In Common With Pete and Kassie

Large and in Charge!

2011-05-29T10:42:00.002-04:00

Pete and I wrapped up our Spring/Summer sessions yesterday in Johnson City, TN!
As you can see, I am well with child (36 weeks)! After I edit and send these photos on their way, I will be done with work until the time is right following baby boy's birth. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we transition into this wonderful new phase of life.
With love and anticipation,
Kassie

Pete and Some Skills!

2011-05-29T10:33:00.002-04:00

One of Pete's latest projects.
Amazing, in my opinion, just beautiful work.
He is in the process of building his parents a chicken coop and has a couple other fixer-upper projects on the side currently. We're looking to gain some more projects, so let us know if you need anything built, fixed or beautified!

A-ville Shower

2011-05-29T10:25:00.002-04:00

Some of our dear Asheville friends threw us a baby shower! We received such wonderful items, and were just so blessed to be surrounded by people who love and support us. And they happen to all be very good looking- aren't they? Anyways, thank you to these sweet folks. We were so grateful that both Pete's parents and my mom and sister were all able to join us. What a wonderful celebration.

ATL Shower

2011-05-29T10:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Momma Allen, we were able to celebrate the anticipation of baby boy Morton with our wonderful family and friends in the Atlanta area. She, along with other very willing helpers, hosted a shower for us at our home church: Town Center Community in Marietta. We had a really great time, and it was such a blessing for us and our growing family.

Consider.

2011-05-29T10:03:00.001-04:00

This is our latest letter to our prayer/support team. Wanted to fill you in...

To Our Dear Support Team,

Kassie usually sends out these letters in much more poetic prose than I am capable of, but this month I am taking the opportunity to write you all. I apologize if this is a little more lengthy than usual.
Three years ago, in May 2008, Kassie and I committed to the process of planting a church here in Asheville. Soon after many of you came on board with us through your prayers and finances. As you have probably inferred from some of Kassie’s last reports, we have been going through some painful, but necessary transitions. The short story is that key members of our team have had to move on from the project. We are fortunate that these transitions have been full of the grace of God and that relationships are still in tact. In conjunction with these significant transitions in our core community, we have also lost significant financial backing for our work. The end result is that Kassie and I have to create a new strategy for continuing our ministry here in Asheville.
We have three primary next steps: get healthy, maintain the relationships we have with our seeking community, and establish a more substantial bi-vocational career that will pay our salary and still give us time to minister in Asheville. Kassie and I are currently entering a season where we will take the next year to have our baby, begin a new career for Pete, rest in an established congregation, and continue to invest in the lives of our seeking friends. We will not currently be leading a church planting team, but will be building for another attempt in the future. This plan has the support of our management team and Stadia, our planting organization.
We are writing to ask for your continued prayer and financial support over this next year as we follow the Lord in reshaping our ministry path here in Asheville. Your prayers will be vital in helping us apply learnings from this experience to our continued life of ministry. Your financial support will allow us to maintain our insurance and have a very small stipend, while Pete takes on construction projects and begins night school for EMS training. Your support will help Kassie and I continue to invest in the lives of people who need Jesus here in Asheville as we work towards seeing a new church formed in this city.
We are hoping to establish a monthly minimum of $1000 to allow us to maintain our insurance and have some resources to continue to give time and energy to our community. If those of you who are currently giving monthly are willing and able to maintain your contributions, we will continue to receive approximately $900 a month. We are asking that you please consider continuing consistent giving. For those of you who have blessed us with intermittent gifts, we are so grateful, and would ask that you would consider making a small monthly commitment to help us bridge this gap to our monthly goal.
I will close by simply saying “thank you, thank you, thank you.” We could never express what you have meant to us in this journey. Not just your finances, but your prayers and words of encouragement have propelled us onward in many challenging times. We are hopeful that you will continue to provide us with the same encouragement as we move forward in the Lord’s work here in Asheville.

Love,
Pete, Kassie, and Baby

31

2011-04-27T19:25:00.001-04:00

At our baby shower in Asheville! As of right now, we are at 31 weeks and counting!

Whistler

2011-01-30T15:40:00.004-05:00

Here he is. Whistler. The name originally came to mind because he sort of whistles when he whimpers, and it stuck because of our fondness for mountains! Whistler showed up in our yard after following our neighbors home for a block or so. He only had a metal choke collar on- no tags. We quickly took him to our vet to see if he had a microchip in hopes to reunite him with his owner. No such luck. The vet guessed he is between 2 and 3 years old and is some sort of hound mix. (That can be said of most stray dogs in western North Carolina!) I just love his curly, hound tail.

We've had Whistler for a couple of weeks now. No, we are not keeping him, but have been trying to decide how to find this regal, athletic canine a home. After taking him to the shelter to fill out a "found dog" report and putting him up on two other "lost animal" websites, his owner has yet to find/claim him. We are, however, happy to have registered him with Brother Wolf Animal Rescue here in Asheville. In fact, it is located just a few roads away from us. It is an amazing non-profit organization committed to creating a no-kill community. Brother Wolf adopted out almost 2,000 animals last year- more than the Buncombe county's animal shelter. That is amazing, and we respect them so much for their work.

If their adoption rate holds, Whistler will only be in our home for another week or so. Then a space will open up for him to join the pack at the shelter until he is found by his "forever" home.

Just wanted to share his sweet face with you.

Love on the Wild Side

2011-01-28T09:18:00.004-05:00

Searching for a wild and unexpected Valentine's gift? Please consider "adopting" a red fox for your foxy lady... or perhaps a cougar for your, well, you get the point. The WNC Nature Center provides for the rehabilitation and continued care towards many important creatures of our area.
Among the many animals you can "adopt":
Grey Wolf, Red Wold, White tailed deer, Coyote, Bobcat, River Otter, Great Horned Owl, and the list goes on!

Nothing says "I love you" like supporting the survival of Turkey Vultures! And no, this is not a joke.

http://www.wildwnc.org/friends/adopt/adopt-an-animal-program

Frankie

2011-01-22T14:18:00.003-05:00

Hello all,

Kassie here.
I have had the privilege of volunteering at a local crisis ministry for the past 10 months. I help in the soup kitchen that helps feed 90 or so individuals in need, per day, in our area. Several of us began volunteering around the same time, and we quickly became the infamous "Wednesday Crew". We all just had a great connection, though we were an unlikely group of folks to be together. Among the crew was my buddy Frankie Palmer. We worked side-by-side assembling sandwiches, gathering groceries and stirring soup. Many days we would spend our time talking about the Lord- how good He is to us, and how much He has transformed us. Our crew worked hard, laughed hard and served one another gladly.

Frankie was a convicted felon. He was still in prison, but worked every day at the ministry through a prison work program as he was nearing the end of his 20-year sentence. I hate telling that to people. I know it is a huge part of his life, but I don't want to define him solely through the mistakes he has made. Ultimately, he is a soul sought out and redeemed by our good Lord. He wouldn't say he was a pastor, but he exercised many pastoral gifts in and out of jail. You couldn't be around him without hearing about the grace he has received from our Heavenly Father. You would also hear him humming old hymns, and almost always updating us on his beautiful fiancée whom he was giddy over and planned to marry within a few weeks of being released.

Every day after work, he would say, "Be good now." And I would chuckle at the irony, shake my head and respond, "I will. I will. See you next week." Last week, I received a phone call telling me that Frankie had suffered from a heart attack and died in his sleep. He had been out of prison for just over two weeks.

I have dealt with a lot of mixed emotions: Grief, of course, as I miss him and his humor... sadness of the timing of it all, and pain that his loving fiancée is left to a life on earth without him. And then there is incommunicable joy that Frankie has finally been released from the sin of this world and has been brought into ultimate freedom.

I have included a short video clip produced by Biltmore Baptist, the local church community that accepted, loved and mentored Frankie. Through it, you will meet Frankie and hear a bit of his testimony. It is my hope in sharing this that you will hear peace, gratitude and wisdom in his voice. It is also my hope that you will be encouraged by how far the Lord goes to reach the seemingly "unreachable" people in this world. Frankie has helped me change my perception of convicted criminals, but mainly, he has helped me see an even greater, more graceful God than I have understood.

Frankie's Story:
http://vimeo.com/groups/churchmediahub/videos/18759395

Fall Fest

2010-10-21T15:25:00.002-04:00

Canvas welcomed 40 or so of our friends to a Fall Fest! We enjoyed painting pumpkins and faces, playing yard games, singing around a bonfire and busting open a pinata! Oh, and we all brought our favorite Fall dish to share. We really had a great time, and are very thankful for this gorgeous season. Though we are just as thankful to share it with such wonderful people in our lives.

Fall Party

2010-10-10T14:14:00.002-04:00

We are getting ready for a Fall Party Canvas (our church) is throwing! We are so excited!!! The kids will paint the pumpkins above, have their faces painted, drizzle caramel over apples, collect goodies from a pinata and play on the beautiful property that belongs to our friends, Todd and Lindy. They have a 170-year-old farm house- complete with a garden teeming with Fall crops, a small apple orchard, and thick, gnarly grape vines sprawling into the distance. We normally gather together, as a church, in their home. Today, we're gathering there for a party! We'll be celebrating the season. Fall- in all its God-given glory.
We are expecting a huge turn-out from our friends and local loved ones. It will be an interesting, eclectic group of Ashevillians. Hopefully we have enough apple cider, chili, etc... for the crew! Anyways, I just wanted to share with you our anticipation.

preparing for foster kids

2010-10-07T14:38:00.004-04:00

Random pictures, right? Yeah. We recently purchased a few place settings for kids that may be staying with us temporarily. I just wanted to share that we are nearing the end of the process for becoming North Carolina foster parents. I feel like we have been saying that for a while now, but we really are near the "end"! We have gone through several months of training, gotten our home inspected by the fire marshall as well as our agent, been fingerprinted, and ran through the databases in Montana, Oregon and NC to make sure we weren't criminals. Don't worry, we passed. :)
All that is left: physicals and our final home visit. We are on the home stretch. Pun intended.

