Anything and Everything

Hope Set High...

2011-02-25T13:52:00.000-08:00

This song has been going through my head the last couple of days. My mom got this cd for me in 3rd grade...I'm so old!

-K

Hope Set High by Amy Grant

I've got my hope set high
That's why I came tonight
I need to see the truth
I need to see the light

I've got my hope set high
That's why I came tonight
I need to see the truth
I need to see the light
And I can do my best
And pray to the Father
But the one thing I ought to know by now

When it all comes down
When it all comes down
If there's anything good that happens in life
It's from Jesus

You know that when it all comes down

I've got my hope set high
And like a star at night
Out of the deepest dark
It shines the purest light

I've got my hope set high
Beyond the wrong and right
I need to see the truth
I need to see the light
Cause I can do my best
And pray to the Father
But the one thing I ought to know by now

I'll tell you when it all comes down

January 2011

2011-01-13T10:59:00.001-08:00

Man oh man today is such a super slushy day! What a difference from yesterday. Yesterday it dumped snow on us…I think we got about 5 inches. Today it decided to warm up to 41 degrees and melt all that snow we got.

Last night at youth group, Roots, I was so touched by the girls in my small group. They have such tender hearts (espically for teenagers) and are so open to examining them and giving them to God. I’m so thankful for them. I so appreciate their honesty and devotion to God, it’s inspiring. I had to thank God today and He said, “Kayla, this is why you do it”.
A lot has gone on since I’ve written last, I do apologize it’s been such a long time. I got a new tattoo! I’m sure you’re asking, “cute, but what does it mean?” Well, one year ago I had a pretty significant change in my life, and it’s a way of celebrating that. Recognizing how far God had brought me and what he’s done. Realizing I have wings and I can spread them and fly. I need not be scared, worried or fearful of the things of this earth, even the little ones. The Lord has provided for me and has taken care of me this far and my trust is in Him. Also I completed the Beth Moore bible study this summer, and I wanted to celebrate by doing something like this, a reminder I AM HIS!

Humm, what else, Christmas was fun as usual. Mom, Dad, Sam and Rachel came over from Wenatchee. We had a great time eating Pho and opening gifts Christmas morning at my house!
Now it’s just back to work and nose to the grindstone. I am looking forward, however, to a conference I’m going to with my fellow Roots leaders. We’re carpooling over to Forge together. http://forge2011.eventbrite.com/3
Well, I’m hoping it’ll be very soon I write again. Until then friends!

Prayer Power

2010-08-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for Your perfect timing. I was reminded you really are in control. Waiting really can be hard, but I’m encouraged you have what’s best for ME in mind. I thank you for that.
After realizing you do everything in your timing and for your Glory, I’m actually finding it harder to pray. I always pray for the outcome I want…not what you have planned. One of my key phrases in prayer is usually, “Love them Lord”, but I learned last week that you already love us as much as you possibly can. I want to change my ways of praying, but I’m not exactly sure how. I want to be a better prayer warrior and I pray you’d teach me how. Show me Lord, I’m asking.
I ask you’d comfort B as she’s in the hospital. Please comfort her family and let them know your arms are wrapped around them tightly with love. Give them a miracle Lord. Prepare their hearts for what is to come. I also lift up D. Heal him Lord. Show him you are love. We cannot experience love without you, because YOU ARE LOVE! Thank you for providing the friends and family you have put in my life; I am so blessed to be going through this life with them.
Amen.

Come And Fill Me Up!

2010-08-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

I’m inviting God to fill every void in me with the living water that is Christ Jesus.
God fill my compulsiveness with you.
God fill my hunger with you.
God fill my “I’m missing out” feeling with you.
God fill my worry and doubt with you.
God fill my desire for anything but you, with you.
God fill my rejected spirit with you.
God fill my “I’m not good enough” mental state with you.
God take my un-motivated heart and trade it for one full of you.
God inspire my soul.
God encourage me so I can encourage others.
Amen

Brant Thieren

2010-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

The gentleman I was praying for did end up passing away last week. I'm glad he was a part of my Stoneway experience and I am still praying for the comfort of his family (4 children) and friends. I've posted the link to his obituary incase you would care to check it out.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/spokesman/obituary.aspx?n=brant-thieren&pid=144612066

