tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8217082941443918772024-03-14T11:31:38.100-07:00Stuff and More StuffKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-60035406322994107532012-05-06T19:42:00.001-07:002012-05-06T19:47:12.603-07:00The Unlikely Mother<em>I thought I would re-post this in honor of the upcoming Mother's Day.</em><br />
<em>From 05/08/10:</em><br />
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Mother's day has always been an odd day for me. I was once grateful that I did not have to feel obligated to pay respect to someone with whom I would never have respect. As an adult, I would stay away from church on Mother's Day as it seemed to be a reminder of what I thought I did not have, and worse yet, what I thought I would never become.<br />
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About a month ago I was asked to write a poem about mothers to recite at church on Mother's Day. I stared blankly into the face of someone whom I thought, quite frankly, had lost her ever loving mind. I wanted to turn her down on the spot, but she said she really thought the Lord wanted her to ask me. How do you put the brakes on that one? I said I would think about it, and eventually I agreed to do it.<br />
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When I began to think about Mother's Day and what it was and was not to me, I realized I was not the only one who at one time or another painfully endured the hoopla placed around mothers on the day the USA calls Mother's Day. I looked to Isaiah 54, my most cherished passage of scripture, and all I can say from here is <strong>girlfriend, if you think you do not have a mother look around you, look at your past and how you got where you are today; and, if you think you are not a mother, think again.</strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The Unlikely Mother</strong></div>
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She stands alone with none to call her own</div>
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barren, unmarried, or her moment has passed on</div>
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whatever the case, she is crowned with grace</div>
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for Isaiah says many will fill her empty place.</div>
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<br />
She always opens her door to just one more</div>
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if there is nowhere else, they can sleep on the floor</div>
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her words are as strong as the confidence she carries</div>
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not for a moment being thought of as just ordinary</div>
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she is a wisdom provider, a mercy giver, a Christ lover</div>
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she is blessed among women, she is the unlikely mother.</div>
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<br />
She may not have given birth to her child</div>
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but she will stand in the gap to keep them undefiled</div>
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she cradles her children with unconditional love</div>
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because her heart understands they were sent from above</div>
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she is a Truth seeker, a Word speaker, a secret keeper</div>
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maybe even a cover</div>
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but above all else, she is the unlikely mother.</div>
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She has enriched my own life</div>
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so I will reach out to another</div>
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and embrace the responsibilities</div>
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of the unlikely mother.</div>
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Today I am thankful for the mothers I have had through the years. I am most thankful for the woman who adopted me as an adult...after years of being forgotten by fosters and such, she loved me enough to call me her own. I only pray I can live up to the standards I've been shown.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-8666983845869621162012-02-27T06:43:00.004-08:002012-02-27T08:30:32.437-08:00ReigningThe books of Kings have always thrilled me, and yet leaves lingering questions in my own mind of how long I will be able to serve the Lord as He has called. In Kings (both books) the times of the king's reigns are listed, some reigned many years, but many reigned just a few years. The reasoning behind the length of their reigns were: they didn't follow the Lords commandments; they didn't follow the Lord like David did; they were more wicked than any other king before them; and, still others, all that was stated was the year or two they reigned. That's a sobering thought. How long will our reign be? Will there be any more said of us other than the year or two we served?<br />1 Kings 3:3 says "now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places." Wow, he loved the Lord...except. I was researching the gods to which Solomon sacrificed, and was intrigued by the name of one god, Molek. The Hebrew origin of the word was a combination of "mlk" meaning king, and "boshet" meaning shame (Holman Bible Dictionary paraphrased)...how ironic.<br />I recently had a dream where I was fighting demonic beings, probably from studying these gods. Two of them explained how they worked, starting at the feet where we would feel the most pain being bothered by this idol until we tolerated it enough to allow it to move on up. They said by the time they reached the head, they would no longer be wrestled with and the people would even be enticed by the feeling of sin, because sin had so engulfed the people that anything is okay. I continued to fight them the whole time, and tried to wake up others around me, but they wouldn't get up. There was so much more to the dream, but when I woke up, I realized how true it was. Are we any different than Solomon...loving the Lord...except?<br />One more thing and I'll hop off my soap box. Jeroboam was king after Solomon, he was given 11 of the 12 tribes of Israel to reign over, all he had to do was serve the Lord whole hearted; but, he was so afraid of losing his people that he set up gods for them, made priests that had no business being priests. It was a free for all, no rules, a do what you want sort of thing. It was another downfall for the people of Israel. It was fixable with just the turning of the heart back toward the Lord.<br />I don't know about you, but if I lose all my friends, I will serve Him without exception. It won't be pretty, and people will hate me for speaking the truth, but what have I to lose? In the end, maybe I'll have a word or two beyond my years of serving. :)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-49515133642542808002012-02-26T07:55:00.006-08:002012-05-02T09:19:17.615-07:00LeadershipWhat is leadership if we do not listen to others, we do not strengthen others, and we do not have faith in who the Lord has called us to be?<br />
Listen to people. I was talking to someone recently who brought up a current situation I am dealing with at home and the person walked away from me while I was speaking. I understand this person doesn't appreciate negative speak, but the situation wasn't positive and was brought up anyway, and I was not afforded the decency of being heard to completion. When we truly listen to what people are saying, we have the ability to see beyond words, and recognize the person's own area of struggle. If it were drugs brought into my home (which it was NOT), and I were battling temptation because of it...as my leader, I would rightfully expect you to hear me out and pray for me as I would hit my knees just as fast for you. We all go through tough times, and as I have said before, there is no shame in struggling. The shame comes when we have to stand before our leader with evidence of a prayer-less battle lost unnecessarily. When you walk away as a leader, you are rejecting their words and shaming the person. Listen to the pain beyond the words.<br />
Pray for others...it's where our strength comes from. Moses didn't have the strength to keep his arms up to win the battle in Exodus 17; he had two others to hold up his arms. When his arms were not up, the battle was lost; when his arms were up, the battle was won. We don't fight battles as they were back then; but, the spiritual fight will continue on until the day He returns or until we meet Him face to face. Our arms may fall & it may seem we are losing the battle, but we are winners with others at our side. <br />
Strengthen one another. When I think of mentoring, I think of strengthening. My heart weeps because of what I see in leadership. I see a people so terrified of losing position. To be honest, I was there not long ago. While I didn't lose position, I walked away from positions I held in obedience to what I believe was the Lord's leading. Now I am searching for accountability for myself, and looking for ways I can be the leader He has called me to be. It's not easy. People will say "I will be your mentor" but they don't mean it, though in my heart I wish they did. I am fully aware of how flippantly people will say something and not truly mean it. It's a sad state we are in when our words cannot be steadfast.<br />
Larry Burkett, in his book Business by the Book, stresses the importance of leadership. He states "the key to success of any organization is found in two key elements; the leadership and the people..." (p. 103). With the proper people in place, regardless of the inevitable human imperfections, an organization cannot help but flourish. The Bible states "plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed" (Psalm 15:22). When proper leadership is in place, the integrity of any organization will remain steadfast. We don't have to fight for position, and if we are where we should be, we should bring others along side, and even press them to achieve more. I want this not just when the time comes for me to open Destiny's Refuge, but NOW; and, I want to see it in the leaders around me.<br />
I struggle so much to try and fit, but realize so clearly now that I am simply a misfit. I don't fit into other's idea of perfection, I may not have a brilliant mind, but I am me...I do my best to live right, to be an example for others...and what is that if not leadership? I came across something I wrote once: "at times I wonder if I am potentially not skilled enough to be a strong leader, or not qualified enough to be a manager; however, I have come to realize that for me, it is best to be both [not qualified 'enough' & not skilled 'enough']." Because of Christ, we are sufficient; and, I know that deep within each of us is the knowledge that God is intimately involved in our lives. We can turn and attempt to become self sufficient, or we can let go and allow the grace of God to be sufficient for us. The Bible says "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Cor 12:9).<br />
