I want to see Miracles

Below is a link to a recording of the message I gave last Sunday. Wow, it's really weird listening to myself.  I apologize for the sniffles. That is what happens when you are super nervous and talk about emotional things.

http://soundcloud.com/kristen-perry/i-want-to-see-miracles

I never thought I could stand up in front of a congregation and give a message. It felt really good. I'm so thankful for all the support I received from family, friends, and from my congregation. Thanks for believing in me.

-KP

Where would we be without Forgiveness?

Answer: Alone and Bitter

I'm thoroughly embarrassed as I look back at the date of my last post. My, my, how time has flown by. To be honest, I've started several blog posts in the mean time that never fully came together. There was either a lack of inspiration or my writing began to get too personal. The past few months have been a roller coaster ride for this lady. Thankfully, there was lots of growth in the process. Mostly when I look back at the past few weeks there is one thing that comes to mind: Forgiveness.

People disappoint. People make mistakes. People hurt you. But, there is power in repaying these people with love and mercy. Are we not shown mercy each and every day by God? My sins are forgotten, the same sins I can't forgive myself for, simply because I asked. When I make mistakes, the last thing I need is someone to tell me about the mess I've made. So why? Why is it so hard to forgive the people who sin against us? Yes, there is always the risk of being hurt again, but forgiveness doesn't come in one form. Sometimes it creates a stronger relationship and sometimes it makes a clean break. In any form, letting go of the bitterness will set you free. Wouldn't you rather go out loving, rather than hating. Just something to think and pray about.

In other news:
Now that tax season has come and gone, it's time to make decisions about what to do with myself. I'm considering taking some classes in the fall to start work on a Masters degree. Prayers for guidance (and funds) would be much appreciated.

Oh, and I think that you should know that the entire time I wrote this post, the song from Just Friends was in my head. "Forgiveness....is more than saying sorry..."

This also happened since I've been gone.

Until next time,
KP

Pretending I'm not tired.

Two major events in one week, what was I thinking? I'm already exhausted from keeping two jobs. Tax season is both a blessing and a curse. It has brought me extra employment but a lack of free "me" time.

Last week I took on a task I've never really done before. I planned a party. Sure I was an RA in college, but those events can't compare. I was given the idea to have a decade themed dance for the youth and children. I decide to call  it a "Decade Diversion" and invite the entire church to come. Easy enough, right? Wrong. Party planning is actually quite difficult. There are decorations to consider, PG music to download, games to create, and a killer costume to find. Luckily, I have some amazing volunteers who went decoration hunting with me. My love of older music came in handy for song selections and a trip to Goodwill produced my 60s' housewife look.

The party was a great time. Everyone looked fantastic in their decade gear. It was mostly youth and a few families who came out to the party. Nevertheless, we danced and laughed. Every smile, or "Great job!" that came my way reassured me that my hard work had paid off. As we were cleaning up someone said to me, "It's a shame more people didn't come." You know, that thought had not really occurred to me. I've never been a numbers person. I'm a give it your all even if only a few people show up kind of gal. We did something out of the ordinary and there was a great turnout from the young people of our church. That's what I call success. 

The second event of the week was our 30 Hour Famine for the youth group. None of my youth had ever done a fast before. I am very proud of how (most of) the youth behaved during the 30 hours. Hunger never fails to bring out the more difficult sides of some. For the first time in my short youth leader career I felt like I had to put my foot down. I had to let the youth know what I would and would not tolerate. Guess I can be inducted into the club, "I am a youth leader that has raised my voice," now. 

The power of fasting is overlooked by a lot of Christians. It's a disciplined sacrifice for God. Giving up a few meals grounds a person. I've never come away from a fast thinking it was a waste of time. This year I thought about how God uses us for bigger things. God can take anything, as small as it may be, and make its impact spread so much farther than we can imagine. I am thankful for organizations like World Vision that put together such a wonderful program that truly makes a difference in the lives of children around the world as well as in the hearts of our youth here.

Lately I've been tired and distracted, but it just goes to show that when I set my mind to something and let God in, it will turn out just right!

-KP

We Venture Together

Taking risks and facing fears in general have been on my mind this week.

Christmas of 2010 my family decided to skip the presents and take a Caribbean cruise together. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made as a family. I can only describe it as awe-inspiring and an all around marvelous time. We were living it up, soaking in the sunshine, enjoying the entertainment, and indulging in an incredible amount of food.

