Here.

Well, friends. It's been a little while. I really haven't had the opportunity to breathe it feels, let alone take time to write for you...and perhaps myself. But here I am now. Let's go.


The first week of college has come and gone, and I'm having mixed feelings about it quite honestly. I've met some incredible people, and I just know that these formulating friendships will amount to something. And for that, I'm thankful.


So many changes have happened this past week, and I'm still trying to understand why. It's been a difficult week, and very trying, but there's one thing I'm sure of: God's consistency. How beautiful.


Sitting here now reflecting on this last week I realize how blind I was to Jesus despite the fact that He was standing by my side. Always with me. Heck, He even went with me to the wrong math class early Monday morning. He never leaves. Never abandons. Wonderful.


The idea of serving a Jesus that never alienates Himself from us is truly a hard concept to grasp. At least for me. There were plenty of times this week when I felt so lost and separated from everything that I had once known. Goodbye's were exchanged. And it is my ultimate hope that one day I can share a 'hello' with them again. And as I'm sitting here, I remember a time when a good friend once told me that life should not be a matter of "what if?" but, "what now?"


Friends, our Jesus is an affectionate Savior and His will is completely perfect. Our human perception and definition of the word 'perfect' I believe hardly comes close to just how beautifully perfect He and His will are. And always will be. 


If there's one thing you get from reading this, let it be this: our God is absolutely PERFECT.


Be strong, friends. Afterall, the war we're fighting has already been won. 


Kirsten Marie

harold.

College, you're finally here. I think we're going to get along just fine.

...Had an inspiring encounter today with 76 year-old Harold. I was walking along campus familiarizing myself with my new surroundings, and noticed him smiling to himself while carrying a violin case. He sat himself down on a bench under a tree, probably for the shade, and sat his apparently beloved instrument on his lap. As I was walking by, I smiled, and he asked me how I was doing. A typical conversation starter, but it was pretty evident that he wanted someone to talk to. Looking for something to talk about, I mentioned his violin, and how he and I had something in common: music.

That got him going. He just started beaming ear to ear as he told how he just started taking lessons from a student here on campus. He was 76, and explained that this was something he had been wanting to do all his life, but never got around to it. He just started about a month ago, and it was so obvious through his smile that he was completely in love with what he was doing. He was in love with the music.

He explained that he never had the chance to learn because he had to help with his father's farm, and he eventually took over once his father passed. He became so consumed with the farm that he put aside his dream. To play the violin. And here he is now, finally making that dream a reality. How inspiring that he never gave up.

I'm really grateful for my encounter with Harold today. It's almost like I needed it. Today is the beginning of me pursuing my dream of music. And it's so incredible to me that I met Harold today. Almost like he found me, and I was meant to hear his story as I'm about to begin mine. His story reminded me to never take music for granted. I only had to wait 8 years before I had the opportunity. He had to wait 76.

Harold, I really appreciate what had to share with me today. I needed that.

I hope all is well for you, friends.

Kirsten M. Westerman

practicing.The.Purpose

Hello, all. 


My last Friday here in little Leo is coming to a close, and what better way to finish it off than here with you. Tonight was actually spent with four beautiful little girls all under the tender age of ten years, and as I was on my way home from my evening with them, I rolled down the windows and let the warm summer evening breeze circulate through the car. While driving through Leo, and winding my way around this small town, a tangible peace overcame me. My Purpose was with me. 


Holding my small hand, He transmitted to me a calamity that only He can offer. I must admit, friends it was slightly (right.) overwhelming, and frighteningly beautiful. Thank You. 


My faith has wavered these past few weeks, months perhaps. But how beautiful it is to serve a Jesus who's faithfulness and loyalty is not dependent on my faithfulness and loyalty. 


College, here I come. Maybe you're more ready for me than I am you, but expect me to hit the ground running. I hope we can be good friends. I'd like that.


...It's now Saturday morning. Make it a good one, friends. 


-Almost ready

Beginning.

These upcoming weeks hold so many new beginnings, and quite honestly, my heart is in question as to whether or not I'm ready for all this. Doubt has definitely been a faithful friend recently. Always by my side. 

But as my doubtful self was sitting here trying to figure out what to write, I called upon life’s manual, and "coincidentally" opened it to Philippians 3. A common chapter in the Bible to many, but somehow it never loses it's refreshing encouragement. 

In this book, Paul expresses his affection for the believers in Philippi specifically, but I believe these God-breathed words were meant for all. Including you and I. 

This morning, God spoke to my worried heart so clearly in Philippians 3:13..."Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Whoa.

One word comes to mind when reading that. Joy. Jesus is the source of abundant lives filled with joy. Now, I understand that one's definition of "abundant" may be different than another's, but of one thing I'm sure. Joy is not seen. Joy is felt. Not only by the individual, but by others. It's infectious, and almost tactile in a sense. True joy comes from the Spirit. 

I should no longer feel doubtful and worrisome about not living up to my future and all of these worldly expectations, but rather, be joyful. Hopeful. Press on, and faithfully run the race that Jesus has set before me. The ultimate prize is not here on this earth, but waiting for me once this life is over. It is my hope to relentlessly pursue the knowledge and love of the Lord.  I implore you to join me. 

Be blessed, friends. Thank you for reading.

Hopeful

12:05 AM

...Yes, it's early, just a few minutes past midnight. But I've really been wanting to do this. Start a blog. It'll be a multipurpose thing...an outlet for thoughts, poetry, and maybe even a place of encouragement and self clarification. Who knows...

First off, thank you. It really means something that you've even read this far. Only a couple sentences, yes...but thank you.

My next entry will have more food for thought, I assure you. Right now, this is just the beginning, and I'm excited to see where this whole thing will go. I'd love to hear from you, and if you feel so inclined to leave a comment, please do.

I think I'm going to end it here tonight. Good night, world...You were good to me today.