If ever I prayed for patience, the Lord is granting that prayer at this time. I am patiently waiting for final approval. Here I sit...having gone through over a year of praying and processing that has brought me to this place of the inbetween and somehow the Lord has answered my prayers for patience and peace. I am surprised, but why? Does He not promise peace if we are in Him through Christ? Does He not promise that He'll grant us whatever we ask in His name? Lately, as the Lord answers prayers that I've been praying for years, I find myself cought off guard. I guess I've been praying for it for so long that I'm surprised that I don't have to keep waiting for it. I suppose that is a sign of spiritual growth when you get to a place where you are granted what you prayed for, yet would have been willing to wait longer. The Lord has been gracious to me. I praised Him before, but I praise Him also now for His ever existing provision in my life.
Now for a bit more waiting!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
.:.peace.:.
it is such a simple sounding word.
five letters.
none of them are flashy like the "x" in extreme or the "q" in quick, yet it leaves much to the imagination. some use this word when talking about stopping war or doing nice things for strangers and friends alike. not that i don't support that view at times.
i am drawn to this word
lately
because i deem it worthy to
seek.
i am keenly aware of the
conflict
that occurs in my heart. a constant
battle
it seems. this battle between my human nature and my spirit. this disunity is not conducive to peace. i cannot create it for myself.
tonight i am encouraged by this promise: "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." phillipians 4:7
i must constantly remind myself however, my action and attention is required. "rejoice in the Lord always. i will say it again: rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. the Lord is near. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." phillipians 4-6
as i seek the Lord in order to find the strength to rejoice, to be gentle, to be thankful...i ultimately seek what i myself am unable to create in my own heart.
.:.peace.:.
five letters.
none of them are flashy like the "x" in extreme or the "q" in quick, yet it leaves much to the imagination. some use this word when talking about stopping war or doing nice things for strangers and friends alike. not that i don't support that view at times.
i am drawn to this word
lately
because i deem it worthy to
seek.
i am keenly aware of the
conflict
that occurs in my heart. a constant
battle
it seems. this battle between my human nature and my spirit. this disunity is not conducive to peace. i cannot create it for myself.
tonight i am encouraged by this promise: "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." phillipians 4:7
i must constantly remind myself however, my action and attention is required. "rejoice in the Lord always. i will say it again: rejoice! let your gentleness be evident to all. the Lord is near. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." phillipians 4-6
as i seek the Lord in order to find the strength to rejoice, to be gentle, to be thankful...i ultimately seek what i myself am unable to create in my own heart.
.:.peace.:.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
long time no post
Well, it has been quite a while since I updated. I'd like to get back in the habit of sharing things in this venue and reflecting on what the Lord has been doing! Life has been busy, exciting and full of blessings! Stay tuned for an update on the past few months and some plans for the future...including a trip back to Kenya!!!
Blessings...k
Blessings...k
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
oh my aching knee!
Well, it has been a while. A lot has happened in the last few months and I'm not sure what to expect next! So here's a little rundown for ya!
First off we've got Hand Camp! This was so much fun! My former roommate Amy works for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and they have camps for their kids and their families. This camp is for school aged children who have a hand difference. This picture is of the crew that was "in charge" for the weekend! A fabulous time was had by all!
Chelsea and I ran a fun race in early May. It was called Urban Dare and had the feel of TV's "The Amazing Race," complete with trivia questions and obstacles all over Dallas! It took us 3 1/2 hours and about 10 miles of running and walking to complete the race...it was a blast! Unfortunately I can pinpoint my knee issues to this very race. More later.
Soon after the race I had the pleasure of watching my favorite volleyball player play some very great games right here in Dallas! The whole James family came up for the tournament. We had a blast! And Abbie played GREAT!
In June Amanda and I attended the "Prom" that a group of our friends put on. It was a good excuse to get pretty and dance a lot! We had a great time!
I had a fabulous weekend with the Foster girls in June, complete with adventure, movies and yummy food!
In June I had to say goodbye to weekly meetings with my mentor, Sharond, and accountability partner Meredith. We had 4 fabulous months of meeting weekly for dinner, Bible discussions and prayer. I will dearly miss our time together.
Jamie came down early this month for a conference...or "workshop" as she would call it. We got in some good girl time in and even had the chance (thanks to the talented and beautiful Lauren) to catch the Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts concert! It was a blast! Thanks Lauren!!!
