Kristin McLendon: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

On This Last Day of September

As I sit here on this last evening of September 2009 (with the windows CLOSED mind you since it's getting into the 40's here during the night!) in the midst of this crazy thing we call life--I failed to blog about two women in my life that have birthdays in September. They mean so much to me, I can not let this month come to an end without spending just a moment to reflect on these two women.

The first one---I can start this story out with 19 years ago--so I will. Once upon a time, 19 years ago, in the small town of Mascoutah, Illinois, I was eleven years old and 4'2" (yes-do the math-I haven't grown much since the 7th grade!) and I befriended this girl named Sami. Sami and I became close friends-because we were both little. Yes, that is how our friendship began, but it is a friendship that has grown and stayed close over the years. We only lived in the same town together for that one year of 7th grade--as at the end of it, my dad retired from the Air Force and we headed south to my parents roots of Savannah, Georgia. A year after we moved, Sami's family moved back to their original roots in Camden, Maine.

Sami and I have kept in touch over the years. It's the type of friendship you can even go a couple of months without talking on the phone and we pick up right where we left off-as if we never skipped a beat. During high school, one summer I went to Maine for a few weeks and the next summer, Sami came to Georgia. Over the years, we've been in each other's weddings and Sami has made the journey south just to jump into another type of transportation (either a charter bus or an airplane) to go on the wild adventures with me--that we call mission trips. All in all, my friendship with Sami has carried me through the ups and downs of life and there aren't words enough to tell her thank you.

Sami has a special place in my heart. I've seen her most recently this past April and fall more in love with this girl every time I see her. Sami turned 30 this past September 5th and I believe since she survived this monumental birthday--so will I. I've always liked the fact that she gets to go first. As we've seen each other through many other monumental birthdays from 12 to 30. She's a very loyal friend. One that loves me well. Thank you Sami for loving me. Sami starts a new chapter with this 30th birthday--one I am extremely excited about for her. Sami--you have great days ahead of you and I absolutely can not wait to see all that Jesus has for you. You are beautiful my friend.

1991, 7th grade: (Please excuse the braces and THE VERY LARGE BANGS!)

Left to Right, Sami, Me, Deborah

2007: (As you can tell--Sami had her growth spurt--I on the other hand am still waiting...)

On September 15th, my dear friend Haley turned 31. Haley is my friend that I attribute a lot to, whether she realizes it or not. You see, Haley I became friends on our first day of high school at Richmond Hill High School. We sat in the same home room and were assigned a locker together--all because her last name started with a "Sl" and mine with a "Sm". We were assigned that year, but chose over the entire course of high school to share lockers. And let me just tell you---I am who I am today because there is no doubt in my mind that this dear friend prayed for me everytime she went to our locker. Haley is a believer--and was in high school--something I was not. It was not until my 5th year of college that I completely surrendered my life to the Lord--but I know it is in a direct result of the prayers sewn by this fierce prayer warrior during my high school days.

After high school Haley went to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia--a place that has become her home for the past 12 years. I had the priviledge of standing by her side as she became a wife to Shane in the Bahamas on New Years Eve almost 9 years ago. Seven years later, she then stood by my side and prayed fervently for me right before I walked down the aisle to become a wife.

I don't know if I've ever let her know how grateful I am for her, so I want to do so now. Haley-thank you for loving me even when I was unlovable. Thank you for loving me as you watched me throw my life and my heart away to many many things. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for being my friend even when I was not following the same Man that you were. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING ME INTO THE KINGDOM. Even now, thank you for still speaking Truth into me. Thank you for setting for me an incredible example of what it means to be a godly wife and a godly mother.

1997:

2007:

As I was looking for a picture to close out this post to these two special women in my life, I found this one....somehow of just the three of us, which is a perfect picture of how these women have carried me through life:

There aren't words big enough to tell you both thank you for the impact you have made in and on my life. I love you...and Happy Belated Birthday to the both of you!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

My Fair Lady

Hey blogger world. This is Robert. If you read this blog on a regular basis then you definitely know my wife Kristin. If you read this blog on a regular basis you may not know me. I don't blog much. I don't write much. I've just recently picked up reading. In other words, I am just not into this whole reading and writing thing that much - but I'm getting better. Today I was plagued with a headache. One that just wouldn't go away. At about 9:30 tonight I decided to take some pills I found in my wife's purse. You see she is bothered by headaches at a minimum of once a week. I get a headache about once every two months. These pills I found have not really helped my headache, but instead have really just kept me awake. As I was taking these little white tablets of generic failures my wife informed me that they were indeed full of caffeine. Thus the blogging begins at 1:30 in the morning.

