Signing Off

My last post here was 7 1/2 months ago.  

So much has happened.

New Directions have been taken.

New focus for life.

This Blog was really a diary of our family and events.  It was fun!

But I"m making some changes.

Living Intentionally.  Writing Intentionally.  Showing Christ Intententionally.

So I bid farewell to Love Always, Kim.

YOu can still find me on LivingInHisHope.blogspot.com

.... and who knows where else in cyberworld I will appear!!!

Love Always,

Kim

Parting Photos:

Our Reason - Raymond

I'm a little ashamed that it has taken me so long to share this story.  But I have learned in 43 years that what seems like my delays usually matches God's timing perfectly.

To recap:  I took Chris, Ashley and our friend David to San Francisco in February.  It was a trip I had wanted to make for years - since Seth and Maria moved their with their lovely family and started a church.  It was a project I had prayed for each day.  It was a town I knew nothing about because my friends shared a passion for the people, I shared their burden.  In January I knew I needed to go.  

Plans were made.  Tickets bought and off we went.

I told David shortly before we left, "I don't know who God wants us to go, but I know I must."  The kids and I had done Bible studies before we went, studying the prophets of the old testament whom God sent to warn the people of their sin and declare how to be free.  We read how God even told prophets, "they will not listen to you but you must tell warn them anyway," (Ezekial 2:5).    We studied the importance of Obedience.  

For months a piece of paper has hung in our office that declars, "Obedience in the Go."  That's what we were doing.

We arrived in San Fran to beautiful weather.  Ate at In-and-Out Burgers.  Maria took us to a beautiful overlook site where we could see the entire Bay area.  She shared interesting facts about the Bay and about the people and her love for the City was evident.  On Sunday, we attended service with them and that night walked through China Town and ate some amazing food!  Monday we toured Alcatraz and then met with Seth and the kids who took us to the Pier and Ghiradelli Square - chocolate heaven!

On Tuesday morning, Maria picked us up at our hotel and we headed into the Castro district to work in one of the city's 122 food pantry distribution centers.  San Francisco is 7x7 miles square.  There are over 1 million people living in these 12 hills.  And over 30% of them cannot meet adequate caloric intake to maintain a healthy weight.  Amazing.

The Castro district is known as the homosexual hub for the town and probably the United States.  In a town were nudity is legal, I wasn't sure what would see.  A drive through the district on Saturday had revealed two men in g-strings and running shoes.  Ashley declared, "Mom, I cannot unsee that.  Ever!" Having two teenage boys with me as well as a young teenage girl, I prepped them that morning for what we might see.   

What I felt God leading me to teach then was simple:  People are People.  God loves them.  Sin is Sin - no matter what form it takes.  One sin is not greater than the other.  The sin of Gossip is not lesser than then any sexual sin, nor is it greater.  It separates us from God.  It destroys the plan He has for our lives.  In the hotel room, we joined hands and prayed, "God, let us see People.  Your People.  Not sin.  Not a lifestyle.  Not a difference.  Just people."   And off we went to work.

And work we did!

Working alongside community members and members at a local Foursquare church we helped Pastor Dan prepare food bags of oranges, potatoes, onions, beans, rice, and other goodies.  It was hard work!  Ashley got overheated at one point and the sweet little ladies from Malaysia sat her down and fed her oranges and water.  We were instantly and irrevocably in love!  The boys were in the back alley, breaking apart carts and cases and bags of produce to repackage them for distribution.   Then when all was ready the doors were opened and we gave out bags of food.  Over 200 bags of food!  

We had hundreds and hundreds of Mandarin oranges we gave out that day - to the Chinese this was very important.  It was their New Year and the Mandarin represented good luck.  They were so thankful for the little orbs of goodness and thanked so repeatedly.  

It was three hours of hard labor that left you smiling!

We gave out food;  moved around sacks so they were easier to distribute;  checked food cards, gave out loaves of bread;  broke down boxes.  It was great!

At the end, a middle-aged man approached me.

"Honey, can I ask your name?" he said.   I told him my name was Kim.  He look at me in amazement!  I thought I was surely missing something.  As he told me his story, he said he had been watching Ashley and I work and kept thinking, "she looks like my sister-in-law."  Guess her name -  Kim!

As we talked, I learned his name was Raymond.  His Sister-in-law, Kim, was his favorite relative.  He said my energy matched hers.  That I even looked like her.  

I laughed.  God has a sense of humor!  I asked if he attended church there with Pastor Dan.  He smiled.  No.  He believed in God.  Knew there was a God but he long ago given up on him.  