Breaking Free Week 7

2010-08-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

I’m going through the Beth Moore bible study of Breaking Free. This week I’m learning about liberty, doing our father’s will and obedience. One thing that really stuck out to me yesterday was that “we are free when, and only when, He is in control”. Gosh, sure makes sense I guess, but what a commitment! The other thing she said was, “Our liberation is expressed as a reality only in the places of our lives where the free spirit of God is released.” In this week 7 she talks about when we receive Christ and how he actually “takes up residence inside us”. Isn’t that CRAZY to think about?!?!?. And I wonder how in the world I can still manage to disobey! It’s neat to know that He lives in me and it also is a constant reminder for me to try my best to make the right decision. “But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail” Isaiah 51:6

Stoneway 30 Year Open House

2010-08-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Today at work we had our 30 year open house. It was pretty crazy from 8am until 3pm. Reps from every company attended as well as tons of customers. We had Red Lion cater chicken, ribs, potatoes au gratin, homemade pasta and coleslaw…ooh so good! I had fun teasing all the reps and fellow Stoneway employees from other stores. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time! All in all a great day!
Lord I pray for jr. high tonight. Give me energy and motivation and let me be understanding yet stern. Let me love all the jr. highers and let me make at least one good connection tonight. Thank you for how you’ve healed Brant thus far and I pray you’d continue to comfort their family and heal Brant. Thank you Lord. Also, can you freeze time so I have time to finish my bible study homework? Thanks, amen.
-K

Shopping with Charlene.

2010-08-03T15:18:00.001-07:00

Shopping with Charlene is one of my all-time most favorite experiences ever. Charlene went to school with my parents at NW Christian and has been my mom’s good friend all my growing up years. With seven boys and no daughters, she adopted me as her only daughter! What makes her such a good shopping buddy, anyway?
*She always says, “well, try it on, you never know!” even if it’s close to the ugliest thing in the store.
*She says, “Oh, I love how you can put that outfit together in your mind”.
*She always tells me if it’s a major NO!
*She helps me if I can’t get the attire on all the way. (Like last night trying on slimmers…oh sheish! Not sure if anyone else would have done that.)
*There is NEVER enough time for all the shopping we want to do. The stores close way too early! Go-go-go is a great characteristic!
*In and out and on with life. If there’s nothing there…don’t bother.
Just a few wonderful qualities about Charlene! Thanks for the amazing shopping experience last night Charlene! Here’s a picture of my $4 top from Ross. Love-it!

Monday August 2nd, 2010

2010-08-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

I haven’t had much time to think to myself today. Mondays are usually just “trying to making it through the day” kind of days. I forgot my bible study at home so I couldn’t do that on my lunch break. Monday-Thursday I usually take my bible study to a nearby Starbucks for some quiet time with God. I feel like I’m already behind…hopefully tomorrow! And tonight…oh I’m so excited…I get to go out with my good friend for a belated birthday celebration! Dinner at Azteca and shopping ‘til the stores close! One hour and twenty minutes away! Whoo-hoo!
Lord, thank you for the bonding moments of life as well as the shoe-shopping ones! Sometimes shopping can be an idol –with the adrenaline rush and all- and I pray now that if it is one for me you’d convict me and bring it to my attention. You are all I need Lord, and I acknowledge that now. I continue to lift up Brant to you Lord. Please heal his body. The workplace isn’t the same and we all miss his smiling face. I pray you comfort those who love him and continue to love on them. Send your Holy Spirit to be with them and be near during this time of need. Amen
-K

Hurts

2010-07-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I was asked this week to think and pray about my hurts. More so hurts I’ve experienced in my life that are still with me. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far.
1. Being left out as a child. It seemed everyone in my life were always buddied up and I was mostly without a bff. I remember being in 6th grade and being so angry with my parents after Sunday school that they didn’t immediately come find me after they were let out of service. I HATED being alone. I hated the label “loner” even though I was never called one; the fear alone was enough to make me never be caught dead standing alone!
2. I know most school kids can be pretty mean, and I definitely have my own memories of mean girls. I remember 2nd and 3rd grade were particularly hard years for left out and treated poorly by classmates.
3. “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all” –Moulin Rouge. Although I really love the movie Moulin Rouge, I’m not convinced their quote is true…for me. In my Beth Moore bible study we’ve been talking about broken hearts. Oh I’ve struggled with my heart being shattered. It’s sad to me to realize years later it still affects me. Through this bible study I’m going to deal with it once and for all!
4. Losing my Grandma my senior year of high school was definitely hard, but losing both my Grandpas last year within 3 months was even harder. With all of my grandparent’s deaths I’ve been by their side as much as I could handle. Any loss in the family is hard. Though I learned much from the process of these losses, I still mourn and my heart is still sensitive when I look back.

