Tag Archives: kristi burden

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A Prayer-

I failed at making French Toast again.

Last time I blamed it on the burner, this time I'm blaming it on the pan.  But in reality, I just know I'm not made to cook French toast.

Yesterday while carrying the groceries in, I kicked a branch with thorns while wearing flip-flops.  Two thorns went under my big toenail.  Who does that?  I started to take a picture but decided to spare everyone of something so grotesque, and myself of the embarrassment of posting such a picture.

Part of supper ended up on the floor last night with shards of glass from the broken dish.  Wasn't it just a month ago that this happened last?

My pants don't fit the same.  Girlish blemishes which are uncoverable by make-up are visiting again.  I just tell myself that means I'm still girlish but the gray hairs lean down whispering in my ear- "It isn't so"......

In spite of my doing laundry, without ceasing it seems, there is a pile that continues to grow. There are still groceries to get.  The dust on the furniture seems to have taken up permanent residence.

I sit here typing this post with my bags from the dollar store still on the counter.  My bed isn't made, supper isn't planned and it's time to go get the kids from school.

And P.S. I had to repost this five times because it wouldn't post right.

It's times like these that hiding would be preferable to trudging on.  But trudge on I must. I don't plod forward alone.  You are with me.  I'm in shadows and yet I'm covered by your brightness.

Because you are my help,

 I sing in the shadow of your wings. 

 My soul clings to you;

 your right hand upholds me.

-Psalm 63;7,8

You smile, I believe, with me- here in the shadows- because I am with you.  I recognize my need for you in this dim place. And I smile too, because being close to you is much better than good fitting jeans or the perfect French Toast.

I'd love to hear about your day.
 Post in comments or shoot me an email- kristiburden@gmail.com

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Letter from a First Grade Mother

ROUGH DRAFT

Dear First Grade Teacher ,

Hope you had a long restful weekend.  -On to the second week of school.  There are just a few things I thought you'd like to know about Rylie.

Rylie was tested last year for allergies.  She is allergic to a number of foods as well as mold grasses and a list of other things.  She took shots last year, but we're seeing how she's doing this year without them.

She often has a stomach-ache after eating.  Her nose runs and she gets gray circles under eyes. She is your student that will use more than the two boxes of tissues brought at the beginning of the year. She developed a runny nose and crud this past weekend. She's not feeling well today.

 She cried not wanting to go to school this morning.  I'm giving her medicine, but I know she would feel better if she were at home in the living room still wearing her pajamas watching Doc Mc Stuffins. 

I must also let you know, if you're not aware yet, that she is a drama queen.  She's been told not to play the "sick card" so hopefully you won't have  a problem with that.

She doesn't like reading yet.  This breaks my heart.  I SO want her to enjoy reading....and writing.  I pray you find a way to instill a love  for something I find so important.  I pray that you will help her discover the magic that is found in a book and that can be created on paper.   

Her feelings were hurt on the playground last week.  You may not know, but she gets her feelings hurt easily.  She is tall for her age and seems so confident, but really she breaks so easily.  She works hard to make sure everybody likes her.  I was that way.  I hope someday she will be able to walk away from the jungle gym unscathed when a girl (who is an old friend) doesn't want to play with her.  Until then will you hug her often so she'll know she's ok?

I was so proud of her Sunday night.  She counted all of her birthday money by herself.  There were different bill amounts and change.  Did you remember that she had a birthday?  I have a list of things that she's good at that I can share with you if she's ever testing your nerves.

She told me she got in trouble last week for talking to you without permission.  I'm glad she told me.  That means she is thinking about what she did.  I told her to remember that she had an invisible talking ticket in her hand and that she couldn't talk without raising her hand and waiting until you acknowledged it.  I hope that works.  I want her to behave.

I have so much more to say but I don't want to use up your entire conference period.

Looking forward to a great year,

Kristi Burden

I actually sat down this morning to type a simple email to Rylie's teacher.  But before I knew it my heart had taken my fingers hostage and I had written more words than a teacher could bear.  I've shamelessly shared some of what I originally typed and the thoughts I held back in restraint.

Before I pressed send, reality struck so instead- I forced my finger to rest on the delete button relinquishing control.

