Krogers.

We drove for about 20 minutes to "a good Krogers." Krogers really do differ from one to the next, so we drove out to, honestly, an awesome Krogers. I laughed at the thought, but by the time we reached the hair and cosmetics isle....I agreed. But, I don't think their produce is quite as good as all ours...I dunno. BUT, as you can see, they do have a far superior selection of jams..!
Before leaving, Kim went through a few of her cooking magazines and choose some new good look'n recipes.. including, Beef & Spinach Lasagna, Beef & Bean Braid, Greek Chicken Wings, New Red Potatoe Salad, Asparagus Brunch Pockets (Can't wait for this one!!!)....plus I had a special part in picking the desserts...Jello Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfaits, Lemon Dill Chicken Popover, and Creamy Lemon Squares! Yes...I know I am SOOO ridiculously lucky. (Toni-- drooling? Yep....leave your running shoes at home....we'll eat now, train later! hehe.) Kim also organized all the ingredients "so we wont forget anything" It was nice though, we didn't have to run back to different isles, we went to frozen foods, to dairy (milk, cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, eggs), evetually to our hair products and toiletries, and ended with the produce. It was impressive, but in a very Kimmish way. :) Two things people whou don't know my sister very well are learning from this blog: 1. Kim is very organized. 2. Kim is a killer cook!
You know what else I found at the store? They have Dreyers just like us, but they call it Eddy's...whats the Marketing point in that? Do Southerners really prefer to buy Eddy's ice cream over Dreyers? Well, maybe Seattlites would prefer that too, huh? You should think about that Mr. Dreyers Marketing Man...or should I say, Eddy? OOOO BURN. (hehehe- like that one Kris, Mom and Dad???)

At the point I took this picture Kim had decided I was ridiculous... she decided that long ago, but she said it now. But I had to take a picture, because I thought this was so cool, my godfather's name is Bob Evans and he is one rock'n cook!! He makes such tasty food- especially BBQ chicken! He actually sells his BBQ sauce, its called Rob.E.Q Sauce- clever huh? Its YUMM.E! Okay, I know. I'll stop. In my defense, I am not feeling well...I am shaking and feel like I'm burning up...it just hit me in the last ten minutes...wierd huh.

No joke, I am not just trying to poke fun... this was in a special center section near the meats... Yep, pickled eggs and Pigs Feet, there were some other things too, but they weren't as great as these two!









I'm fix'n for a tasty dinner- I can smell it!!!

Dad, you are a stinker!

Apparently my dad has already rented out my room, and found my Buble tickets. Yes, he left a comment recently, thanking me for the tickets himself, my mom, aunt Ivy and uncle John (sandstrom), will be enjoying. The tickets that I snagged for Elise, Robert, Tyson and I. That's right- the four of us are going to see Michael Buble in concert!!!! It happened last minute and involved me calling and texting them all at like 6am...I can't believe it all worked out! I was on right when they went on sale and already most of the tickets had been bought in the presales! They eventually added another date to his Seattle shows because he was doing so well here. I am soooo excited, see I will be home (and apparently I will have to kick a boarder out of my room--- TONI??? Did you move in? lol).

Robert, Elise, Tyson and I have grown up together in "the neighborhood" and our last few years of high school especially we spent A LOT of time together and built a pretty special friendship. In MCs we all were distanced and got to grow in different ways and in different relationships, and then this past year we each were lead in different 'trainings' by God. Though we know things will never be quite like they were in high school, we are all getting really excited for Elise to be moving home and hopefully we will get some time to go to O.O. Denny, bbq, and listen to Buble again.

I love new friends, but the saying is true, old friends are treasures. I can't wait for our special date!

Missin Kristin.

I got to talk to Kris on the phone today....and I miss her. :(

Love you Krisy-Poo ;)

Bye Bye Blondie.

Kim and I finally had our hair appointments today, we were both VERY overdue! Mine looked bad because it was soo blonde and my dark grow-outs were VERY obvious. Yes, I know you have all noticed, many of you have commented. Kim decided that I needed to capture my hair stylist- Dusty. I gotta say he was pretty stink'n cute, and he had a great little accent. Bonus Point: George Strait's character in Pure Country was Dusty :) and he kinda looked like him (but a LOT younger). Anywho, despite what you may at this point be assuming about me, I was not drooling (but I might have blushed). He was a really cool guy- a good friend of Kim's stylist (katie---- sooo funny and cute!)....but I walked away without a number or a date SO NO WORRIES, lol. You know me. Jason's sister and brother-in-law are in town as well right now and when Kim and I got home from our appointment, Scott met us outside and told us that Kelley was really sick....it got so bad that he had to take her to the hospital about an hour ago and we are waiting to here more. It looks like food poisening, and Kim said they will have to stop her from throwing up and then hook her up to an IV to get her hydrated again. So PRAY for her!!!

Toni Time!

Apparently my blogging has been inspiring...so inspiring that one of my bestest friends read my blog yesterday, and bought a ticket to Tennessee today!!!!


Can you believe that? I hardly can! I've never had a friend come visit me on vacation, then again I've never left for "vacation" for 5 weeks ;) I'm soooo excited!!!

I'm not saying who it is, but I think you might be able to figure it out...if you're a real sharp one and pay attention to the details ;)

Meanwhile, Kim and I are watching her favorite "So You Think You Can Dance"- its pretty AMAAAAAZING! I'll probably stay up for it and the next show "What Are The Lyrics?" and then I am off to bed early because I am soooo stinkin tired, I did not sleep well last night because my schedule is so thrown off. I was exhausted at work and was honestly struggling to keep my eyes open :(

Pray I get some good sleep tonight!
Love you guys!

