He loves her hair.
She loves his eyes.
He adores her giving spirit.
She adores his tender heart.
They’ve learned to dance together in a way that frees them to be who they are—separately and together.
They are thankful for each day they can spend together. Life is an adventure, meant to be lived full out. But more importantly, life is meant to be lived authentically with the person who is closest to you in this world.
No secrets.
No fears.
Nothing held back from the other.
It wasn’t always this way.
Did you know that when pine beetles burrow deep into a Lodgepole Pine to feed on it, they eventually kill the tree? When the dead tree is cut down and processed, the beetles’ destruction leaves behind a stunning pattern of blue-grey stain. We find that what the beetle destroyed has instead become a thing of beauty.
Our story has scars too.
What the enemy of our souls meant to destroy, God miraculously transformed. He took the pain, addiction, and fear and changed our story to one of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. He has shown us that, if we are willing to make the journey, pain and deep wounds can result in beauty and freedom.
Grace won in our story.
Not because we are good, smart, or special, but because God in His mercy and grace showed us the path toward freedom. With the help of counselors, a group of mature, caring people, and several hard choices along the way, we walk today in freedom.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Today, if you are struggling, know that there is a way out of your pain and frustration that leads not to death or further suffering, but to abundant life and freedom. You have a choice today and every day. What will you choose?
If you need help, please reach out. I promise to listen without judgment and help you take the next step.
Dear Sweet Kirsten,
Just ordered your book. For some reason, I wasn’t aware that that you wrote a blog let alone a book! How wonderful to read your story!! I am so looking forward to catching up with you. I have communicated and connected with Sharon over the years, but in my mind you are still the “little sister” who only ate cottage cheese! What a shock to realize that you’re a grandma too! I know it because of Facebook, but people don’t grow up when we don’t see them, right? (Remember all those New Year’s Eves we spent together as families!) I am just now reading your blog. You are a blessing to so many. So excited to read your books. Would be fun to see you again.
Love, Cheri
Hi Cheri. Thank you for checking out my blog and ordering my book. You are a blessing. Yes, I remember all those family times spent together. Please post a book review on Amazon. May you be blessed by the book’s message.