"When I Grow Up, I Don't Want To Be Anybody But Myself."

A month ago I was babysitting my little cousins, and we were waiting for my friend, Rosemary, to hurry up and come get in the car and hang out with me for awhile... well, while we were waiting, my three year old cousin randomly says, "When I grow up, I don't want to be anybody but myself." What she said seems to stick for me... Because that's all I want to be. Me. I want to be all that God calls of me to be. If I'm uncool for it, then so be it... I've never worried about fitting in, I'm me. I'm a teenager who loves Jesus more than my very own life.


I've been thinking about that quote, and I'm really going to apply it more to my life each day. I just want to be me... and that's that. I'm not worried about fitting in, I'm me.. and if I have to, I'll form my own "clique" consisting of everyone that the world considers "junk" , "unwanted" , "unloved" , "loner" , "loser" , "emo" ... etc. You get the point. I don't care about cliques in this world.. (it just bothers the heck out of me when they're in churches... I just don't get that.)


It seems like when I say I just want to be me, people don't get it. I mean, I'm a teenager for one, and I'm a Christian. People don't expect anything from teens... and what about Christian teenagers? It's still the same... we're still teenagers, just ones who love Jesus. And what about when you say you want to reach the world for Jesus? Your friends? Your family? Strangers? All for Jesus? See, majority of adults don't expect us to understand and even if we understand, they don't expect us to care, and even if we care, they don't expect us to do anything about it... and even if we do do something about it, they don't expect it to last... and I'm just grateful I know alot of adults who aren't like that... hardly any of them are related to me. So a huge thankyou to those of you adults who actually believe in us younger people and challenge us to do what Jesus has said for all of us to do!!!


While I may not reach the whole world, I can reach mine. I can reach out to my friends, my family, strangers in my city. There's no limit on who God can use. He can use a new born baby to teach you something, you can use a kid like my little three year old cousin to teach you something, he can even use me... and you. You may be uncool, or a loner, or dress like your "emo", whatever... it doesn't matter, God doesn't have a limit anywhere. So we should stop trying to place our limits on God. We can't take over His throne, He's in charge. Not us. He will use what he wants, who he wants, where he wants, and how he wants. He is God. You are not. He will do what's right. If you have any problem with that, take it up with Him.

Oh and speaking about changing my world for Jesus, I'm soo glad that 2010 is almost over.! This year has been really tough... but I've learned alot. and I'm ready to take it with me into 2011.. I'm ready for what God has for me and this campus ministry and with Gospel Journey Maui that I have planned to be starting in February. I'm stoked. but nervous. :) and that's okay. because I know that God will do something there at my high school. Pray for me? I'm the student leader, and pray for everyone else. 2010, you've been crazy tough, and I'm ready for you to leave. :)





So go ahead, put it all in reverse. Die to yourself and live to serve. I refuse to sit and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself... what about you?


“ no eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
and no human mind has conceived—
the things God has prepared for those who love him." -1 Corinthians 2:9-


Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. -1 Timothy 4:12-


"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11-


For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. -Romans 1:16-


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

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39-

Alight, I'm done ranting for now. :) I hope you got something out of it. :)



- Kate.

Where's The Line To See Jesus?

Agh! Can Anyone Help?!

Alright. I have a question. and I don't know if any one of you can help... :)
I'm trying to figure out how to put a book together, and I have no clue where to start. I want it to be a Christian Devotional book with my writings in it. Can any of you help me?! Mucho gracias!!


Whoever legitmatly helps me, I'll give you a free copy of it whenever I can get it published. :)

The Revolve Tour. Kansas City, Missouri. February 4th-5th.

I seriously want to go sooooo freaking bad!!!!!! Pray I get to go!!! Please? It would help me tons. and I'm thinking about inviting my best friend come with me... pray for her.. she hasn't been to church in almost three years. Mucho gracias!

Possibly the CUTEST song ever!!

You Say I'm Already Beautiful.

It may be a little early to some, but I've already got my new year's resolution going. And, as the title says, it's about beauty. God already says I'm beautiful, and therefore, I don't need to wear make-up to feel that way.(and if I do wear it, it's because I want to... it's not because I've forgotten who I am and to who I belong to.)

I've been thinking, who do I value more? The approval of God or the approval of man? I know makeup makes someone beautiful on the outside, but that doesn't make their dark heart beautiful... Real beauty doesn't fade like outward beauty does. Real beauty is what's in you... and God says I'm beautiful, and He said He lives in me. I don't find my worth in worldly things, I don't find it in being a "rockstar", I find it in God alone.


Of course I have days when I feel out of place, I look at who I am on the outside, cover what I can, wishing it all would change, but take the makeup away, and you'll see that the same girl still remains. I may not feel all that beautiful, but there's nothing that's plain about me. God made me, He knows me, He loves me, and He doesn't make junk! God sees you as a masterpiece.


For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:13-16


Psalm 139:14, says that "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. " Try this beauty tip: Every morning when you look in the mirror, say Psalm 139:14 and smile. You might even tape the verse on your mirror as a reminder!


I know where I'm putting it... On my mirror!! :) Speaking of Mirrors, Barlow Girl has a song titled "Mirror" :) Go listen to it.!

Just Once More...

Right now, I'm not even sure what my mood is... But I'm pretty sure it's a combination of being stressed, confused, and feeling rushed and lossing time that I can't get back..

But it feels like if I get stressed out a tad bit more, I'll really want to quit. and it feels like if I'm shown why I even started this campus ministry thing to start with, I'll keep at it no matter what. But it seems to be more of the first one in my case.

Just once more, can't someone tell me why I've started it cause I seem to have forgotten? through being stressed out, because teachers don't know, and WILL NOT know the answer to their question of 'why'...

my heart should have came with a warning sign saying: WARNING: THIS HEART IS FRAGILE. HANDLE WITH LOVE. (but i guess people don't read labels anymore?)

I needed to vent anyways... night.

I'm UN'd. Are You? 116!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. - Romans 1:16

So there's this song, that is my absolute favorite. It describes me :)



For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. - Romans 1:16

UN'd.

• UNashamed.
• UNcool.
• UNalone
• UNleashed.
  

