Oh it is very late and I should be in bed! I just finished packing for Highland's Family Retreat this weekend at HEB camps in the hill country. The warm weather is finally back in town, and it will be even warmer down south. Bring it on! Once again Carlee and Jolee with join me, along with my sweet boyfriend-- I think the girls are more excited about going with Matt than me, which is great! :)
Since it's too late to write anything intelligent, here's a survey for which I was tagged.
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Babysitter
2. Greater Gifts (Christian bookstore)
3. Intern (Woodmont)
4. Hostess at Chili's
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Runaway Bride
2. Pride & Prejudice
3. Little Women
4. Notting Hill
Four places you have lived:
1. Abilene (1982-1987)
2. Temple
3. Nashville
4. Abilene again (2000-2002, 2004-present)
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Extreme Home Makeover
2. Today Show
3. Friends
4. Saturday Night Live
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Austin (yeah, we didn't do big vacas as a kid)
2. London
3. Rome
4. Florida
Four websites you visit often:
1. CNN
2. Preacher Mike
3. iTunes Music Store
4. Bank of America
Four of your favorite foods:
1. Cheeseburgers
2. Ice cream
3. Burritos
4. Chips and salsa
Four places you'd rather be right now:
1. On my parents couch with my dog, Sandy, under a big blanket napping
2. On a beach in Australia... napping, of course, or reading
3. With Matt
4. Shopping with my mom!
Thanks, Sue!
Blessings to everyone on your weekends!
3.31.2006
3.14.2006
Hello everyone!
Yesterday, Mimi (Marilyn), Carlee, Jolee, and I headed to Granbury for a spring break trip. We are staying in a beautiful lodge, and just having a blast! Click on the link below to see some pictures of our trip thus far. We hope your week is going as great as ours!
Granbury
Yesterday, Mimi (Marilyn), Carlee, Jolee, and I headed to Granbury for a spring break trip. We are staying in a beautiful lodge, and just having a blast! Click on the link below to see some pictures of our trip thus far. We hope your week is going as great as ours!
Granbury
2.23.2006
To all of my sweet friends, beloved family, and others who lurk on this blog: I need to share something very sad and extremely good with you tonight.
My friend Kerri Lane died this evening. My girls are without a mother, and I cannot imagine what pain tomorrow is going to bring. I was so honored to get to put them to bed this evening and spend some time talking with them before I left them with their Mimi. A new bed was brought in for Kerri today, and Jolee mentioned that she wouldn't get to sleep on it. So with smiles on our faces, we discussed what her new bed must be like, and what it must be made of. We decided it was either wool or clouds. My heart is breaking over and over again- but friends, she was in such pain. I am so grateful that she is HOME and is in no more pain. She is once again the bright and happy Kerri she always was. It was time, and thank you Lord for taking her to be with you.
I know I will write more in the coming days about this. Over the past months I have asked for your prayers for this family. Once again I ask that you pray for these girls, their Mimi, and their dad. I pray that God will bless Mimi and Tony with wisdom and strength; I pray for boldness and softness of heart for Carlee, who is being the strong one; and I pray for peace and understanding for Jolee, who doesn't understand what has just happened.
My friend Kerri Lane died this evening. My girls are without a mother, and I cannot imagine what pain tomorrow is going to bring. I was so honored to get to put them to bed this evening and spend some time talking with them before I left them with their Mimi. A new bed was brought in for Kerri today, and Jolee mentioned that she wouldn't get to sleep on it. So with smiles on our faces, we discussed what her new bed must be like, and what it must be made of. We decided it was either wool or clouds. My heart is breaking over and over again- but friends, she was in such pain. I am so grateful that she is HOME and is in no more pain. She is once again the bright and happy Kerri she always was. It was time, and thank you Lord for taking her to be with you.
I know I will write more in the coming days about this. Over the past months I have asked for your prayers for this family. Once again I ask that you pray for these girls, their Mimi, and their dad. I pray that God will bless Mimi and Tony with wisdom and strength; I pray for boldness and softness of heart for Carlee, who is being the strong one; and I pray for peace and understanding for Jolee, who doesn't understand what has just happened.
2.20.2006
Thoughts for a Monday…
~ ~ ~ ~
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. – 1 John 4:1
~ ~ ~ ~
Last week the film “Invisible Children” was shown around Abilene, including Highland. If you have not seen it, please figure out a way to get a copy in your hand then share it will all of your friends. I was excited to see it, because such there was such a hype surrounding the movie. However that hype also made me wonder if it was just another film that was going to give you a “missional high”- one that would make you want to go out and sell everything you have for about 5 minutes… then it would lessen as rationality sets in. Well… after seeing it, the wheels in my mind were certainly turning about the ways I spend my money and what I could do to save more of it But the movie has also stayed with me throughout the weeks. The interesting thing is that most of the men and women that were interviewed are Christians. That fact wasn’t the point of the movie, but it was mentioned. What hit me the most was that these people (including their government officials) truly believe that no one else in the world cares about them. They feel very alone in this nightmare and really believe they are alone. A lot of people may see this movie and want to head over there as fast as possible to share the gospel. Well our African brothers and sisters know the gospel. They just aren’t experiencing the love.
