Don't Let Fear Be A Factor..

Definition: the extent to which a person's fear keeps them from doing something;

any feeling of fear that prevents an action.

I couldn't tell you how many times fear has been a factor when it comes to being bold about Jesus and my faith.. It's played a factor for too long. I know it still will be there, but I don't need to let it stop me from sharing the greatest message ever... I may be shy, and feel like I'm not good enough at times, but my feelings of inadequacy haven't stopped God from using who He pleases.

But my feelings of fear when sharing Jesus isn't whether or not I'll fit in for it, or if people will like me... but it's more of not knowing what to say. I know that at times, I get a little frustrated with people when I'm talking with them about God. And it's been a struggle to choose to love and let that overcome the frustration.. I want to love like Jesus loves. I want to live like Jesus did when He was here 2,000 years ago and lived the life I couldn't have lived, and died the horrible death that I should have gotten. but He took my place. He died to prove that He loves me more than I'll ever know... [ He loves you too as if you were the only one to love.

I know that while I'm still here, I'm going to feel like I'm not good enough to go and tell the greatest message ever to people I know or don't know. It's scary. But I know that God loves me, and His love compels me to do what He's called me to do. I, like every single Christian, are called to share His love with those who are around us... whether we know them or not. Without Jesus, the eternal destination for those who willingly reject Him is still the same... it's eternal seperation from God in a place that alot of people don't like to bring up... [ Hell. ]

I pray your heart is breaking for those who don't know Him or have chosen to walk away... Mine is. and it hurts.. but I'm praying for them that their eyes will be opened to the truth and that they'll accept Jesus... and I'm praying that even though alot of us don't feel good enough to do what God's called us to do, that we'll know that in our weakness, He is strong. and we don't need to let fear be a factor in that.

I hope you've been encouraged(: [Some how]

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." -Luke 19:10-

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-

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. -John 3:16-17

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6-

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. -John 6:40

We love because he first loved us. -John 4:19

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

“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

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2

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 8:38-39

"For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. -2 Corinthians 5:14

2011. (: "Even If..."

It's been a good start to this year.(: It's definitely blown away 2010. [Thank God.. that was one tough year on my life.. But I made it through!]

Well my 17th birthday was on the 16th this month, and it's been great. I loved the feeling of when I turned 17, it actually felt like all the crap in the past was actually behind me... It was an amazement for me, because I never thought I'd make it through the hell that I was stuck in... But I did. Not on my own, but with God and Him showing His love for me through my friends and others who truly care about me and aren't all talk. I love you guys. (:

My mind set for this year, is no different than it was almost 3 years ago when I gave my life to Jesus...

God's never promised we'll have an easy life. No matter how hard we cover our struggles up, they're still there. Running from them only makes them grow. Wounds like that don't heal when we ignore the problem and the one who will heal our broken hearts with His love... I've learned that with forgiveness, comes healing. It's tough. But it's soo worth it.

"In this world you will have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

My mind set is "even if"... my goal is to be real with others and myself.. (:

Love Changed Me.

I don't know exactly where this is going to go by the time I'm finished writing it, but I'm thinking about a sharing how love has changed my life in my soon-to-be 17 years of existence on this messed up, broken, desperate for hope, kinda world... I'll be 17 tomorrow, and life has not been easy on me... as true for everyone else. But as for today, I kinda feel "old". I saw my first grade teacher in a Christian bookstore in Kansas, and well, I soon found myself having vivid memories of my life since first grade... and my conclusion is that life has been one heck of a roller coaster.. and I'm at a loss for words, I can't thank God enough for what He's done for me. I guess the best way that I know how to say "thank you" to Him, is living my life for Him to the fullness of my ability... and I fail at doing that at times, but God is always willing to take me back. No matter how crummy I feel. I love Him.


And it's kinda hard for me to believe I'll be 17 tomorrow sometime after 3pm... It's just craziness.. I don't want to grow up... but I'm looking forward to it though... well, a little(: But seeing my first grade teacher from like forever ago, was just, wow. Life came and, well, I'll say it, life really does fly by when you're older than 6.. But no matter how "fast" life flies by, I'm making it my life-long goal to never ever waste my life on things that will perish... I want to live my life in such a way that it impacts lives. Like I'm sure it already has.(:


I don't know how to put this into words, but I'm going to try and am praying it makes sense when it's down and posted.. but to be completely honest, I didn't know if I'd make it to 17.. but I'm almost there. and it's great to be close to it. I've been through hell alot last year, it was very painful and it was one heck of a struggle to get through. But I did. It was never, not for one second, was it ever on my own. I got through it with the help of my absolutely incredible friends and most certainly with the help and undying love of one truly incredible God. Just looking back, I can see the times when I felt completely broken, hurt, angry, lost, stuck in the trap of confusion, and a flood of other emotions. It hurt, and those feelings felt deadly.. literally. It was super tough, and I am one grateful person to say that I got through my pain and "hopelessness" by the help and crazy love of God and my friends, of both whom I love and appreciate in soo many ways.