Let's be leaders by listening, strengthening, and KNOWING who we are in Him!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-40030625609727825192012-02-21T09:11:00.000-08:002012-02-21T10:25:33.607-08:00Prayer & His PresenceI am not a prayer warrior, in fact, it scares me to no end when asked to pray for people and/or in front of people. I had to do it for years as church leadership & it terrified me every single Sunday. It's not that I don't pray...I have a very active prayer life and I LOVE to pray...<em>when I'm alone</em>. Last night I was invited to a gathering of intercessors. There is nothing like being in a room full of intercessors, it's powerful, it's amazing, and to me, <em>it's also intimidating</em>. When it became my turn to pray, after hearing other people flow with incredibly powerful words, my heart raced, my mind went blank, and I'm sure I turned beat red, but I plowed through, quite void of any eloquence I'm sure. One thing I know though, my prayer reached the heart of God just as the prayers of others did.<br />This morning I was reading 1 Kings 8, and thinking how appropriate this chapter was after last night. Solomon had just finished building the temple and I LOVE how The Bible says "It happened that when the priests came from the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord." (1Kings 8:10-11 NASB) Wow! We felt a sense of His presence last night, but it didn't knock us over. I often find myself asking the Lord if it is okay to claim a scripture verse for myself even though I know the audience for whom it was intended. I know the Word is not restricted by time, and what was written even in Solomon's day holds no bounds, but I always like to ask. Today was no different. I understand He lives within us...our body is His temple, but I still want His glory to reside in my church...even so much that His people can't stand for the glory of His presence. Is that too much to ask for this day? I think not.<br />Well, Solomon had to take over praying, 'cause the priests were...floored. (haa haa) Read his prayer if you have a minute, it's amazing, and prophetic (seeing beyond the rest Israel was experiencing at the time & knowing the winds of change would blow as they historically had). The Lord heard Solomon's prayer, and I know full well He also hears our hearts cry.<br />That's all. I want Him in the midst of my prayer & my house (the one I live in and the one I gather with His people to worship in). So, in the words of Solomon, I pray "that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers. And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires." (1 Kings 8:58-59)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-29412298498597901812011-12-16T11:37:00.001-08:002011-12-16T12:14:21.225-08:00Split Pea Soup aka Pea Green SoupThis has got to be the strangest post I've ever done...and slightly gross, so if you have a weak stomach, don't continue on...lol.<br />I'd post a picture, but there are some things people just don't want to see *ahem* like green soup. As kids, we called it Pea Green Soup, and laughed our heads off...'cause we were kids, but honestly, it still makes me giggle, and talking with my sister on the phone, the laughter was evident she remembered too. We used to eat it fairly often as kids, and we loved it, until, one dreadful day when we watched my brother Jeff projectile vomit the stuff. We all screamed and then laughed our heads off in true Jones fashion (that was our last name back then). I remember that day being the last day I ate the stuff...until recently.<br />Sunday was the birth date of my brother Jeff (who passed away this past May). Without fail, when I think of split pea soup (which is not often), I think of Jeff. Sunday, my sister, of all days, made split pea soup. My sister doesn't have many memories of our childhood, and we both know that, so when something happens that points back to childhood, I ask her if she remembers when.... Of course, this time was no different and we laughed and laughed, then she said "you are so gross!" I am! But, I'm not the one who subconsciously made Pea Green Soup on our brother's birthday!<br />So...there's my random rambling void of rhyme and reason.<br />Hope you enjoyed. ha haKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-69797737159720588442011-11-21T15:46:00.000-08:002011-11-21T15:49:43.063-08:00My Sister's Wedding Weekend<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHqmzA6ByBr-rLjsOyw7nIFmPHshUEuAKntXYNw7tY_dXg12ftBJV7Oce30cf-N1YnnJNFFIU5QxzvIqyMYhQveT0Li8-49AUx1ktZ8TtLZg8DwAHdsFMVcb7d1xiJRFNsOJlkz1QEGU/s1600/jen+and+phil.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677600085962882610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHqmzA6ByBr-rLjsOyw7nIFmPHshUEuAKntXYNw7tY_dXg12ftBJV7Oce30cf-N1YnnJNFFIU5QxzvIqyMYhQveT0Li8-49AUx1ktZ8TtLZg8DwAHdsFMVcb7d1xiJRFNsOJlkz1QEGU/s320/jen+and+phil.jpg" /></a> She's so lovely!</div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></div></span><br /><div align="center">The picture was stolen from my niece’s pictures on facebook. Of all the pictures I’ve seen so far, this was the best.</div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span>My sister, aka “sisterface” is one of my favorite people on the planet. I can’t function when she is mad at me (it’s been a long time, but oh yes, she’s been mad at me…we’re sisters…duh). As children, we had our wars…black eye, shaved head, tattle-tailing, and “I’ll say you ate your oatmeal, but you have to obey my every demand for a week”. I was the little sister, she always took care of me…she hated me for it; but, in her way, loved me in spite of it. Today when we’re together, we’re just stupid crazy and always have a great time.<br />I think it was about this time last year when she asked me to officiate her wedding. Of course I couldn’t turn my sisterface down. Four weeks of severe anxiety led up to the wedding. It wasn’t just the wedding though, I had visitors in just days before my family was to come in, my former roommate of 3 years was getting married and I was helping with the shower one weekend and driving across town the next weekend for the wedding. I also had a huge church transition during that time, ministry meetings, and had a new roommate move in and was trying to reorganize my house to accommodate her. Whew! I hadn’t lost so much sleep since college. And to top it all off…my boss was the groom!<br />The day of the wedding came, I closed up the shop early to rehearse (not that it helped) and get ready. Sisterface asked me to use her Bible during the ceremony. The Bible I gave her when I was about 15, on fire for the Lord, and deeply desiring her to know Christ. She did accept Christ, and to this day she reads that Bible almost every morning (I say almost ‘cause it didn’t make it to her suitcase for her honeymoon *ahem-hee hee*). It was fun to read the inscription I wrote to her and see the verses I highlighted…made me choke back some tears. That’s where the sentiment ended. Sisterface and Bossman decided to pull a prank, and at the part…you know the part…“should anyone show just cause…”had everyone stand and clear their throat...nice. Freaked me out…my mind went blank…I could hardly regain composure, but should I have expected anything less? Can’t wait to see the video, it should be filled with many “stop it”, “behave”, and “just say it right” phrases. Whew, had fun, glad it’s over! They are on their honeymoon now…yay. J<br />It was nice to get to see some of the family again. My brother Jeff’s family stayed with me (all that was missing was Jeff…and he was certainly missed). My brother Vincent stayed with me as well. I had not seen him since I was about 14 I think. It was nice to see him again after so long.<br />The weekend closed with a trip downtown with my nieces, ‘cause downtown is my happy place. J My niece Brandi made such a profound statement that night. She talked about how wonderful it was to watch & hear people delight in the surroundings to which we’ve become so accustomed. She said it gave her a whole new appreciation for the things we see every day. How right she is.<br />May you find beauty in your “everyday” surroundings.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-8069244369562587512011-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:002011-08-21T06:38:13.500-07:00Meeting the Fam<div>
<br /><div>So this is the weekend I got to meet the family I never knew I had. I took a road trip to Oklahoma City, OK. Friday morning came and I was as nervous as could be...it's not like I haven't ever traveled and met pure strangers, a person or two or ten that have shown themselves friendly by speaking a word or two over twitter, blogging, or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span>. This time it's different. These are a people who are most certainly friendly and loving and willing to meet, and though they were friendly, they were strangers...or were they?
<br /></div>
<br /><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Forty</span> years ago, a series of events took place (events in which <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">no one</span> really has the full truth) which separated me from my biological family; not just me, but my entire family was separated. These past <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">forty</span> years have been a struggle for some of my family members who believed they could have done something more to keep us all together. It's not their fault, everyone was doing all they knew to do. They would search for the next 40 years for us and we had no idea there was anyone to look in the first place.</div>
<br /><div>One family member went out of the way to search for the family, and eventually came up with a name, called that person and was met with love and open arms. So, we are all over the next couple weeks, headed to OK to meet the family. This weekend is my time. :)</div>
<br /><div>I left at 4 on Friday and got into OK around 2:30am. The ride didn't seem so long because a long time friend of mine came with last minute to see her family out here. The conversation was great and the trip wasn't so bad. Auntie Jaye met me at 5:15. I could hardly sleep, and she didn't sleep at all. She was at the hotel at 4:15 waiting for 5am so she could meet me. She's such a doll.</div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWqW1ekXdYuuayRikadOMOvCBUz6qTcC7aPUCvpRFMmZbiXxImeTjOe9ejQl7UlVEEtM6pYbE3t_z64W8bbBZNBGi7M73OEke2hcclaIb6GcCR-IE5J8_Ooqnu8jub_M7fJ-U4GSO2Fk/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643296303395961090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWqW1ekXdYuuayRikadOMOvCBUz6qTcC7aPUCvpRFMmZbiXxImeTjOe9ejQl7UlVEEtM6pYbE3t_z64W8bbBZNBGi7M73OEke2hcclaIb6GcCR-IE5J8_Ooqnu8jub_M7fJ-U4GSO2Fk/s320/032.JPG" /></a> Auntie and I kept saying the same phrases...it was the funniest thing...we laughed so much. Even personality wise. She waited until she got a good feel for me and who I was before she really opened up. She loves the Lord! As time passed, He was just about all she would talk about...love that!</div>
<br /><div>Auntie took me to meet Uncle Frank and Uncle Martin. They were outside Uncle Franks house and looked at me thinking I looked like family but not knowing who I was. :) Good times!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CTIgTEcoBEF31WG0LlaEtBobqKeNKL_CSgKf1RSbMFKKXl1_112iI-h-GoKaNk9P3P8YEJDy73U5qqwDWsAIVDiU67K8hZFGhLXSjKdsaUeuuKgHflI5uygEqx5bwG_yqS3yzwNtSeY/s1600/Uncle+Frank+Auntie+and+Martin.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643298659204208274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CTIgTEcoBEF31WG0LlaEtBobqKeNKL_CSgKf1RSbMFKKXl1_112iI-h-GoKaNk9P3P8YEJDy73U5qqwDWsAIVDiU67K8hZFGhLXSjKdsaUeuuKgHflI5uygEqx5bwG_yqS3yzwNtSeY/s320/Uncle+Frank+Auntie+and+Martin.jpg" /></a> This is Uncle Frank, Auntie Jaye, and Uncle Martin. And below is me and Uncle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Frank</span>, and Uncle Frank back in the day...kinda looks like Richard <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gere</span>...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwXME58IP1YYjxUVuD53RBW513mLruq_EhLxNksPesjjXKDJpNYUw3sqlNAjQlryua5-26r9GqbEVh44bxqqhMGNu7NTpE-LsdLHnUayQ_HDYYv8t-akNblAjBYFnQx4TJQ5Uo-v9MHo/s1600/me+%2526+uncle+frank.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643298775564539634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwXME58IP1YYjxUVuD53RBW513mLruq_EhLxNksPesjjXKDJpNYUw3sqlNAjQlryua5-26r9GqbEVh44bxqqhMGNu7NTpE-LsdLHnUayQ_HDYYv8t-akNblAjBYFnQx4TJQ5Uo-v9MHo/s320/me+%2526+uncle+frank.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KGk7CGoQTOKVK29mnS_pYErPbvHZui31sXKGMpaLbIyg0MTbSwIUX2ZRpm8FHphCYPQlDs_QLdfKWuxLRjMdUP4Xw-4V1BitTK_H60ZXnUHb1h8eyzYVgP6VggOoJOd5sAaHTu_jN6k/s1600/Uncle+Frank+back+in+the+day.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 227px; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643300482598616162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KGk7CGoQTOKVK29mnS_pYErPbvHZui31sXKGMpaLbIyg0MTbSwIUX2ZRpm8FHphCYPQlDs_QLdfKWuxLRjMdUP4Xw-4V1BitTK_H60ZXnUHb1h8eyzYVgP6VggOoJOd5sAaHTu_jN6k/s320/Uncle+Frank+back+in+the+day.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div>So that was my journey for yesterday...had a blast. Today I will be attending a Pentecostal church with another member of the family I have not yet met...kinda excited...kinda. ;) More to come.</div></div>
