The 3 Donnan's

2011-05-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=URYF4CDD6A23L&lc=US&item_name=Kerrigan%20Family%20Adoption%20Fund&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted

2011-05-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

Jennifer and Patrick Kerrigan

How could I love someone so much??

2011-04-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

Week 24

2010-04-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

I just can't say I'm 6 months pregnant yet; not yet!

Real belly pics

2010-04-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Omigosh, there's a living, breathing baby in there, and he moves around a lot. Kurt even felt him for the first time last night. Thank You God!

2010-04-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't belly pic-ed lately :)

Week 21

2010-03-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Week 20

2010-03-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

Everything Changes Today

2010-03-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

I am nervously writing - I am so anxious. Everything changes for us today - the little baby inside is no longer an it - it is a he or a she. It's the beginning of a whole new chapter and I can hardly sit still for it!! Okay, back to pacing and seeing what I can clean or do until 4:00. :)

Penis or No Penis...

2010-03-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

that is the question of the day:

Ultrasound @ 4PM today.

Pregnant People are Smug

2010-03-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Jay Leno did a piece on The Tonight Show where 2 girls sang a song called "Pregnant People are Smug." I think they're right because I've been wanting to take pictures of myself and look at myself constantly! Oh well... :)

Week 19

2010-03-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

(Pardon the water stains - I had just washed my hands!!)

Whoa belly!!

Belly Belly!!

Week 18 - omigosh there's a baby in there!!

2010-03-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Baby,
Keep growing and be safe in there - we'll meet you soon.
Love, your Mama

Year 3 - Day 1 (Not to be confused with the 1st day after our 3rd anniversary)

2010-03-04T15:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 2nd anniversary to us - what a glorious day. To embark on this occasion, we took a little overnight trip to Madison, WI. We went to the zoo, rested in the hotel, went out for dinner, and watched the pilot episode of "Little House on the Prairie" We really know how to live it up. It was a great time and I am the luckiest girl in the whole world. Thank you to God and my husband for 2 wonderful years of marriage and we pray that there will be many, many more to come with our Little blessing on the way!!
Peace and love,
Kim

Week 17

2010-02-25T15:34:00.000-08:00

Week 16

2010-02-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

I had to take my own 16 week picture this week. Here is why:
Mel and Scott had their baby on Feb. 16; she had a c-section and they came home on Friday. We went there Friday night and it was slightly overwhelming. When we left Kurt and I got into the car and didn't say a word to each other, being totally freaked out. So, since my new week starts on Saturdays, I had to take my own picture when we got home!
Thankfully, they invited us over again on Tuesday and all seemed well - Mel had her color back and they seemed to be getting into a routine. They even went to Wal-mart earlier that day for their first outing!

I am still soooooo excited....

2010-02-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

I went to Babies R' Us today to by a gift and some belly bars (hee hee). While I was there I got this surge of excitement!! It was really cool - I just wanted to buy stuff.... I just feel very excited for our baby!!!! And I'm so grateful and thankful to god for this gift - I really am!

I feel excited

2010-02-17T10:05:00.001-08:00

Melanie had her baby last night - Zander James Johnson almost 10lbs.!! As she was going into the hospital and being induced I was beginning to get scared. But, now all I feel is excited! It's so exciting. I am just so excited and grateful. I picture them loving on their baby and wonder about ours....Thank you Jesus!

There is so much going on right now...

2010-02-15T17:45:00.000-08:00

We had our third dr. appt. today. I went there convinced that I would not take the blood test for Downs Syndrome. Then the dr. described it as actually looking for Spina Bifida, which would indicate the kind of birthing process we would need. And it's a fully covered test by insurance. So we did it. Blood tests make me nervous for like hours afterwards because I get myself so worked up. Then I began to get nervous about giving birth and the whole birthing process.
About an hour after we got home we got a phone call from Scott saying that Melanie's already at the hospital and will be induced at midnight - she was due on the 8th. I feel so much nervous anxiety for her. We've been praying for them a lot! But now I feel an excitement for the birthing process - like a great rush! I don't know - I'm sure she'll fill me all in on it.
On top of this, an old school friend recently found me on facebook at the same time that she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer - she is 35. This Thursday or next she will be having a bilateral mastectomy. I have not stopped thinking about her and praying for her.
So there's a lot on my mind and I can't sit still! I think I'm driving my husband crazy!!

2010-02-15T12:07:00.000-08:00

I officially can't button my pants and have to wear a belly belt. It is so comfortable!

Week 15

2010-02-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Week 14

2010-02-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

I wish I had more to say - I want to blog, but when I get around to it, I'm so tired that I have nothing to say. Honestly, I feel a little mushy-brained. I think I'm gonna have to start wearing the belly belt that Mel gave me - it was hard to button my pants this morning - that's fun!! :)I ate way too many carbs today and I think I feel weighed down - PB&J, rice krispies, and rice - yuck - I want to detox. I'm hoping to juice some lettuce,a green pepper, some celery, and an apple. If that sounds good to a pregnant person, I don't know what's going on.... :)
Peace,
K

Life gets harder - even when it's better

2010-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

Leanna moves to Florida February 26.

Week 13 Photo

2010-01-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

I'm getting a little bigger - really I am!!
I was in S. Haven, Michigan this weekend with Leanna. It was fun girl time. I've just been kind of hanging out, napping, and resting, so not much else to say yet! :)
Peace,
Kim & Babe

Week 13 - A shrimp

2010-01-25T13:31:00.000-08:00

Our baby is the size of a shrimp this week.

This week...

2010-01-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

...we're the size of a lime. :)
http://www.babycenter.com/slideshow-baby-size?scid=mbtw_preg12:639&pe=2Ux1IXG#1264186185488_9

Week 12

2010-01-20T08:00:00.001-08:00

I used to look in the mirror to make sure that my stomach wasn't growing. Now, I look to make sure that it is!

Week 12

2010-01-19T03:55:00.000-08:00

Kurt says I'm exaggerating but my stomach is growing. The dr. says I'm getting big; the baby is small.

Keep it short

2009-09-15T16:27:00.001-07:00

Leanna taught me to keep posts short, so multiples are better than a long one. I agree!

i have been asking God lately what He wants me to do with my hands. I know what He wants me to do with my heart and I know what He wants me to do with my mouth, but what does he want the works of my hands to be about. This came up when we were at Wheaton College a couple of weeks ago. I know that God has gifted me in communicating with and loving people, and that's great, but sometimes I want to do more than that! i want to create, i want my hands to do something meaningful; I want my brain to be continually challenged, which is why i need to be off to watch Wheel of Fortune now. :)

Here's the only new picture of us that I've taken lately. I really need some new ones!

