Sister Reflections ~Part 2

 Sister Reflections ~Part 2

Read by Kristin's Sisters Keri Jones (left) Kori Unrau (right)

Another Kristin fun fact (one which her closest friends will have a chuckle about) is that she’d always show up with her arms full!! At least 2 giant overflowing heavy bags of stuff. Stuff she may not even need in the next several hours or days even, but she couldn’t leave home without them. A scrapbook… or two, an ipad, a camera… or two! A notebook, a scarf… or two, Multiple pens and her signature sharpie… or two.  A simple trip to the mall and more recently chemo always involved at least one of these overflowing bags. We loved to give her a hard time about them and she was quick to remind us if we ever needed something she would have it covered! Shawn and the kids all developed some pretty amazing muscles carting her STUFF around!

Kristin was a hopeless romantic! We would love to read you the NINE PAGE STORY she wrote of how she met and married the love of her life, instead, we will give you the very short version: God answered her prayer and sent Shawn!

Kristin was very strong in her faith from a very young age.  As she got older she prayed and asked God for someone stronger than her in spiritual and every day life. Over the years as Shawn and Kristin grew as a couple, so did their faith. God was the firm foundation of their family, and each of their children were lovingly dedicated to the Lord. They were taught from a young age to be strong in the Lord, Trust in Jesus, and Never lose their faith.  Kristin was not ashamed of the gospel, and she instilled it in her children.  Kristin and Shawn had no idea how their faith would be tested along the way but they never once faltered. Many times over the years they trusted, believed and thanked God for His many blessings.  It wasn’t all ‘Rainbows and Butterflies’ (as Kristin would say) but they never lost sight of their creator and that He had a plan for their lives. 

When Kristin was diagnosed with cancer on October 29, 2012, she told us she did not want her life to be a testimony of her faith because she did not feel qualified. Every day of her 15 month battle, God covered her with His Grace and peace and carried her. God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He had already begun working in her as a young girl preparing her for this road ahead.

A passage Kristin used as a guide is Matthew 5:14-16. It says:

‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and keep it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to the entire house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deed and praise your Father in Heaven’.

Kristin's children, husband, family, and some friends watched her as she processed the news of her diagnosis.  There were many tough days and she didn’t give up hope. She was not in denial about what was to come, but she simply chose to lean on her faith to ground her and trusted that her heavenly father would take care of the rest. Kristin shone her light for all of us.  She showed us that there is hope in helplessness.  There is joy in sorrow. There is love and patience and kindness that lights up the dark.  Kristin's grace was a gift to her children and she did her best to protect them.  She did what she knew best, and surrounded herself with everyone and everything that mattered to her. She was an example to her kids that we must let our light shine in all circumstances.

Kristin blogged her journey and was true to her faith and belief that God would take care of her family all the time.  She was often overwhelmed (in a good way) with silver linings and Gods blessings. Unexpected groceries dropped off when they were needed most….  Offers of help for the kids at just the right time…  15 months of Meals delivered when she couldn’t even stand… Doctors, nurses, receptionists, and pharmacists always going that extra mile… all on her behalf.  Kristin was cared for by friends, family, and people that didn’t even know her!  Her ability to make and sustain relationships carried her when she needed it the most.  

A friend gave us a verse to share with you, and we think it summarizes Kristin’s life well. 

‘Blessed is the woman who perseveres under trial,

Because when she has stood the test, she will receive the

Crown of life that God has promised to those who love him’

~James 1:12

  

The crown of life is like the victory wreathe given to winning athletes.  Gods crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth, but the reward of Eternal Life – living with God forever: HEAVEN.  The way to be in God’s winners circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure. 

  

Kristin truly enjoyed bible verses, inspiring quotes, and pictures to motivate her when the going got tough. She had them written on plaques and displayed around her house.  She hared many of these on her blog and facebook as well as in texts and emails. She shared this little quote by Nancy Leigh deMoss about a month ago and it has very special meaning to us today. She says…

“You will never be able to fully fathom what God is doing in your life. You cannot possibly see the end of the outcome of each situation. Not yet anyway. But you can be sure that HE knows what HE is doing. He is God and He is working –purposefully, skilfully, lovingly. And one day when you look back on your journey from Heaven’s perspective, you will see HIS hand in all those inexplicable circumstances, and you will say with WONDER and WORSHIP: 

"You have done all things Well”.

  

We love you Kris!