Letters to Hunter

 

 This letter is part of a link-up with the beautiful Mrs. Amber. These letters are snippets into our lives and treasures that I can hold onto dearly as we grow old.
 

 

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Hunter,

 

My oh my how time flies! Just the other day, we were talking about how things have changed so much for us from our first date, to now. The first date consisted of so much talking, trying to get to know each other, awkward hand-holding, and a night I'll always remember. While others around us socialized and went about their ways, you and I were lost in conversations about life.

 

Over the course of 4ish years or so, you and I have developed a bond and friendship like none other. We always say we're each other's best friend and that we love doing adventures and life together. I overheard you explain it to somebody recently: "For some reason, people think that doing lots of things with your wife means that you're whipped, that you don't know how to say no. It's actually quite the opposite; she's my best friend and I love doing things with her. Of course, we need to have other friends and do things with other people, but she's the one person I want to do everything with."

 

As we've grown and developed not only as a couple but individually as well, I've had the utmost pleasure of learning so much from you. I've learned the beauty in genuine kindness and love. Hunter, you've taught me how to be patient with others, mindful with my words, and true to my being. Coming from such an angry and dark-ridden place in my heart, this is rather refreshing. I haven't nailed it all down yet but I'm still learning.

 

Thank you for your patient and guiding ways. Leaning on you to lead our marriage has been as easy as breathing. Taking steps with you in this life has been rewarding and I'm eager for all that God has in store for us.

 

Always yours,

 

Kelly

 

 



It's not Friday

Have you ever been just so busy whether it's with work or life and you honestly have no idea what day it is? Or even the time of year? What about not knowing which way up from down is?

 

Yep. I'm there, folks.

 

So because this is hopefully *fingers crossed* the last day for Sessions here in the Florida Legislature, I'm going to leave you with this blurb that I saw yesterday from a woman who inspires me so much. I follow Christine Caine on FB and have had the absolute pleasure of hearing her speak a couple of years ago. Guys, she's freakin' awesome.

 

 

Happiest of Friday's to ya'll, because it is in fact Friday. I'm still dumbfounded by this.



What is "entitlement", Alex?

If ya'll watch Jeopardy, then you'll understand the reference of the title. Otherwise, where have you been for the last 100 years?? Just kidding, maybe, but seriously...

 

Anyways, let's jump to today's fun fun topic:

 

 

 

For the last several years, the word "entitlement" has made its debut in many conversations. I've heard adults (including myself) state that teenagers and kids these days have an attitude of entitlement. Other conversations I've overheard talk about Americans being entitled to certain things like freedom, peace, and liberty. How about this one:

 

Some Christians act entitled... And not in a good way.

 

Ouch, right? What if I told you I actually agree with that statement wholeheartedly. In fact, I'm going to take this a step further. What if I told you this: I think the Church (as in body of Christ, not building) is comprised of some (please notice I didn't say ALL) entitled Christians who haven't quite figured out that this whole "being a Christ-follower aka Christian" thing isn't all about you. Nope. In fact, it's about God. I know, shocker.

 

Let's look at the definition of entitlement really quickly, just so I know we're all on the same page here:

 

Entitlement (n):
the fact of having a right to something; the amount to which a person has a right; the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

 

That last definition is the one I'm going to hone in on in the most loving way possible, and yet will probably upset a few people. Ehh, such is life. Your entitled attitude upsets me, but I still love ya. We can agree to disagree right?

 

Since becoming relatively (read: slam-packed crazy) busy in the field of ministry and specifically within church walls, I have found that there are those that have a rather difficult time to change simply because they feel entitled. I get it: Change can be really scary; it can be overwhelming; and most importantly, change can cause you to lose your sense of identity.

 

Allow me to throw a bone at ya'll. If you find your identity in your church (brick and mortar), thus can't handle the good change happening in the church (brick and mortar) because you're entitled to that church (brick and mortar), then I have to raise these questions - are you really part of the Church (body of Christ) and is your heart in the right place? See, here's the thing guys: If we have fully submitted our lives, hearts, and souls to the glory of God through His Son dying on the cross, then that new identity should've taken over when you accepted Jesus as your one and only Savior. The saying "out with the old, in with the new" is pretty relevant here.

 

So friends, please understand what I'm saying here: If you are finding your identity in your church (brick and mortar), and the new youth leaders' Jesus-freak-always-wanting-to-serve-others attitude weirds you out, that looks like it might be a heart issue and you need to seek God in prayer. Like, yesterday dude. If my energy levels for teenagers, my passion for mission work, and the steps I take to bring outsiders in, actually concerns you then all I have to say is GREAT! Because here's the thing: You're no more entitled to the church (brick and mortar) than I am. In fact, if you've been a long time member, a dedicated Sunday school-and-church-service goer, Wednesday night bible study doer, and that's all you are and all you want to do... then you're missing out on a key, huge part of God's commandment to us -

 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

-Matthew 28:19

 

So friends, if you do find your identity in the church (brick and mortar), and you feel entitled to that church and "own" the right to decide who comes in and out, then you're missing out. You're missing out on life, love, and all that God has to offer to you and others. As for me, I have found my identity in Christ. Not in the church I attend, not in the clothes I wear, not in the people I surround myself with. It's in Christ alone and that, my friends, makes me ENTITLED to all that He has to offer me to be able to share with others! I'll leave you with this: If Christ came to die for our sins, what makes you think you can decide who can experience that grace and love?

