{thoughts}

A Look Back

Most people claim it is impossible to go back in time. In first grade at VBS, our Kid's Church room held the world's first and only time machine. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I watched as volunteers walked into the time machine before walking back out as "babies." Embarrassing as it is, it took me a little longer than the average six-year-old to figure out the whole thing was a sham.

To some extent, however, I believe time travel is possible. This belief fuels my journaling habit, as I love nothing more than to look back over years gone by and marvel at how my life has changed. By taking photos, writing things down, and collecting tidbits of life as days come and go, I have the secret superpower of going back in time, even if its only possible through memories. God even charges us to take a look back every now and again, just to remind ourselves of His faithfulness. 

So without further ado, at this time last year....

 1. I was still a cheerleader. My hectic schedule included games and practice almost every night of the week. At this point, we were preparing for NCA Nationals in Daytona Beach, FL and I was equally terrified and excited. After 8 years as a cheerleader, I finally hung up my poms for good this fall. I felt God was leading me to bigger things, and after much prayer, I knew what I had to do. I treasured my years cheering on both the Warriors and the Wildcats and have no regrets!

 2. I had some brand new friends. God ushered these friendboys into our lives at the perfect time! Spring last year was filled with hilarious game nights, football on the roof, Lord of the Rings parties, "homework" nights in Teter, embarrassing 1-10's, and galavanting around Indianapolis in the unusually gorgeous weather. I looked forward every day to getting to spend time with these crazies every free second I had.

3. I was questioning my life calling and contemplating going into Forensic Science. Just kidding! While I enjoyed my Forensic Science lab last spring (that's a real human skull I'm holding, by the way), I was just beginning to grow my passion for public relations. Since this point, my love for the field has only progressed, and I am beyond excited for my future as a PR princess.

4. I was skilled in the art of the snarky note. Ok, so I guess not much has changed in that arena. But seriously, who wants to use a towel after knowing someone else used it right before?! Sick!

5. I barely knew the people who would become my best friends. Last year at this time, I was praying fervently that God would bring more friends into my life. Throughout my time in college, I always envied the friend groups who studied together, hung out on weekends together, ate every meal together. Thanks to the grace of God, I now have one of those groups. Joelle, Nicole, Bre, Sidney, Elese, Heidi, and Kristin, I'm so glad you are now a part of my life!

Kate the Accumulator's Top Spring Break Picks

Strutting through the airport last week, I think I had three different boarding passes stuffed into my wallet at one point. Something about the slick pieces of paper brandishing proof of my travels seemed too sacred to throw out. This was not an odd phenomenon, as I sometimes feel a little like a faulty vacuum cleaner: picking up random junk as I go through life trying not to trip over things. My incredible week in Florida for Spring Break with my main compadres was no different. Over the course of seven sunshine saturated days, I accumulated...

5 boarding passes
2 take-menus
2 church bulletins
1 free CD
3 seashells
1 piece of a coconut
....and that was just the stuff I found!

I have often heard it said to collect moments, not things. For Kate the Accumulator, however, this is much easier said than done. But on this past Spring Break trip, the memories in my heart way outnumber the objects in my pockets.

13 Best Moments from Spring Break 2013

13.  Celebrity status at church. Being the only attendees under the age of 65 at Jo's grandparent's church, we were asked to stand and introduce ourselves in front of the entire congregation! Our new elderly neighbors for the week seemed so happy to see us. The feeling was definitely reciprocated!

12. Making a friend on the beach. I met Zach the half frog half dog half human half fish when he hopped past my towel one afternoon. Poor little guy had no one to play with, so I struck up a conversation. Then he asked for my phone number. Then he asked if I could come over. He was sweet, don't get me wrong. I just wasn't feeling the 16 year age difference.

11. Old TV show reminiscing. We literally spent an hour laying on the guest bed trying to remember theme songs to old TV shows. Frustrating, but awesome.