As soon as we complete things on our end, our application will be sent to the Western NC licensing agent to consider us as bonafide (sp?!) foster parents. Though we have dedicated a lot of time, energy and emotion into the process thus far, there is a lot more to give.

apple pie and Red June

2010-10-07T14:16:00.004-04:00

We recently attended a CD release party for the local acoustic band Red June. Our friend, Will, generously gave us a copy of their debut album "Remember Me Well" a couple of months back; and it has barely been removed from our player since. They are incredibly talented musicians, featuring the steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, etc...

Which leads me to the debut of my apple pie crisp thing. We were happy to attend their potluck celebration meal prior to their concert, and we were asked to contribute a pie. I don't really make pies. I don't really make a lot of things, and especially not pie. But I was up to the challenge! Essentially, it was a mound of apples, sugar, brown sugar, butter and flour atop a buttery, walnut crust. It actually looked and smelled better than it tasted. Regardless, how can one seriously go wrong with sugar and butter? I mean really. Anyways, it was quite an adventure for me (Kassie).

Be sure to check out Red June's site! It hails their sound as, "...versatile and original as the musicians themselves; they touch on bluegrass, roots rock, and traditional country music with powerful harmonies, innovative songwriting and expert musicianship. "
www.redjunemusic.com

Fallness.

2010-09-26T12:16:00.004-04:00

Fall.

We all seem so affected by this season- and I promise not to ramble. There is just something about it. Georgia Tech football games call the tv to our attention. Pete's new textbooks open and crack. And my long-sleeve drawer is no longer ignored. Ultimately, however, there is a new energy in the air- and the best way I know how to describe it is "togetherness". It just seems like the adventures of vacation, and folks running here to there to see family while kids are out of school, are settling down. We are all quietly filing into more of a routine. Our eyes turn toward one another once again. The idea of "daily" seems more possible.

I hope ya'll are finding what you need as another season of all our lives makes it's welcome.

By the way, the above photos are a nod to the apple butter we got to make with our friends Todd and Lindy. Their property holds a handful of apple trees that have been incredibly bountiful this year.

Phoebe's Pancake Palooza

2010-07-17T16:26:00.002-04:00

The Millers are a big part of our experience here in Asheville. Their 4-year-old daughter Phoebe has been recently diagnosed with Chiari Malformation Type 1. Long story short, it is likely she will need multiple brain surgeries throughout her lifetime- beginning next month. Even with adequate insurance, tens of thousands of dollars will not be covered. Will you help? Please visit pancakepalooza.com for more information about the Millers, the chiari condition and ways you can support them during this time.
We are helping with a fundraiser for her August 7th in the historic Kenilworth neighborhood. There will be a 5K/fun run, pancake breakfast, bluegrass bands and inflatable bouncy houses for the kids! Interested in the race? Register online. Need a pancake breakfast ticket? Let us know, we have them to sell- lots of them!

River Play Day

2010-07-17T16:17:00.003-04:00

I (Kassie) had a blast with some friends on Warren Wilson's River Trail! We hiked on family-friendly terrain (for the most part:), and played in the river!!! It was really nice to see friends from different social circles connecting and enjoying one another in the great outdoors. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the rocks and met another family who was there to enjoy the beauty.
What a day! Complete with sunshine, cool water and good friends. Did I mention that I chased my frisbee down the river? And that we encountered a copperhead? Yeah, we were on our way out anyways!

summertime

2010-07-17T16:10:00.002-04:00

One Sunday a month, the Canvas community throws a party!
This last party was at our place: a yard party... complete with frisbees, footballs, grilling out, family, friends and corn hole!
It definitely felt like summertime.

Hoffer Visit

2010-06-25T09:48:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to the East Coast Hoffer family!
Pete's younger sister Stephanie, her husband Justin and little girl Willow are stopping through for a visit on their way to Ohio. Justin's new Coast Guard post is in Cincinnati- a lot closer than L.A.! We are very glad to get to see their faces as well as Willow's bunny impression.

cool school

2010-06-25T09:00:00.004-04:00

Hey guys!
We have enjoyed a jam-packed month or so here.
I (Kassie) wanted to share a few images with you of the Discipleship course Pete helped lead recently.
Twenty individuals, comprised of Canvas and those interested from our sending church, Highland, gathered around a curriculum that God has been stirring inside of both Pete and our co-planter Todd. The time was centered on living ordinary lives with gospel intentionality. They led us through an experiential process covering topics such as: God’s redemptive plan, the DNA of a Disciple, loving God, loving people, three story evangelism, leading a home community, etc… It was amazing to hear feedback such as, “Wow, I’ve never heard the story of God from beginning to end in one sitting, where we find ourselves and how we can take part in it.” There are other potential opportunities to conduct the class… we will see what unfolds.

p.s. The food above helped sustain us during the two, 4-hour sessions!

Mr. & Mrs. Padalino

2010-06-10T13:39:00.003-04:00

Thank you Tim and Katie Anne for letting us be a part of your wedding day!
Pete officiated a beautiful ceremony, and Kassie had the pleasure of photographing the event!
We could not imagine a more gorgeous setting for such a sacred occassion...
We love you guys!!!

School Road Abode

2010-06-03T17:10:00.002-04:00

Our new place of residence! I'm not gonna lie, there are still a few pieces of furniture on the front porch. We have a lot envisioned for this place, but are stacking and unpacking boxes in the mean time. We are in the Oakley neighborhood on the East side of Asheville, and are really enjoying being closer to the city!

care bags

2010-04-30T11:54:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday, the team enjoyed putting together care bags for folks who are passing through town. Asheville has so much transient traffic. A lot of this is due to having major highways that run North, South and East to West. It is also well known among the transient crowd as a sure place to receive 3 meals a day and shelter. Mom Morton came across this idea of care bags for those we come across on the streets. She got together a handful of items that an individual may need for a day: snacks, new socks, a personalized note, stationary and a stamp to help them contact a loved one. We will continue to add to the stash with things like toothbrushes, bottled water, a list of resource centers in the area, etc...

We are happy to provide a little assistance and hopefully loads of encouragement as we encounter people passing through!

the hunt is on

2010-04-30T11:45:00.003-04:00

Aren't these kids adorable?! Our co-leaders at Canvas are currently living in an apartment complex in West Asheville and had a great idea to lead an Easter Egg Hunt there. A lot of kids showed up... in fact, they kept coming! We had to have 3 hunting sessions when all was said and done. It was a lot of fun! As the summer season sets in, we are spending a lot of time grilling out in the middle of the complex- meeting lots of young families.

Make a Home from Rented House

2010-04-24T16:43:00.002-04:00

Another day is almost done at 200 Bartlett Road.

Pete and I have enjoyed this stop on our journey for many reasons. Among them, we've enjoyed living with Pete's parents and the way they can make a house a home. We've enjoyed the adventures in gardening as we've battled cucumber beetles and the reality of too much rain. We've enjoyed being snowed in, the glow of the wood stove, the endless shades of green this hill can offer. Scout lived her last days here- pouncing in the river, laying on the wooden floor beside our bed to protect us. We had no idea this would be her last stop.
Unfortunately, after 17 months, I just figured out the best way to arrange our living room furniture! But really, that means it's about that time to move again.

On Pete's 21st birthday, he was moving for the 21st time. That was 10 years ago. I lived in 2 houses the entirety of my life prior to college. Since our marriage of 5 years, we have set up house in 7 different structures (and I use that term loosely:) Seriously, Pete and I often wonder why our friends and family didn't stage an intervention at the Buckingham house. The mold in fact, "really was that bad"!
8 if you count our vehicle which housed us for the majority of our first summer married.
We have had such an adventure together...
And we are moving again.

We are so happy to be moving closer to the city of Asheville. We will find ourselves surrounded in the relationships we are desperately attempting to steward. We will be making four walls a home in the sweet, quaint Oakley community. It is way too close to Target's Dollar Aisle as well as the Screen Door (a local antique store), but we will make due.

We will head out of Weaverville May15th, so the move is on its way! A nod to "Mushaboom" lyrics..."I've found a man to stick it out, to make a home from rented house! Oh oh oh oh oh oh Oh!

We have a lot of life planned for the next stop... chickens, a community garden, artistic endeavors. Time will prove what will unfold of our adventures there. We'll be sure to keep you updated!

Nori's Dedication

2010-04-01T15:18:00.003-04:00

We recently had the privilege of attending our niece's dedication at my home church in GA. My Dad and Pete conducted the event, reminding us as a family and their church community of our responsibility to continue to point Nori to the truth, love and grace of God. Nori was absolutely beaming. She just smiled at the crowd and basked in her moment!

