mom for five years! Lets face
it...to those of you veteran moms, that's a small start but to me it
seems like quite a large feat.<br />
<br />
My heart & mind have found themselves
in places that no other venture has taken them near.. not.even.close.<br />
<br />
From the beginning I went from pain {cue contractions in the middle of the night} to the most immense joy {meeting carter jude} to more
pain{the glorious epidural wearing off}.<br />
<br />
Once we made it home, enter many new emotions including: how the heck do I take care of this child, "where's the manual????!!!!",
why is he screaming and why do my 'feeding tools' hurt so stinking bad. {no one told me that part}<br />
<br />
Over the past few years my emotions have run the spectrum... from how could a human being bring me so much joy to frustration [even
anger] when I can't have what I want (most selfishly) or when I can't get
a child to obey for the life of me, I guess {after many years of babysitting} I thought that part would be
easier. wrong.<br />
<br />But.... there have been a few things that have kept me going, I
couldn't {never in a thousand x a thousand years} have done it had I not had these supports in place. This job is
hard but it's a gift and one that {in my right mind} i wouldn't trade. <br />
props to.... <br /><br />
1. My husband.<br />
When I look back at the pictures taken pre-pregnancy Carter, I can't help
but laugh. Who are those rested & impossibly cute love birds who don't
have a clue what they are getting into. But each step of the way Luke
has been there. If it was holding the screaming baby just after we sat down for dinner or it was him telling me I
looked amazing when I looked like an unshowered disaster with puke on my
shoulder. He has loved me well as I have rookied through these first
five years. <br />
<br />2. Our family.<br />
They have loved our babies & us so
graciously... They have helped us in the newborn stages, so that i can
get out to buy groceries & do ministry & stay sane. They love
our kids fiercely & our kids are thrilled by the thought of mommy
& daddy going away because that means they get to have fun with
family. What a gift. <br /><br />
3. Gods Word.<br />
I think you gain so much
understanding in the significance of God sending his son for you when
you become a parent. When you put yourself in Mary's sandals for all of
five minutes and imagine what she went through... Yep, no words. Gods
Word has been a lamp unto my feet, refreshment for a weary soul, truth
when I was giving into self pity or discontentment. <br /><br />
4. Friends.<br />
Thank God for people sharing in this season of life with us {unshowered, puke-wearing, lack of sleep understanding to name a few commonalities}. Women who
listened to me and loved me right where I was at. Friendship is a bit, no I mean a lot messy because it's life. but, its good for the soul.
Whenever I have had day of 'isolation' I recognize my need for the people
God has put right beside me, we get to help & bless & love one
another. we can't do it alone, that's for sure.<br /><br />
5. Grace.<br />
Over five years i have learned that i need grace more than i ever knew that i needed it. perfection isn't attainable, perfection is instead impossible. That i need grace upon grace upon grace everyday, because without it, i am just a mess of a mom. <br />
<br />The truth is I crave time when my name is
Kristen rather than Mommy. but then once I'm in Kristen mode I just can't
stop talking about the little fellas who call me Mommy. I need to grow
immensely as a mom, news flash to anyone and everyone i have not arrived. the short list includes:yell less, be more patient, teach more through life
experience, feed them healthier, give more grace...<br />
<br />
The truth also is: I wouldn't trade
these last five years, for anything. More money, identity in something the world values more than a stay at home mom, less dark circles under my eyes. Nothing would cut it. I know that at the end the day these children
will be a lot of the sanctification process for my spiritual life {that is if these first five years are any indication of the next many}. And you know what? i'll take it. <br />Cheers from a tired, happy, desperate for a shower, crazy for my little men,<br />
MommaKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-20635446148759327852014-01-23T21:00:00.001-06:002014-01-23T21:00:54.134-06:00what really happens when you give.<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the longer i live the more i realize that </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you always get more than you give. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when you fully & willingly give of yourself... that's the end result.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the 'payback' if you want to call it that {but is irrelevant because you're giving without the desire to get in return} doesn't always come back in the form in which you gave, in my experience it rarely does. but that's the best part. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whether it's Christmas morning and you've given a thoughtful gift.... the response is usually quite better than you had played out in your head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whether it's a friendship, you can give of yourself, give of your time, give of your resources, give of your wisdom, give of your family... when that person exudes gratefulness that is often times gift enough in return.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whether it's a ministry relationship where you're pouring out yourself and sometimes at the point of the pouring you in all honesty feel tired & weary. Often the return comes later, how growth appears... never overnight, but time tells. the payback is often the story you see God write with that person's life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whether it's with your family. As a mom it's the constant give, the 'i look like poop, but i've given to my family today every.part.of.my.being....' the payback would never be them doing what i did for them because i have joy in my job. the payback is in the slobbery, chocolatey kisses on your dryclean only sweater. {hypothetically of course;)} or the 'mom, i'm having so much fun with you.' or the 'mommy, those pancakes you made were weally, weally good {enter thought: i had to force you to eat them child.} i digress.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i have the verse Colossians 3:17 posted at my kitchen sink...it says,</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it reminds me many times throughout the day that if i'm doing things with an eternal perspective, for Him... my whole mind shifts because when i'm thinking clearly i'd rather not choose the temporal rewards. they're pretty empty in comparison to the amazing joys & surprising rewards God gives when you give freely, lovingly & willingly of yourself with exactly what he gave you to give out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can<b><i> never</i></b> out give God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kg </span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-22222164977679516592014-01-15T20:49:00.006-06:002014-01-15T20:49:58.204-06:00pinterest #success<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so remember that time last spring when I got all the ingredients for slime for my boys because pinterest gave me the idea & because if I have boys... naturally they would love slime. think again. they wouldn't even touch the slime. i was so let down. so much so that i left the slime in a ziploc in my cabinet because i thought they might change their minds... that's a true story. that's also a pinterest #fail story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">well, last night we were having a dear friend over for coffee & dessert & instead of going with the same old same old from my cookbook i ventured into the land of pinterest. i had a few pinned recipes that looked amazing but in my season of life, it's usually 'let's play it safe so i don't waste time i don't even have to be doing this...' Alas, i found myself at the store buying a few ingredients and in my kitchen during 'naptime' whipping up the dessert. halfway in i realized, 'wow, this thing is involved.' but... i was halfway in... {insert instilled value from my dear parents of endurance} equaling- i must continue. and continue i did, deserted by my four year old, i made up in my heart & my mind this stinkin' dessert would be worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">worth it, it was! this was truly a pinterest success story. if you are having a friend for coffee & dessert or want to celebrate a birthday or have just had the worst day ever... i suggest eating this very dessert. it's off the charts, if i say so myself. {wink, wink}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it's called.... Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. And it's found <a href="http://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/2010/09/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars.html">here.</a> Also, on my pinterest board...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey, here's to a new year of trying NEW things!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">delightfully,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kristen</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-70179875529532888822014-01-13T14:24:00.001-06:002014-01-13T14:24:06.849-06:00turning a new page<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the last three days the mister has preached five times. five times to present God's Word without apology for God's glory and for people to flood to their knees to grow closer to Jesus. Opportunities not to pass up for sure and more than that people are going to heaven because his obedience to share the gospel. Amazing. I never want to grow apathetic to hearing people's eternity changed because of their decision to turn from their sin and obey Christ. That's just down right awesome!!