Upside-Down Life

Hello, friends! It feels like so long ago that I wrote to you all. Life has certainly been different and exciting. It’s pretty much been turned upside down from what it was before, especially the last couple of weeks. However, it is a good change; and it’ll be  a great change once my body catches up to me!

I started my job on April 4. It’s been great so far. I’ve worked on a variety of projects, but mainly I print and cut things such as invitations, business cards and brochures. The last week or so, I’ve been finishing quickly so that perhaps I could lend a hand to other projects that might be a little more fun for me. I recently got to update a newsletter article to make it ready for the blog. That was really fun. I always like jumping in and writing things. It’s just who I am. I’m also about to start working on a Powerpoint presentation for a  Bible study luncheon that’s coming up in a couple of weeks. Those are the more fun parts of the job, and I get a little free time to play around in various programs so that I can learn how to do harder things. I want to be able to do fun and difficult things that I haven’t yet learned. Daniel has been fixing up a truck that he bought at a police auction. It’s a good buy if anyone wants a ’97 Ford F150. I’m just sayin’. He’s also become quite the coupon clipper, although we may never reach the level of TLC’s Extreme Couponing couponers. I’m okay with that though.

Other than those things, life has been largely the same. Sarge is now 20 lbs. and as adorable as ever. We’ve just been going on with life as usual trying to make all of the changes fit. It’s been great so far, and I’m excited to see where God is taking us. Until then, I’m trying to relax and trust that He knows what He’s doing.

Happy Holy Week, everyone!

Our Lord Provides

So, at this point it’s no secret that the last couple of weeks have been hard for us. Daniel lost his job unexpectedly, and our world was turned upside down. I only had a very much part-time job that contributes little to our household income. It was overwhelming to think about us not having any income. To make matters worse, for a little bit it seemed like he didn’t qualify for unemployment. We immediately began looking for jobs. By the grace of God, I found another part-time job that I really think I will enjoy at East-West Ministries, a missions agency out of Dallas, well, Plano. It’s close to our home, pays pretty well, uses my education and training, and accommodates my other job at Trinity. God kept reminding me to trust him. He kept reminding me not to worry about tomorrow, just to seek His kingdom and righteousness and he will take care of us. And He did just that. He brought this job in the nick of time. It pays enough to support us without any worries, and as it turns out we did qualify for unemployment. Strangely, for the next few month we’ll actually make more money than we did before. It gives Daniel time to narrow down what he wants to do and find a job he really loves. God is good and kind and loving.

I especially want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends in our lives. We really felt loved in this troubling time and give glory to God alone for bringing is through it.

Verse for Thought

Last week I decided that I really needed to jump back into God’s Word on a regular basis. It’s been a struggle of mine to read it everyday. It’s not that I don’t want to be, but I tend to find ways to be distracted with other things. And since I was thinking of ways to share the Bible to edify others, I decided to start an e-mail with daily verses and encouragement. It keeps me accountable to being in the Word daily and I basically journal and put down a daily prayer thought to think about through the day. It’s been really fun so far, and I hope it’s helping others to be encouraged in their daily Christian lives.

If you want it, you can send me your e-mail address. Right now we’re going through Romans. It’s one of my favorites!

My Something Interesting

Yesterday, I posted on Facebook that something interesting just happened to me. Yes, I was that vague, and I was hated for it. Since it is somewhat of a long story, I decided it needed its own post. So you’re fortunate enough to hear from me twice today.

Yesterday mid-day, I got a text from my BFF(E), Stephanie Fiorisi (I remembered to use the right last name). She said she just sent me an e-mail, so with much interest I switch apps and check my e-mails. She had forwarded on an e-mail from my old boss at A&M-Commerce. Someone had called up there with a possible job opportunity and had asked for me specifically. It’s weird because I haven’t worked there in 3 years. I couldn’t imagine who would be asking for me. I told her to forward my info.