Launch

2010-03-29T18:46:00.002-04:00

Canvas' launch team...
Left to Right
Bottom Row: Kassie, Gabe, Patsy, Amelie, Lindy
Top Row: Pete, Travis, Steve, Heather and Todd

We love these people!

Camp Brackenhurst

2010-02-24T09:50:00.003-05:00

So much has happened since our last post, and among the happenings, we were able to attend Brackenhurst's 10-year reunion last weekend at Berry. There is so much to be said about this that really cannot be captured in words... so many emotions surround our time in Kenya. We were able to look on camp representatives from each of the 10 years since its launch. I know Pete and the initial team were not even thinking that one day a 10-year reunion would take place. Both Pete and Kim said many times this weekend that they "didn't know what they were doing"! Wow, God really is and does bigger things than we could ever imagine.

The pic above is the 2001 camp team minus quite a few important folk! (Thank you Amanda for the pic)! It was wonderful to relive hilarious memories and even some we wonder how we are still alive! Brackenhurst of course stemmed from our roots at WinShape. We share so much history with all of these friends. It just simply cannot be replaced.

Though, we look forward to the history that is in the making now through a faith community developing here in Asheville. Who knows, maybe in 10 years we will look back on beautiful people with changed lives as we did this weekend.

Camp Brackenhurst is now referred to as Camp Blue Sky, and is operated by a remarkable staff. You can find more information about the work they do here:
www.campbluesky.org

the farm

2010-02-04T23:48:00.002-05:00

These were taken on my grandparents' farm in Bedford, Indiana. (Thank you Mom for the pic. of me and Pete.) Thank you Pete for the shot of the field. Let me tell you, this is one of my favorite places on earth. All kinds of memories seem to flood my mind whenever we arrive. Actually, whenever the drive turns familiar again. It is just 8 hours in driving distance, yet it just seems like a world away. I so easily think of life based on what I have on my to-do list for the day. So much so, it is even difficult to comprehend that the townspeople of Bedford, IN have to-do lists that day as well. In fact, they run errands, have meaningful relationships, tackle hardships, farm land, gather in church buildings and meet for coffee. Isn't it so easy to live life with such blinders on, or is it just me?

Anyways, I'm thinking of our Gran and Papaw tonight. I pray they are resting well together on their farm in Indiana.

snow

2010-02-04T23:44:00.001-05:00

A few images from the big snow in December. It keeps coming, which has been a pleasant surprise. It makes us enjoy this part of the world even more!

finals

2009-12-14T20:35:00.002-05:00

Hey folks,

Just a quick note... Pete has finals this week and we'd really appreciate your prayers and encouragement. He'll be done Friday. In the meantime, there's a lot of coffee intake, flash cards, reading, praying, coffee... you get the point.

Hope you're all having a great week and are looking forward to Christmas!

Kassie

the search

2009-12-10T10:43:00.004-05:00

Hi folks,

Amidst the ads around this time of year to buy, buy and buy more, we are inundated with pressure to find and receive the "perfect" gift. Sometimes it's a good idea to silence those voices by surrounding yourself in a time you will remember in the beauty of God's creation.
Richard Foster in "Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth", suggests that getting closer to creation, and enjoying things we don’t possess or control, such as natural areas, are two important ways to pursue simplicity.

I just stumbled across this really amazing link provided by the National Wildlife Federation called Nature Find: "Get Outdoors Wherever You Are."

http://www.nwf.org/naturefind/

Just type in your zip code, specify a radius of "x" miles, and it takes you to all the nearby natural areas appearing on a clickable map. (You may have to zoom in a fair bit on the map to space them out). From national parks, to state parks, to tiny 2 acre local non-profit preserves, you can find someplace to get outdoors near you that you may never have heard of.

Here's to getting outside!

Thanks

2009-11-29T11:52:00.002-05:00

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." -Hebrews 12:28
The plates were stacked, the silverware rolled and the tables prepared for the feast. Early afternoon, a few friends crossed our threshold, bearing food contributions for us all to enjoy... together.
Friends and Family, our hearts are filled with gratitude for you being present in our lives. It is amazing to consider how so many of us are a part of the same spiritual family, and that our fellowship will continue throughout the ages awakening more and more to the fullness of the glorious and great God. His kindness and magnitude are such mysteries. It doesn't seem like enough, but for Him we are grateful most of all.

spirit the dog

2009-11-17T11:10:00.004-05:00

"Spirit"
(No, I am not making a statement with this name. It is simply her name. And I did not give it to her. :)

Look at this little joker. One blue eye, crazy huge ears. She is part german shepherd, part husky. No, she is not a part of our family, but she almost was! We spotted this beauty on the Brother Wolf Canine Rescue website. (brotherwolfcaninerescue.org) Thankfully, she found a forever home last Sunday.

If you haven't figured it out, we love dogs. They are incredible in so many ways- they are intricate, beautiful creatures. This is not be a post about how wonderful dogs are. And if you're wondering if this is to pull at your heartstrings, get you in touch with your inner dog-lover, or even to encourage you to rescue a dog... well, maybe. If you think you can provide a loving home for a creature that is in need, go for it. If not, please don't. Instead, encourage those you know who can provide that. I am thinking about this because of an unfortunate experience this week.

I heard a speaker, whom I greatly admire, specifically discourage the endeavor to help our canine neighbors. His argument, in short, was that children are so much more important. We should focus our energy, our money, our overall efforts towards rescuing kids. While I wholeheartedly agree with the fight for the orphan and unborn children of the world- it is, in my opinion, the greatest issue of justice of our time. However, when did helping children in need automatically rule out helping the creatures of the earth? Unfortunately, I have heard this argument often. I will try not to ramble, but let me just say the word "Genesis". I will not begin to argue that creatures are more important than humans. I do NOT believe that. Though I do not think the LEVEL of importance is really the issue. I will, however, remind us of the Creation story and that creatures of the land, sky and sea are mentioned and their existence is certainly very important. Genesis 1:24, "And God said, "let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good."

I must admit, I fought the urge to capitalize the entire word "good". The text goes on to say that He created "male and female". To paraphrase, God blessed them, told them to increase in number and to rule over the earth and all that is in it. Yes, it says "rule". It does not say, however, to be apathetic towards, to discourage the care of, or to condone the abuse of or to neglect. As a bonus, I think the same could be said of the land, water and sky themselves, but I will spare you the whole of my soap box. Not to mention the incredible, praise-provoking balance and dependence of earth elements and creatures that make up eco-systems that help support life, including that of humans, including kids in need. (Or maybe I will mention it. :) Plants, creatures and humans were all created on the same "day"... all forms of life. This is incredible and hardly coincidental. I don't think anything about God's Creation process was coincidental.

Genesis 2:19-20, "Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man (Adam) to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." My thoughts: why should they have names? does this mean they are important enough to have names? is this the first account of humanity's creative expression, connecting with this aspect of the character of God? why should Adam name them?

Regardless, I think this may be suggesting that there is something important between humankind and creatures of the earth. From the beginning, there was an established relationship between them, and it was initiated by God.

a holy experience

2009-11-11T13:21:00.003-05:00

photo credit: Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp- gifted writer and photographer, honest mother, vulnerable child of God allows others into her world, her thoughts, her hopes. She does this by her own blog, which I have found very inspiring. You can visit her insights at:

http://www.aholyexperience.com

bowls of goodness

2009-11-09T22:27:00.004-05:00

Mmmmmm. Doc Chey's on Biltmore Avenue. We don't eat out much, but when we do... we migrate towards Doc Chey's! I'm talking, 9 times out of 10.

My favorite: Tofu Fried Rice. Pete's favorite(s): Spicy Thai Basil and Chinese Black Bean. These bowls of yummy, starchy goodness are oh so satisfying. If anyone knows of any in-home recipes that you think might measure up, I'd love to hear about it. In the meantime, I will not even pretend to use the chopsticks. I am a fan of the fork.

When we splurge, we go for an appetizer of either Thai Shrimp Rolls or Thai Basil Rolls.

Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Tuesday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Wednesday: closed (To my dismay.)
Thursday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am – 11 pm

You can also find Doc Chey's in Athens, Emory, VA Highlands, Grant Park (coming Feb. 2010) and Greenville, SC!

all must be right in the world

2009-11-04T12:37:00.003-05:00

You know those moments of bliss- fleeting moments when all must be right in the world? It may be directly following a task where you know you did well, you delivered, you "gave it your all". It may be those first few moments in the morning when the entire house is silent... the only noise around is the buzzing of the refrigerator (which you just don't notice anymore) and the noise of silence, stillness itself. It may be those minutes your child cuddles more when he or she is waking up. It may be as simple as tasting a perfect, sun-ripened strawberry and you are surprised! I have experienced a few of those moments recently, and I just wanted to share them with you. There is nothing exciting or extraordinary about the surrounding circumstances. No awards have been given, no competition has been won, no mountain has been climbed. Just full, almost incomprehensible moments in time experienced.

It seems as though the Fall season lends itself to these moments. I wrapped up a family photo session at the WNC Arboretum a few weeks ago and was headed to my car to leave. I thank God for lifting my eyes up from the path I was hurriedly walking to take in a gorgeous landscape... complete with the sun's warmth, billowing clouds hovering a gentle, sloping mountain speckled with rusty reds, pumpkin oranges and dull golden tones. Somehow the mountain met a line of trees in transformation, and the ground was littered with drifting leaves, advancing toward me thanks to the breeze. It literally took my breath away. This still, full moment. I quickly offered thanks to the Creator, knowing my thanks just wasn't enough.

