Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow starts Thanksgiving Break!
::phew::
Is anyone else as happy about this as I am??
Monday, November 21, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Yes, it's true, I have an exam tomorrow.
It's also true that I've been studying for most of this day and my mind feels literally as though it may explode at any moment. And that would be both messy and most inconvenient.
So as a short reprieve, I'd like to spend a few minutes recalling why this weekend has been a good one. Because indeed, it has been.
* Friday morning I slept in until 9:00am
* In History of Modern Art, Professor Bushey began our lecture by saying, "Normally I would feel terrible keeping you inside on a day like today, but I feel ok about it today because we're talking about sex." I'm not even joking.
* After classes, I visited the nursing home and got chided by a little old lady named Huldah for breaking her television (there were technical difficulties with the station) while we tried to watch Judge Joe Brown
* I had a phone date on Friday night with a certain special *boy*
* Good friends know how to make big problems seem smaller; and when they don't, they call Ben & Jerry
* SAI Province Day went smoothly, without a hitch -- praise the Lord!
* There was a great turnout at our concert, all the songs seemed to be hits, and I got to wear a sparkly black top, heels, dangly earrings and black eyeshadow... and not look like I belonged on a corner! It was awesome.
* Post-concert SAI pep rally. NEW FAVORITE SAI MEMORY. period.
* Dinner and drinks at the Hunt Club. Or should I say drinks and dinner? Bother... it was a good time, and apparently I become a little hyper when I drink (um, anything) on an empty stomach.
* Encouragement from *him*... what a blessing.
* A good talk on the phone with *both* of my parents!
* Studying over at the Outpost with Cate, Ben, Joe, Kevin, and Rebecca... that was REALLY funny. ("Johnny, get back here and pay for that milk!")
Alright, I think it's time to break the monotony.
Put on your helmet.
It's time for a little REM cycling.
Goodnight, friends.
It's also true that I've been studying for most of this day and my mind feels literally as though it may explode at any moment. And that would be both messy and most inconvenient.
So as a short reprieve, I'd like to spend a few minutes recalling why this weekend has been a good one. Because indeed, it has been.
* Friday morning I slept in until 9:00am
* In History of Modern Art, Professor Bushey began our lecture by saying, "Normally I would feel terrible keeping you inside on a day like today, but I feel ok about it today because we're talking about sex." I'm not even joking.
* After classes, I visited the nursing home and got chided by a little old lady named Huldah for breaking her television (there were technical difficulties with the station) while we tried to watch Judge Joe Brown
* I had a phone date on Friday night with a certain special *boy*
* Good friends know how to make big problems seem smaller; and when they don't, they call Ben & Jerry
* SAI Province Day went smoothly, without a hitch -- praise the Lord!
* There was a great turnout at our concert, all the songs seemed to be hits, and I got to wear a sparkly black top, heels, dangly earrings and black eyeshadow... and not look like I belonged on a corner! It was awesome.
* Post-concert SAI pep rally. NEW FAVORITE SAI MEMORY. period.
* Dinner and drinks at the Hunt Club. Or should I say drinks and dinner? Bother... it was a good time, and apparently I become a little hyper when I drink (um, anything) on an empty stomach.
* Encouragement from *him*... what a blessing.
* A good talk on the phone with *both* of my parents!
* Studying over at the Outpost with Cate, Ben, Joe, Kevin, and Rebecca... that was REALLY funny. ("Johnny, get back here and pay for that milk!")
Alright, I think it's time to break the monotony.
Put on your helmet.
It's time for a little REM cycling.
Goodnight, friends.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28
For the first weekend in what feels like a *very* long time, I've taken time to rest. Granted, I've still spent time doing homework and not-necessarily-pleasure reading, but I'm moving toward something. I can feel the Lord calling me to a Sabbath, and it's something that's going to take a little getting used to. I've become so accustomed to simply moving onto the next in the endless string of assignments dangling in front of me, the piles of books to wade through, and all the other committments of college life. But it hit me the other day.
In the midst of fulfilling all of my obligations, I've been missing out on my life.
While I make lists of what, when, and where and check them off as if I'm accomplishing something, the things I'm missing are the infinitely important questions of why, and for Whom? I'm forced to ask myself whether all of the *things* I'm doing are being done for me, or for Him. For His glory. For His honor. For His kingdom.
So today I finally stopped to smell the roses. Well, actually, it was a carnation. But it worked.
It beckoned me back to beauty, back to joy... back to Him.
And I don't want to go back.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1
Matthew 11:28
For the first weekend in what feels like a *very* long time, I've taken time to rest. Granted, I've still spent time doing homework and not-necessarily-pleasure reading, but I'm moving toward something. I can feel the Lord calling me to a Sabbath, and it's something that's going to take a little getting used to. I've become so accustomed to simply moving onto the next in the endless string of assignments dangling in front of me, the piles of books to wade through, and all the other committments of college life. But it hit me the other day.
In the midst of fulfilling all of my obligations, I've been missing out on my life.
While I make lists of what, when, and where and check them off as if I'm accomplishing something, the things I'm missing are the infinitely important questions of why, and for Whom? I'm forced to ask myself whether all of the *things* I'm doing are being done for me, or for Him. For His glory. For His honor. For His kingdom.
So today I finally stopped to smell the roses. Well, actually, it was a carnation. But it worked.
It beckoned me back to beauty, back to joy... back to Him.
And I don't want to go back.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1
Monday, October 03, 2005
Senior Slump?
Well, I've *almost posted* about three times now... I guess maybe the third time's the charm.
Or something like that.
Sorry for the hiatus, folks. If you're still checking this thing, bless your heart, you're about as resilient as my fish. Speaking of GGC III (Jorge) and Killer, if you haven't yet heard my "freeway fish" story, you really are missing out. It's full of hilarity and great for re-enactments. With a story like this one, I'm sure to be the hit (or the excruciating miss) of cocktail parties everywhere. I suppose I'll have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
At this point, I really don't have that much to say.
I apologize for depriving my ever-growing fan club of their greatly anticipated updates. But you know, sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes life gets in the way and stays there for a while. Sometimes... lots of things.
I guess before I end this post, though, I'd like to thank anyone and everyone who has prayed for my grandfather over the past week. Acknowledgment and acceptance of his surgeries, rapid decline, and death are still hitting me gradually... the reality hasn't quite set in yet. I'm sure a certain realization will come with time, but for now, I'm still waiting for the shock to settle.
I ate lunch with him last weekend and told him I'd see him in October.
I saw him the morning of October 1st.
But he didn't see me.
I know that the Lord has a plan, and that His will is perfect. Who am I to ask the God of the Universe "why?" ? His ways are above my capacity to perceive or comprehend, and he is soveriegn over every detail of every life. In His infinite compassion, the Lord allowed me to share my grandpa's last real weekend with him, and He enabled me to be with my family at the time of my grandpa's death. These are mercies I will not soon forget.
And as painful as it is to lose someone so dear, there is peace in the knowledge that my Father in Heaven knows my pain, he feels my pain, and it pains him as well. Because he loves me more than I can ever know... and he will not abandon me. He will remove my sack cloth and clothe me with joy, that I may sing to him.
And I will not be silent.
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Psalm 77:9-13
Well, I've *almost posted* about three times now... I guess maybe the third time's the charm.
Or something like that.
Sorry for the hiatus, folks. If you're still checking this thing, bless your heart, you're about as resilient as my fish. Speaking of GGC III (Jorge) and Killer, if you haven't yet heard my "freeway fish" story, you really are missing out. It's full of hilarity and great for re-enactments. With a story like this one, I'm sure to be the hit (or the excruciating miss) of cocktail parties everywhere. I suppose I'll have to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
At this point, I really don't have that much to say.
I apologize for depriving my ever-growing fan club of their greatly anticipated updates. But you know, sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes life gets in the way and stays there for a while. Sometimes... lots of things.
I guess before I end this post, though, I'd like to thank anyone and everyone who has prayed for my grandfather over the past week. Acknowledgment and acceptance of his surgeries, rapid decline, and death are still hitting me gradually... the reality hasn't quite set in yet. I'm sure a certain realization will come with time, but for now, I'm still waiting for the shock to settle.
