Stuff and More Stuff

Headed for my High School Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:48:00 +0000

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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces shortly after graduation to attend art school in CO...when I left...I left! I have not been "home" in 19 years.

I'm staying with my foster sister, her hubby, and her 6 girls...yes 6 GIRLS! 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 upon a time, now most just love Him at a distance. I'm a bit ambiguous about the reunion 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.

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 atheist. 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.

Feel free to share your own fond HS memory.

Love you all.

Saying Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

I couldn't help myself...she's sooooooooo precious!

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.

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 You Shine, so tonight I went out and bought her a music and story book FP3 player and loaded the cd on it.

I don't have much else to say...for now my heart just weeps 'cause I'm already missing her.

Tasting the Flavor of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:31:00 +0000

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.

Panera offers the perfect place to eat lunch and blog (I love Panera), so that is exactly what I am doing. I have on my plate a most delicious chipotle turkey or chicken (I don't 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 fragrance...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 metaphor, but really, do we spice life up?

If I had to choose my flavor, I think I would like to be a chipolte 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 avocado...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. Hmmm, come to think of it, I wonder if I am ripe or over-ripened with those little stringy roots trying to achieve life within its little scope of being.

Anyway, just rambling on, but it's fun. So, what is the flavor of life? Nacho's...a little meaty, sometimes a bit cheesy (like now) with a touch of cream and spice on top?

A Week of Memories - I remember...RAIN.

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:21:00 +0000

I am challenging myself to write "I remember..." every day for a week. Hopefully this will propel me back into blog world. Just a few small blogs trips down memory lane. :) I hope you will join me by leaving your own memory lane experience in the comments.

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, FAR out in the desert (aka "the boonies").

I remember 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 invincible, we were children.

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Ok...so let me think back to February, when I actually posted last, and try to remember what has been going on.
*sisterface 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...lol. 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.
*computer was captured by aliens: in all my days of Internet surfing I have never seen so many Internet 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).
*the geeks kicked puter thermoplastic and took back what belonged to me: took all my money in the process.
*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 ok with that as well. Still, I continually put in applications and resume's 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 all that sometimes...lol. Seriously, I wanted people to want me even if I didn't want them (try not to judge here...just confess...lol). Yeah, my pride got hurt; however, month 7 made up for it.
*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.
*graduated: finally...after 5 years. I thought for sure I would graduate in 2008, but stuff and more stuff 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:

Was walking out with the class and Dad jumps out in front of me and snapped a pic. Goofy pic, but Dad's rock!

Dad, me, and mom. Now I know I don't look like them. I am adopted...they are the greatest peeps!

Sisterface, me, & my niece Desi.

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...lol), I just have a picture of me talking to her.

So my good friend Neddra (the little yellow dot in the center of the picture...lol) 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!

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 sooo priveleged to have her as my mentor.

This is my friend Pam. Her words are forever uplifting!

Me & Babs (she's grown huh), Desi, Siserface, Frances (aka JoJo). 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!

Ms Kaycee, center stage. She's a blast! The friendliest person you'll ever meet.

My niece Alex, my sis Beth, and bro in-law Sam.

Good Times...Good Times!

Psalm 19 Interpretive

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:42:00 +0000

As 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 established 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.

Take a look around, the color, splendor, decor of the skies

To say there is no God; what's left but to die

God's work, perfection, flawless protection, that no man can deny

What man can understand what God has planned

Knowledge? I laugh at your futile attempt to college

Racing fast, trying to understand the past

While the stars in the sky sing through the night

Don't ask...don't tell, study your way into hell

Man is a god? What don't you understand?

Your attempt to know is so far below

Relax...take a breath.

Byzantine, Habe, Landa, telugu

Some of the dialects in which you may not have a clue

And yet the heavens have heard them all

Limitless, endless, infinite sound pouring out from the sea to ground

He contained the light and makes it obey

It gives us sustenance throughout the day

Conscious, confident, adorned in light

Stepping out from its rest and erasing the night

As a new day begins what is necessary to find

Just a touch of peace to our daily grind

Take the new day on with style and grace

Fight the good fight and finish the race

Stunning smile of warmth coming from the east

Setting in the west, we're blind to the rest

For it makes a full circle and rises again

While we slept it touched the earth from end to end

From sin to God, He had to make way

From death to life, man had to obey

Structure, discipline, rules so profound

It had to be right, for God is sound

In this is a witness between God and man

To trust Him for His word is true,

He'll never fail to care for you

Even regarding the lowest class

He makes them wise and the wise an ass

To follow the law was not just a show

It produced good results so that man might know

The promise of mercy that wouldn't depart

A gift of eternal gladness of heart

His commandments are brilliant, from one to ten

Transparent, definite, and simple for all men

Opening the eyes and causing to see

The promises of God will never cease

Untainted holiness, steadfast and true

His ways were set for reasons few knew

However,

There was never a time He didn't come through

We don't seem to understand

Because we are driven by demand

Status this day is what we adore

Selling ourselves to keep the score

To follow His ways, how invaluable I'm told

How precious, exquisite, and sweet to behold.

They keep us true, and safe from harms way

In our mindless hustle it can guide through the day

Failing to hold fast to instruction with keeping power

Forget not the benefits He provides by the hour

We can't even fathom the mistakes that we've made

Yet I hide in the shame and cower in the shade

Things I forgot in my conscious and sub

Things that await His cleansing blood

Willful sin in which I dive in

Unconscious, moronic, brainless and vague

To them, please keep me from being enslaved

Blameless, pure, righteous, set free

Innocent of all in which I'm really guilty

My desire is to speak only that which You have brought

Sanctify my words, my actions, my thoughts

Christ is the only one who redeems

The one and only that can make me clean.

Time To Share

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:02:00 +0000

I had the most exciting thing happen yesterday...it was scary...but good. So, I thought I would share with my trusty peeps in blog world.

I'm going to start waaaaaaayyyyy back:

July 19, 1985 I was kicked out of my house. I can't for a minute say that I was innocent...in fact, the opposite was true. I was a chronic runaway from the time I was about 12 and basically lived my own life. I had no rules, certainly had no morals or even boundaries for that matter, and at best, all the people in charge of me could do was keep me out in the country...away from society, only problem with that was the school bus. I was out of control. Well, on this fine day...my birthday, I decided I wanted to hang out with my friends and was told that if I left I was to never come back. I left that day and never returned. I lived on the streets and slept in parks (near my friends homes in case I didn't wake up...someone would recognize me). The Lord ALWAYS protected me...I was never bothered and I made some great squatter friends who helped me learn to live on my own. Well, one day I ran into a substitute teacher whom I adored, and through a course of events I ended up at the Lighthouse for Girls in Gem, KS. It was a home for homeless and "throw away" teens.
My experience at the Lighthouse was awesome. Of course, it was hard having rules and schedules and all...especially after being a wild child, but I loved it...and I was loved. Since that time I have always wanted to open a home for homeless teens...and well, I was kick started into the beginning of the process in '03. Now, though somewhat terrified in stepping out, I am going to run with it.
Saturday, my dad traveled back here for some doctors visits and I knew this was going to be my time to tell him...I just didn't know how or when. Of course when he arrived, I was grilled with questions on what I was doing, how are my finances, how long has it been since I've had a good meal (to which I replied "this morning...thanks for buying" hee hee...please...do I look like I don't eat...uh...I don't think so), and where I was looking for jobs (my job ended back in August), so I told him everything he asked, but somehow I couldn't get to the organization part...he worries sooo much and I just knew he would go off on a tangent about religion, doctrine, government, and money to support the place (in that order too). He despises what he calls "beg-a-thon's" and other attempts ministries make at fundraising. I was at a place where I felt I had to answer for something and my insides tightened because I just wanted to say "I believe in miracles, I believe God has my back, and I believe in my purpose in life." All I really could say is "all this stuff doesn't make any difference, and there has never been a time when I have been without. None of this matters to me...I can loose it all and it doesn't matter." To which he replied "*sigh* I know...I just don't see how you can be so calm in the middle of this." Later he called my mom and my sister and told all...ahhh gotta love family. He had not heard the best yet though.
Last night he was standing in the kitchen and looked over at the computer and said "is that you?" I said "yeah, it's my MySpace page" and he asked if he could read it...I said of course...I don't have anything to hide...why not. So he came over and sat down and started reading it...I forgot I had written on it that I am hoping to open a home for homeless teens and such. He started talking about "the business" and I just said...it's my ministry. I told him I had been working on it a while...let me tell you I was trembling soooooo hard on the inside, and then I showed him the web site I am working on and also told him I was planning on launching it in two weeks. He was silent for a moment, made sure I was aware that "unfortunately, those kinds of organizations are solely supported through fund raising" paused, and then said "if that is what God wants you to do, then do it." I WAS SHOCKED! OOOOOHHHHHH YYYYYEEEEAAAAAHHH. I wanted to dance around the kitchen, but I kept a straight face and went to my room and did a YES-THANK-YOU-LORD dive onto my bed. I really can't tell you why it means so much to have his approval, but it does and I can't tell you how free I feel now.