10. Tuesday beach day. Iced coffee in hand, sun on skin, not a cloud in the sky, and Greek food for lunch. Perfection.

9. Fish tacos and live music. Nuff said.

8. Dinner conversations with Grandma and Grandpa Cobbs. I could have listened to the two of them all day! Their bits of wisdom sprinkled with hilarious comments kept us constantly entertained. They were the absolute sweetest, making us feel special all week long, especially when they laughed at our "stories." 

7. Operation Scare Lauren. Lauren walks into bathroom. Nicole, Jo, and I squeeze into closet. Lauren searches house. Lauren walks back in. Closet door opens. Mission accomplished.

6. Tornado trek to McDonald's. We braved four lanes of traffic, winds that could flatten a small town, a toxic swamp, and a woman with a lazy eye to get our McFlurry fix one afternoon. So worth it.

5. Card night. 7's and euchre for hours with some ice cream on the side. The four of us were feeling hyper and mischievous...you know, that mood where EVERYTHING is funny? Even black suits and crow mating calls?

4. Beach tumbling. I still got it. ;)

3. Deep conversations till almost 3 in the morning. Nothing beats a great talk with your best friends after a good movie. 

2. Falling asleep every night exhausted and happy, knowing the next day would be even better than the one before.

1. Marveling at how God brought two sets of roommates together who barely knew each other at this point last year. I would have never guessed that the girls living right across the hall from me in which I only exchanged casual hello's would end up being some of my best friends. 

The Carpe Diem Project

If there is one thing in this life that my brain cannot get a handle on, it's time. Represented by hands on the clock, falling sand, a shadow across the sidewalk, time is something we can never seem to have enough of. We know a minute is composed of sixty seconds, an hour of sixty minutes, a day of twenty four hours, and yet some minutes drag on for hours while others last merely seconds. Once a moment passes, it is gone forever, only leaving behind shadows in the form of memories easily forgotten. The same can be said for life. No matter how many weeks, months, years we are given on the earth, once it ends, life on Planet Earth is over indefinitely. This is a common fact of life, heavy and sobering. So why is it that we take it so lightly? Why is it that we sit around and stare at each other wondering how to simply pass time that, once gone, can never be retrieved again?

I recently had a conversation with a friend wise beyond his years on this very topic over some hot chocolate.

"People settle instead of going after their dreams," he told me. "They make excuses. The only thing that can limit you, is you."

So, I decided I'm not going to settle. I'm done with making excuses. 

James 4:14 makes a powerful statement: "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." I don't know about you, but thinking of my life as a mist calls for some changes in priorities. I firmly believe time is a precious gift from God, and how we choose to use it reflects our devotion to Him. Keeping this in mind, a statistic I read in the book Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman stated that, by 65 years of age, the average person will have spent twelve years in front of the TV. I am super not ok with this!

So in light of these facts, what is a chronic time-waster to do? With God as my witness (I know He wholeheartedly backs me up on this, in fact I think He's been trying to get it through my thick skull for awhile now), I am proposing the Carpe Diem Project in hopes of turning things around. 

Here's how this is going to work.

1. For three months, I'm going to do my best to live like my life is a mist. 

2. This means....

     -Treating every moment as a gift

     -Being intentional and deliberate with my use of time

     -Honoring God in all I say and do

3. I will only watch TV if it provides an opportunity to fellowship and spend time with friends, or help me to keep from throwing up when I run on the treadmill.

4. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest) gets 20 minutes of my day. No more, no less.

5. I no longer will provide lodging in my brain for worry, stress, or negativity.

6. Time not spent with friends, in class, doing homework, or working will be spent in three ways: learning, enhancing, and doing.

Learning:  I cannot tell you the last time I read a book to learn something new or just for fun. I want to re-develop this habit and pick up some knowledge along the way. 

Enhancing: There is always room for improvement, whether it is in relationships or skills. I want to spend more time with God and people, as well as writing and creating. 

Doing: I have always hated sitting around, and unfortunately I've slowly let myself settle to doing "nothing" when I find extra time. No longer! Time to get up and get moving, which means seeing new places, trying new things, and exploring what creation has to offer. 

