Encore Young Stars

Many hugs, tears and goodbyes (for now) happened tonight. But that doesn't mean it's over, and that doesn't mean I don't love you.

Encore Theatrical Company Young Stars, you have a little bit of my heart to call your own.

Thank you.

Thank you for rarely being afraid.

Thank you for loving each other so fiercely.

Thank you for putting each other first so many times.

That's what it's all about.

I love you. I love you so much that my heart hurts right now. But I'm comforted in who you are, how you've grown as artists and in how you treat each other.

If I can leave you with anything, it would be to tell you that, beyond my love for you is Jesus' love for you. Sing for him, dance for him, share your story for him. When you captivate the audience with your story, let your every motivation to entertain be that you genuinely love them. All of them. And you want them to forget their troubles for a little while. Infiltrate your cast n crew with the love of Jesus.

If you don't know Jesus, I'll show you. He's awesome. He's my joy and my reason for singing. Truly. That's not just a saying. Well, it can be. But when you know Him for real, you really mean it.

And hey, I mean it when I say I genuinely love you so so so very much. Thank you for letting me be a piece of {enchanted} furniture in your precious and beautiful lives.

And thank you for signing the poster for me. It's going up in my new house in Georgia.

In Him, TK

If Your Presence Goes...

 "Give me words to speak."

"I can't think of anything worth sayin'."

In January 2008, the Kirk family (that time it was just two of us) boarded the turquoise space ship called Manley Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee under the leadership of Kevin Cook and Dr. Richard Emmert.  As a family who never was able to stay in one place longer than 9 months, The Kirk's were surprised to take on a full-time job as opposed to contract work.  God couldn't have designed this part of our lives more clearly, and we knew this is where he wanted us to be.

Coming out of 6 years of theatre (3.5 of which were biblical theatres), God prepared Justin and my heart to help Manley get into their new building, and to create worship environments that visually and audibly helped us all as a church family see, hear and feel His beauty and Presence.  Only we were told that this transition would be in 2010.

We thought our journey would end at Manley in 2010, but it certainly did not, and we were more than okay with that!  Manley had become home.  We were saddened by our loss with Kevin Cook, but were so blessed to have him in our lives in those couple of years.  I got the unworthy opportunity of being Worship Interim until (6 months later) we were relieved when the untouchable Michael Turner and his family came back into town.  And he even brought a heart full of gold with him in Kevin Jackson.  How blessed we have become!

We finally got into this new building, and I could not be happier.  My favorite time of the week is our 3+ hour rehearsals on Wednesdays, and our 4+ hour worship time together on Sundays.  What an incredible tech team, band, choir and praise team.  They have become my family.  We have even been meeting at our house for Small Groups, and have grown in our faith incredibly.

His old boss, Kevin, told him to always be open for where God is calling you next, so Justin kept an eye open.  Opportunities had come his way in the past, but God never gave us a peace about them.  Manley was where we were supposed to be.

Until the past few weeks.  This church called Crossroads kept coming up in our prayer life.  God kept telling me to get on my knees about this place.  He even told me to go get boxes (you know, the cardboard moving kind!!!).  He has sent us confirmation after confirmation.  Even when we disobediently think we did not hear Him right, he sends yet another confirmation.

So this weekend, we went down to Douglasville, Georgia (right near Atlanta) to meet the executive staff of Crossroads for a wonderful dinner.  Leaving the BBQ feast with a mind at ease and a basket full of Falcon and Braves gear and some peaches, we went to the hotel to rest for service the next day.

After service and some overwhelmingly incredible conversations, we did not even have to have any more details from any of our new friends at Crossroads.

God said go.

And the lyrics from Shane and Shane ease my spirit:

"If Your Presence goes, I don't wanna stay.  If Your Presence stays, I don't wanna go.  I need You."

If He leads you somewhere, that's where you go.  It doesn't mean anything about what you're leaving behind, and it doesn't mean anything about where you're going.  It's about where He's placed you and why.  Life is about Him.  Our work here is done.  Our work at Crossroads will one day be done even though we're not even there yet.  It may be 4 years, it may be 40.

I just pray that I'm always in His Will.

For such a time as this.