So, the home is called Destiny's Refuge...it's going to take a miracle, but I know where to go for them. I am finishing up my final class at CCU and at the end of the class I hope to launch my website (destinysrefuge.org).

Psalm 115 - Trusting God

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:50:00 +0000

I wrote this before today, and was just drawn back to it because I am ever so aware of how much I need to trust God right now...these are tough times, but not too tough for the Lord if we will seek Him...and trust. I thought I might share it with you all (I hope it's not too long for you all...I tried to shorten it.):

Historically, Psalm 115 was written as a song of trust in God. This particular psalm pulls in every aspect one needs to know about trusting in God. It guides, teaches, and portrays a historical paradigm of trust. One major literary feature is its element of worship which was captured in a musical refrain reminding them that “he is their help and shield” (v 9-11). Today we are faced with idols and lack of trust just as in the days of old. Our minds are bombarded with every worldly ritual imaginable. May this psalm find its way into the hearts and minds of individuals that hunger and thirst for truth; for God is truth, there is nothing that compares with His greatness, and this psalm is crying out for us to lay aside all that holds us back and trust once again.
This psalm of trust was David’s cry to Israel to turn back to God from what they were worshiping. At the time of Exile from Egypt, God had showed Himself mighty and merciful among the Israelites. This psalm begins with acknowledgement and praise of God who has never left them or even ceased to love them. The Israelites were God’s chosen people regardless of their many attempts to stray from Him. However, when Moses had gone to the mountain to converse with God, the people panicked and believed they needed a god to serve, and there erected an image that they believed would go to God for them. Idolatry kept them from receiving the Promised Land until the original generation had passed on. The Israelites were aware of the destruction that idol worship brings, and in this psalm, David speaks of the things the others love about their god and questions their taunting. It wasn’t just being made fun of that was upsetting, though no one appreciated that even when they are confident of their ways; it was that God was excluded from the lives of people in idolatry. Essentially, all their god had to offer them was something they could touch. He speaks of their worthless features, the powerlessness, and the inability those idols have to help the people; however, this wasn’t a contest about whose god was bigger than the other because it was obvious that God had showed himself strong, personal, and ever present. What could he do but to again praise God for His greatness and power and life?
David stated that God was a God to trust and called out for each “house” of Israel to trust him, even those who were not a part of a specific Israelite group “[y]ou who fear him, trust in the Lord – he is their help and shield” (v 11 NIV). There was no bias, anyone who feared God was called to again trust in Him rather than the ways of man which were ever present. There was a promise that David was aware of, that when their trust was placed in the Lord, there would be blessings on everyone, “small and great.” David knew that those who may have been looked upon with fewer honors than royalty were no less than royalty in the eyes of God, which was and still is additional proof of a steadfast and loving God.
The literary features of this psalm are a paradigm, taking the reader through an active act of trust by informing the reader how, what, and why they should trust. David’s plea was that the Israelites would be more God-like. In order for that to happen, David created steps through his example and through the words of this song. In verse 1 David gave Glory to God erasing himself from any thought of pride, claiming God as the one he trusts. He then called the other houses to join him in that worship. In this portion of the psalm, worship was captured in the musical refrain “he is their help and shield,” uplifting them as he drew them in. The psalm then sings blessings over them that fear the Lord, “The Lord remembers us and will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord – small and great alike.” (v 12) He then brings them to pledge to praise and trust in God forever, and closes with “Praise the Lord.” (v.18)
Idols are as prominent today, if not more than biblical times. The extent of idolatry today rests in the fact that so many people are deceived into believing that they are “few and far between” in our society simply because we are not building “gods” and passing them around for people to worship. Today, many don’t understand what idolatry is. Merriam-Webster defines idolatry as “1: the worship of a physical object as a god; 2: immoderate attachment or devotion to something.” Statues of “has been” gods are defined as art, and the food offerings laid at their feet are expressions of tradition. Television is ritualistically watched on football evenings, sick drama mamas and reality TV are all conversation can hold the next day at work. There seems to be no regard to the lives around desiring true fellowship or intimacy. Family time is a movie night, that lacks in deep conversation if any conversation at all. There are far too many idols in this day to list. To call on our true and loving and merciful God today would be met with jeering as well. Christian endeavors are overlooked and mocked, and the Christians themselves are labeled “intolerant.” People flock to know God when tragedy strikes, but are easily sucked back into what is comfortable to them, something they can touch for immediate reassurance; a god of gold that when spent calms the anxieties within for but a moment.
Trust is so lacking today. Most can’t recall ever having seen God bring them through, and have been too busy to listen to their grandparents stories. God’s faithfulness has always been passed down from generation to generation with respect and regard to all He has done; very few know of that faithfulness. Words in the Bible are just stories heard in Sunday school classes with as much value to them as the flannel they are recited with. The lack is in knowing a God of love and mercy experientially. Testimony time in church would always involve a story of how God brought someone through. Grandmother didn’t have groceries and opened her door one morning to find not only what she needed, but also extras for the kids. That’s the point when God's provision, while appreciated, created a sense of pride in individuals to do everything in their power to never have to rely on God or man to take care of them. Women became men, providing for themselves, men raced for power and wealth, and God was forgotten. Society says everyone is to look out for oneself, and trust in the accomplishments made along the way, making sure there will always be a cushion on which to fall back. Society needs to trust in God again. One can’t determine the course of each day or even if the sunlight will peer through their bedroom window to greet the new day, only God can. One can’t bless himself either; there has to be understanding that trust in God brings about blessings like joy, peace, and love. To catch this idea would potentially remove blinders from eyes and give a new Red Sea and Jericho experience that would be the highlight for the next generation.
As David trusted in God and left a legacy for all to follow in remembering what God has brought us through, so we need to trust in God knowing that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We have reasons to look to God rather than looking to that which is comfortable to us, sometimes even idolatrous to us. We have a call, as in the days of old, to trust God, forget what lies behind and press forward, because in that pressing is blessing that no man can provide, only God. As David said, so I say also . . . Praise the Lord!