Lord, I know you know where and how and when I hurt. I love that you know me so intimately. Thank you for loving ME! Jesus, please show me what hurts and wounds I have so I may bring them to your feet. I am ready to be free. I am ready to give them up, no matter how much sympathy I get from holding onto them and having them in my past. Bring my wounds and hurts to the surface of this life I’ve given to you so you can heal it. I am ready and willing. I also say an extra prayer for a customer, Brant, who comes in daily and is in critical condition today. You know what is going on and I ask for healing upon him and wisdom for the doctors.

Underwear

2010-07-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

I was a Fred Meyer getting some groceries during my lunch break and the thought crossed my mind, “there sure are a lot of people who think that not wearing underwear is unnoticeable”. Let me tell you, IT’S NOTICEABLE! I’m sorry! I’m about to be vulgar, but holy cow…when your shorts get stuck in your butt crack and you are simply walking…it’s noticeable. And when anyone with some extra cellulite in the rear is walking down the isle and there is no extra support of the underwear…oh my is it ever noticeable. I’m not even going to go into the whole bending over subject because you KNOW what I would have to say about that. So please people, this is an urgent plea…PLEASE WEAR UNDERWEAR! I know it’s summer and it’s hot and an extra added layer of clothing just sucks, but really, you are helping us all out in the long run. And no, thongs (or as I like to call them – dental floss) do not count as underwear. We are trying to eliminate jiggle, not encourage it.
P.S. I went to the Spokane Valley DMV today and got my new temporary license! Here’s a pic!

Thursday 7/29/2010

2010-07-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

During my lunch break a co-worker and I headed to the new Farm Chicks store! I’m posting a picture of just how cute it is! It was fun, but sorry to say I was expecting so much more. I just love the feeling of finding something original. You know when there’s only ONE of it and your blood pressure escalates and you have a serious debate whether or not you should buy it? Well, I guess I always HOPE for that feeling, but let me tell you I was REALLY hoping for it at the Farm Chicks store. Sad to say there was about 20 of everything when all I was really on the hunt for was a one-of-a-kind find. If you’re looking for necklaces, chapstick, and tshirts with the Farm Chicks logo on them, this store is your kind of place. For me, for now, I’m hoping after they make a few bucks from their grand opening, they’ll invest in some “pickers” to find some highly anticipated treasures.

On another note, something that’s been on my heart today… Do you know those acquaintances you meet then feel a special pulling on your heart? For me, I never know for sure what it means; just that the Holy Spirit is signaling in me to push myself to meet them, talk to them, reach out to them, or even encourage them by just saying hi. A few months ago I moved my desk at work back to the old data center where there was an opening. There was a man by the name of Bill that would come in daily and deliver special tapes. Every day he’d come in around 2pm and I’d politely say hello. I got that strange pull from the Holy Spirit to push myself and really try and take the time go get to know him. I told one of my co-workers, “I don’t know what it’ll take, but I’m going to get that guy to open up to me!”. Well, yesterday my co-worker got an email that Bill had suddenly died the day prior. He hadn’t been feeling well and had been in and out the last few weeks. All this to say, when the Holy Spirit pulls on your heart…obey. I did what He asked of me and I’m glad I didn’t just ignore this inclining in my heart. We just never know how long anyone has left on this earth.

Oh Kayla, You Silly Girl!

2010-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

So, I had this real great idea to renew my driver’s license online so I wouldn’t have to deal with going in, waiting, getting my picture taken, waiting and waiting some more. I’m a busy woman with a tight schedule…at least I keep telling myself that. When I renewed online, the website wouldn’t let me change my address. If I tried, it just said I had to go in to my nearest DOL office. Well, I didn’t want to deal with that now did I? I already made up my mind I wasn’t going in. So, I figured – what harm would it do to just have my old address on my driver’s license? I move so much anyway, it doesn’t matter to me which address in on there. It’ll change again soon anyway. Last night (the day my license expired and my birthday) I was upset my new license hadn’t shown up yet. What was taking so long? I mean, sure I have some dumb print-out just in case I get pulled over or something, but where was my new license? Finally it dawned on me…duh, they probably sent it to my old address I confirmed when I renewed it. Oh it’s so hard not to call myself names…’cause I sure feel like an idiot! This is what I get for taking the easy way out. Here’s a picture of me and my frustrated face!

carnival pictures!