This is gonna be the best darn Tennessee trip we ever had! (Toni!) hehehe.

We are the Champions my friends
















I mean it, well, Jason is. Tonight was the end of Jason's mens' softball league. His team won their first game of the night and was thus sent to the Championship game immediately after...in which they defeated the only team they had lost to all season! The other team came out really intense, but in the end Jason's team's skill and experience beat out the younger team's force.

Afterward we headed back home for Jason to take a 'quick' shower and for me to grab my license....at 11:15pm he and I headed back out onto the road! lol. It's cool we took our time though, I got a call from Ty which was sooo wonderful to hear from him, argue a bit and laugh a lot. ;) He saw a sign for Michael Buble which made him think to call...you see Tyson, Robert, Elise and I have tickets to see Buble in concert at the end of August!!!!!!!! We are all four SOOOO excited!
















So, when Jason and I DID get back out on the road....I was driving :) Aime taught me how to drive a stick last year in MCs, but we never really had me driving consecutively enough for me to get real good at it, and even still its been a year since "Bucking Billy" hit the road. We were out for an hour and it wasn't tooooo bad...Jason may need a new starter next month (oops).

I have got to get to bed asap because I start work in the morning.....yeah, not ready for that one. I will probably die. Jason was teasing me about it today because I have honestly (ready for this confession?) been sleeping in to 1pm!! Jase and I have stayed up until 4am a couple nights and the earliest I've gone to bed is around 2. So its kind of natural we sleep in late. Yeah- as he said I will probably be in serious need of a Starbucks in the morning. Good thing one of the few Starbucks around here happens to be in the first level of Kim's building! :)

Good night, love you!
(glad to have a few more of my close friends reading this!)

The Call
07.07.07

I know you are all excited to hear about The Call :) It was really great- HOT, but great! It was HOTT- with two T's!

It was a HUGE prayer meeting- worship and prayer! I wasn't sure I was going to stay the whole day because it was SO hot (oh, did I already say that?) but I couldn't leave (I mean, I could have literally, but didn't want to) AND I am so glad I didn't because I wouldn't have wanted to miss any of it. Some of the highlights of it were Misty Edwards (who Kim LOVED), the marriage of 3 couples (seriously, they married three couples- by their pastors- they were beautiful brides, and one of them came back out to play the violin and guitar)!


Also, it was so amazing when they had 300 men march down to the front holding shofars up in the air and then they all blew them at once as we all shouted- it was incredible!

As the night went on, I enjoyed it more and more- because it began as a battle and finished as a victory celebration! The purpose, well- it seems there was several purposes, but a major purpose of The Call, and in a sense the call itself is to raise up a generation who is dedicated to prayer and fasting- for the end of abortion, for a heart for adoption, for the death of the Bail spirit in our country, for our government, for the will of God. And that's what we did together. It was fantastic!

The night before the Call, Kim and I went to her friend Kelley's wedding....that's a whole 'nother story, haha- huh Kim? That's our picture (below) ...notice Kim's beautiful new dress :)

I have learned several things while I have been here. For instance, Jason is a night owl. He is addicted to Scrabble. He is incredibly funny- and he is incredibly quick witted. We've been having a great time! I also learned that he makes some killer french press/big train coffee! AND has a mind of steal. Kim, I have found to be quite the Southern-Seattlite.

Today was another great day- Kim and I are having a relaxing night. AND tomorrow evening Jason has a big game, I am SO excited! I am sure tomorrow will be wonderful as well. After his game, Kelly and Scott fly in for the weekend, which will be fun! I love you and really do miss you (DAD)!

Happy Independence Day! (2 days late)

I Have slept so much the past few days, like REALLY SOO much- me and banks. On the fourth, I think I slept in untill 11:30ish. Then Kim woke Jason and I up with crepes- SOO YUMMY! Then I believe I fell BACK asleep on the couch until like 2 and then would have fallen asleep again in my room had not Jason pointed out it was about 2:30 and we were supposed to be at a BBQ at 3. Suffice to say, we made it to the BBQ by 4:30pm...oops.

We met a bunch of Kim and Jason's friends at one of their houses, Genesis' and....her husband ;) We ate our fill and talked plenty, and then followed them over to some HUGE park- I mean HUGE, like Marymoore meets 60 acres! They played tennis and most us girls sat and talked.
Then Kim, Jase, and I headed downtown to go watch the fireworks from prime seats 28 floors up! We were the only ones on the 28th floor (one of her firm's floors).

The fireworks were incredible!! Kim said they are ranked the 4th best in the nation. They were beautiful! At one point in the finale we could all feel the window seal rumbling!! It was easy getting down there, but traffic back home was pretty nasty. Luckily, Jason and Kim don't live too far from downtown.

Yesterday I had some time by the pool and then got to run downtown with Jason for an appointment and then to meet Kim for an early dinner. It was fun just getting time to talk with him...I think we discussed every kind of meat and seafood, lol. Can you tell I am ready for the fast to be done--- tomorrow night!!!

