tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205269962024-03-23T14:10:08.735-04:00Divine ContradictionThe blog of writer and radio host, Kristen McNulty.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-53840787910751161952015-06-05T10:59:00.001-04:002015-06-05T10:59:03.590-04:00This Blog Has MovedYou can now find me blogging over at <a href="http://www.kristenmcnulty.com/">www.kristenmcnulty.com</a>.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-78277502995407356062014-10-29T17:51:00.003-04:002014-10-29T17:52:20.808-04:00Thoughts on Job<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">Out of all the things God could of placed in the bible, He gave us a whole book in Job about the questions that surround the pain in our lives. That leads me to believe two things:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">1. It's okay to question.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 24px;">2. When we are in pain, God is there listening and loving.</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-9313154526085980222014-06-26T16:27:00.000-04:002014-06-26T16:27:08.353-04:00New RecipesThis summer it's my goal to try out as many new recipes as possible. It's my attempt to both expand my horizons and also to learn how to become a better cook.<br />
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Since we all seem to be searching for good recipes I decided to share some of my favourites so far.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.idigpinterest.com/2013/06/bacon-wrapped-teriyaki-chicken-and.html" target="_blank">Bacon Wrapped Chicken & Pineapple Kabobs</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglliY5z1WnciZ2oKmoJUbYZ3_WfPuRTkUd7Z_1mp68XGZcc0iuEYWI9BaOj7FlSOWhz0XZ0ZBJljxrFw0H2wco7nMtObXuAYk52qThk37Iiahs8m8-oqWDusRBWMeVTNIMI3BGig/s1600/10339635_10152461296279169_3413951191243430677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglliY5z1WnciZ2oKmoJUbYZ3_WfPuRTkUd7Z_1mp68XGZcc0iuEYWI9BaOj7FlSOWhz0XZ0ZBJljxrFw0H2wco7nMtObXuAYk52qThk37Iiahs8m8-oqWDusRBWMeVTNIMI3BGig/s1600/10339635_10152461296279169_3413951191243430677_n.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></b></div>
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I was having over a group of six people for dinner and decided to serve this for my main course and it didn't disappoint. <br />
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I made a teriyaki sauce to marinate the chicken in, then also used it as a sauce when barbecuing and the end result was quite tasty. Let's just say there were no leftovers that night!<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/bruschetta-n-cheese-stuffed-chicken-breasts-90708.aspx" target="_blank">Bruschetta 'n Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts</a></b><br />
I am a huge fan of bruschetta so this recipe caught my eye right away and it's another keeper. It was a time consuming process stuffing the breasts, but very much worth it. I cooked these in the oven since it was a rainy day but next time will try them on the barbecue.<br />
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<b><a href="http://feelhungry.com/ground-beef-recipes" target="_blank">Ground Beef Tacos</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr3UYtY1m9GSajWcxGttyIhKLmtspEIVtagdZU2CUEIV2ac4-Tgutf7ppJjMGNBspjqJuaSFBEAwJoQRJpuekXAC9DYGN2ddTViExOpEswQ52TRYguO9CZc7tGQbWab36KnEdbQ/s1600/10247274_10152492905694169_8057467085741026501_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGr3UYtY1m9GSajWcxGttyIhKLmtspEIVtagdZU2CUEIV2ac4-Tgutf7ppJjMGNBspjqJuaSFBEAwJoQRJpuekXAC9DYGN2ddTViExOpEswQ52TRYguO9CZc7tGQbWab36KnEdbQ/s1600/10247274_10152492905694169_8057467085741026501_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></b></div>
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I had sadly never even tried a taco until a few years ago when my friend introduced me to them and right away I was a fan. When it came to cooking them myself I looked up quite a few different recipes and this is the one I settled on and was quite pleased with it. I cut back quite a bit on the chili powder because of my sensitive stomach and they still turned out great.<br />
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These can be done in a soft shell or hard shell and taste amazing when combined with a fresh lime drink (see right). I made a lime mojito's, using sparkling lime water (PC brand), half a lime quartered up, four fresh mint leaves and lots of ice. <br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-63250137132586394742014-06-12T13:14:00.000-04:002014-06-12T13:14:01.169-04:00New Website LaunchWhen I started my business I had a solid business plan but even the best plan can't prepare you for all the twists and turns that come with owning your own business. It's challenging but I truly am loving every minute of it!<br />
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You can check out the brand new website that was just launched for the business at <a href="http://www.jumpstartmedia.ca/">www.jumpstartmedia.ca</a> or like us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jumpstartmediacanada" target="_blank">facebook</a>!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-77337130883352242942014-05-11T21:59:00.003-04:002014-06-12T13:15:10.312-04:00Happy Mother's Day!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The word 'mother' is defined as "to watch over, nourish and protect maternally". And today that is what we celebrate. The ones who have given birth, yes, but also all women who teach us, serve us, nurture us, and encourage us.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The women in the classroom who inspire us, the nurses who care for us, the aunts that spoil us, the neighbours who are dear to us and all the ladies who love on us. We appreciate your nurturing hearts and value the special places you hold in all of our lives!</span></span></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-51792804024281086362014-03-24T14:31:00.000-04:002014-03-24T14:31:06.696-04:00Wise Words from Thomas Merton<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“Surrender your own poverty and acknowledge your nothingness to the Lord. Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” (Thomas Merton)</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-59505518927893282392014-02-22T03:28:00.000-05:002014-03-03T20:16:58.077-05:00My Love Of Ice Fishing & Its MisconceptionsI've fished since a very young age, but it's only been the last couple of years that I've really gotten into ice fishing. When some people hear that I love to ice fishing I'm usually greeted with blank stares or looks of disbelief. After all what sane person would trek across ice in freezing weather in the hopes of landing a fish and call it fun?<br />