~ ~ ~ ~
This is Lectureship week here in Abilene. It seriously takes over the whole town, because all of the hotels are booked, restaurants are packed, and traffic on the north side of town is busier. I never care, though, because I love it. I always see people that I haven’t seen in at least a year. And how having lived and been involved with church and academia in Temple, Abilene, and Nashville, I have so many connections and it’s so fun to randomly run into people (which can literally happen after a keynote lets out and everyone is scurrying around Moody). The people that come in for this from hundreds of miles away are so cute! I can picture myself someday rolling into Moody with my walker and adjusting my hearing aid so that I can be fed by the men (and maybe, someday, women!) who will be leading the generation after me. Until that day, I am glad to hike up the stairs to the top of section S to hear Dr. Money and other fine men not only dream of unity, but bring unity to reality.
~ ~ ~ ~
Here’s a picture of some loyal GSP fans from Sing Song on Saturday night...
~ ~ ~ ~
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. – 1 John 4:1
~ ~ ~ ~
Last week the film “Invisible Children” was shown around Abilene, including Highland. If you have not seen it, please figure out a way to get a copy in your hand then share it will all of your friends. I was excited to see it, because such there was such a hype surrounding the movie. However that hype also made me wonder if it was just another film that was going to give you a “missional high”- one that would make you want to go out and sell everything you have for about 5 minutes… then it would lessen as rationality sets in. Well… after seeing it, the wheels in my mind were certainly turning about the ways I spend my money and what I could do to save more of it But the movie has also stayed with me throughout the weeks. The interesting thing is that most of the men and women that were interviewed are Christians. That fact wasn’t the point of the movie, but it was mentioned. What hit me the most was that these people (including their government officials) truly believe that no one else in the world cares about them. They feel very alone in this nightmare and really believe they are alone. A lot of people may see this movie and want to head over there as fast as possible to share the gospel. Well our African brothers and sisters know the gospel. They just aren’t experiencing the love.
~ ~ ~ ~
This is Lectureship week here in Abilene. It seriously takes over the whole town, because all of the hotels are booked, restaurants are packed, and traffic on the north side of town is busier. I never care, though, because I love it. I always see people that I haven’t seen in at least a year. And how having lived and been involved with church and academia in Temple, Abilene, and Nashville, I have so many connections and it’s so fun to randomly run into people (which can literally happen after a keynote lets out and everyone is scurrying around Moody). The people that come in for this from hundreds of miles away are so cute! I can picture myself someday rolling into Moody with my walker and adjusting my hearing aid so that I can be fed by the men (and maybe, someday, women!) who will be leading the generation after me. Until that day, I am glad to hike up the stairs to the top of section S to hear Dr. Money and other fine men not only dream of unity, but bring unity to reality.
~ ~ ~ ~
Here’s a picture of some loyal GSP fans from Sing Song on Saturday night...
2.06.2006
I’ve decided to come out of retirement. It seems that there are at least two girls that still faithfully check this little site, and I suppose my friendship with them is worth at least one post. It’s not that I don’t enjoy blogging… it’s just hard to jump back in after getting out of the groove. I’ll do my best to get my groove back!
So things in my life have definitely changed since my last post. I’ll just use this post as a life update, and then I’ll get back to randomness in the future…
In December I passed all of my classes and even got to keep my scholarship! Christmas was great, because it was one of the few times that my parents, my brother and I were all in the same room for more than a couple of hours. I also traveled to Nashville for New Years and spent some quality time with friends and families. I guess should mention that I began dating a very wonderful man during this month. We’ve been dating for almost 2 months now, and it seems like I’ve known him for years. I will share more about him soon!
In January I started my classes again, cut back on my hours, and switched my degree plan back to the Masters of Christian Ministry. I had been contemplating this switch since December, but was hesitant. So many people were very encouraging of my pursuing the MDiv, and I hate to disappoint. But in the end, my purpose in being in graduate school isn’t to obtain some fancy degree. I just want to grow and learn, and that has been happening greatly since my entrance into graduate school. I’d also like to graduate before I’m 30, and I don’t really want to give up working. I think once you’ve tasted the sweet nectar of ministry, it’s hard to go back. So I’m back to the MACM and loving the idea of graduating in the next few years!
Now it’s February, and Highland has a new children’s minister! Her name is Suzetta, and she has been involved in Highland’s children’s ministry one way or another over the past 20 years. Over the past few months she has become a friend and guide to me, and I’m so excited about working with her! It has been a priceless education for me to be in the “Big L” position in our children’s ministry, but I am so ready to step back and learn from her.
So with my job improving, school being less stressful, and dating the greatest guy in Abilene, my life is just super. How’s that for a comeback post?
(Also, I spent a lot of time with Carlee and Jolee over my break. We pretty much have a standing Friday night date, and look for other times during the week to hang out. I love loving these girls! Please remember their mom, Kerri, in your prayers. She is teaching me, and the rest of Highland, so much about trust and faith right now.)
