The Adventures of Kate and Kevin

Anticipation

2011-12-23T10:51:00.000-06:00

This morning, I have been thinking about the coming of Yahshuah (Jesus). Of course most of us know that December 25th isn't really the day that Yahshuah came into the world but it is when we celebrate his birth.
I've never been able to relate to this story until this Christmas. Now being a mother and knowing the anticipation of a coming child I can relate to Mary so much. For those of you who have been pregnant think about your 9 months of pregnancy. No big deal right!? haha.
Take into consideration Mary's story: Mary, with the help of Joseph, is trying to lift herself up on the back of a donkey for a 90 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem! 90 miles on the back of a donkey in your last few days before your baby is going to be born! Can you imagine how uncomfortable that would be? At this point in your pregnancy you are hungry every minute, think you are having the baby every minute, and you most certainly do not want to ride on a donkey for 90 miles let alone 1/2 a mile! Mary, you are a trooper.
I think on the conversations between her and Joseph during their journey. I'm sure Joseph was just praying to get somewhere safe fast so Yahshuah could be born out of danger of Herod. Not only was Mary anticipating Yahshuah's birth but she was probably tired and scared. This is when faith and trust in Yahweh Nissi (The Lord our Banner) is needed.
What was Mary thinking? Did she still believe that she was going to give birth to THE coming Messiah that was Prophesied!? What an amazing example of faithfulness and strength.

I don't know about you but now that I have had my own child, I get SO excited anytime a baby is about to be born. This Christmas I am SO excited for Yahshuah to be born! I wonder what he looked like as a baby? That cute scrunchy face, the long fingers that look bigger than his hands.
Did he have a full head of hair? How long was he, how much did he weigh? Babies are such an amazing gift to receive. I wish I could have been there to visit him and hold him. Think about the love Mary and Joseph have for their coming son. So much love.

Don't you think that if your child was born on your birthday or Christmas that they would be the most important thing to celebrate and not opening presents? You would be holding your child all day, staring into their face and thinking about how crazy it is that they are finally in your arms!

Let us celebrate this coming child! Anticipate his birth with me this Christmas! Hold him in your arms, stare into His eyes, spend TIME with Him! Praise God for this wonderful gift!

"But Mary treasured up all these things in her heart."

Luke 2:19

Did you know your toes Travel?

2011-12-08T11:40:00.001-06:00

This little piggy went to Rome.

This little piggy went to Brussles.

This little piggy went to Rio.

And this little piggy went to Madrid!

But, this little piggy went "Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui, Oui!"

All the way home to Paris!

"Did you know your toes travel!?", I asked Ezekiel today. He just looked at me with eyebrows raised and a slight smirk almost as if to say... "Yes Mom, of course I knew that."

One thing I really like about having our own kid is that we get to make up new traditions. Including making up our own words to songs of old. For instance "Little Bunny Foo Foo". Have you ever really listened to the words! It's horrible! Boppin' field mice on the head? How cruel! (Ok, so maybe it's not that bad but I really dislike that song.) So Kevin and I made up our own words to the same melody but ours is about Dinosaurs!! Please enjoy below:

Little baby Stegosaurus, troppin through the forest

Looking for all the green ferns and lickin' em' with his tongue!

Little baby T-Rex, running with his little arms

Finds a tasty morsel and CHOMPS it with his teeth!

Little baby Long Neck, masticating Ginko leaves

Swings his little tail around and bashes the T-Rex down!

Little baby Pteranodon SWOOPIN over the canyon

Gives a big loud, __(insert Pteranodon call)___ and that's the end of the song!

Now, tell me that isn't WAY cooler!? And it's educational! haha.

Well, I hope this has inspired you to make up some new traditions and or songs with your kids! It really makes it special.

Bringing you up to speed!

2011-11-22T10:47:00.001-06:00

Wow, it's been awhile since we blogged! Here are a list of some things that have happened in the past few months:

1. Ezekiel turned 5 months old

2. We had a yard sale

3. We did not move up to the farm

4. We moved in with Kevin's parent's

5. Ezekiel turned 6 months old

6. Zeke and I traveled to Leann's baby shower in Illinois

7. We moved into a 3 bedroom home in Springfield (we love it)

8. We bought a used Volvo wagon - she's a beaut!

9. Ezekiel turned 7 months old

10. Janie came to visit (such a blessing)!

11. Getting our bellies ready for Thanksgiving!

Hopefully that brings you all up to speed with our lives. Here are some recent pictures of Zeke. Next blog we will have our video of new home.

Falling into Fall

2011-09-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Zeke is 4 1/2 months old now and doing all sorts of new things!

He loves to bounce in his Jumperoo, hold his feet, snuggle, wrestle with Daddy, babble, babble, and babble some more, and really loves outside. Zeke is even trying to get up on his knees already!

This past weekend we had a beautiful day outside. While Kevin and I did planning for the week, Zeke enjoyed looking up at the trees and talking with the birds. Zeke also helped me get the laundry off the line the other day! He is so much fun and we are seeing his personality more and more each day.

Enjoy the pictures!

My Tongue is a World of Trouble

2011-09-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

Consider this:

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." - James 3:3-12

My tongue is a world of trouble.

I have read this passage many times before but it wasn't until this morning that it really meant something. For the past month or so I have been remembering the shame and embarrassment I have felt from the words that have come out of my mouth. I think back on times where this has happened and all I can see is hurt that I have inflicted on others. For any of you who still have an open wound from me or even just soreness... PLEASE FORGIVE ME. I am truly sorry.
I have belittled, disrespected, and embarrassed many. James was right when he wrote in the above passage that our tongues are, "a restless evil, full of deadly poison.". The thing is, it doesn't just poison others, it poisons my life as well. It is ruthless. A habit that has gone unnoticed for a long time; just what the enemy wants.

For this reason last night I decided to practice the discipline of silence once a week. This is hard for me. I am a verbal processor and that is where I lose control of my tongue. Today was the day, and this morning I woke up and totally forgot. I think Kevin forgot too because he was talking with me, haha. Some might think that this blog is a way to be verbal. Yes, I think so too, but I felt the Holy Spirit pushing me to write this whether it is just for me to look back on or for someone else who needs encouragement with the same struggle.

In conclusion, please pray for me. I need your love and encouragement through this battle of the flesh I have taken on.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

Zeke's first trip to the Zoo and more...

2011-08-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

Zeke has been growing like crazy! Wednesday he will be 4 months old! He has his first tooth already, talks and laughs and smiles a ton. Even as I write this he is talking up a storm! We really can't believe how much he's changing each day. It is such a cool experience. Here are some pictures of his first day at the zoo! Tomorrow Nonna & Papap (my parents) are coming to visit. We are looking forward to it big time!

ready to enter the zoo!

this peacock made Zeke cry

best part of the zoo!!!

tired Zeke with Daddy looking at the Giraffes

Zeke really liked looking at the tiger!

end of the day at the zoo!

love.

Moving on up...

2011-07-28T18:33:00.000-05:00

Our new home!

Yes, we are moving again... not to the "east-side" but to the country. We will be moving to Dunnegan, MO which is about 50 minutes north of Springfield, MO. Our friends just bought some property up there and have asked us to rent the house across the street from them (which they own)! Kurt and Jess and their son Benjamin (and #2 baby on the way) are such a blessing to Kevin and I.

We have become such good friends since we moved to Springfield and are so excited to be neighbors in the country together! There is a lot of detail that goes into all of this property so if you want to know more than just ask. The house we are moving into is a two-story, Amish built house. It's a little bit of a fixer-upper but has great potential. The property is 8 acres and has a barn, a wood-shop, chicken coup, a large garden, 4 greenhouses. Hope to have some more pictures available another time. As of right now we are planning on moving the last week in September!

We are excited for what the Lord has in store for us in this new community!

Chicken coup to the left. Chickens & Goats not included.

Our little wiggle worm is 3 Months!!!

2011-07-23T11:48:00.000-05:00

Here are some recent pictures of Zeke in action! Enjoy!

He Loves Reading!

Nakey Time!

Cousins hanging out...

Time for his first swim!

All snuggled up after his swim

Duuuuude....

Riding the waves...

Jumping with God

2011-07-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

Some pretty amazing things are happening in our lives right now... God has been working on our hearts in a lot of different areas. Now Kevin and I, along with Zeke, are starting a new adventure. What I have learned is that sometimes jumping forward is needed even when you can't see all the results. God wants to stretch you and teach you new things. If we aren't willing to jump, we aren't trusting, and you won't grow. I know that no matter what the results God will be right there to jump with us.

Who better to jump with us.

Our family is ready to jump, we did, and even though it was scary at first now it is SO exciting to see what's next with God.

Yes, i know this is vague.

Answered Prayer

2011-07-04T12:11:00.000-05:00

Matthew 6:25-34

As most of you know Zeke has been really sick with a viral infection for the past 10 days. Not only is Zeke tired of being sick but Kevin and I are really tired too. During this sickness there have been some pretty scary moments for us as new parents but I can honestly say that if we didn't have faith in God and His healing power and sovereign will we would have been even more tired and scared. Through the scary/confusing moments we have cried out to God with all our hearts. It is such an amazing feeling to feel God's comfort through the Holy Spirit and to see his healing being done in Ezekiel during this time. We wanted to post some pictures of Zeke today to just celebrate and praise God for the work He has done in our family during this time! Thank you for your prayers. They have been answered. And will continue to be answered because we serve a Mighty God who cares so deeply for us. I pray that the verse above will give you the comfort you need in hard times just as it has done for us.

Happy 4th of July!!

Our sweet boy.

Pictures of Ezi

2011-06-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

Zeke is now 2 months old and is enjoying every minute of it! He loves to coo with anyone who gives him attention and even reads (coos) along with Daddy and I as we read to him books like, "Are you my Mother?" and "There's a Woset in my Closet!". It's been so much fun to see him grow every day. I'm so thankful to be at home with this awesome little guy! Well, here are some pictures of Ezi from the past month. I hope you enjoy!

too cool.

Snuggling with his Elephant from Noni & Gramp!

Looking at the fishes with Grandma

Just chillin' with Pa and Naomi

Snuggling up with Granny

Wahooo!

I look funny but he's SUPER cute!

Benjamin and Zeke = Best Buds!

Talking about Daddy's day at work.

Lots of Pictures of Zeke!

2011-06-04T21:42:00.000-05:00

loving life

naptime with Pa

naptime Granny

chillin after bathtime

Hanging out on the porch

Smiley!

Rocking the cut-off tee!

Found a Leopard Moth Caterpillar while doing yard work! Looked like a sea urchin!

Abandonment:

2011-05-28T10:53:00.000-05:00

tr.v. a·ban·doned, a·ban·don·ing, a·ban·dons
2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat: abandoned the ship.
3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely.
4. To cease trying to continue; desist from: abandoned the search for the missing hiker.
5. To yield (oneself) completely, as to emotion.
n.
1. Unbounded enthusiasm; exuberance.
2. A complete surrender of inhibitions.

This is what I desire. To yield myself to God... to give up entirely that which is holding me back from fully experiencing God.

In the past few weeks there has been a pretty obvious battle between my flesh and spirit. I have been trying to ignore the conviction from the Holy Spirit but as many of you know, the Spirit does not grow weary.
My conviction is this. The computer.
I have been sucked into the daily habit of checking my Facebook and email about every hour or less. I also have been pulled back towards my past struggle of wasting my time watching pointless television online. Yes, there is a balance and I am fully aware of what that balance feels like but if you are not giving yourself to God first that balance can quickly tilt to one side; the bad, unhealthy side.
I am writing this to simply verbalize and confess my sin to you all. I want to be held accountable.
Therefore, after this blog post I will be abandoning the computer because it is an impending threat to my relationship with and growth in God. I will update the blog only about Zeke and only on Kevin’s computer with his permission. I will not be using email or Facebook. I will not being searching the web for recipes, or whatever ever else. Last night I sat in bed thinking... “what am I going to do when I have a question about something or need to make my menu for the week??!!!” How Silly!!! Seriously Kate? How about using your cookbooks, a little commonsense, and an that old dusty book called an ‘encyclopedia’!!?
I’m guessing you have all been through this at least one time in your life where all of a sudden you feel dry and empty in your spiritual walk with God and you ask yourself... “what could it be!?” Every time without fail I have found some pretty sticky gunk in my heart. When you start feeling this gunk start to ooze out your mouth or even out your fingertips this is when you need to get rid of it. Get rid of it fast before it gets on others or fills you up with so much gunk you feel useless and hopeless.
I leave you with this scripture which was an encouragement to me that God will clean out the gunk that I have let sit too long and that He will revive my Spirit once again!
Isaiah 58:11
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

1 Month Old!!!

2011-05-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

A month ago I was experiencing one of the most beautiful parts of my life... finally getting to hold the child that I had been carrying in my womb for 9 months! I can't believe that it has been a month since Zeke was born into this world.

Today please join us in saying a prayer of blessing over Ezekiel Temias.

Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen him daily both physically and spiritually.

That he may already be aware of Jesus' love and grace in his life...

Just can't get enough!

2011-05-16T19:53:00.000-05:00

Ezekiel is so special! We love him so much and everyday I think I fall more in love with him. I think he get's cuter everyday too. He's been growing fast and doesn't even fit in most of his newborn onesies anymore but the 0-3 months onesies are too big. I'm pretty sure he's really tired of us trying on onesie after onesie till we find the right fit, haha. Not only has he mastered the skill of peeing and pooping when his diaper is off but he has now decided that every clean onesie we put on him has to be christened with spit-up in order to be worthy of him wearing them. It's pretty awesomely funny.