7. I'm planning on tracking my progress. I have an inkling that this little "experiment" is going to radically change things for me, and once May whatever rolls around, it will no longer be a project, but a way of life. 

I know and accept I will mess up from time to time. There will be days where I am tempted to "kill time" by engaging in the mindless activities that suck me in far too easily. But, with the help of my Father, I'm committing to this. I can't afford not to. 

Snowquiescence

As I stepped out into the January atmosphere, I met the morning for the second time. While many were still beginning their day, mine was well underway, as I had been coaxed out of sleep for class over two hours prior. The eyes had been rubbed and the coffee made, but I still felt I had yet to truly begin. Leaving the building wrapped in my silky down coat, a white blanket of clouds softly sprinkled snow onto the ground. As I walked, I became abundantly aware of the hush that had accompanied the accumulation under my feet. It was almost as if each snowflake absorbed all sound, swallowing up every shout and footstep from across campus. The stillness was sweet. With flakes surrounding me and my steady exhalations the only sound to be heard, I felt a calmness saturating the air. The sound of snowqueiscence.

I am generally not winter's biggest fan, but there is just something about snowquiescence that feels magical. Looking out from inside a warm house at a world sealed in white always has a peaceful effect. Combine it with a comfy sweater, a hot drink, a journal, and the instrumental version of England by The National, and you've got yourself a recipe for a perfect winter day.

Let me introduce you to my party people

It's Monday morning. The frigid Indiana air hisses outside my window, sending snow swirling into the faces of sleepy people hiking the sidewalks. The sky is overcast, colored by the groans of students beginning another week of class.

I couldn't hear said groans however, because what should have been another dreary Monday had escalated into a full out party in our room. With the morning coffee taking full effect on my roommates and me, Pandora DJ'd an instant dance party in the bathroom. In between bustin' moves I ran in and out trying to finish last minute items while yelling and laughing at my roommates. And to think, half of us aren't even morning people. It was truly a Monday miracle.

Spontaneous bursts of crazy randomness with my 7 roommates is not unusual. I get a daily ab workout from laughing to the point of tears at the shenanigans that seem to follow us. But even better than just being loads of fun, each one of my roommates is a steadfast friend and a woman of God that I know I can look to for advice and Godly counsel.

So, without further ado, let me introduce:

1. Joelle. Also known as JoJo, I barely knew this lady until the beginning of fall semester. For a few days at the very beginning, we were the only two in our entire suite. After one night of watching (and screaming at) Pretty Little Liars, eating peanut butter M&M's and drinking coffee, I had a feeling we would become great friends. Together we down Starbucks at alarming rates, brave apocalyptic weather conditions, tear up the Just Dance floor and have deep conversations on the regular. She is my newest friend and also one of my best, and I'm so thankful I live with her.

2. Sidney. Sidney Suzanne is one of the sweetest, most genuine girls I have ever met. I love talking with her and hearing her thoughts on life. She is an extremely hard worker, and pours her heart and soul into all she does. I have a lot of respect for her, not only because she drinks her coffee black. I have loved the opportunity to live with her this year, and very much admire her work ethic and personality.

3. Lauren. In 2nd grade, when Lauren and I first became friends, I would have never guessed she would one day end up as my roommate. I'm so thankful that she did! Lauren has a wisdom beyond her years and I know I can always go to her for advice. I've always loved our conversations, whether during a drive to a high school football game, on my trampoline at midnight or just getting ready in the morning. I appreciate all the memories we've had growing up together and hope for many more to come. She is a rock solid friend to me, and I look up to her in so many ways.

4. Bre. The queen of exaggeration and the life of the party, a moment with Bre around is never dull. Her light hearted nature and mischievous ways have helped remind me not to take life too seriously time and time again. Along with being a ton of fun, however, Bre is an amazing human being who stands firm in her faith and convictions. I'm so thankful for her friendship and the laughter she brings me daily.

5. Addi. As long as I've known her (which has been awhile), Addi has had a knack for naturally lighting up a room. Her positive outlook and infectious laugh boosts a mood in seconds! She is such a woman of faith who lives out her love for God everyday. I appreciate the accountability she provides me, and I could never thank her enough for the love she has shown to me over the years through trials in growing up. Addi is a ray of sunshine!