The real reason I am writing this blog is to give kudos to someone who I believe deserves it. My wife. Kristin has filled this blog with dedications, memorials, shout-outs, and way-to-go's. I wanted to give this one to her. Kristin has been in a season in which she has obtained a supernatural energy from the Lord to pour out His love on others. From funerals to weddings, from temporarily adopting people into our home to putting up with me. I don't know how she does it. Kristin, as you know, is a youth minister by occupation, but she is a life minister off the clock. Her everyday conversations with people are ministries in themselves even though she doesn't realize it. Kristin has a relationship with God like no one else I know. She can curl up with her bible and a blanket and look at one verse for hours. I sometimes fall asleep when I'm praying - I admit that, but Kristin literally can fall asleep in the Lord's arms and wake up 30 minutes later with the strength of 50 horses and the fiery zeal of 1000 warriors. I wake up from a 30 minute nap groggy and cranky. I have never met someone so in love with Jesus. I don't know why, but every time we go to Wal-Mart together - I don't know what it is about Wal-Mart - she'll start a conversation with me about Jesus and she'll talk so loud that people will stare. Did you know that it's against social norms to talk about Jesus in Wal-Mart? As weird as it sounds I think to myself, "O my gosh, people are staring at us and she's talking so loud about Jesus." It never fails. You see, she is unashamedly unembarrassed, and so in love with a man I've never seen before. I marvel at her spiritual gifts, I cannot contain in words (let alone a blog) the passion for Jesus she has, and I cannot keep up with someone running so fast toward Him.

She brings me honor in the way she honors the Lord. She brings me joy in the way she honors me. She brings peace to my household by the way she walks with the Father. She ushers in the fragrance of the Lord through the doorways of my house. I cannot express to you how much I am blessed because of her faith. I wish I could in-turn offer half to her what she has to me. She is my Proverbs 31 wife... and I just wanted you to know that.

If you take the time to read this blog, please comment back leaving a little word of inspiration and love to my wife, Kristin.

Thank you Kristin
I love you
Robert

Thursday, September 24, 2009

HE IS.

Tuesday evening-after a really looonnggg day at the hospital, I was sitting in bed with the Word in my lap. When Robert walked in I looked at him and said, "I've been asking the Lord for a verse for all of this and/or for my family." I continued to read to him, Psalm 46:11,

"The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold."

After I read this to him, I looked up and said, "that's all I've got."

He looked at me and said, "Isn't that all you need?"

Amen.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Please Pray For My Family

I share a few pictures with you tonight to ask you to pray and to give you some faces to those you are praying for! Thank you for those of you that have already spent time before the Throne of God on behalf of my family. The weather today has been more than we can express in words here in Atlanta (you should google it to see what our city looks like tonight!)--but tonight, at 10pm, all is well--all of our family is safely here and everything is going to go as planned.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 7am, my Mom will be donating her kidney to her brother, my Uncle Ronny. We would appreciate all prayer warriors out there to cover them!

Here are some faces for you, all from my sisters wedding last August:

Uncle Ronny:

Mom and her girls:

The Smith Family:

Thank you for loving us so well. I promise to update as soon as I know details!

Labels: family

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Celebrating 35 years!

Tonight we say congratulations Mom & Dad! Today is your 35th Wedding Anniversary and we can't be more proud! Thank you for setting a great example for us! Thank you for loving us and for loving each other so well!

In The Beginning:

And now, celebrating 35 years in New York City!

We love you!

Love,

Your Children :)

Labels: family

Saturday, September 19, 2009

September 19, 2009

We are in Perry this weekend for Robert's best friends wedding. Here's a glimpse into how this adventure began: (We promise to post pics from the big event --that happens in less than 2 hours--when we get home!)

Congratulations Luke and Drew! We are so excited for you!

There is a video on here-if you can't see it, go click here.

Labels: weddings

Thursday, September 17, 2009

It's Happening!

And we're excited about it! And you should join us!

Starting THIS Sunday, September 20th RiverStone is going to three services! 9am, 11am and 6pm. If you are ever in the Atlanta area--we'd LOVE to have you!

As for the Student Ministry-how does this affect us?

Middle School small groups will still meet at 11am.

High School small groups will now meet at 4:30pm.

Students are strongly encouraged to go to the 6pm service-let's worship together!

Student Leadership now meets on Wednesday Nights from 6-7:30pm.

Thank you Jesus for what you are doing in our midst!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Harvey

Don't worry-we haven't dropped off the face of the earth-we're just in a really busy season! I'll blog more on that later!

For now, here's a teaser from Ricky and Amanda's wedding this past weekend. I had the honor of being the Matron of Honor and stood by her side as she became Mrs. Ricky Harvey.

Each video is only 30 seconds long-we all have time for that! Enjoy!

