12.27.2005

have I mentioned...

Although I'm pretty sure that all who read here know...I have failed to announce to the wide world of blogging that...my sister is pregnant!! That's right...I'm going to be Aunt Kate! Cari is now 4 and 1/2 months along. She gets a weekly email that gives updates on the baby's size and any new developments. It always compares the baby's size to that of some type of food. So, today we learned that the baby is now the size of a large sweet potato. It's come a long way from the lentil bean, raspberry, kumquat, lime, and avocado days!

baby!

Me, Mom, and Cari-- Christmas Eve

So, baby when you get here just know that I'm gonna be the coolest aunt around. We're gonna watch Veggie Tales, eat Macaroni & Cheese, drink Capri Sun, and listen to classic rock. It's gonna be a blast.

Can ya tell I'm excited?

12.23.2005

you're a good man, charlie brown

One requirement for the Christmas season in my family is watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. Here's some words of wisdom from the Peanuts gang:

Charlie Brown: [shouting in desperation] Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

That is what it's all about, Linus. I'm glad that they still play this on TV in a world where everything is turning to "holiday" trees and "season's greetings." It's Christmas people, and there is a darn good reason for it. Praise God.

So, Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope it's filled with tons of family, food, and love for our Savior.

I love you all!!

12.20.2005

googlism

I discovered Googlism on my friend Mitzi's blog. You put in just about anything (name, place, etc.) and it searches Google for what that person/thing "is." Or, I guess I should say what it "is" according to various random websites that Google picks up on its radar. It comes up with some pretty interesting stuff...

Katie is...

katie is a strong believer
katie is the best
katie is a dental hygienist
katie is not easily intimidated
katie is so cool
katie is working as an office temp and fosters dreams of creating crossword puzzles for a living
katie is fearless
katie is the cutest kid in the country
katie is great
katie is an entrepreneur
katie is also member the sidewinders an animated jazz and blues band
katie is my daughter
katie is a good reader of music
katie is the melodic and lyrical backbone of the band
katie is a 'cracker'
katie is loved
katie is a very special creature
katie is demanding that santa’s elves conduct a full hand recount of all her acts since january
katie is the bomb
katie is on her game
katie is an unstoppable go getter and she has a huge heart to help others and make their lives better
katie is a slacker
katie is a gpl'd revision control system
katie is naturally gregarious and sociable
katie is someone who genuinely enjoys living in the residence halls
katie is as reliable and as comfortable as an old pair of jeans

Who knew I was fostering dreams to create crossword puzzles for a living?

Try it...what are you?

12.11.2005

the result of a Sunday full of contemplation

Everyone needs to go see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I read the book as a child, but it didn't mean anything to me then. I thought it was a good book, but didn't fully understand the real metaphor of the story. Seeing the movie today, a good 10 years later, I was moved. First off, C.S. Lewis is amazing for creating this fascinating parallel to the sacrifice of Christ. Any brain that can come up with a story so imaginative and powerful, has really got it goin' on. Props to you Lewis.

Today, this movie really made me think...

It's unfortunate that I sometimes need a reminder of just how huge what Jesus did for all of us is. I understand clearly that His sacrifice saved me, and that He took my place that I may live. The problem is I sometimes lose the awe of this immensely loving act. This man loved me (and all of you) enough to come to this Earth, and be offered up as a sacrifice on our behalf. Wow. How can I sometimes pass this by? How can I get so frustrated with my life that I simply ignore Him and His callings? How can I go one moment without thanking Him, thinking of Him, talking about Him? How can I get so busy with the meaningless things of this world, that I don't make time to simple be with Him? He is only thing I want, the only thing I need...but sometimes the last thing I come to. I want this to change.

While watching the movie, I realized that the youngest girl, Lucy, was always smiling. At first, I was really annoyed with this. I know that may sound wierd, but at parts of the movie where no one should be smiling, she was smiling. I'm thinking, what's going on with this girl? Then, it hit me. She is in awe. She was really taking everything in. No one else was smiling because they were being skeptical and negative about the situation they were in. Lucy on the other hand was seeing past all that. She could see the wonder and glory in this world of Narnia. She let everything delight her. She was soaking it in. I wasn't annoyed with Lucy anymore, I wanted to be like her. Awed by this world that is around me, even if it's just in the little things. Negativity can easily cloud up our eyes, blocking out all that is inspiring...even in our ordinary, everyday lives.

So, things are going to change for me. It's time. Actually, it's past time. I've lived a good chunk of this last year striving--hating where I am. I no longer want to be floundering. Instead, I want to be at peace, simply resting in His arms. In the arms of the One who loves me more than I can even fathom. His love is big enough to cover me, and it's time to let it do so.

Just so y'all know. It wasn't just the movie that spurred this on. This realization is the culmination of many months of being lost. For example, at this time in my life, it's easy to feel alone and confused. Every year I get furthur along in college, the more people ask "what is your major? what do you plan on doing in life?" I really should just carry around a card that says "I don't know." That way I could give it to them and walk away, and spare myself the blank look of dissapointment I recieve after they here my reply. I suppose it's most important that I know that God is in charge of this life, and what I do with it. No, I won't become a doctor or a lawyer--but I know the things that God has placed on my heart that I will do in the future: love my husband like crazy (while glorifying God through our relationship), take care of my kids, and most of all love and serve the Lord, wherever and whenever He needs me. That's what I plan on doing in life.

I realize this post turned into a drawn out jumble of thoughts, so thanks for reading and listening to me ramble on. Much love...