more & better life {Easter}

Being the new kids on the block, also makes us the new kids at church.

Thank goodness for a sweet, sweet church a couple miles away that feels a lot like home already. I can't stop thinking about one particular line the pastor shared this past Sunday.

"Easter kills the monster of hopelessness by drowning it in life." 

That's truth for me. & joy! There is a life abundant...everlasting... greater than I can imagine... all yet to come.

And in this moment, in this life gift here... we celebrated our Savior and loved on our littles.

Happy first Easter, sweet Coco. You are loved beyond measure. 

 A sudden thunderstorm pushed our little egg hunt inside! We were craving the beach and sandy eggs. 

Dear Blake, may you always find fierce joy in this day! Happy Easter.

"...I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." --John 10:10 The Message 

The Macro Happens

Sometimes I struggle with my feelings towards social networking.

I have an iPhone.

When I wish I'd grab my bible, I sometimes find myself scrolling through my Facebook news feed or glancing at Instagram photos.

When I wish I'd stay solely in the moment with my daughters, I find myself pulling up a camera app, grabbing a shot, doing a quick edit, and texting my mom.

Ugh. I love the creative technology, but I hate that it tugs on me so.

Today, while cruising Facebook, I noticed an article. I needed to hear this.

*From momlifetoday.com (post titled: Kids, I Quit!) --emphasis is mine:

I am convinced that my daily life with my children teaches them how to react to their world.  They model behavior they learn from me, from you.  So, if my child mopes, pouts or lashes out I need to sober up and realize they just may have learned to lash out from me.  Ouch!

One of the problems we moms have is that we try to do mothering under our own power and as a result we make the mistake of concentrating on the micro instead of the macro.

Yes, you’ve wiped down the kitchen counter for the seventh time while asking your daughter to play nice with her little brother and share (with a kind word) for the seventeenth time and there’s so much left to be done – still.

But, what have you really done that you are not always quick to recognize?  You have taught your children hour after hour how to react to life.

How to care for others, how to work hard and do what needs to get done, how to get along well with others – all good things that will serve them well. Don’t lose sight of the vast importance of how you wear each micro task in the macro of God’s plan.

To read the post in full, click here.

I need to remember that in the little things, big things are happening! My girls are watching. learning. absorbing.

For various reasons, this week has been both trying and amazing. But, I have no room for ungratefulness in my life.

Moments--any and all--with my girls are a treasure. In the midst of the micro, the macro is happening!

Perhaps more often I will silence my phone, ignore my apps, and even let a few picture perfect smiles be captured only by my mind. :)

I invite gratefulness and silliness to fill my home.

May my girls find it only natural to have happy and thankful hearts, oh and goofy spirits!

Join me! xoxo

The Flowers May Fade

If you asked me where I found my identity...

I'd say I'm a daughter of the most incredible God


In less Christian-ese... I find my identify in Jesus Christ because first and foremost, I'm a Christian.

However... if you asked me again...

Where do you really find your identity, Katie? 

I'd say again... in Christ alone. 


But then I'd stop and think.

Here's the rub.

It's hard separating oneself from something he or she has been for so long. While I do 100% believe I am complete because Jesus Christ calls me His own, I feel strange about leaving my post as a high school teacher.

Did I put much of my identity in being a high school teacher? Too much?

I'm just now trying to sort this out. Do I know myself apart from teaching crazy, amazing teenagers day in and day out?

Like I said, I am a Christian first -- and super high up on the list right after that, I'm a wife and mommy. This fulfills me...to overflowing.

But this month I have to take serious inventory of my thoughts and beliefs. I need to do some housekeeping on the inside.

I do still know my identity, right? When I take off my high school teacher hat, I'm still the same girl...right?

I know in my head that my God is enough. I just need to make sure I remember that in my heart.

When all else is stripped away, I am still a new creation in Christ.

Here's to recommitting my identity! I know who I am, but as life changes, I need to remind myself.

I love this:

"The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8.

Join me (if you'd like) in rediscovering your identity. When all temporary things are removed, what remains constant?

Love to you! 

Blakely's Birthday Video

Happy Second Birthday to our Blakely

Here's her second year birthday video! Hopefully we'll make one a year and keep a little soundtrack to her life for her. :) That's the goal.

Blakely,
This is our prayer for you as you start this next year of your life:

May you keep your passion, but practice your patience. 

May you continue to show kindness without condition.

May you never compromise your spirit! 

May you hear God's whispers and know Him more.

