beloved

I discovered this song today. It's incredible. Check it out! :)



Know that you are loved :)

Katie

America has no more stars, now we call them idols.

I’m writing this as I watch this year’s American Idol finale. I was a huge fan of the show when I was younger, but I haven’t watched it for the last few seasons. This year, one of the contestants comes from my area, so it’s been a BIG deal around here. Each night on the news, American Idol takes center stage with performance recaps and updates about local events corresponding with the show. Some churches hosted “idol parties” each week, which were broadcasted live on the news after American Idol. The idea of a church hosting an “idol party” seems a bit ironic, no? Each night, the live broadcast would show a room full of people screaming at the top of their lungs as if their lives depended on it, cheering on this contestant from their hometown. I couldn’t help but wonder if these people got this excited for worship on Sunday morning. Now, I’m all for people supporting a local, talented, deserving individual. But what happens when that excitement overshadows the excitement we have for our God? When does the word “idol” become something more than the name of a TV show?

There isn’t an easy answer to that question. And honestly, this has nothing to do with American Idol and everything to do with the things that fight for our loyalties every single day. These are questions we are meant to wrestle with, and the answers are meant to shape who we are becoming in Christ. God commands us to have no other gods before God [Exodus 20.3], but “before” can also be translated as “besides.” It seems like the command to have no gods “before” God could essentially mean that as long as God is FIRST in our lives, whatever is second and third and fourth doesn’t really matter. But if we understand this word as “besides,” the message changes quite a bit, doesn’t it? What does it mean to have no gods besides God? I think this sums it up well: “The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” [Deuteronomy 6.4] We can be sure of two things: First, we ALL have things in our lives that fight for our allegiances. Second, in the moments when we get it right and love God with our WHOLE heart, there won’t be room for anything else!

Pray peace. Make peace. Live peace.

Katie :)

it’s a new season…it’s a new day :)

Two weekends ago, spring semester ended and I moved home from Bluffton. I did stick around for May Day and Graduation, though, and I'm so glad I did! It was a beautiful weekend filled with friends and laughter and tears and conversation and worship and everything I’ve come to love about the Bluffton community. After graduation, as I stood in the middle of the football field saying goodbye to seniors, friends, and professors, I realized that just six months ago, I didn’t even know that Bluffton existed. But from the moment I stepped on campus, the Bluffton community has welcomed me with open arms and in just six months it has become such a part of me! I am thankful for this spring- it was an unexpected, life-changing, beautiful, unforgettable season in my life…thanks be to God!

But now, it’s a new season…summer is here! I am so excited for everything God has in store for summer 2010! Everyone is asking me, “What are you doing this summer?” and the answer to that question is more of a list than a one-word answer for me. My summer really kicks off in two weeks with West Ohio Annual Conference, where I will serve as a delegate. Conference is always one of the best weeks of my year…this will be my 20th year at Lakeside for Annual Conference and my 4th year as a delegate. It’s an incredible week of fun, fellowship, worship, meetings, politics, and a lot of ice cream…United Methodism at its very best! The rest of June will be spent packing, moving, and settling into a new home, as my family is moving to a new church and new town at the end of June. I’m so excited to settle back into a parsonage, although I never thought I’d say that, and I’m excited to spend time investing in this new church and community! Once we settle into our new home, at the end of July I’m headed to Mexico where I will spend two weeks serving at the Casa de Misericordia UM orphanage. This will be my fourth trip to the Casa…I can’t wait! I will return from Mexico just in time to spend a few more weeks at home and head back to school in the fall! And in addition to the events of my summer, I’m also taking on a few different projects and goals…but I think I’ll save those for another blog! ;)

As you can see, this summer of 2010 is going to be a busy one! I trust that this season, like the last, will be an exciting season of growth and joy in my faith journey!

Pray peace. Make peace. Live peace.

Katie :)

And everything has changed.

It’s finals week here at Bluffton. I am three presentations away from finishing my freshman year of college. I am four days away from moving home for the summer. Tomorrow I have two presentations in Spanish and one presentation to the administration for my Restorative Justice class. I’ll be spending Friday with my friends relaxing and doing all the things we said we wanted to do before summer but haven’t done yet…including, but not limited to, a walk to the Whippy Dip for ice cream and a movie at the Shannon…and maybe a trip to Chipotle. Saturday is May Day, which is a big deal around here from what I’ve gathered. And Sunday is baccalaureate and commencement, which I’m going to since I know (and love!) SO many seniors here. I could be moving home tomorrow when I finish my exams, but I’m sticking around for as long as possible. I’m not ready for my freshman year to be over…I’m not ready for spring semester to be over…and I’m certainly not ready to leave Bluffton! I love this place and the people here SO much!

