Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it does not have.

Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others.

Love isn't "me first".

Love doesn't fly off the handle or keep score of the sins of others.

It doesn't revel whwen others grovel.

Love takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

Love puts up with anything,

trusts God always, and always look for the best.

Love never looks back, but keeps going, to the end.

This is Love.

When I think of love, my mind runs in so many different ways. I think of my parents who wowuld give their lives for the lost; I think of my pastor who hugs every congregation member every Sunday; I think of newborn babies and the way they draw two people closer together; I think of the altar, this is where I always feel God's love in an overwhelming way, every time. I think of friends who are dear to me, that give give give of themselves and refuse to receive anything in return. I think of the Ethiopians that smelled so bad, yet smiled SO big. I think of my sister, and the joy she puts inside of me that despite any argument has yet to ever be quenched; I think of my future.. that God has planned it out just for me, because of love. The love in His heart for us in the world. 

It's been a wonderful day, as this thought continues to come to my mind. How can I understand it more? How can I grasp it better and give it more? How can I use it as a tool to change the world? How can I ever repay my God for introducing such a love? It's an amazing season, full of compassion and joy. But, remember, without love, we are but dirt on the ground.

I love you, Lord, with all of my heart.

I'm overwhelmed that I've finally discovered what love is.

God is love.

"God is bigger than the air I breathe

The world will see, God will save the day!

And all will say My Glorious, My Glorious!"

God will save the day. Yes He will! This is why I sing. Every day, God saves the day for millions of people around the world who are hopeless, lost, suffering, captive, and desperate. He saves the day for the broken-hearted, the wounded, the homeless. He saves the day for the widows and the orphans. I smile so big when I realize this. It makes me see that God is the ultimate super hero! Nothing can defeat Him, no one can conquer Him. No one else holds the key to life. Nothing is impossible for Him, He holds the world in His hands.

These are just my thoughts. I love it. Another moment where I am truly amazed at the power of God. His sovereignty, His victories. I'm so in love with Him, and He's in love with me! Wow. I encourage you to let Him carry you to a new place this day. Let Him open your eyes and amaze you with a cool thought like Him being a super hero!!

Love!

Kathleen

Christmas Week

... it's bound to be a tough one. I know that doesn't sound too expectant of good things, but the family is gone, and after reading Jenn's last blog I'vew finally determined that every member of our family is experiencing some separation-anxiety. Holidays family-less are not exciting. I am content with where God has all of us, but I'm not excited about this week.

Jenn's birthday is soon, and I won't be there to hit her and love on her. This makes me the saddest. I didn't think hard about it 'til now, and I realize I'm missing a year of her life- during the most fun season- teenagehood. She's going to have changed so much when she moves back next summer, and I'm going to have missed seeing that change happen. Kind of sucks. Really sucks actually. She's my best friend, and since she's moved I've really realized that. I love looking at pictures of her and imagining myself with her. <3>

Ok, done writing. Much love!

Jesus

There's a love forgetting my failures

There's a joy that's setting me free

There's a light defeating my darkness

And there's redemption calling, causing all to sing!

This morning I woke up with the Lord on my side. This gave me joy. And strength to make it through the day. It's been a long day, full of rehearsal, services, lessons from Steve, computer work, and a simple, very enjoyable conversation with a dear friend of mine. Tonight, I'll be singing a song (that's a little too high!) called "Alabaster Jar". The bridge makes the song. "Worthy, Worthy, you are worthy. Worthy is the Lord. Worthy, Worthy, You are worthy, worthy is the Lord!" It repeats this, heavy drums, strong electric, and lots of voices. It's so powerful, because to me, and maybe to others, it seems to put me right back in my spot, realizing how worthy and powerful my God is, and all that He is capable of. My life can be taken away any second, and only God knows how long I will live on this earth. When I sing those words, and as I ponder on them right now, I honestly don't care too worry about how long my life is, but instead what I do for Him and how I lift Him up in the time I have. It's been a positive day. I haven't had one of these all week. Well, wait, I take that back. I've had positive moments, but every night has been sad, because I'm human and have not fully surrendered my feelings and emotions to God. I'm getting closer to this, and am anticipating a good evening at home, with my two dogs. Maybe I'll watch a movie, or take some pictures while I drink egg nog, or maybe I'll email my mom. Who knows. All I know is that I'm walking through today with Jesus, and my eyes tear when I think of this. I'm overwhelmed knowing that I am not alone. He's sitting next to me, He is going to stand by me while I sing and receive my song of praise, and He's going to come home with me and spend the evening in my house. <3

Egg.Nog.