So things in my life have definitely changed since my last post. I’ll just use this post as a life update, and then I’ll get back to randomness in the future…
In December I passed all of my classes and even got to keep my scholarship! Christmas was great, because it was one of the few times that my parents, my brother and I were all in the same room for more than a couple of hours. I also traveled to Nashville for New Years and spent some quality time with friends and families. I guess should mention that I began dating a very wonderful man during this month. We’ve been dating for almost 2 months now, and it seems like I’ve known him for years. I will share more about him soon!
In January I started my classes again, cut back on my hours, and switched my degree plan back to the Masters of Christian Ministry. I had been contemplating this switch since December, but was hesitant. So many people were very encouraging of my pursuing the MDiv, and I hate to disappoint. But in the end, my purpose in being in graduate school isn’t to obtain some fancy degree. I just want to grow and learn, and that has been happening greatly since my entrance into graduate school. I’d also like to graduate before I’m 30, and I don’t really want to give up working. I think once you’ve tasted the sweet nectar of ministry, it’s hard to go back. So I’m back to the MACM and loving the idea of graduating in the next few years!
Now it’s February, and Highland has a new children’s minister! Her name is Suzetta, and she has been involved in Highland’s children’s ministry one way or another over the past 20 years. Over the past few months she has become a friend and guide to me, and I’m so excited about working with her! It has been a priceless education for me to be in the “Big L” position in our children’s ministry, but I am so ready to step back and learn from her.
So with my job improving, school being less stressful, and dating the greatest guy in Abilene, my life is just super. How’s that for a comeback post?
(Also, I spent a lot of time with Carlee and Jolee over my break. We pretty much have a standing Friday night date, and look for other times during the week to hang out. I love loving these girls! Please remember their mom, Kerri, in your prayers. She is teaching me, and the rest of Highland, so much about trust and faith right now.)
11.21.2005
It has started.
This afternoon, while browsing for some q-tips at the Super W, I heard a grandma say to her granddaughter, "Be good, Santa's comin'." She had the sweetest, most Texas grandmotherly tone, but it struck me as silly and got me thinking as I decided between walmart-brand and Johnson & Johnson. What if I told a child in my kindest, most Katie-like voice, "Be good, Jesus is comin'." Wouldn't that be a little more accurate? But you have to admit, it sounds a lot more ridiculous. To all of you parents out there, please test this on your child for me and let me know how it goes.
This afternoon, while browsing for some q-tips at the Super W, I heard a grandma say to her granddaughter, "Be good, Santa's comin'." She had the sweetest, most Texas grandmotherly tone, but it struck me as silly and got me thinking as I decided between walmart-brand and Johnson & Johnson. What if I told a child in my kindest, most Katie-like voice, "Be good, Jesus is comin'." Wouldn't that be a little more accurate? But you have to admit, it sounds a lot more ridiculous. To all of you parents out there, please test this on your child for me and let me know how it goes.
11.06.2005
Back from a wonderful, quick trip to Echo Valley, part of the HEB Encampment in the Texas Hill Country. Highland held their bi-annual family retreat, and I took Carlee & Jolee as my family. We were only there for about 23 hours, but we did lots of playing, swinging, eating, canoeing, worshiping, laughing, and fellowshipping. People thanked me for bringing them, but it was truly the treat for me. Once again, pictures from my weekend...
11.04.2005
Nickel Creek
On Thursday afternoon Kaylynn, Jamey, and I drove to Dallas and went to see Nickel Creek. Though we had tickets, there were no assigned seats... or any seats at all. So we had to wait in line for an hour to get in, then wait an hour for the concert to start, then listened to the opening show (Martin Sexton) for an hour, then NC for 2 hours. That's 5 blessed hours of standing. But it was well worth it!!! I had never heard Martin Sexton before, but I now own one of his albums. And NC was amazing as always. They are so wonderful live and never disappoint. Now that I have seen them 4 times in concert and in random places around Nashville, I feel like we are old friends... minus the Christmas cards, phone calls, or general acknowledgement.
These pics aren't the greatest, but not too bad since we were so close! Hope you enjoy! :)
These pics aren't the greatest, but not too bad since we were so close! Hope you enjoy! :)
10.30.2005
Papers... Greek... ministry... Fall Festival... service hours for SPM... mentoring groups... work... Nickel Creek concert (ok, that is fun, but it still takes time)... church retreat... too many things take precedence to blogging right now.
However I just read a great post on children and Halloween. Not having kids myself, I really don't feel one way or the other about the holiday. I've heard both sides of the story, and I just haven't really sat down and thought through it. I don't have a "theology of Halloween." But I really like what this dad has to say about the night and his two-year-old. Hope you enjoy, too.
Brooklyn Church Plant
Oh, and I'd also like to share a joy with you. I just received an email from a fresman at ACU. He wants to teach our 5th grade class. Not help, not assist, not substitute-- he wants to teach! I rejoiced aloud when I read his email. It may sound like a little thing, but it is huge to me. Thank you, Lord!
