12/26/2006

A Winter Wonderland


This Christmas was great...don't get me wrong! I have not spent Christmas with my Grandma Metcalf in years, so that was really really special! But, isn't Christmas supposed to occur
in December, not April? I am just thankful that their is much more to
Christmas than just the winter wonderland aspect. I just wonder what
Easter is going to be like. Are we going to have to wear parka's and
snowshoes? I dread the thought. Well, all in all I hope you got your
fill of great cookies and a lot of laughs.

(I fell in love with this photo I found, so I had to post it...)

12/25/2006

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas! It is amazing how the birth of one little baby boy
could change the world forever. The joy that Mary must have felt when
she held he baby. Did she evercomprehend who she was holding, feeding,
baby talking to, cuddling? Her baby boy is the Savior, the perfect
Lamb, who came to earth to set His people free. There is so much tocelebrate as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

12/12/2006

The Thing About Women and Their Mouths

I personally love being a female. It has a lot of good benefits. I get to experience
having another live inside of me. It is up to my husband (if and when
he may come along)to make the final say. (my friends willattest for me that I will make decisions when i have to, but I would prefer to come to a group
decision with someone else making the final call) I also get the random
guy who still respects women enough to open the door for them...and
keep it held open until you whole body goes threw the door. (That has
happened more than once when I got so excited that a random guy was
being so nice to hold the door open for a girl and then when I am half
way threw he lets go...arg)

All the nice things aside, women are
caddy and mean. I know there are those few that will never say anything
mean about someone else just to makethemselves look better. But, as I sit in my schools cafe and listen into the conversations of women around me. It is all destroying others to make themselves look good. The worst part about all of this is that I do it too. I am the chief
of sinners for putting others down to put myself up. I need to see
Christ in everyone. Then again maybe I am just sitting around caddy
women and across the room are the ones who do not participate in
degrading others.

Sorry if this is 100% random. As I was eating my lunch I just couldn't believe what i was hearing.

12/07/2006

A Favorite Christmas Song


In light of Pastor John's recent sermons on Hebrews, my favorite song this Christmas is Hark the Harold Angels Sing. Truly, Christ is above the angels because from the time of his birth they were signing his praise! I also like the glory part when you have a lot of people signing all four parts really strong. It is enough to send chills!

12/06/2006

A Favorite Christmas Memory


One of my most favorite Christmas memories happened last year. Since I went to school in South Carolina last year, I flew home for Christmas. I was so excited I could hardly wait. When the captain said that there was going to be a slight delay when we arrived in Chicago I got a little nervous. I had a connecting flight to Madison and would hate to have missed it!
But, as we finally prepared to land the captain flew us out over Lake Michigan! I had the privilege of being on the side of the plane that faces the city skyline. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The lights of Chicago and Navy Pier will always be sketched into my mind.
Looking back on that sight I cannot imagine of how much better Gods kingdom will be. It makes me just as excited to go see my eternal home, as it was to see my earthly home that winter night!
( I did make my flight to Madison that night )

12/05/2006

Thoughts on God's Grace


While reading on of John Pipers books I upon the thought of why God doesn't always seem to answer prayer or give the kind of grace I know I need. The answer is that God is so much bigger than me. He knows myself and my needs more than I know myself and my needs. Thus, He gives us only what we need when we need it and in the form that most glorifies Him. because at the end of the day it is all about the glorification of Christ, not the glorification of myself.

11/23/2006

Thankful for Thanksgiving

I don't know about you, but Holidays are such a great reminder of all I have to be thankful for. Independence Day reminds me to be thankful that God allowed the United States to be made free from the rule of the English Throne and for that point the Church of England too. Christmas is a time to give thanks to God for giving us a baby who was born of a virgin and is heir to the most powerful throne ever! Easter is a time to thank Christ for going to the cross for our sins. He suffered, died and rose again all for someone like me. I can never fully thank God enough for that.

