Kirsten and Scott--a husband and wife that are separated by jailhouse walls, as he is incarcerated despite his innocence. He is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. As a family of 4, and then 5, as the story unfolds, Scott and Kirsten knew the "good life." But God had a better one in store. They first had to be broken. They plumb new depths of their faith and in their knowledge of the Word in these days that some would consider dark, but that God infused with great joy. Throughout a total of 16 months of separation they wrote letters to each other that are filled with the stories that capture the depth of their love, family life, fear, questioning, and details of what God is doing in, around and through them. Many of the letters are laced with snaphots of jailhouse interactions in the maximum security unit where God still dwells. It is inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit moves throughout the whole situation when you see Scott’s letter next to Kirsten’s as the days go by. Prayers are being prayed and answered and it is all recorded in the daily wrap-up. It is a God story. It is a love story. And the letters are delivered daily. Make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed to receive daily updates of our story. To learn more about this blog and the background behind it, check out the About Section.

take 2: october 23rd -inside/outside

by Kirst on March 10, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just before dinner on Satuday night.  What an incredible day!  I was able to talk with you and Kayti, Mom and Dad, and also Doug Damon.  The visit with a local pastor capped it off.  I feel like a blessed man!

What an answer to prayer to hear about last night!  It think you even classified it as “great sleep.”  I guess she is just another Harrison woman who values her sleep.  Glad to hear that you finally got what you needed, althought I am thinking that you could use a couple of nights like that, back-to-back.  We’ll take them where we can get them, though, righy?

Still a little in shock that Kayti and Ryan stayed over at the Wrights last night for the whole night.  I knew they could do it, but I still had some doubts in the back of my mind.  Mainly about Buddy.  But I guess the Wrights house is familiar territory and has good, safe memories attached to it.  And as long as Kayti is there Buddy is usually fine.

I love you, Scott

{ 0 comments }

take 2: october 21st & 22nd – inside/out

by Kirst on March 9, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just before dinner on Thursday night.  I tried to call several times before they locked us down, but I think that I was calling to early.  Hard to tell in here, it might be around 5:30.  If we get out tonight, I’ll give it another shot.

Pretty cool Bible Study today.  It centered around Ephesians 4:29 and dealt with our attitudes and the words that can spring forth from our mouths.  Great discussion surrounding harboring bitterness or hate, even after we have forgiven them.  I witness many “light bulbs” turning on, must have really hit home.  I love when the guys are really engaged and actively discussing real life applications of God’s principles.  There were definite “take aways” for them to cling to today.

Stranger asked me to sit with him today and help him with the daily study I had given him.  It’s a Max Lucado New Testament with a 30-day Bible Study for new believers in the back.  He was having some difficulties with some of the verses and questions being asked.  It’s neat because he really wants to understand it, and to change.  So we went over the one for today and completed it together.  I think he is just unsure of himself, no self-confidence because this is so new.  The plan, as we discussed today, is for him to work on this in the morning and then come to me with questions in the afternoon.  He thanked me several times and seemed genuinely excited.

It’s just after lunch on Friday afternoon,  The weather looks good outside, which means we may get some outside rec time today or tomorrow.  The fresh air and the feel of the sun on my face is a combo I crave.  I just like being out in the sun, there’s something rejuvenating about it.  That’s just one of the reasons I like where we live.  It lends itself to an outside lifestyle.  I really like being able to roll my workbench out in the driveway and spend some time out in the sun and in the country air.  It fuels me rather than wears me out.

I am so glad were were able to talk last night.  Ever since Tuesday night’s call I have been worried about you and your spirit.  Praying for rest just didn’t seem like what you really needed, but I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it so I left it up to God.  What an interesting concept.  Hearing about the success of Mallory’s day at Michelle’s was a huge answer to prayer.  In fact, God had that in the works even before a prayer was whispered.  Awesome!  And then your time at Debbie’s was another example of His creative provision and care.  I had mentioned to you on the phone I had been praying that God would provide you with moments of rest sprinkled throughout your week.  But the time, the fellowship at Debbie’s was more than I could ask for.  Again, He knows what we need, listening to our prayers like a concered parent.  All the while wanting nothing more than to care for our every need, especially when we don’t even know what that need is.

I love you, Scott

{ 0 comments }

take 2: october 20th – inside/out

by Kirst on March 8, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s mid-morning and we just received commissary.  We’ll probably be locked in our cells until lunch.  Fine by me, it gives me time to write you.  It’s hard to write when I am out in the day room.  So many distractions and the noise level makes it hard to concentrate at times.  But, considering the amount of thank-you letters I need to send out, I am going to have to untilize that time also.

