One Life

Stories & Songs

2010-08-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

Turns out I wasn't a big fan of wordpress either. I've had this blog for 6 months, and I've just decided what I want to say. Check it out @ www.storiesnsongs.tumblr.com

Thanks!

Why I Love Fall

2009-10-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Fall.

It is a season that I never used to love. It was cold and involved getting up early for school. But as I get older, I have come to LOVE fall. Here are a few reasons:

The leaves turn into colors that cannot even be categorized. I have nearly wrecked my car many a time driving past Drake Park, staring at the trees.
I love that it's getting cold outside, but when I get in my car it's nice and toasty from the sun.
I love, repeat love, watching families gather outside and play in the leaves.
I love all things pumpkin...only for the short fall season. Try to feed me pumpkin pie in April and I might vomit.
I love the expectancy that is almost tangible in the air. Other seasons seem to sneak in, but fall is like a beautiful, colorful dance that brings out the child in you.
Daylight savings time is my best friend (but only in the fall)
When it's over, I get to look forward to Christmas!

Why do you love fall? Is it the leaves? The weather? Football? Or do you, like I did so many years ago, believe that fall is just the nagging precursor to a horrible winter? I hope not, because that's just sad.

Well, I've said what I wanted to say, and now I shall leave you with this thought: 62 shopping days until Christmas! :)

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P.S. I looked over my past blogs and decided I have to get back into this...can somebody help me update my look?

Overflowing

2009-10-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything important to say. I don't have any news or any updates. I don't have any deep thoughts or truths to share. I just love this day and wanted to share that.

Lots of days are not like this one. Lots of days require a fight for joy. But today? Today the leaves are changing and it's still warm outside. Today I woke up from an incredible night's sleep and I can't remember the last time that happened. Today I celebrated with a friend who is getting married soon, and saw another one that I haven't seen in far too long. Today is the perfect day of rest and it's not even over yet!

Today is OVERFLOWING with joy.

Granny

2009-10-15T22:09:00.001-07:00

This is Granny. She's my grandma. Don't mess with her.

Tomorrow Never Comes

2009-09-06T23:37:00.001-07:00

Have you ever made this statement?

"Tomorrow will be different." or "Tomorrow I'll get it right."

I'm pretty sure I say that almost on a daily basis...especially when it comes to cooking. :) Lately I feel like I am on the edge of a cliff - a very high, very large cliff and I am slowly being guided toward the point where I will either fall or fly. In a few short weeks that time will come. And I am looking back at the smooth, flat surface of the cliff - so safe, so far from the edge - and I can still hear the echoes of my voice over years and years: "Tomorrow will be different. Tomorrow I'll get it right."

There is so much I wanted to be, so much I wanted to have accomplished by this point. And I haven't...I haven't. And it's not because I'm not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough - it's because of the daunting escape of tomorrow. You should see my tomorrow. It would blow your mind. It is beautiful and inspired and successful. It is kind and generous and faithful. It is bold and fearless and charismatic. It doesn't judge, doesn't hurt, doesn't get angry. It doesn't doubt or hide or stop trying.

But the truth is - tomorrow never comes. It never, ever comes.

Today is really all I have. If I want to be different, look different. If I want to hold Tomorrow in the palm of my hand - I have to seize it, and I have to do it RIGHT NOW. I know this is all very vague and mysterious, and maybe you're wondering what it is - what I want to change, what I wish I got right. And over time I will reveal bits and pieces (and there are a LOT of pieces). But as I sit here tonight thinking over the years, I just thought I should tell someone - that I should declare it in print TODAY. That I am done waiting for tomorrow.

Because tomorrow never comes.

P.S. I love Steven Curtis Chapman - seriously love him - and I'm thinking of a song he wrote, "Still Called Today" from one of his first albums. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind and heart is a leg warmer wearing, big haired, headbanded, neon loving, pleather rocking 80's girl...and sometimes she comes out to play.

Spring Cleaning

2009-05-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

I am an extremist...especially when it comes to cleaning. Well this weekend, the extreme clean came out and I went to town on my house. And cleaning just isn't cleaning without some serious organization. Organization of what? Of everything!!! And with organization comes the discovery of hidden treasures you never knew you had. Things you've had since grade school - things that you should not have moved 6 times. And so I bring you:

2009 SPRING CLEANING DISCOVERIES:

Item #1: Pentel Marker Set

Yep, I've moved this six times and I still cannot throw it away. This marker set was a big deal to me. I never really had the cool toys growing up. No My Little Pony, no real Barbie, no Carebears...but I had the pentel marker set. I can't give it up...I just can't. What if I need to write my name in block letters and use multiple colors?

Item #2: The address book

This was the first address book I ever had. Remember when it was cool to get stationary sets? Yep, my address book was from such a set. And in it I found the addresses to the following people:

Yep. Carman and Petra. I had their addresses...which means I sent them letters. Go ahead...laugh. I sure did.

Item #3: A starbucks card from my birthday...last year (June 2008)!

Not really sure, who it was from, but I love finding gift cards I didn't know I had!

Of course I found many other things: old cd's, bills I haven't paid, clothes that I'll never wear again...and never should have worn in the first place, old pictures, memories and much more.

What is the strangest/funniest/most interesting/best thing you've ever found during spring cleaning?

Good Friday

2009-04-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday.

It is a day most of us don't even think about, or even know about. I've been a believer in Christ for as long as I can remember, though only a follower for 10 years. And one thing that amazes me is how God is able, every year, to show me new truths and new mysteries about Easter.

This year's revelation - Sovereignty.

The Sovereignty of God is His rule, His Lordship, His indefatigable greatness. It is the fact that He is untouchable and unstoppable. He is all powerful, all wise, above all, before all, ruler of all. He created Heaven and Earth - all the majesty of creation was inspired by just a Word. He is Sovereign, majestic and powerful and deserving of all honor and worship and respect.

But on this day in history, He got none of that.

The giant God of the universe became small. On the cross He set aside all power, all beauty and all majesty to do the most powerful, beautiful, majestic act of all: save the ones who put Him there.

Mmmm. It really is a Good Friday.

The Life Changing Pear

2009-03-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

At last...

The time has come...

Prepare yourself...

Take a deep breath...

Because here comes the pear. First allow me to entice you with a picture:

Now, allow me to give you this life changing recipe (courtesy of a YOU book):

Roasted Pear with Raspberry Coulis, Chocolate & Pistachios

1 large red pear
1/2 cup white wine (high quality)
6 ounces frozen unsweeted or 1 cup fresh raspberries
1 tbsp mini semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 tbsp coarsely chopped pistachios

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut pear in half; remove core with a melon baller or metal measuring teaspoon. Arrange pear halves, cut side down, in a shallow baking dish. Pour wine over pears. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until pears are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Meanwhile, puree raspberries in food processor; strain and discard seeds. Transfer roasted pears to serving plates, cut side up; sprinkle chocolate chips over the pears (the heat from the pears will melt the chips). Combine pureed raspberries and liquid remaining in baking dish in a small saucepan. Cook over high heat until sauce is slightly thickened. Spoon sauce over and around pears; sprinkle with pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.

And there it is. Mind you, when I first red this recipe I expected it to be sour and bland. But it most definitely was not. I recommend adding a few more chocolate chips and a tiny scoop of french vanilla frozen yogurt.

The best part? It's healthy! There is no sugar, no butter, no oil of any kind!

Three cheers for pears!!!

A Brief Intermission

2009-03-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Who knew a pear could cause such excitement and such disappointment?

A little over a week ago I promised a post on a life-changing pear, and it never happened. I have been met with much scrutiny for this fact, and for that I apologize. It was absolutely my intention to post the pear, but sadly (as it often does) life intervened. The kind of life that leaves you without internet, without time and without a post.

I promise to post that pear for you tomorrow come hell or high water (what does that even mean???). But for now, if you'll allow me a brief intermission, I have something to else to say.

Those of you who faithfully read this blog (all two of you) will have noticed a change in my posts in October both in frequency and content. It wasn't that I had nothing to say, it wasn't that I was too busy, it wasn't that I lost interest. Quite the opposite actually - I had so much to say, but wasn't ready to say it yet, at least not to the world.

In October I lost my job. Now I know that in this economy, that is a sentence uttered far too often by far too many people. Losing a job means losing income, security, stability. But for me, it also meant losing part of my identity. I realized at the worst moment that so much of how I defined myself was wrapped up in my job. It has been a painful season in many ways, but also the kind of season - the brutal winter - that makes you believe spring will knock your socks off.

I wrote a post back in September that I looked at again today, and I looked back at my own flood season. And I am so amazed at how God was preparing me for it - for every hurt, every hardship He had an answer laid out in front of me. This one met me one October afternoon:

"By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
-Romans 5:1-5 (The Message)

I spray-painted that verse on my soul and held it out for the enemy to observe. And you know what? I made it through. And I didn't just survive. Something was shaped and built in my life that cannot be shaken. Although this has been the most difficult year of my life, I wouldn't trade it - not for anything. And my identity? It is now free to be hidden in Christ like it was meant to be all along.

I know there are many people out there facing similar circumstances: losing jobs, losing loved ones, just losing. But I hope that this sparks in you the reminder that you will be standing right where you always hoped you would be - out in the wide open spaces of God's grace.