Peace out! :)

What to say, what to say

2009-09-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Toady i took a glorious bike ride. i ended up by the river on a bench, fell asleep, and then came home. it was super nice. we're preparing for our vacation on Friday, thank you Nicole! I have no idea what we're going to do in Vegas. Kurt's really looking forward to this vacation for some down time. usually that's what I'm all about, but lately I've felt pretty chilled. I'm glad the second part of the summer wasn't as busy as the first part. I think that I was able to learn about some priorities and put them into action. then with hurting my back i was able to really rest. that week was so weird and still has an impact on me! even though i was in physical pain, I was blessed and able to relax. Since I've never experienced pain like that I'm surprised at the fact that I remember the circumstances, like not being able to get up to go to the bathroom, literally having to roll to the floor, push m y legs up and then Kurt would lift me from my lower back so that I could semi stand up. Craziness! that i remember, but the pain i can't remember. you all who read this know what a wuss I am for pain, so that fact that I can't actually remember or feel the physical pain is weird. i guess you can't actually feel the pain of a needle or cramps; you just know what they feel like when they're nearby. Anyway all that to say, not really much. Haha :)

Startling Beauty

2009-09-02T08:01:00.000-07:00

I just finished this book called "Startling Beauty." It's so good, please read it if you can. Author: Heather Gemmen.
Closing paragraph:
Mountains reveal vastness, drawing from me an awareness, not of insignificance, but still of smallness. It is the moods of the mountains, however, that propel me into reflection - variance displayed on the unmoving; fleetingness passing over the ageless - and I dare to walk forward on unknown paths.

2009-09-02T07:37:00.001-07:00

I'm job searching today, and open to any ideas! :)

The Chiropractor's office was my Safe Haven

2009-08-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

I visited Dr. Dave at the chiro's office everyday last week. Somehow in that time, it became my safe haven. I drive in a way that I never drive to get there. Their office is very peaceful; he even prayed over my back for me. It's in a part of Algonquin that is very pleasant. I realized that I was safe there; I was safe with a sore back. When I am at work, I am not always safe. Sometimes I get talked down too, or even humiliated. I know my co-workers don't know how much it hurts my feelings, but it's a scary place sometimes. I know we are to go out in to the world as "sheep among wolves", but sometimes I just want to be the sheep among sheep, safe and sound.
So, this week the choropractor's office became my safety zone. I don't know why my back got hurt like that; it's 95% better now. But this event will stand out to me as one of the most impactful events of the summer - I hope I remember it and all that I learned from this down time for a long time! So, I felt sad as I was leaving there this afternoon, sad yet grateful. And now back into the world, like a sheep among wolves:
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
Peace,
KJD

Things are different now

2009-08-26T10:50:00.001-07:00

Since I hurt my back last week: I can't talk on the cell phone while driving the car; I no longer dart out in the street to make a left hand turn; I don't speed up when the light turns yellow; I have time and no where really to go and not much to do. I wonder how long this will last. I am going to try to go back to work for 3 hours tomorrow morning. Until then I'll rest and enjoy the slow life. I am feeling a bit sad right now and burdensome that I haven't been able to work and that people have had to work for me. I just want to do the best thing for my family right now (which is Kurt) and make some money; I think that's the right thing to do. My boss taught me something very wise: her husband has been out of work for several months now and she has had to get a second job. She says that everyone has to be part of the community - if you're sick or hurt, let people help you; if you're well then work; if you're not well enough to work, then volunteer somewhere. Just somehow be a part of the community. That sounds rather wise to me. :)
I love our home and am a little nervous for the next step, just the unknown I guess. Our home looks so beautiful right now; we rearranged some furniture for the pictures today and it's so clean and uncluttered; everything's put away. It's so nice!
Oh, and we got our wedding book yesterday. It's beautiful. Shout out to Sylver Studio. http://www.sylverstudio.com/
I feel calm and peaceful now and I'm grateful; like Patrick always says, when you bring things out into the light, they're not so dark anymore. (The last part's my wisdom) I guess when you do the right thing you should feel peace, so hopefully trying to work part of my shift tomorrow is the right thing. I hope so! Hope is so important; I think about hope sometimes, and if you have hope, you really have a lot. I haven't felt very creative lately either. I like when I feel creative. I have been wanting to give away/sell everything that we own that we're not using: text books, things that need to be returned to the store, more books...I just like to give stuff away I guess.

Kim :)

House for Sale

2009-08-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

We're putting our condo on the market. Tim is coming to take pictures tomorrow.
I hope that when we find a new house it will look just like this:
http://kellyraeroberts.com/about/studiotour/#
Just as bright and everything!! :)
Think Kurt will go for that? Not so sure; he's more of a neutral guy. :) In the meantime, we are enjoying our condo.
Blessings,
Kim

An unexpected turn of events = a cool day

2009-08-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

When I woke up this morning, I thought I was going to head to the Botanic Garden's today with my Mom and my Aunt. I decided that since I hadn't had the oil changed since February (I rarely drive my car far anymore), that I should get an oil change before I head to Highland Park, and I thought I heard a funny noise yesterday. (Side note - I pulled something in my back last week when bending down to pet Sydney & Precious) So, Kurt left for work, I made my appt. for 7:30 to get the oil changed, and as I was gathering laundry to start on my way out the door, I hurt something else in my back. I almost couldn't stand up and thought I'd have to call Kurt back to help me. EEK!!
I did get up and made it to the auto shop. It was taking an awfully long time and when I asked if something was wrong, Doug, Kurt's friend who owns the shop, said, "Actually there are a bunch of things. Let me put the estimate together." So, I basically told him to converse with Kurt on the problems, and we'll see what to do next. This, my back, and the weather made the Botanic Garden's seem as a thing for another day, so my mom went to work. I did get to the the chiropractor. He told me what was wrong, but I forgot what it's called. He cracked me a couple of times and needs to see me tomorrow. So, I decided to take myslef out for lunch for an egg and bagel since I wouldn't be doing so with my Mom, and went to Bella Short Stack in Algonquin, with my book. I have been reading "Prayer," by Philip Yancey. This is SUCH a good book.
So, I ate, drank, some decaf, read my book, then drove down and walked and sat a bit by the river. Now I'm sitting here with ice. Not a bad day which might seem like a "day where everything went wrong."

