Hello there, World.
It's been a strange couple of days. Ever since it clicked in my head that this Sunday is our comissioning service, and I just need to get over there, I've been antsy and full of pent up emotion in wanting it. The lack of information as to when that will happen makes me want to jump on a trampoline angrily and powerfully until I laugh and don't want to cry anymore.
I am very thankful to the people that see me. I'm glad to be kept busy here, assisting the burden of my leaders. We got fingerprinted today as part of our background check to leave. I looked at my watch all morning, so excited to be doing SOMETHING to make it all happen.
I lead a spiritual discipline that I'd never heard of until I was assigned to it last Summer. It's a contemplative, listening to God and introspective process that has five steps. It's always very humbling, and I always learn something about what's really behind my emotions.
It goes like this-
-Become aware of God's presence.
-Review the day with gratitude
-Pay attention to your emotions
-Choose one feature from the day and pray from it
-Look forward to tomorrow
It's amazing how much our emotions show what is really in our hearts, and what is really affecting our actions. That point of choosing one aspect of the day to pray from often sounds like, "When I was impatient and rude at that moment, I was placing myself as more important than that person. Please forgive me Lord, and help me to have a more gracious spirit."
I like the last aspect because it is so hopeful. Tomorrow won't be perfect, but I will be closer to you, Jesus. Today I acknowledged that I am transitioning, and transition is stinking hard. Goodbyes, a whole new life. A new unit. A new culture and language. And we still need money for those plane tickets. I need a date to know when to prepare myself for the real thing. But I don't get it yet so I have to trust God and be at peace anyway. He is in control. I can sing it, but can I live it? I'm trying.
Thank you for listening, whoever you are. God bless you.
Katie
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
The big three things to pray for, right now.
Hi World of Friends and supporters!
We need prayer. The whole ministry needs prayer for specific stuff, and this is not even close to a complete list, but it's the big list for right now. These three things.
- Our minds to not get overwhelmed by the crazy changes
- Financial breakthroughs in terms of plane tickets and the logistics of us getting over there. There is another great lady who needs to go to Australia, as well.
-This all needs to happen really soon, too. Our commissioning service, (our sending out blessing service) is next Sunday. We really really want to be with our unit before then. This is a whole culture change, language change, everything change. There is so much to learn and I can kind of feel my insides churning with anticipation of how quickly things need to happen. It's a lot to experience. Thank you so much for your prayers and for coming along side us in this journey.
Your friend and sister,
Katie
We need prayer. The whole ministry needs prayer for specific stuff, and this is not even close to a complete list, but it's the big list for right now. These three things.
- Our minds to not get overwhelmed by the crazy changes
- Financial breakthroughs in terms of plane tickets and the logistics of us getting over there. There is another great lady who needs to go to Australia, as well.
-This all needs to happen really soon, too. Our commissioning service, (our sending out blessing service) is next Sunday. We really really want to be with our unit before then. This is a whole culture change, language change, everything change. There is so much to learn and I can kind of feel my insides churning with anticipation of how quickly things need to happen. It's a lot to experience. Thank you so much for your prayers and for coming along side us in this journey.
Your friend and sister,
Katie
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The reasons why it's all okay.
Dear World,
Training times mean full days. Being a Covenant Player means a full life in general. It means a purpose-filled life. We get to be aware of how close we are in a way the early church was. Living in community is a part of who we are, and I have been so challenged to keep my eyes open and see people. Knowing we have something to do at basically any minute of the day. Lines to learn, food to prepare, dishes to clean, prayers to offer, plays to rehearse, classes to particpate in and sometimes to teach, plays to direct, and the list goes on. And now, we have some kids again! So there's a two year old who gets a lot of love from everyone, a 6 year old that loves to have people be impressed by his feats of energy and speed, and a 10 year old who is content to read the whole time.
I have been challenged to not waste so many words, and I have been so excited to listen to people, to hear the stories and relish in the details. At banquet, the big new was announced, and before that happened, I was between worlds. Between the people I was starting to get to know and the need that we will be a part of filling. Wanting to leave and wanting to stay. There are so many worlds I could see myself in. Living in Utah, living in Sweden, touring in the Lewis and Clark area longer. Touring in Germany. Touring in France. When we were asked if we would consider this, it was so funny to me. I laughed and cried and felt so much. But the dominant emotion was joy. Having so many options and places where our hearts could be, (and have been) this was the first thing that made us excited in a long time.