Tagged

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Gotta love these things.

7 Random/Weird facts about...uh...me:

1. I have a high tolerance for physical pain, but will cry rivers at a sad movie.

2. I was kidnapped from my foster home at 4 and grew up with the alias Kathy Jones; thus, I despise being called Kathy.

3. I have issues with cutting my hair short (I cry if it is cut above my shoulders), but I often think that my 40th birthday will spur me on to shorter hair...that's the year I'll be mature...lol.

4. I was adopted as an adult.

5. October 9, 2003 I was given just a few hours to live (see #1; I ignored my pain for a year)...I'm still alive.

6. Isaiah 54 is my favorite chapter in the bible.

7. My goal this year is to have my long awaited home for homeless teens fully functioning...stay tuned. ;)

I don't really know 7 taggable people, so I will just have to break the rules and say...if you stop by, play along.

Prisoner of Circumstance - Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:31:00 +0000

My fellow blogging buddy Nadine has just published her novel Prisoner of Circumstance and is having a giveaway at her website.

Please stop by her site and support the artistic endeavors of our fellow sister blogger.

Other Parts of the UK

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:21:00 +0000

I have not been real fond of posting a ton of pictures...they take forever, so I have just chosen a few of my favorites from the rest of my journey.

Kelvedon

I went to a bunker here which was so incredibly creepy. They kept it the same as it was when they were planning on using it. It was hidden in a bunch of trees and was underground of course, so it was musty. Beds hung on the wall on one side, and battery operated radiation packs hung on the other side of the hallway. The place was huge, it had a hospital, offices, men's sleeping quarters, women's sleeping quarters, officers quarters...everything.

Colchester

I went to Colchester Castle. It was built on temple Claudius. This is where I learned some interesting stuff. I took so many pictures of churches during my trip to the UK, and one thing I noticed was this:

Not too many churches (at least the traditional and older churches) have any Christian symbolism in them. I also was told, and I can believe it from my experience with people I met, only 3% of GB's population are actually true Christians. Many people worship as "the king" would worship, and worship the king, therefore making them Christians by default (I guess). Anyway, king worship is a way of promoting loyalty to the "imperial family."

Anyway, back to Colchester. At the castle I learned that Emperor Claudius kicked the bucket and temple Claudius was built to worship him as a god, but others saw the temple as a tyrannical and the natives got restless...and kicked Roman booty (led by one irate woman, Boudica. I nicknamed her Bootykick). There is actually a movie about Boudica...they had the chariot from the movie in the castle...it was awesome.

This was the most fascinating part of the castle. It was the dungeon where people accused of operating in witchcraft were taken to be tortured until they gave up names of people with whom they associated who were witches. They had recordings of people praying in the night and they cast shadows on the wall of it...it broke my heart.

After the castle we went to an artsy little cafe next to a GORGEOUS clock museum.

This is a scone with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. We would call it a biscuit, but never in my life have I ever had clotted cream...it was divine.

Tymperleys Clock Museum...it closed just as I walked up to check it out.

Chelmsford

Chelmsford is a huge shopping town. It has an outdoor mall like I've never seen before. The shopping there was fantastic. It's not the same old stuff at every different place you go...everything is unique. Now there were a few chains...but not many. I actually found a store that I had never heard of before (because I haven't visited Bolder Colorado in ages) called Lush. It has beauty supplies that are all natural...I loved it...and they were cheap...even in Euros...lol.

Of course I was wandering down some alleyways there and spotted this lovely church:

Stock

There were a couple things I loved about my visit to Stock; I could walk through the entire town in about 30 min, and it was beautiful.

I went to a lady's home there and was invited to drink tea in her chapel. Yes, she had her own chapel in her yard. Chapels there are not what one would think of here. Chapels there are places where boy scouts would meet...not a place to have church. She had OLD diary's and photo's of boy scout meetings...it was great to go through them. I saw a picture on the wall which reminded me of what boy Scout's used to be about...I took a picture of it...it's not that great, but it is a picture of Jesus with his hand on the shoulder of a boy scout.

This is an old church in Stock that I absolutely adored...it was made with so many different materials...it was fabulous!

Harlow

This was the best. I was sooooo very homesick from week 2. Then I met up with some people from an organization I belong to and they made me feel so at home and maybe even a little more homesick in a good way. It was hands down the best time I had in my visit to Europe. I saw a different side to pastoral work...one I haven't seen since I was a teen in a Baptist church in a very small town. My first trip, after service Pastor Patrick Zimba invited me over to his house for tea...which meant...full on dinner. After dinner we talked, then went out to some homes of people in his congregation to pray for them. I will never forget...Pastor Zimba said "we visit my people when they cannot come to church. They like to visit for a long time, and we have people to see, so we will have to go in and bless them (pray over their family) and leave. I'll let you do that." GULP...did he just tell me that I have to pray over these people. Once I calmed down from the shock of having to pray over people I don't know, I readily accepted my duties. Then I got into the house. IT WAS LIKE CHURCH ALL OVER AGAIN. There were like 3 different families in one house...can someone turn on the air 'cause I'm about to pass out! I survived and actually enjoyed it. Then we went to the next house, then we went bowling...lol. It was great...I lost. lol

I was invited back the next week to speak. I was a bit nervous...I talk fast when I'm nervous, but I made it through. Then we went to lunch and as we were waiting Pastor Zimba pulled me and another couple out and said "we have to go." It was the oddest thing, so I replied "is this a mandatory fast." hee hee We left and went to another family's house to pray for a young lady there, then went to eat. I watched Pastor Zimba take another couple under his wings and begin to teach them different things...it was so odd, but so beautiful, and so real.

Pastor Patrick Zimba, Me, Apostle Shinkolo (from Zambia)

I gave up my vegetarian ways for a chicken dinner. I was informed that in Africa, a chicken dinner is a way to show a special occasion or an honorable gesture. I felt honored, and was honored, in so many ways.

More of London

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:47:00 +0000

Entering London, the first thing one notices is the writing on the road. I think it is very kind of them to do this, after all, they don't have to...we don't...lol. In spite of the giant directions printed on the road, I can't tell you how many times I looked the opposite way.

I went to London for the weekend. I initially was invited to a retreat in the country, but I then received an invitation to speak at a church in Harlow the same weekend, so I opted to stay in London rather than retreat...I am sooo glad I did too.

I stayed at the Cumberland near the Marble Arch on Oxford St. I actually went to Hotels Direct and booked through them...it was a bit scary because they tell you that they are offering you a four-star hotel at this awesome rate, but they also say they can't tell you what hotel it is until you actually confirm and pay for your stay. I took a deep breath and did it. Now, I am a more traditional person...I was really hoping for antique furniture and such, but that's not exactly what I got. It was a pretty cool hotel room, but I am glad I was not with anyone. The bathroom was frosted glass...not too frosted though...you could see right through the door...lol...the shower of course was glass...I'm surprised the toilet wasn't glass...lol...I just remember being soooo nervous that I was going to wake up late and the hotel staff was going to come in while I was in the shower...or something...lol. It was small...I think they call it a twin room which is smaller than a single room, but they made great use of the space, and even though I am not fond of contemporary decor, I did enjoy my room. The main level had a hopping night club which woke me up around 12am, so I got up, got dressed, and went for an evening stroll around the streets of London...yeaaah...it was beautiful, and alive still. People shop at all hours there. I didn't stay out long; I got back around 1:30 and went to bed.

THE MARBLE ARCH

This used to be at the entrance of Buckingham Palace, but now it is the entrance to Hyde Park.

