Sunshine at Nite Time

i {heart} design

2010-10-03T06:49:00.004+01:00

i {design} design.
It makes me happy to build something unique and original out of mental pictures vaguely created in my mind.
I designed this poster for an upcoming event at my church!

Matters of the Heart.

2010-10-02T21:36:00.003+01:00

I want to be married. That was kind of blunt, I know. Yet, it is the honest truth! Being a Christian "20-Something" who happens to be single is NOT easy! Most of the time it feels like a huge trail that, because of Christian culture, I am unable to openly express my feelings of frustration with the situation. I am so thankful for the friendships that God has developed in my life, yet I am frustrated with the fact that most of my dearest friends have now have found their somebody special! I can't seem to shake these feelings or thoughts. Then my thoughts go to God and my heart breaks even more. That I have spent so much of my life pinning for someone to share my life with, yet the one person who matters most is usually on the sidelines. It feels cliche to think that way. It is what everyone encourages me to do, which usually leaves me more frustrated in the end because it is ultimately impossible to on my own! He has to do that! {I feel drained even writing these thoughts and feelings.} With these things on my heart, God has started moving. I can sense it. Yet, I don't know where it is all leading. Is He preparing me for someone? Is He giving me strength to deal and continue to live with my singleness? Is He preparing me for a change in ministry or is he going to lead me into clarity on my future career plans? {I'm mind boggled} Well, my "life verse" has come to mind. It is Psalm 27:4. It is the prayer for my life! The Lord of Psalm 27 has way more to offer than any man walking on this earth today. And the best part, I am His and He has giving everything for me to be His! {I shiver as I think of this.}

Psalm 27

¹The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

²When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.

³ Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.

⁴ One thing have I asked 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 gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire in his temple.

⁵For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.

⁶And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

⁷ Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
be gracious to me and answer me!
⁸You have said, "Seek my face."My heart says to you,
"Your face, LORD, do I seek."

⁹ Hide not your face from me.
Turn not your servant away in anger,
O you who have been my help.
Cast me not off; forsake me not,
O God of my salvation!
¹⁰For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the LORD will take me in.

¹¹ Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
¹² Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they breathe out violence.

¹³I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
¹⁴ Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!

J & A's Engagement Photos

2010-09-30T06:13:00.004+01:00

My roommate, A, asked me to take her engagement photos! I was so honored and a bit nervous; it was my first formal photo shoot. I was even more honored when she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! They both love God and it is so evident in their relationship; it will be exciting to see what things are done through these two amazing people!

A little love story...

Ending to Start yet Again...

2010-09-10T03:15:00.004+01:00

The "Summer Specials" have ended and last night the Wednesday Night Youth Group had out Fall Kick-off! I am so excited to see what God is going to do in the hearts of the youth at First Free. I have one of those "something big is going to happen" feelings. Super exciting.

A little snap shot of what my summer looked like...

What's that noise?

2010-08-26T04:31:00.000+01:00

Sometimes life seems like a broken record player; the same sorry sounds repeat over and over again. It scratches on the nerves, yet sings an uncanny melody. I’m being ambiguous, I know. I have been doing a lot of thinking about my personality type. I took the Meyers-Briggs at work. I had a four hour session with the HR director going over the ends and out of my personality type. I have spent countless more hours thinking about my personality type and how it applies to my life. I have laughed about it and I have cried about it. I am so thankful that God has given me my personality, yet there are aspects that I wish were not so. Those aspects are the ones that are the sorry sounds. I will now be working on tweaking the record play, so that it at least plays through the whole melody. How you might ask? I am going to start by praying, a lot. I am also going to stop myself being acting; analyze the situations I am in and review which move I should make next. Hopefully this will help!

My Updated Life!

2010-07-26T04:31:00.002+01:00

Since I moved to Onalaska, WI in January, my life have been in constant transition. I finally feel like I am settling in to my new life! There have been a couple of additions and subtractions from my life.

Subtraction #1: A Certain Relationship
While in Ireland I met a boy from Wisconsin. I fell hard for him. Silly, I know! Well, needless to say (sense he is the subtractions category) that he is no longer a part of my in the a "romantic" sense. This is my second and deepest heart break experience. I know that this is God's will and honestly His mercy on my, which I am making a choice to praise Him for it!

Subtraction #2: My Independence
Moving back home is a HUGE transition. I love my family, but I love them even more when there is some distance between us! At times I think that an ocean is too vast, yet works very well to keep my sanity! On a serious note, I am learning a lot through this "subtraction" and I know that when all is said and done I will grow a lot through this.

Addition #1: A Bug
Yep, I got myself a little black bug. It has four wheels and and a really cute horn! It is the perfect time in my life to have my dream car!

Addition #2: My Church
I have found an amazing church family! Although I love my previous church family to bits and pieces, I am so thankful for my new church family. I feel very loved, excepted and challenged by them! We also were blessed with an amazing new Senior Pastor in April! His preaching has been such a source of growth in my life! God really loves me!

Addition #3: The Job
In April I was offered a position at the above Church. I am officially the "Youth Ministry Assistant". I love my job! I honestly never thought of youth ministry and I do not know if this is what God has for me long term, but I am enjoy it! I could not have asked for a better job, better employer, or better co-workers!

As challenging and stressful it is, life can be truly amazing! I can't think about what is waiting in eternity! Holy Cow, it's going to be awesome!

Breathless Moments...

2010-05-26T01:35:00.001+01:00

There have been many of them over the last couple of months.

So many moments where the next breath seems distant.

While I take a breath, I prepare myself for the grasping of the next. They always come.

And time always moves on.

Then the breath, the moment of desire.

When the deep inhale of clarity is taken.

The eyes close.

The chest slowly sinks with the long and lingering exhale.

The breaths that follow seem sweet,

like the first kisses from the summer's sun after a bitter winter.

To breath again.

To be from under the rock of constant remembrance.

Of constant struggle.

To breath free.

To be free.

I ::heart:: Rescue Remedy

2009-12-13T07:09:00.003Z

I have a little issue with worrying and anxiety. I can work through a lot of the mental worries and anxiety that I have, but sometimes I just feel so anxious and I have no way of removing that feeling. My wonderful flat mate, Abbey, introduced me to Rescue Remedy. Her whole family has been using it for years! I am a firm believer in this amazing natural product. I have not only used the original Rescue Remedy, but I have also used the lozenges and the Rescue Remedy Night.

For the link to their website, click the title of this blog post!

I {heart} my Black Trench

2009-11-23T21:08:00.004Z

It has gotten chilly here in Belfast. I am not a big fan of the rainy, cold weather. It has been seeping into my bones and giving me on again and off again colds for the past month. I however have enjoyed the chance to splurge and get myself a coat that actually is decent for the type of weather found here. After spending hours looking, there she was. A cute black trench that was water resistant. She also was ten pound off the price! As I brought her home and I tried her on again I looked at the tag that she had. "Wear it, Work it, Love it" was what it said. I have been obeying the orders listen on the tag. It has been worn. It doesn't take much to look stunning in this perfect black trench. I {heart} my black trench.

I {heart} Lush

2009-09-12T01:09:00.002+01:00

I was introduced to Lush when I was on a visit to Chicago! This line of "fresh handmade cosmetics" is something that I am going to enjoy for the rest of my life! In Wisconsin there is only 1 store, which is in Milwaukee. There are several in the Chicago area! You can also order online! I did not add a photo, but I have started to use thier shampoo bars! My hair is insainly soft and still very full!

I bought a bar of citrusy soap last spring when I was visiting Chicago. It smells amazing, does wonders for the skin and last a long time! Nothing is better than that!