We do still want to have a family. A lot of people who know me know that I really want to be a Mom. I have wanted to be a Mom my whole life and I still do. But I am at peace to put that on hold, and I know it's the Holy Spirit who is giving that peace. I trust Him to hold onto that part of my heart and give it back when the time is right. It feels like, if I were to have that overwhelming desire, it would be too heavy. The Lord knows the burden I am able to handle. And I am in my late 20's, and that is not such a big deal. I have known lots of people to have kids in their 30's. It's okay.
I wonder how quickly it all will happen. I want to go as soon as possible, I want to jump in and support my unit and supervisor. I want to love on them and be prepared to go out on the road in this brand new culture and language and people. I am excited and also a little bit tired of people asking me when we're going to leave. I don't know! I'll let you know when I do!
I do thank God for all of you that He has placed in my path. You are my treasure, you are gems in the crown that I will throw at His feet on that day.
Katie
Training times mean full days. Being a Covenant Player means a full life in general. It means a purpose-filled life. We get to be aware of how close we are in a way the early church was. Living in community is a part of who we are, and I have been so challenged to keep my eyes open and see people. Knowing we have something to do at basically any minute of the day. Lines to learn, food to prepare, dishes to clean, prayers to offer, plays to rehearse, classes to particpate in and sometimes to teach, plays to direct, and the list goes on. And now, we have some kids again! So there's a two year old who gets a lot of love from everyone, a 6 year old that loves to have people be impressed by his feats of energy and speed, and a 10 year old who is content to read the whole time.
I have been challenged to not waste so many words, and I have been so excited to listen to people, to hear the stories and relish in the details. At banquet, the big new was announced, and before that happened, I was between worlds. Between the people I was starting to get to know and the need that we will be a part of filling. Wanting to leave and wanting to stay. There are so many worlds I could see myself in. Living in Utah, living in Sweden, touring in the Lewis and Clark area longer. Touring in Germany. Touring in France. When we were asked if we would consider this, it was so funny to me. I laughed and cried and felt so much. But the dominant emotion was joy. Having so many options and places where our hearts could be, (and have been) this was the first thing that made us excited in a long time.
We do still want to have a family. A lot of people who know me know that I really want to be a Mom. I have wanted to be a Mom my whole life and I still do. But I am at peace to put that on hold, and I know it's the Holy Spirit who is giving that peace. I trust Him to hold onto that part of my heart and give it back when the time is right. It feels like, if I were to have that overwhelming desire, it would be too heavy. The Lord knows the burden I am able to handle. And I am in my late 20's, and that is not such a big deal. I have known lots of people to have kids in their 30's. It's okay.
I wonder how quickly it all will happen. I want to go as soon as possible, I want to jump in and support my unit and supervisor. I want to love on them and be prepared to go out on the road in this brand new culture and language and people. I am excited and also a little bit tired of people asking me when we're going to leave. I don't know! I'll let you know when I do!
I do thank God for all of you that He has placed in my path. You are my treasure, you are gems in the crown that I will throw at His feet on that day.
Katie
Saturday, January 10, 2015
The Cat is Out of the Bag!
Hello my Huge but paradoxially smaller world of friends!
It get's smaller every time. And sometimes I feel alone and then I think of how I do have friends, they are just widely spread out. It was a wonderful banquet, a great time of community and blessings and I will talk more about that later.
Today, the wonderful thing was finally announced, and I can be excited about it, and talk about it, and change this blog up and use my name and post pictures and use it as a resource for people to know what's going on, pray, and come with us!
So the big fantastic news is- my husband Mårten and I are going to spend the next two years in South Africa. I don't remember the last time I was this excited about something. So there it is! Let me know how you feel. Share your heart with me, and I'll be even more excited to share my heart with you, knowing there are people listening and caring and making the trip with us in their hearts.
We will need all the prayer we can get. I mean, that is always true, but we are determined to be a blessing for His Kingdom. We are determined to see miracles and be the miracle that someone is praying for. For such a time as this, we were placed upon the earth. To hear the voice of God and do His will, whatever it is.
This is such an exciting beginning. I feel the joy as more of a deep inside thing than a bubbly thing. It feels more secure and good. I know He gives the determination necessary to learn a language, to jump into a new culture. I know each challenge up to this point has been to prepare me for the next thing. To prepare the both of us, that is.
