fall is in the air.

Good heavens to Betsy!  It's been over a month since I have updated you guys on my life.  I apologize from the bottom of my heart.  Life has been hectic and life has been busy.  I like it that way I suppose.  I would rather be busy than bored but sometimes it's nice to be able to not feel exhausted 92 percent of the time.  That would be nearly wonderful.

So since I blogged a lot has happened.  I suppose the biggest event was my recent trip to Texas.  I wonder why I went there? :)  It was quite a lovely trip!  I was able to see and stay with Erica so that was nice!  On my trip, Justin and I went to the Water Gardens, went to see a play, went to the fair, watched Carolina murder Alabama, go to church together, and just spend time seeing Fort Worth.  I was reminded yet again that this is going to be worth it in the end.  The distance is not enjoyable right now, but sometimes you just have to make a sacrifice.

Last weekend I was able to go home and spend some sweet time with my family.  We went to the AJ football game where it was homecoming.  It brought back so many memories but I can't say I wish I had been running around making sure people were where they were supposed to be all day at a pep rally, parade, then the game and halftime ceremony.  It was nice to sit back and just enjoy what was going on. Then we went to Stephanie's to watch Carolina lose to Kentucky.  That was wonderful....

Got in a little fender bender last week.  That was fun... Actually it really just wasn't but that's ok.  The other car wasn't harmed and mine was drivable and is being fixed right now.  Hurrah.

Everyday that passes is one day closer until we leave for Africa.  God is already moving and doing amazing things.  He is so good. I can't wait to share more details as the trip gets closer!

I had three midterms in two days that somehow I pulled out a B on all three of them.  I will happily take that. The Lord is good.  I was so stressed.  I definitely could not have done that on my own.

-I was able to eat dinner with Sara Ashley this past week!  It was so great to see her!  I have missed her!

-Mommy stayed for a sleepover two weeks ago after I got back from Texas.  That was so fun!

-It's starting to look like fall for real.  I am going home next weekend and definitely have to get my winter paraphernalia.  It's going to get frigid.  That's ok though!  That means Christmas is right around the corner!

Sooo in the next few weeks (you know just in case I forget to blog for another month...)

-This weekend: Family weekend.
-Next weekend: Bobby's birthday and Halloween at home!
-November:
Choir tour.
Thanksgiving Break!  Which means an abundance of things: (time off of school, food food food, shopping, Justin is home!, Christmas music can officially be played, Christmas is almost here, and so is my birthday!)

Yeah yeah! Yeah yeah!
Fiddle fiddle!
Bring it on fall.

-kar

"Bless the Rains Down in Africa"

Update on life...

-School is officially back.  We're on week six I believe.  I can't really complain toooo much.  I like my classes, I have a decent schedule despite my 12:30 one-day-a-week friday class.  Inconvenient scheduling for a class I have to take and is required.  Other than that, we're good to go.

-I just recently sent in my deposit to go to AFRICA!!!!!!!!!  It's still kinda surreal.  I'm going with 25 people that have worked Fuge!  I'm basically super excited!  I've always felt called to go to Africa but as I told a camper this summer, I just haven't been ready and the Lord has been preparing me what I feel is like my entire life.  Everytime I've had the opportunity, it's either been at an inconvenient time or super super expensive, or a variety of other obstacles. This trip will be over my Spring Break (another God moment because there were seven weeks they could have chosen to go on).   We will fly into Johannesburg, go through training and orientation, then split into different teams.  Right about now, that's about all we know.  It's a little nervous that I don't know exactly what kind of ministry we'll be doing and uneasy about the fact that going to Africa is slightly expensive, but I know that the Lord is good, He will provide, and I can rest in those things during the little time of uncertainty.  We actually talked today in Ministry and Management about Proverbs 3:5-6.  It's such a familiar verse and it's so commonly quoted that we fully don't understand the meaning of "lean not on your own understanding" and lean on the Lord.  My professor illustrated in this way.  We view "leaning" as standing up with an arm resting on the table, if the table moves, we're ok... still standing upright.  However to fully lean on the Lord is like facing the table, putting both hands on it (almost in a push up position) where if someone pulled the table out from under you, you would fall.  This is how we should trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding.  With this trip to Africa, I pray that I am capable of trusting in the Lord and not thinking that I can do this on my own but rather having faith in his sovereignty and that He is a God who provides and take care of his children.  The Lord is so gracious.  Tis so sweet to trust in Him.  

-I am learning more and more I'm not that fond of group projects where you don't get to choose the group.  I'm fine with working with people.  I actually love working with people, but not when it comes down to my grades which in turn determine scholarships.  End of story.

-Glee starts tonight!!!  Praise the Lort!

- Justin and I now have sporcle dates.  If you are unaware of what sporcle is, it is this online site where you can take quizzes.  We try to beat each other.  He beats me in everything except musicals and Disney.  That's ok!  They're fun!  With him being in Texas and me being in South Carolina, it's just a fun little thing to do besides our routinely chit-chats.  He and Micah drove up over Labor Day to see Lizzie and myself!  It was quite wonderful!  We went to High Point to see his family and had a grand ole time.  I'm going to be seeing him here in just a few weeks again for my fall break!  Hurrah!

-It hasn't rained here in weeks which is so weird since I claim that Anderson, SC deserves the title of rain capitol instead of Seattle.  However my precious little green raincoat still sits. On it's little hook.  Waiting on me to wear it.  But the 10 day forecast is not looking promising.  With only a 40% chance on Sunday.  Sad day.

-Forever Sunshine from Bath and Body Works smells wonderful.

-Yesterday, I was paid to go shopping.  Yes yes.  You heard me.  So a while back, Mom got me these two shirts from New York and Company but they just were not what I really desired (My mom does have good taste, I just thought I would get more wear out of something else) . Soooo.... I took my shirts back thinking they would only give me store credit.  Well they told me that they could- give me cash back so check it out.  I thought since mommy really wanted me to have new clothes, I would get another new shirt but then get the rest back.  This shirt was half off too!  Yippie!

-So the other day in Walmart, the lady checking me out was so sweet.  She told everyone to have a blessed day.  I asked her where she went to church and she told me where but followed IMMEDIATELY with "I love my church, I love my pastor, but I love God more."  How refreshing was that after seeing SO many people tweet and post their status about their church leader.  Yes lets encourage them but let's not lose focus!

-It's time for Glee.  Peace and blessings.

kar

My Brain Hurts.

Wow.  As I sit here and write this, my mind is spinning.  I'm not really sure exactly where to begin.  After being away for the entire summer, only being home a grand whopping total of 5 days, and my life being significantly changed on so many ways and levels... there is so much I have to say.

This summer was a Kairos moment in my life for sure.  Actually, it was one huge Kairos moment with tons and tons of little Kairos moments hidden within them.  I really want to blog about this summer and all that jazz but I really want it to be well thought out and dedicate a lot of time to it.  With that said, a Fuge blog is coming... just not today.

I'll pick up where we left off from camp:

So once I got home it was officially really weird.  I wasn't really sure what to think about being home.  I had a lot to process and wasn't really sure how to handle being away from the family and the community we built at camp.  But the reality of the situation was that it was over.  Camp is a season and that chapter in my life was complete.  It was time to focus on what was ahead.

First of all I had to take care of my sickness.  I came home with an ear infection and a ridiculous cough.  It was absurd.  Then, it was time for me to meet baby Anna!!!  She was already a few weeks old, but I think she understood why I wasn't able to be there for her birth!  She is absolutely adorable and we are basically going to be best friends.  I love her.  It was so exciting.

After meeting baby Anna, my family, Justin, and myself went to the beach.  That was so delightful.  We were able to just take a few days after camp, be lazy, and just relax.  It was so fantastic and so needed. We laid on the beach, played in the ocean, went shopping, and ate lots and lots of yummy food.  It was nice to be in extremely amazing company and have some time to do absolutely nothing after camp.