In the US they call these bath bombs (this photo was taken of the UK site). You place one in the bath water! It is great for the skin and it smells amazing! They also have shower bombs, which is what I use, and it truly gives you an amazing bathing experience!

eyes

2009-09-12T00:53:00.002+01:00

gaze upon many wonders in distant lands

spy on those that walk across their path

display love, playfulness, anger, joy, sorrow…my soul

ache with weariness commencing hours of study

close to craft a moment of euphoric escape from unhappiness

lock into memory cherished moments

Band Aids and Sea Monsters

2009-09-06T00:53:00.001+01:00

What do you say to those in pain? Everything seems…not right. I desire that one really good liner that will be the healing ointment; the band aid that fixes everything. Yet, as I search my soul I come up empty. Trying to stop the brain from wondering to the “what if’s” of life. It is a sick sick disease; craving something that will never be. Accepting life as it is would be best. Yet, acceptance is a fickle thing. Sometimes it is a breeze. Other times it is a treacherous ocean full of scary sea monsters. Asking someone to accept something seems so wrong. Almost like it would be tactless to do so, yet isn’t that the band aid that will bring healing to a scare. “It” will always be carried with them, but it does not have to cause them pain anymore. It is itch when the rain is on its way (funny how makes things like that happen).

To those whom are in pain:

I am right there with you. I feel pain too. “What if’s” do not heal. They bring pain. Try to focus on now. Accepting today for today; knowing life is a blink of the eye. Hold on to those you love. Try to love them more every day. Keep praying. And don’t give up!

Your shipmate, Katie

A Whole Lot of History

2009-07-18T04:55:00.008+01:00

Over the 4th I went visited a friend, Kendall, who I studied abroad with in Ghana in the fall of 2007. I flew into NC and we drove to DC and to NYC. It was a crazy couple of days, but it was so nice to see a great friend again.

N(ew) Y(ork) C(ity)

2009-07-18T04:11:00.010+01:00

The Big Apple...

Grace (seen in a photo with me in Time Square) bought Kendall and I 2nd row seats for the Phantom of the Opera. I was amazing! I could see the sweat on their brows! Thank you so much for that wonderful gift Grace!

Times Square...Such a CrAzY PlAcE!!!

Kendall looking around TS.

I love all the colors and all the different people.

Kendall and I

Grace and I. We stayed with Grace at her families home. She is such an amazing girl and was such a blessing! Thank you Grace for showing me such a wonderful time in NYC.

The NYPD blocked off the streets leading to the bridge where we needed to go to see the fireworks. They were trying to mainstream the crowds. So, we thought we would sneak through a parking lot. Well, it had a fence. We decided to crawl through the fence. We were one of the first through. Then a mob built. The NYPD came. We left.

NY City Fireworks.

The fireworks were even better because they were reflected on the buildings! It was like we were surrounded with fireworks.

I kept thinking how mighty she looks!

Shoes worn by a child in Ellis Island.

This was one the first views of Lady Liberty that I had. She is something to behold!
Did you know that she is only two pennies think?

The Great Hall of Ellis Island. This room holds so much history. Truly the historical Welcome Center for the US.

I am so proud to be a US American.

Photo taken of a window ark in the Great Hall in Ellis Island.

As I walked through Ellis Island I couldn't help but think of how many people have walked on these tiled floors. How each of them had a story. Each of them had so many dreams.

Let's just say...it was a crazy busy and super fun trip!

It Was a Zoo-Rific Time

2009-06-30T03:35:00.005+01:00

Several ladies from my ladie's bible study came up to Madison today with all the little girls in their lives! It was great to share this afternoon with them!

Pray for Patience

2009-06-22T00:48:00.002+01:00

On Saturday this little girl, Patience, was found at the bottom of a swimming pool. At this point it looks like she will live, but brain damage is a large probability. Please pray for God's mercy and healing! Pray for her mom and dad, Charity and Fred, and the four other children in the family.

Also, join the "Prayer for Patience" facebook group and join people in praying for her.

Mom's Dream

2009-06-13T01:49:00.004+01:00

My mom just bought her first home and the gardens are breathtaking...

My mom is truly living a dream!

There is Something Wrong with This Picture...

2009-06-10T23:15:00.004+01:00

I don't know why this event pushed my button, but deep down inside I am still very annoyed. It might be because when I finally am done with work and class and I head home I often have to search for a parking spot on a nearby street. (Parking is eighty dollars a month at my apartment complex, so I am doing the street parking right now). It sometimes takes me 10 to 15 minutes to find a spot and depending on its location I have tiresome walk to my apartment, five flights of stairs to take and a hall to walk down. I think that being in my shoes and seeing this right next to my apartment complex (seriously...no long walk with this spot) anyone would be a little upset...

Yes, you are seeing this correctly. There is a little yellow moped taking up 1 1/2 parking spots. Is it illegal to move it three feet to the right, yes! It is illegal to move it with the front end of your car, yes! (although I did think of doing this and saying opps...Didn't see it...maybe they shouldn't have parked there...I didn't of course). I wouldn't mind if someone else, who didn't have the same reservations I have, would come along and take care of this parking problem...

How Long Do I Have To Wait?

2009-06-04T17:38:00.003+01:00

I feel like waiting for Ireland is going to be too much for me! Two of my friends just returned and the photos are just amazing! Enjoy...

My Northerm Irish Adventure

2009-05-29T22:00:00.002+01:00

I am starting a new blog **no worries I am keeping this one for personal and spiritual blogging** My new blog is going to just be about the experiences, thoughts and feelings I have before during and after my study abroad experience in Northern Ireland. I wanted to share with my college community the types of experiences a person who studies abroad has. You are welcome to follow me as I take the next journey in my life! (click on the title to this post to visit my new blog)

With all my love...

2009-05-16T03:05:00.003+01:00

Many of my dear friends who have been studying at my college are have left or are leaving very shortly. Even though many of them have not been in my life for a very long time, it is hard for to me picture my life without them! Thankfully I will be able to visit most of them with I am in Northern Ireland and can't express my excitement for that! Here is a photo from our final night out on State Street! Thank you so much for making this semester so much fun and a time of many laughs and great growth! I love each of you!

Happy Day, Mom!

2009-05-10T21:55:00.003+01:00

Dear Mom,

I am so thankful for you! You help me to live, learn and grow. You are my best friend. Someone that I am 100% myself around. You love in my bad times, you comfort me during the valleys and you cheer for me I am at the top of the mountains. I love you!

Your, Katie B

Niamh & Pj

2009-05-10T04:39:00.003+01:00

My dear friend Niamh has been parted from her "special" friend all semester while she was studying abroad at my school. I edited these photos of the two of them as a special little gift! I am so excited

Booking Flights...

2009-05-10T04:32:00.000+01:00

I have booked my flight for Northern Ireland. I will be leaving on August 19th and spending the weekend with Niamh. I will then head to Paris to spend a week with Audrey. I have also booked a flight to London for the last weekend of September with Niamh to visit Audrey for her birthday! I will soon be booking a flight to Slovakia. A trip is the in the works to go to Rome with all the Edgewood students who will be studying abroad in Europe in the fall. During my mom’s visit over Christmas we will be going to London, Dublin and touring Germany. There is also a chance to meet up with a friend in Egypt or the United Arab Emirates. As I think about all of these plans and as I think about the adventures ahead of me I can’t help but feel overwhelmed that I am able to get this chance and overwhelmed with the feelings of excitement that I am about to such an amazing experience. I am so excited to be able to continue to develop the friendships that I have made this semester and continue to grow in my knowledge and abilities in interacting with people of different cultures. I am truly blessed.

What Wonderful Friends...