I ate lunch with him last weekend and told him I'd see him in October.
I saw him the morning of October 1st.
But he didn't see me.
I know that the Lord has a plan, and that His will is perfect. Who am I to ask the God of the Universe "why?" ? His ways are above my capacity to perceive or comprehend, and he is soveriegn over every detail of every life. In His infinite compassion, the Lord allowed me to share my grandpa's last real weekend with him, and He enabled me to be with my family at the time of my grandpa's death. These are mercies I will not soon forget.
And as painful as it is to lose someone so dear, there is peace in the knowledge that my Father in Heaven knows my pain, he feels my pain, and it pains him as well. Because he loves me more than I can ever know... and he will not abandon me. He will remove my sack cloth and clothe me with joy, that I may sing to him.
And I will not be silent.
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah
Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High."
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
Psalm 77:9-13
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Saturday, July 16, 2005
I just got off the phone with a certain boy, and I would just like to say that talking with *him* made my night.
We'll have to see how tomorrow goes, I suppose, but it may have made my week.
Astriks don't quite express it... but they'll have to do.
*He* is wonderful.
Let's see... my cousin and his wife from Atlanta just had their first baby -- a little girl, Avia Nola. Is that a 21st century name or what?
Our upstairs bathroom is being re-done, and the painter came today to sand the walls and put on the first layers of primer and base coat. Now the entire house reeks, and there is the distinct possibility that I am high.
I would like to recommend the film March of the Penguins.
I would not like to recommend the film War of the Worlds, unless your life objective is to lose your hearing.
Since I got back from Africa, the longest shower I've taken was I think 6 minutes, and it felt like an eternity. It was also in lukewarm water, which made it feel longer. I consider this my contribution to my family's financial situation.
I also sleep in my unventilated, 75-degree room with my comforter and electric blanket (not on though). I consider this just plain weird.
My mom and I went to the Stratford, Ontario theatre festival a couple of weeks ago and saw The Brothers Karamazov and The Tempest onstage. Amazing.
Cate and the lovely family she is boarding with for the summer graciously allowed me to stay with them over a few days for a long weekend in Hillsdale. It was *so* good to see everyone again... especially *him.* And it was also a special blessing to see my fellow Uganda team member, Laura, at church. We both had been missing the team, and seeing her smiling face renewed my confidence in this team's ability to stay unified in its purpose through Christ. I can't wait to see us come together back on campus!
Peach yogurt is good. But strawberry is better.
And Christopher Teague is the best.
The end.
We'll have to see how tomorrow goes, I suppose, but it may have made my week.
Astriks don't quite express it... but they'll have to do.
*He* is wonderful.
Let's see... my cousin and his wife from Atlanta just had their first baby -- a little girl, Avia Nola. Is that a 21st century name or what?
Our upstairs bathroom is being re-done, and the painter came today to sand the walls and put on the first layers of primer and base coat. Now the entire house reeks, and there is the distinct possibility that I am high.
I would like to recommend the film March of the Penguins.
I would not like to recommend the film War of the Worlds, unless your life objective is to lose your hearing.
Since I got back from Africa, the longest shower I've taken was I think 6 minutes, and it felt like an eternity. It was also in lukewarm water, which made it feel longer. I consider this my contribution to my family's financial situation.
I also sleep in my unventilated, 75-degree room with my comforter and electric blanket (not on though). I consider this just plain weird.
My mom and I went to the Stratford, Ontario theatre festival a couple of weeks ago and saw The Brothers Karamazov and The Tempest onstage. Amazing.
Cate and the lovely family she is boarding with for the summer graciously allowed me to stay with them over a few days for a long weekend in Hillsdale. It was *so* good to see everyone again... especially *him.* And it was also a special blessing to see my fellow Uganda team member, Laura, at church. We both had been missing the team, and seeing her smiling face renewed my confidence in this team's ability to stay unified in its purpose through Christ. I can't wait to see us come together back on campus!
Peach yogurt is good. But strawberry is better.
And Christopher Teague is the best.
The end.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
It is so stupid that I am posting right now because I am ridiculously tired and have nothing to say except
1. YAY because I am going to Hillsdale on Friday to see *my* Christopher for the first time in two months!
2. Jamie, my darling little wave-length, I miss you, too! Nkwagala nyo, mukwano gwange!
3. and that spider in my room better be dead. Sorry, that was random.
the end.
Good night!
1. YAY because I am going to Hillsdale on Friday to see *my* Christopher for the first time in two months!
2. Jamie, my darling little wave-length, I miss you, too! Nkwagala nyo, mukwano gwange!
3. and that spider in my room better be dead. Sorry, that was random.
the end.
Good night!
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Monday, May 23, 2005
Finally, brothers pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
II Thessalonians 3:1-5
My bags are packed.
Emails have been sent, contact lists made.
All I need is cash, stamps, and a lock.
And in case you ever wonder, I can shower in a minute and 58 seconds.
I'm leaving for Lansing in less than two and a half hours.
Our flight to London leaves Detroit Metro at 6:30pm on Wednesday.
I'll be in Uganda by 5:40am on Friday.
*so* exciting!
Our team is blessed to be lifted up by so many faithful prayer warriors; to all of you who are praying for us and for our time over in Africa,
Mwebale Nyo! Mukama Akuwe omekisa!
(Thank you very much! God bless you!)
In His grace,
Katie
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea
Habakkuk 2:14
II Thessalonians 3:1-5
My bags are packed.
Emails have been sent, contact lists made.
All I need is cash, stamps, and a lock.
And in case you ever wonder, I can shower in a minute and 58 seconds.
I'm leaving for Lansing in less than two and a half hours.
Our flight to London leaves Detroit Metro at 6:30pm on Wednesday.
I'll be in Uganda by 5:40am on Friday.
*so* exciting!
Our team is blessed to be lifted up by so many faithful prayer warriors; to all of you who are praying for us and for our time over in Africa,
Mwebale Nyo! Mukama Akuwe omekisa!
(Thank you very much! God bless you!)
In His grace,
Katie
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea
Habakkuk 2:14
Friday, May 20, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
so yeah.
The schoolyear ended.
The Hillsdale class of 2005 graduated.
I got to meet Christopher's sisters -- *so* wonderful!
Aaron White, Aaron Sandvig, and Bridget Karl made it like old times again. Or something. For a while.
I went to my last service at Cement City until next Fall.
I said goodbye to *him*... and it was admittedly harder than last time.
George Gaylord Churchill III (Jorge) and Killer, bless their persistent little hearts, survived the car ride home.
My Uganda countdown is at six days.
This means that I have six days to:
*Convince my mom to care for my fish while I'm in Africa
*Find at least four more below-the-knee skirts at the Salvation Army
*Get used to wearing no makeup and letting my hair air-dry
*Make sure my luggage fits the specific airline flight requirements
*Buy bug repellant, sunscreen, baby powder, and work gloves
*Cut one minute off of my shower time; I'm down from five minutes to three, but I'll only have two
*Figure out how to wake up with an alarm clock... without using the snooze button
I am happy to be home.
No, really. I am.
I just miss *him* kinda a lot.
Good thing I'm happy to be home, or this would be really hard.
waaaaaaaahhh.
The schoolyear ended.
The Hillsdale class of 2005 graduated.
I got to meet Christopher's sisters -- *so* wonderful!
Aaron White, Aaron Sandvig, and Bridget Karl made it like old times again. Or something. For a while.
I went to my last service at Cement City until next Fall.
I said goodbye to *him*... and it was admittedly harder than last time.
George Gaylord Churchill III (Jorge) and Killer, bless their persistent little hearts, survived the car ride home.
My Uganda countdown is at six days.
This means that I have six days to:
*Convince my mom to care for my fish while I'm in Africa
*Find at least four more below-the-knee skirts at the Salvation Army
*Get used to wearing no makeup and letting my hair air-dry
*Make sure my luggage fits the specific airline flight requirements
*Buy bug repellant, sunscreen, baby powder, and work gloves
*Cut one minute off of my shower time; I'm down from five minutes to three, but I'll only have two
*Figure out how to wake up with an alarm clock... without using the snooze button
I am happy to be home.