After the beach, my mother, Caleb, and myself met the Bates women at IKEA in order to purchase things for our room.  Praise the Lord!  I absolutely adore IKEA.  I really just want a house that I can decorate.  It is going to be absolutely precious.  I really feel sorry for my future husband.  He is going to have to deal with me being super excited about decorating our house.  Oh well, he should be thrilled. :)

The day after I went to IKEA, I went to High Point to spend a few days with Justin and his family!  It was really fantastic!!  We went to Chapel Hill and he showed me where he went to school.  Then one day, he took me on a picnic and then we went on a canoe ride.  Basically I went on a ride like Cleopatra on the Nile River and he paddled us through the river.  It was quite delightful and relaxing!  We spent some great time together and with his family!  They are great!  We also got to talk to Jordan, his sister, via skype while she is in Kenya!  I can't want to see her when she gets back!

Upon returning home, I went to Pink Sorbet and saw SB, Amelia, and Aunt Beth and got a dress in the process!  Then the next day, I moved back to Anderson to go on the BCM leadership retreat.  It's been a great few days of planning and I can't wait for this year!  It's going to be an incredible year of ministry and discipleship!  Yay!

The next few days consist of:  Finishing the retreat and going home to finish packing.  (Gage LaGreca is adding the phrase tee tee to his vocabulary, by the way.  He wanted a blog shoutout)  Then going to see Justin one more time before he ventures off to Texas.  After that, it's finishing moving in and helping Freshman move in!  Then we are in full swing back at AU!!  Halfway finished with school. Eeeep!  Let's do this.

-KAR

Random SHORT summary of like three weeks.

Warning:  This blog has been compiled over a long period of time.  It might seem random and out of order.  Just roll with it.  Mkkkk.

Woah.  It’s Week 6?  Where did that come from?  This summer has absolutely flown by.  I can honestly say at this point that this is the easiest and the hardest thing that I have done in my life.  It has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. 

Week Three was a great week and a tough week all rolled into one.  Rob Turner was our pastor and he was fantastic!  Todd Agnew was continuing leading worship.  Great job to both of them!  Saturday morning’s AM show was basically life changing.  Karios moment for sure.  I had a really energetic, excited, talkative Bible Study.  They were precious children but there were a ton of them!  While Bible Study was a struggle at times, I had some amazing one on one conversations with several students.  After I talked to one girl, I realized why the Lord did something in my life.  This experience was very painful and hurt me a great deal but after talking to this girl, I was able to identify with her and minister to her better because I could understand where she was coming from.  The Lord works in crazy ways but I am thankful to have gone through that rough period of time in my life so I could help her through hers. Praise the Lord.  I saw the Lord work in some amazing ways in this week.  One of my students came to know the Lord for the first time in her life.  My heart sang a song! 

Weekend:  This weekend was filled with an adventure.  Jess, Paul, Justin, Chelsea, and myself decided that we should go to Asheville.  Well on the way, we decided we should go hunt for Bat Cave.  Ok, we really wanted to go spelunking but we quickly discovered that Bat Cave is indeed not a cave but a small quaint little mountain town.  It was precious. Such a lovely drive through the mountain roads indeed! 

This was the weekend I bleached two loads of laundry.  Praise.

Week Four.  Well, this was an absolutely superb week.  My students were great!  We had an awesome discussion on Day 4 in Bible Study and the other days were great as well!  The weather was so pleasant.  It was kind of cool actually at recreation.   James Tealy lead worship and Gary Morgan was back this week to speak!  Praise the Lord.  It was a blessing to get to know Gary.  Such a man of the Lord!  7^th and 8^th grade almost pulled out a Mega Relay win thanks to Drew Nelson’s Shock group.  They came in an EXTREMELY close second place though!  Yay them!  Overall this was a splendid week of camp!  Great churches with great students!  Praise the Lord!

Weekend:  This weekend was filled with an adventure of going to SC to buy fireworks and a dinner with Jeanette!  Oh my goodness!  It was quite excitement.  Yaaaay!  Then on Sunday, we went to Chili’s for lunch!  We came back and played a game of softball and then had a Fourth of July cookout and volleyball tournament.  We shot fireworks afterwards.  It was a great celebration!  Yay America! 

Week Five: This week has been a short week.   Instead of four full days, there are only three plus opening and closing day.  My group this week ha s beengreat!  They have a lot of energy but love Bible Study.  We have had some outstanding discussion together!  They are so involved and it’s been such a blessing and a delight to watch!

This past weekend was Centriblast mixed in with a trip to the Fiddlin’ Pig, Shopping for Christmas week, and a shopping trip with little Meg!  So delightful!!! 

I am sitting here waiting for a meeting to start for Week six!  Our AU friends are here to play this week with Jared Espy!  I can’t wait!!!!  I don’t’ want this to end! 

Peace and blessings.

kar

And the Lord Blessed It.

 “A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation.” -Jesus Calling

Week 2. My oh my what a whirlwind. We jumped from 250 kids to 1300 in just a matter of days.  Talk about reality check.  I had a really good group this week.  Some great kids were in my Bible Study.  Very energetic and seemed to really enjoy themselves.  Lots of them made some really awesome decisions.  Some even felt like they were being called into full time ministry!  Praise the Lord!  It made me so excited for them!  While this week was really great, I still felt like there was a huge burden in this place.  I felt like there was a lot of Spiritual Warfare going on.  With that being said, Our God is still greater than all of that and he proved himself to be sovereign.  My prayer is that the decisions these kids made will be genuine and authentic decisions for the rest of their lives.  I hope this week was a defining moment in their life.  Major positive of week two was that my family came and visited!  That made my heart happy.  They were able to see the Hannah piece and the AM show and get a small taste of camp life.  Yay for family!  

This weekend was fun!  Lots of us took a mall trip on Saturday night!  Praise for Chick Fil A, Old Navy, and a new dress!  (SA, don’t be alarmed... it is black and white. I couldn’t help it!!)  Then on Sunday (Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!) we went to Cracker Barrel (Praise the Lord) and to see Toy Story 3.  Yes I cried and content in that.  I have no shame.  It was the end of an era. Finally it was time to do laundry and get some rest!  Yay weekend!

Here we go.  In the middle of week three.  Our biggest week of the summer.  On one hand that thought frightens me and stresses me slightly.  On the other hand, it makes me so excited because that means 1600 kids are going to hear the name of Jesus and encounter Him this week!  Praise the Lord.  That makes me so thrilled!  It’s delightful!  

Monday:  Oh hey Monday!  I just love registration day!  I say that with complete sincerity!  We welcomed about 65+ churches in about three hours.  That was exciting! I love Monday’s because a lot of these kids are getting their first taste of camp ever and many of them are returning so they are pumped up about what is ahead.  Opening Celebration was explosive this week!  Todd Agnew is leading worship and it has been such a blessing to get to know him and to worship with him.  Praise the Lord.  Then we meet our Bible Study Groups!  I have such an exciting bunch this week!  They are chatty but so much fun!  I see myself in one of these girls completely.  I feel the need to go apologize to everyone of my teachers for talking excessively in class.  So teachers.... if you are reading this, I’m sorry!  Oh yeah.... I met Jeff Slaughter (you know, the VBS music DVD guy...)  That was a KAIROS moment. 

Tuesday: This day hated me... I think. I don’t know what I did to June 22, 2010 but I am hoping I figure it out VERY soon so I NEVER do it again.  So many different obstacles were put in my way on this day.  It was a struggle.  I struggled personally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Basically if there was a way to be down, upset, frustrated, or hurt... it found me.  However, I had a pretty decent Bible Study and I had good tracks!   The Lord still protects his children!  He holds them up!  And I had two conversations with two of my dear friends, SA and Jeanette.  I have never been more thankful for the two of them in my life.  Thank you girls.  Praise the Lord.  In retrospect, I now know why the Lord made Tuesday so challenging... because Wednesday was fabulous and if Tuesday did not have hurdles, then Wednesday would not have been so great.  

