My Office

Little girls don't grow up dreaming of their own office one day. At least this one didn't.

In college I was assigned to plan my "dream" classroom. After that project I decided it was a good thing I wasn't really planning on teaching because I couldn't afford it, ha.

But since starting a full time job, I've realized why people take time and effort to create an office space they enjoy. I spend more time in the fours walls of my little office than I do awake in my own apartment. During particular times of the year I'm out of it more than in it (summer IS coming), but I always come back to my office.

The decorating process has been just that: a process. Lots of things are mismatched at this point, but a couple of staples you'd find: a large white board, lamps, IKEA chairs, a massive bookcase and a window. How I ended up with a window I will NEVER know, but credit can probably be given to my great boss/pastor. Bottom line: I love my window.

My office. big whoop-ti-doo, right?

Well, here's the thing... its one of my favorite places.

Yes, there is probably 3 month old candy in a jar or bucket...
Yes, there are probably t-shirts in a pile leftover from an event...
Yes, there is probably another stack of supplies for the NEXT event...
Yes, I know there is popcorn on the floor...
Yes, I realize nothing matches and that there is construction work outside...

But its still a favorite place.

In a short time its become a place for sweet, meaningful conversations with friends. A place for laughs around Wednesday staff popcorn. A place for tears behind a closed door when unexpected news hits. A place to view and reflect on the art/cards/pictures made by, and of, my precious kiddos.

But mostly because it is an honest, safe place where I can go before my Father, and where encouragement can go back and forth across my desk.

Praying the Lord has given you a favorite place.

Get up.

Somewhere over the years past I heard a sermon discussing Moses and Joshua. While I do not remember the three points or alliteration, I do remember something that the pastor pointed out...

and its something that God recently reminded me of...

to which I then explained to Him that the story didn't pertain to me at this point in my life...

and we can all guess how that ended.
So let me share the lesson I've learned (actually, still learning).

The last chapter in Deuteronomy tells of the Lord showing Moses the Promised Land. He could not enter, but he saw it from Mount Nebo. The chapter goes on to tell of Moses' death, burial, and the people of Israel's mourning.

I have a feeling that while some might have known that Moses was not to enter the Promised Land, they were shocked when he died. Verse 7 says,

"Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated."

The man the people of Israel had followed through parted water and barren desert was gone and quite suddenly it seems. After Verse 8 goes on to say the days of mourning ended and the hand-off happened. Joshua, son of Nun, was up. He had been blessed by Moses, so they all knew it was coming, and they responded with obedience. **Side Note: can I just say, that's a big deal! Let's think about it... If these people had been wandering in the desert for 40 years, and had dwindled down to only the descendants of Caleb and Joshua... I think it is safe bet to say that those left, had lived their entire lives under Moses' leadership. If not the entirety, then a good bit of it. So they have to trust, follow someone else after spending your life under someone else?? I believe it to be a testament of who they really were submitting themselves to: God Almighty Himself. (Granted, I know that the children of Israel didn't always do what they were suppose to, but at that moment they were on it.)

Moving on. 
Deuteronomy ends, Joshua (and God's lesson for me) begins.
 

"After the death of Moses, the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 'Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go...' "

(Joshua 1:1-2a)

 

Do you really think God needed to inform Joshua that Moses was dead? That somehow he missed it and God needed to highlight the fact that the great prophet wasn't around anymore? That the man who had poured into Joshua and blessed him to lead God's people was GONE?

 

Now, I'm not Joshua, nor am I trying to downplay his role in scripture. He was a man of God and may I remind you one of two that had faith that the Lord would give them the Promised Land (Numbers 13). But in my human flesh I can imagine what it would be like to lose such an important person. To be so consumed with my circumstances that God has to state the obvious.

 

Lord, I miss him...

HE IS DEAD.

They won't trust me....
ARISE.
I can't do this. I can't lead them. How can I?
GET UP. GO...

I try to hold on to things. Good times, good memories, friendships. Re-living in my mind seasons of life that I'm glad God gave me. When I sense God moving me on, I squeeze those things tight and say, "O no God. Please, just let me keep it. Don't make me try something new." So in my clinging and re-living, I don't see the opportunities that God has in front of me. I don't want to move on to try something new or trust something/someone new. So I hold on to what is comfortable and familiar. But as I sat in a corner, holding on for dear life, mourning, sadden that a season is over,  the Lord steps in to end it.

He says... ARISE.
Or is Kristinense: GET. UP. 

Now, please hear me. I'm not saying you shouldn't mourn or be sad when you lose someone or you move on to a different season of life. I'm saying that I have the tendency to dwell  on it past a reasonable time and it takes our sweet Lord intervening to get me out of a rut. He stated the obvious and gave instruction. Because He loves you and I too much and has better things in store for His glory than to let us wallow in a corner.

