Water Fast

Well, we made it through Easter.

I don't mean for that to sound terrible.  Really I don't.

But for ministry families, holidays can be a tough time.  Especially when you are in a new area, and haven't really established yourself fully yet.

But I didn't start this post to complain, so I'll stop!

I do have some great news.

The week of Easter our church decided to do a water fast.  They asked those who wanted to participate, to abstain from all beverages other than water for one week, and give the money they saved to help dig water wells in Uganda.

So, Mike and I decided that we would participate, and asked our kids if they would want to also.

They said "YES!"

We explained to them, that it meant, only water.  While I know other families made exceptions for their kids and allowed them to have milk, Mike and I asked them to abstain from all drinks except water. 

That meant not even milk on cereal!

They all agreed.

They did great!  I am so proud of them!  They really thought a lot about why they were giving up these other beverages and were so excited to give the money we saved to those who need it much more than we do!

Really, it is such a small sacrifice on our part, to give something life saving to someone else.   

I can't wait to find out how much money we raised as a church for clean water!

Kristen

Listening...

This journey we are all on is an unpredictable one.

I am finding this statement to be more and more true as the days go by.

If we think we are in control, even for a second, we are fooling ourselves.

Another true statement.

For about the last six months Mike and I have been wrestling with God. He wanted us to step out, make a change and trust Him.

We were comfortable.

We were fighting Him, because the change He wanted would take us out of our comfort zone. It would mess up our plans and make us rely more on Him.

We were miserable.

Miserable because when you fight God's will, you WILL feel conflicted.

You will feel unsatisfied.

You will feel discontented.

And until you give in and listen to Him, those feelings will not go away.

This is where Mike and I found ourselves about six months ago. After several months of not understanding these feelings we finally gave in and told God we would listen and obey.

He moved quickly.

Once we agreed to follow His will, there was peace where there was conflict.

There was satisfaction.

There was contentment.

Even in the midst of the change, which is heartbreaking, overwhelming, and scary there was this amazing amount of calm.

Now as we find ourselves leaving our friends (who are really our family) we are sad but hopeful. We will miss The Orchard, the people who have loved us, and those who have worked with us in ministering to God's people. Those people will be in our hearts forever. We are not just friends but so much more and distance can not destroy that.

Even though we are sad to leave what has been our home for the last five years, we look forward to what awaits us on the next leg of the journey.

Kristen

Joshi's Leadership Lesson

Joshi just read a great book for school. It is called "Yonder Mountain A Cherokee Legend" told by Robert Bushyhead and written by Kay Bannon. What a great story!

The story is about a great chief who has aged and knows it is time to pass on his position to a younger man among his people. He calls three young men who he thinks might fill the spot. He tells them they must travel to the top of the mountain yonder. He tells them to bring back what they find there.

The first man goes part way up, finds beautiful rocks and says he shall bring them back, for they will brings his people money.

The chief tells him he has done well, but they must wait to see what the others bring back.

The second one goes a little farther up and brings back herbs, to heal the people. The chief also tells him he did well, but they must wait for the last man.

Several days pass, and the last man finally comes back, empty handed. When he gets to the chief he tells him that he went to the top of the mountain, and it was a tough road, but when he got up there he saw a signal from somewhere beyond, there are people there that need help.

And this is my favorite part:

Sounding Eagle rose to his feet. "Chief Sky," he pleaded. "We need to go to them quickly. They are in trouble."

Chief Sky stood straight before his people and the three young men. Pausing for a time, he lifted his eyes to the mountains and watched the mist settle on the peaks. He then turned to his people and spoke. "We need a leader who has climbed to the top of the mountain. We need one who has seen beyond the mountain to other people who are in need." (Bushyhead and Kay Bannon, Yonder Mountain)

Wow.

I love the way the chief was looking for someone who was brave enough to travel outside their reach, and then notice the need of others. Where the other two men brought back good things, they didn't risk it all and go to the top; they didn't see beyond the needs of their own people.

I couldn't help but relate this to the church today. One of the things I love and respect about the leadership at The Orchard is the way our focus, as a church, is constantly being directed on those outside the church walls. And it isn't about trying to convince anyone that Christ is the way to go; it is about loving others without an agenda. Christ can do His own work, we just need to love and He will do the rest.

And so I say to the church everywhere, we need leaders who are willing to travel the rough road and see the people who are in need, and then act.