After dinner, Kim and I went to one of the malls and went to Charlette Russe, pretty stink'n cute! Kim needed a dress for her friend Kellie's wedding tonight-- we walked away with four! Yep, Kim bought 4 dresses! She planned to ask Jason his opinion on the best and return one or two of the others-- yeah, Jason decided she should keep them ALL. :)

Today, as I am writing this, Jason is working on polishing up a couple songs and recording them so they can get a demo of them....sooooo good. The song they have been playing is likely going to become one of my favorites! I will probably head down to the pool again in a bit. And then this evening Kim and I will be going to that wedding.

We already have plans in mind for tomorrow night- they involve coffee, sweets, and perhaps even meat (but maybe I'll wait till sunday for that!)

Hey ya'll :) I am safe and tired...about to head to bed in Tennessee. I had two good flights today, I slept through them mostly. Then Kim picked me up, we dropped by the apartment and then ran a couple errands and returned to her work for an hour. Tonight their small group met at their place so we were busy getting ready for that. They are all still over, but I am very tired and decided to sneak out to my room- they are just chatting now.

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the summer thus far- I had a great time with Aime, then I slept for a half an hour in the back yard, then O.O. Denny with Rob, Ty, and Levi. When we got back Rob made some delicious daniel dinner ;) and then we headed over to the Gilberts (where I slept through our movie---oops). Then Rob and Ty came over to my house a little later and they hung out and watched youtube on my laptop while I finished packing and cleaning....then they took me to the airport this morning around 4am. They are the BEST! Truly!


It was pretty sad saying goodbye to my family, and my friends. I am gonna miss them, especially my family, but I am sure the next weeks will go by quickly- and I am so excited to spend this time with Kim and Jason.

I'll keep you posted- I am looking forward to tomorrow!

Love you,
Kati

Below is something I just read on Fastandpray.com. It built up my faith and got me pretty excited, and I hope it will for you too... Love you guys!

Father Nash
Having experienced a terrible overhaul of his own spiritual experience, Nash, Finney's intercessor, emerged from a cold and backslidden condition to faithfully labor for souls, full of the power of prayer. He prayed daily – often many times a day – for those whom he was led to place on his list, frequently literally in agony for them. Multitudes were thus converted, many of them hardened, abandoned characters who could not be reached in any ordinary way. One such example involved a bartender violently opposed to revival meetings who would deliberately swear outrageously whenever Christians were within hearing. It was so bad that some of his neighbors considered moving because they could not tolerate such swearing. When Father Nash heard of this situation, he became very grieved and took this man on in prayer. Day and night he labored in prayer for this ungodly bartender. Several days later, the tavern keeper came to a meeting, confessed his sins and came to Christ. His confession was one of the most heartbroken Finney and Nash had ever heard and seemed to cover the whole ground of his treatment of God, Christians, revival, and everything good. His barroom immediately became the place where prayer meetings were held. Can bars, mosques, crack houses or other sin-dens become prayer rooms in our day? Can vulgar God-haters, drug dealers, porn-peddlers and others of ill repute become passionate followers of Christ? Only if we find the "Father Nashes" of our day – those who refuse to accept status quo and through fervent and agonizing prayer bring the will of Heaven to earth. Have you been infected with this heavenly virus?
Posted Jun 12th, 2007 Print - Send to a Friend

I only have one final left- and I can hardly wait! This is the most difficult one of the three I will have had to take (wow- that is a difficult tense!), and it is also the most important for me to do well on-- History of the Celtic Civilization.

This morning was my Anthropology final, and the open ended essay was asking us what topic we would choose to do ethnographic research on, why, where would we conduct it, and how...etc. I wrote about something thats been in my mind all quarter- a long-term anthropological study of women who chose to keep their children, give them up for adoption, or abort them. It was supposed to be a "short essay"- mine was about a page and a half, but I kept it one paragraph like they asked ;)

Man, I think I will be going to bed very early today- I feel tired. I was up early this morning to study for my final, and I was up late last night watching Pirates 3 with my dad and kris. I have got to say, I was happy that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, because I had been told it was terrible. My expectations were probably so low that anything would have been good- but I thought Johnny Depp was a kick- all of him. ;) The rest was, well okay. Staged kiss at the end battle scene--disappointing to say the least, so rehearsed and almost "counted" like a tango or something. But nonetheless, I was glad I watched it. Go in with low expectations, and you will too.

I was reading the blog of one of my coworkers, and I have got to tell you, I'm a bit discouraged. Some of it crossed the lines of what I would write, but he is so incredibly funny! Its been entertaining me for like an hour! He gets between 5,000-8,000 readers a week! Crazy, huh?

Reading his made me realize how "informational" mine have become, I just describe my life and fill everyone in. Kinda boring, I admit. And yet, I still don't know what else to write really, at least not at the moment. So....

I have a week and a half of school left. I started working at a coffee shop. I am pretty tired, and a just took a nap. I am debating going to the church right now to go watch Little Rascals, but its almost ten, and I am tired.

Dad and I met for coffee today and I thought I'd share a few of the funny comics we found in the newspaper... I'll admit up front, these will be most funny to my family and a few of my closest friends who have known me forever...but you'll all get a kick out of them.

Two words: cheese; hoollahoop (is that three words?)
I laughed at this one above, I think its my favorite. Dad thought it was pretty good too. I am not sure if this is something I'd more likely say to Kris, or she would say to me...

Kris- sound like a phone call we might have? lol.
Disclaimer: my mother has never driven into a tree, or up a tree. Though she has found her way into an impossible number of impossible scenarios. Love ya momma--- but stay off the roof and out of the trees!

I think this last one was probably Kris and Kim's favorite! lol.