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-68546351450064475332011-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:002011-08-18T13:46:35.486-07:00Family, family, FAMILY!<div>
<br /><div>So much has happened over the past two weeks I don't really know where to begin. Company has been in and out of my place, I've been running here and there, and right about now, all I am sure of is that I need some serious sleep.</div>
<br /><div>Two weeks ago...maybe three...time escapes me, I received a phone call from my foster brother saying that Uncle Bob was being flown to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Swedish</span> Hospital with a brain aneurysm, and he and a cousin and Grandma were driving to Denver and asked if I had room for them. Of course I did, then he mentioned that my foster dad, his wife, and another cousin from TX was coming in too...yikes! I said I'd have to pitch some tents in the living room but that we would somehow manage. Well, most of them got hotel rooms (thank goodness...love company, love family, but whew), but the cousins & my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lil</span> bro stayed with me. What a time of drama, fun, and amazing God things. :) I love my peeps so much!</div>
<br /><div>So...during this visit, my 1/2 brothers girlfriend was searching for family...AND FOUND THEM!!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Woot</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Woot</span>! I grew up being told my biological mother was an only child...that was probably the biggest lie I ever believed. There were 14 siblings, and 10 are still alive. I will be driving out to Oklahoma City this weekend to meet a few. For now, here are some pics of my peeps:</div>
<br /><div>They started it all, my great grandpa and my grandparents:</div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XS1-S6gEIuwCp4BM3KfULjz5EqFhEOEBu0DWzpcl_GsPPVslPP6JFjhy9m4ZqdLy2GXzVhmFTkI8z1hY-Fl6n4CCb7lMppDKiqH891MZ3Ty1hxfdA2CjWsfo8ldFWCg1x9Pu5tChzNI/s1600/Gr+Grandpa1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642298179295666066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XS1-S6gEIuwCp4BM3KfULjz5EqFhEOEBu0DWzpcl_GsPPVslPP6JFjhy9m4ZqdLy2GXzVhmFTkI8z1hY-Fl6n4CCb7lMppDKiqH891MZ3Ty1hxfdA2CjWsfo8ldFWCg1x9Pu5tChzNI/s320/Gr+Grandpa1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOxIC-wsm2WhHXTvhFJm5spRgt0hEEH77k9ZwWmEkHhFjynziFDBnhnDGSzWoFM-CuJKa7k3qZ3MWsEYTuajdrUcALk6eXcRqkHlgzF0rJ2qpccbo2Mh3bM5ajNPvxkP-sPwyInlpAl4/s1600/Grandparents.png"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642298290080146594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOxIC-wsm2WhHXTvhFJm5spRgt0hEEH77k9ZwWmEkHhFjynziFDBnhnDGSzWoFM-CuJKa7k3qZ3MWsEYTuajdrUcALk6eXcRqkHlgzF0rJ2qpccbo2Mh3bM5ajNPvxkP-sPwyInlpAl4/s320/Grandparents.png" /></a></div>
<br /><div>Aren't they just amazingly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gorgeous</span>??</div>
<br /><div>My Auntie Jaye, she has brought me so much joy just getting to know her. She is kind and so very loving, full of grace, and always has a kind word and open arms.</div>
<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBF9WsnceCb2MuWiYj12dki_lCa1Egps3fMnJ7iRH1BF9QQq9ZrryUbKH1yONNl0NKV57petfv9YdwdeBnj6PIfp-U1REuHUuyCuqy2yqYEuKio89lYoER_oVO2zAbAq6rSZgO0P5kJ8/s1600/Auntie+Jaye1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 238px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642298064819566178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBF9WsnceCb2MuWiYj12dki_lCa1Egps3fMnJ7iRH1BF9QQq9ZrryUbKH1yONNl0NKV57petfv9YdwdeBnj6PIfp-U1REuHUuyCuqy2yqYEuKio89lYoER_oVO2zAbAq6rSZgO0P5kJ8/s320/Auntie+Jaye1.jpg" /></a>
<br /></div>
<br /><div>So, I'm headed out to Oklahoma City, OK this weekend, and I cannot wait to meet my biological family for the first time. There will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> be a weekend blog, so stay tuned. :)</div></div>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-25975659320561148332011-05-23T11:44:00.000-07:002011-05-23T12:16:39.161-07:00...and then there were 5We were a group of 6 children, abandoned in an apartment complex on the outskirts of San Diego, CA in 1971. The oldest of us was 9; I was the youngest and 8 months old. Social services placed us all in separate homes by two's, the two oldest boys, the two younger boys, and my sister and I. Some of us had it good, as far as foster homes go, some of us not so good. After four years, we were handed back to our biological mother for a trial period, and during that time our last names were changed to Jones and we were taken out of California to live out our childhood in hidden torture. We all left "home" very young, very tough, and much scarred.<br />A week ago I said my forever goodbye to the first of us siblings. Jeff was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy, an artist, and an excellent cook. He met a wonderful woman with children and they eventually added one to the brood. He had a problem with alcohol though; it claimed his liver, and eventually helped claim his life. He always felt guilty for leaving me...even asking for me before he slipped away. We lost track of each other when he left "home," but a few years later we reconnected. I was 16, and at a festival in NM (The Great Enchilada Festival <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">haa</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">haa</span>) when I heard my name being called. I tried not to turn around because I didn't go by that name anymore, but recognized his voice and turned to see my brother again. He kept track of me from then on, even attending the church where my foster dad ministered. I'm happy he's no longer in pain, sad to see him go, and just a tad bit jealous that he got to see Jesus first...I sure will miss him.<br />I left for TX the night Jeff passed away. (Thanks to my siesta's who prayed my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoopdie</span> down there and back.) I stayed with my adopted parents in Trinidad, CO Friday night and a foster brother in NM Saturday night. Sunday I arrived in TX. It broke my heart seeing my sis-in-law. I hugged her neck and choked back tears. Soon my biological mother arrived. As I walked passed her to hug my brother, she asked when I was going to arrive. When all heads turned toward me, she guessed who I was. :) It was such a strange feeling to be around this woman who tortured us as children, the woman from whom I tried so hard to earn love. As she stood there staring at me while ringing her hands, I realized I didn't need her, or her approval, or her love for that matter...the tables had now turned as she waited for me to turn my attention toward her. I said "hi" and listened to her talk and walked away...that was it. I didn't talk to her again. I didn't need to. I heard her stories and realized she is still a narcissistic, psychotic, pathological liar, and I didn't feel the need to respect her for any loss she might feel...I KNOW Jeff wouldn't either. I understand that sounds harsh, but had she owned up to anything instead of disrespecting his memory by telling lies, I would have respected her for simply being a human being who gave birth to a fabulous little boy who she had to say goodbye to far too early.<br />It was a strange time to say the least; a time of facing fears, enduring heartbreak, realizing who I am now apart from who I used to be, and a time of sad but sweet good-byes. However, during this time, I gained a deep need to know the paternal side of my family, and I am now on a hunt...this part to be continued.<br />I know this is long, and not exactly happy, but I wanted to share it anyway. Thanks for bearing with me.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-84693884287547584112011-03-18T04:48:00.000-07:002011-04-01T13:17:05.863-07:00It's Like Coming Home<div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590327298342147010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_a8Q-I5oomnnYu9M6d57vJSq5fSdZUUnxwPivDGqAW31W7W1aho4PjceuKCtoRbbR-_0qwb9Au-Ylhhx3OLnF2PpA6IZhX3aOp5gf-egWtUQY2RHVePiFxtpxM24RL2G-2G4JlL2pfn0/s320/20110318093301.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center">THE FARM (Isn't it cute!)</p><br /><p align="left">My friend Janice and I went to Kansas City, Missouri on a road trip to attend the International House of Prayer and another church there, as well as to have a little fun. On our way, we stopped just outside Colby, Kansas to stay overnight with some very dear people I know, visit a little, and be on our way.</p><br /><p align="left">In my youth I was in a home for homeless & "throw-away" teens called The Lighthouse for Girls. Marvin & Topper were the directors of the home. The home is no longer there, but Marvin & Topper are still there, doing Kingdom business from a little farm. After I put my stuff down, I held Topper and said "it feels like home." She said "well, y'are home". Melted my heart! (I can still hear the Kansas twang in her beautiful voice now as I think back.) It was late, so Topper was off to bed, and told us she needed to be up at 5:30 to bottle feed the calves. I gasped "I wanna help!" She said "no, you don't, you need to sleep in, it's awfully early." I could hardly sleep that night waiting to hear the shuffling of early morning feet...finally I heard her up and jumped out of bed ready to feed calves if I had to do it in my jammies! She told me to go back to bed, they would go out at 7:30. I was too excited to sleep though, I was dressed and ready in seconds. I miss the "chores" of farm life. It's like really living...I don't know how else to explain it. Here's some pics of the little guys we fed. They were taken with my cell phone, so they aren't that great, but the calves are just adorable! </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIaa4dGPfhgfhxe8pOaGEkRZNsfBPHlKcV6Pb4UgtO_gAHnAWueWpRMtK7FJXqP27ZFTBKkiMA7easr8GDR97pIjgeF-wndLpLarTWs0sMLEVDCc594TDs8zPVr1ctoWpwFIzk1EJ1e0/s1600/20110318102329.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590678959769918322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIaa4dGPfhgfhxe8pOaGEkRZNsfBPHlKcV6Pb4UgtO_gAHnAWueWpRMtK7FJXqP27ZFTBKkiMA7easr8GDR97pIjgeF-wndLpLarTWs0sMLEVDCc594TDs8zPVr1ctoWpwFIzk1EJ1e0/s320/20110318102329.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i5SmqIuRr5Hm7zMkfe0I0LydQyTkNAkwa4W9esyBCwqLmZ73gMlf-v7FGYYOflJ3rc-QcltdxgIT21Bs0Xzh0ZM3mNuLxGOYJxvHlVpuoBaA4-edjp_PRgCKA6YsKccNGKribqgymjA/s1600/20110318102109.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590661603945407122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i5SmqIuRr5Hm7zMkfe0I0LydQyTkNAkwa4W9esyBCwqLmZ73gMlf-v7FGYYOflJ3rc-QcltdxgIT21Bs0Xzh0ZM3mNuLxGOYJxvHlVpuoBaA4-edjp_PRgCKA6YsKccNGKribqgymjA/s320/20110318102109.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br /><div align="left">Below are the cows about a year after bottle feeding. It's so cute, M&T said they don't ever have to herd the cattle, they just call and the cows follow. They were debating coming up so we could pet them, but they eventually did...and I was licked by their cat-like tongues...gross, but so cool! And their horses...ohhhhh...so beautiful! </div></div><br /><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSapz3HDclDI5AOyP-dtefwO8hfEf62L4s1zmu-hnTbNvfWawahXkm_o-pPIEoP5XOFnEA8sIc2-DS7dWdtkBWnitcQ7uguMXOMMivyCoQSMq_UGy-bGsWnH8FHFyvbbV7BCGF_5a89O8/s1600/20110318101555.