What Does Your T-Shirt Say?

Once again, school is overtaking everything!

Love my classes this semester. Lots of art, literature, and philosophical analysis and interpretation. I am enjoying it, and trying to get everything I can out of it. After these classes just two more next semester and I graduate!

Kids are doing great in school.

Faith started using Video Text Interactive this year for Pre-Algebra and Algebra. We are really loving it and can't recommend it enough! Bit pricey, but really well worth the price, so far. Going to find out in the next month or so, what our options are for Faith going to high school part time. Pretty sure I don't want it to be a full day, and neither does she, but would like the access to activities offered there. We shall see.

Great things at the Orchard. Awesome to be involved in a place that cares about the community. One that realizes that it is all about unconditional love for people and not love with an agenda. Loved the song from this weekend Mike did "T-Shirts" by Derek Webb . The lyrics say it all:

they'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear
they'll know us by the way we point and stare
at anyone whose sin looks worse than ours
who cannot hide the scars of this curse that we all bare

they’ll know us by our picket lines and signs
they’ll know us by the pride we hide behind
like anyone on earth is living right
and isn’t that why Jesus died
not to make us think we’re right

chorus
when love, love, love
is what we should be known for
love, love, love
it’s the how and it’s the why
we live and breathe and we die

they’ll know us by reasons we divide
and how we can’t seem to unify
because we’ve gotta sing songs a certain style
or we’ll walk right down that aisle
and just leave ‘em all behind

they’ll know us by the billboards that we make
just turning God’s words to cheap clichés
says “what part of murder don’t you understand?”
but we hate our fellow man
and point a finger at his grave

chorus
they'll know us by the t-shirts that we wear
they'll know us by the way we point and stare
telling ‘em their sins are worse than ours
thinking we can hide our scars
beneath these t-shirts that we wear

What a sad commentary about the christian community. Love that the Orchard is all about letting people know what we stand for, instead of what we stand against. Jesus loved the people, hung with the sinners, and criticized the religious community. So if we want to be true Christ-followers we should be loving people where they are at and showing them the love they need, not telling them all the things they do wrong, as if we ourselves are blameless.

Okay, that's it for now.

Kristen

Mytatstory.com

I am being blown away by the stories on mytatstory! If you haven't checked it out, do it. You will be amazed.

Have I mentioned how much I love the Orchard recently?

Kristen

Seth's 8!!

Yesterday was the day Seth was waiting for all week.

About driving me crazy!

He was so excited about his birthday. Just couldn't wait for the day. It wasn't about getting presents because Mike and I had already given him his present earlier in the week, roller blades. I am convinced he just really loves being the center of attention.

He got up Saturday morning and opened up his gifts from his sisters and brother, two shirts and two Funkeys(if you don't know what they are you must not have kids in the 8-10 year old range.) Kylee bought the Funkeys and told me he could use her port even though that might mean sharing her funky coins. So kind.

Then we went to the free Saturday morning movie as a family! It was a treat to be together, since Mike was gone to a conference for a good part of the week, and didn't get home until 12:30 Friday night or is that Saturday morning? Whatever. We saw Spiderwick, which we have on DVD, but it was so good on the big screen, we all loved it!

Next took him to Red Robin, where he ate himself silly and got sung to. He is such a ham, he ate it up!

I let the kids play for the rest of the day with friends, till we had to get to church. I bought him a big bag (90 pieces) of candy to take and share with his friends at church. This is where his very generous spirit comes out, he had two pieces, every child in Wahabu was given two pieces, and he came out with a few left in the bag. But instead of keeping them for himself, he proceeded to go through the building giving away the rest of his candy to smaller children, who weren't in Wahabu, and adults.

He gave it all away! That just blows me away. I can't wait to watch him as he grows , and watch this generous spirit grow with him. He is going to do huge things!

So next week is his party. This year since we are doing "one friend parties" he chose Philip, and Mike is going to take the boys to play laser tag and bowl next Friday night. And he is having his first sleep over ever!!!!!

Wish me luck.

Kristen

Fixed Hour of Prayer

So if you go to the Orchard you know what I am talking about.

But if not, here is the deal. All of us at the Orchard are participating in a week of fixed hour of prayer. Three times a day we are getting twitter updates to remind us to pray. Then you can go to the Orchard blog and read the prayer for that particular time. This is just a powerful tool. Not something you have to do, but something you can choose to do to bring you closer to the One who made you.

