Happy 30th Kimberly!!

Today marks my bib sister's entrance into her 3rd decade! That's right! I wish I could be there with her to celebrate- or at least to cuddle with her on the couch and drink some hot french press (made by Jason of course).

She hasn't been feeling well these past couple weeks- actually, she has been feeling rather terrible. A virus, the name of which I cannot recall, has attacked her chest...lungs? I don't understand it completely, what I do know is that it's been giving her terrible pain in her chest (like at her sternum), and feels as if shes had a fast ball thrown at her...like a big, bad bruise, only NO bruise. :( The steroids haven't helped her kick it yet- and today she is still hurting.

SO, that was all said to tell YOU to pray for her to be healed, in this very moment, as I am :) Today- she is going to be pain free, and enjoy her birthday with her husband and friends :)


I love you Kimmers! Happy Birthday!

ps. tell Genesis I say happy birthday too!

Things within eyeshot right now:

*green chalkboards. on one, the qualities of a heroine in folklore: virginity (check), beauty (sure, check), intelligence (check- most of the time), faithfulness (check) --dang, am I in a fairytale?!

Only kidding.

My professor just said, "When in doubt, add a dragon" :) I had to share that enjoyment.

Yes, this is college...well, this is the good days in college. lol. I prefer my folklore class to the "modernist" class.

Back to things I can see in eye sight...

*a really great brown purse- really great.

there aren't many exciting things in this classroom...and it's pretty empty today.

ONE HOUR!!!!!

Tomorrow...I leave with Aime for our "Encounter" :) I AM SO EXCITED!

Tonight is the MCs kickoff of tour (I believe), and I have a good deal of homework to do- like read an entire book. Life is busy right now, and it is also very good :) I felt like sharing a poem, so here are a couple I found that seem appropiate:



April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.

Langston Hughes




Awesome Beauty

When the golden sunset
Sets over the amber hills
And when the moon shines bright
And all the world stands still
There is beauty, awesome beauty
God took the dust and formed a man
He paints each sunrise with His hand
He took all the love within His heart
And gave us beauty from the start
There's beauty, awesome beauty
When the storm clouds come
And thunder rolls
When skies are dark
And it hardens the soul
There's beauty, awesome beauty
God took all the love within His heart
And gave us beauty from the start
There's beauty, awesome beauty
Through every age
There is a call
To admire the creation
He gave us all
It is beauty, awesome beauty
See the beauty, hear the call
Enjoy the life He gave us all
God took the love in His heart
And gave us beauty from the start
There's beauty, awesome beauty

((May 17th,2000))

Danny Speicher

Happy Birthday Dad!!



Today is a very special birthday for my Dad-- he's entering into his 7th decade! (no- that is not 70--- think about it). It is important to him that it be discussed this way, because he hates 6s and loves 7s. :) I love my dad :)

My purity ring has 6 diamonds in it, and this was very concerning to us as we sat at dinner after placing it on my finger. We determined it was right though- since my 7th diamond (the number of perfection and completion) would come most likely in my engagement ring.. (or dad, you could buy me one more- and then it would be my 8th from "the man" and it would be 'New Beginnings'! That's an idea! ;) just kidding)

Back to my daddy....

You are pretty incredible dad! You have given us girls so many incredible pieces of wisdom, the best memories and talks, and even a few bad habits (heeheee). You know how much all your girls love you- and that "your girls" extend beyond your own.


I love how you've 'played' with us growing up- you have taught us to be strong young girls, and also to laugh and enjoy family and friends and life. You've teased and tickled, and read, and prayed (at 2am!). I love who you are and am so grateful the Lord gave us you as a dad :) (or gave you, us as daughters).

I know your friends love you too- I love watching you and your 'buddy,'- Uncle John. Or you and cousin Cort. I love seeing them tease you, heeeheee. ;) I enjoy watching others enjoy being with you like I do.

Above all else, you've taught us to love the Lord, always seek His word for answers, and to love family. Always forgive, and never give up....

..You are building a good legacy for your family Dad. Thank you!

Happy Birthday- We love you!

Rachel and Kim especially....

I have heard a LOT about this book lately- including several grown men crying in public places while reading it. So, while I was picking up my last couple school books yesterday, I grabbed it too.