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590669409330323890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSapz3HDclDI5AOyP-dtefwO8hfEf62L4s1zmu-hnTbNvfWawahXkm_o-pPIEoP5XOFnEA8sIc2-DS7dWdtkBWnitcQ7uguMXOMMivyCoQSMq_UGy-bGsWnH8FHFyvbbV7BCGF_5a89O8/s320/20110318101555.jpg" /></a> <br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNySAidw3-Yx9Fz747-3HmpkhEMUT9jvzqwMnBypkmq1ydKVj8h2CNDZ4ksL8QD6xOavgbb44j4slkf3L6UXNbQl0fdifkQxcXGcN53NStAeuHN4wVk6cHw9D9T_WyKjwEuS3gIAUPVY/s1600/20110318101929.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590679273100788306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNySAidw3-Yx9Fz747-3HmpkhEMUT9jvzqwMnBypkmq1ydKVj8h2CNDZ4ksL8QD6xOavgbb44j4slkf3L6UXNbQl0fdifkQxcXGcN53NStAeuHN4wVk6cHw9D9T_WyKjwEuS3gIAUPVY/s320/20110318101929.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="left">Our stop in Kansas was probably the highlight of my trip. I'm not far from M&T, but sadly I don't often visit. Strange how that is, considering how much I love my people and how fun their place is.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">So M&T always load me up with books & devotionals & study material every time I am there...they crack me up. They loaded Janice up too. Well, on our way to Kansas City, MO, I was reading one of the books they gave us out loud. :) We were so into the book that neither one of us realized that so much time had passed until we heard the clunk of the engine just OUTSIDE Topeka...haa haa. We were out of gas. My carpanion was a bit stressed out, but I was having a great time on the side of the highway, and I knew help was on the way...and it was, we were rescued in about 30 minutes. Things never seem to go as planned, but when away from the regular stresses of every day life, to me, it's all adventure. :D</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">My adventure didn't end there. IHOP is such an amazing place of 24/7 prayer and worship. I wrote down many of the words to the music that was being sung as if it was the Lord singing it to me. I could have stayed there for hours on end, and the next time I go alone, I certainly will. One thing I know now more than ever, His hand was over us everywhere we went, and in everything that was sung & spoken over me during the time I was there. He was thinking of me (Psalm 139:17) and at this very moment I am so aware of it! He just never ceases to amaze me, and I pray that some day I will amaze Him right back.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-66999818479721434592011-01-02T22:34:00.000-08:002011-01-03T00:21:51.044-08:00Ahh New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uKW-9CPwQe2-fuJfs9PXrCCcRck0lYQLPofkkpmONuLSjA91gyvVV_cqV8RO3_dxLCJRLgIHco4j2gxR-DDL57jRuZindh4ZQPUxhEYCdCyE-rYdk3UQSoyn1K0BZOjrxl53GnR44AQ/s1600/2011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557871786230201826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uKW-9CPwQe2-fuJfs9PXrCCcRck0lYQLPofkkpmONuLSjA91gyvVV_cqV8RO3_dxLCJRLgIHco4j2gxR-DDL57jRuZindh4ZQPUxhEYCdCyE-rYdk3UQSoyn1K0BZOjrxl53GnR44AQ/s320/2011.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I always love the beginning of a new year. It's not that I <em>really</em> think that I get a clean slate, because God doesn't change at the start of a new year, only my mindset...for however long that may be. I just love the feeling that starting over brings...especially when just about everyone else in the world is doing it too. </div><br /><div>Last year was pretty rough for me. I attended some events that lifted my spirit and broke my heart all at the same time. I attended other events and received answers to prayers and became closer to people I knew and didn't know (but should have). I saw death...listening to the sobs and strained voice of a dear friend who lost her mother with no warning; I held my best friends hand as she struggled through the death of her marriage, I said goodbye to a woman of God unlike any I have ever met before. I saw life...rekindling two friendships I had lost touch with 25 years ago. I finally let go of a job I had no business clinging to; and, though it doesn't make sense, I am happy & blessed. I make less money than I have since my 20's, but God has blessed me so much in these last 3 months I have not missed a dime! When I say 2010 was rough...I mean it was rough...I'm just going to be straight and get it all out there. It was almost the end of me. My health was taking a fast plunge...among other things, and I put on a smile pretending everything was fine, but I had given up...emergency prayer chain kind of given up (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ps</span>...thanks for the prayers...my hand's waiving...yep...it was me). This past year is one I am running from. </div><br /><div>On to the new year. I don't want to make any resolutions; but, I do want to be resolved to live my life with the Lord in charge. I want to fine tune my senses. I want to see what He sees, hear what He wants me to hear, and be obedient doing what He wants me to do. I want to sense His presence, that's all. Sounds simple, but I know it wont be. I may keep you posted along the way too...how about that? ;) </div><br /><div>I hope we all have the greatest new year ever.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-43900373859618174582010-08-22T22:28:00.000-07:002010-08-22T23:34:59.588-07:00SuccessI was given a task to do two poems for REACH (a ministry reaching out to the Aurora, CO community). I figured after the last three weeks I've had, it's probably best to pull from the Stoker archives. However, I felt a little guilty doing that, so I sat down and wrote one before I headed there. I thought I'd share it with whomever may be passing through. :)<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Success</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center">Once told "the sky is the limit"</div><div align="center">We watched that story change minute by minute</div><div align="center">Endlessly searching for perfect occupation</div><div align="center">To acquire a nice car, house, expensive vacation.</div><div align="center">Where did the "musts" of society creep in?</div><div align="center">Youth never held obligation to give in.</div><div align="center">Did desire drown with increasing association?</div><div align="center">Keeping up with the Joneses, charging to credit inflation.</div><div align="center">Now caught up in societies military-like formation.</div><div align="center">It is not just you, it is the entire nation.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Success is not the car or the house,</div><div align="center">it is not the bank account, the number of children,</div><div align="center">or whether or not you have a spouse.</div><div align="center">It is that first glance toward heaven as you open your eyes.</div><div align="center">It is setting aside all of societies lies.</div><div align="center">It is realizing the passion you had from the start.</div><div align="center">It is finishing the race with all of your heart.</div><div align="center">It is becoming the hero you knew you would once be.</div><div align="center">It is knowing the world doesn't begin and end with me.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-55642877990617748622010-06-27T16:51:00.000-07:002010-06-27T18:11:13.651-07:00Another JourneyI've been on plenty of journey's before, and I am always up for a new challenge, so I began another one last Tuesday. August 1st I will be doing a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">triathlon</span> (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span>-for-the-Cure). I used to love doing runs, but somehow got away from them and gained so much weight it was scary to even think of doing one again. So the week before last I decided it was time to get back in shape. Actually, I decided a very long time ago, but lacked the motivation to do it. Well, when the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tri</span> came up, I grabbed on. I figured this was something that would <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">propel</span> me into actually getting something done. Well, 50 days from the race I realized nothing was really done; so, I asked my best friend (who is doing the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tri</span> with me) if she would do intensive training with me and she agreed. So, I've been working out 5-6 times a week doing two bricks at a time...like biking 12 miles and running/walking 3+ miles, or swimming 1/2 mile and running.... Once a week I work out at the gym to build my core, and I take Sundays off. It's been fun, but a lot of work.<br /><br />I am also eating a raw diet...and absolutely loving it. In fact I spent much of the day trying out recipes...some new, some I have done before...I remember how much I love eating raw. Here's my dinner tonight: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKURmoRggESRlAMmXg7rM7VDEhN35l4NaOv2AEqi5btvzdNk6HuwdEAgGzbP3mhnSM_vDQkwBCxz8sJHqcZQJXiz5aMbAiZS_B-UDIBSxJQn7R4udt1SIDL6jw1VEp93pxY-ATECK1FY/s1600/june+2010+015.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487615578094695202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKURmoRggESRlAMmXg7rM7VDEhN35l4NaOv2AEqi5btvzdNk6HuwdEAgGzbP3mhnSM_vDQkwBCxz8sJHqcZQJXiz5aMbAiZS_B-UDIBSxJQn7R4udt1SIDL6jw1VEp93pxY-ATECK1FY/s320/june+2010+015.JPG" /></a> I made cheese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">perogies</span>, cauliflower couscous, and a salad with mock tuna. The cheese is made with nuts, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">nama</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">shoyu</span>, and red pepper, so it's not really cheese and the outside is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">jicama</span>. The mock tuna is made with soaked and ground sunflower seeds, but there is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">dulce</span> in it that makes it taste sort of like tuna...it's an awesome replacement. The cauliflower <em>is</em> the couscous and has a yummy blend of parsley, mint, and cilantro mixed with lemon and olive oil. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">fam</span> tends to worry when I eat this way. I get questions like "how are you getting your protein" and my friend asked how I was getting <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span> for energy. Well, it's all right there...nuts and seeds=protein, and probably more than most get eating a steak for dinner, tomato = fruit, veggies of course, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">jicama</span> & carrots = <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span> (any root veggie is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">carb</span>), only things missing are dairy & grains. We consume dairy products mainly for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">calcium</span>; but, calcium is not just milk, it is found in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spinach</span>, sesame seeds, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">bok</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">choy</span>, almonds, and many other foods. In the same way, grains are not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">necessarily</span> needed because one can get all the nutrients needed from other foods. So, I'm staying healthy, and for my Friday weigh-in, I actually lost 6lbs.<br />Now, I'm not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">gung</span>-ho on all this, I actually allow myself one meal a week to splurge; however, for the sake of recovery, I will make sure the meal is healthy...this week I had Indian food (eggplant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">masaala</span> stuff over rice), and next week my sister is coming over for sushi (and I will introduce her to a couple raw dishes). :) I just want my body to feel its absolute best when I head out to participate in this triathlon.<br />I have a way to go, but I am back on the right track, and excited about it.