facedown

I read a recent blog from a friend of mine talking about a Beth Moore bible study she is doing. One of the disciplines that Beth Moore is asking them to do during this study is to actually get down on their faces to pray in their group meeting time. The host of the bible study thought her carpets were too dirty to actually try this right away, so she rented a steam cleaner from Giant Eagle and she and her husband scrubbed their carpets.

Think about all the times you pray and what your posture is during that prayer time.....I tend to pray while driving, laying in bed (often falling asleep), in the shower, doing dishes, lying on the couch. What kind of difference would it make to actually put my face to the carpet as an act of reverence to God and get uncomfortable so that I can focus completely on Him. It sounds revolutionary and humbling and an obvious statement of the seriousness of my petitions.

In this day and age, and hard time, we need to be serious about our prayers!

I'm going to try it and I'll let you know how it goes....any of you who try this, please let me know your thoughts and experiences! Honor God with your posture and receive the blessing of His presence when you find that He meets you facedown!

Matt Redman wrote a great song and a book about it. Here are the lyrics:

Welcomed in to the courts of the king,
I've been ushered into your presence.
Lord, I stand on your merciful gound,
Yet with every step tread with reverence.

There is none in heavens like you,,
And upon the earth, who's your equal?
You are far above, You're the highest of heights,
And i'm bowing down to exalt you.

And I'll fall facedown,
As Your glory shines around.
Yes i'll fall facedown,
As your glory shines around.

Let your glory shine around,
Let you glory shine around.
King of glory here be found,
King of glory.

October Summer

I just got back from Florida this past weekend and I feel so refreshed. I went to help start a College of Prayer campus (www.collegeofprayer.org) in a little town called Dunnellon, near Gainesville.

I arrived on Thursday afternoon and attended a 2 day time of prayer, teaching, worship, and fellowship for local leaders and pastors. I came ready to serve and excited to see what God had in store. I was able to share a couple of testimonies of freedom that opened up a doorway for many others to experience deliverance. I was able to bless the worship leader by helping with music during the communion time. I was able to spend sweet time in the Presence of the Living God with the body of Christ.

I left broken, changed, poured out, filled up, and restored.

I continued my weekend by finding a nearby island community on the Gulf of Mexico called Cedar Key. It was quite the small town, not a movie theater within 60 miles. I checked into a cottage and after realizing that my wireless wouldn't work and my cell phone was roaming, I felt disconnected to everyone, which was OK because I still felt totally connected to God!

It was a relief and ever so restful. I relaxed in my little cottage and flung wide the french doors so that I could hear the ocean water ebb and flow against the rocks, right outside my door. By the time I went to bed, the tide had reached my balcony's edge. I could hear the music from the nearby pub as people sang out their intoxication and toasted to the good times they wouldn't remember in the morning.

I woke up the next day and went for a beautiful, brisk walk along the shoreline of the Gulf. I watched as people began casting their fishing poles, planting themselves on rocks and docks, hoping for an exciting pull at the other end of their line. The anticipation, the waiting - to experience a few moments of elation. What patience and determination fisherman have.

As I kept walking, I saw a couple of butterflies dance and play with each other in the air. For a moment, I was captivated, and then.....I started noticing they were everywhere! On every flower, plant, tree, or bush there were literally dozens of butterflies. I started trying to capture them on camera, and as I thought about their beauty and their meaning of new life, my eyes welled up and my spirit soared, and I knew God loved me deep! I realized that the butterflies had been there on my first time around the block, but I hadn't noticed them. As soon as I SAW, they were everywhere. I thought about God's Presence and how it's always there and available, but we just don't always notice it or receive!

The wind from the day and the morning and the ocean was warm upon my face. I realized it was October and it still felt like summer. I knew it was cooling off in Georgia, but it was nice to have one more taste of summer.

The night before I spent my time chasing a sunset (one of my favorite past times) until I could find a clear view and watch it change in all of it's colors and glory.
I felt so much peace this weekend - a peace that truly did pass my understanding. I felt truly content, truly free, truly alive, and 100% satisfied in Jesus Christ, my Savior! It was like nothing I'd ever known. This was "resting" in Christ!