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">one of his preaches was at the 20's ministry on friday night. the weather conditions weren't necessarily cooperative but here in chicago, not much stops people. he preached on authority in our life... the gist being</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 'when i honor my authority, i honor jesus.' </span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">simple but not always the easiest. the scripture that I'm trying to be mindful of is... Colossians 3:23 'whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working at it for the Lord and not for man.' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it was a good reminder that the three little lads that reside under my authority are going to follow my example. gulp, big responsibility. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">three of the other preaches were at the weekend services on the rolling meadows campus of our church, in fact, you can listen/watch his message <a href="http://www.harvestbible.org/content.aspx?site_id=10780&content_id=372048">here</a> . It was from 1 Peter 2:1-3 titled Grow Up. My favorite part of the message was that </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Grown Ups desire God's best.' </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he gave examples about how often we let the substitutes just 'cut it' rather than really longing for the Word that God has so graciously given us. Even more than that disciplining ourselves to be in His Word and then seeing God change that discipline into desire and the desire into delight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can look back at times in my life where i truly longed for God's Word in my life. Often, it came with a trial and the Word was the thing that I could put my feet on and know that I was standing on a rock... but when I look back over the last 5 years {our firstborn is turning five in less than a month, yeesh time flies!} i find that I've tried to allow the substitutes to cut it or in other words let the excuses over power of discipline. My goal for this year is to wake up at a set time and get in the Word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no more excuses,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no more i'm tired... {i've got kids, of course i'm tired!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">less with the selfishness more with the let's turn a new page!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the encouragement i've received on the days I've chosen his Word over what I would have otherwise has <i><b>always</b></i> won out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trusting the Lord that this year is going to be different,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristen</span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-71845534524264420802014-01-05T20:42:00.000-06:002014-01-05T20:42:20.639-06:00to my dadThis was a letter I wrote to my dad for his birthday tomorrow. Thought I would share. SO grateful for him...<br />
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January 3, 2014<br />
Dear dad,<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Today we celebrate your 60th birthday. Wow, you’re getting old… just teasing. But really, I’m almost half your age and if that’s any indication of how fast time flies I’m sure you still feel young! The calendar pages keep turning and each new day you, uncommon and in a class of your own have taught me new lessons. No it wasn’t the ‘here’s how you ride your bike’ lessons where you learn and I know how to do it forever, it was the ‘principal lessons’ that stick out the most…<br />
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like put your head down and work hard and do your best. <br />
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Or when you’re running, put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving, it doesn’t matter the speed, just that you’re moving, you’ll build your endurance.<br />
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Or to love Jesus & Live for Him fiercely. <br />
Know His Word & look to Him for all things.<br />
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Or Trust God. He knows and sees and isn’t phased by the circumstance that’s hardest right now.<br />
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Or love your family well. Laugh often &<br />
don’t forget to tell them daily…’I love you.’ <br />
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Oh gosh… now I’m in tears as I write because I know that my experience is rare. It’s rare to have a dad who loves you, provided for you above and beyond, who loves the Lord, who still loves and pursues your mother, who serves faithfully at their church {among many other things}. And who lives out the faith they say they believe. <br />
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Dad, I’m thankful for you, for the example you set and the lessons you’ve taught me with your life. They weren’t words you said although your words mean much to me and they weren’t merely single experiences… it’s the compilation of 60 years that says it well. <br />
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I think that when you’re in ministry you see lots of amazing things and lots of hard things… and if there’s anything it gains you it’s perspective. Thus I’ve seen how often I should count my blessings rather than bemoan my hardships. God truly blessed me when he made you my earthly father.<br />
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As I reminisce, my mind is racing… what story to recall & a few come to mind.<br />
… taking walks and just chilling on the beach in Destin! Along with ‘late night’ {as a kid} swims in the pool!<br />
… the many times you teased me growing up… case & point: NICK SCHHHHUUULLLLOOO.<br />
… growing up you would always, always, always put Tony Catchetories seasoning on nearly every meal.<br />
… picking out my purple bike that was a birthday present!<br />
… When you took my friends and I to a school dance in junior high and you told us not to be ‘wall flowers.’ <br />
… Indian Princesses… Hahahaha! Be it our names or our ’camp experience’ with that crazy horse. That was a ’dad trying to love his daughter’ experience.<br />
… Camp Paradise… I will never forget being so stinking cold while showering there… you getting the bucket and the water drizzling out. Fun memories with Ted & Summy-bummy-bimster-bim…<br />
… Going running with you around Lake Charlemagne & I can still hear you instructing me to just keep going, the speed doesn’t matter. J<br />
… The Barbie Cards… when I would (possibly) excel at a soccer game you would reward me.<br />
… When you took me shopping so I could be well-dressed at Cedarville.<br />
…. Our fun ’daddy daughter date’ to Chipotle & Bethany Dillon Concert between my freshman and sophomore year of college.<br />
…. When we were waiting to walk down the aisle at my wedding you told me you were proud of me… it meant a lot but I didn’t want to start crying so I said, lets just stand silently! Haha that was very memorable!<br />
… When you held Carter for the first time and you said, ‘this is a strong kid.’ Boy, were you right. <br />
… Whenever we have told you we were pregnant, you always congratulated Luke! Funny to meJ<br />
… Watching you as a grandfather is so sweet & how my boys know that if Pa is coming over they automatically get to wrestle. <br />
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There’s much more that I could say, but I think at the end of the day it’s just that I love you and that I’ve been blessed to be your daughter and to learn from you. Thanks for setting the bar high but always letting me know I was loved along the way. <br />
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Love forever & always,<br />
Kristen Ginger<br />
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-76390322238503604312013-12-21T15:22:00.002-06:002013-12-21T15:22:55.344-06:00there's not many days that you remember twenty years later when you are the age 27 but today is one of them. my grandma was sick with leukemia and had gone into the hospital at the end of november and hadn't yet made her way out. we had prayed for healing and had held onto hope but sometimes God's plan is different than our own. i remember that I had been at my aunt's that day and as we drove down lightfoot lane that was covered in snow and humongous beautiful trees I knew we were right by my grandparents' house. it was four days before christmas and i was giddy with excitement. but as we pulled up i remember seeing my aunt's heart sink, there was a note on the door. it read something like, 'get to the hospital, quick.' <br />
you see, these were my beautiful grandma martinie's last moments on this earth. that bright beaming smile that always filled her face wasn't there, she was so ready to go home to be with her Savior. <br />
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so... all of us martinies {despite no cell phones} got the message and got to the hospital. i don't know who the nurses are but they were so kind... they let all of us martinies small and tall crowd into her icu room. i don't remember what we were singing, whether it was hymns or christmas carols but i remember my pop's voice leading the chorus. I remember thinking and wishing that the loud monitor tracking her heart would just quiet down. the tears were abundant, that i remember well. and then i remember my grandfather praying over her and and opening my eyes during the prayer {i know, i know, not allowed ;)} and seeing her blink those beautiful blue eyes one last time before i saw the heart monitor ceasing... the line that you never want to see. her life this side of heaven was over and yet she was already present with her Savior and Lord Jesus. Our hearts ached, we missed her the second she was gone. Christmas wasn't the same, we were mourning our sweet Marian. The one who cooked the meals and didn't stop from the moment her feet hit the floor. I can still hear her now saying 'Grandma teenie' this or that. <br />