However I just read a great post on children and Halloween. Not having kids myself, I really don't feel one way or the other about the holiday. I've heard both sides of the story, and I just haven't really sat down and thought through it. I don't have a "theology of Halloween." But I really like what this dad has to say about the night and his two-year-old. Hope you enjoy, too.
Brooklyn Church Plant
Oh, and I'd also like to share a joy with you. I just received an email from a fresman at ACU. He wants to teach our 5th grade class. Not help, not assist, not substitute-- he wants to teach! I rejoiced aloud when I read his email. It may sound like a little thing, but it is huge to me. Thank you, Lord!
10.20.2005
I will not allow you to tell me who I am and who I am not.
I will not allow you to tell me what I am or what I should be.
I will not allow you to tell me what I should or should not do.
I will not listen to your lies. I will not listen when you tell me that I am too young, too busy, inexperienced, or only a girl.
I will not even look at you when you wear the masks of my friends and family.
I realize that by my proclaiming this, you will now only work harder to convince me of your lies; I know that you will become even trickier and try to catch me when my guard is down. And the only thing I can say to that is good luck. You will not hurt me nor destroy me. Because I am already dead. I have died to Christ. So when you are attempting to harm me, you are only fighting the Lord. And let me tell you- you have nothing on Him.
I will not allow you to tell me what I am or what I should be.
I will not allow you to tell me what I should or should not do.
I will not listen to your lies. I will not listen when you tell me that I am too young, too busy, inexperienced, or only a girl.
I will not even look at you when you wear the masks of my friends and family.
I realize that by my proclaiming this, you will now only work harder to convince me of your lies; I know that you will become even trickier and try to catch me when my guard is down. And the only thing I can say to that is good luck. You will not hurt me nor destroy me. Because I am already dead. I have died to Christ. So when you are attempting to harm me, you are only fighting the Lord. And let me tell you- you have nothing on Him.
9.30.2005
Most of you know that my job has drastically changed within the past month. I am still technically the children’s ministry resident; but my job has morphed into the role of the interim children’s minister. My wonderful boss, mentor, and friend is no longer the children’s minister as of a few weeks ago. Needless to say it has been a tough month. My lack of blogging has come from the absence of words, not really knowing what to share or how to share it. In this post I will do my best to share the tension and growth that is going on in my mind and heart.
This morning as I sat at my desk and looked at my list of things to do, weekend calendar, and the pile of work & projects growing on my desk, my heart started to race. Then a little reminder popped up from my Outlook calendar that I had a meeting in 5 minutes. My heart began to race a little faster. I knew I wasn’t nervous about anything; I decided that this is what a panic attack must feel like. Now I know that it was not really a panic attack, but it sure wasn’t a feeling of control or balance. I went to this meeting still feeling very dysfunctional. It ended up being a good meeting, but my mind wasn’t with them the whole time. I decided then that I would ask for help in the form of a student worker.
Later this afternoon I talked to my new boss about getting some more help for our office. He was very receptive to the idea, but expressed concern for my stress. After talking about the factors contributing to the stress, he asked me if I could point to one thing that was causing my stress. I wish I had had a few minutes to think about this question. If so I probably would have come up with a very calculated, careful, professional answer. Instead I said, “I hate politics. And I feel like that is what my job has turned into.” I went on to say that in no way was I expressing that I wanted to leave my position or that I wasn’t still very committed to the ministry. I just tried to help him understand that I was frustrated in the new process that I am having to learn. I’m sure it is something that, inevitably, every minister- or working professional- must learn; it is just something that is causing the most frustration and stress for me at the present moment.
Tonight as I studied with friends at a local coffee joint, the conversation turned towards creation and the fall—basically systematic theology. I won’t go into our whole conversation, but the idea was brought up that we are on this earth to be conformed into Christ’s likeness. That idea went off like a firework in my head. Here I am learning how to be a politician, when I could be doing much more productive things that would transform me into the likeness of Christ.
It seems odd to me that right as my job is requiring much more of me, I am being presented with many more opportunities for service in our community. I am a big fan of Examen— acknowledging the things in your life that give you life and take away life. As I reflect over the past couple of weeks, my being at work wears me out, and sleep is what I look forward to most in my day. However over the past week, I have had trouble going to sleep on the nights that I come home from the Red Cross shelter. Last night after coming home from handing out sack-dinners to the homeless & hungry around Abilene (some tents not a mile from my place), I had to stay up awhile to let my mind process and contemplate the things I had witnessed. I came home energized and went up to the shelter to touch base with the people I have come to love there.