2010-07-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

I love this pic...my 2 cousins...so vintage yet ADORABLE!

Busy weekend!

2010-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Since the last time I posted, I’ve been to Vegas, went to Wenatchee for the 4th, threw myself a “bomb” golden birthday party, and helped with the bridal shower for my sister-to-be, Rachel. Most of it happened this weekend. I can’t wait to post the pictures of my carnival party complete with a cotton candy machine, hot dog rollers, nacho machine, cupcake decorating booth, face painting booth, ball toss, photo booth, and spin the wheel! Lots of family and friends joined me in celebrating my 27th birthday. What makes it golden you ask? When you turn the age of the day your birthday is on, that’s your golden birthday. For example - I turn 27 on the 27th of July! Thanks to everyone who came and I can’t wait until next year!

Farm Chicks 2010

2010-06-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just before I left for vacation, I got the chance to hit up Farm Chicks down at the Fair and Expo Center. This is one of my very favorite events of the year. Usually I try and attend around 1 or 2 pm just so I don't go bonkers because of the large amounts of people. Well guess who had perfect timing? More like guess who has perfect timing and allowed me to meet Serena..THE Farm Chicks gal??? God did! Isn't he wonderful. Luckly Melinda pushed me up there and snapped a photo with her new camera, otherwise I'm not sure I would have had the guts to do it. Just wanted to share this great pic with you all.

What kind of car to get…

2010-06-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have this wonderful opportunity to pick out a car of my choice (within reason) and I simply cannot decide. I want something compact, funky, and colorful that just SCREAMS “Kayla”. My first choice (yes, you guessed it) a VW New Beetle. These zippy little 2 door German vehicles are cute and seem to be everything I want in a car. Small, unique, comes in a variety of colors, good crash test ratings, does well in the snow (with a good set of snow tires) and seem to last forever. I have interviewed quite a few people who have them. They all say Volkswagens are great cars and if given the choice they’d buy another one all over again. So, what’s holding me back? Well, you see, I’m content being able to have my car easily repaired by family and friends. Whether it’s a simple oil change or getting a new timing belt, it seems there is always someone who knows how to work on an older Honda. With a Volkswagen, it’s a different story. Everything has to be done by a mechanic. There are certain keys to open certain parts of the car. It’s scary to me that every time I need a headlight changed, I’ll need to take it to someone and pay them with something besides a Starbucks card or free babysitting. Then I think, “Well, any newer car is probably going to be a similar story.” There are so many questions, so many options, and so many things to consider. This requires so much RESPONSIBILITY!!! I told someone the other day, “I wish someone would just read my mind and offer me the car of my dreams in my price range”. Ya, wouldn’t that be nice?
The dealership – a world of its own. How do you get a deal? Is craigslist really the way to go? I’m lucky I’m not in a position where I need a new car ASAP. It would still be nice to check that off my list. I’m nervous, but I guess I need to realize God is bigger than the sneaky car salesman. I’m researching to the best of my ability. I need to be secure in the fact God will take care of me. I keep thinking, “what am I doing, what if I can’t handle this, what if it’s too expensive and I just can’t keep up…”. God will always provide me a way out or an answer. I need to be smart about this huge purchase, but I also need to be relying on Him that he will supply me with what I need. There are also times when I think, “do I seriously even NEED a car? There are people who can’t afford a car at all and I’m debating which car I WANT. How selfish am I?” It’s exciting to think about getting a new(er) car, but sometimes it ok to really think about the options and choices that are available to me.

My Weekend...

2010-03-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it's been so long since I've written. Sorry to my 3 followers! Lol. Well, the most exciting thing that happened this weekend was getting to spend time with my fellow female jr. high co-leaders. It was so touching and spiritually refreshing to get to know them all better. We took advantage of the "party package" at the Ramada in Airway Heights. We got 2 rooms, each with a king size bed, 4 pizzas, 8 pops and 12 passes to their water area with a slide, hot tubs and pools. It was so entertaining cramming 12 women into a hotel room just to dance around to music from our day (ie TLC, N'Sync, etc), and jump on the bed just for funzies! Our plan was to watch a movie, but we were having so much fun we never even got to that. I just want to say how thrilled I am to have had the chance to get to know these fabulous women even more. I have a newfound respect for each and every one of them. Having this event also tells me how important it is to be in fellowship with other women, espically who share the same passion - jr highers! I don't want to spill too much info, but my very favorite part was when we all squished around the edges of the king sized bed and told eachother what was really on our hearts. Times like that are so very precious to me and I will never forget the softened hearts of those women that night. Thank you Lord for such an amazing little get away and for being in that room with all of us that night.