Praise God for His indescribable gifts!

Resurrection Letters, Vol. II

Andrew Peterson's long-awaited album is due out soon and I am going to see him in concert for the second time this year on Saturday.....

I found a place online where they play tracks from his new album before it's released and I've been soaking it up.....I can't wait to have the real thing!

At the concert in March, I learned that "Hosanna" means SAVE US! I blogged about it, I think, and how that meaning has changed my storybook picture of Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday......

Here is an excerpt from his blog that he wrote back in Oct. 2007 while still creating the album that posts the lyrics to one of the most rich and powerful songs on the album: Hosanna!

Somebody said that you have to preach the gospel to yourself daily. I hope this album will help people to do just that: to remind themselves of the gravity of their sin and the glory of God's mercy, of the promise that Death is nothing to fear, that resurrection is a worthy hope.

Hosanna

I am tangled up in contradiction
I am strangled by my own two hands
I am hunted by the hounds of addiction
Hosanna

I have lied to everyone who trusts me
I have tried to fall when I could stand
I have only loved the ones who love me
Hosanna

Oh, Hosanna
See the long awaited king
Come to set his people free
Oh, Hosanna
Come and tear the temple down
Raise it up on holy ground
Hosanna

I have struggled to remove this raiment
Tried to hide every shimmering strand
I contend with these ghosts and these hosts of bright angels
Hosanna
I have cursed the man that you have made me
I have nursed the beast that bays for my blood
I have run from the one who would save me
Hosanna


Oh, Hosanna
See the long awaited king
Come to set his people free
Oh, Hosanna
Come and tear the temple down
Raise it up on holy ground
Hosanna

We cry for blood
We take your life
Hosanna
We cry for blood
We take your life
It is blood and it is life that you have given

You have crushed beneath your heel the vile serpent
You have carried to the grave the black stain
You have torn apart the temple's holy curtain
You have beaten death at death's own game

Hosanna
Hail the long awaited king
Come to set his people free
(We cry) Oh, Hosanna
Come and tear this temple down
Raise it up on holy ground
Oh, Hosanna
I will lift my voice and sing
You have come and washed me clean
Hosanna

Jumping and Hugging

I was laying by the pool today drifting in and out of conscienceness, when I heard a kid in the pool talking to his friend. "I wish the whole ground was a trampoline", he said. "Then I would just jump everywhere!". I thought, what a neat idea......and one that at my age I just wouldn't think to think! I wish the earth was a trampoline too! I wanna jump everywhere! And then I realized how much I need to get back to the "fun" in life.....

I was at work the other day, and as I walked a child out to their parent, I witnessed a two-year-old walk boldly up to an unknown two-year-old, arms out-stretched, and almost pummeled the other over with a HUG! The receiving child just stood there, not knowing quite what to make of this gesture, but not avoiding it either. And I thought, it's too bad we can't just walk up to complete strangers and hug them without any reason, pretense, or even introduction.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

"The humility of children is disarming, isn't it? There is no pride or prejudice. There are no inhibitions or hidden agendas. Undiluted humility. There is an Eden-like innocence that children possess that all of us crave."
- Mark Batterson from In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

Wouldn't the world be a more fun and loving place if we did more jumping and hugging? Wouldn't our faith be less shaken if we got back to our child-like hearts! We've much to learn from the young ones........much to learn.

*dedicated to the young ones in my life that are so precious: Lindsey, Jacob, Sophia, Calvin, Stephen, Alex, Heidi, Caroline, Chloe, Hok'sila, Connor, etc...and to all the new lives that are just entering or about to enter this crazy world!

Belated Birthday Blessings

My sister's birthday was last Sunday.....I called her, but I wanted to do more.....since she is the most faithful reader of this blog, I will pay tribute to Laura Jean, who is also one of my bestest friends!

She is someone I can tell anything to, someone whom I laugh with regularly, and talk to so often even though miles separate us......I can see her just a few times per year and feel like no time has passed.....she gets me, she knows me, and she loves me anyway.....She is quite different from me, but that just makes the relationship stronger as we learn how to embrace one another despite them.....