See, it's something that I don't mind being. :)

Yes, I'm UNashamed. (Romans 1:16) Yes, I'm UNcool. (1 Corinthians 1:18, Matthew 10:39) Yes, I'm UNalone. (Hebrews 13:5) Yes, I'm UNleashed. (Matthew 28:18-20) And you should be too!

anyways, I got to go to youth group. Later!

My Own Little World video.

this video was created by a very talented 15 year old somewhere... and she did an awesome job! (that little car is about the coolest thing ever. and matthew west should see it.. just sayin') I have a story of something that happened this year on 10.17.2010.



My Story:: Me and my momma we're driving to my grandma's house, and I noticed two people on the street corner with the cardboard signs, and I looked over at my mom, and said "Momma," she knew that look ......on my face, which said it all. So she handed me three dollars, and waved to the lady to come over here, and I got out the car, (the lady looked really appreciative by that) and I walked over there to where she was, handed her the little bit of money that we had, and then I asked her, "Can I give you a hug?", and she gave me the hug, and then said, "Can I ask you a question?", before she finished her hug, and I said "Sure.", and with the most sincere look on her face, she said, "Do you have any water?"

I have never felt so bad in my life, I had to tell her "No." And I wish I could've helped her with that right then, but I couldn't. I have never hated that word, No, so much as I did then... There was a guy there, but I didn't get to him. (I felt a little rushed) but it made me feel so bad, tears came to my eyes and to hers. I really think she saw it on my face that I didn't want to tell her no...

and so I walked back to the car, crying... only to hear that my mom was crying too. I felt soo bad. I cried even more, when my mom asked, "What'd she say?" and I told her somehow through my tears, that she asked for some water.. It's a mome...nt I wont forget.

My own little world, isn't about me... In Ephesians 5:1, it says that we are to be imitators of God. In Matthew somewhere, Jesus says, "Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."

and then, when we arrived at my grandma's house, I told her the story, and got some money to buy them some water... and got a plastic baggy and filled it with not only some water bottles (three for each of them. six in total) and they each got an apple, two things of apple sauce, a thing of yogurt with a spoon... and the best of all, a Bible. I wrote something in the front on the page, and said to that they're loved no matter what, and that I hope to see their faces in Heaven some day. And then I placed a bookmark in the book of John and underlined John 3:16.♥

but when we got back to the spot they were originally, only the guy was still there. I was bummed she wasn't there, I tried looking for her, but didn't find her. and so I met the guy, gave him a bag of the few things, and the change from buying the water bottles.

In all honesty I have never met anyone who was more greatful, and appreciative than him. I gave him a bag with the things in it that I mentioned earlier, and the look on his face by the fact that I went out of my way to get out of the car, ...not only hand him some money, but a bag with things in it too.

I have never met anyone who was more appreciative, and grateful, and just happy to get that. I gave him a hug too. :) and he thanked me four times, I counted. :)♥

oh yeah, today also marks the day two years ago, that God rocked my world... just sayin', God's awesome.♥

here's my challenge, reach out to someone who needs Jesus this week. No excuses are acceptable. Jesus said to make disciples, so do it!! you love them don't you,? so share Jesus with them!!

it's an eternity without Him. literally. have you done your homework on hell... it's a real place, where people are headed to... do something to change that.

consider yourself challenged.

lovee


(I took that picture after I cried... it was an awesome moment. I'm going to put my life in reverse, die to myself and live to serve.) You in?

Rachel's Challenge Video.

I would absolutely love to have Rachel's Challenge in my High School...

.:♥:. How Beautiful Is Your Unfailing Love .:♥:.

I don't know if I could've picked a better title for this post. (: Does anyone else find it crazy that it's the first day of the last month for the year, 2010? It's crazy, and if I'm honest here, and I always try to be, this year by itself, has been one heck of a roller coaster. And I'm not sure how to explain it all, but certain people in my life get a huge thank you for being there and putting up with me when I didn't want to put up with myself. I guess friends are those people who sing the song in your heart back to you when you've forgotten the lyrics. But, I have no choice but to give credit where it is due... the one who never left me no matter what, and loved me when I didn't love Him back, the one whom I'm willing to look uncool for... but that's okay, I'm not bothered by it. I guess if it makes me uncool, then I must be doing something right, right?

I'm not sure what to type, this year has brought so much onto my young life. I'm just thankful that God's the one writing my life story for His glory. There's something that always amazes me, it's the fact that bad things have happened in my life, and God has turned them into something that is so beautifully written that God could only do. If I was in charge of writing my own life story, I sure would not have my parents divorce in it. and I most definitely would never ever have written in the way I found out (via text message from my grandpa to my moms phone. He didn't know that I had it and was going to give it to my mom when the text came. My jaw dropped, tears came along with questions. I've never felt so much pain in my life.) my dad getting married again... I wouldn't even hint towards it. But I'm not in charge, and these things did happen and they're apart of me now, and I am who I am today because of God. It's just that simple.

Those situations have brought some of the worst pain I've faced, but I was never alone in either of them. I fell for the lies that satan was telling me, and he twisted so much truth, and i fell for it. He knows exactly what he's doing... figuring me out wasn't rocket science. I just love how what he intends to use to bring harm, God uses for His glory. Yeah, I bet that makes him mad. Even though it was tough, I'm glad I know the people I know and love the One who died for me and had every single sin, pain, hurt, anger, etc on Him... He carried my shame, my guilt, my pain, my sin, nailed 'em to the cross... and I'm forgiven by God's grace. I'm a sinner saved by the undeserved Grace of an incredible Holy God.

Life throws us all curve balls and we don't know what to do. It's tough, I get that. I've been there, but no one understands like God does. He loves you. He created you. Your name is on the palm of His hands. He stepped down from Heaven to live the life none of us can never live, no matter how "good" we say we are, we are no where near perfection. He died the death we deserve. I was listening to this one song a few weeks ago, I don't remember what the name of it is, but it said something like every time we sin, the nail in His wrists goes deeper.