I want to share one of the many things I am thankful to God for. The past three years of my Christian walk I have been blinded by pride, legallistic teaching and so very many other sins. All the while I thought myself so much better than the average Christian. I am so thankful for God using His Sheep to bring me back to the fold. I have been exposed to many Chirstian within the past year who God used to teach me the truths of His word. I still struggle with many sins, but I see God in a whole new light. He is the only thing that is truly good in my life. I have nothing to boast for anymore. (Even though I do find myself high on the totem pole sometimes--> sadly enough) Christ has rules as a Christian you need to fallow. Such as the ten commandments, but Christ leads others to truths and ways of living. I am so Thankful that God is working in my life to draw me closer to Him.

We serve a great great God. Thanks be to Him!

11/03/2006

The Marriage Speech



As I have posted earlier I am doing a speech on the Marriage Amendment here in Wisconsin. My thesis was that the Wisconsin Marriage Amendment is a protection of democracy and of our moral character. Well, just a few moments ago I gave the speech and for the most part it went really well. One girl told me she was thankful that I wasn’t all about telling people to vote no and that I made a very clear argument on looking at this amendment from a legal perspective. I think she is even going to vote yes! God was so good and calmed a lot of my nerves. Our God is such a great God!

10/31/2006

Not My Day :(

Today has been one of THOSE days! I tried to clean out my car this morning only to spill coffee all over. I was a little glad because usualy one bad thing happens to me per day. So I was glad to get it over with. So, I drive to school and get out of my car. I was really cold so i got my jacket out of my back seat and set my bag down inside the car so that I could get my jacket on. yeppers. The door closed and everything...I mean everything was locked inside my car!
So, I go to the main desk at my college only to find a clueless person working the counter. All he does is hand me a phone book. I informed him by meaning everything got locked in my car...that would include a phone. So, he tells me where I can use a phone. I call my mom and inform her and she said to try and find out how much it would cost to get my door unlocked. forty-five dollars. Give and take that isn't a horrible amount for Madison, but for a poor college student such as myself. It is two tanks of gas for petes sake!
So, I go to the security office here at school and God gave me a HUGE blessing. The man allowed me to call my mom and get the AAA number so it would be free. He also called the towing place because he used to be a cop and he has inside sources so that I could use my moms card. I was very happy! the towing company came and fixed everything for free. I was so happy. I can only say that the Lord answered that prayer.
I side not to this is that my mom had thought I was in Evansville and she called the good old Evansville Police Officers to come to my rescue. I am thankful i have a mom who surely goes above and beyond the call of duty to help her daughter out. Thanks mom... I hope you had a better day....

10/25/2006

A Ban on Gay Marriage?



Currently I am in a Speech class and for our next speech we need to come up with a judicial claim and support it. I was originally going to do a blow off speech on school uniforms decreasing school violence. Until I was motivated to take a political and moral stance in regards to the Marriage Amendment. Two girls in my class are doing speech on why people should vote no. Being a fan of this new amendment I feel very strong about sharing the other side.
This blog is two fold. First, please pray for me as a gather my thoughts and start to put this speech together. I am rather scared that I am going to misrepresent myself and also my biblical views on this issue. Second, that God would work in the hearts of the students that they would see the importance of defining marriage in our state.
Also if any of you have any advice or sources that could be of help I would be very grateful!

10/24/2006

Happy Birthday


Julia! I hope you have a very happy birthday! I praise God for you and trust that He will continue working in your life by drawing you closer to Him! In Him, Katie

10/23/2006

You've Been Ghosted


Okay, I can not help myself from divulging this story. This is one of the funniest things that have ever happened. The Benish family was ghosted this past week which means and anonymous person left candy on their door step with a explanation of why and a picture of a ghost on it! I went over to the Beautiful Benish’s house for a bible study on Sunday and then Morgan and I went out to dinner. Since the night was young and so are Morgan and I we started to hatch a plan of dropping off more candy on their doorstep and fleeing yet again.
So, we bought our candy. Well low and behold we had nothing to put the candy in. So, I tell Morgan to look kin my glove compartment and try to find something. Well, we found this dirty used sock…. And decided to use it. So we went to the house and snuck by the front door. Dropped the candy filled sock…rang the door…and ran! After about twenty minutes or so of driving around we came back Morgans and went inside.
Upon entry we heard this weird story of something leaving a dirty candy filled sock on their door. It was even more shocking when they blamed it on my pastors family (whom live across the street). Yet another plan was made to return the sock to the “rightful” owners. Kenzy actually returned the sock where our pastors son retrieved it looking rather clueless about why a candy filled sock was left on their doorstep. Then Morgan and I got all the enjoyment about having played two pranks on her family in one night! Good Job Morgan…That was the BEST! Sorry to the Swanson’s I am sure you will all have an understanding and forgiving heart!