I don't think anyone other than my best friend/sister reads this... if so, please don't spread what you read. I feel like using this as a "journal", that way I don't have to repeat everything to Jenn on the phone in the morning, since I like to keep nothing from her as far as my life goes. But, I'm going to write as though on paper, in a journal. It is personal, and it is raw.

I ended a very important relationship in my life last Sunday, appx. 4 days ago. I felt so confident that it was what God was directing me to do, and I still stand by this (remember that, throughout this post). Because of the way I have been raised, and those examples in my life that I follow, I cannot walk in direct disobedience of the Lord. Let me correct that actually, I very easily CAN, but I've tried throughout this year to catch myself from the start and end it promptly, the disobedience that is. I do not want to walk in sin, in any area of my life, especially when I know God wants me elsewhere. So, I ended a relationship. I was attached to this person in many ways, and have strings tied to him that have taken 3 years to form and keep. It's a friendship that for the past year or year and a half, has been most important to me. Ending this relationship was not for the typical reasons of lost emotions, angry feelings, dishonesty, distance... I ended it in obedience to what I felt in my heart God was instructing me.

I think I assumed that because I am so sure this is God's doing, I would have peace, joy, and acceptance of this immediately after. Well... it's now Thursday, and it gets harder every single day. Sunday, I did it and was fine, honestly. Monday I was happy, busy, content, excited for the future... Tuesday I started thinking about it a bit, and realize that many people close to me knew much more about it than even I did which started to weigh on me... Yesterday I cried for the first time... Tonight I had my first major meltdown. God is sovereign, this I know, but I also know that He sees our emotions and He isn't disappointed in us when we cry. 

This is where I get really honest, because I need to write. It makes me feel better. I barely made it home tonight. I started crying from the moment my butt hit my car seat in the church parking lot. I called my close friend, crying and talked to her for about 10 minutes, had a good laugh at the end of the conversation, then as soon as she hung up the phone things began to weigh heavy on me and I began crying... by the time I hit Hodges, I was weeping. I came so close to just pulling over into the New Life CF parking lot, because I didn't think it was safe to drive as hysterical as I was. Instead, I put my life in more danger by digging for my computer, pulling it out, opening Itunes, and playing "Beautiful" by Kari Jobe. Let me just tell you my friends, it's a good thing I made it to my drive way and the way was clear. I would've hit whatever was in the way. I put my car in park, buried my face in my lap, and fell at the feet of Jesus. I felt so alone, so empty, so confused. I felt impatient, knowing I need to wait on the Lord and not hurry what He is doing or wants to do. I continued to listen to worship, weeping, literally, my eyes out. I haven't cried that hard since after my family moved to China. And I couldn't stop... but I didn't feel like I had to. Then, I had a vision, which changed my night:

I was climbing up a dirt hill, and at the top of the hill where it leveled off, I could see just the tip of the cross that Jesus was hanging on. I was weeping, and weeping, with barely enough strength to climb. About 3/4 of the way up, I fell face down into the dirt, laying on my side, curled into the fetal position, crying as hard as I could. I was filled with disappointment that I didn't make it all the way up to the cross, where I had planned on laying all of my burdens down. Then in my vision, I saw Jesus. He came down off of the cross, showing that yes He did conquer dead. And instead of me coming up the hill to him, He began walking down the hill towards me. I wasn't watching Him at this point, because I was so sad and burdened, laying in the dirt. When He made it down to where I was, Jesus sat down, in the dirt, and wrapped His arms so tight around me and began to rock me back and forth, He stroked my hair like my mom used to years ago, and He whispered affirmations in my ear. 

