Rejoice evermore

How often do we pass up days and just because of their contents don't thank God for the beauty he has given us? Thanking God for the rainy, cold, and snowy days can be very difficult (especially if you get cold very easily!) but trying to look for the little beauties that God places in every day are amazing! We just have to find them, which is the fun part. Looking out my window yesterday, the last little leaf on a huge barren tree was hanging on for dear life, taking all the beating from the wind and rain. Another time this week while I was walking, I looked up and saw that grey completely surround me. The wind and the rain swept up in every direction, taking with it what seemed like every ounce of color. Although, not all of it was stolen...

This just makes me think of how we can still rejoice in the midst of trials. When the color in our own lives is stolen, God is always ready to give us joy, and help over come anything we are facing. God is good.

~Rejoice evermore~

Sunbeam

I am back home. Hundreds of miles away, lays a piece of land that I now know. The people there are amazing, their stories, their hearts, and their families. Knowing that I may or may not go to this place again, is frightening. Two weeks ago I was thrown into a completely different lifestyle, new language, and new people. It was definitely culture shock, but it only took me a couple of hours to throw myself into Gods work that is taking place at Refuge Ranch. Saying adios and goodbye to everyone on Thursday was emotional and difficult for all of us. God's presence was definitely felt. God is the one who put the want in my heart two years ago, and He is the one that brought the plans, money, and safety on the trip. God was also the one taking me home. Home to serve others, grow in Him, and prepare again to depart. As soon as we were picked up from the airport, culture shock hit again. Harder. It is now Saturday afternoon, and I'm still trying to get used to my life here in the United States.

God taught me so many things while I was away. One being that everyday, God wants to use us. He wants our abilities, not only to serve others, but to truly glorify Him. Through love and words, He wants us to spread the gospel, everywhere. At home, at school, at play- a sunbeam for Him.

Blogging has become something I enjoy, and writing brings joy and relaxation to me. Several people have asked if I will continue my blog after my trip: yes, definitely. Please continue to check back here every once in a while and pray for me.

Sunday November 27 I will be presenting a slide show with more details of my trip. I invite all of you to come to my home Church and see all what the Lord is doing there at Refuge Ranch.

Questions, comments, concerns,

Complements, or good jokes, Facebook me ;)

Homeward bound

Just a few more hours, and I'll be homeward bound. It doesn't seem possible that 12 days has already gone by. These days here in Mexico were such a blessing to me as I worked, watched and played with the children. Seeing a new culture, land, and people for the first time really opened my eyes to the world around me. Wanting to spend every last minute here, this post will be short. But I wanted to let everyone know that I will be back tonight, and can't wait to see everyone!

Still in one piece

Last night it was finally clear enough to see more than jupiter. Stars amaze me, I think we stayed out for 3 hours just gazing up towards the heavens. As I was pointing out Ursa Minor and the north star, it reminded me of the way home. North. Then I looked to the south, and realized I want to take another another step in that direction, but first, I have to take two steps back home. Its this whole thing of waiting on Gods timing, and taking steps (foward or backward) when he says step. Whether walking North or South, the motion of the step is the same. When we walk, we dont take little step, big step, a skip and a jump. We repeat the same motion. One after the other, step by step. I see it the same way when we walk with God. We have to take the same step of faith each time God moves us in the direction he wants us in. Fully trusting and relying on him in faith that he knows all.
Life here continues to go on. All the ladies had a wonderful time on their retreat this past weekend, the the house was still in one piece when they returned. Praise God. Saturday night, we had a fiesta in the living room, full with pizza and snacks! The little children really had a fun time playing the night away. Sunday was church, it was interesting, not much different than the average church in the usa. Except for the fact that it was all in Spanish. I had a friend translate for me, so that helped greatly with understanding the sermon. Afterwards we went out for tacos, which was an expierence all in itself. Stores and resturants are totally different, not even close to what we have in the usa. First, they are all right next to eachother, usually even connected. The enterence is like a garage door, so during the day, its up and everything is open. The specific place we went to looked just like a one car garage but painted and decorated inside. about 20 small tables and chairs placed throughout, and a counter in the front where they handeled the money and some of the food. Right infront of the building outside, one man was cooking our food on a cart. They would plate it up, and bring it to our table. So everything was done right infront of us. Pretty cool. Then we packed up and headed out for the hour ride home. We spent the rest of the evening playing, then stargazing when it was dark enough. Now, a monday morning, getting read to do crafts and games with the chidlren as soon as they are finished with their school.
As I stare out the window at the rolling hills, I think of all of you. Missing everyone greatly, Krista