One of the main things I've learned so far is that you can't take anything too seriously when you have kids. Otherwise your days would be filled with frustration and exhaustion. If you just enjoy every minute and laugh through the crazy stuff you'll be able to enjoy your child & life so much more.

I never get tired of staring at him when he sleeps...

Proud Papa


This hardly fit him so had to have him wear it at least once!

Mother's Day and more...

2011-05-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

He put the binkie like that himself...

Snuggles with Daddy

Great-Grandmothers and their Great-Grandchildren!

trying to get a Mother's Day family photo

I said..."you guys should take a nice picture together"...

...I should have known this would happen.

Food for Thought...

2011-05-11T10:15:00.000-05:00

Today in Oswald Chambers devotional, "My Utmost for his Highest", I read about loving one another. He talks about loving people who seem difficult to love. I can truthfully say I have less than a handful of people that I can think of that are hard for me to love... but even one person is too much in God's eyes. We need to love unconditionally. Oswald talks about how we so often try to force loving someone but are very quickly tired and frustrated of this.

"The Lord... is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish..." (2 Peter 3:9)

Am I longsuffering? Do I care that much about the person I'm "trying" so hard to love?

I will leave you with these thoughts:

Chambers says,

"The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me

to go into the world to love others in the same way...

Am I prepared to be identified so closely with the Lord Jesus that His life and His sweetness will be continually poured out through me? Neither natural love nor God's divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured. Love is spontaneous, but it has to be maintained through discipline."

Tummy Time & More...

2011-05-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

So after each of Zeke's feedings we try to have "waketime" where we do something stimulating with him that will help with his development. For example we read him a book, play music and sing to him, swing on the porch swing, go for a walk, or let him have some "tummy time" by himself (supervised of course, hehe). So here are some recent pictures of tummy time and some other random pics too.

Tummy Time!!

"Sweet Boy"

Pound it.

Naomi & Zeke after a long afternoon at Babies R' Us!

Zeke loves Nonna's Blankie

"I love you Nonna!" - Zeke

2 Week Check-up!

2011-05-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Our little tree frog is growing!

He was 7lbs. 15 oz. last Monday and today he weighed in at 8lbs. 15oz.!!!!

GOooooo Zeke!

Sweet Baby Zeke

2011-04-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Our little tree frog

Nap after a long day of feeding... ha

Zeke loves his duckie sleep sack

Snuggles.

Ezekiel Temias Kirchner

2011-04-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

For those who don’t know Ezekiel was named after the prophet in the Bible – the name means, “the Lord will strengthen”. His middle name, Temias, was made up by Kevin. Kevin recently found in scripture a similar name. Mark 10:46 refers to a man named “Timeaus”. Kevin found that the name means, “honor”. We truly believe that the Lord has already and will continue to fulfill the meaning of Ezekiel Temias’ name everyday.

So here’s the first set of pics! Enjoy!

Yawny Yawn

First bath at Home!

Froggy!

Little Dino

First Stroller Ride

Off to the Park!

Fuzzy!

A Son Yet to Come

2011-04-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

Photo Captured by: Lindsay Dunning

As most of you know Kevin and I are expecting our first child any day now. As the anticipation gets stronger and stronger everyday, Kevin and I are overwhelmed with this gift that God has chosen to bless us with.

Our church is reading the Bible in 90 days and it has been changing my life. I grew up in a Christian home so the Bible was something that was a part of our everyday lives. Yet, I have never read the Bible from beginning to end. I am now in the New Testament just finishing up the record of the ministry of Jesus Christ. As I was reading through the accounts of Christ's ministry my heart was continually reminded of our son who is yet to come into our lives. Just as the Israelites longed and anticipated the arrival of a Messiah (Jesus Christ) so Kevin and I are longing for our son's arrival.

But it goes even further that this...

Have you ever realized how amazing the gift of life is!?

It has not been until I've been pregnant and experiencing pregnancy alongside the reading of the Gospels that I have truly understood God's gift of life to us. God came to earth in the flesh so that He could be with people physically.

He desired to be intimate with people,

not just a God who demands but a God who teaches with grace and mercy.

As I realize how much God loved us and was willing to give people the opportunity to be completely cleansed of sin, and live a new life in Christ, I think of how much I want to give back to God. We can never repay God for sending Christ into the world to give us new life but the most amazing thing is that God doesn't even expect us to repay Him with anything more than love.

Even though I know this, I still want to give Him my all... I still desire to sacrifice my life as a spiritual offering for His Glory.

And here's what blows my mind...

This child within me, this child that God has gifted me with, this child that God is entrusting Kevin and I with, this child...

I desire to give back to God 100%.

I am so looking forward to the moment when our son enters the world so that Kevin and I may offer our son as a "living sacrifice" to God. What an honor, what a gift undeserved... all we can do is Praise God and give Him all the Glory for everything He has accomplished in our lives and what He is going to accomplish through our son's life.

Do we realize that this love I feel for my son is the same love that God felt towards Christ? Do we realize that this is the same love that God has for each and every one of His creations?

Do you realize this is how much He loves you?

Thank you Father for your Spirit that has made your Word alive in my life!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T16:35:00.003-05:00

Today you might have noticed people wearing lots of Green. You may have noticed that the grocery stores are stocked up on Cornbeef and Cabbage. You may even notice that people have been indulging in the drinking of beer more than usual. When we observe these things we remember... "oh yeah... it's St. Patrick's Day!" Whether you are Irish or not most people get pretty excited about the idea of wearing green and "finding gold at the end of the rainbow". You think of Lucky Charms, celtic music, and leprechauns! All seems a bit crazy yet it is always a good time (at least to me).

I wonder... what would St. Patrick think of all this? Yes, St. Patrick's day is named after an actual person who had quite the influence on the people of Ireland at one point. Instead of me writing details, I suggest you check out this short biography about St. Patrick and learn a little bit about the man this day is named after. He isn't called "Saint" for nothing. Check out the link below:
http://www.biography.com/st-patrick/st-patrick.jsp

Now for some fun! I thought about rainbows and thought about this video. I'm sure some of you have seen it. This guy was not on drugs or drunk, just really emotional and pumped about this rainbow. I love that someone can become that amazed at God's creation that he starts to question..."what does this mean!?!?" It is also hilarious....Enjoy:

How He Loves us

2011-02-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

As Valentine's Day approaches my friend reminded me of something that not only rings true in my life but also in Kevin's. As much as Kevin and I love each other, our love can not and will never compare to the love of our God, Adoni. Below are the lyrics and video to one of our favorite songs. It is by John Mark McMillan and it perfectly describes what Kevin and I feel daily through the ups an downs of life here on earth. There are always tears shed at some point throughout the song because we are so thankful for God's love for us and we desire with every part of our being for others to know His perfect love and grace!

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath
The weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these
Afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize how beautiful you are
And how great your afflictions for me

We are his portion
And he is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meats earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart burns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way
He loves us

I thought about you
The day Stephen died
And you met me between my breaking
I know that I still love you God
Despite the agony
See people they want to tell me your cruel
But if Stephen could sing
He'd say its not true
Cause your good

The Nursery

2011-02-08T11:49:00.000-06:00

Kevin finished this awesome painting in the nursery. I love it so much!

I wish I could get better pictures but it's hard to get the right perspective. You'll just have to come see it for yourself! We put the paper lantern up and will soon have the bedding my mom's making for the crib. It's slowly coming together but we are getting so excited! Here is another picture:

Thank you Noni & Gramp for the Glider!

Butternut Squash Bisque

2011-02-01T21:01:00.000-06:00

Tonight I made this wonderous soup that I found in a magazine!

Here's the recipe and enjoy:

1 2 1/2 - 3 lb. butternut squash (or 3, 12oz. pkgs. of frozen winter squash, thawed)
1/4 c. butter
1 medium onion
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large Braeburn or Gala apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
48 oz. of reduced sodium chicken broth
1 c. apple cider or apple juice
2 -3 tsp. red curry powder (or more if you like)
1/2 c. sour cream
3 oz. smoked Gouda or smoked cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1. Peel, seed, and cube butternut squash. In 6qt. Dutch oven melt butter over medium-high heat. Add fresh squash (if using frozen squash add with apples and broth later), onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender. Add broth, apples, and cider/juice, and curry. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 25 minutes or until apples and vegetables are fully tender. Remove from heat; cool slightly.

2. When slightly cooled, puree in pot using an immersion blender (or puree in batches in a blender; return soup to pot). Blend in sour cream. Heat through. Remove from heat; stir in shredded cheese until melted. Top with bacon, celery leaves, and/or shredded cheese.

My notes: If using a blender to puree in batches, blend small batches and hold lid tightly down with dish towel. Otherwise the steam from the hot soup will explode (i mean it!) and it will burn you. Lesson you only need to learn once, haha. Also, you can make this a day ahead of time which I suggest because it takes awhile to make. Next day, gently reheat on low, stirring occasionally and make sure it does not boil.

A Comfortable Fit

2011-02-01T20:40:00.000-06:00

For the last few months I've been caring for a 1 year old little girl at her home and next week will be my last week. The Lord truly blessed me with that job when it was needed and I am so grateful for how he provided for our needs.

Now, I'm transitioning to being a stay at home mom. Starting in March I will be caring for my good friends little girl, Adrianna, who is 8 months right now. She is such a great fit. The other day I took care of her and it was a good practice run with her at my home. Once our Baby K comes I'll take some time off and then take Adrie back. I'm sure she and Baby K will be good friends! hehe

Here are some pics of Adrianna!

I am thankful the Lord has once again provided for our needs in such a great way!

Remeber when I met you?

2011-01-24T08:18:00.001-06:00

Yahweh, remember when I met you on the trail to the summit?

The steps were steep at times,

and at other times my feet seemed to gracefully climb with me.

Remember when I met you on the mountain top?

I could see your creation for miles.

I felt smaller than ever underneath your vast sky

yet larger and stronger

as my the eyes of my heart focused on you.

Remember when I met you in Guatemala?

You spoke to me in a different language yet my heart understood everything you said.

We would play for hours and eat with thanksgiving for what you had accomplished.

We laughed together. We cried together.

Remember when I met you in Uganda?

You were the taxi driver who drove all day to put food on your family's table.

You were the children

who ran after us when we left for the day;

with smiles so big and waving

our hearts back again the next day.

Remember when I met you in the hills of Rwanda?

I met you in the midst of pain and confusion.

Anger pumped through my veins but your compassion hydrated my soul.

You were everyone; the children, the mothers, the fathers,

the sons, the daughters, the priests and pastors.

I saw you daily...hourly.

I saw you in the scarred churches, in the ashen schools.

One time, you reached out through a bullet hole

and grabbed my heart.

It hurt so bad, it burned so deep,

as if I had been shot myself.

Remember how you held me

as my very being collapsed in pain and sorrow.

You spoke peace and love to me;

your hands and eyes were that of an old woman.

Remember when I met you in the fields of Ethiopia?

You sat there willing to learn

but didn't understand a word I taught.

You tried anyways, always raising your hand

and making me feel like a good teacher.

You were the coffee farmer who hoped

for stability for his community.

You were the women washing their clothes in the river.

You were in every house that invited us in

with such joy and grace.

I met you in my sickness.

You were the nurses, the doctors.

I saw you in the halls waiting your turn;

there were hundreds of you.

I wanted you to go first, not me.

Remember I met you and fell in love with you?

Yes, we've been in love for a long time

but this time you came to me as a young man.

A man with integrity and joy.

You were adventurous and compassionate.

I wore the dress, you wore the suit. Our family was there.

You were there, blessing us. Oh, what love.

Yahweh, remember when I met you?

You brought me so much joy, so much love and grace.

Your compassion overwhelmed me

and your faithfulness put me to shame.

Even now, you are with me.

You are always meeting up with me.

I don't mind, in fact, I prefer it.

Your company gives me peace.

Please stay close.

Snow Day = Sewing Day!

2011-01-20T16:32:00.000-06:00

So today I decided on my day off to finally get to some of the sewing projects I've been wanting to do. So below you will see the "tummy time" blanket I made Baby K (made one for my cousin as well) and then 4 diaper covers, 2 pants, and a hat all made from 2 wool sweaters! I love sewing and doing projects so today was a really great and productive day!

Here are the links on how to make these super easy diaper covers & pants:

http://www.borntolove.com/frugal-column2.html

http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/wool-diaper-cover.html

Now Kevin is home from work and Stir-Fry for dinner!!!

It's been a great day!

24/7 Worship & Prayer

2011-01-17T20:25:00.000-06:00

Be blessed and filled.

www.ihop.org

Kevin and I have been so blessed by the live web stream of the International House of Prayer 24/7 worship and prayer room. We like to put it on in the mornings or anytime really. It fills our house with songs of praise to Yahweh! It also has times of subject led prayer for our nation.

We desire for you to be blessed and filled as well.

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

Is is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love

endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through

all generations.

The Countdown Begins!

2011-01-14T20:06:00.000-06:00

13 weeks and 4 days to Go!!

It seems pretty crazy to think that in 13 weeks Kevin and I will hopefully be

holding our first born child! CRAZY!