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As it turns out, there are many of us.<br />
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The thing about ice fishing is it's not at all like it seems. Here are some common misconceptions and my response to them:<br />
<br />
1. But I'll freeze<br />
Not so if you are smart about it. If you dress for the weather with a good winter jacket, snow pants and boots built for cold weather, you'll be fine. And for those really cold days most of us have shelters we use with heaters inside that are great for warming up or even for fishing in.<br />
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2. It's boring<br />
Ice fishing is fun when you first off, go where the fish are and the action you'll get is pretty exciting and secondly, when you don't approach your time on the ice as a Lone Ranger does. When I'm out on the ice I never go alone, there's usually a crowd of family and friends and we talk, share food, cheer each other on when someone calls 'fish on' and make it about community, not just sport. <br />
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3. It's dangerous<br />
Again not so if you are smart about it. Going ice fishing in warmer climates where lakes see little ice is a no-no, as is going on rivers with strong currents or on water connected to a dam. Where I live it gets pretty cold in the winter and with the cold weather comes a few feet of ice on the lake, which is more than enough to support people, trucks, I've even seen a helicopter land more than once without breaking through. Pick a lake that you know gets more than a few inches or ask around to see where locals leave their huts and you can find a good, safe spot.<br />
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My closing adage is don't knock something until you try it!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/60927274?byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/60927274">Captured TV - Official Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/vantagepointmediahouse">Vantage Point Media House</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-90977639099475404182014-02-10T02:02:00.002-05:002014-02-10T02:02:47.226-05:00Some Lasts<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Sleepover: My nephew came over last month. Cute story: he woke up after midnight and I heard him so went into his room and asked him what he was doing out of bed. He then looked at me and very suspiciously asked "what are you doing auntie Krisy? Are you playing down there?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Text Message: Just over an hour ago from an amazing person & friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Hot Chocolate: Christmas time, I had a truly amazing one for me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Email: From one of my fellow Oversight Team members at the church today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Starbucks: On Thursday when I was in Toronto, stopped for one final Mocha on the way to the airport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Meal: Roast beef dinner with cauliflower, carrots and mashed potatoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Song You Loved: Counting Stars by OneRepublic</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Book You Loved: Love Does by Bob Goff</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Place You Loved: Our ice fishing spot out on the lake (what can I say, I'm a true northerner!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Thing You Borrowed: A DVD from a dear friend</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Thing You Let Someone Borrow: Ironically also DVD's to dear friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Plans You Cancelled: Had to cancel quite a few plans with friends recently because of health issues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Time You Wrote And It Wasn't For Work: Did some last week, but lately it's been more editing than writing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Time You Missed Someone: Heard a song on the radio the other day that really reminded me of someone, bittersweet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Words: Never doubt that the smallest things we do for others can really make the biggest differences.</span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-36985179258258800352014-01-31T02:58:00.004-05:002014-01-31T02:58:58.034-05:00Songs On RepeatSongs that keep being put on repeat in my office, on my phone and in my car:<div>
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<b>Ben Rector - Sailboat</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rRyXY4oo21A?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<b>Laura Story - I Can Just Be Me</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MVLRdOl_1gI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<b>Tim Hageland - Just To Know You</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OlhxL-_SM_o?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<b>Samestate - Hurricane</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_viWZSdbWjk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div>
