Tribute: Kevlev

  Tomorrow my favourite brother leaves.  True, he is my only brother, but he still deserves the title of favourite.  I think few girls have it as good as I do in the brother department.  Of all the people I know and love, it is with Kevin that I have laughed the hardest and the most, or at, if it was his ‘awesome’ fighter moves that more resemble a chicken than anything.  He is the only one who really humours me when I start playing the ‘game’ "Guess what?"  And actually he often guesses it without any clues.  He has heard all of my stories countless times.  Besides that he lets me drive his car and hang out with his friends.  He’s bigger than me now, has been for a while, so I can’t beat him up anymore but we still play fight all the time.  We used to run around the dining room playing "Touched you last!" until Mom would tell us to settle down.  Maybe we were trying to get out of doing dishes.

  And now the baby of the family (he used to cry when we’d call him that) is headed off to school in Sweden where he’ll learn and grow and all those good things.  And he’ll come back all grow’d up.  It sounds like he may never be home the same way again, even over summers.  It’s a bit weird having my little brother grow up and be an adult. 

  So, goodbye to my wonderful brother.  I love you, am proud of you and am missing you already.   

Tribute: GIFT Music Team 2005-06

  Of all the music teams and bands that I have had the privilege of being a part of, this past year’s GIFT Music Team takes the award for being the most diverse: representing seven churches, four schools (if you count homeschool), five birth years and five towns. At first practice there were some who had never met, and here we are, a year later.

  Each of these individuals (Melissa, Tiffany, Zack, Elisa, Brandon, Josh and John) have not only grown personally this year, but encouraged and inspired me in some way.

  Melissa, I’ve seen your desire to grow in your relationship with God. I love how simple things, especially sunsets, turn your eyes to Jesus. I love you girl!

  Tiffany, every practice you came to was lit up with smiles and laughter. Thank you for your maturity, humility and willingness to be in the ‘hardest’ role. You’re beautiful.

  Zack, Mr. Shy-I-Don’t-Want-to-Sing turned Mr. Please-Let-Me-Sing, without realizing it, you have led by example this year of one who is learning to worship undistractedly. Keep flying, little bro.

  Elisa, your heart has been always wanting to be taught and refined. Often you would propose an idea or voice a thought that put things into a new perspective. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

  Brandon, love your smile. Your love for fun has remained intact, even when I was reigning you in. Thanks for some priceless quotes like "All we need is God’s presence." He is all you need.

  Josh, you have been a gentleman to the core. Your passion for music causes me to stand in admiration. Having known you for a few years, it’s been a pleasure to watch you grow steadily spiritually. May your ‘Jesus Furnace’ burn bright!

  John, all of my drum knowledge I attribute to you. You have consistently played the encourager. Thank you. The commitment you displayed this year was unsurpassed. With time, and polish, you’re gonna’ shine (kind of like your new cymbals).

  To all of you, wherever this tribute may find you and wherever you may be found this year, remember two things, or maybe three. 1. We are ink and paper. 2. Jude 24,25 and 3. I love you all.