After I had this vision, I snapped back into reality, and realized I had stopped balling and the tears were only coming down one by one, slowly, and I was laying in the fetal position in the driver's seat of my car. I laid wiwth such peace. My burden didn't go away, no. But through that picture in my mind, the Lord showed me that He is here to share this burden with me, I'm not carrying this load on my own. I don't have to figure out how to make it through each situation, I don't have to be heavy-laiden with the problems in my life. He wants to walk through the trials WITH me. He won't take them away, but instead He'll do something even better. He will wrap me in His arms and rock me back and forth. As a girl, this image makes it that much easier to make it through. I want acceptance, I want someone beside me, with me... I felt so alone in my car. I was crying so hard, not only because I missed this relationship in my life, but then I was thinking of my family and that they aren't here to hold me and be with me. I was upset, thinking that I had no one. That I was alone, and so sad. Then, the Lord showed me what's really going on through that picture. He is very much so with me, in me, and is so interested in spending time with me- whether I'm crying, or happy, or even if I'm not paying attention to Him. He's not going to walk away. He's staying with me, holding me hand, whispering in my ear "I'm here. It's all going to be ok. I'm here. I love you"

I've made it through a night. A very hard night. My God is mighty, My God is Love.

KB

Ps- The title of my note is because once I made it through and came into the house, I topped it off with a very large glass of delicious, very-fatty egg nog! 

Refreshing my Heart

"You hold my every moment

You calm my raging sea

You walk with me through fire

You heal all my disease

I trust in You, I trust in You.

I believe You're my healer.

I believe You're more than enough for me.

Jesus, You're all I need.

Nothing is impossible for You.

You hold my world in Your hands."

That last line gets me every time... "You hold my world in Your hands". This thought brings the deepest comfort, an overwhelming peace. Tonight, on my drive home from a Christmas party for work, I had no one to call to keep me awake. I like to talk on the phone while I make that drive, especially at night. Then I remembered when I used to work at YWAM, and would have a long drive home each afternoon, I never talked on my phone. I talked to the Lord. In fact, I would anticipate that time each day, and would be so excited to start my drive. So tonight, I reverted back to that old habit, and I'm glad I did.

I love having conversation with God. It brings me back to that place of reality, knowing that God is interested in my problems, in my successes, in my fears. It reminds me that yes, He is big and powerful and worthy of all glory and the highest honor, but He overjoyed when I take time to chat. Friendships require conversation, exchanging of words, trust... our friendship is the same way. And when I go through stages where I don't pour into this I realize that I never have the peace inside me that I sit here with tonight. God is very real in my life. When I take time out of each day, or any day for that matter, to tell Him what I'm feeling, what I'm going through, even just how my day went, it gives me a sense of fulfillment. Because I know, without any doubt, that He is listening, and smiling down on me because He LOVES, so so much, spending time with me.

These are just some thoughts of mine this evening. It's been a season of changing for me. Since September, I've had so many decisions to make, situations to work through, relationships to build, friendships to mend, commitments to fulfill... It's never-ending. But I know that through it all, my God, in all of His grace, can bring refreshing to my heart. That is what He did tonight, and I look forward to my drive to work in the morning.

I love you all. Especially you, Jenn!

KB

Lo Sono Nel Dolore

I would love to visit Italy one day. My title is in Italian... it says "I am in pain." This describes the past few weeks for me. My body is falling apart, literally. It's kind of funny, for those that are around and are with me on this journey of medical upheavels. One thing after another- we won't discuss them all, I'll save you some time. I've been thinking today how excited I am to be "unpained" soon, thanks to lots of medicine and doctors. I pray, more seriously than ever before, that once this is all finished, there is no more pain to come for a while. I need a break!

I think I've found my next tattoo... whenever I move past the memories of the horrible, horrible pain of getting my last one. I would like it to be something like "Amare Dio, l'amore per le persone" This is "Love God, Love People" written in the language of love, literally. Italian. I love that saying, but would love to have it in a language other than English. Italian is so beautiful, to me at least. I would like it written in a flowy, cursive font, maybe with some vinery wrapping around the first letter or two.... I dunno, this is just be brainstorming about what non sense I would like to have permanently embedded in my skin.... haha. yikes!