2009-04-29T00:46:00.002+01:00

I have some wonderful friends, who mean so much to me! My birthday started was welcomed by a paper which I worked on until three in the morning. It was filled with a long and tiresome day at work. It ended with a "surprise" party from my friends! The "surprise" was not so much of a surprise because they needed to borrow my pan to bake the amazing from scratch cupcakes that Audrey made! I received beautiful flowers (this is only the second time anyone has given me fresh flowers). I was also given the wonderful gift of a coupon to use when I am Paris and it is good for an entrance to a museum of my choice and my ticket to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower! I have been truly blessed with friends who I can laugh with, joke with and even cry with! I truly love you girls!!! Please enjoy my birthday flowers:

Birthday Bash...

2009-04-19T03:18:00.003+01:00

Many of my friends, myself included, have birthday's in April...so we did a BIG Birthday Bash! Here are some of the photos I was able to edit!

Goals for Growth in Northern Ireland

2009-04-13T03:46:00.002+01:00

I have started to think of some of the goals I would like to accomplish during my study abroad experience in Northern Ireland. Some of them are personal, some of them are academia based and some of them are just for fun! Here is the start of my list...
1. I want to do something that I never thought I would do! Something that isn't dangerous or illegal, but something that I thought I wouldn't ever do. What? you may ask! I won't know until the opportunity presents itself!
2. I want to gain clarity into what I want to do with the rest of my life. I know that I would like to work in the field of international education, yet I have no idea what the next step for me is. I would be nice to gain some insight unto this issue.
3. I want to make every single day an adventure. I want to get out and see the city of Belfast everyday! Either take a walk to a park or find a new coffee shop. I want to have a story to tell!
4. I want to visit at least 5 countries!

This is it right now, but I plan on coming up with a couple more! Super Excited!!!

Fun Edits

2009-04-06T18:59:00.000+01:00

A Weekend of Fun with Audrey and Niamh!

2009-04-06T01:22:00.005+01:00

This weekend I took two of my exchange student friends to my moms home and had a wonderful weekend! Audrey (France) and Niamh (Northern Ireland) are two friends who I will be spending a good deal of time with next fall. On Saturday we had a night in talking with my mom and grandma. Audrey also went to Wal-Mart for the first time ever on Friday! She was shocked with the size (It was a super Wal-Mart). On Saturday Audrey made a a wonderful breakfast of french toast! It was seriously the best french toast I have EVER had, Food Network worthy. Later that morning my mom, Audrey, Niamh and I headed out to an Amish community in Cashton, WI. We were able to go into the little shops in the front of their homes and try many of the sweet treats like homemade donuts and turtles. We also stopped at a cheese factory where we were able to eat from fresh cheese curds (Audrey and Niamh's first time!). They were the best curds I have ever had, they were super squeaky! They saw the Mississippi River for the first time and saw the largest 6 pack in the whole world. Oh, and they ate at Applebees for the first time as well as I CULVERISED them! Did I mention they saw a lock and damn and went to Minnesota! No wonder why I was so tired this morning...we did a lot of stuff!

Pictures Coming Soon...

OJ and Applesauce

2009-04-03T04:58:00.000+01:00

Trying to keep my eyes open and quite the little annoyance of a hungry tummy I turn toward a glass of OJ and some applesauce. Weird, I know, yet so delightful. I think it is me wishing in the summer and all the light refreshing delights it holds. Need to get back to work. Dreaming about this summer does not seem like the best plan!

I Am Your Peer Leader!

2009-03-27T05:54:00.004Z

This past fall I was asked to be a Peer Leader for a forum of freshman. The forum is meant to guide them through their first semester of school and to give them insight into topical issues. My forum looked at global issues and perspectives. I met Kelsey on her very first day at Edgewood! She is now one of my best friends. It was Kelsey who got me to sign up for alternative break! Here are some photos from our time in Kentucky!

Spring Break in Kentucky

2009-03-26T05:11:00.005Z

I spent my spring break in David, Kentucky volunteering at an alternative school. It was a week of growth and a week of fun.

A friend...thinking...

Ryan and Stephanie had a wheel barrow race while we moved a tree that had fallen down...

Ryan won in the end because Stephanie hit a rock...

One of my besties, Kelsey...

Cartwheels...

More Cartwheels...

Kelsey and I

The trees have started to bloom...spring is on its way...

Belfast or Bust...Officially!

2009-03-25T22:37:00.001Z

I think this photo story board says it all...but for clarification...I was officially accepted to study abroad at Belfast Metropolitian College in Belfast, Nothern Ireland!

Whispers of Life...

2009-03-25T21:34:00.002Z

I have been feeling very absent from a lot in the last couple of weeks and months. I think some of reasons for these feelings are because of being lost in thought. I have had a lot to think about and many of those thoughts just can't be expressed. They are like the light clouds that don't actually seem like cloud, but seem like whispers in the sky. The other night it seems like some of those whispers finally drifted away, yet I still wonder when they will come back. If they will come back. Life is strange like that, I guess. Some of the whispers are from my past and dealing with hurt and anger for the things that have happened in my life. Other whispers are thoughts and questions that I have tried to hide, yet they have surfaced. Many whispers are regaurding my future and the dreams that yet to materialize.

Life is funny sometimes...as I say this, I smile flickers on my face. It is funny at times.

The Windy (Cold) City

2009-02-26T19:38:00.002Z

Last weekend I went to Chicago with two dear friends of mine! We stayed right by Michigan Ave. and did a lot of shopping and sight seeing! It was a great escape in the middle of a crazy semester!

Thinking...

2009-02-24T05:35:00.004Z

It is way too late to be up. I have been spending the last couple of weeks thinking. Thinking about everything that is being piled on my shrinking plate. That it seems like the work of many instead of just one.
Thinking about faith and what it all means. I have been feeling really disconnected with the people who I have come to love and value, yet I feel more connected with my personal walk and journey. I don't know why that is. Maybe it is because I am being led away to something new, fresh. Only time will tell.
Thinking about Ireland. Holding my breath until I hear the word. I am craving this adventure from the tips of my toes to the highest hair on my head. I know that whatever will happen will be for the best, yet I get this feeling of heartache when I think of being passed over.
Thinking about my past. The people who have been threaded into my life's tapestry. Many of them are woven in more than once. The bright colors. The dark grays. So many people have impacted me. The amazing purpose behind each other. The amazing piece of art it has created.
Just Thinking...

Today...

2009-02-10T23:32:00.001Z

Today is the day that I have been waiting for. Although I know it will not last, it is still a little gem that is part of the treasure that is in store. The warmth of the sun kisses me through the light breeze. My toes are joyfully wiggling in their temporary freedom. I can close my eyes and breathe in the moment. The smells are fresh yet moist; refreshment at its fullest. Today has been the day I have been waiting for.

Ugly Trees, Fun Art

2009-02-06T23:39:00.002Z

Walking down state street I found myself looking up! I saw shoes and a orange cone in the trees. Although I see that uniqueness in that, I do not like littering. It is ugly to me when someone purposely leaves their unwanted goods for other to see and discard. However they did make for some fun photo editing...

Family Fun in Madison

2009-02-06T22:30:00.004Z

These are a couple of weeks old. Better late than never, right? My mom came down for the weekend and my brother came up for a day!

We enjoyed some local Wisconsin Cheese.

My mom and I went on a winter wonderland drive.

Wisconsin's Capital.

Signs on the back of a sign at The Old Fashion.

State Street.

Wisconsin's State Capital.

A church by State Street.

Middle of a Highway

2009-01-21T06:23:00.002Z

The middle of a highway in the middle of Mongolia. That single shot captures so much. To me it is loaded with meaning. Some of it ironic. Some of it painful. Some of it wonderful. In that moment the the world seems to be moving so slowly. Although I felt like I was loosing my breath, everything was under my control. The world around me seemed carefree. I was lost and didn't know it. It was the calm before the storm. It was the rest before the test. I didn't realize what was in store. I am not that girl anymore. I shine with a new hue of gold, that did not grace me before. I look at that girl with a type of pity. The journey took her so long. She stumbled and fell down the valleys and crawled up the mountain. The thoughts of being back at that moment entice me. I know better then to wish it. I am better off here. That moment in time is long gone. It is for the best. That moment in time when I sat in the middle of a highway in the middle of Mongolia.