By the way, if you ever are craving a nasty look from someone else- I mean, a real glance that sends loudly your way "You must be barbaric! You awful person you!" Yes, if you are wishing someone would give you
that kind of expression...go ask the woman (or man) at the customer service kiosk of the University Bookstore (on campus) if they could look up "The Shack"- or any book which is labeled "Christian Fiction" will do. Lol. She looked it up, and then I asked her what category it was listed as (since I did not know the author and was slightly concerned what issues another book entitled "The Shack" might discuss). "Christian Fiction" she announced, annoyed, and then she added "I'm not sure we even have that section anymore." I agreed "I certainly never knew you did!" She walked me over and we found it, she handed it to me and was gone rather quickly from sight. lol. Oh the joys of being a Christian on campus- such unending joy (I am not being sarcastic now- that really made me pretty heartily happy).

That said- this book is supossed to be incredible- sounds like the sort of writing I want to do- fiction that draws you into God's presense. I am hoping to get to read it next weekend. It's rather short and a pretty easy read...so if you are looking for a great book that draws you in and kneels you right in His arms...I believe this may be the book.

Again, I am passing along a recommendation- I have yet to read it myself. If you have read it- please leave a quick comment for the others who might be interested- BUT NO SPOILERS please!!! I'll be sure to write again when I have read it myself.

Love ya.

I changed my outfit a bit this morning (from what I'd laid out last night) because the forecast called for rain, and the sky this morning looked like rain (lots of it)...and I wanted to wear my rain boots.

I keep them in the back of my car (with a few other important things- like a swim suit, and hot chocolate mix, a toothbrush, and a sleeping bag, etc. aka my "emergency kit"). So, I threw on some brown shoes as I walked out to leave, planning to change into my boots once i got to the bus stop.

As I walked to the bus, I looked down at my feet, at my brown rocketdogs.

Glad i changed my outfit, lol.

Other thought right now- stupid people annoy me. I know that is SO terrible to say- but this girl just made the most ignorant comment about Christianity- like her comment was EXACTLY innacurate- so much so that the teacher assumed she meant the opposite statement and treated it as such- and the girl herself didn't realize and restated her point again. She commented on how the work of literature we are reading at first starts like the bible (she said it reminded her of Moses coming down from the mountain- in reality- it mirrors Christ coming down from heaven and becoming man)- but that is stopped being like the Bible as the main character decided that he wanted "companionship" and decided to gather a few followers----- YES, this is one of the biggest allusion TO THE BIBLE, as the teacher is actually gathering "disciples"> her point was wrong- all you had to do was even watch a movie on Jesus to know that he had disciples....if even a movie.

Sorry, it made me laugh a little- but more, her complete ignorance and willingness to "make her point" irked me! Don't talk when you are completely ignorant on the topic-- or as the Proverb says "Even a fool is thought wise if he stays silent" > Kati's translation: if you are stupid, don't talk, and at least you are wise in that decision.

I love people, I do. But Lord, help me to love the stupid people. I seem to meet the most here at college....where they all are convinced they are geniuses! ;)

Yes, I am a little bored at work...and very sleepy. I wanted to blog, but not quite sure what about, so I found a survey my sis had done...Read if you are as bored as I am, otherwise...go do something more productive with your time. :)

Love you.


50 questions for the people who are a little older....

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
My car, because I know they are getting me on the interest- I HATE paying interest.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
romantic? I had dinner with Rosie at The Triple Door before todd's concert- it would have been romantic, lol, but it was me and Rosie :)

I had a romantic dinner at this cool little italian restaurant in UVillage, all by myself a month ago- a glass of wine, and it was dark out and the white lights were glowing in the trees, and I was completely content, just me and Him.

3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to?
:) waiting still.... and there is NO regret in that!

4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be?
I'd never hide.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?
I took kindergarden and 1st at the same time. Mrs. McCall taught kindergarden, and a bunch of parents taught first (including my dad!)

6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
sleeping. :) or even better, sloaking

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
mom, pac 10 soccer player, and writer. (and for a time, like Kim, an archaeologist), and a lawyer.

8. How many colleges did you attend?
I am at UW now.

9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
Because last night I knew I'd be incapable of a clear-minded decision this morning...it looked good in my closet- I have a long day today and it fit all the occasions (meeting with Morg, work, studying at St. James, and dinner with a couple close friends)!

10. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
where did I drive? I have to fill up again!?

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would it be?
for life, or for a season? I'd love to live in Tennessee, or Ireland, or Italy, or some other place (preferably where they speak English- and NOT a third world country). I love to travel, and I hate short stays.

Actually, I'd probably just move to the 'country' somewhere around here.

I2. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
OH MY GOSH- WHAT TIME IS IT?! (I woke up convinced I'd over-slept - I litteraly JUMPED out of bed....to only find I was right on time).

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I have to get up immediately tomorrow morning.

14. Do you miss being a child?
yes- i miss almost all the ages. Last night I was really missing being in highschool and studying on my back porch with rob, ty, and elise....listening to michael buble, eating lime chips, summer break just weeks away.

