The Real World

Okay. How cool is this.

My brother, Nate, plays bass in this really awesome band called Phantods. And last night, one of their incredible songs was played on the season premiere of "The Real World". Which, well that show is gross- but stillllll... REALITY T.V. got a taste of their music.

I am proud. And I insist that you check them out.

www.phantods.com

boom.

Switchfoot, and so much more.

Last night I was lucky enough to go see Switchfoot in concert at the Orange Peel. Let me first say that I was literally blown away by their stage presence and ability to involve the audience. I went to the concert knowing that I enjoyed their music, sure I had listened to them from time to time. But I left that night as a fan.

It is hard to say what exactly sets them apart. But without saying too many words, they had me leaving feeling completely inspired, doing real soul-searching. And over the past 12 + hours my heart has been bursting from the seams.

I want more from life.
I want to do more.
I want to be more.

I hate waking up and feeling like life is simply flying by, and I am just on the outside watching the train cruise by. I want to be right next to the driver, every day, every hour, every minute.

So I am not sure what this means for me, right now in this moment. But I am grateful to Switchfoot for their authentic lyrics and their ability to foster an awakening once again in my soul.

Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njdTYj8nEQ4&feature=related

My portion is running over!

My heart is so full of joy and contentment in God. I honestly don't even know where to begin in describing how GOOD our God is! Let me begin by just sharing that I am about to graduate college. And over the past few months I have felt the Holy Spirit calling me to remain. To remain in the church. To remain in Asheville. To Remain.

You can imagine how frightening this could be as a young person, about to take on finances all on her own, and about to enter the dreaded "real-world". But with a dream and conviction in my heart, I said "Okay, Lord. I will Remain." And from that day on, I BELIEVED with every fiber inside of me that God was going to provide. At first I would just say to myself, "He will provide" And I partly didn't even know to what extent... or how it would look. Then as time progressed, I began believing and SPEAKING OUT LOUD, "He will provide a job for me in this city"

During my student teaching experience, I came across many people who would casually express to me their sorrow/regret/sympathy in the fact that a) I am graduating and would be searching for a teaching position mid-year (MID YEAR folks!) and b) that this economy would not prove to deliver a job for me.

And you know what my response was, EVERY single time?!?

"I am Believing that He will open up doors for me." I began reading about Abraham, the father of our faith. And do you know what the word says about Abraham? That his righteousness was credited to him by BELIEVING!! That he understood the power of God enough to understand that our God is a God who brings LIFE to the dead. And so with everything inside of me, I believed.

Well about 2 weeks ago I just sat before the Lord. And in my time I thought, what the heck. I'm going to pray Big. So I said, "Lord, I am asking you to Bless me! Show your favor for me!" And what would you know, the next day TWO jobs opened up in Buncombe County! So I applied- sent resumes- got an interview- and got hired! ALL within a two week process.

This is all God! He is SO faithful. All of the Glory is His. And I believe more than ever in the power of speaking Truth over your life, and believing God's word! It's real. It's living.

And as I sit here and reflect over the past year of my life... Last Christmas, I asked God to set me free. And He has taken my world and flipped it upside down. Literally. It is completely transformed. And it did not, by any means, happen over night. But I am a totally new person, and God is setting the Dream that HE placed in my heart into motion. And I am utterly thankful. Forever.

"I'll make a covenant with them that will last forever, a covenant to stick with them no matter what, and work for their good. I'll fill their hearts with a deep respect for me so they'll not even think of turning away from me. Oh how I'll REJOICE in them! Oh how I'll delight in doing good thins for them! Heart and soul, I'll plant them in this country and keep them here!" Jer 32:40-41

Tis the Season

Okay- So I am getting excited for Christmas! Today I just randomly started singing Christmas songs... And it put me in the BEST mood!

Things I LOVE about Christmas

1) My family does Christmas BEST- I love my siblings and when we all get around the kitchen counter, there ain't nothing in the world like it.

2) Homemade cinnamon rolls. Family Recipe. Perfection.

