Lavished....

December 14, 2012 

Ephesians 1:7-10 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”

“A Clement Arts Christmas” was truly a beautiful and amazing experience. In a moment, I do want to take some time to thank everyone involved and mention how much they mean to us. But first, I must speak of our Holy Creator and how our family was held up by his right hand on this one day where three events spiraled towards each other in beautiful sorrow, glorious praise, and joyous thanksgiving. December 14, 2012 began with early morning whispers of “happy anniversary sweetheart” between Allison and me, each of us knowing the difficulty of the day ahead. At this point, as we spent the hour long trip to Thomaston speaking of the day to come, we both knew that my mom was on life support and this was going to be her last day on earth. After reaching Thomaston, making a few final decisions with my sister, and sitting with my mom while she passed from this life to the next, we saw our Redeemer’s glory through our hurt and sorrow, realizing that my mom now sees her King face to face. December 14, 2012 ending with a beautiful exaltation of our Great King and Savior Jesus Christ, as friends and family joined with us in celebration of who he is, how he has adopted those who trust in him, and how he plans to bring our little girl Ellie home to us. As my mom’s death, Allison and mine’s wedding anniversary, and my little girl’s adoption came together on this beautiful, sorrowful day, all that I can say is praise to my King. For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever, amen. (Romans 11:36).

But now, about the concert, as I mentioned earlier, it was truly amazing! Clement Arts did an amazing job as a whole organizing, promoting, and putting the entire event together. Billy Holbrooke did an amazing job on our family video and added his own personal humor and touch as he moved the event on throughout the night. Jenny Hord did an amazing job putting everything together and reading the touching reflections Helen Brooks. Brad Griffith wrote and read a beautiful prose piece entitled “Lavish” that truly spoke to the heart of the event and the heart of the Gospel. The music by Elise Horne, Justin Belew, and the Newcomers was fantastic, especially the original pieces that they all shared with us. The art on display by Helen Brooks was beautiful as well. I would also like to thank Iron Bank Coffee and Kristian Ogden Photography, along with the event sponsors Gorilla Guitars and Superior Real Estate Services.

Also, to all those who wrote notes of encouragement to put on the tree, those notes will always be a treasure to our family and to Ellie.

Thank you so much to everyone who attended the event, and who is praying for our precious daughter’s journey home.

Through“A Clement Arts Christmas,” the love Jesus Christ truly has been lavished on our family.

Thank you all.

In Christ,

-Kris