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-45295929939167668592010-06-15T20:27:00.000-07:002010-06-16T22:11:37.576-07:00His Hand of Protection"For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to gu<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ard</span> you in all your ways" (PS 91:11)<br /><br />I am forever amazed at the vast amount of protection I have had over my life.<br />Ever stop to wonder "what if..."? I have...far more often than I would like to admit. During my glimpse of the past this weekend, I was struck with the realization of exactly what could have happened "if only." Praise God He knows better than I which way is best. His word says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9) While I struggled throughout life in various ways and made choices (good and bad); as my life was shuffled here and there, He never failed to go before me, to guide, guard, and protect me. Right now, I am at a place beyond all awareness and understanding, that His hand was over me the entire time.<br />Lord, You are everything to me! There is no way I could ever repay You, or even thank You enough for who You are in my life. I ADORE YOU!!!!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-65668103751395738322010-06-13T18:32:00.000-07:002010-06-13T23:12:11.240-07:00Glimpse of the Past & Hope for the Future<strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Glimpse of the Past</span></strong> <div><div><div><div></div><div></div><div>About 3 weeks ago I saw a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> update from someone I have known since I was 13. She updated her status with something like...headed to Denver to see my son. So I asked if we could meet for coffee...and we met at a coffee shop called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Corino's</span>. It just happened to be a day when a group was playing live worship in the coffee house...amazing. We have written to each other since I met her...real mail even...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>. Since I have kept every letter & just about every card ever written/sent to me since 1985 (in binders in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chronological</span> order), I brought most of her letters for her to read again. It was fun watching her go through and remember. Her son and I talked while she poured over the past and suddenly she stopped looked up and began to read again <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">out loud</span> "I am so glad you turned out to be" then she stopped again, held my face in her hands, looked me square in the eyes, and started over "I'm so glad you turned out to be such a beautiful young lady with goals and dreams." She said "you were one person I could never let go of, you had so many obstacles to overcome." Overcome I did, but only by the grace of God. Life got crazy after I met her, and it was and still is such a great thing to have her in my life.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482481228112402466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtyO61y1-11bH4cPFvrf9162OA-Vjm6f3QMQ2uoqS1fDZReNgYz4yr5it9-K9oOOLAZrAwAEDgUAk74sHdl7Q9IjF7v3avrjP-rx9_ppzPHBxUOOVCMcGqwfhVAZwibooPnqcIu-IVI0/s320/061210+005.JPG" /> <div></div><div>Another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">glimpse</span> was meeting two of my friends from 25 years ago. Debbie came out to attend the Deeper Still conference with me, and Victoria lives in a Denver suburb, we just haven't ever seen each other. Seeing both of them was like seeing them a week after we parted...it was as if time was stilled...they even looked the same! I love it! We all got together last night and were up VERY late talking and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">reminiscing</span>. It's amazing to look back and actually be able to see the hand of God guiding, directing, protecting, and delivering. I am amazed by Him, and so honored to see my friends after all this time.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482504908709153938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BlNUhHxKdglq-1fps3pA6Gpl8qZNLQNc9c6MU_Ve3X9lJ1A8O0nWKssB9M_rHZnpPeg-dzmrf1h97G-6UpI_nYpUXe6RhI148n6O-Vymg4lj5eL51FkcBY4VG1-JkxxIs50LTU3k-cs/s320/061210+001.JPG" /> <div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">Hope for the Future</span></strong></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"></span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">These were my lovely guests for the weekend. Left to right: <a href="http://crownlaiddown.com/">Holly Smith</a>, Debbie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Helker</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Melana</span> Cummings, and me.</span></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482485534189657138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2ZYY_wqinCAxTWmPrDAvrJY0YVSOoEzFL35rkNR5e-svmkHjkOSfcIii2H5hDOfipSooO217El9YHnI-BMpLs-y8EU7CJSi0qdWuamf9JpO_rfVBj14qIvdHwtj3yvq9HgFZVskqsqw/s320/061210+037.JPG" /><br /><div>This past weekend was all about going deeper in God. I have struggled for about a month with where I am in life, where I want to be, and really if this is all worth the struggle. I told Holly not long before the conference that I really need to hear from God. I don't know how to begin to tell all that this weekend has meant to me.</div><br /><div>We sat on my balcony early Friday morning, and each of us shared our expectations for this event. I wasn't the only one with a tall order and the Lord had some work to do. Not one of us was disappointed in the least. Friday evening, Kay Arthur spoke on shattered dreams. One of the first things she said was "is your ambition to please God, or to fulfill your longing." Right then and there, I knew we were headed for a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">doozie</span> of a weekend. Friday night Debbie and I were up fairly late. We couldn't stop talking about what we had learned and just processing it all. I recall leaning over my bed and looking at her and telling her exactly where I was, and not only was every issue I had addressed by Priscilla <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shirer</span> the next day, she actually said word for word what I had said to Debbie the night before...<em>word for word</em>. I could hardly pull myself together after all was said and done. I am so glad they provided napkins in the box lunch because I cried while I ate...really, all I wanted was to lay out on the floor and pour my heart out to God. EVERYTHING Priscilla said hit me like a ton of bricks; but, the one thing I will cling to was the statement "The treasure is not in the discovery of His will, but in the journey in finding it." She spoke of the gap between the present and the calling, that it is the margin He has placed there to set us up to equip us, and having that gap creates the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">capacity</span> for God to move. The last speaker was Beth Moore. The one thing I took from her teaching was to remain "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Coram</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deo</span> - Before the face of God".</div><br /><div>I felt so blessed to be able to hear the teaching of 3 awesome individuals, and even more blessed that the Lord joined us in our balcony & bed time conversations, and met each of us where we were. He is concerned with every aspect of our lives, and I am so very amazed by Him! It was a full weekend. Now to put it all into action, because I have a renewed hope for the future.</div></div></div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-5636945566006437102010-05-08T20:57:00.000-07:002010-05-08T21:49:54.371-07:00The Unlikely MotherMother's day has always been an odd day for me. I was once <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">grateful</span> that I did not have to feel obligated to pay respect to someone with whom I would never have respect. As an adult, I would stay away from church on Mother's Day as it seemed to be a reminder of what I thought I did not have, and worse yet, what I thought I would never become.<br />About a month ago I was asked to write a poem about mothers to recite at church on Mother's Day. I stared blankly into the face of someone whom I thought, quite frankly, had lost her ever loving mind. I wanted to turn her down on the spot, but she said she really thought the Lord wanted her to ask me. How do you put the brakes on that one? I said I would think about it, and eventually I agreed to do it.<br />When I began to think about Mother's Day and what it was and was not to me, I realized I was not the only one who at one time or another painfully endured the hoopla placed around mothers on the day the USA calls Mother's Day. I looked to Isaiah 54, my most cherished passage of scripture, and all I can say from here is <em><strong>girlfriend, if you think you do not have a mother look around you, look at your past and how you got where you are today; and, if you think you are not a mother, think again</strong></em>.<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>The Unlikely Mother</strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">She stands alone with none to call her own</div><div align="center">barren, unmarried, or her moment has passed on</div><div align="center">whatever the case, she is crowned with grace</div><div align="center">for Isaiah says many will fill her empty place</div><div align="center">she always opens her door to just one more</div><div align="center">if there is nowhere else, they can sleep on the floor</div><div align="center">her words are as strong as the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">confidence</span> she carries</div><div align="center">not for a moment being thought of as just ordinary</div><div align="center">she is a wisdom provider, a mercy giver, a Christ lover</div><div align="center">she is blessed among women, she is the unlikely mother</div><div align="center">she may not have given birth to her child</div><div align="center">but she will stand in the gap to keep them undefiled</div><div align="center">she cradles her children with unconditional love</div><div align="center">because her heart understands they were sent from above</div><div align="center">she is a Truth seeker, a Word speaker, a secret keeper</div><div align="center">maybe even a cover</div><div align="center">but above all else, she is the unlikely mother</div><div align="center">She has enriched my own life</div><div align="center">so I will reach out to another</div><div align="center">and embrace the responsibilities</div><div align="center">of the unlikely mother.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Today I am thankful for the mothers I have had through the years. I am most thankful for the woman who adopted me as an adult...after years of being forgotten by fosters and such, she loved me enough to call me her own. I only pray I can live up to the standards I've been shown.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-14765566547310854862010-02-21T23:23:00.000-08:002010-02-21T23:36:37.849-08:00Faith: Between trusting & believingA little something for Angie's <a href="http://littlestepsoffaith.com/">30 days of faith</a>.<br /><br />My testimony from childhood is a mixed up, confusing, and jumbled mess of intertwined lives and long drawn out personal battles which, quite frankly, lead me to be who I am today. The biggest obstacle I have ever had to overcome is releasing who I thought I was, believing in who He is, and trusting in who He made me to be. It took an overwhelming amount of trust and faith…which to me are very closely connected. Trust is letting go of everything (self preservation, fear, worry) and giving the Lord full control; but, faith is the exact moment of connection when we allow the Lord to become intimately involved in our lives.