3) Music for 2 months to put you in a cheery mood!

4) Decorating!!

5) Hot cocoa, a fireplace, AND "A White Christmas" (my own personal tradition- I HAVE to watch it every year- even if I am doing it solo- which is usually how it happens)

Nerd Alert? Yes... Yes, I think so.

Yes. It indeed has been a while since I have updated this thingamajigger. But for good reason, you see. I have been swamped with finishing student teaching, cramming for a praxis exam (which I take in 2 weeks by the way! ahh!), writing a research paper, AND attempting to apply for teaching positions. But wait- the madness doesn't stop there.

You may be asking yourself, "But how could it get any crazier, my dear friend Katie?"
And I will tell you, on Friday I woke up so early- I'm talking crazy folk may go to bed at the hour in which I awoke from my sleep yesterday. And why did I do this? So that I could drive to Greensboro to attend the North Carolina's Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference!!

YIPEE! It was splendid! I learned so much about teaching and math, I was like a little kid in a candy store. AND... I also got to share MY experiences of student teaching with other soon to be math educators. It was an honor. And I received many encouraging words/words of wisdom about the life calling of education.

It is just that- a life calling. So yesterday was a treat for me, because I once again was reminded of the joy that goes along with the journey of teaching! It is my passion. It is in my gut. And I LOVE what I am doing!!

Yes- you may think I am a nerdball for attending a math conference. But who cares? It's me! :)

(Oh and then I got to the awesome day in prayer and worship with some of my favorite people ever. Yes, I'm spoiled.)

"We are not saved by making promises to God; we are saved by believing God's promises to us."

So today I am believing.

I am believing God will provide a job for me come December/January.
I am believing God will continue to foster fellowship and community in my life.
I am believing God will raise up an Army of dreamers in Asheville.
I am believing the desires of my heart will be given to me.


These things I am believing because He has promised them to me.

Quinn Rea

Today

on this day

more than any other day

I wish I were home. Home in Ohio. A two hour drive from my sister, my brother-in-law, and my 11 hour old niece!

Isn't she gorgeous? Gah. I am so proud of my sister! I cannot wait to meet this beuatiful child who is an incredible gift from God. Healthy sister, healthy baby girl, and I cannot be more pleased.

Thank you God for your goodness every day!

All's well that ends well.

So today was a crazy day!

I woke up at the ugly sound of my alarm at 5:45am. And when my feet hit the floor I literally wanted to cry because I didn't think I was going to make it one more day in the middle school. But I made my coffee- took a shower- and attempted to put a smile on my face.

Then next thing I know, it's 1:20pm and I am saying goodbye to my last class of students. Whew... how did I do it? (really- I have no idea) It was just one of those weeks. And as soon as the last child was out of my sight, I wanted to CRY. But I didn't because I was in front of my superiors. (I have to keep it together in front of them, right? errr something).

Well anyways, I can't really explain why teaching was so difficult this week- but it was. I guess the authority thing is harder for me than I thought it was going to be. And I am ON these kids' side! I am NOT against them- but they think I am. Or maybe they are just testing me to see if I will turn against them. I don't know... but anyways. Tough week.

But worry not- after school I ventured to go get my hair cut. This is always a wonderful time 1)because I have the coolest hair stylist, who is a dear friend to me. And what a divine appointment it was to meet her! and 2) she always gives me rockin' hair do's. Thus I go home feeling like a cool-hip chick. (Always a good thing!)

For those of you curious- I chose NOT to chop my hurrrr. I was too scared- So I just cut bangs. That's hip right? Haha.

Afterwards, I grabbed myself a pumpkin spice latte (the drink of choice for the entire month of October- and even into November. Woot) and a little bowl of chili. I then put on the most comfortable clothes I own and snuggled into my couch for a little R&R with my t.v.

Needless to say, "All's well that ends well"

Yay or Nay?

For almost 6 months now I have been debating whether or not I want to cut off all my hair? I haven't taken the plunge yet... but part of me just REALLY wants to do it! Whadya think?

