A New Year, A New Time, A New Start

Wow!  I can't believe a year has gone by!  Honestly this year has been a whirlwind to say the least.  This year has definitely been a roller coaster ride.  Sometimes, I didn't want to be on that roller coaster.  When I say that, I do not mean that I wanted my life to end or anything to that affect, I just wanted things to be better, to be normal.  This is not a shock to anyone so I am not bashing or badmouthing him, but this was a huge part of my year.  After over a year and a half, Tyler and I broke up.  It felt like the end of the world.  We broke up in March and until June we were on and off again.  I thought that I was never going to be able to move on and I felt like crap.  I had let this consume and control my life.  That was a huge downfall.  Normally I say I have no regrets however, if I were to regret one thing... it would be letting this situation control my life, my thoughts, my relationships with other people, and my decisions.  I wanted to be at peace with what was happening.  That peace did come.  After what seemed like hell and back, I went to Poland on a mission trip.  I didn't know anyone but God blessed me with this amazing opportunity.  This peace came one night in worship.  We had a prayer service where we were given pieces of paper with prompts and such about things to pray for.  We prayed for our past and we prayed for our future among other things.  During this service, many people were obviously moved and they displayed this by tears.   If you know me, you know I am the person that will cry at the drop of a hat.  I have never been good at controlling my emotions.  I didn't understand why I was not upset.  Several things went through my mind that night such as "Did God show up in their life and not mine?" I then realized... God did show up.  He was there just like he had always been but this time he was calming a storm.  My life had been a hurricane and finally I was at peace with whatever God had in store.  This peace I had been longing for finally was there.   I gave all of my problems and fears to Christ and he told me 'My child do not be afraid.'  That experience was like none other.  After we finished praying, we just sang praise and worship songs and I finally realized that God's plan is so much bigger for me than my own.  He just wants me to understand that it is in his timing and not my own.  Daily I have to remind myself of this and it's not easy.  But the sooner we let go, the sooner we can arrive at some sort of peace.  So this year, as you are making your New Years Resolution(s) let one be to give God control. When life seems helpless, remember that he really has never left your side and he is the only one who can give us true perfect peace.  

Year in Review:

Memorable Moments of 2008:

-Graduation.  It felt like it would never arrive, and when it did... it came too quickly

-Once Upon A Mattress!-  Through the stress it was a really fun show

-Relay for Life!- 

-Baltimore Mission Trip

-Warsaw Poland!-  See above.  And I made new friends on this trip and met an incredible guy!

-New York City-  It is my favorite place on earth!  And this time I got to see a lead's opening night in a show and witness the most amazing piece of musical theatre I've ever seen!  South Pacific with the amazing Kelli O'Hara!

-Starting college

-New friends

-Charleston girls weekend

-Show Choir performances

- Proms

-Senior Picnic

-Saying goodbye to old friends but realizing our friendships can still remain. 

-The list goes on on and on....

Hopefully 2009 will be even better!  Until next year!

xoxo

-K

Random thoughts from Katie's brain:

 

1. Exam week is terrible. Christmas break however is not

2. I think there were some Tony award winning performances at our musical Sunday Night

3. While we are on the subject of musicals at church, Sara Ashley and I have a splendid idea for next year. It is going to be Disney themed. You just wait.

4. I really want to watch the movie Elf. It was on when I had to study last week so I could not enjoy it. It puts me in the Christmas spirit

5. I learned this week that hair is hair. It's grows back and sometimes you just have to close your eyes and poof!

6. I'm ready to go see Rent in Jan. I realized yesterday while listening to it riding down the road how much I miss that show.

7. I think it's sad that everything is closing on Broadway. Seriously people, go buy a ticket and keep the shows alive.

8. I'm ready to buy Mamma Mia....Even though some of the singing was TERRIBLE.

9. When one is handed a pamphlet, make sure to look at it and read it. It just might have directions home.

10. Sometimes things don't always go according to plan, but that's ok. It makes for funny stories and great times.

11. I've also learned that even if things do not go according to our plan, God is in control and he has a plan.

12. People will be people. End of story. 

13.  People have a lot of growing up to do. 

14.  Children are precious.  Especially when they sing Hallelujah! 

15.  I don't deserve everything I've been given, but I'm very thankful. 

16.  Music really does make me feel better.  

17.  I'm babbling...I might write something productive later.  

xoxo

Katie

Ugh. It's exam week.  That time dreaded by all college students who have procrastinated all semester who have papers due, projects to turn in, and tests to take.  I really don't have time to blog since I have a history project due tomorrow, but as soon as I finish this blog, I'm going to do it.  Mark my word. In the meantime, I figured I'd write a random blog about life. 

Things I have come to realize/make me mad/make me happy/etc. etc. etc.