She loves the Lord and it has been a blessing to be sisters in flesh and sisters in spirit......She is leaving for Ethiopia on Friday 8/8/08 (same day as the Olympics start!) and I am so excited for her trip......This is her second mission trip there, and I would ask anyone who reads this to please join me in lifting her up and covering her with prayer.....she will be there for 10 days!

I pray that her experiences would be different than the last trip, that they would challenge and change her and draw her even closer to her Saviour....I pray that the light of Christ in her would affect and radiate onto others and that she would make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel......I pray that God would go before the team and prepare the hearts to receive the message of the good news of Christ Jesus.......I pray for traveling mercies and safety, for an abundance of love, for a showering of peace, and for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to annoint the team of faithful and devoted laborers.....I pray that she would stand firm in fullness of Christ, suited in the armor of God.....

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples." Psalm 96:3

Laura - "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

Thank you for your obedience to Christ to "go and make disciples in all nations".....God bless you and fill you with His Presence and Spirit.....I love you Laura....Happy Belated Birthday! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Your sister, Kristen

Worship

I want these lyrics to be my heartcry to the Lord every day!

I want to live for you
I want to die to me
I want to be emptied
I want to be freed
From all that holds me captive
All that holds me down
All that's tried to lose me
Now that I've been found
I want to live for you

*from "Live for You" by Connersvine

Jesus, be the One I live for....have Your way in me....make this prayer ring true....help me to let go of the things I grasp too tightly...Lord, change my mind, shape my heart, and mold my spirit.....for the glory of Your name!

Remembering Dads

Today is Father's Day and I thought it only appropriate to post a tribute to my dad....and then I found the first picture of my dad with his dad (my grandpa) and my brother, Jeff, and I thought it was a great generation picture! I know that my father had such a great father, and in turn, he has been the most excellent dad a girl could ask for.

Sure, as a teenager, I thought he was always wrong and never understood me, but what kid doesn't go through that. As an adult, I've grown to respect my dad so much for the values, beliefs, and strengths he instilled in me since childhood.

I'll never forget singing around the dinner table with my dad playing guitar to praise songs. Today, I play guitar and sing praise songs at church, and I thank him for the inspiration. On a few occasions, in the past couple of years, we've had the opportunity to play guitar together in the living room, and I've cherished those memories.

My dad has always loved fishing, boating, even making a canoe with his own hands, carpentry, gardening, tennis, football games, crabbing, and golf. Not every kid gets to learn how to catch crabs and then cook them up and eat them at the beach. And I know that some of my creativity in making things comes from my father, but I do have to give some credit to mom (sorry, dad!)......Appreciation for the outdoors, camping, and fishing, I love because of my dad. Not to mention BLT's with fresh garden tomatoes, corn on the cob, and open face liverwurst sandwiches on rye (from grandpa!)......

So, on this day of remembering dads, I am so honored that I can claim such an amazing earthly father. I can only give thanks and praise to my heavenly Father for such a blessing as this.

My dad has been such a great example of providence, kindness, discipline (because he loves us), humility, intelligence (wisdom), strength, love, patience, and generosity. He has loved me even when I've been unlovable. He has given, even though he knows that he may not receive. He has sacrificed, worked hard, and had so many amazing achievements both in his family life and in business. He has instilled in me a hard work ethic and a desire to do my best in all things. I respect, admire, and have always looked up to him so much!

Today, I get such a thrill out of watching him with all 5 of his grandchildren. I'm so glad they get to be so close to him and learn from him. The bottom picture is him playing guitar with the oldest, Lindsey (now 6 years old!). Maybe she'll be inspired to play too someday....she is already a great singer!

I know that my dad will always be there for all of us and that he will do anything to prevent us from hurting. He has always protected the ones he loves....

Lord, bless my father today......give him rest, joy, and peace.....continue to grow him up in wisdom and truth and rejoice over him with singing. Shower him with blessings and overwhelm him with Your unfailing love. Protect him and keep him safe. For the glory of Your name!

Thank you dad for being you.....and thank you God for making my dad!

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you so much and wish I wasn't so far away!