It's hard for us to understand that God died to save us from Hell now and Hell later... My puny brain can't grasp the concept of this incredible Holy God who should have given us all what we deserve... an eternity seperated from Him in Hell. But God chose to die for us, and by putting our faith in Him alone, life with Him starts now and lasts all through eternity.

I think that's all I wanted to say for now... my hands are FREEZING! I'll stop typing and hopefully my coffee is still warm enough. (:

Hope you have a fantastic december, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

"See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me" - Isaiah 49:16

"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

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:31-39

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. - Romans 8:26-27

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. - Romans 8:18

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:2-4

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. - John 3:16-21

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. - Revelation 21:4

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13♥

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not wit...h wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5♥

that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. - John 3:15

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^a]">[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you. -Psalm 139

- Kate.

This Thanksgiving.... (: (or anytime of the year)

Here's your challenge for this holiday: Click here and take his challenge :)
I'd write my own, but he already said what I was going to say :)

So, tell me if you're going to take it. and then come back and share your story!

GO!!!!

Tell Me... (:

I'd really like to know how God has used my blog to impact your life . . . I really love hearing/reading stories of the awesome things God has done in the lives of other people.

One Minute Sermon By Tamara Lowe.. (:

I love it!

Let's Rebel...

Right now, I'll admit I'm slightly frustrated... with myself. I've almost made the dumbest choice in my life, but I didn't and I won't. (And no, I'm not saying what it is, and no, I don't care if you are related to me, I'm not telling.) I'm frustrated because I know I've failed in some areas of my life... Am I proud of them? No. Will I make them again? I sure hope not, but I can't promise anything on that... But I know I'll do better this time around.. What I mean is praying to God to open my eyes to the opportunities that He gives me to bring Him up in the daily conversations. Even though I can be pretty stubborn, and don't like to listen, I'll do better this time around.

I'm tired of not listening, and fighting for control. It gets me nowhere... especially not to the place I'm meant to be at. At times, I want to opt out on what God has called me to do, and where does that get me? Well, not in a fish like Jonah, but certain things make me want to go the opposite way of what God is calling me to do... So, something happened today, that made me re-think things... and especially this one thing that I won't mention.. but let's just say, I'm opting back in to where I should be.

I've been listening to this song by Josh Wilson for awhile now, and it perfectly describes me right now...



Sometimes I,
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone’s alright
When I know they’re not.
This world needs God
But it’s easier to stand and watch.
I could pray a prayer and just move on
Like nothing’s wrong.

But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.
I don’t want to say another empty prayer.
Oh, I refuse to
Sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself.
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately,
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of you, oh God.
So, if you say move,
Then it’s time for me to follow through,
And do what I was made to do.
Show them who You are.



There's a reason why I'm almost always up for helping people, if they ask a question and I have the answer to it, why should I wait for someone else to answer it? I don't want to wait on someone else to do what God has called me to do... regardless of all the times that I tell God, "You're crazy! Do you pay attention!?" , "I can't do this, I'm too shy! Can't you pick someone else who isn't shy?!"... and even though I do that, God never has listened to me. I've always gotten back the answer, "Kate - Yes I do pay attention, I created you. I know you better than anyone else ever will. and I've called you by name to do my will. I know you can't do this on your own, but through me you can do all things." God doesn't seem to agree with me til what I say and what I desire agrees with Him. So stop telling God what you think He should do... Remember, and I know He reminds us, He is God, You are not. He will do what He pleases, through whomever He chooses. He'll do it when He wants, However He wants, and through whoever is ready and willing. And that's not up to us.

Lately, I've been challenging myself to go deeper in my relationship with God, and to bring Him up more in conversations... It's pretty interesting to do them both. I'm loving going deeper with God... and bringing Him up more. Yes, people have gotten mad at me for it.. for example: it was on one of my friends' status on facebook, and somewhere in there I shared the gospel, and someone said this, "Oh stfu PLEASE!!!" they actually spelled the whole thing out, and which I will not do. Did it hurt me? A little. but it was worth it. oh and on there, someone asked me, "No offence Katelyn, but why do you always bring God up?" My answer was, "Because I'm unashamed of the One who died to save me from Hell. :)" It didn't seem like a good answer, but it was a good and true one.

I don't want to just share the "good" stories of times when God was brought up, I want to share the "bad" ones, and the "ugly" ones... I'm no where near perfect, I've missed opportunities to share Jesus, I've brought Him up and wasn't doing it like a Christian should, I've been yelled at for it, I've been shut down by people. I've had people be genuine about it, and tell me they're not ready and that they'll think about it.

But share your stories in the comments :) Who knows someone reading your story, could just give them the boost that they need? :) I dare ya! Share it! oh and you're also dared, throughout this week to share Jesus with 5 people.! Consider yourself challenged :) (I want to hear stories at the end of the week!)



"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 <3>

Rebel = "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." - 1 Peter 3:15-17

Just A Song.. (:

hmmm... pretty legit. :)

It May Be Raining, But The Son Is Still Shinning.

Because Even When The Clouds Cover The Sun, The Light Still Shines Even When We Can't See It...

Here are some pictures that I took about a week ago :)

It wasn't raining when I took the above picture, but I think it did rain a little that day.... and then the sun decided to show itself again.... just like this.

Let God's love be your blue sky. Whatever may come your way, whether rain or shine, let His love guide you, comfort you, give you peace, hope, love, life, joy...etc.

Hmm, this is just one of my many rants, and even though it's not going to be long, I wonder if it'll help someone to see God more? Even if it helps just one person, I'll be joyed to hear about it!! That is if they so choose to tell me about it.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33

- Katelyn.

God Said It... So Do It.

These past two nights, have made me think about my friends who don't know Jesus... It breaks my heart to know and see people who don't know Jesus. I don't know how they can just go through the motions of life, and believe that that's all that life is and there's simply nothing more. I don't see how anyone can be convinced of that, I think deep deep down they know there's more to this life than just going through the motions and just doing things without putting much, if any, thought into what or why they're doing what they do. I just don't get it. And there's something else I don't understand...