Coming Soon

2009-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dear blogging friends,

I'm sorry that it's been so long in between posts. I have two great distractions in my life currently: cooking and the gym. And I'm not even sorry! I have fallen in love with cooking which I have wanted to do for a VERY long time, but have never had much passion, interest, skill, time, etc. to do it.

And so, since I want to keep this sad little blog alive, I will be posting recipes. Maybe daily, maybe weekly...who knows? But they will be so so good, and so so healthy and so so easy! Because I need that combo in my life, and I'm sure you do too.

Tomorrow will be the first one. And all I have to say is, I never thought a pear could change my life...

Until tomorrow,

Katie

Life Lessons

2009-02-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

I've been in Portland the past few days, and I've learned a few things while I've been here. I'd thought I'd take the opportunity to share some of them with you:

1. Don't shoplift, even on accident, which leads me to #2
2. If you're holding clothes for your friend while she is in the fitting room, DO NOT put said clothes under your jacket and then forget about them until you're out of the store and things start falling on the ground and everybody is looking at you and thinking that you're a criminal.
3. Graciously return said items and realize that you nearly started a career as a small time theif.
4. Do NOT buy a denim onesie, just don't.
5. Do NOT buy a yellow polyester onesie.
6. Enjoy your friends - they provide nice memories...and shoplifting stories. :)

Allow Me To Change Your Life...

2009-02-03T16:59:00.001-08:00

PICO DE GALLO :
4 small vine ripened tomatoes
2 large avocados
1 lemon
4 small radishes
2-3 inches cilantro (from bunch)
¼ onion
Salt to taste

Finely chop tomatoes, onion, radishes and cilantro and place in medium bowl. Slice avocadoes into 1/2 chunks (larger pieces keep your pico from turning into guac) and place into bowl. Roll lemon with your hand to loosen juices, cut in half and squeeze juice into mixture. Add salt to taste.

Tip: Before placing chopped tomatoes in bowl, put them in a strainer and run some cold water over them and drain well. This keeps the pico from getting too soupy.

That's it! Have your whole life changed! You're welcome. :)

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P.S. Photo above is not how it should look, but I am unable to take pictures of food without it looking gross to me.

This one is mine. See?

Thankfulness

2009-01-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

I admit I've been horribly lax in my blogging. In my defense, my life has changed quite a lot and let's just say I don't have as much time as I used to. I won't make any promises about blogging more. I'll just say that I really hope to!

Anyway, to tide you over I thought I would just give a little shout out to my friends. My wonderful, amazing friends who I look at and can't believe how much God has blessed me. I recently had to say goodbye to one of them and it just cemented in my heart how lucky I am. We go on adventures, we dress like crazies, we throw theme parties every chance we get, we live life together and it's the best.

I love you guys! Thanks for thinking I'm cool. :)

Mmmm...

2009-01-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

Clean house
Finished laundry
Soft music
Many candles
Beautiful Psalm
Worn pages
New year
New mysteries
New answers
My pen
His Presence

Sometimes my life is just this good.

Christmas Expectations

2008-12-24T10:25:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a year it has been. As I look back on all that has happened this year I realize that this is definitely the hardest season I have ever walked through. And not only me, but most everyone I love has been affected in one way or another.

But it's Christmas!

And Christmas means time with the family, Christmas dinner, presents (grr), laughter, stockings, Mom's quiche, my brother putting on every single present he opens (even if it isn't clothes), and so much more.

At least that's what I was expecting.

But this Christmas is definitely not that. It looks a little more like medical bills, chest xray, new meds, Dad in the hospital, no time for dinner, no money for presents. And honestly, my first reaction was: This Christmas is a bust.

Until I remembered something...

Last week while leading worship, I said something that I was reminded of this morning: "Jesus does not disappoint." This has been a hard year for most people - losing jobs, losing loved ones, losing faith. And if my expectations for Christmas, or any other season for that matter, are placed in the "stuff". Stuff like dinner and quiche and "how it's always been", then I find myself disappointed - disappointed because my expectations were not met. But, if my place my expectations for the season in Jesus - that He will be just as good this year as last, and just as available, and just as much my Savior - He will not disappoint. And suddenly everything else is an add-on. Spending Christmas in the hospital with my family goes from a miserable thing to a wonderful blessing.

Expectations are a funny thing, and I'm learning a lot about how they change my thinking. What do you expect Christmas to be? I hope you find your expectations exceeded in who Jesus is and that you find yourself blessed beyond measure, no matter what comes your way. Merry Christmas!

Thankful and so blessed,

Katie

Snow Survival Tips

2008-12-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened. The first snow has hit and Bend (and all the rest of the state) is freaking out appropriately. Since I know many of you bloggers out there may have just moved to the area, I thought I'd offer some insight and wisdom from a seasoned snow lover like myself. So, get a pen and get ready:

DO

Get an ice scraper. This is priority # 1 people.
Get some thick gloves - the kind that make you have sausage fingers. (This helps with #1)
Get a spare key and hide it somewhere good.
Learn to crochet or knit - it comes in handy when you're poor and cold.
Run to the window expectantly every morning to see how much snow has accumulated (if this is done with some sort of ridiculous slippers such as giant ducks, there is a bonus).
Stock up on airborne and vitamin c.

DON'T

Try to scrape your windshield with your debit card. Just trust me.
Forget gloves - they are like gold. Thick gold that keeps your hands at a temperature that is not painful.
Lock yourself out of your house in 4 degree weather. Let me just save you some time and tell you that the recycling can is not tall enough to get you high enough to get to the roof...and it's slippery.
Spend lots of money on cute hats and gloves - just don't. If you're going shopping - invest in boots because you can't knit those.
Run into the window when you check to see how much it snowed.
Stop taking vitamin c. Never, ever, ever, ever stop.

Well, there you go. Now you are wise and seasoned and ready for anything.

Happy Snow Days!

"Finish what you start."

2008-12-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

As dictated to me by the Holy Spirit this morning. Thought I'd share.

Today's The Day

2008-11-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that we're supposed to be thankful, to count our blessings, to be near our loved ones. And so I'm willing to play by the rules. This year has been without a doubt the hardest year of my life. And I know that is the case for many, many people. And do you know what it has made me realize? (Say "no", and ask, "what?") It's made me realize how selfish I am. It's made me realize that I cling much too tight to the things of this world, and not tight enough to Jesus. It's taught me to be thankful in any season, no matter what. And so here's what I'm thankful for. Are you ready? You should maybe sit down...

I'm thankful for my loss.

It's true, I am. You may not always know it at my low points, but I can already see a glimmer of what God is doing in me through this, and it is really good. He's doing something that He couldn't have done if I weren't so stripped bare and without. And when God works on you, He makes you look more like Jesus...which is kind of the whole point. As much as I wish I hadn't gone through a lot of what has come my way this year, the end result will be well worth it and I'm 100% certain of that.

So on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day, I hope you are thankful, if for nothing else than the air in your lungs. Because you know what - it's God's air so you are blessed. I love you dear friends. Thanks for reading and loving me and I wish you so so much joy on this amazing God-given day.

Thankfully,

Katie

My Life In 72 Hours

2008-11-14T16:10:00.001-08:00

Let me just say, this isn't going to be pretty...

Tuesday night/Wednesday morning: unutterable depths of the plague
Wednesday day: the most pointless TV shows in existence, no movement for 12 hours
Wednesday night: the most pointless nighttime TV shows in existence, no movement for 6 hours
Thursday morning: dare to emerge from the house, head to work for 3.5 hours, then go home
Thursday afternoon: eat a small amount of food, vow to never do it again
Thursday night: continuously regret all amounts of food ever eaten in my life
Friday morning: regret still in tact, stomach missing, will to live missing, pointless TV shows still in tact.

Well friends, I could have been more eloquent, but mostly it is just driving me crazy that I haven't posted anything in what seems like an eternity. Until next time, remember:

Food poisoning is a foretaste of hell. And trust me - you don't want to go there.

The Lighter Side - EPI 2

2008-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

If I were an animal...

I'd be a chameleon. There's no doubt in my mind.

I was so surprised, shocked, thrilled, ravenous (wait, wrong use of adjective...sorry), and inspired by all of the comments from the last Lighter Side post. I hope you'll all keep posting your quirks, as it brings so much joy to my little heart.

So, for this week, I thought we'd take it from a new angle. See, I've had many conversations this week in which I have referred to myself as "the chameleon". And I've been met with a few confused looks. So, let me explain why I am a chameleon:

It's the only animal that gets to change its "clothes" as often as it wants.
I'm really good at impressions, which is funny, but also a curse because people are constantly repeating a line and then begging, "You do it, Katie!" Which would be great...if it didn't make me look totally stupid.
I tend to mimic people's style in song. This was evidenced when I discovered a tape of me singing My Heart Will Go On along with a recording of the song. And I probably thought I was singing normal, but I was totally mimicking Celine. I've never laughed harder! "Neahhh....Fahhhhh...whea - ehhhvahhh you ahhhh."
I pick up accents really easy. I've tried not to, but it's inevitable. If you have an accent and I'm around you for 10 minutes, I will have an accent. It's terribly embarrassing

There are probably other reasons, but I think you would now agree - I am a chameleon. I don't try to be, it's just who I am! Which leaves me just one question...

Which animal are you and why?

