Mental Post-Its

Thoughts, Notes, and General Mental Mayhem

Tag Archives: Christian living


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Letter to a Friend

Dear, Friend –

I don’t know where quit to begin. My mind is rushing with thoughts at the moment and I feel a little bit like I’m drowning in them. The dam is about to break, so first, excuse me and second, hold on!

I’ve had drafts and revisions of this letter in my mind for weeks. Every time I thought about committing them to paper, I had a better excuse not to. Tonight I’m at the point where I cannot go to bed without doing it.

This monologue might better be served as an in-person discussion. I fully realize that thought. But you know me well enough to know that I can better express myself by writing…and well, I might cry if I saw your face as I said these things. No, scratch that. I would cry, and probably pretty hard. So, maybe this is better for both of us!

What am I alluding to, you ask? Get to the point, you say? What the heck is this all about, you wonder? Frankly, it’s about your life. Not just your “life” as, dare I say, trivial, as that may seem, but about your existence. Your daily living. Your purpose. Your story. Your freedom.

Do I have your attention yet???

We’ve known each other for years and I can’t tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate your presence in my life. You’ve been a wonderful person to me to laugh with in the good times and process with in the more difficult ones. You have always remained a source of encouragement. I can’t tell you what that means. I know we don’t use this word a lot these days, but I cherish you. And I’ve thought so many times of the letter you wrote to me last year on my birthday. You expressed how much you trust me. You told me that again recently. That fact means so much to me. I am so honored by it. We don’t get to spend a lot of face-to-face time together but I feel joy every time we do. I’m so grateful for how much our friendship has grown over the years. You are a blessing to me. In fact, I see so many reasons God has put you in my life. And that brings me to this point.

I’m not going to try and lay a sense of guilt or shame on you. I’m not even going to try and convict you or “save” you. Why would I? You already believe in God and Jesus. But what I am going to do is tell you what I want for you. I want you to know the fullness of Christ and live in His freedom.

I was working on a project with one of our common friends tonight and we were talking about values. These weren’t values that we thought were good, or even great. They were values that we’d die for. We fell on four: freedom, story, relationships and growth. Freedom means the ability that we have to fully recognize the weight and beauty of what Christ did for us on the cross and live with Him forever, starting now. Story means that I can understand how I am connected to God as well as everyone and everything else; my life has purpose and my actions affect the world around me. Relationships are important because life is lived best among people, those who do know Christ and even those who do not yet know Him. We chose growth because it’s a universal concept; everything living is growing. But it’s always a choice to grow in a healthy manner. These may not be the four words that two other people would use, which is perfectly fine, but we feel these words lay at the core of all the others. They are the reason we get up in the morning.

And as I thought through these individually and their connections to each other, I thought of you. Yes, my friend, I would die for you. I love you that much. I’m sorry if I haven’t made it that clear before now.

This may surprise you, but many people who love Christ as I do decide not to share Him with others. I don’t even think that it is a conscious choice. This isn’t at all because they are bad people. It’s usually because they are scared. Like everyone else walking around the planet, they are scared of rejection. I know, I’ve been there. Sometimes it is with strangers, but I think mostly it is with people they care about. They don’t want to lose that relationship because they value it. Seems almost ironic, doesn’t it? You don’t share something you love with someone you love because you are afraid of losing love.

When I originally started drafting this letter in my head a few weeks back I dwelt for a long time on the last paragraph. And I wasn’t afraid of losing your love or friendship. I just wanted to go at your pace. I wanted to tell you these things when you were at a place you could fully hear them. But for whatever reason, I feel God quickening that pace. I feel great urgency in gushing all of this to you as I am now. It cannot be contained any longer. Perhaps you are in a place to hear.

Here’s another paradox of sorts for you: I care so much about you that I’m willing to risk my relationship with you. That’s right. I’m willing to throw all those years of memories down the tubes because I love you that much. What do you think of that? My dear friend, I am desperate for you know Christ as I do. He is not a great man from a large book who lived a long time ago and did some awesome things. He is a living, breathing Savior. He endured separation from God, the Creator of the Universe, for me…and you. And He is literally dying to be in an intimate relationship with you. I hope this doesn’t sound too “out there” or anything. It isn’t meant to be. I just want you to understand the depth and weight involved in this process. Again, I know you believe in Him. But do you believe Him? Do you trust Him as you would me?

