An Adoptive Heart: Kathleen & Chris

And last but certainly not least... This is our Christmas letter to my dear sister Kathleen and her husband Chris. 

***

Dear Kathleen & Chris— 

Merry Christmas! This year’s gift to you is a little different than normal. We wanted to go a different direction since God has really been doing a work on our hearts over the last several months. I know we all enjoy getting “stuff,” but we have chosen to give something that won’t collect dust or break. 

Your gift for Christmas 2011 is a donation in your name to PAWS Humane Society. 

Why did we choose this for you? Because you both have such loving, giving and adopting hearts… from kittens, dogs, ducks, calves and even people. It is an inspiration to us in OUR marriage to love on others like you do, giving, especially in the name of Jesus. 

Thank you for being such a loving, caring and strong couple. Each time we hear about a new “adoptive” adventure from you, we can’t help but think of Jesus’ loving and adoptive heart. He invited us to be a part of His family when we least deserved it. 

We pray that this gift will go on and continue to bless others that are contemplating adopting a pet, farm animal or even person. As a result, we hope that God will continue to be glorified. 

So Merry Christmas, Kathleen and Chris. We love you with all we have and pray that someday as we all grow in our marriages, that we can bring our adopted pets, families, brothers and sisters together in Christ to celebrate God’s eternal gift. 

Love and blessings, 

Brandon & Sharita (and Justus) 

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6

Courageous Chickens: Merry Christmas Dal

This year for Christmas, my little brother received from us a letter about courageous giving... and chickens... 

***

Dear Dal— 

Merry Christmas! This year’s gift to you is a little different than normal. We wanted to go a different direction since God has really been doing a work on our hearts over the last several months. I know we all enjoy getting “stuff,” but we have chosen to give something that won’t collect dust or break. 

Your gift for Christmas 2011 is a donation in your name of 2 Chickens to a family through World Vision. 

Why did we choose this for you? Because you have such a passion for agriculture and your successful endeavor with the chickens doesn’t have to be limited to just your backyard. This donation will give a starving family a new protein source and help them to be nourished in a way they have never experienced. 

Thank you for being such a wonderful little brother. We are excited to watch you grow and pray that you will walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Each time we eat an egg for breakfast, we will think of the hope that we have for you in our hearts as you continue to get to know the Lord and Savior of the world. 

We pray that this gift will go on and continue to bless others that are also contemplating the salvation promise of Jesus. This gift does not only represent nourishment of the body, but it shows the spiritual nourishment that Jesus can provide once you invite Him into your heart. 

So Merry Christmas, Brother Dal. We love you with all we have and pray that someday we can celebrate alongside of you when Christ becomes the center of your world. We long to celebrate God’s eternal gift with you! 

Love and blessings, 

Brandon & Sharita (and Justus) 

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” –John 6:35

Freedom's banquet: Mama and Daddy

Today, I would like to share with you our gift to my beloved parents in Kansas... It been an amazing journey for my family, especially as my Dad came to Christ in a Cow Pasture then was also physically healed in The Rest of the Story. (If you read these back stories, this gift will make much more sense.) 

*****

Dear Mama and Daddy— 

Merry Christmas! This year’s gift to you is a little different than normal. We wanted to go a different direction since God has really been doing a work on our hearts over the last several months. I know we all enjoy getting “stuff,” but we have chosen to give something that won’t collect dust or break. 

Your gift for Christmas 2011 is a donation in your name to the Gluten-Free Society. 

Why did we choose this for you? Because you have raised a daughter who has followed in Christ’s footsteps alongside a Godly husband. When you both gave your lives to Christ, you gave up your own control, but allowed him to direct your path and heal you in ways unimaginable. 

Thank you for being such loving, encouraging and dedicated parents. Whenever we recall your amazing testimony, whether together or separated by duty, we will not only think of God’s grace, but also the wonderful gift you give us year round… Love and support. We pray that this gift will go on and continue to bless others around the world that are struggling with the same physical issues. As a result, we hope that God will continue to be glorified. 

So Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. We love you with all we have and pray that someday, we might raise our children with love, respect and submission to Christ, just as you have done with both of us. 

