by Christer
On the trip back from Hamburg we had the pleasure of seeing our friend Emily from college. That morning we emailed her hoping to see her during the four hours we had between trains. Within minutes she replied saying she was free and would love to give us a tour of Berlin! We were able to see most of the major sites and even got our passports stamped at Checkpoint Charlie where the wall used to be. It was a great day after a long week in Hamburg and we had a lot of fun with Emily.
Click here or on the image above and try to find all the doubles!
November 23, 2010 |
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by Andrew
Often times the most meaningful stories are not the ones shown on the news. They usually are like a rare jewel, whose beauty is hidden to the world. These stories are known only by the few lucky people who take part in them. This is one of those stories.
Kim Pickard was once one of the crowd in her high school youth group, concerned about what most american teenagers were concerned about. “I was a shy girl that wanted to please my parents and be liked by people.”
Now Kim has become and done many things. She has traveled the world, sold franchises, and is a strong member of her church. The most important being a mother who is passing down her faith to her two sons.
Kim attempted a college degree but realized her skills were not leading her toward further education. This has not stopped her from a fulfilled life with important careers.
She held many positions over the years, each building on the each other. One of her latest jobs was Franchise Director at Dream Dinners. Recently she has returned to one of her passions and become a pre school teacher.
Through all the career changes she has modeled a devout relationship with Christ. She said the over arching mission in her life is, “to seek first the kingdom of God I believe He has given me a gift of service and hospitality– so as a wife, mom and citizen I try to serve when I can.”
Throughout her son’s high school years she never hesitated to open her home to their friends. This modeled an intentional focus on relationships, and hospitality, for her kids.
She did not simply model morality and a sense of religiosity to her son’s, but actively sought a living, breathing relationship with Christ. Frequent quiet times with the Lord and seeking God’s direction through all circumstances were just some of the life styles that spoke louder than any preacher could. It was her commitment to a daily relationship with Christ that made the difference.
Most important is her and her husband’s commitment to pray for their sons each day. Nothing they have done can compare to the impact prayer has had on their sons’ lives. Praying on their childrens’ behalf has been a blessing throughout both of her sons’ lives. Because of their faithfulness in prayer, God has pursued relentlessly calling both sons to a deeper relationship with Him.
Family is one of Kim’s highest priorities and passions. She said the most joyful time of her life was, “Giving birth to you(Andrew) and Austin–Anytime I am with my family.” Not only does she draw joy from her calling towards family but she is able to willingly sacrifice her own desires for family and friends.
The passion for family and children does not come without its risks though. Kim said, “I think the past nine months probably has been one of the hardest time in my life– because of the changes I see happening with Lois and Lysle(her in-laws), the role change of having an empty nest and the recent job lay off with Dream Dinners.”
Kim’s ability to see the good in each person and situation has been a constant inspiration for not only her family. She has played an important role in whatever circle she finds herself in by living what she says. Kim’s response to this difficult time has been, “But with all of this I have seen God’s miraculous power and I truly trust and believe that God is working his plan.”
The pain and the trials come with a reward though. To Kim, her greatest accomplishments are, “Being a mother of two amazing sons.” In walking daily with the Lord and committed prayer, she has been able to speak into her family’s life more boldly than anything else.
Kim’s faith and commitment to God and family has not gone unnoticed. Family and friends know her as a wise and devout woman of God. If others were to follow such an example we would live in a better world.
October 21, 2010 |
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