About an hour later, I get a call from someone I had a few classes with at A&M-C. He was the editor of the paper for a bit. I didn’t really even know him especially well, but he called saying that he is on the PR team at L-3 in Greenville. They are going to be having a spot or two open up in the next month or so, and he thought of me and the work I did for the university and thought I might be a good fit if I was interested. I said yes, and he said he’ll keep me in the loop and try to push me along once the whole process gets started. Because they’re government contracted they have to post things for a long time and the process can be much longer. It was a completely unexpected occurrence, but certainly not an unwelcome one.

It came at a time when I was just thinking about all of the things that we had decided we wanted to do before we started pursuing a family. It came at a time when I was worried about money and trying to figure out if I really did want to/would be able to finish at DTS ever. It came at a time when I was just thinking about how I miss writing sometimes. This opportunity certainly raises a few questions too, but it could answer some of them. It would be around the time that my season at TCA would be finishing. It could be a possibility.

I don’t think there is a right choice or a wrong choice. I think there is a good choice and a better choice. I think this could be the means to the end of some of my dreams. I know that God has typically uprooted me just when I start to get settled (it’s why I haven’t been a member of a church since high school, I’ve never been one place quite long enough). He likes to keep me on my toes like that.

Naturally, my mind went from the end of the phone call straight to what I would wear to the interview, how I would answer the questions, getting my portfolio online, and what our house in Greenville might look like or what I could get done on that commute. I, unfortunately, think too far ahead–especially considering I don’t even have the job (in fact, it’s not even posted yet). So you can pray for me in that respect. Keep my head in the now and not worry so much about what might be coming up in the next couple of months until it gets here. I’ve got too much on my plate to worry about what’s coming around the bend.

Anyway, I was flattered that I was remembered and excited about the possibility of something new and sad about the possibility of the now coming to an end. In the end, I’m simply an instrument through which I will allow God to do the work. Whatever will be, will be. God is sovereign and knows best. I am certainly in the best hands, so I’ll do my best not to jump out of them.

Another New Year

 

Wow! A new year already. I can’t believe how fast it has come and gone. It has been a great one full of tough and wonderful experiences.

As we begin the new year, Daniel is still in training through the end of February at his new job. I am wrapping up my season with basketball at TCA, and I am starting a couple of online classes at DTS in a few short days. I can’t believe it.

Sarge has grown like crazy. The little two-pound youngster we brought home a couple of months ago is now 10.5 lbs. and still growing. We still have to get him acclimated to new people and other dogs, but around the house he’s adjusting really well. He’s practically house-broken already. I’ve learned never to say fully because even the most well-trained dog has a slip up on occasion. It is much harder to wear him out these days too. A month ago, a run to the mailbox would put him to sleep for hours. Now we walk on the trail for a little less than a mile and he’s still ready to play when he gets home. He can be a mess, but I’m glad we added him to our little family. Our kids will have a lot to live up to. Haha.

This year I decided not to do resolutions, but rather to have a few intentions. They’re like resolutions but without the guilt. I don’t know what Daniel’s are (if he even has any), but here are my intentions for 2011:

• Pray more often, and pray more intentionally for others.
• Be diligent in my school work. And any work I do.
• Be more intentional about nurturing my relationships.
• Write more.

I think those are plenty. They will certainly fill my time, and hopefully fill my life as well.

The last one is what my new project is that I’ve mentioned a lot on Facebook. At first I was going to launch a website for Christian cheerleading coaches that gave them information and encouragement in their jobs, and to an extent that is still its purpose. However, since I am certainly no expert, I decided to launch it in the form of a blog. It will include the things I had intended it to before, but it also includes my personal journey. I think this more personal approach is more suitable to my life now and could potentially lead to what I had hoped for the site in the beginning. If you want to tag along the site is http://www.christiancheercoach.com.

A New Addition or Two

We’ve been busy the last couple of weeks. They’ve been filled with all sorts of new things. We sold Daniel’s truck, and that gave us the great opportunity to get him a more economical car, pay off the credit card, and get a few new things for ourselves. We were also blessed with Daniel getting his new job, which is such an answered prayer. That will give us a little more room to play and give with in the near future.