As I travel further on out, the world does get smaller. Japan will be right next door as Kurt, Cathy and Susan get back on the road to go back there in a few days. Germany is in my very gut as some of the people I love most in the world are over there. Australia is around the corner with my dear Naomi and her new husband are finding their feet over there. I miss you so much, and I'm so excited to meet you, Abigail and our new missionier. Denise, I look forward to doing whatever you need me to. And eating your food.
Here I am Lord, send me.
Your sister in Christ,
Katie
It get's smaller every time. And sometimes I feel alone and then I think of how I do have friends, they are just widely spread out. It was a wonderful banquet, a great time of community and blessings and I will talk more about that later.
Today, the wonderful thing was finally announced, and I can be excited about it, and talk about it, and change this blog up and use my name and post pictures and use it as a resource for people to know what's going on, pray, and come with us!
So the big fantastic news is- my husband Mårten and I are going to spend the next two years in South Africa. I don't remember the last time I was this excited about something. So there it is! Let me know how you feel. Share your heart with me, and I'll be even more excited to share my heart with you, knowing there are people listening and caring and making the trip with us in their hearts.
We will need all the prayer we can get. I mean, that is always true, but we are determined to be a blessing for His Kingdom. We are determined to see miracles and be the miracle that someone is praying for. For such a time as this, we were placed upon the earth. To hear the voice of God and do His will, whatever it is.
This is such an exciting beginning. I feel the joy as more of a deep inside thing than a bubbly thing. It feels more secure and good. I know He gives the determination necessary to learn a language, to jump into a new culture. I know each challenge up to this point has been to prepare me for the next thing. To prepare the both of us, that is.
As I travel further on out, the world does get smaller. Japan will be right next door as Kurt, Cathy and Susan get back on the road to go back there in a few days. Germany is in my very gut as some of the people I love most in the world are over there. Australia is around the corner with my dear Naomi and her new husband are finding their feet over there. I miss you so much, and I'm so excited to meet you, Abigail and our new missionier. Denise, I look forward to doing whatever you need me to. And eating your food.
Here I am Lord, send me.
Your sister in Christ,
Katie
Thursday, January 8, 2015
My first Covenant Players Christmas Party
My Lovely World of Friends,
This was a fun day. The anticipation of celebrating Christmas together was building for so long. We had the treat of seeing one of my favorite Charles M. Tanner plays, The Real Spirit. We played a rousing game of Jepordy with CP trivia.
The gift exchange was so much fun. I wanted to watch each person open their presents. I wanted to savor the moments of joy of discovery and so much sacrifice and anticipation in everyone's face.
Some points of the day I wanted to cry, thinking about the upcoming transition that is happening. I don't even know what to feel sometimes, but being between worlds is a feeling that I am so used to feeling.
Tomorrow is prep for our banquet. I am decorating my first table, and it is themed for a series of plays we have called "Tough Old Ladies" about these crime solving former missionary ladies. It's one of my favorites, but then, I have a lot of favorites. In 9 and a half years, I have learned and performed 447 roles. It's been an amazing time, and I'll be spending the next day, as I work, figuring out a way to express that, and my love and appreciation to the people that have supported me through it. Those present and those far away that had the determination to lead me (sometimes kicking and screaming) towards the growth that made me who I am today.
God is good.
This was a fun day. The anticipation of celebrating Christmas together was building for so long. We had the treat of seeing one of my favorite Charles M. Tanner plays, The Real Spirit. We played a rousing game of Jepordy with CP trivia.
The gift exchange was so much fun. I wanted to watch each person open their presents. I wanted to savor the moments of joy of discovery and so much sacrifice and anticipation in everyone's face.
Some points of the day I wanted to cry, thinking about the upcoming transition that is happening. I don't even know what to feel sometimes, but being between worlds is a feeling that I am so used to feeling.
Tomorrow is prep for our banquet. I am decorating my first table, and it is themed for a series of plays we have called "Tough Old Ladies" about these crime solving former missionary ladies. It's one of my favorites, but then, I have a lot of favorites. In 9 and a half years, I have learned and performed 447 roles. It's been an amazing time, and I'll be spending the next day, as I work, figuring out a way to express that, and my love and appreciation to the people that have supported me through it. Those present and those far away that had the determination to lead me (sometimes kicking and screaming) towards the growth that made me who I am today.
God is good.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Back in California- My 60th Blog!