Baby K is now about 2 pounds and 12 to 15 inches long...about the size of a small pot roast!!(according to www.fitpregnancy.com) Funny, I just made pot roast tonight! hahaha!

I am really beginning to nest around the house. I have been cleaning and organizing things here and there and I have officially started work on the nursery. So far I've put Christmas lights up in the closet which makes it look fun and dreamy, chose chocolate brown curtains for the windows, got an awesome piece of furniture today that we will use for a dresser/changing table for only $30! We should be getting our crib next week sometime and then Kevin will be painting some art on the wall next month! It's been really fun to visualize our new baby in that room. Kevin and I like to sit in there and talk sometimes just to be in there and picture ourselves with Baby K.

Here are some pictures of my belly and some other things.


dresser/changing table! DEAL!

Kelty Kangaroo for Hiking with Baby! Another Steal!

We had a wonderful time in New England with family and friends over Christmas. We got to be with our sweet nephew Korban quite a bit and really enjoyed that time. He's a lot more interactive with others now and is crawling and licking everything! I love it! Being able to see family over Christmas was such a blessing. Here are some pictures from our time.

Korban fell asleep on Kevin! CUTE!

Korban love! he looks confused... haha

My little fruit bat!

Fun with Uncle Kevin!

New England for Christmas!

2010-12-22T21:37:00.000-06:00

picture of Old Boston

I can't even begin to express to you how excited I am to head East to see my family for Christmas! My mom's side of the family has so many wonderful traditions that I get so bummed out when I miss out on them. For example:

Christmas Morning

brunch @ my Aunt Betsy's - more relaxed and intimate time (less people)

Christmas Night

dinner @ Noni & Gramps - EVERYONE and their mother is there (family & friends)
lots of good food, games, and conversation
Santa Bunny (long story but absolutely one of my favorite traditions!)
Nativity Play (when we were young) now it's my cousin's kids if they do it

My cousins and I are all like brothers and sisters so missing out on seeing them is not fun. Now that all of us are older and most of us married it is hard for everyone to be at the same place, same time. Although, Christmas @ Noni & Gramps always seems to be that time where we "make it happen". And if we can't see each other Christmas night, we make it a point to over the break. I love that. I love my family. I love that we love so hard and so long.

This Christmas like all the others is such a gift! I don't need anything else but my family. Thank you God for such an amazing family and the love that we share.

So we head out tomorrow night to Kansas City. The weather is supposed to be really bad so we are getting a hotel and take a shuttle bus to the airport in the morning. I'm bummed that I don't get to see Janie (supposed to stay the night tomorrow) but also glad it worked out for us to go up early to be safe.

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Enjoy your family and friends but most of all thank the Lord for sending his son in such a simple but miraculous way to give us true life and love.

Pizza Time!

2010-12-21T19:47:00.001-06:00

Kevin and I love Pizza night!

It's so quick and easy and we really enjoying being creative with our toppings!

Tonight Kevin made his version of a Mediterranean:

Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella & Feta Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, fresh Tomatoes, Calamata Olives & Spinach

it looks like someone else is feeding Kevin! haha

I made a Chicken-Spinach-Tomato:

Traditional Sauce, Mozzarella & fresh Parmesan Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, fresh Tomatoes, Spinach, and Chicken

gotta have my Root Beer when I can! YUM!

Hope you had a wonderful dinner like we did!

Now Kevin is off to bowling with his brothers and dad and I'm going to go sew.

Many blessings!

A Classy Llama Christmas Party!

2010-12-21T19:12:00.001-06:00

The Feast

David & Alex Sportin' Christmas Cheer!

Last Friday Kevin's work, Classy Llama Studios, http://classyllama.com/, had their Christmas Party. The "Classy Llama Mama's" as we like to be called pretty much planned it all while our husbands made money by entering binary code and doing other nerdy but awesome things that we don't understand!

There were about 30 people there and we all had a blast! We ate lots of good food and couldn't stop eating Sarah Well's desserts, http://staysweetbakery.com/! We played a game where you get a sticker put on your head that says something like, " reindeer poop" or "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and you are only allowed to ask "yes" or "no" questions in order to figure out what your sticker says. Some people got their right away but others it took them a LONG time. haha.

Sweet Shawna trying so hard to guess her sticker!

Erik was struggling as well... but all was well in the end!

Cutie Abbott Kids!

Overall we had a great time being with one another! It was a party filled with friends, laughter, joy, good food, and Christmas Cheer!

Crafty Christmas!

2010-12-17T15:40:00.000-06:00

So this Christmas in order to save some money, and because we love to be crafty, we have made all our Christmas presents and cards and even some of our decorations! I have taken on the task of making our first stockings as a married couple! This year we decided just to fill each other's stockings this year as our gift to one another. Today I actually went out and bought lots of goodies for Kevin's stocking (10 things for $10!). It was really fun. Can't wait to see what Kevin puts in mine! I think stockings are the best!

Here are also a picture of us on our 2 year Anniversary date. Kevin took me down to Branson, MO to "the Landing" (a cute shopping center) and we went out to dinner at this amazing Greek restaurant called "The Bleu Olive". It was such good food. He also presented me with a "new" diamond engagement ring because I ended up being allergic to my old one! It is SO beautiful. I meant to take pictures of that too but it is being resized right now. Then we went and walked around the outdoor shopping center and watched a cool fountain show (with lights and Christmas music to it).

Christmas is Near & Baby Cheer!

2010-11-27T23:34:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since our last post and really it has become more of Kevin's blog then "our" blog. Haha, don't get me wrong I loved his posts and I was truly challenged by everything he said but now it's time to get back to what's happening NOW.

Tomorrow I will be 21 weeks pregnant and we are so excited to welcome a baby BOY into our lives in April. We just decorated our house for Christmas and it looks quite festive I think! Ever since we found out that we were expecting a boy (name a secret!) life seems to be full of cheer and love. Every so often throughout the week we hit moments of "reality" where we realize we've never been parents before! "WHAT WILL WE DO!" but then the panic subsides through much laughter and big hugs knowing that we will work it out as a team.

We are looking forward to flying East to Massachusetts for Christmas this year to be with family & friends. It will be a great time having more time to be Korban's Aunt & Uncle and also to show off my belly and have our baby get lots of love too!

Well you've seen some pictures of our baby boy and me at 20 weeks above, now here is a video of our home all decorated! (made with our new "Flip" -thanks mom&dad!)

17 Days Remaining: Round 2

2010-09-24T08:49:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I talked about perseverance and self-worth. Today, as I challenged myself to find more worth in myself I realized what a tough balancing act it is.

On one hand, I have to know God thinks I'm worth His first (and only) Son and that He wants the best for me. I have to believe, He created me to accomplish great things. I know, at the very least, I need to give credit to God for putting me together in my mother's womb. I should not become prideful in my abilities, but God strength in my weakness.

On the other hand, I know I can be strong. I know I have to put in some hard labor and mental toughness to become great. I know for a lot of life, you get out what you put into it.

So how do I define greatness - if that's what I'm working for? Does my definition come from the world's perspective, Christ's perspective, or a mix of both?

Check this out:

Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

"What is it you want?" he asked.

She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?"

"We can," they answered.

Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

- Matthew 20:20-27

Two Important Thoughts:
1) "Can you drink the cup, I'm going to drink," Jesus asked. You know you're on your way to greatness when you are asking God, "If it's your will, can you take this cup from me?" - you're working so hard that you need to ask God if there's any other way to make this happen.

2) "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must become your servant..." Christ's view of greatness is a bit different than the world's. What does it mean to be a servant? How can a servant gain worldly success? Or am I striving for worldly success? Should that even be part of my goal? I'm not sure yet.

18 Days Remaining: Round 2

2010-09-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

PERSEVERANCE:

This week, I've really want to not run. I woke this morning with the same attitude, maybe more so than previous mornings. "Why am I doing this?" I asked myself. "Why don't I want to run? Is it because I made that has-to-be-under-8-minute-mile-pace expectation?" As I was trying to wake up, these questions went through my head over and over and over again.

Finally, I got the guts to grab my watch and headphones and head out the door to start running. I was going for a sub 8 minute mile pace on my typical 3.5 mile loop. As I started, the questions didn't stop, "What am I running for?"

I ran halfway and then started walking. "What am I running for?" I asked again, determined to find an answer. I was giving myself a really hard time for walking, so I started again, trying to keep a good pace. And then I stopped and walked again. Angry with myself for quitting I wanted to walk the rest of the way home, but no.

I started picking out points of where I was going to start running (jogging really) and a point for how far I was going to run (usually about a half of a block most times). I kept reminding myself of the important fact:

It's not about how many times you stop/quit/fall, it's about how many times you start/begin again/get up.

WORTH:

Still, the unanswered question kept inquiring, "What are you running for?" As I've said before, at times I run for Kate; at times for God. This morning, I decided I would run for my kids, but I wasn't going to run for me.

I wasn't going to run for me.

I wasn't going to run... for me.

Why would I run for everyone else and not for myself? And I realized. I don't feel like I deserve success. I don't feel like I deserve to have wealth, be great, or become well-known. I deserve to stay mediocre, known by a select few. Maybe I deserve to be known within the reach of this blog, but not much further than that.

That's how I feel - I feel I don't deserve success. As I child of God, I feel like I have been given a gift of provision (I know God will not let me be beaten beyond repair. He will provide for my needs). But do I deserve the blessings of being His child. Am I saved by my works? Or am I saved by His love for me? Does He really love me enough that He would die for me?? Really?

Yes, He loves us.

21 Days Remaining: Round 2

2010-09-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

I started leading Life Groups yesterday which is a small group for youth. I have about seven, 7th and 8th graders in my group. I realized I have not been giving much lately to anyone other than Kate and so it felt really good to start mentoring these Junior Highers.

This morning's run was good - 4.8 miles in 37:57 which is just under 8 minute mile pace (about 7:55). My breathing is so much better than when I started - my lungs have grown a lot. Anything under 8 minute mile pace, your legs don't like you too much, but they're getting used to the feeling of hard work.

I don't have anything super deep to talk about today. So in other news, Kate and I are looking for a small house to rent here in Springfield, MO. Kate's been working on her photography, which I'm really excited about. She just took photos of my brother Scott, and they came out really well.

That's all I got for today - see ya tomorrow.

23 Days Remaining

2010-09-18T12:44:00.000-05:00

This morning I realized:

I have used God's grace as an excuse for laziness.

I've lost my perspective of what God's role in my life was.

I grew up thinking God's role in my life was to coddle me through life's "hardships" and take away all pain. He is very capable of healing (I've seen it and felt it - emotion and physical healing). But to be the person He made me to become takes hard work. And I will go through pain striving for it.

But no. God's role is not to spoil me. His role is to equip me with the resources, abilities, motivation and purpose to become who He created me to become. And yes, to love me when I fall - God's very good at that.

I've committed to not run slower than 8 minute mile pace. This morning I ran 3.7 miles in 27:09. That's about 7:20 pace. God is good.

24 Days Remaining: Round 2

2010-09-17T09:42:00.000-05:00

I got up this morning and decided I want to run four miles. So I got on google maps and charted my course (as seen below). Just before I started running, I decided if I'm serious about running faster, I need to stop allowing myself to run slower than 8 minute mile pace. So that was my goal this morning - run 4 miles in under 32 minutes. I also decided not to look at my watch the whole run. I knew what a "faster than 8 minute mile" pace felt like, so I just had to keep that pace.

Looking at my watch to check my pace hardly ever helps me. If I'm faster than pace, I'll think, "Oooh, I'm ok. I can even slow down if I want or need to..." If I'm slower than pace, I'll think, "Ah. Dang, now I have to run faster to make my goal... meh, I don't think I can do it. I'm too far behind already."

When I focus on checking my pace all the time, I measure myself by what I've done so far. When I stop worrying about all the pace checking, I start measuring myself by what I'm going to do (run four miles in under 32 minutes).

Which made me realize: You are who you become.

You aren't who you are right now. You aren't who you want to become. You are who you become.

My time: 29 minutes. Thank you God. But without mitigating my accomplishment today, I need to wake tomorrow willing to grow more. Especially in fitness, if you're not growing, you're decaying.

View Larger Map

25 Days Remaining: Round 2

2010-09-16T18:04:00.001-05:00

I wanted to run without music this morning. Music really helps motivate me, but I wanted to battle my mind alone. And it was a battle. I ran a mile to warm up and challenged myself for a fast run - 2.4 miles hard. I wanted to battle my mind because I knew it would try to convince me out of running fast.

I have let my mind win this battle many times before. The first half of the run, it won - 1.2 miles in 9:21. On the way back I realized something huge.

How many times do we settle for less than greatness?

And how many times do we let our mind creatively figure out a way to justify our lack of effort?

Passing the halfway point, I wanted to kick that 9:21's butt and run faster the second half of the run. Gah! This is when my body started complaining too! My thighs were heavy, my lungs were tired, my feet were weak. Then I realized the second huge point.

Does your whole body know what greatness feels like - or just your mind?

I realized my body does not know what it feels like to be a great runner yet. My lungs, legs, and feet cannot say, "We've experienced the pain of growth and are we know what greatness feels like." And I kept asking myself that question: Do my legs know what greatness feels like yet? Do my feet know? Are my lungs familiar with the breaths of the last stages of a three mile sprint? No... not yet.