With all that has been going on around here, I didn't' realize how much I needed this. These last weeks have brought lots to talking with God. I talk to God all day. Sometimes I think he may get tired of my voice. But I admit that praying scripture isn't something that I do often. I have always worried that for me that would be unauthentic.

Let me tell you, it is rocking my world! I am sure there are lots of ways to look at these scriptures and the prayers that are so beautifully written around them, but they seem to be just what I need this week. Somehow they are saying exactly what my heart feels.

Here is the afternoon prayer, that I read about three times out loud, because it so clearly defined what I am feeling right now. But if you want to participate, sign up with Twitter, or just check out the prayers here morning, noon and night. You won't be sorry you did.

I am grateful. I am peaceful in the midst of turmoil. Praise God.

Kristen

The Gift of Laughter

I think God knew I needed a great laugh yesterday.

Before I begin with this story I need you to understand this is a true story.

Yesterday, when walking into the church building, for Saturday service, Seth found a cricket. He, of course, picked it up and put it in his shirt pocket. He was very excited about having a cricket in his pocket and was telling, and showing, everyone walking down the hall.

I dropped him off at class with his cricket.

After the service is when I heard the rest of the story.

Well, you see in Wahabu when they collect the offering from the kids they have a boy and a girl bucket. So as the offering bucket came around(you all ready know where this is going don't you?) Seth put in his money, and his cricket. He told me he thought the cricket was worth at least another 2 dollars.

The teacher started counting the money, the cricket jumped and scared her, at which point the offering went flying.

And although Seth and all the boys thought the cricket was worth an extra two dollars for the boys collection, unfortunately, sweet Ms. Kathrine, told them that actually it was minus 5. Too bad for the boys.

When Seth told me this story after church I laughed and laughed then asked him "Really?"

I verified the story with Ms. Kathrine and found it to be accurate.

Thanks, I needed that.

Kristen

Saturday Night

Really, really tired.

Just got home. We left our house Friday at 12p.m. It is 7:37 p.m. Saturday.

Yesterday the viewing went incredibly well. So many people came to pay their respects. Todd touched so many lives. Their boys were amazing. I was so proud of them and I know their dad would have been. The pictures were hard to look at. Still too sad for me.

Today, I missed most of the graveside time, Faith was feeling faint and nauseous.

The celebration service was perfect. The worship team honored Todd with some excellent worship time. I held it together pretty well. Except when Mike was talking about his friend.

But the hardest part of my day was coming back to the building tonight and going to Saturday night service. I felt like it was all so geared towards me. I have been so angry at God this week, at times telling Him I would never sing to him again, I felt very convicted of my attitude. God is still in control and knows what is going on. He deserves better than what I have been offering Him this week. But during worship time tonight I think I was able to sort some of this stuff out. I was able to praise God again, for who He is and for His love and power. I think maybe that is the beginning to some healing.

So now I am exhausted and I am going to go to bed.

Keep praying for Paula and the boys.

Kristen

Better Pictures

I promised I would post better pictures of Seth's baptism, and there are some fabulous shots on Mike's blog.

Go check them out!

Kristen

Baptism Pictures

What can I say? It was an incredible day from beginning to end. The music in the morning, the talk from God's heart through Scott's mouth, the amazing stories of hope, the gorgeous weather, family to hang out with, fantastic food, and of course the highlight of the day, over 125 people baptized. One of which was my son. I got to be in the water with him and help pull him out of the water to be reborn. Just writing that brings tears to my eyes.

Yes, I was crying before he came up. I was crying tears of joy for all the other people that I had the honor of being next too in the water, as they made this huge, exciting pronouncement of their faith. Seeing the excitement in them, the promise of hope and new life. Amazing.

And yes, I really lost it when Seth came up for his turn. Thankfully, he was the last one his daddy and I got the privilege of baptizing yesterday.

Stacey, my sister-in-law did her best with my horrible camera, but I am hoping there will be some fabulous pictures of the whole day, including my Seth, soon.

And when the video is available I will post that too.

And finally, I just need to stress to you that if you are in the area next year, or you can be in the area for this event, do it. It will change your life. I promise you. You will never forget it.

Kristen

Mom's Day

Well I didn't throw up, faint or have some sort of attack while on stage this weekend!