An exerpt from my journal - I Wonder

2009-08-14T07:44:00.000-07:00

Dear God, Today on my heart:
I wonder if we will move. I wonder where we will go. I wonder if we will have a baby. I wonder if life will be slower then - not so much running around. I wonder if I can eat healthy and not get obsessed with it. I wonder if my parents will come to Christ in their new home. I wonder if Kurt will die young if he doesn't take better care of himself. I wonder who I am. I long to be centered and know who I am. (I'm thinking about Mel and her sister Jen after being at Mel's home this morning.) I'm longing to explore, like when we were in Colorado. I wonder if I really like to be as calm as I think I do. I wonder if I really know things You're telling me, but in the same instant Satan uses them as scare tactics. Bastard!! Thank you Jesus for a free heart.
I am Free!!
I wonder about Jesus. Why did you pick August 18, 2001 to come into my heart? I wonder about Jewish people and eating bagels.
These are the things I wonder today.

All I really want to do is rest at home with my husband

2009-08-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

But tonight I have Bible study, which don't get me wrong, I love. But we usually go to someone's home, tonight we go to Panera and I really don't feel like it! Then work and then tomorrow night BH girl's night. When does this end? I love being social, but right now I just feel burnt out! I feel grouchy and tired, and GRRRR.....
I hate complaining because then I feel ungrateful. I'm not; I'm SO grateful, but just now i need to complain!
Thanks for listening....

Change of Plans

2009-07-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

We are going to pray really hard this week and if we still feel restless about the house situation, we're going to call Tim on Monday and put our house on the market.
Pray with us please!
Kim & Kurt

2009-07-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

Seriously, nothing new. i have been working and just hanging. I actually feel kind of 'goal-less' right now. We were going to try to sell our home this year and purchase a house but have decided to wait until next year. i am kind of disappointed in that, but it's all good. I'm trying to just enjoy this time of not having big commitments but I'm used to having lots to do and when i don't i can get depressed. No worries - not there at all yet!

Anyways, life is good and I think I need to go to bed now.

Good night

2009-07-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in our office and listening to the rain coming down. I can smell it all the way from the open patio door. I just finished reading "The Secret Lives of Bees" and having a relaxing afternoon. Jennie had her chemo today and found that her CA-125 numbers have risen again so another CT scan has been ordered. I don't really know how I think about this yet. I really don't have much to say but just feel like writing. I've been keeping busy with Starbuck's and house hunting and socializing. I have been quite the social butterfly so far this summer! Maybe it's the last babyless summer, I don't know.
Kurt has really been bitten by the house bug. I'm cool and not looking to get stressed out at all, but hope that we can just have fun looking and find a house that we can live in peacefully. I have asked God to go ahead of us and prepare the house that He has provided for us, wherever it is. We found one we both like so much in Lake in the Hills. Everything about it is what we want, except that there is a rock quarry near by and you can hear the rocks during the day. I know that if that house is for us, so it will be, but nature is so important to me and I don't want the sounds of the birds to be drowned out with rocks.
Oh well, of to the couch I go. i'm taking advantage of the rainy afternoon to catch up on some rest.
Peace,
Kim

2009-07-09T13:07:00.001-07:00

This Scripture just caught my attention:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

--Psalm 19:14

I haven't been blogging....

2009-07-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Finally, I'm writing!! So, I just completed my first full week back at Starbuck's. Besides being a little bit tired from waking up early everyday, I felt great. I was tired, yet not stressed, which I'm all for!
Today I'm just feeling this pit inside, like something's not right, but I don't know what - some sadness that wants to get out. We've had some rocky days here in marriage, so that's probably it. We have, on a happier note, started looking for some houses. It's pretty fun, and also we can see what we like and what we don't like. I am also super excited because I just found "Little House on the Prairie" on cable again...Alas, my life is complete when I can watch Laura Ingalls run across the prairie fields once a day!! (nErd alert!!)
Other than that, just kind of going with the flow right now. Kim L. and I worked on our wedding album yesterday and surprisingly got it all done! I am anticipating some issues with some of the photos and where we set them out on the page, but I trust Sylver's eye to help me out.
That's all for now folks!! :)
Peace,
K

Just chillin' and that's okay!!

Wonderful Day

2009-06-20T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a super day!! Kurt and I woke up early, rather he woke me up early to hit the road. We had such a fun ride rockin' out to the 80's on XM radio. It was so much fun!! This day could not have been any more beautiful anyways; summer has begun!! We got to Michigan and took a 3 mile walk with Kurt's Dad, then out to an outdoor restaurant with his parents, and a walk around the yuppie town Birmingham; it's so cute and Evanstonish, though! :)

As we were driving up here I had the impulse to just do something wild and crazy, not trouble, but just radical!! Like Shane Claibourne radical. (www.thesimpleway.com) It reminded me of when we first came to Willow and I wanted to start a ministry for the underground party Ravers. I was gonna dress up like a raver, go to the raves, and then minister to the kids when they were all high on acid and stuff. Then when the dawn broke, I would take them to Willow. That is my vision that never came to fruition; probably because I couldn't have done that by myself and no one else would do it with me. But, I just wanted to do something radical for God today. We'll see....

We spent some time out in the Donnan's glorious backyard and garden, and I mean glorious! They have a little bench out there and I started thinking that I would like to have church out there tomorrow instead of going to a building for church. I know that my way of feeling God is through nature and the beauty of His Creation. I think that's part of why I have been resisting church lately. You can absolutely have church outside!! Why not? I know that it is important for believers to gather together, but Scripture says that "where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I." Couldn't that be in a garden?! I think so! But, I don't want to start this again, not out here. God, please help me to gladly go to church tomorrow and enjoy worship there. Off to sleep now; I love warm weather!!

A peaceful and restful day

2009-06-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today was the laziest and most relaxing day I've had in long time. I can even tell that I'm moving slower, not the usual fast paced, cracked outness that I ususally move with. i had a great bike ride and a work out, I read my book, "The Secret Life of Bees", and went to our friend Tim and Jess's house. Their power was out and it was so relaxing to sit in the dark, well with candles. tomorrow we're off to Michigan for a few days. I feel very calm and peaceful. I even drank a cup of tea this morning. I'm all about juicing, but there's something about a cup of tea in the morning that starts things off well. I already feel like looking for a new job or a Master's program, and my new work schedule at Starbuck's has barely even started. It's fun to wonder...
I love the smell of the fresh air that is behind our condo when we pull in the garage. There is a beautiful park and prairie behind us that gives off such a beautiful, rainy scent.
Simply delightful. :)
Good night
<3>

2009-06-16T17:37:00.001-07:00

Today is day 3 in a row of working early at Starbuck's. I am beat! But, I'm not stressed. I am however, constantly having anxiety and not breathing right. I don't know what that's about. I'm just trying to get into a new routine. Today I started to feel a little down and doubtful. Before when I was at Starbuck's I had school too, or wedding planning too. Now, I just don't and it makes me feel a little bit like I'm failing. But, I know I need to just be patient and enjoy this time. This is what I wanted, isn't it? I feel unworthy of this time to relax and hopefully not be stressed. I'm excited about my new hair cut. :) Kurt has been working from home this week on a seminar that he has to learn for work. He loves working from home! I wish he could more often. He is so much more relaxed and peaceful seeming. And, he visited Lifetime 2 days in a row!! Life is good and God is good and I feel like I just need to live in the moment of the night tonight. Fun!! :)
I had a fun day with CJ today too. We walked and talked and we had a conversation together about some stuff going on in her life. I'm grateful to have friends that trust in me to confide in. And, I really like listening!
I noticed recently a sound that I really enjoy hearing from our home - it's the sound of cars going by on the street outside. Can you hear that sound in your mind? I remember it first when Leanna lived in her apt. in Rockford and I would love sleeping over there because I would go to sleep to the sound of cars whisking by on the road. I just realized that I hear that here too. It's a really peaceful sound.
Peace, KJD

God is so good to me!!