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I couldn't stop thinking about this all day... that moment that is so vividly etched in my mind. and tears roll off my cheeks even now as i record it. i wish i knew her longer and that i had experienced more of her. but there's good news... because of Jesus... because of Christmas we get to see her again. She won't be in pain, in fact, there won't be anymore tears... because we will be at the feet of Jesus. And the amazing thing is that for twenty years now she's been having amazing days in heaven... better than I could ever imagine. So thankful our hope isn't of this world but in Him who bore our shame and sin and died on the cross so we could have life & life abundantly. <br />
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so though i'm sad today and mourning my loss of my grandma... i know that i will see her again and take joy in that! <br />
thank you jesus.<br />
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-69448466247712342272013-11-12T07:40:00.000-06:002013-11-12T07:40:20.170-06:00the day i {many days} thought may never come. <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i remember it like yesterday, Carter was about 9 months old and i started getting 'baby fever.' That little newborn & baby stage was so sweet and i had thought if i could do it with one why would adding another one be crazy? So after a few months of waiting to get the mister on board too... well, we got pregnant. If i remember correctly {did i mention post pregnancy x3 my memory fails me daily?} carter was just over a year old and before Christmas we would have another little one to call our own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">low and behold we added another son to the mix. i was excited to have two little boys to be brothers. i had heard these stories that they could be best friends one day and that it would be so nice for them to have a playmate at home. these two little men aren't even two years apart, it's something like twenty months. that's <b><i>close</i></b>. what you don't realize when you catch that 'baby fever' is that your apparent pre-baby sanity has flown out the window. {as they say in the movies, 'its gone...'} because now you not only have one baby but two babies. that <b><i><u>neeeeeeeed </u></i></b>you. they need you to get dressed, to change their diapers, to feed them, to clean up after them, to put them to bed, to bathe them, to play with them, to keep them on a schedule, to.... it's a beautiful life {truly, no sarcasm intended} but no wonder my cleanliness and sleep and memory have flown out the window. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">fast forward to ages two and three. the boys begin to like each other. they play alongside each other and can watch movies together {just keep popcorn close at hand for the two year old} and the two year old thinks that the three year old hung the moon, not only because the three year old told him he did but because no one can be as cool as his older brother. not only that but he can go from hugging his older brother in the same minute to whacking him and spitting in his face. ladies and gentlemen, i have seen it done. and at that moment i constantly wondered where is that sweet friendship i had been told about that would be so great and fantastic??? yep not totally seeing it.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">well, the chapter now we are currently in is the chapter where the older one is almost five and the younger one is almost three. yep, folks it's beginning to happen. A few short weeks ago my oldest had been at Awana and although my second born had been put to bed he was still awake waiting to say goodnight to his older brother. He called him into his room and the oldest gave him a hug and a sweet pat on his back followed by, 'hey buddy, how ya doin'?' it was too sweet for words. and then there was yesterday. {long sighhhhhhhhh} my boys and i stayed in our jammies til noonish; please don't judge, i was already doing enough laundry and it seemed crazy to dirty more clothes before noon if we didn't have to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>call me crazy, that was my logic</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">anyways back to it... my boys played so well together. there were still a few tears and maybe a bout or two of hitting but they played right with each other 'packing for vacations and setting up a fort, and playing with cars.' folks, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls... <b><i>i have been waiting for this day for years.</i> </b>yesterday by noon i was in disbelief that it even happened. and today as i recall it i am praising God that i have seen it with my own two eyes.<b> it IS possible. my heart is happy. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">moms of young ones,{i'm speaking to myself too} it's all worth it... the teaching, the disciplining, the playing cars thinking they could <i>care less</i>, the reading books or giving ideas of what they could do together, the family bonding that brings them closer together... it's <b>all</b> worth it. these sweet little people God has given you are learning and growing and they will love their brothers even though today it seems like they fight about <i>everything</i>. today it may not seem possible, but it <b>will</b> be. keep on and love them and teach them how to love one another. they won't do it perfectly but neither will you. they will keep watching and one day you will get an ounce of heaven of your work 'paying off' when they play together. <i>and you can just smile and tear up knowing that you won't soon forget the hard days but <b>the hard days make the good days that much sweeter.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">signed hoping this will encourage a momma of young ones, </span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">kg</span></i></b>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-86037029525780619302013-11-04T15:17:00.001-06:002013-11-04T15:17:18.136-06:00thankful days.i read a book a few years ago that said this statement, 'thankfulness is a soil that pride does not easily grow in.' that phrase has not fallen short of truth since i read it and it has often led me back to contentment when i'm desiring something i don't have. i think that often an attitude of entitlement or of pridefulness gets me confused into thinking i need more, which is a lie. <br />
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this month i get to celebrate two of the greatest guys i know. the love of my life later this month and my second born in the middle of the month. three years ago when life was a wee bit simpler {with one child & one in utero} i did thankfulness posts daily. these days seem vastly different {sigh} but i can't deny that i'm so incredibly grateful for these two guys. two immaterial possessions that i never want to live without. <br />
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to say a bit more about thankfulness i thought i would share a recent story that changed my heart in a way i wasn't sure it could be changed. at the beginning of the school year we had decided that it was time to hand over our 'cool' {or what we thought was} card and venture into van world. let's face it with three children that still have to be strapped into an apparatus to drive anywhere and a stroller to boot our current 'mommy mobile' wasn't really doing the job as well as it had in the past. but about a week after lamely trying to sell it light after light kept coming on along with some really awful noises heard going through the chick fil a drive thru {cue: children asking me terrifyingly... mommy, what's that noise?} so we took it in. um, yea- i think i still need a moment of silence for this one. as some would say it might be 'too soon' to even talk about it. <br />
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our car needed several repairs... the kind where you are about to just hand over your checkbook repairs. so we decided that the van route was best and asked our friend in the car business to start looking for one for our family. I conveniently took the car in while the mister was out of town and so i drove his car the rest of the week (& the following two after that)... a small, sedan while carting around my three children, yes in their apparatuses. each and every time i strapped them in i prayed to God it was the last time because it was that darn awful. three weeks later my car was ready and our friend was still on the hunt for the van. <br />
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mind you... going into this process i was so... done with my car, it was clown car to begin with, one of the repairs was the trunk because it couldn't open, add carpooling with another family and any cool factor that the car previous had was down the drain. but after i got that car back having put three kids in the back of a small sedan for three weeks made me incredibly grateful to have my car back. <br />
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folks, this car has nasty stains, kid stains.. the kind you could spend hours cleaning and they would never come out. it has quirks like you can't lock it because if you do it starts honking until you put the key in the ignition and turn it on. but it also was the car i brought two of my kids home from the hospital in. and the car that we got stuck in a white out in and decided on a family adventure. it has taken us on vacations and it has been where many dear conversations have been held. <br />
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this being said, i never thought i'd be grateful to drive this car again, but i am. in the right frame of mind, i love the stickiness and nasty stains because it reminds me of the immaterial blessings that are in this crazy clan of mine. i'm really not sure when this soccer mom adventure will begin for me {aka minivan life}. I will probably say less choice words when buckling my kids in and my kids don't find 'wearing things in' too difficult so i am sure it will look well loved soon enough... but in the meantime my tattered heart has become more grateful for my tattered car. by golly i needed that lesson.<br />