No, really. I am.
I just miss *him* kinda a lot.
Good thing I'm happy to be home, or this would be really hard.
waaaaaaaahhh.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
*the ten cool things post*
(this is the part where I share ten cool things)
1. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
2. The Lord has brought in more money in less time than I dreamed possible for my Uganda trip!
3. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
4. Christopher's art show is amazing and you can see it in Sage if you want to!
5. Aaron White is HERE!
6. Bridget Karl will be here TONIGHT!
7. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
8. There was a thunderstorm this afternoon. Beautiful.
9. I'm going home on Sunday and to Uganda, East Africa in TWO WEEKS!!!
10. Did I mention that I'm done with finals?
What, you ask, will I be doing with all of my new-found free time?
In the now immortalized words of Napoleon Dynamite,
"I'll do whatever I feel like -- GOSH!"
So there.
(this is the part where I share ten cool things)
1. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
2. The Lord has brought in more money in less time than I dreamed possible for my Uganda trip!
3. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
4. Christopher's art show is amazing and you can see it in Sage if you want to!
5. Aaron White is HERE!
6. Bridget Karl will be here TONIGHT!
7. I AM DONE WITH FINALS.
8. There was a thunderstorm this afternoon. Beautiful.
9. I'm going home on Sunday and to Uganda, East Africa in TWO WEEKS!!!
10. Did I mention that I'm done with finals?
What, you ask, will I be doing with all of my new-found free time?
In the now immortalized words of Napoleon Dynamite,
"I'll do whatever I feel like -- GOSH!"
So there.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
um. ok.
TODAY (WAIT. SHOOT. YESTERDAY), I PWNED MY VICTORIAN TO MODERN BRITISH LIT. EXAM.
TOMORROW (WAIT. SHOOT. TODAY), I HAVE A DANTE EXAM AT 8:00AM.
THERE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THIS EXAM MAY, IN FACT, PWN ME.
THE FACT THAT I AM BLOGGING ABOUT IT AT 12:45 IN THE MORNING IN ALL CAPITALS SAYS A LOT, REALLY.
The Lord is taking me to Uganda in 15 days.
I just thought you might want to know.
I really should get back to work.
Before I go, I'd like to say...
CAFFEINE IS A FOOD GROUP.
(especially if your roommate is employed by Starbucks)
SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS A WAY OF LIFE.
(especially if you can't remember the last time you went to bed before an AM)
THE DIVINE COMEDY ROCKS MY WORLD AND YOURS.
(until we have to take an exam on it)
and... it's official.
thefacebook is taking over the world.
Or at least Hillsdale College and my roommate's life.
But not mine... UNTIL WEDNESDAY!!!
Me vs. Dante @ 8:00am
There will be pwn-age.
It's gonna be... infernal. For real.
DANTE, READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!!
TODAY (WAIT. SHOOT. YESTERDAY), I PWNED MY VICTORIAN TO MODERN BRITISH LIT. EXAM.
TOMORROW (WAIT. SHOOT. TODAY), I HAVE A DANTE EXAM AT 8:00AM.
THERE IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY THAT THIS EXAM MAY, IN FACT, PWN ME.
THE FACT THAT I AM BLOGGING ABOUT IT AT 12:45 IN THE MORNING IN ALL CAPITALS SAYS A LOT, REALLY.
The Lord is taking me to Uganda in 15 days.
I just thought you might want to know.
I really should get back to work.
Before I go, I'd like to say...
CAFFEINE IS A FOOD GROUP.
(especially if your roommate is employed by Starbucks)
SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS A WAY OF LIFE.
(especially if you can't remember the last time you went to bed before an AM)
THE DIVINE COMEDY ROCKS MY WORLD AND YOURS.
(until we have to take an exam on it)
and... it's official.
thefacebook is taking over the world.
Or at least Hillsdale College and my roommate's life.
But not mine... UNTIL WEDNESDAY!!!
Me vs. Dante @ 8:00am
There will be pwn-age.
It's gonna be... infernal. For real.
DANTE, READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!!!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
I really shouldn't be posting right now.
But that's never stopped me yet. So here goes.
The Lord is *so* faithful to provide, and He is showing me just how much He can do... without any help from me.
May I tell you a story?
Wait.
This is my blog. I'll tell a story if I want to.
("I'll do whatever I feel like. GOSH!")
So, anyway.
I've been behind in raising funds for my Uganda trip, and last Wednesday, May 27th, I was starting to feel a little hopeless. The week before, I had written out a large check to my team leader to cover some recent expenses, and I hadn't gotten any money in yet to redeem what I'd payed.
In addition, I was not able to apply for a passport until Friday, April 22nd (because I guess I'm one of those weird people who don't carry their original birth certificates around in their back pockets, just in case). Anyway. I got it expidated, but at that point they told me that my form would not reach the Chicago Passport Agency until Monday (April 25th). Expidated passports take anywhere from 7-10 days to process from the time they reach the Agency; therefore, I was told that I should not expect my passport before Monday, May 2nd at the earliest. To add to my distress, our Uganda team leader had emailed me earlier in the week requesting that I turn in a copy of my passport by Thursday night at our IV send-off (April 28th), or at the latest by our traditional Ugandan dinner on Saturday, April 30th. If the post office was right (and who can tell them to hurry up?), there was no way I could have my passport in time for the Ugandan dinner. It was getting down to the wire; less than a month from anticipated departure, and I still didn't have a passport.
And I was freaking out.
I *knew* I should be trusting God for provision, but with less than a month to go before we leave... I was struggling. So Thursday morning, May 28th, I blogged about my situation and asked for prayers.
That day, I found out that my grandma would like to donate the exact sum that I wrote out a check for; my payment will be completely redeemed. I also found out that my other grandfather called my mom and told her that he would like to support me; instead of making a donation right away, however, he apparently wants to wait until all of my funding has come in... and pay *whatever* balance is left over!
At InterVarsity on Thursday night, we had our Uganda Team send-off. I had a group of wonderful, Christian girls pray for and with me, and after InterVarsity was over, Christopher asked how he could make a donation... I don't expect that of him, and I hope he knows that. But nevertheless, it was *such* a night of encouragement and support, from so many people. The Lord knew what I needed that night.
The next morning, Friday, May 29th, as I left for class, Kristin brought up an envelope for me. Inside the envelope was a note from my next door neighbor back home. She is not a believer, but she sent a check anyway and expressed her desire to get together with me while I am at home. Her words of kindness and support thrilled me! I cannot wait to get together with her -- talk about a witnessing opportunity!
Saturday morning, I had Bible study, but by the time I got back, there were two envelopes waiting on my desk. One was from a church that I have never attended; I am not even personally aquainted with the pastor. My family has supported them for a long time, but seeing as how I have no direct connection with the church myself, their extremely generous support stuns me. The other envelope was from a delightful Christian family involved in many of my brother's sports teams, and their support is a huge blessing.
After the SAI pledge recital on Saturday morning, I came back to the dorm to get my ID, and as I left the dorm with Tami and Michelle, a man in a red truck began rolling down the window. We asked if there was anything we could do to help him, and as we peered inside the window at the envelope he held, he asked, haltingly, "do any of you know where I could find Katherine Niemczak?"
:: shock ::
"Um... that's me, actually."
"Oh, of course! I remember you from the post office the other day. Well I've got your passport for you."
No joke.
I had my passport delivered to me by a man from the post office who remembered me at noon on Saturday, April 30th -- five hours before the Uganda team dinner. Unreal.
Since that time, I have gotten a check from one of my best friends and her family. I have also gotten a blog comment from someone asking about how to donate... so random and exciting! And today, while I was on the phone with my dad, one of my dear SAI "sisters" brought me a donation. So unprompted. So unexpected. So generous. So ordained. Completely signed, stamped, and sealed by the hand of the Almighty.
And guess what?
He's not done yet... I can *feel* it.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23b-24
But that's never stopped me yet. So here goes.
