The boys and I just returned from Panama City, Florida. It was Butler’s spring break, and we took a group of CRU students to a conference in Florida. We had a great week with the students!
All three Steffens love the beach for different reasons. I love walking on the beach, watching sunsets, listening to the sound of waves crashing. Jensen loves digging in the sand. Alex loves being under the water any chance he gets. He also loves looking for seashells.
Throughout the week, Alex would grab his bucket and walk up and down the beach looking for treasures. Mind you, Panama City isn’t known for its seashells. That didn’t bother him. He filled his bucket with anything that looked remotely like a seashell. It didn’t even matter if it was broken. I tried to encourage him to look for shells that weren’t broken, but he didn’t listen. I asked him why he liked the broken pieces and his response was, “Mom, they are beautiful, and I like them.”
I’m glad that God doesn’t respond to our brokenness like I did to Alex’s shells. In Romans 5:8, Paul says, “Even while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” God sees the broken pieces in all of us and says I love you and I will make you whole! I’m thankful that He doesn’t just toss me aside like the broken seashells that I wanted to throw away. He makes something beautiful out my mess!
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Hey Kelly,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you would remember me. I was on the Wildwood Project in 2004. My name then was Kelly Monroe. I've been married for almost 4 years and my husband has been a pastor for the last 2 years.
Anyway, I really wanted to tell you that I am so unbelieveably encouraged by your blog. I have been following it for years and am just amazed with the trust that you have in God. It has been such a testimony to my life to see how God has helped you through the grief and horrible loss of your wonderful husband and how you have continued to be a woman who seeks the Lord in everything.
I will continue to follow your blog. I know you have ministered to many college students, but you are ministering to many more than you think (a little pastor's wife here in Illinois).
With much love, your sister in Christ,
Kelly 'Monroe' Ricker
Thank you SO much for your post, Kelly and thank you for following the blog! I'm so glad the Lord has used it in your life! Thanks for your encouragement! Wildwood 04 was such a fantastic project for Erik and I. I loved that summer and loved getting to do ministry with Erik! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteKelly
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ReplyDeleteHey Kelly,
I don't know how else to get this info to you...I don't have your email. This is the house that is for sale in Rocky Ripple that I thought you might want to check out. Don't know if it's still available....would love for you to join our "Hood"!
Megan Schmidt
Found your blog - today - keep inspiring others. Keep up the good work.
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