And I prayed putting my children back in the hands of the one who both knows and meets their needs.

Help Rylie's teacher.  Help Hayden and Hallie's teacher.  Thank you for the investment these teachers have placed in children's lives.

Help them to know the value and see the beauty in these children you have lovingly created.

Help them instill a love for learning whether it be counting, dribbling a ball or having good character even when they've been hurt.

I pray they would be loved even when they're hard to love.

Keep them safe.

Amen.

I'd love to hear from you-  kristiburden@gmail.com

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I sat at the breakfast table yesterday morning noticing the clouds outside.  My mind goes back to Wednesday night; another night that I found myself feeling shadowed.  Often a quick look at Facebook and a phone call or text from a friend and  bad news piles on.

I see a sweet picture of one of my old students who would be twenty now; my pen pal for years. She went to be with Jesus on mine and Jason's anniversary this June.

I find out an old acquaintance has a brain tumor.

Back in Trinity, our home before here, there are fires in two subdivisions.  Homes have been lost.

Loved ones have been lost recently. There was another school shooting in Maryland on the first day of school. -There's Hurricane Isaac and more storms stirring in the Atlantic.  I read an article in the news where a five-year old's body was found in the garbage.

Darkness.

I remember as a child being deathly afraid of the dark.  I remember begging my sister to let me sleep in her room.  I won't tell you what age I was when I stopped using a nightlight.

The thing about darkness is the reminder that we aren't in control. Sometimes a shadow of the past follows from behind. In darkness we can't see what's in front of us.  And we know some of the dreadful things that are around us.  I remember hearing coyotes outside when I was young. As I grew older stories of home invasions crowded my mind at night.

Somehow light always assured me that things were ok even with darkness around me.

Sometimes darkness gnaws on us and sometimes it swallows us whole.

Joseph was in a cistern, Daniel in a den. Jonah found himself in the dark belly of a whale, but he didn't stay there.  Paul and Silas were in a cold prison cell.  The Bible tells us that it was around midnight when they were rescued. As they were released, I love it that the jailer (figuratively threw his hands up and) called out for lights.

How better to know we need rescue than to find ourselves helpless in the dark; how better to know we need Light.

More encouraging words have not been spoken...

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

 I will turn the darkness into light before them

and make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do;

 I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 42:16

Dreaded darkness.  It's a part of this temporary life we live in the flesh.  Thankfully the Lord, who is wrapped in light, is our deliverance from darkness.  He is our Light.

And remember there are friends and even strangers who are cowering under life's dark storm clouds, those who are paralyzed in the dark,

Pray for them.

Pray with them.

Hug them.

Carry the Lord's lamp and shine.

 

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It's Solo Time

My brother David called me about a month ago saying he had found a picture; one he said could be used in my blog.  The picture is of the Iredell Drill Team around 1985.  This premier group of young ladies highlighted most every sporting event in our town.

Every right-aged girl in town was in the Iredell Dragon Drill Team.  I was a privileged member of this group. Anyone could be a part of the team, but certain skills were necessary to publicly perform.

I attended every practice.  I listened to the instructor and watched closely as she "step-ball-changed".   I also watched the girls beside me every chance I got; mimicking their moves the best I could.

There was a tryout for each routine.  Come tryout day I always marched and kicked nervously counting as I was taught; I carefully stepped the grapevine (the only move I seemed to have down).

The tryout procedure was- if you make three mistakes, you sit yourself out.  You don't perform at games and you don't go to competition. I always made three mistakes. I can remember performing a few times.  I suspect that I cheated on my mistake-counting those times.

I don't know if you were able to spot me in the picture above, but here's a hint.  I'm on the first row.

I'll give you an even better hint.

I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS HER LEGS CROSSED THE WRONG WAY.

Underneath that gorgeous gold uniform complete with fringe and the proud smile was a girl with two left feet  Even if my uniform made me look like a dancer, as soon as the music started to play the gig was up.

Too bad I didn't learn from my dance days.  I still find myself wanting to do what others are doing; closely mimicking their image and steps instead of being exactly who God made me to be.

I know I'm not the only one.

