Kristin McLendon

Kristin McLendon: June 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

Summer Camp

Will be here in 5 days....

So you should watch our promo video :)

**If you can't view the video below, click here for original post or to go to youtube, click here.

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posted by Kristin @ June 28, 2010 0 Comments

Saturday, June 26, 2010

And the parties begin--

Welcome to Graduation Phase Four!  It was the never ending event, but Robert deserved every moment of it!

For the night of his actual graduation, all he wanted was dinner with the immediate fam:


The beautiful gift from the Smith Family:




The table is set:




The cooking is on:


Exactly what Robert wanted:


The little details:




No party is complete without a McMom caramel cake:


The gifts keep coming...and that's one happy man!




Click each link to view:  Phase One, Phase Two, Phase Three

posted by Kristin @ June 26, 2010 0 Comments

Friday, June 25, 2010

Graduation-Phase Three

Click here for Phase One and here for Phase Two.

Didn't think I'd leave you hanging with out actual pictures of Graduation did you? :)

Graduation Day...Breakfast at the Daily Grind:



Getting ready to go:




Waiting for him to make his grand entrance!



We're so proud:

About to walk across the stage!







YAY!!!!


We're so proud of you Robert!

posted by Kristin @ June 25, 2010 0 Comments

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Scotland....

Remember that part two I promised you a month ago???

Well, here we are...3 weeks before I'm on an airplane headed across the pond.

And my heart is excited about it.

As you know, my biggest struggle was with the fact that we didn't have but one youth going on the team--which is my heart's passion.  But this new song the Lord has me singing....it's going on a mission trip to instead of leading youth, it's to minister to youth (which is not new for me obviously, but the leading a non youth team to minister to youth in a foreign country is--love, love, love when the Lord does something that you aren't expecting!).

Our whole trip is about leading a youth camp for the youth of Scotland.  Most of you know of the long tradition that Scotland has with revival and periods of spiritual awakening--but I have been told, as of late, that many across the nation struggle today in spiritual darkness.  Many are praying for revival for this nation and the Lord has allowed RiverStone Church to be a part.  This is the fourth consecutive year that RiverStone is sending a team to minister to the youth.  As a church, we firmly believe that this Youth Camp is a part of what the Lord is doing in Scotland to raise up a generation that will know Him with their every being and will share that abundant life with their peers.

We have a team of twenty that has been diligently working on planning out this Summer Camp as the twenty of us are responsible for morning worship and messages, small groups to discuss the messages that are taught and to pray, activity groups to explore the talents God has given each of us, evening worship, messages and ministry time.  We will also be visiting a local church after camp where our team will be responsible for the morning service on that Sunday morning.

On a personal note, I'd like to ask you to pray for me as I, along with another team leader, Liz are responsible for the morning messages.  Pray we hear and speak the heartbeat of Jesus.

The most important thing you can do for us is pray.  We need Jesus.  We in no way want to walk in our flesh, therefore we must have Him.  Pray we are able to rest in His Spirit.  Pray we are unified as a team. Pray as the Spirit leads you.

Also, please join me in praying for our finances of our team.  We have purchased our plane tickets, but we are still short for our ground costs (lodging, food, transportation) while we are there.  We need God's miraculous provision.  I've never seen Him not provide...so I'm asking you to partner with us in believing that He is sending us...therefore He will provide.

Thank you for being patient while it took me a month to share with you what we're doing....I covet your prayers during this time (I'll blog later about our Summer Camp here that starts July 4th and the specifics of how you can pray for that too!)

Blessings my friends!!!

**If you in any way feel led to support the Scotland Team, you may do so online by clicking here.  Please make a note in your giving that it is for the Scotland Team.

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posted by Kristin @ June 24, 2010 0 Comments

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Chewing on this today...

by Smith Wigglesworth

"The Lord wants us to understand that we must come to a place where our natural life ceases, and by the power of God, we rise into a life where God rules and reigns.  Do you long to know Him?  Do you long to be "found in Him"?  Your longing will be satisfied today.  I ask you to fall in the presence of God.  If you want to know God, yield to His mighty power, and obey the Spirit."