Our stop in Roatan, Honduras was my favorite. The entire bunch went on an excursion to a small private island that doubled as a nature preserve complete with picturesque gardens and endangered animals.

I am wildly afraid of the ocean and all the creatures that call it home. I never venture out into the waves past my waist because I am extremely uncomfortable and anxious. I've attempted to overcome this fear many times. I even swam out to hot springs in Santorini, Greece. Sadly, my swim was accompanied with a slight panic attack.

When we arrived at the island we were told there was some coral reef about fifty feet from the dock. I was curious but had no intention of ever leaving the comfort of my sandy beach. The rest of my family rented some snorkel gear and took turns swimming out to see the "beautiful" coral.  Each came back enamored and encouraged me to take a turn. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity after all.

It was my brother, B, who finally convinced me. He assured me that he would not let anything happen to me. I put my trust in him as I lowered my self into the water from the dock. We swam out to where our feet no longer touched and my heart was racing. My eyes were wide in the goggles as I struggled to breath through the snorkel and swim at the same time. B noticed my struggle and he took my hand. Before I knew it, we had reached the coral. My family was right; it was incredibly beautiful. The vibrant colors alone were mind-blowing. The fish were each unique and to be honest, not very scary. Still, the fear began to take control of me. I was only out there in the open ocean for about five minutes but I came back with a wonderful memory. A memory of beauty supplied by God and a memory of facing one of my biggest fears. Please, please don't make me do it again.

Proof that I did it!

How quickly our roles can change. Later in the trip,  someone else was forced to face a major fear. It was my little heart's desire to go zip-lining in Belize. One problem, my big sis is not so comfortable with heights.  I could not let her pass up an opportunity to fly through the jungle. I am the baby and therefore she was obligated to make my wish come true. I'll never forget watching her go across the first wire. I was able to cheer her on like my brother had encouraged me.

Sister, facing her fear!

One of the most thrilling moments of my life!

I have fears, pretty strange fears. Doesn't everybody? "He gives strength to the weary," and sometimes we are the tools he uses. Sometimes it's by gently taking a hand and sometimes it's giving someone a good push. It's simple, we need each other. Have you encouraged someone today?

-KP

It's what you're good at.

I love being a fan. It's kind of my thing; to enthusiastically support someone or something. I am a fan of several comedians, actors, shows, and teams. But most of all, I love being a fan of bands. It is never just about liking the music. It is the sensation from learning the lyrics, belting the words in my car, and cheering loud at shows. You know the feeling!

Last weekend I was out at a show doing what fans do best. As the music played, I looked up at the singer and thought, "Wow, am I really related to this remarkably talented person?" Yep, I was at The Dead Hearts' show. My brother, B, just happens to be the lead singer and guitar player. The band is made up of a great group of men who excel in their craft. It is not difficult to love them or their captivating sound. B's musical ingenuity never ceases to impress me. For example, I cannot wrap my head around how he is able to play guitar and a harmonica at the same time. It should not be possible in real life, yet he manages to make it look easy.

I'll admit, in the past I have been insanely jealous of B's talent. When I meet his friends I often get asked if I sing or play too. My response is usually something along the lines of, "No, he used up all the musical-genius genes before I could be made." (Which usually gets me a weird look; yet I still use it every single time).

Envying my older brother is sibling rivalry at its finest. Which put simply, is just silly. As we've grown older, it has dawned on me that life is more enjoyable when I stop comparing myself to my siblings. We are shockingly alike and yet, each our own individual. I may never master an instrument or be able to write profound lyrics, but I sure can appreciate people who do. After all, one of my greatest skills (and hobbies) is being a candid fan.

I am genuinely glad we can't all sing, write, tap dance, hit home runs, paint masterpieces, teach, or perform intricate surgeries. Being humbled from time to time is a good thing. It's how we are reminded everyone is uniquely gifted. Our strengths cross and interweave to support one another. Do you know what your talents are? Find something you love, and run with it. You will be one step closer to truly loving the person God made you to be.

-KP

Check out The Dead Hearts: http://www.thedeadhearts.com/media.html

We Call it Living.

Fallon, Fish, Fundraising, and Fellowship.