When the sun gets to bother'n

Time seems to slow down when you take each minute, each second individually. Knowing that my time here is short, I've stopped looking at the clock and the calender. I've spent the past few days just playing with the children, trying to learn more of the language, and understanding the past of the lives here at Refuge Ranch. Two days ago, I went to the 'market' and it really showed the culture of Mexico. Miles of streets were lined with vendors, there were people everywhere. Anything from fresh fruit, clothing, and household items where being sold. Along with being the first time at a Mexico market, it was the first time I tried coconut juice! Oh there have been so many firsts in only five days it's almost unbelievable. Then that same day, Julie and Victor decided to take everyone to the movies! Yeah the entire movie was spoken in Spanish, but...I followed most it :) The theater was very similar to ours, except it, and most of other public places are completely open; no doors, just an arch to get in. In the actual movie room, its pretty much the same, only slightly smaller.
I heard it might be snowing back home... I hope not. The weather here has been gorgeous, except today, it rained. All day. Actually it's still raining. But on the bright side captured some cool pictures of it! Sorry I can't load any this time, I'll have to try to do it later.
All the ladies are leaving late tonight to drive there through the night, meaning tomorrow morning there will only be a few of us left to run the household. oh boy. But it think we'll manage.
It's strange, you would think there would be a millions things that I would find different than home. And yes, there are, but the very first thing I realized was that the sun is in a different position, and it even feels different. That brought the realization how far away from home I am. Trusting that God is always with me, and stays at home with you, brings me peace when the sun starts to bother me.

Finally here

I was not aware of how full one day can be! Sunday morning I woke up around 6am, not knowing what the day would bring, and headed to the airport. Mrs. Claassen and I checked in fine, and everything passed through security, praise God. 10:25 hit and we were on our way to Mexico. Looking back in my old journal entrees, I found that on March 9, 2010, I wrote that someday I would go to Refuge Ranch. A year and a half later, here I am. It is absolutely beautiful here! I am literally looking out the office window staring at a snow caped volcano. Being from Michigan, I had never seen mountains before now. They are gorgeous. Mexico city is amazingly HUGE. As we were flying over it, houses and buildings just covered the earth as far as we could see. The first thing I see walking out of the airport to be picked up, was a palm tree!! After waiting a short time, our rides arrived, and we headed out. Then we drove about two hours to Refuge Ranch. The Ranch is on a hill so from here, you can see several cities along with rolling hills, palm trees, and beautiful wild flowers. When we arrived at the Ranch, everyone was still at church, so we ended up welcoming them home :) Mrs. Claassen and I settled in our room and as soon as their big red van pulled in, everything started. Lots of children came at once wanting to see 'Grandma' and what 'surprises' she had brought this time. Ever since then I have been playing with the children, trying to keep up with their Spanish and sorting through many buckets of clothing. The Marshal family has two teenagers who I am able to have full conversations with, since they are both completely bilingual. They held youth group last night with the older Zaragoza girls, and myself. We played games, one of them being the shaving cream and cheeto toss! It was really a lot of fun. Although, still trying to get used to the time change (being 2 hour difference thanks to our time change) I'm ready for bed about 8:30, and am waking up at 5 in the morning.
As I was on the plane, soaring above the earth and all it's inhabitants, it reminded me of how big our God really is and that he knows everyone of our names, and not only that, but our past, presents, and futures too. God is quite amazing.

Counting down

Finally counting down the hours! 35 hours, 45 minutes :) We have such scheduled and timed lives, sometimes it feels like I am always 'counting down' to an event or an occasion. But isn't it amazing that our God doesn't run like that? He always has time for us, never has to re-schedule, cancel, or take time from others. God only has one clock and only he knows the hour. Christ will return someday, could be tonight, tomorrow or next year and how do we live our lives day to day? There's a popular question, "What if you lived today like you were going to die tomorrow?" its a good question, but how many of us actually do? Living each and every day, every minute, every second for the glory of God is tough, we all fail at it. Although, just imagine how much of a different perspective we would have on our day if we wake up praising God, and go to bed praising God; No matter the contents of the previous day, current day, or future days. Since no man knows the day or hour: "Mt 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" We should be asking God to show us what he wants us to do for him daily. I love to look forward to things, to prepare, and to pack, and I believe that's just fine :) So, I want to spend my time between these fun and exciting events wisely and for the glory of our God.

It is so cool when practice finally pays off! When something difficult just 'clicks.' Starting an instrument, the first thing your teacher tells you is "practice makes perfect." Coaches hold practices everyday of the week. Children go to school to practice math, science, reading and writing daily. We are practicing all the time! Some days I feel like all my 'practicing' isn't going anywhere, but then, a light bulb turns on and it reminds me that God gave me these things to practice, all for the purpose of when we succeed to give glory and honor to His name. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." A popular verse, but still brings encouragement to me. It's sometimes easy to make a schedule for practicing in the pool or on my ivory because it shows real physical results. Living for God each day also takes effort, but the results are much greater.

Is photography an art??