Wednesday:  Dear Wed. of this week.  I love you.  Thank you for existing.  I, Katherine Anne Roberts, am forever grateful.  My kids were outstanding today in rec.  They participated so well and cheered their little hearts out.  I to the N to the F-E-R-N-O we are Inferno!  What what!?  Sorry for that side note.  Bible Study was fantastic as well. It was Rack, Shack, and Benny day and I love this story.  I think it’s such a great story for kids to learn from.  I had two really awesome conversations with students!   For protection of their privacy, I am not going to say what they were about but just know, the Lord does things for reasons we cannot understand.  I now realized why He did some things in my life and caused things to happen  I was able to better minister to this girl because of these circumstances I have faced in my life.  Praise the Lord.  My tracks were really good today too and worship was fantastic.  Rob brought it tonight.  I think the sermon was for the two students I talked with today.  The Lord worked in a mighty, crazy, exciting, awesome, I could keep going but I’m not way!  It was so exciting.  

Now I shall be going.  It is almost time for nightlife.  It’s time to hangout with some kids, eat some ice cream at the Nibble Nook.  (Grandmother, if Mom reads this to you...  Know that the ice cream is still delicious!  Some of the workers in there remind me of you so much.  They are so precious and so sweet.  They cannot replace you in any way shape or form, but they are taking care of me and making sure I always have something delicious to eat!  They have been such a blessing!  I miss you and I’m being careful!)  

It is now after nightlife and I am adding to a short part to this post.  God. Is. Moving.  Period.  I got to talk to a guy tonight about everything that went on in their church group devotion.  He could hardly contain his excitement and his passion for what the Lord is doing in his life and in his group!  God is SO good. 

Hope all is well in your lives.  Miss you all! 

-kar

Well Hello, End of Week One

Oh hey completion of week one!  It's hard to believe that an entire week of camp is done and done.

Thursday
Today was a really good day.  The Bible Study was about Hannah and that story just blows me away every time I read it.  I cannot fathom what she went through.  My kids did a lot better today with getting involved and excited about rec and their cheer today.  Thanks for your prayers.  Voice has been going going going all week.   I got to perform the Hannah piece tonight.  It's such a pretty monologue.  Very tender but very emotional at the same time.

Friday
Friday was by far my favorite day this week.  My kids did really well today at rec and won the spirit noodle!  I was so proud of them!  They were really active and participated today in Bible Study!  It was really exciting!  Finally, the highlight of today was Mega.  I was really nervous about my kids participating and did not have high expectations at all.  Somehow though, they managed to win their heat for seventh and eighth grade!  I might have tackled some people!  I was so excited!  That whole "don't yell, use your whistle" rule I was given kinda got thrown out the window... (bad idea). Sooo my kids got to compete in the championship heat against the 3 older groups that won their heats.  My kids came in third!  I was so proud of them!  In the spirit circle, some of my boys in my group decided that it would be a great idea to grab a water cooler while closing out mega and douse me with water.  I was drenched but felt so loved.  Worship was great on Friday as well!  We took up the missions offering and to see kids just so openly give was amazing.  Praise.

Saturday
Just like that, in the blink of an eye, it was over.  We had closing Bible Study and Closing Celebration.  It was kind of bittersweet for the kids to leave.  It was exciting because I know they are going to go out and use what they have learned, but at the same time, they are so much fun and I will miss them dearly.  Must start focusing on Week 2 though!  Today I also tried to make it to Rachel's wedding.  I didn't make it to the ceremony but made it to the reception.   Loooong story.  I also got to see my best friend in the whole wide world. Unfortunately it was while she was in the hospital but none the less.... I got to see her beautiful face.

Today was a day of rest and then we moved our stage from the Arc to Spillman because we go from 250 kids this past week to wait for it.... 1300 kids next week.  AHHHH!  It's going to be crazy!

So what have I learned this week?  I learned that first and foremost I cannot rely on myself or my own strength but my strength must come from the Lord.  That was proven more this week than ever before in my life.  Strength of family was definitely affirmed this week.  I am so thankful for my fuge family here. I have never in my life met 30 more incredible individuals in one place at the same time.  Praise the Lord that we are going to be serving together all summer.  I learned that it's probably not the best idea in the world to yell at rec when you have to perform everyday.  That's kinda sorta difficult for me.

Please cover this week in prayers.  Pray that there would be opportunity after opportunity to have intentional conversations.  Pray that these kids would just experience the Lord in ways that they never have before.  Pray for strength and endurance for our team.  Please continue to pray for team unity.  Please.  Also pray that we will not grow tired or grow into a routine.  Let us keep things exciting and fresh for these kids.  It's been a great summer so far!  I can't wait to see what's yet to come!

-kar

Oh Hey First Week!

June 7th (Monday)
Well, there it was!  The first day of camp!  It's come and it's gone and it was crazy.  So much energy!  I was a little nervous at times, but God works in crazy ways and got me through it.  Met my Bible Study Group for the first time!  That was exciting!  They might think I'm slightly crazy but that's to be expected.  I can already tell they are going to be a great group of students to work with!  Tomorrow the fun really begins!  We crank it up with the AM show then we head to rec and Bible Study.  Then track times, worship, and Fuge County Fair!  It's going to be a great day but I definitely make sure I prepare my coffee before I embark on this adventure.  Our camp pastor and band this week are fantastic!  They hang out with the campers and staff.  They are so genuine and intentional.  Today at registration, Meg, Brandon, Drew, and I greeted a van that wasn't full of campers.... twice.  The two men who were in there were not very excited about being greeted for camp.  I cannot explain how great of a first day this was!  Incredible!  Day 2 here we come!!

June 8th (Tuesday)

Today started out with my alarm not going off because I set it for 6:15PM.  Fortunately I woke up in time to make it to the morning meeting!  We had our first AM show so that meant my debut of Double Mags.  It went really well.  I made me realize how much I miss performing.  I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed me with this opportunity to use my talents for his glory.  After the AM show, we went up the mountain to rec!  Woooot!  It was a great day at rec!  I am trying to get my group motivated and excited about rec.  If you guys could pray for energy and excitement for them, that would be great!  After rec, we headed to Bible Study.  Today's word of the day was love and the students learned about Jonah and how he was called to love the people of Nineviah but fled.  Hopefully the students had a fire spark that will continue to grow into a fire for him in this week.  Then we had track times,  Track time rally was underway.  I am teaching Beginning Drama and I have a track of nine girls.  Praise the Lord.  How exciting.  They are absolutely precious!  After that, we switched tracks and I am teaching Spiritual Gifts as well!  Then it was hang time and I worked in the store!  While I was in there, I received some mail from Christy and Jeanette!  That made my day!  Girls, you just don't even know!  I almost cried!  (CC- that picture is in my Bible Study binder so I can see it ALL THE TIME)  Then it was dinner and worship!  It was nice to just be able to be in the presence of God and get away from the hustle of camp.  After that, we had Fuge County Fair.  Yeeeeeeeeeee haw!!!!  The night ended with a game of Little Sally Walker at the Nibble Nook!  Praise the Lord.

June 9th (Wednesday as of about 2ish)

Today began with a slightly shaky AM show.  It went well and we still had a blast!  My kids were a lot more excited today about rec!  They cheered a lot and yelled a lot!  I yelled a lot as well so if someone could throw up some prayers that I could keep my voice, that would be appreciated more than you know.  After that, we learned about obedience in Bible Study and how Shadrach, Meshac, and Abendigo were thrown into the furnace but still obeyed God.  I am excited about tomorrow, we are learning about Hannah.  I really just cannot wait!  It's my favorite day!  Lunch was really hilarious!  I ate at a table full of males... middle school males.  A hoot that was.  Right now, I am fixing to go teach my tracks.  I just had a few minutes in between!  Keep praying!  Keep the faith!  God is good!!!