Beauty from a Brother

2009-01-15T22:11:00.005Z

My brother and I rarely see eye to eye. Do not get me wrong, I would lay down my life for him. I stumbled upon these photos that he took this past summer on a road trip to Washington. I never knew that my brother could take such beautiful photos. For this weeks Ugly to Attractive I am displaying the photos my brother took. To display that sometime my ignorance of others talents and assumptions of their lack of ability (ugly thoughts) and lead to the discovery that even a brother can capture beauty in a moment through a lens (beautiful thoughts). I love you Matt and Happy belated Birthday!

(used with permission)

Attractive Feet

2009-01-11T23:03:00.002Z

I do not like feet. It would a great thing if I never had to touch another foot again. They are dirty. They are ugly. I was curious if I could take some photos of my feet and make them look attractive. And this is what I cam up with! Of course it did take a good deal of editing, but I think I successes in my goal.

A new photo challenge to myself: to take photos of things I find unattractive and make them attractive.

Winterm

2009-01-08T21:53:00.003Z

This Winterm I am taking Art Structure, which has proven to be a lot of fun! Today we took simple paintings that we did yesterday and added texture to them. I learned a lot of great new techniques! Tomorrow we have to make a book out of all the techniques we learned throughout the week! I am sooo excited!

Warm Snowy Fun

2009-01-08T18:23:00.002Z

Lydia and Bekka

Bekka and I

I was able to meet up with some dear friends for a day in Wisconsin Dell's Wilderness Lodge. We had such a great time catching up!

Mr. Snow Man?

2008-12-16T02:12:00.002Z

As I drove to work I saw this...

...Needless to say it was a picture moment!

A Memory Moment...

2008-12-15T21:51:00.002Z

Snowy Moments

2008-12-14T00:42:00.002Z

College

2008-12-14T00:15:00.003Z

Snow Day!

2008-12-10T16:31:00.002Z

Yesterday, due to freezing rain and 9 inches of snow, Edgewood College closed its doors and gave everyone the day off! It was wonderful to sleep in until 11. To stay in my pajamas all day. To venture outside only to take photos with my amazing Canon Rebel XS. To finish a paper and make a major dent into a project. To tidy up my kitchen. And to catch up with some friends whom I haven't talked in a while.

Pictures coming soon...

10 Things that Go Missing

2008-12-08T18:18:00.003Z

1. My planner...you would think the one thing that allows me to know what is going on would be something that I would never be misplaced. Well, think again.
2. Socks...I swear that the drying is eating them or they are growing legs and walking away!
3. Sticky Notes...I write a ton of noted to myself. It is so frustrating when you wrote yourself a note and left it somewhere to remind you of something and then when you need to be reminded you can't find the note to remind you.
4. Words...I often can not remember a word (I know it happens to everyone), but at 21 years of age it should not be happening this _____, what is the word I am looking for? That's right...often!
5. Eye Brow Pluckers...Everytime I need to pluck I have to buy a new one because my old one is MIA!
6. Jewelery...I really don't want to get started on this.
7. Money...So, it really don't go missing, but it does drain sometimes surprisingly quick.
8. Time...Too many things to do with too little time to do it! The worst is when I go to my moms for a long weekend and it seems like a couple of minutes later I am having to leave.
9. Reciepts...I am not good at keeping track of them...and when I try it seems like my wallet is busting at the seams, but that one I am looking for itsn't there.
10. Taking time to smell the roses...between school and work my fun times are missing from my life. I need to remember to not live to work, but work to live.

Katie

2008-12-08T02:00:00.001Z

In You Alone...

2008-12-08T00:21:00.002Z

The sermon this morning was a blessing to me. Recently I have been struggling in my relationship with Christ. I have been going through a time of suffering. I also have been allowing bitterness to grow into anger. Towards others, but mainly toward God. The sermon was based out of Acts 5:27-42 and was title God's Saving Purposes Prevail Through Joyful Suffering. I knew as soon as I sat down I was in for it. Here were the four main points:

1. Obedient Christians suffer with joy because they rejoice in doing the will of God.
2. Obedient Christians suffer with joy because they have been saved by a suffering and exulted Savior.
3. Obedient Christians suffer with joy because they know God determines the amount and kind of suffering.
4. Obedient Christians suffer with joy because their highest joy is Christ.

Needless to say, I fall short in so many ways. I often do not rejoice in doing the will of God. I look at it as an obligation that I must fulfill. I am often angry and bitter towards God about the amount and kind of suffering that He allows to happen in my life. I also, ashamedly, do not find my highest joy in Christ. I find it in things that will someday parish. Although I know I lake so much. Christ has died for me. He has been the sacrifice. I know that I do nothing in myself that pleases God. The only thing about me that God has delight in is Christ. For the first time in a long time I want Christ. I wish I lived by a mountain because I feel like climbing one and shouting his name to all the nations! What an amazing God I have!

"Seeking you like a precious jewel
Lord to give up I'd be a foul
You are my all in all"
-Sanctuary

A Little Late on Giving Thanks

2008-12-06T00:02:00.003Z

I realize that Thanksgiving as come and gone...

I was being lazy and had my nose in a book the whole weekend. I have so much to be thankful for. I have been given so much. I have been given a wonderful education. I have an amazing job that allows me to pay by bills. I have very good friends who keep it real. I have been given a family who lives me for who I am. A mom who is my best friend. The chance to follow my dreams and conquer the world. Last, but not least, I have a Lord who has given himself for me.

10 Things I Need to Do to Finish the Semester

2008-12-05T05:05:00.005Z

1. Eat, sleep and try to be merry
2. Write two papers
3. Interview three more people for one of the two papers
4. Work every weekday in the next two weeks...40ish hours total
5. Take five exams
6. Move...pack, plan, store
7. Shop for a couple gifts I still need to get
8. Write my proposal for my independent study
9. Apply to study abroad in Northern Ireland
10. Not go crazy!!!

Flying By...

2008-12-04T20:13:00.003Z

School is flying by.
Nearly there...
Nearly to the end of another semester.
Trying to stay strong.
Trying to get through the terbulant winds of papers, projects and exams.

Soon I will land.
Soon rest will come.

A Lit. Class Taught by a Nun?

2008-11-24T16:20:00.003Z

I have registered for my Spring 2009 classes. It feels great to think that my college career is winding down. One year left and the last half of the year will hopefully be in Ireland! One of the last required courses that I need to take is literature. I am working part time, which means that the only lit class I could fit comfortably in my schedule was a Wednesday night lit course taught my a nun. I do not have anything against nuns. I respect the commitment that they have made to their faith. I personally couldn't do it. I just am seriously concerned about the type of books I am going to have to read. It isn't a topical class, so it is whatever the prof picks. I am seeing titles like "Devotions of St. Mary of Cape Town" pass through my head! What non-Edgewood College people do not understand is that the nuns here are not typical nuns. They are liberal Dominican nuns. This causes a little more concern. How can I say that I disagree on a moral level with someone who have devoted their whole life to something. It will be very hard. My hope is that maybe she will pick guilty pleasure books that have nothing to do with religion and nothing to do with Dominican values. There isn't anything wrong with wishful thinking. Right? Whatever this class ends up being...I am sure it is going to be a character building experience.

10 Things I LOVE About the Holiday

2008-11-20T15:38:00.002Z

1. Jesus
The true reason for Christmas is that God sent his son to this earth to save the world! How wonderful it is that we get to worship him for calling us into his fold!

2. The Cheer
The Holiday’s are like drugs! If you have the right perspective on life (“be anxious in nothing”) you will have the cheer needed during the holidays.