It was such a wild weekend. I drove up to Indy to experience a little Super Bowl fun. Indianapolis was buzzing with excitement for the big event. Every Hoosier should give the city a hand for coming together and pulling off a great week of festivities! I was lucky enough to be at the Thursday taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. His show was one of the most entertaining things I've ever been to. The day had already mostly consisted of laughing and smiling but Fallon's "Suggestion Box" bits sent me over the edge. My jaw was sore the next day from laughter. What an unforgettable experience!

If Jesus fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish, God can help me turn one car into many. I drove back just in time to get ready to take the youth to Winter Jam on Friday. I was frantically trying to find drivers as I found out more and more kids were planning to attend. Teens are notorious for last minute plans; I get that. It's what back up plans are for. Thankfully God had my back. We successfully got 22 youth to and from the concert with the help of five other wonderful adults (one of which was my dad, thanks Papa Bear). 

During the show I looked around at my group and smiled because they were so well behaved. What made me happier was seeing them really enjoy the music. Music moves me, literally. There's no option to stand still. Youth being able to throw aside pride and just dance and praise Jesus is incredible.

Zombie KP barely made it to bible study on Saturday morning. Our topic woke me right up (along with coffee from the shop we meet at). We were discussing Jonah. I don't care if it only says "fish," Jonah was swallowed by a whale, a WHALE. It just so happens that I am absolutely terrified of whales to the point where the sight of one can make me nauseous. Needless to say I was distracted but my group and I focused in on Jonah's prayer in Chapter 2. Although there is great praise for God, there is no indication of guilt or understanding of why he was cast into the sea.  If we don't acknowledge our faults how can we grow? How can we fulfill God's plans for us?

The rest of Saturday consisted of shopping, shopping, and more shopping for the various sub sandwich ingredients for the youth fundraiser. I'll admit I am not exactly skilled in the ways of food preparation. I owe many thanks to my mom for taking on the task with me and for her patience. Making the subs Sunday went smoother than expected. The older youth stepped up and were leaders while the younger youth were just as hardworking. Once again, I took a step back and thanked God for such a special group of young people.

It was great to end the weekend watching some good ol' competitive football with friends. Go Giants! It's weekends like these that make me enjoy this thing we call "Living."

-KP

Don't Fear the Laundry Room

It was Monday afternoon. We were about to leave to take my grandma to an appointment and get some lunch. Just as I was settling into the car my dad yelled from the house, "Look, Gracie is up the street!"

My dog had broken out of her electric fence and was headed toward the busy roads we live near. My mom drove up the street to try and coax her to go "bye-bye". There was no way that dog was giving up her new found freedom. I jumped out and told my mom to get Grandma to her appointment. I'd stay behind and get the dog home safe. I called my dad and told him to bring up a car so we could work together. For about forty-five minutes we followed, chased, called, and begged her. Apparently, this was an exciting game for the dog. Gracie also knew she was in trouble and was attempting to avoid punishment as long as she could. To say I became frustrated is an understatement. The words under my breath became more and more offensive. To make matters worse, I'd fallen and could feel the effects of it on my knee and back.

Part of me wanted to give up and just let her try and make her way back home on her own. At the same time I was terrified of the danger she was in. Several times she was inches away from getting hit by a car. Would I witness my dog's death that day? Angry and scared, it was only in-between breaks of my profanity that I whispered, "Lord, please. Please." About an hour after we began, with the help of a kind lady, Gracie was caught. She was safe again, muddying up my backseat. With a sigh of relief, I scolded her. She was sentenced to a prolonged stay in the laundry room. As she sat quietly shut off from the rest of the house, I could finally relax. Then my dad said something that really struck me.

"All that time we were just trying to save her life."

His statement makes me think about our own freedom. Free will can be so dangerous. Are we ignoring or even toying with God as we run away from a Savior? Our Father just wants to save us from this world, but especially from ourselves. Luckily, no matter how far we stray, God will never give up.

Amazingly enough, there is no laundry room. How lucky we are that even after all the worry and frustration we cause, there is no punishment. We continue to receive God's unfailing love.

The hour long chase in the cool winter air was worth it because my Gracie's life was saved. Are you allowing yourself the same?

-KP

In unrelated news, It's my brother's birthday! Happy Birthday B!



How can I stay mad at this face?