Bearing the Stamp...A Look Into My Sister's Heart

I'm dedicating this post to my beautiful sister, Kristin, who lives in South Africa and is using the gifts God has given her to make His name known there.  Her blog has so inspired me that I decided to post some of her photos and comments on mine.  She is definitely inspiring me to know Christ more through the thoughts and experiences she shares. 

I hope you enjoy seeing a glimpse of my sister's heart.  And it is big.

"...more than anything, i want my heart to be broken for the people of this land...so it will be all the more pressing that i share w/ them the hope that i have been given...that i have been entrusted with..."

"...to know that you have the hope she needs. the answers she's looking for. the rest and peace that she can't find no matter how hard she tries. no matter how many times a day she prays. or bows down to an idol that cannot save...

...to sit in her home only a few feet away from her and hold this message of His HOPE...it makes me catch a tiny glimpse of understanding at Isaiah's words when he said 'your word is in me like a fire, burning away at my bones, and i am weary of holding it in.

indeed i cannot.'

His words of life just waiting to be unleashed. waiting to be planted. "

"So, during our trip down there, we got to witness Grant and a local pastor baptize some of those new believers! They did teaching on baptism...how the water doesn't save you, only God does...and they also had a discussion about the charms the people were wearing...telling them that since Christ was now their Lord, there was no need to carry on the superstitions the charms represent.

So, as we made our way down to the water, the believers took off their charms and were then baptized! It was so awesome to see the Spirit at work in their lives!"

Jesus is worth losing the comforts of this world...so other people can know.

Dear Kristin,

Talk about "Outliving Your Life"...Your story has encouraged me and so many others to do the same.  Thank you for trusting Christ enough to allow Him to do the seemingly impossible.  Your love for people truly "outlives" your human capacity to love.  All of us can learn from your humble and willing spirit--I pray that you feel the weight of eternal blessing that is awaiting for you at the feet of Christ. (2 Timothy 4:8) 

I can't wait to serve with you this summer.  Looking forward to seeing more of what the Lord does through in and through you during your time in SA. 

I love you.

Michelle

A Very Different Christmas

Buster and I hosted the family for the holidays this Christmas--we had a lot of fun getting ready for them to come. As hard as it was to not be able to go "home" to our house in Clinton for Christmas, we were still grateful that we were able to be together.  It was sad not to have Kristin with us--Skype is not the same! But it was still a special time.  We did alot of shopping (me and mom especially!) and cooking for sure!  My favorite time was Christmas eve with all of us in the living room--after watching Loui Giglio's talk "The 12 Words of Christmas", we sang christmas carols while dad and Jason played the guitar and I played the piano.


Mom taught me how to use the sewing machine! And how to make pillow cases for my couch pillows! Since I can't take her Decorative Pillow class at Liberty, she can give me personal lessons! I wish I would have been more interested while I was younger...because now I can't have her to help me avoid mistakes!





A Van Wagon and a Wedding Dress

I have the greatest father in the world.

While other children in 1986 were unwrapping brand new cabbage patch dolls and toy lawn mowers at Christmas, I was taking a ride in the "van wagon" Dad made ESPECIALLY for me. I have so many fun memories of Dad taking us on rides in that thing. And even though he knew I wouldn't appreciate it as a one year old, he went all out--with shiny wheels, a license tag on the rear, reflectors (that worked!) and a steering wheel (who was going to be in control of the direction?)

My childhood is FULL of memories of Mom and Dad using their artistic talents and pure creativity for everything. I don't think I've ever seen Dad without a pad and pencil in his shirt pocket...just in case he came up with a good idea for a painting...or in case he saw something or someone interesting to draw while waiting in line. But it wasn't just painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery that interested Dad. He created many more meaningful things out of that Right-brained mind of his--from our own 2 story tree house, to a decked out train track that filled the entire living room, rocking cribs for our baby dolls...and not to mention his knack for fixing the most colorful snacks (I'm talking complimentary colors, variety in texture and shape, and still yummy AND healthy).

And Mom was just as amazing...Not only for her ability to cook, organize, and decorate the house with pottery and sculptures. She is the most incredible seamstress I will ever know. Not an Easter went by without her making Kristin and me beautiful dresses. I never had to buy a dress for Homecoming, Beauty and Beau, Junior Miss, OR Prom. Mom did it all. EVEN my wedding. And not just the dress--the cake, the cake-stand, the pottery for the food, the table cloths, the bows, and the decoration, and Kristin's bridesmaid dress.

Mom and Dad moved to Virginia this summer...after 20 years teaching at MC and living in Clinton (my home). The Lord has called them to use their gifts in a different place for this season...I know they will inspire countless others to make a difference with their talents. And as hard as it is to not have them here, I know they are being obedient to God's calling.

My desire is to follow in their footsteps...to develop my skills as an artist and use my gifts to help others, to serve Christ, and to make a difference in this world. To give back to the Lord for all the ways He has blessed me...and they are too many to count. I hope to spend the rest of my life giving of myself--through the gifts I've been given.

A couple of Christmases ago, Dad gave me and Buster the "van wagon" for his grandchildren to have one day (was that a hint?) And one day we will pass it on to our children...and their children's children. A symbol of heritage and faith...taken from one generation to the next. And even though it was a gift that had already been given, somehow it had more meaning than ever before.

Thank you Mom and Dad.