At Crossroads, Justin will take on a new role called the Creative Arts Architect.  He will program the adult worship experiences every week by giving creative direction to the worship leader and video/technical volunteers.  They have two morning services in their main worship center as well as one separate service for each middle school, elementary and preschool filled with dance, acting, singing and puppets fit to each age group.  There is childcare for newborns-2 years old.

Here is a video behind the 10-Year Crossroads journey as well as their website link:

X Story Crossroads Church 10 Year Documentary

Crossroads Church Website

A big thank you to Encore Theatrical Company for making us a part of your team, and for letting us participate as visionaries and volunteers.  I have grown in my craft so much as an actor and as a teacher.  Our love for you is deep and unforgettable.  We are grateful for our time with you.

Not only are we leaving ETC, but quite extraordinary timing happened yesterday.  While we were sitting at Yeah Burger, already decided on following God's call on us to Georgia, Mr. Ed Cunningham calls and tells us he is closing the Lakeway School of Ballet & Dance effective immediately.  They have yet to make a worthy profit, and have to shut the doors.  We are praying for our students to find even better teachers than us, and to keep growing in their skill, talent and reason for dancing.  Many of my students love the Lord, and I have had the privilege of teaching at a studio that allows me to use Christian music to tell stories through dance.  LSB&D, we love you and thank you for loving us so much more back.

Lastly, a big thank you to anyone who had photos or videos done with 29:11 Studios while we were here.  We are forever thankful for letting us be a part of your lives.

We love you, Motown, and are thankful we got to spend this time with you.  You are loved.

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

My Belize Journal Entry

July 6, 2013

As I lay in my mosquito netted, lower-bunk with purple plaid sheets, two fans on my sweaty (but showered) face, mosquito spray, two bottled waters filled with Zooma wonder, I am not ready to talk about the day.  I just don't know what to say or think yet...

Looking back at the day...

As we arrive in the Belize airport, we are greeting by a band, and get on the Hearts of Christ school bus, and take the 1.25 hour bumpy, paved ride to Roaring Creek.  Most houses aren't finished yet because they can't afford to build on all at once.  Many don't even have roofs.

Kids wait at the mission house gate so they can play with the Americans.  Some even come to just sit inside the grounds.

Missionaries Corie and Alicia (natives) drive Justin, Carla Jennings and me around the capital where the American Embassy is glamorous, and its workers have extraordinary homes.  We have a delicious dinner, practiced some music for church tomorrow morning, and then got ready for bed.

Preparing my heart for tomorrow.

'Til tomorrow,

TK

P.S.  I miss Will so much.

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

Living In La Gracia

Yes, that is an oven outdoors.  That is the majority of someone's living quarters.  And this is the trek up to her house:

Her house is the one-room we're walking towards.

 

All smiles because Hearts of Christ built them bunk beds, an outhouse... 

 a tank for fresh water...

because their water used to come from this...

If people can have smiles this big in Belize...

Where are you finding your joy?  They find it in Jesus.

Is your joy truly in Jesus?  Is he a part of your life, or is he your life?

Knowing the difference makes all the difference.

In Him, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com iTunes: Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: @tarabkirk All Photographs Copyright Tara Kirk 2010-2013

What's it like in Belize?

Well, in some places, it's beautiful.  Take the Maya Ruins for example.  It's gorgeous to look at and climb.  You experience an incredible view of Belize and Guatemala from the top of the ruins.  You see nothing but jungle and just a few roads.

And I mean, few.

There are only two main roads in Belize.  They are paved.  Most other roads besides that of the couple of big cities?  Dirt and gravel.  It's tough on your vehicle to say the least.

The sky and natural settings are immaculate...

...while most of the houses and buildings you see are decrepit.

The heat is intense, and the money is sparse.  So drinking often comes out of a pouch instead of a bottle.

And at Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, people come to the gates every single day, wanting the help of people who  know Jesus.

Only HOC is without a missionary/missionary family to live on their grounds to help these people.  The only exposure they are able to have with the people of Belize right now is through the sponsorships of these children.  By ministering to the children, HOC ministers to the whole family.  By giving an education and clothing to the children, the family has higher hopes of having a healthier state of living.  And most importantly, by HOC ministering to the children, the entire family gets to hear and see the gospel.

The most important part.