I had the pleasure of treating my father to a baseball game. It turned out to be the big 4th of July celebration at the Ballpark in Arlington and we were mesmerized by the big firework show after the disappointing Ranger loss.
Just last week I had the pleasure of joining Meredith for "High School Musical" right here for Dallas Summer Musicals. We had a great time and I'm pretty sure we were humming the tunes by the time we left! Thanks Meredith!
And now for the big news...knee surgery complete! Last week I went under the knife to repair a torn meniscus. Luckily it wasn't as bad as originally thought and I should be back to normal in two weeks...or so they say. It took about four days, but I'm now off the crutches and working hard to walk normally so people don't stare :-) Trust me...this is not a good way to look cool...all bent to the side. Ha!
Well...in a couple weeks I'll be visiting the James family and Lindie in Florida! I can't wait to get away for a few days. I'm also getting excited about the new role I have at my church, the Village. I'll have the pleasure of pouring into a few girls who lead Bible studies in homes across Dallas. I can't wait to get going on this new adventure of discipleship!
Have a fabulous July!!!
First off we've got Hand Camp! This was so much fun! My former roommate Amy works for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and they have camps for their kids and their families. This camp is for school aged children who have a hand difference. This picture is of the crew that was "in charge" for the weekend! A fabulous time was had by all!
Chelsea and I ran a fun race in early May. It was called Urban Dare and had the feel of TV's "The Amazing Race," complete with trivia questions and obstacles all over Dallas! It took us 3 1/2 hours and about 10 miles of running and walking to complete the race...it was a blast! Unfortunately I can pinpoint my knee issues to this very race. More later.
Soon after the race I had the pleasure of watching my favorite volleyball player play some very great games right here in Dallas! The whole James family came up for the tournament. We had a blast! And Abbie played GREAT!
In June Amanda and I attended the "Prom" that a group of our friends put on. It was a good excuse to get pretty and dance a lot! We had a great time!
I had a fabulous weekend with the Foster girls in June, complete with adventure, movies and yummy food!
In June I had to say goodbye to weekly meetings with my mentor, Sharond, and accountability partner Meredith. We had 4 fabulous months of meeting weekly for dinner, Bible discussions and prayer. I will dearly miss our time together.
Jamie came down early this month for a conference...or "workshop" as she would call it. We got in some good girl time in and even had the chance (thanks to the talented and beautiful Lauren) to catch the Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts concert! It was a blast! Thanks Lauren!!!
I had the pleasure of treating my father to a baseball game. It turned out to be the big 4th of July celebration at the Ballpark in Arlington and we were mesmerized by the big firework show after the disappointing Ranger loss.
Just last week I had the pleasure of joining Meredith for "High School Musical" right here for Dallas Summer Musicals. We had a great time and I'm pretty sure we were humming the tunes by the time we left! Thanks Meredith!
And now for the big news...knee surgery complete! Last week I went under the knife to repair a torn meniscus. Luckily it wasn't as bad as originally thought and I should be back to normal in two weeks...or so they say. It took about four days, but I'm now off the crutches and working hard to walk normally so people don't stare :-) Trust me...this is not a good way to look cool...all bent to the side. Ha!
Well...in a couple weeks I'll be visiting the James family and Lindie in Florida! I can't wait to get away for a few days. I'm also getting excited about the new role I have at my church, the Village. I'll have the pleasure of pouring into a few girls who lead Bible studies in homes across Dallas. I can't wait to get going on this new adventure of discipleship!
Have a fabulous July!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
reflections
I've found myself sitting back a lot lately and reflecting on what God has done in my life in the past, what He is currently doing, and what could be done in the future. There are many days where I long for past times because of the sweetness of His presence or the ease of prayer and the reading of Scripture. There are other days that I don't look upon as being so sweet, but as I live in their after-effects I am able to visualize a bigger piece of God's plan for my life than ever before. Being back in the States for longer than I was gone to Kenya has brought me to a place where it is no longer every hour that I remember the kids or the poverty or the spiritual battle. As it moves to 10 times a day instead of 24, I long for that dependence that I had upon the Lord for those months and I find myself in a place that I prayed I'd never end up again...where I allow doubts or distractions into my daily life and I trade grace, acceptance, strength, peace and forgiveness for the filth of this world. I am clinging desperately to this verse:
"He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:6
This is Truth. He IS my rock. He IS my salvation. He IS my fortress. Therefore, I CANNOT be shaken. Wow, what encouragement. Not only does this proclaim that I'm not alone, it also proclaims that I am forgiven, accepted, protected and provided for. I can see over these past few months how God's provision continues to shine through and how my unfaithfulness at times is simply a place where God will be glorified more when He gives the me strength to turn to Him and not something that is fleeting.