Love and blessings, 

Brandon & Sharita (and Justus) 

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” –Acts 3:16

The Truth: Mama Lex and Daddy D

The first up in our line-up for gift sharing of this season are my parents-in-love (yes, not parents-in-law, but parents-in-love) Mama Lex and Daddy D. Below you will find the gift that Brandon and I gave them... To not only live Christ-mas one day a year, but to have Christ-more everyday!

****

Dear Mama Lex & Daddy D— 

Merry Christmas! This year’s gift to you is a little different than normal. We wanted to go a different direction since God has really been doing a work on our hearts over the last several months. I know we all enjoy getting “stuff,” but we have chosen to give something that won’t collect dust or break. 

Your gift for Christmas 2011 is a donation in your name to our local Christian Radio Station 88.5 The Truth. 

Why did we choose this for you? Because you raised a son to live his life on the solid rock, living in the Truth every single day of his existence. And due to that upbringing, he has led his wife to the cross, and we are now walking in the footsteps of Jesus… Together. Because of both of YOU. 

Thank you for being such loving, encouraging and prayerful parents. Whenever we listen to The Truth on our radio driving in our car, whether together or separate, we often think of you and the wonderful gift you give us year round… Love and support. We pray that this gift will go on and continue to bless others around the world that has an opportunity to listen in. As a result, we hope that God will continue to be glorified. 

So Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad. We love you with all we have and pray that someday, we might raise our children to live the Truth, just as you have done with your beloved sons. 

Love and blessings, 

Brandon & Sharita  (and Justus) 

“I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.” –Psalm 119:30

A Giving Heart: Christ-mas, Christ-More

It's 5:45 am... I throw back the covers and my eyes pop open. It's go time.

I swing my feet over the side of the bed. Oh, that floor is cold! I creep out of bed, down the hall, and take a deep breath. The moment of truth...

There, in the gentle glow of Christmas lights are piles of presents. Santa showed up and he did not disappoint. I grab the nearest gift with my name on it and violently shake it. Nothing. Dang. It's probably clothes. Socks. Maybe even underwear. Sigh.

Yes, I have grown up and matured over the lasts couple of decades. I still love receiving the gifts, but now I love the family time even more... Especially since I am married to a soldier. That's a whole new level of not taking that time for granted!

God designed my heart to give. I love giving presents and showering people with love, sometimes in the form of "stuff." Each year at Christmas, I would go all out thinking, marinating, pondering strategerizing, and planning what I deemed were "perfect gifts."

Last year for Christmas, my beloved suggested that we do something different and forego the hoopla of dropping wads of cash and buying presents. He suggested we give something perhaps more thoughtful like donating our money to a good cause.

I flat out told him NO. Absolutely not. Negative. Nada. So we went with the "traditional" gift giving. It was great.

That was last year. Apparently God wanted to do a little bit of work on my heart... And I suggested we do Christmas differently this year.

So we did. And, it was also great, just like last year, only in a different way.  This week's posts are all about giving... Not giving stuff, but rather giving a piece of our heart for Jesus. For the next several days, I will share with you the heart gifts that Brandon and I gave to our family.

The gifts weren't much, but they were ones that will hopefully keep on giving... Just like that gift that God gave us when he sent His son to die on the cross.

Just because Christmas has passed for another year, doesn't mean our Jesus heart of giving has to stop... Christ-mas is one day... But we can celebrate Christ-more all year long.


Never stop giving,
SGK

"But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7

Twas the Night Before Christmas: My Gift to you

Dear Readers, 

This is my Christmas gift to you... A tiny reminder of WHY we celebrate this wonderful holiday. We are free to celebrate thanks to two different sources: Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and our beloved American Soldier. 

May you have a blessed and Merry Christmas! 

SGK 

*****

Twas the night before Christmas, 

And all through the base, 

Soldiers were last minute shopping, 

Running all over the place. 

It has been a crazy year, 

Full of missions and drills, 

But serving in the military, 

Had made them very fulfilled. 

The soldiers had learned, 

That military service involves giving, 

Boots on the ground charging enemy lines, 

Was one way to make a living.

Some of them were traveling, 

Going home to see the family or friends, 

Others were sitting in a desert, 

Only thoughts of home to bring grins.