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posted by Kristin @ June 23, 2010 0 Comments

Friday, June 18, 2010

Celebrating a Legend

 This past April I was driving out of Richmond Hill after watching a beautiful youth of mine become a wife, and found myself turning my head in the not so comfortable way to see if a car was parked in a certain spot.  It was and I did a U-turn and quickly called Robert to tell him not to get on the interstate (one of our many trips out of town that require two cars).  We pulled into the RHUMC parking lot and I knocked on the window to visit with a legend.  


I didn't know it when I first knocked on the window that evening that it would be my last.  That quickly became known to me and I just started to let the tears quietly fall.  At the end of our visit, when the three of us stood in this mans office one last time, holding hands and praying to our Beloved Jesus, I could no longer let the tears fall quietly, they became choking.


This office and this man was a staple in my life.  There is no way to count how many tears of mine have been shed in that office, as the number is too high.  How many times this man let me cry and all the while quietly whispering and reminding me to press on towards the goal (Philippians 3:13-14).  


You see....it was exactly seven years ago that my call into full time ministry started in that office.  Let me back up a little....


In my story, I abruptly sent you fast forward by several years.  But to go back to the end of college is where we will pick up today:



Towards the end of my 5th year of college, I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica.  While I was there I fell in love and cried when I had to leave.  I came home, graduated from UGA, then quickly started making plans to go back to the country my heart yearned for.  It would be January before I could get there, but I went.  I thought I'd be there for a decent amount of time (I went on a buddy pass with no return date selected).  I was only there 3 months when the Lord told me to go home.  That sounds fine and dandy but at this point in my life Richmond Hill was the last place I wanted to go to.  He spoke so clearly to me that He even gave me a vision of me standing in the pulpit of RHUMC--Katie's church, my sporadically attended church--sharing my story of how I'd met Jesus.  So I went home knowing I was suppose to work with the youth.

I'd been home just a few hours and it was Holy Week...so I went to church with my mom and of course sat next to the Brookshires.  After the service, Mrs. Sharon asked me what I was up to and my response was, "All I know is that Jesus wants me here."  She then proceeded to tell me that the church needed a Youth Minister and they would be getting a new pastor in June (it was then April).  She introduced me to who I needed to meet to volunteer, and well there I was that next Sunday, meeting the youth of RHUMC.  I volunteered for the next few months, not able to be hired there because I was a church member.  But that wasn't going to deter me from the voice of the Lord that told me to be there.  I went on to interview for other jobs--had offers, but could not silence the Voice of my Beloved that was telling me to be with the youth full time.  It made no sense to me.  I needed an income, but the conviction was so heavy, I turned down the offers.  

It was the start of Youth Week 2003 and I came to volunteer.  They asked me how much they could count on me for the week and I said, "100%".  The next day I found myself staying with the youth during the day and was told our new pastor was moving in (it was then June).  I thought I'd walk by his office, say hello and welcome him to Richmond Hill.  What I thought was going to be a quick hello, turned into an hour and an invitation to share my testimony that next Sunday.  I walked out overwhelmed, as that would be the fulfillment of the vision the Lord had given me in Costa Rica.

That next Sunday I poured out my heart to a congregation.  Psalm 40 being the heartbeat of my testimony, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."  After sharing my God given story, my beloved Mrs. Thelma (I would later live in her garage apartment) came up saying she'd talk to SPR on my behalf.  

And we all know the rest of the story.  I had an official interview and they bent the rules.  At first they let me be interim....then it became a full time hire.  I shiver to think what would have happened had I given into the world telling me I had to take the first job offer because I would have missed this:

For five years I looked up to a man that saw the call Jesus had on my life, even when I was unsure of it.  For five years I learned from a man that was hungry for the Truth and proclaimed it every Sunday from the pulpit and from every foot step he took.    For five years I learned from a man that let me cry, but at the same time encouraged me with every breath that he had to not give up.  For five years when I didn't see the potential in me, he called it forth.  For five years, it was an honor to serve under a legend.

Two years ago I heard the voice of my Beloved again and knew it was time to move on.  I was sad to leave this man, but even he knew His voice and would in no way stop Him.  So I packed up my office and moved north. 

Now, seven years since that first encounter of a man moving into an office, where my call into ministry began, has been packed.  My beloved Rev. Bill retired this past week.  There aren't words enough to express my gratitude to him.  How do you tell a man thank you for saying yes to the call that Jesus had on your life?  I really don't know how, other than to just say a simple "thank you".  Thank you Jesus for the precious five years you gave me to serve with him.