I've heard, and have been one of these people, Christians say they love Jesus, and that He's the coolest dude ever, and I agree... but what I don't get, is if we really do believe all this stuff about God, Heaven and Hell, then why the heck aren't we doing more?! I'm aware we can't do everything, so does that mean we resolve to doing nothing? No. I know that I'm a young person, and I can't do everything, but I absolustely refuse to do nothing.

I know to some I'm just a teenager, who, by their opinion can't do much, or just doesn't care about taking my responsibilities seriously. But it doesn't matter to God if I'm a teenager, a 60 year old man/woman, or a two month old kid, God will use whomever He pleases and whenever He chooses to do so. He is God, you are not... Stop trying to tell Him what to do.. He never listens anyway. Why should He? He's God. There's no need for Him to do some sort of "check-in" with us to see if whatever He's planning is "okay" with us. Look, God's not going to call you on your cell phone and see if His plans are okay with you. His knows His plans are good, better yet wonderful beyond all human understanding.

I know things are tough and life's not the easiest thing invented, even Jesus was aware of that. Whatever you believe about Jesus, He's no idiot. Look at what He says about life here on earth... He's aware things aren't easy, and that we'll need something, someone to hold us up when times are tough...

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

For me, life has been the toughest, yet greatest thing ever. It's gotten a lot tougher ever since October, 17th, 2008. Let's just say, I gave my life to Jesus.. even though I was raised in church, and called myself a "Christian". Yeah, right. I was no Christian, that's for sure. Sure I never have drank, or smoked, or done drugs in my life, but it's sin that's the problem. It's a heart issue, and I need Jesus. I'm not perfect by any means. Believe it or not, this teenager still screws up... but I don't want to use God's grace as a licence to do whatever I please, because after all, He does forgive. He is a God of forgiveness, but He is still a Just God.
We shouldn't water that down, He is who is.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There's another thing on my mind, that goes with this a lot. It's about your friends and the powerful message of the Gospel. Have you shared Jesus with your friends lately? If you're having a tough time answering that, then let me give you a challenge, that I'm praying you'll accept... It's my challenge, and God's command.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19

Why should you do this?

1. God said so.
2. There's a literally place called Hell. (Yes, I know, it's apart of our belief system that people hate to talk about..)
3. It's not just about the Hell that your friends are going to, but the Hell they are going through. Save them from both by sharing the message the transformed your life... and remember that time when someone shared Jesus with you, and what happened to you when you accepted Him.

YOUR FRIENDS NEED HIM!! GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES WHO MAKE DISCIPLES!!

share Jesus with 3 people this week...however you choose to do so, is up to you. Just get the word out. and BE CLEAR!!!!!! and ask questions and ask them at the end if it makes sense, and if it doesn't, ask them what doesn't make sense and re-explain clearer.

ohh since I'm being rushed, I'll give you a link or two to help you out.

go to the Dare 2 Share website and watch THE Cause videos.

P.S I have expectations to hear stories... and while your on the d2s site, check out Soul Fuel.

I triple dare you! (I'm taking my own dare, btw)

- Katelyn



"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8

Just A Rant... Nothing More.

I have some things that are going through my mind, and I'm trying to get them all in order so I can write them out and make them make sense... :) so maybe it won't make you feel like you're lost inside my mind. Or I'm lost in there? well whatever, I seem to get whatever is up there out clearly. I don't know, but I guess I just want to write about how incredible God has been in my life. I never seem to have seen the last of His awesomeness.

If anyone is aware, that is if you were paying any attention, I recently got some glasses. And not only am I glad I can see a lot better now, but the thing that I really like is being able to see the pretty things that God created better. :) Like for me, I love fall and the pretty colors of the leaves... but hate when they fall off.

Here's a picture (or two) that I took with my phone today of the sky and some tress and what not...

It's not that with these glasses on, that I'm not more amazed at all the things God has made, it's that I am.. and that the same God that created all of this, loves me. and cares about my tinyest problems... let me tell you a little story that happened yesterday at my grandparents house.. here's my little idea that I thought would work.. but it didn't go too well. But I got something awesome out of it. (:

Yesterday, I decided that I wanted to go over to my grandparents house, and bring my kitty Cinderella with me so she could "play" with her brother and sister... poor cat ended up scared for her little life. I showed her where the litter box was, and she stayed in there for awhile, because I wasn't about to get her out... and so I went back up stairs, and a few hours later, we all wondered where she was at  because we haven't seen her for awhile.. and so we where searching for her for about 30minutes.. only to find her behind the furnace thing downstairs and hissing at my grandpa when he was trying to get her... I've never seen her that scared before!

Believe it or not, I prayed that God would let us find her in the house... and we did. After I was thinking about it and the fact that God cares. He cares about our small problems just like He does about our little ones. If anyone knows me, or little facts about me, they should know that I've had some huge problems to face... and this little problem made me think that God really does care, and He's not just saying it... He truly does care a lot more than I'm able to understand. If He cares about my little problem, then how much does He care about my big ones?

I've been through some pretty tough things in my young life, that well, I don't like saying this, but it's true and I can't deny it... They've been extremely tough for me to the very point where I really didn't want to live anymore. At times it felt like God was distant and that He had forgot what to do with me... My feelings lied to me like always, God was and is always there with me. and He's proven that so many times. And when I  healed from feeling like I stepped into Hell, God showed me that when I felt at my lowest and at my very breaking point, He was there to catch my fall. I guess I had to lose everything just to find out that He was always there and that it was Him who kept me going even when I didn't even feel like waking up to another crappy day of feeling abandoned. He was the One who taught me so much through that tough time in my life.

He's still teaching me things. I'm not done learning yet.

but for now, I must go to bed.. so I can somehow manage to wake up at 6:15 a.m. (:

just a rant...

Made me think of how incredible God is. He's reminded me so many times this year alone that He loves me, and that He's never left my side. He's with me in my times of joy and in my times of deep hurt. He means what He has said. It's just as true then, as it is now... He's not only a God of Love but He's a Just God... and because He is a Just God, He had to punish sin, so He sent His one and only son to die for me and for you so we wouldn't have to live seperated from Him, and die without Him and spend an eternity in Hell seperated from His love. Eternity was described once as, if you put an ant onto a steel ball, make it go around it til it has trampled it into dust, and that represents the first day of eternity. Check out this video I found on Youtube of Greg Stier talking to teenagers at a Dare2Share conference during the Blaze tour... (If Hell doesn't bother you, you clearly haven't done your homework... Hell should and needs to bother you.) ... NOTE: He doesn't come to the stage til it hits 3 minutes... but it's really good. Hell cannot and will not be ignored... it's the place that people who do not know and accept Jesus will go... watch this video, and I want you to be bothered by Hell.