Those who have straight hair want curly, those who have curly hair want straight, those who have brown hair want their hair to be red. I remember being delighted when recently, hair with the big bump at the back of head became "the way to do your hair".  I have naturally big hair.  But for others "Bump-its" were available; a plastic piece hidden underneath fluffed hair so that you looked like you had a glorious full- head of hair.

The way we look is only one way we try to conform.  I want to sing in the choir.  I want to be funny.  I wish I could draw or paint well. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with me singing in choir or taking painting lessons UNLESS it interferes with what God has equipped and called me to do. You will often serve in ways that are hard; doing things you're not good at-in His strength. But also pay attention to how God has uniquely put you together.

 If God has gifted you with a voice, sing for him. If you're a gifted performer, put on your fringed gold vest and skirt- and dance to his glory. 

Treasure the gifts that God has chosen specifically for you; he's the ultimate gift-giver. If you're convinced that you have no gifts or talents to share, you're underestimating Almighty God.  Seek Him.  He'll show you that you're wonderfully made and cherished just as you are.

The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

 

 

Listen for him too.

He sings a tune that only you can dance to.

 

 

 

 

So what's your story?  Consider sharing even if just a chapter.  There's beauty and sometimes learning, laughter and healing in the sharing. That's what "A Thursday for Your Thoughts" is all about.  If you'd rather share a recipe or favorite family event, we'd love that too.  It's as simple as sending me an email (and a couple of pictures if your technologically savvy).

Come back tomorrow as Jane Crain gives us a peek into her life.

I'd love to hear from you kristiburden@gmail.com

 

 

 

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{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 I have a big family; an awesome family (Jason's family included). I am thankful for two sisters and two sisters in-law.  I am blessed to have grandmothers and a host of nieces and cousins.

 When Jason and I married we lived within ten miles of our entire family.  Our parents' house helped us to escape the Ramen Noodle Dinners we had at home.  I never went to Wal-Mart alone.  And even the ladies at church were extended family.

But as I believe God would have it, we have moved three times.  Each time our move has taken us to a bigger place, and a place farther from home.  We are now nearly 400 miles from all of our family.

As soon as I find my new comfort zone I feel as if I'm being stretched again. 

If you look up "small town girl" on google images surely you would find my picture. I'd be the girl with a ponytail, jeans and in flip-flops buying Dr. Peppers ,bread and bologna at the corner store. 

I am simple......in the most complex way.

You see, I feel most confident sharing life with those who know me. They know my quirks and weaknesses, but accept me as I am.  I fear rejection.  I sometimes feel misunderstood.

Yet I feel compelled.

I feel compelled to meet new people, make new friendships.  Putting yourself out there can be awkward, but it's worth it.  In sharing life, its beauties and struggles, I have learned that most of you can relate.  You're in the same boat, or once were.  Even if my struggle is unique, I know that there are those of you out there who will lift up a silent prayer on my behalf.

As I've been stretched to meet people of all ages with different backgrounds I've found a common thread.  Girls from nine to ninety from every walk of life have a need for friends. 

We all need friends who share their faith.  And I'm pretty sure there are times for all of us that we need to borrow a little faith.  Though we're women working toward noble character, we still need girls to laugh with. I am thankful for times we can sit on the couch or stand by our cars in the parking lot and talk about important matters.....or talk about nothing. I'm thankful for the times that you know when I need an encouraging smile or a hug.

But I am compelled to seek friendships that extend beyond.

  I have this persistent thought within me that there are some of us who aren't able to chat in the parking lot. Maybe like my sisters and mom, there are miles of distance between us.   That distance can be defied!

I have found through time and providence that I have an ever-increasing spiritual family. 

{Treat} older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

-1 Timothy 5:2

 

A Thursday for Your Thoughts.

Each Thursday I would love to highlight someone different.

 I pray that we would grow together.

But more than anything, I pray that this space would bring much-deserved glory to our God who is with us.

Please consider sharing:

Your testimony        A beloved family story

A memorable family activity

A struggle        Scripture that has especially touched your heart

A recipe        A craft

A book review.....................

Include pictures if you can.

There is no age range. Writing skills unnecessary.  Girls from all over.   SHARE.

I'm biting my nails in anticipation waiting to hear from you!