10/20/2006

I Can't Wait for Christmas!



I don't know about you, but I am super excited about Christmas this year. I love the spirit of the season and also how Christians aroudn the world have a chance to gather together as church families and worship the Lord! Also, this Christmas I am going to have so much fun with Morgan as we make and give out goodies to our friends! I can't wait for Thanksgiving to be over so Christmas music will start playing on the radio! This is rather sad too because it hasn't even been Halloween yet... Oh, well. That's life!


As soon as I saw this photo I thought of all the Christian people that God has placed in my life who have helped me come up out of sin into a closer walk with God. I thought I would share it with you.

10/12/2006

To The Birthday Girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERIE!
I am so thankful that I got to spend your birthday with you! The cake was amazing and the fellowship too. Congrats on your A too! I can't wait to develope our friendship and mentorship for next couple of years. Thank you so much for all that you have gone. In Him, Katie

An Update

I haven’t written in a while and I need to be forgiven. I also said in bible study that I blog instead of journal, which is true, but even if I was journaling I would still have forgotten to write. So, I think I should be redeemed of my transgressions. I will make a list of all the things that have happened and promise to keep writing!
 My car was hit and is now going to be fixed…The Lord was so good in that he answered prayer to make known who did this and that I wouldn’t have to pay for it. (turns out it was the sweetest lady in my church)
 I moved back home with my mom! I am so thankful that I have a mom who is proud of me for doing what is right and who is always encouraging me in the Lord. Thanks mom!
 I changed bible study from Dr. Wojo to the Benish’s! Boy oh Boy was that a change! I am thankful that I have a church family who meets to study His truths and word and that I can be a part of that growing process.
 I went to a barn yard dance! Lets just say that that was a lasting memory!
 School is School. I am currently working through the mazes of mid-terms. But, God is so good and I think that I have a good handle on all of them. With His help of course.
I think that is about it! Wow! So much time has gone by without a lot of substantial things happening. I don’t know to be sad or glad. Until next time!

9/20/2006

31 YEARS AND STILL STANDING


HAPPY 31st WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to DR. Ed and CHERIE! Thank you for all the kindness and love you have shown to me. God poured blessing on me when you two entered into my life. May He bless you for the next 31! In Him Katie

9/18/2006

And don't it feel good?

Today I got back my first quiz here at Edgewood. I was sort of scared because I felt like I didn't do as well as what I was hoping. It was in my Ethics/ Logic class and I feel like I am not getting the subject matter at all. Well, turns out...I am getting it so says my Quiz. I just want to thank God that I got a 25/25 on my quiz. I know He helped my and I am ever so thankful for that...

9/13/2006

a car thing

If I was not a rational person, whom I think I am. I would give up the use of cars completely. All that they do is cause headache after headache and paycheck after paycheck. My dad was kind enough this summer to buy me a car, which has successfully nickeled and dimed me to near bankrupt this summer. This time my breaks are almost gone. One minute everything is fine and then I call home and was told that on the way home from dropping me off at school my cars breaks were nearly all gone. This brings to my point that maybe I should sell the nickling diming car and start a new kind of life of walking and bike riding and never leaving the area of Wisconsin that would be outside of my walking distance!

9/11/2006

THE WEATHER!!!

Have you noticed the weather this weekend? Does it remind you of the grim reality that summer may officially be over and the harsh winter is sniping at our heals? These have been my dreaded thoughts over this last weekend. And I am forced to think about God in his sovereignty made the world to do this. Not only for his enjoyment for mine as well. I do enjoy summer much better though, but I am inclined to think of all the things I will enjoy about this winter. In hopes that my spirits will be lifted as I prepare to be taken over by the cold! I love making a perfectly plump snowball and throwing it at my unsuspecting mom or brother. I like covering up with a heap of blankets (all of which have some sort of sentimental value) and enjoy my moms fake fire heater. I love the idea of making coffee with no other purpose than to make me warm! I will get a well deserved break from my college career. Oh, and maybe the best of all. Christmas. I do love Christmas. The whole world changes at that time of the year. I am so thankful that Jesus came to die for me and I am so thankful I know the truth in order to worship Him! So, all in all I am somewhat excited about this grim realty and shouldn’t I rejoice in everything? With that reminder I am determined to rejoice in winter and be glad in it.