PS. two posts in one day..try to keep up Kim! hehehe.

So I had a wonderful weekend. Friday night I headed over to the Morrills after work and had dinner with the family- soo yummy by the way. Then Aime, Katy and I stopped by Starbucks and headed to the rainy down town Seattle. We stopped at REI to meet up with Aime's friend (very funny girl- and sweet). I ended up buying my first pair of hiking boots....soo excited! Then the four of us went to get dessert at a really yummy place- can't remember the name of it...hmm. But it was GOOD!

Aime and I stayed up late talking in bed and catching up. I heard several grose nurse stories, lol, missed those. Saturday morning we were up bright and early for our hike!! We went to PuPu Point with Tim and Jamie. It was sprinkling when we left the house that morning- but with a little prayer, it turned out to be a beautiful day!! I loved the hike, even though I am definitely sore! I can't wait for our next adventure!

Sitting in class....suppossed to get out early...she's still going strong....we are not getting out very early. lol. At least today is an interesting lecture, I think. Ty however is on his third page of sports I think. He says, "I am totally tracking." We'll see. ;)

I just feel like blogging, not even sure what about.

Something about a coffee shop (which I am in at the moment), that makes me reflective. Suddenly I feel potential to be very productive and at the same time an undeniable need to just stop.

I love watching the people around me, and I think about the people far from me.

I need to be memorizing my Italian dialogue for class tomorrow. I have my Remix Bible in my back pack and I want to pull it out and read it. I want to close my eyes and just be here.

Last Saturday night at Cultural Revival prayer, (the night after my last blog), we took some time and prayed and prophesied over each other and a couple things were spoken over me- by people who could not have known just how right on it was, except by their confidence in the Holy Spirit.

One thing that was spoken was "A new identity. God's giving you a new identity, don't let the old one limit the new." Wow...I think my mouth dropped open. It was so exactly what God has been dealing with me in, listening to what He says about me and being that person and not fearing what others think of me because of what I HAVE BEEN before. Also, another spoke over me saying "now." Nows the time to begin writing and to begin speaking. The first to speak over me said that they just really felt that God was wanting to increase my influence in my sphere- especially on the campus that God was wanting to do something more through me...to use me in a greater way. Thats are some short versions- but I was so encouraged!

YES AND AMEN!

PS any of you who have been thinking about going to Revival Culture Prayer- I'd say go for it! It will shake you up, and mess you up, and all the other great stuff that you couldn't expect! Its such a rich time of just seeking God and being with Him however He chooses to show up. I look forward to it now each week!

Then I was reading this morning on the bus in my Remix Bible (I'm loving it!!!) and I was meaning to find the verses P. Norm has been preaching on, the fruits of the spirit. But instead I opened to 2 Corinthians and began reading in chapter 3...

"Moses' face as he delivered the tablets was so bright that day (even though it would fade soon enough) that the people could no more look right at him than stare into the sun. How much more dazzling, then, the Government of Living Spirit?
If the Government of Condemnation was impressive, how about this Government of Affirmation? Bright as that old government was, it would look downright dull alongside this new one. If that makeshift arrangement impressed us, how much more this brightly shining government installed for eternity?
With that kind of hope to excite us, nothing holds us back. Unlike Moses, we have nothing to hide. Everything is out in the open with us....
Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are-- face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone...We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him...

The whole chapter is incredible, and I loved the way it was worded in the Remix Bible. Look at how many times there are words that reference 'light' and 'shining'....i couldn't believe it. Wow- the Lord has spoken to me in so many ways the past week or so about this!!

Poor Ty, I kept nudging him this morning on the bus--- Ty, listen to this!!! Sorry, I won't bug you again (He was reading some homework assignment). Okay, wait, once more...okay, last time. Alright, well I am just going to read you the chapter. He's a great sport to put up with me as nicely as he does! :)

Okay, now on to my homework. I REALLY love you all!

My friends in DC and Italy- I am sure you are having an incredible time...I'm praying for your time to be rich together, to be influential in the environments you engage, and to be fulfilling in the Spirit. You all amaze me and encourage me to keep running! You are crazy, and I love it!

My fam- I LOVE YOU. I am glad I got some time with you dad, mom, Kate and Kol. (especially you dad- I miss you alot too...we'll have to keep setting coffee dates, and summer is close by! Wooohooo!)

And most importantly.....
Happy Birthday Kimmers!!! love you!! XO// (hehe)

I usually blog before bed now, which means I am tired. But, Mrs. Gilbert told us my senior year that it is good to write when you are tired, or to sit and write for a long consecutive period because you write the most like yourself. Thats when your voice really comes out, like an accent that you try so hard to 'correct.' You become honest, and real. You become you.

I wasn't intending to write anything real deep now, but it just came to my mind - something the Lord has been whispering to me over and over through the past days. First, He just called me "shining," a strange word to me. Its striking to me that He is calling me NEW things- words that are very different from what I have come to expect. His voice hasn't changed, but in a way it has, I think He is just showing me a whole new, intense love. But yes, He called me shining. It happened when I was in worship and I was very aware of all my groseness and I was thinking/saying to Him how I really don't understand all that He's doing in me right now. It was like when I go to the dentist or to the doctor-- I am one of those people who likes to be walked through the entire process--- I like to know, "Okay, what are you doing now? What are you looking at? Is it okay? Have I been doing a good job of taking care of that?" And in response to this thought and sort of questioning, 'God, what are you doing in there?' He read these inner thoughts and the insecurities that laid beneath them, and all He said was "You are shining." It was the most comforting and surprising, and endearing thing! I smiled. I had to- I'm shining?!