What I value in the discipline of Examen is that it is learning to see & acknowledge the presence and working of the Lord in both the things that give you life and take away life. He is with us always, in the good and the not so good. I have certainly witnessed this in my life lately. Though going to work is not my favorite thing, I often feel a strong presence of the Holy Spirit in my mind and heart. Too often lately I have kept my emotions together and used kind words, when my attitude was not one of kindness. That has the Holy Spirit written all over it. I would have broken down weeks ago without the Lord’s strength and abundant blessings of peace and calmness. My prayer throughout this whole ordeal with my job, throughout my experiences of being drawn toward social justice opportunities, and throughout my juggling of these things with my grad classes, has been that I will be transformed through the renewal of my mind, and that the Lord will give me wisdom in my inner being. The classes that I have right now are filling my head with all sorts of knowledge, but what I need most right now is wisdom deep within my soul. The wisdom to discern these experiences, and the renewal of my mind that I may change as a person and minister as I process these experiences.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
This morning as I sat at my desk and looked at my list of things to do, weekend calendar, and the pile of work & projects growing on my desk, my heart started to race. Then a little reminder popped up from my Outlook calendar that I had a meeting in 5 minutes. My heart began to race a little faster. I knew I wasn’t nervous about anything; I decided that this is what a panic attack must feel like. Now I know that it was not really a panic attack, but it sure wasn’t a feeling of control or balance. I went to this meeting still feeling very dysfunctional. It ended up being a good meeting, but my mind wasn’t with them the whole time. I decided then that I would ask for help in the form of a student worker.
Later this afternoon I talked to my new boss about getting some more help for our office. He was very receptive to the idea, but expressed concern for my stress. After talking about the factors contributing to the stress, he asked me if I could point to one thing that was causing my stress. I wish I had had a few minutes to think about this question. If so I probably would have come up with a very calculated, careful, professional answer. Instead I said, “I hate politics. And I feel like that is what my job has turned into.” I went on to say that in no way was I expressing that I wanted to leave my position or that I wasn’t still very committed to the ministry. I just tried to help him understand that I was frustrated in the new process that I am having to learn. I’m sure it is something that, inevitably, every minister- or working professional- must learn; it is just something that is causing the most frustration and stress for me at the present moment.
Tonight as I studied with friends at a local coffee joint, the conversation turned towards creation and the fall—basically systematic theology. I won’t go into our whole conversation, but the idea was brought up that we are on this earth to be conformed into Christ’s likeness. That idea went off like a firework in my head. Here I am learning how to be a politician, when I could be doing much more productive things that would transform me into the likeness of Christ.
It seems odd to me that right as my job is requiring much more of me, I am being presented with many more opportunities for service in our community. I am a big fan of Examen— acknowledging the things in your life that give you life and take away life. As I reflect over the past couple of weeks, my being at work wears me out, and sleep is what I look forward to most in my day. However over the past week, I have had trouble going to sleep on the nights that I come home from the Red Cross shelter. Last night after coming home from handing out sack-dinners to the homeless & hungry around Abilene (some tents not a mile from my place), I had to stay up awhile to let my mind process and contemplate the things I had witnessed. I came home energized and went up to the shelter to touch base with the people I have come to love there.
What I value in the discipline of Examen is that it is learning to see & acknowledge the presence and working of the Lord in both the things that give you life and take away life. He is with us always, in the good and the not so good. I have certainly witnessed this in my life lately. Though going to work is not my favorite thing, I often feel a strong presence of the Holy Spirit in my mind and heart. Too often lately I have kept my emotions together and used kind words, when my attitude was not one of kindness. That has the Holy Spirit written all over it. I would have broken down weeks ago without the Lord’s strength and abundant blessings of peace and calmness. My prayer throughout this whole ordeal with my job, throughout my experiences of being drawn toward social justice opportunities, and throughout my juggling of these things with my grad classes, has been that I will be transformed through the renewal of my mind, and that the Lord will give me wisdom in my inner being. The classes that I have right now are filling my head with all sorts of knowledge, but what I need most right now is wisdom deep within my soul. The wisdom to discern these experiences, and the renewal of my mind that I may change as a person and minister as I process these experiences.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
9.23.2005
Hi friends,
A few of you know that my life has encountered some changes lately. More on that later… Until then, here's my weekend and my current i-Pod favs.
Friday:
Work
Bodyflow
Work
Nap
7:30pm, Dancing in Oplin
12am-4am, Red Cross (helping Rita evacuees)
Saturday:
Working at church
Studying
Donald & Dave’s for some fellowship
Sunday:
Church
Leadership team meeting/lunch
Studying
Small group
Top 10 Songs on my I-Pod:
1. Open Skies- David Crowder Band
2. God Save the Queen- Greatness in Tragedy
3. Gravity- Allison Krauss + US
4. The Blues- Switchfoot
5. Yearn –Shane & Shane
6. Doubting Thomas- Nickel Creek
7. Songbird- Eva Cassidy
8. Mr. Curiosity- Jason Mraz
9. Better Together- Jack Johnson
10.Simply Nothing- Shawn McDonald
I hope you have a great weekend! I am really looking forward to mine!
Peace to you-
A few of you know that my life has encountered some changes lately. More on that later… Until then, here's my weekend and my current i-Pod favs.
Friday:
Work
Bodyflow
Work
Nap
7:30pm, Dancing in Oplin
12am-4am, Red Cross (helping Rita evacuees)
Saturday:
Working at church
Studying
Donald & Dave’s for some fellowship
Sunday:
Church
Leadership team meeting/lunch
Studying
Small group
Top 10 Songs on my I-Pod:
1. Open Skies- David Crowder Band
2. God Save the Queen- Greatness in Tragedy
3. Gravity- Allison Krauss + US
4. The Blues- Switchfoot
5. Yearn –Shane & Shane
6. Doubting Thomas- Nickel Creek
7. Songbird- Eva Cassidy
8. Mr. Curiosity- Jason Mraz
9. Better Together- Jack Johnson
10.Simply Nothing- Shawn McDonald
I hope you have a great weekend! I am really looking forward to mine!