Tell your friends about Jesus today. Not tomorrow. Today! Once they die, eternity cannot be changed... SHARE JESUS!

Remember the saddest verse when you look at those people you see who do not know Jesus, and imagine a "Bound For Hell" sign on their forehead...

"⁹They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power" 2 Thes. 9.

I'll Follow You, No Matter What... 10.17.2008

 Well, a few days ago, on the seventh, I realized that it's October. :) I'm not huge on Halloween, and this isn't what it's about at all... but two years ago (2008) on the 17th of this month, I went to a youth convention in Branson, Missouri, and well, I am who I am today because of what happened there. I had one incredible encounter with God. (Incredible falls short of what happened that night during worship.) Hillsong United was leading worship, and I wish I could've remembered what song it was, so I could play it again, and post it here. But I don't know what song it was, and while I may not remember that, I remember exactly what happened when everyone in that room was singing and worshipping God.



Two words will describe what I felt, 1. Freedom and 2. I felt alive for the very first time in my 14 years of life. That was two years ago, and I still feel the same way... Only then, that feeling was stronger. (It's better than anything this world can ever offer... although it tries, and fails, misserably.) But God never fails. I really do wish I had the words to describe what I felt, but I don't, so to the best of my small ability to describe them, I shall make an attempt to make it understandable to anyone who reads this... I'll keep it clear. :)

There's two incredible things that happened that night for me, one of them is, while my hands were raised, my world was rocked by the power of God, and I made a promise to Him. That promise is that no matter what life throws my way, I'll follow You no matter what. Two incredible things dramatically changed my young life til the very day I "die". Dying, and knowing that beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm saved, isn't an ending, it's a continuation of what God started within me... simply put, life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever... and nothing, not even death has the power to seperate me from God.

Romans 8:38-39 says,
                  "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."



The few things that hit me that night there in Branson, have forever changed me and continue to do so. If one thing is for sure, I'm not who I was, but I'm also not quite to being finished by God either. It's a work in progress... and I'm still learning and I love it.

Remember that promise that I made and told you about whenever you read it? That and God's faithfulness has helped me get throu so many things that I hated going throu... There's atleast three things that come to mind, and note, I do not talk about this often, and it's a little painful to talk about, but I've come along way since then. (If you've helped me throu them, then you'll know what I mean.)

1. My dad was never there at all. (He was physically, but nothing more.) I know he chose to be like that, only because that's the kind of dad he grew up with, and that's all he knew... but still, he had two choices... he chose the wrong one.
2. My parents are divorced.
3. I found out through a text message (from my grandpa to my mom) that my dad's getting remarried.

They all have caused me pain and made me question fathers... and number, caused the worst pain I've ever known. It lasted for 6 months. It was hell. I was in my room crying my eyes out and blaming myself... it took the seasons going by to realize its not my fault. It's still a very sensitive topic, and I really lose respect for people who are negative about it and say some bad things towards my dad... I do not appreciate it or them for it. It gets really personal when someone does that. Normally, I automatically get ticked off at the person who did it and want to leave the room. sometimes I get yelled for either going off on the person that said it, or leaving so i won't go off on them... and very rarely will I get an appology for it. (P.S don't bring it up in person, unless I start it... and watch what comes out of your mouth.)

Ephesians 4:29
                   "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Their negative words hurt more than they know. But even through the negativity, and the crying, and the anger and floods of emotions, God was still there right next to me... Whether I felt Him there or not. I've never appreciated fathers day... I basically refused to go to church on fathers day.

I know I've been throu alot, but it's only because of God that I made it through those trying times in my young life. I didn't make it through them on my own, I asked for help from a counselor. Does that make me weak? No, it just means that I'm strong enough to realize I'm too weak to make it through on my own.

Why did I tell you what I went through? To hopefully use it to make my point whatever that may be. I heard somewhere that you'll never know what someone has been through or is going through by looking at them and judging them for how they look. Looks don't make someone's personality. They can paint on a smile, but it doesn't mean they're happy... They can wear a long sleeved shirt, but that doesn't mean they've never slit their wrists before, or that they don't have scars on their wrists from it... or that when they get home, they'll try, for tenth time to kill themselves because no one gives a crap anymore to show them that they're loved regardless of the cut marks that they may cover up... They could have just lost someone very close to them.


Who are 'They' exactly? They are the people who see everyday. They are the people you know personally. They are every human being on this messed up planet... It's the person who is found sitting alone at lunch, it's the person you talk to every day, it's the person you pass by in the school hallways, it's the preppy cheerleader chasing boys because her own father failed her, it's the other girl who looks at herself in the mirror and is convinced she's not worth anything, it's the guy who wears those weird clothes and has those weird headphones and carriers weird things... See, my point here is simple yet hard to do, stop assuming for once. Reach out in love. Reach out to them with hope. Reach out to them with the message and mission of Jesus. It's hard, I know. but it's worth it.

Pray for the few people (3) that come to your mind for them to come to know Jesus for who He truly is.
Pursue the opportunities that God gives us everyday to share His love with those we meet.
Pursuade them with the truth in a real tangible loving way.

And do it this week. and then share with me how it goes. and I'll pray for who you're sharing with.

Share with one friend, one family member and one stranger.

I double dare you. I'm taking my own challenge as well.

Whose in with me?

Faith Muscles Need Exercise :)

I probably have had one of the best days ever. Did I do anything special? Nope. I just started my day off right. No I'm not going to say something along the lines of having a hearty breakfast, but I did spend four hours of 'God and me time' with reading my bible. It was perfectly peaceful... two words that describe my day are the ones I just used... (perfectly peaceful) I'm not going to brag about it, but I was pretty happy to read my bible this morning.. :)

I was listening to klove and the pastors on there talking about faith and it being a muscle, and without exercise, it will not get any stronger. Starving yourself spiritually, is like being physically tiny. Being physically "tiny" isn't always a bad thing, but being spiritually tiny, isn't good. We gotta work those faith muscles. We gotta read God's word. (The best time is in the morning.)

