Today’s a very tough day not having Kristen here- the first Valentine’s Day in 24 years (counting our dating times) that we have not been together. Most of those years, I would have given her a special gift from Victoria Secret or another gift, then a special dinner with just the two of us (unless we were speaking at a special event). What incredible memories Lord; thank you for the best lover ever! Kristen was a sheer delight and joy and I am so thankful that I got to be her husband for 22 and a half years. It was truly an honor and privilege and I praise You Lord for the marriage we had. It was so special and unique.
I know that she would want to encourage marriages today- to be full of life, health, great intimacy and oneness. Our Christian marriages are a beautiful portrait of Jesus and His bride the church. So readers; love, enjoy and honor your partner! In doing so, you are honoring the Lord, painting an incredible picture of God’s love for His people and setting a great example for future generations. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Kurt
Dear Kurt, You & Kristen were a Great Example to All with your Christian Marriage ! God Bless You, CMR
Forever grateful for the time and energy you all poured into marriages…many lives and legacies eternally changed!
Praying for you today Kurt!
Kurt,
What a model you and Kristen have been to so many. But, we are grateful to see how much you both cherished each other. Thank you both for showing the Lords favor on marriage. May you be blessed tonight knowing that you have been so loved. Love Doug and Stacie
Kurt, a most beautiful tribute to your darling bride! And, just for the record, she felt the exact same toward you, as I am sure she has told you umpteen times! I love how you honored your vows daily and lived them out…in honor of the One who gave His all for His! God of all comfort is 100% yours today and every day! With heartbreak and hope! Love you, dear one!
WOW! Thank you for a glimpse inside your marriage. How special and genuine you are. It encourages us especially the reminder of the portrait of Jesus and His Bride (lest we think this is all a human endeavor). Started my God-Seeker Bible Study (which I just purchased from Further Still); getting to know Kristen better. Keep it coming as the multitudes grieve with you.
Brother Kurt,
Thank you for your authenticity. These must be raw days for you mixed with relief that Kristen is no longer in pain but also shock, a let down of emotions after a roller coaster year. Our hearts grieve with you and your family. What a PRECIOUS, PRECIOUS family you all are. Thank you for living out your Faith for us and giving us a living guide to grief. Have you ever read “A Severe Mercy” by Sheldon Vanauken (sp?). He lost his wife to a rare cancer after 15 years. It’s their love story and story of coming to Faith in our Savior. He and his wife were atheists until C.S. Lewis befriended them. The book has letters from C.S. Lewis in it. He follows that book later with “Under the Mercy” which takes us through his grief. If you haven’t read them, they may be of some comfort to you. He and his wife Davy remind me of your and Kristen’s deep love. We are continuing to pray for you every day. God Bless you Kurt. I am holding my loved ones even closer these days.
Debbie for Scott and Jackson
Psalm 46:1
Kurt, thank you for encouraging all of us again. In the midst of your grief, you somehow find a way to write, and thank the Lord for all the years you had with Kristen. To honor her and the love you all shared. Thank you for all the marriages you all poured into over the years. The marriage retreat when Troy was in DC was such a joy for all of us who were so blessed to attend. Thank you again. May the God of all comort continue to walk so near to you. In an effort to encourage you, I pray that you don’t grow weary in the battle…grief is so unpredictable, and one moment or memory can cause a wave of emotions that sometimes is physically and emotionally exhausting. I pray you rest in the arms of Jesus….He cares so deeply for you.
Dear Kurt ~
I have not had an opportunity to express my condolences to you and your precious family, due to warfare of my own I am dealing with.
However, here in the still quietness of the wee hours of the morning, I cannot get Kristen off my mind; nor can I get you, Kurt, and your children off my mind.
So, I have been offering up prayers for each one of you.
I KNOW that Kristen is Home, dancing with her Lord, and just as He is doing, she is preparing a place for her family at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. She got there first, and the Lord has His reasons. I praise Him completely for always knowing what is best.
I knew Kristen from Bibles studies held years ago, and also attending many of her speaking engagements. I have to chuckle a little about how patient she was with my ‘insistence’ in calling her Kirsten, instead of Kristen. Even during some of our powerful prayer sessions together, where I would take her hand and pray for God to watch over, bless, strengthen, encourage, and guide, His child, Kirsten … etc., she would NEVER correct me. It was a 50/50 deal. Sometimes, Kristen, sometimes, Kirsten. But, not one single time did she ever correct me. Probably prayed for me!!! 🙂
I just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know very certainly that God is about to do something mighty in your lives. He will continue holding you and your family tightly in the shelter of His loving arms. And, in His timing, He will reveal things to you that only He knows.
Much love to each one of you, in Christ alone!
Continue walking in the dust of His feet,
jean dean <
Gal. 6:9
Dearly Beloved,
Praying for you, Kurt, and your precious family everyday. May the Lord’s light shine on you and may His glory be the lifter up of your faces.
Love,
Sophie for Simon & the gang
We are hurting for you Kurt. You two sure knew how to celebrate and enjoy such an amazing love. I am so, so thankful for such an example. And I never tire of hearing the sweet story of your relationship. Oh how amazing the love between you and your bride was for all of us to see. Your marriage has so profoundly impacted ours, and we are so grateful. Thank you for continuing to pour it out and teach us what you and Kristen lived and experienced. We love you all so much and are asking the Lord constantly to carry and comfort you! Love, Page and Kevin
Hi Pastor Kurt, I’m sitting here thinking of the day we dedicated our precious Benjamin at the Oldham Campus. You were the one that lead the dedication. You have such a glow, and radiance about you! I’m sure strangers know that you love Jesus. My Aunt Pam came to visit me with a broken knee and you prayed with her in the back of the church. The short time I was blessed to be under your pastoral care was wonderful! My Mom told me about Kristin being on the radio. She said ” She has such a sweet voice”. She loved hearing the stories Kristin would share. When I heard the news that Kristen had graduated to be with Jesus, well it hit me like a ton of bricks! We first lost Matt who was my age and now Kristen. That first service after her passing was so emotional. I am so thankful that she made a video for all to see! That was a fabulous gift to everyone, especially for the ones of us that didn’t have the privilege of getting to know her. My heart has truly ached for your family. God truly does let Christians feel one another’s pain. Brother don’t grow weary in well doing because one day you will reap the harvest just as Kristen is right now. One day my Aunt was lying in her bed and it was like my Grandpas face just lit up in her mirror.He said “Live for Jesus, this place is beautiful”!! O know many have and will come to Jesus because of Kristen and your family! I wish I could take away your pain, loneliness, and gut wrenching heartache. We know who is is with us and who will never leave us or forsake us! His name is Jesus!! I don’t feel there are any words I can say to make everything better. I just want you to know that I am praying,and cheering your family on! Gods got a plan that’s so much bigger than us!! Through all of this , I am once again reminded how short this life can be. I will not let the devil steal my joy! I will be about my Fathers business! One day I want to hear “Well done thy good and faithful servant” I know that Kristen heard this ;-)))) God Bless you and your family ,and know that others have cried tears with you!!