I finally went to the DMV this morning… stood in line for 45 minutes or so, and emerged with a Kansas License plate. Now I just need to do the driver’s license thing…
Over the last week and half or so, Spring has finally arrived. Grass is turning green, flowers and trees are blooming. It’s really quite pretty, and I’m enjoying it!
I have one very sharp knife from Ikea - that I love, it’s very handy, and did I mention that it’s very sharp. I have a tendency to knick myself with it every once in a while, like last night - I really should be more careful.
I have watched the final episode of Felicity - I’m so sad to come to the end of a show, I need another good one to start watching… any suggestions?
I’ve been sitting in front of my computer this morning trying to figure out what to work on next, and being a little paralyzed by the long list, thus the post.
Life has been busy the past two weeks, but the good kind of busy for the most part.
Does anyone else ever look around at situations and circumstances and go wow, we really live in a fallen world? Seems to be a lot of reminders of that around me lately. Not just one or two, but an over abundance. Thankful I have Jesus, and the grace he offers, praying that others in the situations around me, are blessed by his grace too!
So there’s some randomness for the day…
oh, one last thing - it really irritates me when people (we rotate turns) restock the pop fridge at work haphazardly. Instead of taking inventory as to what kinds of soda needs restocking they just throw a lot of one kind in, so that it’s full. No fun digging for the one diet dr. pepper that’s at the very back of the fridge. It’s my turn this week, so I’m making sure I restock appropriately, and keep it neat and organized. :)
In one word - SURPRISING!
Sounds like a “desperate” title, and on the cover it says “be dating in 6 months or your money back”. The title and cover are deceiving. A clever ploy to get people to read a book that turns out is really about being an emotionally healthy person. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up (based on the cover/title) except for a friend was talking to me about it, and I realized it’s written by Dr. Henry Cloud who co-authored two other great books (Boundaries, and Safe People), that I would recommend. My friend also said the book changed her life. I know her well enough to know that she wasn’t just talking about dating, it was more than that. So, at that point I decided I had to read it. I ordered it on Amazon, and it came last week. I just finished it on Sunday night - and I would absolutely recommend it!
Here are some basic thoughts that the book communicates:
If you don’t think that you are dating enough, or that you’re dating the right people, the problem is probably you.
Dating is a tool that we can use to learn and grow ourselves, to figure out what our patterns are and change them.
The goal of dating is not marriage but to become a better, whole version of yourself.
You are only going to find someone worth keeping once you are being a happy, healthy, whole person.
It basically touches on some real common problems, that cause some real serious issues in relationships - some of which I have experienced, which I’m sure you have too at one point or another. I thought it was very insightful.
Read it - even if you are married it might be helpful insight into relationships in general, plus you’ll be able to give some sound encouragement and advice to your single friends.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Luke 4:18-19
As I mentioned before, I’m going to India, and words can’t express how excited I am to be God’s arms to the people there. I can’t sleep tonight, just thinking about it. I read an article today about Gary Haugan, and International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). He spoke at Saddleback shortly after I went to California. The work they are doing is incredible. The task of ministering to the poor and oppressed is intimidating. It makes me feel so small. God has recently reminded me, that yes I am small, but he is big, and he can use whatever small part I’m willing to play.
So I’m going to India - to play a small part. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I go. That I would have Christ’s heart for these people. I will be praying that God would stir your hearts, and that in some way you would join the efforts to end poverty, social injustice, and the unnecessary spread of disease.
If some of you willing hearts would like to support me financially on this trip. It would be much appreciated. You can mail your donation to:
Westside Family Church
8500 Woodsonia Dr.
Lenexa, KS 66227
Just notate in the memo that it is for Krissie Allen/India Aug. ‘07
We have a big God!
I love my church, and what God is able to do through the willing hearts that make it up. Right now we are in the middle of a stewardship campaign for Come Together. All money goes to “Extend the Borders” which includes building fund, regional campuses and global missions efforts. Basically our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the world. (on a side note, I love that we do our “building fund” like this, when it’s not really about a building, but about expanding the kingdom)
Anyway, as part of the campaign, we were going to all worship together on a Sunday in April at a local minor league stadium. Two weekends ago, Pastor Dave announced that although worshiping together and celebrating is important, that a decision had been made to take the $50,000 that the event would cost, and build an orphanage in India with it. How exciting! Westside has been partnering with some people in India already, and working with an existing orphanage that is nearing capacity. Building a new orphanage has been in the dream phase for a little while, but no funding details were together. I’m so excited that my church is going to be doing this!
On an even better - yeah God note. This past Sunday, Pastor Dave announced that by the end of the week - 3 different people had said they would match Westside’s contribution to the orphanage efforts! That’s $200,000! The last person to match the donation, also said they would be giving another $200,000 to Come Together, and would provide the $50,000 to do the stadium event as planned! Wow - God is good, and I’m so thankful!
This is particularly exciting for me, since I decided to go to India this August. Our church will be taking a trip, and I’ll be on it! I can’t wait. I’ll be interacting with the children in the orphanage, as well as HIV/AIDS and leprosy patients. We’ll also have the opportunity to teach at a pastor’s conference, and teach in local villages. I’m so excited! I’ll keep you posted as to details, and I’ll post some pictures from the last time I went to India. And for you generous souls that are wondering… yes I’ll be needing to raise money to go, so I’ll give you the details of how you can support me in this. For now just rejoice with me in the incredible things God is doing, and will continue to do!
Yeah God!