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-24747437687860370182014-01-23T02:27:00.001-05:002014-01-23T02:27:22.156-05:00Latest Devotional: Riding BlindfoldedA few weeks ago my brother took me out for a ride on his new ski do. Because it was new he didn't have a lot of helmet selection and so instead of a heated helmet I put on a rather cold motorcycle helmet. That might not seem like a big deal, the helmet wasn't designed for minus twenty degree weather and in no time the face mask was iced, blocking my vision which was already limited because it was dark outside.<br />
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So I found myself sitting on the back of this rather fast moving sled, tearing through trials but can't see a thing. I couldn't see any obstacles up ahead, I couldn't prepare to lean the right way, nothing. My safety was in my brothers hands and there was nothing I could do but stay seated and try to enjoy the ride, trusting that he would not put me in harms way or get us stuck and stranded in the middle of nowhere.<br />
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So I gripped the handle bars next to me to keep me on the machine and allowed myself to relax into the seat. And you know what? Not only did we make it back in one piece but I really, really enjoyed the ride. I believe there is a lesson to be learned in all of this.<br />
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Maybe right now your life circumstances have you feeling like you're blinded and just along for the ride on a machine that someone else is steering. Maybe you can't see what comes next and you're afraid because you have no control over any of the outcomes in your life. Maybe you've been in this place for so long, riding blindfolded and hanging on for dear life, that you're exhausted and can't imagine going on like this for another hour, let alone an other day, week or month.<br />
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I get it. Life can be scary and confusing and at times even misleading. But there is something that I figured out along the way that I hope you understand and that is: <b>just because your world seems to be spinning doesn't mean it's out of control. </b><br />
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God, the creator of the heavens and the earth not only created you and gave you life, but he's in the drivers seat. God didn't create us and throw us onto this planet to be left alone to wander through it all. No, if you have accepted Him as Lord and are following Him, then you are only stepping in the exact place that He is leading!<br />
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It might not make sense. You might not see where you are going. But that doesn't mean you've been abandoned and there is no purpose to the plan. Let's look at a few verses.<br />
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Isaiah 41:10 NLT<br />
"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."<br />
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Proverbs 16:9 NLT<br />
"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."<br />
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Psalm 37:23-24 NLT<br />
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."<br />
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Not only does God direct our steps, but he delights in every detail and holds our hands. When the car breaks down, when our bank account is empty, when the doctor gives the diagnosis, when our future seems uncertain. God is in control and He never leaves us alone to be tossed by the waves. He steers, guides and directs us every step of the way. And when we know that the one steering is someone who loves us and protects us, we can sit back and learn to enjoy the ride, knowing that even when we can't see where we're going He knows and He's going to get us through.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-53239857627396814962014-01-17T03:21:00.001-05:002014-01-17T03:21:45.698-05:00WaitingLately it seems that I am spending more time waiting than doing. Being in this place, the place of waiting on an unknown outcome and not knowing if or when it will be revealed, means that I have had to learn to be content with just living out today and not looking too closely at tomorrow. It's hard and it really has tested me on where I am placing my trust, is it with the God I have committed myself to as a follower? Or is it all about me and my plans and my desires?<br />
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Last night I stumbled upon a familiar passage of scripture but read it in an unfamiliar translation:<br />
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Isaiah 40:27 (the message)<br />
<i>"Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,or, whine, Israel, saying,“God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out.</i><br />
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<i>He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall.</i><br />
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<i>But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, </i><br />
<i>They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind."</i><br />
