Kristin McLendon: August 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

If you could, pray for us please!

So. I share these pictures with you and ask for you to pray for us. We have a few speaking thingamigigs this week--and well by the looks of the pictures above can anyone take us seriously?

And then I watched this:

An Important Message from Beth Moore from LWEvents on Vimeo.

I suddenly realized, it's quite alright to be goofy. It's okay to be me. It's okay to be us.

So, yeah. Please pray. The past year I've been "resting" and haven't spoken to large groups on that many occasions and all of sudden between last week and this week the Lord has opened up the floodgates for me to get over the spirit of fear and walk in the authority He has given to me.

I won't go into details, but if you could pray that would be awesome. :)

Y'all are awesome. I can't thank you enough for the way you love us.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Yummy Pizza Recipe

I made this great pizza recipe that I got from my friend Doreen last week. I just had to pass it on to all of you! :)

Don't be shocked but....it has no pizza sauce or meat (and you should have seen the look on Robert's face when I pulled it out of the oven---but he did end up liking it after the initial shock--he did classify it as "girlie" though!)

Ingredients:
1 lb pizza dough
1 medium tomato sliced thin
1 medium zuchinni sliced
1 small onion sliced
1 c. mushrooms sliced
2 cloves fresh garlic crushed
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 c. cheddar cheese
1 tsp italian seasoning (or just substitute oregano)
1/2 c. parmesan cheese, grated

Roll out pizza dough thin. Spread pressed garlic all over pizza dough. Sprinkle crust with mozzarella & cheddar cheese, top with tomatoes. Sprinkle italian seasoning. Layer zucchini, onion & mushrooms over tomatoes. sprinle parmesan cheese over top. Bake @ 450 for 15-18 minutes.

Yummy! Come comment back if you try it and let me know your thoughts or if you have another homemade pizza recipe, send it my way!

Happy Cooking!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Checking In

THE MCLENDONS HAVE INTERNET!!!!!

Sorry. Had to celebrate there for a moment. Robert and I went two different directions this weekend, but when we reunited this afternoon the first thing he did was head to the garage and go on the hunt for our wireless router and hooked it all up for me. Isn't he the sweetest! :) So, here we are. Having internet again. Sorry you had to hear me complain about that one for a good month!

It's Sunday night and all the McLendon's are back in their little cottage in Kennesaw. Robert had his bachelor weekend for his best friend Luke and Maddie and I did this:

(No worries--we were stopped at a stop light when I took this picture, so it was not taken while technically driving and no one was harmed).

(Okay, well I was moving in this picture, but there was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AROUND and it was a straight shot of road--a straight shot for 156 MILES!!!!!)

Again. This makes the 6th time in 14 days I've seen this stretch of road--only the 4th time for Maddie. But it's quite alright. It was well worth it. If you read last weeks post for my dad (if you didn't, you can go read it here), you would have known that dad would be looking for his birthday present on Thursday. Well, it was yours truly with a card and gift in hand. He was surprised. I decided this weekend that I love surprises. I found myself getting all nervous as I pulled into Richmond Hill. Really, I had no reason to be nervous, but it's the anticipation and hoping that you really make that persons day. How bout you? Are you a person who loves or hates surprises???

Also, while home I got to spend some good quality time with my dear friend Heather--she even taught me the ins and outs of garage sale shopping. I plan on putting these new skills into action--I'll keep you posted on how this goes.

And while Robert was in Atlanta with the guys--doing guy things--bowling, going to a Braves game, etc., I got to do some wedding stuff myself. My friend Amanda is also getting married in September (Robert and I are in weddings back to back weekends in September)...and I'm the Matron of Honor. I was quite excited that I got to attend a bridal shower for her and then actually get to do a trial run with the dress! :) Good girl time!

One last thing about home, while I was there, I took advantage of home having internet and caught up on my Google Reader and well gave our blog a facelift. I know most of you get this in an email or read it on a something such as Google Reader, so if you haven't seen our actual blog lately, you should click there now.

One last tidbit of randomness for the evening--our neighbor knocked on our door this afternoon and asked if we wanted her patio furniture. I've made a couple of comments to Robert how I like her patio furniture and wouldn't you know it, she GAVE IT TO US! I was so excited. It's kinda rustic/antiquish (pretty sure I just made that word up)/old looking and I love it. It seats 4. Upgrade from our little table that seats 2. And the weather today---it was in the mid-70's early afternoon. Heavenly.

Okay, this blog has been random enough, so I'll sign off for now. Just wanted everyone to know we are alive and back in the world of communication.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday, August 21, 2009

And they say Basset Hounds can't swim...

And finally to prove all of us wrong, here's the video:

If you can't see the video, click here.