"Raymond,"  I replied, "God hasn't given up on you.  Why else would he send a woman and two kids half-way across the country to work in a food pantry that looks like, acts like and has the same name as your favorite Sister-in-law?"  

His story broke my heart.  He was raised in Missouri - not too far from where we  came from in Oklahoma.  His parents were ministers with the same denomination my parents had been ministers.  Somewhere along the line, he chose an alternate lifestyle.  His family disowned him.  When he came to a relatives wedding, he was met at the doors and told he was unwelcome because he was a sinner.  He was a shame to the family.  Only his sister-in-law had talked with him.  He eventually moved to California and had no further contact with family.  He missed his neices and nephews.  He grieved the loss of family.

"You are so loved, Raymond,"  I told him.  "God sent someone with the same background as you to tell you He loves you."  

Ashley came up then and introduced her to my new friend. Chris followed shortly.  I introduced my son too.  I asked if I could take their picture.   This man's smile was huge.  He was loved and accepted by people that God had sent to Him.

We may never know this side of Heaven the impact on His life.

But I know the impact on our life.

We obeyed.  God used us to be His hands and feet and Heart.

Raymond - I will always remember you and pray for you and love you.  




I'm looking for pics!  I can't find on my new computer!  I will post as soon as I can find them!

I Shall Write a Book

On how to breathe when the air is sucked from your life.

How to prep your kid for surgery.

How to prep the sibling who is left behind.

How to communicate with the spouse who stays at home.

How to walk the hospital in the middle of the night.

How to prepare medical records for the hospital.

How to....  ideas?

The Reason for the Go

You may never know why God sends you.

You may never know why He calls you.

You may never know this side of Heaven who you impact with obedience to God's Go!

But Go anyway.

It will be worth it.

Post Script:  Go not God!  So funny!

Obedience in the Go

God told Noah, "Go! Get on the boat!"

God told Jonah, "Go! Get to Ninevah!"

God told Abram, "Go! It's a new country!"

God told Jeremiah, "Go! Get ready because I am sending you out!

Notice God never gave an instruction manual, an itinerary, treatise as to why he was sending these men out from their homes, their families, the familiar and comfortable." He just told them to Go.

God never said it would be easy either. In fact he told Jeremiah that the people would not even listen to him!

Great.

What was the testimony then?

God was glorified in the obedience.

God still tells people "Go" today. And not just foreign missions. We are all looking for that giant GO that we miss his step by step unstructions.

Turn left here. Go into that store. Smile at that man.

Check on your child. They need a hug.

Go to San Francisco. Take your kids. And their friend.

The Obedience of the Go is where God honors us. When's we aren't caught up in logistics but simple trust His plan.

NEXT: The Reason for the Go

San Fran - the Sights

Maria and darling Ella picked us up from the airport. 

The first place we hit in San Francisco was the beach.  Well, after In-and-Out Burgers, of course!  Yes, they are that good.  (Try it Animal Style with grilled onions.  oooh.)

This was Ashley's first trip to the ocean and she was eager to dip her toes in the frigid water - 45 degrees or so.  I watched from the beach!  I didn't need to be cold and wet!

Maria drove us around her town - her love for this city and it's people is so evident!  From a beautiful look-out we could see the Bay and beyond.  It was a clear day and we were so happy to be in San Francisco.

I'm Back and on the Road!

The last few months have been crazy. The a January came and the insanity went up exponentially! David's business has been doing well which means extra hours for him. And what has seemed like single parenting for October. November. And December.

It's not been easy for David. Long work hours. Missing family dinners and discussions. I am so grateful to have a partner that can walk through this tough season, trusting God and his wife to take care of other details til the season changes. It's been crazy and but fun too.

But it was still a little too calm for our liking ----

So we bought a new home! Our new place is called Black Bear Crossing and is already not a house but a Home.

The kids and I moved the majority of our household together. In a snow storm. In bitter cold. From a mild Mesa up to the deep snow behind Rules Mountains.

Chris's friend, David, helped. David's mom helped. My girlfriends descended and in three hours packed, moved and unpacked my kitchen. Never underestimate the determination of five women --- and ten kids!

Yet, there were a few hours left in my day. I had not quite reached exhaustion, so I packed up my kids, their friend and I am, as I type, sitting on a plane headed to San Francisco!

Sitting over 10,000 feet above earth, I am reflecting on God's great goodness.

If you've read my blog before, I follow me on Facebook you know that I have battled Sjogrens disease for the past several years. Probably longer but I didn't know what was wrong -- only that my tongue would swell, my mouth was often dry, my skin was flakey, fatigue would come on so strong it would tanked 30 minutes of pep talk to get out of bed each morning not to mention swollen hands, joint pain and tenderness. As if not enough, any time a person walked into a room with a virus or infection, I was sure to be infected and ill within a day. Not fun.