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i hope you are learning tales of gratefulness in your life too. they're hard to learn for our stubborn hearts but so desperately needed.<br />
happy season of thankfulness.<br />
signed,<br />
kg<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-29001985881140689952013-09-21T09:10:00.000-05:002013-09-21T09:10:40.392-05:00a hot mess of a heart & a church that led me to jesus.There are some times in life that you have adequate words to say and there are times when 140 characters just can't do, nor any blog, note of gratitude... words just can't express it. but my heart is searching for the right way to say that I love and am so grateful for my church. Let's just let the story tell itself.<br />
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I was in eighth grade and as awkard as the best of them. I had grown up in a local church where my dad had worked on staff and we had loved that church and are to this day grateful for it's impact in our life as a family; however, some circumstances left us looking for a new church home. For some reason I was the one to go church 'shopping' with my parents. I have to say, I love shopping, I love the thrill of the hunt but rather than exciting and thrilling... well yeah, if you've ever been church shopping it's not as much thrilling as it is frustrating... all you really want is a church home. After much searching, we found our new church home in the beginning of 2000 and for thirteen years we've called it home. <br />
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Within a few years of joining the church I met with my youth pastor and a friend for lunch which ended up allowing me to go on a trip where my life truly changed forever. I will never forget the missions trip to a po-dunk town in oklahoma...I was a freshman in high school who was caught up in who liked me and what I could be popular for but didn't really feel like the goals I was trying to attain like honor roll and cheerleading captain were the least bit fulfilling. That week this new youth pastor of mine was preaching and it hit me like a ton of bricks...like he was only preaching to me in a room full of students. I thought to myself how does he know my story? And it was because I was a mess that needed Jesus, I might have looked somewhat 'put together' on the outside but my heart needed Jesus and not just as a Savior to get to heaven but as the one who was leading my life and that was the grace I could live in. No big deal either {lol} that that was the first significant amount of time that I would spend with this cute, red haired boy named luke macdonald a.k.a. my future husband. <br />
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Over the course of my high school days I learned how to love jesus in that church... to worship him in spirit and truth. I learned to serve others and how much joy that brings. i learned the Word of God and how it's a shield for me but also how it's a sword and it pierces my heart for changes that are so necessary in my self-seeking heart. i learned that jesus never leaves me... that no matter what I do, or what someone else does to<br />
me jesus is sooooo near me. i learned that i have freedom in Christ and i can live in that every.single.day. <br />
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there were so many lessons that i learned that when i went to college i thought i was so smart, it took two weeks to figure out that i was still a hot mess and that indeed i needed Jesus more than ever before. those core things that I learned at Harvest stuck in my heart even though i was six hours away. They helped lead me to a church while away at school and when my high school boyfriend & i broke up later that semester the things i had learned helped me to stay grounded and reminded me that no matter how sad I was that jesus was right there with me. <br />
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as the chapters kept unfolding that red-headed cutie and i ended up getting engaged and we started doing ministry together at the niles campus of harvest. we learned together how to do ministry... loving those students both the saved and the lost - loving them in their beautiful messes and pointing them to Jesus and his amazing gospel. that taught us so much, that we are desperate and in need of Jesus just as much as everybody we were trying to lead to Him. So many lessons in perspective. <br />
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This is the very church that we got married in at the ripe old age of twenty-one. I married into the pastor's kid's family, which is a great honor and i love them so very much. I'll say this after knowing them since I was 14 and having been in their family for 6 years they are kind, generous, loving, godly people who practice what they preach with grace and authenticity. That being said, almost every week we sit in the pews and listen to biblical teaching and worship Jesus freely... if that's not an amazing gift, I don't know what is. <br />
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And for the last several years we have transitioned to youth group at the rolling meadows campus.... and if you want to learn something about being fired up but Jesus... meet those students. Their passion and their honesty is something that i, or i guess we have learned so much from. You know, that's one of the things I've learned that often you go into serving thinking you are going to give something... and truthfully you get so much more. We've been part of a few really authentic small groups that have led us to life-long friendships that we could never imagined we'd be blessed with.<br />
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And as if that's not enough we've been blessed with three little men who get to be part of the children's ministry, who have been poured into, prayed for and taught about jesus. <br />
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My story is all about jesus. But, God has used this church called Harvest Bible Chapel magnificently in my life. Luke and I are giving our lives to it, everything we've got because we believe that Jesus Christ is what every heart longs for and needs. My heart is full to overflowing today with all God has done. Today is all about celebrating. And I'm beyond excited... glitter, sparkles, shouts of joy.....<br />
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amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me,<br />
i once was lost but now i'm found, was dead but now i see...<br />
glory, glory, hallelujah!!!!<br />
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with gratitude, love, happy tears.... happy anniversary harvest bible chapel... to God be the glory!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-45521598837776834972012-11-15T10:33:00.002-06:002012-11-15T10:33:52.052-06:00first day of school {after}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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this post is long overdue... how do i know? well my skin has since turned pasty white and we've gone from loving and looking forward to preschool to very unsure all the way back to loving preschool. </div>
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i officially felt old or at least 'very adult' when i was walking into carter's first parent-teacher conference last week. anyways, back tot he first day of school...</div>
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we were driving onto the school campus and as i was just telling him that he was now a Lion (as in the school mascot) i began choking up. but, i put those tears behind me and kept on, how dare he see his mother cry. i snapped pictures like paparazzi {quite unashamedly, i might add}. and he almost forgot to hug me goodbye... he walked in with so much courage. </div>
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for me it was an interesting parent moment. because as i thought about it, lots that i have done in those first three years have prepared him for that moment. there was no reason to really be sad because this is how it's supposed to go, and if i have successfully trained him, it should go like so. </div>
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but of course it couldn't be just that easy. because about a month into school {among lots of other changes for our family} he began to miss mommy at school... tears were shed, pictures drawn, a confidence that had withered. so we geared up as any parents do and i did lots and lots of praying. and it took time, there was certainly no formula... but he did make it back to excited and very anticipatory of his school days. that might or might not include the fact that he's quite enamored with his carpool 'buddy.' but hey, we'll take what we can get.;)</div>
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so we are officially a family somewhat in school mode. and seeing an amazing impact in our little 3 and a half year old boy from his school days. for that we are grateful and anticipatory of all to come. </div>
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i love this last pic... because it's like two of my favorite guys walking on campus;) </div>
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learning through new seasons of motherhood, </div>
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kg:)</div>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-4753272309329175522012-11-13T21:57:00.000-06:002012-11-13T21:57:17.348-06:00friend - a - versary. again, i was supposed to write this post in august but i figure that my poor follow through of my good intentions of actually typing this post aren't totally null. i mean, i am getting to it, just a bit tardy. {and these friends love me anyway.}<br />
<br />