It happened again. I was on my way home a week or so later, and for a split second as I turned onto our street my eyes were directed to a flat, open field- appearing lime green because of the moon's melodious glow. It was the harvest moon. Something about its fullness and size made me feel a sense of completion. It seemed large and close enough that I could just reach up and scoop it out of the sky. It was unreal looking and framed by, of course, trees in transformation. My breath-gone. My mind, after a day of running the never-ending list of errands, calm.

There have been other moments. Some that you can relate to, some that you can't.
They have each been applauded by a resounding chorus of sighs pushed forward by a thankful disposition. I am sure this chorus is not enough, and somehow I am sure that it is.

cool link

2009-10-23T15:38:00.004-04:00

I personally think this is pretty cool...
It is a link to the launch Sunday service for Canvas.

http://www.highlandchristian.com/canvas.html

Enjoy!

in a home

2009-10-11T11:02:00.003-04:00

I wanted to give an update, as several of you are wondering where we are in the Canvas process...

The Canvas community is in the process of "shaking out". We have held both one-on-one and corporate meetings the last three weeks to further flesh out the vision and answer questions. In essence, those who have shown interest (since the launch at our home church) are in the process of deciding whether or not to become the core of Canvas. Regardless, we are moving forward with the small group of those who are committed. We are entering the "get to know you" process and will begin learning and worshipping together in a home.

This journey, of course, has already held its joys and obstacles. Please continue to pray for us as we desire to walk in a unified direction. Trust with us in the God who authors all things.

to tell the story

2009-10-11T10:21:00.004-04:00

The leaves around here are telling their story of change.
So too have I been thinking about my own story of transformation, of reconciliation.

This is a pretty hot topic around our house- sharing the story of Christ in our lives with one another and then wondering how best to tell it to others. Growing up, I thought evangelism was about having a prepared, apologetic argument in defense of the gospel. On one hand, it was simple (sort of). I could memorize scripture and catchy quotes of amazing Christian leaders of my day, guide/manipulate the conversation in the direction of God and be ready to deliver "aha" thoughts and questions that would supposedly cause the other to realize the truth about God and give their life to Christ immediately. It was controlled. It was purely intellectual and calculated.
On the other hand, this terrified me. I questioned if I had the mind or the courage it took to perform such a feat- with each person I came in contact with, day after day.

It seems as though the leaves tell... it's as if they can't help it. But maybe it's the change that tells its own story, upon the canvas of the leaf.

Now, I'm not trying to convince us all to never speak of God and His redemptive plan directly, boldly, intentionally. But perhaps we should pray to be shut up. Perhaps we should actually get out of the way of God telling His story upon the canvas of ourselves. Maybe it can really be that simple. And because of Him making joy and hope evident in our lives will we have the opportunity to answer why.

"they" do!

2009-10-08T10:34:00.002-04:00

Pete had the honor of officiating the wedding for our friends Molly & Dave on Sunday! I had the privilege of photographing it... I know we should go on the road, right?!

Anyways, everything about it was incredible- the overcast day (perfect for photography), the mountain view, the community of family and friends in attendance, the obvious love shared between them. I could go on and on. In short, however, we truly enjoyed being a part of their sacred celebration.

canvaschurch.org

2009-09-22T09:48:00.003-04:00

We are excited to announce that the website for the church plant is live!

Over the next few weeks, the site will really fill out with different multi-media elements, and the social network site will also come into fruition. We are very thankful to our friends and fellow brothers and sisters who have donated their time and artistic talents to get this endeavor off the ground.

Also, last Sunday was our official launch! After Pete wonderfully encouraged us all to be a part of God's Kingdom movement (however that may look like), he presented the vision and practical next steps of Canvas to our home church here in Asheville. Pastor Shannon invited members to join our efforts. A hand full of people responded, eager to learn more about how to become involved.

With this, we really need your prayers. Please pray that Pete and I and other team members will know how to effectively and consistently communicate the next steps of Canvas. Please also pray for wisdom. Pete especially feels the importance (and weight) of shepherding this new community. Please pray for divine direction from God whom we are continuing to trust. We are meeting with those interested in becoming the Canvas community the next 2 Sundays.

Lastly, as church responsibilities are revving up, so are school demands. We kindly ask for your prayers helping us balance our work load.

With joy and thanksgiving,
Kassie

It's Happening

2009-09-15T09:43:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to give an update about the happenings of the church plant. We have been working very hard to complete the website, and it is set to "go live" this weekend!

Also, Pete will be sharing the vision of the plant with our pastor interview style this Sunday at church. Please pray that all of the details of vision presentation will come together smoothly. We are praying for wellness/health, for sharp minds and unity among us in order to affectively communicate. We are trusting that the Lord will continue to do what He has been doing- making it all happen. The following 2 Sundays will be gatherings of those who are interested in becoming the church plant community. During these gatherings, we will be diving deeper into the vision and fleshing out what being a part of this church plant means. We pray and trust that the Lord will guide who He wants to be the core, committed community members. This foundation is so important.

There is a lot more to say, but as always, your prayers and support are appreciated. It is all happening, and we are along for the ride... doing our best to keep our heads above water!

seeing the unseen

2009-09-05T13:17:00.002-04:00

If you are in the Asheville area within the next few weeks be sure to check this exhibit out!

We attended the opening last night and want to direct as many people to this body of work as possible. We had the privilege of speaking with artist Dona Barnett. She was more than happy to discuss her collection of mixed media pieces. This particular body featured crows, which to her represent humans: they live communally, in family units and are always looking for "shiny" things- things that are temporarily satisfying. As the conversation unfolded, we learned that we shared the Christian faith. She has an amazing gift to put into visual, tangible representation ideas such as "the eternal" and "now and not yet".

Like I said, check it out if you can!
Location: Asheville Area Arts Council
Dates: Sept. 4-27
Gallery is open Tues. –Sat. 10am - 7pm and Sun. 1pm-6pm

INFO

2009-08-30T20:12:00.005-04:00

It is amazing what information can do to a person. Just days ago, my sister and brother-in-law welcomed a healthy newborn into this world. They found out the gender at the birth- a beautiful baby girl! This information changed things. It changed them. Now they could choose a name for her (Senorah "Nori" Beth). Now they could refer to their older daughter, Addie, and Nori as "sisters". They see themselves now as parents to two little girls!

You see, ever since her conception, Nori has been a girl. For 9 or so months this has been the case- they just haven't known. Now, and always, we will forever know her as a female creation. This information has been (though for a short period of time) and always will be... and it changes people.

........

Pete returns to school this week. He is continuing a seminary education at Emmanuel School of Religion in Johnson City, TN. He will travel to campus two days a week with his computer, packed lunch, books and pens. He is seeking information. He is seeking information that always has been and forever will be... and it will change him. Though this seeking can occur as one builds a home, works in a grocery store, plays with dogs or bakes a cake... for this season of our lives, we will seek in an academic arena.

We have the awesome privilege of diving deeply into information about the person of Truth. Please pray that during this rigorous, academic endeavor that Pete and I will grow closer to one another and especially to the Maker of all information.
As we seek to "...grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that [we] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18 & 19

once upon a coffee cup

2009-08-15T14:19:00.005-04:00

Once upon a coffee cup.
My hands press into the countertop. I hover over...

visions of fame, fortune, flashing bulbs, fit figure and glittering smiles.
the flash of recognition for selflessness, of praise, of awareness, of confidence. I desire.
This day's hours will not hold.

I breathe in the full, rolling steam.

oh where did my pure heart fly off to? oh when did my humbleness choose another course? oh why did my mind turn to its own idols?

I taste it through my other senses.

oh where will my bleeding heart mend? oh when will my humbleness be restored? oh why will my mind surrender- finally, fully?

Thick cream drips into the black abyss. A swirling cloud rolls forth.

I grow and change: beautifully and disgustingly. This entanglement of good and evil, this typhoon of laughter and despair. This battle of sunlight and lightning.

Where is the perfect marriage of confidence and faith?

Over a full cup of coffee, brimming to the edge.
I drink.

In this moment the depth of Your lips fill the surface of mine. Oh Lord, pour yourself within me. Fill in the crevasses of my inner self.

5th Anniversary!!!

2009-08-07T21:33:00.003-04:00

Yay!

Today, August 7th, 2009 is our fifth wedding anniversary! I had big plans to post wedding photos and of course have no idea where the CD is. Woops. Maybe next year. This fun photo will have to do. Anyways, Pete and I are celebrating a state a part, but are still rejoicing together over 5 wonderful and grace-filled years shared in marriage. Pete is honored, on our "anniversary weekend" to be conducting his very first wedding tomorrow! How cool is that?! He is officiating the wedding of his best friend from high school, Matt, and his beautiful soon-to-be bride Leah.

Thank you to all of you, our community of friends and family, who have walked, watched and hoped with us.

To many more years,

Kassie

fun on the farm!

2009-07-22T12:02:00.003-04:00

photos belong to the Tobias family

Last Saturday we hosted a reunion for our small group. Brian and Julia Tobias, along with their children Hayne and Natalie (4 weeks old!), recently became on Army family! We were so glad to see them again, and to get the chance to all be together.

Photos:
1) Some of the gang venturing into the creek.
2) The Tobias family (minus Hayne).
3) Pete pushing me down our homemade slip-n-slide.