The other verse that I'm drawn to lately is one that speaks to God's rule over creation and my utter dependence on him. It has also reminded me that God hasn't just called me to be His daughter and sit passively, but He has promised that as He has called me to go and do in His name, I am given the blessing of being able to ask Him for help.
"You did not choose me, but I close you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
John 15:16
I keep this verse on my mind as I search for God's desire and plan for my life. I feel that, as scripture says, I am not made for this World...and may not be made for life in the States either! Through this I am seeking hard after the Lord and requesting that He open doors where He desires, and close them where His hand shall not lead me. I ask that you join me in praying the following verse during this time of prayer, transition and seeking:
"Take CAPTIVE my thoughts, making them OBEDIENT to CHRIST."
II Corinthians 10:5
I am daily thankful for you and for the role that you play in my life. I am excited to see how the Lord will use you over the next several months to push me, exhort me, encourage me and love me! Thank you for that!
Alright...here's a little life update!
I have accepted a leadership position at The Village Church as a home group coach. In layman's terms this means that I will be leading the leaders of the Bible study-type groups that our church has in the areas where we live. This will include intensive training and then being given the chance to teach, exhort and love girls in my community. I am extremely excited to see how the Lord will use this in the lives of these girls as well as my own. There may also be an opportunity in the months ahead to return to Kenya by being part of a team from the church. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has instore!
A few short weeks from now I will be moving out of the house I've lived in since January and into an apartment alone. After much prayer and consideration I have found myself in a place where I cannot glorify God in my finances and live here at the same time. I've made the difficult decision to sacrifice amazing roommates and a beautiful living space for a God that is begging me to give up parts of me that are not glorifying to Him. While I will miss living under the same roof as Amy and Shannon, I am excited to see what the Lord will teach me as I follow in obedience.
In other news, I'm having knee surgery soon!!! It turns out after a long and extremely fun race with Chelsea, I've torn my meniscus and it needs to be repaired. I haven't scheduled surgery yet, but I expect it will be in July sometime and that I'll be out of work for a week or two. We'll see!!! For those of you who know me well, you know that I tend to have one bigger injury a year...looks like 2008 has been taken care of! Onward to 2009!
Have a wonderful week friends!
"He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:6
This is Truth. He IS my rock. He IS my salvation. He IS my fortress. Therefore, I CANNOT be shaken. Wow, what encouragement. Not only does this proclaim that I'm not alone, it also proclaims that I am forgiven, accepted, protected and provided for. I can see over these past few months how God's provision continues to shine through and how my unfaithfulness at times is simply a place where God will be glorified more when He gives the me strength to turn to Him and not something that is fleeting.
The other verse that I'm drawn to lately is one that speaks to God's rule over creation and my utter dependence on him. It has also reminded me that God hasn't just called me to be His daughter and sit passively, but He has promised that as He has called me to go and do in His name, I am given the blessing of being able to ask Him for help.
"You did not choose me, but I close you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
John 15:16
I keep this verse on my mind as I search for God's desire and plan for my life. I feel that, as scripture says, I am not made for this World...and may not be made for life in the States either! Through this I am seeking hard after the Lord and requesting that He open doors where He desires, and close them where His hand shall not lead me. I ask that you join me in praying the following verse during this time of prayer, transition and seeking:
"Take CAPTIVE my thoughts, making them OBEDIENT to CHRIST."
II Corinthians 10:5
I am daily thankful for you and for the role that you play in my life. I am excited to see how the Lord will use you over the next several months to push me, exhort me, encourage me and love me! Thank you for that!
Alright...here's a little life update!