I am a pretty curious person. When I travel, I just like to go wherever and see whatever happens before my eyes; but, I have to say, this was one of the creepiest streets I walked down.

On the left is a picture of some kind of bird bath looking thing. It was in a little bank nook where they housed their ATM machine...so, I'm still a bit creeped out 'cause this street had so much Gothic architecture mixed with strange religious-yet-non religious symbolism, a ton of Masonic stuff, then as I left that nook, just up the street I happened to look at sign on the side of a building...that is the picture on the right. I was ready to find another street at that time...lol.

Another thing I love to do is walk down alleys and through open doorways...you can find the neatest stuff in the nooks and crannies of London. This picture is in an alleyway off Oxford Street...there was a sign just beyond the archway that looked like it was saying "hi" and welcoming me in...lol. The cutest restaurants were down that alleyway and a couple shops.

TEMPLE BAR - The gateway to the city of London

ST PAUL'S

Sorry about the blurred tube sign. St Paul's was such an incredible church. I sat through one of their services...didn't do communion though...I haven't sipped from a community chalice in a VERY long time and all I could think of was a flashing memory of seeing floaters in the wine when I was a little girl...traumatic I tell ya, but I can respect those that went forward.

Now, I half expected to see a little old lady sitting on the steps of St Paul's and singing feeeeed the birds...toppins a bag, BUT, all I got was the site of some peeps kicking back and enjoying the day. I did go inside, but couldn't take pictures, so I purchased postcards...even the postcards did not do the place justice. I have one post card of a black and white picture of London burning all around St Paul's, but St Paul's remained untouched. From what I understand, the reason is because Hitler gave orders not to bomb it...he was saving the Church for himself...along with Buckingham Palace. I had coffee in the Crypt...mmmm.

THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE

Something huge was going on here this day...there were tons of people there...camera's and such. I so wanted to know, but never found out.

ST MARY'S SCHOOL

As I wondered somewhere around the vicinity of the hotel, I found the cutest little school building.

More Old Buildings

That's about it for my journey to London. My next post will finish up with pics of the other parts of my UK trip.

London First Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:22:00 +0000

Ok, so I figured it was about time to bring all my darling, yet very neglected, blogging friends up to speed on everything...sorry, I kind of left you all hanging right outside of London...lol.

England

What an amazing experience I had! I already shared some of the small town stuff with you all, so I will share some pics from London and attempt to recap. I do apologize for the darkness of the pictures...it was a bit overcast, but if you would really like to see a pic, I think you can just click on it and it will be a better quality...maybe my computer is just dark...I don't know.

This was the first delightful scene as I arrived by train into London. It is the site of the 2012 Olympics...there was a big multi-million dirt mound too, but I'll spare you the view.

Jackie and I took the boat down the Thames river so we could catch a glimpse of many of the sites. Brrr...it was sooo dang cold and I was playing it tough 'cause I'm from Colorado...they don't know cold over there...lol...apparently I don't know cold on the river.

Tower Bridge

This is the bridge the US thought they were purchasing (and getting such as great price for it too)...oops...we actually purchased London Bridge...which is falling down...haa haa haa...it's not so pretty. I thought I took a pic, but can't seem to find it...hmm, but then again, I took over 500 pictures, so maybe I just can't remember which bridge it is.

Tower Bridge leading to Tower of London

This is the Tower of London.

If you look closely, you can see writing toward the bottom that says "Entry to the traitors gate." I was surprised to find out that traitors were just about anyone the King/Queen didn't like...like, at one point, people who worshiped in a manor that was not the way the K/Q worshiped...they were rough royal peeps back in the day (uh, actually the day before "back in the day").

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. I wish there was a way to capture the whole thing...it was unbelievable! My pics do this place no justice at all.

The gates even have crowns.

Sovereigns Entrance to the Houses of Parliament...sorry, I couldn't capture it really, so I just took pictures of some of the architectural detail.

Big Ben of course.

I had to put these next two guys together. Apparently the statue on the left is a bit controversial. It's a statue of Oliver Cromwell holding a sword and a bible. He is said to have initiated the trial and execution of Charles I...well, I knew that the bust of Charles I was right across the street because supposedly Cromwell's head is bowed to avoid the piercing gaze of Charles I. I turned around and after a few minutes, I saw the iiiiiiiitttttttyyyyyy bitty bust of Charles I and about laughed my head off...poor dinky Charles! I personally have come to the conclusion that Cromwell's head is bowed 'cause he's squinting so hard to see Charles I across the street. Aren't they just fabulous buildings though!

This next guy you may have seen on the news. He's the guy who camped outside the
Houses of Parliament day one that the war in Iraq started...he's still there, but at least now he has a permit to be there. He will remain until the war ends...power to ya brother.

The next pic is an Egyptian Obelisk...they call it Cleopatra's Needle, but it was around long before Cleopatra. Maybe they call it that because they were eventually moved to a temple built by Cleopatra...who knows? Anyway, there is another one in New York City, so eventually I will have to travel to New York to take a picture so my collection of Cleo's needles will be complete.

Below is the London Eye...or Eye of London whichever...I didn't get a closeup, but it's a pretty cool wheel.

This gorgeous little red church here houses the first English translation of the Bible.

Blackfriars Railway Bridge (the second...Blackfriars the first is no longer and this bridge was eventually renamed Blackfriars.)

I LOVE this place. I wish I could have gone in and looked around. It is The Globe Theater which is a reproduction of Shakespeare's original theater. IT HAS A THATCHED ROOF! Gorgeous!

This just cracked me up...it is a picture of a spa...very nice huh...lol. When they built it, they put in two-way glass so that the clients can look out over the Thames; however, they installed the windows backwards and everyone can see in, but they can't see out...hee hee...that's what I call accountability...of course, since they have not changed it...maybe it's just vanity. ;)

City Hall

This is a picture of the Gherkin...I think it has a real name, I think it is the Swiss Tower, but Gherkin is what the locals call it...I suppose that is one of the better likenesses they could have label it.

The Household Calvary

The museum left much to be desired. It showed the stables and some of the outfits they wore throughout the years...that's about it. I took pics, but they only allowed me to if I promised not to publish them. The best of the Household Calvary is outside:

hee hee This guy looked like he was dancing 'cause they can hardly walk in those giant boots.

Me and the Calvary "bloke."

Buckingham Palace

The gardens around Buckingham Palace

This guy was on the property surrounding Buckingham Palace, but isn't quite a part...maybe he's just protecting the side gates...not sure, but he looked like a toy soldier on a tattered mantle...lol.

These are called the fabulous buildings of London...haa haa haa...just kidding. I don't know what they are, I just thought they were wonderful.

I had to take two pictures of this building just 'cause it is sooooo fabulous!

I don't recall what building this is below on the left, but it had every single profession carved into the side of it.

I don't know what this is either, but it is awesome! Anyone know?

This is nothing really...I think I was just excited to see a door knob in London. Do you know they don't have door knobs on their houses? They have little finger pulls...I should have taken a picture of them...lol. Also, in the center of the door (the circle) it is embossd with VR for Victoria's Reign.

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of this building (the pic on the left) in it's entirety...they were filming a Baliwood movie at the time, but the detail is phenominal.

I loved the sculpture on the building on the right, but was quite saddened to see the building on the left covered in a NYC style media screen.

After our walk around London, we went into a pub for cider...made from organic apples...sounds good doesn't it? It's not...don't let anyone tell you different! It's beer...blech...I think they just needed an excuse to put ice cubes in beer.

We ended our evening in London at a restaraunt called Dim T. It was wonderful!