Let me give you a great example from my favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. I feel like most people, even many Christians, walk around stuck in the black and white of Kansas. After all, over 40% of the US population says they are Christian. How many truly live by that ideology, though? Wouldn’t it be an amazing place if they did? To this group, everything appears a little dull and lifeless, whether they realize it or not. There is good and there is bad. And there’s even a lot of gray to navigate, which is where we get stuck a lot. There is a routine to life and tasks to perform. But inside all of us, there is a desire to be over the rainbow – to know and live and be somewhere bigger than ourselves. It’s a beautiful place but it’s not quite attainable. And we know it’s not quit attainable because we are constantly trying to buy or do or see or feel more to get us over there. But all we can see is black, white and gray.

There is another side, though! When we fully understand who Christ is and who we are in Him, that is who He designed us to be and what purpose we are specifically to live out, we open the door. (Yes, it does usually take the cyclone to get us there!) And on the other side of that door is color like we’ve never seen or imagined! We get over the rainbow and we didn’t have to die to do it! Sure, it’s not heaven so there is still pain and suffering and hardship. But there is also a group who travels with us to encourage us along the way and make memories together. We do life together and we experience it more fully because we have a common purpose and we are not alone.

I think that Dorothy could be trying so hard to get back home because the other people she loved, her family, where stuck in black and white. She still saw how beautiful over the rainbow was, despite it not being exactly as she imagined. I think when she went back home she had a greater understanding for the black and white life, yet she carried the color in her heart. It had changed her. She grew in the process.

Maybe that’s all a bit of a stretch for you, but let’s roll with it, ok?

But that’s a little story of what I want for you. Color floods my heart and I dream for it to flood yours, too.

We’ve talked on a couple of occasions about some of the damage that’s been done to you by people who called themselves Christians, and within the walls of a church. My heart literally aches and my eyes fill up every time I stop to think about it. But all I can say is that I’m sorry. I would tell you a thousand times if that would simply fix it. However, what I am telling you with everything in me that is not the way Christ designed His Church. It should be a place of love, grace, mercy, compassion and Truth. It should be the expression and embodiment of who He is here on this earth. But as long as He allows imperfect people to become members, including myself, we are stuck with that predicament. All we can do is learn from the past, live in the present and look to the future.

I hope and pray that you have learned a different meaning of the Church from being around my friends and me. At least, that is what you said, and I am taking you at your word. I trust that you would tell me the truth. We are very broken and imperfect people, but we strive to be the Church that Christ calls us to be. I want you to see that there are other models out there. All are only replicas of the original, but each is trying in their own way to look like the masterpiece. I desire for you to more frequently be the Church with us.

So, I think I’m running out of thoughts, or at least words. I guess that leaves me with expectations…

I expect you to respond to this in whatever way works best for you. That may mean we talk about it, email about it, allude to it – or we don’t. I respect your choice 100%. After all, it’s yours to make. Please do not feel any pressure or obligation. I didn’t write it for that purpose. I wrote it to express my heart to you, as I feel God asked me to do, and that’s it.

There are also a few expectations you can have for me. The first is that, no matter how you respond, I will still love you as a dear friend. You may be very ready to talk about this or you may never be ready to talk about this. Either way is for you to decide. The second is that I will not bring this up again unless God asks me to. The ball is in your court. And the third is that, as I have done for years now, I will continue to pray for you. I pray for you because I genuinely care about you.

Ok, guess that’s about it. I’ll be seeing you soon, hopefully over the rainbow.

Love,
Kristi


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All The World’s A Stage

Been talking to a lot of people lately who are “waiting” or in “holding patterns” or “anxious” in their lives. Basically, folks looking for what’s next. I feel very much the same way…most of the time.

However, I have to continually remind myself that no matter what stage I’m in, there is always one behind me and one ahead of me. We never leave stages. They are inherently part of life, yet we always feel pressure (by ourselves or others) to get to the next one. Why is this? Maybe this is why patience is a virtue.

Now I can understand the pressure to move forward because I’m a driven sort of person. Standing still can often feel like moving backwards. I’d rather go out of my way two hours in traffic than sit still. I just want to be moving. But I can also rush into things, move ahead before I am probably ready. In the traffic scenario, which is actually the waste? What is being wasted? Time? Gas? Patience? And coming from a theater background, it seems I would love to always have a stage. I mean, I’ve got the costumes, for goodness sake. Sadly, even I grow tired of them. Stages can be no fun if you don’t know your lines.