What a beautiful song.

Oh, We stutter and we stammer till You save us
A symphony of chaos till You play us
Phrases on the pages of unknown
‘Til You read us into poetry and prose
We are kept and we are captive till You free us
Vaguely unimagined ‘til You dream us
Aimlessly unguided ‘til You lead us home


By Your voice we speak
By Your strength no longer weak
We are no longer weak
And by Your wounds we are healed
And by Your wounds we are healed


Passed over and passed by until you claim us
Orphaned and abandoned ‘til you name us
Hidden and disclosed ‘til you expose our hearts


By your death we live
It is by your gift that we might give
That we might give
And by your wounds we are healed
And by your wounds we are healed


What kind of love would take yourshame and spill his blood for you
Save us by His wounds
By your wounds, we are healed
By your wounds, we are healed
What kind of love
By your wounds, we are healed
Tell me what kind of love is this
By your wounds, we are healed.


-- A beautiful song on my heart this morning. We are a royal mess until He walks in, cleans us and defines us.

Thanks Nichole Nordeman.

Sleepy McSleeperson

Um who takes 3 and a half hour naps?

Apparently I do. And then I overslept my alarm by a whole hour.

Do you think I was sleep deprived? Good gravy. But hopefully now I am back on track! I guess those 8th graders just knock the energy right out of me. But that's okay. I forgive them, because they are just so much stinkin fun to be around!

Seriously- middle school kids are pretty awesome. I'm not sure if you know that.

Becoming...

I am sitting here sipping my french press coffee, listening to the rain, and on the verge of weeping. But weeping for JOY! (like Pastor Suzette says, a good cry!)

This past weekend was an enormous weekend in my life, and I know it was huge for other women as well! It was the "Becoming" women's conference at The Rock. God's word was shared through Lisa Bevere, Pastor Kirk, and Pastor Suzette. There are so many ideas tossing around in my heart- and honestly I don't think I can express them adequately. But here is a short recap of what just took place...

Becoming Women's conference rocked my world.

I shared the story that God has writen of my life with over 300 women. The real, hard truth of it all. All the blood and guts. And unbelievably, it has brought me more freedom than I ever even fathomed possible! The truth is, it's time for the people of God to stop hiding. It's time for us to come forth and bring release for the captives, to bind up the brokenhearted.

All weekend a picture has been forming in my heart/mind. I see God walking up to every woman in Asheville, and breaking the chains that are bound around her. Every woman will be walking, dancing, laughing and living in the freedom of Christ. I believe with everything inside of me that God is awakening this inside of us. This vision will come to be.

My heart has grown. It has grown in a way I never thought was possible. I am excited about these next steps. And I am throwing myself fully behind the vision that has been planted within my pastors.

Runnin' in the rain

I just ran ALL the way UP Barnard Ave. in THE RAIN! Hey ya!

If you're familiar with the campus area, you know what a challenge this road can be(depending on which way you run it)! And to be honest, on most days I run down Barnard ave, because it makes my life simpler. But today I was feeling adventurous- so I braved the might road!

I feel pretty stinkin' awesome right now! I guess all the time in the gym, busting out lunges and such really is paying off. Who would of thunk it?

Not to mention the rain made me look all sweaty and hardcore. And let's be honest, that makes it just that much more of a triumph.

I am what I learn.

Alright folks, pull out your calendars and get your pens ready!

This coming Tuesday, September 8th, President Obama will be delivering a national address to ALL students. He will be encouraging students to do their best in school and to set high academic goals for themselves! Students will get a chance to compete in the "I Am What I Learn" video contest where kids can share their ideas of how they will improve their education, and what their role in education is.

As an educator myself, I think this is AWESOME! Students should definitely be taking an active role in learning. And no matter what your political views are, I think it is awesome for The President of The United States to address ALL school-aged children.

I mean, really. I know the economy is a bust right now. And that definitely affects the education system too. As a student teacher, I am really seeing the affects play out in the everyday classroom. But here's the truth- that doesn't change that we can have a POSITIVE impact. We can speak truth and life into these students' lives.