Since then, He's been soaking it into me, and showing me just how much I have been afraid to "shine" or stand out. I really do not like to stand out or be "brilliant" (in the broader sense, not just referring to 'intelligence' though it does reflect in that too!). I am a perfectionist, and I always want to do the absolute best possible, but at the same time, I don't want people to know it because I am afraid of what they will say- they will think about me trying to be "brilliant" or "shining."

God had really begun speaking to me about this even before...at the women's conference. He spoke to me, He called me several things-- and He said, "You are, because I SAID SO." Then, the speaker began speaking on that exact topic! God continued to press into me that I must choose to be who He says I am, and not be afraid to become it because of the mistakes that have stained me in the past- people aren't holding me to that, and if they are---God has called me it, and I must choose to live by what HE says. I'm struggling to share just how revolutionizing this thought is for me- its not that same idea I had been told before about being who God says I am ....I know it sounds the same, but it is SO different somehow. Oh, I want to get this across. Benni Johnson said, "We can't afford to have thoughts in our heads about us that God doesn't have for us." And the next day, Ceci Sheets said that "God looked at Moses, a stuterer and a murderer, and saw a deliver. God looked at David, a shepherd, and He saw a King....What does He see when He looks at you?"

Benni also said that "God is calling us up, to let us commune with Him, but also to let us see things from His perspective." I believe that new perspective begins, or largely includes, how we see ourselves. He is CONTINUALLY breaking off things from me, and its like I can't fully even grasp all that He is doing, but as He keeps freeing me and rearranging me and I feel uncomfortable and at times insecure, He just gently and lovingly reassures me- I don't get it- He is so incredible! While all my ugliness and darkness is in front of Him, He calls me lovely, pure, shining!? I know He is looking right into the depths of me, holding parts of my heart that I didn't want anyone to have to touch, and He loves me- He POURS out His love on me more intense than ever before!

Last week in Christ Church Mill Creek prayer, God was putting a number of things together for me- He was speaking to me about how important it is for us particularly as the CCMC church plant to believe what HE says about us- to see ourselves as "Giants" going into the land to take it. If we see ourselves as He does, then we wont be intimidated by the occupants- we wont be "as grasshoppers in our own eyes." Think about it- the children of Israel saw themselves as grasshoppers, but they later found that the people of Jericho had been fearing them (because of their God) all the while!

How important it is that we know who we are, from Him, and look out from His view. Suddenly, it all becomes in perspective.

Kim Walker broke out in "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.." and I began laughing and singing with every shard of my heart. I know others probably felt the same as me, but that children's song wrapped it all up for me. I feel so free, released from who I have been, and free to be who He created me to be, who He already sees me as.

I didn't expect to write all that- I didn't open my laptop intending to write any of that, but I am glad it came out. I love you all!

Katrina Hope


"Don't let who you are now rob you of who you are to become - even your successes. Often your potential is robbed by your last accomplishment."
-Ceci Sheets

It is late and I am very tired after a long day, long two days. But I also don't want to go to sleep. I feel so, Great? I am not sure how to explain it. And I don't think I really want to try to figure it all out either. Something incredible has happened in me, and I feel so free, and I am going to hold onto it. All I know for certain is that I looked into the eyes of God...seriously. I closed my eyes and was saying "God my eyes are fixed on yours" and suddenly I was looking into the most fierce, passionate, intense, loving eyes. I felt like the face was a lion, but not, a mix between a lion and a tiger...and yet not quite. It was neither, but I felt that way, and kind of eagle like too. Anyways, he spoke to me and He said "I am going to have you." His teeth were sharp, I remember that. I was taken aback and opened my eyes and just thought Wooo. But it still didn't quite register to me how much this meant....and its grown in me more and more since last night when it happend. I was struggling to let Him get close and stay close. I was struggling to let Him love me, and be pleased with me. And I can't really say how it happened, but He loved me and I feel His pleasure and He opened my heart. And I really do believe this is just the beginning of the beginning. Kim Walker (and incredible worship leader for those who don't know of her) prayed over me last night (Wow! Was that really just last night?) and broke a lot of things over me and I really believe cemented all that God did in me in worship and during the meeting. She said that I was going to have an impartation of God's love like never before, just a downpour- and that she really believed I was very close, I just had to keep pressing in and waiting. This was AFTER I had seen His eyes and He had said what He did to me...I didn't ever mention that to her, before or after. Crazy huh? And as much as I have felt His love, and the incredible freedom I keep finding is even greater than I realized (for real...prayer tonight, I was like "Wow, I wasn't even expecting this, but I was really freed and I am praying like I haven't in..actually, like I never have"), I still don't believe its what she was referring to. And I am soooo at peace finally that I don't have to struggle for it, He told me, "I am gonna have you/ get you" AHHH, yes!!! I am soooo excited. He told me SOOO many things these past two days alone, directly from His voice, through worship, and through others and I am OVERFLOWING.