Honestly, I live for these moments... times when we can just soak up the sun and play with good friends and family.

*

2009-07-01T21:16:00.003-04:00

Hey All!

Pete doesn't know I'm writing this!

Pete has had several opportunities to accomplish a lot of "firsts". Within the past month, he has led a baby dedication, begun leading pre-marital counseling sessions, and has preached his first sermon! Among all of these things, the Lord is developing relationships between us and the community in ways we are in awe of. The Lord is pulling us closer to Himself and growing us in ways we could not have expected. In it all, we are trying desperately to hear the beat of his heart... hoping in His good nature... trusting Him for everything.

If you have 30ish minutes to listen to Pete's first ever sermon, it will be well worth it. You will find the audio at:

www.highlandchristian.com/audio.html

It is under the series "Cultivating Craving" and is entitled "What Motivated Jesus?".

Thank you for involving yourselves in our lives.
Hope you all enjoy a celebratory July 4th weekend.
We're thinking of you!

Kassie

Life is Beautiful

2009-06-10T07:26:00.002-04:00

Isn't it though?
I am up unusually early today.
As I was perusing some recent photos detailing market strolls, frisbee golf outings, family gatherings... I was struck with such awesome wonder about how amazingly beautiful life is. I want to just soak it all up.

Thank you Lord for your creation, human creativity, healthy relationships, cloudy days, sunny days, fresh mountain air and your peace that passes all understanding.

church planting

2009-05-07T09:02:00.004-04:00

Quick update on the church planting process:

Next Tuesday, May 12th, we will be presenting what the Lord has laid on our hearts with our home church's staff. We will be sharing the vision that we have been wrestling with and have been carefully protecting for some time now. We pray that this resonates soundly with the staff, and that the Lord will prepare all of our hearts for this time. We desire for all of us to be "on the same page" and for there to be unity among us as we go forward. Please join us in this prayer. These relationships are crucial.

Additionally, we will be presenting to a church-planting organization in hopes of receiving financial provision for the church plant. This may be happening within the month. Again, we ask for your prayers: that Pete and I will be one , like-minded and supportive of one another, that we will not compromise the vision the Lord has given, and that if this relationship will be beneficial to the Kingdom of God that both parties will choose to enter it freely and confidently.

Thank you for taking the time to keep up with us... to be "in common" with us.

Kassie

Scout

2009-04-14T18:11:00.002-04:00

Scout.

Isn't she pretty?
Almost three weeks ago, we said goodbye to this amazing dog.
Words cannot express how dear she was to us.
God can speak so clearly about Himself through His creation. Scout was no exception. She was our constant, loyal companion and protector.

A few facts about Scout:
Pete rescued her at 8 weeks old.
She was named after the character in To Kill A Mockingbird.
She was half rottweiler, half australian shepherd.
Her growl and bark were very convincing.
Her favorite place to be was at Pete's feet.
She lived with Pete in a Volkswagon Vannigan.
She "came alive" in rivers.
She would freak out when it appeared we were in danger: rock climbing, swimming, slack lining...
She was very perceptive of our emotions.
She was an alpha.
She positioned herself to where she could see both of us at all times.
She saw the country.
She was extremely intelligent.
She turned non-dog lovers into dog lovers!

She was the best dog who has ever lived, and much, much more.

Thank you to all of you who loved her too!

Kassie

Spring

2009-03-20T13:22:00.003-04:00

Man, Spring is so amazing! If you live in the south you are like us and are so ready for this completely irregular winter to be over. I was having such a hard time going from 65 degrees to 20 degrees every 4 days.

Life is good for us as usual. We have so little to complain about and such much to be grateful for. I finished finals last weekend and have been trying to catch my breath this week and transition to all the work that has been put on hold. I still have a few things to wrap up with school, mostly busy work stuff. However, I am enjoying the opportunity to switch my brain full speed to church planting stuff. There is so many thoughts, ideas, to-do's that need my attention, and I am excited to jump in. I am also excited to get to hang out with friends again. We have such an awesome community here in Asheville and I feel like my social life has been on hold for about 8 weeks. I have really been missing hanging out with folks and am pumped to start sharing spring in the mountains with good friends.

Kassie is tiered. She has been helping our friends Luke and Misty with their bi-annual children's clothing consignment sale. Basically they do in 3 weeks what most people do in a year and it is exhausting. She also has had some photo work lately which has been nice. Needless to say we have not seen a lot of each other lately and are looking forward to some reconnecting time in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for all the prayers through finals. Pray that I finish strong with some of this busy work and that I can get a lot of things taken care of for the church plant before getting back into more classes.

Hope you have a great Spring weekend!

a breather

2009-03-03T20:06:00.003-05:00

The above images were photographed by Pete. The first is of blown glass strategically placed on the frozen river behind our home. The glass was a gift given to Pete from his boss. The second image is a detail from a rusty, abandoned vehicle in a field nearby.

These images represent a brief break from the office. Pete has been diligently diving into writing, studying and memorizing for his classes. In order to "catch his breath", he has directed his efforts to photography for study breaks. Please, please, please pray for him as he faces finals at the end of next week. We would appreciate prayers specifically for mental and physical stamina. We appreciate your partnership with us as we approach our first academic milestone together.

We certainly cannot express it enough... we are thankful for you guys so much. Thank you for your encouragement, prayers and support of every kind.

For now, we are buckling down and faithfully chipping away at the mountain of work ahead!

Kassie

Happy Valentines Day

2009-02-14T20:44:00.002-05:00

Just a quick check in. Not a lot to tell new.

It is amazing how often in a day that my mind just explodes with some sort of learning from my classes and I am like "I got to blog about that." Then of course there is the realization that I need to still write several papers and I have finals just around the corner. So my brain "push-ups" turn to that work instead of talking to you all.

Finals are in 4 weeks, that sounds like a lot of time, and during my undergrad I probably would not have even opened a book yet. However, I will need every minute of that time to prepare for these finals. So if you have second, please pray for my focus, memory power, and some extra hours of energy. I would appreciate it.

Single or with someone, I hope you have all had an amazing Valentines day, or Saturday for that matter...

Peace

Restoration

2009-02-01T17:43:00.002-05:00

This stream of conscious blogging may get addicting, be warned!

I was listing to a New Testament lecture last week and the professor used a quote that has stuck with me so deeply over the last few days. I feel like it was one of those breakthrough thoughts in clarity where your paradigm shifts one dial on the nob closer to truth. The quote had to do with the miraculous healing ministry of Jesus:

"Jesus' healings are not supernatural miracles in a natural world. They are the only truly 'natural' thing in a world that is unnatural, demonized and wounded." Jurgen Moltman, The Way of Jesus Christ. (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993), 99.

Wow, I had always understood redemption in God's terms as returning things to the way that they were always meant to be at the point of creation, in the Garden of Eden. For some reason, however, I had never allowed the scope of Christ's redeeming ministry to permeate outside of the scope of individual spirituality. Now I have cognitively understood that God at one point in time will return all things to the way they were meant to be. However, I have always seen that as a moment in time and not a process. Redemption in my mind has always been a point, not a journey.

I do believe that we can take many learnings from the healing ministry of Christ: it was a sign of his power and deity, it was to reward faith, it was to create teachable moments for his followers, and it was a natural compassionate response to hurting and dieing people. Yet, when we read Colossians 1:16 "For in him all things were created:" we recognize that so much of the healing ministry of Jesus was simply the Creator returning things to the way that he intended them to be. In my mind this moves Jesus from just being a "great physician" who is making things work again, but he is the source of life who is restoring things to their intended order. A subtle, but I believe profound difference.

This shift in my mind moves Christ's acts of healings out of the category of "improving the recipients standard of living." It redefines his acts of healing as the author of life exerting his will and power of the dismal affects of sin on his creation. I imagine Christ saying in his heart as he healed the blind man "I never intended you to not see," to the lame man "I did not create you to limp," to the bleeding woman, "I did not author you to hemorrhage."

In his healing ministry Jesus gives us a glimpse of what "in the beginning" looked like and he points us to finality of "New Heaven and New Earth." As I make this learning my own I recognize a whole new meaning and motivation in our modern day "social justice" ministries. The work of social justice finds its true heart when it is not defaced by the attitude of obligation, responsibility, or duty. Instead, the work of mercy is given the breath of truth when I recognize I am joining with the original intentions of the Creator. Now my heart can cry out while I feed the homeless "you were not meant to go hungry," as I play with the orphan "you were not created to grow up without parents," sitting with the widow "you were not intended to feel so alone," mourning with the dieing "you were not designed to feel so much pain."

(As an aside, I think we can also apply this understanding of redemption to environmental preservation and restoration. When God said "subdue" - Genesis 1:28 - he did not mean waste, deface, pollute, abuse. When we live out redemption in every area of our lives, then acts of environmental stewardship are no longer selfish acts of worshiping and idolizing the earth, but righteous acts of ordering things to the way the were meant to be and will one day be again.)

Though we may not be able to exert the miraculous healing powers of Jesus at will. We have the privilege of taking the heart of the Creator to a broken and dieing world with the plea, "this is not the way it was intended, this is not the way it will always be." Jesus' healing ministry cries out to us "redemption is happening, and will be fulfilled in all things."