Most importantly - ask yourself this - Does your heart know what greatness feels like? Because I bet if you look deep enough, you can answer that question - our hearts know greatness when we see it or experience it. But the bigger question is this: Are you going to let your heart know what greatness feels like?

Letting myself feel greatness - and believe I can reach my full potential - is one thing I've definitely sacrificed. In fact, I have surrendered many things to God before - my worries, my stresses. But I know in surrendering worry and pain (meaning, letting God shoulder them so I don't have to) I've in turn surrendered my full potential.

Will God help you become the great man or woman He created you to be? Without question - He's always standing there when you're willing to call out for Him.

Will God hoist you up on a soft, cushioned chair and carry you to greatness? Maybe not so much.

So don't give up until your body, soul, and mind know greatness - then strive to become even greater.

Oh, and I DID kick that 9:21's butt - by a full minute.

Still Running

2010-09-13T13:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sorry I didn't post earlier about my final run last Friday. The week of the run, I was a mess - I was so stressed and busy and honestly, I stopped posting because I wanted to take the lime light off me a little before I ran just in case I failed.

So, I didn't make the time. In fact, I'm pretty sure I ran one lap short of 3 miles. So it is what it is - failure, defeat, falling short, not meeting expectations - however you want to call it. But forget that. Put those words away because I was not a failure in the most important sense: I fell short, but I'm getting up.

I learned this past month how much I'm afraid of failure. It paralyzes me. I chose mediocrity and laziness because I was afraid of letting others down - afraid of them seeing me fail.

Letting fear control my actions, I sacrificed my full potential. Imagine who you would be if you actually did what you deeply desired to do!

Deep down, I feel everyone can find who they truly want to be. What's holding you back from being that person?

IMPORTANT THOUGHTS:
1. So I look at failure in a different way now. Failure (or whatever form "failure" takes for you) is simply a God-given insight to an area in your life where you can grow. Learning you have room to grow is not bad. It's not saying you're not good enough. It's saying, you can be more!

What a gift, to discover an area in your life where you can grow more to become the person of God you deeply desire to be!

2. Mentally, on my run this morning (2.85 miles in 21:24), I changed my normal focus, from making it to the finish line, to making the next couple of steps. I was encouraged every three steps that I kept the pace of three steps back. When I used to think of the entire journey, I would sometimes realize I had "too far" to go and "I can't make it". I can make it three steps - so keep taking steps!!

3. I hardly ever fulfilled "commitments" to myself before. Because, ultimately, what was the purpose? My purpose to commit before was this: "I'm supposed to commit to this, right? This is what everyone expects me to commit to, right?" See if you recognize some of these "commitments":

I commit to running more
I commit to read my Bible more
I commit to praying more
I commit to calling my friends more

I was trying to commit these because it was what "I was supposed to do" - or what I chose to hear from society. And anytime I wrote one of these commitments down and taped it to my mirror, it was a burden, a weight, more "work", less time, less energy, less money. But I've changed my purpose in commitments.

My purpose behind commitments now is this: I know this commitment will help me become the person I want to be. And now a list of 50 commitments does not make me feel tired and depressed - just the opposite in fact! It makes me excited that I am on my way to becoming the person I deeply desire to be!

7 Days Remaining

2010-09-03T09:17:00.000-05:00

It's crazy to think, in just one week I'll be bustin' my butt to make 3 miles in 18 minutes. I feel so short of that goal - and maybe I am - but I'm going to do my very best.

This morning the Missouri State University track had all the football stuff out, ready to go, including the inflatable run-through tunnel laid out across the track. So I changed my running plan to 2 miles worth of 1/2 laps at sub 6 minute mile pace (42 seconds) with a 30 second break between each. With a good rest between each I was able to make it pretty soundly.

So through this journey, I've realized how much better the book of Psalms is when you're going through struggles or challenges in life. Here's a part of what I read this morning. It really encouraged me to again put my hope in God, not myself and not others or other things. And I love the prayer on the last two lines.

"The best-equipped army cannot save a king,

nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.

Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—

for all its strength, it cannot save you.

But the Lord watches over those who fear him,

those who rely on his unfailing love.

He rescues them from death

and keeps them alive in times of famine.

We put our hope in the Lord.

He is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in his holy name.

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,

for our hope is in you alone."

- Psalm 30:16-22

8 Days Remaining

2010-09-02T14:34:00.000-05:00

I didn't post last Tuesday, because I was ashamed. It seems this commitment has locked itself deep within my being and the thought of not succeeding is gut-wrenching - literally - especially Tuesday morning. I don't think I can fully express the pain of my run Tuesday.

I intended to run 3 miles in 21 minutes. Half way, I was just off pace and slowing. Literally screaming and grunting out loud (and I'm sure, making a fool of myself), my mind knew it was not going to convince my legs to move any faster. Anger filled my heart - anger towards my mind, my legs, even anger towards God for "forsaking" me.

In my anger towards God, I was reminded of Job and David who kept their integrity and faith through their trials. I realized how I can lose my integrity and faith sometimes in the midst great struggle, and how much I need forgiveness for losing faith.

Forgiving myself has always been hard because I've been so "well practiced" at doing good works - and I'm such a perfectionist that I subconsciously have a "saved by works" mentality. I realized Tuesday morning after my run, I knew a lot of the concept of Christ's sacrifice for my forgiveness, but I understood very little of His forgiveness in reality. I want to understand more.

Again, it's not the end of the world. I'm very thankful I can even run three miles. But breaking this small goal represented a lot more than one run. It represented missing the goal next Friday. And if I don't make the run next Friday, I have to forgive myself. My lovely wife (I'm so thankful for her help and support on this journey) reminded me that being able to run 3 miles in 18 minutes doesn't define me, but striving for that goal whole-heartedly and doing my best to become a better man for myself, her, and others - that is what defines me.

Giving Up: 11 Days Remaining

2010-08-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

Ever since the 6 minute mile a while back, I've been pretty confident in myself - keyword: myself. I lost sight of the real purpose in accomplishing this goal. And running for myself ran me into the ground. I can't do it myself - I have to give up. Give it all up to God.

It's all for the glory of God.

Now, some of us hear that phrase all the time, so what does it really mean? Here's my interpretation: I know apart from God, I am capable of so little. With God, I am capable of so much. And I cannot take credit for things I did not create - like my lungs, my heart, my legs. I cannot take credit for things I do - like walk, speak, run, love. God has given me these "gifts". And I am supposed to use His "gifts" to show others how awesome God is. I run to show off His Power. I brag in the strength and hope He gives me to finish strong - in every commitment, every run, every moment in life.

I can only take credit for making the decision to give God my life and choosing obey Him. Everything else I have to give up to God.

Last night, Kate really helped me refocus on God working in my life - giving each run, each day to Him - instead of my finite self taking on all this responsibility alone. And this morning was a great run. I started off strong, slowed around the half to three-quarter markers, and then God gave me the strength to bring it home strong.

"Even youths grow tired, and young men stumble and fall. But those who put their hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not grow faint." - Isaiah 40:30, 31

4.8 miles in 38 minutes - Thank you Lord for giving me the strength.

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13 Days Remaining

2010-08-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

I ran about 3.5 miles in about 33-34 minutes. My goal this morning was to run the whole thing without getting that side ache from not breathing deeply enough - and I was able to do that.

I just noticed yesterday (thanks to Kurt) what some of you have been posting comments this whole time. Haha. So I went back through my previous posts and read them all. They were very encouraging and I'm happy for you all to join in on this journey.

Today's thought has more to do with real life than my running life, but lately they've been blending more and more together (total side note: running has so many metaphors to real life, it's ridiculous). Things have gotten financially tight for Kate and I this month. (It's funny - you always start to pray harder when life gets harder.) But at the end of my run, as I was doing my cool down walk around the block, listening to some music on Kate's iPod, the song "You are Mine" by Mute Math came on.

Here's the lyrics:

Everyone has their obsession

Consuming thoughts, consuming time

They hold high their prized posession

That defines the meaning of their lives

You are mine

You are mine, oh mine

You are mine

There are objects of affection

That can mesmerize the soul

There is always one addiction

That just cannot be controlled

You are mine

You are mine, oh mine

You are mine

Everyone has their obsession

Consuming thoughts, consuming time

They hold high their prized posession

They hold high their prized possession

Kate and I just talked about selling some of our "prized possessions" yesterday and about getting refocused on making a real effort to pay off our student loans. The conversation was a little stressful for me - Kate had her Dave Ramsey kick good and strong, and I was fighting it. But this song gave me a lot of peace this morning. I am His, I am God's child and these possessions don't matter. What matters most is that I am His possession.

So, Why this Ridiculous Goal?

Some of you probably don't know why I'm even trying to make this ridiculous goal of 3 miles in 18 minutes by September 10th. It started at a Klemmer's Champion Workshop. I volunteered to come up and share a goal I had. Then I was asked what meeting that goal would mean to me. He dug a little deeper and asked what would it mean to my family and friends.

Running has always been a part of my life: being the best runner in the 5th grade class; competing with and then becoming best friends with Lucas Brenaman who was the best runner in the 6th grade class; long morning runs in Jackson Hole, when I would pray for the whole 30-45 minute run; night time runs followed by deep, meaningful conversations with friends; other night time runs when I would try to outrun my high-flying emotions during difficult, searching times in college. Running has always been there.

After I graduated college, I started focusing more on other things - like surviving the post-college life, trying to pay off massive student loans, and chasing this lovely woman down who now is my wife. There were so many changes, most of them good, but I had lost the motivation to run.

I realized that night at the Klemmer workshop, how much running was a part of me and how lost and in part, undirected I felt because I was no longer who I was or who I really wanted to be. I want to be a runner - to the day I die.

Now if you've checked out the Klemmer workshop, you may come out thinking it's rather humanistic, in that "man must find his own purpose" sort of way, but that's not how I see it, nor do I believe they want you to see it. They are simply equipping people with new lenses to see the world and to look for our full potential in whatever our purpose may be. If your purpose is spreading the Love of Christ - they help you realize just how much more potential you really have to fulfill your purpose in huge (mountain-moving) ways.

You see, before, I thought spending time away from Kate to run was selfish. Or I thought, running should not be this big of priority in my life. God should be my first priority. Being the best I can be for God should be my first priority - working hard, not being lazy, doing His work to my fullest potential - and then some.

This goal has helped me realize how much God can give you strength in weakness. I'm constantly on the lookout for more experiences with God outside of reading the Bible, praying, and singing - not that those are important and/or critical to life. But actually working hand in hand with God, instead of reading stories of how God worked with others thousands of years ago, really changes your perspective on a lot of things.

I'm really excited. Kate, my younger brother Scott, and I (along with most, if not all, my coworkers at Classy Llama Studios) are going to a weekend seminar put on my Klemmer and Associates here in Springfield Missouri. I'm excited to see how God will begin to work in our lives once we start realizing how much more capable He is than we give Him credit.

Facing "Reality": 14 Days Remaining

2010-08-27T08:29:00.000-05:00

This morning I wanted to run a mile and a half at 6 minute mile pace and then finish the next mile and a half in whatever time my legs could drag me there. My mile split was 6:16 and I hit 9 minutes with half a lap to go. I finished my mile and half at 9:57.

No, it's not horrible. Yes, I'm thankful to be able to even run a 9:57 mile and a half (which is much better than the over 8 minute mile pace I had just 15 days ago). And I could go on about how you shouldn't let failure slow you down, etc. etc. But I think that's just another one of my coping mechanisms: hiding my true feelings behind a positive teaching message.

So for the sake of being transparent and facing the realities of what's going on in my heart right now, here's how I really felt this morning:

FEELING 1:
I had all the confidence in the world yesterday to make that 1.5 miles in 9 minutes. The mile under 6 minutes a few days ago and yesterday's run really pumped me up, but it takes a little more than just hype to face reality. I tend to be a fairly positive person, and so last night, when I started to really look at what it would take to make the 1.5 miles in 9 minutes, I began to see some disparity between what I said I believed I could do and what my heart believed I could do when I began to really study the task at hand.

You see, it's easy to say you can do something without thinking about all the little details to get you there. It's much harder to keep the positive, confident mindset after you start studying "reality". Maybe I should study "reality" more closely, and sooner, to prepare my mind and body for the real task.

FEELING 2:
What if I can't run 3 miles in 18 minutes by September 10th?
What if I break the commitment I made to my coworkers to make this run?
What if I set the bar too high?

When I start asking Kate these pessimistic type questions, she always replies, "Well, what if? What would happen?" And then I respond with something like, "Well, I would be very happy with myself." She comes back at me with, "And then what?" I respond. "And then what?" she asks again. And we go through this little cycle until I realize, ok, it's not the end of the world. I have to remember, the world is not dependent on me making this one goal.

Maybe the world doesn't depend on me making this goal, but I can't give up. I can't stop trying. I can't let one day of doubt destroy weeks, months, years of my life -- and I think this is what happens to all of us all the time. We fall one too many times and we are tired of getting up again - so we sit, we settle. But we must have the hope of regaining our strength. When we are weak, God is strong. With the strength of those around us, supporting us, we can get up and keep going. We are not alone. You are not alone. Don't give up.

