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: december 27th and 28th – inside/out

by Kirst on September 2, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just after dinner on Monday evening.  I know I wrote you earlier today, but I’ve been reading The Five Love Languages – Men’s Edition and wanted to discuss it with you.  I took the men’s profile in the back and found our what my “love languages” are.  I had two that tied for primary–words of affirmation and quality time.  Physical touch was a close second.  I haven’t finished the book yet, but I would hazard a guess that you are bilingual too.  Once I’ve figured out what those languages are I will focus in on speaking them to you more effectively.  The book has some very helpful hints and breaks it down into very applicable and insightful tips for daily use.  I need to make sure that I am speaking your language.

It’s just after dinner on Tuesday evening.  David left and now I am trying to organize my things.  The Dep hinted at a shakedown, so I need to get my things in order quickly as not to lose them.  Sorry this is so short.  I’ll write more once this has passed.  Kiss our babies for me.

I love you, Scott

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take 2: december 27th – inside/out

by Kirst on September 1, 2010

It’s early afternoon on Monday.  I just got back from seeing the nurse.  Thankfully I don’t have pneumonia.  She listened to my lungs and then gave me some cough medicine, some pain medicine and cold medicine.  What an answer to prayer!  I struggled all weekend with no medicine, which was enough to let me know I will never let that happen again.  I’m stocking up!  I can’t believe how hard it was for me, both physically and emotionally.  A real minute by minute struggle.  I learned through it all that if my spirit is strong I can endure anything physically.  God walked every step of my weekend struggle and when I faltered, He gently reached for my arm and steadied my walk.  He loves us so much!

When I was talking with my mom about Christmas at their house she shared a story about Kayti and Ryan.  As she relayed it, we both realized that the source of the kids’ behavior was you.  My mom said that when the kids got there she asked them if they wanted to watch Penguins or something like that on TV.  They answered, “No thanks, we just want to play.”  How cool.  You have created an environment at home, with candles and music, that is so healthy.  The kids need for their home to be a refuge and safe haven and you have provided just that.  I know that sometimes it is easier to run DVD after DVD, because I have certainly done it myself.  I am so impressed with your intentionality in making our home a place of comfort and learning.  You amaze me!

My love for you just grows deeper by the day.  You are an incredible Christian mother and our babies are so fortunate to be loved by you.  I am so fortunate to be loved by you!  And very soon I am going to be there with you to help continue the wonderful things you have implemented.  I can’t wait to be active in the parenting process again…you probably can’t wait either.

I’ll write more later.  I am so proud of the woman you are and for the woman you are allowing God to make you into.  Stay strong sweetgirl!  Please kiss our babies for me.

I love you, Scott

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take 2: december 26th – inside/out

by Kirst on August 27, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just before dinner on Sunday evening.  Sort of been an odd day.  Breakfast was served very late and wound up knocking out the church service.  Very disappointing.  We only get a small amount of organized service in here and it sucks when even that is taken.  I can’t wait to attend a full-fledged church service again.  I really miss the fellowship, not to mention the choir and the sermon.  Not having service on a regular basis sure has helped me to remember not to take it for granted.

I am just finishing a book that Mom sent me, When God When- Learning to Trust in God’s Timing, by Joyce Meyer.  It’s short, but power packed with good stuff.  I’ve underlined and made notes throughout.  When I spoke to my mom today I asked her to please send one to you also.  I would love to be able to discuss parts of it with you.  As I read, I wanted to immediately turn to you and share the thought of revelation.  I’ve done that more than a few times already, only to be starkly reminded of our separation.  I miss your sharp mind and keen insight and look forward to being able to discuss with you books and Bible verses whenever we want.  At our convenience, not anyone else’s.

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Letter from Theon McCollum to Scott

by Kirst on August 26, 2010

Scott aka Man of God,

Greetings Scott.  I never told you this before, but when I pray for you I refer to you as Man of God.  I believe you exemplify I Timothy 3:17, “That the man of God may be perfect, thorougly furnished unto all good works.”  It is evident by the way you live your life that you make a conscious effort to serve the Lord with all you heart, soul and mind.

Since day one when I met you I remember telling you “Your voice is that of a father, giving sound wisdom to his child.”  I never heard you raise your voice, even in the midst of a heated emotional dispute involving differences of opinion in religious beliefs.  I felt that was huge to remain poised while elaborating on our sipirtual genetic make.  There is so much to learn from this guy.

Beside the fact that I believe we suffer from the same sinful diseasen that imprisoned us both which was the initial choice or choices made, I think we have the same ambitious desires toward our God and that is why I love fellowhshipping with you.  It is truly a delight!

Scott, I will truly miss you when our God restores you back to the protocal of your family and outside life, so I must not be selfish and appreciate these blessings that God has bestowed upon me.  I give this love offering as thanks for you life and for being a conscious influence around me.  You indirectly gave me the vote of confidence to try to restore the relationship with my girlfriend, through prayer and vicariously witnessing what it takes to keep a relationship alive through all forms of communication; especially prayer.

I never forgot in the midst of a trial you were going to have my back and that was huge!  Scott I am very thankful for you and I wish you  a happy holiday and New Year.  I also want to say as I close you further exemplify what I want to become, which is a deacon.  You have a natual sevant’s attitude, and you and your wife make a good team.  I pray that I have a wife that is a spiritual team player as well. 

I will surrond myself with positive thoughts.  I can, I will, I do.  I do all these things with the help of Him who created me.  Breathe in with the positive and out with the negative.  I am what I am.  I am a part of that which is perfect.  I will sit still and know He is perfect.  For this I am thankful.

Theon McCullom

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take 2: december 25th – outside/in

August 19, 2010

It is early, “the wee small hours of the morning.”  I have been up with Mals and her bad cough.  Poor baby.  She has quieted now thanks to a dose of medicine kicking in.  I am up now.  I expect that the kids with be entering our room now any minute.  There stockings are on [...]

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take 2: december 25th – inside/out

August 19, 2010

It’s just before dinner on Christmas.  What a difference a day can make.  I feel like I am on the mend…finally!  After sleeping most of yesterday, and quite a bit of this morning, I have some relief.  Without any cold medicine, God has worked a restorative healing.  I am so grateful!
And I am grateful for [...]

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take 2: december 24th – inside/out

August 18, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after dinner on Christmas Eve.  As soon as I hung up the phone with you I went back to my cell and took a nap.  I wound up sleeping all afternoon, right up to dinner.  I haven’t been this sick in a long time and there’s just no medicine around.  When I see [...]

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take 2: december 24th – inside/out

August 16, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,
It’s just after dinner on Thursday evening.  I’m inventorying my books that came today.  Some great titles.  When God, When by Joyce Meyer, The Five Love Languages – Men’s Edition by Gary Chapman, The Power of a Praying Husband by Stormie Omartian, Life Lessons with Max Lucado – Study on Revelation, Just Like Jesus, [...]

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take 2: december 24th – outside/in

August 16, 2010

Hi Babe,
 I am running out the door to do errands, but I wanted to get these pictures in the mail to you.
Your presence is so missed!
I love you, Kirst

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take 2: december 22nd – inside/out

August 15, 2010

Right now it’s about 5ish on Wednesday evening.  Man, this cold has really taken its toll on me.  Tired, achy, and plagued with a hacking cough.  Drinking hot water and taking the cold medicine I bought is starting to help though.  But when you are sick you just want to be in your own bed, know [...]

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