Bridal Brunch hosted by mom and I at mom's house and we served Lisa Lyle Grits! :)

Rehearsal:

Wedding Day-I don't have many of the actual day. We'll have to wait till she gets the professional pics back! She is a BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!!!!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Harvey! Thank you for letting me be apart of your special day! Robert and I love you!

Labels: weddings

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The Way To a Girls Heart

Really all I could do is post this picture with no explanation and I think we'd all be alright-but really, what are the simple things that make your day?

For me, it's coming home to a Real Simple magazine in my mailbox (courtesy of gift subscription from Mom) and knowing that there are MINT skinny cow ice cream sandwiches in my freezer-that yes, I just devoured one!

Okay, that's my moment of admitting my afternoon indulgences. What are yours?

Labor Day Weekend

We had a great weekend with lots of people (and animals) we love. What about you? How did you spend your Labor Day weekend?

Here's a quick recap:

The Wyatts and Hendersons came to town and we met up with them and spent all day Saturday with them. To say they made 5 years of ministry possible for me in Richmond Hill would be an understatement. These people hold a very very dear place in my heart. The words Thank You are never big enough.

Our Amelia returned home to her room! Now forever to be known as "Amelia's Room." Have I mentioned I love this girl? Okay, just checking.

Maddie also had a special guest for the weekend. Lexi came to visit and well we felt it best to put them all in the same room. Don't they look cute? All 3 of them?

Lexi, right before her mom Kelli came to pick her up.

And Maddie at the same moment-they played HARD all weekend and had a great time! I'm banking on Maddie sleeping the next 3 days!

We also had a moment of sharing ice cream with our family that lives up here-but failed to get a picture. It was a great moment of catching up --and realizing we need to take advantage of even a quick moment of quality time.

It was a great weekend! Not to mention Rita Springer was at RiverStone this weekend to lead worship am and pm on Sunday. Oh, my heart is content. If there is any one woman who's ministry has greatly impacted my life--it would be her. I am truly grateful for her. Sidenote-if you haven't downloaded her two newest songs, you need to do so. Go to her website and they are on the home page. We sang both of the songs yesterday and oh, my. I absolutely can not wait till the whole cd comes out. I might sacrifice a meal for that one. In all seriousness, this woman walks in a thick anointing and we had the type of worship experience yesterday that the presence of the Lord was thick. You know the one that you can not absolutely move because He is just that good! Oh, Jesus. We love you.

Well, that is how we spent our Labor Day weekend. Tell us how you spent yours! Comment section is open!

We love you!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

September 1st

Thanks for the week off from the blog--and for praying us! We are recuperating--well at least trying to! "Recoup" equals going to the doctor today and them telling me my sinuses are swollen almost completely shut--not infected, just swollen. Lovely. A shot in the hiney and reminiscing of Costa Rica, I now find myself wrapped up in my pj's and on the couch. So....

On this first day of September--THAT FEELS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE OUTSIDE--just wish I could go out and enjoy it--I thought I'd share a few (okay maybe more than a few) pictures of our Summer--the ones that somehow didn't make it onto the blog--so we'll call it, "The Summer Whereabouts of the McLendons." So many of these deserve their own blogs, but well Summer meant busy and we're gonna do 3 months of blog worthiness right here...

You ready for the ride? Here we go (warning-will be random and fly from one event to the next--and if it already got blogged about, it got skipped in this recap)...

To the Hill we went to see my babies graduate--and when I say babies, I mean babies. They were in the 7th grade when I became their youth pastor--and they all just started their Freshman year of college in the past few weeks. I am so proud of each and every one of them.

Katie the Valedictorian:

Tim, Class VP

Arent' they cute:

Stephen, Class P

Love, love, love them all....

My triplets all grown up:

Tim. This boy has my heart.

Maddie got a new bed this summer thanks to her grandparents--for some reason I felt compelled to try it out for her.

Maddie destroyed her beloved pink.

Don't know if destroyed is even a big enough word to describe this.

Somewhere in the midst of summer I decided to make pot roast. No biggie. Till I put it on the fine china and took a picture. Ah, the things you do. For no apparent reason...other than to enjoy the simple things in life.

I got a new desk this summer--the beauty of it is that Robert and my sidekick for the summer-Grace Ann-put it together for me. It came with about 21 steps and they put it together in the middle of the office. Why I'm in my office taking a picture of them is beyond me...I guess I could have offered to help!

A road trip to Peachtree City to see my girls-The Crappiott Crew. We celebrated Shavuot together..

Love these girls:

We had a golf tournament somewhere in the midst of the summer to raise money for Summer Camp:

Ah, it's tough being an intern sometimes: Amelia on the left..Ashley on the right. Amelia--you're still reading her blog right? Well, Ash on the right is "Moment with Ashley" Ashley. She's back out in KC now, so we'll get those up and going again soon-right Ash?