Their faithful wives and their kids, 

At home in beds did they lay, 

Whether together or separated by duty,

Prayers of love they did pray. 

Christmas morning arrived, 

The military family gathered by the tree, 

But before opening presents, 

They prayed for the reason they are free. 

On a starry night long ago, 

A baby in a manger did lay,

Sent as the son of God, 

For our sins he would pay. 

God sent us a piece, 

A tiny portion of his heart, 

In his Son Jesus Christ, 

So from Him we wouldn't part. 

Our soldiers and our Lord, 

Stand to sacrifice and give, 

Willing to die for our freedom, 

So a life of love we might live. 

As we approach another Christmas,

Remember it's not about the gifts or the food,

Nor the games, shopping or decor, 

But rather a thankful attitude. 

For only two have ever offered, 

To die for you and me, 

Jesus Christ and the American Soldier, 

One saved our soul and both made us free. 

Praise the Lord for both freedoms, 

That we can live in His light, 

Merry Christmas to all, 

And to all... a good night. 

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." Luke 4:18-19

True Reason for the Season

About a week ago, my husband and I were preparing to depart for our holiday block leave road trip that would take us from Fort Benning, Georgia to South Dakota to Kansas and back. Our car was loaded down, ready to depart early the next morning. Our refrigerator was completely bare so we could reduce the possibility of growing penicillin in it while we were running amuck. Thus, we went out for a quick supper and on our way home, I decided I wanted to peruse through the neighborhood and check out the Christmas lights. 

Some people in our neighborhood went all out for Christmas. Inflatable Santas, Frostys and Rudolphs bounced in front yards. Icicle lights sparkled and multicolored light glowed. Trellis and porch decorations were abundant. I was impressed. 

I continued to drive (which probably wasn't the safest decision, as I was much more interested in gawking at the Christmas lights than my husband) and I kept commenting on the decor. We didn't do any outside decorating on our house mainly because 1) We weren't going to be home for the holidays 2) We didn't own the supplies necessary and 3) I sure as heck wasn't hanging that stuff up by myself as my husband was rather occupied with his job.  (Something about training future soldiers to defend America  took take priority over Christmas lights. Scoff ;-) 

We drove around for about 15 minutes in our neighborhood, guessing who might "win" the yard decorating contest and living vicariously through their glowing decor. Suddenly Brandon said, "Hey, do you know what? I didn't see one nativity scene in all those yards." 

I stopped the car, right in the middle of our street. He was right! Not only was I surprised at that revelation, but I also was shocked I didn't realize it at all until he brought it up. Huh. 

Before you get all riled up, I am not about to get all up on a soapbox and preach about the rumors of Santa Claus' existence or how anyone who mentions him is in the wrong. I am 26 years old and still get gifts from Santa... and our future kids will be getting gifts from Santa Claus as well. 

Brandon and I joked about our "decoration" strategy for next year... I said we should get a live nativity scene, complete with camels and sheep to set up in our yard. He agreed and said he could get some of the trainees/privates to pose as Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and Wise Men. He could force them to stand in our yard for 6 weeks. Or he said we could just spell JESUS in our grass in Christmas lights. 

We laughed. It was awesome. But obviously that revelation about the nativity scene (or lack thereof) stuck with me. 

Do we really take time to remember why we celebrate this holiday? I know it sounds cliche-y, but we gotta remember the real reason for the season: That baby born in a manger over 2000 years ago. And that baby wouldn't have had any impact on us had it not been for the Cross. We have been set free-- all because of Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection! 

It's not about the gifts, the awesome food, the lights, ornaments, snow (or lack thereof), cheesy movies or men in red suits with excessive facial hair. 

It is about our Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus... And thanks for being the true reason for the season! 

Partying it up for Baby Jesus, 

SGK 

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:9-11

Year in Review: "Crazy Awesome"

Hi there again readers... Today, I am going to share with you the Christmas letter (And picture) that we shared with our friends and family. 

Note: If you are one of our friends and/or family members and did not receive a hard copy in the mail, my apologies... but when one is working for "God Dollars" as opposed to world dollars, postage gets expensive... FAST :-) 

We hope you enjoy the recap of our "Crazy-awesome" year. The copy dude at Staples was intrigued (yes, apparently they read your letters when you have them copied. Awkward.) 