Dear World of Friends,
I am at my host home in California. We mad it back, indeed. It was a long drive from Utah, but it was fine. It was especially great when I read to my husband from this amazing book called "The Body-Being light in the darkness" by Charles Colson. When the stories of prayer and extraordinary forgiveness and grace are told, the tears start to flow as I read. So many things just touch my heart. I love this book. I just want everyone to read it. I may be misreading this, but it appears to be one cent on Amazon. Buy it!
We all need to be challenged to remember that the church is not a building. And it tells the historical and spiritual story of the fall of communism from Eastern Europe. What a touching, life changing story.
So, tomorrow is going to be fun. We are having a Christmas party! We never get to celebrate Christmas together, as a campus, so we are doing it tomorrow. We're going to exchange presents too.
Soon we will have our banquet, and it will be a powerful time, because it always is. It is our chance to come together as a body and celebrate what God has done. One of my favorite things is scribbeling notes furiously as people share the beautiful and challenging and humbling things the Lord puts on their heart. We leave challenged as individuals and as a community. We were meant to live in community, depending on each other, and listening to what the Lord has to say united like that. I know there are churches and home groups that do that. I want to see more people get to experience that kind of closeness, the way the Lord meant for it to be. It was so good to see our unit member again too. It's strange, living so closely for four and a half months and then being apart for almost a month. It gets more normal. Next mission will be my 20th tour. At the end of it, I will be celebrating 10 years as a Covenant Player. It doesn't seem possible, but it does. This life is full of paradoxical thoughts and sentiments.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Changes are going to be coming to this blog, and I'm excited to be jumping into it with new enthusiasm! God is good and He has good things in store!
We are blessed to get to serve Him together!
I am at my host home in California. We mad it back, indeed. It was a long drive from Utah, but it was fine. It was especially great when I read to my husband from this amazing book called "The Body-Being light in the darkness" by Charles Colson. When the stories of prayer and extraordinary forgiveness and grace are told, the tears start to flow as I read. So many things just touch my heart. I love this book. I just want everyone to read it. I may be misreading this, but it appears to be one cent on Amazon. Buy it!
We all need to be challenged to remember that the church is not a building. And it tells the historical and spiritual story of the fall of communism from Eastern Europe. What a touching, life changing story.
So, tomorrow is going to be fun. We are having a Christmas party! We never get to celebrate Christmas together, as a campus, so we are doing it tomorrow. We're going to exchange presents too.
Soon we will have our banquet, and it will be a powerful time, because it always is. It is our chance to come together as a body and celebrate what God has done. One of my favorite things is scribbeling notes furiously as people share the beautiful and challenging and humbling things the Lord puts on their heart. We leave challenged as individuals and as a community. We were meant to live in community, depending on each other, and listening to what the Lord has to say united like that. I know there are churches and home groups that do that. I want to see more people get to experience that kind of closeness, the way the Lord meant for it to be. It was so good to see our unit member again too. It's strange, living so closely for four and a half months and then being apart for almost a month. It gets more normal. Next mission will be my 20th tour. At the end of it, I will be celebrating 10 years as a Covenant Player. It doesn't seem possible, but it does. This life is full of paradoxical thoughts and sentiments.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Changes are going to be coming to this blog, and I'm excited to be jumping into it with new enthusiasm! God is good and He has good things in store!
We are blessed to get to serve Him together!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
An impulsive blog
Hiya World.
The impulsive-ness of this letter is in how I was in mid wander/sort of my stuff when I realized I needed to write, so I opened up this computer, which is named "Segnen" (Blessing in German)
And plopped down on the floor, legs crossed and bags all around me. Directly in front of me is a big garbadge bag I have managed to almost completely fill. To the left of me is my "doofel" and my latest beautiful bag creation. (It's a duffel bag that has this cute little sheep on it. It says, "Ohne dich ist alles doof." - "Without you, everything is dumb." It has little arrows pointing to things like the sun, maps, birds, trees, etc.) Behind me are the things that are going into the van tomorrow. To my right are the things I'm leaving behind in Utah.
I love having a fresh start. I love starting out a new tour uncluttered. I love knowing that everything I need is in my head and in my heart. I get this heart hungry excitement to think about what is ahead, and how I know God is going to use me greatly. I know it's going to hurt. I know it's going to be hard. But I know its going to be heart-achingly good. The best things are. The Pastor today spoke about getting to the next step with Jesus. And I know obedience in the big things is what brings us closer to Him. The leap of faith we get is what we reap later. Big faith, big miracles. But even if you feel your faith is small, at least it exists. With that, you can trust Him with that small thing. When we comes through, it grows. And as you read encouraging things, faith building things, and listen and believe, your faith grows as well. You can believe in great things from God today. You can trust Him.