Even those who didn't say much to me during that time, know that when you did, whether it was something simple, know it made a difference in my life. and although I don't know how to explain how love changed me, I'm hoping it shows through my writings and everything else... God's good.<3

Seventy Times Seven.

It seems like that no matter how many times I hear this song by Chris August, I'm still going to cry... It's tough writing this, and I don't know where this is going to go. But I heard this song twice on K-LOVE today... and I've always wanted them to play it, and it's nice that they are.. but this song brings back painful memories and the moment of healing for me. See, it took me a while to know that to truly, fully heal from the pain I had, was to forgive. As much as I thought I had the right to be mad at my dad for what he's done, I forgive him and still love him tons. I don't want him to forget that, ever. I don't want him to forget that his youngest daughter loves her daddy regardless of what I've been put through.



In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive our brother or sister.. His answer was seventy times seven. God has called us to forgive. It's one of the most difficult things I've had to do, but it was also one of the most freeing things. With forgiveness comes healing.. I know that Satan likes to use the bitterness that we've all built up in our lives to his advantage. The only thing Satan wants to do, is destroy us, steal from us, and make sure we're killed.. Satan's an accusor, he wants you to think that your situation is all your fault... That's what he did to me, and I bought his lie... and soo many others that he whispered so convincingly into my teenage ears...



Forgiveness isn't exactly easy, but it brings healing. I was told in my situation, to get help from a counselor.. and that's what I did. and then I was told that healing hurts, it does. Sorta feels like a thorn being pulled out. but as much as it hurts, the healing is soooo much greater!!! And needed.



With forgiveness comes healing.. :)

I'm Gonna Cross That Line..♥

I've come to find that when I don't know how to start something when I'm writing about it, is when I'd much rather live it out instead of writing about it... Writing about it is so much easier though, but no excuses. I don't know where this is going to go by the end of it, but I hope that you get the point that it's time we cross that invisible line that keeps us from reaching out to those who are in desperate need of knowing that someone cares about them and that they're not just a face in the crowd, but that they're someone who is loved beyond what they can understand... When you see people, do you ever think "What are they feeling?" , "God, do they know you?" , "Do they see you?", "Are they hurting?" , "Are they mad at you, God?" , "Where are they going to spend enternity?" I pray your heart is breaking for those who desperately need that personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

...and this is normally the point at which I start to get a little frustrated. I really want to make it clear that people desperately need Jesus. I'm tired of that invisible line keeping me from doing what God's called me and every single christian out there to do... to reach out to people. Whether you're gifted in it or not, Jesus said to do it. it's time we listen up and do as He says.

... and this is the part where I'm feeling like no one's going to get it.. but I know someone will. I think? ugh. but I'm trying to find something on Facebook, or possibly I saved it to my computer (which isn't likely) but it goes along with this so well. Because I don't want to just talk about the importance of doing what Jesus said for us to do, but I want to live it out...

I want to share a story from my life that happened in October of 2010. (It happened two years to the very date that I gave my life to Jesus.. :) ) I hope I find it... cause I loved the feeling of reaching out to someone that everyone else was just ignoring and passing them off as people who were just going to use the money they recieved to go and buy drugs, or alcohol (sp?)... it's frustrating when people do that. But I know that we should reach out and not freak out.

Okay, so I found it.. but it's really long. So, instead of making this one super long, I'll just tell you that by clicking here you can go read the story :) Please read the story (:

I remember that day like it was yesterday... I'll be honest, reaching out isn't easy. We make excuses to avoid doing it... "What if they won't listen to me?" , "They're going to hate me for bringing this Jesus up." , "I won't be cool anymore.." , or "I shouldn't do this, someone else can. I'm not qualified enough to talk about Him." Those things go through my mind alot, but on that day, in October, I went out of my way to reach out to someone who needed it... I didn't care if everyone else hated it, or if it made me uncool. But I wasn't afraid of it... I didn't let myself freak out. That invisible line seems to be powerful... we're not supposed to cross it, and if we do, we're uncool for it and we may lose friends over it.

I'm refusing to be silent about Jesus. He died to save me... He took my place and yours. He loves us. He died to prove it. He went through a painful death to set us free... He's just far too great to keep quiet. I know we're putting alot at risk for Jesus, but what are you willing to risk to rescue your friends from an eternity away from God?

and yes, i'm hoping you read the story, because you've been challenged... if you read it, you know what I mean. :) and I'm challenging myself to take it too..