And I have to say it was totally worth the anxiety! I feel completely honored and blessed to have been included in the mother's day panel for "That's What She Said" this weekend at the Orchard. Man, those women were awesome and there is so much to learn from their stories and life experience.

I don't know if what I had to say was as life changing as the other women but I am so glad to have been included. I have felt a passion for ministering to moms for a long time, but haven't really heard God's voice on how He wanted me to do that. So although speaking in front of a room full of people, three times, was very scary for me, and definitely not my plan, I was so excited to get an opportunity to do what I have felt I have been called to do for quite some time.

What I do know is that I love being a mom! And I have had all kinds of experiences in these last 11 (almost 12!) years of momhood. I hope that some of my passion came out and that I can maybe be a help to other moms who maybe struggling with some of the same things I have struggled with.

I am thinking about posting some of the questions we were asked on the questionnaire, in preparation for this last weekend, and my answers.

Hope you had a great Mom's day weekend!

Kristen

Barbecue and Baptism

Yesterday was an incredible day. It has taken me until almost two o'clock Monday to be able to start assembling my thoughts into words. I still don't think I am quite there yet. I have never experienced anything quite like what happened at the Barbecue and Baptism yesterday.

Church was awesome yesterday morning the band was hot and the teaching was excellent. Then we grabbed something to eat and headed back for the barbecue and baptism. There were jumpy things and such for the kids to play on and I got to talk to so many people. Lots of great conversations and even met a couple home school moms new to The Orchard!

Then the food, which was out of this world. It was catered, no scary pot luck meals, and so delicious. My boys licked their plates! After about 10 minutes of eating there was a pretty serious cloud burst which had my husband scrambling, for the speakers set up outside, but everything made it out okay.

After some serious prayer about the weather the clouds moved out and the sun came through and we headed next door to the water park. It shut down for the evening and Orchard took over. Mike and I got to help to baptize some of the over 100 people who took the plunge yesterday. It was incredible. I don't have any other words to describe the look on these people faces as they came up out of the water. Awesome. I feel truly blessed and honored that I was allowed the privilege to take part in this day.

The joy, the tears, the life-change, incredible.

You Got To Check This Out!

This is hilarious. Scott Hodge the lead Pastor at Orchard has the promo video for the Barbecue and Baptism, that is coming up in August, on his blog. If you have a chance to check it out it is pretty funny.

One of the many things that they do really well at the Orchard is producing original videos.

They blow me away with their creativity.

I love that Mike and I can be a part of what is going on here at the Orchard!!

Kristen

Wow!!

What a great day!! All I can say is Wow!! I feel totally whooped. And if I feel this way you can imagine how the staff at the Orchard must feel!! They are awesome!! Here and here are links to the big egg drop with pics and a summary!!

Thanks Orchard staff and volunteers!!

Kristen

Easter Egg Drop?

My kids are freaking out!! They can not wait until Saturday. Our church is hosting it's first egg drop. A helicopter is going to drop 10,000 eggs into the field at the church and then the kids get to scramble for the eggs. They are so excited! Every morning when they get up I get the,"Only --- more days till the egg drop!!" report. It is going to be awesome.

Four services this weekend, two on Saturday and two on Sunday morning with the egg drop in between the two Saturday services.

We are all looking forward to it!!

Kristen

Great to be Back

Did I happen to mention what a great day it was yesterday? Let's see there are so many reasons why.

Let's start with the fact that I have not been to The Orchard for several weeks because of the kids sickness and then our trip. I missed it!! It was great to be back. There is no place like it!! The service was awesome. The video was inspiring and exciting. Scott's talk was pumped up and the music was HOT!!! The first few songs had great energy and you could feel the Spirit all around. But the last song was on fire!! Mike and the team did a little garbage can banging at the beginning and end of the Noise We Make. It was so awesome. Scott even jumped up on stage and grabbed a can. I can't do it justice you really had to be there. Then, I got be a small group leader in Wahabu land. I love my 1st and 2nd grade girls!! They are so awesome. What a great day!!

Then the weather was so gorgeous, I actually drove home with all of the windows down on the van. Came home opened all the windows of the house and enjoyed the awesome breeze.

After that I threw together some Fet Kook, curry chicken and curry lentils. Todd and Paula came over and we enjoyed our meal and played some cards.

What a great day!!

Kristen

You Know You Have A Great Church When....

You tell your kids that we can't go to church because one of them is still recovering from an illness, and they ALL begin to mope!!!

Kristen