Peace to you-
8.31.2005
So often we hear of awful things that human beings are doing around our country and around our world. Today I learned that a friend of mine, a youth minister, was beaten up very badly here in Abilene. Last Friday night he saw two girls on the side of the road with their hood up. When he pulled over to help, two men appeared- it was a set up. Thirty minutes later they were gone with his wallet and cell phone. Luckily they didn't take the right keys for his car, so he was able to get home. From what I understand he is bruised and cut up pretty good, but he is going to be ok- physically. He has an amazing wife and two very young daughters at his side, but I can't imagine what is going on in his mind. Then later today I was standing in the drink aisle at HEB, getting some things for church tonight. There was a family in front of me, and the little boy was holding onto the handles of the shopping cart with his feet resting on the cart as well (like we all did when we were kids). This was obviously slowing his mom down, and she yelled at him to get off. When he didn't, she decided that the best way to handle this situation was to hit his little fingers that were holding onto the handle bar. Not slap them- a balled-up fist hit. Then he let go and just held onto the back and sort of just slid with his bottom. Instead of stopping the cart to remove him, she also thought the best move was to kick him... and she proceeded to kick him all the way down the aisle as he yelled for her to stop, and he finally moved when they got to the end of the aisle. I was supposed to be deciding between Coke and Dr. Pepper, but the world suddenly slowed down and I couldn't move as I watched this whole scene.
All you have to do is turn on the news to know that humanity is messed up. And I have been in some very broken places since I've been in Abilene. But the people I have seen are crying out for help. A mother who hits her young son- not out of rage, but out of pure annoyance- and 4 people who sit at home and plan an attack on a helpless person are the kind of people that I forget I live with every day. The ones who are crying out for help are the people that my heart is turned most towards. God give me a heart of Christ-like compassion that is not only compelled to help those who can't help themselves, but also to those who do help themselves in the most vicious ways.
All you have to do is turn on the news to know that humanity is messed up. And I have been in some very broken places since I've been in Abilene. But the people I have seen are crying out for help. A mother who hits her young son- not out of rage, but out of pure annoyance- and 4 people who sit at home and plan an attack on a helpless person are the kind of people that I forget I live with every day. The ones who are crying out for help are the people that my heart is turned most towards. God give me a heart of Christ-like compassion that is not only compelled to help those who can't help themselves, but also to those who do help themselves in the most vicious ways.
8.30.2005
Hello friends. Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive. Let's just look at my little hiatus from blogging as a summer vacation. And now that school has started back up, let's hope the blog will as well. :)
I had a wonderful summer! At the beginning of the summer, I had a few plans to look forward to, but I mostly planned on working. Instead things kept coming up, and I began having to schedule work into my week! Instead of just going on and on about the things I did, I thought it would be fun to make this post a "scrapbook" of some of my summer events. Hope you enjoy!
As mentioned previously in this blog, in May I traveled to California for the first time and attended a Women in Ministry conference and the Pepperdine Lectureships. I had never seen a picture of the campus before going, and I don't think this picture does the campus justice.
_____
A major part of my summer was the adjustment to working my first full-time job. I am now the Children's Ministry Resident at the Highland Church of Christ. (No pictures of our building on the web- this was the best I could come up with!)
_____
One of my best friends from high school, Carrie (Graves) Catt, married her best friend in May. I also wrote about this in a previous blog. It was so fun to catch up with friends at her reception that I hadn't seen in years!
_____
In June I took a short course (one week, 8am-5pm everyday) at ACU. I took Romans & Galatians with Dr. Ian Fair. Though the days were long, I enjoyed the intense study of the Word and loved Dr. Fair.
I didn't take a camera to class, but here is a loverly picture of our Bible building.
_____
At the end of June I took a very special trip to Houston. An amazing couple from Highland offered to fly me down to Houston to visit the Lane girls. The timing really could not have been better; it was the week that Kerri went in for her liver biopsy.
During the few days I was there, the girls and I went to Astroworld, spent an afternoon ice skating (their first time!), spent evening swimming and watching movies, and visited a couple of museums. In this picture we are sitting in giant teeth at the medical museum!
_____
In mid-July Erin & Carrie (my two dearest friends from Temple), Chelsea (my best friend from ACU), and I took a girls' weekend in Austin. I hope that this trip becomes an annual event; we spent just a couple of days eating out, shopping, swimming, and enjoying great conversation! In just a few days, I'll add a picture here....
_____
One of the events that I had planned back in the spring for this summer was a week of Learning to Lead camp at ACU. I went to this camp one time growing up and hated every minute of it!
But my week as a teacher for the 4th & 5th graders was such a blast, and I hope I get to do it again next year. As you can see, I had a pretty fun group of kids.
