tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478803883402927432024-03-13T13:19:09.051-05:00Simple Love TodayKristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-27739357091283804322018-04-13T13:23:00.002-05:002018-04-13T13:23:32.641-05:00Always More<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyboPfM2A76Y0-4kG0dZq06T3ToR4OCbJcSsLGXCrkhxm6hDLv4PqWt8QATwSb2agxL3P9fJed0CJkssooeQpcg6hyphenhyphen3D44FHVr-LZB30IO3FCQAcYwbrkXFeoiyx2UBoZGjsNs_MXnRgUz/s1600/IMG_1235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyboPfM2A76Y0-4kG0dZq06T3ToR4OCbJcSsLGXCrkhxm6hDLv4PqWt8QATwSb2agxL3P9fJed0CJkssooeQpcg6hyphenhyphen3D44FHVr-LZB30IO3FCQAcYwbrkXFeoiyx2UBoZGjsNs_MXnRgUz/s640/IMG_1235.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2018 </b> <b> 2016 </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Every day for 2 years, I have asked God to relocate this knee. I have boldly asked for a lot regarding that leg. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and sometimes wait. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This complication in 2016 sent us searching for a clinic with the resources and expertise to give her the best shot possible at regaining function. We landed a 14 hour car drive from home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The plan given to us was a minimum 1-2 month stay while doing PT 3 times/day. My momma's heart was a MESS. Lack of sleep and postpartum hormones probably didn't help. My nightmares confirmed my deepest irrational but very real felt fears of not being needed by my littles and my husband's heart being tempted by another while I was away. Words were not comforting. My left brain knew the truth and reality but Satan knew exactly where to target me. I tried to convince myself that people do this all the time for much longer periods than we were up against and most don't get a nice warning like we did. It didn't work.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> On my 29th birthday, I committed to being in the word every day before my eyes saw a screen. It took almost 6 months for the nightmares to subside but they did. Jeremy and I enrolled in a "Marriage Innovators" class through church to place our marriage back in the front seat and prepare out hearts for distance in the summer of 2018. We didn't have major red flags against us but adding 4 kids in 3 years plus multiple surgeries when your newlyweds and in school wasn't in the "top 10 ways to strengthen your marriage" last time I checked. The knee surgery got pushed back to this fall with her last unexpected hip fracture. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A few weeks ago we went in to see her hip progress and x-ray her knee for the 1st time in over a year to see what we were up against in the fall. Even though I can read x-rays; I don't read my kids. I cried and gasped as I looked at her new x-ray and waited for her surgeon to confirm what I knew.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jesus said yes this time. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">He had gotten my heart to a place of total surrender where I was equipped and ready to be away from my husband and 3 other kids for an extended period of time and then He said; ok you don't have to do it right now.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Every time we go into the surgeon's office, the plan changes. We have learned to be open handed with what is next. She does have significant reduction of motion and needs multiple more surgeries but today she is playing volleyball and running on the school playground with minimal to no pain.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">There are many days when I question why we invest so much in correcting this leg in this world that is fading away. And then I remember; its all for His glory. There is always more going on than "fixing a leg."</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-13484759241437389262018-02-04T12:36:00.001-06:002018-02-04T18:32:25.188-06:00Evil <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Evil is not something I grew up hearing about. It's one of those things you don't really learn until it happens to you or someone you love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The older I get, the more I realize how protected I was from evil at a young age. The more I commit my life to traumatized children; the more I ask God why that was not a part of my story when it is of so many.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No one told me about standing beside your friends as they bury their parents or their child, watching 3 of your girlfriend's husbands walk out of their family in one year, not recognizing your friends or family when mental illness steals parts of them you have always known, how addiction ravages lives of people you love dearly, or how we continue to dehumanize people to justify evil. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have more questions than I have answers and that's ok. I just want to keep naming evil and the consequences of sin for what they are. When you name something, it loses its power over you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I pray I go to the grave looking like a fool believing and living this:</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Hebrews 10:22-25 "<b> </b>So
let’s <i>do</i> it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable
inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He
always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love
and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each
other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."</span></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
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Let's do this life. Giving each other courage and help especially as we see the
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-64102275437817370172018-02-01T20:38:00.001-06:002018-02-01T20:41:56.591-06:00Talk to your kids or the world willI come up with a lot of reasons to not write publicly but I keep hearing I was made to create, not always consume so.. here we are.<br />
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I'm curious if I would have been on high alert this past week with a school incident if the media hadn't been full of stories of sexual abuse and #metoo. I hope I would. </div>
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My girls haven't seen the news and their "red flags" went off last week. They walked wide eyed through the door and said "We need to tell you something right now." I couldn't have been more thankful. It was not sexual abuse or predatory behavior but they were told by a trusted adult "not to repeat something to their parents" and "leave that part of your day out" after saying the word "sex." </div>
