Toms Shoes in Ethiopia

Watched this short CBS story about Toms Shoes in Ethiopia tonight. I think Toms Shoes is a really solid company doing really great things. If you're looking for a Christmas gift for someone this year, consider getting them a pair of Toms Shoes--you'll be providing a pair of shoes for a child in need, too.



Watch CBS News Videos Online

And if you're looking to get me a pair, well, I like the Caramel Corduroy Toms! :)

November 25th

Today is November 25th. While many of you are preparing for tomorrow's great feast with friends and family, I'm asking that you would take a moment and consider giving just $25 to support my mission trip to Africa. The Lord calls us to make disciples of all nations. And while some people are called to physically go, others can help make disciples by giving.

If you haven't been following my blog, then let me give you the quick rundown. From December 26th through January 8th, I and 15 others will be traveling with The Mocha Club to Ethiopia to work with 2 Mocha Club Projects (Ambo School & Street Boys and Women At Risk). We'll be spending time serving and loving the people of Ethiopia and sharing the saving love of Christ with them.

Your donation is not only a donation to help fund my travel, but a donation that could very well change the lives of many. Please, if you can, give just $25.

You can give by going to https://www.mochaclub.org/africa-trips. Click on "Make a Donation" and be sure to enter my name (Kristi Kratzer) in the top box.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for you, my friends and family, for your endless love and support. I hope you all have a very blessed day!

Noise Trade

Music. It's one of my favorite things. You've probably caught on to that, right? I have many many musicians whom I absolutely adore, but I also really love discovering new artists. I also really love free music. Noise Trade is kind of the best of both worlds. There are a few artists on there that I know and love. As for the rest...it's like a treasure box of wonderfully amazing music. The best part--it's FREE!! All you have to do is email 5 friends every time you want to download an album/songs. And for people like me who like to share their music discoveries with others, that's definitely not an issue!! You can also choose to pay for the music...whatever you want! Brilliant. Anyways, tonight I downloaded music from 3 different artists/bands. One of the albums is a Christmas mix from Sojourn. And it's GOOD. So so good! I also downloaded Matthew Smith who is part of the Indelible Grace project (a fave!) and some music from Zac Hicks who I've heard of before but never listened to much. Check them all out. Visit www.noisetrade.com and browse around. I'm sure you'll find something to fit your tastes! And then you should email me as one of your five friends :)

And here's the link to download Sojourn (b/c it's an Advent album...and Advent is quickly approaching. So you should get it).

Brokeness

This afternoon I had some good, quality conversation with my friend Angela as we took a walk in the Florida sunshine (yep, it's still 80 degrees here...in NOVEMBER!!!). We were discussing a variety of things when our conversation turned to the topic of brokeness. I hear talk of brokeness a lot, but typically it's in the context that we live in a broken world and to me that translates to there is poverty and injustice and no matter what we do to help, those things will all exist until the coming of the new heavens and the new earth. However, as Angela and I talked about it, I realized that it goes a lot deeper than that. Brokeness affects each and every one of us at a very personal level. Whether we admit it or not, every relationship that we have is broken--even the ones that we think are healthy and good. Yes, even those relationships are broken in some way. We are broken, sinful people and it affects the way we love and relate to others. It is only by the blood of Christ that we are able to experience love through others. It's only because Christ lives in us that we are able to love others and be loved. But I think, that at times, it's good to be reminded that we live in a broken world and we are a broken people.

Personally, I know I expect a lot out of relationships (with family, friends, etc) and when I'm disappointed I have a tendency to do a couple of things. First, I want to blame the people who have failed to love me how I feel I should be loved. And I want to do this without understanding the brokeness that they are experiencing in their own lives. Second, I find myself wanting to replace those broken relationships with other relationships that seem to be whole. But the truth of the matter is this--even those "replacement" relationships are broken.

Do any of my thoughts make sense?

I'm definitely not saying that relationships aren't good things. In fact, I believe that God calls us to relational communities. I just think it's good for us to remember that relationships will never be perfect and that we need Christ to bring healing.

If you have thoughts on this, please share. :)

$25 on the 25th

What are you doing on November 25th? Yes, the day before Thanksgiving. Prepping food? Decorating your home? Checking out Black Friday ads? Amidst all the hustle and bustle I'm asking that you would take a moment to consider giving just $25 to my trip to Africa. Your $25 will not only enable me to make the trip, but more so it will enable me to love and serve the people of Ethiopia. It's just $25, but your $25 will influence the lives of so many individuals. I'm sure there are some of you reading this right now that I may not even know--who are friends of friends. Please, if you can, give. If you have hesitations about giving and would like to ask questions and find out more details, please leave me a comment or email me (kristi.kratzer@gmail.com). To give visit https://www.mochaclub.org/africa-trips. Enter my name in the top box.

Additionally, I'm traveling on this trip with 14 other people who are also trying to raise support. If you have the financially ability and feel compelled to support some of my team members as well, please please please let me know!! I can provide you with a list of names. Even if it's just $5. Every little bit helps.

And of course, if you cannot give financially please continue to support us with your prayers. They are just as important and very much needed.

Thanks friends!

I heart this

I heart this song and I heart this music video. It makes me really happy. Enjoy.

Christmas. Music. Numero 2.

There will likely be many of these wonderful Christmas music posts. Have I mentioned that I completely love Christmas music??? I love the warmth. I love that so many of the songs have strings and trumpets and full choirs. I love the story that's told of the birth of Christ, families coming together to celebrate, peace on earth. So so much to love. And I love resting in the knowledge of the saving love of Christ--something Christmas music typically reminds me of.

Anyway. Here it is. My song for tonight. Click below to listen.

"Let There Be Light" by Point of Grace.

5 weeks until Christmas.

5 weeks and one day until Ethiopia. Want to give? (Please?) Visit https://www.mochaclub.org/africa-trips and click "Make a Donation". Be sure to enter my name into the top box. I'm only 28% to my goal and the trip is quickly approaching. Please give if you can. Every little bit helps. And if you can't give, please pray. Thanks friends. :)