Not for me. Not for my kids. Not for my hubby.

Since August 1, 2012 I have been able to go non-stop. With no illness. Only a couple of flares with joint pain. No colds. No viruses.

Only God!

The difference? Prayer. Fasting. Prayers to break chains of generational illnesses. Prayers for wisdom on what we eat as a family. What I drink. Prayers of thanksgiving for the healing God has performed already! Prayer.

As we near San Francisco, I near a dream. To take my kids places. To work with Seth and Maria Waters at their church. To show my kids our great nation. To serve God by being his hands and feet.

How blessed I am!

I am glad to writing again! And on the road! With God!

Christmas 2012

Our beautiful Ashley Ruth

14 years old

Charming son, Chris

16 years

Our 2012 tree!

And Sherman in his Christmas Sweater and bow.

He seriously hates to have his sweater on, but it was so cold!

We have always loved opening our home to everyone.

Football, birthday parties, baby showers, and holidays - it's God's house to use as he needs it and to feed everyone who comes to the door!  In the three days before Christmas, I fed two different church groups - loved it!  

Then, my special Posole following Christmas Eve service.

And a full house Christmas day!

The Palmer 5;  Spann 4;  Kaesha and Cetabria and our 4 too!

So thankful for the Family of Choice that to which God has called us to belong.

Merry Christmas

(yeah, it's January 3 - but hey, somethings take time!)

Christmas at Our House

Just a typical holiday...

Yeah, really wanted to post photos.  But computer having issues.

Maybe it has a cold too!

Christmas Humming

I was caught this week. Humming. Rather loudly. In Walmart. A kind man was smiling at me when I realized he could hear me. The song in my head had burst out in melodious murmur. Spontaneous. Joyful. I was sharing.

Life would Jesus should be this way!

Knowing our freedom, our salvation, our Hope we burst out in praise to share our good news!!!!

It should be. But it's not.

We don't wish to offend. Or embarrass our children. Or seem foolish.

May I be more willing to be foolish in the eyes of this world if it means I share Hope more this coming year!

Advent Traditions and Calendar

I love traditions!  This week I have been cleaning my house to prepare for Decking the Halls on Saturday.  The cleaning I don't like so  much, but preparing for the red and white and family and friends and feasts - I love!

This year, I want to make the Advent Wreath part of our tradition.  So I did some research - of course!  And I'm posting what I learned as well as a devotional schedule for you to add to your family traditions.

I'm thinking this could be a fun thing for littles as well - make paper candles out of paper and place so they "burn" all week and you can talk about them and their meaning!

Hope you enjoy!

The Meaning of Advent

 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel,”  (Isaiah 7:14)

             "Advent" means “Coming.”

                Our Expectations, Anticipation and Preparation for Christ

 

·         Watching for fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

·         Watching for His Birth

·         Watching for his Resurrection

·         Watching for His Return

                 

 The Advent Wreath

 “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit,”  (Rom. 15:12-13).

             Traditionally, during the Christmas season we have an "Advent Wreath" in our Churches, and this is remarkably celebrated in all Denominations, including Orthodox, Catholic, liturgical, Mainline and Evangelical. The Advent Wreath is a  tradition that cuts across denominational and theological boundaries. It dates to the beginning of the 19th century in Europe. This Advent Wreath is arranged with 4 or 5 Advent candles, 3 or 4 of which are in a circle, along with one in the center, all on a base of evergreens each has a powerful message for us about our Lord. This has prevailing imagery we should not take for granted or consider just another holiday decoration.

 ·        The Wreath: The wreath itself means "victory" as Christ's victory over sin (Praise God!!) so He can save us. The Advent Wreath has 4 or 5 candles that are arranged in a circle symbolizing Christ's eternity, as a circle has no beginning and has no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and thus without beginning or end. The evergreens mean He is "ever with us," they are usually pine branches or holly that are used as a base that represents anticipation, newness, renewal and His everlastingness. The red berries of the holly represent the shedding of Christ's blood.

 ·        The Candles: The Advent candles mean the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. This refers to the significance that Christ is the Light of the world. When they are lit, the illumination is to symbolize the Christ of eternity and His coming as the "Light of the World" and our worship and honor of His most precious gift of His Grace and mercy. These candles also have a color theme too, purple, blue, pink or rose and while. The first two or three are purple meaning royalty and this is also the color of suffering and the darkness of sin, connecting Jesus' birth and crucifixion and His triumph over sin. Blue means sky and life, pink means joy, and white means purity.