-kar

Training Week... That's a Wrap? Whaaaat?

Wow... training week is almost over!  I can't believe it!!!!!  Time is flying by!  This time tomorrow, we will be anticipating the arrival of campers!  It's crazy!  Months of praying, planning, and preparing is fixing to come alive!!!  It's kind of surreal.  God has done so many things already and the fact that He doesn't even have to use us but is choosing to is continually blowing my mind every single day.  He could do all of this and more himself, but He chooses to use us as instruments and that's flipping awesome!

Since I have blogged last, we have had our day off which was used to sleep in, do laundry, and spend time and fellowship as a family!  We had our mega run through as a staff.  Good times!  In the past week, we have had two birthdays!  Yay!  Meg's and Justin's!  What a blessing to celebrate with new friends!  We also took a little field trip!  We were told that we were going to practice our County Fair Nightlife in costume and we needed to meet all dressed up.  When we arrived, we were informed that we were not going to be practicing nightlife but instead taking a trip to Coldstone... in county fair attire!  It was absolutely hilarious!  You can check out pictures on facebook!  It was a good time!

Today and yesterday consisted of lots and lots of run throughs.  Today is dress rehearsal day! I am currently sitting backstage listening to Brandon yell as Ted the Tech.  It's quite comical.  As I go out and perform, I can't help but think that every chair in the audience symbolizes a student that will come to camp. Many of these students will be seeking something, whether they know the Lord or not.  Some will have lots of issues that they need guidance on.  Hopefully for them, camp will be a defining moment in their life where they surrender their lives to the love of God.  I pray they choose to be obedient in whatever God is calling them to do, even if it means making a sacrifice of some sort.  I hope they grow as men and women of integrity and remain committed to Christ.

The rest of the day consists of dress rehearsals, staff dinner, and prayer walk through campus then that's it folks, campers get here tomorrow!  I cannot believe it!  Praying for HUGE things!!!!!  I'm so blessed to be a part of this!  Hope you guys are well!!!!!

-kar

This is Crazy!

FUMan oh man the Lord is good.  That's it.  There is just absolutely no other way to put it.  In no way shape or form could I have asked for a more incredible staff to serve with this summer.  They are such an amazing, solid group.  I will echo what my dear friend Lizzie Frye said on her blog.  Praise the Lord for the Godly men on this team.  Us females are outnumbered.  In the short week that I have known most of these people, I have learned about them as people, their lives, and moments in their lives that defined them as people and their walk with the Lord.  Today was a good day.  It was filled with a morning of recreation, lunch, coordinator time with Kyle, Bible Study room decorations (praise the Lord for two of the guys on my team that volunteered to hang some stuff while I practiced with Brandon), Rehearsal, Dinner, Meetings, and then later tonight there will be family time.  It's so busy and we have something basically going every minute of the day but it's so incredible.  I'm thinking of quitting school so I can work Fuge year round.... if only.  That would be the life.  I'm so thankful for the busy schedule because I feel so prepared going into the first week of camp that starts on Monday.  Our leadership team is amazing and has done an incredible job of preparing us and informing us of all the necessary information we will need.  I can't wait to meet campers!  It's going to be so much absolutely awesome.  Tomorrow we have a day off.  Praise for laundry time, sleep time, and just more time to hang out with people on staff.

I am quickly beginning to realize that as much as I don't want this to happen, it has.  I had every intention of coming here and staying in touch with people back home as best as  possible.  Unfortunately, that is not going to be the case.  I mean, yes I can occasionally facebook or text them, but as far as seeing them or calling them, there just simply isn't time.  My prayer for them is that they have an incredible summer as well.  That Christ ignites a fire in them to do something bold for Him.  That they use their time wisely and that they make the most of every moment.

God is so good.  The other day, I wasn't really down but I just had a lot of things on my mind.  I was sitting by myself working on my Bible Study outline when a man comes up to me.  Ridgecrest was hosting a biker rally so this man was there for that.  He just randomly started talking to me about what I was doing this summer at camp and what my story was.  He was so encouraging and such a blessing.  I had never met this man in my life, but God put him in the right place at the right time.  Then, the next morning before he left, he found me at breakfast and prayed with me.  What a blessing.  Alan, I know I will never see you again, but thank you for your encouragement!

Please keep us in your prayers!  Pray for strength and renewal everyday that doesn't come from ourselves, but comes from Christ.  Pray that our staff continues to build relationships and unity remains and that Christ remains the center of our family here.  Pray for the campers that we will meet next week and throughout the summer.  Pray that Christ will work in their lives and that this will be a defining moment in their walk with the Lord.

You guys are incredible!  Miss and love you all!

Song of the Day: Mystery: Charlie Hall

Training Week is HERE!

Training week is FINALLY underway!!!!!!  I absolutely adore our staff!!!!  They are so incredible!!!!  I have met so amazing people in the past two days that are going to be completely used for the glory of God this summer!!!!!  It's going to be so incredible!!!  Today, we had a tour of the campus, met the Ridgecrest staff people, had some lunchy lunch, had Bible Study training, had rec and first aid training, had dinner, split up in groups and did different tasks, met our prayer partners on staff then formed family groups, then decorated a journal for someone and presented them.  Woah slammed packed day.  That's the absolute truth.  Tomorrow holds... well I am not sure.  What I do know is that it will be great and fun filled but extremely busy!!!!!!!!

-kar

Training Week: Commence!

So it's been an eventful last couple of days.  Program Training has ended and now we are left with just our program staff here at Ridgecrest.  That will change tomorrow because our Fuge Family will be here!!!!  I am so excited to meet everyone!!!  

Monday we moved into our home sweet home for the summer!  That was exciting!  We moved some stuff around and then took a little time off and went to eat and to the baseball game in Asheville!  What great fellowship!  After that, there was a Wal-Mart run where the power went out for a brief moment.  Never a dull moment!  

Tuesday we split up into groups and did different various tasks.  I helped Erica (our Developmental Director)  get the staff office ready along with Adam (our Missions Mobilizer).  That was a lot of fun!  We cut and taped a lot of things!  It looks great though and we had fun!  After this adventure, we went on a bear hunt.  That probably wasn't the best life decision.  I was a little scared.  We were not successful in finding a bear though.  

Wednesday we helped Nanette (our Site Director) clean out and organize her supply closet for X-Fuge on mission!  We got to monogram everything with XFM and take inventory of all the stuff!  We are took the afternoon off until dinner.  We then went to dinner and got stuff ready for staff welcome tomorrow!  After that, there was a lovely trip to the Dairy King, yes that is k-i-n-g, not the ever popular, queen.  After that, there was a movie viewing party.  Currently, I am sitting with Brandon (my fabulous acting partner), Jake (our Video Producer), and Justin (our Rec Director) while browsing the web.  Tomorrow STAFF ARRIVES!!!!!!!

Thanks guys for all of your prayers!!!  Official training week starts tomorrow!  Please pray for unity for our staff.  This is SO important!!!  Also that we not lose focus and that everyday we are renewed and energized.   

Brittany Anne Steen: 
1. I miss you.
2. I am stealing your song of the day idea... I hope you don't mind. 

