People: Favorite Things

grapes courtesy of IKEA.


Current Favorite Things About People: It became one very long list... :O)

People who are not afraid of living life.

Not afraid of loving. Laughing. Crying.

Jumping. Falling. Getting dirty or caught in the rain.

People who live and breathe with authenticty and command you to do the same.

People who will eat French Fries but know they shouldn't.

People who are artists in their core- and their lives are an expression of their own interpretation.

People who don't just read blogs,

but have a life worth documenting on one.

People who also believe that Trailers are the best part of going to a movie and that life would not be complete without chocolate.

People who push you- Hard. And never leave you alone in silence.

Love worth moving for.

People that give you the last piece of gum in their pack.

Will bring you coffee just because.

People who hate holding hands- but still hold yours because you love it.

People who make you laugh into tears and smile after screams.

I know people like this. I love them.

Lime: March 6

picture courtesy of IKEA art department...

March 6, 2011

1) This picture inspires me to hum "put a lime in the coconut" and then consequently daydream about the ocean...

2) For the past 2 Monday's Jessica and I have had girlfriend dates. We've done mani/pedi's, Mimosa's in the middle of the afternoon, Mall shopping, and dinners at Ichiban. We laugh a lot and tells stories. We call them dates- and last week she said she'd move to be with me- and she's married to a great guy, which just makes me laugh.

3) I got two new pairs of shoes and wore them to work on Saturday. They were amazing.

4) I cut my hair and got bangs. The group reaction: love them. They are sassy and I appreciate a new look as I continue to grow my hair out.

5) Felt for the first time in a long time Saturday night the difference between a Hug, and the intimacy in being Held. It took me by surprise and lasted way longer than I expected. But... it was comfortable and I was vulnerable in a refreshing way. It was changing. We both noticed it and commented on it, which was just funny.

6) It's March. Where did January and Feb go?

Love.Love.

Me

Sweets for the Sweet May 2000: Barb

I have countless letters, cards, and pieces of encouragement with this beloved woman's handwriting on it. I recognize it instantly, and at once I am made peaceful and content in the way she has pursued my heart to know Jesus better since I was 3 years old. She has impacted so many people over the years, and I always delight when I connect another dot in the myriad group of people we know and love. This happened often when I was on YL Staff at Rockbridge.

It's been awhile since we have been able to sit down and talk about what we are learning in life, our families, struggles, and triumphs. I miss her. But her messages are tucked away in cute boxes full of prized letters, and in the hunt for today's Sunday Sentimental offering I found one covered in Hershey Kisses, and knew before flipping it over what the message said. The woman who sent it has been a treasured friend/mentor/counselor/sister, and of course and most tenderly: a mother figure in my life. I love her, and today this message seemed particularly fitting (as always) about the paths and journeys of life, and how in the midst of all that we do not know, can not control, and do not understand- leaning on Christ with all we can, be, and do in acknowledging his power and sovereignty our paths will be made straight. This reminder never gets old. I am thankful for such an amazing woman to remind me in postcards, letters, and lunches over her famous chicken salad that Jesus is forever. His promises are good and real. And that along the road, she is also there encouraging me to stay on the course in confidence that the Lord is at work, and His work is always good.

I also love that for 27 years of my life, she has called me Kari Berri. It's familiar, maternal, and I love it. Love love love it.

"sweets for the sweet"! 5-31-00

Dearest Kari Berri: Just a thought after our great chat... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart- lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."!! That little Proverb always helps us keep on track! A far as "forever" goes- "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." Forever. Little step by little step!! Love, Barbara Gillan

Feb Postcard Pen Pal Recap

1) Hits: 446!! Total is over a thousand!

2) Guest Contributors: 7!

Matty wins the award for two.

Ashley for furthest traveled card.

Sarah's for perfect timing.

Jeni for Disney and sentimental reminder. Paris!

Katie for oldest friend... ERMS!

Sandy for reminding me each day I am loved. And making sure I always know it.