Accept Pain: 15 Days Remaining

2010-08-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

This morning I did the same 3.5 mile run as a couple days ago. After checking google maps, I found out that it is actually between 3.6 and 3.7 miles. I used Kate's 2nd generation iPod Shuffle on the run and it definitely started me at a solid pace. (It was my first time to run with music - pretty fun as long as you look both ways at intersections...) So, I ran it in 27:43 - which I felt really good about. I want to hit just under 8 minute mile pace and that did it.

I really had to dig deep with about 5 minutes to go though. And running that sub-6 minute mile a couple days really helped me realize how fast I could run, so I cranked it up to 6 minute mile pace the last 3 minutes. But let me tell you, I was hurting. Halfway, I acquired that lovely pain in your side - the one when you don't breathe evenly or deeply enough.

IMPORTANT THOUGHTS:

Accepting Pain:
Needless to say, I made my goal for this morning, but not without pain. When I was 7 minutes from my final destination, I couldn't find the right song to bring me home, so I went all naturale and took out the headphones. I quickly realized that I there was no way I would make my time if I wanted to avoid pain. At this point I really need to embrace it.

As Americans, we really enjoy our comfort. To most of the world, what we think of as pain, is really just hard work. But to not confuse anyone, I'll keep using the word pain, mainly because it means more to us than the phrase, hard work. A little word of advice: If you want to accomplish any goal worth the effort, accept the fact that you will have pain - lots of it. Once you realize pain is inevitable, you must accept it and embrace it. And you'll get a lot further, much more quickly.

Pain is Easy When You're #1:
After realizing I don't do a good job at accepting pain, I looked back in my life to see if there was any place where I really dug deep for something. (Sadly, there really wasn't much - and I say sadly because I now see all the potential I could have accessed if I worked as hard on those past things as I'm working for this goal of 3 miles in under 18 minutes in 30 days.) One thing that did pop up was art.

I compare myself to those around me ALL the time and if I see myself as better than someone at something, then working hard to maintain that status doesn't hurt as much. In High School and College, I remember staying up to 2, 3, even 4 in the morning finishing an art project that was due the next day. But that pain didn't hurt much because my reward was great - having the best project in the class, being #1.

As I grew older, I began realizing that the world is a big place. I slowly came to the realization, there are a lot of people out there who are better at art than I am. So now, I really feel the "pain" in hard work and discipline when I pick up my sketchbook or pull out a canvas. That is the number one reason I've hardly done any art since college. I had an art class every year from age 5 to 22 - and now I'm afraid I'll have to go through too much "pain" because I'm not the "best in my class" anymore. It seems silly, but it's real. The same could be said for playing musical instruments in my life. Can you find anything in your life that you've set aside because you're not the best at it anymore?

Become the best person you can be without comparing yourself to others - and realize you'll need to embrace the pain to make it.

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17 Days Remaining

2010-08-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I didn't get a chance to post about my run but it went well. I ran the 3.5 mile run - the one I ran with Joseph in 37 minutes - but this time in 32 minutes.

Today, I was scheduled to run 3 miles at a 7:08 minute mile pace. I decided to try to run the first in under 6 minutes, the second under 7 minutes, and the last in under 8 minutes - to average out to about 7 minute mile pace.

Man, was that first mile fast! It's a LOT faster than I remember it being back in college two years ago. It just made me realize how far out of shape you can get in two years when you're not consistently in organized sports. So, I ran one mile in 5:56. After that first mile I stopped. I didn't even attempt the last two miles. I feel proud for making one mile in under 6 minutes but know I still have a LONG way to go (two miles in 12 minutes to be exact) - and only 17 days to get there.

I didn't really meet my first challenge to you in my last post - to do what you are capable of, and let God take the reigns from there and don't limit what He can do. I feel like I did what I could do, but limited what God could do by stopping there. It's a tough challenge for sure.

IMPORTANT THOUGHT:

Sometimes, when you are striving for a really high goal, you get halfway there, look around and say, "I like the view from here... It's a lot better than where I was before. Why not just camp out here? I don't really need to make it ALL the way to the top." Look out! Don't fall for it. Strive to reach your full goal and you will surely be glad you did. Imagine how happy you are now times ten - that's what it will feel like when you reach your goal. Keep working - don't slow down, don't give up.

19 Days Remaining: Feelin' Good

2010-08-22T18:53:00.000-05:00

God is good. I ran 4.8 miles this morning in 45 minutes. Check out my route below. Running out to Seminole and Fremont was not bad but I knew I was in for a good amount of running on my way home. Once again, I put on the mindset of, "I don't know if I can make it at any good pace, but I know God can - take it away God. I'll make sure I keep my legs moving and trust You to do the rest."

I thought of a couple challenges during today's run. The second challenge is only for people who finish the first challenge.

Challenge 1:

Do what you have the ability to do. Then keep going, waiting for God to jump in and help you.

A good example is my run today. Before God could help me run great distances, I had to get my lazy butt up, dressed and out the door. I had to commit to running what I knew I was capable of (at least a 30 minute run) before I could expect God to help me run another 15 minutes. You have to act first. And that's my challenge: Act first - do something - and give God a chance to help you do more than you thought you would ever do.

Challenge 2:

Do not limit God - He's capable of more than you think He is.

After I finished the run, I started walking down the street to cool down. Back when I was in track, we usually had to do about a half-mile cool down jog - super slow, super easy, just helped reduce the soreness in your muscles. Well, this morning I felt that I should do a cool down jog around the block, but I really didn't want to. In fact, I kind of told myself I didn't have the energy to.

But then I thought to myself, why am I complaining about doing a super easy jog around the block? I answered myself by thinking, "God's done enough. He doesn't need to help me on my cool down too." Wait, how often do we look to God for help but limit what He can do?

Let's say I wanted to run 3 miles in 18 minutes, and I knew I could run 1.5 miles on pace. So, I actually acted on that and started running, expecting God to show up when I've done what I'm capable of (from challenge 1). God shows up on the scene and does something incredible and I make the time! What if God wants me to run a 4th mile in under 6 minutes? Will I limit God and say, "Oh, you've done what You need to do God. I'm good." Or will you let Him do even greater things in you?

I challenge you to 1) put yourself in a position for God to do great things with you and 2) be open to the truth that God might want to do more with you than you think He can or will.

21 Days Remaining: Bitter or Better?

2010-08-20T08:30:00.004-05:00

My college track coach was famous for his annual inspirational team t-shirt quotes or phrases. My senior year it was "Bitter or Better?"

I didn't make my goal today. I was going for three one mile runs at 7:28.

Mile 1: 7:26
Mile 2: 7:22
Mile 3: 7:44

Sometimes you want to see if you can do it yourself. I thought the last run would be very hard but it really wasn't. After that run I think I landed on the other extreme thinking, "Oh, I got this. No big deal." A healthy dose of humility always does the body well. And if humility is not enough, the cleaning crew picked up my t-shirt during my third mile - gone forevermore.

Coping with Failure:

I honestly don't have much experience with coping with failure. Not because I'm super incredible, but because of #3 below - mediocrity. If you set your standards low enough, you won't have to deal with failure. The side effect of setting mediocre standards, is becoming a mediocre person... Do you want to be mediocre anymore? I don't.

Four Ways to Cope with Failure:

1. The Blame Game

There are plenty of excuses I could come up with why I didn't make that last mile (like what I had for lunch yesterday...), but that's just one coping method I'd rather not use - "The Blame Game". It's where you find something or someone else to blame instead of taking responsibility yourself. Your skill at the Blame Game can directly reflect your immaturity level.

2. Quitting

Another way to cope with failure is to quit, give up. But I've already worked too hard, have too many supporting me, and ultimately have too much riding on this one to give up now.

3. Mediocrity

You can cope with failure by becoming mediocre. You realize you can't meet the high standards you set this time, so you will set lower, mediocre, luke warm, underwhelming standards for yourself next time. Then you're more likely to meet them, but even if you don't, no one else really notices because they weren't that spectacular anyways.

4. Better Yourself

A fourth (and good) coping method, among hundreds more, is to become better, to rise to the occasion, to build your strength. There are so many phrases that go with this one. My favorite is, "Crap is the best fertilizer."

A Challenge:

You will fail at something in your life. Your response to failure and other hard times in life, defines who you are. Do you become angry or bitter at the world, or at God, or at someone you once loved? Or do you challenge yourself to look for ways to become better?

I challenge you to not be bitter the next time you fail - become better.

Leaning on God: 22 Days Remaining

2010-08-19T08:50:00.001-05:00

The run today was an "easy" 3.5 mile run - don't push yourself too much, just make the milage. I finished at 34 minutes - just under 10 minute mile pace and 3 minutes under the same distance Monday.

Two Important Thoughts (Short Version):
1. Subscribe to failure no more - Jesus has conquered it all already!
2. If you want to be an example of someone who depends on God, you have to allow yourself to enter into challenging situations where you have no one else to depend on but God.

The Rest of the Story:

PART 1:

I wanted to beat my previous time of 37 minutes. But, after 28 minutes of running I caved in to the excuses, and I was willingly accepting failure - mentally and physically - with 9 minutes left to run. Have you ever felt all your energy leave your body the moment you say, "I can't do it"? It's rough.

But deep down, I didn't want to fail in this little task.

"If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" - Proverbs 24:10

I knew God could help me.

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:30-31

So I began to pray out loud, "Lord, help me. You are my strength, my foundation. Jesus, you conquered ALL things; please bring me home. You conquered death, sin, the grave - surely you can conquer this. Help me finish the race strong. I trust in You. I lean on your understanding of what's possible, not my own. Lord, help me." I'm sure some people I ran by thought I was crazy.... but He is a faithful Father.

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" - Luke 11:11-13

PART 2:

I'll often think about what kind of a father I would be if Kate and I were blessed with children. How would I teach my kids to depend on God in the tough times during their lives? How much will they love God and Scripture?

Chances are, at least initially - as little ones - my children will depend on God as much as they see me depending on God. They will love God as much as the see and hear me loving God. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) children cannot read their parents' thoughts. So if you only pray in your head, how can your children ever learn how much you depend on God?

What's worse is this - if you are never in situations where you must depend on God (internally or externally), how much more unlikely is it for your kids to never see or hear you depending on God. What example do they have for this critical lesson of God and life?

We - I - must put ourselves in places where we can't finish the race strong unless we depend and trust in God. And then we need to verbally show our trust in Him for others to see our example. Don't believe they'll see your example through only your thoughts... they see your example through your actions.

So start living like your life depends on God.

Running Scared: 24 Days Remaining

2010-08-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

This morning my goal was to run three, 7:48 miles with a minute rest between each. This was a whole minute faster that last Friday's run. Needless to say, I was not sure I would be able to make it this morning.

I started out way too fast which made me realize just how scared I was. I made 7:48 per mile seem like this huge beast, nearly an impossible task to accomplish. From the moment I woke up this morning, up until halfway through the last mile, I really did not want to run... because I was so afraid that I couldn't do it.

But once again, I prayed hard during these miles and let God do the work. Look what He did:

Mile 1: 7:43
Mile 2: 7:44
Mile 3: 7:38

How awesome is a God that helps you even when you're scared stiff and have so little faith in yourself - He knows what He's capable - and I know He's capable of anything.

One more important thought:
I realized this morning the experience I'm having with God while running is just one of the many faces or characteristics of God - the God who's supports His children in making their goals and helping them become greater than they themselves believe is possible.

But if you need Hope, or a Friend, or Peace, or Strength, or Comfort, or Guidance, or Provision, or Love - God embraces these characteristics. Actually, He not only embraces these characteristics, but He is the best, most faithful One you'll ever find to have these characteristics. And He is only thought away at any time. "God. Help."

25 Days Remaining

2010-08-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

DISTANCE/TIME:

Today's run was at no particular pace, just run for more than 37 minutes. I say “37 minutes” because that was how long Joseph and I ran last Saturday – and I wanted to run at least that far.

THOUGHTS:

I had a HUGE breakthrough today. After running about 37 minutes, I still had a little ways to go before I made it home. On the run out, I remember it taking me about 5 minutes, so I set a little personal goal to make it home under 5 minutes.

After running over 30 minutes, your body and mind are pretty tired. The excuses are flying left and right through your head by this point. So, I asked myself, “Can I really make it back in under 5 minutes?” And without hesitation, I thought to myself, “I don't know if I can but I know God can get me back in under 5 minutes.” And for the rest of the run, I did not question whether this was me running or God taking me – I knew God could do it and I fully relied on Him to get me home in under 5 minutes.

And He did – He brought home at an awesome pace, way under 5 minutes. After not putting my faith in myself but fully on God, the rest of the run was easy. I didn't question whether or not I was going to make it. I knew God was more than able.

And I guess that's what it really means to “boast only in the Lord” - to set a goal so high for yourself, the only way it can be reached is with God picking you up and taking you there. Then you can't give credit to yourself – only to God.

I need to think about setting more goals that require God's hand to get me to the finish line. Then I become more than I ever could have, but with no credit to me – all credit belongs to God. I challenge you to do the same.

27 Days Remaining

2010-08-14T19:11:00.001-05:00

One of my friends, Kurt, has been really good at helping me strategize to reach my 3 miles in 18 minutes goal. And I must say, it's really hard for me to take many opinions on how I should accomplish my own goal. My tendency is to want to do it my way! Isn't that true for most of us, most of the time, on most things?

But I think I've done very well at staying open to the ideas of those holding me accountable. If I wasn't what good would it be for them to confront me?