_____
I closed out July by singing in the wedding of Sarah Dean and Russell Smith. Sarah was a good friend of Will's at ACU, and we became friends after moving here last fall. I had so much fun singing with this group of girls...
... She also made the mistake of asking me and Lindsey to serve the groom's cake. It sure was good! 
_____
August began with Highland's annual high school retreat, Crossover. This year's theme was "Jesus Brings the Funk!" We learned that Jesus can only bring true joy... or funk, if you will.
Unfortunately you can not see the awesome outfit I bought for $5 at the Thrift House- rust-colored flared pants with a flowing, flowery shirt. I'd be happy to loan it to anyone who would like to borrow it.
Part of our weekend included a service project. Our group went to a deserted office building that was recently bought for Faithworks, a faith-based personal and career development program associated with Highland.
In this picture I am cleaning toilets with my new friend, Sally- a refugee from Liberia. This sweet girl has seen much worse in her lifetime than a clogged-up, rusty toilet.
_____
Just a week after the retreat, I began packing up my room at my parents' house and moved into a duplex just a few blocks away, closer to ACU's campus. Kaylynn drove down from Kansas and once again became my roommate. We are loving our new place, though still trying to make it "home." I'll have pictures of our place within the next week.
_____
School started last week, and this past weekend Kaylynn and I attended the graduate school retreat for first-year students. Though I started the program last January, I am still considered a "first-year" student.
At first I was not too excited about going, but now I am very glad that I went. We met lots of great people who quickly became our friends and will be our classmates for the next few (or more) years. 
_____
And finally, the most exciting news I can report at this moment is two-fold. Today I officially changed my degree: I switched from the Masters in Christian Ministry to the Masters of Divinity. Yep. Graduation is a mere 7 years away. And what better way to begin life as an M.Div student than with a new computer?
I purchased a Powerbook last week- my first major purchase of my life. I am typing on it this very moment. Isn't it purty?
_____
Well, friends, that's about it. Thanks for stopping by. I imagine that you were quite surprised to find a post from me. I am quite surprised at how late I have allowed myself to stay up and finish this post. Come back next week, and hopefully I will have added a couple more pictures. Who knows, maybe by next week I'll even have an entirely new post up! At any rate, here's to new posts, patient friends, God's goodness, and Greek paradigms, on which I have a quiz in 11 hours. Goodnight!
I had a wonderful summer! At the beginning of the summer, I had a few plans to look forward to, but I mostly planned on working. Instead things kept coming up, and I began having to schedule work into my week! Instead of just going on and on about the things I did, I thought it would be fun to make this post a "scrapbook" of some of my summer events. Hope you enjoy!
As mentioned previously in this blog, in May I traveled to California for the first time and attended a Women in Ministry conference and the Pepperdine Lectureships. I had never seen a picture of the campus before going, and I don't think this picture does the campus justice._____
A major part of my summer was the adjustment to working my first full-time job. I am now the Children's Ministry Resident at the Highland Church of Christ. (No pictures of our building on the web- this was the best I could come up with!)_____
One of my best friends from high school, Carrie (Graves) Catt, married her best friend in May. I also wrote about this in a previous blog. It was so fun to catch up with friends at her reception that I hadn't seen in years!
_____
In June I took a short course (one week, 8am-5pm everyday) at ACU. I took Romans & Galatians with Dr. Ian Fair. Though the days were long, I enjoyed the intense study of the Word and loved Dr. Fair.
I didn't take a camera to class, but here is a loverly picture of our Bible building._____
At the end of June I took a very special trip to Houston. An amazing couple from Highland offered to fly me down to Houston to visit the Lane girls. The timing really could not have been better; it was the week that Kerri went in for her liver biopsy.
During the few days I was there, the girls and I went to Astroworld, spent an afternoon ice skating (their first time!), spent evening swimming and watching movies, and visited a couple of museums. In this picture we are sitting in giant teeth at the medical museum! _____
In mid-July Erin & Carrie (my two dearest friends from Temple), Chelsea (my best friend from ACU), and I took a girls' weekend in Austin. I hope that this trip becomes an annual event; we spent just a couple of days eating out, shopping, swimming, and enjoying great conversation! In just a few days, I'll add a picture here....
_____
One of the events that I had planned back in the spring for this summer was a week of Learning to Lead camp at ACU. I went to this camp one time growing up and hated every minute of it!
But my week as a teacher for the 4th & 5th graders was such a blast, and I hope I get to do it again next year. As you can see, I had a pretty fun group of kids._____
I closed out July by singing in the wedding of Sarah Dean and Russell Smith. Sarah was a good friend of Will's at ACU, and we became friends after moving here last fall. I had so much fun singing with this group of girls...
... She also made the mistake of asking me and Lindsey to serve the groom's cake. It sure was good! 
_____
August began with Highland's annual high school retreat, Crossover. This year's theme was "Jesus Brings the Funk!" We learned that Jesus can only bring true joy... or funk, if you will.