<br />I remember talking to a friend once and her bringing the conversation to a place where I finally realized that all my life I truly believed that I saved myself. I ran away from home as a preteen, I survived on the streets, I made life happen and I, I, I. She asked me where the Lord was during that time in my life. I’m certain I gave her a pitiful answer, but her question shook me to the core. So, I began to ask Him where He was at every point of my life, and eventually I realized that nothing I have ever done in life was without Him by my side…He gave me courage, He protected my life. It takes faith to allow God to show himself to us.<br />Today, I deeply trust Him, I believe He is who The Bible says He is, and somewhere in the middle, a light goes off…a mental “ping” resounds deep within me. I call that faith.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-18367378329173245322010-02-20T08:59:00.000-08:002010-02-20T09:10:24.993-08:00The Voice of Another<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMvho_m3Wp3ONDlilDPlnfUgWVQMAU_Mc5JzM72-R2RyproQTj8C2XlASiIW_ldMDCn3qGO367tW7mATFd6x4o6SlRlf0Zu8m63QW61HotAx7_DLmSJVGbhNzq4v5QRG51Z1v2Ct-E-U/s1600-h/whisper.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440371790707266738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 127px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMvho_m3Wp3ONDlilDPlnfUgWVQMAU_Mc5JzM72-R2RyproQTj8C2XlASiIW_ldMDCn3qGO367tW7mATFd6x4o6SlRlf0Zu8m63QW61HotAx7_DLmSJVGbhNzq4v5QRG51Z1v2Ct-E-U/s320/whisper.bmp" border="0" /></a><strong> The Voice of Another</strong><br /><br />I live my life at a fairly even keel…with one kink…living alone leaves me with nothing but my thoughts, His thoughts, and the thoughts of others. I believe I have a fairly good balance of the combination; however, at times I falter when my thoughts get in the way of His thoughts; but, I have some phenomenal people in my life who share their thoughts to pull me back into alignment when needed. That’s how it all works for me. Recently, I shared a fault of mine that I have been dealing with, not just to share this fault, but I was hoping to receive insight from a friend whom I know to be steadfast in this area. I was about to enter into prayer time, so I figured some quick counsel prior to prayer would be awesome. I was wrong. Instead of taking my fault before God and allowing Him to work it out, I opened myself to the voice of another. I find it interesting how easy it is to get away from following a voice you have grown accustomed to and follow the voice of another.<br />I’m reminded of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-19) who loved God so much he destroyed all the items of idolatry. The Bible says he trusted God and “there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.” (18:5) Over and over, the King of Assyria taunted him & all his people saying (in Kate’s words): who do you think you are all confident and stuff…and you think the Lord God is going to save you? Then he hit the people where it hurt by reminding them of the high places and altars Hezekiah tore down…and tossed a bit more confusion into the mix by claiming that these things were The Lord’s high places. He made statements which were somewhat true, but skewed enough by the lies these people once believed, that it shook them up. Hezekiah himself was shook up. He pretty much said woa, we need to hear from Isaiah on this one. Isaiah came back and said NOPE God said I got this one. Of course the king of Assyria came taunting again saying: you are listening to who…don’t you see that I have taken out every god in every surrounding country, now be afraid. This time Hezie got on his face himself and worshiped the God he KNEW (I have to quote him here…chokes me up) “and Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the Living God.”(19:15-16) Such an honest prayer. He said I know who You are and You are True, but I’m faced with some words that are also truthful. I believe he reaches the heart of God with his final words in prayer. He said “Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, <span style="color:#663366;">so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God</span>.” (2 Kings 19:19). Isaiah came back into the picture to reassure Hezie that God said he would clean up…and God showed up strong and mighty!<br />It wasn’t long before God spoke to my heart and said “who are you listening to” … I continued to “but” and bawl and He again spoke to my heart and said “who are you listening to.” I listened that time…to the Lord, let him do His thing, and then I went to the Word. It was the most interesting thing…I am doing an inductive study of Luke and I happened to stop right at the place where I needed help…as I continued I realized my Daddy was teaching me. He showed up strong and mighty, because that’s who He is…Strong and Mighty. The voice of another I will not hear. </div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-65648027467079541262010-01-01T11:46:00.000-08:002010-01-01T12:28:31.549-08:00Welcome 2010My first blog of the new year...feels so strange. I've managed to escape the blogging world for about a half year...I don't know why...yes I do...2009..ugh. The year started off well enough, I was searching for employment and venturing to begin Destiny's Refuge at the same time. It was both exciting and terrifying. I dropped the ball on DR and jumped fully into my new job in accounting. I suppose it was easier than fulfilling my hearts desire. 2009 continued with not much to speak of. I put my all into employment and returned home exhausted. Mid year I dropped my scripture memory with all my siesta's...sure will be missing them in Houston in a couple weeks, thanks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ang</span> for attempting to keep me running.<br />It's interesting how the new year begins and it is simply another day connected to the day before; however, we somehow see it as a fresh start. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grateful</span> for a fresh start! I can't make any promises this year, but I am beginning it with expectation, and my plans include coming out of the isolation I have created for myself and reconnecting with people. I pray for my siesta's this year, I hope it is the best ever; and, with all the humility I can muster, I am hopping up, dusting myself off and taking one step forward. Happy New Year!<br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Phil 3:13-14</strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; </strong></span><span style="color:#330033;"><strong>but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,<br />I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."</strong></span></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-44360861790242303832009-07-24T07:48:00.000-07:002009-07-24T08:40:41.229-07:00Headed for my High School Reunion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46HW2ScwIjqKoJscLRx0EfGIz3nWQ-WmE4b3xMBiHkp4X-BlPkttzY1zB7m1vlH1IdG16W_j97UXEWHqh4nEeOgGNR6uhc8MIAvZargGGRl7Y_r8IQfDW8guVVv11GDUG_S4gE7cerK4/s1600-h/bulldawg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362051838871224642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46HW2ScwIjqKoJscLRx0EfGIz3nWQ-WmE4b3xMBiHkp4X-BlPkttzY1zB7m1vlH1IdG16W_j97UXEWHqh4nEeOgGNR6uhc8MIAvZargGGRl7Y_r8IQfDW8guVVv11GDUG_S4gE7cerK4/s320/bulldawg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm sitting in my hotel room in Santa Fe, New Mexico getting some last minute blogging done before I head out again. I decided to return to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cruces</span> for my High School reunion. Why? I don't know. High School wasn't exactly an eventful time for me, and if the truth be told, I really don't even remember the people I hung out with. I left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cruces</span> shortly after graduation to attend art school in CO...when I left...I left! I have not been "home" in 19 years.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm staying with my foster sister, her hubby, and her 6 girls...yes <strong>6 GIRLS</strong>! My foster parents have since divorced and married other people, and my foster brothers are...well, a mess. Every single family member loved and served God once <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">upon</span> a time, now most just love Him at a distance. I'm a bit ambiguous about the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">reunion</span> and returning "home"; but, I can't help but think I'm on a bit of a mission...lol...kinda like the Blues Brothers ... "I'm on a mission from God." I am praying that whatever I do while I am there, I do it well.</div><div></div><br /><div>Back to High School. My favorite memory: Once a week during lunch, in the science room, I would debate creation/evolution with a guy who claimed to be an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">atheist</span>. His parents were Baptists, so I knew that the debate wasn't on creation and evolution, it was really over the hurt he had experienced causing him to question his faith...but I continued to argue creation. Every week the class had more and more people there to watch and listen. One day the class was packed out...people were standing in the hall, and I gave up. I remember telling him that I knew the whole debate wasn't about creation and evolution because deep down we all knew the Truth; and, what we had to come to grips with was why we allow education to infiltrate our belief system only in the areas where we seem to need answers to cover our pain. I don't remember everything I said, but I remember it was more of a ministry to him rather than debate, and I ended saying that one day even his knee will bow and proclaim that Jesus is Lord. I remember he had no response. He just stood there, so I left and the entire class began cheering and clapping. Later my science teacher stopped me and said she enjoyed our discussions and was sorry to see them end. I hope I see him there. </div><div></div><br /><div>Feel free to share your own fond HS memory.</div><div></div><br /><div>Love you all.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-88902872535227401122009-07-01T18:31:00.001-07:002009-07-01T23:00:07.259-07:00Saying Goodbye<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBk3MT1OSzkjbt1deb-OtCBS-nO3YD3ZDGqw-WRVmcSilnjY0S9ZCfqY-STgBMiCWwV8wMxDS-h0WNewrTNUe7t1c3elHu_G_f8DNMMV-ovSNCPjEO8OHCtkvluikpfScRhdqe_nt7Ik/s1600-h/img343.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353735912975655170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBk3MT1OSzkjbt1deb-OtCBS-nO3YD3ZDGqw-WRVmcSilnjY0S9ZCfqY-STgBMiCWwV8wMxDS-h0WNewrTNUe7t1c3elHu_G_f8DNMMV-ovSNCPjEO8OHCtkvluikpfScRhdqe_nt7Ik/s320/img343.jpg" border="0" /></a> I couldn't help myself...she's sooooooooo precious!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRPFdqaqqD75Cei2GENq_jbFOHB9g1kyoQ16zHN_Dg8DiIMx_GuvfwLlIpIuh2c1wNCkuAy91mdTHTIiElmjSXN7lGERu6cYqBUwsd7ld6mXEm-Mc-6L6kXHMHKuo8Z-48o-thPpbS2I/s1600-h/img346.jpg"></a><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1sFL9pLSWjqDR-OHQdnd7sfoCSwCsUsfTMmqcd1OuQM3n-3Y2C6dxUuGj4VazgUiciolugclOfWCeaD9avUjn_TaL2egjmFNFdJuMPxf9Qxu6OtZVwijlEb5jAGPxRA0Vkb3jrfD1Vs/s1600-h/Babs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353732084912943474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 308px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1sFL9pLSWjqDR-OHQdnd7sfoCSwCsUsfTMmqcd1OuQM3n-3Y2C6dxUuGj4VazgUiciolugclOfWCeaD9avUjn_TaL2egjmFNFdJuMPxf9Qxu6OtZVwijlEb5jAGPxRA0Vkb3jrfD1Vs/s320/Babs.jpg" border="0" /></a>Tomorrow my niece is moving to Ohio to live with her boyfriend. My heart is broken! I've spent two weeks (since I found out) in tears praying my guts out for a change of mind...to no avail. I don't understand the lifestyle, I don't understand the mindset, I don't understand knowing Christ and justifying sin. I offered to marry them before they left Colorado, but that was met with silence. Maybe I'm harsh, maybe one could even call me judgmental, but there's my stuff...maybe I need to work on it...maybe not.