Monday, December 28, 2009

" Pause before stepping into 2010 "

There are only 4 more days left of 2009 to make your mark on the world before you enter yet another year. I have been reflecting back quite a bit on 2009 these last few weeks since I was preparing a message on this very topic for yesturdays Sunday service at our church. The message was a simple one, yet challenging for me to reflect back and take a deep look on where my heart has been focused over the last year. Three points of my message for attaining a closer walk with God were the following:

Asking God for a ....
  • grateful heart
  • humble heart
  • discerning heart
A grateful heart ......

Reflecting on the past year, I am grateful for so many things in my life. I am grateful for our families health - and think of the answered prayer for my daughter Leah who is now seizure free and off of her medication. I am grateful for the simple things like food to eat, a warm house, jobs to work at, cuddle time with my girls this morning in bed, and as of recent the wonderful snow that covers my back yard. The gifts that God gives us each day are always before me, yet sometimes I seem to miss them when my heart is focused on what I do not have.

A Humble Heart.......

A few weeks ago I was feeling very discouraged and unworthy to deliver a Sunday message that I was preparing to give at our church on Dec. 27. I think this is right were God wanted my heart to be - totally dependant upon his strength instead of my own pride. Now this does not mean that I did not put allot of hard work into the message- There were many hours of writing and practicing the sermon on my family! Well, God showed up and he gave me a message that I could have never come up with on my own. I was a bit nervous before the service, but was surprised how comfortable I felt up on the stage. It was as if me and God were the only ones there in the sanctuary. God is good all the time!

A Discerning Heart -
I have not always made the smartest decisions in 2009, but am fortunate to have made a pretty few good ones. I am trying to seek God's discernment in knowing what to say yes and no to in the coming year as I seek to slow down my fast pace lifestyle.


Well, as I close this Pause blog - may you be challenged to reflect back on your 2009 before taking that next step into 2010. May you know that God has been right there with you through all the difficult circumstances of the past year and he will be riding tandem with you in the coming year of 2010!

Blessings and Happy New Year!

Kim Rudd

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

" Forty Years of Reflection "


This past weekend we had a wonderful time with family as we celebrated Craig's big day turning 40. I feel very fortunate to have been apart of at least half of Craig's life and look forward to many more years of fun filled adventures. Craig and I have a unique relationship in that we both share common passions for the outdoors and our faith in God. In the last twenty years we have enjoyed biking, skiing, canoeing, camping and many travel adventures together. Not only is he the best soul mate I could ever have hoped for, he is also and incredible father to my two girls Hannah and Leah. For Craig's birthday Hannah wrote a list of 40 reasons why she loves her dad. I thought it would be fun to share them with you..........



  1. Your the best dad ever

  2. You are very fun to be with

  3. You pick out the best movies

  4. Kind and caring

  5. A great MYSL silver ski coach

  6. The best homework helper

  7. reliable

  8. always positive

  9. supportive

  10. One of the best people to tuck you in at night

  11. loving

  12. fun to go camping with

  13. makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches and soup

  14. You know how to chill

  15. Takes us on awesome vacations

  16. A great soccer coach

  17. You know how to cheer me up

  18. A good tickle monster

  19. Good canoe racer

  20. adventurous

  21. A good fixer around the house and on our bikes

  22. You are good at making stuff fun

  23. Loves to explore

  24. Good money maker

  25. A good uncle

  26. Awesome ski waxer

  27. Energetic

  28. A go getter

  29. Handsome

  30. Great trampoline jumper

  31. super funny

  32. Giving

  33. Snow lover

  34. Understanding

  35. You are a great hair brusher

  36. Tell's awesome stories

  37. Makes awesome tree houses

  38. A Good friends

  39. Gives the Best Hugs

  40. The #1 guy in the world

What more can I add to the list - she said it all!

Happy 40th Birthday Craig! Look forward to being by your side in the next half of your life!


Love,

Kim