In Him, my dear brothers and sisters.
The impulsive-ness of this letter is in how I was in mid wander/sort of my stuff when I realized I needed to write, so I opened up this computer, which is named "Segnen" (Blessing in German)
And plopped down on the floor, legs crossed and bags all around me. Directly in front of me is a big garbadge bag I have managed to almost completely fill. To the left of me is my "doofel" and my latest beautiful bag creation. (It's a duffel bag that has this cute little sheep on it. It says, "Ohne dich ist alles doof." - "Without you, everything is dumb." It has little arrows pointing to things like the sun, maps, birds, trees, etc.) Behind me are the things that are going into the van tomorrow. To my right are the things I'm leaving behind in Utah.
I love having a fresh start. I love starting out a new tour uncluttered. I love knowing that everything I need is in my head and in my heart. I get this heart hungry excitement to think about what is ahead, and how I know God is going to use me greatly. I know it's going to hurt. I know it's going to be hard. But I know its going to be heart-achingly good. The best things are. The Pastor today spoke about getting to the next step with Jesus. And I know obedience in the big things is what brings us closer to Him. The leap of faith we get is what we reap later. Big faith, big miracles. But even if you feel your faith is small, at least it exists. With that, you can trust Him with that small thing. When we comes through, it grows. And as you read encouraging things, faith building things, and listen and believe, your faith grows as well. You can believe in great things from God today. You can trust Him.
In Him, my dear brothers and sisters.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Days are going by fast
Dear Friends Around the World,
This will be a quick post. I am lying in bed, writing to keep up my goal to write everyday. If I am willing to write quicker daily things, I will be ready to write and be aware of what I should write and look out for what is write-worthy and thought-worthy. I hope so, anyway.
My husband and I are performing tomorrow, with a big prayer request to end on. I still don't want to ruin things by sharing, so that worry is kind of in front of my mind. It's not an obsessive worry, but more of an awareness of the feelings I could hurt and the problems that could cause.
We leave so soon and there is so much to do. It feels overwhelming, and we'd sure appreciate prayers as the road trip comes closer and the boring logistics of things loom.
I'm ready to leave behind the snow and cold of Utah, but not so ready to leave behind my family again.
Be blessed!
This will be a quick post. I am lying in bed, writing to keep up my goal to write everyday. If I am willing to write quicker daily things, I will be ready to write and be aware of what I should write and look out for what is write-worthy and thought-worthy. I hope so, anyway.
My husband and I are performing tomorrow, with a big prayer request to end on. I still don't want to ruin things by sharing, so that worry is kind of in front of my mind. It's not an obsessive worry, but more of an awareness of the feelings I could hurt and the problems that could cause.
We leave so soon and there is so much to do. It feels overwhelming, and we'd sure appreciate prayers as the road trip comes closer and the boring logistics of things loom.
I'm ready to leave behind the snow and cold of Utah, but not so ready to leave behind my family again.
Be blessed!
Friday, January 2, 2015
The Reconciliation Process
Dear World,
I'm sitting in the room that will be my bedroom for a few more nights, before my husband and I drive to California. I'm thinking on processes that deserve a lot of thought, and a lot more space than just one open letter.
Earlier today, I heard a really great sentence. Reconciliation is a process, not an event. Isn't that a great quote. Desmond Tutu said that. We want events to solve our problems, so often. We want an easy fix. An impossible one. We want to feel better, for the pain to be numbed.
What we actually need is a Grinch heart-growing to happen. I think that is one of the best Christian metaphors in Christmas movies. (Yep, I'm talking about Christmas on the Second of January. Get over it.)
For reconciliation, our hearts need to be bigger than they have been. The pain of someone else needs to invade that space.
I went to dictionary.com (Love that site) And some of the definitions that really jumped out to me included, to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: (He was reconciled to his fate). and to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistant: (to reconcile differting statement; to reconcile accounts). and, to reconsecrate ( a desecrated church, cemetary, etc.)
To accept that something has happened, that is a fact of life. To bring into harmony is the call of a Christian in a lot of ways. To be a peacemaker. To sacrifice personal comfort and desires when called upon to help someone with a need. To admit a wrong, to ask for forgiveness, to give back in whatever way possible. To reconsecrate.
