This Is Kristin

Today Shaun, talked about Saving children through Compassion International, and helping our own children to be aware people,  

and

Polly spoke about the Mocha Club, and how a little bit can go a long way.  

Here are a couple of pictures from the 4th, that our family and friends, and whoever else cares can see of our cute kids.  (Just so you know you can click on each picture to make it bigger)  

~It’s funny to get older.  As I watched my son jump off the top of the pool into the lower part of the pool, (see picture here) I cringed. Somehow every possible way he could get hurt popped into my head.  The funny thing is, is that I used to be the one jumping off of high things into pools, and off high rocks into rivers…

Then I watched him swim most of the day, worrying that he didn’t stop to eat, worrying that he might be swimming too much (?) Yet, as my dad reminded me, I was the one as a kid that they’d have to beg to get out of the pool after 4 hours straight of swimming.  I was that kid, that didn’t stop to eat.  

I watched him shoot off fire works, jumping, and cringing at everything.  Yet I remember playing with sparklers as a kid, not scared one bit, watching the fireworks in awe, and right in the middle of it all.  

I used to be so much more daring, and not afraid of much.  Now, I get so scared for my kids, and somehow can visualize the dangers so much more, and I’m so cautious.  How did this happen?  I guess it’s a good thing, and I’m pretty sure my husband balances out the whole cautious thing, especially when it comes to fire and fire works… 

At the end of the night, after we’d tucked the kids in bed, Brody, Randy, and I headed outside, while I watched them set off fire works.  It started out normal, you know, lighting them and then walking away.  

I guess that wasn’t fun enough for them, because, they kept upping it a notch.  ”Now let’s set off two at once… Let’s set them off, and run around holding them…. Let’s try to light a whole pack at once!”  I started out sitting closely, then moved my chair further away, then I just stood, so I could get a running start, not knowing where the sparks were going to fly to!  I guess God put an end to it, when He sent some rain… I’d already went in at that point.  

I’m glad everyone had a good 4th and weekend.  If anyone has ever heard of anyone getting hurt from fire works, I’m sorry for you, but please don’t tell me about it…. my anxiety is too high as it is… 

Shawnw~ Is speaking about the amazing thing called “Life Straw,” through a video interview.  

Stephanie~ is speaking about her experiences in working with children in foster care and praying specifically against child abuse.  

Wanna know what happens when I tell my husband I don’t want anything for my birthday, but only to go camping? He gets creative….

This is by far the funniest present he’s ever given me. I could wear it out, when he’s not with me, and people would ask, “who’s that?” Probably thinking it’s some famous actor or rock star, and then I can say…”it’s my husband.” The reaction would be hilarious.

(look out everyone, he may be entering a t shirt making phase again… when our first was little, my husband made him a whole bunch of t shirts, saying “my dog” “my name,” “my mom’s feet”…I love it, so fun.)

…I feel kinda weird with a gigantic picture of myself on here… but I wanted you to get the full effect of the shirt…. 

First up is Tim, who is speaking about a group of students in Nashville who are helping refugees from various countries learn english, and other important things, and aquire jobs here starting their new lives.

Leslie, is speaking about Water Aide, which helps get clean water sources to people who currently have unclean water, and also helping them maintain those water sources.

Mama’s is speaking about helping the elderly living in extreme poverty in other countries.

Andria is speaking about World Hope International, which is also helping to provide clean water.

(One of my favorite songs by The album Leaf)

Any plans?

Okay, so my husband thought up this idea to talk about the top 5 blogs that send the most traffic and why we like their blogs.

These are my top 5 this month:

1. Brody: I like his blog a lot. It’s random, like him, and his bunny. I’m married to him, and I still am surprised to hear his take on things sometimes! I like to see what is on his mind, and usually I’ll hear a good music recommendation.

2. Jeff Culmer: I like that his blog shows a lot of behind the scenes of his job working on the crew for various bands, and he’s got definitions for words I’ve never heard of. Plus, a really funny story about a spider and a port-a- potty.

3. Euphrony: I like Euphrony’s blog because he’s got everything from interesting facts, to thoughts on being a dad.

4. Kat: I like Kat’s blog, because she “keeps it real.” I mean, that there is a balance in the things that she talks about, and she is easy to relate to. There’s a lot of variety, friendship, free music, and funny stories.

5. Tracy: I like Tracy’s blog, because it’s so transparent. She’s an incredibly sweet and genuine and funny person, and that is why I like reading her blog!

Steven is talking about the homeless today, and a great book called “Under the Overpass.”

and

Sarah is talking about the persecuted church.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Matthew 5:10

I love to meet new people, (even though I’m a generally shy person, but I’m getting better).

 Tonight, we got to meet Euphrony and his family.  (he doesn’t look like his picture)

Euphrony and I work together on the Inspired to Action team, via the internet, so all meetings are held online, or by phone.  I realized that I’ve been reading his blog for around a year, so I kind of felt like I knew them in a way.    

They are a really great family, with cute kids, and it was a fun experience to just hang out, relax and get to know them better.  

I think it’s neat to meet people that I’ve only known online.  It’s fun to connect and know somebody to look up if we are ever in their neck of the woods!  

(thank you also, for the pizza!)  

Laura is part of the Inspired to Action team, and has much knowledge pertaining to Africa.  She talks about a subject today, that is hard to stomach, but is one of those things that has to be talked about because it must stop.  

Beth is speaking about Compassion, which is a great organization that we can’t hear enough about all they are doing to support children and release them from poverty.