Peace, Peace

Monday night, I went to see the River City Men's Chorus in concert. As usual they were incredible. A particular song that was amazing was called "Peace, Peace". It was beautiful. I cannot even describe the amazement that was in that place. A captain in the US Air Force sang the solo. The solo was sang in German. I've never heard a more beautiful way to sing "Silent Night," which also happens to be my favorite Christmas carol. I was going to type out all the lyrics to "Peace, Peace" but I can't find the words. So, here is "Silent Night":

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Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in Heavenly peace

Sleep in Heavenly peace.

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Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from Heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Savior is born

Christ, the Savior is born

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Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming Grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

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The combination of the music and the words in this song makes me want to fall in love. I'm not sure why. The thought that someOne was born and with that birth there is so much commotion. "Shephers quake" "Glories stream from Heaven" That someOne is greatly Majestic and Indescribable. That is just incredible to me. That the whole earth stopped when our Savior was born.

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"Silent Night" is my favorite Christmas carol, what's yours?

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-katie

American Dream

Jonathan preached this morning and as usual it was amazing. He takes the scripture apart and makes it easier to understand. Today's lesson was on Mary's song located in Luke 1:46-55.

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Everyone wants the American Dream. They want life as they imagine it. How can life be as they imagine it? We can't fathom what our lives will be. So what is important in our lives? People think that growing in stature with friends and the community and in education is vital to living and coping in the world today. But, is that really important? Are all these things vital to surviving in this world? To an extent, I think yes. There is a part of me that says "no" also. Jonathan talked about our importance to God. We have a heavenly responsibility to live our life for God and to honor Him with all that we do. I fail at that daily. It's not hard to make someone happy, right? But to please the indescribable Creator of the universe...wow. What a thought.

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"And Mary said:

'My soul glorifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful

of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me-

holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed might deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud

in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel,

remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever,

even as he said to our fathers.'"

Luke 1:46-55

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Despite what Mary was asked to do, she obeyed. Why was it so simple for her, a teenaged girl of low stature, to obey God's command through Gabriel so easily? She didn't question God. She didn't made excuses. She didn't freak out. She just accepted it. She accepted that this was her life's plan. She was at peace with what her life was about to be. How many of us can say that we are good with our life right now? We have loved ones who are dying of diseases and ones who are already gone. We have friends who are suffering from loss and heartache. We are going through financial hard times. We are suffering from loss and heartache. Why is it so hard to just accept that this is our life and that we are living with these different life issues?

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Another question he asked was 'what is our song?'. How does our song portray our life? I would hope that my life's song would give people a peace. The song would be able loving life and living it for God in the midst of hard times. God is always with us and never leaves. I wish that everyone would know that.

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Sorry that this post was random and pretty scattered. Just something on my mind.

-katie

Waiting

"So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him

so He can show you His love and compassion.

For the LORD is a faithful God.

Blessed are those who wait for His help."

Isaiah 30:18

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I saw this verse on a friend's status and, wow, does it speak volumes!! And it does speak so loudly, especially right now. God has put an opportunity in front of us, just as I mentioned in my last post. Well, that news that I could've revealed will not be revealed just yet. Some plans fell through, so we have to reschedule and I get to keep you in suspense for a while longer.

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Waiting is so hard for me. I've never been good at it. Ever. Why would I want to wait for something when I could just as easily have it right then?? Well, would I have the same appreciation for it if I had gotten it in the first place? Probably not, which is most likely why I didn't get it in the beginning. But, in all seriousness, I thank God for what I have struggled for. I know that I have gotten it in His timing or it would not have worked out. My appreciation for material and personal things are way higher than I have been in the past.

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But then again, waiting has it's perks. Your trust builds, especially in God. I think I'm finally in a place where I can give it to Him and let Him handle it and completely trust Him with it. He knows me best and knows how my life is going to work out. Can you imagine if you knew how everyone's lives were going to turn out--what was going to happen in their lives--could control it? It's an indescribable thought. I can't even fathom the power.

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God is so good! I just pray that He continues to bless me and my family and friends! I cannot wait to see what He does!!

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katie

Thank You, Lord!

No pictures of food to display, so, I'm sorry to disappoint you! Here are some pictures from the weekend! I love my family!

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God has an amazing opportunity for me and Mom. I cannot wait to share it with you! We will find out tomorrow if it's a "yes" or "no" from God. We have been praying for a "yes" obviously, but who knows what He'll do. I have been praying for His Will to be done. And to God be the glory. I cannot wait to see what happens!!

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I hope your holiday was blessed with family and friends!!

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-katie

For Freedom

I've been thinking a lot about people going into the Army. My cousin, Blake, is in the US Army. My good friend, Kristin, is in the US Air Force. My other cousin, Tony, is in the military, but I'm not sure which branch.