Kristen Beth

Bread and Wine

Today during communion, I was struck by these song lyrics from "How Deep the Father's Love For Us":


Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

I identified quickly with the crucifixion this morning, and rejoiced in the resurrection.......not only of Jesus Christ, but of this wretched sinner that He raised from the dead as well.......

Therefore, I have no reason to be discouraged, no reason to be downcast...no reason not to worship the Living God who gives all good things to those who love Him......

I admit that I have been discouraged lately, and I confess that here and openly recognize it, refuse it, and replace it with HOPE!! May the words of MY mouth and the meditations of MY soul, be pleasing to the Lord! He is the God of ALL comfort and encouragement!!

This morning I remembered Christ through the sacrament of communion......and I asked Him to forgive my troubled heart and move me higher up, further in, and deeper still.....for the glory of His name!

Ponderings From an Older Mind

So, this birthday has felt heavier than most....I've had a roller coaster of emotions in regards to life, creation, age, weight, love lost, and evaluation of my present and current circumstances....and it all comes back to this: I'm 36, single, and satisfied in my Savior (although I don't often live like it!)

Tonight in a prayer meeting we talked of being "anchored in Love".....as I thought about this, the Lord reminded me that to be "anchored in Love" is to be anchored in the gospel, which is to be anchored and rooted in Christ, which is to be connected to God by the power of the Holy Spirit.....because ultimately, God is love and God is perfect....and "perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18......it all comes full circle.....

So, I won't be afraid of loving God more, loving others more boldly, loving myself, and receiving love from Christ Himself and through others......I pray this for each of you as well......be anchored and rooted in love in all you say, think, and do.......it's never easy, but we are called to things such as this....and without love, we are truly nothing but a "clanging gong"!

As I was driving home, the song "I Am" came on my ipod by Nichole Nordeman and these words moved me to tears (as they usually do):

Pencil marks on a wall
I wasn't always this tall,
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed,
You watched my team win,
You watched my team lose,
You watched when my bicycle went down again,

And When I was weak unable to speak,
still I could call You by name,
and I said “Elbow healer, Superhero,
come if You can,” and You said “I Am”

Only 16, life is so mean, what kind of curfew is at ten PM
You saw my mistakes, You watched my heart break
Heard when I swore I’d never love again

When I was weak, unable to speak,
still I could call You by name,
and I said “Heart-ache Healer, Secret-keeper,
be my Best Friend” and You said “I Am”

When I am weak, unable to speak,
still I will call You by name.
“Oh Shepherd, Savior, Pasture-maker,
hold on to my hand,” and You say “I Am.”

The winds of change,
And circumstance blow in and all around
us so we find a foothold that’s familiar,
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer

Life had begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when,
But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home

I will be weak, unable to speak,
still I will call You by name
“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King, Beginning and
the End, I Am, yes, I Am.”

*He is everything to me and I pray that this coming year I will start to truly live and act like it......blessings to all of you who bless me with your friendship and unyielding love! Cheers to another year of worshipping and serving our great and awesome God!

**the above pictures are two of my childhood birthdays (always memorable with many "bunny" cakes - thanks mom!) and the birth announcement that my mom made when I was born and my dad was still in college working on his PhD! Good times!

It's Never Too Late!

I'm so proud of my mom! I flew home this weekend to attend the graduation ceremony of my mother from Eastern Michigan University.

She gradutated at the age of 65 from nursing school after many years of intensive and vigorous studying of sciences and the human body. She gradutated with honors, magna cum laude! She graduated proudly and with 15 family members there to cheer her on, including 4 of her children and 6 of her grandchildren. She walked across the stage in her black cap and gown, and thanked her friends, family, and faculty for standing by her during her pursuit of collegiate achievement.

It brought tears of joy to my eyes to think about how excited she must be to have this day finally come and to be able to celebrate with the people that love her most. It reminded me that it's never too late to do anything, if you set your mind to it and never give up on your dreams. I never thought that she needed to go to school to prove herself to anyone. Her acheivements in life have been grand thus far, but she did it and I applaud and support her! Thanks mom, you are truly an inspiration and I am honored and be your daughter!