So, I didn't begin this blog to even talk about all this, but you got a little taster of how incredible God has been to me these past couple days. SO, here is why I started this blog. I began this blog to keep in contact with my family while I was in Masters Commission and let them know all that God was doing in me, and also the fun stories. AND it was great for that, especially since my heart flows out better through my hands than it does through my mouth it seems. But now, my family sees me more and I have started writing less. Only the past few weeks have I been hearing from others that they read my blog (through Kim and Jason's I think mostly), and now I have passed it along to a few close friends as well. So, as you look through you may see some incredibly personal blogs that are written to my family...I guess you just get a little inside peak. But, WELCOME to my blog...I want to keep it still relatively personal because this is meant for me to share real things and encouragement, as well as the fun stories that I might not get a chance to share with you all. I love you all...leave a comment.

Its pretty awesome that my blog is being seen by some new people/ close friends, because God is opening up my heart, for Himself, and for others too. And I am being known. He is breaking different mindsets, disabling lies, and bringing such sweet freedom in being who HE calls me, and allowing myself to be known. I LOVED it when Kim Walker began singing "This Little Light of Mine"...I was laughing and crying because that children's song is the song of my heart in this season.

I am SOOO grateful for His blood, for the power of His cross, for the relationship of His people, and for HIS PASSIONATE LOVE! I want to know Him, touch Him, taste Him.

A couple quotes I would love to share....

"It is better to be dead than to be alive and not know why." (I missed who sourced!)

"God is saying, 'The things you usually do when it rains, don't do. Nows the time to go jump in puddles!'".... "God, we are not afraid to get wet!" (Morgan Gilbert!)

"We cannot afford to have thoughts in our head about us, that God doesn't have for us." (Benni Johnson)

"God looked at Moses, a stuterer and a murderer, and He saw a deliverer...God looked at David, a shepherd, and He saw a King. What does He see when He looks at you?" (Ceci Sheets)

I must get to bed, I have to be up in a few hours for SLT! I love you all! ...and "He is gonna get you, and have you" so rest in His love!!!

XOXO Katrina Hope

Wait a second...


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD!

Today is my dad's birthday. He's pretty amazing- continually forgiving, and fighting for all his girls. He's the heart of the Kelly's. He's the one who taught us girls many of our important life lessons, such as, "you hang out with yo-yo's, you gonna become a yo-yo" or on a more serious level, that a man needs his woman to support him in order for him to win....such as when Adrienne doesn't stand behind Rocky at first. He also imparted some other critical lessons to us 3 little ladies as we were growing up...like don't run or play in a skirt unless you wear shorts under. Lesson learned. I don't think I went through a day of middle school without shorts under my skirt, I'm not sure I have since, lol. What can I say? You never know when you are going to be surprised by something really fun but you can't do it in a dress....and with dad the chances of a surprise are about 10x usual. "Dad where are we going?" "You'll see." "Come on, where are we going? I need to know what to wear?" "Jeans." And thus...the Kelly girls. Jeans, a tee, and a sweater- you are set for ANY surprise with dad...most often a movie, a walk, ice cream, or a special meal (usually a place they serve good breakfast!). Now that I have my own car, I always keep a surprise kit in the back..toothbrush, jeans, sweatshirt, gum, floss, comb, and usually tennis shoes and a swimsuit- ready for anything! And I can't help but think that spirit of adventure comes from my dad...or perhaps it is better described as a need to plan (for the potential adventure).

Dad also told us, "If you are going to wrestle, go outside!" Yep. lol. Quality lesson. And "Don't run down the stairs." We all share a distaste for getting hurt for a stupid personal fault...such as running down the stairs, for that very reason. "I'm fine, no, I'm not hurt, I'm fine." Because dad couldn't STAND to see us girls get hurt, and he did not like it when we hurt ourselves....thus the no wrestling in the house.

I know Kim, Kris, and I could all tell you favorite stories of walks and dates with dad. Those are probably the only stories each of us could get through, because all the ones of us together we would be laughing and interjecting our parts. We all love our dad so much. Thats not to say we don't have our problems, and we haven't hurt him at times, or disobeyed....but thankfully my dad is one of the most loving and forgiving men I know, and he leads us all to overcome our mistakes.

Though you have probably heard us girls tease about how many times we've each seen Rocky, and begged visitors not to mention it (or we'd be watching it again), I know we all do love it, because its so closely connected to our Dad for us. I got to see Rocky Balboa with him in theaters, and my favorite line I will always remind him of, as he has always quoted Balboa to us.

"The last thing to age in a man is his heart."



Happy Birthday Dad. I love you! Thank you for your continual love and forgiveness. Thank you for never giving up or giving in...though some day I hope you will be "giving me away"...hehe.

OXX
Kati Lady

I've been in Anthropolgy, listening to a guest speaker on health and wellness, specifically Organic Foods. And I am right up in the third row (in a pretty large classroom)...and I am enjoying my M&Ms and cherry diet coke. I don't even drink pop, but today I got one because I wanted something cold to drink through this class, and I endulged with M&Ms....and yes, today we talked about heath and wellness.

Chocolate is organic, right? ;)

And yes, I have been giggling out loud to myself through a good portion of this class just due to its irony. The right place, at the wrong time? Or just the wrong snack at least.

I made it...I had an Italian quiz this morning and an online quiz due today by 5pm...I also had to work right after class and be at the Ruffs to babysit by 5. It took some creativity...well not really that much creativity, but diligence...and I got it done.

Did you all know what classes I am taking this quarter?
I am taking anthropology, history of celtic civilization, and Italian 103 (I have to finish it with a 2.0 or higher to get any (and all) of my foreign language credits.

...Just had a few "emergencies"- meaning will's band aid fell off his finger, lol. And then abby's hand TOUCHED his face. Somebody's tired.


