my friend kristen

photo by kristen doornbos

photo and dress by kristen doornbos

today i am thankful for my friend. i have watched her over the past couple years. when i first met her she was this little girl who desperately wanted to know God. she was shy, quiet, full of emotion, unsure, deep in thought, and timid. i have seen God transform her this year from that pure and innocent girl into a young woman. she has obeyed God when he told her to go to far away places. she has taken leaps of faith that inspire me and those around her. he has trusted God. she has used the gifts and talents that God has given her to love kids all summer at a camp. she has searched for God's direction and purpose in her life. she has taken on the challenge and joy of reading God's word from beginning to end. she has shared her heart in writing words. she has created and sew quilts and other beautiful things in worship of Jesus to give as gifts to those he has shown to her to give to. she has captured precious moments of my girls' lives on film.

photo by kristen doornbos

she is so full of life and passion for Jesus. God keep working in her, use her for your glory. when she lived with me for those 4 months, i can count the number of times i heard her play her guitar and sing. for the past 3 days i have not been able to stop listening to her songs. God has truly gifted her with His words in lyrics and his composition of music. God thank you for pouring your love into Kristen and i bless you that she is now pouring it out to the world around her.