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: january 6th – inside/out

by Kirst on October 13, 2010

Hi Sweetheart,

It’s just before dinner on Thursday evening.  Had a good time of devotions this morning.  I’m really trying to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  My prayer beforehand is that God would give me “spiritual bread” for the day, my Manna.  And as I read I am trying to be sensitive to His leading.  To be open and receptive to the verses he “talks” to me with.  Then I let those verses resonate, unfolding and revealing themselves to me throughout the day.  I am also attempting to memorize them, we’ll see how that goes.  Today’s verses are from Hebrews:

Today you must listen to His voice.  Hebrews 3:7

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.  Hebrews 3:14

I’m still letting both of them soak in.  But I have been encouraged by them today, committing them to memory.  I guess I’m always encouraged by verses that tell me to perservere, to “press on.”

—-

I just got back from my visit with JP.  Man, the time really flew by.  I sure enjoyed seeing him.  He is one of those guys, like Doug Damon, that I really miss talking to.  The type that help me live out Proverbs 27:17.  Christian men helping each other become better.  I shared with him some stories of God’s moment-by-moment provision of safety for me, which seemed to hit home with him.  Really it was the moment-by-moment reliance on God that sparked his interest.  He wants to tap into that, adopt it as a way of life.  I think the visit helped to spark the excitement of that “in love” intesity with Christ.  To remind him of our mission.  I shared Hebrews 3:14 and Acts 20:24 with him and reiterated the importance of memorizing Scripture, to “write it on the tablet of our heart.”  Truly the importance of it cannot be overstated.  But it appears that this is an area that so many people struggle with.  I know that I always have.  I would cringe, just like JP did, at the very mention of it.  But I told him that we could help keep each other accountable in that regard.  I look forward to meeting with both of he and Doug when I get out, to continue/resume the early morning accountability breakfasts.  But that will be only after I have has an ample amount of early morning “snuggleage” with my lovely wife.

My heart ached to be home today when we talked.  Mallory moaning, Buddy crying, and you just trying to make it to the end of a long day.  The words that kept echoing in my mind were, “I should be there right now.”  I try not to let the feeling get to me or bring me down, but it’s really hard sometimes.  But instead of allowing the feeling to sideline me, I prayed.  I walked and prayed.  I prayed that God would continue to provide for all of us.  I prayed that He would continue to give you the strength, endurance, patience, love and parental insight needed to successfully navigate your busy days.  And, like always, I prayed that He would reunite us sooner than later…emphasis on the sooner! 

Your husband is very proud of you and is praying for you continually.  I long to be by your side!

I’ll write more later.  Please kiss our babies goodnight for me.  Rest well my love.

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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