christmas: kari renee & gracie

My Christmas Postcard. A favorite of all cards done in the past 6 years.

Just bright.

Happy.

Fluffy.

Reflects a truly remarkable and joyful year. After it went to print I thought of other notable things about 2011, which are written on it to make sure that they are captured as well.

My address list has gotten longer. Which is a blessing. I'm thankful for the opportunity to sit and write. And despite the time that could be saved by using technology to print off labels, I personally really enjoy writing each card. I like writing the recipients name, address- and even if its just a few sentences, I like doing it. In some cases its the one time a year that I communicate with some folks, but still find their role in my life or past so significant, that it deserves a hand written Christmas note. If you are missing from the list, please let me know. It's been a crazed and chaotic season and I did the best I could in regards to updating addresses and people!

You are loved.

And missed.

And prayed for.

Always.

But most especially as we celebrate our Savior's birth!

Two Thousand and Eleven. A Blessed & Beloved Year.

1. A Packers Superbowl 2. Postcards 3. Cherry Blossom Festival with Matty 4. Sangria Saturdays 5. A Sierra Leone Pen Pal 6. Locks for the Keys 7. A Summer for Sisters 8. The Perfect Move 9. A Loved Job 10. Salem Chapel 11. House Guests 12. Disney with Courtney 13. Thirty One: Surprises and Love at every turn- A Sequin Celebration! 14. Winston-Salem Thanksgiving 15. House Dinner 16. My First Christmas Tree: Decorated in Friendship 17. A Morning in NYC 18. Packers/Giants with my Family 19. Answering to Kari Renee without pause 20. Coffee 21. New Friends. Old Friends. And the Best Friends. Forever. 22. Gracie for Always. 23. Knowing more tenderly and joyfully the love of our living God and Savior, born man; so that we might have life and life to the full.

Love. Love. kari renee

additions:

24. You are Loved with Krystal.

25. Date Days with JJ: Mimosa's?

26. 4th of July

27. 4 hr Dt's with Theresa

28. Late night talking with Emily in May

29. Easter with the girls.

30. Truth and Loved

31. Iced Coffee Dates

32. Matty's Monthly Visits

33. Leaving peaceful and prepared

34. Long talks with Brother

35. Letts writing lunch dates @ The Joyful Spirit

36. Allegria in April

37.Breaking long silences

38. Time Machines

39. Eternal Hope and Love in Jesus.

40. Life Group

41. Holding on and Letting Go

42. Happy.

Angel Oak: Brother

My brother came out of his way last week to share a meal, and a late night talking about some real and meaningful things. He was en route to visit our mother, in South Carolina. The late night talking led to a morning at breakfast sharing thoughts and dreams about the coming years. What moves that might, or hope to be had. It was one of my favorite times I've shared with him. Without other family lingering around, it was just us. I got this postcard. The impressive part, is that he doesn't really send mail much. But I mentioned I how much love it when he was here, shared my thoughts on appreciate the time and care behind penmanship.

I got this.

And it made my day.

Truly.


Looks like the nice weather ended up arriving before I did. South Carolina is really beautiful; especially with all the ornamented trees that make the season so beautiful. Good seeing you this weekend, we should do it again soon. Perhaps sometimes in the New Year.

Much Love,

Bill

Community: Feb 2011

Feb 2011 brought a Packers Superbowl win and huge party celebration with dB friends and the Lexington crew. It was truly a highlight of this year. I continue to be thankful for the ongoing friendship and the community I was able to create in Roanoke during the time I commuted to work. It lent to the confidence and assurance in Christ that the Lord was and would be with me in a move to a new city and state. I have been praying about an International move for a long time. It seems as if 2012 may actually bring one- crazy! So much prayer for that- and with this most recent transition made more confidently by building a community in Roanoke that met my Lexington home earlier this year- I am thankful and peaceful for the adventures that await.

Love,

me

bench: a whispered truth

Sometimes I see this picture and I am instantly placed there.

On the edge of the world. This was taken at sunset- in Santorini.

Sometimes I think if you went and sat down here, on this bench that you would find my heart. Beating with questions. Curiosities. Hopes. And prayers for what would come. That would require both strength but also grace and resolve. There has always been a meaning and story behind this image. I remember it well. I do not need to sit there and I don't need to see this picture to be reminded of it.

The greatest part of it lives on still.

Once there was a curious girl who pursued a time of reflection and understanding of self and her Savior. She didn't know what it would take to find both- or where she would have to go. On the edge of the world she sat. Watching a tremendous and quiet sunset. She got up when it was finished. Walked away. Needing one last look- she glanced back and captured this. It whispers, "Strength was here the whole time. Home is coming. You are more then ready. Don't miss it. Slow down. Breathe deep. I am your God. I love you." Thankful for the here and now. But also for that girl who finally came home and knows. The truth.

Happy Day: 7 Favorites

Some favorite things right now:

1. The hookup of free coffee @ BUCKS

2. Africa is now stateside. Which means we are on the same continent and time zone. We can text message- and when on the phone there is no longer a 3 second delay. And most of all- soon we get to hang out. Yay.

3. My brother came for a quick visit. We talked for hours. Like really talked. About life. Love. Family. The Truth. Hope. And Faith.

4. Christmas is almost here! So close!

5. Days off have been restful and good.

6. Anticipating Krystal's arrival.

7. Doing well.

:) Kar

Tim Burton: Alyssanne

2nd one.

For the blog.

This made me smile!

Kari-

I hope you had a blast on your NYC trip. Last year when I was there I went to the Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA. It was fantastic! I love exploring and enjoying the creativity of others. I also love NYC, especially at Christmastime. I hope to venture there soon!

Alyssanne

Frankenmuth: Seth

15 December 2011

Merry Christmas Kari Ann!

I onced visited Frankenmuth, MI as a child- It's Christmas there ALL YEAR ROUND! Crazy, I know. What's crazier are the people who visit there (i.e. me and my grandparents)> There is also an exact replica of the Silent Night Chapel there from Austria. So Seasonal! Anywhosit, enjoy your holiday season! See you in the New Year!

-Seth

(Check out this vintage 1994 holiday stamp!)