My creative brother, along with animoto.com, helped me put together this short video of pictures of the places we went, the people we met and will remember forever. I would love for you all to enjoy it!
Christ is the hope for the world, for every sinner, everywhere. For me, for you, and every precious life in this video. May it always be on our hearts to pray for the world to know Him.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Summer reflections...
Now that it is officially fall, I figured I should get back in gear and post and update of all the crazy happenings of the summer. Anytime I step back to reflect on a certain season, I am always amazed with the beautiful and unexpected ways that God shows up. This summer was no different. The way that the Lord provided ministry opportunities, a job that just doesn't feel like a job to me, reconnection in friendships, and wonderful new ones, reminds me that He has called us to make the most of every opportunity in the here and now.
I am seeking His leading and His direction for what the future holds for me, and I have never been more sure that a life of ministry is what my heart was made to do. However, in all of that, the Lord has been speaking clearly to me these words: "Wait for me, Seek ME." I am so inclined to seek the good things of God-- his plan, his direction, his answers... and I know there is nothing inherently wrong with that. But in the midst of seeking those things, is it possible to somehow lose sight of the truth that apart from ALL the answers, God is enough? He is all that I need, even if I never get a clear answer for my questions. That He alone is all I need to desire, even if that means a lifetime of waiting. That if I could just learn what it means to seek His heart alone, and learn to be satisfied in the times of waiting simply because I have his presence, then walking in His will and hearing His voice will be the obvious overflow of my heart.
I've been so blessed that the Lord has chosen to speak those thoughts so clearly to my heart...that He has not kept silent, even in a time of waiting. He is SO good, continually beyond my expectations and continues to keep His promise, that He is 'able to do immeasurably more than we could have ever asked or imagined.' (Ephesians 2:20)
Here is a little picture recap of life this summer...
The girls from our original team in Rehoboth came to visit Mackenzie and me in Kansas City. What a sweet time to reconnect and talk about all the amazing things God did in us during our time in Namibia.
This is one of the amazing students in the middle school ministry at Colonial. We had an awesome summer, full of theme nights and talks about who Jesus says He is. This was after our "muck fest" theme night (we had a giant mud fight!)
I still LOVE camp...there is just nothing like it. Students open up and see God is a new way, and I love getting to be there for that. This was our last night of camp with our students this summer, and we had an amazing group of Colonial interns who came out to visit the youth staff and middle school students who were there.
I also had the awesome privilege to take students to Greenbay, Wisconsin for a Youthworks Mission trip. These trips get students out of their everday environment and give them opportunities to serve a community. My group was incredible, as they served and loved the residents of a nursing home so well!
My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 11. Matt, Shea, and I threw them a surprise party and it was a blast. I am so thankful for the unbelievable gift of the family God has given me.
I am seeking His leading and His direction for what the future holds for me, and I have never been more sure that a life of ministry is what my heart was made to do. However, in all of that, the Lord has been speaking clearly to me these words: "Wait for me, Seek ME." I am so inclined to seek the good things of God-- his plan, his direction, his answers... and I know there is nothing inherently wrong with that. But in the midst of seeking those things, is it possible to somehow lose sight of the truth that apart from ALL the answers, God is enough? He is all that I need, even if I never get a clear answer for my questions. That He alone is all I need to desire, even if that means a lifetime of waiting. That if I could just learn what it means to seek His heart alone, and learn to be satisfied in the times of waiting simply because I have his presence, then walking in His will and hearing His voice will be the obvious overflow of my heart.
I've been so blessed that the Lord has chosen to speak those thoughts so clearly to my heart...that He has not kept silent, even in a time of waiting. He is SO good, continually beyond my expectations and continues to keep His promise, that He is 'able to do immeasurably more than we could have ever asked or imagined.' (Ephesians 2:20)
Here is a little picture recap of life this summer...
The girls from our original team in Rehoboth came to visit Mackenzie and me in Kansas City. What a sweet time to reconnect and talk about all the amazing things God did in us during our time in Namibia.
This is one of the amazing students in the middle school ministry at Colonial. We had an awesome summer, full of theme nights and talks about who Jesus says He is. This was after our "muck fest" theme night (we had a giant mud fight!)
I still LOVE camp...there is just nothing like it. Students open up and see God is a new way, and I love getting to be there for that. This was our last night of camp with our students this summer, and we had an amazing group of Colonial interns who came out to visit the youth staff and middle school students who were there. 
I also had the awesome privilege to take students to Greenbay, Wisconsin for a Youthworks Mission trip. These trips get students out of their everday environment and give them opportunities to serve a community. My group was incredible, as they served and loved the residents of a nursing home so well!
My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 11. Matt, Shea, and I threw them a surprise party and it was a blast. I am so thankful for the unbelievable gift of the family God has given me.Last week, I also had the opportunity to share with a small group of people about my time in Namibia. What a blessing to my heart it was to still feel such interest and support from my wonderful church family and friends, even four months after we have returned. I had a sweet time going through pictures and organizing them to tell of the great things God has done! You all are such a gift in my life, and I thank the Lord for people who love His Kingdom and have loved me so well in the way they have encouraged me to follow Christ anywhere.
You can continue to pray that God keeps me seeking His heart first, and as I do that, He will give me a confidence for my next step in where He would have me.
Thank you for investing in me and for your interest in my life and ministry.
Much love to you all,
Kristen
You can continue to pray that God keeps me seeking His heart first, and as I do that, He will give me a confidence for my next step in where He would have me.
Thank you for investing in me and for your interest in my life and ministry.
Much love to you all,
Kristen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)