Song of the day: "You're Beautiful"- Phil Wickham

-kar

Program Training Weekend Day 4

Hey hey!  Here we are at Ridgecrest for the final day of Program Training.  For those of you unfamiliar for what Program Training is, I'm going to break it down.  There are 14? (I think) camp locations this summer. All of the Camp Directors, Developmental Directors, Financial Directors, Rec Directors, Program Directors, Site Directors, Video Producers, Missions Mobilizers, Actors, and Backpackers for every camp location come together for training, plus a lot of other important people that are in charge.  Everyone is training for their specific jobs this upcoming summer.  We have been doing a ton of preparation for the AM Shows at camp this summer. There is a spoken word that will be performed on Thursday night that I have received.  It is BEAUTIFUL.  I absolutely love it.  It's been great to start meeting the program staff I will be serving with, as well as individuals from other locations.  We're all in this together.  (I may or may not be singing High School Musical in my head....)   It is really exciting and really encouraging to see so many people who have a passion for students and what God is going to do this summer.  I am really exciting about meeting our family on Thursday.  I can't wait!!!!

On a side note... one of my very best friends, Christy was baptized today!!!!!  I hate I wasn't there to see it but I know it was awesome!!!!!  Love you girl!

I am starting to miss everyone back home a little, but I know that this is exactly where I am supposed to spend my summer.  There is no doubt.  It's going to be tough.  I am going to be stretched, challenged, and taken out of my comfort zone but it is going to be all worth it at the end of the summer.

The rest of the day consists of a meeting with everyone, a fun dinner with our program staff, worship, then more rehearsal.  Then that's a wrap!!!  PT weekend will be finished!  It's crazy!!!

See ya!
-kar

Program Training Weekend Day 2/3

Program Training.... what a whirlwind weekend you have been already.  It has been great to meet the program staff I will be serving with this summer!  I can't wait to meet the rest of our family!!!!  The past few days have been spent with the actors from all the camp locations this summer.  We have been constantly going over the AM show script and memorizing lines!  My acting partner in crime is fantastic!  Couldn't have asked for a better one!  Praise!  Tonight will consist of worship and then working on pieces for worship during camp this summer.  Following that there will be a nightlife!  Program training wraps up tomorrow night!  Then it's on to training week we go!  Keep us in your prayers!  They are much appreciated!  God is so good!

-kar

i am here!!!

Well!!! I am here!!!! After an hour of sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on I-26, I am at camp! I have already climbed the rec hill once, just for kicks! I am in a room with five other lovely actor ladies! We are all excited but anxious about starting blocking tonight! It should be an experience!!!! It's going to be great! I can feel it!!!! Will blog again soon!!!

-kar

Jesus, You are all I need. I'm clinging to the cross...

Well, here we are.  Less than a week out.   Only four more full days at home and I will be at camp.  It seems kind of surreal.  With each day that approaches, my eyes are opened even more to the fact that I literally will not be at home for an entire summer.   I know you are thinking that two month isn’t a long time but for me, it kind of is.  Even though I will only be about two hours away, I will be leaving people I love.  I will miss some important family events that will never happen again.  It’s kind of hit me hard when being around friends and hearing about their summer adventures and know that these upcoming months I’m going to miss out on that AND not see these people for two months.  It’s hitting me that I’m not going to be at VBS or other church activities this year.   While this is all going through my brain, I am reminded that this pales in comparison to the adventure I am fixing to embark on.  I know as soon as I get to camp, I'm not going to want to leave.  It's just the uncertainty. My little brain cannot even begin to imagine what God has in store.  He is preparing me, He is going to stretch me, and He is going to use me.  

When I had my interview for FUGE, I went to North Greenville, about half an hour away from AU.  This particular November morning, it was monsooning.  I mean seriously... I don't think it has ever rained that hard or that long in one day.  I rode with Lizzie Frye (who, thank the Lord, is working on the same team as me!)  After the interview, we were riding back to school.  We were both kind of quiet, just thinking about what just happened.  I distinctly remember this ride and as I was sitting there, I had SO many thoughts running through my brain.  I remember just praying that if this was meant to be, that God would make away for it to happen and place me where I was supposed to be this summer.  I was so eager and just wanted to be used!  I didn't want to waste my summer.  We were riding and all of a sudden the Kings of Leon song "Use Somebody"  started playing.  (yes I know this song has another meaning, but God used it to speak to me in this situation) I just wanted God to "use somebody, use somebody.  Someone like me."  That's all I wanted, was to be used by God!  So now, he's chosen to use me.  All I can say is "I'm ready now, I'm ready now!"

I'm already beginning to learn that I am not going to be able to do this by myself and that I am going to have to trust God more than ever.  Emotionally, I'm a little exhausted.  When I leave for camp, I will have gone to three funerals in three weeks.  God has showed me so much through these circumstances.  Even in the midst of that, I am thankful and overwhelmed for the outpour of love and support of my family, friends, and church family about camp this summer.  Know that it is such a blessing and SUCH an encouragement!!  I will do my best to keep you guys updated on what's going on at camp!   I'm already nervous about physically being able to handle it and just not getting worn down.  I'm in mid preparation of learning my lines.  If you guys could throw some prayers up that I learn them all, that'd be awesome!  Also some prayers that I can be content and not nervous about where I am going and what I am doing.  Finally be praying for the hearts of the teenagers we will be ministering to this summer.  That is the biggest thing.  It's what it is all about!  Pray that they will be open and receptive to what God is going to do in these weeks and that he will be preparing them now, even before they get to camp.  

Pheeeeew!

-Happy Birthday, Sara A!   Good luck on your exams!  Finish strong!!!! 

-Involved was really good tonight!  Thanks to Glenn and Patti for their dedication to this ministry!!!

-My best friend starts her internship tomorrow!  Know that I am praying for you, Brittany!  You will do awesome!

-My granddaddy's brother passed away yesterday... This hasn't been easy on him or my grandmother.  I admire them for being such strong people. 

- Mommy's little kiddos graduate on Tuesday.  They are such a cute bunch.  I love visiting their classroom and I am going to miss them deeply!  I hope they go on to do great things!

- Went on Thursday night/Friday morning to see the midnight premiere of Robin Hood with Caleb, Mikey, and KT Mid.  Basically you should go see this movie.  I only fell asleep once and it was because it was so late.  I would definitely go see it again!  Fantastic!

-So this Ke$ha girl.  I'm not feeling her name.  Like who says hmmm... I am going to be called K-E-money sign-H-A?  That Your Love is My Drug song though.... have to say it's quite catchy!

-I really hate when things are left unsaid.  It's frustrating.  SO very frustrating.  

- The Survivor season finale was on tonight.  Epic season.  The villain that was closest to a hero won!  I was still pulling for my favorite cowboy, Colby but settled for Sandra's victory.  At least that meanie poo Russell didn't take the title.  Ugh. Don't get me started on him. 

-Last night, I was right beside a cross dresser.  Cross that off my bucket list. 

- I am adding an item to my bucket list though.... "Visit the Holy Land."  This could be possible in February as my mom's cousin is taking a trip and told me I could come along.  It probably won't happen this go round but... it will!  One day!  (And when I asked my dad if  I could go, he told me that he could just sing "The Holy City"  and that would be the same thing......)

- I should probably consider getting some rest.  It's going to be a long and busy week.  

-kar

Though the Sorrow may last for the Night, His Joy comes with the Morning!

"Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love!!" Lamentations 3:32.  I've been claiming that this week!  Since I've been home the past week as been rather... heavy.  I guess that's the best word to use.  Seeing people I love and care so much about suffer and grieve is not easy, but it's so much easier when we know the individuals who have passed away are sitting at the feet of Jesus!  Revelation 4 doesn't even scratch the surface!  "Day and night they never stop saying...'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!  Who was, and is, and is to come!"