 

Meaning of Candles

·            1^st Week – Purple -  "CANDLE OF HOPE" means His promise and hope. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)

 

·            2^nd Week – Purple -  "CANDLE OF PREPARATION" means His light and preparation. Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!" (Luke 3:4-6) (Some traditions combine the first two)

 

·            3^rd Week – Rose -  "CANDLE OF JOY" means the angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)

 

·            4^th Week – Blue -  "CANDLE OF LOVE" symbolizes Christ love. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us! (John 3:16-17) (some traditions omit this one)

 

·            5^th Week – White -  "CHRIST CANDLE" symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the center as Christ's light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! (in wreaths that have 4 candles, it is in the circle among the rest of the candles)

 

Sunday, Dec 2.                                                                  Purple                   Candle of Hope

Sunday, Dec. 9                                                                  Purple                   Candle of Preparation

Sunday, Dec. 16                                                                Rose                      Candle of Joy

Sunday, Dec. 23                                                                Blue                       Candle of Love

Wednesday,  December 25,  Christmas Day               White                    Christ Candle

 

·        Each candle is during a family devotional.   Scripture is read that teaches the principle.  Then the previous candles are re-lighted.

Devotional Verses for the Season

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS       November 28- December 1, 2012                

SUNDAY: Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2

MONDAY: Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 1:26-33

TUESDAY: Luke 2:1-5

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:6-7

THURSDAY: Luke 2:8-9

FRIDAY: Luke 2:10-12

SATURDAY: Luke 2:13-14

 

THREE WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS     December 2-8, 2012                                      

SUNDAY: Luke 2:15-16

MONDAY: Luke 2:17-18

TUESDAY: Luke 2:19

WEDNESDAY: Luke 2:20

THURSDAY: Luke 2:21

FRIDAY: Matthew 2:1-2

SATURDAY: Matthew 2:3-6

 

TWO WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS         December 9-15, 2012                        

SUNDAY: Matthew 2:7-8

MONDAY: Matthew 2:9

TUESDAY: Matthew 2:10-11

WEDNESDAY: Matthew 2:12-15

THURSDAY: Galatians 4:4-5

FRIDAY: Ephesians 2:8-9

SATURDAY: 1 John 4:7-16

 

ONE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS            December 16-22, 2012                      

SUNDAY: Ephesians 2:12-22

MONDAY: John 7:37-38, and 14:6

TUESDAY: Matthew 28:19-20

WEDNESDAY: John 8:12

THURSDAY: John 9:4-5 and Matthew 5:14-16

FRIDAY: Psalm 98:1-6

SATURDAY: John 1:1-3, 14 and Romans 6:23

 

CHRISTMAS DAY                                         Tuesday, Dec. 25                                                      

Psalm 100, Revelation 3:20-21

 John 1:29 and John 3:1-8 and Psalm 25

We made it!

September 28, 2012

I made it!  I survived August.  I conquered September!

I am only 3 pounds heavier than I was August 3rd.  Considering my stress level, that's a miracle!

 I have not yelled at anyone.  Although, one nurse nearly felt my wrath, I was able to catch myself before unleashing on her a litany of why I homeschool and its benefits for my family and why each family must choose the educational method best for them and for each student, and...

I digress.

In the past 7 weeks, I have been to Denver twice.  Grand Junction once.

I have put my daughter in an operating room - twice.  I have sat with two friends having surgery.  I have watched my husband struggle with a knee problem and then have surgery too.

My in-laws have visited.  A friend has stayed with me.  I have driven to hand therapies and doctor visits.  I

My child has blackedout once and had a minor seizure (like there's such a thing in the eyes of a parent!).

And in my spare time I have arranged lessons for two children.  I have reworked Math problems.  There was the chemistry lessons I've had to watch.  I've ventured into the area video learning.

Then there's my extended family....

Shall we talk about the ills of rabbit brush and allergies in the Four Corners Area?

I also turned 43! 

And celebrated 21 years of marriage.

I'm not known for being able to hold it together this long.  By now I would have yelled at husband and kids alike.  I would have taken to bed for at least one day and hid from the world. 

Maybe I'm maturing.  Maturing in Grace. 

Not everything has been done - laundry still lays folded on the couch downstairs and my bathroom could use a good scrubbing.  Dishes are in the sink.  And a bag of apples needs to be cored and sliced for freezing.  The garden has hot been prepped for the winter and my basil is going to freeze on the vine soon if not taken care of - but that's okay.

I'm sitting in His Word more.  Learning His definition of perfection vs. Mine.

Mostly, I'm realizing this Life is not about me!  Shocker!