6. Elese. The artistic one of the group, I love Elese's eye for the little things of beauty in life. She is a very talented and dedicated both as a photographer and a friend. I enjoy hearing her insights and opinions as well as her somewhat unfortunate and hilarious stories from her job last summer. I love when her goofy side comes out and am thankful for all the fun she brings to our room!

7. Nicole. Dependable and authentic are two words I would use to describe Nicole, and she is honestly one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is always honest with people but at the same time very sweet, a difficult combo to find in people these days! I'm so thankful for the fact I can count on her to have my back. Her testimony is incredible, and I have loved watching her grow in her faith as well as help me in mine. Nicole is a rockstar.

I love these girls with all my heart!

My "Resume"

With cover letters, resumes and applications for summer internships making my head spin, I officially feel like I'm growing up. Weird. And pretty scary.  I've become a pro at tailoring my resume to show my experience, but I always wish I could add some...err....skills and accomplishments that I am most proud of besides those related to PR. So, in order to get this desire out of my system, I have compiled my resume of awesome yet totally worthless information.

Katelyn Burkhardt

shingingintheuniverse.blogspot.com

Professional Summary

Seeking to become a PR princess of an organization in which I can use my education, previous experience and leadership skills to royally manage all communication activities and have a lot of fun doing it. 

Relevant Experience

(With photos to prove it)

Freelance Chalk Artist                                                                                                             Forever

• Once covered my entire driveway in sidewalk chalk
• Artwork lasted for several days before rain washed it away
• Everyone in the neighborhood was jealous

Starbucks Addict                                                                                                   January 2012-Present

• Once consumed Starbucks 4 times in 3 days
• Mastered the art of the complicated order
• Used skills to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte AFTER said drink was discontinued
• Kind of maybe almost a Gold member

Cupcake Extraordinaire                                                                                   September 2012-Present

• Have baked dozens upon dozens of cupcakes
• Mastered the use of an icing bag
• Accomplishments in include cinnamon roll cupcakes, cookies and cream cupcakes and Andes mint cupcakes among others
• Have never burned a cupcake

Mug Collector                                                                                                    December 2012-Present

• Exhibits excellent taste in coffee mugs
• Has a vibrant collection of rare and beautiful mugs
• Realizes coffee in a cute mug is necessary to start the day right

Accomplishments and Awards

High Score on Just Dance 4                                                                                               January 2013

• Beat my little sister's record for most points on "Beauty and a Beat"
• Appointed myself as Best Dancer in the House
• Justin Bieber's next back-up dancer

Who says growing up has to be so serious? :)

The Best Time of Day

Call me crazy, label me a lunatic. I have decided that my favorite time of day is the rooster crowing, alarm ringing, coffee brewing morning. But before your cursor rushes to the "Back" button as you gape in shock, hear me out on this one.

Let me start by saying that I am horrible at sleeping. Yes, sleeping is something that all humans do, but that does not mean all can do it with equal caliber. I'm practically incapable of sleeping in, and can barely remember a time when I got over 8 hours. Therefore, waking up in the morning is generally not something I struggle with.

So with my incapability to sleep late, I enjoy getting up and getting my day started with a cuppa joe and time with God. Talking to my Father before I leave the room is a must, and enjoying liquid proof of His love for me is an added plus.

I also always have great conversations in the a.m. My roommates and I always talk while the straighteners sizzle and mascara dries, sipping the remainders of our coffee in between topics.

Mornings always find my productivity level sky high. Being all fresh and sparkly makes me want to get things accomplished and learn stuff. Thus is why having class in the late afternoon can be quite a struggle for me.

Finally, my favorite meal happens soon after waking. Breakfast, in my opinion, offers the greatest foods  in creation. Along with coffee, I flip for cinnamon rolls, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast. I will never turn down an invitation to breakfast on a Saturday morning with the promise of good conversation.