2009-06-13T05:50:00.001-07:00

God answered many prayers yesterday. Kurt took the day off work to celebrate my year at Bright Hope together. We ended up getting on the Metra and going downtown. Wow, Amy, it is quite a ride!!
We ended up at the Field Museum with a coupon we had. As we began the exhibit about the America’s – South and North – new and old, I remembered praying profusely Thursday for God to acculturate me. Then I realized where we were and what we were doing and was overwhelmed with gratitude!! And, I have a huge heart for S. America and for American Indians. This was amazing!
Then after our dinner at yummy Cheesecake Factory I was praying for God to send someone to us who needed our help and he sent a young man named “Ryan”. Supposedly he needed help; we gave it to him, and trust that God answered that prayer in that way. (My skepticism wonders if his need was real, but we don’t need to know that, I don’t think. We shall see.)
Thirdly, Kurt and I got along super well and had time together as husband and wife, but also as friends. That’s been a super prayer of mine – that we not forget to have fun and that we not forget to be friends!! We even got back to our Ferris wheel at Navy Peir where we told each other we loved each other for the first time!! :)
It was a marvelous day. Thank you Jesus!! Amen.
KJD

Last day at BH

2009-06-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I just got home from my last day at BH. I began and ended my day at the Crabtree Nature Center. It was very refreshing. I drank a lot of tea today and took many deep breathes as I began hyperventilating near the end of the day.
As I took my walk and cried in the nature Center after work, I was filled with an amazing peace. This is yet another milestone and another victory for God and evidence of His grace. I am so thankful for that. As I unpacked my stuff from my desk, my heart is a little tender. Yet, I feel peaceful and hopeful and thankful for the many new friends that I have now. I am encouraged now more than ever to keep on writing, to get in touch with my true feelings, and to explore. I am asking God to help me to find out my true self this summer - what do I really like to do, to eat, to listen to, to learn about, to write about - just really learn about me! I'm excited about this; a little scared to have high expectations, but excited nonetheless.
My heart is grateful and full of love and for that I am thankful!

2009-06-11T08:43:00.001-07:00

Just use me God for Your glory. That's all I want; and I will rise when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain.

2009-06-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

I want to get back to updating this. When we were in Colorado I was so inspired to write and share my feelings. Then, well, things happen. So, my resignation is in at BH. (I can't write the whole name because they're on Google alert!) I'm just kind of going with the flow. I feel celebrated and honored and scared. I feel excited and intrigued by what God has for me after I leave there. I'm doubting and trusting.
This is my verse of the day: O Lord, you alone are my hope. Psalm 75:1
I have felt calm and peaceful in this today.This is a peaceful night that we are enjoying at home; I'm grateful. We both have the house bug - we're starting to talk about what we want and don't want in a house. It's pretty fun and exciting. I want windows from every direction, an upstairs that gets lots of sun, a nice backyard, a deck, and a place to keep my compost pile. :) I need sunlight!! Just like a blooming flower....radiating beauty!!
Good night
KJD

Feeling old

2009-06-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

I have just been feeling really old lately. I think about my parents and my family members that are getting older. Then I think about Bill Hybels and how he just had a revolutionary church at the beginning of the 80's and how he's getting older now. Then yesterday I was listening to a song on my I-Pod that I downloaded from a cd that Axis made 7 years ago! Yes, 7 and I remember the song that I was listening too and how it used to speak so much into me, which made me think of Matt, who was singing and about how much that song must have ministered to him at that time, and now he's 7 years older. I don't know why this is getting to me so much. The best is I'm not THAT old! Just compared to some younger people. I mean, my body doesn't feel old, and I don't think I look old. I just want to be free and young and wild and fun.
Maybe it's my spirit that feels old. I just remember being so on fire for God and just being what I would call "Radical." What's funny, is that my co-worker Mike said "Kim Donnan, a radical for God," yesterday, out of the blue. I know God spoke those words through him. But, when I think of Axis days, I think of "Radical for God" days. Not knowing much but just being open to following God wherever and whenever. And, I am faithful that I have. I guess I can just look back on those days with fondness and joy. Ok, on to work now.
:)
Have a blessed day!!
KJD - Radical for God

2009-05-24T16:43:00.001-07:00

At the end of this summer, I want to say, "This was a great summer; it meant something!!"

Singing with God's Creation

2009-05-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

I just went outside and sat by the small lake behind our home. Precipitation was rising from the lake in the form of a layer of fog. I sat on the bench and was in direct line with the rising sun. The birds were chirping, the geese were honking, and I couldn't help but join in with them and sing praise to our Creator, who created all living things so magnificently.
It was glorious!
KJD

2009-05-03T07:57:00.001-07:00

What if I was nice to myself all day today? What would that look like?

Today I gradute...

2009-05-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

with honors. I find it amusing that, because of going to Bridgeview, I can graduate from Judson University with honors and yet know nothing about the Gettysburg Address - where it was, what it was, and what it was for.
Oh well, YAY for Judson anyways!!!!
I am happy! :)

Happy Birthday to my Sweetest Husband

2009-04-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Kurt all weekend long as he turned 38. :)

We had a BBQ at Tim & Jess' on Friday. It was so great! Aaron was able to join us and so was Jennie. It was a good night. We broke the fast there too. It was interesting to eat "normally" again.

Then on Sunday we went to Cheeseburger in Paradise. Kurt had just a little drink for his birthday. :)

It was fun to celebrate you my wonderful husband!!

Love, Me, your Wife

Blogs throughout the week

2009-04-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Day 2: I feel hungry and tired. Grouchy and weary. While on the treadmill the other day I thought "Well, I won't be able to workout this week, because I won't be able to nourish myself afterwards." But, then I thought, "Wait a minute, girls walk 10 miles a day sometimes to get water. And they might not have anything to renourish their little bodies!How spoiled we are?!