Tonight, I said goodbye to a dear, precious man, Roy Barnes.  Never in my life and never again will I meet  an individual who was like him.  He was the definition of minister.  His love for Jesus Christ, his love for people, and his love for music impacted so many lives.  He inspired me and instilled in me a love for music from the time I was a little girl in children's' choir to studying Worship Leadership preparing to do music ministry.  He had a voice as big as the sea.  Christmas will not be the same this year, as Roy Barnes will not be there to sing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy."  Man oh man.  This was my favorite part of the Christmas season.  To sit and just reflect on those while this booming BEAUTIFUL bass voice sang was incredibly special.  I remember the "old timey" car he had and one day after choir practice, he took me for a ride!  I was just a little girl but I so vividly remember sitting in that front seat with the wind whipping through my hair, all the while Mr. Barnes is just cheesing in the front seat.  I remember when we found out he had cancer and the many battles he fought, but his positive attitude was so contagious and so infectious that it was nearly impossible to become upset.  Time after time he repeated "If I get better, I'm ok and if I die, I'm ok."  He was a walking example of Philippians 1:21.  Tomorrow, we will celebrate his life and there's going to be a ton of singing!  Just they way he would like it!  I am a better person because of Roy Barnes and I know many people would say the exact same thing.


On to something a bit lighter...

- I leave for Fuge next week... and I'm pretty excited!  It's becoming more and more realistic with every day that gets closer but at the same time that means I'm becoming more and more nervous.  I'm a little nervous about leaving home because of several circumstances.  Some that are obvious and some that are not so obvious.  Philippians 4 is getting me through this one.  "Do not be anxious...." "I have learned the secret of being content in any situation..."  Christ doesn't need me, or doesn't have to use me this summer but the fact that he has called me to Fuge leads me to say "Here I am, send me."

-Never fear about cowboy boots!  My cousin, Stephanie, saved the day!  I should have known my shoe addicted cousin had not one but two pair in her closet she has never worn!

-Downloaded the entire Train album last night.  Praise.

-I've decided I'm going to write a book.  It's called "Life Lessons According to Katie."  If you are an avid tumblr follower, this is just the beginning.

- Dinner tonight with my family and the Steens was an absolute hoot.

-Likewise lunch today with Christy Catoe was a hoot but also had some nice discussion.  She lets me sort my mind out verbally and when one of my thoughts is crazy, she just gives me a look.  I love it.

- So back when I was taking exams, Mom sent me a "care package."  It consisted of a CFA giftcard and a massage and a pedicure.  Now, I am going to state that massages for females should be mandatory monthly by law.  Like if you don't get one, you should go to jail.  I'm serious.

- I hate confrontational (good and bad) conversations.  They just stress me out but alas, they must be held sooner or later.

-Missed Glee tonight... Don't tell me what happens.

-In other television news, The Survivor finale will be on before I leave for camp!  Woooot!

-Got to see Pam, Annette, Dr. Collins, Dr. Cox, and Marybeth today!   What a treat!  I miss them!

-I've decided to teach a course entitled Hymns of the Baptist Church.  Caleb is going to be the vocal demonstrator!

-Brittany, Bethany, and I are going to start a Mexican band.  Bethany has brushed up on her Zumba moves, Brittany called the Uke, and I'm going to sing.... even though I only know like two words in Spanish... hola amigo.

-My best friend starts her internship next week!  She is going to do awesome!  Go Boo Bear!

-It might be time for me to get some sleep

-k

Hey soul sister, ain't that Mr. Mister on the radio, stereo, the way you move ain't fair, you know"

"All my bags are packed... I'm ready to go." I sang that song yesterday morning.  Exams were FINALLY over!  After packing last minute things in my car (because the majority of my stuff was packed with the help of the great Mikey Shirley the night before) , cleaning the room, saying sad goodbyes, and being checked out by the lovely Elizabeth Frye... I was homebound!  Normally I would be very sad to leave AU and don't get me wrong, I am going to miss the amazing individuals that I have encountered along the way, but other activities are calling my name!

This year to say the least was an experience like no other.  It had it's ups and downs.  I had great days and terrible days.  I was broken and I was restored.  I had success and I made mistakes.  I had great adventures and I had just boring days.  I gained new friends but kept many old ones!   I could sit here and give you a play by play about what happened this year but in short:  I grew, I flourished, I thrived, I blossomed in this one year than I have in my entire life.  We are halfway finished my friends, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next two years!

The next couple of weeks are going to consist of seeing as many people as possible in the short amount of time that I am home and getting spiritually prepared for this summer.  In the next couple of weeks I will post a blog probably dedicated to FUGE and specific ways that you can be praying!!!  Right now, I ask for prayers that I am able to get focused about this summer and get adequate rest so I can be physically ready for what's in store!

Since I have been home, I have been rather sad.  Several individuals I know have become very very ill.  Selfishly we want them to recover but it has been said in His word that better is one day in the courts of the Lord than thousands elsewhere!  These individuals I know are ready to meet the Lord when the time comes!  Fortunately healing is in the hands of our God and out of our control.  Big prayers going up for these individuals and their families and friends in the coming days!  In 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 we are reminded that our God is the God of comfort!  What a peace and what a blessing!


In other news:

-Nearly everytime I turn on my radio, I hear Train playing likewise when I turn on my ipod I hear needtobreathe.... Caleb Story:  It is a sign.

-I had a lovely lunch with my dear friend SA yesterday!  I miss her greatly!  Likewise I had a great visit with Nathan and Ashley after leaving Wofford!  It's always nice to catch up with the Neighbors clan!!!

-I am pretty positive that Pandora has changed my life for the better.

-Hey Mom!  I got your mother's day present today!  And you didn't know about it!  Heheheh!

-Christy Catoe played the ultimate joke on SAH today!

-My heart is breaking for those in Nashville.  What a horrible, tragic situation!

- I could not have done a more terrible job packing my stuff to come home.  It was a packing fail.... Except for one box.  It was packed pretty well.

-Tony Noms were Tuesday!  It didn't excite me very much but some of the noms surprised me.

- Speaking of Tony's... I should see La Cage aux Folles very soon.

- Ice cream date tomorrow with Jamie Gray!

- My pal Jbates has her surgery tomorrow!  Let's lift her up in prayer!

- Packing up yesterday was a highly interesting experience to say the least.

-I slept 11 hours today.  Eleven.  That is double digits. I have not slept that long in one session in forever.  I think the time I slept that long was when I came back from Poland.  Seriously.

- Speaking of Poland, we sang Your Grace is Enough at Basic Life Sunday night!

-If anyone knows where I can get Cowgirl boots for under one hundred dollars, please let me know.  I need them for Fuge.

-Tomorrow is Thursday... that means Survivor night!  Russell has got. to. go.

-Technically today is Thursday which means it's bedtime for me!  Peace and blessings!  (I showed my mom those videos tonight. Hilarious.)

-k

I know every mile, will be worth my while, when I go the distance

-Well, here we are.  It's is the nine o' clock AM on Tuesday, April 27.  We have been anticipating this day for four months.   It's kinda a routine.  Start classes, then after about a week, you begin to ask yourself... "when is this over."  Then the day comes, exam week happens and you want to jump off a cliff at times, and then finally a much needed break!  This never fails.  It goes through every college kids brain.  With that said.  Now somehow I lucked up and finished my classes yesterday so today should be a breeze... right?  Wrong. Voice Jury is at 1:10.  All prayers are GREATLY appreciated.  May I remember that this is God's voice, not my own. In other news. I will be halfway through with my undergrad degree in one week.  That's scary. 

-It's always a good day in Rouse 109 when Colbie Caillat's I Want You Back comes on Pandora. 

-This room is starting to be packed up tomorrow.  This is slightly depressing.  I wish we could squat rooms.  That would be nice.  But, I am extremely excited about next year.  Change is good. 

-I am going to be missing GLEE (and it is the Kristin Chenoweth guest star episode) tonight but for very good reasons.... dinner with the fantastic Sara Ashley Hagins!!!!!  I have not seen her in about 39048 years.  In GLEE news, the deadline has been extended so I am thinking I might do it. It is my dream.

-The Pink Ladies were defeated last night.  We made it to the playoffs but we didn't quite come through.  It has been a delight playing with the ladies I played with.  I am so thankful I play on a team that has good sportsmanship and are not cruel.  I mean honestly, this is intermural basketball.  If you win whatever it is, you get a t-shirt and... well that's about it.  Not to say that all teams should not play their best, but seriously.  No need to say hurtful and mean comments.  It only makes you look unclassy and like a jerk.