One particular stage I’ve been in for about two years now. I didn’t see it coming and I am pretty cloudy about the end date as well. Ain’t that just the way? However, if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that there is plenty to do while waiting. I’ve definitely been in stages where I just wasted time. I was angry or bitter or bored or something. And I saw the stage as a waste of my time, so my sharp logic just told me to stare right back and waste away with it. That’ll teach it! No PhD here, folks. But I’m happy to say that as I’ve matured, I’ve been better at utilizing the waiting time. I am more aware of the benefits of the stage, using them as preparation rather than stagnation. After all, what a shame it would be to grow to the next stage having learned nothing from the current one. That’s the real waste. And it probably means I won’t get all I can from the next one either. I’m setting up a negative chain reaction.

Recently, I started going through the workbook Experiencing God again. (TANGENT: This Bible study changed my life the first time I did it a couple years ago, and it’s currently doing it again. It’s amazing and I highly recommend it if you’d like to grow and mature in your relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.) Last night’s lesson was entitled “God Speaks with a Purpose.” In it, Henry Blackaby notes, “God develops character to match the assignment. Do not assume, however, that the moment God calls you, you are prepared for the assignment. Many of us don’t want to give attention to the development of our character; we just want God to give us a big assignment. But if you are not willing to be faithful in a little, God will not give you larger assignments.” Ok, ouch Blackaby, now it’s just getting personal! Guilty as charged, more often than I care to admit.

As I’ve gone through the workbook, though, the action step I come away with over and over again in relation to this stage is “wait and listen.” Frustrating still, because I’m a doer. I’m good at getting things done. But if my desire is to do God’s Will, I guess I’ll have to wait and listen. And that is my desire. So I’m trying my best to be an active listener. God isn’t calling me to sit and do nothing. I need to look around and see how He is working on my character in this stage. I am trying my hardest to take the small assignments and be faithful in them. Sure, like everyone, I want the big assignments. I pray repeatedly, though, that that desire is not for my own glory, but His. And I want to play my part in His story. I want the assignments He wants for me. I don’t want to waste time and miss out. Sometimes it’s those small assignments that actually stay with me the longest, affect me the most or offer a shared experience with someone close. I really do believe, just as there are no small parts in theater, there are no small assignments in God’s Kingdom. I mean, I still get to play a role in the Creator of the Universe’s story! How could there be a small assignment there? I’m a part of the plan of salvation, the ministry of reconciliation!

Blackaby also pointed out not to assume that the moment you are called, you will be prepared. Therefore, the current (and next) stage requires active listening as well. In fact, it may very well be this preparation and growth that not only elevates you to the next stage, but makes you crave it. And I think this is an encouraging thought. It would then mean that waiting is directly correlative to advancement. And what could be wasteful about that? Ironic. Counter-intuitive. Cool. That’s a stage I can play on. That’s a stage I can really live in, and love living in.

So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to my waiting. It’s a busy time for me, and I’m sure you understand. (Let me know how yours goes, too.)


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2010: Action

I guess, like everyone else, as I welcome the New Year I also think about the previous year and years past. It’s a time of reflection and renewal. And while it’s a little daunting, it’s also a little exciting.

My friends, Daron and Margaret, and I have this sort of annual tradition. It’s something Daron came up with several years ago to help us all set the tone for a new year. Instead of just looking back on a year and determining what happened and where we are now, we look ahead and decide what we want our next year to be about. Much like our Emergence training, it’s not about reacting to something that happens to you along the way. Rather it’s setting out with intention, focusing your efforts on where you feel like God is leading you on your path. I will also say that usually there is a theme song attached. And really, why wouldn’t there be?

So as the New Year approached, I began thinking about my 2010 and what I wanted from it. My word for 2009 was “PREPARE” (theme song was “Prepare Ye The Way” by Caedmon’s Call) and I absolutely see again and again how that was accomplished and how appropriate it was for the past 12 months. I have been through so many changes, personally, professionally, spiritually over the past year, many of which I never saw coming but I’m so thankful to have been a part of.