this summer i had a dear friend come up for two days to visit. we ventured through the city. she got to inform me in-person that she was just a month less pregnant than i was... meaning that we would be pregnant together for her first pregnancy {let's face it, if there's any comradarie to be had anywhere.... being pregnant at the same time almost tops it all. it brings sistas together if ya know what i mean}. we shared stories. ate good food and laughed a lot. we facebook creeped like we did in college {when facebook was invented, am i aging myself?} and we had some really good spiritual conversations. it was like no time had passed since we had been together last which was three months prior. <br />
<br />
we have a bond. she was placed in my life for a season of adversity. and she wasn't one of those people that got to chose that because it was almost simultaneous with us meeting. she loved me on my best and worst days. she told me the truth to my face, even when it hurt. she called me when locations separated us... i guess that was when calling was still a 'thing.' and we grew because she didn't let the crisis in my own life get in the way. she is a true friend. <br />
<br />
meet friend two. we met. she'd known vaguely who i was and all i knew about her was that she was 'cool, down to earth, you'll like her, i promise.' at that point in time i could have used a new friend but didn't see this meeting as though it would turn into this... there weren't really expectations since we were just placed together. i liked her and she laughed at my cheesy jokes so i thought it all might pan out ok. fast forward a month and a half and we went mall walking, chatting, and shopping {how does that enter every friend story of mine... oh dear, this may be a problem.;)} but, she shared her life story with me, she was open and honest and the perfect facade that i had seen was certainly peeled off but in the best way possible. like, her life wasn't tied in pretty ribbons but it was real and she had walked a few thousand miles in the 'faith mocassins' in the midst of trials in her recent past. that obviously brought us to a different level in our relationship but i didn't know that about four months after she told me stories of her life that i would be able to relate in such a real way. i was at another turning point in my road known as life and God perfectly dropped in my path a friend that was right there & who know what i was going through. <br />
<br />
she was a steady and calm source of support that never wavered. this trial/crisis in life wasn't going to stop her or make her like me any less. she didn't look at me any different or judge me or fill in the blank... she was just there, open arms and loved me on my good days and bad. she was/is a true friend. <br />
<br />
so, back in august i was thinking about how i had met both of these lovely ladies in august. two very different augusts. two very different seasons in life. but, i love celebrating and i mentioned to both of them that it was our friend-a-versary. thanking them for being my friend thru thick and thin. life has too many crisises and bad days to let the good days pass and not celebrate them. i don't believe for a second that it is 'just coincidence' that i met these two, i believe that it was a moment that God ordanined so that i would have the friend i needed at my very time of need that would love me & support me & tell the truth to me. <br />
<br />
which brings me to proverbs 17:17 'a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.'<br />
<br />
these are not just friends but sisters in Christ. i am so grateful and blessed to have them in my life. <br />
happy {belated} friend-a-versery,<br />
you know who you are:)<br />
kgKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-619899458769897062012-11-08T22:26:00.000-06:002012-11-08T22:26:00.035-06:00on my to-do list.blogging has been on my to-do list for weeks. <br />
but there's a husband, two children, a child in-utero, and a million other things that have made an obstacle between the computer keys and my mind. <br />
<br />
so, without further ado, hello again. so nice to see you. i missed you. <br />
<br />
it's already 10:10 pm and today was literally me walking around like a lost dog, driving very quickly {but watching for cops} as i zoomed from one thing to the next & never quite making it halfway on time. so, if this post comes across as in-coherent i guess it just comes with 'the way of the day.' tomorrow will be different and better and hopefully include less running around to places being late; i hate being late.:) <br />
<br />
anyways, i was getting ready the other day {also known as my every-other-day ritual ;)} and i found myself literally juggling in my head how the day was going to work... between the things i needed to get done, still loving my kids, spending time with my one and only, and actually checking some things off the dreaded to-do list... in circus-style, and mind you 25 and a half weeks pregnant, I was jumping through hoops, and doing what felt like mental gymnastics to figure out how said day could pan out with some sanity and i just couldn't come to it. <br />
<br />
but the amazing thing was that by 6:30 that morning i came to the end of myself. <br />
<br />
in circus terms, 'i realized that it wasn't going to be pretty to try to have a twenty-five week pregnant lady do the tight-rope of life all on my own self reliance.' {yes, multiple references to self needed...;)}<br />
<br />
it was one of those a-ha moments. but, actually, no.. it was better than that, it was a God moment. you know why? because I realized that my reliance on myself was getting no where and that with Him, it might not be tied in a perfect bow, but that I would get through it in one piece. That the obstacles in my way had a purpose to keep my eyes on Him. There's no joy in getting to the end of a day and saying 'I did it' but I ran over everyone in my path or even worse, with everyone saying, 'watch out for that crazy girl.' However, there is joy and peace and comfort in knowing that whatever today brings that I will come out on the other side so much better because I relied on Christ and not on the ever-failing me. <br />
<br />
so, although this post is not highly exciting or maybe welcoming, it's real. that's what we're going for. hope you have a day like this soon, where you rely on Christ because it's truly better. <br />
Process is better than perfection,<br />
kg:)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-37650168321962444892012-08-29T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-29T00:00:10.154-05:00girlie lunches. if i were to ask you what the number one staple at a 'woman's lunch' was i wonder if you would answer 'chicken salad.' i would. when my husband thinks of 'chick-y food' {as he likes to call it} that'd be listed number one if not top five. i was supposed to be headed to 'one of those lunches' a few weeks back and i volunteered to bring it. i vaguely knew my mom's recipe but again googled it... to fill in the holes that my forgetfulness vacated. <br />
<br />
so i found this recipe and devoured two whole sandwiches by four p.m. that day. it was that good. just so you know, that's not a normal consumption mode for this lady but sometimes you just can't stop thinking about what you had for lunch... {am i right or am i right?} <br />
<br />
so if you don't have your 'staple' chicken salad recipe, i'd love to pass this one on to you because it was just delicious. {i prefer served with croissants}<br />
<br />
Charlie's Famous Chicken Salad with grapes<br />
{taken from food.com}<br />
<br />
ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken</li>
<li>1 cup finely chopped celery</li>
<li>1 cup seedless grapes, halved</li>
<li>1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)</li>
<li>1 small minced onion </li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce</li>
<li>1/2 cup Mayonaise </li>
</ul>
<div>
directions: </div>
<div>
combine all ingredients & chill. serve with bread, crackers, etc. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
enjoy,</div>
<div>
kg</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-4042711178879997982012-08-28T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-28T00:00:02.133-05:00before my firstborn goes to school. {the before post}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_280332_AJvFtEQAAWy9UDqVEwG0gQ6Bi8k&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the official 1st backpack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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september 5th will be a big day at our house. we will have an official preschooler. as i think upon that day i have nothing holding me back, i simply feel really excited that he gets to experience this new and fun opportunity. i had the privilege of doing a practicum experience where we are sending him to school and dreamed that my own children could go there no less i could work there and so I am over-the-moon excited about this new adventure. <br />
<br />
but, i'm pregnant and there are days that tears flow and i can't stop them. like that one day not long ago that i was crying over spilt milk, the 'shpeal Costco guy trying to sell me a more expensive membership,' and of course some worthy things to be cried over. needless to say... i don't think that mascara had any hope of staying put that day. i don't want to be the mom who their child has to console because she can't handle the fact that he's going to half-day preschool three days a week but don't get me wrong emotion is good and i don't know if it's going to be one of those days that the tears just start flowing....<br />
<br />
my solution to date is that i'm going to wear my over-sized sunglasses that day {let's hope it's not raining & i can remember them so it doesn't totally give it away}. i have a feeling i won't be the only mom with tears if that ends up being the case. <br />
<br />
i find this whole new world of preschool interesting because every family does it differently. i am a lisenced teacher and yet cannot discipline myself enough to daily sit down with carter & go through letters, numbers & such and so i think this really is our best option.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img src="http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_281067_ADjFtEQAAW8gUDqVJAokZXjKk8M&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></div>