Reconsecrate. What a word. I couldn't resist. I went back there. To Consecrate-is to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity:
Each day, each moment is a chance to set ourselves apart for the Lord. To reconcile the hurting world to the heart of the one who can heal them.
Paul wrote to the Romans in intricate detail about consecrating our hearts, and how our inner man is at war with the Spirit of God. Romans 5, check it out.
I feel like there's a lot more I could say, but that I should leave it there, and maybe work on being a peacemaker in the real world outside of this screen. Our actions, words and attitudes are our choices of reconciling our hearts to God's will leading to life or our pitiful minds leading to selfishness (the slow death of relationship killing.)
Be blessed as you chew on these things and may the Holy Spirit let this make some sense!
You are well loved by your Creator, you know.
I'm sitting in the room that will be my bedroom for a few more nights, before my husband and I drive to California. I'm thinking on processes that deserve a lot of thought, and a lot more space than just one open letter.
Earlier today, I heard a really great sentence. Reconciliation is a process, not an event. Isn't that a great quote. Desmond Tutu said that. We want events to solve our problems, so often. We want an easy fix. An impossible one. We want to feel better, for the pain to be numbed.
What we actually need is a Grinch heart-growing to happen. I think that is one of the best Christian metaphors in Christmas movies. (Yep, I'm talking about Christmas on the Second of January. Get over it.)
For reconciliation, our hearts need to be bigger than they have been. The pain of someone else needs to invade that space.
I went to dictionary.com (Love that site) And some of the definitions that really jumped out to me included, to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired: (He was reconciled to his fate). and to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistant: (to reconcile differting statement; to reconcile accounts). and, to reconsecrate ( a desecrated church, cemetary, etc.)
To accept that something has happened, that is a fact of life. To bring into harmony is the call of a Christian in a lot of ways. To be a peacemaker. To sacrifice personal comfort and desires when called upon to help someone with a need. To admit a wrong, to ask for forgiveness, to give back in whatever way possible. To reconsecrate.
Reconsecrate. What a word. I couldn't resist. I went back there. To Consecrate-is to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity:
Each day, each moment is a chance to set ourselves apart for the Lord. To reconcile the hurting world to the heart of the one who can heal them.
Paul wrote to the Romans in intricate detail about consecrating our hearts, and how our inner man is at war with the Spirit of God. Romans 5, check it out.
I feel like there's a lot more I could say, but that I should leave it there, and maybe work on being a peacemaker in the real world outside of this screen. Our actions, words and attitudes are our choices of reconciling our hearts to God's will leading to life or our pitiful minds leading to selfishness (the slow death of relationship killing.)
Be blessed as you chew on these things and may the Holy Spirit let this make some sense!
You are well loved by your Creator, you know.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
A few minutes past Day 1 of 2015
Dear BEAUTIFUL World!
Here I am, in a room I have spent quite a lot of time puttering around. I keep sorting and resorting. I keep putting stuff in a pile to donate and realizing that I can get rid of a lot more. It's amazing, being a missionary, and continually being stuck with the thought that I have too. much. stuff.
It's also strange to accompany "real adults" on tasks such as buying appliances. I've been on the road since I was a teenager. I am still shocked that microwaves and vaccum cleaners can cost over 600 dollars.
The scenery doesn't change while on vacation. The old do-nothing, be-nothing mindset hasn't gotten me too bad, but it does sneak in. Hand stitching has really been wonderful. This thing that I never thought I would be capable of doing has opened a whole world of creativity inside of me. I wish I could have raised more money for the Butte Rescue Mission by doing it, but oh well. It has kept my hands busy and has made me feel like I can make something again.
When you depend on your brain and need challenges, (and who doesn't?) Too many days without a challenge can physically drain you. I think we need to be more creative in coming up with challenges instead of excuses. We have recently got a great game called Dominion. We've been teaching it to my aunt, and she has been such a trooper in allowing herself to learn, to be challenged, and to welcome the ideas and strategy's to grow her. I love that attitude.I love that willingness to learn. It's the most important aspect of life we can have.
If you're done learning, you are done living. If you don't want to feel dumb for not knowing something, you are letting your capacity to learn die, and you are only going to get more dumb.
Thank you Lord for challenges that humble and expand us. I sure have experianced that over the past 9 and a half years of being in Covenant Players. And I hate to think of who I'd be without those years.
Be blessed in the growth that this new year will bring!
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