My mom gradutated from college this weekend at the age of 65.....I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Cheers!

The Problem with Planes

….is that they wait until a flight of a hundred people are comfortably settled and ready for departure before discovering that a flight instrument is broken…..

*Can we please just rev her up for 5 minutes before boarding and inevitably deplaning and inconveniencing tons of weary (and anxious) travelers?

…..the “recline” button is such a tease…..ready? push…..ahhh, yes, 2 inches, I feel so much more relaxed and reclined for that matter!

…..recycled “human-scented” air coming out of vents that either blast or trickle….

….lifting heavy carry-ons over my head into “convenient” overhead compartments which are unaccessible after departure (Ok, so maybe that’s a problem with my packing, but I’ll blame the plane for now!)

...magazine pockets in front of you that don't hold bottled water well!

...no leg room, unless you're in an exit row, in which you MUST know and be willing to assist in the event of a crash or emergency - we all say we will in order to get the "roomy" seat!

..."U-shaped" neck pillows to increase our ability to sleep sitting up in the most uncomfortable position!

...meals on the international flight that are described as "chicken parts with a glob of brown goo on it"....mmmm, yummy, pass the salt and pepper please!

....lines to get on, lines to get off, lines to be searched, delays, lost luggage, minimal compensation...need I go on!

Thank God that He is never late! His timing is perfect, there is plenty of "room" to stretch our legs and rest in Him, His aroma is sweet, His burden is light, there are no lines, and we can taste and see that He is good.....

p.s. I have to say that I really did love the individual movie screens on my first international flight.....they were so cute and useful! Well done KLM Airbus!

Cheers!

Norway Bound

Wow, so in one week I'll be taking my first "overseas" adventure, starting with a long, all night plane ride. It's starting to become real to me that I am actually going. I'm beginning to get excited and nervous. I'll be travelling alone, so I'm a little nervous. But I can't wait to see the Norwegian countryside. I'm really looking forward to the College of Prayer (www.collegeofprayer.org) and joining my pastor and his wife in ministry.

"The College of Prayer is a ministry of the Revival Prayer Institute, Inc. established to mentor Christian leaders who will reach a lost world through a revived church. We are a faith ministry organized exclusively for the purpose of mentoring and encouraging pastors, wives, Christian leaders, missionaries, intercessors - all who desire to more effectively impact their world through fervent revival prayer, prayer evangelism, intercession, and worship. "

I am honored to have a chance to be a part of this.....as I understand it, my role on the Norway trip will be to be available to pray with women during extended prayer and worship times, to listen to God on their behalf, and possibly a chance to participate in worship through singing and playing guitar......

I know this is not a normal "missionary trip" as it is mostly Christian workers, pastors, and leaders who attend these conferences for the purpose of revival and refreshment with the Lord......I am humbled to be able to pray and minister to them.....it excites me that there are people who care so much for God's children and His sheep that they would come just to be renewed so that they can keep standing firm in praying for the lost and encouraging the saved.......I think it is so important to equip the equippers......we all need to be filled and refreshed so that we can continue to harvest the ripened field and participate in the building of God's kingdom here on earth......

These are the prayers of my heart as I prepare my heart, will, and mind:

-for the eyes of my heart to be enlightened so that I might be used in the lives of these people
-for safe travels and against fear of the unknown (foreign country)
-for God to search me and know my heart, to convict me to repentence so that I might be readily available to others in their needs
-for opportunities to minister and speak truth and His word to the hurting and the broken
-that I might be changed through this experience to have a deeper relationship with Christ
-that I may confidently hide His word in my heart (memorization is hard for me)
-for my pastor and his wife as they prepare to teach at the conference
-for the annointing of the Holy Spirit and the manifest presence of God to transform hearts, minds, and wills
-that I would be free to intercede for others without fear
-for boldness!

Thank you so much for reading this......thank you to each of you who have been instrumental in my spiritual upbringing......thank you for bearing my burdens, thank you for raising me in truth, thank you for speaking to me in love, thank you for lifting me up in prayer.......thank you for being my brothers, sisters, father, mother, friends, and confidants....I know that God will prepare me and use me to the glory of His name! Thanks for walking this journey with me......