YUMMMM!

As we were dining, the cutest purple polka dot car drove by...I had to snap a pic.

I'll have to post my solo trip to London later. Already this is a HUGE blog and I need to get ready for my godson's to come over.

Surrendering The Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:49:00 +0000

A break from my travel. Tammy sent me over to Melinda's blog where she is having a giveaway...more than the average giveaway because it requires a little action.

Surrendering The Secret is a study leading people who have experienced abortion and the effects thereof (including its secrecy) into freedom.

I almost did not post this simply because I thought I would have no idea what to do with it. I don't think I could lead this group; however, what an honor it would be to pass it on to someone in my church who has been there and has a passion for leading others to freedom.

Please visit Melinda's site and get involved as well...if not for yourself, then for the countless women who you know and/or may never know that need freedom in this area in their life. Melinda has all the appropriate connections and facts regarding this study on her site.

A few places I've seen

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 11:08:00 +0000

I haven't really been able to post because the Internet and upload speed on my Internet stick is S-L-O-O-O-W. I'm currently at the Cumberland Hotel in London, so I have high speed Internet here...it takes seconds to upload...I'm so excited!!! We'll discuss London later. Here are a few of my noteworthy excursions:

Billericay, Essex:

For a small town, this place has some serious history. One piece of information I found interesting is that they have a town in the US which mirrors Billericay; it is called Billerica, which is in Massachusetts, near Boston. Of course, they didn't want to call it the same thing yet wished to keep some sort of English connection, so they took the "y" off the end of the town name. Today, they keep a sort of friendship between them and open their homes to visitors traveling between the two places. It's like a Billericay club...lol...not a bad idea actually.

Not much to say really, I just took a lot of pictures. They have around 18 old buildings from the 15th century to the 18th century Georgian architecture. None of the buildings were built on foundations, so they are slowly inching down the hill. They really are great buildings...here are some of them:

This is on Norsey Road...they are 18th century cottages. One interesting thing about them is that they were not built upon a foundation (and still stand)...most of the stores and houses in Billericay are not built on foundations; yet, they have only crept down the hill a matter of inches.

This is a timber framed house built in 1577...I think it is just amazing how they can stand today.

St Mary Magdalene church and it's front door and 15th century clock tower.

There was a pigeon perched on a throne of his own in the pic on the left, so I had to take his pic.
This is Foxcroft Georgian style built in 1750. In 1935 it was a children's home. I absolutely love the ivy growing on it...it's a nice sign of Autumn with the gradual color change of the leaves.

This pic shows...beyond the coined phrase "sunlashes" (I can't remember for the life of me which siesta coined that phrase.)...a 16th century half timber style; however, back in the day, the exposed beams were not black...they were a natural gray (and I actually have a picture later of what it would really look like if left natural).

This is very noteworthy. It's called The White Hart and was built in the 18th century. Two of the windows have been bricked off because back then there was a window tax, and of course, this has many windows, so in order to not be charged tax for all the windows, they bricked two off and have kept it that way as a reminder of window taxes.

Ok, so I took 140 pics of places in Billericay, so I must move on now.

Next stop...Leigh, Essex:

This is the award winning beach in Leigh...and believe me, my camera didn't miss much of it...haa haa haa...that's it.

This is what I ate in Leigh:

The cup consisted of prawn, crayfish tails, mussel's, and cockles. The more I ate, the bigger the cup got...lol. Actually, I ate the shrimp (they eat it with pepper and vinegar...I wasn't so fond of that...kind of made it smell a bit more fishy), I tried a crayfish tail and gave the rest to Jackie, then we got down to the mussel's:

Promise you...I said "Jackie...I swear that one below has eyes and is looking at me." It took me about two minutes to gain enough courage to eat it, and...well...Jackie had the rest. lol

These guys are cockles...I found them to be quite yummy, but after about four, I began to cringe, and...well...Jackie ate the rest...haa haa haa. I love seafood, really! Maybe all they needed was butter and garlic....lol.

This is Jackie's son Jack. Jack ate Mackrel:

More later. I'm off to see more of London now.

The Rest of My Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:24:00 +0000

I do apologize for not keeping up with the travel...so much to say...so little time to say it...and picky airwaves (the cloud cover leaves much to be desired for wireless blogging)...BUT, I love it here.

12:00 pm Canada time I boarded the largest plane I have ever been in. I sat right in the center and the plane seemed to go forever before me and behind me. I was quite a bit nervous at first because my mind just could not wrap around the fact that this plane can take off IN THE AIR with so many people on board. Side note: I took my camera this time, but I had an isle seat, and I didn't think people would be too happy with me snapping a pic of all of them...there were some grumpies. I realize people must travel frequently and not all have a silly American, first-time-out-of-the-states perma-grin on their face; and most are sooo tired, but WOW, the essence of it all is incredible. I just hope behind the grumpies lay the thought of the blessing of it all...we are really some blessed people. Ok, hopping off my soap box now. When the plane finally began to move, it was very bumpy...much like riding in my pickup. As we bounced along the runway the lights in the cabin flickered quite eerily as it resembled being in the midst of an episode of the Twilight Zone. I noticed I wasn't the only one nervous and a little freaked out...I saw the lady across the isle and we both shot each other an understanding grin sort of reassuring each other that this beast would actually take off; and, indeed we did and faster than any other takeoff I have ever experienced.

Inside the plane was another world. It had television monitors which showed a map of where we were and where we were headed; and, as we traveled, the plane moved across the sea in proportion to where we were. The man beside me was fast asleep and had a case of the twitches, the lady in front of me had the largest nose ring I have ever seen...I wanted so badly to ask her if I could take a picture, but even I knew that would be rude...lol...oh, the things that thrill me.

There were so many people of different races, and obvious religions, and styles, and everything...it was fabulous! I sat there for three hours making up stories in my mind about their lives...that's a fun past-time, try it, just remember, mental pondering don't make it true. I found that out when I arrived.

So, I arrived in London at 11:00 am and went through customs...I heard so many people complain about customs, but really, it's not that bad. Of course, the people complaining were mostly people from their own country...and that line was three times as long as the line of foreigners. They seem to have every method of transportation possible here...they have the train, the plane, the bus, the "tube" which is like a subway I think (I've never actually been on the subway). My mental picture of London was actually much different than the actual place. Their advertisements here are wooooo bad bad bad, or as they would say "naughty." They also have graffiti just like we do. The difference is the landscape and architecture and overall ambiance of the place. I actually thought it was a London thing to have red doors on every house...haa haa haa...not so. I didn't realize they have coffee here either...well, they don't do coffee like we do, but they do have coffee...espresso...their coffee is espresso. I went into a coffee shop at the main station and asked for a coffee and they said "white or black"...I was thinking white beans (which would be raw coffee beans) or black beans (which are cooked coffee beans); but as I was wrapping my brain around what the lady was saying, she said "milk." Duh. I said "oh, white" and she said "Americano" and I said "I don't want an espresso drink, to which she replied "it's coffee," so that is what I got. Must say, the coffee here is really not too bad.

Ok, so day one (which is a continuation of the last 24 hours) I don't remember much of. I think we went "up the high street," (the main street in the town) but I didn't do much looking around, we visited the shops here. I've learned that "up the town" means we will be going to Billericay; however, "up town" means we will be visiting London.

I love best that there is not the same of everything here...there are no department stores, few franchises, and mostly you would support local businesses...I like that...to each a piece of their own. What we know as thrift stores are called charity shops and they have the charity they support written across the door. The street is lined with charity shops...it was fun going in these places, they were highly organized...and clean. ;)

From there, Jackie and I met one of her friends for coffee (I think this coffee place is like a European Starbucks), and they have little templates that decorate your coffee...it's darling...so I took a pic.

