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!

Divine Romance

These lyrics have really moved me this Christmas season...if you don't know the song, get it from itunes, it's fantabulous!

Divine Romance - Phil Wickham

The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied

For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love

A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied

Can I get an "amen"?

The Promise of Autumn

I love the fall. It is by far my favorite season. I have always been overwhelmed by the brilliant colors. In fact, I often joke that if I happen to be driving at sunset in the fall, I could literally get into an accident from the breath-taking impact of the colors of both tree leaves and sky at the same time to my heart. And it's probably true.

I beleive the Lord romances me that way. I haven't always appreciated the beauty of creation as piercingly as I do now. I've always loved colors, but until I fell in love with Jesus, I never acknowledged the Master Artist behind the masterpiece of the night sky or the autumn leaves or the sunrise or sunset. He is so romantic.

When I moved to Charlotte, NC from Michigan, I had my first taste of a long, beautiful season of fall. The leaves didn't turn and then fall immediately, they lingered and I was captivated by His glorious majesty so often. I easily looked forward to the end of summer.

When I recently moved to Atlanta, GA, I was told that last year's fall here was not much and that the trees had turned quickly and gone bare without so much of a notice. At first, my heart sank...."No fall? This cannot be!"

And then I remembered my Savior. I responded with confidence, "I know my Lord and I know that it was His will that He brought me to this new place, and I know that He would not have moved me to a place where there was no fall......there will be colors!" Some thought that was bold of me to claim, others just didn't believe me at all. But I trusted and I waited and I looked and I SAW!

Recently, I had an opportunity to spend a weekend at Stone Mountain in Georgia, which is a beautful and huge state park. I wanted to get some quality reflection and listening time with the Lord. Guess what He showed me - COLORS! The mountain was filled with trees bearing the most brilliant leaves and the paths were covered in golds and reds and oranges and yellows. It was mid to upper 60's, so I walked and I prayed and I thanked God for the beauty of the earth and the glory that shone all around me. The sun gleamed brightly to enhance the view and the hues. It was an amazing weekend. And the colors are still here into December!

Thank you Lord, for loving me enough to show me your glory in the brightness of color, the peace of a river, and the magnificance of the sky!

"From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring,
Every creature unique in the song that it sings...

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God!
All powerful, untamable
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God!"