-The FUGE countdown is on!  25 days.  Oh my gosh.  Getting excited but nervous.

-I am sitting on my bed and I am looking at my wall full of pictures.. I am so blessed to have such incredible people in my life.  Each picture holds so many memories and emotions.  There are friends, family, children, adults, and somewhat strangers that I have encountered in the past few years on this journey we call life.  I wonder what my life would be without just one of these people. Would my life be drastically different or would I simply be the same person I am today?  Each of these people have crossed my path and made a significant impact on my life.

-I have found out some very exciting pieces of information in the past week or so!

-Bagel Strawberry Cream Cheese and Hot tea.  Breakfast of Champions.

-I may or may not be in love with the song from Hercules, Go the Distance. It just came up on Pandora.

-I miss performing.  I really do.  I know I say this all the time, but it's the truth.

-I love Rachel Greene.

-Sister Hazel is coming to Rock Hill this summer and I can't go.  Buble is also coming to Charlotte as well as Harry Connick Jr... Alas.  There will be other times!

-Alright.  It's gametime.  Must go get ready.  Must look very presentable (with my splash of color) for Jury.  See you guys soon!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

-Today is my Mommy's birthday!!!!!!  Oh boy!  She's getting old!  Seriously though.  She could not be a better mom if she tried!  I love her and admire here!!!!  She is absolutely a delight and a blessing!   The best!

-The Pink Ladies had a victory tonight!  It was much needed after a rough couple of previous games.  It locked us a spot in the playoffs!

-I have to make a brochure for my pretend voice studio.  If anyone has mad skills at brochure making, please come find me.

-Tomorrow is the final Gala rehearsal. Friday is the Gala.  Shabam.

-Life lesson: Don't procrastinate.

-I'm becoming addicted to Friends.  I started watching the show like a month ago. Yes, I am late.

-I am starting to pack up my room on Friday.  Does this sadden me?  Yes.  Am I excited about what is to come? Of course.  Am I going to miss my hallmates.  Absolutely.

-I leave for FUGE in one month.  This has not set in yet.  Honestly.  Ever since I went to my first FUGE camp when I was in middle school, this has been something I have wanted to do and it's actually happening!  Not only is it happening but... I am working in an ideal location, working with my current RA, working with an amazing staff (whom I have yet to meet but through facebook group discussion and just hearing their stories, I know there are so many solid individuals in this group that will be life long friends!), and I am acting!  Which in and of itself is crazy beyond belief!  I haven't done a show in over a year and I really miss performing, this is God's perfect way of providing that but in way that is going to glorify him!  God is good all the time!  It never gets old!

- My new dream career:  being a professional musical theatre choreographer.  I realized this today while in the Rainey restroom.... There is a floor length mirror and I was feeling really musical and well I just threw some jazz hands up.

-I am so glad GLEE is back on.  It makes Tuesday nights incredibly musical.  I aspire to be on this show.

-May 4th. May 4th. May 4th.  Home sweeeeet home!

-I have nothing else thought provoking to say.  Soooo....

peace and blessings
-k

Kiss Me Goodbye, I'm Defying Gravity... And You Can't Bring Me Down!

Well, here we are.  This week has been highly interesting to say the least but none the less, it has been incredible.

Monday.  It started out with a drive back to school which is always pleasant in the morning hours.  It's a nice time to just reflect and think.  Once I got back, I taught my first voice lesson (in which I gained a whole new respect for music/voice teachers across the board. Wow.)  It was a ton of fun though!  Then I really didn't have anything to do for the first time in ages and it was incredible.

Tuesday, ohhhhhh Tuesday.  You were interesting but quite enjoyable at the same time.  Not really busy, wooot.

Wednesday was a great day because I got to start my musical theatre pieces in voice lesson!!!!  Then vocal ped was canceled because Mrs. Francis was sick so all that was left was theory and recital.  In between those two things, I went to buy ingredients for our cooking experience (more on that in a moment).  After recital, we went to housing sign ups. I will be in Stringer C with some amazing ladies!  It is going to be incredible!  I am going to miss my best friend and roommate and the rest of the pick six, but I will be a frequent visiter to their house!  (Bethany and I must record our cd and I must continue to have frequent discussions with BAS.  There is NOBODY in this world like her and fortunately for me, she is my best friend!)  Then, the cooking adventure started for our choir party.  Kayla, Caleb, Mikey, and myself made an oreo dessert and puppy chow.  Yummmmy.  It was quite comical.  After that, it was a trip to Rita's with Miss. Bates and the Census meeting.  The Blind Side was after that for Twirp week!  What a great day!

Thursday.  Thursday I was barefoot all day for One Day Without Shoes.  I honestly did not realize how important and essential shoes are.  When I started the day, it wasn't so bad.  About lunch time, my feet were starting to hurt... a lot.  I would walk on the grass when possible.  I had to cheat at some points, like in some buildings and when I played basketball but other than that, barefoot I was.  It rained on Thursday so at least my flip flops were not soaked all day.  The Pink Ladies became defeated on Thursday night.  That's ok.  We played hard. Ohhh and we had some great fans!  Mommy, Daddy and Bobby drove up!  Then it was BCM and Dennys!

Friday.  Didn't have anything to do until 1:30.  Oh yes.  I watched Survivor because I missed it the night before.  Theory was pretty funny.  Then Caleb, Jeanette, and myself went to Clemson to the botanical gardens and to Grouchos.  Yuuuum!!!  Then, we went to the Electric City Big Band Concert!  Afterwards Mike accompanied Jeanette and myself to the Sadie Hawkins Dance.  Fun times!

Saturday: Drove home because Keisha got married!!!!!!! Keisha coached me in middle school, then helped when I cheered varsity some!  The wedding was beautiful and I was so honored to be able to see her say "I do!"  Tonight, Dad had a thing to do at church so Mom, Bob and I went to get my TOMS!  Then we went to dinner and Rita's!  We closed the night out with several games of UNO where my mother managed to cheat her way through the last game by hiding cards even though she says "she didn't know how they got there..." Likely story.... :)

Some thoughts:

-I'm working on another blog entitled "Things That Should be Left Up To Men." No this isn't one of those stupid things like the facebook groups "play with the chicks hair, give her your sweatshirt" kind of deal.  No, no, no.  Devin helped me come up with this idea on the way back from Denny's.  For example: Men should play football. Men should fix the car.  If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know via whatever way you know to get in touch with me.

-Respect.  A little bit goes a loooooooooooong way.  Especially when you have it for other people and yourself.  It's a huge, essential component of good character.

-My heart breaks for the DuRant family.  As many of you know, their son, Patrick, passed away Thursday night from cancer.  They lost their other son about eight years ago in a car accident.  This is an incredibly tough time for their family, their friends, and even people who have just stood by and supported them throughout this season in their life.  Fortunately, our God is sovereign and has a plan. Sometimes we do not understand, but we must trust Him and not our knowledge.

-Poland.  Poor Poland.  I woke up thismorning to a message from Mom telling me about the plane crash.  I quickly saw a link Spiffy posted on Nathan's wall about what was going on.  This is another example of Christ's authority.  Our God will not be moved, Our God will never be shaken!  Even in the midst of tragedy.

-There were some awesome awkward moments this week and I was perfectly ok with that.

-Two more weeks of class then exams and it's summmmmmer time! 34 days until I leave for FUGE.  Oh yes!

Busy week coming up but I'm ready!
-kar

"Big Girls Don't Cry." "Sherry." "Walk Like a Man." "Oh What a Night!"

Hello!

-Unlike the rest of the world... Morgan, Rachel, and myself are watching "The Princess and the Frog" instead of the basketball game.