3. Family
I love spending time with my family. Everyone is typically on best behavior and we always have a lot of fun. I love going to waking up to the noises of those you love (I didn’t when I lived with my mom all the time, but now that I live on my own I am really cherishing it).

4. No School
No Homework, No Tests, No Stress

5. The Lights
My mom and I started a tradition of going to River Side Park to see the Christmas lights! I am really excited to go again this year. Maybe we can go listen to a concert or two!

6. Presents
I am just being honest!

7. The Only Time I Like Having Snow on the Ground
I love having a White Christmas! After New Years the snow gets old!

8. My Grandma’s Good Cookin’
My grandma still wears a sweeter that we bought her years ago that says, “ Grandma’s Rules: 1. Come Often 2. Eat Lots 3. Leave Early” I try to obey the first two rules. The third rule can be a little hard, but thankfully she isn’t much of a disciplinarian.

9. Giving Gifts
I love finding the perfect gift for someone and then seeing their face light up when they open it!

10. The Music
I love Christmas Music. I do have a rule that I have to wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to it! I am not about to rush my life by not enjoying each holiday!

Pierced

2008-11-19T15:38:00.004Z

I have always wanted to do it! For really pointless reasons I have never had it done. I have made a recent commitment to be myself (all the good, bad and ugly) all the time,therefore I decided to be true to myself and symbolize this recent commitment to be 100% me by...

...getting my nose pierced!

Very few people have noticed. I even went to dinner with my dad last night
and he didn't notice until I told him. (Of course he had a couple of
things to say, but he got atattoo a while back. Therefore, his argument is not legitimate.)

10 Ways I Procrastinate

2008-11-14T21:09:00.005Z

1.Facebook…need I say more?
2.www.sunshineatnitetime.blogspot.com.
3.Playing games on my iPhone.
4.Watching TV…Gossip Girls, House, Kitchen Nightmares, The Mentalist and Desperate Housewives are my current must guilty pleasures.
5.Talking on the phone has always quenched my need for doing anything productive, but discovery of bluetooths have changed that a little…or at least made it possible for me to do something productive while talking…not saying I actually do it!
6.Watching Movies…I watched Phantom of the Opera twice last week!
7.Reading a Book…this may sound good, but when you are in college you need to be reading text books, not the Ugly series!
8.Going for Drives...I don’t do this a whole lot, but every once in a while I get in my car and drive in the country…it helps me think.
9.Cleaning when I should be studying…this may not seem like a waste of time, but I always go on a cleaning spree when I should be studying for an exam. In the end I think it helps me study for the exam because the house is clean, but it just seems to me to be a waste of time when I need to spend time on something that matters!
10.Thinking up fairy tales in my head…all I can say is that I am a true romantic at heart!

Give Away!!

2008-11-13T14:42:00.003Z

Three quilts...Three winners...Enter Today
See Sidebar for Link

Roots

2008-11-11T21:51:00.004Z

I love when my mom and I go on car rides. We have some of the best and most important talks while driving in the car. I remember when I was in high school and I was having a really hard day my mom and I would go for a ride in her Jeep and talk about things. Living so far from my mom now, those times when we escape from the house and talk about life are limited. The tree above is along the Mississippi outside of my moms work. While we were having one of our "get out of the house and talk" talks, we walked passed this tree. It reminds me of me. I have a firm foundation in God and have a a system of roots that help me stay intact (my mom), but I also am growing out and doing my own thing! I have a great root system that is allowing me to grow in ways that I could have never dreamed!

The Time Will Pass Me By

2008-11-10T19:37:00.003Z

I was up studying until 12:30am. I got up to study at 6:00am. I took my exam at 8:00am. I had classes at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00am. I am ready for some sleep. I lay down in a corner comfy chair. The beauty of the crystal fall day is enchanting. I still want to sleep. No sleep. I get up. Work at 2:00. Go home by 7:00pm?

3 friends + good meal = a GREAT time

2008-11-08T19:56:00.005Z

Liese and Joelle came up to Madison and we went to Bluephies and went down to State Street for Coffee!

($22 worth of iTunes music + bad computer skills = a waste of money)

10 Things I would Like to Learn:

2008-11-07T13:53:00.004Z

1. How to quilt...I think it is such a treasured thing when you receive a gift such as a quilt that was made in love just for you!
2. How to live for Jesus every moment of everyday...I fall short of this so much. I would be the first person in line to by their Loving Jesus for Dummies book!
3. To take really nice photos
4. How moms with numerous children manage to do all that they do in one day and come out of it alive!
5. Where to find cheaper text books...my school charges an arm and a leg for one book! (suggestions welcome)
6. How to cook...I am all right, but I am not a "from scratch" type of cook...yet
7. How not to judge people right away...not that I hold my judgement on anyone, but I have a hard time not forming strong first impression!
8. How to me more loving and selfless towards the people in my life that have hurt me or that I have a hard time with...this is really hard for me!
9. Different Culture...anyone who knows me knows that I lobe traveling and spending time with people of different culture...hince my study abroad experiences
10. More about ME...I am just starting to figure myself out...I think I have been a little too scared to do this because when you start removing the layers it isn't always pretty...but I am enjoying the journey I am currently on!

Studying Abroad

2008-11-05T18:46:00.003Z

I can't help but remember that a year ago I was sitting in the sun enjoying life in Ghana! It has been the highlight of my life! I have been wanting to study abroad again since the moments that I stepped off the plane back here in Madison! Well, I might be getting my chance. I am applying to study in Northern Ireland at Belfast Metropolitan College for the Fall 2009 semester! Please pray for me as I seek the Lord and His guidance!

Visual Update of My Life

2008-10-23T23:22:00.003+01:00

My mom and I during Oktoberfest! I had a great time with my brother and mom this weekend...yummy brats too!

Me (My friend Joelle took this on her new camera)
This was taken at the barn dance!

A little girl from my church and me! She is such a little cutie! My church has a barn dance every fall! I love her pink cowgirl hat!

An amish woman selling baked goods to some Bikers! I got a good laugh out of this!
This was taken on a road trip my mom, grandma and I went on to drop my grandma off in IL for a week at her sisters house!

Horses from my visit to Old World Wisconsin!
I helped organize a trip to Old World Wisconsin with the First Year Forum I am co-teaching!

2008-10-16T04:37:00.001+01:00

wisonsin sunset

Posted via Pixelpipe.

oktoberfest fun

2008-10-02T02:05:00.002+01:00

This last weekend was Oktoberfest and I was able to spend the weekend with my mom and brother. On Friday we went down to the fair grounds and had a beer and listened to the polka music. It was amazing weather and a ton of fun! I was also able to have much needed mom time. You know when you are home when you feel so safe just to be yourself and let the things that have been building up inside of you to flow out. I am so thankful that I have a mom who will not just listen to my woes, but she is always wanting to do something to help or fix it(even when this gets me mad) it shows me how much she loves me.

With fall comes those sore throats and runny noses. I guess I am no exception to that tradition. Thankfully I was also able to get almost 12 hours of sleep last night...I feel asleep at 7:30 (that is a record)!

Life as I Know It

2008-09-25T02:32:00.002+01:00

I realize it has been a while since I have blogged. To he honest it seems like I have lived a whole since then. I feel like I just need to do an update on on the life I have been living.

During the end of spring and through the first couple months of summer God used a couple of different things in my life to show me that I want just about anything more than I want Jesus as my Lord and King. I know that I still and most likely will never fully learn this lesson and to be honest a lot of me doesn't want to learn it because of how the circumstances that God brings into your life that are used to teach those lessons. It is just so hard. I know and desire to be at the place I should be at in my walk with the Lord. I hold unto the truth that all things are for good for those who are Gods chosen. I am so thankful for that promise!