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So once again I'm surrendering today and tomorrow to the God who knows everything inside out. And today I'm starting to once again feel wind beneath my wings as I remember who He is and how His plans are always worth waiting for.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-51995787887859825012014-01-02T03:09:00.001-05:002014-01-02T03:09:58.126-05:00My Favourites of 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Books, music and media are a huge part of my life. They inspire my faith, fuel my creativity and just make life all that more enjoyable. So I decided to take a look back on my favourite books, songs and albums of 2013. Not all of these were released this year but all were discovered and enjoyed by me over this last year. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Books (Non-fiction)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love Does - Bob Goff</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bread & Wine - Shauna Niequist</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kisses From Katie - Katie Davis</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Invisble Girls - Sarah Thebarge</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Resurrection Year - Sheridan Voysey</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honourable Mention: I Am Second - David Sterret & Doug Bender</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Books (Fiction)</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crossroads - William Paul Young</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Submerged - Dani Pettery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales - Randy Singer</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Chase - Diann Mills</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sycamore Row - John Grisham</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Albums</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crash My Party - Luke Bryan</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Christnas Gift To You - Johnny Reid </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Collapsible Lung - Relient K</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patterns - Cloverton </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loved - JJ Heller</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Honourable Mention: Rehearsals EP - the Digital Age </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Songs</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Broken - Bebo Norman</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chasing You - Bethel Music</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clouds - Zach Sobiech </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who You Are - JJ Heller</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark - Fall Out Boy</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Highway Don't Care - Tim McGraw </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All Too Well - Taylor Swift</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Draw The Line - Disciple </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't Blink - Relient K</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brave - Sara Bareilles </span></span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-64490616942440844042014-01-01T03:51:00.002-05:002014-01-01T03:51:41.095-05:00A New Year<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." (Philippians 3:13-14)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let 2014 be a year where we all run the race with endurance, looking only to Jesus and not the regrets of yesterday or the obstacles of tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-18088983319328747312013-12-23T16:05:00.001-05:002013-12-23T16:11:01.436-05:00When Christmas Isn't Perfect<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chances are this Christmas isn't going to be perfect.</span><br />
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Maybe there is going to be someone missing at the table. Or you'll have an encounter with a relative who will rub you the wrong way. Or perhaps yourself or someone you love is ill and the outlook is bleak.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some will let this stop their celebration of Christmas in its track. But Christmas isn't about perfect circumstances. If it was the Son of God would have been born in a palace with a royal audience, not in a stable with no one to usher Him in but animals and teenage parents.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas is about the light of the world entering our darkness and <u>changing everything</u>. Bridging the gap once and for all between God and humanity and providing peace, strength and guidance for our journeys on this earth.</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray this Christmas that will be the focus of your celebration: Jesus, who is God with us. May His joy fill your heart even where happiness is absent. May His peace calm your soul even where there is chaos. And may His love be evident to you always. Merry Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Isa-9-6" id="en-NKJV-17836" style="position: relative;">"For unto us a Child is born,</span><br /><span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;">Unto us a Son is given;</span><br /><span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;">And the government will be upon His shoulder.</span><br /><span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;">And His name will be called</span><br /><span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;">Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,</span><br /><span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;">Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-9-6" style="position: relative;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isaiah 9:6</span></span></div>
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-19913814074313192862013-12-08T01:19:00.000-05:002013-12-08T01:19:00.073-05:00Christmas Must Be Something MoreSomething to think about,<br />