3) Favorite Self: Jan 30-Feb 5 Recap (and green door)

4) Favorite Sentimental Sunday: A tie between Seattle & Paris

5) Remembering that each day is an adventure. Loving the process to document it all.

Love.Love.

Me

Feb: Catching Up and Wrapping It Up

Catching up Feb... and wrapping it up.

1) Feeling the push to consider a new direction and life- that I did not see myself pursuing. Pretty excited. And terrified.

2) I was walked to my car on Saturday night and was spoken truth to by someone I never expected. There were moments I honestly knew so completely that the Lord was there. He was bold. He was vulnerable. He saw me. The true me. And without pretense or manipulation shared his heart. It was familiar. But entirely different. Then Matty saved the day when i ran out of gas. I know some great men. They pursue me. Challenge me, and allow me the opportunity to share Me. Just as I am today. Its authentic and its joyful.

3) Jessica- my work BFF is not just a work friend anymore. I love love love her.

4) I am still working towards letting go of my view of the future to embrace where the Lord has me.

5) I am quiet more in the car then ever. And love it.

6) I miss my sisters. All of them.

7) I loved W. well- and because I know and love JC I trust that the seeds planted will grow into something beautiful in her. In me? An endless field of sunflowers.

Life is so so good. And JC... the best.

Safe.Home.

I have always thought this picture spoke "knock and the door shall be opened." Recently however in light of some major things learned, I have looked at it more with the thoughts of how safe and loved we are behind the door. The feeling of being safe at home. How home isn't just where you lay your head, or store your things. How home has become so much of how I feel with the Lord, regardless of my physical location. How safe, protected and loved I have felt there... and thankfully also here. For myself and for others.

By all definintions and classifications I opened up my home to a stranger- barely a friend- on Saturday night. A girl I work with needed help. The Lord placed me in the situation with objectivity, support, and wisdom. I did not feel adequate or prepared. But the Lord knew. He equips us as we need it- and somehow it worked out. I admit I struggle with wanting to fix things- everything. However I have been learning so much about how by trusting God to use us- we are more effective because our ego and heart know its not us at all. The pressure to be perfect subsides- and our hearts are transformed forever. The lessons learned that night by sharing this home and beign a friends are continuing to be revealed. This house has been such a huge blessing to me and others. I think I have often taken for granted how safe I feel here. Secure. Protected. In the anxiety of making those things vulnerable I was able to appreciate how the Lord asks us to trust, rely, and rest only in His provision and protection. My life is not my own. My experiences are not limited to me. All glory to the Father. Let my life be a reflections of His mercies. His love. His redemption. His love! Saturday night I gave every minute over to Him in control and provision. My ability to love someone I barely know, to understand the gravity of that choice and escape... to open my door, invite her in. To share my journey and my understanding of hope. Freedom. Grace. I found myself so incredibly changed by loving and helping someone in such a difficult place- that I can only bow in awe to the Father- whom is always safe.

Radio Encouragement

Jesus in the Radio ---> A week of goodness & encouragement

"Living. He loved me.

Dying. He saved me.

Buried. He carried my sins far away.

Rising. He justified freely forever.

One day He's coming. Oh Glorious Day" --Casting Crowns, Glorious Day

Everyday I have heard "Your Love" on the radio. I have heard it on secular & Christian stations. Its been crazy. No lie. Sometimes even twice a day! I listen each time & I SING!

"So I climbed a mountain and I built an altar... Looked out as far as I could see- and everyday I'm getting older, I'm running out of dreams. But your Love. Your love- the only thing that matters is your love. Your love is all I have to give. Your love is enough to light up the darkness- its your love. All I ever needed was your life. You're the hope in the morning- you're the light when the night is falling. You're the song when my heart is singing, its your love..."

Then of course Stay. Firework for Jessica- always makes me giggle. Lots of Train- all the time! Yay for the Grammy win. Love is Here... Mighty to Save. Your love O Lord. Sometimes the radio drive me crazy or just annoys me so I turn it off. But its been a great blessing this week as I have prayed about the future and this next LEAP of faith in this adventure.