It's about Him.  And how I live for Him each day with each struggle. 

Micah 6:8 spells out what God wants:

"What does the Lord require of you?
     To do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord your God."


That's it.  That's all. 

It's my belief he wans us to this for ourselves too!   He wants us to do justly for ourselves - rest, set reasonable expectations and schedules -  and our family - be there for them, be present in covnersations and each moment - ;  to show ourselves mercy - we can't do it all and it's okay! - and realize in humility we can accomplishing nothing apart from him. 


Do Justly  - for you and your family today.

Love Mercy - His compassion is new every morning!

Walk Humbly - it's all about Him!

Soccer Season 2012

2012 Soccer Season is in full season!

This is Chris's junior year of High School.  And his freshman year at Fort Lewis College where he is taking a class on Introduction to Athletic Training - which he is really enjoying.

It's busy as ever - and we love it!

Pics from Surgery

 Team Ashley!

This was Surgery #9 for Ashley and me.  Surgery #4 for Marilyn.  We suprised Ashley with our rhinestone shirts with more names on them.

Dr. Change and our Favorite Anesthesiologist!

Post op rest time.  Sleeping soundly. 

Little friends to comfort.

No Time Limits

One Week, one day down.

One week, six days to go before she can put weight on her foot.

14 days until her next surgery.

Funny how some people count the passage of time.

We countdown to Holidays, birthdays, parties -  milestone events.  We count how many days, weeks, months, years since the birth of our children.

Time.  

We are prisoners of time.  Constrained by it's limitations.  Bound by it's laws.

For now.

One day, we will be free to walk, run, fly, soar without constraints!  When Jesus comes to take us to be with him forever, there will be no laws of gravity and time and physics!

Titus 2: 11-13
  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say "NO" to ungodliness, and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!  Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

Wow!  God has brought us salvation through Jesus Christ!  We should live our lives free of sin because we are waiting for this - Jesus is coming again!!

Ravi Zacharias said, “Hope is that indispensable element that makes the present so important. Significantly, the absence of future hope has an amazing capacity to reach into the present and eat away at the structure of life, as termites would a giant foundation.”

If you have chosen Jesus as your Savior - not just acknowledged he is God, but chosen to life your life for him - you have this hope too!!

Romans 10:9-13
   That if you confess with your mouth and say, "Jesus Is Lord!" and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.  As scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame..." for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

I love this!!!   

I confess - 

Jesus Is Lord!!!

I believe Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead!!

I believe He is coming back for those whom have confessed Him as their Savior!

I want to live my life purposefully.  That others see Jesus in me.

I want to write purposefully so that readers find hope in the written word!

I celebrate my Savior today!   I no matter who difficult this walk for my daughter has been, he will redeem her pain!  No matter the tears I've cried He has seen each one and has cried with me.  I know that my God rejoices in our triumphs and dances over me!

This Time I am prisoner of will one day be broken and I will live forever with my Savior! I will dance in His presence!  I will sing with the angels!  I will run with my daughter!  We will laugh as a family in the presence of our King.  Forever! 

No Time Limits.


(PS - Surgery tale to follow!)

Happy 14th Birthday

Happy Birthday!

Ashley Ruth Wilson Beach

July 24, 1998

1:53 pm

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Smiling

Silly

Family Lovin'

Deeply Rooted

Adored

Inspiration

That's our girl.

We are so pleased and proud to have her as our daughter!

2012 Family Newsletter

Wow!  It took 8 months and 2 hours to put this on my blog!!!!

These lovely pics were taking by Carol Cardwell Photography!

Amazing!!!

 The rest of the pics are mine.

Frustration

Computers

Technology

All I want to do is copy my family newsletter to my blog!!!! 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little bit of Poetry

I think I've kept a journal since I could write.  Spiral notebooks, slips of paper, books with weird 70's artwork.  Some are thoughts and some are poems.  Some are ramblings.  Thought I'd share a poem today.

Tomorrow

All my failures
    He sees beyond
All my sorrows
    He understands
The tears I've cried, He's cried too.
The disappointment, He has felt.


To love me then,
To love  me now,
It takes a miracle.


But He sees me not then
And He sees me not now
He sees me as I will be Tomorrow. 

October 14, 1987

Kimberly Kay Wilson (Beach)

Memories

Going through my computer files today, I found these adorable pictures of my kids!  They were taken in 2005, just a few months after we had moved here.  My Dad and Momma Mike had come to visit and the kids road back to Oklahoma with them for a visit.

Aren't they adorable?

Lovin' her puppy

Sherman and Annie and the kids

Sleepy much?