Send your contribution in a Word document to my email.  Also, shoot me an email if you have any questions.

  kristiburden@gmail.com

 

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Hallie and I had a banner day yesterday.  I think we agreed on pretty much everything.  That may sound like a small success, but you have to understand- WE WERE SHOPPING!  She's outgrown much of what she wore last year so decisions important to a preteen had to be made.

I recently learned that when shopping I should stay quiet.  I've learned to avert my eyes and keep my mouth shut if I see (for instance) a shirt that I like.  Many perfectly good shirts have been ruined in her eyes by my liking them. My thoughts in general are not valued as they should be.

In a rare turn of events, today I made suggestions and she listened.  And I made a point to really hear her too. We left a consignment store and Dillards with a full bag and full heart.  It felt so good to agree.

There were several times that she said, "I was going to say that" or "I was going to pick those".   I mentioned to her in the car that unbeknownst to her I had been planting subliminal suggestions in her brain that were too good to turn down.

Afterall, I know her.

And even though she has gotten to an age that she doesn't think I know her, I do.

For the most part, I know what is best for her. I certainly know more than she does about what is best for her.

I've been where she is.  I remember what it feels like when the world around you seems to focus its eyes on every part of you.

And then there's the fact that I've known her since before the moment she took her first breath.

I helped her to form her first words.

I've watched her sleep and kept track of her rising and falling chest the times she had RSV and bronchitis.

Yet there are times she thinks I don't understand; times she thinks I am out of touch.

Yesterday as I was delighting in our moment, God gently nudged me as he so often does when I'm feeling high on myself.

I was reminded of God, perfect God.   He went to the unimaginable length of CHOOSING to walk in our shoes.  Though we can't imagine it, he can say to us "I've been there".  He knows the number of hairs on our head and every thought inside our head. Our chest rises and falls at his will.

He speaks to us; guides us.

Much of the time I'm that stubborn child that doesn't listen.   Too preoccupied with what I want I forget that he might have something better. With the volume of the world turned up, I've tuned him out.

Thankfully he has given us his Spirit which speaks within unreasonable us on his behalf. His spirit helps us to agree.

Oh children, listen to your mothers.

Mothers listen to your Father.

Just for the record..........Hallie approved this message.

 

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If today started off like a Monday........

If you're feeling alone........

If grief overwhelms you........

If you're afraid........

For those feeling abandoned........

For those who can't find strength to carry on........

In troubled times........

Maybe you just feel small........

 

 

The LORD says,

"Fear not, for I am with you;

 be not dismayed, for I am your God;

 I will strengthen you,

 I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous hand."

-Isaiah 41:10 ESV

 

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Life Lessons from Joseph and his Brothers-A Retelling

Joseph, the youngest in his family, was given a colorful coat simply because he had been born in his father's old age.

The young boy, in his fine coat, one day was sent to find his brothers who were shepherding.

When he found them, he shared his dreams in which his family bowed down to him.

No surprise, this didn't go well.

In jealousy his brothers stripped him of his rich robe and threw him into an empty cistern.

-No water in the cistern. No robe for covering. No apparent love to surround him.

An afterthought, the brothers sold him to some Ishmaelites who were on their way to Egypt.

Upon hearing the brothers' news when they returned, Jacob the father, thought that Joseph must have been killed by a ferocious animal

He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth-refusing to be comforted.

(Meanwhile in Egypt)

The LORD was with Joseph. He prospered.  An Egyptian master saw that the LORD was with him.  He became an attendant for the master Potiphar who put him in charge of his household.  He was given success in everything he did.

But soon enough, being well-built and handsome, Potiphar's wife wanted him for herself.

One day Potiphar's wife caught him by the cloak.  He refused her and fled leaving the coat behind.

Showing the coat to her master, she told a wicked story of Joseph attacking her and leaving his cloak behind.

Joseph, stripped of his fine coat once again, was thrown into prison.

And once again, being left with outward covering and comfort, the LORD was with him.

The LORD showed him kindness and granted him favor.

Again he was given success in whatever he did, even though in prison.

Dreams come into his story once again.

Joseph interprets the prisoners' dreams.