Day 3: So, I like oatmeal and cream of wheat. I like beans and rice. I feel guilty about liking this food. :(I only ate cream of wheat for breakfast and oatmeal for lunch today. I didn’t cheat at all today! But, how can I even say “only?” To the kids who are scooping corn kernels out of cow dung, those 2 meals are heavenly!I’m not as hungry as I was at first. I haven’t even craved sugar really. I know that God is helping me to be okay with this. But, then Friday it’s over! For people in Africa it may likely never be over. So, why? Why can it be over for us and not them? Why us and not them? Why are we in the “Land of Opportunity?” Don’t mothers in Africa and Haiti pray for food for their starving children? Does God not answer them? He hears them, though!I’ve asked this over and over before. Everytime I ask God why he doesn’t feed these starving people, He asks me the same thing. Why don’t I feed them? Good question!! I mean, we do, with sponsoring children from World Vision and stuff. But, what else can we do? What more can we all do?!That is the question tonight as I go to cook our piece of chicken breast, rice, and broccoli. Boy, are we lucky?!

I've also been noticing how clean the water is that I've been pouring out of my tap, albeit through an osmosis filter. (I heard Lake in the Hills water is undrinkable. Anyone know?)Sorry, how ignorant do I sound?!?!This is something that has really caught my attention this week, clean water. What a true luxury?! Thank you Jesus!

Day 4: I'm hungry and beat down. But, not defeated! I am just asking God, "What next? What do we do next?" Just keep on eating and drinking as if there are thousands and millions of people, even babies starving around the world. It's just not right! God did not create these precious people to become emaciated and starve. I have a tape in the car right now of a message of Bill Hybel's. It was when he was in Zambia several years ago, in the feeding line. And kids in the back of the line were falling over. Dead. From starvation. It's just not right. And, while I'm sitting here shaking, bug eyed, thinking how am I going to go out and pass out brochures for the Run for Hungry Children without some more food, there are people walking for 10 miles today to gather water. They get slightly nourished and then have to go out and do it again the next day. And while I wasn't super excited about my cream of wheat this morning, when the hot, heaping plate was in front of me, I was so grateful!

hun-ger 1. the discomfort, weakness, or pain caused by prolonged lack of food 2. to have a strong or compelling desire

God, turn my hun-ger 1 into a hun-ger 2, to hunger and thirst for those who have no food and clean water!

Amen.

Celebration of Hope - Solidarity challenge - April 20 - 24

2009-04-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow starts the beginning of the second annual Celebration of Hope at Willow Creek. And, surprisingly, I feel very excited about the whole thing.
Here's some more information about it:
http://www.willowcreek.org/coh/home/
Last year I didn't make it very far in the fool challenge. I had a funky attitude about the whole thing. I remember driving and thinking that I was stuck in something that I couldn't get out of. It was so unfair; there were people around me driving to Starbuck's and eating and drinking anything that they wanted to and I could only eat very small portions of a few things. But, that's what poverty is, I guess. Something that you get stuck in and, NO, it's not fair. But, I'm excited this time. I feel like we're going on a mission trip tomorrow and our lives are never going to be the same. And truthfully, I hope they're not.
So, tomorrow we start on our diet that 1.1 billion people worldwide eat everyday. I hope and pray that God will teach me something in the midst of this. I hope that I can write daily and track how this journey is. And Kurt's birthday is on Friday so I'm thinking a big celebration feast might be in order for that night. Then again, part of me wants to just eat like this for as long as I can. But, there would have to be a purpose, not just for my own self, like donating money that I would eat for food or something. I haven't felt peace about this, so we'll see what comes of it. But, I'm excited. Maybe that's not a good word. But, there's a curious anxiousness inside of me. I think God has some serious lessons for me and I want to embrace them as we try what we can to live like so many in the world do. Solidarity food challenge, I'm ready!
Peace,
KJD

Pondering Thoughts from me

2009-04-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

As I was in the Good Friday service yesterday at Kurt's family's church, I was thinking, quite honestly, "This isn't affecting me. I'm ready to go leave." Ignorant, I know. But, then there was a video. It was of a bunch of different hands. One set of hands abused someone. One set of hands cheated on something. One set checked stuff out on the Internet. I began to think, "Why are they showing this now, on Good Friday evening?" But, then I realized that all of those hands and the sin that they committed were what put Christ on the cross in the first place. The video ended saying that these were the hands that nailed Christ to the cross. And, he forgave them all. Including me and all that my hands have done. So, I came up with this like spiral. My hands assisted in crucifying Christ. He died for me. I am forgiven for all that I have done. So, now in return, I am to serve Jesus and go where he tells me to go and do as he tells me to do. He knew that he was to go to that cross and endure the flogging, the torture, and the Crucifixion. He knew that he would rise three days later, but did he know the impact that it would have on the earth and heaven forever to come? I was sitting here and thinking, perhaps not. He was only doing what he knew God wanted him to do. He was being obedient, and look what happened. He changed the course of history, fulfilling prophecies from the beginning of time. Sometimes we don't know what to do when there is a decision to make. Sometimes the most logical answer is also the easiest. But, sometimes it's the risky answers that are God's answers and His way of bringing us to the next thing He has for us on our journey with Him. We don't always know what's on the other side of the risk. Neither did Jesus, fully, I don't think. If anyone has other ideas, I'd love to hear them. So, we probably won't get flogged, persecuted, and crucified before we see what God has in store for us on the other side of a decision. (Well, not in our country, at least.) But, oftentimes, following Jesus, and really being open to all that he has for us involves risky decisions, to a high or low degree. He pretty much tells us that in his Word. What this means for me right now is my work situation at BH. But, I don't want to talk more about that right now. Scott, Mel, Kurt, and I watched the Passion of the Christ Thursday night. I didn't want to. My body was rebelling against it. I don't want to think about Good Friday sometimes. Sometimes, I don't even read the Gospels. It's more exciting to read Acts or the Book of James. That's where all the action is. That's when the disciples get their first dipping into life after Jesus, but life with the Holy Spirit living inside of them. It's exciting. I love reading Acts chapter 2, where everyone broke bread together, everyone shared what they had with people who had nothing, people were being healed in the Name of Jesus, presumably by the laying on of hands from the Disciples. But, I just forget and skip over the stories that make that all possible. The story of Jesus and his life here and his ministry here on earth. And so God, I guess I just want to do what You want me to do and be where You want me to be. And, now it's not just where You want me to be, but it's where You want Kurt to be too. And I love that. Call us as You desire and set the work before us that You have planned for us to do. And I pray that we will do it obediently and joyfully and fruitfully. And I thank You for the ministry that You have set before us. I don't know what it is but I feel that there is something ahead for us to do as a married couple. And I'm so excited about it! If there's anyone that's reading this that doesn't understand the talk about the Holy Spirit and anything else, I'd love to talk with you about it. And, now I'm going to bed so that we can awaken and experience the joy of the Resurrection.