The other exciting thing I got to do this weekend was attend the Rock & Worship Roadshow tour. If you get the chance, DO IT! It was so much fun! Remedy Drive, Sidewalk Prophets, Franchesca Batisteli, Mercy Me, David Crowder, Family Force Five and Fee were all there for...get this...$10! OMG, it was so amazing. Here are some pics and videos...the videos are hard to hear because of all the screaming and bass. We FILLED the Spokane Arena! Woot-woot!

FEE!

थे दविड़ The David Crowder Band!!! -My heros!

Check, Check

2010-01-25T21:37:00.000-08:00

So...I can finally (after about 6 years) check something off my bucket list! I've been wanting to learn how to solder jewelry ever since I worked at Pickle Papers. A couple weekends ago, I finally sat down and soldered my heart out! My parents got me a soldering kit (dvd included) for Christmas. The dvd was so helpful. All the little tricks and dos and don'ts are so great to know ahead of time. I started a shop on Etsy.com, but don't have anything up yet. Here's the address for future reference. I'm hoping to get some things up tonight as I will actually be home for once with nothing to do!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kiwijones67

My heart is happy and content with this new trade skill I've learned! I hope I'll only get better with time. It's funny how the Lord lets me gather the materials over time, then when he provides me with the last piece of the puzzle, I've pretty much already got everything else. I'm a paper fanatic after working at PP, so I always collect scraps. If I'm at Good Will or yard sales or estate sales I ALWAYS go straight for old wrapping paper, office supplies, any paper product that's vintage looking. My family and friends were always like, "Why in the world are you buying that?" I'd simply reply, "I can put this to good use!" Or I'd go to a jewelry store and buy one earring from the clearance rack in the back corner of the store...now, It's the perfect addition to a soldered pendant! One woman's trash really is another woman's treasure...yeah, mine! Lol. I remember when my cousin Melinda was remodeling her kitchen and they took out this 1950's island that was up against one wall. When her and her husband took it out, they found receipts, bills, paper decorations, flyers, and all sorts of junk mail from 1960-1990 and the first person that popped into her head...was ME! Well guess what I'm using in my awesome soldered pieces...yeah, you guessed it. A special story for each and every piece!

All in all, I'm super exited about my newfound talent and I thank the Lord for my strong intrest and passion for this kind of artwork.

14 pounds and counting

2010-01-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Well folks, I started "eating right" January 1. I never seem to know at the time if it's going to be another attempt, or a success. Sometimes I feel it's like trying to quit smoking- the more times you try, the more times you are likely to succeed. I have definitely struggled with my weight for most of my life, and probably will continue to do so. I just need to remember how good it feels to try, then to succeed.
During all this physical therapy I didn't think I had a chance to loose an ounce. The therapist said no exercising until I build up the muscles in my back. My reply..."well then what the crap AM I suppose to do?"
Anyway, I just wanted to keep up on my blog this week and let you all know how my weight-loss challenge was going.

P.S. Biggest Looser is pretty encouraging during all of this!

Oh, My Achin' Back...

2010-01-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

I know some of you have heard about my back giving me some trouble. I have an old trampoline injury...don't I sound like I'm 80 years old?...where I injured my lower back and scrunched a vertebrae pretty bad, pinched nerves and all that good stuff. Every couple of years, something little happens and leads to something big. About 2 weeks ago, I simply bent over to put a bowl away and was brought to my knees in pain. I could barely walk. It was HORRIBLE! I went to the doctor where they can't do anything for you accept prescribe muscle relaxers and pain meds. This time around, they weren't doing a thing. Some of my co-workers recommended I see a physical therapist. Today was my second visit. I cannot even tell you how much better I feel. They are teaching me how to build the muscles I need to function and use my back properly. Today he started rubbing out some scar tissue from my lower back. Boy does that hurt! I'm not sure how many more times I can really afford to go to physical therapy, but I can tell you I have been a different person today. I cannot believe what a difference constant pain makes in my day-to-day life. It's amazing how much better life is when you're not in constant pain. I think a lot of people (myself included) just learn to deal with the pain, or get used to it.