The rest of verse 2 and 3 say...

"Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to then, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses."

The Promised Land was waiting!!! He was giving instruction to go to the place that they had waited on for YEARS. WHOO HOO! How awesome to look at what was ahead. Better still, God goes on to reminds Joshua how He will be with him just like He was with Moses. How Joshua was not to be frightened or dismayed, but to be strong and courageous (v. 9).

Its time to get up. He promises to not to leave or forsake His own. Why would we delay?

1 Year

The last 2 months have been marked with many 1 year anniversaries. From sending my resume to Sherwood, to my first weekend, to THE interview at Cracker Barrel, to the big move to the small city. I can be very sappy at times, and coming out of the holiday season has probably only made it worse. Its made me look over the last year quite a bit and all the lessons I've learned, the most important I wrote about previously.

Among those lessons, I've learned so much about myself, and about the high points of  life. For example...

• Hearing "Miss Kristin" thrills my heart, and it is a true delight to have a child run up shouting it, while reaching for a hug. I cannot explain it other than to say it is one of those small, sweet gifts from the Lord. With that, comes this unusual "momma bear" instinct that can only come from being around some many precious children.

• It has been cool to see how God ordained certain life experiences to prepare me for this season of my life. For instance, my degree and time spent working at UM aided me in having a teacher and event planner brain all at the same time. Being from a large family has helped know how to handle multiple people of different ages. I always have an example story for a child or parent about one of my siblings, ha. All that to say, the least important  of instants to me, have been purposeful to God's plan.

• It is a great joy to stand by dear friends as they take on a new last name, and holding sweet babies whose parents I call friends. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, I've learned is one of the greatest joys of this life. To watch and be a part of monumental moments of those you have laughed, cried and prayed over...ugh I could cry just thinking about it!

• My brothers and sisters are growing up. A given I know. But it hit me hard this year. Samuel started college, John started middle school, and Madelyn can see the light at the end of the tunnel called high school. Josiah isn't a baby anymore and is a rambunctious little boy. Before we know it, we'll all be married and cramming into my parents house for holidays.

• I don't have to plan every second of my day, and it is healthy for me... sometimes.

All in all, I cannot express how good the Lord has been to me since moving to Albany. Its been a great year, and I am looking forward to however many more the Lord will give me at Sherwood!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Time flies...

Is it really the end of December? I remember thinking at the being of November, “O good, a couple of slow months to catch up and get ahead.” And while things might have been a little slower in the office, my life didn’t necessarily slow down. But, like my family reminds me, I like being busy.

    November was full of traveling with my first real vacation and Thanksgiving holiday. I visited Jaye in North Carolina and got to see what life as a seminary student is like. I also realized that 5-7 days a year of resting and relaxing is a must. I honestly didn’t realize how rejuvenating it would be. A trip to NC might be a November have-to for the next few years!

    December has been full of parties, gatherings, programs, and a trip home for Christmas. I love the Christmas season, and when I say I love it, I mean I LOVE it! The decorations, the music, the presents, the food... everything! This Christmas had its special moments for me: Putting up my first tree, full of ornaments since my childhood. Participating in the Christmas program at Sherwood. Catching up with old friends in Athens. The extra time spent talking with Samuel, and playing with Josiah. Standing as a family while my dad prayed and passed out the Lord’s Supper on Christmas Eve. Such a sweet time of year to do fun things and remember why we celebrate in the first place: Our Savior CAME!

    As the days of 2011 dwindle down, I’ve been tying up lose ends and working on projects in the office. One of which was to hang this,

Now you might remember we did that whole, revamped VBS back in the summer. One of the afternoon track times was an art track for older kids. They learned about different kinds of art from our very own College and Career pastor, Brian Kelley. Towards the end of the week, they were given a canvas to paint with black lines on it. Little did they know what would be the outcome. Seeing the finished product made me PUMPED for this upcoming summer!!

As I hung the canvases and made them fit together, I was able to stop and read the verses the kids added. Its so cool to see what verses stick out in the mind of a child. Whether its one they recently learned or have memorized and held onto for a long time. I found one that I’m pretty sure an adult got a hold of. It 2 Thessalonians 5:24 written on it,

“The One who calls you is faithful; and He will surely bring it to pass.”

If there was one verse that summed up 2011 for me, it would be this one. 2011 has been a year that the Lord has reminded me of how faithful He is. He has brought so much to pass, its hard to believe I ever doubt His purpose or timing. Also realizing even when it seems like He's not bringing anything to "pass" He is STILL faithful.  His word is quick to settle an anxious heart, by reminding that our God has all things under control. 