Thank you all SO much for your support you have shown us during this crazy-awesome God-filled year. As always, let me know how I can pray for you-- and if you would like to share this with your friends, go ahead and spread the message for His glory!

*******

Greetings and Holiday Blessings!

      Anybody else out there have a crazy-awesome year? I say “crazy-awesome” because at some points over the last 12 months it has been pretty crazy, other times pretty awesome and sometimes both. I am going to try and be “brief” in this letter (I know, that’s a first… alert the media) but I will explain how you can find out more about our little Knobloch family below. Ready?

At last writing, I think Brandon was getting ready to leave for Drill Sergeant School. Well, in case you didn’t get the memo, he did great. He graduated at the very beginning of April, which was awesome. I flew out to celebrate this huge accomplishment and as we drove back, our transmission randomly died in Paducah, Kentucky. After 3 days in Paducah waiting for a new, shiny (expensive?) transmission, we made it back home. Crazy.

We returned to Kansas and had about one month to prepare to move to Georgia. I married off one of my best friends (love you Kally!), then the following morning Brandon and packed up and started our trek to the deep south. Crazy. While I was sad to leave a great job at Heartland Works, as well as the Midwest, we were excited for the new adventure that God was taking us on. Awesome!

Brandon started his duties as a drill sergeant in June. It’s an intense job and I get to hear some pretty crazy stories about the “bad life decisions” of some of the trainees. My favorite quote (so far) is “REALLY PRIVATE? REALLY? YOU ARE GOING TO RUIN YOUR ARMY CAREER FOR A BOWL OF APPLE JACKS?!?” It’s kind of a long story, but you can shoot me an email or give me a call for the whole tale. J  Being a drill sergeant (and drill sergeant’s wife) can be a little challenging because the hours are crazy when in cycle, but the growth we have experienced as a couple has be awesome. Oh, and God has been pretty awesome through it all too!

Oh, I almost forgot! We welcomed a new member into our family in May… WHOA, take it easy… don’t get all crazy and go mail us booties and blankets. You can, however, send us rawhide bones and squeaky toys for our baby dog Sweet Justus. He is a rescue puppy and is pretty awesome. Hilarious really. He only weighs 12 pounds (he’s 10 months old) but has the personality the size of an elephant. We aren’t really sure what kind of dog he is—rumor has it, his mama was a Papillion, but as for the daddy?? He has HUGE ears and is really smart. During my solo time this summer, I taught him how to sit, stay, fetch, roll over, high five, pound it (with his nose), dance and walk. With him around, we never fail to be entertained. Awesome huh?

Moving on: this summer as I was pondering my purpose in God’s plan in Georgia, I got involved with Christ Community Church. Again, it’s a crazy-awesome story that won’t fit on one page, but long story short, I started working as SERVE intern. I have been with that team since July and have LOVED every minute of it—I have learned so much and continue to revel in God’s awesomeness. Never knew I was called to ministry til my boss Kelli asked me that in July. Talk about light bulb moment! Answering God’s call to ministry has been crazy awesome.

You might also remember during last year’s letter, I was getting ready to start working on my Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership. Crazy right? On December 2 (yes, this year) I finished it. A two-year program in 310 days. Awesome. And praise the Lord for no more research papers!!

So now what? Great question. Brandon and I continue ministering to people here in the Deep South through out lives and jobs. I hope to maybe get Justus certified as a social therapy dog in the new few months. I had the chance to go back to KS to see my family during Thanksgiving and God allowed me to lead my Dad to Christ! Hallelujah!  That was beyond awesome. (To see the whole story, check out my latest endeavor that God has called me to: writing, specifically on my blog. www.morepreciousthanrubies-sgk.blogspot.com. Notice the enclosed card. Tell your friends. Help us share God’s message. Please and thank you. It’s precious!)

Oh dang… I’m already at the bottom of the page! Time to smoosh the final thoughts from the last year: Brandon took up a hobby of brewing his own beer, I am Family Readiness Group Leader for our company in the army, neither one of like grits or sweet tea (we tried,) we love our house, we celebrated one year of marriage on October 2^nd (one year down, somewhere between 49-74 to go!), the enclosed picture was our Halloween costume, and we miss you all! WHEW!  Please call, Facebook or email us. Oh, and keep up with us on our blog. You might laugh, you might cry, you might rejoice… but you will see that we worship a God who loves us and is crazy-awesome, in more ways than one.