CPAC

2009-01-31T20:02:00.002-05:00

Well I received a bit of encouragement lately about this blog that people are reading and I need to just do more short updates. Now this is a huge exercise of discipline of the will for me. As many of you may know that I am a bit of a perfectionist and highly analytical, so just jotting notes that go out to the masses without a good 20 or 30 proof reads along with a final proof from my wife is almost an emotional impossibility. But here goes, installment 1 of stream of conscious, barely edited blogging!

I really just want to let all of you know how grateful we are for your prayers for us during the last week. Our experience at Church Planters Assessment was one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of our lives. I could write pages about the experience. However, the most important thing for you to know is that your prayers were felt and answered. God worked amazing things in our lives over those four days. We received amazing affirmation of our call to plant a church, defined direction of what that church is supposed to "look like," and supernatural encouragement from the people that we encountered and interacted with through the process. So thank you for your prayers. We got home on Thursday afternoon and are about recovered sleep and energy wise. We are looking forward to being able to unpack and communicate this experience more clearly over the next weeks and months, and look forward to sharing some of those learnings here.

Grace and Peace,

Pete

Just in Time

2009-01-25T19:33:00.005-05:00

Well my unofficial New Year's resolution was to be more consistent at blogging. So, I have a whole week to spare in making the month of January entry!

Our past few months have been very full. November and December we had several weddings mixed in with the holidays, one that we were witnessing and one that we were photographing. We were able to make a dash to Indiana to spend time with Kassie's family for Christmas. It is always great to get to her grandparents' farm. New Years saw us moving into a new house.

In the mix of the holidays we found a new home to share with my parents. We had been looking around for months for a place that would accommodate the four of us. Dad has been working just outside of Asheville, staying with us during the week, and traveling to Atlanta on the weekends to be with mom. With the current economic situation their house has been on the market in Atlanta for about 15 months and being apart was beginning to wear heavily on mom and dad. When we were starting to feel like we were not going to be able to find the right space, price and location for all of us, God provided an amazing spot just outside of Asheville. It is a great location for dad to get to work and Kassie and I to still get to town in a reasonable amount of time. The house has an amazing layout with mom and dad, and Kassie and I each having our own living area. Its on a river, has a great yard for the dogs, and a great office for me to study and work out of.

In the meantime of traveling, moving, and keeping up with school, we began our Church Planting Internship at our home church. Our internship has kicked off with us preparing to go to a church planters' assessment that will happen this upcoming week (Jan 26th-29th). The process has already been a bit stretching with both of us having to complete 4 different personality/leadership/spiritual gift type tests and a 60 question application. We would really appreciate your prayers as we go through this experience.

Please keep in touch, and let us know how your lives are going.

Pete

Winter

2009-01-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

Winter Garden
by Shae Cooke

The powdery snow falls silently upon the forest floor,
Blanketing the brushwood in it’s downy softness.
The wind blows lightly causing a slight shiver
amongst the threadbare branches of the stately Alder trees.

Dancing shadows leap across the pallid mantle of snow
As the bright light of the wintry moon
shimmers upon the tips of the glistening tree boughs.

The snow muffles the distant bay of a solitary wolf,
Silently echoing the sentiment of his loneliness.
The trees sway in unison as though
Dancing to the cadence of their cries.

The Winter Garden.
Splendid in its austere exquisiteness.
The snow drifts awash in a palette of
Shades of white, heighten its
Unadorned beauty.

______________________________

It is Winter. And it is beautiful.

This year, I am so thankful for a change in mindset towards this season. Normally, I would scoff at its seemingly monochromatic and dull canvas. As a person who is greatly affected by my environment, Winter's bland offerings do not help lift my spirit and emotions. I have often blamed the season for my overcast moods and fatigue. But a new light has been shed on this holy season. Someone mentioned how Winter is restful and quiet, and that it is integral for life to manifest itself in the following seasons.
Okay, so I have heard this all before, but for some reason it hit me this time. It changed me.

Just a few nights ago, I was awoken. I had no idea why I felt so rested, so ready to wake up during the middle of the night. In fact, I laid there wide awake until morning's light. A thought was brought to me that I believe was from the Holy Spirit. This experience was an analogy for where I am spiritually and emotionally.

You see, for a number of reasons, God has been resting and healing me for some time now. Through the quiet I have gained perspective and have been maturing... my roots have been growing deeper in faith. Now, it seems, He is awakening me. The Lord has opened my eyes from my restorative slumber, and I am awake! There is always a time for me between waking up and getting out of bed when I am still, yet am surveying my rest from the night before and measuring the tasks at hand for the day. This is where I am. I am realizing and am grateful for the rest. I am weighing, with hope and passion, for the day ahead. I am finding myself being propelled by Winter. The stillness, the quiet, the rest will always be integral for life to manifest itself in the following seasons of my life.

I am aware that Winter's canvas returns every year. But next time, it will be welcomed.

-Kassie

the news

2008-10-26T22:54:00.002-04:00

Hey Gang,

I guess I kinda left yall hanging last week with the promise of "big news." Well without getting into all the details right now, the news is that I will be going on staff with our church here in Asheville in January. We are really excited about this opportunity to do a one year internship with the staff at Highlands Christian Church. The position will be a church plant internship that will help prepare us to plant a daughter church hopefully in 2010. I hope to spend some time soon writing out this story, and giving you all more details about what all this means for our future. For now though, we hope that you celebrate with us that God obviously has a plan for this seminary and training time. Pray for us in the details and stress that this great journey entails for us. There is so much work to do with school and preparing to plant a church. It is a little overwhelming at times and so easy to be like Simon Peter and start looking at the waves and not at Christ walking on the water.

Today in church I was feeling a bit of what I call "Moses and Jonah syndrome." That feeling of knowing God is calling you to do something specific, yet feeling so inadequate for the task. Like Moses I often want to say "Pardon your servant Lord. Please send someone else," Exodus 4:13. Or like Jonah, I want to get on the boat going the opposite direction that God told him to go, Jonah 1:3.

It is in these times that I like to remind the Lord that "You don't need me God." I like to let him know that he has plenty of other options of people that could go to seminary and plant a church. There are many other people who are plenty well qualified to lead in his church. It is in these times that he so gently reminds me that I am right, "he does not need me, but he wants me." It is in these moments that I am reminded that this whole thing is about a relationship, not a ministry. It is in the moments of life where life is overwhelming that the Lord beacons me, "Just press in son, just press in." In pressing into the Lord I am forced to abandon those things that my mind tells me he needs me for and like a little child submit myself to the relationship that my heart knows he made me for.

As I was wrestling with these things the praise band lead us in the worship song "Before the Throne of God Above." I love songs that sing the Gospel so clearly and richly. As we sang the second verse it was if the Lord wrote it to me and said "take your eyes off you son, press in to me, press in to me."

"When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me
of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end to all my sin"

I am adding the link here to an 8min version of the song done by Shane and Shane. I have had it on repeat for the last few hours, just letting the Gospel be sung to my heart. Maybe it will provide the same comfort to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dlg5yBywo

As always, Thank you for your prayers and support in so many ways....

Pete

A Fall Thought and Some Big News

2008-10-18T10:38:00.005-04:00

Hey Team,

I hope that you are settling into a great weekend full of whatever it is that makes you the most happy: hiking, football, cookouts, reading a book, being with friends and family. This weather creates such a social atmosphere and energy that is contagious so I hope you get to enjoy it to the fullest. I truly do feel sorry for anyone who does not get to live in the mountains in the fall. It is so amazing to watch the world fall asleep for the winter, so beautiful. Here is an early fall picture that Kassie took, and I think the light and detail that she composed in one shot is amazing.

School is going well. It is amazing that I still feel like I am learning how to learn, but I am loving the material that is being covered in my classes. Often I read until I just can't take it anymore, but after a break or a good night's rest I can't wait to get back and "see how the story ends." I wanted to share a couple of things in this blog, it is probably enough for two blogs seeing as how rare I do get to these updates, but I will try not to bog you down too much.

First, I just want to pass on some encouragement and learnings to you from my studies. As you know, one of my biggest prayers has been that this seminary journey would be one of intimacy with the Lord and not simply of academic growth. Some of the early material that you cover in Seminary is simply how to study Scripture. A quote that I read this past week in a commentary has really encouraged me, and so I wanted to share it with you.

"...the aim of thoughtful Christians, after all, is not so much to become masters of Scripture, but to be mastered by it, both for God's glory and his people's good." Wenham,Motyer,Carson,France. New Bible Commentary, 21st Century Addition. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press. 2007. P12

What a refreshing reminder that it is not our job to "figure the Bible out," but in coming to the Word, it figures us out. When we approach this amazing book as a text book with answers to our life we miss out on the fact that it is a story, God's Story, a story that we get to play a part in. In that vain of thought, I wanted to expose all of you to a couple of books that I think are amazing resources for anyone who desires to learn how to read the Word as God meant it to be read. They are easy reads and relatively cheep purchases off Amazon. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fee and Stuart; How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Fee and Stuart. These two guys are some of the most brilliant and respected biblical thinkers of our time, and they did not necessarily write these books for academic study. They wrote them to make the tools of sound biblical study accessible to everyone. They are just such good books that many seminaries use them. So for what it is worth, I hope that some of you take advantage of these great resources and take another step in letting Scripture transform who you are as God intended for it to.