May Christ bless each of you richly according to His great and unfailing love!

Ha Det Bra (Goodbye, take care of yourself)

Sisters (or: you mess with her, you mess with me me!)

"My sister and me, treasurers of each other's childhoods, linked by volatile love, best friends who make other best friends ever so slightly less best." Patricia Volk

"You and I are tied together by years of misunderstandings, cross words, icy silences, laughter, hugs, tenderness, and love. All of those strands are twisted into a knot that nothing will ever, ever break." Ellyn Sanna

"It's hard to be responsible, adult, and sensible all the time. How good it is to have a sister whose heart is as young as your own." Pam Brown

"I find that as I grow older, I love those most whom I loved first." Thomas Jefferson

"The bond that joined us lay deeper than outward things; the rivers of our souls spring from the same well!" Po Chu-l

"So many shared memories rest between sisters. Some, like a sleeping grizzly bear, seem best left undisturbed. While others can fill a rainy afternoon with laughter and sunshine." Melody Carlson

"Today is far from Childhood - but up and down the hills I held her hand the tighter - which shortened all the miles..." Emily Dickinson

"You mess with her, you mess with me!" Maria Smedstad

"Sisters are....a port in each other's storms." Elizabeth Fishel

"Help one another, is part of the religion of our sisterhood." Louisa May Alcott

"Sisters....help each other stay in good relationships, get out of messed up ones, pick up and start over again." Linda H. Hollies

"The only time you look down on me is when you're picking me up from the floor." Maria Smedsted

"A sister is one who will pick you up when you are down. If she cannot pick you up she will lie down beside you and listen." Unknown

"If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child." Linda Sunshine

"One day you are wanting to rearrange her personality ever so slightly.....but the bottom line is this: you will always love her, no matter what. Unconditionally." Whitney Otto

"However frank you might think you're being with friends, honesty reaches a different level between sisters." Sandra Deeble

"If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's probably wearing your best sweater." Pam Brown

"We were threads of the same cloth...when blended together it turned into the most beautiful of fabrics." Diane Burke

"Sisters are like different instruments in a band, or different voices in a chorus, because you are not exactly alike, you harmonize in beautiful ways." Margaret Lannamann

"A sister is like a mirror in which you can see a part of yourself reflected." Joan Walsh Anglund

"Our siblings resemble us just enough to make all their differences confusing." Susan Scarf Merrell

*for Laura and Deborah whom I've known their entire lives.....you are each so precious to me and I thank God for you daily....what would I ever do without you!

*for Michelle who has been added to our "sisterhood" by marriage.....we love you the same - unconditionally.....we are proud to be the sisters you never had....happy birthday!

*to my friends along this path of life that know me well and love me even though you know me......we are sisters by the thread of Christ and family in His church: Kim Howard, Meg, Julie, Charissa, Carol Grubbs, Carol White, Larissa, Aubrey, Kim DeGuido, Jenn, Dana, Sherry, Sarah Mark, and Jessica!

*to my girls at work whom I spend countless hours with, toiling side by side and day by day - thanks for putting up with me and making my job and coming to work a joy and pleasure: Mary Ellen, Denise, Katherine, Catherine, and Bridgette!

I would never have made it this far in life without all my girls! Thanks for your love and faithfulness! Sorry if I forgot anyone!

Swan Lake and Meeting AP

What a great weekend! My friend, Larissa, invited me to "get away" for a day before Easter. We left on Good Friday and drove to the Georgia mountains to a quaint Bed and Breakfast owned by a very hospitible Christian couple. We had a wonderful time of being catered with scrumptious food, playing backgammon, worshipping with voices and guitars by a fire that never quite got going (but not for lack of trying, mind you!), Larissa falling in the muddy lake, beautiful weather, and excellent and much needed quiet time in amazing surroundings and in the presence of God.....we felt blessed and refreshed!