Rev. Bill, I pray blessings on you and your family as you enter into this new season of life.  May you find rest in His peace.  May you find His spirit refreshing.  May you know that you are dearly loved and it's been an honor to serve with you for the sake of the Gospel.


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posted by Kristin @ June 18, 2010 2 Comments

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Modeling Debut...

What do y'all think?  Couldn't you just eat her up???


Aniston is getting so big!!  She's 5 months old now and the perfect model!  

I'm working on getting new things in my shop.  I am almost completely sold out at the moment (thank you Richmond Hill!).  Thank you to everyone for all of your kind support and encouraging words!!  Now off to bed so I can have a productive day tomorrow!

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posted by Kristin @ June 16, 2010 0 Comments

Pictures to go with my story....

A very big thank you goes to all of you that took the time to rejoice with me in my story....

Tonight, here are a few pictures to go with my story....

August 2009, the evening The Brookshires gave me the precious gift of Katie's Bible:


And here is Mrs. Sharon and I just this past Sunday...


Can't express enough how grateful I am for them!

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posted by Kristin @ June 16, 2010 0 Comments

Our $3 chair

We picked up this beauty at a yard sale for 3 bucks....

Thanks to my marvelous hubby...

It now looks like this!!!  Amazing!




LOVE IT!  What crafty project have you tackled lately?

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posted by Kristin @ June 16, 2010 0 Comments

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It's been ten years...and I have a story to tell.

I remember it like yesterday.  I was 20 years old, home from UGA for the Summer.  Driving through Richmond Hill, I wondered why the flags were at half mast.  I kept driving, drove to my boyfriends house and remember exactly where I was sitting when I got the phone call.  Katie had died.  I remember sitting in a state of shock and not really knowing what to think or do.  As the afternoon dragged by all I could think was Katie was just so happy.


You see, Katie and I cheered together in High School.  We'd kept in touch through out the first year/s of college and I had last seen her at Easter when me and my graceful self fell down the stairs to the balcony at RHUMC (that was for my 1 of 2 yearly visits to church--Christmas and Easter) and she caught me.

Katie was different.  At the time all I could figure out was-- that difference--was that she was just so happy.  I remember the day she died and I said, I want that.  Whatever it is that she had, I want.  I was on a quest from that moment, searching for what she had.  All I knew was that Katie went to church.  So, with that little bit of knowledge, my boyfriend and I broke up before the summer was over and I headed back to Athens.  I'd attended a Methodist Church for those 2 holidays a year, so I thought the UGA Wesley Foundation was a good place to start.

So that next year, with one foot in the world and one foot knowing I needed to go to church, I went to the Wesley Foundation on Wednesdays and I was downtown to party with the rest of Athens on the weekends.  The Lord (still didn't know it was Him, or that He wanted a relationship with me) brought enough believers into my life that had relationship with Him, that they convinced me to sign up for leadership the next year.  So I did.  I remember my leadership interview at the end of that school year and them asking me my opinion of the Trinity and I said, "What's the Trinity."  Nice.  They must have heard the audible voice of the Lord, because they put me on leadership for the next year.

I went home for the summer again.  It had been one year since Katie passed away and I hit an all time low emotionally.  Towards the end of the summer, about 2 weeks before heading back to Athens, I was so desperate, I said, Jesus, if you are real, show me.  I had a drastic encounter with the Lord....surrendered everything and then headed back to Athens.

In Athens I found myself having zero desire to go downtown or party.  Instead, I was drawn to creating relationships with people that knew this man Jesus that I had encountered.  I had finally figured out that what Katie had was not a regular attendance at church (which she did have, but that wasn't what mattered).  What she had was a relationship with Jesus.  I had finally found it.  I had finally found Him.  And that happiness that Katie had--it was the Joy of the Lord and I finally had it.

Upon being back in Athens, I was put in a role of leading a small group of Freshman girls--yes, 2 weeks after surrendering my life.  I knew nothing about this man Jesus other than the fact He had saved me from the pit of Hell (and that was exactly where I was emotionally) yet, I had Freshman girls asking me questions about Him.  The only way I knew how to answer them was with a, I'll get back to you...and I spent that school year (my 5th year of college by the way) at His feet.  I fell in love that year.  I wanted all I could have of Him.  I was so hungry for Him that I was never satisfied and just longed for more.