I have accepted a leadership position at The Village Church as a home group coach. In layman's terms this means that I will be leading the leaders of the Bible study-type groups that our church has in the areas where we live. This will include intensive training and then being given the chance to teach, exhort and love girls in my community. I am extremely excited to see how the Lord will use this in the lives of these girls as well as my own. There may also be an opportunity in the months ahead to return to Kenya by being part of a team from the church. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has instore!
A few short weeks from now I will be moving out of the house I've lived in since January and into an apartment alone. After much prayer and consideration I have found myself in a place where I cannot glorify God in my finances and live here at the same time. I've made the difficult decision to sacrifice amazing roommates and a beautiful living space for a God that is begging me to give up parts of me that are not glorifying to Him. While I will miss living under the same roof as Amy and Shannon, I am excited to see what the Lord will teach me as I follow in obedience.
In other news, I'm having knee surgery soon!!! It turns out after a long and extremely fun race with Chelsea, I've torn my meniscus and it needs to be repaired. I haven't scheduled surgery yet, but I expect it will be in July sometime and that I'll be out of work for a week or two. We'll see!!! For those of you who know me well, you know that I tend to have one bigger injury a year...looks like 2008 has been taken care of! Onward to 2009!
Have a wonderful week friends!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Amanda is alive and I've been busy!
For those of you who have been on the edge of your seats waiting to hear if Amanda survived her hospitalization in February. The answer is yes! I got to visit her in the hospital and have a few good laughs as we reminisced! She's doing Well!
We had a really fun reunion!
The next weekend I had short but sweet time with my friend Nathan! He was in town from San Diego visiting a friend and I got to steal a couple hours of their time together. It was fun catching up and then frantically rushing him to the airport to make his flight!
The next day we had a special visitor here in Texas! Daniel Lipparelli himself! Amanda and I were able to schedule in some time with he and Lauren...it looked a little like this: Mexican food (specifically queso), telling stories, laughing very hard, and playing cards (our pass time in Kenya on many nights). We had a fabulous time and miss him already!
Just this past weekend I had the joy of riding to Austin with my college roommate Chelsea (left) and meeting up with Marissa (right center) who drove in from San Antonio. We stayed with Jamie (left center) and all partook in the Capitol 10k this weekend. This was Marissa's first race ever! We were so proud of her! It rained almost the entire race, but we sure did have a blast!
Here we are last year! The costumes may have changed, but the smiles have remained the same! This has quickly become a tradition that we look forward to keeping.
Here are our ducks pre-race! We got so many compliments on our very 'timely' costumes. The goggles were a big help with all the rain, and we heard the 'rubber ducky' song from Sesame Street more times than we could count!
My Aunt and Uncle took us out to lunch at Shady Grove, one of my favorite Austin restaurants, after the race. I've been attending this same lunch for the past 6 years after the Capitol 10k. It has become one of my most treasured Austin memories!
My job continues to be a huge blessing in my life! I enjoy serving families at the hospital and love getting to know and work with a great group of co-workers and colleagues. Since my last post I have officially become a 'Covenant Member' of The Village Church and am looking forward to serving as a mentor of sorts for young adult women who lead small group Bible studies in my area. Perhaps the most exciting thing happening in my life right now are the two new relationships I've been building with my new mentor, Sharond, and our other mentoree Meredith. They have become a staple to my calendar on Thursday nights and it seems that God has placed us in this group because He has been plans. It has been exciting to see how the Lord continues to provide for each of us through the other two. Please pray that God is able to use each of us to minister to each other and those around us!
A little Kenya update: Things have settled down quite a bit since the first of the year. Most of the violence has subsided, but almost nothing is back to 'normal.' Hundreds of thousands remain displaced and in need of food, supplies, and shelter. As the government continues to map out their plan for governing, I ask that you continue to keep Kenya and its people in your prayers! Ask that peace would be restored, forgiveness would come easy, and that above all else God would be glorified.
I pray that you have a week full of the things of God! May you be blessed sweet friends!
We had a really fun reunion!
The next weekend I had short but sweet time with my friend Nathan! He was in town from San Diego visiting a friend and I got to steal a couple hours of their time together. It was fun catching up and then frantically rushing him to the airport to make his flight!
The next day we had a special visitor here in Texas! Daniel Lipparelli himself! Amanda and I were able to schedule in some time with he and Lauren...it looked a little like this: Mexican food (specifically queso), telling stories, laughing very hard, and playing cards (our pass time in Kenya on many nights). We had a fabulous time and miss him already!