Whilst in all this pain, my grandpa Ron was brought to my mind. He passed away rather suddenly last year. In the later years of his life I tried my best to ignore all his snide remarks and bitterness...in fact, I think everyone did. He was a really hard man for me to be around because of the attitude I witnessed and somehow felt. My grandfather had an immobility. He had his hip fused at the age of 13 after a football accident. Having to adapt to life in a whole new way, he had to figure out how to sit, how to drive, pretty much, how to move and get around in general. I have no doubt he was in pain for most of his life, especially after breaking his hip in his 60's. The reason I believe God brought him to my attention is because I feel I related to him with all the pain I've experienced the last 2 weeks. I cannot imagine living my life with such pain and never seeing a glimpse of relief. I was awfully hard on my grandfather while he was alive and I know God is just trying to bring me understanding and help me to let go of that hurt I experience when I think of him. So...thank you Lord.

Catching Up...

2010-01-02T10:30:00.001-08:00

I feel awfully dreadful for not writing in so long. The holiday season got ahold of me...and I've been covering for a coworker who is on vacation and working 9-10 hour days the last 2 weeks. I arrive in the dark, I leave in the dark...it's dreadful. I haven't been motivated to blog. I have a few days off and am ready to write!

I celebrated the new year at my cousin Melinda's house. It was fun to have all the 2nd generation of cousins there. I love all those kiddos and it's amazing to watch them all grow up so fast.

(Melinda Me and Melissa)

Melinda, Melissa (my 2 dear cousins)and I are getting our butts in gear and we started a new eating plan as of January 1. Melinda and I are doing a Jillian Michaels cleanse. Melissa would but she's pregnant, so she's just on board with the healthy eating plan. I've never done a cleanse before, and so far...it's going well. We are doing our best to follow The Abs Diet book by David Zinczenko (editor-in-Chief of Men's Health). It's not really a "diet", more of a book on how to eat healthy and how to eat balanced. So far I'm on track and ready to roll.

For Christmas, mom and dad got me some fun craft things including soldering supplies, so as soon as I get some things made, I'll post them.

Just a quick fun nacho recipe I made the other day...very easy and SUPER good...well at least I think so!
I grilled up a package (probably one pound I'm guessing) of ground turkey
mixed in half an onion and the taco seasoning
I put whole wheat tortilla chips on my cast iron pan
sprinkled corn and black beans on the chips, then the taco mixture
then sprinkled (ha, hardly, more like COVERED) the chips with motzzarella
put in the oven until the cheese was melted
Yummy!

It's The Holiday Season!

2009-12-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

When time seems to fly by, it most likely means it's Christmas time! I've been a busy girl! I took Thursday and Friday off of work to do a little holiday baking and shopping with my bestest cousin, Melinda. We made all sorts of goodies! Friday we ventured out into the holiday shopping world! I'm happy to say I didn't spend too much money and...I got to eat at Red Lobster for the first time EVER! Thursday night was Emma's strings concert. It was fun to watch her program! Those kids are all so cute...and confused!

The Way of the Wild Heart

2009-11-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts and what I've learned over the last few days while reading The Way of the Wild Heart.

"...a man's life is a process of initiation into true masculinity. It is a series of stages we soak in and progress through."

I've been giving a lot of thought to these stages. I've had a lot of questions reguarding these stages. Let me explain first, in Eldredge's words, what they look like in this book.

Boyhood- A time of exploring. A boy needs to know he is prized and delighted in. He wonders if he has "what it takes".
Cowboy- A time of adventure. The boy is tested, this is a time of learning and doing, of hunting, building, and of hard work. He learns he does have "what it takes".
Warrior- He encounters evil and learns to defeat it. He most often cannot be strayed from his mission. Whatever the mission may be, it is important and he learns to defeat the enemy.
Lover- A lover comes to offer his strength to his woman, not get it from her. At this time he discovers music, literature, poetry, and passion.
King- When a man is ready to rule a kingdom. This is the time for him to draw in young warriors and be a mentor and a father to them.
Sage- An elder. Steps down as king and is an influencer. This can be the stage with the most contribution.