Set your watches. Tune in. Noon. Tuesday. You won't want to miss it.

My mom has always told me,

"Keep your heartbeat in line with God's heartbeat and you can't go wrong. When he tells you to go right, go right. If he tells you to go left go left."

Well what if I'm not sure what His heartbeat is right now?

What if He told me to go left, so I did. And now I'm not sure what direction He is telling me to go?

I believe He has a beautiful plan for my life, for the city of Asheville and for THE Church. And I want to be a part of it. The only question is, which step do I take first?

B & N

Barnes and Noble.
Sigh. Three of the prettiest words I know.

So today I spent almost ALL day in Barnes and Noble. I slowly perused up and down the isles picking up the books with intriguing, beautiful titles and catching pictures, to then read the back of the book. And finally I would decide whether or not I actually wanted to read the book. Once I found a book to fit my mood, I grabbed a cup of coffee and snuggled in to the chair for a nice session of reading.

What a Day! I love having time where I can just completely be myself, think all the thoughts I want without interruption, and dive into an unknown worlds created by an author. It is so good for the soul.

And not to mention, my "I want to read" list is growing out the wazoo.

Today I chose Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah.

Introducing Ms. Jacobs...

Many of you will be glad to hear that I have successfully survived my first day of school with the kids!

YAY!!

And now I am totally exhausted. And I didn't even TEACH anything. I just watched and helped out where needed. Can you imagine what I will be feeling when I am taking on three blocks a day for five weeks?!?! And then... when I am a REAL, FULL-TIME teacher. Right now, I am not sure how teachers do anything else.

Here are a few of the things I am nervous about.

-I want to be clear in my authority with the students. I am young and I smile alot- so I am afraid the kids will chew me up and spit me out. I am afraid they won't respect my authority in the classroom. So in these next few days I am working to really assert myself there. Please- if you have any tips- tell me!

- I want to challenge the students, not leave any behind, and not bore any to death. Whew- thats a huge task. So how do I affectively accomplish this? ( I guess this is what student teaching is all about!)

But all in all, I am working with two amazing cooperating teachers. I have so much to learn from them. I know they will prepare me well. :)

I've decided that one of the best moment's in a girl's life is hearing their dad say,

"I am so proud of you"

Thanks Dad.

Trippin' down memory lane

So today I ventured up to UNCA. Classes started on Monday, but since I will be student teaching this fall, I don't have any classes on campus. W.E.I.R.D. As I was walking around campus, it was such an odd feeling knowing I won't be spending 5 days a week in class, on and about campus. That part of my life is pretty much over. And somewhere inside I wish I could become a freshman and do it all over again. I know I have not technically graduated yet, but it still feels like that part of my life is over.

Boy. The past four years have been a whirlwind. I have experienced things I never thought I ever would. It has been a roller coaster to say the least. But I wouldn't change one minute of it because I am the Katie that I am today due to all of the crazy things I went through. I loved walking around and seeing new faces. These new freshmen who are so full of potential. It puts joy in my heart.

Here's a glimpse of what I have learned/gained over the past four years of my life...

I have met some of the best people in the world.
I have traveled down some hard, rough, lonely roads.
I have also traveled down roads of joy, friendship, the best LAUGHS in the entire world.
I have been in an out of relationship with boy, friends, and even God. (But today I sand firm in the Love of God)
I learned that my parents will always love me, no matter what.
I have the BEST siblings in the world. end of story. Family is SO important!
My "sisters" from high school will be my "sisters" for a lifetime.
It can be hard to forgive, but the fruit of forgiveness is much more beautiful and enjoyable than the fruit of bitterness.
I learned how stinkin' hard it is to major in math- but how much I LOVE math. nerdy? I know!
I Love the city of Asheville.
I learned that you need to check the oil in your car- regularly (and yes I can do this all by myself!)



Here is a picture of me and one of my best friends during one of the first weekends of college. This lady and I have such a great story of our friendship :)

And here, four years later. My how things change!

literary classics, eh?