1.  If you are going to put Christmas lights on your bushes, please make sure that you cover the ENTIRE bush.  You know what I'm talking about.  When you use the net lights that don't cover the whole piece of nature.  Suck it up, buy another net of lights, and make your house and yard look beautiful!

2.  While we are on the Christmas subject, I love Christmas trees.  I hate to decorate Christmas trees, but I think they are glam.  I especially love my tree this year.  It has hot pink ornaments  :)

3.  When one is driving through a parking lot, especially a large one such as Wal-Mart, Target, Mall etc, please do not stop in the middle of the lane and turn your turn signal on to park in someone's place that is just beginning to load their car.  Now, if nobody is behind you, wait all day long and waste your time.  However, I do feel that if you would just park just a few more spaces away, you 1. get exercise, 2. do not cause frustration for the individuals in the cars behind you, 3. do not annoy the person loading their car.  They then feel as if they must hurry just so you can park 4. do not become obese.  Now I see why Americans are so large.  They can't walk 10 more feet because we are a lazy society.  If this person had just parked their car and gone on inside the store, they could have finished their shopping by the time they would have waited to park. 

*disclaimer*  This post does not apply to those truly handicapped.  

4.  I'm a pretty lucky gal.  My true friends are rocking, I have an amazing family, I have an awesome boyfriend, and I am saved by the grace of God.  What more is their to want?  (Except for exam week to be over)

5. I have learned "We do not always win, no matter how right we are.  The world just doesn't see it sometimes.  But, if you are getting hurt or stepped on, don't go back."

This piece of information is FACT.

6. I have realized that this quote... it's true... "Pick the day.  Enjoy it- to the hilt.  The day as it comes.  People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present- and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future." -Miss Audrey Hepburn

7. I also have realized that no matter how fantastic of a team Carolina has every year, for some odd reason we never can beat Clemson. 

8. I am shocked at the fact "Te Deum" was sung, and actually ended together, with everyone singing a note in the chord.  Kudos to Margaret for learning that piece and playing it. 

9.  I hate exam week. 

10. I love Brittany Anne Steen.  She is awesome and I thank God for the work you are doing in her life.  

11.  I miss being on stage.  I am so ready to be in another show.  The Laramie Project?  Gypsy? Something else?  Who knows.  I miss performing.

12.  I hope this paper I have to write on The Wizard of Oz will not make me loathe the movie.  

13.  I love birthdays.  They allow me to celebrate life. 

14.  I am not going to make a New Years Resolution this year.  I think they are dumb because nobody follows through with them. 

15.  I must head back to New York City soon.  Now is a terrible time to go though with many productions closing on Broadway.  I'm ready for a fresh batch to come in. 

16.  While we are on the subject of theatre... South Pacific better tour or I will be depressed.  That was the most amazing piece of theatre I have ever witnessed in my entire life. 

17.  I love my puppy Lily even though she is not well behaved at times.  She is adorable. 

18.  Thursday cannot come soon enough. 

  

19.  People change and you can't do anything about it. 

20.  I've learned I am stronger than the world gives me credit for, or I give my credit for.  However, I still have my weak spots, I just allow Christ to use them for his glory. 

21.  I don't blog enough. 

22.  I had a "Wicked" awesome birthday cake this year... (no pun intended)

23.  I'm pumped about going to Jamaica this summer!  I miss summer missions!

24.  Baltimore is going to be amazing too... contrary to popular belief. 

25.  VBS can't come soon enough!

26.  I must stop procrastinating right now.  History project, here I come!

xoxo

Katie

I Believe

I found this just while looking around. The bold statements is what I found and the italics are my response. I just found them thought provoking. Enjoy :)

I believe:

That you don’t have to change friends if you understand friends change
This basically speaks for itself. People change and will not stay the same forever. As a friend, have the love to understand that experience, circumstances, and time in general all result in change. You grow daily as a person too.. remember that

That you can do something in an instant that can give you heartache for life

True story. Rash decisions and harsh words can result in life changing consequences.

That you should always the ones you love with loving words. It maybe the last time you see them
A car accident or other unforeseen event can take a life in an instant. Never leave angry or saying hurtful words. That could be the last thing they hear you say.

That Money is a lousy way of keeping score
Some of the happiest people I know are not the richest people in the world. And some of the most grumpy have millions. Money does not buy happiness. Does that mean if you are rich you can't be happy? No however, be cautious with your money. It's all about how you use it.

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you are down are the ones that help you back up.

People can change and surprise you. When you least expect it, that person you can't stand will be there for you.

That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world does not stop for your grief.

Amen. Amen. Amen. The sooner you can move on, the better. Yes it's ok to cry, yes it's ok to feel bad, and yes it's ok to know you are hurt and need a friend's shoulder to cry on. The sooner you let the person who hurt you go, the better off you are. Remember what you deserve, and it's not to be treated poorly. But the world keeps moving, with or without you. It reminds me of this song from Rent called "Without You" Just look up the lyrics.