He interprets Pharoah's dreams too, telling Pharoah just as he told those in prison-

I cannot interpret your dreams; it is God.

He is put in charge again.

He is given Pharoah's signet ring and robes of fine linen.

He is given the responsibility to prepare for a widespread famine.

(Hungry, the downcast brothers re-enter the scene minus the youngest and now most-loved son of Jacob named Benjamin)

Coming to buy grain in Egypt, the brothers bearing gifts, bow to Joseph who recognizes them. They, however don't recognize him.

He sends them with a bag of grain and hidden silver to get Benjamin whom he has never met.

(Back in Canaan, the grain is eaten and dread grows as the brothers know they must return to Egypt with Benjamin.)

Armed with more gifts, double the silver and with Benjamin in tow, the brothers return.

Joseph in his grief, schemes again, having his own silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack.

As this is revealed the brothers tear their clothes; one brother saying "God has uncovered your servants' guilt" )knowing that this trouble was brought about by a deed they committed long ago.)

Joseph tells the brothers that it was God , not them who sent him to Egypt.  It was in God's plan to use their evil for good; "to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."

This story ends with Joseph being reunited with his father and his brothers.  They live out their lives with plentiful provision.  -Genesis 37-47  But where this story ends another begins.

We are Joseph.  We are his brothers.

Like the silver cup in the sack, what is hidden in the heart is ultimately revealed.

We dream as though searching for the meaning of life, only God is the answer.

Maybe most intimately in life's cisterns and prisons, the LORD is with us.

When the silver and fine linens are stripped away, it is God who is our true covering.

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

"Because he loves me", says the LORD, "I will rescue him"; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalm 91:4,14-16

 

 

 

 

 

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 No matter what hat you're wearing

Girls.  and Girls with experience

There are those of you who make me laugh.  And there are those of you who look at Pinterest and actually follow through -making cute cupcakes for your kids' parties. You're probably the same ones that make sure your children brush their teeth twice a day and your kids' socks are super white. Some of you seem to never drop a ball in your juggling efforts, though I know you must. There are those of you who always speak encouraging words. There are those of you who drive in Houston traffic fearlessly, and then those who still go to the bathroom in pairs. There are those of you who sing in the car until someone pulls up beside you at a red light.  None of us are exactly the same.

You have your coffee, and me my Dr. Pepper while we share life.

 

 

 

 

Some of you experience struggles similar to mine.  There are others of you facing struggles I can't imagine. I see you brave life's storms. There are those of you who have been there and done that; sages with wisdom.  You reassure me in tough times.  I think of you who I rarely see but trust that our friendship reaches across distance.

There are those of you still in school; those who wonder what Mr. Right looks like and when you'll meet him.  Some of you are frustrated with drama that surrounds you.  Some of you feel alone.  Some of you experience every feeling listed all in one day. Someone who's reading this, battles insecurity even knowing that God says we are enough.

I know that battle.

I'm thankful for you who pray with me; pray for me. You who have allowed me to pray for you; it is a privilege.  There are those of you who fear sharing your heart in Sunday School.   Your heart pounds in your chest when there's something you don't want to say out loud, but you must.

We are the same.

All of us have at least one bad habit.  Some days our hair aggravates us.  We each have that person in our life that makes us smile.  We love getting a letter or card in the mail.

And we all have a God who has given us a heart to be shared.

Tomorrow August 9, I would like to introduce A Thursday for Your Thoughts. 

Each Thursday I would love to highlight someone different.

I have mentioned before that I have a prayer for this website.  I pray that we as women would have a place to share; and that as we share, we are certain there are faces on the other side of the screen that are laughing, crying and just plain nodding their head in understanding.  I pray that we would grow together.

But more than anything, I pray that this space would bring much-deserved glory to our God who is with us.

Please consider sharing:

Your testimony

A beloved family story

A memorable family activity

A struggle

Scripture that has especially touched your heart

A recipe

A craft

A book review

.....................

Include pictures if you can.

There is no age range. Writing skills unnecessary.  Girls from all over.   SHARE.

I'm biting my nails in anticipation waiting to hear from you!

Send your contribution in a Word document to my email.  Also, shoot me an email if you have any questions.

  kristiburden@gmail.com