i am so excited for some time with my reid, my soon-to-be middle child that is getting to be so funny. i feel like that will be an amazing growth point in he & my relationship. oh & the fact that it is much easier to do errands with one kid rather than two....(i've gotta maximize the two kid zone while i can:))<br />
<br />
so here we venture toward school, the d-day being september 5th & me hoping that {if} i shed tears {they will be} of joy so that Carter can be excited, ready, & not feeling like his mom's feelings are hindering him from jumping in feet first. i guess we shall see.... and as you know, i'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />
upward & onward to new adventures,<br />
kgKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-63166538226458969032012-08-27T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-27T00:00:03.164-05:00easy dinner at your fingertips.our grill is on the fritz. my stomach isn't always at it's best during dinnertime. & i like easy. so... i googled bbq chicken in the crock pot & tried this new recipe last night. it was a hit with the hubby & the kids. <br />
<br />
did i mention it's easy?<br />
<br />
{taken from all recipes.com}<br />
Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue<br />
<br />
ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>3 chicken breasts</li>
<li>1 (12 oz.) bottle of bbq sauce</li>
<li>1/2 cup Italian salad dressing </li>
<li>1/4 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce</li>
</ul>
<div>
directions:</div>
<div>
place the chicken in the slow cooker (set at low). in a bowl add & mix all the other ingredients and pour over the chicken. cook it for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. shred the chicken with forks and serve on a french loaf or bagel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
perfect for dinner or leftovers or to bring over to someone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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enjoy:)</div>
<div>
kg</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-82092900413745711342012-08-26T15:55:00.002-05:002012-08-26T15:56:37.838-05:00favorite things.lately my posts have consisted of sermon commentaries. while that's not boring, it's obvious that this blog hasn't been at the top of the priority list. As i was giving some thought to how i could revive it... i'd thought i'd start here: <br />
<br />
my four favorite things. <br />
<br />
1. the live worship from vertical church cd.<br />
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<br />
we got access to this cd before most of the world because of luke's job but man oh man have you got to get your hands on this.... not only are these songs on my mind hourly but my kids can't stop singing them either! I really believe these are songs that bring you to the feet of Jesus to praise Him, put our hearts in perspective and to lay our burdens unto him. Carter's favorite song is Open up the Heavens (#1) & Reid's is I believe in You (#6)... and i don't know that I have a favorite because I really love all of them. I am not paid or wasn't even advised for this 'advertisement'... just to put this out there- it's from the bottom of my heart:) {you can find it on iTunes or on amazon or at Christian bookstores around the country}<br />
<br />
2. my new treat jar:)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img src="http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_277483_AK3FtEQAAMlXUDqGXQgMQE8oDd4&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span><br />
i love crate & barrel. i've said it before & i'll say it again. i happened to be walking by their michigan ave. store and saw this adorable canister with a chalkboard label and loved it but walked past knowing i didn't need it. Well, the next day a friend and i ventured to the Naperville Outlet & I found it {minus the not so necessary scoop} for a whooping TEN dollars! i love a good deal. I love this new treat jar & it looks adorable on the counter too. you can find it <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/large-clamp-canister-with-chalkboard/s221476">here</a>. <br />
<br />
3. three cups i <strike>can't</strike> {well, i guess i could....} don't want to live without.<br />
<a href="http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/~/media/CamelBak/Sports%20Recreation/Bottles/Images/2012%20eddy%2075L/GRAY/rec-bottles-2012-eddy-75l-raspberry-s12-53358_s12_v1.ashx?mh=185&mw=155" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="eddy bottle" border="0" height="185" src="http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/~/media/CamelBak/Sports%20Recreation/Bottles/Images/2012%20eddy%2075L/GRAY/rec-bottles-2012-eddy-75l-raspberry-s12-53358_s12_v1.ashx?mh=185&mw=155" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="65" /></a><a class="product-image-zoom" href="http://www.tervis.com/ShowDesignImage.ashx?ProductId=LDBK-I-24-K&Resolution=3&Category=WEB-HERO" id="SitePlaceHolder_InteriorPlaceHolder_DesignDetailsPlaceHolder_C002_ctl00_ZoomImage" rel="zoomGallery" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e1e1e1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; clear: left; color: white; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline-style: none; text-decoration: none;" title=""><img class="img-hero-main" height="200" id="SitePlaceHolder_InteriorPlaceHolder_DesignDetailsPlaceHolder_C002_ctl00_HeroImage" src="http://www.tervis.com/ShowDesignImage.ashx?ProductId=LDBK-I-24-K&Resolution=2&Category=WEB-HERO" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; opacity: 1;" title="" width="156" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #402a1c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://shop.cariboucoffee.com/asp/shop/detail.asp?c=4&p=1167" style="color: #402a1c; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://shop.cariboucoffee.com/asp/shop/detail.asp?c=4&p=1167" style="color: #402a1c; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" height="170" src="https://shop.cariboucoffee.com/asp/media/image/shop/products/large/yellowdiamond_cold_170.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="170" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">all three were gifts. and as a pregnant woman there's the 'keep drinking water so you don't faint' + go the bathroom all the time conundrum.... but as a 'common fainter' water is a must....as has been ginger ale and sprite lately... thank goodness for these inventions, i can't say enough about them & they're water bottles:)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">4. crocs for <b>KIDS. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal;"><img src="http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=2_0_0_1_278214_AC%2FFtEQAAFQZUDqMVQGz0VGkvFY&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">i honestly never thought i would say this because i used to think that these were the 'ugliest shoes on earth.' but, for kids... especially in the summer... they are a life saver. they can put them on all by themselves & they can basically endure anything. let me be clear... i'm not a huge fan of adults wearing crocs... and i'll just leave it there. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">happy favorite things,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">kg</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-22558507078845217132012-08-21T16:03:00.000-05:002012-08-21T16:03:01.598-05:00Go5pel commentary :)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><div>
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<div>
luke started w/ this illustration last night: </div>
<div>
He grew up eating these treats called </div>
<div>
'koala cookies.' They have different pictures on the outside but the inside is always the same... A chocolately cream. Then, there's a box of chocolates that we also ran into on our way thru target yesterday & the outside always looks the same but the inside you never know... {you'll see how this relates in the end:)} </div>
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<br /></div>
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We looked at genesis 3 & how sin infects our lives. </div>
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<br /></div>
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---> we first start to believe the lie... A slow series of choices in the wrong direction. {you don't go from lying to your mom to a bank robber within one days' worth of choices} </div>
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<br /></div>
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---> we then try the lie... A little taste here, then a little taste there. </div>
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<br /></div>
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---> we are then wounded by the lie. </div>
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Resulting for Adam & Eve {& a lot of times for us in our foolishness} in the loss of their innocence. So much so that they {& again often times we} hide from God. Why? Because we are so desperate & foolish when we are in sin. </div>
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<br /></div>
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---> sin always leaves a mark. & hurts us. & always has a price/consequences. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Going back to the 'koala cookies' & box of chocolates - the 'koala cookies' are like God - always the same when we come to Him. The chocolates- like sin - usually looks amazingly tempting on the outside & often times not as delectable as we hoped- a let down, gross, usually not what we had hoped for & always fleeting. </div>
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My heart was convicted last night & even now as I type this. I want to have a heart & mind unified that want to flee from sin... Help me Lord in my foolishness! </div>