It’s really insane to think of how different my life is now from where I thought it would be if you’d asked me, or for those of you who did ask me, years ago. I absolutely detest the “Where do you see yourself in five years?” question in interviews but I’m also human, and my mind can’t help but wander to those scenarios. Wowzers! I never would’ve imagined myself where I am now – personally, professionally and spiritually. But then again, that’s the genius and adventure of following Jesus. Sure, there are some things I’d change if it were left up to me. However, overall, I’ve seen and experienced and been through more than I was ever able to imagine. I am loving this ride!

So, I’ve decided that my word for 2010 is “ACTION” (theme song is “Awaken Us” by Casey Darnell). It’s not just a natural transition from my 2009 word, but it does accurately describe where I feel God has my heart currently. He has prepared me, and been faithful in that, so I am choosing to respond. I don’t think I could’ve acted on the things to which He’s calling me without my year of preparation. But I feel empowered, and I’m too curious not to move forward in His plans. I trust Him. He’s not let me down yet, so I have no reason to think He would anytime soon.

I heard a fantastic lesson by Dennis Rouse at Victory World Church this past Sunday morning. If you get the chance, give it a listen at www.victoryatl.com. It was called “Forward” and so many of the things spoke to me. You know, it was one of those lessons that was meant just for me (or you). One of the things that stuck with me was, “You’ve never played it safe before. Why do that now?” That kinda hit me right between the eyes, and I felt like it summed me up pretty well. And though there is a lot of uncertainty when I look ahead, I know I can handle it because He is with me. I just can’t imagine the wreck of a person I’d be otherwise. I would never have made it this far or accomplished anything of importance without Him. I might have made some really interesting achievements by some standards, but I wouldn’t have had the adventure of my life, which is what I’m on now! Sure, it can be really hard. It can be unexpected. It can even be unwanted. But it’s always what is best for me. I can’t always see that at the time, but it’s super cool to look back at the threads of my story and see the intricacy with which they are woven. I wouldn’t give that up.

“When you stop moving forward, you start losing your effectiveness for the Kingdom of God….Forward is your destiny; backward is your slavery.” – Dennis Rouse

So, 2010, you are shiny and new (two things I’m particularly fond of)…and I’m really looking forward to getting to know you better.


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Are We There Yet? The Two Towers (Part 2 of 3)

screen-shot-2016-12-10-at-2-29-01-pmAre We There Yet? The Two Towers (Part 2 of 3)

This is part two in my series of lessons I learned from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, one of my favorite movie series of all time. I’m a huge fan of the movies but don’t think I’ve necessarily reached geek status because I couldn’t get through the books except on audio. The Hobbit was so much easier to read! But if I’m lying to myself, I’m okay with that, too.

Funny story on that note: When I saw the first movie in the theater, there were some “true” fans sitting behind me. When the Fellowship entered Rivendell and the camera panned back to show the kingdom, a guy behind me whispered to his friend, “It’s more beautiful than I imagined!” True story; still makes me laugh.