As I've thought and thought about all these stages of a man, I think about the boys and men I know. I think about friends, relatives, co-workers, cousins...I think about the stage they're in and the things Eldredge says about the stages being incomplete. ("Unfinished men- any stage cut short, leaving a man with an undeveloped soul". ) I think about a father leaving a boy as head of the house so he can go live with his "other wife", I think about the boys of my generation that have had to deal with divorce and cheating and affairs and frankly, a lot of pain and hurt of all sorts. I didn't realize it then, but they're impacting my generation more than they are aware. I pray for them more while reading Eldredge's books than ever before.

This brings me to my final thought for the evening. Today I visited my parent's church. I haven't been there in probably years. I was overcome with feelings of welcomness and joy. I spoke with a woman whom I used to babysit for. She told me she and her kids pray for me (to find a husband) everyday on their way to school. I couldn't help but laugh, but thinking about that the rest of today really did put a smile of my face. Someone whom I haven't seen in years is praying for ME. How cool is that?
Seeing all these wonderful people I went to church with for quite a few years sure brought back a lot of...feelings. I see my old Jr. High kids from the youth group, where I invested 3 years of my life as a college student and beyond, and I can't help but approach them and see if they're happy in life. I want to know they are following Christ and I want to know they are well. I INVESTED my life into those kids...and darn-it, I want to know it counted! It seems to have come full-circle. When I see my old sunday school teachers, helpers and greeters, they want to know I am well. I thought they were grilling me and I always hated telling them about where I was, how I was, what I was doing, and where I was working....but now, I finally understand! They invested in me, and want to know I am following Him. They want to know I am happy and well. I am not embarassed or nervous anymore when I tell them (with a smile on my face) that I am well!

Seems I've learned enough for today. More later,
-K

Last Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T00:12:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving, I went to Wenatchee instead of my parents and brother coming over to Spokane. We all had a really great holiday and it was neat to create our own tradition. As I'm thinking about last Thanksgiving...here are a couple HILARIOUS videos to make you laugh. I purchased a massage device called a Happy Head Trip and, if you're not expecting it...it can be quite a scare...

Ice Skating with Roots Jr. Highers!

2009-11-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last Friday the Jr. Highers (Roots) went down to the Ice Arena and had ourselves some F-U-N! We skated until 10pm. I wanted to share some pictures with you!

Some of us leaders crammed inside a photobooth and after discovering we could't all fit in the picure, we took OUR OWN picture...lol.

Me and Garrett ice skating and taking a candid photo...now that's difficult!

Leanne and Natalia out on the ice. Natalia is PROFESSIONAL, she brought her own skates and all. She was showing us all up by doing spins and twirls...turns out she took 4 years worth of lessons!

Most of us...

I only fell once...I did what I call the "Bambi". I totally fell face down on the ice. It didn't occur to me how I was going to get up until after I fell. I just layed out in the middle of the ice until 2 people I didn't even know helped me up! How embarassing!

My First Blog

2009-11-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about having my very own blog! I'm so thrilled to share some of my thoughts, memories, stories, and pictures with...well, whoever may happen to stumble apon my blog!

I guess I'll start off first with the book I am currently reading. This summer I spent time reading Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. Last week I stopped in at Christian Supply and Picked up the sequel, The Way of the Wild Heart. I know I am NOT a male, but the reason I believe these books to be good for me is simply this - I work in a man's world...and even though I have a Father and Brother, I feel I don't have the knowledge I should about men. Wild at Heart is a great way for me to learn more about the ways of men, why they do what they do, and why I need to accept that! Digging into The Way of the Wild Heart, I have already noted a few great lessons and quotes.

"And so our basic approach to life comes down to this: We stay in what we can handle, and steer clear of everything else"

"...and we hold back where we feel sure to fail..."

"These boys are growing up into uncertian men because the core questions of their souls have gone unanswered, or answered badly".

One of the core topics Wild at Heart discusses is how a boy must be told he is a man by a male role model he looks upto. I never knew this, but can see how it is definately true. This came to life just moments ago after watching The Man From Snowy River. At the end of the movie the main character has just done the extraordinary...tamed wild horses. He tells Mr. Harrison he'll be back for 12 of the horses...and whatever else is his, meaning Mr. Harrison's daughter, Jessica. I believe it is Mr. Harrison who refers to him as a boy. His brother, Spur, corrects him..."No, he's a MAN." And another man chimes in and says..."Yes, The Man From Snowy River". And the movie ends with all being well in the world. What an example of these books brought to life. I will continue to have a lot more to say about this book, but as for today, I have noted one!