The Lord is *so* faithful to provide, and He is showing me just how much He can do... without any help from me.
May I tell you a story?
Wait.
This is my blog. I'll tell a story if I want to.
("I'll do whatever I feel like. GOSH!")
So, anyway.
I've been behind in raising funds for my Uganda trip, and last Wednesday, May 27th, I was starting to feel a little hopeless. The week before, I had written out a large check to my team leader to cover some recent expenses, and I hadn't gotten any money in yet to redeem what I'd payed.
In addition, I was not able to apply for a passport until Friday, April 22nd (because I guess I'm one of those weird people who don't carry their original birth certificates around in their back pockets, just in case). Anyway. I got it expidated, but at that point they told me that my form would not reach the Chicago Passport Agency until Monday (April 25th). Expidated passports take anywhere from 7-10 days to process from the time they reach the Agency; therefore, I was told that I should not expect my passport before Monday, May 2nd at the earliest. To add to my distress, our Uganda team leader had emailed me earlier in the week requesting that I turn in a copy of my passport by Thursday night at our IV send-off (April 28th), or at the latest by our traditional Ugandan dinner on Saturday, April 30th. If the post office was right (and who can tell them to hurry up?), there was no way I could have my passport in time for the Ugandan dinner. It was getting down to the wire; less than a month from anticipated departure, and I still didn't have a passport.
And I was freaking out.
I *knew* I should be trusting God for provision, but with less than a month to go before we leave... I was struggling. So Thursday morning, May 28th, I blogged about my situation and asked for prayers.
That day, I found out that my grandma would like to donate the exact sum that I wrote out a check for; my payment will be completely redeemed. I also found out that my other grandfather called my mom and told her that he would like to support me; instead of making a donation right away, however, he apparently wants to wait until all of my funding has come in... and pay *whatever* balance is left over!
At InterVarsity on Thursday night, we had our Uganda Team send-off. I had a group of wonderful, Christian girls pray for and with me, and after InterVarsity was over, Christopher asked how he could make a donation... I don't expect that of him, and I hope he knows that. But nevertheless, it was *such* a night of encouragement and support, from so many people. The Lord knew what I needed that night.
The next morning, Friday, May 29th, as I left for class, Kristin brought up an envelope for me. Inside the envelope was a note from my next door neighbor back home. She is not a believer, but she sent a check anyway and expressed her desire to get together with me while I am at home. Her words of kindness and support thrilled me! I cannot wait to get together with her -- talk about a witnessing opportunity!
Saturday morning, I had Bible study, but by the time I got back, there were two envelopes waiting on my desk. One was from a church that I have never attended; I am not even personally aquainted with the pastor. My family has supported them for a long time, but seeing as how I have no direct connection with the church myself, their extremely generous support stuns me. The other envelope was from a delightful Christian family involved in many of my brother's sports teams, and their support is a huge blessing.
After the SAI pledge recital on Saturday morning, I came back to the dorm to get my ID, and as I left the dorm with Tami and Michelle, a man in a red truck began rolling down the window. We asked if there was anything we could do to help him, and as we peered inside the window at the envelope he held, he asked, haltingly, "do any of you know where I could find Katherine Niemczak?"
:: shock ::
"Um... that's me, actually."
"Oh, of course! I remember you from the post office the other day. Well I've got your passport for you."
No joke.
I had my passport delivered to me by a man from the post office who remembered me at noon on Saturday, April 30th -- five hours before the Uganda team dinner. Unreal.
Since that time, I have gotten a check from one of my best friends and her family. I have also gotten a blog comment from someone asking about how to donate... so random and exciting! And today, while I was on the phone with my dad, one of my dear SAI "sisters" brought me a donation. So unprompted. So unexpected. So generous. So ordained. Completely signed, stamped, and sealed by the hand of the Almighty.
And guess what?
He's not done yet... I can *feel* it.
To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23b-24
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Friends, I have a prayer request.
In less than a month now, Lord-willing, I'll be leaving for Uganda, East Africa, on a cross-cultural mission trip.
Doing this, however, requires a good deal of money.
Some of you know that I wasn't able to commit to this trip with certainty until relatively recently, compared to the rest of the team; as a result, I'm behind in gathering financial support.
Right now, I'm trusting that if it is still the Lord's will for me to go on this trip, He will confirm my convictions by providing all of the necessary support -- in time for the trip.
But there's only a month left, and the Lord is testing my faith and asking me to let Him out of the box I've unwittingly confined Him to.
I believe that He will provide.
I know that He sees my needs and has a plan.
I trust that He can do this.
But this is stretching me right now... and I would appreciate your prayers.
Thanks.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
In less than a month now, Lord-willing, I'll be leaving for Uganda, East Africa, on a cross-cultural mission trip.
Doing this, however, requires a good deal of money.
Some of you know that I wasn't able to commit to this trip with certainty until relatively recently, compared to the rest of the team; as a result, I'm behind in gathering financial support.
Right now, I'm trusting that if it is still the Lord's will for me to go on this trip, He will confirm my convictions by providing all of the necessary support -- in time for the trip.
But there's only a month left, and the Lord is testing my faith and asking me to let Him out of the box I've unwittingly confined Him to.
I believe that He will provide.
I know that He sees my needs and has a plan.
I trust that He can do this.
But this is stretching me right now... and I would appreciate your prayers.
Thanks.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
Monday, April 25, 2005
I suppose it's been "about time" to post for a little while now.
Distractions, distractions.
But they've been delightful distractions.
Les Mis was fantastic! For those of you who don't know, Christopher and I were given the opportunity to go with some students from the honours program to see a production of Les Miserables onstage in Chicago about a week ago. Such a redeeming story of repentance, grace, and salvation -- not to mention the positively *beautiful* music. And to top it off, we stayed with a group of people to walk around the city in the early hours of the morning, just taking pictures and enjoying the change of scenery. By the time we arrived back in Hillsdale, the birds were chirping... but the sleep deprivation was more than worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
My Little, Michelle, is now an official, initiated member of SAI! Yay for her!
On Sunday, the choir had its spring concert. My parents came to see the concert... and such ;)
It was lovely.
I am officially in the Suites next year with Cate Larsen and the Holsclaw twins. Whoo hoo!
Today I got to meet with my MetroBank scholarship donor at a luncheon. That was cool.
Until today, there was snow on the ground because Michigan is schizophrenic. That was not cool.
My computer is currently out of commission, and I am realizing more and more how dependent I am on technology and its awesome convenience. Boo hiss.
The heat is finally back on in Koon. SCORE.
Maybe next time, I'll blog about something substantial. Maybe not.
For now, I'm going to go do some homework.
Until next time... have a lovely week, friends.
Distractions, distractions.
But they've been delightful distractions.
Les Mis was fantastic! For those of you who don't know, Christopher and I were given the opportunity to go with some students from the honours program to see a production of Les Miserables onstage in Chicago about a week ago. Such a redeeming story of repentance, grace, and salvation -- not to mention the positively *beautiful* music. And to top it off, we stayed with a group of people to walk around the city in the early hours of the morning, just taking pictures and enjoying the change of scenery. By the time we arrived back in Hillsdale, the birds were chirping... but the sleep deprivation was more than worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
My Little, Michelle, is now an official, initiated member of SAI! Yay for her!
On Sunday, the choir had its spring concert. My parents came to see the concert... and such ;)
It was lovely.
I am officially in the Suites next year with Cate Larsen and the Holsclaw twins. Whoo hoo!
Today I got to meet with my MetroBank scholarship donor at a luncheon. That was cool.
Until today, there was snow on the ground because Michigan is schizophrenic. That was not cool.
My computer is currently out of commission, and I am realizing more and more how dependent I am on technology and its awesome convenience. Boo hiss.
The heat is finally back on in Koon. SCORE.
Maybe next time, I'll blog about something substantial. Maybe not.
For now, I'm going to go do some homework.