That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being

The awards and trophies don't make you a decent human being, the experiences that come along with the awards are what makes you who you are.

That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don’t love each other. And just because they argue, doesn’t mean they do

Yep! You can argue because you care about someone because you love them. But on the contrary, sometimes people don't just argue because they care; they argue because of selfishness.

That true friendship continues to grow over the longest distance. Same for True Love

The saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is true! If there is a distance, you appreciate the other person more when you do get to see them and there is a level of trust that comes with someone being miles away.

That you can keep going, long after you think you can’t

You can keep going! You are a much stronger person than you think you are or give yourself credit for. When you are in the roughest parts of life, you somehow dig deep and find a little bit of inner strength to keep going.

It isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others.. you have to forgive yourself

If you don't forgive yourself, you can't move on. You are just stuck in a rut and clinging to something that is in the past. Move on, keep your head up and remember everything happens for a reason.

Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different

I love this! People are so unique and see things in different ways. If we all saw the same picture, the world would be a boring place.

The people you care about most in life are taken from you way too soon

This is sadly, way too true. I wish it were not, but those people who you love the most, seem to go too soon.

It's taking me a long time to be the person I want to be.

Yep it sure is! I am changing daily and growing. I am close, but yet so far away.

We’re responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

Bad days and circumstances are a part of life. No matter what comes our way, we are ultimately held responsible.

That when I’m angry, I have the right to be angry, but not the right to be cruel

There is a difference in anger and cruel . It's sometimes hard to see the line but it's there. Often we all cross it and don't even realize we do so. We should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

That our background and circumstances may have influences on who we are but are responsible for who we become

Yes, yes, yes! People's background does play a huge role in the person they become, however in the end you make your own decisions and it's how you react to life's experiences that makes you the person you are.

No matter how good a friend is, they are going to hurt you every now and then, you just have to learn to forgive them

Yep, it's true Ladies and Gentlemen. Everyone hurts you, however forgiveness is key. Forgiveness doesn't happen overnight and sometimes it can take a while but hopefully, both parties involved can come to a mutual agreement and make amends.

Maturity has more to do what types of experience you have, not how many birthday’s you celebrated

In the words of Professor Miller "sure enough." Life is all about experiences and how you react to them. Bottom line.

Grace

Wow, it's been forever since I've posted! A few weeks ago, I went to Spartanburg to visit and had the opportunity to attend Laura Story's concert at Morningside Baptist. She sang this song I have fallen in love with called Grace:

My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.I see the things You do through me as great things I have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"And you answer: " My child, I love you.And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace.

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged, knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job. For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You. And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"And you answer: " My child, I love you.And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. So, instead of trying to repay You, I'm learning to simply obey Youby giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me..

I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"And you answer: " My child, I love you.And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."

Each time I listen to this song, it reminds me that Christ gives me so much more than I deserve. It's really unfathomable the amount of unconditional love he shows and gives. Lately my life has been like the statement in the first line, "my mind is so unfocused." My life has been so busy and my brain has been in a thousand different places. But this next part is so awesome he holds me as my father then molds me as my maker. He is so loving, yet cares enough about me to mold me and break away all the parts of my life that do not glorify him.

Then in the second verse it really makes me think that sometimes I am exhausted and just am not motivated and I feel like someone out there is much more capable, that I should serve anyway. We don't really get the choice to serve, but we are called to serve. It's like it says, "Who am I? Katie? To serve such a mighty God??" but Christ says: my child, follow me, take up your cross daily. So many people don't get the opportunity or the freedom to serve him so I should rejoice in the opportunity and the blessing to serve my Lord.

Then in the third verse is so simple. Day by day, I'm learning what the God has in store and what a forgiving God he is. He paid the ultimate price at the Cross,and that is unchanging. So instead of trying to build myself up and attempt to repay or equal what Christ did for each of us, I just simply need to listen to what he calls me to do. Obey him and give up my life by following him .

The chorus is so beautiful. I think as Christians, so many times we ask ourselves the question 'How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?" We strive each day to live a life that would glorify Christ, yet so many times we fail miserably. We try but yet every day we make the same ridiculous mistakes that displease Him. But he then says "My Child, I love you. as long as you're seeking my face. You'll walk in the power of my daily sufficient grace." This is so awesome because after all My God has done for me, and then when you compare that to how much I do for him, the difference is pitiful. He still says My Child I love you. He knows we mess up, yet he still calls us his child. All we have to do is love him and live for him and he will give us his grace.