I am in my third and final year at Edgewood College. I will be graduating in August. No I do not know what I am going to do after I graduate. The world is basically at my finger tips. Here are the options I am concidering: working for the man at a business (thinking about EPIC), Peace Corps, Missionary Work for a year or so, Work in a college setting doing what I am doing now. So, pretty much whatever is placed on my lap I will do! Does anyone have anything or any suggestion?

I am taking 19 credits and working part time on staff at the Center for Global Education as my school. I am really enjoying the challenges or being pushed a little harder than what I prefer, but it is amazing all things that can be done! The classes I am taking are Spanish (I can't wait for this to be over I am so happy it is my last semester), earth science, communication and civilazation, mass media studies, I am teaching a first year forum and I am doing my internship. It was a workout even thinking and typing all of this (I am on my new iPhone).

Now you are up to date on my life...more to come soon

Problematic Feet and Legs

2008-06-18T19:57:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was a wonderful and beautiful day! A friend came up to visit me for the day and we went to Blue Mound State Park for a hike. The weather was wonderful and there was very few people on the trails! There were two lookout towers. The first was overlooking the countryside, which made me realize why I love this state so much. The second was the country, but you could see in the far off distance the State Capital. It was breath taking. I can say without a doubt that I look forward to doing more hiking in the future!

Here is the relation between the wonderful day of hiking and the title of this blog. I cannot remember the last time I have ever been this sore in my life. Not only am I sore, I have two really large blisters on the base of the my arches on my feet. It is sort of funny because even though I feel like I am waddling all over the office today, I still would love to relive yesterday ten times over...even if it means that I have ten more sore days!

DONE...for a week

2008-05-16T15:37:00.002+01:00

I love the feeling of being done with a school year! Not only does that mean that summer and all of its brilliance is here, but it also means that one more year of my "school phase of life" is complete. This past year has been amazing! God has taught and shown be so much about myself and about him! Just thinking that I started off this school year in Africa is crazy! It was truly a life changing experience. This Spring semester has been a little rocky. I have a whole new meaning of culture shock! I have never felt that school has ever been this demanding.

Well, I guess this reflection is going to be short lived due to my summer school schedule (6 credits). I know this will be well worth it when I have that diploma in hand!

The Case of the Giggles

2008-05-05T14:49:00.002+01:00

Have you ever gotten the case of the giggles? Where nothing that funny really happens, but it just ends up tickling you pink. That was me yesterday! I just couldn't stop. Everything going on around me was "SOOO" funny! Oh, I love a good case of the giggles.

Sometimes I Amaze Myself

2008-04-25T19:03:00.002+01:00

School is school and it is never really a pretty picture! Today was a little different story! One of my classes has weekly quizzes so that we can stay on top of things and when our exams come we can be a little better prepared. You would think they wouldn't be too tough, but they are a lot harder than one would think. As my prof is preparing to hand out the quiz I get a brainy idea, since there was only six out of twenty some students in class we should be able to have a group quiz! I asked and she thought it was a brilliant idea! Let's just say we all got perfect scores! I would say that today's picture was like a Picasso or Rembrandt!

Side Note: A girl had walked in and asked if we had a quiz and once she found out we did she left...it really stinks to be her!

Perfection?

2008-04-21T13:58:00.003+01:00

This isn't really a story, but more thoughts...so hang in there with me because sometimes my thoughts can be all over the board.

I just wanted to say that I had a great day yesterday! It has been the
nicest day (weather wise) since I have left Ghana on December 15th!
Four months I have wasted away in this tundra (okay okay...I haven't
been wasting away and Wisconsin really isn't that bad in winter...I
happen to like some aspects about winter, but I think you all get my
drift). Well, yesterday the Mongolia missions team (I don't know if I
mentioned this yet, but I am going to Mongolia this summer on a
missions team) at lunch together at a park. It was wonderful!!!! During
the summer a bunch of us get together every Sunday afternoon and play
volleyball! Too much fun! Well, yesterday was our second Sunday playing
and it was a cherryon top of an already amazing weekend!

???Witch???

2008-04-19T14:35:00.002+01:00

A friend and I were talking the other day about sleeping habits and I asked him if he ever has one of those night when you wake up in the middle of it and just can't go back to sleep. What usually happens to me is I get really mad, I try to pray, and finally a couple of hours later I am able to go back to sleep. The next day is always horrible, but that is a way different story! Well, this friend of mine said that he didn't ever have any trouble sleeping through the night and in fact it had been several months since he had one of those sleepless nights.

(I missed seeing him at my mid-week Bible study because I went to see Wicked, the story of the two witches of Oz.)
This is what happened while I was gone...

...Another friend told me what had happened. For the past three nights, since we had the conversation, he has been waking up in the middle of the night and had not been able to fall back asleep! I know it might be a little mean to get great pleasure out of this, but it is really hard not to find amusement in the irony of the situation. Well, it lead everyone to believe that I MUST hold some powers and therefore it is very POSSIBLE I could be a witch (of course this is all joking and teasing)! I hope that you can sleep tight and not let those horrible bed bugs wake you up anymore :)

All Things...

2008-04-11T16:39:00.002+01:00

In the last couple of days I have been holding unto this Bible truth...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

I don't like to be left in the dark on things and I really like it when
God makes things crystal clear (I sometimes joke about how I need a bog
blinking sign to confirm things to me), but in the last couple of weeks
some important things haven't been clear at all. I know God is in control
and I know that everything that happens to me is used as good in my
life to grow in Christ and to allow me to glorify God. We truly serve a
wonderful Savior!

Missing "Wallet"

2008-04-08T17:10:00.002+01:00

I lost my "wallet" today without even knowing I have lost it. The ""
are because I never liked the term wallet when used for a girl. I have
recently called it my billfold, but everyone made fun of me for it. So,
I don't know what you call it, but I will settle of the quoted
wallet. At nine this morning I checked my email and there it was. An
email from my security department of my school informing me they have
my wallet! I am just thankful for whomever turned it in! Thanks to
you!!! Well, even if they tried to steal something from me I really
don't have anything to take. I am glad that I was spared the panic
feeling of having lost something sooo important and not knowing where it was!

I Got Everything I Wanted :)

2008-04-07T13:44:00.002+01:00

So, you know the days that nothing really went your way? Well, Sunday was the day that everything went my way!

First,
I really really wanted Mexican food. Truth being told in the last week
I have had three Mexican meals, so it was a little more than just a
want in my books! So, I lean over to a friend and say I think we should
do Mexican after Church. Low and behold someone else thought so too and
picked to go to ElChappalas!!!

Second, I have been wanting
to play volleyball since forever now! During the summer a bunch of us
on Sunday afternoons get together and play- too much fun! We ha done of
us scout out for the nets and low and behold-The nets were finally
up!!!! We got to play volleyball.

Third, I really wanted peanut butter and ice cream! I know I know! Weird and not the best, but I couldn't help it! Then I was asked if I wanted to go to the bachelor pad and have some ice cream! Three bachelors from my church all live together, which makes their home a bachelor pad! Not only was it ice cream, but it was peanut butter cup ice cream!!!

Yesterday was just one of those day!!!!

Wickedly Wicked

2008-04-02T15:15:00.002+01:00

Have you all heard about the musical Wicked? If you haven't let me tell
you a little about it! It is the story about the witches of the Wizard
of Oz before Dorthy came in her tornado. It is WONDERFUL!!! And it is
TOO MUCH FUN!!! I LOVE IT! (So, you don't think I am going off the
handle about something I haven't seen...I have seen it once before)

My
school announced that they have forty tickets on sale for $20.00!!!
This includes ticket and transportation!!! It is a complete deal,
considering that tickets are around $100normally and it is in
Chicago!!! So, the tickets were supposed to go on sale at 9 am this
morning. So I got to the office where they were being sold at 8:50! It
turns out the they had started to sell them early and by the time that
I get to the front of the line I might not be able to get my two
tickets. I was really reallydisappointed , because as you read above I
really really really like this musical! Well, turns out they miscounted
the sales of the tickets and I got the LAST TWO Tickets!! I felt like
Willy in WillyWonka! I've got the last two tickets (I sang that in my head as I wrote it)!