For His Glory,

Brandon, Sharita & Sweet Justus 

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” ~Romans 12:12

Red Light, Green Light... Yellow Light

Isn't it funny how things in adult life can bring you back to the departed days of youth?

Ok, that sounded a little deeper than I originally intended. (Don't worry this post isn't going to be that deep, I promise. We are on leave from the army for the holiday. As is my brain.)

Events of last week led me back to my youth, the days of games on the playground and in our backyard. Ever play the game of "red light green light?" It was one of my sister and I's favorites, ranking right up there with hide-n-seek. It's a pretty simple game, kind of like Simon Says... One person is it, and they direct the other players to run or stop by saying red light or green light. Just like traffic lights. Easy. But the heifer I was when I was younger, I would sometimes toss in a yellow light just to confuse everyone. (Playing fair is so overrated when you are eight years old.)

Anyway, I was rushing around last week trying to lay the smack down on my to do list. Run run run... I caught myself hurrying for essentially no reason last Monday night in the Walmart parking lot. My husband was working overnight duty and I had no reason to rush home, other than to get a bath and go to sleep... And it wasn't even THAT late. When I made this realization I literally stopped in my tracks in the middle of the parking lot and said "Girl, slow down!" (I got a funny look from the dude behind me, but oh well.) 

Funny how we have been conditioned to hurry hurry hurry with everything we do. Fast food. Instant download. Express mail. Hey, I love efficiency as much as the next person... But sometimes we just need to chill out!

So the week progressed and I was making the necessary preparations to depart for two weeks of holiday block leave. Brandon was working overnight again on Thursday so I found myself super charged running around Columbus like a two year old snarfing down cookies. Christmas letter written. Stamps purchased. Frozen yogurt date with my boss. Final blog giveaway prize book purchased. Christmas letters stuffed and stamped. Check, check, check, check, check!

My time in Columbus was dwindling (my pulse rate was increasing) I needed (wanted) to make it back to the post office to finish up my checklist for the day... So off I raced.

Oh wait. Timeout. Did I fail to mention that Columbus was crazy that day? It was a Thursday afternoon, but it might have well been Black Friday, which I avoid like the black plague. Traffic was ridiculous and it was swamped. Utter chaos. And against my better judgement, I joined right in. 

So I get to the post office... The lines are out the door. Honestly, I didn't mind much since my in-town list was essentially done... By the time I got done and headed back onto the crazy streets, traffic had reached a new level of insanity. Apparently it was "national drive like an uncourteous aggressive person" day. Long story short, everyone was so busy that no one would let me over so I could exit back onto the interstate to get home. What should have taken about 30 seconds to get on the right path homeward bound took about 20 minutes.

After doubling back a few times and thinking some not-so-nice things in my head about some of the other drivers, I made it back to the interstate. I started to breath again. And I felt a nudging from God.

"Sharita... Find your yellow light. Slow down."

"Ah. Um, but I still have more things on my home to do list. How I'll I get it all done?"

"Trust me, daughter. You will accomplish what you need. Take some time for you and me tonight."

So I did. I went home and instead of logging backing my computer to start my next project, I showered and changed into comfy clothes. I poured myself a glass of wine. I left the TV off. I sat down in my red recliner and opened the window. (It was 70+ degrees that day. Awesome!) I picked up my iPad, launched Pandora, and grabbed a handful of mint chococlate truffle kisses.

I sat there for about 3 hrs, reading a great e-book, relaxing... Breathing... Enjoying my yellow light... Enjoying my God.

Is God giving you a holiday yellow light? If so, don't ignore it. Embrace it. Embrace HIM. He isn't being like my younger heiferish self trying to confused you. He is allowing you time to rest. Recharge. Relax.

Oh, and in case you are wondering... I got my to do list completely done on Friday. And even had time to enjoy another holiday Yellow light at the movie theater later that afternoon.

Everyone says that Christmas colors are red and green.

I say this years holiday color is yellow.

Recharged and loving it,

SGK

"All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing." Isaiah 14:7