Have a happy morning (tomorrow)!

Favorite Things Friday

1. Super Nintendo. Mario, Donkey Kong, Frogger, oh my! I'm obsessed with the video game system living in our room that is even older than I am. Last weekend I spent a good amount of time on the couch with controller in hand trying my best to dodge bad guys and snag 1-up mushrooms.

2. Gingerbread Lattes. I didn't even know I liked gingerbread until last week! A perfect blend of spice and sweet, Starbuck's has created the creme de la creme of Christmas coffee perfection.

3. Bre. I had the opportunity to spend three days with this girl while the other six roommates were out of town last weekend. We had a blast watching movies, eating Ivanhoe's, and, of course playing Nintendo. Bre is a fun-loving, dependable friend and I super enjoy sharing living space with her!

4. Jesus. Recently He has been showing up in amazing ways. God has been teaching me what it means to be in a friendship with Him, as opposed to a boss-employee frame of mind I'm guilty of falling into. The invitation to be friends with the King of the Universe is what separates Christ-followers from those involved in any other faith. Other religions are just that: religion. But Christianity is a life-changing relationship. Pretty amazing if you ask me.

5. Jump5. My favorite group at age 11 had a major comeback last night. Joelle and I had an impromptu early-2000's-Christian-teen-group jam session while all the other roommates were out. And I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed or totally jazzed that I still know the words to every song.

Happy Friday!

Cest La Vie

And now for a slice of real life...

Behold! The face of the Prisoner of Jackson Library. 

I'm a slave to Marketing Principles tonight. 

Oh well. Such is life.

A fabulous post filled with useful info to come Wednesday!

Curiophany

I felt it for the very first time strolling down a swarming sidewalk. The chilly air nipped at my cheeks; a reminder that this was real. Taxi tail lights danced down the streets like guests at a ball. Echoing car horns and the click-clacking of millions of feet created a symphony of city sound. The smell of winter and fresh soft pretzels collided as bundled street vendors called out to the crowds. Items in store windows smiled and winked from inside their glass cages. My eyes desperately tried to savor every color and shred of light offered by massive billboards, like a frantic child during an Easter egg hunt. Gaze shifting upward, thousands of glistening windows decorating mile high buildings framed the velvety night sky.

I was sixteen when New York City swept me off my feet. 

The feelings I had towards Manhattan I couldn't describe. The mixture of wonder, excitement, curiosity and longing was left unnamed, because it was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. And I never experienced this kind of affinity for a city again.

Until I visited Chicago.

During a weekend in the Windy City with my family, the strange concoction of feelings returned. The culmination of emotions left me planning my future in Chicago; picking out an apartment, nailing down the closest Starbucks, and watching my 25-year-old self walking to work in heels and a classy peacoat. 

And then I found myself in Los Angeles...

Shortly before I wound up in San Francisco. 

Each time I visit a new city, the pull returns. I picture myself doing life there, jogging through Central Park, shopping on Michigan Avenue, or grabbing lunch at Pier 39. I construct a future against the backdrop of the skyline while wondering about adventures to be had. 

This phenomenon, I decided, is known as curiophany. 

Maybe the only person on earth to have experienced curiophany. Or maybe there are others who find time spent in new cities more inspiring than any tangible item. One thing I'm sure of, however, is that I plan to let curiophany fuel the pursuit of my dreams. I will live somewhere incredible someday, and wake up every morning falling more in love with a beautiful city. 

Prioritizing

For the past few weeks, I feel like I've been living to-do list to to-do list. I jump from one item to the next like stepping stones, rejecting any activity that unexpectedly arises in between.

However, I'm learning that planning is futile, because I am not in control. I'm learning to rely on my Father to lead me through the day, putting Him first and others second before myself. This can be tough, especially in the busyness of life, but I'm growing to understand what it means to live a life fully surrendered to God. As important as college may seem, it is not NEARLY as important as my relationship with God or the people I love. School can easily become an idol, and I know I have to be on guard against that happening.

I'm so thankful He is here to help me, because I am just a weak little human. Good thing I've got the King of the Universe on my side!