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It made them feel icky inside. It made them feel icky because we have talked about secrets, shame, predatory behavior, and boundaries. They are 10. We had a version of the conversation when they entered our home at 5 and have ongoing conversations regularly.</div>
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There is no way we can one up and predict everything our children will encounter in this life but we can teach them "red flags" and I pray for the Godward orientation of their heart and that they learn how the Spirit talks to them personally. We are not their Holy Spirit. </div>
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Please talk to your kids or the world will. </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/God-Made-All-Me-Children/dp/1942572301/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1516850573&sr=8-7&keywords=justin+holcomb" target="_blank">This</a> is a good resource for littles ~2-8 years old. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdcOmGQHaeHkObz-XzkRLFrCELlKMmD4qghaOzbv8_TcwD6-00hBFX3m152clc74eACk9wGbHv4h9t5JOLJlCMGdenFI2pa5fnwsDvMMi-FV9qdYgsUIjY8A1J4p1rfgJ40_nrBQLH5U6/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdcOmGQHaeHkObz-XzkRLFrCELlKMmD4qghaOzbv8_TcwD6-00hBFX3m152clc74eACk9wGbHv4h9t5JOLJlCMGdenFI2pa5fnwsDvMMi-FV9qdYgsUIjY8A1J4p1rfgJ40_nrBQLH5U6/s1600/download.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Do you have any other helpful resources? Maybe your caregivers didn't talk to you about your body or sex has always been a secret, shameful topic. You may be able to say #metoo to sexual abuse and the thought of talking through it with your kids feels like too much. My heart laments over yours. There is hope and healing. Don't walk it alone. Jesus gives some fabulous gifts through counselors and friends. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-46816854698335064852017-05-02T08:28:00.002-05:002017-05-02T08:28:57.659-05:00Continuing memorial <div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" id="id_314a_8975_6519_c151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i7NfaYf79qs/WQiIbh3_3MI/AAAAAAAABLM/zkwY2UV4XKkT0g-LWF2z4wxoToW5G8ePwCHM/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /> </div>
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Aaron was to wear the "breastpiece of decision" over his heart as he entered the Holy Place. (Exodus 28:29-30) </div>
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Decisions flow from the posture of our heart. His breastpiece contained the names of the 12 sons of Israel as a "<span style="color: red;">continuing memorial</span>" to the Lord. </div>
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It was a constant reminder of the Lords faithfulness that he was to remember as he made decisions for the Israelites. </div>
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Do you have any "<span style="color: red;">continuing memorials</span>" to the Lord that you see every day? Are they close to your heart guiding your decisions? </div>
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When we remember and recall his faithfulness; it helps us to take the next small step in faith. </div>
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One of my continuing memorials is the picture above. It's in our living room and I see it every day.<br />
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It came from a season of gratitude and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Gifts-Fully-Right/dp/0310321913/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0310321913&pd_rd_r=Q5PCHEW1A6HCYXHQRK7K&pd_rd_w=gJQMT&pd_rd_wg=TgT29&psc=1&refRID=Q5PCHEW1A6HCYXHQRK7K" target="_blank">counting 1000 gifts</a>. A season of waiting and <a href="http://simplelovetoday.blogspot.com/2012/12/eucharisteo_29.html" target="_blank">naming our girls. </a></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-54138745984711244392017-04-27T10:59:00.001-05:002017-04-27T11:02:14.709-05:00Wisdom in delegationI know as a leader, delegation is important. Knowing and doing are two different things. I have grown in this area but often have to check myself and have others point out the need as well.<br />
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Delegation has provided rest and cultivated surrender and trust in me as God prys my little fingers of control back.<br />
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Moses learned the value of delegation and letting go from his father in law. </div>
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<span style="color: #ff1744;">Exodus 18:13-24</span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-18-13-Exod-18-14" id="en-MSG-1026" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #ff1744;"><b>"</b>The next day Moses took his place to judge the people. People were standing before him all day long, from morning to night. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What’s going on here? <b>Why are you doing all this, and all by yourself</b>, letting everybody line up before you from morning to night?”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-18-15-Exod-18-16" id="en-MSG-1027" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #ff1744;">Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me with questions about God. When something comes up, they come to me. I judge between a man and his neighbor and teach them God’s laws and instructions.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff1744;"><span class="text Exod-18-17-Exod-18-23" id="en-MSG-1028" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Moses’ father-in-law said,<b> “This is no way to go about it. </b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b> You’ll burn out, and the people right along with you. This is way too much for you—you can’t do this alone.</b> Now listen to me. Let me tell you how to do this so that God will be in this with you. <b>Be there for the people before God, but let the matters of concern be presented to God</b>. Your job is to teach them the rules and instructions, to show them how to live, what to do. <b>And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men</b>—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten. They’ll be responsible for the everyday work of judging among the people. They’ll bring the hard cases to you, but in the routine cases they’ll be the judges. They will share your load and that will make it easier for you<b>. If you handle the work this way, you’ll have the strength to carry out whatever God commands you, and the people in their settings will flourish also.”</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-18-24-Exod-18-27" id="en-MSG-1029" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #ff1744;">Moses listened to the counsel of his father-in-law and did everything he said."</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Exod-18-24-Exod-18-27" style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); box-sizing: border-box;">Is there anywhere you are doing too much and all by yourself? Are you burnt out? Are you looking for competent men and women to share in the work? They may need you call out their potential as a leader. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Do you know what your job is? More importantly, do you know what it's not? Jethro never told Moses to stop working but to make some changes. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Did you know that you are not the only beneficiary of delegation? The people you are serving will "flourish also". </span></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-73071107129620260752017-04-03T13:28:00.001-05:002017-04-03T13:28:23.841-05:00Racial mirrors<img id="id_f7e0_2b8c_5881_c2c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vvmvMXAYz4Q/WOKUMhLDixI/AAAAAAAABKM/xGoj4R8qBcI/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <div><br></div><div>I recently got this book for the girl's Easter basket. </div><div><br></div><div>Before they came home, I searched multiple stores for black baby dolls but I continue to learn more and more about the importance of racial mirrors in their life. The value of black children and adults in their daily life. </div><div><br></div><div>This includes real people at school, church, and extra curricular activities as well as those in media and print. This sometimes requires an intentional move or change of tradition and plans. </div><div><br></div><div>In the small arount of research I have done, there has been an improvement in diverse racial representation but there is still a major disparity. </div><div><br></div><div>Sadly and humbly, I just recognized that all of the people in our "Clue" game are white. Thankfully, "Guess Who" and "Chutes and Ladders" have people of color in them. Before my girls came home, I would have never noticed this 😞 </div><div><br></div><div>I would encourage you to pay attention to the commercials on TV next time you are watching and count the people of color you encounter. It's eye opening. </div><div> </div><div>Families of transracial adoptees, let's be intentional about incorporating racial mirrors in our lives- not just as a "token" to check off our list, but as a true investment. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-54232108015482275892017-03-27T13:59:00.001-05:002017-03-27T13:59:53.657-05:00❤️️Heart and soul assessments ❤️️The western world clearly values physical and cognitive assessment and milestones. <div><br></div><div>We spend countless finances, time, and resources on our physical health and rely mostly on the education system to assess cognition. I'm quick to jump in when there are gaps or regression in these development areas for myself or my kids. </div><div><br></div><div>There is nothing wrong with these focus areas. I wouldn't be writing this or holding my current job without them. </div><div><br></div><div><font color="#e91e63">BUT... what if we placed the same value or even a fraction of the priority on assessing emotional, social, and spiritual milestones in ourselves, our children, our patients? </font></div><div><br></div><div>My home and my practice would be radically transformed. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm reading this: </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9482_febd_58c6_c023" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRLfUtnK6JQ/WNlhCVBwu4I/AAAAAAAABJ8/DJZZJG7FJBM/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The first few chapters are excellent. </div><div><br></div><div>What if we started not only assessing these soul/heart/ relational areas but identified gaps earlier and trained them. </div><div><br></div><div>The emotional/social/ spiritual realm is the one where you function as a son or daughter, spouse, or coworker. </div><div><br></div><div>We would be foolish to neglect them. Yet we do everyday. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-50386893470511107172017-03-26T06:49:00.001-05:002017-03-26T11:11:03.888-05:00Suffering <div><img id="id_9d5a_d91d_10b5_73fd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zsEtrxmA6w/WNeq4K9sZuI/AAAAAAAABJs/vumpPBtWsdw/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 343px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div>My reading thru Job was timely as 2017 has brought 4 deaths of family members or close friends. <div><br></div><div>Some had the hope of heaven and some I don't know. My heart deeply grieves over this more than the deaths. </div><div><br></div><div>Job faced the loss of property and resources but more importantly -10 children. My momma's heart doesn't even want to go there. He was personally physically tormented. These statesments can't even begin to describe his living hell. </div><div><br></div><div>As I started reading, I loved that his 3 friends traveled far to be WITH him, sat in the floor WITH him for 7 days in silence and were QUIET until he spoke first. As I read on, I realized this is the only thing they would do well in his grief. </div><div><br></div><div>His friends go on to give him advice, condemn him, and call for repentance. They continue to teach him the false gospel that self righteousness, obedience, and repentance = physical prosperity in this life. </div><div><br></div><div>God may choose to bless the morally upright with wealth, health, and prosperity BUT he may not. And that doesn't make Him less God, less good, or less sovereign. That's an easier thing to say than believe. </div><div><br></div><div>Try teaching it to your kids 😜 </div><div><br></div><div>The thing I am most blown away with Job is that as far as I know, God didn't choose to reveal to him the schemes of the devil and spiritual warfare. Job did not have the clear understanding of the gospel, Jesus, heaven and an eternal glory that we have today. </div><div><br></div><div>For him, there was no purpose in his pain. Can you imagine the despair and hopelessness? It almost chokes me thinking about it. </div><div><br></div><div>Suffering is determined by intensity and duration. When I think about my (unintended) natural child birth; I don't see it as suffering. Was it intensely painful? No question. But there was an end and a beautiful physical purpose - my baby. </div><div><br></div><div>I think about Mabel and her suffering in this time on earth. It is long in worldly standards. It will continue intermittently through her childhood and most likely have lifelong repercussions. BUT...</div><div><br></div><div>It is temporary. This life will end. The suffering she endures now will produce a greater eternal glory in Heaven for her. I'm jealous of that. </div><div><br></div><div>I will learn to be WITH her in her suffering. I will choose to be WITH grieving friends and family. My gut is to give guidance and help direct emotions but that's not my job. They don't need correction or explanations. They need the hope of the gospel. </div><div><br></div><div>Teaching eternal glory to your child when you're not quite sure of it yourself is challenging. I don't have all the right words and thankfully I don't have to. </div><div><br></div><div>As you continue to pray for Mabel, pray for an unexplainable deep peace and understanding of eternal glory. </div><div><br></div><div>Would we love "successful surgeries"? Yes. </div><div><br></div><div>But those are temporary too. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-26920384745244721772017-03-20T21:35:00.001-05:002017-03-20T21:36:03.790-05:00The book<img id="id_24c4_afe8_9e7c_299b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f392eSG3P7g/WNCRXqcwXeI/AAAAAAAABJg/_HGUaIOMVwQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>This was taken after I sorted thru my shelf of journals, Bible studies, and self help books. </div><div><br></div><div>There is nothing wrong with these but I found myself continually adding more books to my Amazon cart only to realize I have never read the entire book that most of these were inspired by. I reread "Radical" by David Platt with Jeremy this month for his final module in CLC. At the end Platt provides 5 one year challenges. </div><div><br></div><div>One is reading the Bible in its entirety. I love a good challenge but even more I love the discipline and character it brings about. </div><div><br></div><div>So here's to day 4/365. I'm using <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/chronological.html" id="id_3718_429a_18fe_3e7a" target="_blank">this</a>. It's the first one that came up on google. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-14513533041447079672017-02-03T21:02:00.001-06:002017-02-03T21:03:34.089-06:00"Money, Possessions, and Eternity" book review I finished my January book "Money, Posessions, and Eternity" by Randy Alcorn plus a bonus book "The Road Back To You" which I reviewed <a href="http://simplelovetoday.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-enneagram.html?m=1" id="id_22d0_c3b7_f289_24b4" target="_blank">here</a>. <div><img id="id_8739_fcaf_89dc_bb67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9HK89xZ5a3A/WJVEVy-odDI/AAAAAAAABJA/URf1OndF6eY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br><div><br></div><div>Practical implications as I read thru Alcorn's book:</div><div><br></div><div>- A deep and sincere repentance first to the Lord and then to my spouse for my "hands and mind free" attitude towards money my whole life. </div><div><br></div><div>- A commitment to be "a prudent wife" to Jeremy (Proverbs 19:14) so that he doesn't continue to carry this vital piece of our marriage and family alone. He's over here giving me Econ 101 lessons 😬</div><div><br></div><div>-31 days of setting a budget and recording giving, saving, and expenditures (and a commitment to keep going and growing in these areas) </div><div><br></div><div>-Gratitude for a church leadership who is transparent and committed to administer their funds "in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help" - 2 Cor. 8:19</div><div><br></div><div>- A challenge to radical, biblical generousity </div><div><br></div><div>- Introduction of "GIVE, SAVE, SPEND" jars for the girls. </div><div><img id="id_d4d8_67e6_a97f_c18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPQX7xHEZ2k/WJVEWkM3_gI/AAAAAAAABJI/Yt5YL4aS4s4/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div></div><div><br></div><div>February book is "Seeing With New Eyes" by David Powilson. One of our biblical counselors at work recommended it to me. Has anyone read it? Anyone have any future recommendations for me? </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7c8f_7d04_33ed_4aed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZBKnQN1isbg/WJVEVxNU-0I/AAAAAAAABJE/Xk1mosFJ0vQ/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-88547397197349240562017-02-02T19:28:00.001-06:002017-02-04T09:41:37.500-06:00Special needs parentsParents of children with special needs. You are loved. I'm on your team and cheering for you daily.<br />
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Yesterday, my last patient was a 40 year old man and his mother. He has significant special needs and she has been his primary caretaker and advocate for 40 years. 4-0!! I managed to get out the instruction I needed too but the only thing I really wanted to do was soak up her humility, wisdom, and warrior mentality. </div>
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She shared a story of how she advocated for hers son's LIFE at a local hospital, standing up to physicians and other medical professionals. She had called her husband saying she may go to jail over it but she was fighting for him. My insides were cheering so loud! </div>
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They came in for a service but I left with renewed strength, courage, admiration, and grit to continue the fight for the children the Lord has entrusted to us in our time here on earth. </div>
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This mother showed no signs of burnout. Granted I was with her for 45 minutes out of the last 40 years. I know there must have been and will be seasons of tears, frustration, asking "why?", isolation from friends, and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion for that momma. </div>
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But yesterday afternoon, you better believe she showed up and fought the good fight for her child and gave him a voice and dignity. </div>
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I only pray that the Lord shows up big in the way I care and advocate for my kids special needs. My flesh is for sure not cut out for it. May I never forget the eternal implications. </div>
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Parents of special needs. I see you. Your battle is not lost on me. </div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-72977294321765348512017-01-28T07:51:00.000-06:002017-01-28T07:53:36.127-06:00The enneagram <div>
For Christmas, my dear friend Hannah gave me this book: </div>
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Our small group read it together and have been discussing our "numbers". It has been so life giving and led to many wonderful discussions with friends and family. It has also widened my perspective of how others see the world and helped me be slower to anger and frustration and quicker to offer grace. Not everyone is like me... nor should they be.. novel concept. </div>
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Do you know anything about the enneagram? If so, have you discovered your number? What about the ones you love? It has been fascinating to be able to put myself a little more into my parent's,, children's, friend's, and Jeremy's shoes. Don't guess others numbers. Let them tell you. </div>
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I used <a href="http://similarminds.com/advtest.html" id="id_5d6a_c054_69bf_be9a" target="_blank">this</a> free questionnaire. Often, people will tie in a certain number or need to do more <a href="https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/type-descriptions/" id="id_58e6_9b07_5d85_735b" target="_blank">research</a> on their top 3 or so before typing themselves. </div>