-I have nothing due/nothing to study for until Thursday morning.  This is an incredibly weird feeling.  Not that I don't like it or appreciate it, but I feel very weird and like I am wasting time.

-My art friends, however do not have that problem.  They are working on their sculptures.  I wish I was talented in that area like them!  They truly have an amazing gift.

-Went home this weekend.  Friday was the egg hunt for Mommy's class.  That was fun.  Then we went shopping for Easter dresses and other just random stuff.  Then, to close out the night, Steppy and I went and saw Jersey Boys!!!!  (Thanks Daddy!!!!) It was fantastic!  I didn't really know what to expect but I walked away very pleased from the show!  I have also decided that they do not make music like that anymore.  Call me old but I'm convinced I was born in the wrong decade.

-Saturday was fun because we ate lunch with Jimmy and Jeanette!  It was so nice to see them at an occasion other than a football game!  Then Saturday night, SA, CC, and I went to eat at Nothing but Noodles then went to have dessert at The Cheesecake Factory.  Yummmm.  Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake.

-Sunday.  Christ is Risen!  Praise Jesus!  What could be bad about this day!  We celebrated the resurrection of our Savior!!!  He is alive and True Love won and conquered the grave!  That's enough to make me want to do something crazy.   Family time followed church!  Yaaay!!

-Peach milkshakes are back at Chick-Fil-A.  It was goodness.

-Taught my first voice lesson today!  It was actually pretty fun!

-These people "becoming a fan" of 29 things a day on facebook has got to go.

-SA and I had a lovely afternoon in our respectable dorm rooms watching videos of Glozell.  She makes me laugh and it never fails.

-We had a photo shoot on Easter basically.  There are 166 photos in my Easter album and that's not all of them.

-I'm scared tumblr is going to be my new addiction. crapppp.

-There might be several blogs this week as I do not have much to do!  Hurrah!

Until next time,
-kar

I Think I Have a Problem, I Think I Think too Much...

Wooooooooahhhhh we're halfway there!!  Two more days and I'm heading home!  I can honestly say I am extremely excited!  These past two days have been interesting to say the least.  They've been good, not extremely busy but that's all going to change in a matter of minutes.  

So I've been thinking... that's never a good thing, right?  Over the past few weeks, I've been examining the last few years of my life. As I stepped back and remembered circumstances, situations, milestones, victories, disappointments, heartbreaks, changes, experiences, memories, let downs, mountain highs, and just every day life events, I realized that Christ was the constant.  The one thing that was unchanging.  Just when I thought I was doing great, life was splendid on my own, Christ instantly broke me.  In this breaking process, He has proven himself faithful time and time again.  Life and people are always changing but in the midst of the chaos- in the midst of the hurt, he is there.  Time after time in scripture, it states that God is faithful!  This in my life has proven true, not only in the bad but in the good!  As I reflected, I saw so many times where God was just beaming, smiling down and covering my life in so many undeserved blessings.  Many times, the blessing was hidden at the moment, but looking back I couldn't help but be reminded of the old hymn.  "Count your many blessings name the one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done!"  Bam.  How can I not be thankful and praise Christ for all he has done.  He is truly a God of grace. 

So, I say this to point out that while I am completely aware of the fact that Christ deserves my focus, my trust, my faith, my everything,  I don't always relinquish complete control of my life.  I like to know what's going on.  If something goes well, I want it to be because of me.  If something goes wrong, I want to fix it myself. I want it to be my solution. It boils down to pride and that is a sin. Who am I to think that I know better than an all knowing God?   That seems a bit ridiculous of me.I mean, over and over again, He has proven that He holds everything in His hands.  So after having this conversation with a dear close friend of mine who happens to be struggling with the exact same thing, we were steered to Phillippians 4.  It was a bit ironic because that is what we talked about in my Sunday School class two weeks ago and in my small group last week.  If we take the word "anxious" in verse 6, that basically means our selfishness.  Any time we are anxious, it's because we don't have control.  Well hello, Christ does, why do we need to worry?  It goes on to say in verse 9 that we are to "put this into practice."  What good is it to have all of this knowledge and instruction and not do anything with it.  Then we head on down to verse 12 and it talks about being content.  Content-to know you have the peace of God, regardless of the situation or outcome.  That you are 'ok' with it.  This passage has continuously broken me in the past few weeks. 

Now on to some random thoughts:

-I have decided that I do not perform well sometimes under pressure.  Today was a complete example of that. 

-I'm working on blogging more.

-Speaking of blogging... my best friend, Brittany, is now blessing the world with her thoughts!  You should check her blog out too! :)

-Had an awesome conversation with Matthew Morgan, who is the camp director this summer at Ridgecrest!  It put me in camp mode and I could not be more excited about what God has in store!

- String Ensemble concert was tonight.  Miss Jeanette continued the Bach week and play the crowd a 'little' solo!  Brava!

-Glee Cast music station on Pandora is basically fantastic. 

-We are almost to the month of April.  Can you say this school year has flown by?

-Bethany and I went to Dunkin Donuts twice yesterday for free coffee. Wooo hooo!

-Pink Ladies: game tomorrow! 6PM

-Next year's schedule is going to be an adventure! 

-The Last Song: Tomorrow. Whoop!

-Today was a beautiful day!  Hooray!

Until next time...

-kar 

I Wanna Know, Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

Well hello there!

-This weekend was pretty fantastic, well for the most part.  It started with my friend, Jeanette having to go to the doctor so I went to Sparklecity with her!  She ended up having to have a little out-patient procedure done but fortunately tonight is back at school!  Then Friday night Caleb, Clive, Jonathan, Katie H., and Mikey went to Matty's, then went to Dr. Mac's showcase, Unexpected Rainbows.  Yummy food and Musical Theatre... WOOOT.  After that, we went to Clive and Katie's room to watch "The Devil Wears Prada."  After I got back, I decided to change out all of my summer and winter clothes and reorganize my closet.  That was a project.  I decided I need to give some clothes away.

-Saturday consisted of breakfast with Kayla!  That was fun!  Then we went to choir rehearsal. After choir rehearsal it was time for some lunch at JC's and some shopping!  I was pretty tired after that day so I decided to head to my futon, watch The Notebook, and take a nap.  Good afternoon? Yes.  Then Morgie, Bethany, Alyssa, and Ellie went to Greenville to eat sushi, get coffee and take pictures!  Fun times!  We took Ellie home to Easley for the night and Bethany and I made up a rap song.  Needless to say it was a successful trip.

-Yesterday was Palm Sunday.  We had our Choral Masterworks Concert and performed St. John's Passion by Bach.  Basically Bach took the crucifixion story and added some notes and BAM- St. John's Passion was born.  (Ok, it wasn't quite that easy and there was much more to it, but you get the drift.)  My parents and brother came up for the concert and brought my grandparents!  I was so excited!  I was so thankful they were able to travel to come!  After the concert there was a yummy dinner with my family, the Bates, and Caleb at Fuddruckers!  Yum.

-This week (hopefully) will not be too stressful.  The main thing is going to be writing my philosophy of worship.  I have decided that I am in the wrong major due to the fact this is my fourth philosophy paper I have written in the past year.

-"The Last Song" is released on Wednesday!  I am basically excited about that.

-The Pink Ladies are playing on Wednesday night!  6PM!  You should come!  We're undefeated!  I hope it stays that way!

-I switched my winter and spring clothes in my closet.  It made me very excited!  Flowers, sunshine, and warm weather!

-I've got to teach my first voice student next week.  I'm pretty nervous about that but kinda excited.

-Bethany and I wrote a rap song this weekend.  It's called "Shawty." Expect it on itunes soon.  It's going to be a hit.

-What's the purpose of belly buttons?  Is there one?

-There were really bad storms last night.  I'm glad my family made it home safely!

-This week is a short week!  Heading home on Thursday night!

until next time
-kar