It is so good

2008-10-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been at the Oregon Coast since yesterday, and it is marvelous. Sadly this is the only picture I have so far as my camera is totally dead (this is from my cell phone). So, since I have no pictures, I will simply use captivating and picturesque words that will allow you to see it all in your minds.

Wow.

Anyway, here's my day today:

Get up and go for a run on the beach. (Wait I said I'd use picturesque words. Allow me to restate that: Awakened by the rising of the crisp, warm sunlight I sprang to my feet and pulled up the blinds to allow the sunlight to flood the room. You could see the waves crashing against the giant rock and smell the ocean. I put on my tennis shoes and ventured out to the beckoning sand and ran as far as my feet could take me.)
The most decadent and wonderful breakfast imaginable at The Grateful Bread. Perfect blueberry pancakes delighted my senses.
Many card games and much merriment
A climbing adventure to the top of a cliff where we got soaked as the largest wave I've ever seen crashed against the rocks, giving me a new respect for the ocean, and a healthy fear for my life.
Long walks on the beach - several, actually.
More card games
Dinner at The Pelican - beef medalians so tender and decadent, garlic mashed potatoes and crisp vegetables
Now - blogging about my adventures, preparing to eat lots of oreos - thus making me start my day tomorrow just like this one.

Now that I have sent you on a great adventure in your minds and incited much jealousy, I leave you to your non-beach lives. Stay tuned for more picturesque words as I do not anticipate a camera recovery.

The Lighter Side - EPI 1

2008-10-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

I've spent way too much time in the last few months crying over stupid things, or big things, or really big, important, life-altering things. Well, anyway, let's just say I've been quite dehydrated. With that being said, I thought I would start a series of posts called "The Lighter Side" because let's face it - we all need it!

The problem is I didn't really have a brilliant idea for today's post. So instead of brilliance, we'll settle for adequacy in a list I like to call "Weird things I do." Do you ever catch yourself doing something, well, weird? You're probably fortunate enough to think that you're 100% normal, so you can't relate. But on the off chance that you have 23% quirk or 45% freak in you, this could be a fun comment list.

So without further adieu...

I say warm like farm, arm, charm. It is my nemesis.
I blow in cups before I use them. This is probably due to the fact that I had a bad experience with dirt in a cup as a small child...but I'm not sure.
I have to eat my food in sections. (All the peas, then all the mashed potatoes, then all the salmon...yummm salmon...)
I'm really tall. What? That's not weird enough to make a weird list? Well, it's my list! I'll do what I want!
I sleep with both my arms over my head - with one across my forehead. This is because when I was a little girl, I believed a prince would come find me in my sleep and I wanted to have the whole "damsel in distress" look down. And now I can't sleep any other way. It's terrible.
I hate soap. Hate it. Hate the residue. Hate the word residue. Hate that it never gets cleaned up if some gets on the counter. (Don't worry - I don't smell bad. I use it. I smell like roses.)
I create attack plans for rapists or robbers sometimes when I can't sleep. I could write a book, and I pity the fool who breaks into my house!
I color code my closet.

Well, that's all for today. There are many more - OH - so many more! But now I leave it to you:

What's one weird thing about yourself?

You can't stop the flood...or the train

2008-10-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

I took this picture back in September in the flood ravaged parts of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We drove downtown (where we could) and saw all the buildings, businesses and homes that were completely destroyed. Glass was broken, buildings were crumbling, houses were abandoned. And then on the side of a jewelry store was this spraypainted sign, We Survive. A small glimmer of hope among destruction.

I've been reading in the book of Acts lately how the early church was formed, how Stephen was murdered and persecution scattered the believers, how the gospel was preached no matter what and how the church survived everything thrown at it. And then there's Job - the man who lost everything, but refused to curse God.

And you know, you can't stop a flood. I can't prevent suffering in my life, but I can respond to it. And I am determined, that where the enemy has come in like a flood, and wrecked and ravaged what I have built - I am not going down without a fight. I will break out my spray can and declare that I am going to survive. The walls will be re-framed and repainted. The cracks in the foundation will be repaired. And what the enemy meant for evil, my God will turn around for good. And I'm just crazy enough to believe that my declaration displayed on my brokenness will give others a reason to hope.

__________________________________________

P.S. Tomorrow look here for the lighter side of life. I'm back!

Bigger And Better

2008-09-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Then He told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!'"
-Luke 12:16-19 (The Message)

Friends, this is us. Me. You. Way too much of the time. In America, the land where greed is admired, we learn to get bigger and better. That is the American way. And it's killing us. Today is a historic day, and to be honest, the state of our nation is starting to keep me up at night.

I look at the economy and the wars and all that's going on and I start to get that anxious, butterflies-in-the-stomach kind of feeling. It's been with me all day, in fact. I don't feel settled, I don't feel peaceful. And then just when I'm at the point of losing my mind, I read this:

"People who don't know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works."
-Luke 12:28ish (The Message)

I know God. He is good and loving and faithful and extravagant. And the way He works? Good, loving, faithful and extravagant. He brought the nation of Israel out of bondage. He fed the 5,000. He sent His Son to pay the worst price for my worst sins. And I'm figuring something out. That the battle is not won or lost in the economy, or in Iraq or in the election. The battle is won or lost in the arena of my mindset.

It's time to change my mind.

Vacation Time, Ya'll

2008-09-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, I went on a quick trip to Iowa. The response I got from most people was, "Why the heck are you going to Iowa?" and "Where is Iowa?" and "What's an Iowa?".

Needless to say, most Oregonians spend the majority of their life completely clueless to the fact that Iowa even exists, let alone ever visit there. However, since that is the land that produced my family, I have visited there many times. I know by now what to expect from Iowa: corn fields, chiggers, locusts, humidity and good times. But this time, I went to the city. Iowa City, that is. And it was a whole new experience. There were still locusts and humidity and good times, but no corn fields and NO chiggers! PRAISE THE LORD!

I went for the baptism of my little cousin, Sophia. I'm one of her godparents.

She is absolutely adorable and only cried 9 out of the 10 times I held her.

Here are her parents, and my uncle and new aunt, Matt & Ping:

Did I mention I have a giant family? Oh, well I do. My mom is number 5 of 7 kids and so I've got a whole lot of cousins and aunts and uncles. On this trip I also got to see my Uncle Mark & Aunt Sue, and my cousin Anne.

Other than Mark & Sue, I hadn't seen my family in twelve years. But the great thing about my family is that it doesn't matter if it's been 12 years or 30 years. You just pick up where you left off. And you eat corn. Lots and lots of mouth watering corn on the cob.

Mmmm....hang on a sec.

Mmmm........yummy......yum...

Okay, I'm back. Sorry about that.

It was such a great trip and I had a blast. Even though I am not at all a country girl, I love Iowa becomes my family comes from there, and in a strange way it reminds me of home.

And corn. Yum......

One Life

2008-09-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

One life can make a difference. Just one.

I was constantly reminded of that when we went on our annual CLC Encounter Retreat.

I watched as young men and women laid their lives down at the foot of the cross.

I watched as they traded in old identities for new ones.

I watched as they traded old mindsets for new ones, and I couldn't help but think of Hebrews 11.

Every person mentioned in that chapter stood for God in amazing ways. And what I find even more incredible is that so many of them stood alone. I thought about Paul, Esther, David, Deborah. Each one representing one life that made one big, enormous difference.

If all it takes is one life fully submitted to God, what could happen with 15?

Doesn't it just make your spirit tingle?

I love this picture. They look so small compared the the giant mountain (okay, hill) in front of them. But they conquered it - all of them. Together. And I have no doubt that they will conquer every mountain they face, physical or spiritual. Because you know what is more powerful than one life fully submitted to God?

15, 16, 17, 250, 5000 lives fully submitted to God and fully invested together in His Kingdom.

Tingly.

This Really Isn't My Style...

2008-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

What I'm about to blog is not at all my style. I'm not really the let all your feelings out for all the world to see kind of girl. But for the next few sentences, I will be.

Unsettled. Do you ever feel that way? Like a baby being lifted out of it's crib, not knowing where it will end up. Back in the crib? In a parent's protective embrace? On the changing table? In the high chair? I feel that way now.

Unclear. There are so many changes stirring right now. Changes I wish I even remotely understood. But I don't. I feel like a puzzle piece trying to find its place in a constantly changing landscape. Perhaps - if the changes could relegate themselves to just one, or even two areas of my life - perhaps then I might be able to catch my breath, take a moment, renew my perspective. But no.

Uncomfortable. I love home. I love security. But I'm short on both right now. Compared to millions my discomfort is something they would trade for in a heartbeat. I know it's comparably small, but it matters to me. So I have to believe it matters to Jesus.

Unresolved. I'm not asking for answers, or looking for attention. I just had to get this out there. If any of you had doubts (though I highly doubt that's the case) that I was a regular, twisted soul like the rest of the world, now you are certain of it. Let me be clear: Jesus will provide the answer. He will give me peace and He will bring me through this. He just hasn't yet. Sometimes I think He likes to use these seasons to sift me so that I can be more like Him. He is good that way - at least He's using this junk for good. He is using it so that I will be stronger. He allows it so that He can build something in me. So that when all is said and done, I will be...

Unshaken.