16. What errand/chore do you despise?
dishes....only when it makes my hands pickly- and then if I touch paper it sends shrills up my back!!! I hate that feeling! Besides that- I love to clean (especially vacuum!)

17. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer?
YES! With children! or moms! or both :)

18. Get up early or sleep in?
both! (isn't that the typical Kati answer?! haha). Get up early and accomplish lots before the world wakes up- or get up early to go on an adventure and watch the sun wake up! OR, sleep in and enjoy a lazy day where you stay in your pajamas and cuddle up on the couch to old movies or a good book!!!! YES!!

19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
oh- i like cartoons. I can't think of a favorite right now- I love the older stuff, like Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry, and even older. Kris and I used to have the BEST, MOST AMAZING cartoon movie- it was "50 of the Greatest Cartoons"- until our dad through it away :(

We never once made it through all 50. We used to keep a note pad to try to write them all down in order, lol- See, I miss being a kid. (I even bought a movie kind of like it at Christmas time- with like 50 classic black and white cartoons- some don't even have talking! I've only gotten to watch 30 minutes of it).

20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
WHat exactly is this question asking- oh my. My favorite thing to do with friends at night is sit and talk and laugh...laugh about old memories, and laugh about the ones we are making. I love just 'being' with good friends- and what we do just falls into place, either a game, a movie, or just eating :)

21. Have you found real love yet?
yes...in God, in my family, and in good friends- but as for the spouse...no :)
I'm finding "real love" more every day.

22. When did you start feeling old?
Like the year after MCs (last year)- not sure why....maybe just because I get tired so often (or always). In some ways, I have always been "old"- and in others, I will always be 5. (huh Dad?)

23. Your favorite lunch meat?
turkey? chicken...food.

25. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
well, EVERY TIME I go into Wal-Mart...I don't.

26. Beach or lake?
YES!

27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Um, NOOOOOOOOO! I'm preparing for it now.

28. Do you own property?
no :( someday, I will.

29. Favorite Guilty pleasure?
ice cream!

30. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about?
so- I tell everyone here? lol!
Here it is: All Dogs Go To Heaven.

31. What's your drink?
White Mocha / Americano with WM

32. Cowboys or Indians?
Cowboys....definately cowboys. (to quote my sister!)
However, one of my BEST friends is an Indian....so they carry serious status.

33. Cops or Robbers?
I was going to make fun of this question- but if I think of 310 to Yuma, or Tombstone...

Let's just agree, cowboys (sherrifs)

34. Who from high school would you like to run in to?
Haha, well, when I want to run in to them, I just walk out my back door and I have a good chance of meeting 4 of the other 9. (and if I want to run into the remaining 5, I just go to church)

35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
90.1 -I believe- my ipod. :)

36. Norm or Cliff?
huh?

37. Grey's Anatomy or 'The Office?
The Office!!! I can't wait to see last night's!!!

38. Worst relational mistake that you wish you could take back?
Lying.

39. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?
yeah- it's empty (and sometimes Etesh sits there when he's in town...he is nice)

40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
CS Lewis...do dead people count?

41. Indoors or Outdoors?
Outdoors (AND indoors!)

42. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
no

43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
lol, no.

44. Last book you read?
and finished? Well, I am a few pages away from finally finishing "Strengthen Yourself in the Lord" - it's incredible!

45. Do you have a teddy bear?
yeesssssss. lol. Book Bear. I will have him, for forever (rosie- catch that?). My Godfather gave him to me when I was 3 or 4.

Kris- "Daisy comes to mind" ;)

46. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
trying to think...there have been some weird ones. I keep a tooth brush in my "emergency kit" in my car. I know brushing my teeth in the woods with a water bottle was fun...but I know there is stranger.

47. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Yosemite.

48. Do you go to church?
uh huh, lol. Often. :)

49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
new career. (I want to step into a greater fullness of my calling in writing!). AND when the relationship comes along- AMEN and HALLELUJAH!

50. How long have you been out of high school?
How long has it been? I graduated 2005, does that mean 3 years almost?! WOW!

I am back in school. And I am BEHIND. I have two books to read, by Thursday, lol. Oh dear.

I think I am going to love this quarter, they are all literature classes- but that also means I am going to have a LOT of reading to do, which can be trouble since reading usually makes me fall asleep- plus I am a SLOOOOOOOOOW reader.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are long days for me...I am on campus for 8 hours!


Tonight is Todd's concert at Triple Door, and Rosie and I have a dinner date before. I am very excited!

I am home! And about to go trail running with Aime, Cami, and Toni (Rosie for those of you who still wonder who that is).

