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.

december 13th – inside/out

by Kirst on December 7, 2009

Hi Sweetheart,

It has been a busy couple of days with Bible Study.  We have one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and then Jonathan and I do ours at night after lockdown.  It has been really good to able to fellowship with these guys in that type of controlled environment.  We sit at one of the big tables and our time is respected.  People don’t come up and interrupt or try to mess around.  They know we are having  Bible Study and they respect that, even if they do not want to participate.  The guys have been faithful to show up each day and do some reading in the chapter we are studying the night before.  Guys want to learn, they want to participate and it is exciting.  I am praying that the Lord will help us communicate His Word to them and open their hearts and minds to receive it.  Some of the guys have no history in the church and have only a very basic understanding of what it is to be “religious,” and that is from what they have seen or heard on TV.  So we are having to combat or de-program them as to the world’s definitions and stigmas.  Very interesting and exciting indeed.  The Lord is teaching me so much.  My only fear is that I am not opening myself up enough to what He has to teach.  I think sometimes I let “my own understanding” creep in to what He is trying to do and accomplish.  I’m still learning about, and learning how to, surrender to Him.

I have been praying for you, Kayti and Ryan throughout my day.  I am trying to put in effect The Practice of the Presence of God.  A daily conversation and communion with him, feeling His nearness and gentle leadings.  Part of that, I think, is to come to Him, as if on a whim, at every thought, fork-in-the-road, or chance at praise throughout the day.  And in everything I do, do it for the glory of Him.  I am praying that the Lord will more fully reveal to me what that entails.

I need to get this in the mail, sweetgirl.  Know of my undending love for you and our children.  I have every confidence that the Lord will deliver me back to you, Kayti and Ryan.

I love you, Scott

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Hi name is Kirsten, and I am the author of Inside/Outside. If you are new to the site, please read About The Letters and make sure you Subscribe To My Feed. To learn more about me and my interests, check out the About Me Page.

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