Dad

2008-09-18T12:06:00.001-07:00

Today is my dad's 59th birthday. That, in and of itself, is a crazy fact. Somehow my dad has stayed a solid 40 years old in my mind, until today when I actually did the math. He is an amazing husband and father and I have learned so much from him. Here are a few things:

How to change a tire. He wouldn't let me drive my car until I'd changed my tire 5 times. Turned out to be helpful...many, many times.
How to build a house. Namely, my house. Okay, so maybe not the whole house. Okay, so he just let me help. Okay, so I mostly watched. Okay, I suck. Sorry, dad.
How to work hard. My parents are the hardest workers I know.
How to ride a horse.
How to manage thick, curly hair. I got it from him and he's got a rockin' fro!

My relationship with my dad wasn't the greatest in my teen years, probably because we're very alike! We're both passionate and opinionated...even to our detriment. And we both stand up for what we believe in. Oh and did I mention I was a jerk in high school? Anyway, last year my dad was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. It's funny how moments like that can strip away all frills and seeming importance and boil a relationship down to one thing: I love my dad. I love him with all my heart. I love that he's a die hard Raiders fan. I love that he loves my mom. I love that he cried at my brother's wedding. I love the way he eats popcorn. I love my dad.

Dad, I know you don't read my blog (what???). But mom does. And when she prints this out and reads it to you, I hope you know how very much I love you. And if I could wish anything for you today...it would be that you would get the big cup. (Long story...)

Happy Birthday, Dad!

___________________________________________

P.S. This is my 50th post! Yay me!

He Answered

2008-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at the overwhelming statistics that exist in our world today?

Every 15 seconds, another child becomes an AIDS orphan in Africa
Every day 5760 more children become orphans
Every year 2,102,400 more children become orphans (in Africa alone!)

143,000,000 orphans in the world today spend an average of 10 years in an orphanage or foster home, but...

Every 2.2 seconds, another orphan child ages out of the system with no family and no place to call home. So, by the time you are done reading this blog, about 23 orphans will be homeless. Many of them get trapped as sex slaves, and the cycle continues.

It's overwhelming, and difficult to know how to help. But you CAN help. I CAN help.

Many months ago, my friend, Bo Stern, looked at these statistics and asked God possibly the greatest question that can be asked: "What can I do?" And He answered. Big. Many of you will read her blog and learn about Amani. But if I can get this to even one person she can't, that's powerful.

Want to know more? You should! Click here.

My Job

2008-09-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

I get paid to be here.

I get paid to eat this for dinner

And this for breakfast!

I get paid to work with these amazing women

And these awesome guys

I get paid to wake up to this

And this

And to hang out with these weirdos

And to climb this :(

I get paid to watch young adults have their lives changed.

I get paid to be here.

And tomorrow maybe I won't. But for now, I'm really grateful for where God has placed me. And not just that I get paid to do it - because let's face it, I'd do it anyway - but because 15 people that surrender their lives to God can change the lives of 15 million. And that's not a hopeful dream, it's a fact. And I'm reminded that serving Jesus is a REALLY good life!

Stay tuned for more stories from CLC Encounter!

My exciting night

2008-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

So, last night I found out that Coldplay was coming to Westside Church to do a concert. They decided to do one West Coast show and we were it! You can imagine my excitement when Chris Martin walked through the door of the church...which actually looked like a very strange attic. Huh. Anyway, the band came through and a few of my friends and I were there to greet them. Being in leadership at Westside Church, we were charged with helping them set up.

The date was June 15th...huh. Anyway, being that it was June 15th I made the remark that having Coldplay come was such a great birthday treat. Well Chris overheard me and said, "I didn't know it was your birthday! We're going to have to do something special." He then proceeded to tell me that for my birthday, he would fly me to New York City on his private jet! I said a very small "thank you" and then rested my head on my friend's shoulder and cried a little.

Why was I crying? Well, I want to go to New York City more than anything in the world - and the fact that of all places, Chris Martin picked that...huh. Well, it was just an overwhelming happiness and I didn't know what else to do. Of course he asked what was wrong, and my friend, Mekenzie told him about my deep love for NYC. So he upped the ante. He got me a private session on the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink and more things that I just can't remember.

All in all, it was the greatest night of my life. Huh.

Moving...and an update

2008-08-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

I moved on Sunday. I wasn't expecting to, but an opportunity for a cute little yellow house with a balcony presented itself, and I just couldn't pass it up. It's a great little place, and sooo much better than the place we were before.
But there was just one problem: moving. I hate moving. It is one of my least favorite things in the entire world. The process of neatly packing everything up, just to drive a little ways and unpack is so frustrating and exhausting!

Also, I have really weak arms - did I mention that? Well they are uncharacteristically weak - very unlike my friend, Lindsay, who is freakishly strong. It's true - don't mess with her.

As I was getting things ready to move, I stopped just for a moment and considered calling it off. That's how much I hate moving. But you know what motivated me to keep going? A new balcony. Washer/dryer hookups. Two bathrooms. More than one outlet. A dishwasher. The place I was going to was so much better than the place I was leaving. And I knew it.

But what if I didn't?

There is not a chance that you could get me to move somewhere I'd never seen. No way, no how. What if my new place had no outlets? What if I had to share a room with a girl named Helga (no offense to you Helgas out there)? Without knowing where I was moving to, the work would not be worth it. It would be too great a risk.

And then I realized: God asks me to do that all the time. He asks me to pack up my mindsets, my neatly organized perceptions, my comfortable ways of doing things, and asks me to move them into a better place. Somewhere that they will be challenged and changed. The catch is that I've never seen that place...but He has. And suddenly my battle is not with the work it takes to move, but with my faith in who God is. Because if I really believe that He is good, then He will take me to a good place - even if it is hard to get there. But too often I've dreaded the task of moving, and missed out on God's plan for me.

Change can be intimidating, seasons are shifting, and moving sucks...but God is good.

"Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard. He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For You, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance." - Psalm 66:8-12 (NIV - UK)

I long for the faith it takes to get to the place of abundance. Don't you?
_______________________________________________________

UPDATE: There was an ornament hook, a few pens, a highlighter, crumbs, 7 cents, and a receipt in my couch cushions.

God save me from my own twisted brain

2008-08-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning thinking about a lot of things:

Orphans
Money
What my laugh sounds like to other people
If I'll get my laundry done today

AND...

What is in my couch cushions.

Yes, I know - I'm sick. I have a severe problem. My brain gets shut off for 8 hours, and suddenly the alarm rings and it goes into overdrive. And even worse is that then I started thinking about what could be in your couch cushions! Oh, God save me from my own twisted brain indeed!

So if you could help me out and tell me what is in your couch cushions, I think there could be hope. That giant question could be set aside and room could be made for much more important questions, like: What is under your bed?

Oh no! There I go again...

Why Computers Are Sissies

2008-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

So, my computer has been having a hard time lately. It all started one winter day, not so very long ago. I would like to make this small disclaimer - that my computer was purchased in the ancient time of 2003, so it's bound to have issues anyway. That being said... It was a beautiful winter day - the kind of day you want to just sit by a fireplace and read and nap all day long.

On this particular day, I was at Backporch enjoying a delicious coffee beverage and was joined by a friend (who shall remain nameless). On snowy days, sometimes coffee just doesn't cut it. Sometimes you need something a little more comforting...something like tea...tea with honey. Anyway, you can guess what happened next - the tea somehow fell in love with my computer and decided to give it a little smooch...okay the entire cup of tea was poured onto my computer. And since that day it has had...issues.

Needless to say, the days of the beautiful blue Dell Inspiron are over. It has gotten to the point where I can no longer handle it. But here's the thing. I've had tea with honey spilled on me. I've been dropped. I've been shut down. But you don't see me slowing down or shutting off - refusing to get the job done.

Oh no, I press on dear friends. I press on. I don't give up, and I don't quit doing what I was created to do. No matter what information I have to download, or what errors I face, I am faithful to continue on.

And that, my friends, is why computers are sissies.

Sophia

2008-08-11T09:51:00.001-07:00

Meet my newest little cousin, Sophia Mei Schulz. My uncle Matt sent me this pic, and I can't get over how stinking cute she is! I will be flying to Iowa to see her get baptized the end of this month, and I'm excited to squeeze her chubby little face.

Here's one thing that is just an undeniable fact when it comes to babies: chubbier is better!

Vacation Is Where It's At!

2008-08-01T11:09:00.001-07:00

Okay, so after (finally) finding my camera cord, I realized I didn't take all that many pictures. Sorry - I was having too much fun! So here is a very small synopsis of the awesomeness that was Lake Tahoe (shut up it is too a word!)

Friends...

Prehistoric mini-golf...

Winners!

Bears...

Jesus...

Skip-bo!

Casino (It was only a dollar, don't worry)

Birthday (Mekenzie's, not mine)

Massages (Yikes!)

BEAUTIFUL...

Water...

Jetski (My new fav)

Cabin... (I'm the most tan! Yes I am, yes I am, YES I AM!!!!)

Homeward bound...

Now you know all the details about my vacation. But really, Tahoe was great. Thanlks, Mekenzie's family for inviting me! I hope to come back someday!

Can You Handle This?

2008-08-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

The anticipation builds. You wring your hands and your palms start to sweat. Thoughts, questions race through your head so fast it makes you dizzy.

"Will she? Won't she?"

Oh great, here comes the nausea. Who knew you could feel your heartbeat in your head? As if a very small, but very loud drummer has set up shop in between your ears.

"When will it happen? Could it be today?"