I love being home, I love being with my family and friends.

Its amazing how such a short time away can make you realize all over again how much they mean to you, and how blessed you are to have people you can trust. One great thing this trip did, was reinforce my desire to be a trustworthy person who is who they are, and can be trusted to really stand where they appear to. To more deeply love the people who I say I love, and to show it in ALL my actions.

I got a small taste of two-faceness and it left such a skin-crawling taste in my mouth that I longed to rest in the presence of my real friends, and family, and to NEVER be that sort of person who smiles while others look, and bites when they turn. I am not about 'politics' - I am about love. :) I want to always speak about what is lovely, admirable, and pure about others.

I HAVE to go change REALLY quick now...

I hope I get to hug you soon (Kim- only 80-some days now!!)

Love,
Katrina Hope

SO I am incredibly tired, but I must say, tonight was my favorite. We went back to Olive (where we had dinner the first night we were here), with the same four people. I LOVE this restaurant- if you EVER do go to Vegas, go to Olive in the Bellagio! Amazing drinks, AMAZING FOOD, AMAZING VIEW! The fountains were b-e-a-utiful! These are the fountains from the end of Oceans...they are set to music,and they go off every 15 minutes. We sat out on a patio right there, possible the best view of them from anywhere. We had a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it. It was a great, laid back group. Once again, we closed the restaurant. Then, we stopped in our hotel and played black jack for a half an hour at a low-stakes table. I put $20 on the table and walked away with $42 (I only played like 3 hands, but it was fun and enough for me). I'm glad I had a good last night...I have to be up early (we are going to breakfast at my manager's favorite place- well, now that we have discovered Olive, second favorite)....and I am so excited to be coming home. Vegas- not a favorite.

I also got to have an hour by the pool today, and that was lovely.

I cannot wait to be see you all soon. :) I miss you already.

SO, I had some free time today and decided to listen to the Bethel podcast. I clicked on the most recent, which I found was Easter Sunday.

First few minutes, and Bill Johnson is talking about how he keeps seeing 555 everywhere. Finally, he woke up one night/morning (at 5:55 am) and shouts from his bed, "What God? What are You trying to tell me?" He said God knocked Him out instantly and in his sleep he heard God speak to him in an audible voice. God told him He is restoring right now. He spoke of a supernatural ability right now to get out of debt, and have blessings in finance released. Not only with money, but with everything that has been lost, stolen, taken- God is restoring right now!!!

I can feel it. I see it, I've tasted it, I AM tasting it.

That said, my manager, having watched me see all these 777's, said, "Kati, I've just got to say. Do you know 777 is the number usually for the jackpot on slot machines?!"

God can speak through anyone, and this message on financial miracles...and the fact that just yesterday I was talking to Todd about how God can always work a financial miracle (my exact words! haha)..has me thinking, what would happen if I were to drop a quarter in? Haha....

It's all very strange I think. If God can speak through a donkey, would he maybe release finances for school through a slot machine? Just a question- and I honestly don't know the answer.

One thing I do know without doubt, I am asking God, "What are you trying to tell me?" And I'm becoming aware it may be an answer I don't expect.

I love you all, and will see you soon- I fly home tomorrow- hallelujah!

Note Bene, I saw another 777 today.

I was looking through prophetic art on facebook and saw some girl's painting about what God was going to do on 7/7/7

Huh. :)

Yes, I am in Las Vegas for a big wireless show my company is exhibiting at. I have been tired, very tired. Most everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong...from the hotel insisting they didn't get faxed the credit card forms (which almost meant losing all our hotel rooms on a week it is booked out), the fedex shipment not arriving until today (due Monday), the electricity in our booth not working all day Monday (show opened on Tuesday and our booth needed to be set up), our collateral didn't arrive until the show had been open for an hour and a half...our suites were wrong and we had to pull teeth to get them to give us the ones we actually reserved (we moved rooms 4x on Monday!) And so on....lol. It has been almost laughable.

Despite that, it has all gotten worked out...And I am getting to see a new city. NOT MY FAVORITE, but it's exciting nonetheless. It is certainly a vision at night- so many lights, and incredible fountains....also so dirty (in all the senses of the word). Last night a few of us got to go to a private party (a glorified shmoozing & networking event), which was held on the top floor of the Palms...apparently a current hot spot. The view was incredible! The roof was retractable, and there was also this incredible patio area which I took these pics from. It was 10:30 at night, and rather warm, and completely beautiful.



Tomorrow is the last day of the show, thank goodness. The next one's in san francisco...a city I DO love, I can hardly wait! :)

I will see you all soon. And now...I am going to take a nap.