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-44470962498776927992013-12-02T01:15:00.002-05:002013-12-02T01:15:34.191-05:00Christmas Anticipation<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Three Decembers ago at this time our entire family was anticipating the arrival of my brother and sister-in-law's first child.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">People who normally wouldn't be found anywhere near the baby aisles in stores were coming home with things they picked up for the new baby. Baby showers were being planned and thrown. As the due date approached I even found myself carrying my cell phone, which at the time was very out of character, just in case my sister in law might go into labour when I wasn't at home or near a phone. There's a certain level of anticipation that surrounds the coming of a new arrival in a family.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">At this time of year we all take a time out from our regular routines in order to celebrate the arrival of a baby who came to our earth over 2000 years ago. And I believe that if we don't add a similar element of anticipation and preparation into our celebrations we're missing out on something.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">When parents are getting ready to welcome a baby into their family and the due date is coming close they have to decide what's important and what's not when it comes to their time and attention. They shift outside responsibilities away from themselves so that they are free to focus and prepare for the baby. Think about it- how often do you see soon to be parents undertaking a huge project at work or starting renovations on a house? No, usually a soon to be parent is more focused on things like getting the baby's room ready or last minute reading on delivery.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">In the same way it would do all of us justice if we too stopped and examined what it is we are filling our time, energy and focus with as the days are quickly counting down before we celebrate the arrival of the Christ child.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Are we so busy with baking that we're neglecting the bible? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Are we so focused on presents that we are neglecting praise? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">re we so caught up in the rat race that we've forgotten what a gift of grace Jesus really is?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The Christmas season should be a time of family and friends, but not a time when those blessings overshadow Who this whole thing is really all about and that is the baby Jesus. The One who traveled the ultimate distance just to live on this earth and pay the ultimate price for all of our sins. That is the Christmas story, that is our story, and that is something worth preparing for, anticipating and celebrating!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-79370054852169990162013-11-19T19:51:00.002-05:002013-11-19T19:51:18.473-05:00Like Little ChildrenMignon McLaughlin once said,<br />
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<i>"Women gather together to wear silly hats, eat dainty food and forget how unresponsive their husbands are. Men gather to talk sports, eat heavy food and forget how demanding their wives are. Only where children gather is there any real chance of fun."</i><br />
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Ten years ago I would have questioned that quote but the older I get and the more time with kids I spend, I agree. Children don't worry about tomorrow or care about what other people think about them or spend endless amounts of time building a persona, they just allow themselves to be, to love, and have fun doing so.<br />
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I learned this lesson for the first time a few years back when over the period of a summer I spent many days looking after a five year old and I'm learning it again having a precious nephew in my life who is a toddler. Last weekend he spent at my place and he wasn't consumed by the bills that needed to be paid or worried about what was to come, he just wanted to be with the people he loved, having fun while doing so and so we did. We had a dance party in my office, played trains on the living room floor and pushed the monster truck around the house as fast as we could. And where I started my day consumed by all kinds of details and plans and worries, the more time I spent with him the more those things started to fade into the background and I felt myself come alive. So much so that I've had multiple comments since about how happy and at ease I look.<br />
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While my nephew is welcome to come over at any time and I hope we have many more memorable weekends together like this last one, I don't only want to live that way when I'm around him or the other kids that I love. I want to take what children have taught me and live it out everyday so that my life isn't one of a stressed out individual who is so consumed by the affairs of this life that I actual miss really living it and loving those around me. <br />
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Maybe that's why Jesus is so adamant that we become like little children because it is they who see life like it is and like it was always intended to be.<br />
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<i>"[Jesus said] truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."</i> (Matthew 18:3)<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-1800389516069693652013-11-15T13:33:00.001-05:002013-11-15T13:33:15.135-05:00It<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Amen.” </span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Craig Groeschel (It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It)</span><br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-38835146818086866282013-10-29T20:01:00.002-04:002013-10-29T20:01:47.975-04:00Walk Thru The Old TestamentLast weekend my church hosted a Walk Thru The Old Testament seminar and if you haven't taken one of these seminars yet, I can't recommend it enough.<br />
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It's one day and they go over the highlights of the Old Testament from beginning to end, using memory tricks and actions to help you not only remember the stories, but the chronology and even the geography. Before attending I was doubtful that I would be able to remember everything, but they lay it out in such a way that it's impossible not to.<br />
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They say that understanding the Old Testament is understanding God better and I definitely agree.