Until next time... have a lovely week, friends.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
I would like to post, just to say:
Big thank you to Kristin, my beautiful roommate, for re-designing pretty much everything about this blog. Except the fact that it's mine. I now have a link to my profile, links to other blogs, and multi-colored polka dots. This pleases me. And do feel free to leave comments... I find them thrilling, day-enhancing, and otherwise enjoyable.
I need to do laundry. It's kind of getting out of control at this point.
My second Dante class midterm was completely cancelled. As in, we aren't doing it. At all.
That would rock the socks right off my feet if it weren't 47 degrees outside. As it is, I think I'll keep them on.
It is super-mondo awesome, though.
I am rather ashamed to admit that I requested Kristin purchase Usher's song "Yeah" with her latest iTune victory. The number of times she and I have listened to the song "Yeah" on repeat is almost as ridiculous as the song itself. However, as a ghetto booty dancing song, it is blessed with an amazing beat that neither Kristin nor I can very well ignore. So we don't. We just disregard the words and ignore our inadequacies, and it works; for the two white girls in Koon #7, this is as ghetto as it gets. HEY KRISTIN, YOU GONNA TOUCH YA TOES???!!!! YEAH!!!
Ok, sorry... I really have nothing to post about. I just had a really happy day today. Good classes. No midterm. Good time with some friends in the EAR. Choir. The Right to Life Dinner. A walk and roomie time with Kristin. No homework. Now I get to go to bed early... well, relatively early.
Sweet.
G'night, everyone!
Big thank you to Kristin, my beautiful roommate, for re-designing pretty much everything about this blog. Except the fact that it's mine. I now have a link to my profile, links to other blogs, and multi-colored polka dots. This pleases me. And do feel free to leave comments... I find them thrilling, day-enhancing, and otherwise enjoyable.
I need to do laundry. It's kind of getting out of control at this point.
My second Dante class midterm was completely cancelled. As in, we aren't doing it. At all.
That would rock the socks right off my feet if it weren't 47 degrees outside. As it is, I think I'll keep them on.
It is super-mondo awesome, though.
I am rather ashamed to admit that I requested Kristin purchase Usher's song "Yeah" with her latest iTune victory. The number of times she and I have listened to the song "Yeah" on repeat is almost as ridiculous as the song itself. However, as a ghetto booty dancing song, it is blessed with an amazing beat that neither Kristin nor I can very well ignore. So we don't. We just disregard the words and ignore our inadequacies, and it works; for the two white girls in Koon #7, this is as ghetto as it gets. HEY KRISTIN, YOU GONNA TOUCH YA TOES???!!!! YEAH!!!
Ok, sorry... I really have nothing to post about. I just had a really happy day today. Good classes. No midterm. Good time with some friends in the EAR. Choir. The Right to Life Dinner. A walk and roomie time with Kristin. No homework. Now I get to go to bed early... well, relatively early.
Sweet.
G'night, everyone!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
So I've been reading the Divine Comedy this semester, canto by canto, for what may well be my favorite English class ever. It's right up there with Shakespeare's Tragedies, for sure. And as I continue to read, I am repeatedly blown away by the intensity, emotion, and utter *beauty* of Dante's words. He truly had a gift for language.
Although I've got plenty of "favorite selections" from Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, I came across this passage out of Paradiso just the other day as I prepared for class. It gives me chills, and I'd like to share it with you; perhaps you'll get chills, too.
Just to give you a little bit of background... Dante and Beatrice (his paradisal guide) have just entered the first (lowest) circle of Heaven, the sphere of the moon. Here, Dante experiences his first up-close encounter with a heavenly soul, a woman named Piccarda. Their interaction in this selection portrays The Pilgrim's finite, human mind and his inability to comprehend the divine contentment of paradisal souls in every sphere of Heaven. Dante stands amazed at the glory of souls transformed and, turning to Piccarda, implores:
But tell me, you who are so happy here,
do you desire a place of greater height
to see more, know more, and be held more dear?"
With the rest of those shades she smiled a bit,
then with such gladness she replied to me,
as a girl in the gleaming of first love:
"Brother, the virtue of our charity
brings quiet to our wills, so we desire
but what we have, and thirst for nothing else.
If we should feel a yearning to be higher,
such a desire would strike disharmony
against His will who knows, and wills us here.
That cannot catch these wheels, as you shall see:
recall love's nature, recall that Heaven is
to live in loving, necessarily.
For it is of the essence of this bliss
to hold one's dwelling in the divine Will,
who makes our single wills the same, and His,
So that, although we dwell from sill to sill
throughout this kingdom, that is as we please,
as it delights the King in whose desire
We find our own. In His will is our peace:
that is the sea whereto all creatures fare,
fashioned by Nature or the hand of God."
Dante Alighieri's Paradiso, Canto III, lines 64-87
:: sigh ::
So beautiful.
May my heart seek contentment in Christ alone until the glorious day when His perfect will and mine shall forever be made one.
Although I've got plenty of "favorite selections" from Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, I came across this passage out of Paradiso just the other day as I prepared for class. It gives me chills, and I'd like to share it with you; perhaps you'll get chills, too.
Just to give you a little bit of background... Dante and Beatrice (his paradisal guide) have just entered the first (lowest) circle of Heaven, the sphere of the moon. Here, Dante experiences his first up-close encounter with a heavenly soul, a woman named Piccarda. Their interaction in this selection portrays The Pilgrim's finite, human mind and his inability to comprehend the divine contentment of paradisal souls in every sphere of Heaven. Dante stands amazed at the glory of souls transformed and, turning to Piccarda, implores:
But tell me, you who are so happy here,
do you desire a place of greater height
to see more, know more, and be held more dear?"
With the rest of those shades she smiled a bit,
then with such gladness she replied to me,
as a girl in the gleaming of first love:
"Brother, the virtue of our charity
brings quiet to our wills, so we desire
but what we have, and thirst for nothing else.
If we should feel a yearning to be higher,
such a desire would strike disharmony
against His will who knows, and wills us here.
That cannot catch these wheels, as you shall see:
recall love's nature, recall that Heaven is
to live in loving, necessarily.
For it is of the essence of this bliss
to hold one's dwelling in the divine Will,
who makes our single wills the same, and His,
So that, although we dwell from sill to sill
throughout this kingdom, that is as we please,
as it delights the King in whose desire
We find our own. In His will is our peace:
that is the sea whereto all creatures fare,
fashioned by Nature or the hand of God."
Dante Alighieri's Paradiso, Canto III, lines 64-87
:: sigh ::
So beautiful.
May my heart seek contentment in Christ alone until the glorious day when His perfect will and mine shall forever be made one.
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Spring Break Headlines
(Hillsdale AP, in association with Sioux City AP)
Women Drive Twelve Hours on Caffeine and Laughter
"Flippin Idiot" Denies Use of His Salary to Fix "Sewer City"
Giant Cricket Hybrid Attacks Iowan Family
Purchase of Squaw Water Results in Questionable Photo Shoot
Desperate Housewife Caught Spying on Local GI Joes
Mammalian Couple Slain For Excessive PDA
New Course to be Offered on College Campuses Nationwide
Androgynous Pizza Hut Employee Confuses Community
Purple Egg Found in Overgrown Pasture
Boy Changes Spiderman Shirt After One Week
Ghetto Fareway Supplies Family with Sausage
Teens Swoon After Attending Josh Groban Concert
Death Toll Up After Kickball Fatalities
Pastor Demands Wife; Must Like Sushi and Bake Banana Cream Pies (please apply if interested)
Estrogen Time Irks Young Woman's Beloved
Tarantulas Found At Sioux City Mall
Chick-Fil-A Cows Apprehended For Graffiti
Woman Assaults Daughters, Guest with Chocolate Eggs
Cute Girls Spotted Buying Diva Sunglasses
Recent Poll Reveals New Trend: Long Distance Relationships
Papparazzi Catches Glimpse of Camara-Shy Child Star
Runaway Ribs Startle Diners
Michigan State Makes the Final Four!
Man Blames Family Fued On Dominoes
Madonna, Beyonce, and Eminem Cause Distress on I-80
Women Survive Drama, Trauma, and Traffic to Arrive Safely in Hillsdale, Michigan
Yay for Spring Break in Sioux City, Iowa with the Larsens!