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Seeing my sin as it really is, </div>
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Kg </div>
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</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-24198342505812050072012-08-18T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-18T00:00:07.523-05:00Christ is My Shield.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-11" id="en-ESV-13985" style="position: relative;">i read this last week. and i can't stop thinking about this idea that the Lord is <b>my shield</b>. by 'can't get over it' i think about it multiple times a day & try to understand it and can't fathom or understand the infinite power of the Lord. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-11" id="en-ESV-13985" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-11" id="en-ESV-13985" style="position: relative;">Psalm 5:11-12 says, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-11" style="position: relative;">'</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But let all who <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13985V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>take refuge in you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13985W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>rejoice;</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-11" style="position: relative;">let them ever sing for joy,</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and spread your protection over them,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-5-11" style="position: relative;">that those who love your name may <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13985X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>exult in you.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-5-12" id="en-ESV-13986" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13986Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>bless the righteous, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-5-12" style="position: relative;">you <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13986Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>cover him with favor as with <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-13986AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>a <b>shield.'</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-5-12" style="position: relative;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so then i started thinking about what shield means by definition:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-5-12" style="position: relative;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-5-12" style="position: relative;"><b>definition of shield </b>{via dictionary.com}</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. </span></span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">broad</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">piece</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">armor,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">varying</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">widely</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">form</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">size,</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">carried</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">apart</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">body,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">usually</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">left</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">arm,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">as</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">a</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">defense</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">against</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">swords,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">lances,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">arrows,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">similar</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">device,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">often</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">lightweight</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">plastic,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">riot</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">police</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">protect</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">themselves</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">from</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">rocks</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">other</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">thrown</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">objects.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">shaped</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">like</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">shield,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">variously</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">round,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">octagonal,</span><span id="hotword" name="hotword">triangular,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">somewhat</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">heart-shaped.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="luna-Ent" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="dnindex" style="color: #7b7b7b; display: block; float: left; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; font-weight: bold; width: 28px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span></span></span><div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">thing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">that</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">protects.</span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">i've found several other scriptures that lead me to this same point: the Lord is my shield.</span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Genesis 15:1, deuteronomy 33:29, 2 samuel 22:3, 2 samuel 22:31, psalm 3:3, psalm 7:10, psalm 18:2, psalm 18:30, psalm 18:35, psalm 28:7, 33:20, 47:9, 59:11, 84:9, 84:11, 89:18, 115:9, .... and it goes on and on. </span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">it overwhelms me that He is protecting me, even when i can't/may never see it. thank you Lord. </span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="dndata" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 37px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">what characteristic about Christ is overwhelming you today? just curious. </span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">can't believe i'm covered by The Shield,</span></span></div>
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<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">Kg</span></span></div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-9146530174479020582012-08-17T13:54:00.000-05:002012-08-17T13:54:29.339-05:00a.p. life about three years ago Luke had a vision to start a summer leadership program for the 'about to be senior' students of our youth group called a.p. life. it's a program that the students apply for and they memorize scripture, read & discuss books that will grow & challenge them. They also meet with people from our church {most of whom} are not in ministry but rather are doing work they feel called to do outside the 'ministry field.' Some of which include: doctors, lawyers, and business owners so that the students can see that they don't have to 'be in ministry' to live their lives for Christ but rather to be lights in the world no matter what their job. these are the kids in our youth group who have already decided that there's no turning back... that they want to live surrendered to Christ. <div>
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last night was our last {weekly} meeting. their last 'assignment' was to write a paper that shared their story & included the five components of the gospel & how it intersects with their life. Each student read their paper out loud. It's amazing to hear nine individual stories (we missed a few of them the last night:() of how God reached out his hand to them and at a certain point in their life they understood their desperate need for a Savior: Jesus Christ. It could have been with their parents when they were a young child, a retreat with church in Jr. High or a trip that we have taken as a high school ministry. Each story God weaved from the beginning of time, orchestrating and using certain events in each of their lives with every detail mapped out, seeing that they would be drawn to Him and His amazing, matchless love. </div>
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The glory goes to Christ for all He is doing at our church and in the high school & student ministries. It was amazing to hear though these trips that we've gone on where we've sacrificed as a family or couple or just made adjustments in life to make them work and to hear that one students' life was changed..... all hassle or sacrifice was completely and totally worth it. </div>
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to end the night Luke encouraged and challenged the students and then one of the students raised their hand and said, 'We're really grateful for you guys & can we end the night by laying hands on you and praying for you.' Can you say blessing? My mascara was smeared & jeans wet from the tears of joy and gratitude for these students' in our lives and I know that I speak for us both. </div>
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We are believing this is going to be the best youth ministry season yet. We are excited, encouraged, and fired up to ignite a passion for Christ in these students... or to get to play a part in that. </div>