"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

But, I've been thinking lately, (that's nothing new :) ) and it seems that I love Jesus more and more with each passing day. He's incredible. I'm attempting to start a habit of reading my bible and praying in the mornings... So far, it seems to working great.

I don't think I'll post this one on facebook, but I needed to "vent" on my blog. (: It seems like over the half the time, I don't want to write in my journal, but I "write" on my blog. ahh, I love it.

With God, Nothing Shall Be Impossible

I'm not sure about you, but for awhile now, I've had this one thing on my mind alot... and I'm hoping to explain it clearly in this so you understand it, and I understand it when I re-read it for myself. You know, in the post below the one about 9/11, about me feeling like I have to be some professional writer to make a point, well, this one is different... very different. I don't have that feeling right now, probably because before I began to even write this, I prayed and ment it with all that I am. and I think I'll make my point... I seem to do that anyways :)

While I was praying on my knees, I was (and am still) listening to the song We Cry Out by Kari Jobe... -She has a beautiful voice by the way :) - Here's the song if you care to listen to it while you finish reading this... or whatever you feel like doing. :)




It's a great song, isn't it? It made me cry when I thought about what the lyrics mean...
At the beginning of the song she sings, "It's only by Your mercy we have been saved, Lord, You have said if we call upon Your name, we and our families will be saved. So we cry out Your name El Shadi God of grace, Lord most high, Jesus Christ. We rely on Your grace Adoni crowned in Grace."

That's probably my favorite part of the song... but I love the whole thing. While I was praying, I had the Campus Ministry folder in both hands almost, and I've never felt so passionate about anything as this... God's up to something. :) I just wish I knew what He's up to... but I think I'd rather be apart of it, and see what He does this year and years to come.

I've never prayed so much before in my life... it's incredible. I guess I can rest assured that God's got this all covered, and nothing with Him shall ever be impossible.

Jesus we cry out Your name... give us the strength and the boldness it takes to stand unashamed for You and give us the words and the wisdom to be clear about the gospel, and God, help me lead this thing at my school. Even through the uncertainty, we'll pray and push through no matter what we may face. You made a promise to never leave nor forsake us, we believe You.
-Amen-

"If God is for us, Then who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12

"Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

"The thief has come only to steal and kill and destroy; but I (Jesus) have come so that they may have life and have it to the full." - John 10:10

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

"When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

"However, as it is written:
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" - 1 Corinthians 2:9

As I continue to pray about this, I ask that you do the same. It's not easy leading a campus ministry in a world like this where everyone is so full of themselves, and we're here sharing a message that's stupid to them, and we're going to look dumb to some... and that's okay, we won't give up. We're called to be on the front lines of love...

Jesus, in mattew 25:40 that whatever we do unto the least of these we do unto Him... Do we actually take Jesus seriously on this? If we do, like we sometimes say, then we've got to do better than what we're doing... stop freaking out, and start reaching out... even when the moment gets awkward, something amazing could happen. Just go for it, and pray and trust God... oh, be clear as well!! - which means avoid those weird Christian terms that no one really understands anyway. Like "born again." and all the other ones like that... I don't even really know what that one means. :) but I some what get it... but you're unsaved friends and family and strangers won't... so don't use it, period! You don't like being confused, so don't confuse them with some wacked out terms... and don't add anything to the gospel... you'll mess the whole thing up if you do that.


- Katelyn

.:♥:. Glory To God, Forever .:♥:.

I think it's about time I write something :) I haven't really been feeling too good for 2 days... (yesterday and today) but my momma finally got me some medicine, so I feel better now that I can actually focus on writing something... writing has been a huge thing for me. :) (especially since I began writing something that's actually important and it's "something" that I love... God♥) But enough about that... I'm going to try and make a point here. :)

--Okay, in all honesty, I feel like everytime I write something, doesn't matter what, I feel like I have to be some "professional writer" to make a point with what is said... I just want to know, if every time I write something, if I'm making that point clear? I'm no pro. at writing... I make errors.. just like you do.... but do I make a point? and is it clear?..--

Earlier I was thinking about this whole campus ministry thing... and someone (who will go unnamed) said something to me about it, and I started to feel a little unsure about it... they didn't say anything bad... It's just at times it seems like there's more adults being supportive than there are willing teenagers to go out of their comfort zones and go all out for God. That's not a bad thing, I'm glad there are supportive adults who are behind us on this and are praying for us as we expose our friends and our school to the truth of Jesus.

I started to think of ways to lead this campus ministry thing... and nothing really came to mind... Until I went outside for a prayer walk around these apartments... twenty-five minutes into it, I realised that I wasn't really praying... it was more of wishful thinking if you will... so my wishful thinking turned to actual prayer. It was a really good experiance.. having the thoughts of "You're just a teenager, do you really think they'll take you seriously?" and "You're far too shy to lead this campus ministry, let someone else do it." those bagan to fade as I focused on God... and then there are those reassuring thoughts... "You just do what I've called you to do, and I'll take care of the rest."

 And even though I may feel like the smallest ant alive on some wacked uncool mission to expose my friends, my family and strangers to the truth of Jesus, I'm more ready and stoked than I've ever been in my life. There's something different about my last two years of High School that just may rock not only my life, but the lives of those at my high school.

3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:3-6

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. - Psalm 115:1




If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31



"You just do what I've called you to do, and I'll take care of the rest." :)

Still The Cross

This year alone has proved to be the toughest year in my life that I've had to go through... and to be honest, looking back at it all, no tears are shed about the pain, just a smile drawn on my face and a "Thank You, God." coming from a very greatful heart. And this song "Still The Cross" by FFH, has me smiling and paints picture in my mind of a cross, with words that are all in different colors, bright happy colors that make you smile, and they say 'Hope' , 'Peace' , 'Love' , 'Joy' , 'Life' , 'Purpose' , 'Freedom' ... etc.