Yay for being back in Hillsdale!
Yay for... lots of things, actually.
But I'm done for now.
The End.
(Hillsdale AP, in association with Sioux City AP)
Women Drive Twelve Hours on Caffeine and Laughter
"Flippin Idiot" Denies Use of His Salary to Fix "Sewer City"
Giant Cricket Hybrid Attacks Iowan Family
Purchase of Squaw Water Results in Questionable Photo Shoot
Desperate Housewife Caught Spying on Local GI Joes
Mammalian Couple Slain For Excessive PDA
New Course to be Offered on College Campuses Nationwide
Androgynous Pizza Hut Employee Confuses Community
Purple Egg Found in Overgrown Pasture
Boy Changes Spiderman Shirt After One Week
Ghetto Fareway Supplies Family with Sausage
Teens Swoon After Attending Josh Groban Concert
Death Toll Up After Kickball Fatalities
Pastor Demands Wife; Must Like Sushi and Bake Banana Cream Pies (please apply if interested)
Estrogen Time Irks Young Woman's Beloved
Tarantulas Found At Sioux City Mall
Chick-Fil-A Cows Apprehended For Graffiti
Woman Assaults Daughters, Guest with Chocolate Eggs
Cute Girls Spotted Buying Diva Sunglasses
Recent Poll Reveals New Trend: Long Distance Relationships
Papparazzi Catches Glimpse of Camara-Shy Child Star
Runaway Ribs Startle Diners
Michigan State Makes the Final Four!
Man Blames Family Fued On Dominoes
Madonna, Beyonce, and Eminem Cause Distress on I-80
Women Survive Drama, Trauma, and Traffic to Arrive Safely in Hillsdale, Michigan
Yay for Spring Break in Sioux City, Iowa with the Larsens!
Yay for being back in Hillsdale!
Yay for... lots of things, actually.
But I'm done for now.
The End.
Monday, March 14, 2005
As you may or may not have heard, Saturday, March 12th, 2005 brought a sense of deep loss and grief to the aquatic world and anyone touched by the life of a certain sucker fish.
Yes, Sniper the Sucker Fish is dead.
Every fish dies, not every fish really lives.
We find solace in the knowledge that Sniper, despite his tragically premature death, truly lived his life to the fullest. He was a model sucker fish, and should be an inspiration to marine life everywhere.
RIP, Sniper: 10.2004 - 3.10.2005
Beloved fish, ineffective tank cleaner, inevitable filter clogger.
Sniper is survived by his two loving owners, the rather indifferent Mu Alpha House residents, and his two tankmates, Killer and George Gaylord Churchill III.
For more information on how you can show your support by making a donation, please contact the Katie and Kristin Mu Alpha House Fish Fund. All proceeds benefit the surviving marine life.
Open Fruit 2-o bottle casket viewing has already taken place.
Plans for a memorial service to celebrate Sniper's life are in the works.
They are, however, postponed until a date, time, and plot can be reserved.
And *ahem* bagpipes wouldn't hurt.
On a lighter note, life is looking a bit different lately.
In a *good* (with cherries on top) way!
And may I say that having Joy Hendricks in Hillsdale thrills me to no end?
Yes, I may.
Good. Because it does.
The end!
Yes, Sniper the Sucker Fish is dead.
Every fish dies, not every fish really lives.
We find solace in the knowledge that Sniper, despite his tragically premature death, truly lived his life to the fullest. He was a model sucker fish, and should be an inspiration to marine life everywhere.
RIP, Sniper: 10.2004 - 3.10.2005
Beloved fish, ineffective tank cleaner, inevitable filter clogger.
Sniper is survived by his two loving owners, the rather indifferent Mu Alpha House residents, and his two tankmates, Killer and George Gaylord Churchill III.
For more information on how you can show your support by making a donation, please contact the Katie and Kristin Mu Alpha House Fish Fund. All proceeds benefit the surviving marine life.
Open Fruit 2-o bottle casket viewing has already taken place.
Plans for a memorial service to celebrate Sniper's life are in the works.
They are, however, postponed until a date, time, and plot can be reserved.
And *ahem* bagpipes wouldn't hurt.
On a lighter note, life is looking a bit different lately.
In a *good* (with cherries on top) way!
And may I say that having Joy Hendricks in Hillsdale thrills me to no end?
Yes, I may.
Good. Because it does.
The end!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Can I just say that being lured into helping to clean up your own prank *stinks*?
And getting pelted with snowballs by eight guys armed with Airsoft guns, charging and yelling "FREEDOOOMMM" for effect kinda stinks, too.
Except that it's really funny.
Especially when you deserve it. And you know it.
Well done, Outpost.
I salute you, your PWN Force, and your icy driveway for putting me in my place.
:: white flag ::
And getting pelted with snowballs by eight guys armed with Airsoft guns, charging and yelling "FREEDOOOMMM" for effect kinda stinks, too.
Except that it's really funny.
Especially when you deserve it. And you know it.
Well done, Outpost.
I salute you, your PWN Force, and your icy driveway for putting me in my place.
:: white flag ::
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Apparently, I can''t consume caffeine in even modest amounts and maintain any kind of composure.
Apparently, Kristin enjoys the song "Daughters" just as much as I do, which is convenient considering our current status as roomies and members of Koon's unofficial John Mayer fan club. We don't actually have pins or anything, just so you know.
Apparently, the fact that Goldfish now come in colors somehow makes them more desirable. I never really cared about them much before; now they're nearly irresistible. Thank you, Pepperidge Farm, for changing my life.
Apparently, I like to blog even when I have nothing to say.
How lovely for you.
Apparently, Kristin enjoys the song "Daughters" just as much as I do, which is convenient considering our current status as roomies and members of Koon's unofficial John Mayer fan club. We don't actually have pins or anything, just so you know.
Apparently, the fact that Goldfish now come in colors somehow makes them more desirable. I never really cared about them much before; now they're nearly irresistible. Thank you, Pepperidge Farm, for changing my life.
Apparently, I like to blog even when I have nothing to say.
How lovely for you.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Sitting down at my desk this evening for the first time since mid-morning, I must admit I was counting on a calm 15-minute repreive from the hectic pace of this crazy day before I would have to pick up once again and head to the SAI house for a meeting. But that wasn't meant to be, for as I engaged in civilized conversation over IM and contemplated the feasibility of receiving any sort of refreshment from an eleven minute nap, a shrill shriek resonated throughout the dorm.
Koon is not a large dorm. Shrieks resonate.
As if that wasn't loud enough, the fire alarm promptly began blaring just outside my door.
So, being the considerate dorm resident I am, I peeked outside my door to see if there was anything gawk-worthy going on in the lobby.
The poor soul responsible for the alarm scampered, shrieking, down the hall to open the microwave door. Smoke billowed out of the microwave. I half expected tongues of flame to burst out as well. The stench was overpowering. Burned popcorn has never smelled so horrendous. Orville Redenbacher himself would have disowned this bag. It was foul.
So the bag was quickly deposited outside the dorm, the fire department promptly alerted of the incident, the doors and windows flung open wide, and once the alarm ceased its obnoxious ringing, Koon returned to its regularly scheduled program.
Except that the dorm smelled awful.
And it still does.
But that's ok, because I'm going to bed.
I really like John Mayer's song "Daughters." Yep.
That's random. Oh well.
Goodnight!
Koon is not a large dorm. Shrieks resonate.
As if that wasn't loud enough, the fire alarm promptly began blaring just outside my door.
So, being the considerate dorm resident I am, I peeked outside my door to see if there was anything gawk-worthy going on in the lobby.
The poor soul responsible for the alarm scampered, shrieking, down the hall to open the microwave door. Smoke billowed out of the microwave. I half expected tongues of flame to burst out as well. The stench was overpowering. Burned popcorn has never smelled so horrendous. Orville Redenbacher himself would have disowned this bag. It was foul.
So the bag was quickly deposited outside the dorm, the fire department promptly alerted of the incident, the doors and windows flung open wide, and once the alarm ceased its obnoxious ringing, Koon returned to its regularly scheduled program.