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Blake and I are best friends. He's getting married in April to Tara, who I love. I'm in their wedding as a bridesmaid and I couldn't be happier to be there to support Blake. I know that God has a plan for Blake, Tara, and Dawson's lives. His Word says so in Jeremiah 29:11. Blake is set to be deployed next summer, I think. And I don't know how I'm going to handle him leaving or being gone for a year. HE has a plan. I just have to keep telling myself that. This song is so incredible. It's so powerful and inspiring. I cry every time I hear it because I think of Blake.

Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night

A soldier is standing there

It's calling him out to the stars and stripes

It's calling him God knows where.

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He kisses the ones he loves good-bye

And leaves in the dead of night.

For freedom he'll heed the call

Leave all he knows

And for freedom he'll stand and fight.

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And somewhere a man and wife

can't believe they're waving their girl good-bye

For gone are the days of pig-tails and curls and candlelit lullabies.

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If they had their way she'd stay young forever

And never be far from home.

But freedom has drawn her heart to danger's shore

And for freedom they'll let her go.

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And somewhere a thunderous crash in the night;

It echoes all through the hills.

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Though many escape it's wrath and it's rage

A soldier lies wounded still.

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Remembering the land he loves; he cries

I've loved you with all my might

For freedom said I'm her son whatever comes

And for freedom I'll say good-bye.

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And somewhere beneath the stars and the sky

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Our flag is still standing there

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She bled and she brought one land under God

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Her colors still lead us there

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She's carried the lives of those before us

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She's buried the bold and brave

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For freedom she holds our hopes and hand up high

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And for freedom she'll ever wave.

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Silence and Awe

I haven't had a lot to say lately and I'm not sure why. Maybe because the people at my job are driving me nuts. Maybe it's because I have to change some things in my life right now that I don't necessarily want to--at all. Maybe it's because I've just been thinking instead of talking.

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"Be still and know that He is God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in all the earth."

Psalm 46:10

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I've been reading the Psalms lately. And I couldn't be happier reading them. Now, granted, I'm not in that 46th chapter just yet...but I'm getting there. I love reading the Psalms. The words bring joy to my heart and the knowledge that He is with me all the time. He holds me close and never forgets about me.

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"Keep me as the apple of your eye.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Psalm 17:8

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He doesn't ignore me. He hears whenever I call out to Him. How powerful! I am the scum of the Earth to Him and yet; He still wants a relationship with me. Awesome. I have done Him so wrong and still He loves me. That absolutely blows my mind.

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"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;

the Lord accepts my prayer."

Psalm 6:9

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This really neat this happened at work on Wednesday. As you probably know, it was Veteran's Day and we were giving free smoothies for anyone in a service uniform. These two people in uniform came in to order and it was clearly their first time, right in the middle of the lunch rush--no doubt. As they were ordering, this lady behind them caught my attention and mouthed the words, "I want to pay for their meal." So the couple finished ordering and after I took the smoothie prices off they were left with a certain amount and the lady behind them stepped up and said, "I would like to pay for your meal to say 'Thanks for serving our country.'" I almost started crying! How moving is that! It's so incredible that there are still good people in this world. I would have paid for their meal if I had thought of it myself, but I didn't. HA! May God bless that lady! Anyway, the end of the story is the couple was so thankful and the lady in uniform was so moved that she hugged the one who paid for her meal! I will never forget this for as long as I live.

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Thank you to all who have served my country.

katie

Got Any Change?

Last week was a huge reminder of change in my life.

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A change from childhood into adulthood.

A change from life to death.

A change from light to dark.

A change...

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I'm not very good with change to begin with, especially when that person or place or event has been in my life for long. It will take me a lifetime to get used to the fact that my Daddy is no longer here on this earth. I may know that he is not here and I may cope with it but I will never be used to it or okay with it. You know, when he passed away, people said, "Think of God as your Daddy". Well thanks for the advice, but it's not the same. But trusting in my Lord makes it better and bearable.

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I hope that one day there will be a big change that I'm excited about...like marriage! I don't want to be afraid my whole life. I know it will come for me and I honestly cannot wait, but I also know that I have a lot of things to work out in my life before that can happen.

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"And we know that God causes everything

to work together for the good of those who love God

and are called according to His purpose for them."

Romans 8:28 NLT

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I know that He has and will work everything out for my good because I love Him. I cannot wait to see how He has planned my life! I just can't wait!

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Speaking of change, like my blog change? I thought it was time!

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Until next time...

katie

Dear Bekah,

You have no idea what you mean to me. I'm writing you this letter because I could never say this in person. I wouldn't be able to get through it without breaking down.

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You are so special to me, even more now. Your friendship is so incredibly meaningful to me. You're a wonderful listener. You make me laugh a lot! And I know that God meant for our paths to cross in this life. He meant for us to be friends for lots of reasons, this being one of them. I know you've heard the phrase, "Everything happens for a reason." Well, I've never understood it and I still don't. It's possible that I'll never understand it. But in some way, I know it's true. God planned this in such an amazing way to let both of us know that we are never alone. I know that people are put in our lives for incredible reasons. People come and go before us so that we can, in some way, be helped and comforted by their stories and experiences.