It’s amazing how much has changed this year. Most of all, it’s amazing how much I have changed. I had an interesting conversation today during a meeting with one of my professors. I’ve been known to call myself crazy for the decisions I make…decisions to push myself harder than most people would choose to…decisions to do my best when good would be more than sufficient…and decisions to follow God and my passions even when that isn’t easy or logical. We were talking about this and about my Bluffton journey so far, and she said something that surprised me; she told me that I’m not crazy...what I am is a very motivated person who is willing to try new things and adjust to God’s leading. The first part didn’t come as a surprise…I’m motivated so much that it can be a weakness sometimes. But the second part, about being willing to try new things and adjust to God’s leading, really struck me. I have always been someone who prefers to make plans and be in control, but God has changed me so much in the past year. This change was evidenced by my professor’s words…she described me in a way I would never have described myself because she sees the person I am today, not the person I used to be. A year ago, my plans were set in stone…and they were impressive plans. But God had other plans…good plans. This year I learned to take risks, trust God, and let go of the plans I had carefully made...and those were not easy lessons! Before that conversation today, I knew that God had taught me new lessons this year. What I didn’t realize was that this year I have done more than learn lessons, I have become a new person in Christ.

Thank You, God, for this amazing place and for incredible professors who recognize who I have become in You even before I do!

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
-2 Corinthians 5.17

Pray peace. Make peace. Live peace.

Katie :)

Desperate.

I rediscovered Phil Joel today, and was reminded why I LOVE his music. Anyway, I heard the lyrics to the song "Desperate" and couldn't help but smile...this is without a doubt my 2009-2010 theme song. :)

Lord, thank You for these days
Lord, thank You for these days
This has been the most trying year
Of testing and refining here
And I wouldn't have it any other way
Lord, thank You for these days
And I will always choose to praise You

Lord, thank You for this place
Lord, thank You for Your grace
There is mercy in the midst of tests
An oasis in this wilderness
And Your light to lead my way
Lord, thank You for this place
And I will always choose to praise You

And I wanna stay
Desperate
I will remain
Desperate
For You

Lord I thank You for this rain
Healing waters when there's pain
There are rivers of Your providence
Surrounding our obedience
In Your faithfulness, I put my faith
So Lord I thank You for this rain
And I will always choose to praise You

Pray☮Make☮Live☮

Katie :)

one beautiful spring night :)

Tonight, the weather was perfect. Instead of doing homework, we decided to play outside. Great life decision. I love our campus now that it’s getting green; it was covered in snow when I visited and when I moved here! These are some of the pretty pictures we took on our adventures! :)

Flowers along the Riley Creek.

Adams Bridge & Ropp Hall, our soon to be home! :)

The Riley & the library field...our beautiful, spacious front yard!

Trees. Sun. You know.

College Hall.

Life is beautiful. :)

Have a fabulous week!

Week 13. Thursday.

It’s Thursday of week 13 of the spring semester here at Bluffton. To most people today is just another day, but it’s kind of a big deal to me. I withdrew from ONU on Wednesday of my 13th week there. So Thursday of week 13 at Bluffton means that I’ve officially been here for longer than I was at ONU. I’ve been intentional this week about remembering the journey that led me here, thanking God for this place, and reflecting on how these 13 weeks at Bluffton have shaped who I am and who I hope to become. It’s amazing, really, when I take time to think and pray and reflect…God is so faithful. But in a way, it’s strange to compare this week 13 to the last one. Week 13 at ONU was the end of what, at the time, felt like some sort of huge mistake. On this Thursday of week 13 at Bluffton, I have a completely different perspective. I know these 13 weeks are only the beginning of what God has in store for me here.

I remember a few conversations I had while I was home over Christmas before I moved to Bluffton. They went something like this: “Well, I just hope Bluffton is what you’re looking for. You know, no place is perfect. I just hope it doesn't disappoint you.” These conversations frustrated me at the time, but I know these people love me and were concerned about what seemed to them like a quick decision that I might regret later. It was a quick decision. And it’s true; no place is perfect. But the trick isn’t finding a perfect place...the trick is finding the perfect place for you. And thanks be to God, these 13 weeks have been exactly what I was looking for. My time here has surpassed my greatest expectations. And Bluffton isn’t perfect, but it’s the perfect place for me!

So thanks, God, for a week 13 marked by beginnings instead of endings. And thanks for second chances!

“Remember the long way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, in order to humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commandments. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills, where you will lack nothing.”
–Deuteronomy 8.2,7-8

Katie :)

it’s week 12?!

How did that happen?! It seems impossible that we only have three more weeks of classes left this semester, and even more impossible that I’ve been at Bluffton for three months already! But hey, time flies when you’re having the time of your life! Summer is just around the corner, and I’m not ready…I’m not ready for the seniors to graduate…I’m not ready for my friends to study abroad in the fall…I’m not ready to pack up and leave this campus and this community for the summer. But I guess I’m in luck, because I have four more weeks to spend here before summertime rolls around!