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Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-10919762593960278342013-10-18T13:41:00.002-04:002013-10-18T13:41:28.659-04:00Unresolved ConflictSome good thoughts on how dangerous unresolved conflict can be:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lrBu7G-znlc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-27490593788359056322013-10-07T19:50:00.004-04:002013-10-07T19:50:41.095-04:00Finding Still MomentsThis past weekend was a very busy one. It included two trips to the ER, travelling to Cochrane for a concert & interview & church, a work project, shopping, and birthday party. Yet even in the midst of running from one thing to the next I was reminded of the need to be still.<br />
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<i>“Be still, and know that I am God."</i> (Psalm 46:10)<br />
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<i>"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"</i> (Psalm 37:7)<br />
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<i>"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."</i> (Psalm 131:2)<br />
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<i>"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest."</i> (Matthew 11:28, The Message)<br />
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So while waiting in the ER waiting room I turned my smartphone off, I put away the book I had brought with me and I just sat there in silence. It was almost like letting out a breath I didn't know I had been holding. I felt my whole body relax as I just sat there in stillness and silence, allowing for a moment not labelled by a specific purpose other than silence in a weekend that was packed with oh so many moments already spoken for.<br />
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I'm thankful for those moments of silence and that was a reminder of my need to make the place for more in my life.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-30866683262281737922013-09-26T13:06:00.001-04:002013-09-26T13:06:36.959-04:00Have This Song On Repeat<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aCGJUcor30M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-16356337767141886802013-09-11T18:56:00.001-04:002013-09-11T18:56:23.393-04:00One Of The Reasons Why I Love My Church<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once a month our church has a special meeting called "VHS" which stands for Vision, Huddle, Skills. It's basically an opportunity for the congregation to get together with the leadership of the church and brainstorm ideas, find more information about future plans, and learn skills that will help us all serve in ministry.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The past Sunday night we got together to brainstorm ideas for the new small groups ministry that they are launching and it was an amazing experience to be able to sit around a table with fellow believers from all walks of life and come up with ideas that the leadership can use as they try to lead our church in the direction we feel God is calling us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It reminds me of something Andy Stanley says in "The Best Question Ever", that wisdom often comes from unlikely sources and the wise person seeks out advice and input instead of running from it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"</i><span style="line-height: 19.453125px;"><i>Wise people know when they don't know. The fool is the person who convinces himself that he knows more than he really knows and doesn't need to ask anybody anything. At the end of the day, the wise man breathes a sigh of relief; the fool, a sigh of regret." </i>(Andy Stanley)</span></span></div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-40665089734468833692013-08-26T21:14:00.005-04:002013-08-26T21:14:54.589-04:00My Favorite Place<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhqy0RrjGcfs-8KrWog8NWz5FsKv67BKJWfiXnyyHWzYPIlcqBJF3xDRPKOTnKvSOnfKiEbOVL_9QPGbBQi63fZmrBXllc-W4SmXjqRXvhMFsYo6-RwU7QCOvDvrsa1F7niPz8g/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhqy0RrjGcfs-8KrWog8NWz5FsKv67BKJWfiXnyyHWzYPIlcqBJF3xDRPKOTnKvSOnfKiEbOVL_9QPGbBQi63fZmrBXllc-W4SmXjqRXvhMFsYo6-RwU7QCOvDvrsa1F7niPz8g/s320/photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading by the lake. Highly recommend this book!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This past week I spent out at the cottage and truly there is nothing like it. </div>
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Not only is it a place to retreat to and get away from the busyness of life, but since I've been going there for as far back as I can remember it's also a spot that is chock-full of memories.</div>