You attempt to swallow the lump in your throat, and then... you make a move. The arrow slides ever so gracefully to the left, and selects a name. Suddenly the mini-head-drummer has managed to clone himself (herself?) and triple the volume. It's all you've thought about for weeks. You're sick with anxiety.

"Could it have happened? Please, let it be so!"

Click! Somewhere a symphony begins to play At Last, and a wave of relief and ecstasy sweeps over you. The nausea settles, the drummer leaves and you are left in a deep sea of joy, eyes wide with wonder, heart filled with satisfaction. All those memories of disappointment seem to fade, and you smile and laugh content in the knowledge that...

Katie blogged today.

Tahoe Baby!

2008-07-17T16:44:00.001-07:00

Here's a sad fact.

I have been in Tahoe.

Since Saturday.

But I don't have my computer.

Or my camera cord.

So I can't update like I want to.

But rest easy friends.

I will be posting many ridiculous, jealousy envoking posts when I return to town on Saturday.

Rest easy.

I sure am. :)

You're Welcome

2008-07-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

Ahi Spring Rolls at Typhoon. They'll change your life.

You're welcome.

Making People Cry

2008-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a little known fact about me...okay it's a moderately known fact...okay everybody knows it and they talk about it all the time: I cry. A lot. Seriously. It's bad. But surprisingly I don't cry when I get frustrated, or angry. I don't cry when things don't go my way. I don't cry when people hit me...okay sometimes I cry when people hit me. "Who hits you" you ask? I don't want to talk about it.

What I cry about ranges anywhere from a Kodak commercial to Bo's blog to a good book (The Shack...killed me) to a song, to the presence of Jesus. And because I cry so easily, I pride myself on making other people cry. In the good way. In the "that really just changed my life" way. What can I say...misery loves company. Mostly I victimize Mekenzie, Lindsay and Noel. But I've decided that is not a broad enough range. I've got to expand my influence.

So...watch this.

This video makes me ache. It makes me pray. It makes me hungry. It makes me cry.

I hope it does the same to you.

So Predictable

2008-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

"Predictably Israel cries out, 'My God! We know You!' But they don't act like it."
~Hosea 8:2 (The Message)

My relationship with God was predictable. By this I do not mean consistent...I mean predictable. Meaning that the way I woke up, or the day I had in front of me determined whether or not God would have my attention.

I'm ashamed to say that it wasn't very long ago.

God would watch me wake up, observe my attitude, and note the obstacles and victories I would face. He probably turned to Gabriel and said, "Looks like we'll get to spend some time together today" or "Maybe tomorrow..."

I've always prioritized my relationship with God, or so I thought.

In my mind, I gave Him my whole life. I loved Him, I worshiped Him, I served Him. And even though I wasn't spending everyday in the Word, I trivialized it away, excusing myself by singing a worship song, or going to church. That "counted" right?

Israel lived the same way. They followed the rules, they made the sacrifices...but through all of that, they got to know their religion instead of their God. And when times got tough, they would cry out, saying, "We know You! Come help us!"

So predictable.

I see myself in the story of Hosea. Though my devotional life was hit or miss, when trials came I would cry out to God, saying, "I am Yours! I know You! Come help me!"

So predictable.

But then something changed. Maybe it was desperation, maybe it was frustration, but I got really sick of the person I was becoming. I began to realize in difficult times, that I didn't really know Him like I thought. And the well named Purpose inside of me began to beg. It begged me to get in the Word - everyday even when it was painful. It begged me to dig deeper than I had - to know myself and to know Jesus more than I had ever dared. It begged me to be really honest in my relationships - both with God and with people. It begged me to see beyond today, beyond next week. To see the generations that are coming, to see the injustice in the world, to cry with God, to know His heart.

To STOP being predictable. And I remembered:

"And this is real and eternal life: that they know You, the one and only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You sent." ~John 17:3 (The Message)

To know Him. To have conversations with Him. To figure out what is on His heart. To understand the Kingdom, and all that is within it. To live for justice. And the truly amazing thing is, that everyday I go to find Him, to know Him a little more. And everyday He is there: rain or shine, good mood or bad mood, sinful or righteous. He is there..."as surely as the arrival of the dawn."

I love that He is faithful. I love that He is so wonderfully mysterious, and yet...so predictable.

Feeding People

2008-07-01T16:40:00.001-07:00

About three years ago, I worked as a nanny. That meant 9-10 hours a day taking care of 4 kids...which meant 2-3 meals...which meant Katie needed to learn to cook. I've never been particularly excellent at cooking - I try (probably not as much as I should) but it never turns out quite like I want it to.

But having to cook for children is pretty easy. Their diet consisted of dino nuggets, mac & cheese, hotdogs, mini pizzas, and every other delicacy Costco has to offer. Occasionally I tried to give them something healthy, but they really weren't that interested. :) It's pretty easy, and pretty fun to cook for them.

But then there's the moment when my mom asks me to cook something for Thanksgiving dinner...which usually causes me to go into a panic attack. Not that I'm incapable at cooking, or even cooking well (rarely...), but the pressure was different. These are seasoned adults I'm cooking for. They've had a lot of meals from an excellent chef (my mom rocks!).

What I'm getting at here is that the responsibility to feed people is a big one. It is a big, fat, giant, humbling one.

"But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "

The Word is likened to bread here. And tomorrow night, I am in charge of feeding a hungry Wednesday night crowd. I've been speaking for lots of years now - to Oneighty (our youth ministry for those of you who are new). But it's just easier with them. I know them well, I've been through their season, I'm older, wiser (maybe), etc. But tomorrow night, I'm feeding the grownups - and it makes my stomach a little sick. Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited and so honored...but also very aware of the responsibility.

I would like to add a disclaimer here for all of you thinking, "Oneighty is just as important as big church!" And to you I would say, you are absolutely, 100% right. There is no difference in importance - only in my comfort level. Many people would be terrified to speak to Oneighty, and sometimes I still am. But I've grown there - it's where I learned to speak.

This...this is a whole new deal.

I will be speaking to people who have children older than I do, people that are going through divorces, people hurting and broken in ways that I could never understand.

I guess throughout all of these ramblings, I'm just trying to say that I have a new perspective. I've just had a refresher course this week in the humility and integrity and responsibility it takes to be a feeder.

But people are starving, and I've got food to give...

Thanks for reading,

Katie

26

2008-06-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today, yes, is my birthday. I'm not actually a big birthday person, and am not particularly thrilled to be closer to 30 than 20...seriously it's just wrong. (And all the people over 30 rolled their eyes...and all the people under twenty gasped). So, you ask, are you going to change your profile to say that you are twenty six? Answer: Not on your life.

Anyway, I wanted to do a post on my birthday, and so I give you:

The Twenty-Six Loves of my Life (in no particular order):
1. Jesus (okay, He is in particular order). I am so grateful for His friendship and Lordship in my life.
2. Thunderstorms (hoping for one today!)
3. Coffee (decaf of course)
4. My family (Mom, Dad, Taylor & Kristi, and all my extended!)
5. Sunshine
6. Floating the river
7. My roommate, Noel
8. Bo
9. Grand pianos (if anybody is looking to get me a kickin' b-day present...this is it!)
10. Chips & salsa (is there anything better?)
11. Rosie's
12. New York City (I've still never been there, but I'm convinced it is the most glorious place!)
13. My friends - I love you guys!
14. Boating
15. Shopping (I do, okay, don't judge me)
16. My Bible
17. Ice Skating
18. Vacation spot (it's a place in Bend that feels like vacation every time I step foot there)
19. Office supplies
20. Avocados
21. Salmon
22. Singing
23. Rollercoasters
24. Bike rides
25. Christmas
26. Brooke Fraser (I went to her concert and so we're pretty much best friends now) :)

So, that's it. Truth is, there are many more things and people that I love, but I basically just went off the top of my head. Thank you, friends and family, for loving me for 26 years. I am so blessed to have you in my life. And despite the fact that I'm not thrilled about being 26, I plan on this being an awesome year - one filled with New York City and a great tan.

P.S. I wonder how many silly "Happy birthday" comments I have on my myspace. Oh, I haven't talked to you in 3 years? I should say something on your page...since I feel guilty because my myspace birthday reminder kicked in today. Hmm...what could I say? Oh I know - "Happy Birthday!" That'll show you I care.

The Drive Through

2008-06-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

I frequent drive through's a lot. Mostly Starbucks. Now I know all you Backporch and Thump Locals think that Starbucks is the devil. And maybe it is, but I don't really care because he makes a tasty brew (Pike's place + drive through when I'm running late = score!)

Anyhoo, I tend to be a super chipper person in the drive through. Mostly because I worked the drive through at Bank of the Cascades, and nothing is worse than a driver with an attitude. Then last night I was in another drive through (Taco Bell...it's a weakness, what can I say) and the car in front of us had a bunch of college guys in it. And they were just rude...silly and rude.

So it got me thinking about the different drive through personalities...

1. The Monotone
These are the people who forget there is an actual human being on the other end. So they use the same voice they use when trying to pay their cell bill over the phone. You know the voice!

2. The Yeller
This one makes me laugh because it is usually older people who don't completely understand the sensitivity of the microphone and so they scream their request as loud as they can. Often, you'll notice that the employee does not answer right away. This is because they are desperately trying to muffle their laughter. We're in the 21st century - lower your voice, they can hear you.