This is funny....he just punched his sister (not that part) but then I went over to talk to him and he ran away and I said, "Come back and talk to me, I'm counting to three Will, or you are going to have a time out." And he says as he runs away, "I'm going to have a time out." Not like challening, but like, I am on my way there right now, don't bother. lol. Abby and I both tried not to laugh, and then she goes, "I wish he would do that all the time."
Quality.

But, I should get back. I love you all. Above's a pic of two big soccer stars... ;)

Best Bird Dog We Ever Had
Coming Soon to a Home Near You

So....thought you might want to see--- Kim. ;)

So, here is the image you always here about....

I know I haven't given you any pictures in while...so here is me RIGHT NOW...


So I am sitting on the lawn in the Quad, in the sunshine (still a bit chilly because of the breeze). Surrounded by the cherry blossoms and amazing old buildings. Poor Ty got on the bus, only to realize he had to go get a book from the library, so he turned around and came back...now he is sitting with me in the sunshine. We decided to take a class together today, only neither of us really like the class we chose...atleast we can suffer together, lol.


Sorry the blog isn't long, my battery is low and I don't have an outlet nearby, obviously.
I love you all.

I would post a new blog right now, but as Kris said...it would just be the same as all the others, I have homework to do, I can't wait for summer, and oh, I did this really stupid thing this week. laugh laugh haha.

Lots of love,
Kati
XOXOXOXlick(for kim and kris hehe)

But a few things I will note anyways:
-I have a week and a half left in this quarter (well 2 weeks really with finals)
-I am going to Orlando, FL, but only for a total of 3 days and I won't have much free time...I get to go with my work- I am excited.

Its midterms- AGAIN. I swear its always midterms or finals. Gosh. Well. I am in week 7 of 10, in fact, almost week 8, of my second quarter. I am over halfway done with the year! And I am about 16 weeks away from summer break! WOOHOO! And thats counting spring break and finals week! I am already day dreaming about summer. I think I will work Monday-Thursday and get my 30 hours in, and then take off Fridays and go to the beach! I can't wait for swim suits (and I mean 2 pieces!), drive-in movies (and I mean PG-13 and perhaps R!), beach days (ALL DAY!), and picking my own books to read! I am hoping for lots of beach days with Kris, and some drive-ins with ty and rob and whoever, roller skating with Toddley, scategories nights with rob and ty too, and lots of porch swing sitting by myself with some sweet tea and a good book!, I'm hoping Morgan might have some time for me somewhere in there for mall dates, and volleyball games, and craziness in general, I'm hoping to visit Riss in Oklahoma for a week or so in the end of June/ begining of July and then head over to Kim and Jason's in Nashville for a month. A TAN. HORSES. COWBOYS. HONKEY TONKS. KIM & JASON!!! I am so excited for this summer!

....but in the mean time, I have to keep studying and working hard at school. I am sure dad has leaked the facts to you all by now, but I did well last quarter, really well, and I was soo happy! But, this quarter is not looking quite as bright, and thats okay too.

I need to fill out my renewal FAFSA tonight for scholarships and financial aid, plus I have a paper to work on (it was due tomorrow, but my prof. gave us until Monday now), and I have to study for my Italian midterm on Friday, and then get started on my preparation for my History Midterm next Tuesday.

I love you all so much! Life is very wierd right now, and I feel more "on my own" then ever before (don't worry I am not getting too carried away with that- I still live at home and all, but you know what I mean), but I am begining to adjust to my new life.

Hey ya'll by the way...

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Phew, a moment to write, and a computer that isn't sloooooooooooower than a tort.(?)..turtle. I am not nearly as motivated to update my blog these days, because its really mostly my family who checks this (and sometimes Connie?), and I talk to you guys more often then I write these days. But here it is, just for the record.

To remind you all (and myself), I am going to school to become a writer. So I am fulfilling my prerequisites, but I am also taking atleast one english/writing/literature class each quarter. I am also taking Italian, I am in Ital 102, which I think is WAY harder and I am having a difficult time keeping up. To add to the pressure of the class, its a new quarter, which means a new prof., and new classmates...my new classmates appear to me be a bunch of highschoolers, who really aren't very friendly. I have like two girls in my class who seem friendly. This is a big difference from last quarter, where most of my classmates were upper classman who needed to get their foreign language so they could graduate. They overall seemed a lot more mature, and less self'conscious. We hadn't a fun class that was really layed back and friendly, with a halarious teacher who you thought was all stone but really was melted ciocolatti (chocolate) inside. I miss Cicilia! She taught us the real important things, like the difference between 'pena' and 'penna' -don't mix those two up! And that they do have airports, and women can even vote! And women in Italy don't really sit around all day, every day and make pasta...sometimes they buy it at the store just like us. :) She was great. Maybe I'll be able to get her again next quarter, that would be benone!

I am taking a class called "The Jazz Age" and I think I have officially decided I like my professor. He is old"er" and he is sooo funny and annimated, and cocky! He's full of himself, but in an entertaining way, like he is a big mockery of all the other professors who are convinced they either created the world, or brought it meaning for the first time. His class is 2 hours long, and it is never boring. I love learning about History, even if it is from a very biased opinion. I often agree with him too. I have gotten pretty sparked up in his class a couple times, the last one he laughed and said, "See, aren't you glad you are in prof. Walter's class? I agree with you." He usually says at atleast one point in his class something about how lucky we are to be in his class and how we are "brilliant students" simply because we are in his class. He really is pretty great. He is from Jamaica originally, but he was schooled in the US and has been teaching for some 30 years in Universities. He dresses every day in a tie, vest, jacket, and a bowl hat. As he takes his hat off each day before class, he pauses with his hand on his hat, lets off a sleek grin, and then removes his hat. Then he smoothes his hair to make sure no stray hairs are out of place, I should mention that Prof. Walter has a very little bit of hair around the sides of his head- if any. And then, he laughs.