<br /><br />I'll miss my Bab's most of all! I'll miss our dancing together, our praying together, I'll miss the way she sings Holy Spirit Raaaiiiinnnnnn Dowwoooooooonnnn. I'll miss her Saturday morning snuggles in Auntie's feather bed...and her good morning hi, hi, hi, hi, hi, hi's 'till I finally peek at her and shower her with a hundred morning kisses, I'll miss the way she holds my face in her tiny hands, and I'll miss holding her's in mine. I hope she will always remember that Auntie loves her more than anything on this earth. AND, I hope and pray, and will continue to pray, that she never forgets how to worship! She loves her some WORSHIP! She always comes to my house and grabs her favorite cd, Hillsong <em>You Shine,</em> so tonight I went out and bought her a music and story book FP3 player and loaded the cd on it.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I don't have much else to say...for now my heart just weeps 'cause I'm already missing her. </div></div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-63958515323932312252009-06-17T11:31:00.000-07:002009-06-17T19:42:37.128-07:00Tasting the Flavor of Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu4Y3NrRrv-g5ryjXKaJpzbeGLTAJ5Mi4skA65uMnxcoSfkX1avtBUBOD79Lrz7B7PoJ2x7IsxIBTKg6EI0TNqLzfGHmJdpZK_V8_cH8sFAWoSRphfDiOmo36RdesYFD0rOx0t5hQVdY/s1600-h/avacado.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348491211383888098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnu4Y3NrRrv-g5ryjXKaJpzbeGLTAJ5Mi4skA65uMnxcoSfkX1avtBUBOD79Lrz7B7PoJ2x7IsxIBTKg6EI0TNqLzfGHmJdpZK_V8_cH8sFAWoSRphfDiOmo36RdesYFD0rOx0t5hQVdY/s320/avacado.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, the every day thing is obviously not working, so I thought I would post something before daily became weekly, then monthly...you get the picture. I suppose once a week is a decent quest...I'll try it...no promises though.</div><div></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Panera</span> offers the perfect place to eat lunch and blog (I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Panera</span>), so that is exactly what I am doing. I have on my plate a most delicious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">chipotle</span> turkey or chicken (I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">don't</span> know) sandwich. This sandwich is so spicy, but equally balanced. I couldn't help but wonder what life would taste like if it had a flavor. Kind of strange I know, but I thought about prayers going up to God as a sweet smelling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fragrance</span>...come to think of it, aren't we the "salt of the earth"...that's what Matthew 5:13 says. Now I know it's more of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">metaphor</span>, but really, do we spice life up? </div><div>If I had to choose my flavor, I think I would like to be a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">chipolte</span> pepper...just like the one on my sandwich...it has such a sweet flavor, but in a few minutes, you get all fired up after chewing it. Ah, yes, that would be nice; unfortunately, I'm more of an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">avocado</span>...I'm a bit flavorless without salt, but with salt and maybe some chili and tomato's and a touch of lime...I'm off and running...can't stop the flavor. Yes, that's it...avacado...I also have a pit of life within me ready to go...waiting to be suspended above the water to reach my fullest potential. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hmmm</span>, come to think of it, I wonder if I am ripe or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">over-ripened</span> with those little stringy roots trying to achieve life within its little scope of being.</div><div>Anyway, just rambling on, but it's fun. So, what is the flavor of life? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nacho's</span>...a little meaty, sometimes a bit <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">cheesy</span> (like now) with a touch of cream and spice on top?</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-76155944056801605182009-06-08T22:21:00.000-07:002009-06-08T23:16:06.636-07:00A Week of Memories - I remember...RAIN.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gYAD4UVcqecyiJoMord-rCoUqS7lq0YjOUUMWf1OtbBuyneIXPHc7onaOrrgcCVXvZVLuIehJQqw157N27f4KmTUhAkJGj4ZoAsmdSuZKJX2X2Bwp3INqaKieiHI2QDLBEHPy8HLz_Y/s1600-h/Road+lined+with+oak+trees.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345197407500306466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gYAD4UVcqecyiJoMord-rCoUqS7lq0YjOUUMWf1OtbBuyneIXPHc7onaOrrgcCVXvZVLuIehJQqw157N27f4KmTUhAkJGj4ZoAsmdSuZKJX2X2Bwp3INqaKieiHI2QDLBEHPy8HLz_Y/s320/Road+lined+with+oak+trees.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>I am challenging myself to write "I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">remember...</span>" every day for a week. Hopefully this will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">propel</span> me back into blog world. Just a few small blogs trips down memory lane. :)<strong><em> I hope you will join me by leaving your own memory lane experience in the comments.</em></strong></div><div>It has been raining so much here lately, but everything is the most vivid of greens, and tons of gorgeous wildflowers are popping up, it's difficult to complain with all the beauty that surrounds me. I was thinking about the rain we were expecting this afternoon when I remembered the rain in my early childhood days, living in the New Mexico desert, <em>FAR</em> out in the desert (aka "the boonies").</div><div><em>I remember</em> the aromatic smell of the desert...the initial fresh rain smell we all know so well, the heavy downpour that raised the dust 6 inches from the ground before it saturated everything, and the smell of the wet desert brush as the rain on it evaporated, filling the air with a hint of sage (I actually couldn't cook with sage until I was about 30...I guess I always thought of it as a weed). I remember at the first sound of rain we would all run outside and play in the bar ditches until our newly created pool/water slide became a mud bath. Playing in the rain was the greatest thing, even with the thunder and lightning cracking all around us. Growing up, one learns how dangerous it might be to play in thunderstorms; however, it never scared us, it only urged us to scream with delight all the louder...we were on top of the world, we were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">invincible</span>, we were children.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-76349741259778782272009-06-02T19:23:00.000-07:002009-06-02T21:01:24.083-07:00Catching Up<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>...so let me think back to February, when I actually posted last, and try to remember what has been going on.<br /><strong>*</strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sisterface</span> moved in: that was at the beginning of February. She thought she was going to be moving into a house soon, so why not...4 months later...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lol</span>. I actually love having her here. She makes my coffee in the morning, provides conversation that doesn't consist of the usual "feed me" mew I receive from my cats. She should be closing on her house next month; I think I may need to find a roommate...it's gonna be lonely.<br /><strong>*</strong>computer was captured by aliens: in all my days of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Internet</span> surfing I have never seen so many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Internet</span> windows open so fast! Before they could finish destroying my computer, I grabbed all the wires and yanked...it's actually quite fun...try it the next time you don't know what in the world is happening to your computer (every day is a bit extreme though).<br /><strong>*</strong>the geeks kicked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">puter</span> thermoplastic and took back what belonged to me: took all my money in the process.<br /><strong>*</strong>had to get a job: This was actually an interesting thing. I knew I would be out of work for 6 months, and planned accordingly...I spoke with people who are leaders over me, and whom I dearly respect, and they were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span> with that as well. Still, I continually put in applications and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">resume's</span> during those months, and at times was fairly upset that no one was responding to my 200+ attempts to seek employment. Why was I upset when I knew I'd be out of work or 6 months? Well, 'cause I think I'm <em>all that</em> sometimes...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lol</span>. Seriously, I wanted people to want me even if I didn't want them (try not to judge here...just confess...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">lol</span>). Yeah, my pride got hurt; however, month 7 made up for it.<br />*got a job: It's actually great to be working again. I am working as a temp to hire (they call it a "working interview") at an electronics company in their accounting department. I know I let you all in on my future plans, and I am still going ahead...just moving slower than planned.<br />*graduated: finally...after 5 years. I thought for sure I would graduate in 2008, but<strong> <span style="color:#993300;">stuff and more stuff</span></strong> happens. I'm done though! So, since that is the most important news, here are some photo's of the big day...gotta introduce you to my peeps:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBmsfKGT6Mvbqhi2481_4LBTAl5uBrMD1L4_u9i9qJqR9HM9Ge1HQWTIZOgz30LB6jXjMZw5D9gt9nGOpSKG6AevNLtug02j0IveQMrlkG3nX5lW_nendqF-5iZ30OZjigZnGO7vxfgY/s1600-h/Graduation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342929238156870914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBmsfKGT6Mvbqhi2481_4LBTAl5uBrMD1L4_u9i9qJqR9HM9Ge1HQWTIZOgz30LB6jXjMZw5D9gt9nGOpSKG6AevNLtug02j0IveQMrlkG3nX5lW_nendqF-5iZ30OZjigZnGO7vxfgY/s320/Graduation.jpg" border="0" /></a> Was walking out with the class and Dad jumps out in front of me and snapped a pic. Goofy pic, but Dad's rock!<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342943152537698946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2c_hPMab90ekbeR32BcKMZHOULGcr8K9kXNEYQX9GDY7i_brl1B58XR_pyq187jLTBmW4dnCTbs2DApFNBrpZ7ZX36xdp5r_BRuvxFzpDsoWXCtmSK9IZzmLSkprhB91xu1PKh9KdNqc/s320/Me+Mom+and+Dad.jpg" border="0" />Dad, me, and mom. Now I know I don't look like them. I am adopted...they are the greatest peeps!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTQxW1X8EOv_Mkw2ESkxzx-6us3SWWfaenmAiYXRaQWoJGubp4xwtU0s_wo3KhokoPdzKwaA-dKsMpqRRapMZVn3eGqwd7GFGbqamdTi9U3Fpqi5GGhgHB3-UQoYUpp5Dy0adTPJLEKk/s1600-h/Grad+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342930420580660754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTQxW1X8EOv_Mkw2ESkxzx-6us3SWWfaenmAiYXRaQWoJGubp4xwtU0s_wo3KhokoPdzKwaA-dKsMpqRRapMZVn3eGqwd7GFGbqamdTi9U3Fpqi5GGhgHB3-UQoYUpp5Dy0adTPJLEKk/s320/Grad+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sisterface</span>, me, & my niece Desi.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqbJ9V32FltCZRpVJZE6AqmtbPQx9SUVv98fLoOx5xLqg1EwHZZkmk4y714SrAKM4eAHWJmZFkfH83bqyZqSLZ6BgM9EzuUsR7vESz_fKJLZSq3Op-OxVj2BUnUxKY9waSGcRoTui1G8/s1600-h/Me+on+Cell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342941369095119490" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqbJ9V32FltCZRpVJZE6AqmtbPQx9SUVv98fLoOx5xLqg1EwHZZkmk4y714SrAKM4eAHWJmZFkfH83bqyZqSLZ6BgM9EzuUsR7vESz_fKJLZSq3Op-OxVj2BUnUxKY9waSGcRoTui1G8/s320/Me+on+Cell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Me on my cell phone of course. My Sylvia (pastor's wife) and of course, my pastor were there, so I was trying to figure out where they were so they could meet my folks and so I could get a picture with them; however, while I was hunting them down, mom and dad took off. Someone else has a pic with me and Sylvia (& Pastor Phil...