I'm reading Wuthering Heights.
I want to be cool like those literature nerds who love the classics, sort of like my roomie.
And I thought, Wuthering Heights seems to be a reference in a lot of modern literature.
But I am afraid I might poke myself in the eye first.

So let's see how this goes. Im braving chapter three tonight... but when Emily Bronte says things like, "Aw wonder how yah can faishion to stand thear i' idleness un war, when all on 'ems goan out! Bud yah're a nowt, and it's no use talking- yah'll niver mend o'yer ill ways, but goa raight to t' divil, like yer mother afore ye!"

Um? Can you repeat that? What did you just say Mrs. Bronte?

But nonetheless... I venture on.

Urban... yes please!

So the wonderful Ashevegas is going to be getting an Urban Outfitters right in the heart of downtown. Is there anything more that I could ask for? (well- probably... but this will do for now)

I love love love Urban outfitters. I hope one day to be as cool as them. I would love to have a hip, chic downtown loft that looks like it was a picture straight out of Urban Outfittahs. But until then I will just shop there and rack up my collection.

I can't contain myself. It's just too cool. The only thing that would be better was if we got an anthropologie- which is an older, more sophisticated urban. But yay!

Check it out yo-
www.urbanoutfitters.com

Good friends & Good fun

It has been a couple of days since my last post. This is because some friends from high school were visiting as they passed through Asheville on a little road trip. And let me just say, it was an amazing couple of days with these friends! These two guys, Billy and Matt, totally get what it means to be a servant and full of God's love.

The boys came in on Monday night. We relaxed, caught up on life, and talked for hours. Both guys are crazy smart and they challenged me in many ways. I absolutely love those kinds of conversations. On Tuesday I had to work during the day, but the boys set out for a day of exploring the beautiful city of Asheville, or so I thought.

But when I got home from work, I came in to find
1) My apartment cleaner than when they had gotten here
2) My vacuum cleaner fixed!
3) And a huge, delightful dinner for my roommate and I
4)And they gifted me with a French Press because I had randomly mentioned how much I would love to have one... WOOHOOO!

Amazing. period. I honestly felt so loved by my dear friends. And then the next day we set out to hike the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mt. Mitchell. It was HARD. I am SO sore. And these guys are pretty intense when it comes to the outdoors. But they helped me the whole way. And we were able to have such GREAT conversations as we hiked 5.6 miles up to the top, and then 5.6 miles down (oh and we kind of got off track coming down- but it was so fun because we found blubs, or blueberries!) My body is killing me today- but I had the best time yesterday.

While the guys were here, I was totally immersed in the Love of God. They served my roommate and I so well, and I am completely grateful. I want to serve others the way these two have served me. I desire to be as generous as these two were. And I desire the real, honest fellowship we indulged ourselves in for the time they were here. Thank you Matt & Billy.

The Shack

So I just finished reading the book, The Shack, by WP Young. It was a fantastic, and quick read! I encourage it for anyone. It may be a little too "weird" for some people, but if you can get past some of the sci-fi elements, the truth that resonates from the words will penetrate your heart. Gauranteed.

I am still sifting through so much of what I read. What is stuck in my heart the most- is this idea of what it means to be in real communion (relationship) with Him. That all I need to do is receive His love... which is harder than it seems sometimes. Because I like to be independent. I like to do things right and do them well, but on my own. But let's be honest, I screw up so much of the time. But His love transforms, and brings total freedom. Freedom from performing, of being a "good" Christian. I get to walk in His love everyday... and such a weight is lifted!

Seriously- don't just take my word for it. Read the book!

http://theshackbook.com/contact.html

Just give me some kind of sign girl

Tax. free. weekend.
I should stop there.... but I won't. So I just finished a longg shift at american eagle (or american wrinkle as some may call it). And this weekend is tax free weekend, meaning all the loonies trek out the mall to try and save about 6 bucks. Its packed, sweaty, insane. And lets not forget that customers can be crabby. Very crabby. I hate getting yelled at by people when I am only trying to help them. So yes, working all day at the eagle can be wearing and tiresome. But how do I combat the retail blues you might ask? Well I am so lucky to work with awesome people and super funny managers who are always keeping me laughing...But more importantly- the tunes are bangin' this month. Some old. Some new. So my coworkers and I are always singin' and dancin' away. Lots of fun. And if you've never seen me dance, well maybe one day you will be so blessed.