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I am a 2 with a 1 wing 😀 so when my kids decide they don't need me anymore, let me do something for you 😬 I kid, I kid (kinda)</div>
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"Who am I if I'm not needed?"</div>
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Jesus has me wrestling with this identity question of course. </div>
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-19361577135031241482017-01-14T12:44:00.001-06:002017-01-14T17:36:07.172-06:00Self-regulationBetween the holidays and doctors appointments, we have had some high stimulation, intense moments over the last month. <div><br></div><div>I have watched my girls flip upside down on couches and hang over my lap. They have intentionally isolated themselves at times and craved our laps. </div><div><br></div><div>These forms of self-regulation are not limited to vulnerable children or even children. I do yoga as much as I can these days in attempt to regulate myself. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_57ba_f524_bc14_a913" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rBDOsUW8v6o/WHpxolPVQ2I/AAAAAAAABIQ/IV75lA-zCis/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>BUT... 4 years ago, they had very little idea how to regulate themselves and were dependent on us to help and protect them from over stimulation. </div><div><br></div><div>We would have meltdowns lasting multiple hours. Even when we knew they were safe, they did not "feel safe". Department stores, loud noises, strong scents, large family gatherings, meal times and parties are common triggers. </div><div><br></div><div>When you are caring for a vulnerable child or love a person who is highly sensitive (pronounced responses to stimuli regarding any of the 5 senses), helping them learn to avoid triggers and coping strategies will serve you well. </div><div><br></div><div>As a parent, my gut reaction is to have them sit down and be still, look everyone in the eye when they are talking, and stay in the middle of the party. This does not help them and will often lead to melt downs then or later and draw more attention than the coping behaviors. </div><div><br></div><div>More on <a href="http://www.yogapeutics.com/blog/4-surprising-ways-to-support-a-childs-self-regulation-avoid-melt-down" id="id_4c78_3ceb_d49b_191a" target="_blank">self-regulation techniques</a></div><div><br></div><div>Excellent read to understand why self regulation is compromised in children who have endured trauma no matter their age. </div><a href="http://empoweredtoconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Amygdala-and-a-Hard-Place.pdf" id="id_1ce6_9e63_b121_2e9f" target="_blank">Caught Between the Amygdala and a Hard Place </a><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-6401938030595295052017-01-06T06:29:00.001-06:002017-01-06T06:30:49.646-06:001:1 timeWe have talked about intentional 1:1 time with our girls for awhile. <div><br></div><div>Talking and doing are two very different things. </div><div><br></div><div>We would grab a date with our girls a few times a year once we started seeing bad behavior and attachment issues crop up but we wanted to be more proactive. </div><div><br></div><div>Jeremy and I both have this thing of setting real high standards for ourselves... sometimes good and sometimes totally unrealistic. </div><div><br></div><div>So last night he had Portia change out of her pajamas and took her to play cards and get hot chocolate for 1 hour. </div><div><br></div><div>It wasn't the elaborate ice skating date we had envisioned but it was "the best part of her day" and we will cherish these moments. </div><div><br></div><div>Be intentional about investing in your people 1:1. Let them know they matter. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9191_2b1f_e570_8e09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W9qZs5zz-ms/WG-NrpBNeeI/AAAAAAAABIA/dOwHRuGN4gY/%25255BUNSET%25255D.png" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-92180938384418952522017-01-02T06:05:00.000-06:002017-01-02T06:05:34.154-06:00"Money, possessions, and eternity"I love to read if I can manage to stay up past my muchkins or wake up before. I'm starting with this one this year. Anyone read it or want to read with me? It was one of jers required readings for CLC.<br />
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Lord, may we be good stewards of the resources you have entrusted to us in 2017.<br />
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-18594581487664302212016-12-29T20:47:00.000-06:002016-12-29T21:08:08.955-06:00 Counterfeit "The only thing worth counterfeiting is what's valuable. People make counterfeit currency and jewels, not counterfeit bottle caps or garbage. Because the truth of the gospel is priceless, we should expect it to be continuously counterfeited.<br />
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Bank employees are taught to identify counterfeit bills by handling the real thing- not by studying all the possible counterfeits. If you're not acquainted with the original, you can easily be deceived by an imitation...<br />
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Still, no matter how many counterfeit bills someone might come across, he should never conclude 'There's no such thing as real money.'<br />
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What the world needs is the GENUINE gospel, lived and proclaimed by a genuine church. Then it will reveal the counterfeits for what they are." - Randy Alcorn<br />
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Counterfeit gospels are sneaky. They look real good and contain partial truths.<br />
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This year, I was exposed to and studied a counterfeit gospel. It took me a while to recognize it.<br />
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It's a good gut check to remind yourself that there is some fabulous "Christian" writing/ teaching/ sermons/ etc out there<br />
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BUT... if it's not SCRIPTURE, it is at risk of being counterfeit. It may not be intentional counterfeit but human opinion can be deceiving.<br />
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Its a good challenge for me to acquaint myself regularly with the REAL thing.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-78725693490469593322016-05-19T09:31:00.001-05:002016-05-19T09:31:29.559-05:00Open DoorsWhew.. it's been awhile since I have written. We have been sitting around eating bon bons over here :)<br />
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7 years ago this month, my Jeremy was doing what he does best. Preparing. He had the spread sheet. Plan A, B, and most likely C. He took it to my dad to ask for my hand in attempt to show his 20 year old self could provide for us. And while I'm sure my dad did and continues to appreciate one of my husband's best qualities; dad responded with a statement that stuck like glue in Jeremy's mind. He continues to quote it often as we think about serving others.<br />