Now on with it…

  1. Middle men. Being stuck in the middle is never cupcakes and butterflies. This is my favorite of all three movies for a number of reasons: the stage is already set, the tension is great and the stakes are high. We know where we’ve been and we know where we’re headed. We’re just not quite sure what the road to getting there looks like. I feel this way many times in life. It’s not an easy place to be, but it is familiar.
  2. Two-faced. I think Andy Serkis does a masterful job of playing Gollum. And his monologue in this movie is particularly brilliant. I believe we all have a little bit of Gollum in us. We all struggle between wanting to serve and be the master. We all crave power.  We all believe the lies Satan tells us sometimes. The Apostle Paul even wrote about it in Romans 7:7-25 and it’s as fitting then as it is now. Gollum let it destroy him in the end. I pray we make better choices.
  3. A second look. When Gandalf reappears, he is no longer Gandalf the Gray but instead Gandalf the White. Though he is different in some ways, he is still the same. The Fellowship recognizes him and it comforts them. We must remember that there are times when God can look different than He did before in our eyes but He is still the same, mighty God. And that is a comfort. His Truth doesn’t change.
  4. Talking trees. Come on, you know I couldn’t go without some sort of environmental message! Respect for creation is respect for the Creator. And I think we can clearly see that it’s not good to piss off nature or it will revolt.
  5. The Battle of Helm’s Deep. At some point we will all have our own Helm’s Deep, a great conflict that will be known as a turning point in our lives. This battle was extended because the King of Rohan thought that the fortress was impenetrable. He didn’t know his weakness, and therefore, lost many more lives and almost lost the battle. The key for us is to know our weaknesses. As our friend G.I. Joe would say, “Knowing is half the battle.” We’ll certainly have more of an advantage if know where the Enemy can strike us. It’s just good strategy.
  6. Director’s Cut. Peter Jackson has a cameo in each of his movies, which I think is pretty fun. Be sure to look for him in each one. If you know what he looks like, you’ll easily spot him even if the shots are usually just for a second or so. Though directors are usually behind-the-scenes, sometimes they can pop up where we least expect them, in front of the camera. But it certainly doesn’t mean they’ve taken their eyes off the big picture. The same holds true for God. We’ll see the Director if we are looking for him and know how to recognize Him.
  7. Be careful not to burn bridges. The Elves showed up just in time to fight alongside the army of men. The captain said it was to honor an old alliance.  So, the lesson here is to never burn bridges. You never know when you may need to call on an old friend.
  8. Say it again, Sam. Okay, so Sam’s speech at the end of the second movie is one of my favorites in cinematic history.  I know, that’s saying a lot – especially as many movies as I’ve seen. But I love it so much, that I usually watch it at least twice when I’m going through the movies. This time, I watched it three times so I’m using it for points eight through ten. Number eight is about doubt.  Sam wonders how good can reemerge after evil has shown itself. After the horrors that happen around us every day, it’s perfectly normal to have doubt. In fact, blind faith is just dumb – mindless. God tells us to test the spirits in 1 John 4:1 to make sure they are of God.
  9. Plenty of chances. Sam says that the characters in the greatest stories are heroic because they were given plenty of chances to turn back, but didn’t. There will always be hardships but our character is shown by our choices. People will see our faith more by how we handle hard times than anything else. Our greatest sermon is our life story.
  10. Worth fighting for. Sam ends his monologue with the same positive outlook that he is known for in the trilogy. He declares that heroes decide to take risks because they see good in the world and are determined to fight for it. I think this is a pretty good way to live. Simple, but not always easy.

Okay, kids, I hope you are enjoying reading these entries as much as I’m enjoying writing them. Gosh, I love these movies! Only one more part to go before we reach the end of this journey – stay tuned!

 

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The Multi-Headed “Aaron”

Small Group 06-07

Box o’ Fun – Putt Putt at Pirate’s Cove! (L-R…Karen, Ben, Patrick, Kristi, Brandy, Sara)

Recently, the speaker at a church retreat I attended talked about the concept of having “Aarons” in your life. This concept is taken from Exodus 4:14 where God tells Moses, “He (Aaron) is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you.” John, the speaker, talked about these treasured people in your life who make your heart smile, and whose heart you make smile. I am very privileged to have several of these in my life, but tonight, another one came to mind that I hadn’t yet thought about in those terms…

My friend, Ben, and I were reminiscing about a previous small group we were in together a couple of years ago with our friends Patrick, Karen, Brandy and Sara. It was a true small group in every sense of the world. For one thing, there were only six of us. I know that played a big role in it because everyone was depended upon to be present and speak. You could definitely feel a gap when someone was gone. But more importantly, the six of us were committed to this group.

The really interesting thing was that none of us were really close before being in this group together. To be honest, there was probably good reason. We had different tastes, interests, roles, circles of friends, you name it. Karen and I probably had the strongest relationship but she was still a little new to Atlanta and I wouldn’t have considered us super close at the time. So, here we were, just kind of this little hodge-podge of people doing life together on a weekly basis. But for whatever reason, we all firmly decided that we were going to make this group a real community. Despite the friends we all had outside this group that we could turn to in good and bad times instead, the six of us were going to give this a go. We all took the dive together. That meant being consistent, being intimate, being accountable and being real. It was just us when we showed up: good or bad mood, struggles, imperfections, gifts, talents, sarcasm, encouragement, etc. We didn’t worry about acceptance – we already pledged to give that to each other. So, with that out of the way, it left room for a lot of amazing things.

And God was faithful in filling that space with amazing things. We would start the lessons that we were supposed to be discussing that week, but it would inevitably lead to something that was on someone’s heart and that would take over. It would become this absolutely heart-felt, raw conversation between regular people living regular lives that longed to know their Creator, and each other, better. It was awesome. It was powerful. It was life-changing.