3. The Expressionist
Some people are just annoyed all the time. Those people are expressionists. What I mean by this is that the moment they pull up to the speaker or the window, they are already mad. They expect to be disappointed and are pretty upset that you don't already know what they want. But they have some decorum and so they try not to show it in their voice. Instead they have a staredown with the menu. This usually includes 3-4 eye rolls followed by irritated head tilts...which they rationalize by saying, "It's not like they can see me." I have three words for you expressionist: video camera included.

4. The Adapter
Also known as people pleaser. They think it's rude to have any less enthusiasm than the employee and so they will match their enthusiasm no matter how ridiculous or uncomfortable it may be. This person is...me. I can't help it. If the Starbucks lady is thrilled with her "sparkling happy great day", then I am equally sparkling. I will never forget the following conversation I had at a Starbucks drive through:

I pulled up to the menu and waited.

Starbucks lady: "Gooood afternoon, and how are ya on this wonderful day?" (Think high-pitched Minnesota accent)

Me: "I'm great, how are you doing?"

Starbucks lady: "I am doing just fantastic thank you SO much for asking! And what can I get for you today honey?"

Me: "I'll have a decaf grande pike's place roast with cream, please." (Okay that's not what I ordered...but it's what I would today...hint hint)

Starbucks lady: "All right that's a decaf grande with cream Pike's Place roast (I always say it in the wrong order). That's a great choice, and what else can I get for you?"

Me: "That's all I need, thanks SO much!"

Starbucks lady: "Okay, honey that's going to be $1.75. I'll race you to the window!"

Me: "You're on!"

Lindsay, sitting in the passenger seat, laughs at me all the way to the window. And I had to laugh at myself. People who know me well would probably not characterize me as a bubbly, giddy kind of person. But that's who I turn into - Starbucks lady has magical powers.

P.S. The adapter might also steal ideas about lists from certain blogs rhyming with Pluff Grishins Zike.

P.P.S. I love Backporch...never fear.

It's A Meyen Thing

2008-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently it is a Meyen thing to get engaged the same week:

Congratulations Conrad & Karen!

Four In A Row

2008-06-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

1. I'm awesome. I posted four in a row. That makes me awesome. I am a big believer in self-encouragement.
2. Jesus is awesome. (That's not there for any particular reason, just that I can't really say I'm awesome without saying He's awesome...okay I'm not awesome, I'm just exceptional...okay I suck.)
3. You must, yes must check out the following link. Disclaimer: those of you who are Stuff Christians Like fans may have already seen this - it's from early June. Still, I laughed outloud...probably because I was forced to spend a whole summer watching Dora the Explorer...anyway, enough rambling. Here it is:

http://stufffchristianslike.blogspot.com/2008/06/280-true-love-waits.html

They're Engaged!

2008-06-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today, my friends Janna & Kirk got engaged! They came over to show off the ring and get lots of hugs and high pitched screams of excitement.

I am so excited for them and can't wait to see Janna in a wedding dress! Did I mention her last name is going to be Weatherbee? How cute is that!

Well, signing off now. Three posts in one day - I am on fire!

More Soccer Pics

2008-06-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Soccer is the world's favorite sport! Sadly, I had a pulled muscle (or something seriously wrong with my leg) and so I couldn't play long. But I got some good pics during the down time. Enjoy...

Ride the bull!

Please notice Tim's awesome pre-kick form

Contagious Joy

2008-06-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

I work with an amazing woman named Cheryl. She is a recent addition to the Westside Church staff. She is also a recent (ish) widow and a very smiley person. I hadn't really been able to connect much with her or hear her story...until last week.

Once a quarter, the discipleship team (which I am on) gets together to talk and pray and share about our ministries and our lives. When it was Cheryl's turn my whole day changed. She started out by saying how happy she was to be working at the church, that everyday she woke up excited to come to work, excited to be working for the Kingdom. She shared about her neighbor that she's been praying for - that he's seen God's work in her life and wants to talk more about it. She shared how God had blessed her with great friends and neighbors. Everything she said was just dripping with enthusiasm...and I started to feel a little sheepish. I have had a pretty stressful couple of weeks with work and relationships and just life. And I'll admit, I didn't wake up every morning excited to drive to work. And then there's Cheryl - a woman who could be in despair. She's lost her husband and lives alone, supports herself. I'm sure she has many burdens I couldn't begin to understand, and yet I have never seen her frown. In that moment I felt the Holy Spirit gather up some of the joy surrounding her, and breathe it on me. It was like a cool breeze on a scorching day - it makes you thankful, it makes you remember to slow down, to "stop and smell the roses."

Now, whenever I see Cheryl I am reminded of how good God is, how trivial the stuff I tend to freak out about is, and how refreshing joy really is.

Cheryl, I know you probably will never read this blog, but today I am thankful for you!

Why I Am In Pain

2008-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

One word: SOCCER.

Some of our friends decided to make this the summer of soccer (well, it always has to be the summer of something. Last year it was tennis.) Anyway, I wasn't able to play the last two times, but I definitely got to hear their complaining about how sore they were even three days after. And I'll admit, I kind of thought they were a little wimpy. But, I repent...for I have learned that soccer is death to all muscles. Especially when it is preceded by a 3 mile walk in the worst shoes in the world!

Despite the fact that I was nearly incapacitated yesterday, it was so much fun! And my team won! It's great exercise and really fun. I'm so excited to play again! Here are some pics...not really of the game because we were all playing. But here they are nonetheless:

Bigfoot

2008-05-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

I went on an adventure to Goodwill yesterday, looking for planters for my new herbs (more posts to come on that!). While I was there I had to stop by the shoes. Now, I have pretty big feet - but nothing like this!

Volcano

2008-05-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

On Friday, a volcano that has been dormant in Chile for a suspected 9000 years erupted causing the evacuation of more than 4000 people. It caught everyone by surprise, but somebody grabbed a camara. Here's what Chileans were looking at:

It's a crazy time in the world with natural disasters adding up. In case you don't know what's going on in the world, check out the earthquake in China and the cyclone in Myanmar. If ever there was a time to pray for the nations, it is now!

The Secret Joys Of Elevators

2008-05-08T08:28:00.001-07:00

So my office is on the second floor of the church which requires one, yes only one flight of stairs to reach. However every time I'm headed downstairs (or upstairs) I spot that beautiful, beckoning, steel masterpiece calling my name.

Yes - the elevator. I try to be good and take the stairs, but here's the deal: I wear heels a lot and wouldn't want to injure myself! Truth be told I make up lots of excuses for using the elevator...but that's not actually the point of this post.

The point of this post comes from the fact that while I was in said elevator this week, I found myself busting a move (and the move was not at all cool)! I was seriously into it, and suddenly I stopped and laughed at myself and thought of the ridiculous things I do (or other people do) when in the elevator.

Really, it's just 10 seconds out of my day that I can be completely insane and nobody can see me! So, with that being said, here's a list I've compiled (and by compiled I mean totally made up) of funny things people do while in elevators:

Dance
Do a quick clothes adjust (did someone say wedgie?)
Dance ridiculously
Employ the face (or gesture) they wanted to use when having a "difficult" conversation with their coworker
Sing (this one is funny because the elevator is NOT sound proof)
Sniff check (for those of you who don't know this one, that would be head to the right, arm above head, sniff)
Handstands (really Kenz?)
Stretches
DANCE OUTRAGEOUSLY

So the next time you're in the elevator I hope you think of this post. And I hope it makes you laugh. And I hope you do one of the things on that list. And speaking of the list, did I forget anything?

As It Is In Heaven

2008-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

When Jesus' disciples asked Him how to pray, He responded with what we call The Lord's Prayer. Growing up in the Lutheran church, I had it memorized by age 5 and we would say it aloud every Sunday. And even though I know it by heart and have said it thousands of times, I feel like I'm just now beginning to understand little pieces of it. For those of you who don't know it by heart, here it is:

Our Father, who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the Kingdom
And the power
And the glory
Forever and ever. Amen.

The past few months I've thought a lot about suffering. After reading The Shack by William Young (which is still, DAILY, blowing my mind), I've wondered about tragedy, and seeing Jesus through it all. Not just ignoring it, but in the moment - in that most desperate situation, knowing the love of God that is most certainly not absent. Then, that phrase was whispered in my mind: As it is in Heaven... And it began to click. Now when I say click, I mean I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of this revelation! And I can't really put into words what I am seeing and learning and thinking about all this.

So, I gift you with this video. WARNING: I cried like a baby. Have the tissue ready - this video has a cruel twist. I sang this song at our recent Women's Retreat. I hadn't really thought much of the song before, but then I looked up the video just for kicks before I sang it. And...well just watch.

Also, if you want to see a really cute little girl singing the Lord's Prayer, click here! Thanks for reading.

And they lived happily ever after...and her too.

2008-04-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

I'm preaching this Sunday in 180 about the life of David, and I thought I'd take a little break from studying to share this thought that's been swimming around in my head for a few days.

"Then David sent for Abigail to tell her that he wanted her for his wife. David's servants went to Abigail at Carmel with the message, "David sent us to bring you to marry him." She got up, and then bowed down, face to the ground, saying, "I'm your servant, ready to do anything you want. I'll even wash the feet of my master's servants!" Abigail didn't linger. She got on her donkey and, with her five maids in attendance, went with the messengers to David and became his wife." 1 Samuel 25:40-42

I've always loved the story of David & Abigail. It always seemed so sweet to me. In the midst of the "taking of wives" and seemingly no real romantic stories, this one blazed forth. I loved how the New King James Version put it:

"And David sent and proposed to Abigail..."