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lol</span>), I just have a picture of me talking to her.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSmU7DExrKKi4KXh4nHfdlSlH2UH0qDhbztdbzdqoKYuBGowvGQ1W-pTsWPab1wav6ZIbdR93fTYydts5nU0vi-AgS4N0lsseBJmZqk7Mg8GSSmJWb0RNodGnBK7YQuEJcZaLOmoQINc/s1600-h/Party.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342932166060661682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSmU7DExrKKi4KXh4nHfdlSlH2UH0qDhbztdbzdqoKYuBGowvGQ1W-pTsWPab1wav6ZIbdR93fTYydts5nU0vi-AgS4N0lsseBJmZqk7Mg8GSSmJWb0RNodGnBK7YQuEJcZaLOmoQINc/s320/Party.jpg" border="0" /></a>So my good friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Neddra</span> (the little yellow dot in the center of the picture...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">lol</span>) missed my graduation because she had to "work"...she lied...and I think still needs to repent. Meanwhile she was pulling together a surprise party. When I got back in my car ('cause I thought we were going to a restaurant...and we were burning daylight waiting) they all came outside to surprise me. Was pretty awesome!<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_OmJRe_5f32PlDpActbQVmoHeXo__oUR5H4UoFqMb-fPDB5YwBzQv8k3CNFcufnX0C_vICgwKpRU3EROOOvXewKA3GNhsZS86-fsKdM2JtpfA65kUEyQG17WaSW00PP6OxGvFGjFsUc/s1600-h/Joyce+%26+Me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342937159475821570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_OmJRe_5f32PlDpActbQVmoHeXo__oUR5H4UoFqMb-fPDB5YwBzQv8k3CNFcufnX0C_vICgwKpRU3EROOOvXewKA3GNhsZS86-fsKdM2JtpfA65kUEyQG17WaSW00PP6OxGvFGjFsUc/s320/Joyce+%26+Me.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is my mentor Joyce Works. She is such an awesome woman - doesn't mess around - I do. Incredible testimony, steadfast faith, powerful! Only once in my life have I ever met someone who oozes the Word of God like she does. I am <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">sooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">priveleged</span> to have her as my mentor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyCvxsIAE3HvDMovs1eGhUzAxcuXZ49oXWZbGxo2vAEKWf_7YOw0Oz_egqWfH-OyUE-2iXL2jb3qBZkWxIHJUSRPTcA8Utou9W_0lKWF3WuVYySmuv2Tbe_PJefKFKqeLw34P92tkils/s1600-h/Pam+%26+Me.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342935228953579314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyCvxsIAE3HvDMovs1eGhUzAxcuXZ49oXWZbGxo2vAEKWf_7YOw0Oz_egqWfH-OyUE-2iXL2jb3qBZkWxIHJUSRPTcA8Utou9W_0lKWF3WuVYySmuv2Tbe_PJefKFKqeLw34P92tkils/s320/Pam+%26+Me.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This is my friend Pam. Her words are forever uplifting!<br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWH5gvrrf_A_c9Qwzb2SCZNu864E_P-ty4Gsd0Jn_3MAcZVV2nrfK1piNZXldzVMIco0_g_notuNYdUJASnpLlC2enTnETiCY6HBqTOlU4VUDg9XNQVplOS4Ki-09Fx-t_SzofNhBNaA/s1600-h/We.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342936556809204178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWH5gvrrf_A_c9Qwzb2SCZNu864E_P-ty4Gsd0Jn_3MAcZVV2nrfK1piNZXldzVMIco0_g_notuNYdUJASnpLlC2enTnETiCY6HBqTOlU4VUDg9XNQVplOS4Ki-09Fx-t_SzofNhBNaA/s320/We.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><br />Me & Babs (she's grown huh), Desi, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Siserface</span>, Frances (aka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">JoJo</span>). My biological family. It looks like we all tested the punch before the party got started, but I assure you, we all just naturally look that goofy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8quwxHY0bfs6wSqaOZsFIYQRj9L7uWCeNaxW1XvezAQe2zXmMisOgh3LdhUVSMSCA3FR-UqtqPZQXVEOJ9V18YkVz9BRKE9l3dC5os_bXsiBk2yeDgciUSnboXiCvkN-VvuMeqSkaPc/s1600-h/Ms+Kaycee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342937757471244882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8quwxHY0bfs6wSqaOZsFIYQRj9L7uWCeNaxW1XvezAQe2zXmMisOgh3LdhUVSMSCA3FR-UqtqPZQXVEOJ9V18YkVz9BRKE9l3dC5os_bXsiBk2yeDgciUSnboXiCvkN-VvuMeqSkaPc/s320/Ms+Kaycee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ms Kaycee, center stage. She's a blast! The friendliest person you'll ever meet.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOikYJx3Krq33aFA_TN6vVcf24Cm3G2-C-GIPSb6GdVEFeD6RuKH_9jDt8ASbxV8-vwjC2uLaKP5O_Kh-e_6vqbpFD_-OZpgCIw55hom51KOmMxfQrtZJUimfYLUfZLNgVn2TcFpqhhs/s1600-h/Fam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342938415028472354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOikYJx3Krq33aFA_TN6vVcf24Cm3G2-C-GIPSb6GdVEFeD6RuKH_9jDt8ASbxV8-vwjC2uLaKP5O_Kh-e_6vqbpFD_-OZpgCIw55hom51KOmMxfQrtZJUimfYLUfZLNgVn2TcFpqhhs/s320/Fam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />My niece Alex, my sis Beth, and bro in-law Sam.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Good Times...Good Times!</p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-821708294144391877.post-11693301941183992192009-02-04T11:42:00.000-08:002009-02-04T12:02:09.625-08:00Psalm 19 InterpretiveAs one looks around, everything in this earth loudly exclaims the existence of God. From the skies to the sea, from the north to the south, and from the east to the west; it all shows His intricate workmanship. Man does his best to understand and even sometimes replace God through scientific endeavors. There is so much about His creation that man will never know, even languages that don't have a name yet. Our need to know got out of control causing God to put law into place to establish a social norm of acceptable behavior to keep society protected and in order. The law represented His wisdom which is our protection and guide. A light unto our feet that keeps us from falling, as Psalm 119:105 describes. It was also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">established</span> to show man how impossible it is to be perfect and how much we need God. Following the law created a type of perfection or standard of righteousness, as much as could be obtained by man in his own power. It was a way to bridge the gap between God and man...to free him, in essence, because Christ was not yet on the scene. The statutes (laws as well) were put in place to witness (sort of a contract by God) that when the law is followed, God will in turn do for man, causing people of lower classes to be wise...to sit among princes (Psalm 113:8). The psalmist understood all this and desired from deep within to follow God's ways. He was pleased when he looked upon God's awesome creation, but even more so, he longed to in turn be just as pleasing in the eyes of God.<br /><br /><div align="center">Take a look around, the color, splendor, decor of the skies</div><div align="center">To say there is no God; what's left but to die</div><div align="center">God's work, perfection, flawless protection, that no man can deny</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What man can understand what God has planned</div><div align="center">Knowledge? I laugh at your futile attempt to college</div><div align="center">Racing fast, trying to understand the past</div><div align="center">While the stars in the sky sing through the night</div><div align="center">Don't ask...don't tell, study your way into hell</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Man is a god? What don't you understand?</div><div align="center">Your attempt to know is so far below</div><div align="center">Relax...take a breath.</div><div align="center">Byzantine, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Habe</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Landa</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">telugu</span></div><div align="center">Some of the dialects in which you may not have a clue</div><div align="center">And yet the heavens have heard them all</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Limitless, endless, infinite sound pouring out from the sea to ground</div><div align="center">He contained the light and makes it obey</div><div align="center">It gives us <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sustenance</span> throughout the day</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Conscious, confident, adorned in light</div><div align="center">Stepping out from its rest and erasing the night</div><div align="center">As a new day begins what is necessary to find</div><div align="center">Just a touch of peace to our daily grind</div><div align="center">Take the new day on with style and grace</div><div align="center">Fight the good fight and finish the race</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Stunning smile of warmth coming from the east</div><div align="center">Setting in the west, we're blind to the rest</div><div align="center">For it makes a full circle and rises again</div><div align="center">While we slept it touched the earth from end to end</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">From sin to God, He had to make way</div><div align="center">From death to life, man had to obey</div><div align="center">Structure, discipline, rules so profound</div><div align="center">It had to be right, for God is sound</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In this is a witness between God and man</div><div align="center">To trust Him for His word is true,</div><div align="center">He'll never fail to care for you</div><div align="center">Even regarding the lowest class</div><div align="center">He makes them wise and the wise an ass</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">To follow the law was not just a show</div><div align="center">It produced good results so that man might know</div><div align="center">The promise of mercy that wouldn't depart</div><div align="center">A gift of eternal gladness of heart</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">His commandments are brilliant, from one to ten</div><div align="center">Transparent, definite, and simple for all men</div><div align="center">Opening the eyes and causing to see</div><div align="center">The promises of God will never cease</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Untainted holiness, steadfast and true</div><div align="center">His ways were set for reasons few knew</div><div align="center">However,</div><div align="center">There was never a time He didn't come through</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We don't seem to understand</div><div align="center">Because we are driven by demand</div><div align="center">Status this day is what we adore</div><div align="center">Selling ourselves to keep the score</div><div align="center">To follow His ways, how invaluable I'm told</div><div align="center">How precious, exquisite, and sweet to behold.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">They keep us true, and safe from harms way</div><div align="center">In our mindless hustle it can guide through the day</div><div align="center">Failing to hold fast to instruction with keeping power</div><div align="center">Forget not the benefits He provides by the hour</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We can't even fathom the mistakes that we've made</div><div align="center">Yet I hide in the shame and cower in the shade</div><div align="center">Things I forgot in my conscious and sub</div><div align="center">Things that await His cleansing blood</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Willful sin in which I dive in</div><div align="center">Unconscious, moronic, brainless and vague</div><div align="center">To them, please keep me from being enslaved</div><div align="center">Blameless, pure, righteous, set free</div><div align="center">Innocent of all in which I'm really guilty</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My desire is to speak only that which You have brought</div><div align="center">Sanctify my words, my actions, my thoughts</div><div align="center">Christ is the only one who redeems</div><div align="center">The one and only that can make me clean.</div>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07569370237911877839noreply@blogger.com6