Funny Story from the Past...

2008-03-31T16:30:00.002+01:00

I was reminded of this story about a week ago when I was driving back to Madison from Bible study and I have had a couple of laughs about it since.

Over a year ago my friend and I went to State Street in Madison for dinner. We picked this little Italian restaurant that has huge windows right on the street. I am a self-confessed people watcher, so big windows in a restaurant can be a deal breaker for me! We sat at this little table, mind you when I say little it was about the size of an end table you place next to your couch or living room chair. It was really cute at first because there was a nice little candle on it and it just seemed so personal and fun! Then they gave us bread in a basket wrapped in a cloth napkin and oil with herbs. Yummy! I made it through the first piece of bread alright, but of course you can't stop at one! I open the napkin to get the bread and continue to talk to my friend about whatever the topic was. Then I look down. I had opened the cloth napkin right into the fire!!!! We blew out the fire and blew out the candle. After a minute of recovery time, we had a good laugh at it! These are things that I refer to spices of life, if they didn't happen it sure would be boring.

Burn in the last Five

2008-03-26T12:48:00.002Z

Yesterday was the first day back from Spring Break and I had to work at Wingra
Cafe from 5-8:30. The time crept by last night to the point that I
started a count down to the time I left. An Hour. Now Thirty Minutes.
Oh, Ten! Then finally I had only five minutes left. I didn't know what
to do with myself. My work was pretty much done, but I had to do
something for the last five minutes or else it would feel like an hour.
The I got the idea to check on the pizza's. This shouldn't have been my
normal job, but I thought I would help someone else out. Oh, there was
one in the far back corner of the pizza oven that was ready to come
out. I get the tray and I try to reach over the not ready pizza and
then ithappened . With the slightest touch and a sharp pain, I burnt my
arm on the pizza oven. It is actually not a very good burn, but it has
a design to it. It reminds me of the flight wings that the airlines
give out the little children who are flying on the plain. Maybe I can
pass for a pilot now.

Are those Love Bunnies?

2008-03-24T06:08:00.003Z

My grandma is known for her table center peices that adorn our family table at our holiday meals. This time she had a plate with a ton of candy and eggs surrounding this (what I am thinking is either kindergarden art work or extremely abstract) statue of two "bunnies" hugging. I was shocked. She exclaimed that she thought is was cute. I just agreed for the sake of agreeing. (I am picking my battles) Upon closer inspection the space between their legs has been painted in an acward heart looking thing. At that point I dies laughing. All I could think was my grandma has made the center of our table into a love bunny display. I am wondering what she has up her sleave for mothers day???

Slices of Life- Ice Cream

2008-03-22T00:13:00.002Z

Spring weather is no longer in Wisconsin, but every ounce of my body is craving for it to come back! I am craving it in other ways. Summer foods. With a couple of inches of snow on the ground I climbed out of my layer and cleaned off my car. One thing was commanding my motions, a huge craving for ice cream. As I looked at the menu at DQ the only thing that looked as if it could control the craving was a waffle bowl chocolate strawberry sundae. I am so thankful that I am sitting here in my warm house thinking upon the many more days of warm weather and ice cream, it gives me a sense that I can actually make it!

Slices of Life - Is that the Doorbell?

2008-03-12T19:45:00.004Z

I had an exam today in my Interpersonal Communications course. I sat down took a large breath and started in on the exam. As I was trying to answer on of the multiple choice questions I thought I heard a doorbell. As a matter of fact everyone thought they heard a doorbell. After a couple of laughs and "I have no idea where that came from comments" I realized that it was my computer that rang. My computer was turning itself off!!! I was in a state of laughing at myself and also embarrassment. I had to reread the question at least five times before I could even look at the answers. It wasn't until after the exam I realized no one knew I had created the noise and that I didn't have a reason to be embarrassed...silly me!

Slices of Life

2008-03-10T19:53:00.002Z

I have been going through this semester without a planner! I just haven't found one that I liked and then I got this grand idea that I should just make my own little planner sheets I keep in my five subject notebook. Can I say, "bad idea". I have not felt like I have been on top of things in the last two months. So, at target I found the perfect planner. It is a light olive green and has the seasons broken up into different colors. I feel whole again, like I haven't been myself for a long time and now I have come to this great personal epiphany! Can I say, "boost of confidence in the school arena".

SNOW STORM

2008-02-05T15:51:00.001Z

This is where my thoughts will be when this snow storm hits...

ARG!!!

2008-02-04T23:46:00.000Z

I hate it when I slip up and tell someone something that I shouldn't have said. Not that it was wrong, but in fear of it being told to others and the fear of it getting turned around on me! I have spent a great amount of time praying that God would take the situation for what it is and that I can rest in His arms that anything that comes of it God will turn into good. I just sure wish that I didn't do these little oppsie's all the time! Just being able to type out this fear, mainly because I can't do anything about it, is helping me calm my nerves. God is in control of even this little situation! I just hope that he doesn't make me learn any hard lessons because of it. Arg...I hate this!

2008-02-02T01:36:00.000Z

Kendall, Kristin and I at a Tex Mex Irish Pub in Ghana!

Myself on the Beach!

The beach resort in Anamambo!

The largest natural lake in West Africa. Those are boats made from a tree log that men paddle in the lake to fish.

A water lily in the lily pond infront of Balm Library on the University of Ghana Campus.

Thinking on These:

2008-01-29T16:22:00.000Z

I am going through one of those times when God stretches and pulls...and somehow I come out better than before (or at least that is the goal). Well, frankly I sort of just want it to be over, but until then God has given me a few things to ponder...

"Work on what is real rather than worry about what is unreal.
Reach forward and press on rather than remaining a prisoner of the past.
Believe the truths of the Bible rather than our emotions.
Act on what is revealed through Scripture rather than on what appears to be."
~Elizabeth George

"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness" ~John 1:9
"...you and I are forgiven regaurdless of our feelings and thoughts"
~Elizabeth George

"let not our longing slay the appetite of our living"
~Jim Elliot

"Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, Give Thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Gos in Christ Jesus for you." ~1 Thes. 5:16-18

School, Work, Apartment, and God

2008-01-22T15:32:00.000Z

School
I sat all Christmas break waiting for this day. Now that it is here I am a little curious to why I thought it would be so great. I think going to Africa has clouded my vision of reality when it comes to school. I have forgotten about homework, regularyly going to class, classroom discussions, tests and quizes. I have forgotten how the miles long walks in the hot sun of Africa are nothing compared to the jog accross a parking lot in the freezing tundra of Wisconsin winter. I hope that I can keep up with everything...but in the large picture of things, as Pastor John has been reminding me, none of this really matters. Just glorifying God by enjoying Him forever!

Work
I got a new job! I am working in the International Studies Office on campus. I will be doing some of the typical office work as a student worker and than I will be train in Student Advising. Basically I will be the gateway for students who want to study abroad. I will be going over and forming goals with them, narrowing down where they want to study and just spending time talking with them to see if they are ready and in a good position to study abroad. I am so excited that I get to be a part of giving someone the experience that I just had.

Apartment
I am all moved in! Thanks goes out to Mike (who basically organized my whole move for me), Andy (who made two trips to Madison to help me out with them move when he wasn't planning on it), Josh, Paul, Joelle and my Mom! I am so thankful that I got this help, I wouldn't have been able to do it without you! Thank you also to Liese who gave the my wonderful couch! Thanks!