9/08/2006

Counting My Blessings

I want to count my blessing thus far…(I am going to try to do this every couple of weeks or so just to keep everyone up to date on answered prayer or just little things that have been going on that I have counted a blessing)
  • I am blessed because I have gotten a roomie who is compatible and who allows me to openly express my faith and opinion
  • I am blessed because that God as answered my pray in allowing me to get into Edgewood
  • I am blessed because God has answered my prayers to strengthen my relationship with my mom
  • I am blessed because I have a church family who is supporting me, who loves me, and who I loves the Lord
  • I am blessed because I have a wonderful apartment
  • I am so blessed because I am alive and living my life trying to please the Lord
  • I am so blessed because I was able to buy a bunch of sunflowers to cheer me up for under three dollars

9/07/2006

A little fun was the trick

I, Katie, am no longer paralyzed by the thought of going out at night in Madison. Of course I would never do this by myself. But, last night Barb P (from church) and I went out on State Street to this stellar Mediterranean and Afghanistan Eatery. It was Amazing. I got Moroccan Lemon Chicken. It had green olives, potatoes, lemons, and all sorts of herbs and goodies. We also got an amazing appetizer! I do not know what it was, but I do want it again. I truly hate just raving about food, but I truly feel in love with this place! Also, I feel in love a little more with Madison and the night life. Give and take it was a Wednesday night, but it still was at night. If you ever get a chance to check this place out… go four it. Oh, we also hit up Cold Stone on the way out. You have never had ice cream until you have had ice cream from Cold Stone. Now I am hungry…arrrrgh I think I should just stop before I start. u'all have a nite

9/02/2006

Frederick Douglas...

In a class, Social Movement in American History, we are required to read his autobiography. I am learning a great deal about faith in God through this book. I have never had a major testing of neither my faith nor any true persecution for it. If I were being beaten and worked half to death would I truly believe in a God? Would I give Him credit when good things happen in that situation? It would be hard, but I know He is faithful and He will be with me always. So, in that I am comforted.
On a different note, it is such a beautiful morning! I am so happy that I got up to see it. It is also a quite morning. I am not used to all the noise here in Madison yet, so to wake up and not hear any honking is amazing to me. I also have this tree right out my window that I am about eye level with the top of it. I love this tree and I am so glad for it. It's like a little piece of country in a huge concrete jungle.

9/01/2006

A New Thing


I am so excited about starting sharing my thought, ideas and even some funny stories. I want to share my life verse with you all : Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
I hope this was a blessing to you as it is to me. He is such a strong place. I am so happy to have a precious relationship with Him. Also, a funny story. Right now I am living in Madison while I go to school. Since I just moved here I am trying to get used to the Metro system. I know how to get to and from school.(it is only about 10ish blocks...so it isn't that great of a feat, but to me it is an accomplishment) well, yesterday I was waiting for the bus and a lady started to talk to me. I thought, ohhhhh a friendly person. I was rather happy because no one here has been friendly (no one says hello when you pass, well now I think of it no one even looks at you). So, sure enough here comes bus number three. She gets on first. They bus driver mean while is eating something, with a fork, while driving the bus(made me a little nervous). So, she goes in to scan her Metro card and the driver jokingly offered her a piece of Cauliflower. Now in this situation I would have just said," yeah sure" The to key to how I would have said it would make it a joke back...like yeah, in your dreams maybe. Well, this lady said sure and she was actually serious. Next thing i know she is diving for his piece of cauliflower. The bus driver is trying to tell her he was just joking, but this lady really wanted the cauliflower. Well, lets just say my bus driver ended up feeding this lady his piece of Cauliflower. Then i started to think that the only reason this lady was talking to me is because she is crazy. So, next time a random person here in Madison talks to me... I think I will be a little less eager to communicate back.