Anyways, so Kurt figured out that with seven timed workouts left, I would need to drop the total time from yesterday (24:24) by 1 minute each time. This would put me on course for success - which is an AWESOME accountability move. It's one thing to say, "You can do it Kevin. I believe in you." Or even, "Hey, did you run this morning? You should..." But Kurt took it to the next level and asked, "What can we tangibly do to help you accomplish this goal of yours?" Level 3 Accountability - I like that.

So here is a schedule for my timed runs. Notice the timed run the week of Sept 10th (the end of the 30-day goal) is left blank - depending on how I feel, I might rest my body for the big run, or I might just run the timed run then.

Date Total Mile 2 Laps 1 Lap 1/2 Lap 100m
8-17 23:24 7:48 3:54 1:57 58.5s 29s
8-20 22:24 7:28 3:44 1:52 56s 28s
8-24 21:24 7:08 3:34 1:47 53.5s 26s
8-27 20:24 6:48 3:24 1:42 51s 25s
8-31 19:24 6:28 3:14 1:37 48.5s 24s
9-03 18:24 6:08 3:04 1:32 46s 23s
9-07
9-10 18:00 6:00 3:00 1:30 45s 22s

This really helps me realize what exactly I need to do to accomplish this goal, which I believe is super-critical if you're serious about your goals - get serious about a schedule to meet that goal.

I wanted to take Kate to the Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet, but she said she would rather us go to a really good ballet company in Chicago. So today I started looking around for the best ballet company in Chicago. I found a couple sources that told me the Joffrey Ballet Company was pretty amazing and they are doing the Nutcracker December 10th through the 26th.

If you know of any better ballet company and/or a sweet hotel to stay at in Chicago, let me know!

Peace.

28 Days Remaining

2010-08-13T11:22:00.000-05:00

WORK OUT:
3 x 1 mile threshold runs (meaning not killing yourself, but not easy - comfortably hard) at 8:20 minute mile pace with a minute rest between each.

TIMES:
Mile 1 - 8:10
Mile 2 - 8:07
Mile 3 - 8:05

THOUGHTS:
Yesterday, after realizing a 26:43 minute three mile is no where near an 18 minute three mile, I spent a good amount of time of the day in anxiety, shuffling through my stack of quickly forming excuses:

"Did I commit only out of emotion?"

"In 10 years of organized track and soccer, I've never ran three miles in 18 minutes. How can I do it in 30 days?"

The excuses keep coming strong. They don't stop. In fact, I've had to personally commit to beating them down, one at a time, as fast as they appear - which, honestly, might be more difficult than the running itself.

This morning was good, but rough. I noticed that the 50%-75% stage of the mile runs (aka the 3rd lap) are the most difficult for me.

Three important thoughts:

1. Support - When I arrived at the track this morning at 7, no one was there to support me. No fault to anyone, but I realized something. Even with a powerful support team, we're all human and others may let you down at some point, but if you are really committed, "lack of support" cannot be your excuse to failure. At that point, you've got to take up the responsibility for yourself and buck up.

For the sake of my support team: They had good excuses. And Joseph was there for my last mile, which honestly, if he hadn't been there to watch me run and run with me, that 3rd mile, physically and mentally, would have been awful.

2. Finishing the small tasks - My goal for each mile was 8:16 which meant 4:08 minute half miles, 2:04 minute laps and 1:02 every 200 meters. Of course, if you get behind each lap, the extra seconds start adding up really fast - and that's what happened on the last mile.

First may I say, starting the third mile, my legs feel like jello (more in the "soft" and "weak" way - less in the bouncy, delicious flavoring way). I was at 4:12 at the half mile and was not feeling good about making up the few seconds. Halfway through the third lap, my side really started hurting (I've got to get better at my breathing). Last lap of the last mile and I'm way behind time. The doubts and excuses are definitely moving through my head faster than my legs on the track at this point.

One thought and one prayer helped me book it the last half lap and make the time: The thought was, "I want to take Kate to the professional Nutcracker ballet (my reward for us when I make the 3 miles in 18 minutes)." The prayer was, "Lord, I cannot do this. Please, help me - help me make it under 8:20 (which was my original gaol for today's runs)!" And as you can see - God not only answered my prayer, but the 3 mile was the fastest. How faithful is our God when we rely on Him!

3. Commitments and Relationships - I want to suggest real commitments and real relationships run hand in hand. In fact, I may go as far as saying they are directly proportional. I've definitely misunderstood what a real commitment is. A real commitment needs a few things:

Verbal commitment of your measurable goal to an accountability individual or group
Verbal communication of the passion behind your commitment to your accountability partner(s)
A verbal commitment from your accountability partner(s) to do whatever it takes to make you reach your goal.

When you have these three components to a commitment, the self disclosure you have to go through births deep relationships - not to mention the time you spending working on and talking about your passions. It is the perfect soil for creating deeper roots with someone.

29 Days Remaining - The Run of My Life

2010-08-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

I don't have time to go into all the details but basically, I've committed to run 3 miles in 18 minutes or less - oh yeah - within 30 days. If I make it, Kate and I are going to a professional ballet production of the Nutcracker.

DISTANCE:
Today's run was a 3 mile junk run - doesn't matter how fast you run it, as long as you make it.

TIME:
26:43

THOUGHTS:
The run was alright. I'm in worse shape than I thought, but I made it. Kristian (one of my coworkers who's supporting me in this endeavor) was pushing me along at his faster pace. It's a mental thing but I always run better when I'm in the lead than when I'm behind (there's some life lessons in that I'm sure).

After the run I started thinking about visualizing me running three miles in eighteen minutes. I've never ran that fast before. It was at the peak of my fitness in college when I was able to run one mile in under six minutes - much less three miles, each under six.

I don't doubt that I will work my butt off to make the time, but I'm definitely going to need strength from outside my self to make it.

Faithful

2010-06-15T00:25:00.000-05:00

My life is going a million miles a minute.

God is still here.

He has not moved. Not one inch.

He has not stopped loving. He has not stopped giving. He has not stop forgiving.

Even when I don't speak, He knows.

I am weak. He is Strong.

How does someone love so deeply, so sacrificially?

Maybe He believes that if He loves us hard enough we will one day give him back that same love.

He is ever-patient.

Can I be what He deserves?

He believes I can. That should be enough.

Press on towards the goal He tells me.

Press on.

I am weak. He is Strong.

The Lord is my Strength.

I decrease.

He increases.

He keeps holding on.

He never gives up.

He is teaching me

Faith.

Faithful.

Birthday Adventures

2010-04-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

So we started off in Arkansas camping in the Ozark National Forest. Quite the adventure because we ended up not doing what was planned but it turned out to be perfect. Nothing to do, no real trails, in the middle of nowhere but just right. We made a fire, read books, played cards, listened to animal sounds, bushwhacked, etc. I love the woods... it was so nice to be able to get away from society for a few days. Even just those few days gives you cultural stress when you get back. Here are some pictures:

Our second part of the trip was flying to Denver, CO for a business trip. Kevin and his boss were meeting with a client so their significant others came along too! FRESH air, warm sun, cool breezes, and surrounded by incredible mountain ranges. Although the weather was slightly colder there it didn't take away from the beauty of it. Definitely take the time to visit Colorado it is such beautiful retreat. Here are some pictures:

(met for Sushi with friends from college)

Been so long...

2010-04-21T15:51:00.000-05:00

It has been so long since we have last posted! My goodness.

It's spring and beautiful out! Kevin and I started our garden and now just have to plant the goodies! We have planted the garden in his grandmother's backyard so we will be able to visit with her quite a bit this summer which will be so nice.

I was able to take engagement photos for my friends Janie & Scott in order to build up my portfolio. It was fun and I learned a lot. I'm looking forward to a photo shoot with the Davis Family and their new born.

We are headed to Arkansas to go camping this weekend for my birthday and then on Sunday we will leave for Colorado! Kevin has a business trip and I was able to go along! How amazing is that! It will only be for a couple of days but I am so pumped! It is so beautiful there and I haven't been in a long time. I'm ready to go back and fall in love again! haha.

I'll post pictures as soon as we get back from all our adventures!

Tomorrow is Earth Day... Please take care of God's creation and enjoy it!

Cold Apartment Day

2010-03-02T12:34:00.001-06:00

Our apartment is FREEZING today! How does this happen... one day we can't function because the heat is overwhelming - windows open, walking around in summer clothes, can't sleep... and the next day it's freezing! BAH! so glad to have this apartment don't get me wrong but some consistency would be nice. haha.

Well, i'm looking forward to Spring when you are supposed to have your windows open!

One more thing, today at the grocery store I decided that I really like the old school grocery stores with the old men who bag your groceries. The happiest old man bagged my groceries today! It made me smile to see this old man joyful in what he was doing. You look down the line to the young people bagging and they look bored and irritated. I prefer the old men! hahahaha...

Who's Says you Can't Have fun when your Sick!?

2010-02-17T17:18:00.000-06:00

I've been having a horrible time being sick over the past few days. I have a heavy head cold and praying it doesn't turn into a sinus infection. Well, my mom told me about this thing called a Neti Pot... I had seen my aunt do it and it kinda creeped me out. I don't really like the feeling of water in my nose. Well, after my Mom assured me that it doesn't hurt I decided to get it.

I never knew I could have so much fun being sick! hahahaha! Check out a picture of me and my new best friend, the Neti Pot. By the way, in the picture i'm not really doing it right, just wanted to show you how well we get along! Also check out the video below. This guy is hilarious and gives you a good idea of how to use it.

I totally recommend the Neti Pot to all you readers out there who are struggling with the "late winter sniffles". Get rid of the cold before it turns for the worst!

Putting on the Clothing of God

2010-02-05T19:57:00.004-06:00

"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things. You used to do them when your life was still a part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more out Christ, who created this new nature within you. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave or free. Christ is all that matters and he lives in all of us.

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for watch other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you say or do, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father" -Colossians 3:1-17(NLT)

The Challenge: 3 easy steps:
1) Get out a pen and a piece of paper.

2) Read this scripture over one more time and write down just one thing that caught your attention; made you think for a second.

3) I challenge you to have a conversation with someone about what you wrote down and what it means to you. (Remember - this is the hardest step, but it is the most rewarding).

A Vision of Sin

2010-01-28T08:14:00.002-06:00

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart." -Matthew 5:27, 28(NLT)

The Challenge:If sin is planted in your heart, get rid of it as soon as possible - or else it will take root and be very difficult to deal with later.

The Vision: I first saw us as the purest soil; dark, moist, and perfect. Then I saw lust, representing any sin: a tiny, tiny seed that I had planted below the surface; barely noticeable. I quickly realized that if I were to dig the seed of lust out from the soil as soon as I saw it, it would do little damage to the soil (my life). Sure, the surface was broken a little but you can't get rid of sin without some brokenness.

Then I saw what would happen if I decided not to deal with the sin immediately - just ignore it, or worse, feel okay about it staying in my life. The seed slowly began to grow below the surface, rooting itself before it was to breach into the sunlight. After it developed a complex root system, it broke into the open air, where everyone could see it, and sprout into a large tree. The roots of this now massive tree infiltrated every part of the soil. You could no longer dig it up without serious damage to the soil. It sucked the nutrients from the soil and disrupted it's balanced state.

Sin is sin - whether we just plant the seed or let it grow, it will affect our lives. It is better to get rid of sin sooner than later. Jesus went even so far to say afterwards, "So if your eye causes you to sin - even if it is your good eye - gouge it out and throw it away… It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." He's not wanting us to go get a stick and thrust it into our anterior cavity (or your eye) - but, He is very serious about staying away from sin.

Christian men especially, need to hear and take heed of the warnings a father gives his son in Proverbs, chapter 5.

Proverbs 5:8, 9 - "Run from her [the immoral woman]! Don't go near the door of her house! If you do, you will lose your honor and hand over to merciless people everything you have achieved in life."

Proverbs 5:21 - "For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his incredible folly."

I'll end with this - Jesus' words to the adulteress (ironic, or is it?) pictured above from John 8: "Go and sin no more."

Presenting Mature Disciples Before God

2010-01-18T14:06:00.003-06:00

"So everywhere you go, we tell everyone about Christ. We warn them and teach them with all the wisdom God has given us, for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. I [Paul] work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me." -Colossians 1:28,29 (NLT)

The Challenge: In response to the first part of this verse - "…everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ." - try to mention Christ or your relationship with Christ somewhere outside church. Part two of this challenge (if you're already doing part one), is to double check your relationship with those with which you've shared the Gospel. Will you be presenting them to God as perfect (mature) Christians come judgement day?

I think Paul's attitude here can reflect our own sometimes - "I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power…". Tell others about Christ 24/7 is not an easy task - especially if you are like me (more of an internal processor). We get scared at the word, "evangelism". In New Testament times no one feared an evangelist. They were people who always brought news which was always good - a victory in battle, for example. Really, we are just letting others in on the good news that God blesses His children.

"Discipleship" is another scary word. It means commitment, responsibility, building relationships. Now add what you read above - "We warn them and teach them… for we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ." I know I'm not perfect in my relationship to Christ much less warning and teaching others in order to present them perfect and mature to God!

But before you get too hopeless in the work we are called to, read Paul's words again.

"I work very hard at this, as I depend on Christ's mighty power that works within me."

Video of our New Apartment!