**Side note: I'm currently sitting in a spot that has REAL internet (definition of real=not having to sit in an awkward position to "borrow" the neighbors internet that goes in and out). So, this post is a direct result of having internet and doing some blogging from our summer that hasn't had the opportunity to make it into blogger world! I am not in Kennesaw, but Robert is and he had a visit from the comcast man (if you notice in an earlier blog-we said we'd be getting internet on Aug 19th--today is not the 19th--but after much gnawing and gnashing of teeth--the comcast man came today--the 21st)....and internet will be waiting on me when I get home. Hallelujah! Amen! All that to say, expect some back blogging! :)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The mountains will burst into song before you

As I was getting done with youth group tonight and driving from the back of the church to the front of the church to head home, I had to pull over in our parking lot. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful sky around Kennesaw Mountain. Not gonna lie, I've struggled this summer not living near the beach--but this mountain--it captivates me at least once a day.

This picture doesn't do it justice...as mainly what you are looking at is our church parking lot--with the church on the right--but the cell phone would only zoom in so far. But look closely and you'll see the mountain and the red that surrounds it.

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55:12-13

Labels: Kennesaw Mountain

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I miss my daddy

Today is my daddy's birthday. All day today I have been pondering how I might be able to honor him on his special day. That thought process has given me a walk through the past 26 years (because let's be honest-I don't remember the first 3-and me giving you the numbers-yes-just admitted I turn 30 in oh, 2 months...AAHHH. Okay, focus, focus.)

I've thought of many things. From living in California and being a San Francisco Giants and 49er's fan because my daddy was. Getting a birthday card from Antarctica from my dad on one of those childhood single digit birthdays--really, who else can say that?

From having a sports car together before my little sis entered the world. From traveling all over Europe because my dad was a Major in the Air Force and it took me to places most kids (okay, adults for that matter) dream of going to. Him teaching me how to ski in Austria. Him coming home on a Friday afternoon and asking me if I wanted to go skiing-just me and him-with another father/daughter duo in France for the weekend. Yes, one of the most significant memories in my life.

From moving to Illinois-being early 90's-start of Desert Storm, all military got to go to the St. Louis Cardinal games for $1. So we went, a lot. Probably have seen that team play more than any other and deep down (don't tell anyone around here) I'm still a Cardinal fan at heart.

When I was at the age of 12, with 18 years in the service, dad had the option of early retirement. One of his major reasons for taking it? If he didn't he would have moved me in the middle of my high school career--so he took it, and moved us to his and my mom's hometown, Savannah, Georgia. I started 8th grade that year and we stayed in the town of Richmond Hill long enough to actually go to the same school for 5 full years. I don't know if my dad really knows the impact this decision had on my life, but it is one I will be forever grateful he made.

On came college and I am a graduate of The University of Georgia because my dad made me a promise and he fulfilled it wholeheartedly. Since college, I chose a career path most didn't see coming, but never once has my dad's support of me wavered. To quote a letter my dad once wrote me and I have taped into the inside cover of my Bible, "You bring joy into my life. I take great pride in who you are and how you live your life. Whatever life brings your way in the future, I know you will make the choices that are right for you. I will support you in whatever you do. I wish you the very best." I read this letter often and hold it close to my heart as his support of me is one I don't take for granted.

Throughout this trip down memory lane I've come to one conclusion. Okay two. The first being I would not be who I am today if it weren't for my daddy. Many passions I have instilled in me come from being his daughter. Number two, I miss my daddy. All day today, I've wished I was in another town to just be there to spend the day with him. I miss him more than words can express and yes, tears are welling as I write this, so I must stop.

Today, daddy may you know I am your number one fan and I love you with all that I have. Your birthday present is coming. I apologize for the delay--but be looking for it on Thursday.

I love you!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A rainy day in south georgia

"Remembering CAPT Matt Freeman"

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Worth fighting the fight

Throughout the years as I've been in ministry, I can say one of my main focuses has been modesty and what our role is as Christian women to our Christian Brothers. I read a blog today that put 6 years of my sticking to this on a screen. Not that I needed to know this, but once again I realized it really is something worth fighting for with the young women the Lord puts in my life, and therefore I will continue to fight the fight (because that's exactly what it boils down to way too often!). I just had to pass it on to the rest of you.

Click here to read!

Labels: modesty

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Those Moments You Don't Forget

We all have those moments that we don’t forget. We know exactly where we were and exactly what we were doing and exactly whom we were with.

I remember the exact building I was walking into when my mom called and said, “Grandma Billie has fallen and she’s at the hospital. You might want to plan to come home soon to visit.” I remember just a couple of hours later walking out of the same building—the biology building at UGA—sitting on a bench when I heard my mom say, “she didn’t make it Kristin.”

I remember the exact living room and the people surrounding me when I received word that my dear friend Katie had passed away, and only at the age of 20.

I remember standing in the Atlanta airport checking my voicemail coming back from Honduras and hearing a hysterical youth on the other end-to discover my dear friend Ashlee, 19, had died in a car wreck.