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"Son, I want to <span style="color: red;"><b>open doors for you</b></span> and Kristin <b><span style="color: red;">so that you can open them for others</span></b>"<br />
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See, at the time we were both full time students with no income. Wanting to get married. With no earthly idea of what we were getting into.<br />
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Our parents have and continue to open doors for us. So have our teachers, mentors, friends, and employers.<br />
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The only way we have been able to steward 4 children and have anything left to pour out is first by the grace and strength of Jesus and then those open doors. <br />
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Sometimes these doors are intentional and sometimes very subtle.<br />
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Over the past 6 months, Jesus has brought 2 college aged girls into our lives by the strangest of circumstances. 2 girls who have aged out of the local foster care system. One our <a href="http://simplelovetoday.blogspot.com/2015/11/dignity-and-orphan-sunday.html" target="_blank">waitress</a>. The other through multiple emails from unrelated sources. We were not looking for more doors to open. From an earthly measurement; we live in a mansion of closed doors with our kids alone.<br />
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These girls have had little to no door opening for them. In fact, they have had way too many seasons of doors being slammed in their face. Abuse. Lack of basic resources. Poor education. Things I can't and frankly don't want to fathom.<br />
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But man they are fighters and overcomers. I am daily amazed at their restoration and hope. <br />
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I don't know what the future holds for our relationship with them. But right now; we will continue to open the next door. A meal around our table. Financial advice. Therapy appointments. Job opportunities.<br />
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And we won't do it alone. Because Jesus has called some of our<a href="http://simplelovetoday.blogspot.com/2015/11/dignity-and-orphan-sunday.html" target="_blank"> dear friends</a> to open their doors too.<br />
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Sometimes you will open a door. Stick your neck out there. Exhaust your resources and connections for another. And they won't walk through.<br />
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It's heart wrenching. You know it's not for their best. You're reputation may be bruised. But that's not our job. Our job is simply to open the door. How often Jesus must cup His head in His hands and say "I opened this door for you but you chose not to step through. Not yet anyway. HOLD FAST FRIENDS. OPEN THEM.<br />
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I know what you may be thinking. I have no doors to open. But reflect today. You're reading this aren't you? That in itself tells me you have education, resources in your computer or phone, and time (or maybe not and you should be getting off facebook :).<br />
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~kristin <br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-80160157674446498732016-01-10T21:25:00.001-06:002016-01-10T21:26:41.904-06:00MemorizationOne of the things that has kept me grounded this week was going back to an old habit with my girls.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Scripture Memorization</span></div>
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I started weekly Scripture memorization in first grade and continued for the next 11 years thanks to my fabulous Christian education. Back then, it didn't mean much more to me than a grade in my Bible class each Friday but I have hidden those words in my heart and can bring them to mind easily now. I want that for my children as well. They won't be tested on them in the public school system so it is an important discipline for us at home.<br />
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Our church has been going through John so I felt like <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/sticky-notes/#" target="_blank">these </a> memory prints were a perfect fit. I print them out each week and put it on the table next to our<a href="http://www.simplelovetoday.blogspot.com/2016/01/prayer-cards.html" target="_blank"> prayer family</a> for the week. I also print extras for the girls to cut out and put up wherever they will see it to practice throughout the week. <br />
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Join us?<br />
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His word never returns void. <br />
<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-61747267261609361802016-01-08T12:58:00.000-06:002016-01-08T12:58:29.554-06:00Ready for BoringAt the first of every month, especially January, I get all pumped up about goal setting and my personal rhythm for the life season we are in. As I mature, I (slowly) get better and better at giving myself grace when I don't meet all of those things I wrote down on paper.<br />
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Most of the things I include are "boring". You know. Dishes. Laundry. Meal planning. Putting Christmas away. Homework. Exercise. and so on. Those small moments of your day that you string together to make a life. <br />
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Since January 1st, I have done very few of those boring things. The past 8 days have been filled with one ER visit (negative blood clot in my leg thank you Jesus), 2 physical therapies, taking a sick day from work, 2 antibiotics, 5 probiotics, dentist, an endocrinologist appt, an orthopedic appt, having the "becoming a young woman" talk, having the "why did God make me like this?" talk (again) and a partridge in a pear tree. <br />
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In the midst of what feels like a physical and emotional whirlwind, I thankfully hear His still small voice to TRUST HIM. My flesh wants to whine and often does but honestly; I am so thankful and blessed to live in a place with access to all of those places and professionals I listed above. I didn't drive over 20 minutes to any of those appointments. There are thousands of mothers all over the world who would give their life for their child to have healthcare like we have had this week. <br />