Just this past weekend I had the joy of riding to Austin with my college roommate Chelsea (left) and meeting up with Marissa (right center) who drove in from San Antonio. We stayed with Jamie (left center) and all partook in the Capitol 10k this weekend. This was Marissa's first race ever! We were so proud of her! It rained almost the entire race, but we sure did have a blast!
Here we are last year! The costumes may have changed, but the smiles have remained the same! This has quickly become a tradition that we look forward to keeping.
Here are our ducks pre-race! We got so many compliments on our very 'timely' costumes. The goggles were a big help with all the rain, and we heard the 'rubber ducky' song from Sesame Street more times than we could count!
My job continues to be a huge blessing in my life! I enjoy serving families at the hospital and love getting to know and work with a great group of co-workers and colleagues. Since my last post I have officially become a 'Covenant Member' of The Village Church and am looking forward to serving as a mentor of sorts for young adult women who lead small group Bible studies in my area. Perhaps the most exciting thing happening in my life right now are the two new relationships I've been building with my new mentor, Sharond, and our other mentoree Meredith. They have become a staple to my calendar on Thursday nights and it seems that God has placed us in this group because He has been plans. It has been exciting to see how the Lord continues to provide for each of us through the other two. Please pray that God is able to use each of us to minister to each other and those around us!
A little Kenya update: Things have settled down quite a bit since the first of the year. Most of the violence has subsided, but almost nothing is back to 'normal.' Hundreds of thousands remain displaced and in need of food, supplies, and shelter. As the government continues to map out their plan for governing, I ask that you continue to keep Kenya and its people in your prayers! Ask that peace would be restored, forgiveness would come easy, and that above all else God would be glorified.
I pray that you have a week full of the things of God! May you be blessed sweet friends!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
prayer for amanda
Let me start by saying welcome home to Amanda, Tmo and Aly! It is great to know that you are all back on American soil!
I wanted to send out a prayer request for our dear Amanda. Amanda is one of the only people I know that gets hurt as much as me...and well, she just has some bad luck following her around at times.
Amanda arrived in Texas on Tuesday after a long but fairly stress free trip back from Nairobi. Unfortunately just a few hours before leaving Kitale she sustained an injury on a peki peki (picky picky), or in English, a motorcycle taxi. With only limited medical care around she headed back to the States and prayed for the best!
Once home in Texas her injury was assessed by a family friend who happens to be a nurse...and made the decision to go to the ER at a near by hospital. Fortunately the doctors were able to quickly make a decision about her care and she was admitted for a round of two different antibiotics over the next few days.
Please pray for rest, peace, healing and purpose in this time for Amanda!
I spoke with her today via cell phone from her hospital room and she was sleepy but in good spirits and enjoying the pain meds while they last! She just asks that you join in and pray for her during the healing process!
I ask that you also keep Daniel in your prayers as he coordinates a big aspect of ministry in Nairobi this week. Pray for things to go smoothly, for doors to be opened and for God to be glorified. Pray that God gives him strength, direction and wisdom!
Have a most wonderful day sweet friends!
Kate
I wanted to send out a prayer request for our dear Amanda. Amanda is one of the only people I know that gets hurt as much as me...and well, she just has some bad luck following her around at times.
Amanda arrived in Texas on Tuesday after a long but fairly stress free trip back from Nairobi. Unfortunately just a few hours before leaving Kitale she sustained an injury on a peki peki (picky picky), or in English, a motorcycle taxi. With only limited medical care around she headed back to the States and prayed for the best!
Once home in Texas her injury was assessed by a family friend who happens to be a nurse...and made the decision to go to the ER at a near by hospital. Fortunately the doctors were able to quickly make a decision about her care and she was admitted for a round of two different antibiotics over the next few days.
Please pray for rest, peace, healing and purpose in this time for Amanda!
I spoke with her today via cell phone from her hospital room and she was sleepy but in good spirits and enjoying the pain meds while they last! She just asks that you join in and pray for her during the healing process!
I ask that you also keep Daniel in your prayers as he coordinates a big aspect of ministry in Nairobi this week. Pray for things to go smoothly, for doors to be opened and for God to be glorified. Pray that God gives him strength, direction and wisdom!
Have a most wonderful day sweet friends!
Kate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