I’m pretty sure my mom remembers exactly where she was when I called from Honduras to tell her we had been in a horrible accident. I can guarantee you that 25 sets of parents know exactly where they were when they received the phone call from my mom relaying the information.

And Friday, August 7^th added another one of those moments. It was mid afternoon and the Comcast lady finally showed up to collect our equipment that we had from the apartment. They were supposed to come between 8-11 and it was 3:45. I was outside for a while talking with her and when I walked back in, I picked up my phone and saw that I had missed a couple of calls. I knew immediately from the list of missed calls, to the order that they had come in, something was wrong. I have to confess; I sat down on the couch and didn’t return any phone calls right away. I knew the moment I called back, my life as I knew it, wouldn’t be the same. I wanted one more moment of normalcy. I know this is selfish, but I just sat there. Finally about 15 minutes passed and I returned the phone calls in the order that I had received them. The info I heard on the other line was, “Kristin, Matt died. He was killed in Afghanistan this morning.” I will never forget exactly where I was standing when I heard it for the first time.

There really aren’t words to express what we are all feeling right now. I, along with most, I’m assuming, walked around for the rest of the day in a state of shock, just saying over and over again, “this can’t be happening.” I waited till Robert got home from work and we headed out about midnight for Richmond Hill. We had the opportunity to visit with the family on Saturday and I still can’t believe this is real.

Matt and I went to high school together. Him and I weren’t exactly best friends, but his family and I were very close. His two younger sisters came through the RHUMC Youth Group while I was the Youth Minister and they are both very very dear to my heart. I have also become pretty close to Ms. Lisa, Matt’s mom, over the years. I have to say, I love that woman. As I visited with the family and looked into their precious eyes, I looked at Ms. Lisa and thought, wow, this woman really trusted me. I took her oldest daughter to Guatemala and her youngest to Costa Rica. I listened to Ms. Lisa quote Ephesians 6 to me and realized she’s clinging to Him. Still trusting Him.

I have so much more I could say and have been trying to formulate words for the past few days, but I am going to go ahead and close with this,

To quote the newspapers, “Capt. Freeman was assigned to Aircraft Group 36, 1^st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. He had volunteered for ground duty to help train the Afghan military and was killed while supporting combat operations in the Kapisa Province. Freeman was a 1998 graduate of Richmond Hill High School and a 2002 graduate of the US Naval Academy.”

Matt, you are dearly loved and dearly missed. You are our hero. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice for us and for our country. We will never forget you.

Labels: Matt Freeman

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Summer Camp Highlight Video

We still don't have internet at our house--really long story--but we won't be getting it till August 19th. So things will still be a little scarce on the blog for a few more weeks. I hope to still be able to post a few things over the next couple of days. For now, here's our Summer Camp Highlight Video.

Enjoy. :)

**For those not able to see the video, click here.

Labels: summer camp

Thursday, August 6, 2009

It's a hard life...

Labels: maddie

Monday, August 3, 2009

A glimpse...

Just thought i'd share a glimpse of our new world. Maddie loves her new yard even if it is tiny! We do not miss three flights of stairs at all! Now if only we could get all these boxes unpacked! :-) Enjoy your Monday everyone!

Labels: maddie

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Happy One Year Anniversary!

Dear Brett and Jocelyn,

One year ago, I stood by your side, as witness of your vows before the Lord to one another. It was a joy then to be apart of such a special day. It has been a joy to watch you over the past year fall more in love with each other and grow into what it means to be husband and wife.

Today we celebrate your marriage and all that it means. May this next year be even better than the last. As I read at your reception from Ephesians, I'm continuing to pray this over your marriage, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:16-19.

Good things are to come this next year! Robert & I can’t thank you enough for making us an Aunt & Uncle. We eagerly anticipate January to hold this little bundle of joy that is a fruit of your love for one another. We can’t wait to love on this precious one.

We love you both dearly and pray today has been a fantabulous day of celebration!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Update

It's official. We finished cleaning and turned in our keys to the apt at 230 this morning. It was kinda a sad moment. The apt served us well in this season of our lives. We both believe we are going into a new season-one that is very much welcomed-and we know this house will serve this next season well. We are excited for what Jesus has up for us next. Well, i am typing this from my cell phone and i'm not sure how to make a new paragraph, so you'll just have to roll with me! Internet was suppose to be set up yesterday, but now it won't be here till the 6th...ah, patience. I've had so many bloggable moments here lately too. Well, Robert is on his way to start his new job this morning, and i'm going to take the morning off from unpacking and spend it with Amelia. She leaves us on Monday. Can't believe the summers over already. We are really going to miss her! We are off to the farmers
market this morning. Oh, the pic is of the beautiful sunset the Lord gave us at the apt last night!

Kristin McLendon