So, I have a little dilemma with this blog. Mostly, I am terrible at updating it. I want to post about the meaningful events of life, but I get busy actually participating in them and by the time I think about writing, I have no idea where to start! So…from this point forward, I’m going to try to update this blog once a week, no matter how meaningful or exciting the news might be. (we'll see how that goes..)

So what’s been happening for the past six weeks in my life? (this is the part where I have no idea where to start) Here’s a rundown…

I was the student assistant for the Beyond Borders Conference at Bluffton. I learned that air conditioning is kind of a big deal when it’s hot outside. I declared a major in Biblical Studies. I played frisbee with friends instead of writing a paper. I attended the International Conference on Conflict Resolution Education. I ate cereal out of a cup…for dinner. I went through intensive Hispanic Ministry training. I wore flip-flops outside in the snow. I registered for fall classes. I prayed and worshiped alongside professors and friends. I laughed...a lot. I was introduced to my new home where I’ll be moving this June. I learned about the epic sport of tennis golf. I got my financial aid package for next year and was reminded that the price of my education here is nothing compared to its value. I saw our campus with grass instead of snow for the first time. I ate pancakes with people I love in the town that will always be my home. I was chased by a cat…inside my dorm. I had conversations with friends and professors that stretched my understanding of peace, justice, and God’s Kingdom. I did homework…I even enjoyed homework. But most of all, I treasured every moment spent living in this community that is changing my life.

There are lots of exciting things coming up in these next few weeks and months, and I hope I will be better about updating this blog and sharing them with you all!

Live in peace. Live for peace.

Katie :)

Beautiful Ending

There’s this song that I listened to all the time while I was at ONU. It’s by BarlowGirl and it’s called “Beautiful Ending.” It really resonated with me as I transitioned into college and didn’t find the “beautiful ending” that I expected. I could relate to the chorus, begging God to promise a beautiful ending even if the rest of the story didn’t make sense yet. The chorus goes like this:

“So tell me, what is our ending? Will it be beautiful? So beautiful? Will my life find me by Your side? Your love is beautiful. So beautiful.”

The answer is yes.

God has led me and is leading me every single day to my beautiful ending. The path to this place was not the one I expected, nor was it one that I would have willingly chosen, but it was the only perfect path. What felt and looked like nothing more than huge mistake turned out to be a necessary and valuable chapter of God’s perfect plan. God is so faithful.

I’ve been at Bluffton now for six weeks. I’ve made a million memories and have so many stories to tell, but I’ll save that for another day. However, I will say this: these six weeks have transformed my life and completely changed how I view education. Bluffton is an incredible and unique place to live and learn. In fact, you can’t really separate one from the other: living and learning goes hand in hand here like I have never experienced before. I couldn’t tell you where school ends and life begins. My classes ARE my passions and my dreams. My professors double as mentors and friends. God is in my homework, and my homework glorifies my God. My school has become my community. My school has become my home.
Every single day, I thank God for leading me to Bluffton. I appreciate this place more because I remember the journey that brought me here. There have been so many moments when I have paused and realized that by the grace of God, I am exactly who and where I was created to be. By the grace of God, my beautiful ending found me.

“Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.” –Psalm 30: 5, 11-12

goodbye 2009. hello 2010!

365 days ago, I had 2009 all planned out. I would finish my senior year, graduate from high school, my family would move to our next church, and I would begin my freshman year of college. Pretty simple. While most of those things did happen, almost none of them happened as planned. Plans? Who follows those, anyway?

Here’s how it really went: I finished my senior year and graduated. We moved a couple weeks later, but not to a new church. And I did start my freshman year of college, but we all know that didn’t go as planned. There seemed to be a couple major themes of 2009…"I never imagined I would be doing [insert what I was doing]” and “But I swore I would never [insert what I was doing].” 2009 took me completely by surprise.

I spent my last months at the place I call home with the only people who have known me forever. I said goodbye to everything I had ever known. I answered God’s call on my life one beautiful summer night. I spent two months living awkwardly between what was and what would be. I found a second home 1,532 miles from my first one. I fell in love with some beautiful children whose smiling faces reflect God’s redemptive love rather than the struggles they have endured. I moved on to the future I had carefully chosen and learned that we never truly know what we want or need until we have it or don’t. I realized who I can live without and who I would never want to, and I made those relationships a priority. I treasured time spent with mentors whose love and wisdom I could never deserve. I experienced the tangible hope of a Church in the making. I learned that there are no mistakes with God, only valuable lessons waiting to be learned.

2009 didn’t go as planned. Perhaps that’s because my human plans didn’t leave room for God-sized beauty and creativity and love. As I look back on 2009, I thank God for each of you and the God-sized role that you played in my life this past year. And as I look ahead to 2010, I pray that you will join hands with me and walk by my side on this unpredictable, beautiful journey toward the heart of God.