Check out this song by Laura Story... it's on itunes or her myspace page. It is amazing and really makes you think about all Christ has done

Lies Young Women Believe

Tonight was the first night of a new Bible study my best friend Brittany is leading and it was so awesome. We are going through a book called Lies Young Women Believe and it is going to teach us all so much about lies us as females are told but what is the Biblical truth. It was amazing tonight to be in the group with friends who I have grown up with for forever but tonight we all just shared experiences and really helped each other so that we can all grow in our walks with the Lord. I realized tonight that I need to live my life for God and for nobody else. This is something I have known my entire life but it became so relevant and so clear tonight that the has a plan and a purpose for me and I need to cling to him. He is a real God and no matter what I need to remember and I need to be reminded constantly that God is enough and I don't need anything else in my life.
Also it's VBS WEEK! Music went great today! Due to orientation I will not be there tomorrow or Wednesday and I am deeply saddened. VBS is really the best week out of the year!

xoxo,
Katie

Be Still and Know

As I sit and write this blog, it is raining cats and dogs and I believe my house is going to shake away because thunder is cracking outside. Several people I know were without power and it has been a 5 hour storm. I was driving home tonight and could barely see the road in front of me because of the sheets. Lightning was flashing and water was all over the road. Then I safely pulled in my driveway and ran into my house where I got drenched on the way. I opened the door and I realized I was safe. I was dry and I wasn't going to have a terrible accident in the rain. While the storm was scary and frightening, it reminded me that God is powerful and sometimes he sends us a message to remind us that he is in control. This storm was a way to get attention. It reminds me of the verse in Psalm 46 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This storm resembles my life right now. For some reason God needed to get my attention, and he did in several ways. God will always put us through things so that we can be stronger and more importantly he can be glorified through it all. He will put us through some things we cannot get through on our own, but with him all things are possible.

xoxo,
katie

good morning baltimore!!!! day three

soooo we woke up early this morning so the construction teams could get to the job sites early since we are we worshipping with the church we are staying at. sa christy and myself have had a fun filled day so far. we were on dishes duty this morning. that was a sight in itself!!!!! then we got to paint the manna room where the church stores their food. this room houses food as well as rats! they even put a cat loose to try to kill them.... pretty eventful. yesterday we went to the dog park and talked to people and tried to get them to come to church. then we went downtown and handed coasters to the bars with church info on it. going to pick up trees and limbs!

xoxo
katie

good morning baltimore!!!! day two!!!

i am currently sitting on the bus on my way to downtown baltimore. we are going to a dog park (yay) to talk to those people who are walking their dogs. we have also have a group laying bricks, one putting up dry wall, and another is building a deck. it is so awesome to see god doing great things. my group painted a bathroom and another room yesterday. another group painted a hallway and passed out flyers and a group of guys cut down a tree. we have fantastic living arrangements! it is such a blessing. we are sitting in rush hour traffic on our way into baltimore. i will post later about the dog park!

xoxo
katie

good morning baltimore!!!!

good morning baltimore!!!! we pulled out of fbc around 730 yesterday morning. the ride up here was really pleasant and a lot of fun. we had an air conditioner malfunction . the rental van decided it wanted to leak pints of water at the time... it was basically a mini niagra falls. and the way the van is set up there were lots of suitcases and some people that kept getting splashed. other than that the ride was fabulous! we arrived last night in time to worship with the people of catonsville baptist where we are staying for the week. oh and god has rewarded those of us who endured the slidell, cleveland, mexico and any other terrible sleeping arrangements in the past. we have plenty of space and it is soooo nice to not sleep with all of the air mattresses touching!!! this morning we just finished breakfast and we are fixing to meet about today's projects! i believe i heard we were painting! please continue t keep this group in your prayers. pray for the hearts of the people we will meet and minister to. pray for saftey for everyone especially the construction teams! i will try to update daily!

xoxo
katie
check out john 3

The end of a chapter...

So I decided to check out this blog thing... it seemed pretty cool and a way for everyone (that cares) to keep up with my life.
Today was my last day at school. It was bittersweet because I don't want to leave all my friends and a place of comfort but I'm excited because it's a break and a new chapter in my life. This week has a lot in store with Baccalaureate, Senior Awards, The Andrews, and Graduation. It's going to be awesome when it's all said and done with because summer is looking to be packed! The day after Graduation I'm going on a Mission trip to Baltimore then working with VBS stuff, then going to Poland for ten days in July and vacation somewhere up in there. It's going to be awesome. God has great things in store and I can't wait for him to reveal them to me.
This past year has been a whirlwind. It has had ups and some downs. Through it all though God has revealed that he is a God who loves unconditionally but he is a God who wants my complete attention and will do anything so my attention is on him. It reminds me of the lyrics from Chris Tomlin's song...
I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win. I can sing when I lose my step, and fall down again. I can sing 'cause You pick me up, sing 'cause You're there. I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord, when I call to You in prayer. I can sing with my last breath. Sing that I 'll know, that I'll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne.

xoxo,
Katie