Because of all of the good news, we were able to spoil ourselves a little. We got a new tv, a few new outfits, and, of course, our beloved pug puppy–Sergeant Doom. Here are a few pictures, because I couldn’t resist. 🙂

Sarge eating a biscuit. At the time it was HUGE, but he’s almost doubled in size since we’ve gotten him. He’s still tiny though, only 5 lbs.

Sitting on our chair trying to figure out who the crazy lady with the camera is.

Sarge trying to get the courage to jump down. He’s gotten better about it. He’ll whine for a few seconds then just do it.

Sarge in his jacket that we bought him for when it gets cold outside. We had to get a tough-looking one, so of course it the skull and crossbones were a perfect fit.

He’s adorable, and he’s finally gotten to where he can play and entertain himself. Although he still needs a huge amount of human attention. He doesn’t like to poop in the house so he walks to the front door. I wish I could say the same about his #1 habits, but honestly for a puppy he’s had remarkably few accidents. I’m glad that I’m home most of the day to stay on top of that. I’m really surprised and proud of the progress he’s made in the last 3 weeks. It’s amazing. I feel like I’ve had a kid, but I guess a furry baby counts, right?

Anyway, we thought we’d bring everyone up to speed who isn’t already about the “new” in our lives.

Just remember, God is good ALL the time!

Blessings,

Katie

 

Homecoming Pep Rally

My JV cheerleaders have been working hard for about a month on a routine for the TCA Homecoming pep rally. The captains mixed music and came up with most of it. I got to have a little fun and put the stunt sections together. Today was the pep rally and they rocked it! They hit everything and held everything. It was beautiful. I’m so glad they were able to do it well for themselves and really make a name for JV cheerleading at TCA. Of course, I whipped out my camera so I would have a video to show. So here it is:

Needless to say, I’m so proud of them! It’s probably the best time they’ve done it all the way through. I’m so blessed to be a part of the whole thing!

God Chaser–No, God Stalker

Let me tell you. The Lord has been working in a big way in me. I’m being opened to his Word more and more each day and learning about the power of persistent prayer.

It all started in the last week or so. I listen to sermons while I work out.  This particular time was one by Matt Chandler at the Village Church. It was about devotion to prayer. He mentioned a verse in Isaiah about how God asked His people to continually ask Him for things. The point he made that really jumped out at me came from Isaiah 62:6-7. It’s God saying that his people shouldn’t stop asking Him until He does it. In this case, it was restoring Jerusalem. God wanted this so much that He appointed “watchmen” that all the did was ask over and over again. It reminded me of when Jesus talked about prayer. Here’s the passage from Luke that it reminded me of:

Luke 11:1-13

¹One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” ²He said to them, “When you pray, say:

” ‘Father,^[a]
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.^[b]
3Give us each day our daily bread.
⁴Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.^[c]
And lead us not into temptation.^[d]‘ ”

⁵Then he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, ⁶because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.’ ⁷“Then the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ ⁸I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness^[e] he will get up and give him as much as he needs. ⁹“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. ¹¹“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹²Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Suddenly, it was like I finally understood. There’s a reason that the Bible continues to tell us to be “devoted to prayer” (Colossians 4, Romans 12) and gives us examples of people being devoted to prayer (Acts 1-2). It’s what God wants from us. He wants us to keep asking. He loves that we turn to Him to fulfill our needs. Does this mean He’ll give us anything we want? No. He of all can sort out our needs and motives, but it finally clicked with me that God wants me to “pester” Him like this. He loves it! He commands it!

Matt Chandler said, “I don’t think we have that stalker mentality yet that we need to have, especially since God is not issuing any restraining orders.” I love that! It really just spoke to me. We need to stalk God, to pray persistently. He won’t turn us away or ignore us. And it’s not a random habit to form. We have to consistent and persistent in building our prayer lives. That’s why I love the stalker analogy. Stalkers are prepared and closely following their targets. They don’t just happen upon them. They seek them out and know everything about them. It’s creepy for a person to do that to another person, but it’s beautiful when a person does that with God.