Here is a paper I composed last year, thought it fits with my upcoming project:

Unordinary Perspective

By Krista Kahsen

The ideal of expressing oneself through
way of artistic activities has been popular since ancient times. Visual arts
have been most admired, some being, drawing, painting, sculpture, and
calligraphy. Applied art can contain architecture, fashion designing, jewelry
designing, wood crafts, and interior designing. There are the performing arts
where dancing, singing, theater, and music are expressed.
For years, these arts have proved the test of time and are still practiced;
traditionally, and modernly. However, in recent times, a new type of so-called
‘art’ has been born, photography. Is photography an art? This question has been
around ever since photography was invented. When debating this topic, three
matters should be observed, the medium, the art work, and the artist.

There are many different types of media that
artists use, far too many to list all, although, a few will be listed. Artists
that tend to draw, use mediums like, ink, pencils, pastels, and charcoal.
Painters use acrylic, oils, watercolors, and tempera. Each medium takes years
of practice and even more years to master. Photography, however, is just the
camera. Anyone can ‘snap a shot,’ but can the camera be used as a media? The
digital camera is a detailed piece of equipment. It takes time to learn the
different technical pieces of equipment and the processes that produce
different results for the images. There are modern connivances such as
commercial printing, computer software, and different papers to print on, to
enhance the photo. For the photographer, though, knowing how to use what is
available to them is the central ideal for their media.

The actual photograph is considered just
a mere imitation of real life that happened, by chance, to be taken at the
right time. No real thought is put into photography, because there is the issue
of the camera being between the photographer and the subject. Although, when a
photograph is taken with care and thought, it could be considered an art. “Art
lives in the tension between abstraction and description." Tension
between abstraction and description, this is a pretty good depiction of what art
is. It is the point of being abstract enough to enthrall, but descript enough
not to bore. If a photograph captivates you, pulls you in and makes you feel
like you’re there in the picture, it’s art.

Even if some photographs are art, is the
photographer an artist? Edward Weston said “photography as a creative
expression -- or what you will -- must be 'seeing' plus: seeing alone would
mean factual recording -- the illustrator of catalogues does that. The 'plus'
is the basis of all arguments on 'what is art.’”
Anyone can ‘see’ a subject and take a picture of it, it’s could almost be
natural. However, a photographer sees it in specific ways, and that is where
the artistry comes from. In art, there is a personal response to the subject
that the artist is working off of. A photograph is not merely a imitation of
real life, but a personal response being captured in a way of ‘seeing plus.’
Taking a photograph is not seeing and shooting. But more so, understanding the
subject, and then captivating a unique response in a single image.

Artists,
who stay with the idea that photographers are not artists, are just stating that
having the camera between the photographer and the subject is not art, just
merely technology. I seem to differ. The camera is a wonderful media that has
been critically designed to fascinate the world with personal ideals presented
by the artist using the camera. The media, the art work, and the artist agree
that photography is indeed an art. The definition of art is simply this “The quality, production, expression,
or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of
more than ordinary significance.”
Good photographs, taken by artists that have mastered digital photography, are
most certainly beautifully appealing. Having an unordinary perspective of the
world, through the artistic talent of ‘seeing plus.’

Let go, let God

Having the love for words, yet an eye for photography, I have decided to begin a project: 101 Strangers with Stories. The purpose of this project is not only to challenge myself artistically and mentally, but to embrace the world of stories also. Everyone has a story, whether it's detailed and descriptive, or short and sweet. Whether it's love and emotion, or action and adventure. Whether it's childish memories, or adult fears. It's a story. My goal, is to unlock these stories that lay unidentified worldwide, by captivating words and intriguing photographs. As pictures and stories unfold, I wish to share them with the world through compiling everything into one book, maybe someday to be published. Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded thee? Be thou strong and of good courage, be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee, withersoever thou goest." Looking into the near future, it's hard to just let go, let God. In my case, heading to Mexico in just a few short days is bringing many thoughts to my mind. The first step on an airplane, two weeks staying with people I barely know, different food and surroundings, being half way around the world! There are many reasons to be scared and afraid of what may come, but God says he is with us wherever we go. He says that since He is always with us, we need to be strong and courageous, fearless of what the future may bring us, trusting that God has already gone before us. When I was younger, I remember that whenever I would get scared at night in my bed, I would recite this verse many times over, usually until I fell asleep. But now, Joshua 1:9 has a new meaning in my mind. Collage, travelling, military, and family have become the common talk among my friends that are nearing this new stage of our lives. My little circle of friends and I are growing up, and we will soon be going our own ways. It's one thing to trust God with our own lives, our own futures, and our own plans, but sometimes it's hard to have faith that God knows whats best for our friends too. I'm an adventurist, I yearn to discover, captivate, and visually see the world. It's easy for me to see myself leaving my home...just not yet. But having lifetime friends go off to collage and the military, it's hard not to question God. However, God wants our trust and our faith, and He will give us the strength and the courage to triumph over every fear in our lives. We just have to let go, let God. In conclusion, my challenge both to you and myself, find other people's stories. Share whether you have just begun yours, in the middle, or have finally finished a chapter. Encourage the struggling, uplift the downtrodden, and congratulate the ends.