From the Thoennes Six

Happy Birthday dear Kim! May you enjoy a birthday celebration that includes lots of time to ponder all of God's gracious blessings to you over the past fifty years! He is good and his mercies are new every morning! May you continue to grow in faith, hope, and love - to His glory! Warmly, Donna Thoennes (for the six of us!)

From Down Under!

To dear Kim...via Keri.
Hard to believe that we met under such extraordinary circumstances. I still remember our first meeting at Sydney airport when you and Keri visited us in Australia. We picked you up with USA flags on our car and we drove to a couple of iconic places. Keri managed to stay awake long enough but you were out for the count!
It was then your turn to host us in the USA, and support us through the adoption of our children and the unexpected news of our third! You and your family have a special place in our forever hearts!!!
So began a friendship that has lasted two continents and many, many years! Congratulations on your birthday and may God be a blessing to you as always. It is your turn to visit!
With love from Russell, Lorraine, Amanda, Matthew and Ben
Aka The Thomas Family of Sydney, Australia

From Leanne Pruett

I have flown with Kim on and off for the past 20 or so years. It is always a treat to see her and catch up. She is such a professional at work and a very kind person to be around. Her energy is contagious. I have always wanted her beautiful hair and smile.  Really!!  I wish her the happiest of birthdays and look forward to flying with her again. Ps.  I would love to get some gardening secrets from her too. Xxoxo

From the Kistlers

Dearest Kim,

            Happy fiftieth birthday!!! It is hard to believe that the adorable little girl I first met at Claremont Bible Chapel  is turning 50.  I remember all the  older girls at Sunday School fighting over who got to hold you. (Kathy Claussen always seemed to win).

            You have always been such a joy to be around. Your love for all people and zest for life is contagious. Your love for the Lord is very evident.

            I still have the picture of you and Penny Profit (have no idea how to spell her married name), with my husband who was dressed as cupid for Western's Valentine banquet. You looked like you were having fun and I think that summarizes your life. You REALLY enjoy life that God has given you.

            It was so fun seeing you last year when you were in the Springs. You hadn't changed one bit. (Do you ever age)????

            Praying that your birthday is as wonderful as you.

We love you!!!

Love,

 Susan Kistler

P.S. Tim says happy birthday and how did you get so old?? I reminded him that he was even older!!! (He'll be 60 in two years).

Happy Birthday, dear Kim

Its always abundantly clear that your heart is in the right place (even when we're not so sure about the whereabouts of your shoes)!
You are a sweetheart who makes the world a happier place with your ever-smile and good spirits.
Here's to celebrating your successful completion of 50 circuits round the sun and here's to wishing you many, many more.
Enjoy the ride, Kim!
~~~~
Eitan

Thankful for you!

Dear Kim,

Happy Birthday! I hope that today you feel encouraged as you look back at God’s faithfulness in your life. God’s good work in your heart has certainly been evident to all around you, and I wanted to take this opportunity to mention one way in particular that you have blessed me, encouraged me, and been an example to me over the years.

There are many things I appreciate about you, but what I’ve always admired about you is your servant heartedness towards others. I’ve especially been impressed with your dedication to bringing others to church, especially those who don’t know Jesus. You were always organizing rides, rearranging your schedule, and generally going out of your way to include people that I think probably wouldn’t have otherwise come to church. Your consistent love and service to them drew them into our church family and I’m sure ministered to them, but also ministered to me as it convicted me of the need to not just reach out, but to do so with a sacrificial service that would draw people to Christ and his Church. That is what I saw you doing week in and week out and it is something I greatly admire about you.

I’ve loved growing with you through Grace group over the years. One thing that sticks out in my mind is that over and over again I’ve seen you choose obedience to God over your own desires and comfort, even at great cost to yourself. You’ve put your hopes and dreams in the hands of our savior, and it has been a tremendous blessing to me to see God reward you, sustain you, and provide for you as you have remained faithful to him. Thank you for your example of trusting Him, and for letting others in on your faith journey.

Love to you, Kim! I so appreciate you, and hope that you have a wonderful birthday! I am certainly glad to celebrate you!

Love, 
Karisa (for Arvind, Kiran, and Akshay, too!)

Happy Birthday Kim!!!!!

To an amazing lover of God and people!!!!  You have a heart for souls and you care and serve and love so deeply people of all walks of life!!!  Thank you for being my friend and thank you for your constant giving and love! So blessed to have you as a friend and sister in Christ!!