It also happened that I was reading through the Psalms, and I was blown away by how bold David and the other psalmists are in their prayers. They say what they really want/need and then they say that they trust God completely and whatever is His will is best. I’m amazed at their boldness before the Lord. They put it all out there, and David is called the “man after God’s own heart.” So I decided to be devoted in my prayer and to be bold in my prayers.

I started praying more consistently. Thankfully, my church several months back gave us a list of things we should be praying for ourselves and for the church, so I start there. Then it says to pray for one another. This week I’ve prayed boldly for my husband, my family and more. And God is already answering them.

I prayed that Daniel will find a more suitable job soon so that our needs will be completely met for our financial independence. He’s had 2 interviews this week, and he’s got a second interview with one of those companies on Monday. I prayed that my Uncle Wagner who’s been in the hospital with breathing tubes and that they said may need rehab to learn to breathe on his own again would be able to breathe on his own. I got a text from my Mom a few days ago that they plugged his tracheotomy and are moving him out of the CCU. He can breathe on his own again. Now I pray that his lungs clear up so that he gets all the oxygen he needs. I’ve been praying for my grandfather’s cancer. I’ve been praying that God will eat up every cell of it, swallow it as if it was never there so that we may give Him ALL the glory. God does everything for HIS NAME’S SAKE, not ours. So I’m continuing to pray for my grandfather’s healing.

I know God can do it. He’s bigger than any stage 4 cancer. Will He? I don’t know, but I do know that I will praise Him anyway. I have no good besides God, and His salvation is enough to keep my praising forever.

I know this is a long post, but I just felt compelled to share what God has been working in my life. He’s inspiring a love for His Word and His presence in me. I’m learning to expect great things from God and His Spirit within me.

**Extra: To find the sermon that inspired it all from Matt Chandler, just go here: http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/sermons. It’s the 08.08.10 sermon, “Devotion to Prayer,” from the Colossians series. You can listen to it, read the transcript and get the study guide. It’s good stuff.

Cheer Pictures as Promised

I have been blessed with the best job I could ask for. I’m certain, as one can be, that cheerleading is my calling. It’s always amazing to get in there and do what I love and do it to minister to young girls. It’s one of my favorite things. At TCA, we have a great coaching team. Our JV coaches consist of a head coach and 2 assistant coaches (which I am one of). I never thought of stunts as one of my strengths as a coach, but God has used that weakness and somehow I usually end up running point in that area. It’s always (well, almost always as my mom will tell you) been my favorite part of cheerleading, so it’s really fun to have 7 groups at your disposal to learn new things and walk them through it and watch them improve and succeed. It’s great fun. Here are some pictures from our game 2 weeks ago of their stunts. They’re not incredibly hard, but we started off with hardly anything solid so it’s been great to watch them grow and succeed on the field with these things.

Like I said, I love what I do and I hope I get to do it forever. It always puts me in a good mood, and these girls have been great. I pray that everyone gets to enjoy what they do as much as I do. It never really feels like work.

Back to School Party

One of our biggest blessings has been our church and the people in it. It has been really great getting involved and meeting like-minded people and forming bonds with our ABF and our LIFE Group. Our ABF has events about once a month (sometimes more), and this month kicked off with the back to school party. You could dress as any part of a high school clique. We had a goth girl, a band nerd, the janitor, the pregnant school girl, and lots of nerds. Daniel and I were nerds together. His costume was great, but there was one guy whose costume was even nerdier (if you can believe it).

Like I said, I was also a nerd, but I didn’t have a lot of what I consider ultra nerdy clothing (apparently unlike my husband, haha). So I had to make due with capris, crazy socks, flip flops and ribbons for suspenders (I really wanted suspenders). Oh, and 3D glasses.

You can’t see my feet, but I have capri pants on, long striped socks and red flip flops. Because socks with sandals is ALWAYS in style.

The party was fun. We had a who’s the biggest geek contest, played apples to apples and spoons, and had best dressed winners (which really was a worst-dressed contest, haha). It ended up being an amplified version of LIFE group for us as far as the people go. It’s great to have fellowship with believers even outside of the church context. So if you’re around us, come check out Dallas Bible Church. We love it!