I've been listening to this song by FFH for awhile now... and another song came to mind, the name of it is, On and On by Chasen... They both basically say the same thing, but with different words... but they come to one conclusion, it's still the cross... that no matter what we go through in life, God is always there for us like He has promised...

"Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you..." -Hebrews 13:5

Believe me, I know what it's like to feel completely alone, and like no one cares, and that I'm too much of screw up for people to love me any longer, I've felt like crap... My world seemed to have came crashing down around me, and honestly, it truly seemed like no one saw it happen, and even if they did, they must not have cared too much about me... because all they ever did was stand there and watch... not doing anything, or saying anything. (I was very wrong on that...)

To be honest, I've been on both sides(the one who is hurting, and the one who is trying to help, but the other person isn't willing to listen)... and they suck... they're completely terrible. I know how it feels to be on both, and it scares the heck out of people. I mean for the person hurting, alot of things are going through their mind at that time... They can be pretty stubborn at times, but don't give up hope for them... why? because when everything crashes, and our worlds come tumbling down, there's a tower of peace in the midst of heartache... it's still the cross.

It sucks on both sides of it, but to be honest, on the hurting side, I've learned alot from all of the situations... and through it all, I think it's made me rely on God more and not myself... I'm not too reassuring of myself in times of heartache... I'm shaken, scared, and everything else... but God's not. He feels our pain, and He still loves us no matter what we do, say, or don't do or don't say....

And going through the pain, and learning to rely on God more, helps in times like these when someone I know is going through something that I don't know how to respond to... and therefore, I must trust in God and pray for a lot of paitence and love for this person. It's hard, I know... but there's still hope for us all yet. Knowing God and trusting Him with these situations is hard to do, I gotta admit. but I know it'll all be worth it in the end... and no more tears will be shed, just smiles drawn on our faces, and a "Thank You, God." from greatful hearts.

-- Kate :)

What Started It All :)

-This would be my first thing that really got me into writing.... It is my first one. And, I will say this, it is most deffinately not my best one... but, it was a kick start to a new "passion" for me... I was thinking earlier, and when I was younger I had a journal, I remember what I would always write in it... it was more often then not, about my dad. I was mad at for not being the father he should be... Yes, it took me a while.. but I did forgive him... and I'm still learning.-

-Oh yeah, I used to write about something else when I was younger too... but you'd laugh at me for it.. its awkward, so I haven't really told anyone yet. but heck, I was a little kid and my "stories" were funny... or atleast that's what my family wanted me to think. :) haha-

So, here goes nothing:)... (it's not my favorite one at all)

-- June 17th 2009 --
Tonight, at church when people went to the alter they played the song Who Am I by Casting Crowns. God gave me the reminder that I often need whether I know it or not, that I am His. Oh, how often we need that reminder! It made me cry when I heard that song. I absolutly love that song along with 5000 other really good Christian songs. But, that's not my point here. My point is, is that we are Gods...and we need that reminder daily.

Well, I haven't told anyone about my parents and the divorce and that it hurts. alot. I know there is nothing I can do about the fact that my parents are officialy divorced. They have been divorced for a month and two days. And it hasn't gotten any easier. It sucks. I may have been fatherless as a child. But, here's something I love; "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling" -Psalm 68:5

A father to the fatherless is simply amazing. If I never knew Jesus, I would be searching for this Jesus and failing at every turn I'd take. I honestly could not tell you where I'd be if I didn't know Jesus because honestly, I don't want to know, ever. I can tell you where I was and that I'm not there anymore because I found this Jesus in Branson, Missouri at a youth convention in October of '08. I could not tell you what I felt but I can tell you who I felt more than ever, that "who" is JESUS! I remember it like it was yesterday. I know where I was standing and what song Hillsong United was playing. The song was From The Inside Out. Jesus changed me from the inside out.

It doesn't matter what I go through, how I see the circumstances is all about a choice. I can stay here and tell you over and over again how much it sucks that my parents are not together anymore and I can tell you alot of things you probably don't care about...but, I'm not going to. I will say this, and it's a quote, "I can not say I believe. I know! I have been gripped by something far stronger than myself. --something people call God."

Just Another Rant... :)

Okay, so to be honest, I'm starting to miss that time in life when it seemed simple... and by simple I mean the drama being "HE STOLE MY CRAYONS!", Boys having cooties, and homework being 2 + 2... Now, sadly, it isn't so simple anymore. The drama has gone from crayons, to "SHE STOLE MY BOYFRIEND!!" -and that ending in some stupid girl fight-, and boys having "cooties", to girls saying, 'He's so mine.' , and homework, well, that's still confusing. (Just admit it, when you were in kindergarden/first grade, you thought 2 + 2 was a hard problem... I sure did... now, what I dislike is when they started putting letters in with math and those two in with chemistry.) Well, I'm clearly not in Elementary anymore, I'm in high school... and well, the homework is confusing, the drama is annoying, and as for the boys, they're not as dramatic as the females are. :-)

I've been thinking lately, (more like for the past 20 minutes) that I didn't believe people when they told me that life will fly by and before you can even blink, you'll have kids of your own ... blah blah blah... (I haven't gotten to the 'having kids of your own' part yet... that's another story that God knows about) These people that would tell me this, normally got me giving them some look and of course, I rolled my little eyes at them, said "Yeah, right!" and walked off.

Well, I blinked, and I'm a Junior in high school.... and I'm excited/very nervous for these last two years of high school. I don't want to believe that I'm really going to be finishing out high school in two years... Ohmygoodness.!

To be honest, I'm so glad Sophmore year is over.... It wasn't entirely suckish, but when February hit, life took a one eighty on me... I've never been through anything in my life that was ever that hard (I mean, my parents divorce was hard, but this, this tops it by like so much)... Believe me, it was horrible. I've had thousands of sleepless nights, crying so much my eyes would start to hurt, laying in bed asking God 'Why me? Why now?'. I was tempted to cut my wrists, tempted to end my life... But I didn't attempt either at all.