Of course, they only have one template which is the Costa (name of the shop) insignia (lower left cup-o-jo).

Later I went out to the farm where Jackie keeps her horse and saw real farm animals...lol...I couldn't help but take pictures...it was wonderful being on an actual working farm again.

The chicken followed me all over the place.

I'll have to post more about the little town of Billericay tonight...as long as the clouds coverage is low. The people I am staying with go to bed early (like 10 or 11...yikes) and get up late (around 8am). I suppose I am still on University time, so I still go to bed at 2 and get up at 6. So, I have plenty of solo time to play online and get my homework done.

Journey of Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:19:00 +0000

It is so exciting to be outside the United States. In July I purchased my passport in anticipation of traveling, and even though it is only day one, I am so thrilled. I stayed up until 2am and then got up at 6am hoping to be tired so I could sleep during the flight, but I was on such an adrenaline rush, I doubted I could sleep at all; however, I was out and totally missed the take-off. I love the take-off...I would call it my favorite part of flying, but it ties with the landing because each landing there is a delicious fear that the tail of the plane is going to scrape the ground before the wheels do...hee hee hee...just one of my weird quirks. Well, I woke up just after take-off when the overly zealous flight attendant started selling dinners...eww...who actually purchases airline food? I always thought there was a reason it used to be free. Anyway, I couldn't go to back to sleep...could have been the coke, but I think I am just really excited. Prior to taking my seat, I grabbed my Ipod and headphones out of my bag, and for a moment, I thought that I should grab my camera, but on second thought I figured it would be silly to take pictures from the window of an airplane...I so wish now I had been silly! I saw the most beautiful sunset I have EVER seen in my life!!! It looked like a rainbow stretched out across the land...it had the most brilliant colors and it would be a shame to just call them red, orange, yellow, and violet...it was simply magnificent; oh, and I saw it through my window which had a picture frame of frost along the bottom.
I am currently awaiting my connecting flight in Toronto...Canada. I wish I had more time to spend here. It was dark by the time I arrived, but the lights were fabulous...I love city lights at night, the gold, white, and red flickers give me the warm fuzzies of Christmas Eve...mmm.
I think I am supposed to board my flight at 22:10 (right now it's 9:50...um 21:50...wow that's a lot of counting), but the flight board says 23:10...wooo I'm so confused.
Ok, I have to confess...I stopped at Starbucks here, and the lady gave me my total and I had that deer in the headlights look and actually said "oh no, that's Canada money huh?" The lady laughed and said "well, you can pay US money, but you will get Canada change." The mighty plastic saved me from having to figure out foreign money. It was actually kind of funny, I gave her my bank card which has snow covered mountains and the lady said "oh, this makes me cold looking at it." Then she showed everyone working there and they all laughed...I guess it late...everyone gets a little silly. YIKES, I just realized I drank Starbucks!!! Really...so much for sleep now!
Well, this is part one of my journey. I will arrive tomorrow in London at 4:30 am MST which is 11:30 am in London. From there I will hop the "tube" East bound to Liverpool, meet up with my friend, and head to Billericay. I am so excited...I am an architecture buff...it was my second love from my teen years and beyond. So, if you enjoy architecture, I hope you check back for some pictures.

The Fiesta...Through My Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:35:00 +0000

Thursday 4:30 am: Did my alarm clock really go off? I never even went to sleep...the excitement for the weekend sent waves of energy rushing through my body...to sleep would bring a sort of forgetfulness of tomorrows surge of living this life of bloggeramma...and that just couldn't happen...maybe it was that coffee I drank before bed...I totally blame Holly for that. :) I was up and in the shower and packing the remainder of my things for the San Antonio Siesta Fiesta. I went into Holly's room to wake her up (as promised in case the travel alarm didn't work) and I wish I had a camera 'cause she was all but hugging the snooze button on the alarm clock...I think I even heard a faint song ...ohhhh sweeet snoooozzzeee buttooooonnnnn...coming from her! HOW CAN YOU SNOOZE AT A TIME LIKE THIS!!!! haa haa haa So, we made our way to the airport by way of IHOP (the pancake house...not to be confused with IHOP the prayer house). After a couple hours of loud, obnoxious, flatulent, but sometimes funny children sitting behind me, my turbulent (due to seat kicking) flight ended and I arrived in San Antonio.

So, I got to my room and walked across the hall to converse with Holly and Joanne, and while we were talking, Kimberly walked in with her sweet daughter Grace, later we heard screams, so I poked my head out and there was Stephanie and others hugging and crying and screaming, then more hugging and crying and screaming...soon the hallway was full and those poor men on the same floor had it cut out for them. lol Here's a first glance of the hallway meeting...which grew rapidly.

It was funny 'cause everyone was calling each other by their blog names. Then Cheryl (The Prof) came out with her Miesta and met us all...she is such an awesome person!

They all left and went on the boat tour of the River Walk, and I went elsewhere, but I made it to the last boat tour of the day...it was awesome at night.

The River Walk was beautiful, so the next morning I went out and took some more pictures.

While I was out walking I met Brooke (Mail Girl) Geo Cashing, so she taught me all about it and took me hunting with her. It was probably the highlight of my trip because I am not big on socializing, meeting, greeting, and making friends and such, so I really enjoyed my first friend making experience.

I couldn't believe how humid it was...holy smokes...and Denver summer clothes just don't cut it; so, I went shopping. I really hate shopping, so I'm glad I found something fast...and on sale. ;)

On to lunch time.

We all hopped the bus and went to ...beats me...we ate at so many Mexican food places, all their names run together. There were a ton of us and the waiters were awesome to put up with us all. Here are some pics from that.

This is some of us waiting for the bus to take us to the restaurant.

This is us at the restaurant...poor waiter guy...at one point he had to tell everyone to sit down 'cause so many people were all over the place.

The conference was great as Beth Moore conferences generally are. She taught on being an heir of God. The energy amongst our group was just unbelievable...I enjoyed it.

Here's a small video of us siesta's waiting to get in:

I sat next to Donna (and I have a horrible pic of me with her), so I won't post it...I was hot, red, not an ounce of makeup left on me and topped it off with a cheezy smile...she is awesome though...I had a great time talking to her.

Finally, our session with the Moore girls was so much fun...Melissa just cracked me up more than anything.

This is Kathy and Jackie Sue they were awesome ladies!

This trip was such an unbelievable time of getting to know people who have just been pictures and words to me. How crazy it seems to some people to do this sort of thing, but it actually makes me think of the day we will meet Christ face to face. He's not just words on a page, but he is life to us. One of these days, we will meet Him and suddenly we will realize He is more than what I read or believed...He is my life...ahem...my inheritance...as I am His. While I had such divine appointments this weekend and enjoyed everyone that makes blogging worthwhile; I still can't wait to meet the one that makes life worth it all.