Well this letter has been long enough so I will wait until next time to reveal the big news! (hint, we are not pregnant! : )

Grace and Peace,

Pete

A little update

2008-10-08T16:57:00.002-04:00

Hey All,

It is amazing how the weeks get away from us. I cant believe that we are moving into the Holiday season. Those of you who contribute financially to the scholarship have been getting some monthly mailings that have kept you in the loop with your giving and what is going on with us. For the rest of you, it seems like we have kinda settled into this new season of life. What was the exciting new start of seminary and fund raising and job has turned into the day to day now.

Here are some bullet points (or dash marks) for you to pray through and be aware of...
- Kassie is in Indiana with her family right now for the funeral of a family member. Pray for the family to know God and his goodness in death, and for safe travels for those who have gone to be together in this time.
- My mom's brother is in the hospital with some long term health issues. He was in the ICU until yesterday with a grim prognosis, but he has turned in the last couple of days for the better. Pray for his continued improvement and praise the Lord for his extra time here with his family.
- My health. I have been strugling the past few weeks with allergies and overall fatigue. It has made it hard to keep up with school and work.
- Praise God that some really random but good outside construction and team building work came my way the last few weeks and was a good subsidy to my part-time job.
- Keep praying for class, that it will be about me knowing God and not learning about him.
- Keep praying for Kassie's business to grow. She is getting enough work to keep her engaged and growing and we are looking forward to future opportunities.
- Just a "bug in your ear" I had a meeting today to confirm an internship for next year. I have talked to many of you about this exciting potential opportunity that has been developing over the past 6 months. Well today it was made official that it will happen so we are relieved and looking forward to beginning this new job on January 1st. There will be blogs to come with more details and information on how you can pray for this internship and also get involved with some of that work....WE ARE REALLY EXCITED...

Thank you all for being involved with your lives and encouraging and praying for us. You mean so much to us...

Grace and Peace,

Pete

mid week prayer

2008-09-11T13:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of you who have enquired about the test. I am waiting for the results to come in the mail any day.

I am trying to get in a rhythm with the blog with posting prayer requests mid week and doing a journal/devotional beginning of the week. I hope it will keep you all updated and also encouraged.

So... mid week prayer....
-praise God that He always meets our needs... there always seems to be the random opportunity or photo shoot around the corner ever time we need it... we are learning to live in His faithfulness.
- i am also trying to pick up a half shift at work... pray that will be available and not take away to much time and energy from study
- Kassie is going to a woman's retreat at church this weekend... pray that will be a good time to connect with other woman in the church and be refreshed.
- my big prayer right now is energy. i am really struggling to be rested and fresh every day. i can tell it is really affecting my studies and i feel like i am slipping behind more and more. i have a pretty well regulated schedule of diet, exercise, rest, etc...but i just feel really run down and that is not a good place to be with two more classes coming in the mail yesterday. i dont know if it is just the long days that i am pulling with work and study, or allergies or what.. pray i know what adjustments to make....

thanks for your thoughts and prayers as always...

pete, and kassie

2008-09-08T21:12:00.002-04:00

It seems like babies are everywhere these days. No, we don’t have one, but everyone else seems to. We joke a lot with our friends because it seems like our small group at church went from the “newlywed” group to the “young parent group” in a matter of months…well about 9 months to be exact. At the same time, we added two nieces to our family in the last year, and have one on the way in November. It seems like every time I log into a blog or go to church it is another announcement of “we're pregnant!” or “he/she is here!” And though Kassie and I are not yet parents, in a lot of ways we have felt the affects heavily in our life. Whether it is looking more forward to that day ourselves, missing our nieces and nephews that are out of town, or having our whole social world rearranged by the affects of kids on the lives of our friends or the time that we spend with our friends. It is great, amazing in fact. I love that the world we move in is constantly being inundated with new life and growth. It blows my mind to go to our church small group every week and see these little people that were just yesterday laying there begin to crawl, stand, take a step, walk.

I think that because these new little lives are all around, that my Scripture reading this morning had a whole new meaning. I have been reading through Psalms to start my day. As I was just cruising along from verse to verse this morning, this one just reached up and tripped my mind. It made my brain stutter a little bit and forced me to go back and ponder at the ancient thought that I had just fallen over.

“Through the praise of children and infants, you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2

What an amazing and odd, yet powerful and mesmerizing mental picture. My mind went to ideas - mostly from movies - of these images of ancient cities surrounded by tall stone fortresses. These fortresses have their gates drawn because some neighboring, uncivil, really hairy tribe with big clubs and bad oral hygiene have come to wage war and steal all that is good from this civil, fortified city. And at that moment when all seems lost and the big hairy men in need of Listerine are about to break through, this natural phenomenon occurs….all the babies in the city start to make this gosh darn awful sound that they do at three in the morning when they are hungry and have pooped all over themselves. (Now I have spent the night with friends and family and experienced this situation, but not yet having had the experience of being the one who had to get up and do something about it I can not fully associate with my own analogy here…but I am sure that many of you reading feel the full weight of this “3AM reality”...and if you are reading this at 3AM it may be because the mental image is all too fresh in your mind!) Back to the story…In my mind's eye these barbarians stop, and listen to this cry of babies, these shrill screams of infants who have needs to be met. As they pause from their warning the sound grows and grows, but not only does it grow, it changes. It changes from annoying and burdensome to beautiful and magnificent. The cries of these children leave this warring nation with no choice, they must flee the city. Not because the thought of changing diapers is too much to bear, but because the worship of a mighty creator is so compelling that they no longer have a desire to do evil.

Now I don’t know if what went through my mind this morning is what the Psalmist had in mind for this passage. However, the imagery of the poem is one that beckons us to invite a special kind of peace into our lives, a peace that comes when we realize that God does things completely backwards than the way we do. I find the imagery beautiful. At the point in life when my nature is to pick up a bow and arrow and sword and fight the mangy invader, God says “No, wait, I have a better idea….I am going to make all the babies cry…”

I love it when I find these little subtle paradoxes in Scripture. These evidences that God’s plan of redemption was not a mistake or something conjured up at the last minute. Instead it was well thought out and he gives us hints of his nature from the beginning of His Word to the end. We think our answer is a king on a throne with sword and power, He provides a son to hang naked and abused on a cross…We stake our security on the labor of our hands and the power of our wits, He establishes strongholds on “the praise of children and infants.”

May the Paradox of the Lord’s power dwell richly in your hearts this week.

2008-09-02T16:51:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of you guys for praying for the test. I think it went well. It definitely had its challenging parts, but over all I was not surprised by anything. I am not really sure how I did, but I have a clear idea and picture of what my weak areas are and how to really start prepping and studying as the course gets harder and harder. It was a confidence booster that even if I did not do well, I know how to do better.

Thanks again.... Stay tuned to the blog.... Now that I have this first test under my belt I hope to be able to spruce this page up a bit with some more thought provoking writings and some pics for your enjoyment!

Labor Day

2008-08-31T22:49:00.001-04:00

I have my first exam Monday, Labor Day (appropriate I guess : ) at 2:30. Please pray if you get a chance. Thanks, Pete

Aug 26th

2008-08-26T17:50:00.002-04:00

Wow, I cant believe that it has been almost 3 weeks since my last update. I am just going to make a list for you guys to keep this short and sweet so you do not get bogged down in a lot of reading. So here goes!

Praise:

- We celebrated our 4th anniversary this month and had an amazing day. We decided to celebrate by spending time and not money this year since all these transitions we are taking a lot of time away from each other. We had an amazing day hiking and talking and just catching up on the highlights from year 4 and dreams for 5. We agreed it was our best anniversary yet and decided to make spending time instead of money our new anniversary tradition. (not that Kassie is going to argue with some flowers and nice dinner! : )

-On that same note. We have just moved into a new season of celebrating our life and marriage together. God has been so faithful in using us in each others lives to meet so many needs that have come about emotionally and spiritually in this new season. It has been such an encouragement for our marriage to rise to the occasion under new pressures. Pray this continues with the long academic and ministry road ahead.

-ALL OUR SUPPORT HAS COME IN! Man it is amazing to see how so many of you have given of your finances so that we can have this scholarship! If people are able to follow through with their commitments, we will be able to maintain the scholarship for 3yrs! Amazing! THANK YOU ALL FOR GIVING IN SO MANY WAYS!

-I am really enjoying Greek. Such a gift that it is coming to me with such joy. It is a lot of work, and hard, but so rewarding and motivating. The Lord is really ministering to me as I study this language, it has been so spiritual and I love it.

Pray:

-Continue to pray for Greek! I have my first test Monday and though I love learning this material I am still behind where I need to be. Pray I can catch up and be ready for the first test.

-Pray for energy. I have been very tiered lately with some long study and work days.

-Pray for us financially as a whole. God is meeting our needs and showing us so much about stewardship and resources. It is an amazing season of faith that he has given us AMAZING peace in. We still live in that faith that I am going to get a weekend project or we will get a photo shoot just at the right time to meet our need for the day.

FYI: I will not be driving to Charlotte this semester for classes. During orientation two weekends ago I realized I have to take two classes that I was not planning to take. They are easily taken online and have to be completed in my first year, so I am switching my schedule around to work from home until February 2009. That will be good for us in a lot of ways. It will save us gas money and let be more involved in weekend photo shoots and construction opportunities.