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and, for those of you who pray for us.... thank you. we need it- just weak, earthly vessels here that can just offer Christ. </div>
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thanks a.p. life, </div>
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kg {& luke}</div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-23124653171363962582012-08-16T09:43:00.001-05:002012-08-16T09:43:56.850-05:00Take a listen. My husband preached this past weekend in Minneapolis at the harvest bible church plant there! He was so blessed by the opportunity! He preached a message he had already preached at camp that I was able to be part of and as I listened - it was a messages soooo needed to hear that I was literally crying my eyes out the whole message. Don't you love when the Lord wrecks you? Usually it includes the ugly cry (& that's not 'fun') but it's one of the best thing that can happen in our life for us!<br />
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All of this to say, there's an audio link from when he spoke this weekend so you can take a listen too. Because this message was so instructive to me, I pray God's Word would 'wreck' you too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.harvestwestminneapolis.org/10354/blog/blog_id/149664/Sundays-Message">Click here.:</a>)<br />
Happy listening!<br />
Kg:)Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-61473959801710506022012-08-13T00:00:00.000-05:002012-08-13T00:00:02.631-05:00monday morning commentary.high school group is back! & tonight i remembered why i've missed it. <br />
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love the students. love the leaders. love the worship and time in the Word. it's like no other part of my week. <br />
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insert: sigh of glorious happiness. </div>
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tonight Luke started a sermon series called GO5PEL.<br />
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4 things about what God DID. <br />
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<b>God created. {genesis 1:1} </b><br />
God made all things out of nothing. God exists outside of time. that's truly amazing when you think about it.<br />
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<b>God created mankind. {genesis 1:26-29}</b><br />
so... God created lots of stuff but there was one thing that He made after His image ----> mankind.<br />
being created in God's image means that God created us with some of His characteristics {i.e. soul, ability to reason}<br />
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<b>God created mankind very good. {genesis 1:31}</b><br />
He created us in all shapes, sizes, iq's, people who've done amazing things, & people who really haven't done much with their life....<br />
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and God is thrilled with what he put inside each person. <br />
in our insecurity, it's easy to wish you/I had something that someone else has....<br />
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<b>God created mankind very good & unashamed. {genesis 2:24-25}</b><br />
inside (because of sin) we are all so darn insecure & nervous. but before sin (Genesis 1 & 2), God created the world that we were with Him & we weren't worried about what anyone else thought. (or i guess adam & eve at least)<br />
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today, we are ravaged by fear, insecurity & comparison {among other things}<br />
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<b>so... those 4 things about God should produce... these things in us:</b><br />
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<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">we should realize it's all about God and stop being so absorbed with ourselves.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">should produce a desire for us to have what Adam had.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">it should produce a desire within us to worship God for who He is, what He's done, & how awesome He created things</span>. </span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #351c75;">all i can think to say now is thank you God, you are the only thing that is AWESOME,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #351c75;">kg </span> </span> </span><b> </b> <br />
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'what you think about God is the thing that matters the most about you.' -a.w. tozerKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3646536958396998963.post-49305088460265940212012-08-12T14:12:00.000-05:002012-08-12T14:12:03.821-05:00the choice to trust.there's points in which life is glorious... everyday you wake up and the sun is shining, the birds are chirping (& no, it's not a sound machine), and everything seems right in the world. <br />
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there's also points in which life is a <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>choice to trust.</b></span>.. the sun might be shining but you see the clouds... the birds are chirping and the noise in your life is crowding them out, and everything you try to do seems like it has twelve hurdles in front of it. <br />
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i would say right now i'm in the middle of the spectrum. everything isn't rosy and perfect (God, forgive us for our cynical nature as we grow older) but everything isn't a frustration either. but what i would say today is that i have a choice to make. at moments it seems so easy and other times it seems as if anything would be more simple than this <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>choice to trust the Creator of the world.</b></span> <br />
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you see, there's things on my mind. people i care about that are hurting. people that need healing. people i love who are travelling. BIG TIME choices for life right before us. if i'm illustrating the picture it feels pretty hazy and gray and that there are no directions on where to go. it's 'i don't know.' like the gps keeps coming back with a dropped pin & can't find the route. i wish i could live the life of that one commercial where the <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>green arrow points them back</b></span> to their 401k at their last job (although i wish it would take me to all the right, rosy, perfect answers) .... if only there was that <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>green arrow</b></span>. <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">but, <strike>i kind of think</strike> i know there is a</span> <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>green arrow</b></span>. <br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">it's not one that points out the whole route today.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">and it's not one that answers all my questions like a teller at the bank.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">the <b>green arrow</b> is looking up and<b> making the choice to trust the Creator.</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">and if i am making that seem like an easy task, forgive me.... it's like, holy cow, this is {sometimes white knuckled} & hard. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">because, quite frankly it's not natural. </span><br />
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as i was studying God's Word this morning, this was the truth that stuck out to me: (matthew 6 - underlined in blue)<br />
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that looking horizontally is usually only going to make me confused and hazy and gray. but, looking UP is where joy in the midst of the unknown is found. i don't know about you but that's some <span style="color: #38761d;">good news today</span>. </div>
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and then those last words... do not be anxious for today.... </div>
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when i have <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>chosen to trust God</b></span> in the past, He has NEVER failed me. </div>
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and every time I've trusted Him in a BIG thing my faith has grown so much.</div>
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and so in this <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>choice to trust</b></span>, i know this in my mind but i'm trying to get this into my heart:</div>
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'if i don't <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>choose to trust</b></span>, i'm <b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">missing out</span></u></i></b> because the joy in choosing and resting in Christ, and finding peace in Him instead of my circumstance, and and and.... is a far better thing for me than being all anxious.'</div>
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Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow. </div>
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it's a lesson.</div>
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it's a deliberate action. </div>
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it's life-giving.</div>
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Lord, help me, help us all.</div>
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You've got this Lord, let our eyes be ever before you. </div>
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Let us not miss out on what you can teach us by being anxious,</div>
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but rather see that your purpose is far greater. </div>
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Looking up & Laying my burdens down,</div>
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kg </div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15704768906080477361noreply@blogger.com1