They handed out mail this morning.  I believe that the last time we received mail was Saturday.  Anyway, the Dep had a pretty good stack in his hand.  He called out the names of those who had mail and asked us to step forward while everyone else stood against the wall.  He got to my mail and kept digging, adding additional pieces to my stack.  When he was finished he said I had 17 cards and letters.  He asked me if I had been gone for awhile, like to the infirmary or something.  I guess he figured my mail had been piling up and for some reason wasn’t delivered to me.  I assured him that I had been here and I had also received mail on Saturday,  He shook his head, “You get all this mail in two days?”  It was kind of funny, at least the guys thought it was.  They ribbed me about helping me carry my mail.  But then the Dep said something that registered with me.  He said, “Whole tanks don’t receive this much mail, any mail.”  Which means there are men/boys in here in here that are not reveiving any mail.  Makes me sad.  These men represent a life, made in the image of God.  They are somebody’s son, husband, brother uncle or cousin.  I know somebody in their community of relatives cares, cares about how they are doing and about what happens to them.  The Dep then handed me my stack of mail and in a final statement he asked, “Are you a celebrity?”  And in a mix of emotions I just hung me head and said, “No…no…just loved.”

I praise God today for his unfailing love and provision!  For the community of support He has provided us and for the love I felt in each and every one of those letters.  I am humbly reminded if how small I am and how awesome He is!  And even though I don’t understand ehy we, as a family, have to endure this pain once again, I am trusting the one who is always faithful.  His ways are perfect!  And all He asks is that we are faithful, obediently following His will.

My prayer for you today is that God continues to hold you close to Him, giving you comfort and peace during this time of separation.  And that His joy and love fill you heart and soul to overflowing.  The God we serve knows our name, and thankfully, He also knows our every need.  Who better to provide for us than He?  I am also deeply encouraged by the fact that He is a God of pursuit, contantly watching and pursuing His own.  That to me provides comfort and assure me that He also is drawing near Kaytlin and Ryan, and Mallory.  And like your Dad, I am praying that they “come to know Jesus at an early age.”  May they walk in the light, always.

Kirst, I love you!  And even today God is expanding and deepening that love, which I didn’t realize was possible.

I love you, Scott

{ 0 comments }

take 2: october 19th – inside/out

by Kirst on March 4, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just after lunch on Tuesday.  We didn’t have day room last night or this morning, which in a way was kind of a blessing considering the current climate.  The obvious down side was that I couldn’t call you.  And since we hadn’t talked much when I called earlier, I was really looking forward to “our” time.  I pray the instead you were provided with some additional rest.

My friend Carlos and I cleaned after breakfast this morning.  He is reading the book When God Whispers Your Name and is just a few chapters in so far.  But he wanted to chat about them, discuss them.  It was cool to see his perspective on the same material I have read.  And through his 20 year old eyes.  He has proven to be a friend, and a good Christian ally.

Buddy breaks my heart.  Hearing him on the phone telling me he needs me is hard to handle.  But I want to hear it, need to hear it, even though it hurts.  I can only imagine what he is going through and what you are going through in support of him.  No easy task ineed.  I pray daily that the Lord will comfort all of you while we are separated.  Not to take the pain away, but to ease the suffering and provide peace and understanding.

I love you, Scott

{ 0 comments }

take 2: october 18th – outside/in

March 3, 2010

It’s 11:14.  Can you believe I am still up?  Me neither!  After I put the kids to bed, Gretchen and I cleaned up and we watched some TV.  I nursed Mals and took a bath.  Buddy came in and is sleeping on the couch with 2 pictures–one with you and me at the Leap banquet [...]

Read the full article →

take 2: october 17th – inside/out

March 2, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after lunch on Sunday.  In addition to the bologna sandwich we had a piece of spice cake with white frosting on our trays.  Needless to say, I wound up with several pieces being offered to me since it is my birthday.  Kind of nice!  And they were pretty tasty.
I am still living [...]

Read the full article →

take 2: october 15th & 16th – inside/out

February 28, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after dinner on Friday night.  I spoke to you and Kayti right before thy locked us down.  My timing isn’t always accurate, but I try to make the call around 5:30ish based on what’s on TV.  I have tried to tell time where the sun hits on the wall in the afternoon [...]

Read the full article →

take 2: october 14th – inside/out

February 27, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after lockdown on Thursday.  My goal was to call you, but something came up.  Carlos is going to court in the morning and was needing to talk and pray.  I kept glancing over at the phones for my opportunity to cut the conversation short so that I could call you, but I [...]

Read the full article →

take 2: october 13th – inside/out

February 25, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just before dinner on Wednesday evening.  We had outside rec this afternoon and by this time I’m pretty hungry.  It’s supposed to be burritos tonight but we’ll see.  I learned a very important lesson–expect the unexpected.  This place is truly one of a kind.
Had a good talk with my friend Carlos from the [...]

Read the full article →

take 2: october 12th – inside/out

February 24, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after dinner on Tuesday night.   Today has been a pretty good day.  I received a visit from Jim and I was able to talk with you and the kids.
On the phone I was able to tell Kayti how proud I am of her.  She was excited to tell me she had done [...]

Read the full article →