Hallelujah!!

Amen!!

Goodnight,

KJD

I like this day too

2009-04-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

It was so nice to wake up on a Sunday and stay in the bed with my husband!! I can't even explain it. We juiced and then went out for breakfast before going to church. that was wonderful too because we got to sit with Jennifer, just the 3 of us. :)

How cute is my husband in this picture?!?! He's juicing his own apple juice. :)

This is a good night

2009-04-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

So, I thought that this night was going to be dramatic, as it was starting out to be that way. Little did I know that there were huge blessings involved!

Long story short, it was my friend Jenna's 30th birthday party. (Jenna sang ever so beautifully at our wedding.) We were to celebrate at N9ne downtown. Fun right?! Well, then Kurt didn't want to go because he didn't know anyone and I really wanted to catch up with my good friend Rachel. So, after a little deliberation, it was decided that I would drive to Rachel's house in Lombard and then drive with her downtown. This was a win - win for everyone: Kurt could stay home neither Rachel or I had to go downtown by ourselves, and we had some quality time to catch up in the car together. This was all good news!

So, while I was driving to meet Rachel, I had many thoughts soaring through my mind. Since we usually go to church on Saturday nights and then get Chinese food and then come home, I was experiencing a little bit of a culture shock being out on a Saturday night. It took me back to our partying days because that's what I associate going out on Saturday nights with.

Then, I began to feel an overwhelming sense of blessing. I felt amazingly loved by Kurt; I really felt a bit like a princess. I could go out for the night and then come back home to my prince. This is what I had dreamed of for so long while I was in waiting to meet my husband. I was in Kurt's car listening to our garmin speak to me in Arabic, :) and just feeling overwhelmingly grateful.

The rest of our evening was fabulous. Rachel and I were Jenna's main friends there, as it was a combined birthday party with another girl; if we had both decided not to go, she truly would have been really sad. And, we would have missed out on the blessings of the night. Now, it's 12:43 am and I get to go to church tomorrow, on Palm Sunday, since I worked today. I am so looking forward to that, and to Holy week altogether. It's always a rich and emotional week. I've decided to leave American Idol and sugar alone this coming week, and anything else that distracts me from Jesus, and really focus on him and his story in the Gospel. I was so looking forward to coming home and writing this to whomever reads my blog tonight, so thank you!!

Goodnight,

KJD

Juicing and stuff

2009-04-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

I've been juicing a lot! That's really all that's new. This creation is red and yellow peppers, celery, bok choy, broccoli, spinach, and carrots. :) Nicole, it's really good. :) I'm serious!!

Nicole and Ryan came to shop at Bright Hope today. It was the shining moment of my day.

Thanks Nicole & Ryan!!!

We watched Slum Dog Millionaire tonight. It was good, but over and over I kept thinking how grateful I am not to live in Mumbai! I know that's terrible; it was kind of hard to watch. And just today the president of Bright Hope was saying that if I decide to stay on with the ministry he'd like to send me with some other people to visit our partners. We have partners many places such as Uganda, Zambia, Haiti, and India. My heart thinks I want to go so bad, but my other parts are so scared!! But, most likely, that's a ways off anyways.

Speaking of Bright Hope, I need to go to bed.

Goodnight,

KJD

2009-03-30T15:08:00.001-07:00

I bought a new Jack La Lanne juicer today.

This was my first creation: bok choy, celery, and a carrot!! Mmmm.

Home sick

2009-03-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm home sick but....loving it! Is that wrong? Anna tells me that she's praying for me to feel better and I'm okay hanging out at home. It's raining and I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas yet. I've just been chillin'.

I know I've been running around too much. I've spent a lot of this day horizontally and it feels really nice. I know being busy isn't healthy. I've been thinking a lot about health lately. It's something I really care about. I truly believe in healing, and not just from medicine. Like, we've been praying for Jennifer to be healed from this cancer. Maybe she has been! I mean yeah, it's still there in the scan, but maybe it's just her thorn. The apostle Paul tells about the thorn in his flesh and how he asked God to remove it 3 times but God chose not to.

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 7 - 10

I've been asking God to heal me from this anxiety and he certainly has, but it still comes and goes sometimes. But through this I can minister to others with this issue.

All that to say, I definitely believe in the power of healing that comes from the Lord. I have been interested in Reiki too, and I really want to have Reiki done on me. I get sketched out from those "Eastern mysticism" things but now I found a friend of mine that practices Christian Reiki. It just illuminates the ability of Jesus' people to heal others in His name.

http://areikihealer.tripod.com/christianreiki.html

I get so excited when I think about juicing or going to whole foods or wheat grass shots from Jamba Juice. But then I get sad when Kurt eats a bag of cookies in one night. I've been asking God to help us to take good care of our bodies.

I've also been enjoying listening to Pandora. I have artists like Sara Groves, Carrie Underwood and Hosanna songs on there. It's so great.

Well, I think I'm going to go back to a horizontal position for awhile.

Peace & Green things,

KJD

P.S. The picture's from Anna's farm in Elizabeth, Illinois, about 30 miles east of Galena.

A walking fool

2009-03-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have been a walking fool today. Not only did I do my time at lifetime, but then I just met Christine and we walked like a mile outside in this beautiful weather. I was feeling guilty for working out and not spending more time with God. Then I felt guilty for calling Christine, yet I felt prompted to call her. We had such a nice walk and chat. Then I ended up down by the river where I used to go when I lived in Carpentersville and had a beautiful time with God after all. He reminded me that He is "always with me."
The newest thing that He has showed me is that He has healed me from so much of my past! But, I still want to work on it. He has showed me that "I am healed. I am free!" Thank You Jesus. Now, I just want everyone to be healed and free from their past sin and mistakes and to know God. That is what I want! This is a good day!
Peace,
KJD

2009-03-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

I just had a super great work out! I walked/ran on the treadmill at life time for 75 minutes!! It was so great!! Avidly working out is something that I've wanted to do for a long time. And, now I'm doing it! And, I've been reading Lifetime's magazines while I run, which has been physically inspiring to me - to read about healthy ways to eat and work out AND rest! It's really great. I am SO thankful for this day off. This is the first day that I have not had something to do in I don't know how long. I am SO grateful!!!! And, I walked around outside in shorts and a tank top. How cool is that in the middle of March?!
I like this day.
Peace,
KJD

2009-03-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up at 5, when I didn't have to wake up until 6! It's a Starbuck's day. I like my Starbuck's days. I never know what to expect. I still wonder what God has me doing there these days. I thought for sure that my time there would be over in the new year. But, it's not and I'm glad! There are a couple people that I like to try to build relationships with.
Wow, I hear the birds chirping loudly outside our window. It must be nearly spring!
Sometimes I wake up with some huge revelation, an overwhelming peace from God, or some anxiety. Today I simply woke up.
I've been praying for God to "create in me a pure heart O Lord", Psalm 51. Sometimes my heart is so mean, so today God I ask You to create in me a pure heart. Thank You Lord. In Jesus' Name I ask this. Amen.