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Like the time my two cousins and I camped out in a tent outside and <b>stayed up all night</b> laughing and having a blast while our parents were in the cottage unaware of what was going on until we were caught on our bikes at six in the morning.</div>
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Or the time when someone got spilled on by a glass of water and<b> it turned into the biggest water fight I'd ever</b> seen with everyone from kids to seniors taking part.</div>
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Or the year when I invited the college and careers group I was leading out for a day of <b>Olympic Games</b> that started with sparklers and an opening ceremony and included a canoe race to the island where you had to get out and do five jumping jacks before racing back in the canoe. It was such a hit that the following year I invited everyone back for a whole weekend and it was a memory making weekend of our own little retreat there and it's something that the people are still talking about to this day.</div>
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Or the weeks when I was younger and we'd go out with our grandparents and they would insist on doing all of our chores because "kids should have fun" and then they'd act like kids themselves with us: going for bike rides, having intense Scrabble tournaments, <b>even playing touch football with us</b>!</div>
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At the cottage every room has a story, <b>every inch a memory</b>, and to this day it's still my favorite place to be. It's also the place where I feel most inspired.</div>
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I love sitting around the campfire telling stories and sharing memories <b>while the fire crackles and pops</b>.</div>
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I love racing down the road that circles the lake on my bike and even though my injury prevented me from doing so this year, I loved walking and yes sometimes limping down that path.</div>
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I love <b>pulling on my favorite sweater</b> when the sun goes down and the temperature with it and walking through the leaves in the fall.</div>
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I love bringing friends out to experience this part of my world and seeing them come embrace it as well. </div>
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And I love that <b>all of these things happen at a place that isn't technically my own but feels like it is</b>. My very generous aunt had a dream for a place that was simple and peaceful and would always be accessible and available to others and I have benefited from it time and time again. </div>
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I once heard it said that <b>those who are blessed enough to be at the lake are blessed enough</b>; I couldn't agree more.</div>
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20526996.post-19228894844931686212013-08-14T01:45:00.002-04:002013-08-14T01:45:23.329-04:00Giving Up The Balancing ActMany times it's seemed to me that life is a balancing act. There are so many things vying for my time and attention and if I balance them just right then I can pull it all off and all is well in my world. But what I've been learning is that <b>the whole concept of a balancing act in many cases is nothing more than an illusion</b>. Let me explain.<br />
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Many of the urgent things that shout for my time and fill up my calendar at least aren't things that need to be on my plate in the first place. Society, false messages and just ourselves can have us believe that unless we are balancing a and b and c and d, and don't forget about e, then we are somehow cheating ourselves and the people around us. What I've been learning is that I often when I'm cheating myself, God or others it doesn't come down to my balancing skills, <b>it comes down to filling my plate with things that should have never been there to begin with.</b><br />
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As a result I'm learning to define my life, and thus my time, by a very strict list of priorities, constantly reminding myself that <b>urgent doesn't mean essential</b> and that one day God is going to ask me what I did with what He placed in front of me and I'm going to be accountable for that; not for what I placed myself in front of or in the middle of.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07623690895044366069noreply@blogger.com2