Potpourri

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:53:00 +0000

Ok, so I have lots to say...I'll get the awkward stuff out of the way first.
I received my long awaited job end date. My last day at work will be August 20. Whew, right around the corner. I can't define my emotions 'cause they are all over the place...one moment I'm excited, one moment I'm sad, one moment I'm anxiety ridden, and one moment I'm relieved to finally have a date. I'm the last of my group to go (they're keeping me a few days past conversion in case anything unexpected happens). Can't say what I will do either. I've had multiple requests for me to attend company overviews for financial advisor positions, but I'm not sure I want to go back into investments. My heart says one thing, my parents are saying another thing (eww Fed's *shiver* *shiver* *shiver*), but I hope to pursue what is on my heart...at least until my checkbook screams another. I guess I just have to sit back and listen and wait. The company I work for always provided a 30 day sabbatical on each employee's 10 year anniversary...I planned to go to London. Well, I've been there 10 years, and since the company divestiture, my sabbatical never happened; however, I'm going to London anyway. Paris is in the works...there is a ministry there that works with teens through art and I would love to help out. Anyway, I will miss work...here's some of the things I'll miss:

Allow me to explain: We had a mickey mouse (he even had the real Mickey plastered all over his office with a stuffed Mickey staring you in the face during meetings...creepy) of a supervisor come in and since he always wanted to know when people were at lunch, we all had to put up lunch signs (which we all gladly posted 100% of the time). We were a quirky group, and somewhat obedient. Anyway, the last picture is a team effort tack art (this was the friendliest of them). We all got bored at the scanner because it was soooo slow, so we took advantage of our down time...I loved this one especially because our temp Joe (aka cupcake-his staple food) bent up a paperclip for smoke coming out of the chimney...clever kid. So...that is what I'll miss.

On to what I've been up to lately:

In June I went on a women's retreat. There is a place in Colorado Springs called The Hideaway...oh it is sooo awesome! It's just that...hidden away in a bit of forest mountain area. It's so much fun. Well, as retreats go...oh wait, let me rephrase that...as retreats typically are when I am invited, this one was entertaining. I created a couple aliens out of handiwrap and aluminum foil and placed on of them in the retreat leaders bed...hee hee...it was the size of an 8 yr old.

The other alien was doing his thing on the throne when they found him.

It was the best...I watched Neddra walk into her room...heading to the balcony, do a quick shudder of fear, grab her heart and say VERY LOUDLY "stupid Kathryn." To that I (and a few others) all but fell out on the floor laughing. My punishment:

I was dismissed! I cried "why ya gotta lock a sister out" to no avail. I was banned; however, the intruding aliens got special attention...even their very own names! I just don't get it.

July is my birthday month, and my ski bud's birthday is just a few days before me, so we headed up to the cabin together up by Gunnison with her son and a friend of his. My folks have a resort package at Blue Mesa that I get perks from, so every so often I enjoy the free cabin. It was such a beautiful drive. I wish my camera could have caught the true splendor of it all, but here are a couple of my favorite views:

I suppose I could tell you it was raining, but I wont...those are bugs on my windsheild....lol...but if you look past that you can see snow (in July) up by Monarch Pass.

This one (below) was one of my fav's...that white stuff is not snow though...it's clouds hovering over the little valleys. It was so much more awesome than this picture.

We went to Lake City one day...I love the drive there too! I was a bit overly excited about the beauty of everything...it's so hard to clap and cheer God on when one is driving, so Cindy asked to take over...lol. I don't know...she said something about safety and such...lol.

So, while she was driving:

I got to see:

I just screamed "stop...stop." hee hee hee. Isn't it beautiful!

Last but not least, last Sunday was Bab's 1st birthday. So we went to the zoo:

Here's granny and Bab's looking at the fish. They were about the only thing...well, other than the rather large kitties she saw, that she really enjoyed.

She also started walking:

Did I mention she also adores her Great Auntie. Her mom says it's because she can get away with stuff with me, but I just think there's no reason at all for her to be unhappy, so we have a mutual agreement. ;) Besides...great niece, great auntie...maybe there's just too much greatness for one room to contain. ;-) Yeah, that's it!!!!

Feeding the Homeless

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:25:00 +0000

One rewarding hour and a half...one day a week. Why not?

I looked around tonight at the faces of people so delighted to be catered to and couldn't help but smile. Government help comes in on the first, and though the crowd was lighter than the norm, many still pressed in for a meal...painfully aware that the funds they received one day earlier will only go so far. It's been a hard day, for some, it's been a hard life. The doors opened at 5:15 and the people waiting outside came in and sat to listen to the 20 minute sermon and pray before supper...even applauding when the sermon was done (though I am unsure if they were applauding the completion of the sermon in anticipation of the food, or if they really enjoyed the sermon...I'd like to think there's a little of both).

I was warned of one lady who comes in who "must have a twin sister because she is mean one week and nice the next," so I decided to watch her tonight...she didn't fail my expectations...right in the middle of the sermon, she smacked the man in front of her on the back of the head and pretended she was innocent and taking notes. I quickly turned to look at another volunteer and said "did you see that?" She was already watching my reaction and laughing assuring me that she had seen it. Really, I had to giggle because, well, deep down...I wish I could do that sometimes...uh, in fact, just this week at work. ;) I looked around again and my heart just melted when I realized this night is a very important night for them. Many dressed up in their best attire, or at least did their best to make sure their only outfit was presentable. All were grateful.

Looking back at tonight I can't help but think of Isaiah 58:6-7 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"

I wondered about the economy and the impact it would have on these types of food kitchens.

I wondered at how distant being in that situation seems and yet had a sudden realization of how close it really is.

I wondered why there were just a few of us willing to serve in this capacity.

I wonder still.

Just One of My Favorite Things

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:38:00 +0000

YUM!!! YUM!!! YUM!!!

So...I'm driving home from work thinking more about my gas tank about to hit "E" than food, when I think I heard a still small voice whisper to me "Havarti with Dill." Suddenly out of the corner of my eye loomed Whole Foods (another one of my favorite things). I kid you not...that store sings the Hallelujah Chorus every time I enter the produce section. I could wander for hours upon end just looking at everything and dreaming about what I could make. Well, I looked at my gas gauge and then the street sign as I passed it by, then back at my gas gauge, and glanced at yet another street sign I passed by...suddenly I could take it no more...I turned. Yep, I forfeited a gallon of gas for cheese...delightfully delicious cheese. Mmmm.
I made my way through the Cherry Creek streets wishing I were sitting next to the woman relaxing on a bench nearby a posh clothing store; or, skipping with the children out walking with their daddy. *Sigh* I could have done both, you see, but that fantastic cheese was calling to me.

Cheese...It's what's for dinner.

Good For You

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:43:00 +0000

My sweet niece Desireé graduated last week.

This is her mom attempting to hug and pick her up at the same time. They're funny.

I traveled to Kansas to attend her graduation and spend time with the crazy family. Frances and Babs (aka Anika) rode with me; we traveled at night so Babs could sleep and wouldn't be too offended at being tied down in a car seat for 8 hours. Night travel is rough and Frances doesn't drive so I found myself pulling over every chance I got (that means an exit where no traffic was in sight) to run around the car and do jumping jacks...that afforded me another 45min of traveling with my eyes open...lol. I also made a concoction that did me well for a while...I poured a half bottle of frappuccino into my gigantic coffee cup, then added a double shot espresso to the remaining frapp and slammed it, then drank my coffee...that's some good stuff...stuff to write home about. We pulled in at 3am. My sister greeted us at the door...too excited to really sleep, then we stayed up talking until 5 or so...I guess the caffeine buzz actually kicked in too late. I just love early morning chats with my sisterface...she rocks! Every other day I was up at 5 with her drinking coffee and reading the bible.

Here's Granny feeding Babs in the morning.

I also got this sweet pic with Desireé and Babs.