Good morning - I like coffee :)

2009-03-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

I have had some really nice quiet time with God since last night. I feel very centered and calm, well, a little hyper, but that's like always. :) And, that's in a good way!
Last night I asked God, "What if I am in His will?"
What if I'm right where He wants me to be right now? For the longest time I have desired something: that is for "those who have to give to those who have not." Well, working at Bright Hope, I'm trying to find people to run in/ sponsor our 5K race. What is that doing? Finding people who have to give to people (in this case children) who don't have much at all, especially food. And, for our fair trade store we're trying to get donations from people who have, to give to our artisan groups, people who don't have much.
Realizing that, I asked this question, "What if for the next 2 months I rested in God and trusted that I was right where He needs me to be? What would that look like? Would that bring peace to me? For 2 months? What would peace for 2 months even feel like? Will we ever even know that this side of Heaven? I think I'm going to try to find out.
I also just received an email this morning from Kelly Rae Roberts, the cute new artist that Mel and I found in Colorado. Her email included pictures of her new home in Seattle. I LOVED looking at those photos! Her house is so super cute with huge windows. The daylight was just seeping in through all of the windows. And light in Seattle is a good thing!! It was a joy to look at those pictures.
One more day of work. I've been reminding myself of this Scripture all week: Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Peace, and have a great day!!
KJD

Classes...Nah, let's go home

2009-03-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we went back and forth about going to classes at church tonight and just coming home. Both of us have been so tired this week! (Obviously coming home won.) I'm listening to my husband pounding away on something. What, I do not know. Some thing for the dishwasher, I think.
I'm reading a book about the "girl child." It's about how girl children are often neglected, abused, taken advantage of, and exterminated in many parts of the world, and what a super tragedy that is. I came home tonight and laid on our bed and read while doing laundry and getting dinner prepared. Kurt took a trip to Lifetime. While laying on the bed and reading, the sun was still out and I felt more peaceful than I have for awhile. It almost makes up for not going to classes. (The guilt will subside soon!)
Maybe American Idol and chocolate chip cookies will be good. :) (Or maybe not)
Peace,
KJD

Good day in the Medical Field

2009-03-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day. I went with Jennifer to Lutheran General for her chemo treatment. We were a bit nervous because she recently had a CT Scan and a tumor marker blood test. both came back showing improvement - the tumors have not grown, most have actually shrunk, and the tumor marker level was down. That is good news!

While we were there, I was able to go to the main hospital to see little Micah, who we've been praying for like crazy. He was the little grandson of my co-worker at Starbuck's that fell out of a second story window in his home last November. He was brought to the hospital for continued vomiting, and last night his vital signs began to slow down. today he is doing much better! It was great to see him for a brief moment.

Now, I'm home and ready for a restful evening with my sweet husband. :)

Peace,

KJD

Wor, Work ,Go

2009-03-07T13:22:00.001-08:00

Today was super cool. I woke up at 5:42 am and went right to Lifetime before work at Starbuck's. I felt, and feel, great!!!

Yesterday I spent the day with Aunt Susi, Mom, Debbie, and Sandy for Mom's birthday, at the Botanical Garden's.

Tomorrow's Leah's birthday, then Monday chemo for Jen.

The Botanical Garden's are beautiful!!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-03-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

It's just one of those seasons where I feel like I never stop. Today I read some Scripture and it was like a thirsty person soaking up water. It's amazing when that happens. I just open up God's Word, and He soaks His Word right into me. It is amazing!

Day 1 of Year 2

2009-03-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

We had such a great day yesterday, celebrating. At night, we ate the top of our wedding cake. It was still delicious! And, super sweet!

While we were enjoying our cake, we watched our wedding video in it's entirety for the first time. That was super cool to watch. We even danced together to our first dance song when that came on, "God Bess the Broken Rod," by Selah. It as a great night!!

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-02T09:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my Favorite Husband!!

Love,

Your Favorite Wife

Women Revealed

2009-02-27T05:34:00.000-08:00

I've been up since 4 am, probably nerves as I prepare to leave for the Women Revealed weekend. Jennifer's coming, and I just really don't know what to expect from this at all. So, I got up drank my green tea and sat in my chair in my little "God Corner" And I moved my beautiful picture so that i could be reminded of the butterfly that's free, like me, when I sit there!
Now, Diane's here to get me and another WR weekend is upon us. More miracles, more freedom from heavy burdens, more grace. how amazing is grace?!
Thank You God!!
Amen.

Chrisitan Existentialism

2009-02-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

I learned something in our Willow class last night. I learned that I can be quite existential when it comes to God. The class last night was debating whether or not Nicodemus was a disciple or not. The whole class, I was daydreaming, looking around, closing my eyes, albeit I am still tired from returning home. But, the whole time I was thinking, "How is this about me?" Well, it's NOT! It's not always about me, and that's what Christian existentialism is in part. My Judsonians know that from our Faith and Life Issues class. Our teacher taught us that the church has gone away from teaching the holiness of God and is focused on what God can do for us. This class was teaching absolutely about the holiness of Christ and it was too much for my brain to comprehend. But, next week I'll be more prepared in a different mindset.
Well, I just burnt my bagel and have to get ready for work.
Peace,
Kim

Bye bye Colorado; Hello home :)

2009-02-18T07:58:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday we said good-bye to 122 Ryan Gulch Rd. and just like that our vacation was coming to an end. I didn't feel super sad though. We all had such a wonderful time!! We got home after midnight last night!!

So, Kurt and I both have things that we want to do more of or not do as much of...you know how it is when you go away on vacation? I oftentimes evaluate my life, what do I want more of, what do I want less of?

Kurt wants to go to Lifetime more and has officially moved away from anything with aspartame. That in itself is a huge blessing from God!

I want to worry less, write more, and just live life more freely. I'm so excited to hang my new picture up.

That's all really for now. My body is still INCREDIBLY sore from snowboarding, but I loved it!

Here are a few more preparation for snowboarding pictures. Mel has some action shots of me; when I get them I can post those too.

Peace,

Kim

Snowboarding

2009-02-16T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the big day. I snowboarded for the first time!! Melanie and I took a lesson and then went down the hill 3 times. It was not easy!! Kurt and Scott were more than patient and gracious with us. They left their hill to come and find us, then helped us a bit. By the way, I was very impressed with Kurt's snowboarding skills. He's really good!

