Message from the Past: Letter #2

Exactly 7 years ago, I wrote the note below to my hall of freshmen, sophomore and junior women. Funny--I needed to hear this wisdom today. Supposedly I'm now 7 years wiser than I was, 7 years older, 7 years more seasoned in the ways of man and God ... and yet, this reminder, from a younger, naiver (is that a word?), less tainted me was a breath of fresh air. Humorous, isn't it?

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April 28, 2004

My beautiful ladies…how are you doing? Life is a whirlwind right now, isn’t it?  In the midst of all this chaos, remember to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15) and “be still and know that [He] is GOD…” (Psalm 46:10).

I’ve been reading in 1 Samuel and was struck by this paragraph in Hannah’s prayer:

The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.  The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; upon them he has set the world.  He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. 

­­It is not by strength that one prevails. (1 Sam. 2:6-9)

The LORD is over all the earth; what makes me think He’s not over me? 

Or that He needs help guiding my life? 

All He asks is that we be faithful to pursue Him and surrender all.  Hold your life with open hands, and He will bless you in His way and His time. 

I love you girls and pray that you continue to learn to let the LORD show you His path for you. Don’t try to blaze your own trail; by your own strength, you will fail. With Christ, all things are possible!

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I was reminded today that I answer to and only to Christ. My service here on this earth, no matter with what group of people or in what area, is for Christ. People will fail us; people will hurt us. People will reject us and people will neglect us. 

But my God humbles and my God exalts. My God brings death and my God makes alive. My God is in charge, and He is who I serve. No matter how ugly life on earth gets, no matter how hurtful life can be, my God is greater, my God is stronger ... 

And I serve Him.

Message from the Past: Letter #1

When I was a Resident Assistant Junior year of college, I often wrote "letters" to the girls on my hall. I've decided to post them because, well, they are good reminders even now!!

September 21, 2003


As the reality of college sets in and we realize we’re here for the long haul, please rest in the Lord.  Cling to His peace and depend on His strength; with Him, we can do all things, even squeeze 38 hours worth of work into 24.   Don’t forget to take time to sit and rest in Him.  Don’t forget to take time for yourself—I’ve heard it said that every person should take a walk alone every day. So, today I tried that and boy did it feel good to be alone with my thoughts and prayers.  College is the definition of over-stimulating; please don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.  Read a book, bake cookies, call your grandma.  And come visit your RA! I’d love to chat with you girls about how college is going so far for you.  Don’t hesitate to knock, although I do ask that late night visits are kept to emergencies only.  Cora has very early morning placements and while we love to see you, bedtime has to come early for both of us.  But please visit any time during the afternoon/evening! I know I’m in and out like a mad woman but please—leave a note and I’ll stop by.  I want to connect with each of you.  It is the desire of my heart to know you each individually and I’m making it a goal to do that to the best of my ability. 

Now, some business. The deadline for finishing your installations of the anti-virus is on Tuesday.  PLEASE GET THIS FINISHED AND TO ME ASAP! Thanks!

If you haven’t met with your hall partners yet, please try to make time for that this week.

Committee leaders, I need to hear from each of you and see how you’re doing! Let me know!

Last but not least, Bible study has been going super well; we had a lot of fun making cookies for our brother hall last week! Please join us this week as we’re starting a section on Ecclesiastes.  

Please know that you are all very special to me and to Cora! We value you and we know that God has placed us on the same hall for special purposes.  I’m excited to see how this year progresses!! Blessings to you all as you start this new week. 

With love and joy, Kristin