Life Lately

As my to-do lists grow longer by the day and my feet are in a constant cartoonish blur as I move from task to task, my determination to conquer the semester grows stronger. Just like the infamous Wile E. Coyote never catches up to the elusive Road Runner, I refuse to let stress get the best of me!

Some Thoughts on Life 

1. I'm currently praying that God "syncs" my desires for life with His. Some dreams that I once had are shifting, and it is my hope that I am open to whatever God has for me as I continue into the uncertainties of the future.

2. I love the fact that I have two younger sisters. Our age differences (7 and 10 years between me and each of them) I used to hate, wishing that I had a sibling closer to my age. Now, however, I am so thankful for the spunky innocence of those two. They keep me young.

3. Speaking of being young, some days I wish Neverland was a real place. Staying a kid forever sounds prime.

4. Dante's  Inferno should not be read before bed under any circumstances. 

5. Over Fall Break, I had a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin butter, and purchased pumpkin pancake mix. Hashtag obsessed.

6. I'm super determined not to get sick this fall/winter. I simply don't have time for it, and love my gummy vitamins way too much to not take them regularly.

7. Not a day goes by where I don't miss California. 

8. I'm taking Philosophy and Theology in Film as an elective next semester. This was an exciting decision. Does that make me a nerd?

9. Would popcorn flavored ice-cream be good? A little hint of saltiness with a buttery base and real pieces of popcorn mixed in...sounds like a winner to me.

10. Often when I walk to class I'm tempted to stop and pick up extra colorful leaves. They won't be around for much longer!

Autumn Weekend Adventures

Hometowns intrigue me. Like Mary Poppins' magic suitcase, a hometown is a bottomless dot on the map from which hundreds of memories and meaningfulness can be pulled. I love the opportunity to jump into someone else's "dot" and explore, experiencing for the first time the articles of their life that can only be found there.

I spent this past weekend in the overflowing dot of Westfield, Indiana, hometown of one of my roommates, Joelle. The entire week leading up to our departure, we schemed and planned about the places we would go and the things we would do. An autumnal adventure was in the making!

Friday afternoon we hit the road with windows down and Starbucks in hand. The hour drive felt like five minutes as I sipped the first Java Chip frappuccino I'd had since high school and sang along to mix CDs.

The first adventure awaiting us was unexpected, but exciting nonetheless. We paid a visit to Westfield's main rice and fortune cookie supplier for take-out before driving down a hilly country road. Our destination was a beautiful grey house with an orange door, matching the leaves on the tree out front. The house belonged to a couple whose adorable blonde toddlers needed to be sat for a couple hours. We popped in Toy Story 3 for the kiddos before burning our mouths on hot Chinese food, too delicious to let cool completely. The dusky glow of the descending sun kissing the hardwood floors gave the old house comforting feeling, like it was wrapping you up in a blanket that smelled of fallen leaves and bonfire, welcoming you home.

After falling asleep Friday night watching "What Not to Expect When You're Expecting," Jo and I leapt from our slumber Saturday morning to get our day started off right.

The grande Pumpkin Spice Latte with two pumps of caramel I ordered on Starbucks run #2 of the weekend was perfection in liquid form. Coffee in hand, we took off for the Barn Sale, an event being thrown the mom of the kids we watched the night before. Watching the clear blue sky and red and orange leaves waving like streamers weaved through the treetops created a kaleidoscope of light and color as the car bobbed up and down the the hilly road. The day was perfect. Fall had officially made it's grand entrance in Westfield.

I could have left my heart at the Barn Sale. Table after table of shabby chic antiques and crafts lined the walls of the huge barn, spilling onto the lawn outside as well. Beautiful and unique collections of objects were proudly displayed, tempting me to pick up and admire everything I saw. I ended up leaving with a necklace, but only because I knew we were destined for each other the second I laid eyes on it.

Isn't it cute?