Visit: http://www.heartsofchristblog.blogspot.com

With love and In Him, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter: @tarabkirk

Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, Belize

Over a week ago, I was in Belize.  And on one of the first days there, I was approached by this little boy's face:

 Sweet, tiny little man of probably 5-6 years old, teeth that looked of wood, asked me if I had a sponsor for him.  Being my first trip with HOC, I did not know what to say as I didn't know the protocol for those who did not have sponsors.  My job was to make the snacks and take the pictures.

Children in Belize have to pay to go to school.  In a recent speech, I heard that about 49% of children can actually afford and go to school.  Out of that 49%, about 60% of them graduate.  Children are faced with the responsibility of making the money for their families, therefore school is not an option or not encouraged.  But through sponsorship, the family is loved on by families like yours, and school is an opportunity and encouragement.  Sponsorship covers their school tuition for a year as well as their uniform.  You can send the child Christmas gifts and letters too, if you desire.  Which you will.  More importantly, the gospel is shared, lives are changed and Jesus is a part of their lives.

Hearts of Christ gets sponsorships from everyday people like you and me.  But if they are out of sponsors, then these kids are simply and sadly left unhelped.  I know HOC would love to sponsor every single kid that comes to the Gate.  But if there is no money to give to the schools for the sponsorship, then it is monetarily impossible.

Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing stories through photographs about our life-changing trip to Belize.  Even though my bunk looked like this...

...we didn't wanna come back.  We weren't ready for America again.  It will never be the same.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB

In the meantime, contact me at contact@2911theplan.com  if you are interested in sponsoring with Hearts of Christ.  We'll get ya on board.  It's a one-time commitment, or you can make last through the years as the child you sponsor goes through school.

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter @tarabkirk

Being Everything for Everyone

Being everything for everyone isn't easy.  And I know a lot about busy.

As a stay-at-home mom, working 3 quarter-time jobs, going to school quarter-time, and doing steady volunteer/hobbies, and... oh yeah!  Being a wife (girls, you can't forget to be that!)...  Hey, I, of all people get it.  There's so much to do, and so little time to do it.

Everyone works in their own ways too.  I am, what books will consider, The Worker.  I can't ever let myself sit still, and if I do, I feel guilty about it unless it's my quiet time with God.

But recently I had a mom tell me I was her hero.  Haha!  Me!  What?  I am a jack of all trades, but have no time to be a master at one, so how could I be a hero?  Well of course, I took it as a joke, as I knew it was merely a kind exaggeration, but it still took a bit of my guilt away.  I feel guilty a lot because of how many things I am involved in, but after much prayer over a long period of time, I still find that I am right where God wants me.  In fact, a prophet spoke over me (and my hubby) about our busy-ness, and how it would continue... Busier than we've ever dreamed, I believe was his point, and that it was all in God's Will.

And still to this day, I find peace.  And I find purpose, even in a struggle that seems most often stagnant, considering.

So I encourage you today with my personal Arizona Chili Recipe.  What?  Did she just say that?  Yes, even a crazy, busy mom like me has time to make a meal that we can all eat on for a few days.  And on a crazy awesome budget!  When funds are low, there's nothing wrong than buying those cheap cans of beans, corn, rotel, and tomato sauce, mixing in some beef and fun spices, and living off of it for a few days.  (*Double tip--buy the bags of uncooked beans.  Even cheaper.  AND they make a cute display in a glass jar.)  My husband and I lived in Tucson for a while, and it was pretty much heaven (although we weren't there during monsoon season...)

Here it is, my ARIZONA CHILI:

Add a can of mixed corn, cooked and drained ground beef, tomato sauce and your favorite diced tomato-mix can to a large pot.

Then add some good ol' cheap cans of your favorite beans in with their juice.  (I highly suggest black beans and chili beans for this one.

Then add a little cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and minced onion flakes.

Let it get boiling hot, then simmer.  The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.  Lastly, put in a Spanish dish and top with some Mexican crumbling cheese (which lasts forever---worth the money), and you've got yourself a Tucson, Arizona home-cooked meal.  Maybe even a bag of Sante Fe rice would help hit the spot on an extra cold night.

 With love,

TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com wonxone.net iTunes: Won By One, Tara Kirk, 29:11 The Plan twitter: https://twitter.com/thetarakirk