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Mabel will go back into surgery next Monday, January 11th to release her left hamstring. It's time. We are so committed to her healing but have hit a roadblock. This will be her 6th surgery in 3 years. Please join us in praying for boring. No complications. No excitement. <br />
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I just want to go back to glorifying Him in dishes and laundry and cooking for a little bit :) <br />
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When he takes her hand like that to guide her... melt my heart. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-68715762940967025732016-01-05T07:46:00.000-06:002016-01-05T07:46:15.441-06:003 years HOME<div style="text-align: center;">
Some things never get old.</div>
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Like when you step off the airplane for an adoption homecoming.</div>
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Or become first time parents to two 5 year olds.</div>
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Mabel and Portia, you are the JOY and GRACE of our lives. We count it great HONOR to be entrusted with your lives for the past 3 years and can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for you. You are both MIGHTY warrior princesses and we are so proud of you. <br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D_Gy0N96ht4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_Gy0N96ht4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Thank you <a href="http://www.anceletphoto.com/" target="_blank">Ancelet Photography</a> for our sweet, precious gift of this video. </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-74245215513853256412016-01-03T20:14:00.002-06:002016-01-03T20:14:59.247-06:00Prayer CardsBefore throwing your Christmas cards out, consider making them into prayer cards on a board, basket, etc.<br />
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For the past 6 months, my girls have been choosing one family from our board to be our prayer focus for the week. Sometimes I will ask for requests from the family and sometimes I don't even tell them. It helps us take the focus outside of us and our kids to learn our people.<br />
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We take their card down for the week and put it in the center of our dining table.<br />
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We also have the names of our ministry partners, places of employment, worship, and schools on the board. <br />
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As people come into your home, have them add requests to the back of their cards. It is overwhelming to go back and see His faithfulness. I have prayed many of these new babies into the world. <br />
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So fun to see our 2016 board grow. We added lots of new faces with Jeremy starting a new job this year. <br />
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Blessings,<br />
Kristin Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-57046925787053292962015-11-08T15:06:00.001-06:002015-11-08T15:06:56.671-06:00Dignity and Orphan Sunday" Do you work for a church?" She asked it plain as day as she served us and our good friends pizza and beer last night.<br />
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After we laughed and shook our heads no, our dear friend Sara asked her the reasoning behind her question.<br />
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<span style="color: cyan;">1. You prayed before your meal</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">2. You're very nice</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan;">3. You asked me "how I was"</span></div>
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Sara had extended<span style="color: red;"> <b>dignity</b> </span>to her. Not religion. <b><span style="color: red;">Dignity</span></b> in the form of "how are you?" <b><span style="color: red;">Dignity</span></b> she recognized as a characteristic of Jesus. How refreshing.<br />
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A few hours later, bold Sara asked her again "Do you go to church somewhere?"<br />
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She did. She was searching for community. A place to belong.<br />
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She went on to explain she had been in foster care and therefore highly valued a "place to belong".<br />
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Insert Sara and her incredible compassion "Sit down here beside me"<br />
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The day before her 16th birthday, she was removed from her home for safety. Her sweet 16 quickly became rotten.<br />
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All I could think about was how I was getting ready to be surprised with a big party by my parents and friends at Naples the day before my 16th birthday.<br />
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She was wise WELL beyond her years. Full of grace. Forgiveness. She was brave and bold. Driven.<br />
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She spoke of how she was difficult to place in foster homes due to her age and health concerns. How she understood why she was asked to leave one home because her risky behavior was leaving poor impressions on a younger child.<br />
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Jeremy asked to pray over her right in the middle of the UT football game, pizza, and beer. We laid hands on her. Asked for God's protection, provision, and blessing.<br />
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She has now "aged out" of foster care. She is going to school. Wants to be a writer. She is working and taking responsibility.<br />
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And again all I could think about was do you have somewhere to go for the holidays? On school breaks?<br />
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There are angels among us. Offer them <span style="color: red;"><b>dignity</b>.</span> They might just recognize it as Jesus.<br />
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It was a humbling, beautiful introduction to our Orphan Sunday today.<br />
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<i><b>Adoption. Foster Care. Global Orphan Care. Family Preservation.</b></i></div>
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If you claim Jesus as Savior, you are called to offer <b><span style="color: red;">dignity</span></b> to these babies in some way.<br />
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It might look like asking "how are you" and blessing with a good tip!</div>
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-30691305730644955162015-10-13T14:03:00.000-05:002015-10-13T14:07:06.704-05:00When other people believe in your dreams2 years ago, Jeremy and I sat down with Grant Standefer of <a href="http://www.compassioncoalition.org/" target="_blank">Compassion Coalition </a> (which is a FABULOUS man and ministry if you don't them) to share my dream of <a href="http://www.kafcam.org/" target="_blank">Knox Area Foster Care and Adoption Ministries </a>(KAFCAM) although I didn't know the name of it then.<br />