Gotta go to staff meeting.  This is me resting. I love you. K

33%

June 20th was the worst day of my life. It was 4 months ago, from today, that my family was split apart and an ocean was placed in between us. We're now 33% completed with this ridiculously emotional year of separation, and I'm so happy when I think of that! 33 is a good solid number, and is only gonna get higher as time flies by! (please Jesus!)

Today was good, as I prepare for my trip to Charlotte tomorrow, but I could not get that out of my mind. 4 months is good, yes, but that leaves 8 more to go, which crushes my spirits. To those of you that spend the majority of your time arguing with or ignoring your family, or not spending much time with them, please change that. I would do anything for a family dinner right now, to Sonny's for my dad, or Chili's for my mom. It kind of brings me to tears writing this, because there's so much I want to do with my family that I can't. 

I know God' faithfulness to us is so much more evident and clearly seen when things are hard and we really must depend on Him, but that does not mean it won't totally suck, and that's ok. God knows how my heart feels with my parents and sister so far away, and He's gonna comfort it, one day at a time. 

July 2, 2009 will be the happiest day of my life. I'm not even joking. Until then, I'll continue to draw my joy from the Lord, and on the hard days like the ones this past week and today, I'll continue to look happy and then save my break downs for me-and-God time, when He can come in and clear it out, and replace it with comfort and peace.

Please continue to pray for my family. They are serving the Lord, diligently. They are doing what millions of Christians say they will do, but never do. They are accomplishing the task that God laid before all of us 2,000 years ago. I am so proud of them.

Jenn, mom, dad... I love you very, very much. The words don't suffice. 

New things in my life include:

• Boyfriend- He's awesome! I love it, we have tons of fun together. It's been 3 weeks, lucky me!
• Full-time job at Christ the Redeemer: I'm learning a lot, stretched a lot, and continuing to draw from the Lord for strength and grace- He is oh so faithful. I'm shouldn't be surprised, but He amazes me every time. He gives me joy every time I walk into work. 
• 4-MONTH MARK- Only 8 months to go... until my family returns to me. I hope no one plans on seeing them the day they return, because they will be occupied with Daniel and myself, and the dogs... and my boyfriend I'm sure. They will be made available to the rest of you later that week, go ahead and know that. We're going to lay around and party as a family! WOO! Maybe we'll re-watch all of the 24 episodes, just cuz we can! We're 33% done with this crazy, and sometimes miserable year of separation. Yay!
• I'm co-host of a radio show... surprise! 88.1FM or Ilovethepromise.com on Wednesdays at 9:00-10:00pm my time. It's Youthquake Live radio, and tons of fun! It just happened... not sure how I ended up in this. Haha
• I'm beginning to sing TONS more... Gotta drink lots of warm stuff and NOT sing when I don't have to, haha. This is hard for me to grasp... not singing in the car.... But I'm learning.

I miss my family a lot now-a-days, but God's grace IS sufficient for all of us. I know days will get a bit tougher, especially as the 5 of us all battle our way through the holidays, and not being together. I don't want to write much about that, it sucks more than ya know. But, it'll be over soon enough, Praise Him!

God is good. Some people ask me already (haha, there's even more to come!) if worship ever gets stagnant to me. It has not, though it may one day. That is a battle I'm willing to fight, and I know we will win, me and my King. I love, love leading worship, and being a part of the encounter in people's lives. To see the way people open up when you allow God to use you as a worship leader to lead them, it's a beautiful experience. It's my passion. It's more important to me than anything- me and Jesus. And I'm don't just say that, it's my desire to live that. I want people to know, whether it's true for them too or not!

Short and sweet... and back to work!

Love,

K

september

"What can I give, to the one who has everything? What can I give, to the creator of all?"