This may not have been my greatest blog post, but I hope you got the point (:
Reach out. Don't freak out.


"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." - Matthew 9:36


"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 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


"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10


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. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7♥


"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


"Free grace can go into the gutter, and bring up a jewel!" - Charles Spurgeon.


"If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for." - Spurgeon.


"A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." - Spurgeon.


"Shall I give you yet another reason why you should pray? I have preached my very heart out. I could not say any more than I have said. Will not your prayers accomplish that which my preaching fails to do? Is it not likely that the Church has been putting forth its preaching hand but not its praying hand? Oh dear friends! Let us agonize in prayer." - Spurgeon.

♥ Kailee's Korner ♥

Sooo, my awesome friend Kailee, started blogging today, and I really think that her first entry is pretty darn good!! So, if you wouldn't mind by following her... You can do that by clicking here. :)
And let her know what you think!! I know she appreciates the comments!! :) She's gotten like 10 on her first post!! She has more on one than I do!

Go Kailee!!! Praying for you, always!


- Kate. :)

Maybe, One Of These Days, I'll Make A Difference.♥

I'll be honest, because on here, it feels like I have to... and it's my choice to be honest. because I don't want to be fake. Ever. I just want to be real about my faith, my life, my weaknesses, my strengths... etc.


Ever since the start of this year, when I stopped going to Staley High School, and started in the ACE Learning Centers program thing, it's been tough figuring out what God wants me to do. I know it's pretty amazing, whatever it is. I just wish I knew what it was. Maybe it's something with writing and that book that I want to put together sometime soon? Or maybe it's something else? Cause I know that writing is what I love to do... That's how I vent alot of the times. It's not always on my blog or facebook or twitter, but venting it out helps. Tons. (I learned that in August of 2010... Long story.)


What makes it hard for me, is that at the High School, I had started a Campus Ministry, and I know they said I could still lead it, it's just that leading it when I don't go there anymore, doesn't feel right. I'd feel like I'm trying to force Jesus onto people... and I don't want to do that. So far, no CM meetings have happened since January 1st, 2011. Does it break my heart? Yeah. But I don't care about the campus ministry, (Of course it's great, and I think it's needed that there's a place that Christians can go to to grow in their faith and hang out with other Christians...) but what I care about is those other teenagers there who don't know Jesus.. it hurts thinking about it. I wish I still went there. but now, I wouldn't change anything to go back. (it's a long story, that I'll pass on sharing.)


But before I left there and started in the ACE thing, someone didn't clearly explain that it wasn't going to be there.... call me crazy, but it's true. and it's quite frustrating. And to all the unclarity that I was getting, I had asked my grandpa to order Gospel Journey Maui from Dare 2 Share Ministries, but then I soon found out the truth... I was about to just cry. It hurt... I want to continue leading it, but now, it doesn't seem like that's where God wants me.. It's stressful and frustrating that I now have soo much time on my hands, (literally), and that all my friends there at Staley are getting the heck stressed out of 'em... It's frustrating, but I don't want to mess up their education... I want them to do good and graduate like they should. I don't want to force them into coming to CM meetings on Thursdays after school, when they have a crap load of homework to do from practically every single teacher that they have. I'm just not going to force them to come. It's not about the meetings, and I don't want it to be... and it's not.


Even though I'm not leading it, SHS isn't hopeless... There are Christians there that love Jesus.. and I pray that as small and uncool as they feel, they'll reach out with the message and mission of Jesus to a lost a dying world. and I know for sure that one of them (you know who you are :) ) is going to Dare 2 Share's UN.Tour in Lincoln, Nebraska February 25th - 26th... :) It may only be one, but one can make an impact on this world. :)

And about Gospel Journey Maui, I don't know what to do with it.! Seriously, I have it still. Well, it's in my moms car in the backseat... (probably supper frozen. thanks to crappy Kansas City weather that needs to end. Just give me spring already!) I offered to give it to my youth group, but I'm feeling pushed aside about it. I love them to death, and I know that GJM could well, do something awesome to my youth group. I wish they'd take it :)


that's just me and my rant... again. :) Maybe it blessed you in some sort of way. :)


P.S
You may not change the entire world, but you can change your own♥


- Katelyn. :)

Prayers For Kate Mcrae.

On facebook earlier, I saw a post by MercyMe about Kate Mcrae. I don't know her, but I've read stuff about her, and her and her family could use the prayers. It seems like, from what I've read, to be a really tough time for them. Please, pray for Kate Mcrae. (To read her story, Click Here.)


- katelyn.