We were beautifully entrenched in each other’s lives. When one of us struggled, the rest of us were there to encourage and walk alongside them. We never hurt alone. There were some major life crises and heartaches for a few of us over that year. It was a comfort knowing that those people cared, and that they would ask you about it. But there was also a lot of playing and laughing. In fact, in order to get to know each other better, we did one thing each month outside of group together. We called it our Box o’ Fun. Each of us submitted ideas into the box and we drew one out every month. It was always exciting, and always fun, so there you go – good name. And it stuck. (And I’m proud to say many of our small groups have even adopted this concept.) It was nice to come and eat meals together every week and have these amazing discussions. But it was icing on the cake to take part in each other’s hobbies or interests. Lots and lots of laughing.

I guess it sounds like all lollipops, hearts and giggles, but we had our hard times. In fact, we had some really hard times. We were imperfect people and that definitely showed up from time to time. There were lots of nights when someone didn’t feel like participating, or was moody, or had something heavy on their hearts. But we all knew that it wasn’t us as individuals. It wasn’t us as a group. It wasn’t even them. It was just one off night. So, some times we let it go. But if attention needed to be called to it, we did. We had a few interventions. We had some definite, strong accountability. We drew some boundaries. We had some tears. But it was always honest, and always in love – we all knew that without a doubt. And sometimes those really hard nights were what made us stronger as a group. When you know you can say something really raw and difficult to someone, and know that love will remain between you afterwards, the fear is removed and the growth in both people takes place. There is almost nothing more beautiful.

I look back on it and I see the intentionality we took with each other. After all, our relationships didn’t come easy. Even as we went along in the group, we would laugh about how different we all were and what a funny bunch of people to end up together. How was this working? It was our longest running joke, and still is. But what a blessing in hearing and seeing how others operate and worship. We all learned a lot from each other.

I’m so thankful for those five other people. Each time I look back on that group, my heart does smile. We still have reunions from on occasion, too, which is pretty cool. We also still update each other on prayer requests once in a while. But it’s been a couple of years, and I’ve had a couple of other small groups and that experience has yet to be duplicated. However, now that I think about that, I think that’s ok. The other groups I’ve been in have all taught me new things about myself, those individuals, God and life. They have all contained new people that are now old friends. They have all met new needs in my life’s circumstances. So, maybe the same experience doesn’t need to be duplicated, maybe it needs to be multiplied. Maybe we all need to be out there multiplying that kind of experience for lots of others, so they can do the same. The ripple should continue. I truly believe that The Small Group Six (I just made that up) wasn’t this magical anomaly that will fade into memory, but rather a bold retelling of how Christ wants us to live in community with others. This updated version can begin again and again and again. I hope that we can each do our part to make that a reality.

So, thank you, Ben, Sara, Brandy, Karen and Patrick. You have changed my life. Your names are etched on my heart. You are my multi-headed Aaron who makes my heart smile. I pray that each of us will dig down within ourselves to show others the power of what we had, and the reality of what is possible. You guys are so special to me, and this is definitely dedicated to you! I may not have consistency with you, but I know I have connection with you. Thank you for making such an impact on me.

……………………………………………………………..

Ben – you are probably the most caring man I have ever met. I love every silly and serious conversation we have, and you bring joy into every room you enter. Your insight is beyond your years and your leadership is always needed.

Brandy – thank you for saying what is on your mind. Your authenticity challenges me to be more of who I am, and less of who I feel I need to be for others. You brought a rawness to the group that gave us freedom.

Sara – the words kind and gentle don’t do you justice. You have one of the sweetest hearts I’ve ever seen. Your ability to love and serve others amazes me, and I’m so thankful other cultures and people will be able to witness you in action.

Patrick – you have probably almost as many idiosyncrasies as I do! You are someone I always enjoy laughing with, and am guaranteed a good time when you are around. You came to us late, but were well worth the wait. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and thoughts. They led to a lot of great discussions.

Karen – my Kare Bear. For me, you are one of those rare people that I feel connected to without even trying. You and I have had so many life discussions, and I think we could talk for ages about anything. You challenge me in so many ways, and I’m thankful. I just love being near you…even if I don’t like watching movies with you!