That's probably the only time the word "proposed" is used. But in our Bible reading this week I read it again, and it made me sad. Here's why:

v43-44: "David also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. Both women were his wives. Saul had married off David's wife Michal to Palti (Paltiel) son of Laish, who was from Gallim."

Blech. Now I've never been married, so I'm only guessing here, but I would say that most of the romance in a relationship could be easily sucked out by the addition of another wife. What is so strange here is that we don't see David ever consulting God about who to marry. Michal is given to him so he takes her, but then she is given away. He digs Abigail's chili (as my roommate would put it), so he proposes. And then he just decides to add a little Ahinoam, a dash of Bathsheba and so on. He looks around at the kings of the surrounding nations and decides to do as they do. He bypasses God's opinion. And my question is:

WHY??

David heard God's voice all the time. He asked a question, God answered. I long for that kind of intimacy and connection with God. So if it wasn't because He didn't hear God, then why?

You know, I think it was David's "one thing."

"One thing", you ask?

Yeah, you know that one thing that you just can't seem to surrender to God. That one thing that you constantly become impatient about or anxious for. We all have them - most of us have that one hundred things.

I know I have them in my life. But I also know that I have promised to love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength for the rest of my life. It's a romantic, passionate, forever commitment and I don't want to pledge my life to Him, and then turn around and pledge it to someone else (or something).

God has been speaking to me a lot lately about the power, influence and beauty of surrender. It's hard to accept that I am not in control. It's hard to accept that I don't get to taste all that the world has to offer. It's hard to look at the cool, popular nations around me and know that I can't be like them.

But I know this: I want romance in my life!

In other news, this is where I want to be RIGHT NOW:

A Stroll Down Memory Lane...

2008-04-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is...

It's not love like we know it like you love your girl. It's a love from above, not of this world.

Also please take notice of the fanny pac. SCORE!

Let this tide you over. Tax day is today, and I will be free to blog!

Stay Tuned

2008-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and faithful blog checkers,

I'm sorry I haven't been blogging lately. I blame it on lack of wireless. I do have a million things milling around in my head and I promise to blog them soon. Until then (Kristin this is for you) stay tuned!

The Sad Truth About Josiahs

2008-03-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

It is inevitable: I love every Josiah I have ever known.

I know them in their infancy and then, every stinking time, they leave me. There are lots of kids I love, but there is something about Josiahs! Maybe it's because all of their parents have had a distinct impact on my life...

The first: Josiah Young

Oh I love love love him! When he was born I just fell in love with him. His parents are Brian & Tara Young. Brian was my 8th grade teacher and was the first person to ever make me wonder if a real relationship with God was possible. But, just after he was born, his parents were called away to far-away Iowa. No more Josiah. :( They do visit somewhat often, though, which I suppose is some consolation.

The second: Josiah Stern (picture stolen from Bo's blog)

I knew this kid when he was born when I was going to another church along with his awesome parents: Steve and Bo Stern. They were my youth pastors and Steve really taught me how to see God as a Father and Bo taught me passion. But (again) just after Josiah was born, God called them to another place and sadly, no more Josiah. :( The good thing is that now I tracked Bo down and am a stage 4 clinger to this family. So I get to see him all the time - yay!

The third: Josiah Earwicker

Talk about the cutest kid ever! I wasn't there when he was born, but now that he's in the states I have been soaking up every possible moment (plus I have the title of official baby holder). His parents are Brent & Virginia Earwicker. Brent and I went to high school together and because of his boldness to an angry, scary wretched girl, I committed my life to Jesus! This little guy is just so precious and so LONG! And he makes cute noises when he sleeps and I'm so sad that he is going away in just 5 days!!! Again, no more Josiah. :( But I guess it's that whole call of God on your life thing. Can't really argue with that.

So to all you Josiahs (and parents) - you are the greatest...and stop leaving me!!!

A Confession...

2008-02-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

I LOVE fresh, new pencils!

And today I walked past the printer just to see this little vase filled with pencils. Sad but true, it totally made my day! I'm not sure how or why, but something about Office Max is therapeutic for my soul. I'm pretty sure I could spend hours looking at pens and pondering the beauty that fresh binders have to offer...ok I'm lying. I'm very sure I could spend hours because I HAVE spent hours doing just that! In fact this morning I needed a pen, and it just so happened I was in the copy room...danger danger! So I meandered over to the magic cabinet of wonder that contains all pens, pencils, highlighters, markers and so much more. I'm ashamed to say I spent 5 minutes evaluating them all! I tested some, took 5 and went on my way (Bo, sorry I was 5 minutes late to our meeting!).

Call me a geek, call me crazy, call me silly (but beware I will get you back with well-crafted sass)...but I just love office supplies!

Goodness

2008-02-09T16:16:00.001-08:00

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good..."

So often we think of God's goodness as dependent on our circumstances.

"You won't go bankrupt because God is good."
"You will totally get married soon because God is good."
"Your house will sell because God is good."

But since when did God's goodness - His amazing character, love and faithfulness get wrapped up in something like personal finance? When did it sink to the level that my finite mind can manage? Yes, God can sell my house and get me married off and fill my bank account...but what if it doesn't happen? God is good - no matter what. Even because of "what." God's true goodness is found in who He is, not in what He does or doesn't do for me.

I recently listened to this sermon excerpt on my cousin's blog and it really touched my heart. I invite you to listen to it (prepare to cry - I DEFINITELY did). It will challenge your perspective of God's undeniable, inexplicable, infinite, perfect goodness. It's only 11 minutes long (just click the little blue play button)...and a worthwhile investment.

boomp3.com

A Man Just Like Me

2008-02-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

"Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly
that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!
Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the
earth began to yield its crops."

I've read this verse many times, and each time I read that he was mortal - not a supernatural being, not divine (obviously) - just a man. Now maybe the following will seem obvious to you, but today it was life to me.

Elijah was depressed - he ran from ministry and gave up on life. I've definitely had my moments where I wanted to give up on ministry - moments where I've been depressed and given up on life. And in those moments, I've heard the whisper of a serpent telling me that God can no longer use me - that in my moments of weakness I forfeited all the ground I gained. That whisper is tricky to fight - my humanity does seem like such a setback at times. If only I could abandon those wretched feelings that hold me down and live always by faith - live life by the Spirit! But I am human - and that fact isn't about to change any time soon.

And so here's the wonderful truth of my Monday night: Elijah was not just as mortal as I am - he was as human as I am.

I want to pray like Elijah prayed and see my prayers be effective - to see the miraculous in my everyday life. And if God made me human, then He must have a plan to use me - not in spite of my humanity, but inside of my humanity.

One of the most influential prophets of the Old Testament - a man who met with Jesus atop a mountain - who raised the dead - who healed the sick - who prayed effective prayers - was a man...just like me.

Camara Aquired

2008-01-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I lied earlier. I said I would blog more if I got a camera, but I've been bad...and I decided I'm not that good at taking pictures! So, here's a mini-update on the last couple of weeks:

TESTING OUT THE NEW CAMERA

CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

Look at my Charlie Brown tree - so well decorated!

My beloved small group - well half of them anyway.

Christmas with the fam

GOODBYE TARA JEAN!

I HEART LAPINE

On the way there

The after party: Red Robin

Jess didn't like her facial expression very much...it was fierce. :)
Punch completed, with extension for flare.Yeah, so I got no pictures of the actual event...oh well.

So that's my little life update. Not too much excitement, but I'm heading to LA Monday and you know what that means...more pictures. Check back soon! :)

Joann Renee

2007-12-12T17:06:00.001-08:00

Okay, people. I am not artistic on any level other than musically...and then not even! But I have a friend. Her name? Joann Renee Whittaker. She is a brilliant artist - clever in prose and photography like I could not even dream to be. Here's some of her brilliance in action (yes, I stole all these from her blog. Circle c! Ha!) :)

Oh come on - you know I had to include myself!

People if you need pictures taken, Joann is your woman. Seriously. I'm not even joking.

Joann - you are amazing and I love how God has gifted you. And also I love that this makes two blogs in less than a month! Look at me go!

Oh for Pete's sake...

2007-11-29T15:01:00.001-08:00

Well friends, yes I am guilty once again of not being a very good blogger. But in my defense - I have no camera! And let's face it - blogs just aren't interesting or compelling without some sort of imagery. So if anybody wants me to be a better blogger...digital camera!

Since I don't have a digital camera, I will just have to amuse you with the following list. These are things that are currently making me either 1. smile, 2. jump for joy or 3. laugh until my stomach hurts:

Fot hudge sundaes...yes that's right FOT HUDGE!
Ice skating and the prospect of employment with benefits
Snow!
Jim (yep, still)
The possibility that dust bunnies are real animals
Eeyore and his terrible assault on my face (I only laugh because my friends laugh...it was a traumatic experience that will not soon be forgotten!)
Yessica's blogs (I miss you!)
The thought of Paco the houseboat - I've come to the realization that that was the best time of my whole life!
CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Christmas music
Christmas lights
Christmas carols
Christmas tree lightings
CHRISTMAS!!!!!