I just read a great blog from my sister, wow she's growing a lot. How great! And the funny thing is, there's no way she sees it as clearly as those of us that are close to her but far from her do. It's a great year in her life!

When I think of the power of God, and the truth that yes, He does in fact have power over me completely, every decision, every move.. It makes the above line come to mind. How could I possibly repay Him? He has it all, and more. This is when He gets so much sweeter in my mind though, because I realize that He's not interested in my offerings, He interested in my heart. What a sweet love, and an innocent reality.

I've been away for 22 days now, with one day in between. When so much is going on at home and there's so much to come in one's life, it makes it so much harder to not miss what's there. I'm ready for my bed, for my dogs, for my friends, for my house and my own kitchen, for my brother, for my new job. Vacation has been wonderful, but 3 weeks of it is not necessary. When you love life, and enjoy your home and what you have there, you don't really need a vacation. Or at least I don't.

Visiting my family though was a necessity, and I wouldn't exchange that time we spent together for anything in the world. I needed it, so badly. It refreshed me. I wish I could visit them every month, for a week. That would be so great. You know what gets me the most.. haha, here I go. I can't stand when people say "I know how you feel"... they don't! Unless their family lives more than 8,000 miles away, they have NO idea. It's very different than them being 2,000 miles away, it's a whole different feeling. Ok, enough of the pity party.

Today I miss them a lot. But, God's grace rescues me every time I have one of "these" days. He knows, and He has a solution to make my day better, I know it. I love my family, and I wish we were closer. That's that.

I'll be headed home in two days, from right now. Haha. Praise Him!

Love from down south,
Kathleen

deeper thoughts of dependance on God

It's now been one week since I left home to fly over here, to China, to spend time with my family. It's been a crazy awesome week. I love seeing their country, their home, and their friends. They have really made it comfortable over here, and have built some really great relationships. Seeing their happiness, and that they are taking their place over here, I feel like will make it a lot easier for me to live at home, happy, although they are missing. Now, I won't worry as much about them, because I see how they fit in so well. They continue to draw from the Lord for strength, and for joy, and it shows. 

You know, I've learned a lot lately about how we as humans use the concept of God. It's usually either one of two ways:

1) When things are really bad, we cry out to Him... asking Him why, pleading for a miracle, wanting Him more.

OR

2) When things are really well, we thank Him, praise Him... almost like," Good job, God! That's how it should work!"

I've thought a lot about this lately, because in the past few months, I have travelled through the hardest season of my life, and now through a season of blessing and joy. I don't want my relationship with God to change based on my circumstances. i hate this, and I believe strongly that He does too. God is not a concept, my friends, He is IT. He is the "I AM", as described in the Bible. It doesn't matter if like sucks worse than it ever has before, or if you've hit it big and are thriving with success, friends, finances, happiness, the whole shebang.. Or, as sometimes it is, if life is at a standstill, balancing in between these two scenarios. Okay, but not great. This is how I DESIRE to be towards this:

1) When things are really bad, I lean on Him, I continue to build that relationship by letting Him overcome things, by trusting in Him to see HIS will fulfilled, not my own, and my letting Him search me, daily, to purify me.

AND

2) When things are really well, I constantly praise Him, and continue to build that relationship by sharing my happy moments with Him, listening to Him, and celebrating WITH Him, as my God!

I want God to be a part of every decision, every situation, every moment, day and night. I am in a season in my life right now and I feel like I'm floating above the clouds. I don't have many sad moments, I feel connected with Him, I anticipate what's to come in the next month or two, and I want to share this joy with all of my friends. I know though, because 'tis life, that this season will soon pass away and will lead me into a season of trials. I'm prepared for that, I feel. I know if I spend this time drawing from God, and receiving all that He has for me, I will be equipped to not only handle but to THRIVE during the seasons of doubt, trials, and fear. It will not gain a hold on me. 

These are just my current thoughts. He's GOT to be numero uno, or else, it's going to be a rocky journey for you! Trust me, I've seen people try to do this thing called, "LIFE", on their own. It doesn't work. It doesn't impact the world. It doesn't bring fulfillment inside. 