Here a few of the songs we have been listening to and have been helping to keep my spirits high. Sit back. Relax. and let the tunes brighten your day, my friends.

Creator-Santogold
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXpZi4I4G7k

Brenton Wood- Gimme Little Sign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEucad5x34o

Fleetwood Mac- Go your own way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GN2kpBoFs4

The asteroid galaxy tour- around the bend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCFXSIndYIk

Steve Miller Band-Take the money and run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFGZufk4HFs&feature=related

And lots lots lots more!

P.S. I am sorry I can't figure out how to hyperlink the text... ugh so its long and ugly. But the music is still good!

Everyone has a story

I just met with my advisor for student teaching, and let me just say I am so pumped to start student teaching in less than 2 weeks! Ahh... It's like I have been dipping my feet in the baby pool for four years. And now I am going to jump off the diving board, head first, into teaching. I am nervous but so excited.

I have wanted to be a teacher for... uh... I don't know forever. When I was in elementary school I had a chalk board I would put in my window, and I played "teacher" for YEARS! And now my dream is becoming a reality. Cool, huh? Yeah, I think so.

Anyways, as I was meeting with my advisor we were just chatting about all the different kinds of kids I will be encountering over the next few months. (keep in mind, I will be in the middle school) Let's see, there is the "snapping turtle". Those sweet children who just SNAP, and shut themselves off... and you have to let them, knowing they will come back to ya. A little frightening. And then of course we have the "lava lamps". Those crazy kids bouncing off the walls incessantly, wreaking havoc in the classroom. Oh Joy. We also have the "cotton ball" kids. The quiet, not sure there is anything up there, students who just walk through the motions with you. Knock knock. Anyone up there?

Well as I was sitting there talking to Nancy, I was reminded that we all have stories. Every person has a story. And it is not finished. We put these labels on kids (clearly I am guilty of doing so), without knowing their story. And then we adjust our expectations to fit them... but shouldn't we raise the bar? And get beyond the labels. I am training myself now to see my students with fresh eyes and with an understanding heart of their story. The beauty of it is that I get to be a tiny part of their story- and who knows, it could be a defining part of their story. Not that I am great, but the One who lives in me is great. So Yes. I am optimistic, and perhaps a teensy bit naive. But at this moment, right now, I know that I am walking into what I was designed for.

So what's your story?

Laughing Katie?

When I was choosing what the title of my blog should be... I was stumped. And then I thought, what describes me the best? The answer of course is .... my Laugh! If you know me at all, you know I feel most comfortable when I am laughing. Literally almost every emotion can trigger laughing for me.

If I feel anxious, I laugh. If something is truly funny, I laugh. If I am totally unsure of what response to give, I laugh. If I am scared, I will laugh (a little).

And let's be real about this. My laugh is not just a small little, cute laugh. It is truly unique. I am talking, LOUD, high-pitched laugh. I have indeed been sushed before when laughing, and some people can be embarrassed by it. But I have totally learned to embrace it. It takes people by surprise the first time they hear it. But I love that about it- because it can bring a smile to someone else's face.

So I love to laugh. It is fun. Joyous. You can't have a bad day if you are laughing... So I laugh!

I've done it...

Okay... here goes nothing.

My first post on the blog.

So why am I doing this? I have been reading a few people's blogs lately, and I thought, Hey- I can do that. Not that my life is all that exciting, I mean crazy things don't happen on a regular basis. And perhaps no one will read this, but I love to journal and think out loud and ponder the silly(and sometime serious) things in life... and I think it will be fun to look back at this someday.

Alright. I did it. My first blog.