Lunch came from Big Hoffa's Barbeque, arguably some of the best BBQ I've ever had (and I've had some GOOD barbeque in my day). I knew I had to try a house specialty, so Jo and I each ordered the "Hoffinator." Can you guess what ingredients are included in this masterpiece and epic portion?

Give up? The Hoffinator is ranch and barbeque sauce on pulled pork on mac and cheese on baked beans on fries: six layers of comfort food heaven.

After lunch, Jo and I picked up our date for the afternoon, her next door neighbor/pastor's two year old son Titus and headed for the the pumpkin patch! 

We got to ride in some hay before engaging in the difficult pumpkin selection process. 

Once we had found three perfect pumpkins, it was time to butcher them! 

Jo and I gutted our pumpkins for the seeds, which we toasted later. So worth getting pumpkin guts under our nails and on our clothes. After the pumpkin execution, we whipped up a batch of pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese icing from scratch. Feel free to let your mouth water. 

Once the cupcakes had cooled and the icing set, I had the privilege of sampling Jo's dad's famous chili for dinner with her family. Every college student knows a homecooked meal eaten in an actual home (even if it's not your own) is something to be savored. After scarfing down two bowls, we took the second trip to Starbucks of the day and tossed back undertows (espresso on milk on vanilla flavoring) before I bleached Jo's hair and her dog and finished off the day with the "Bridesmaids."

Church on Sunday morning was refreshing. Jo's next door neighbor/pastor delivered an awesome sermon, and I saw many people I had met the over the weekend one last time. I was amazed at the community within the little church family. The love and willingness to serve each other was so obvious, and I decided I want this kind of selfless love to flow from my heart into my family in Christ as well. 

After exchanging our Sunday best for Sunday sweats, the remaining hours of the weekend were spent shopping, drinking Starbucks, and baking batch number two of pumpkin cupcakes. 

My two and a half days in Westfield were packed with excitement and newness. I absorbed the smells, the sights, and the tastes bursting from the bottomless map dot like a sponge, my senses scrambling to contain every experience. Though it wasn't my own hometown, the welcoming comfort offered by the perfect blend of country and suburb was a prime place to spend a few fall days. 

Total Starbucks trips: 4. 

Christmas friDay

Fridays are typically good days. Nobody can argue with that. Fridays are electric with excitement for the weekend, like Christmas Eve is the "get hype" day for Christmas. But THIS Friday was different. THIS Friday, was Christmas friDay.

Chapel felt like waking up. Christian hip hop artist Andy Mineo spoke on the topic of God's forgiveness, reiterating that we are saved by God's grace alone. Sitting in my seat, with my Bible opened to Ephesians 2 on my lap, I realized I've been in a spiritual wrestling match with the idea of grace. My feelings of unworthiness of God's love had left me trying to work myself into His good graces. The burden I carried by trying (and failing) to be perfect to get God's attention was heavier than my green bag filled with World Lit books (those things are massive). The message on forgiveness and salvation by grace prompted me to finally drop the bag. I've been given a free gift that I could never earn on my own, and this gives me more joy than any child on Christmas morning. 

As Christmas friDay continued, I shared good conversation with two brand-spanking-new friends. Both of these girls have beautiful souls and a spiritual maturity I found refreshing. As I listened to their stories I felt like I was having Christmas-y fellowship by a cozy fire. The opportunity hear their hearts was an absolute blessing.  

I also got two literal presents on this fine day. A new Fossil wallet and hipster skirt were wrapped in a text message from my mama that I received during class today. I was internally squealing like 12 year olds at a Bieber concert.  

I cannot remember a Christmas without sweets, and I was supplied with a tasty treat as my day continued. Sitting at McConn, I heard two of my favorite words called in conjunction above the hum of conversation. Being six feet from the counter, I figured my chances were slim. But when "FREE DRINK!" I heard for the second time, I sprung to action. The concoction? One of my favorites: seasonal pumpkin pie chai. What are the chances!?

After excitedly proclaiming to my roommates and Twitter about my Christmas friDay blessings, we set out to honor a new family tradition: weekend dinner at Casa Brava. I could liken chips and salsa and Arroz Con Pollo to stuffing and turkey, because my excitement level for both meals is probably abnormal. Laughter and conversation sprinkled over the meal adds the perfect final ingredient, and with those stunning seven, the laughter never ceases. 