 

Selfish entitlement, it's really not all that cute. Selfless entitlement? Now we're talkin'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grateful Monday's + Pregger Feet

Ya'll, I'm not kidding when I say this. We need to stop blinking! Every time I blink, so much time has passed. I guess the saying is true - time flies when you're having fun. Good news for me - this is the last week for Special Sessions in the Florida Legislature. Helllloooo quiet days again!

 

Yesterday, Hunter, family, friends, and I all spent the day on the beautiful gulf waters at the Forgotten Coast (nickname for the beach). It was so glorious being in the sun, sand, and laughing until my cheeks hurt over some funny stories (Thanks Susan and Kendall!).

 

Because of yesterday's uber fun adventures, I'm extremely grateful for aloe! I really didn't get much sun on my body, mainly just darker. But ya'll, my feet. They're. Cooked! Who knew feet could burn like that?

 

 

I'm pretty sure that I'm feeling what a pregnant woman feels like with swollen feet. I'm trying sooo so hard to not waddle when I walk. The struggle is real folks. How was ya'lls weekend?!

 



Knee deep in the water somewhere...

Happy Friday friends! I've got the beach on my mind (we'll be headed there Sunday for the day) and I'm in some dire need of UV rays (with sunscreen, I'm not that stupid) and phones-free for hours. That's right, I plan on NOT having my phone with me. Well, it'll be with me in case of emergency but I don't plan on using that bad boy. I want to escape from life for a few hours and just enjoy God's beauty with my husband and family.

 

 

We've got a lovely wedding to go to tomorrow evening and we're so excited! I love weddings - you get to celebrate love and eat good food all at the same time. What's better than that?! Congrats to Ryan and Erin, and may God bless your marriage with many years of happiness, laughter, and love.

 

 

What are ya'll up to this weekend?!



Challenge for the day

We are exactly in the middle of Special Sessions right now, down to the day. So because I'm running around like a mad woman (read: forgot to put something together for your lovely eyes), and we're busy bee's this morning, I've decided to share a sermon that my sweet friend Emily sent to me.

 

We watched Week 3: Some Things Don't Mix, and let me tell ya'll... we will be going back to watch the others in this series that they are studying. Holy sweet mother of Jesus. This spoke to our hearts in wavelengths that were off the charts. After we watched the sermon, Hunter wanted to listen to the music from that worship. So there we sat, in our bed, rocking out with the band on the screen.

 

This sermon lead to a very long, deep conversation. The pastor had so many great points but there was one thing that he said, that stuck out to me like a sore thumb. He said something to the effect of, "Hey, please really try to stay with me through this study. This is not going to be easy to listen to for some. And if you decide at the end of all of this that you can't be a part of a church that operates by loving people (rather than just showing up on Sunday's to church and calling it a good day), then we'll surely miss you." THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID MORE OFTEN. You don't like the way the ship is running, feel free to jump ship at any time. We'll surely miss you, and only wish the best for you, but we need to focus on loving people and reaching people outside of these walls.

 

Trust me when I say this, Hunter and I plan on saying that a bit more often now. No more hiding behind curtains, afraid of how we'll be judged by members in the church. No more, "Well maybe we can get people on board." No, it's, "This is what we're doing. If you're along for the ride - GREAT! If not, we love you and will miss having you by our sides to share the Gospel. BUT WE'RE HERE FOR CHRIST."

 

source

 

Guys, be prepared to have your rusty wheels spinning in circles. I challenge ya'll to really listen and think about what the pastor is saying. And I certainly challenge ya'll to engage in theological debates with somebody over this topic. Love ya'll to the moon!

Grateful Monday's + Theological Debates

Happiest of Monday's to you, and to you, and to you! Wasn't it just a glorious weekend? We were able to relax with friends and family all weekend long. My heart is happy.

 

As a believer, youth leader, Christ follower, I love a good, wholesome, respectful debate on theologies. Weird, I know because most folks don't like the challenge that can be presented when somebody asks you the hard questions of life. Like why does God allow bad things happen to good people? Or why are there so many religions and aren't we all just trying to get to the same place? And what about the questions that revolve around homosexuality, abortions, etc.?

 

(1 Peter 3:15-16)

 

What? Those questions make ya'll uncomfortable?

 

Not me! I'm so grateful for those moments I get to spend some quality time with a person (or people) to hash out life's tough questions. It forces us to fully rely on faith, scripture, and the promises of God. A very wise friend of mine and Hunter's once asked us this question (hi Gus!): How are you filling your wells up? With that simple question, we realized the importance of filling our wells up daily through scripture, praying, and yes, theological debates.

 

So tell me, do you love a good theological debate?