I left the family one day to travel to Kansas City, MO. It just so happened that my nieces bff decided to fly in for Des' graduation...only she thought Kansas City was an airport in Kansas...lol. I was ok with the travel since I wanted to visit IHOP (International House of Prayer). What an experience! They have 24/7 praise and worship and prayer there and don't even miss a beat switching teams...amazing. IHOP far exceeded my expectations. What a beautiful place. I was thinking there would be a few people there since it was the middle of the week, but I never expected over a hundred people there. There were students, business people spending their lunch hour there, moms with their children...all kinds of people gathered to pray and worship God. Even after the lunch hour there was still a good 80 people or more there. I'm thinking I am going to take a weekend and just get away there.

Later, I picked my girl Niesha up at the airport and almost missed her...she hasn't been around my house in a couple years and my mental picture still sees her in pigtails and fuzzy sweats. She's quite lovely these days. We got a little misplaced on the road 'cause I accidentally tossed the directions...tee hee oops.

The rest of the week was spent doing little things around the house to get it ready for auction, attending graduation, visiting family, attempting to get my homework done, driving back and forth to MO...stuff like that...it was pretty busy. I got home Sunday evening and slept until Tuesday morning...lol...I was actually up for about 2 hours on Monday. :) All that travel did me in.

Since I am posting this a bit late, I have to add that my sister got in last night and we will be moving her into her new place today...I am so excited to have her back here after about 3 years...I missed her so much! So that should bring you up to date on most of my current events...I think about keeping my blog current, but somehow life gets ya busy.

Happy days to you all!

Awesome Weekend!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:45:00 +0000

I have to say, I had such an awesome weekend! Last week was so hectic that I had no time to get things done, so I approached Friday with much anxiety. I had papers to write, a house that desperately needs cleaning (...hello...Merry Maids!), and packing for the weekend to do. I had been sick for the past 3 weeks trying to get over the flu and being able to do little else but sleep. When my alarm went off Friday at 4:30 am, I had still accomplished nothing and now had no time to do it. So, I prayed that when my parents (along with everyone else who has a key) pulled into town this weekend that they wouldn't swing by my place to check in on me...woo they would be concerned! Then I hastily packed my clothes and ran out the door...then ran back in to make sure my cats had enough food...whew...if I were a mom, I would have forgotten the children; as it was, I forgot my bible and journal.
Anyway, I left work a couple hours early to trek on down to the Springs for a Beth Moore conference. I stayed with Holly to save on the commute...what a blessing! (By the way, she typed up some pretty good notes on her blog...check it out). We got there early and stood in the FREEZING cold for a about an hour before the doors opened and tried to provide some huddle warmth for an elderly lady waiting in line...she was so precious...drove from Lake City to be there (I love Lake City...I took my nieces camping there when they were younger 'cause I love it so much). From the moment the conference began to the moment it ended, I was in awe. It was as if every word was being prophesied over me, or guiding me, or convicting me...and the WORSHIP!!!! OHHHHH!!!! I was a mess! It's measurably good by how much makeup remains on the face. I had to calm myself down a couple times 'cause I was about to take off. I know Beth said everyone worships differently and it's ok, but I felt like Hammy from Over the Hedge, and when the team started singing "come running, come running...," I promise you, I tried to convince myself that I could run as fast as Hammy around the arena and no one would even notice! I contained myself, but Woooo, it was GOOOOOOD!
Saturday, the conference ended at noon, but we all went out to eat and fellowship afterward...I spilled my water all over the table...that was exciting...can't take me anywhere! I must add that when Holly and I went back to her house, we played some Whodunnit and I won! haa haa Now generally I don't brag, but her and her hubby are so smart, logic and strategy just ooze from their beings...me...I'm lucky! haa haa So, I have to rub it in. I left that evening 'cause I needed to write a paper, and in my rushing to pack, I also forgot the paper I had been writing out and didn't want to have to think anymore. ;)
Sunday evening I went to a girlfriends house and watched God.tv because of the revival that is going on in Florida. I don't have God.tv, and neither does she, but we watched it on her laptop and chatted and were amazed at what is going on, and we chatted some more and then prayed for each other...it was the perfect end for a perfect weekend.
I am still in awe over all I received from the conference. I left some fear behind as I walked away from that arena and I am anticipating life like never before.

I Was Tagged

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 02:16:00 +0000

Melanie tagged me this week for a Six-Word Memoir Meme, and I will be tagging some of you 'cause this was interesting...but not easy. Anyway, here goes:

The Rules:

1. Write your own Six-Word Memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.

5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

So...here's my memoir: Driven by desire...guided by God.

I don't think I am supposed to give some sort of explaination, but just so I don't get comments thinking this is a bad thing, I'll at least explain that it has several meanings. My life fell into a series of patterns from the time I was a baby...as a child was constantly driven by the desire of others. Yet, all the while the Lord's hand led me exactly where I needed to be. Today my own desire drives me to accomplish things that are beyond my complete comprehension, but I am not so driven that I can't allow Christ to take the wheel and guide me.

Ok, so here are the blogs I am tagging:
Nadine
Holly
Teri
BeckyJo
Monica

Happy Meme's!

The Mind...A Terrible thing in Haste

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:13:00 +0000

One more class down, three to go. Missed y'all...I tried to pop in when I could to see what you were all up to. Mel, thanks for your support, prayer, encouragement, and listening eyes...glad you're my friend.

So I have been slightly out of character recently and decided to start listening to what I am thinking. I think many people have lots of thoughts going through their mind, but never really listen to what they are saying to themselves. I thought I would share with you an early morning thought process I had. Now, if any of you thought I was nice...well, my apologies to you...I try for the most part, but I believe my mean neurons get a little overly charged at times and take a road trip to the deep dark forest of my mind. This short story is evidence of such road trip:

There is a 2.7 mile stretch from Peoria St down Mississippi Avenue which I take every morning to work. The first mile and a half is fairly easy going. I hit my first stop light at Havana St. The traffic light is not there to allow other traffic through, indeed not. It is there for a few other reasons...like...making sure I didn't leave anything at home in case I need to pull a U, or so I can plug my ipod in, or to give me a minute to check my hair, but the most important reason for that traffic light is so I can slowly look to my left...and then to my right...to see if I have any worthy opponents to take on my 4-cylinder hoopdie for the next 1.2 miles. Most people just look straight ahead pretending they aren't feeling the pressure...but I see beyond their zoned expression.

When I was a teen, we used to play a video game called Pole Position in which we reved our engines until the final tone called out our green light...then we were off. Well, traffic lights don't have the beep, but they did place a countdown on the walk signal! As soon as that red hand flashes, all eyes turn and gaze at it for the 3-2-1-0 then instantly snap back to position for the 3 second countdown to the light change. GREEN!!!! We're off! Uhh, rather...they are off...my little car is like the Little Engine that Could. My mind screams "no, they're getting ahead." I check my rearview mirror and notice the person behind me moving into the next lane over and I think "oh no you don't...you were behind me...you're staying behind me." I pick up the pace...35, 45, 50, 51...suddenly I find myself passing my initial stop light opponents...my mind laughs out loud because I know they fear that cop around the corner...I know no fear and chance that (uh 16 miles over the speed limit) ticket as I flick my hair on the way past them. Now, to cut them off so I can be the first to Leetsdale. My mind whispers "yeah, don't mess with me," then panick strikes..."oh, please don't look at the sticker of the girl kneeling before the cross that I have on my back window, oh please please please" but the guilt still doesn't lead me to repentance, and I dare not tell the Lord I won't do it again, for that would be a lie. My mind is seared from the rubber I burned a mile back...ahhh but...I won this time! Suddenly the rush is over and everyone settles back to normal speed because no one is really in a hurry, we all just want to be the first to Leetsdale.