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I know you'll remember this. Remember in Grey's when George's dad dies and Christina is talking to him. She welcomes him into the "Club". The Dead Dad's Club. As of Monday night, you became a member, and Bek, it breaks my heart to welcome you into that club. I never like welcoming a new member, nor do I get excited about club meetings or events. But the club discussions truly do bring a comforting feeling and remind me that everyone else feels the same things that I do.

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Remembering my dad and how everything happened, comes in flashes especially in times like these. But our dads will be in our hearts forever. You are an incredible person and through this time you will find out things about yourself, good and bad. My dad's favorite phrase was, "Don't forget Whose you are." Every time I went on a trip or a sleepover, or even something as simple as going to school, he would always tell me not to forget Whose I am. It would remind me to always honor, not only my family with my words and actions, but more importantly--my Heavenly Father.

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Bek, we talked on Wednesday when we had dinner, about people who say they care. But we always wondered where they were beforehand. And soon, I'm afraid, you will wonder where they have gone. Well, even when people forget details and drift away as most will, He never will. He will always be there for you. I also remember a talk a while back about how sometimes that doesn't help. "My dad's not here with me," we say. But Bek, look where he is right now. The most indescribable place we could ever imagine--beyond our imagination! Heaven absolutely just blows my mind when I think about it. I can't stop thinking about the streets of gold and the pearly gates. But more than that, to imagine a place where there is no pain, tears, worry, and sorrow is absolutely incredible. We cannot begin to know what that is like. We are so filled with worry, pain, and grief here on Earth, that we cannot fathom the intensity of Heaven. But he is there with my dad. I just know it.

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I loved your dad, Bek, and I truly cannot believe he is gone and that we are both fatherless. But we need to remember and cling to the fact that our Heavenly Father loves us more than our daddy's ever did. He wants us to come before Him even when we are angry. He can do anything.

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"The Lord your God is with you.

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love..."

Zephaniah 3:17

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"Come to Me, all you who

are weary and heavy-burdened

and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

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Bek, God has shown me so many things about life and death and everything in between. I am just now coming back to Him with all my needs. It takes time to heal and don't you ever let anyone rush you or make you feel bad for not doing things. Grief is an individual process. Just remember, you can always talk to Him--always. He's always there in your heart, all you have to do it talk. He knows what you're thinking anyway so, you might as well just say it out loud. ;)

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I love you so much. You are like a sister to me. Let me know how you're feeling. Tell me you want and need to get out. I am here for you. I will always be here for you. Always, always remember that, ok? Ask me anything you want and I'll tell you what I know and what I've learned. And we will learn some things together. I know what you're going through. I love you.

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All My Love,

katie

A New Year

Happy Anniversary to me! It's been a year ago today that I entered the Blogspot world. I feel like it's been a good year. Lots of things have happened, good and bad. Both that I can and have learned from. I thank God for those experiences!

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To all of my prayer warrior friends, I need you. One of my best friends, Bekah, needs prayer right now. Her whole family needs your prayers right now, especially her dad, Rick. You see, Rick has had cancer for a couple of years now and has been in and out of remission. It has gotten to the point now that he's being sent home tomorrow with Hospice, that is, if he makes it through the night. I pray that he does. The last thing that I want to see is one of my best friends go through a very similar tragedy that I went through almost 4 years ago.

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It's so hard to believe that it will be 4 years in February...

God has been so faithful through the years. He has been able to renew my faith and remain steadfast.

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"Create in me a pure heart,

O God, and renew a steadfast

spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10

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I just hope that Bekah finds the promises that God has bestowed upon me over the years. I know that His promises will be revealed to her in His perfect timing. I cannot wait for Bekah's restoration. I continue to pray for her daily through this time.

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Thanks.

Until next time...

katie

Bagels, Basketball, and Laughter!

Mesha- "Hey Katie, can you make that bagel?"

(sounds easy, right?)

Katie- "Oh yeah, sure." First mistake.

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It is an amazing skill to cut a bagel and cut your finger WITHOUT getting blood on the bagel. Yes, I was wearing gloves...but still. The blood filled up the entire finger in my glove.

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ANYWAY!! This week has been crazy. Monday and Tuesday, I opened at work, watched a little girl both days, AND went to church and helped out with Upward Evaluations for this Spring! Wednesday, I went with my trio to sing at the Lions World Services for the Blind and sang a whole set! It went really well! I could feel God moving and people were enjoying it! And yesterday, I watched my favorite baby, Kate!!

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AAAAND...I finally heard her laugh!!! It was so exciting to finally hear that!! It completely made my week! And today...I cut my finger. A wonderful end to a great week!!

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And this weekend is CITYFEST!! I'm sure I will post pics from there.

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Until then...