Typing the above was hard... I started to cry at the end... especially at the 'end my life' part. That's deep, and that's serious... and I'm glad that some people actually took me seriously on that. When I said tempted, I ment it. but as the song I was listening to was ending, I heard on K-LOVE, "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns come on... and guess what? There's that peace and comfort again. God's amazing. (And that's one major UNderstatement! He's indescribable!)

Back to the nervous/excitedness part...

I'm nervous because I'm starting/leading a campus ministry at my high school and I have no clue if what happened last school will impact my junior year negatively... that's the last thing I want, and the last thing I'd need is people (a.k.a certain family members) getting on my case about grades.. okay, I know they're important, but really? I don't need you to be my critic... I need you to lead me... If you're going to critize me, make sure it's constructive critizism before you open your mouth.... or you'll only make me mad at you, and then I won't want to talk to you and if you wanna know why I don't want to be critized, go back and look at what happened my sophmore year, I'm not in the mood to be ordered around like some sort of puppet on strings.

And, I've some what set my mind on getting good grades these two years that I have left at high school. Yeah, the only thing I hate about that is, when my grandparents give me the 'if you get good grades, C's and above, we'll give you money..' speech. Wow. really? Did it occur to you that money, for me, is a poor motivator? Would it kill you to say "I'm proud of you for getting good grades"? And giving me a little nudge and encourgement to go and do it is so much better than hearing "Ok, you've gotten good grades... here's ten dollars." I see what they're trying to get at with the money and all, but it's pathetic. (If I bursted your bubble, get over it... and blow another one.)

Ohhh, yeah, I start junior year August 16th... six months before I turn 17!! --ohmygoodness!--

P.S.
I'm excited but extremely nervous!! So, pray will ya?! For my school to be transformed by the power of the gospel and for other teenagers, like me, to be fully committed to THE Cause ... and will relationally and relentlessly reach out to those that they know with the message and mission of Jesus.? Oh yeah, and I'm shy and I'm leading this crazy thing with other teenagers who love Jesus... Yeah, I love this!
And I was texting a friend earlier, and she said that she and her best friend started doing Flagpole Fridays before they graduated... Every Friday they'd get a group of people to pray around the flagpole in front of their school.... Hmmm, I don't know about you, but I'm thinking we're going to do this too.!!

- Katelyn

♥ John 3:16 ♥

.:♥:. This Fragile Breath / Something Heavenly .:♥:.

I had orginally started writing this in my journal, and really felt that I should "write" it on my blog rather than in my journal... which still, as of now, has nothing in it, because everything that I write about, I prefer to type it out and to basically expose everyone that I know and whoever runs across my blog, about the truth of Jesus.

and 'sides, I don't normally write in my journal, because everything that has been placed on my teenage heart, has been typed out and posted onto here for everyone to read and leave comments... which few have done. I post them here, on my blog for the world to see that I love Jesus, and want them to come and know Him and love Him as well like I do... Because He's absolutly undeniably incredible.

I've been listening to this one certain song for quite a while, it's called 'This Fragile Breath' and it's sung by Todd Agnew, and it's reminded me of how 'small' I am, and that all of things that I write are about God have fallen so short and that there's not one single word in the english language or in any language on earth that could fully justify the complete description of how amazing God is. I was thinking earlier as this song was playing, and it got to a certain part where Todd sang about not finding any writings that are worthy of this God high above... for what are my words compared to Yours?

Take a few minutes and listen to this song... ;




I was playing this song earlier, and I heard K-LOVE in the background playing 'Something Heavenly' by Sanctus Real... I think they just read my mind with that, because whatever is happening inside feels like choas... but peaceful. I don't get it, but with my puny brain, I don't think I will get it.




This song describes how I feel about my last two years of High School... I'm absolutly nervous about starting and leading a campus ministry. I officially start my junior year of high school in a little over three weeks, and well, I'm excited/nervous. I'm excited and nervous because I'm going to start a campus ministry, and I'm nervous because I'm leading it and I tend to be pretty shy. I guess it's a good thing that none of these people have "known" me since kindergarden. Nervous or not, I've got to do what Jesus said ... it's not a suggestion. This summer has been intense, with a ton of ups and downs that I loved/hated... but I do know one things for sure, "God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) and "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13). and "If our God is for us, then who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) but, I don't care that I'm shy, I'm ready and willing to do this. Call me UNcool, but I am UNashamed♥ ohh and please pray for my peers to be xposed to truth of Jesus.

As I was listening to one song and hearing slightly of the other one in the background, I was thinking about how awesome God is, and that He's been extremely amazing in so many ways this year... I've went through alot this year, and through all the hurt, pain and anger that I've felt and sometimes still do feel towards some people and their actions, (No, I will not tell you who they are... that is between me and God... not me, God and you. Thankyou). God has always been there for me.. even when I denied that He was there... and through it all, He's taught me three huge things.

1. be real in my relationships
2. at the end of the day, God isn't shaken by what has happened
3. love without judging (I fail at that and the first one... but I'm human... we're not perfect.)

Those three things may not mean much to you, but they mean alot to me.

Rant #2 ... Enjoy!!

I don't know about anyone else, but I start my junior year of high school in exactly one month from today... I'm excited/nervous. I'm excited and nervous because I'm going to start a campus ministry, and I'm nervous because I'm leading it and I tend to be pretty shy. I guess it's a good thing that none of these people ......have "known" me since kindergarden. Nervous or not, I've got to do what Jesus said... it's not a suggestion. This summer has been intense, with a ton of ups and downs that I loved/hated... but I do know one things for sure, "God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) and "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13). but, I don't care that I'm shy, I'm ready and willing to do this. Call me UNcool, but I am UNashamed♥ ohh and please pray for my peers to be xposed to truth of Jesus.



I don't have everything fully prepared yet, but I'll get what I can ready, and let God do what He plans on doing in the hearts and lives of the other teenagers. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know whatever happens, it's going to be amazing, and I really am convinced that God will most definitly make Himself known in whatever way He chooses to! Pray that His truth will be spoken in love and that none of us give up or give in when things get rough. and pray that our peers will be xposed to the truth of Jesus.




"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth." Jeremiah 1:6-9


- Katelyn