So there's my fun little list - enjoy blog buds. :)

A Wedding

2007-09-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I will preface this by saying that it is quite unjust when your LITTLE brother gets married before you've even gone on a date... That being said, it was really fun (mildly crazy) but fun overall. Congrats Taylor and Kristi!

The family!

Bridesmaids

Groomsmen
I love my family so much!!!
This was during the Mother/Son dance. My mom is the most precious creature on earth!
And we were dancing...all night long!
The End

Suckling Pig!

2007-06-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the successful finale of the 2006/2007 CLC year, Bo and I headed to Merenda with some friends. It was there that the much anticipated suckling pig was enjoyed. Yes, I know this may cause many people to tear up, the thought that we could do such a thing...but it was darn tasty!

Suckling pig makes you a little crazy...

Put your stunna shades on

2007-06-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Getaway

2007-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, in a miraculous twist of fate, the solo I was going to have to sing last weekend was cancelled. Woo! So Noel and I booked it up to Salem to see her fam.

The infamous car shot while driving...

Her mom made us yummy chicken enchiladas and all the guacamole we could eat!

This is Noel's niece, Emerson. She's really cute, but in this picture she looks like an old man reading the newspaper...
Then I went to Portland to visit my friend Courtney and we promptly headed to the beach!
One problem, though...it was FREEZING!!!!!!!!!!
So Court climbed a rock
And I looked for the sun
And we buried our freezing cold feet under the blanket
And slept hoping when we woke up it would be gloriously sunny and warm.
No such luck. So we headed to Mo's for some yummy coastal food. I'm convinced that seafood is half the reason to go to the coast at all!
We shopped and ate more food and had so much fun! Then we met up with Noel at the most glorious restaurant that ever was...
My life was changed. And home I went.
The End.

Just A New Post

2007-05-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

This week Noel and I decided to get domestic. We cooked and cleaned and then we decided to undertake sanding and painting a table. Mostly because we knew how cool we would look in the masks.

The hard work was well worth it though!

In other news, I saw this guy at Bellatazza and watched his poor dog stare at him while he listened to music and was on his computer. The dog never broke its stare. And yes I took this picture without him knowing! :)

Dinner Time!

2007-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I moved into my new townhouse with my super awesome roommate Noel (I will try to get pics of my new place up soon). We are having all sorts of fun, and to celebrate our move-in I decided to make dinner. I am fully capable and even gifted perhaps at burning EVERYTHING! I think I'm just so afraid of e-coli and other bacteria that I burn the daylights out of them to make sure they cannot possibly survive. :) However, through the grace of God I made an AMAZING meal - seriously life changing. Lindsay - testify? Here is a picture - isn't it beautiful?

Shortly after this beautiful picture was taken, all the smoke alarms in the house began to go off non-stop! And I didn't even burn anything! Mekenzie and Noel and I were running around the house waving hand towels and nearly losing our minds. Despite the craziness, it was a fun day!

Literally Speaking

2007-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

The other day I was driving to work listening to the rockin' station of KNLR, where a modestly decent preacher was explaining to his congregation how the church needs to take a stand. I wasn't actually listening - it was mostly just in the background. However, he uttered a phrase which changed my life forever. And here it is;

"The world is literally tightening the noose around its neck"

What could have been a powerful word was suddenly maddening to me. People, please understand that using the word "literally" doesn't emphasize your point - it simply states that you are NOT overexaggerating! Here is the definition of literally: actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy. Keeping that important fact in mind, here are some phrases which you should avoid:

"There were literally a billion people in that line!" (really? wow!)

"We need to literally place ourselves on the altar." (that seems a bit crazy)

"I am literally freezing my butt off!" (um...ew)

"If you don't stop that I am literally going to take your life." (violence is never the answer, idle threats are)

Now for those of you who may be outraged that i could be so easily pulled away from this man's message - I promise I still love Jesus.

This is just a small plea from a very vocabulary concious girl. Now admit it - how many of you either totally misuse the word "literally" or hate it when others do?

The Blog Nazis

2007-02-24T23:27:00.000-08:00

Yes, I realize that it has been nearly a month since I last blogged. What can I say - sometimes you just can't find the time, or you realize that the time it would take to write something truly brilliant just isn't at the top of your priority list. Needless to say, we all get busy. You would think that not finding the time to blog wouldn't be the greatest crime of the century. However, there seem to be a few blogger nazis out there who, I fear, would come for me and my children if I did not blog.

So this non-blog blog is just for them. You know the type - they check everyone's blog and when nothing new appears time after time, small clusters of tumors form in their brains and seem to explode causing harsh comments to be left.

To you nazis: let it go! There is so much evil in the world. Surely you can find time to be concerned about something that really matters - like people that don't change their myspace picture often enough. I shudder at the thought...

Have No Fear Little Flock

2007-01-27T17:56:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl I loved being called "little" by my dad. He didn't do it in a condescending way, rather in a way that let me know he would always protect me. "You'll always be my little girl," he'd say. And I felt special and loved and looked after. I am no longer a little girl, but the same need to feel special, loved and looked after remains.

When I was young, I didn't worry or become anxious over whether or not I would have dinner on the table. I wasn't concerned with money or clothes or with much at all - because I knew my parents would take care of it. I had such great assurance of their love, that it wasn't something I had to convince myself of or discipline myself to believe. It was simply true. But I grew up and became so wise. Now I know better than to trust in the love of my Father. I know better than to release control of my finances. I know better...

"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." - Luke 12:29-31.

The culture has taught me to worry, to be anxious, about anything and everything. In fact, if I'm not stressed out a great deal of the time, I must be one of those naive people who will eventually fall harder than the rest. But it is impossible to love Jesus and not have the Kingdom on your mind. The question is how much it is on your mind. So many worries and concerns have taken the place of the Kingdom.

"But seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you." To seek the Kingdom is no small thing. It is a giant task - one I often feel ill-equipped to do. But..."Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." (vs. 32) There it is again - the loving, reassuring voice of God. There is a reason Jesus said "little." It is not to show us that we are small (well maybe), but that He is big. He is more than capable, the keeper of all things, the Perfect Love that casts out fear. And it is His good pleasure to give me the Kingdom. He knows that He is asking me to differentiate myself from the culture, that at times I will be ridiculed for my standards, that there will be moments where all I will have is Him.

But that is all I need. "Have no fear, little flock, have no fear."

Getting serious...

2006-12-24T23:04:00.000-08:00

So it's 11:04 on Christmas Eve and I'm still 5 years old inside. I can't go to sleep and I'm wondering what's in my stocking and I just want to lay on the couch and stare at the Christmas tree all night! In fact that is one of my very favorite things to do - just sit and stare at the lights on the tree until my vision goes blurry and I have to blink. I don't know what it is about that darn tree but it captivates me!

I was doing my Bible reading earlier today and I realized - today we read through the crucifixion! Hmm...doesn't sound very Christmas like, I mean what happened to the shepherds and angels and "Glory to God in the Highest!"??? But as I read, the story of Christmas unfolded in a new way to me. Granted, I've always known that it starts with a baby and ends with a resurrection, but reading it on Christmas Eve just seemed fitting.

If there was one word I could choose to describe Christmas it is 'wonder.' What even is that? Well (nerd side approaching) I looked it up and here's what it means: The emotion aroused by something awe-inspiring, astounding or marvelous. Yep, Christmas is chock full of wonder. The fact that my God came as a baby with the purpose of agonizing death to save my wretched soul is beyond my comprehension.

I'd say that's pretty marvelous...

Okay, question time! What's on your mind this Christmas Eve?

He put my stapler in jello!

2006-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Enough said...

Bustin' A Move

2006-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

Of all the exciting, adventurous, rewarding and thrilling things you could do in the city, dancing in public is for sure one of the best! It has a way of taking all that you are - all that is cool and all that is not and blends it together into a crazy rhythmic outburst of flailing arms and fluid footwork. Sadly, the single most important part of the public dance is often overlooked: the facial expression. I find that it's best either to look as crazy as possible or as completely sane as possible. You've either got to look like your body just took over and you're not sure what's going on or you have to look like all your hopes and dreams - your entire purpose in life comes down to this dance! Concentrate, close your eyes and feel the music (even if there isn't any). For in the dance is when life really makes sense.

I recently experienced this in the great city of Portland (see pics below!). The day was full of dancing - dancing with the sax-playing, tap-dancing street performer, dancing with Theo - another street performer outside of the Rose Quarter, dancing all over that town! If you've never tried it, you are truly missing out. So the next time you hear some music and you just gotta dance - let loose! Go crazy! If nothing else, you'll at least give somebody a great story to tell.

Annalisa giving in to the "dragon's breath" dare...

Crazy lady! This muchacha sure had some interesting moves...

I Hate myspace...

2006-11-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

I do...I really, really do. And I've been pressured by everyone from 180 kids to college roomates to break down and just get one. People keep telling me it's such a great way to keep in touch with people. But I refuse! I will not be conquered! In saying that, however, I do think that I need a more effective way to keep in touch with people and the blog world has always interested me. It's something I would enjoy doing even if nobody ever reads it. So here it is - I am officially an online girl. Those of you who know me are probably shaking your heads right now thinking, "She'll never post again. This will fail and she will cave to myspace." NEVER! Truth is, I have no idea how often I'll post - this is all really new to me. But I hope to do so often enough to keep those who care in the loop. So old friends, new friends, family and all the rest: enjoy!