2010-01-12T14:20:00.000-06:00

I decided to do a video instead of pictures. I think it gives you a much better idea about the apartment. Sorry if it makes you dizzy though. haha. Enjoy!

I don't argue! Yes, you do!

2010-01-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

"In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.”
-Philippians 2:14,15 (NLT)

The Challenge: Think of the person you argue with the most (could be a family member) and try to not argue with them for a month. The “easiest” way to accomplish this is to “take it like a man” and keep your mouth closed when every bone in your body is telling you to defend yourself. (If arguing isn't that hard to give up, try not complaining for a month!)

This probably won't mean much to you until you are at a point in your life when you want to start living as an example of Christ. I must warn you that this is no easy task. When you choose to follow Christ to the extent of calling yourself an example of Christ, you will be forced to examine every area of your life. You will be forced to give up your selfish desires, your plans, your pride, your whole life in order to follow Christ wholly. Arguing is one area we need to address if we concerned about being a good example of Christ.

I tested not arguing with my wife, Kate, and the results were remarkable. It was hard at first not to react when I really, really wanted to defend myself or prove her wrong. About a week later, I realized I was actually getting in the habit of not arguing! When one of us would say something a little harsh, I didn't automatically jump into it with all my guns locked and loaded. Entire days were redeemed – less stress, less hurt feelings, more love. I noticed this too: The more I stayed away from arguing, the less Kate argued too – it's contagious!

Anyone can see a difference in how we treat each other now. In fact, that's the point – we are supposed to exemplify love towards each other. Think about it: If we can't love those closest to us, how can you expect to love the unlovable – those Christ called us to love?

“In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing...”

A New Home...

2010-01-08T14:21:00.001-06:00

After Kevin losing his job this past August we have lived in a camper in his brothers yard and then with his parents in a 2 bedroom apartment. We have had some pretty tight quarters these past 5 months. We have gotten closer to Kevin's family, learned a lot of new lessons, grown closer together as a couple, and most of all grown closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have learned to trust God in EVERYTHING. When the car starts acting up and we start worrying we immediately catch ourselves and think..."It's nothing God hasn't taken care of before!" We lay our burdens and worries at the feet of Christ and remember why He sacrificed himself. He desires to have a relationship with us and show us the Power and Glory of His Father. It is so comforting to know and really believe that worrying is overrated because God is in Control.

Now, our Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to have our own place again. We are moving into an apartment this Saturday. It is in the perfect location for our jobs and also the perfect lease. We truly believe that God's hand was in this situation all along. Praise God! Who better to have their way in our lives then our very own Creator.

I have also been hired with Boys and Girls Town of Missouri at their Ozark Family Resource Center. I will be working with abused and neglected children from birth to 18 in the Family Resource Center where they live for the time being. I am excited to have a challenging but rewarding job. These are the jobs I strive for. Here is the site if you want to take a look:
http://www.bgtm.org/aboutus/springfieldcampus.htm

Kevin continues with his job at Classy Llama Studios and is enjoying it thoroughly. He works with such a great group of guys who really encourage and challenge Kevin in his work and also spiritually.

Well, I pray that as you all meditate on the past year that you will see the many blessings, challenges, and lessons learned, that the Lord has bestowed upon us. He is a great God! I pray that you may all find HIS Joy and Peace that passes all understanding as you enter into this New Year.

I Gots Intelligence

2010-01-04T12:41:00.004-06:00

"Your attitude should be the same Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.” -Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)

The Challenge: Can you give up the personal “rights” you have given yourself in order to serve others first?

We all have this secret list of personal rights, or liberties, which we've given ourselves. For me, I feel like I have earned the right to be known for having a slightly-above-normal level of intelligence. You know it's a sensitive liberty when you get angry at someone attempting to take it from you. I can vividly recount times when I have gotten so angry at someone who implies in some way that I don't know what I'm doing. It's pride – one of my sensitive liberties is a selfish pride in my “intelligence”.

Can you think of any sensitive liberties you have in your life? You can usually tell it's a sensitive liberty by the way you react when someone tries to take it from you. Chances are, you're also thinking of yourself first, before you think about others.

Oh, we all have our sensitive liberties – but should we grip them as tight as we do? No. Look at Christ – God incarnate. He had all the rights in the universe, but did he demand those rights from others? Not while he was on Earth. Read this again:

“Your attitude should be the same Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.”

I'll let God's Word do its work.

Our Sacred To-Do List

2009-12-31T10:18:00.005-06:00

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only of your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing." -Philippians 2:3,4 (NLT)

The Challenge: Can you give-up your to-do list each day and ask God for a copy of His to-do list?

I wonder how different the world would be without wristwatches – or time itself, for that manner. It seems like everyone is so busy these days. I laughed really hard the other day when my co-worker said he didn't have enough time to make a schedule that would help him manage his time better.

We like our agendas (written or unwritten) – our sacred to-do list. We hold it so close each day. Just ask dad to go for a nice autumn walk on a Sunday afternoon – you'll see our football agendas are right up there on our priority to-do list with breathing... and pumping blood to all major organs. Yes, maybe we hold our agendas too close sometimes. Maybe we put our computer time too high on our to-do list and our Father-Son time (or Mother-Daughter time) not high enough. Actually, maybe we put our whole to-do list a little too high sometimes.

Take some time this week to ask yourself this: Who's to-do list am I more concerned about – mine or God's?

O There's no place like HOME for the Holidays!

2009-12-15T14:58:00.000-06:00

Kevin and I are heading to Pennsylvania to visit with my parents for 4 days! My brother, Dave, and his wife, Sarah, will be coming too!

Seriously, there is no place like home! I have never missed my family this much... ever. It will be so wonderful to be with them. I just thank the Lord for this opportunity to go even in such a hard economical time.

A Healing

2009-12-03T20:11:00.001-06:00

The Lord has healed me. Both emotionally and physically.

I have been freed from "fear" of sharing the gospel as a woman and affirmed in God's purpose in my life as a woman of God. He has called me to "open my mouth" and be strong and confident in the Spirit. To declare His love and His purpose!

I have also been physically healed! Praise God! The Lord has healed my back. I have had scoliosis since 2000 and it was a very large curve. It has given me a lot of pain in the past years. Last night Kevin was praying over me and when he was done, the Holy Spirit had healed my back. My spine was no longer curved! I went to the chiropractor this afternoon to confirm the healing... and she said if she didn't know I had scoliosis before she would never have known. It is completely straight! She is one of my friends from church and she was so excited to see God doing a miraculous work! Praise God!

I can't even explain the Joy the Lord has given me through this healing! I feel like I finally TRULY believe in Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I don't think I ever really accepted the sanctification of Jesus.

Can we grasp His Love? Can we accept that our Lord is beyond this world?

We are afraid to let go. We are afraid of reputation. We are afraid of judgement. But the Lord says not to worry for He will judge our enemies. We WILL be persecuted and ridiculed... there is nothing we can do about it so why not LIVE for Christ instead of hiding.

We must learn to receive His love through the Spirit. There is nothing we can do, we just have to receive it. There is something bigger going on. Let Him enter in. Receive His Spirit!

The Prayer of Faith

2009-12-02T10:06:00.001-06:00

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise! Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up! If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE!

James 5:13-16

DO YOU HERE THIS PROMISE?! The God Almighty has given us this promise! Praise Him for his Salvation that we are able to ask for healing with a grateful heart! Pray for one another for there is a great renewal and awakening happening in the world! Praise Him!

Check it out:
http://www.ihop.org/watch

Crazy Day

2009-12-01T14:33:00.000-06:00

So today I am tired. VERY tired. And what a day I have had so far!

I woke up at 5:45am in order to get to work by 6:30am to open the store. I got out of work at 1pm which seemed great except I was so tired. I drove over to Roger and Carla's to have lunch with some family before going home to take a nap.

As I was turning into the apartment parking lot I was not paying attention and lo and behold a HUGE CURB came out of nowhere! Well, I am exaggerating. I just wasn't paying attention and was looking at something else and ran right into the curb with the car. Only a flat tire, thank God. But... weirdly enough it only flattened the back tired. I honestly can't say I know exactly what happened either. I pulled into the parking spot looked at the car and realized the tire was flat....I just started to cry. and cry. and cry some more. I'm so bummed to say the least that I made a silly mistake and wasn't paying attention. grrrr.... but anyways.

I also had an interview today at 4pm with The Regional Girls Shelter of Springfield, MO but come to find out there full-time position is an "over-night" position. This means that I would have to be there almost every night sleeping over away from Kevin. Obviously that isn't going to happen.

So, all that to say. Flat tire. No interview. and very tired.

Lord, have mercy.

I'm taking a nap now. So glad I have a computer to vent to! hahaha

- kate

One Year down, 74 more to go!

2009-11-30T15:12:00.003-06:00

Kevin and I celebrated our one year anniversary this past Sunday. We talked about it and decided that our goal is to still be alive for our 75th wedding anniversary! hahaha! We had a great time. We went out to eat for Japanese thanks to my Mom and Dad's generous gift. Sushi is soooo good!

Well, I want to take a moment and just give thanks for my husband!

Kevin Eric Kirchner (seen above) is one of the most respectful, generous, serving, loving, and fun people I know. I am so thankful to have him in my life. I have learned so much from him in the past year. Through the love, grace, and mercy Kevin has shown me I am suddenly understanding the True Love, Grace, and Mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ. I have grown closer to Jesus with Kevin by my side more than any other time in my life. Marriage truly is a gift from God, intended to challenge us and make us better people through those challenges. I praise God for all the hard times this past year. I praise God that those hard times have been with Kevin by my side. I praise God that the man in my life is a God-fearing servant of Christ. What more can I say? The coolest thing is our wedding anniversary will always fall around Thanksgiving... we will always be reminded to be thankful for not just our marriage but for all things the Lord has given and taken. Praise be to our God!

Below are some other recent pictures of our recent outings!

pub/diner called, "Grad School" = best food ever!

Anniversary Picture:

I love you Kevin.

Abandonment

2009-11-25T16:35:00.000-06:00

Word from the Lord:

Abondonment:

–verb (used with object)

1.	to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert: to abandon one's farm; to abandon a child; to abandon a sinking ship.

2.	to give up; discontinue; withdraw from: to abandon a research project; to abandon hopes for a stage career.

3.	to give up the control of: to abandon a city to an enemy army.

4.	to yield (oneself) without restraint or moderation; give (oneself) over to natural impulses, usually without self-control: to abandon oneself to grief.

5.	Law. to cast away, leave, or desert, as property or a child.

6.	Insurance. to relinquish (insured property) to the underwriter in case of partial loss, thus enabling the insured to claim a total loss.

7.	Obsolete. to banish.

More about Ezra from Rwanda!

2009-11-22T14:31:00.000-06:00

American Revival Show!

2009-11-16T16:22:00.000-06:00

Kevin and I celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary this past Sunday. Even though our anniversary is on the 29th we decided to celebrate by going to the American Revival Show at Missouri State University. It was a concert showing some of the new bluegrass bands with an old style. It was awesome! We had a great time.

We enjoyed listening to Sierra Hull (an incredible mandolin player), The Dixie Bee-Liners, and Uncle Earl.

Click on the Link to Listen:
http://popup.lala.com/popup/1657606155827156860

Click on the Link to Listen:
http://popup.lala.com/popup/360569455701929412

Click on the Link to Listen:
http://popup.lala.com/popup/1657606173007025804

Day of Celebration and Relaxation!

2009-11-09T16:42:00.000-06:00

Praise God! Kevin was hired full-time at Classy Llama Studios in Springfield, MO. He started last Wednesday. He really enjoys the company and his co-workers. Our Lord, blessed me with the day off on Saturday. We decided to go celebrate his new job with a day together hiking and "exploring"! We haven't done this in a long time. It was great therapy for both of us to be among nature and together doing something we love. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is in Camdenton, MO by the Lake of the Ozarks. We had a great time. I even got the chance to do some bouldering! Enjoy the pictures!

beautiful view of Ha Ha Tonka State Park

"the laughing waters" as the Osage Native Americans called it

Trip to Texas Pictures

2009-11-09T16:06:00.001-06:00

Just sharing some pictures with ya'll from past and recent events:

Road Trip to Texas

First time using our wedding present from Dave and Sarah!

sleepy faces.

Wonderful Musician & Friend from Rwanda

2009-10-24T10:33:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone: Check these videos out! These are from a guy from Rwanda named Ezra. Girls from my trip got to know him really well. He and his friends have an awesome ministry to street kids in Rwanda where they teach the kids about recording, music, and video production and give them a hope and skill for the future! There hearts are so big! Please enjoy their music and pass it on!

Some very "Classy Llamas"

2009-10-23T12:32:00.000-05:00

As you have read below I have been working at Smoothie King and Kevin has been doing freelance work on the side while continually applying for full-time positions. This week Kevin made it through a few interviews and is now starting a 2 week trial with a web design company called: "Classy Llamas". We love the name as I'm sure some of you may have guessed. He started today and I know that made him feel great to get out of the house and actually do some work. Although it will be no pay during the two weeks we are praying for the Lord's will to be clear during these two weeks.
Well anyway, check out Classy Llamas site here: http://classyllama.com/

Other than that, Smoothie King is going well. It is a really easy job but I think what is a new experience for me is the random hours. I have realized I work better under consistent hours but I'm getting used to it and God is teaching me a lot through this experience. I have met some really great people at work as well including a girl who was born in Kenya (her parents were missionaries there) and her grandparents have lived in Uganda most of their life.