Unfortunately you can not see the awesome outfit I bought for $5 at the Thrift House- rust-colored flared pants with a flowing, flowery shirt. I'd be happy to loan it to anyone who would like to borrow it.Part of our weekend included a service project. Our group went to a deserted office building that was recently bought for Faithworks, a faith-based personal and career development program associated with Highland.
In this picture I am cleaning toilets with my new friend, Sally- a refugee from Liberia. This sweet girl has seen much worse in her lifetime than a clogged-up, rusty toilet._____
Just a week after the retreat, I began packing up my room at my parents' house and moved into a duplex just a few blocks away, closer to ACU's campus. Kaylynn drove down from Kansas and once again became my roommate. We are loving our new place, though still trying to make it "home." I'll have pictures of our place within the next week.
_____
School started last week, and this past weekend Kaylynn and I attended the graduate school retreat for first-year students. Though I started the program last January, I am still considered a "first-year" student.
At first I was not too excited about going, but now I am very glad that I went. We met lots of great people who quickly became our friends and will be our classmates for the next few (or more) years. 
_____
And finally, the most exciting news I can report at this moment is two-fold. Today I officially changed my degree: I switched from the Masters in Christian Ministry to the Masters of Divinity. Yep. Graduation is a mere 7 years away. And what better way to begin life as an M.Div student than with a new computer?
I purchased a Powerbook last week- my first major purchase of my life. I am typing on it this very moment. Isn't it purty?_____
Well, friends, that's about it. Thanks for stopping by. I imagine that you were quite surprised to find a post from me. I am quite surprised at how late I have allowed myself to stay up and finish this post. Come back next week, and hopefully I will have added a couple more pictures. Who knows, maybe by next week I'll even have an entirely new post up! At any rate, here's to new posts, patient friends, God's goodness, and Greek paradigms, on which I have a quiz in 11 hours. Goodnight!
7.05.2005
Hi friends,
I am going to post this email from Kerri for those of you who also read that blog. We are having trouble with hers, so I want to put this out there for those who have been following along with her story:
OK, i don't know how to "share" this news without just typing it out in black and white. The results are in from my liver biopsy and it is melanoma. I know you have questions, and i do too! We're setting up appointments to go talk with the "earthly powers that be" at MDA and i will see what chariots and horses they have to offer. But i gotta tell you that...that's not where my faith is. So, please keep praying, as i know you have been and i will e-mail you after my Dr.s appointment which is tomorrow and Thursday. My main concern is Carlee and Jolee and that i be as honest as I can without scaring them, so join me in prayer for that, please. Will i sound ungracious if I ask you not to call? There is NO privacy at our little apartment and I will promise to e-mail you when i know anything at all, besides what you already know. Thank you for loving us and respecting our lives. I am fine, no better than fine. I am blessed beyond imagination with the peace and faith that is His gift to anyone who desires it.
Putting my faith in the Ultimate Physician, i remain,
Kerri
Last week I went to Houston to spend time with these precious ladies: Kerri, her daughters, Carlee & Jolee, and her mom, "Mimi" or Marilyn. The girls (C&J) and I had slumber parties at my hotel room, swam, went to Astroworld, ice-skating, watched movies, and swam some more. We had a fantastic week, but this week will be a bit different. Please join me in praying for them as they hear this news and prepare for the next steps. I typically would never do this, but... there has also been a fund set up for them through Highland. If you have a few extra dollars burning a hole in your pocket, then this would be an excellent way to bless a family in need. I'd be happy to share more info. about that with anyone who is interested.
What a gift it is to be a part of the body of Christ!
I am going to post this email from Kerri for those of you who also read that blog. We are having trouble with hers, so I want to put this out there for those who have been following along with her story:
OK, i don't know how to "share" this news without just typing it out in black and white. The results are in from my liver biopsy and it is melanoma. I know you have questions, and i do too! We're setting up appointments to go talk with the "earthly powers that be" at MDA and i will see what chariots and horses they have to offer. But i gotta tell you that...that's not where my faith is. So, please keep praying, as i know you have been and i will e-mail you after my Dr.s appointment which is tomorrow and Thursday. My main concern is Carlee and Jolee and that i be as honest as I can without scaring them, so join me in prayer for that, please. Will i sound ungracious if I ask you not to call? There is NO privacy at our little apartment and I will promise to e-mail you when i know anything at all, besides what you already know. Thank you for loving us and respecting our lives. I am fine, no better than fine. I am blessed beyond imagination with the peace and faith that is His gift to anyone who desires it.
Putting my faith in the Ultimate Physician, i remain,
Kerri
Last week I went to Houston to spend time with these precious ladies: Kerri, her daughters, Carlee & Jolee, and her mom, "Mimi" or Marilyn. The girls (C&J) and I had slumber parties at my hotel room, swam, went to Astroworld, ice-skating, watched movies, and swam some more. We had a fantastic week, but this week will be a bit different. Please join me in praying for them as they hear this news and prepare for the next steps. I typically would never do this, but... there has also been a fund set up for them through Highland. If you have a few extra dollars burning a hole in your pocket, then this would be an excellent way to bless a family in need. I'd be happy to share more info. about that with anyone who is interested.
What a gift it is to be a part of the body of Christ!