Except that the dorm smelled awful.
And it still does.
But that's ok, because I'm going to bed.
I really like John Mayer's song "Daughters." Yep.
That's random. Oh well.
Goodnight!
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
I am blogging now.
I should be writing a paper, but I am blogging.
This perplexes me.
The ease with which my fingers rapidly glide over the keyboard when the goal is a blog post also amazes me.
And yet somehow, as soon as my intentions are good and diligence reigns (read: I try to write my paper), those same fingers fail me.
Synaptic gaps become chasms that neurotransmitters dare not venture to cross.
I stare blankly at the screen and wonder if it is possible to be born with a perpetual, debilitating form of writers' block. And in what kind of world would a person like that be an English major?
Oh well.
I suppose I'll think about that tomorrow. Along with the other eightytrillionfivethousandhundredmillion things going tomorrow. And Thursday.
And yet somehow, I have a feeling I'll be blogging again soon.
** Major Update: Cate Larsen has once again become a part of the blogging community! This pleases me!**
I should be writing a paper, but I am blogging.
This perplexes me.
The ease with which my fingers rapidly glide over the keyboard when the goal is a blog post also amazes me.
And yet somehow, as soon as my intentions are good and diligence reigns (read: I try to write my paper), those same fingers fail me.
Synaptic gaps become chasms that neurotransmitters dare not venture to cross.
I stare blankly at the screen and wonder if it is possible to be born with a perpetual, debilitating form of writers' block. And in what kind of world would a person like that be an English major?
Oh well.
I suppose I'll think about that tomorrow. Along with the other eightytrillionfivethousandhundredmillion things going tomorrow. And Thursday.
And yet somehow, I have a feeling I'll be blogging again soon.
** Major Update: Cate Larsen has once again become a part of the blogging community! This pleases me!**
Saturday, February 19, 2005
I'm sure this will be no big deal to those of you who grew up in rural areas, toddling around in blaze orange diapers and observing hunting season before you were even potty trained. Perhaps it will even surprise those of you who know that I grew up just a short jaunt outside of Detroit (in one of the safest cities in the nation, however, I might add).
But tonight I held, aimed, and shot a (pretend) gun for the first time EVER.
And it totally rocked my face off.
As in, I want to do it again.
And again, after that.
But not right now, because I'm tired and I have to go to bed.
And I'm going home in the morning.
So... that's all.
Good.night.
But tonight I held, aimed, and shot a (pretend) gun for the first time EVER.
And it totally rocked my face off.
As in, I want to do it again.
And again, after that.
But not right now, because I'm tired and I have to go to bed.
And I'm going home in the morning.
So... that's all.
Good.night.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Inspired by the refreshing honesty of Tami's latest post, I have decided to make the most recent "Klutzy Katie Moment" a permanent part of cyberspace. Not that I was hiding it before, exactly. In fact, I went around telling quite a few people, just to make sure I wasn't taking myself too seriously.
Anyway, it's nothing too out of the ordinary, I suppose, but Thursday afternoon I was leaving Koon after stopping back to my room after choir before heading up to dinner. As I bounded down the two large steps, I didn't think twice about the surface beneath my feet. I was far too preoccupied with making sure I had my ID card, listening to Adrienne and Dean disdainfully criticize the Thursday night Saga fare, and using one gloved hand to push a few strands of hair behind my ear... and then I hit the sidewalk.
Literally.
Like, plop. Down went Katie.
And I definitely sat there for a second, processing.
Was I actually sitting there on the cold pavement?
Was there actually coldness seeping into my socks and gloves?
Was that actually my butt becoming sore?
Or just my pride?
And then I started to laugh.
Because it was funny.
And it felt good.
And yes, Dean was a gentleman and helped me up. As he laughed.
So the three of us had a good laugh.
So, giggling, I got up and continued on my way up to dinner, sharing my tale with friends along the way. And as I wiped the snow off of my pants and coat, I realized how important moments like this really are in life. They don't seem like it, but they are. Because they are moments in which the Lord offers us a precious choice. We can choose to take ourselves too seriously and thus resent the blows to our pride, or we can embrace them as God's subtle (or not so subtle) reminders to seek humility and a constant sense of dependence on Him.
He got my attention on Thursday.
I pray it won't be the last time.
I'm fairly certain it won't be.
Anyway, it's nothing too out of the ordinary, I suppose, but Thursday afternoon I was leaving Koon after stopping back to my room after choir before heading up to dinner. As I bounded down the two large steps, I didn't think twice about the surface beneath my feet. I was far too preoccupied with making sure I had my ID card, listening to Adrienne and Dean disdainfully criticize the Thursday night Saga fare, and using one gloved hand to push a few strands of hair behind my ear... and then I hit the sidewalk.
Literally.
Like, plop. Down went Katie.
And I definitely sat there for a second, processing.
Was I actually sitting there on the cold pavement?
Was there actually coldness seeping into my socks and gloves?
Was that actually my butt becoming sore?
Or just my pride?
And then I started to laugh.
Because it was funny.
And it felt good.
And yes, Dean was a gentleman and helped me up. As he laughed.
So the three of us had a good laugh.
So, giggling, I got up and continued on my way up to dinner, sharing my tale with friends along the way. And as I wiped the snow off of my pants and coat, I realized how important moments like this really are in life. They don't seem like it, but they are. Because they are moments in which the Lord offers us a precious choice. We can choose to take ourselves too seriously and thus resent the blows to our pride, or we can embrace them as God's subtle (or not so subtle) reminders to seek humility and a constant sense of dependence on Him.
He got my attention on Thursday.
I pray it won't be the last time.
I'm fairly certain it won't be.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
I had a lovely weekend.
Full of refreshing conversations, baking, Oakley, girl time, studying with new-ish friends, a midnight Wal-mart run, Irish dancing, more Oakley, *goosebump-inducing piano music,* a Koon" Emma" girly-movie night (a cup of tea and Mr. Knightly... :: sigh ::), sledding, a snowball fight, a birthday celebration, a good talk with Mom, more Irish dancing, a little SuperBowl, Catacombs, and Dante before bed.
Yes, my weekend was simply delightful.
And yours?
Oh, dear ones, I must share this as well.
The Lord is doing a beautiful thing in my life right now, something that's giving me a lot of joy. And I'd like to tell you about it.
He's letting me dance for Him.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you how dancing has been a part of my life to this point.
I started Irish dancing when I was 13 years old -- very late in the dancing world. Like, ancient. Anyway, I was blessed to advance very quickly, and was soon moving up into higher level dance classes and competing regularly during the summers. But as I basked in the limelight and hoarded my medals, I quickly forgot that these were not really my victories, and I certainly wasn't remembering Who should have been getting the glory.
The Lord tried to remind me by grounding me with a stress fracture my sophomore year of high school, but after I recovered from that, I was back in action... and it was all about me. I was practicing non-stop, I was all set to compete at my first regional Oireachtas for a chance to qualify for Nationals, my parents had just paid for a new dress for the competition... my dad was even installing a stage in our basement for me to practice on. Then, the night before Mom and I would leave to go to London, Ontario so I could compete in the last competition before the Regional -- Dad had just finished putting up the stage -- I was going over my steps "just one more time." That's when it happened.
God had had enough. He was tired of taking second place to my dancing.
So He took it away with a botched jump. As soon as I'd landed, I knew the foot was broken. So were all my hopes for dancing.
There was no competition in London that weekend. There was no Regional Oireachtas. There were no Nationals. There were no more feisanna after that. When I did go, I watched from the sidelines. Sometimes I cried and had to leave. I only went to a few dance classes after that.
My foot healed, but my heart didn't.
And even though God had taken me off my feet to bring me to my knees, I still wouldn't turn my tear-stained face to look at Him. I blamed Him and resented Him for taking away the one thing that had been bringing insurmountable joy to my life. Dancing was my passion, and I hated Him for taking it from me.