Here is another little something for you all. I think that this is something that everyone should take the time to listen to. This woman is so inspiring and I just love to see her speaking such truths with such innocence. God is good. He will share his truth through anything and anyone! Here is the video:

Recent Photos and Update

2009-10-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Fall Everyone!
Today I got a job at Smoothie King! Praise God! So, come to me for all your Smoothie needs! haha!
Besides me getting that job, Kevin and I have become more active in the Northside Christian Church in Sprinfgfield. We started Sunday School and Small Group this Sunday and really enjoyed getting to know more people in the church. Fall has walked proudly and beautifully into the Mid-West with it's cool breezes and toasty sunshine. God's creation is magnificant!

Here are some photos of my photo shoot with Brooke and Andrea and also some random photos of our time here in Springfield. Enjoy.

Mountaintop vs. Valley

2009-10-01T10:04:00.002-05:00

"Just a few more steps..." you tell yourself between each breath. With 40 pounds on your back and blisters that have popped and are now screeching for air you begin to wonder if the summit is really all it's cracked up to be.

If any of you have ever experience climbing up the side of the mountain with some doubt that you will never make it, you know the reward in the end. The Mountaintop! Once you have reached the glorious summit all your doubts are washed away. You have a sense of accomplishment, relief, thankfulness, and joy all wrapped up in one deep breath. Mountaintop experiences are one of my favorite feelings that I have ever had. You can see God's creation from so many different angles. You begin to review your climb and remember the laughter and the struggle.

Today I read a note from Oswald Chambers about this very experience. In Mark 9:2, Jesus brings his disciples up the mountain to be alone with him. While they were with him Jesus decided to transfigure himself. Wow, what an amazing experience! Can you imagine that!? I can only imagine what a great honor that would be for Jesus to be with the disciples like that. I think that experience would trump all others. But then they leave the mountaintop and go down into the valley again where they find a demon possessed boy. Chambers mentions the significance of only being on the mountaintop for a moment and then going right back into the valley where there are hard things to deal with, confusing things, personal struggles, etc. We often go to the mountaintop expecting Jesus to teach us something but instead He transfigures himself. In some ways the disciples were probably confused by this: "why isn't he teaching us something new?".
Chambers says this:
"The mountaintop is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something."

Chambers wants us to realize that we are always wanting the answer asking: "What's the use of this experience?" but this is a dangerous trap according to Chambers. He says that we can never measure spiritual matters in this way. We need to trust God that instead of teaching us things on the mountaintop, He is preparing our character and heart for what's to come in the valley. The valley is our destiny while on earth not the mountaintop. God will bring us to the mountaintop for inspiration and encouragement only to tell us to go back down. Seems kind of backwards but also so right.

As Kevin and I struggle in the valley with not having jobs and wondering when things will be back to normal... we are beginning to question what the true norm really is. What is "normal" to God? What is His will for us? In the same way Kevin and I have had some mountaintop experiences recently where the Lord uplifted and encouraged and then asked us to go back down the mountain into the valley again. It is SO hard to be present. I find myself continually trying to climb back up the mountain side only to keep slipping and getting nowhere because God knows it's not time yet. I frustrate myself. If only we could truly understand His ways. But like Chambers said, we cannot measure spiritual matters with human logic.

Today my Lord has blessed me with Oswald's words of wisdom. Hopefully they have spoken to you as well.

Blessings.

IHOP... no, not the pancake place

2009-09-19T11:01:00.000-05:00

Kevin and I took what some might call a spiritual retreat to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City last week. I have family who is a part of the IHOP so it was a double treat. Kevin and I had such a blessed time with my Aunt and Uncle and their six children and we also got to spend a lot of time in prayer.

We embarked on this spiritual/family retreat to seek the Lord's will in our lives. Or really... just the next step we need to take with him. God is truly faithful. During our time there we were encouraged by my family and challenged by the Holy Spirit to give up all our "wants" and seek what our Savior wants and knows we need for our lives. Giving up your wants is a lot harder than you think. It is not just saying, "ok Lord, you can lead us, we are listening..." but I think it takes actually recognizing what we want and verbally giving each individual want over to Him. Possibly even writing them down so that we can look back on them and stray away from picking up those "wants" again and making our load heavier than God intends it to be. God will never give us more than we can handle... but have we ever thought about the fact that we have the free will to put things in our lives that make it harder.... WE, personally, put those loads on our backs that God never intended on putting there. His Grace and Mercy are sufficient though... He will work with us... give us a hand, a knee up, even though he REALLY wants us to get rid of those "wants". Amazing! What a gracious God we serve! What a silly person I am to think that I can handle what I "want".

Well anyway, we learned a lot, heard a lot from the Lord, and were overwhelmingly blessed while we were in Kansas City. We are now embarking on an open door that the Lord has provided for us. The Lord seems to be calling us to Texas. We know that if He wants something else He will change it. We are in His hands.

So, we are heading down to Texas this coming Wednesday where Kevin will have an interview with Point A Media on Thursday. I will be looking around for housing and jobs as he is interviewing and working with them on Friday. Please pray for guidance and clarity as we are following the lead the Lord has given us. Also please pray for safety as we drive down.

(pictures to come)

I pray that we all might learn what it means to daily lay our "wants" at his feet and truly open ourselves to what the Lord wants for us. Be blessed.

Our new/temporary home!

2009-08-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

Our new home...

very small living quarters. Vegtables from my Greenville garden

our clothing/closet/storage/book shelf/ whatever else can fit!

still had to make it home

this bed is more comfortable than the one we were sleeping on before! haha

Visit from Drewby and Hunter!

2009-08-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

Drew and Hunter came to visit Kevin and I in Greenville on their way back to Massachusetts from Colorado. I was so happy they got to stop by and meet our community of friends.

gotta love it! we had a great time!

Photo time!

So glad they came to visit. It was a blessed time with family. I needed it.

Living within your means...

2009-08-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

To update everyone on the current happenings, Kevin lost his job three weeks ago and with me only having 15-20 hours per week at my job we knew some things would have to change. After much prayer and counsel we decided the best place for us was in a bigger town with more jobs, and near family (whom we have desired to be closer too in the past) and some place we didn’t have to pay rent. This place would be Springfield, MO. We are living in Kevin’s brother’s backyard in their camper! We are actually looking forward to this opportunity knowing that God is going to work in our lives and through our lives through this experience. For the past week we have been conquering the internet and family connections to find places to apply for work. Kevin has some great opportunities already and I am excited to have the possible opportunity to do some social work/non-profit work in the city.

Last night we moved into the camper behind Kevin's brother's place. It was hard. I was so exhausted and overwhelmed when I stepped inside. I think the hardest thing for us is that we are losing a bit of our independence as a married couple because we are living with someone else basically. We won't be able to do some of our hobbies like art and sewing because there really isn't any room. But even though it was a rough afternoon unloading and putting most of our life in storage, we slept well and comfortable.
We love sleeping outside/camping so that's good.

The words that keep coming to mind during these past few days have been Sacrafice and Covering. Sacrafice because we are having to give up a lot and we know it is for the best and for the Lord's will to be done. The word "covering" came to me last night... I feel as though all I want to do is be covered in God's word and love and to be in prayer all the time. I just want to be with God more each minute. He is our comfort!
I believe that God is going to do some awesome things in our lives.

Please continue to pray for strength for Kevin and I. Kevin's next interview with Dave Ramsey is Thursday at 4pm. My interview at the Autistic school is Wednesday from 9-11. Also pray for our fridge in the camper... it doesn't want to work...

Kate and Kevin Kirchner: A new Start

2008-12-08T12:11:00.000-06:00

Well, as most of you may know... as of November 29th Kevin and I are now Mr. & Mrs. Kirchner!

It's crazy to think that we are actually husband and wife just because it sounds so grown up and we still feel so young. It is amazing to have the feeling of feeling so young but still feeling so sure that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone. There are so many adventures ahead of Kevin and I and we are pumped about them. God is going to be with us through it all... the ebb and flow of married life, spiritual life, social life, etc.

Right now Kevin and I are living in a small farm house on one of the church member's land. The Lord's blessings have been so evident in our lives since we moved to Virginia. He continues to woo us with His faithfulness and mysterious whispers of our calling together as a married couple.

Kevin and I have some opportunities ahead of us that we would like to share with all of you so that you could be praying for us in a more specific way.

Greenville College - 2 year contract as Web Developer - Kevin
Koinonia Music Center (KMC) - Kevin and I have committed to be part of the leadership with Aaron Appleton and Saul Huber for the establishing of the program.
We hope to be settled, helping and serving, and living in Uganda by the end of 2010 whether it be working for Food for the Hungry Go-Ed program and/or KMC

So there are our adventures to come! We believe the Lord is calling us full-time to Uganda so please pray for more specific direction and timing from the Lord for us.

Please also keep us in your prayers as we are going to be traveling a lot in the next month. Here is our itinerary:

December 16: drive to Greenville and move into our new apartment on the 18th
December 20-24: Springfield, MO for Christmas with Kevin's family
December 24-Jan. 6: Fly to Boston, MA for Christmas with my family, stay with my brother, Dave, and sister-in-law, Sarah
January 6- 9: Fly to Phoenix, AZ for FH Go-Ed Orientation
January 9: Fly home to Greenville, IL
January 12: Kevin begins his first day of work

We would appreciate all your prayers and encouragement during this time. Thank you already for all your love and support in so many different ways. We love you all.

May God's face shine upon you today.

K & K

Counseling for the Soul

2008-10-22T14:52:00.000-05:00

Kate and I started marriage counseling 3 weeks ago. I've always assumed counseling was for people who had issues and that I never needed any because I had no issues. Well, I was wrong on BOTH accounts. In the new light of first hand experience, I can tell you that counseling is for everyone because we ALL have issues. Kate and I both agree that we've needed counseling all our lives. From what I've experienced in 2 sessions, counseling basically consists of an open and safe arena to share your important thoughts and feelings. I know not everyone's experience is all that great, but I'd definitely recommend counseling any time for anyone and everyone (issues or 'no issues').

I've learned a lot about Kate and a lot about myself. I was finally able to put Kate's important pre-college experiences in chronological order. Before, her past was a mix-mash of stories here and there. I've learned so much about my relationship with my dad and my relationship with myself (self-esteem).

All to say - this is just the beginning - let the learning and growing flow like an endless stream until we take our last breaths.

The best day ever!

2008-09-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

Laughter. One word can describe an entire day. And I'm talk about pure laughter - not the laughter where you can think about whether or not you're supposed to laugh while you're laughing - pure laughter, where you can't do anything but feel the joy pour out of your body. You know that kind of laughter. And you know it doesn't show up every day.

Today was one of those days though - spending time with Kate in the kitchen, in the car, in her room, while eating, while working - joy seeped out of us. I loved it. And the funny thing is...I can't really tell you one joke she told me or some act she pulled to make me laughed. We just laughed with each other all day - ah, I can't explain it but it was great.

Laughing is good. In fact, humor is even being used as an alternative medicine. Check it out here. Here is another article about how good hearty laughs can help prevent heart attacks.

Kate and I are so happy together and I can't imagine being with anyone else. Golly gee jumpers, I love her. She makes me laugh so well. We're going to have a good time for sure.

- Until next time - go have a laugh - xo - Kevin

Life is Beautiful

2008-09-20T16:30:00.000-05:00

Today my mom and I went dress shopping for the wedding. (Don't worry Kevin I am not going to post any pictures... haha.) Well, I picked one after about trying on 8 or 10 dresses. It's beautiful.

All this to say I just wanted to update everyone on where Kevin and I are at these days:

Most of you know but for those who don't... Kevin and I planned on getting married on June 20th of next year and recently decided to change it to November 29th of this year! Might seem crazy and we even thought we might be, but when the Lord continued to provide in little, miraculous ways we knew the Lord was with us in this decision. He is Jehovah Jirah!

As we are embarking on this new journey called "marriage" we have contemplated many things daily. Kevin and I have entered into deep conversations about the possibility of having a child early in our marriage and how we will handle that small life that we would be responsible to love and nurture. We talked about how to discipline and how to love all at the same time. We talked of our excitement to have little ones smiling up at us with muddy hands and clothes and hoping that we will be able to laugh at them and with them. What a beautiful thing to see an example of childlike faith through your own children.
We have also talked many times about our walk with the Lord, individually and together. There is so much to learn and so much room to grow and we are asking that the Lord take us and use us because we are ready. We yearn to know His will for our lives, for our future. We desire to serve and minister to other for His Glory and Kingdom to come. We know he is Faithful.

Kevin and I have been blown away by how the Lord has been moving in us and working through our relationship these past few months. We pray that this is a good sign that we are following in God's will. (Lord, give us Grace for the times we stray.)

The wedding will be in the backyard of my parents house in Suffolk, VA where I am living now. It will be under the Pecan tree! hehe. Then we will head off to our honeymoon ( i don't know where it is... ask kevin... it's a secret).

The last bit of information is that Kevin and I have decided to live with my parents for awhile until we can save some money and possibly move to the mid-west next summer. Keep us in your prayers for patience and wisdom as we will be in close quarters with my parents but also itching to embark on what the Lord has for us beyond this year.

Thank you all for your prayers and support for our relationship. May the Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you this day.

Love,
Kate