Love from Abroad, 

Kathleen

in the moment

As I sit here with jet lag, hardcore jet lag, I feel so relaxed and comfortable. Yes, in this apartment, yes in the same country as my family, but even moreso I direct this towards a deeper comfort, with life itself. When I think of my age, and all that God has done in me up to this point, I get so excited for what's to come. I have to be very careful though, not to get so excited and expectant that I miss what is going on right now, in this moment, in me and around me.

I'm watching "Runaway Bride", with two pillows conforming around me, a bottle of water within reach, and my mom's computer resting on my lap. I wish those friends that are closest to me could have a third-world experience. I feel like this would allow them to know me even better. They would understand my past, and agree with my future. They'd be able to see, just a little better, through my eyes- my perspective when I see a map, my vision when I see the pictures of the slums of India, the tribes in Africa, and the jungles of Thailand. But, not everyone has a desire to travel this far from home, so I can only pray that God will reveal to them what's going on outside of our own country, our own neighborhood. I love being on foreign soil.

I dread the goodbye in 8 days, but I am so looking forward to the next couple months of my life. Growing closer to the Lord excites me the most. He's so incredible. He's definitely won my heart, time and time again!

Love from Harbin-
Kathleen

last night in the usa

To me personally, this last night in my country for the next couple weeks couldn't have been any more incredible than it was. I don't understand, and it becomes just a complication in my mind when I try to figure out why in the world God, in all that He is, blesses me so much. Time after time, when things are okay, he makes them even better. It BLOWS my mind! For real.

The past 2 days have been filled with preparation for a youthquake live show, which took place this evening at Southpoint Community Church. Going into this as of yesterday, and not sure what to expect, I can say I am once again amazed at the presence of God and what He chooses to do in our midst when we open up to him and LET GO of everything in our lives. This evening, as I sang "Hear Us From Heaven" and led thousands (2000+) of teenagers, I opened my eyes and couldn't help but laugh because of the joy that filled me up. So many young kids, 13, 14, and 15 year old, and highschoolers, crying out to God on behalf of their peers. What a beautiful experience. I was overwhelmed with gratitude that Jesus would choose me, of all people, to carry such a responsibility of connecting with Him and leading others into that place. Praise Him. He makes it oh so easy!

After YQ, I went to dinner with a great friend. I must say, I've been blessed with friends who are much better to me than I deserve. It was a great time around the Chili's table, and was actually relaxing believe it or not! Good laughs, brief deep convos, and fun talking on the phone with my mothers in China! Haha. Thanks mother.

SPEAKING OF CHINA... I'm headed there in 2 hours and 15 minutes. I leave my house at 4:15am to go to the Jax airport. I will then fly to Atlanta, then to Shanghai, then to Harbin. The flight from Atlanta and Shanghai is 15 hours and 40 minutes long. Thanks to Sudoku and sleeping pills, I think I will survive. (Key Word: THINK)! This is my first time travelling alone over the big ocean... or any ocean for that matter. International travel is so much different from domestic travel. I couldn't even explain. You've gotta experience it. (even if it's usually a not-so-good experience.)

This will be my last blog from America. I need to conclude my packing, round up a couple items I need, prepare the house for my absence, and write a couple emails... before 4:15am!

Blessings to you all. Seriously. Thank you to those of you who sent letter, pictures, goodies, paintings (Ashley S.! haha) and other meaningful things to my parents and Jenn! I can't wait to see their faces when they open the suitcase that's for them. =) I will give them a huge hug from you. Please, continue to pray for them daily. That's THE BEST support you could give!

Love,
KB

That Place

I like this color, it reminds me of my current day. Sunny and beautiful outside. And a permanent smile, which I feel is a direct result of a wonderful worship time last night at CRC youth group.