It brings me to tears to think of how good and sweet My Savior has been to me this year. Looking forward to watching Him continue to bring things to pass and to be a small part of His mind blowing plan!

Happy New Year!

I am thankful for...

- a loving, merciful, grace giving Savior who adopted me into His eternal family and carries me through this life.

- a mom who is always there to hear my thrills, fears, and tears, and who lifts me up to the Lord daily.

- a dad who calls me his own, gives me godly council and protects me from miles away.

- brothers and sisters that make me laugh, keep me on my knees, and who are always a text, call, or facebook message away :).

- a church family that is unlike any I have ever been a part of. One that has embraced me, and made me feel at home in such a short amount of time. (and feeds me like its going out of style!)

- the fact that 130+ kiddos call me "Miss Kristin", and run to hug me no matter the location.

- a job and ministry that makes me wonder how I could ever do anything else for a vocation.

- the ability to watch families raise children who love Christ and  adopt little ones into their homes to call children.

- the girls that God has intrusted me to pour into, and share my life and love for the Lord with.

- the women that want to "live life" and pray for me.

- Marty, Jaye, and Stephanie, who have taught me the importance of a thank you note :) .

- the opportunity to partner with Compassion International and sponsor Fabin, a little boy in Columbia.

- the staff of Sherwood Baptist Church. Overwhelmed by their love and passion for Christ and His Kingdom. 

- my small 3 room apartment, that I am making home.

- friends in: Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina... and the fact that I can see many of them to and from trips to my parents.

I know I'm a couple of days late, but I couldn't let my Thanksgiving holiday end without sharing a few of my "thankfuls". This week has taught me that no matter the circumstance, we are to be thankful. Because the reality is, we are sinners in need of a Savior, and Jesus came to pay the ransom.  That, in and of itself, is reason to be thankful, and to sing our God's praises all the day long. No matter the trial, we are to declare the goodness of our God.

Praise the Lord!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Psalm 106:1

 

Like Anna

Last week I pulled out an old study Bible to do a little studying and I came across a postcard with this picture on it...

So, why do I have a postcard of an old lady in my Bible? Good question. This is actually a picture of a painting by Rembrandt. The orginial hangs in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which I saw in person, May of 2009. I went to the museum while on a misison trip that took me backpacking through Europe. We had a spare afternoon so my fellow team member and I headed out for a trip around town. Thus, the Rijksmuseum...

 

So we're walking around taking in all of the fine art (my appreciation probably lacking) when we came across the above piece. I remember it captured my attention quickly, mainly because of her hand. It is difficult to tell in this picture, but the detail is incredible: the wrinkles, the veins, the way it lays on the page. How he made her hand look so real, I will never get over.

With each piece of art was a short bio. While the title of this piece is Rembrandt's mother, the bio said that it was a depiction of the prophetess Anna from the Bible. The only account of her is found in Luke after she saw Jesus as a baby.

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a window until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

It seems, Anna practically lived at the temple. She probably heard the scriptures over and over, the ones that told of a coming Messiah. She most likely never touched or read them, but I imagine her face held the same eagerness found in this painting when she would listen. I think her heart ached and found purpose only in sitting in the Lord's presence. Can you imagine her joy to see her Savior's face as a babe?

I bought this postcard as a reminder: I want to be the woman in the painting. I want to be found pouring over scripture, now and when my hands are wrinkled and fragile. But then, that begs the questions: am I in the Word daily? Do I eagerly await to spend time with Him? Do I search the scriptures and commit truth to memory?

Chances are, if I'm not, I won't be like that woman. I won't be like Anna.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

Courageous the Movie

I am blessed to be a part of a church that, as I've said before, will do what's never been done if it means more people will hear the gospel. So, Sherwood Pictures was born as a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church, and Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof have made more of an impact than I think anyone ever dreamed. The latest film, Courageous, is about police officers who discover what it truly means to be a godly dad.  2 weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Courageous movie premiere in Atlanta at the Fox Theater. It seemed only fitting for me to take the man in life: my Dad! So we strolled the red carpet, and had a great time!

  To give you more of an idea of the heart behind the movie, here are some of the actors and staff sharing about Courageous...



Courageous is about fatherhood, but this movie isn't just for dads. This young, single gal, was given examples of the kind of man I should look for, and reminded me that living a life worthy of the Lord is not always easy. We all must resolve to be courageous. 


Check out www.courageousthemovie.com for more info about the movie, resources for churches, theater showings, and more. Courageous comes out September 30th, make sure you're there!