Well that is enough for you to read in one sitting! Hope you are all well and we would love to hear from you any time....Pete (for Pete and Kassie)

Overwhelmed

2008-08-13T21:58:00.002-04:00

This is just a huge expression of thanks to all of you. I just got an email update from the scholarship with an update on the status of the financial contributions. It is so overwhelming to see the support coming in and feel you guys loving and caring for us this way. Your prayers and giving are just amazing to us. At the risk of sitting here and blubbering on and on trying to find the words to say "thank you" I will trust that you can feel our gratitude. So "THANK YOU!"

On the academic front. I am well on my way with Greek and I LOVE IT! Your prayers are being answered in that way as well. I am not far into the study, but enough to know that I am going to enjoy it. My first exam is in a couple of weeks, and I have several chapters to go to be ready. A lot of ground in a short amount of time, so please pray.

Kassie is in Atlanta the rest of this week with her family and doing photo shoots. I will be headed to Charlotte Friday through Saturday for orientation. I am pumped about being on campus again and getting to meet folks. Pray for our travels while we are apart.

I have to get in the habit of writing on a more regular basis. I think I am just going to send a short note and then I get long winded with all the things I want to tell you (a pastor in the making I guess!) Feel free to jump on the blog and send us a "whats up?" to encourage me to keep you up to date with prayer and life details.

Thank you all again so much, you are playing a part in God's story for us and we cannot say thank you enough.

Pete

woops

2008-08-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

just a note to give you a heads up on the mail outs. in our haste some of letters were sent without commitment cards. if you happen to be one on those lucky people and would like to make some sort of donation to the scholarship or general school expenses then let us know and we will send you the card! thanks. p&k

Job and Class Update

2008-08-03T15:55:00.002-04:00

Hey All,

Just wanted to update all of you on my job interview last week. The interview went great and I decided to take the job. It is at a cafe and catering business in town named "Laurey's." They are a very cool company and though I have never worked food service, I feel like they are going to be a great fit. I will only be working Monday's and Tuesdays. Also this week I was offered "when ever I need it," painting work by a friend in town. That was a blessing and a curse and a prayer request. The blessing because it is always good to have options in the back pocket for supporting my family, but a curse in that the since of responsibility to provide for my family makes me feel as if I have to take every money making opportunity that comes my way. I need prayer that I will learn to balance my fears about providing for my family with faith that God will provide enough so that I can study. Thanks to all of you who prayed and asked about the job situation.

A couple of other prayer things. Kassie is going to be in Atlanta from the 14th through the 17th of August for a couple of photo shoots, but would like to book a couple more while she is down there. So if you know anyone who is looking to get portraits of any kind done in the Atlanta area then consider suggesting that weekend to them. Every photo session that Echoes Photography does is that many more hours that I get to spend studying. Second request: GREEK! I received the material for my first online class in the mail just as we were going out of town for vacation 2 weeks ago. I though I would begin this past week but some construction work took more days than I had imagined and now I plan to being this coming week. 2 weeks have now ticked off my online timelines and needless to say I am a bit intimidated by the reality of getting started. I need your prayer to realize that God has been faithful in bringing me to this place and will be faithful in providing the ability to learn and study. This is just another time in life when I have to come to the realization that jumping out of the boat is my part, walking on the water is the Lords. Right now Greek looks like a pretty big ocean to cross. Please join us in prayer for my studies here at the beginning of school.

Thank you all more than words can say,

Pete

beach trip and interview

2008-07-28T12:14:00.003-04:00

Hi All,

Kassie and I returned home yesterday from a beach trip. It was a great time to get away with some friends who invited us to stay with them at their work's beach house. Kassie and I do not generally enjoy the beach all that much, we are just more mountain folks. However, this trip was a lot of fun, and the beach is always just a great opportunity to experience the Glory of God in a different setting than we are used to. I was able to take a see kayak out one morning and see dolphins up close. What a treat! Sitting there rising and falling with the tide I felt like I was feeling the earth breath in and out below me. To sit there and have my spirit commune with the Lord and utter his praise with unspeakable words is such a gift. Then in that moment to have dolphins swim around you so that you can see their eyes and hear them take a breath was almost to much. It was if the Lord hand wrapped and delivered this personal testimony to me of how loving and amazing he is.

Often during the trip I would think of all of you and how you too have been a similar gift to us in this time in our lives. With each of your prayers and letters it has been as if the Lord is personally telling us through you that He is in our lives leading us, encouraging us, and displaying his glory. Thank you.

I have a job interview in the morning. It is a random situation that I have fallen into through a friend. I am not sure if it is the right situation for Kassie and I right now or not. So please pray for wisdom about whether or not this is the best option for us in light of our needs and present life circumstances.

Thank you...Pete

Just a Couple of Things

2008-07-19T10:00:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I just had a couple of things I wanted to run by all of you.

1. if you are subscribing to this blog, would you please send us an email or comment just so we know who we are writing to on a regular basis.

2. Prayer requests
a. Pete has some job decisions to make in the next week or so. Pray that work will come and
that it will be what is the most conducive to our needs and his study.
b. Pete got his books this week for his first online class! So exciting. Pray that he will have the
focus, time, and energy to really take in all the info.
c. The donor cards for the scholarship should go out at the end of this month and commitments
need to be made by Aug 29th. Pray that enough will come in. Pete has registered for class
in the belief that we will have the reduced price, but if the scholarship does not happen then
we will either not take the classes, or pay full price.

3. Also, our friend Josh Adams broke his neck Friday night in a work related accident. Miraculously he is going to make a full recovery in 6-12 weeks. Praise the Lord with us that Josh is alive, not paralyzed and going to be fine. Pray that he does recover completely and that his families needs are met while he is not working for several weeks.

Thank you all for praying. It means so much to us...

Pete and Kassie

Thank You!

2008-07-13T12:59:00.003-04:00

Thank you to those of you who have already written us or spoken a word of encouragemet to us in person. Transitions like this have to be done with open hearts and hands to the Lord. Leaving yourself vulnerable to people and God is so awkward and scary. Your words and commitments to us let us know that we are on the right track and we cannot thank you enough.

Make sure to subscribe to the blog (at the bottom of the page) if you have not already and want to be updated. Also, email us your address if you want to know more about contributing to the scholarship.

PeteandKassie

An Invitation

2008-07-11T19:24:00.005-04:00

We have walked through many geographical, social, professional, and academic transitions over the last four years. Each time believing that the Lord was taking us through seasons of baby steps that he was using to mature us individually and as a couple. We are now at a place in life where we are privileged to look back and see the value in the things we have been through. We believe God is showing us that the next step is into a more formal season of training. Pete will begin graduate school at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary this fall for his Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies.

As we begin seminary this fall, our hope is to surround ourselves with a team that will join us in this place in our journey, and travel with us as our life of ministry plays out however the Lord desires. We hope that as you and your family continue reading about the roles that need to be filled on our team, you will prayerfully consider what role and capacity is best for you now and in the future. Right now there are 2 primary roles on this ministry team, each needing groups of multiple people.

1: Spiritual Friendship – this group of people will commit to being the backbone of our team. Their primary role is to pray and encourage. Committing to this is very simple, just subscribe to this blog. When our life, ministry, and prayer updates come out you will be the first to know. All we ask is that you pray and then respond on the blog, or in private, with whatever encouragement you feel lead to administer. You will remind us that we are not alone in this journey and that the Lord is involved in our lives.

2. Financial Partnership – seminary is expensive and vocational ministry does not generally pay well. : ) We are obviously not making these choices based on future income, so there are several ways that you can help us now financially.

a. Pete has been accepted into Gordon-Conwell’s Partnership Program. The program involves extracurricular activities designed to help students learn valuable stewardship skills for their ministry careers. Each member of the program (other Gordon-Conwell graduate students) raises a team of supporters to make tax-deductible contributions to the trust. Those able to successfully raise the minimum amount of support reduce the cost of tuition by 67%. To qualify we have to establish from a church or other source an annual gift of $500, and a team that is willing to give a total of $210 a month for the duration of the masters program. We are hoping to finish the program by the end of 2010 or early 2011. It is our desire to gather a team of at least 21 people giving $10 a month. However, if there are donors who feel as though they can give more than $10 a month, it will reduce the number of people who are needed to meet the Scholarship requirements. One time gifts are also appreciated and contribute to the balance of the scholarship. All contributions to this trust are tax deductible and you will receive a monthly receipt for your gift that includes an update from us. This is the primary need we have now from our Financial Partners. If we do not have the donors, we do not get the scholarship. The deadline for financial commitments is August 29th. Many of you will be receiving notices in the mail soon. However, if this is something that you would like to be a part of, please e-mail us and make sure we have your mailing address. These support team members should also subscribe to the blog to receive our periodic updates.

b. Non-tax-deductible contributions can also be made to Pete’s tuition balance and books through the student account.

c. Finally, you can support us by using and promoting Kassie’s new photography business. We have recently started this new enterprise and we are hoping that the business will generate enough income to pay our living expenses and allow Pete to go to school full-time. So if you need a photographer, or know someone who does, we would love to serve you in this way! Check out her work at www.echoesphotography.com.

We believe that God is telling his story to the world using real people, in real time, in day to day life. We also believe that each of us has the opportunity to play a role in that story. That is what we extend to all of you, an invitation to let our spiritual stories intertwine as together we engage God’s plan of redemption for the world.

Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to hearing from you and connecting with you personally in the near future.

Pete and Kassie

Please contact us if you have questions or want to catch up. We would love to hear from you!