So, about my apartment. It is so nice and cozy. It feels like home. I have a little more work to do on the bedroom, but I am still working away on it. I am very thankful that I can have such a nice place to live.

God
For the last little while I have been through a slump. Things have just been going and I have been letting my mind slip into a series of what-ifs that have really hindered my thoughts. On Sunday I was reminded that nothing in life apart from the glory of God is anywhere near important to a Christian. That my goals (getting married, graduating College on the Dean's List, having children) are not going to stand up to the eternal flames of God. That I need to be living my life for His glory and His glory alone.
Also, I started to read on of Elizabeth Georges books (the name I do not remember) and something she said was to have a mind that is thinking on truth is a mind that is not focused on the imaganery, but dwells within reality. I have a huge problem with doing this. I almost play pretend in my head. Also, I majorly read into what people do and say. This only creates problems in the relationships I have. I need to always think that peoples motives and intentions are pure and true. All I need to worry about is if I am in sin and trust that God's word is true when he says that he will bring that to light in my life. It feels so good to be growing and learning.

Missing You....

2007-12-31T06:37:00.000Z

Kendall, Kristin and I in London...our last moments together!

When Friends Get Married

2007-12-31T06:22:00.000Z

1st.... Congrats to my good friend Hilary on her engagement! I am so happy for you and I am sure that God will bless you and your husband serve Him! Hilary is a student at Bob Jones and we lived accross the hall from each other. Our friendship was such a blessing to me. She is getting married May 24 to her man, Sam, who is an evangelsit! God has answered all of her prayers in regaurds to Sam and this marriage! I am so amazed with how good God is!

2nd.... It doesn't seem possible that I have good friends of mine married or getting married! I know that i desire it. I know that I want it. I just don't know about it. I know it is not the right time for me, due to my lack of relationship with a male, but I just wonder if I can handle it. It seems like such a BIG thing. It seems like all the little things in my life can be Big things. I know that I just need to live for today and not worry about tomorrow. So, I am going to try not to think about it too much.

3rd.... I am thankful to God that he has preserved me. I know that I can get drawn to a person because I want the image of that person and me together. That there are characters that person has that draw me in a way that could lead to trouble, but God is looking out for me. I am so thankful that he has not allowed me to make my feelings into actions. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me and who the right person is when he brings him along.

Missing and Thanking

2007-12-19T17:04:00.000Z

Things that I am missing about Ghana...
1. The kabob stand and the sausage that I was addicted to...

2. Pineapple...until I went to Ghana I had no idea that someone could eat a whole pineapple themselves in one sitting...plus a whole pineapple was only sixty cents

3. Being so hot that a cold shower sounds great! I am so cold that the idea of taking off my clothes...even if it is to enter a hot shower...is a little scary

4. Kendall and Kristin...my two good Christian friends that I made in Ghana...

5. Eveylen's (Devilyn) ice cold water

Things that I am Thankfull to be away from and to have in the US...1. Ghanaian men...I do not feel like I am an object that men just prey on when I am here

2. Coffee and a varity of food that is amazing to my palet

3. Christmas, snow, friends and family...the Swanson's put up their Christmas tree and it smelt wonderful! I could have cried

4. Going into a store and being able to just shop and not be bothered about anything!

5. Being away from my established Christian support system...God was so good to preserve me from evil while I was in Ghana even though I had moments of tempation

Only One Month Left?!?!

2007-11-14T15:42:00.000Z

It doesn't seem in the least bit possible that I would only have one month left in Ghana, but as I look in my daily planner in blue ink there it is. One More Month! I was sick when I wrote in my daily and monthly count downs until I return home.

I am really happy to be getting home, but I know it will be hard to leave. I feel like a whole new person. In a lot of ways I am. I see a purpose in my life, which God developed in me while I have been here. I see how truly blessed I am to be a Christian who is from the United States. Not only to have Christ in my heart, but to be given so many opportunities that other people do not have, is truly a blessing from God.

A piece of my heart will forever be in Ghana. I have grown to love people from here. I have grown to love a way of life that seems to unimaginable from where I have been. I have grown to love the spirit of hope that people in the depths of poverty display in everyday life.

I am an American at heart. I long to be in a culture that is not bias based on gender. I long to be in a school who encourages critical thinking and diverse learning styles. I long to be able to have a desire for a burger and have it in my hands within ten minutes. I long to be able to be around the family and friends that have been my support system in my life.

I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, but I know that it will pass. I know that God will help me through these emotions. I know that I will rejoice in be glad in Him that I even got to come here and I have a place to return to.

I am sorry

2007-10-02T11:47:00.000+01:00

I am not really sure what is going on, but my photo's are not uploading unto blogger. I can try to e-mail them to you all, but I don't know how. I can ask a friend if she will post a couple of me on her blog and I will send the link later...enjoy the ones below though...

Me in Ghana

2007-10-02T11:09:00.002+01:00

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Today...

2007-08-12T14:22:00.000+01:00

I am leaving on a jet plane and I won't be back until December!!! I have given my blog out to a lot of people, so I hope you all are checking it out! I am feeling pretty good today, seeing as it hasn't hit me what I am about to do. I am feeling a little nervous about goodbyes. Yesterday I received two gifts that sparked some wetness in my eyes, but I didn't cry! It has been amazing to see the support that has been given to me. God has blessed me with amazing friends and fellow beleivers to worship Him and grow with. (I am trying not to get choked up right now) I will blog as soon as I get to a computer!

A Week From Today I Will Be in Ghana!

2007-08-06T22:19:00.000+01:00

I am under a week! If all goes well I will be in Ghana, asleep, by this time next week! I am really excited about going, but as I start to say goodbye I know it's going to be a hard time. So, this is what I am going to be doing with my last week in the States for a couple of months. I plan on eating all the corn on the cob I can get my hands on! I also need to finish shopping and finish packing. This is going rather well, but the more I pack the more I realize I still need to pack! I only have a few things left on my life. Mainly medications that I might need and some hygiene products. The most important thing is a need to get all of my furniture in storage somewhere. I have a few leads on a couple of storage units and peoples houses that said I could store some things there, but overall I really don't have any place to store my things and I have less than a week to find a place and get my things moves in!!! I am also sick! I have a cold that is leaving me tired and a little grumpy! Other than my complaints things are going really well for me!

17 Days!!!

2007-07-26T19:38:00.000+01:00

I leave for Africa in only 17 days. I am pretty emotional right now. Mainly because when I return home my life will be forever changed. My mom is going to be moving to LaCrosse while I am away. This means that when I come back from Ghana I will be moving into my own apartment and I will be a couple hundred miles away from my mom. I think the unknown is still extremely scary. I don't know where I am going to store all of my belongings. I don't know how God is going to allow me to change...will I be a completely different person.

I realize that this isn't the best thing, to worry about everything. It is my sin nature. I worry! I know a couple of my sister in Christ read my e-mails. So, I need your prayers. Please pray the fallowing for me and my trip...

~That I would continue to grow in Christ
~That I would have safety in all aspects of my stay in Ghana
~That I would trust Christ for a couple of hard things going on in my life
~For good health
~That I would use the time away from friends and family to grow in my dependence in Christ for all my needs...that he will become more of my all than he is right now
~That I would not worry, but rest in the Lord

Harry Potter

2007-07-21T16:55:00.000+01:00

I am currently waiting for the final Harry Potter book to arrive at my home via Amazon.com. Before I read the book I am going to make a couple predictions.

~Harry Godfather, Serius (I think that spelling is right, but I don't want to take a chance of finding out what happens if I search his name) is not dead and somehow returns

~I think Harry will be the one that lives, but his friendships are the key to that...sort of like what happened before

~I think Snape is actually good...maybe?

~I think Ron and Hermonie end up together...and Harry and Ginnie!

This isn't everything, but I hope that these all happen...it would make my weekend!