My parents saw me becoming removed and depressed, so I got put on medications. I talked to counselors. I saw pastors. They recommended that I see it as a coincidence and that I try to ease my way back into dancing. But I still wouldn't go back because I was "too behind" and I'd "never catch up." And I knew in my heart why this had happened -- and it wasn't by chance. I had left God no other option. So denial and bitterness became parts of my daily wardrobe, and as much as I desired the comfort and peace I knew God wanted to offer me, I couldn't bring myself to turn back to the One Who had allowed me to hit bottom.
Somehow, at last, I turned. My stubborn, broken heart turned back to the Cross and embraced the warm welcome that had been waiting for me all along. That same stern Father Who demanded that I should have no other gods before Him lovingly wrapped me in His arms while I finally mourned. I wept over my dancing like I would have mourned a beloved family-member. And He was my Comforter, reminding me that it truly was His infinite mercy that took Irish dancing away if only to bring me back to His fold.
And that's how I thought the story would end, friends.
Pride is a detestable thing, and I knew that I could not risk it coming between myself and my Lord again. I held out on Him and it is by His grace alone that He found me worth beckoning back. My heart has only one throne, and Christ will sit on it alone.
But my heart has never stopped aching for dance. My heart pounds when I hear the beat of hardshoe dancing and it leaps at the sound of a jig or a reel. As much as I've tried to suppress and deny it, my love for dancing just can't be shut away. And I am coming to realize that through this refining experience, the Lord has changed -- strengthened -- my heart so that I no longer have to see dancing as an all-or-nothing option. I tend to forget it, but just as He took it away, it was also the Lord Who brought the joy of Irish dancing into my life in the first place, and just because He will not let it be my idol does not mean He will not let it be my passion. This perplexes and excites me.
The great Provider is providing opportunities, and in faith, I am responding. I've started teaching a small class of children the basics of Irish dancing, and although I have no formal qualifications for teaching, they don't mind in the least, and I am finding myself just as blessed by the whole situation. There are no medals or stages or fancy dresses or judges or bright lights. Only bright eyes and eager faces. Let that be enough.
And so, my friends, for the first time in far too long, I am dancing for Jesus.
It pleases me. It pleases Him.
It pleases me because it pleases Him.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever ~Psalm 30:11-12
Full of refreshing conversations, baking, Oakley, girl time, studying with new-ish friends, a midnight Wal-mart run, Irish dancing, more Oakley, *goosebump-inducing piano music,* a Koon" Emma" girly-movie night (a cup of tea and Mr. Knightly... :: sigh ::), sledding, a snowball fight, a birthday celebration, a good talk with Mom, more Irish dancing, a little SuperBowl, Catacombs, and Dante before bed.
Yes, my weekend was simply delightful.
And yours?
Oh, dear ones, I must share this as well.
The Lord is doing a beautiful thing in my life right now, something that's giving me a lot of joy. And I'd like to tell you about it.
He's letting me dance for Him.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you how dancing has been a part of my life to this point.
I started Irish dancing when I was 13 years old -- very late in the dancing world. Like, ancient. Anyway, I was blessed to advance very quickly, and was soon moving up into higher level dance classes and competing regularly during the summers. But as I basked in the limelight and hoarded my medals, I quickly forgot that these were not really my victories, and I certainly wasn't remembering Who should have been getting the glory.
The Lord tried to remind me by grounding me with a stress fracture my sophomore year of high school, but after I recovered from that, I was back in action... and it was all about me. I was practicing non-stop, I was all set to compete at my first regional Oireachtas for a chance to qualify for Nationals, my parents had just paid for a new dress for the competition... my dad was even installing a stage in our basement for me to practice on. Then, the night before Mom and I would leave to go to London, Ontario so I could compete in the last competition before the Regional -- Dad had just finished putting up the stage -- I was going over my steps "just one more time." That's when it happened.
God had had enough. He was tired of taking second place to my dancing.
So He took it away with a botched jump. As soon as I'd landed, I knew the foot was broken. So were all my hopes for dancing.
There was no competition in London that weekend. There was no Regional Oireachtas. There were no Nationals. There were no more feisanna after that. When I did go, I watched from the sidelines. Sometimes I cried and had to leave. I only went to a few dance classes after that.
My foot healed, but my heart didn't.
And even though God had taken me off my feet to bring me to my knees, I still wouldn't turn my tear-stained face to look at Him. I blamed Him and resented Him for taking away the one thing that had been bringing insurmountable joy to my life. Dancing was my passion, and I hated Him for taking it from me.
My parents saw me becoming removed and depressed, so I got put on medications. I talked to counselors. I saw pastors. They recommended that I see it as a coincidence and that I try to ease my way back into dancing. But I still wouldn't go back because I was "too behind" and I'd "never catch up." And I knew in my heart why this had happened -- and it wasn't by chance. I had left God no other option. So denial and bitterness became parts of my daily wardrobe, and as much as I desired the comfort and peace I knew God wanted to offer me, I couldn't bring myself to turn back to the One Who had allowed me to hit bottom.
Somehow, at last, I turned. My stubborn, broken heart turned back to the Cross and embraced the warm welcome that had been waiting for me all along. That same stern Father Who demanded that I should have no other gods before Him lovingly wrapped me in His arms while I finally mourned. I wept over my dancing like I would have mourned a beloved family-member. And He was my Comforter, reminding me that it truly was His infinite mercy that took Irish dancing away if only to bring me back to His fold.
And that's how I thought the story would end, friends.
Pride is a detestable thing, and I knew that I could not risk it coming between myself and my Lord again. I held out on Him and it is by His grace alone that He found me worth beckoning back. My heart has only one throne, and Christ will sit on it alone.
But my heart has never stopped aching for dance. My heart pounds when I hear the beat of hardshoe dancing and it leaps at the sound of a jig or a reel. As much as I've tried to suppress and deny it, my love for dancing just can't be shut away. And I am coming to realize that through this refining experience, the Lord has changed -- strengthened -- my heart so that I no longer have to see dancing as an all-or-nothing option. I tend to forget it, but just as He took it away, it was also the Lord Who brought the joy of Irish dancing into my life in the first place, and just because He will not let it be my idol does not mean He will not let it be my passion. This perplexes and excites me.
The great Provider is providing opportunities, and in faith, I am responding. I've started teaching a small class of children the basics of Irish dancing, and although I have no formal qualifications for teaching, they don't mind in the least, and I am finding myself just as blessed by the whole situation. There are no medals or stages or fancy dresses or judges or bright lights. Only bright eyes and eager faces. Let that be enough.
And so, my friends, for the first time in far too long, I am dancing for Jesus.
It pleases me. It pleases Him.
It pleases me because it pleases Him.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever ~Psalm 30:11-12
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Katie is in List-Mode tonight. So.
Things That Are Making Me Happy Lately:
* My fish stayed alive over Christmas Break
* InterVarsity and Catacombs -- I missed them more than I realized
* Joy Hendricks will be coming back to Hillsdale next semester!
* Meeting some wonderful people at MAC last weekend
* Sledding
* Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. And Oakley.
* Equal Temperment
* The red coat. Who knew one little coat could get so much attention?
* Breakfast Bible study
* Learning how to do some Scottish dancing with the Highland Dancers
Yeah. Those things. And others, too.
But I can't think of them all right now. And, as usual, I'm doing this when I should be engaging in some sort of academic pursuit.
Whoa. Long time, no blog.
Well, if you're still checking in... good deal.
If not... I don't blame you.
G'night, kids.
Things That Are Making Me Happy Lately:
* My fish stayed alive over Christmas Break
* InterVarsity and Catacombs -- I missed them more than I realized
* Joy Hendricks will be coming back to Hillsdale next semester!
* Meeting some wonderful people at MAC last weekend
* Sledding
* Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream. And Oakley.
* Equal Temperment
* The red coat. Who knew one little coat could get so much attention?
* Breakfast Bible study
* Learning how to do some Scottish dancing with the Highland Dancers
Yeah. Those things. And others, too.
But I can't think of them all right now. And, as usual, I'm doing this when I should be engaging in some sort of academic pursuit.
Whoa. Long time, no blog.
Well, if you're still checking in... good deal.
If not... I don't blame you.
G'night, kids.