Winter Carnival '09

When: Sunday, January 25, 2009
Where: Rosenort - Kristen's parent's house
What: 1st Annual Winter Carnival
Who: FaithWorks Young Adults

This past Sunday we had our first annual winter carnival out in Rosenort. It was a tad chilly but that did not deny us from having a great time. Kristen's parent's graciously hosted (and planned) a winter carnival of sorts for about 20 people or so. The day was jam packed full with activities ranging from Snowshoe races to Crokinole tournaments to pulling taffy. Enjoy the pictures from the day!

Crokinole Extravaganza

PING PONG MADNESS

Ken and I were the reigning champs in Ping Pong. Go team K.F. (and Fritz)!!!

Ken and I are now in the possession of a finger football game and a box of chai tea for our prizes. All of our hard work and sweat was definitely worth it!

Pulling Taffy

SNOWSHOE RACES

Go Kristen!!!

Graham had a bit of trouble getting going on the snowshoes, but after a few attempts he pulled through and finished the course.

OUTDOOR GOODNESS

FRIENDS

Aunties and Just Plain Old Cuteness

Peace Prayer

Lord, make me a means of your peace
When there's hatred grown, let me sow your love.
Where there's injury, Lord, let forgiveness be my sword
Lord, make me a means of your peace

Lord, make me a means of your peace
When there's doubt and fear, let me sow your faith
In this world's despair, give me hope in you to share
Lord, make me a means of your peace

Lord, make me a means of your peace
When there's sadness here, let me sow your joy
When the darkness nears, may your light dispel our fears
Lord, make me a means of your peace

Lord, grant me to seek and to share
less to be consoled than to help console
less be understood than to understand your good
Lord, make me a means of your peace

Lord, grant me to seek and to share
to receive love less than to give love free
just to give in you, just receiving from your tree
Lord, make me a means of your peace

Lord, grant me to seek and to share
to forgive in you, you've forgiven me
for to die in you is eternal life to me
Lord, make me a means of your peace

~ St. Francis

A Weekend of Goodness

Is it just me or does the weekend seem to fly right by?? I swear it was just yesterday that I was at work and now tomorrow I have to go back. Despite how quickly the weekend passed, it was an enjoyable weekend. Low key, relaxing and refreshing. I appreciated every moment.

Friday night I had to work late - good for the pocket book, but bad for my energy level. This past week I was plagued with flu that has seemed to make its way around numerous homes in the last couple of weeks. I was down for the count on Wednesday and Thursday, so I needed to make up some time on Friday with clients. Let's just say that by the end of the night I was completely wiped out. I crashed hard and slept solid.

Saturday was fabulous. The drastic change in weather, although not so great for my head situation, was great for my spirit. I took advantage of the "balmy" temperatures and ventured outside with the dog and my camera to capture some of the beauty in winter. It felt wonderful to walk outside for more then 5 minutes and not feel as though my face was going to fall off.

Church and an evening with girlfriends concluded the day. Last Saturday we had planned to celebrate Sabrina's birthday, but due to sudden sickness by the guest of honor, our party was post-poned. The party was redeemed with a girls night - coke, lots of chips, cookies and wonderful conversation. The festivities lasted late into the night, which was a huge improvement from the previous week (I believe our initial party lasted maybe an hour).

Mommy & Norah sharing a late night snuggle

comparing engagement rings

I have said before that I am beyond blessed with these amazing ladies. I think what I appreciate most about them is their willingness to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus, with us and their authenticity in those relationships. I consider it a privilege to be able to walk alongside these beautiful women in their journeys and I am blessed to have them accompany me in mine. The laughter between us is also greatly appreciated. Thank you ladies for a wonderful evening.

The scene in our house on Sundays is the same each week: Football, Football and more Football. Many of you know that I enjoy sports. I like playing most sports, but I do NOT enjoy watching endless hours of football, Nascar, basketball and hockey. I will watch all of these sports live (except for maybe Nascar), but watching them on TV is of no interest to me. Thankfully football is nearing the end of its season and then that is one sport down. I am by far the minority in my house (everyone else is huge sports fans), so I have dedicated Sundays to be my day of rest - literally. I spend the day doing things that are refreshing and life-giving to my spirit. I read, go for walks, nap, enjoy a hot cup of coffee, watch movies, etc. I love it. It's a day where I am pretty much guaranteed to be by myself. It's a great way to end off a week and begin a new one.

I am heading into this new week with refreshed eyes, a rested soul and not sick. I am anticipating great things to come in the next few days.