I've felt a really tight closeness to Jesus lately. I mean, I have for years, but I feel like I'm going through a season right now and He is especially evident to me, in some clear way every single day. It never fails, every day. This is awesome, and great, and cool... but it sometimes makes me sad at the same time. Why? I want for my friends to feel this same closeness. It gives me a feeling of purpose, and reminds me of Psalm 139. I was "wonderfully and fearfully made". I want those that are special in my life to realize this, but I know that nothing I say or do can bring this. It's going to be God, reaching into their hearts and refining them. I pray for this every day on my drive to work, or when I'm sitting in my bed. I am so happy, so blessed, and so secure in the Lord. I want this for my friends. That's the desire of my heart at this time in my life, and I believe God has that desire to, which means He will meet my friends right where they are at and wash away their fears, their insecurities, their past, and their doubts. He'll prove Himself, as He does to every one of His children.

I'm excited to visit my family. I leave for China in one day. I've never travelled overseas by myself, but I know I'm not alone. =) My longest flight, of the 3 I will take to get there, is 15 hours and 40 minutes! I need at least 3 good books, a journal, my Ipod, a Sudoku book, a deck of cards, my notebook, and probably at least 6 other things to help keep me busy! I hope I have a nice neighbor sitting next to me AND I hope that I'm on an aisle... I HATE HATE HATE climbing over people =( I feel terrible when I do this! But, it will all be worth it when I see my parents. I hope I don't cry, from happiness. =) I wish I could take my puppy with me.

Tomorrow night is Youthquake Live, the season premier. I'm so proud of the worship team. They've worked so hard, and it has really paid off. This past Sunday, as the last practice, they sounded superb! I look forward to leading worship, once again, for the awesome audience of YQL. My prayer is that God will anoint me, as I connect with Him, to in return lead thousands of young people into that place. The place where you feel a direct connection with the Lord. That place where nothing else is on your mind because you are so consumed with His presence. That place where you feel so open, vulnerable, free... That's the place where I try so hard to be every single day of my life. I want each person at every Youthquake show, every youth group service and church service, and every one of my friends that are around me to know how to get to that place, and GO THERE. It's awesome! It's going to be a really great show, at Southpoint Community Church. 8-10pm. All are welcome!

I need to finish packing up things on my desk now, though I'm doing really good I must say! It's the perfect day for a last day, because I know this is just the end of the beginning! If you're reading this, I hope that you can take a moment to pray for those in your life that need to find that place.

With Love
K

Stepping Forward and jenn

You know that song "I'm taking two steps forward and one step back"... It's a country song, not sure who it's by at this moment. But yes, I think some of us spend way too much time in life getting nowhere far. I must say I've been very blessed by God to not have had that problem too often, but lately I have, and now I'm done with it. I'm so excited about what is to come in my life, even this week has been awesome!

Yesterday I picked up Sara and Todd, and brought them to my home. They are so chill about everything. They love the dogs, the room, and pretty much everything about the house. I called out of work today, although I only have one day left, and Sara and I are going thrift-store-hopping and we're setting up their room and decoarting. I have some stuff around the house I need to finish, like laundry and the pile of yard work in the middle of the sidewalk. HAHA... seriously, it's been there for a WEEK! I already vacuumed and mopped this morning though, so thats good!

I miss my sister a lot. I want to jump through the computer right now cuz she won't answer my calls, on purpose, because shes "tired and watching a movie"! AH! Haha, I really don't have anything to talk about. I just love seeing her and hearing her voice. Even sometimes, I'll call her and then just have her sit on their while we both do our own thing, just to know she's "there". She''s so cool. I wish we had gotten a lot better when she was here, which was my fault because I was so consumed with boys and work and blah blah blah. But, you can't live life thinking of regrets. You've just got to change it. So, when she gets back I want to take her, just her, to :

Orlando to Disney World and Islands od Adventure,
to see Paula Dean up north and eat in her restaurant,
to go visit Rochelle in Canada,
car shopping with me,
and everywhere else we've talked about going but have never gone.

And YES, I know it's much easier to say all of these sweet things and then not do them. But, I really do realize how important she is to me, and I don't want to be 80 and in a wheelchair and realize that I didn't spend enough time with her. She's more important than any stupid (or not stupid) boy, any friend, any job, any task... I love you. Love you Jenn! See ya in THREE DAYS!!!