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2 years later, I sit back and see 20+ people who have not only been gracious enough to sit and listen to God's dream but have believed in it enough to sacrifice their own time and gifts to it. I can't explain the deep JOY you receive when someone else buys into your God size dream. No one has come out and said "I'm in this with you" but they continue to show up. And that is enough when you are questioning "what in the world am I doing? Is this making a difference for anyone?"</div>
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This fall, a HUGE piece of this dream is fleshing out. </div>
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We are having a CITY wide adoption/ foster/ orphan care conference for those interested, already invested, or wanting to support this community. </div>
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PEOPLE, churches across our beautiful city have put down their territorial claims and are coming together to love and serve the vulnerable children of our city.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't want to be a part of that!?!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> Saturday, November 21, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Pellissippi State Community College, Hardin Valley campus in the Goins Building. </span><br />
- Invested in the orphan care community<br />
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We hope to Encourage, Equip and Connect people:</div>
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We have a great event planned with speakers from local agencies, a role play to learn about foster care, and coffee talk round tables with parents and professionals to learn about various issues facing adoptive/foster families. There really is something for everyone whether you've been involved with vulnerable children for years, want to learn the basics or just want to know how to help your friend who is adopting.</div>
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kafcam-foster-care-and-adoption-seminar-tickets-17864527282" target="_blank"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Register today!! </b></span></a></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-37800707852490094032015-07-12T13:33:00.000-05:002015-07-12T13:38:04.500-05:001/2 way check point<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><strong>"We tend to view the goal as the goal, but in God's economy the PROCESS is the goal.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong> It's not about WHAT we're doing at all, it's about WHO we're becoming in the process."</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>- Batterson in "Draw the Circle"</strong></span></div>
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Today, we are 1/2 thru what we hope to be a 48 day lengthening!</div>
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We praise God that there has been no infection, no dislocation, both girls have had great attitudes the majority of the time, and there has been minimal pain. Jeremy has started getting up with her in the middle of the night this week to give her Tylenol and help her stretch. As we continue to lengthen, the ligaments and tendons will start to be pulled. Please pray for endurance and strength for him as he gets up with her. </div>
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CONFESSION: This week, the initial adrenaline and excitement has worn off for me. I crashed yesterday because I had had enough hard and then I beat myself up over the fact that I know there are thousands of people who are doing harder. There are some days that I am ready to fast forward 6-7 years and this to be over, just like I was ready for their adoption process to be over.</div>
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But I am SLOWLY learning that is not all about the final goal. It's about WHO God is forming and molding us to be in the process.</div>
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<em><span style="color: red;">"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope"</span></em></h3>
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<em><span style="color: red;">- Romans 5:3-4</span></em></h3>
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Some days, the molding is painful and lonely. The visitors slow and being inside can be isolating. I hesitate to even type that because again, I feel like a big baby. </div>
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We have been overwhelmed by community. Visiting, sending gifts. Making meals 3x/ week so that I can be there to play with and serve my kids. I am filled with over-whelming gratitude.</div>
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One of the lessons I have learned in this process is continue to show up and go to new moms, to parents with special needs children, to those who have lost a family member, to the elderly, the foreigner, the hospitalized, the mother on bed rest, the college student in a new town. As days. months. years. go by.</div>
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447880388340292743.post-28450095221430579862015-07-09T06:57:00.003-05:002015-07-09T06:57:38.226-05:00Work of God<br />
<em>Mommy, why did Jesus make me with a short leg and not you or Portia?</em> She asked it bluntly and casually. I almost said "I don't know" but I do know.<br />
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Is it fair? No. But we were never promised fair. </div>
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I told her the story of the blind man in the Bible. I didn't know where to find it. But I knew the leaders asked Jesus if he was blind because of his sin or his parent's sin? <br />
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Jesus answered "that the works of God might be displayed in him" <br />
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THAT THE STORY OF GOD BE TOLD THROUGH HIS LIFE. THROUGH YOUR LIFE.<br />
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She has been sitting with us in church on Sundays and the next week, we turned to John 9 to hear "Jesus heals a man born blind". I spastically tapped her and got all excited when I realized it was the same story. Maybe they could explain it better than me. She shrugged and kept on coloring :)<br />
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One day I hope we can fully GRASP, BELIEVE, and LIVE the truth that the MAIN POINT is not that the man can see or that her leg is even but that we and others see the work of God in her life.<br />
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<br />Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14350190371627605450noreply@blogger.com0