"Sometimes it seems like God is difficult to find and impossibly far away. We get so caught up in our small daily duties and irritations that they become the only things that we can focus on. What we forget is that God's love and beauty are all around us, every day, if only we would take the time to look up and see them."

~ Matthias

A Time to Reflect

It's a quiet afternoon around the house. It's rare that the quiet moments are long enough to enjoy with so many people coming and going. Today, there is not much coming nor going. I like it. This serene atmosphere in the house presents a opportune time to sit, reflect and spend time with Jesus. I have an extra hot venti vanilla earl grey tea misto in my hand and a good novel to read and some prayer time with Jesus lined up. I'm anticipating some good moments of peace.

I must admit, that my time with Jesus has been somewhat scarce as of late, but I am hoping to turn that around. Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege of spending a fair bit of time with a friend who has felt compelled to go into this upcoming year with less of a desire to want stuff and want more of Jesus and she has challenged me to do the same. It's a powerful statement to make. Can I allow Jesus to be all I want and need? What does that look like in my life? I'm not entirely certain that I have answers for the second question yet. 

I continue to crave the presence of Jesus in every part of my life - the incarnate God. Immanuel. God with us. My heart longs to see and feel the intense presence of Jesus. My day begins with praise and acknowledgement of the faithfulness Jesus has bestowed upon me - for his leading and guiding in the day to day. I pray that my eyes would be opened to the fingerprints of God throughout the day. God answers prayer. My eyes have been opened on many occasions and I have rejoiced in the discoveries of his presence. They are awestruck, life-giving, joyous moments. Is this what wanting Jesus looks like?

I admit that it has become easy to become aware and meet with Jesus in the comfort of my room. It's a safe place. There are few distractions. Jesus and I have quality time spent within those four walls. But what about in other parts of my life? Can Jesus be all that I desire and want in my workplace? Within my conversation with friends? Within my lifestyle choices? There's a beautiful sweater that I want at Gap. Does the wanting of Jesus trump my material wants? My hunch is, not always.

Over the course of the months ahead, I am striving to make Jesus all I want. To transform my life in order to be attentive to the Holy Spirit and the presence of Jesus. I desire the fruit of the spirit to seep out from every pore in my body. I have some difficult relationships to restore and forgive despite how difficult confrontation and forgiveness can be. 

"Jesus, be present in all aspects of my life"

I am entering 2009 with some rather large goals and wants, but I think I can do it. There are still a few rays of sunshine beaming down through the living room window, so I'm going to soak in the sun with my puppy beside me, a good book and tea in hand and a new want in my heart.

More Birthday Wishes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SABRINA!!!!

Sabrina,
I hope that today you have a wonderful day celebrating you!! (even though G is sick) - May the little things in your day remind you that you are loved. I can't wait to celebrate this next year of life with you. You are a dear and special friend.
I enjoy our Jesus talks immensely and always leave our time together excited about where each of us is going in our journeys. You are never afraid to ask the tough questions in life and I love that. Thank you for challenging me in many areas of my life. You are a blessing.
My prayer for you today is that this next year ahead of you would continue to be one of growth in Jesus. May you continue to learn what it means and looks like to want Jesus above all. May you be attentive to the presence of Jesus in your life in a very authentic way. I love you very much and I am so very blessed to have you a part of my life.

My Man is Growing Up!

A very special man in my life is 6 years old today. It's hard to fathom the fact that he is growing up (and far too quickly might I add). I remember the first day I laid eyes on this boy - he and I were instantly attached at the age of 6 weeks old. We became inseparable at times. I have enjoyed every moment watching this guy grow up into a fine young boy and I am excited to celebrate this very special day with him.



Cole,
I can't believe how big and grown up you have become. You continue to be a light in my life and constantly bring me smiles. I love the questions you ask and I am constantly amazed at how intuitive you are - kinda scary sometimes :) I love your special Cole hugs and your silly kisses. I love curling up on the couch with you to watch a movie or some cartoons. I love going swimming with you and then going for yummy treats afterwards. I just love spending time with you. I enjoy our Kara/Cole dates so much. I know that we haven't had as much time to spend with each other in the last 6 months and that so much has changed for you this past year (and not always for the good), but Cole, I am so proud of you and I love you to the moon and back. I hope and pray that this next year you would continue to grow, with Jesus and in yourself. My prayer for you is that you would find much joy in the world around you despite what comes your way. I am also praying that you and me get to spend lots more time with each other because I sure miss you an awful lot!!!

I love you so much Mr. Magoo - more then I could ever let you know.

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY COLE!!!!