Somewhere in there we went camping with our Juniors and Seniors--like primitive-tent camping. We did have a shelter type thingy covering the hole in the ground they called a toilet....

Amelia and I looking like we know what we are talking about:

Love this girl. Love the way she loves Jesus.

Cory and Robert-our grill masters for the weekend:

Um. Yeah. Enough said. I was in the van--taking the picture...

They stole my bandana and look what they did to it...

Robert and I packed a picnic--for the following event....we ate in the parking lot. This picture is a perfect example of our life:

Our picnic-leftovers from a Student Ministry Info meeting:

And Robert's surprise for his birthday:

We live here now. Still crazy.

Amelia and Robert share the same bday----The interns were on a Daniel fast during their birthdays--so here's Amelia's "cake"...

And here's Robert's cake: (we were at a conference called Jesus Culture for their birthdays)....

Aren't they cute...the birthday boy and girl:

To avoid conflict with our neighbors, Robert put these to use over the summer:

And well Maddie and Amelia did this a lot...yeah, they're buds. Maddie's still depressed Amelia's not here anymore....

Crappiotts came to Kennesaw/Marietta for Rita Springer and well the 5 of us haven't been together in awhile, so it was quite exciting. We made our own pizza's out of lots of HEALTHY good for you food!

Heather doesn't own big sunglasses--

The 5 together again:

Maddie and Amelia again.

My youth are old enough to get married and we've been around the state this summer bearing witness to it. Makes a girl proud. :) First stop-Athens:

Our attempt at taking a picture of ourselves in the mirror--didn't work to well--but thank you Dana for a place to get dressed!

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Benoit:

Love this town.

What I wouldn't do for my own little spot like this. Yes, it's on campus.

Really love this town.

Oh, my friend Dan. It was so good to see him. He has such a special place in my heart. During Todd's (youth getting married) senior year I took him and a few other seniors to Athens and Dan and Todd met--and look what happened---Dan stood by his side as he became a husband!

A better attempt at taking our own picture:

We cut cable in our most recent move. Maddie didn't give it up without a fight:

We celebrated Cory's birthday. Look what our sweet interns did: Makes a girl proud:

And I made him Lisa Lyle grits and called it a "cake"

Some where during the summer, Abigail wanted to make her presence known and take over Maddie's bed:

Have I mentioned I have great friends here. Meet one--Kelli. Kelli and I went to Costa Rica together---for my VERY FIRST TRIP TO COSTA RICA--AND IT WAS ACTUALLY MY VERY FIRST MISSION TRIP! Kelli and I also got baptized together a few years back at a Rita Springer conference. Now, we live in the same town again...7 years later. I'm grateful for her friendship.

Can you guess what this is? Comment section is open for you to guess! How's that for making you mystery readers out there respond??? :)

A trip to Perry--led us to Lane's. YUM!!!! (Part of this trip actually did get blogged about...go here to read it....)

I really enjoyed the peaches--

And the peach tea--

I got to hang out with my flower girl Leah for a little bit--

And a trip to 5 guys is always perfect!

Did I mention we moved this summer--and we had to paint the house before we moved into it? Robert enjoyed this new gadget a little too much!

My fantabulous interns on their last day...thank you all for such a great summer!

Robert and I made it to the beach-for one day-for a few hours-we had to document it--

A new purchase of the summer--thanks mom & dad!

Wedding number 2--picture didn't turn out great dang it--but meet Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Snider. The NEW Mrs. Snider is a fellow blogger friend of mine and well you need to read it. I love it! Click here to read! And well the groom. Love this boy (he graduated the same year Todd did). Love his family. Miss them more than words can fit in this little sceen---

On the eve of their wedding. Quite appropriate, because the morning of their wedding I was in Richmond Hill for Matt. This was in downtown LaGrange.

There was a trip to Richmond Hill for Dad's birthday--Maddie wanted to give him some kisses:

And I cooked him dinner. What's up with pictures of meat?

Remember when Amanda got engaged? I have the honor of being her Matron of Honor---next weekend!!!! And here's us at a shower for her a couple of weekends ago:

The beautiful bride and her beautiful Cadance:

And I got to witness this monumental event with the Walker Family--River's First Haircut! I'm going to wait and post the rest of these pics in a separate blog!

Did I mention it rains EVERY time I go to Richmond Hill? River doesn't seem to mind...

This past weekend we headed up to Cleveland/Helen, Georgia for our Leadership Retreat. We took 35 high school students up to the mountains and had a great weekend! Amelia came to surprise us!

Pictures speak a thousand words:

The end. Thank you for coming along our summer journey with us! So glad September is here! Can we say GGGOOOO DDDAAAWWWGGGGSSSS!!!! :)

Kristin McLendon