I AM BLESSED!

The moon and the stars declare who You are

Last night at this time I was driving through the Indiana countryside, on my way back from a solid 28 hours spent at home with my family. The night was crisp and clear, my headlights slicing the darkness as I drove. I happened to look out the window as the empty fields sped by, and felt my heart flutter inside my chest.

A full array of stars met my eyes.

I wanted to pull over so I could jump out of the car just for a second to marvel at this astounding piece of creation, but an opportunity never presented itself. So I was left to catch fleeting glimpses of one of aspect of God's handiwork that always steals the air from my lungs.

I've never seen God right in front of my face. But when I look at the sky in all of it's brilliance, whether at night, sunrise, or sunset, I get a glimpse of Him, because He made it!

I am amazed that this holy, almighty, powerful God, the Creator of the Universe, the same God who was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, loves me and wants to be my friend.

What a truly incredible God that is.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Psalm 19:1

Living for Eternity in a Temporary World

It is so easy to let ourselves get completely preoccupied with the here and now.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul urges us to “look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

           

How often do we forget this earth is not our home! Instead of being concerned about things that will matter eternally (i.e. our relationships with God, pouring into the lives of others), we are obsessed with things that will ultimately pass away (i.e. our bodies, material possessions, our own comfort.)

How much better off would we be if we let the eternal take permanent residence in our thought life, evicting thoughts of the stuff the world deems as “important?”

• My physical imperfections do not matter
• What I wear doesn’t matter
• My worldly success will not matter
• The bumps in the road of life will not matter

….Because it’s all temporary.

I find great comfort in this.

Seize the day! Let your mind be consumed with higher thoughts, and your actions be driven by a higher purpose.

Forever Young

School starting has stirred a certain nostalgia in me, thinking about autumn days gone by and the thrill of youth. I think most of us can agree that the elementary school years were glorious. Most days my only homework was studying spelling words, and my biggest worry was tracking playground dust in the house. Ah to be a kid again. 

Things I Miss About Being a Kid

1.  Tire Swings. A playground sport. 

2.  McDonald's Happy Meals. Pure joy in a convenient, oddly shaped cardboard box.

3.  Fads. Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Pokemon cards, yo-yos, gel pens, and ANYTHING that came from the vending machines at Skateworld.

4.  Jump ropes. A recess favorite. 

5.  Packed lunches. My mom was the bomb at making PB&J's!

6.  Cool backpacks. A kid in my fourth grade class had an N*Sync backpack. Amazing.

7.  After-School TV. 3 pm was Primetime back in the day. Favorite show: Arthur. 

8.  Picture books. How awesome was it to open a book and see more shapes and colors than words?!

9.  Frozen Go-Gurts. Do they even make Go-Gurt anymore!?

10. Seeing the world through the lens of possibility. Imagination is so under-rated.

Favorite Things Thursday

Welcome to Kate's current obsessions of the week!

1. Paint Chips

I can't get enough of paint chips. I write notes on them, have them Modge Podged to folders and notebooks, and carry them around with me just in case something needs a pop of color.  Above is a photo of the bulletin board on my desk, covered in paint samples with favorite Bible verses!

2. My roommates

I love these girls to death! Life with Bre, Joelle, Addi, Lauren, Sidney, plus Elese and Nicole (not pictured) is never boring. I have been so blessed to have them as friends. 

3. My favorite breakfast

Toast one slice of 9 grain wheat bread until crunchy. Spread on one knife-full of peanut butter evenly. Top with sliced banana and serve with a side of fruit. DEE-licious. 

4. Henry

Henry and I's friendship began when I won him in my first Creative Writing class (which I absolutely adore). I was so stoked. Who wouldn't want to win a rubber fish on their first day of class as a junior in college?!

5. Red Velvet cookie + McConn

Best enjoyed anytime of the day or night. 

Happy Thursday!