My third class is "Writing War in the 20th Century." I have a pretty great teacher for that class too. Jenny is a grad student I believe, probably in her late 20's. She reminds me of Rona in some ways. I really like her. That class has heavy duty reading assignments every night, but I have actually found myself enjoying them, and they are different books then I would normally pick up myself. They are all about WW1 and WW2.

I haven't had much writing assignments yet this quarter, a big difference from last quarter. I do have an Italian Tema (essay) I am working on right now, and I should get back to it. But first, I am also working now and they are training me in marketing. Mostly right now I am really just searching for new shows and conferences and awards for the mobile industry. And I get to update all our spreadsheets. I just started updating all our contacts- woohoo- what a party. But it is kinda cool looking at whose contact info we have. Occasionally Joanne, my boss, asks my different brainstorming questions about how we could market different products we are working with. I really enjoy working for Joanne, she is incredibly sweet and remarkably doesn't make me feel stupid and out of place.

On Friday, they sent an all company e-mail for us to go to the breakroom for beer and snacks to celebrate the progress on one of our new products. I went and got Janae to go up and join the group...I told her I figured I could get a SODA. We got up there and the head guy of this project started talking and thanking all those involved. He started, "I ordered some root beer too, but I guess it never showed." Another guy hollered out, "who wants root beer?" (The tables are covered with lots of nice beers.) Everyone is laughing and Janae (next to me) goes, "Well, we do have one under age-er." Then she told me how red my face was. Dangit. I wasn't that embarassed, I was laughing, and I toasted to them all with my diet-pepsi bottle, but I blush so darn easy!!! I told Chris a little later, I sure do hope I am still working there when I turn 21, because I am getting tired of missing out on all these "Beer and Pizza Fridays."

Alright, I love you all. I've got to get back to my homework.

Vi voglio bene!!! (I love you all!)

I'm a big kid now :)

Break is already over. gosh. Thursdays are now long school days. I have all 3 of my classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and my final class (history- The Jazz Age) is a 2 hour class. sheesh. My instructor for that class is quite entertaining though. I am not sure if I am really gonna get a kick otu of him this quarter or just wanna kick him, but I guess we'll find out. He is Jamaican but went to school in the US and has been teaching here for 30 years. He sounds very unique..very Jamaican, while also very sophisticated, and he is funny in his own really outspoken way. He informed us today that he is a product of the hippy period and also of the women's rights movement meaning that he is a "feminist." I really hope he doesn't end up like prof. Searle!! I haven't bought any of my books yet..I start classes at 8:30 in the morning and the two stores I need to go to both open at 9am..dangit! Plus I have been going to work right after class. SOO I will have to buy my books tomorrow because I am already missing assignments.

My Italian teacher this quarter is 23 and is a graduate student I believe. She is american, and she is a ....tough teacher. I miss Cecilia, who had a true accent. I can honestly tell the difference and I am having a hard time picking up what my new teacher is saying in class because I am so accustomed to Cecilia's accent. I ran into her on campus yesterday, and I waived and said with a big smile, "Cecilia!" She smiled and waived, and greeted me back, "Bella!" Gosh I liked her. I don't like my new teacher nearly as much. But oh well, we will see. I actually ought to go study Italian right now, I have a lot of reviewing to do.

I just got assigned a paper TODAY- can you believe it? Oh well, its not a real bad one, and it will actually give me extra credit. Its due Thursday, but I hope I can finish it before then- we'll see.

I think I have told you all this, but I officially start working at UIE on Monday! WOOHOO (or as Todd says, "woot! woot!" - I still don't really get that Kris, do you?). I have been so crazy swamped with homework I haven't bought any Christmas presents except Katherine's! Well tomorrow morning is my Italian final, which I will come home from to start my Engl. 202 FINAL and hopefully finish by Sunday night! Saturday, I am going to the Christmas play again because the Ruffs are bringing the kids to it, and then I am going to go babysit for them for the evening- that will actually be helpful because after I put the kids to bed I usually have a quiet house all to myself and it is pretty easy for me to really think and write there...that is assuming that Will can get to sleep. :) I have until Monday to get my Engl 202 final in by, but I have to work on monday, and I have an indoor game that evening which I would like to play in so I am hoping and praying I finish early by some divine help!

Alright, back to studying, love you all!

Hope is an anchor...

Alright, next week is finals week for me...so please all be praying!

Monday:
Engl. 197 peer reviews due
Ital. 101 Quiz 4 (but verificas are really quizes, and quizes are really tests)
Ital 101 Workbook due

Tuesday:
?

Wednesday:
Ital 101 Oral Exam (!!! 1 of 2 biggest worries)
Engl 197 Essay #3 Conference

Thursday:
Engl. 202 Quiz

Friday:
Engl 197 Essay #3 Portfolio and Final due

Saturday:
Ital 101 Final Exam

Monday:
Engl 202 Final Exam due at midnight. (I have to be working on it at home all this week!) (Other biggest worry!)

THEN>>>CHRISTMAS BREAK!