Fast forward 9 years and my friend Matt dies.  I immediately head back to Richmond Hill to visit with the family and then right after that drove over to see Katie's family.  We visited that night, reminiscing and thinking of Katie.  As I was getting ready to leave, Katie's mom said I have something for you.  She pulled out Katie's Bible and it took all that I had not to lose it right there.  Really, you want to give this to me, was all I could think and utter.  Katie never knew me as a Christian, yet I gave my life to Jesus because of her.  And there I was in her parent's kitchen holding her Bible, 9 years later.

During this last year, the Lord has opened the door for me to speak at a handful of high schools.  I go with Katie's Bible in my hand, knowing I have a story to tell.  I have a story that I was lost, depressed, emotionally wrecked...yet one girl lived her life differently and I was forever changed.

So with that I close as this blog has gotten way too long.  But it's been a moment for me, whether you've read through this whole thing or not, remembering my friend Katie.  The way she lived life and the way she loved Jesus led me to the cross.  The way she was in love with a Man, introduced me to my Bridegroom.  Today it's been ten years since she passed away and I uttered the words, "I want what she had."  Thank you Jesus for allowing me to know Katie.  Thank you Mr. Tommy and Mrs. Sharon for raising a daughter that was madly in love with her Savior.  My life was radically changed because of your daughter and for that I will be eternally grateful.

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posted by Kristin @ June 15, 2010 7 Comments

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Happy Birthday to God's gift to me...

To My Husband,

Happy Birthday My Beloved!  You are God's beautiful gift to me.  Thank you for being you.  Thank you for being the one that makes me laugh non-stop.  Thank you for being exactly what God knew that I needed.  It is a joy to live life with you...


And now in Smith fashion I leave you with this my Beloved....because it would not be a Smith birthday without it...and you thought you escaped it!  I love you with all that I have! :)

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posted by Kristin @ June 12, 2010 1 Comments

Happy Birthday Amelia!




Remember our blessing that came to live with us last summer?  Well her and Robert share a birthday and that special day is today....so....


Our Dearest Amelia,

We love you so much and are grateful to the Lord that He has allowed us to be a part of your life! You are so beautiful and beautifully made. We love everything about you and are encouraged by you and your walk with the Lord. You challenge us to go harder after His heartbeat. Thank you for being the person we need in our lives!

We believe in you and all that the Lord has planned for you.

Come home soon!

Love, Uncle Bert & Kristin


Now, my friends....go on over to Amelia's blog and tell her Happy Birthday!



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posted by Kristin @ June 12, 2010 1 Comments

Friday, June 11, 2010

A week of wonders...

I've been pondering a lot this week.  This week will always come every year, no matter how much I try to think it won't.  This year I've seemed to think of things a little differently....and I am truly grateful for it!

I haven't cried yet--which was the number one characteristic for me the past few years...I got a little choked up reading our story, but I was able to hold the big tears down...

Instead this week, I've really been able to meditate on the goodness of the Lord.  All the things that this week holds are things the Lord has used to mold me, shape me, shake me, into who I am today.

June 9, 2007--My friend Ashlee died

June 11, 2007--Honduras happened

June 15, 2000--My friend Katie died

Katie's death 10 years ago is what led me to the cross.

Ashlee's death let me see how God would use a life to transform another generation---just as He had with Katie's death.

Honduras.  I've never felt the Lord in such a tangible way as I did then.  When you experience the physical hand of God, you can't help but be different.

So this years June 11th post is about the goodness of God.  I won't meditate on the how hard it was--instead I'll meditate on Him.  I choose to fall more madly in love with my God.  I encourage you to do the same.  God has dreams, a vision and a purpose for your life.  To quote Smith Wigglesworth tonight, "God wants you today to be like a watered garden, filled with the fragrance of His own heavenly joy, until you know at last that you have touched the immense fullness of God."

With that I say, Happy Salva Vida Day, my friends.  Sleep well.

Click below for:
**June 11th blog for 2008**
**June 11th blog for 2009**

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posted by Kristin @ June 11, 2010 0 Comments

June 11th.

I've had the words the past two years.... rereading the blogs....wondering if I'll be able to process the words for year number three....

For now, here's year one and year two....

I love You, Jesus.

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posted by Kristin @ June 11, 2010 0 Comments