By about 2PM we had had it. Mel and I spent some time in the chalet and drank tea and hot chocolate. I was able to share a bit of my testimony with her. It was really great.

We had a nice dinner and then headed to the outdoors hot tub. Sounds cold, but it's really delightful. On my way back to the condo I was halted by an image in the sky. This is the first night that the sky was really clear enough to see stars. There were a lot of them! What I saw was so gorgeous. There were thousands of stars and then I saw the mountain straight ahead. But beyond that I saw a patch of light blue which lit up the mountain in the night sky. It may have been a patch of clouds, but it was stunning! I felt like Jesus was telling me that he loved me more than there were stars in the sky, and that I was his. It was awesome!

Now, my hands are still shaking from the day of activity, but I feel great!!

Also, I have been thoroughly enjoying getting a hot and/or iced tea from Starbuck's each morning. (Scott's a Carmel latte junkie!!)

Time for bed.

Goodnight,

Kim

Nicole, I need your help to get these pics nice!!

Colorado

2009-02-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

I 'm writing this post from 9,ooo ft. above sea level, in Silverthorne, Colorado. As all of you who are reading this probably knows, I came here really stressed out because of Kurt not feeling well the last few weeks. But, right now, I barely remember that. We are having an amazing time here!

Yesterday I purchased this picture from Breckenridge, a cute little downtown area in a ski town.

http://flickr.com/photos/kellyseitzinger/901804788/in/set-1602122/

Sorry, I'm not savvy enough to get the actual picture on. :)

Anyways, purchasing this picture has yet again sparked a creativity in me that I want to explore. I really like this painting because of the butterfly and the word "Free." It's a good reminder that I am free because God has called me His own child and that I am free to live and that I am loved.

I don't know exactly what that creativity looks like, but God knows this desire in my heart and I know that He will help me to explore this.

Kurt and Scott have spent the last 2 days snowboarding, and tomorrow it's our turn. YIKES!! This should be interesting!

Today God reminded me that there is nothing that can separate me from His love. That is an amazing reminder. And I want to remind you of that to.

Love and blessings,

Kim

Another Snowy Day

2009-01-09T04:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm up bright and early today. I go to a prayer group on Friday mornings, but it was cancelled today due to the incoming snow. So, instead I'm listening to music on Pandora and feeling hugged by God as I sit here. How awesome?!
So, I handed in my portfolio at Judson on Wednesday, which officially ends my work there. It's so funny - as easily as I got into school and homework, I got out of it! In a way, I want to continue on and get a Master's degree, but not now. If God does bring a child to us in the near future, I don't really want to spend these days in school!!
Since turning 2009, I have been seeking in my heart what I really want for this year. So far, I have really been enjoying going to Jamba Juice every other day and getting wheat grass shots. (I know..., but one single wheat grass shot has the same amount of nutrients as a 1/2 pound of vegetables.) And, they always give me free stuff. their new oatmeal is de - licious.
Anyways...I have taken on a new role at Bright Hope - I am now the Marketing Publicist for the 5k Run for Hungry Children. I am really excited about it. I'll keep you posted on it; I hope you can all walk/run it. (I'll be walking.) It's on May 16 at 8am.
I'm just seeking God's will for us right now - me individually and me and Kurt as a married couple. We are going to begin classes at Willow soon, which I pray will bring us closer to God and closer together. We are also hoping to begin reading the book "The Love Dare," after the movie "Fireproof,"with Scott and Melanie soon.
I also desparately need to get some exercise and am looking into divulging some money into a health club. I can't help put together a 5k and not be in some sort of shape.
Thanks for letting me share this with you guys; it feels good to sit here and write like this.
Have a lovely week-end.
Kim Donnan Hee hee

P.S. Nicole and Holly, if we do not see each other soon, I'm going to simply go mad!! :)

ok...it's been forever

2008-12-29T20:15:00.003-08:00

I just wanted to post some pictures from our first Christmas as husband and wife.

We spent Christmas Day at a Hannukah brunch with my family, which was most enjoyable. We then arrived at the Kerrigan's just as they were about to give Sonny his Christmas present...steak!! He liked it!

(Okay so I need help with the layout here!!)

Thanks Jennifer, Katie, & Melanie for encouraging me to get back on here. And of course the Queen of blogging - Nicole!!

We are blessed!!

Kim & Kurt

Statistics is over!!

2008-08-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

This has been quite an interesting time, this last month. Because I didn't know anything about statistics and was getting very frustrated at first, I had to admit that there was something that I just didn't know how to do.
I have talked to my Dad more this past month than I have done in years and we have connected in a really awesome way. I realized that I had been praying, and having others as well, pray for my class and me to understand this stuff. Then on Friday I realized that it was my Dad who was helping me to understand it and in turn I was able to help others so my Dad was God's answer to my prayers. My final presentation went really well and....
I actually learned something.
Not only did I learn some statistics, I learned how to submit to God and really say, "There is truly nothing that I can do without You."
I have learned so much in this time, and it all started in a little statistics class.

Then, we had a wonderful weekend with our families intermingling. I will post those pictures as soon as I get them. (I forgot our camera for every event this week-end!)

What a lovely new background I have here on my blog!

Peace!!
KJD

Statistics!!

2008-07-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

So far so good this week. I got an 85% on my pre-quiz yesterday and a 95% on my post quiz today. That is compared to 65% on my pre-quiz and a 75% on my post-quiz last week.
I have been praying a ton and having other people pray for me to have a clear, sound mind to understand this.
I'm so thankful for my Dad helping me. He is a genius!
And, now I'm going to staff a Women Revealed weekend. I leave tomorrow at 7am and get back Sunday at 5pm. (www.idaretosoar.com) (Men's website, the women don't have one yet).
Have a wonderful week-end!!

Statistics

2008-07-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been doing, and will be doing for the next 2 weeks minus 1 day: Statistcs!!

Sunday downtown

2008-07-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

Today we went downtown to Kurt's cousin's house. Aaron and Aimee just got married last Labor Day week-end. Coincidentally, we got engaged the day before we left for their wedding. They're so fun! We had planned to watch the cubs game so they prepared a whole lunch around a baseball theme: hotdogs, burgers, peanuts, cracker jacks, and soda.

it was really nice getting to spend time with them.

Yay!! My first own blog

2008-07-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am finally a blogger!! Today we are (maybe) cleaning our house. We got a new washer and dryer and are off to get some accessories. Very exciting, I know!

My New Blog!

2008-07-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kim and Kurt Donnan's New Blog!!

Made with love by Nicole and Holly =)