random thoughts

it makes me happy that...

• Jr. Asparagus is currently gracing my desktop wallpaper, dressed up as Frodo from the new Veggie Tales movie "Lord of the Beans." Amazing.
• I waited so long to change the clock in my car last Daylight Savings time that it's now right again.

let us rejoice

Max Lucado is a stud. Just so ya know. I got this excerpt in an email from Max's weekly devotional thingamajigger that I subscribe to:

Sometime ago I was asked to play a game of golf. The
foursome included two preachers, a church leader, and a “Matthew,
B.C.” The thought of four hours with three Christians, two of whom
were pulpiteers, did not appeal to him. His best friend, a
Christ follower and his boss, insisted, so he agreed.

I'm happy to report that he proclaimed the experience
painless. On the ninth hole he turned to one of us and said,
smiling, “I'm so glad you guys are normal.” I think he meant this:
“I'm so glad you didn't get in my face or club me with a King James
driver. Thanks for laughing at my jokes and telling a few
yourself. Thanks for being normal.”

We didn't lower our standards. But neither did we saddle
a high horse. We were nice. Normal and nice. Discipleship is
sometimes defined by being normal.

A woman in a small Arkansas community was a single mom with a
frail baby. Her neighbor would stop by every few days and keep the
child so she could shop. After some weeks her neighbor shared more
than time; she shared her faith, and the woman did what Matthew did.
She followed Christ. The friends of the young mother objected. “Do
you know what those people teach?” they contested. “Here is what I know,”
she told them. “They held my baby.” I think Jesus likes that kind of
answer, don't you?

This really makes me think.

Being a Christian isn't all about doing, doing, doing. What about just being? Sometimes our little section of culture gets so involved in the big things that we forgot all about the small stuff. It's like we aren't sweating the small stuff enough. Working for Christ doesn't mean we all have to ship off to a foreign country and live in a tent for a month, or even hand out lasagna at a soup kitchen. (I'm not discounting these things, in fact, I wish I could do more of them, I'm just saying...)There is much more to it. Our daily lives should really be what speaks for Christ. Our actions, words, and attitudes should make people wonder about us. I once heard that we should live lives that demand explanation. Others should wonder what makes us do what we do. At times of struggle, why do we still have a sense of hope? In times of rejoicing why do we know that it is more than just a coincedence or "luck?" God. He's the reason.

Gosh, He's so awesome.

God has really been with me this week. I'm talking, "Hey Kate, it's Jesus. Let's hang out all week. I just wanna show you some things" kinda deal. It's amazing. He has filled my soul with joy, and I'm so thankful for it. It's as if a fog has been lifted off of my life.

Hang out with Jesus this weekend guys, He's good company. And while you're at it, go outside. Sit in some leaves. It's awesome out.

Love you all.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

note to self

I just got done taking 12 tests and 4 case study quizzes in TWO DAYS time for my online business class. Why? Because that's when I remembered that these were due. Yes, they've been available since August, but in August, October seems really far away.

So, if you see me in the next few weeks remind me that there will be 12 more tests due by December. And when I say that's really far away...slap me in the face. Thank you.

God is here.

Life is good these days, friends. I feel some changes in these parts. I've got a new job, I'm moving to a new house, and I'm really enjoying this new season. I love fall. It makes me happy.

The past couple days I've been thinking a lot about how God is right here with me, although sometimes it's hard to see Him. It's easy for me to slip into little points of depression thinking of all the negative things that have come against me this year. There was a lot of death, heartache, confusion, stress, etc. But when I really stop to think about it, God has turned a lot of these things to good and He is still working. Isn't it amazing to think that there is Someone out there constantly thinking of you and what is best for your life? Wow. I want Him in control. Completely. I'm finally to a place in my life where I'm putting Him there. God is not my co-pilot, he's in the driver's seat.

God's tight...for reals.

On a side note, here's some photos of my weekend. I spent alot of time with the fam, going to the pumpkin patch and picking apples at the orchard my grandparents used to live on. It was good times. (Edit: I can't get the slideshow to work at the moment, I'll get the rest of the pictures up later. Until then, enjoy this apple.)

I love you all. Enjoy today and the God who created it.

'Barnes'-Fire

Me, Laura, Charity, Steph & Janon enjoying our puppy chow.
What a bonfire. You just can't go wrong with chili dogs, s'mores, puppy chow, hot cocoa, and awesome guitar playing by Dave, Aaron, and Josh. Not to mention, one huge game of hide and seek in the dark, complete with lightening and rain. (Mary Ellen, you won hands down. You are officially the master of hide & seek.)

Dave, Ashtin, James, Aubrey, & Josh.

That was the most fun I have had in a long time. I feel fortunate to have such an awesome group of people to share fellowship with. When we're all together it truly feels like one big family. Thanks for such a good time guys, I love you all.

Steph & Josh--I'm glad we could all be a part of your last weekend in Lawrence. We are going to miss you like crazy!