Then it was off on a road trip to Knoxville to see a performance by one of my favorite artists, Andrew Peterson. I've followed his songwriting, journals, concerts, blogs, Rabbit Room, and now bookwriting, for a long time. His songs have convicted my spirit as well as made my heart soar with praises. His blogs have brought me to tears as I relate to the way he is real about his shortcomings while at the same time, exalting the One who loves us most. I've been to a few of his concerts in the past and they have always been memorable. I've recommended his music to tons of people and have gifted his Christmas album to many: Behold the Lamb of God. Recently, I've followed the making of his latest album entitled: Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2.......

The concert was just him on the guitar and Ben Shive on the grand piano. He told background stories of songs I've loved, he talked comically in between songs, and he played new songs from the upcoming album. My favorite was a song called "Hosanna", which I learned means, "Save us!" It always seemed like the people crying "hosanna" were praising him, while instead they were shouting for salvation! What a difference that makes. Needless, to say, I cannot wait for the album to come out.

After the concert, at a smallish church in Knoxville, I decided to try to meet Andrew. Surprisingly, it was quite easy, and he was quite pleasant (although shorter than I had thought!). I told him that I had driven from Atlanta and that I felt that I already knew him from reading so much of his heart and thoughts online. I expressed my excitement for the Rabbit Room and told him how much his music and journals have meant to me over the years. I talked to Ben too, and told him how much I appreciated his hard work to bring together AP's albums. His piano playing is amazing! He's been working on his own album for 2 years now.

I bought AP's first book, released four days prior: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, and asked him to sign it. He wrote: Kristen, beware the toothy cows! AP

We drove home and got in late, but rose excited for the early sunrise Easter service at 7am outside. I felt so much joy on this Resurrection Day. So much life. So much peace in the presence of my Savior.

He's alive! He is risen! The tomb is empty! He was risen to rule, to rescue, to return, and to restore! Thank you Lord for an amazing and memorable weekend of showered blessings! Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, for His death and resurrection. Thank you that you have allowed me to be a dwelling place for Your life and Spirit!

Thanks AP for sharing your gifts of music and words! Thanks Larissa, for your friendship and time!

Peace of the Risen Christ to all!

Words

I read this poem recently and was overcome by the words and they way they move, and shape, and tingle on your tongue....still not sure what all it means.......reminds me of Dylan Thomas! Eugene Peterson took the title to one of his books from this sonnet: Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places.....

“As kingfishers catch fire, dragonflies draw flame;
As tumbled over rim in roundy wells
Stones ring; like each tucked string tells, each hung bell’s
Bow swung finds tongue to fling out broad its name;
Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves — goes itself; _myself_ it speaks and spells,
Crying _What I do is me: for that I came_.

“I say more: the just man justices;
Keeps grace: that keeps all his goings graces;
Acts in God’s eye what in God’s eye he is –
Christ. For Christ plays in ten thousand places,
Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his
To the Father through the features of men’s faces.”

Sonnet by Gerard Manley Hopkins

I'll tell you how the sun set...a ribbon at a time!

"I sometimes look into the endless heavens, the cosmos of which we can't find the edge, and ask God what it means. Did You really do all of this to dazzle us? Do You really keep it shifting, rolling round the pinions to stave off boredom? God forbid Your glory would be our distraction. And God forbid we would ignore Your glory."
excerpt from: Through Painted Deserts by Donald Miller

Let it Snow!!

What is winter with no snow? Just cold.....what fun to see snow two times here in Hotlanta.....It came down in big, beautiful flakes and then hung around long enough for a village of snow people to be born and frolick on the lawns for a day!

OK, so the city shut down and flights were canceled or delayed, businesses lost some money, and ice scrapers had to be dug up and actually used, but it made me feel like a kid again....it made me long to be home in Michigan where we had the exact same big, flaky, beautiful, magical snow on New Year's Eve.......except the accumulation was 10 inches!

It was so great to see people outside building a snowman, kids that have never seen this "white wonder" stand in awe and then throw snowballs at each other......how can you have a decent childhood without ever throwing a snowball?

After the first snow last Wednesday, I woke up and found two snowballs in the freezer! Cute Aubrey, but you're still not gonna get me!!

Hope this winter you find magical moments and a deeper appreciation for our glorious creation and that you find the true JOY of the Creator of snow LIVING in you!