We are so proud of you, Blake Potato.
Love,
Daddy and Mommy

"For the Lord your God is living among you. 

He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

--Zepheniah 3:17

Mark Well Your Path

One week ago today I heard a message that really hit home. I was at the Arise women's conference at my church. The speaker--Holly Wagner. I hadn't heard her before, but I'm a huge fan now.

I'm so glad I was at church for that conference, but to be honest with you, that was my second choice place to be. Only because I had wanted to catch a last minute flight to Portland to be at a celebration of life service for a dear friend.

I couldn't make the memorial, but my heart and mind stayed with this beloved family enduring a difficult loss.

As I type this, tears sting my eyes. I'm so angry that cancer is such a thief. I know with my whole heart that God remains God--He is faithful. He did not cause the cancer. But, still I hate cancer. I really do. And I know I'm not alone.

As terrifying and terrible as cancer is, God works in the midst. He's a living, good God. I know He sometimes chooses to heal our earthly bodies and other times he chooses to bring us home. But here's the thing...here's what inspired me last weekend...

We are all on this journey--our challenges may look different and our storms may vary, but God puts us on a path--just for us--and He wants us to mark it well.

Jeremiah 31:21 "Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Mark well the path by which you came."

Holly reminded us: people are watching. There's a generation behind us that will follow our paths. We also have friends, co-workers, neighbors -- watching how we walk.

It does matter how we respond to God and others in the midst of our trials. Oh, don't get me wrong, God's grace abounds when we slip off our path or forget to place a marker. So often, that's me! Thank God for His mercies. I'm also not suggesting we wrap up our signs with bows and glitter. We should be real. genuine. Even messy at times. But, I was reminded of this amazing opportunity to give the glory to God even when our hearts are broken. How loudly that speaks to those following our paths. How well we can mark the way.

You see, I haven't lost my husband. He's still living on this earth with me. But, my very dear friend did lose her husband. In the midst of her great heartache, she continues to mark her path. She continues to give praise to God. She is not letting her faith waver. And people see God's faithfulness on her path.

I'm so proud of this family, whom I love. And this man who was lost on earth is alive and well right now...in heaven. He also marked his path incredibly well. He lived out his life priorities in this order: God, family, ministry.

I can just picture Jesus welcoming him home: "Well done, my good and faithful son." -Matthew 25:21

My friends, I leave you with this last scripture that is on my heart (thank you to Holly Wagner for sharing this in her message). Paul, from the New Testament, who knows hardship like nobody's business, writes:

"In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind...we faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us...we serve God whether people honor us or despise us...our hearts ache, but we always have joy." --2 Corinthians 3-10

Love to you!

Worth Remembering {MLK Jr}

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!


And I mean it! We get to celebrate a man who was first and foremost committed to God and also extremely passionate about the people in our nation--people of all color. He said (and I paraphrase) that he wanted freedom for black people and freedom of mind for white people. Thank God! 


Before he was murdered, MLK Jr. knew his time on earth was drawing to a close. But, he knew he had a greater purpose. In his final sermon, he preached...


"Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now...I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!”


Of course, he didn't know the very next day would be his last. He was just 39. But, wow, what a legacy. What a life lived with purpose. What a life abandoned to God. 


I'm proud that my country celebrates men and women like MLK Jr. We may not ever be all the way "there" with discrimination, but with bold and courageous people, we will always strive forward. 


My prayer today for this girl and my next, is that they will always be judged on the contents of their hearts. I pray they will be both love and light in our world. I pray they are bold and courageous when it comes to standing up for what is right.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -MLK Jr.


If you have a chance, I found this gem of a documentary on Netflix streaming: Soundtrack for a Revolution. It's all about MLK Jr. and the Civil Rights movement.


If you do stream on Netflix, click here. Enjoy! 

3 New, 1 Old

Discoveries!

1. Have you seen this video yet? It's a spoken word poem. From what I can gather, the performer in the video is the guy who wrote the poem. Now I'm not knockin' the term religion. Ultimately, it's just a word. I don't have a problem with it. But, it's how we define it or how it defines us that matters. If you ask me if I'm religious, I'd say sure. If you ask me if I'm a Christian, I'd say sure am. But more than either or those two labels, I'm just a girl in love with the God who created her and believes the son of that God died so she could live. Check this out...



2. If you're a mom or you like stories about kids...check out my newest fave blog read. She's very funny and doesn't hold much back. ;) Her posts are quick and entertaining.

Five Kids is a lot of Kids

3. Trying to sneak more veggies into your day? I promise you...you must try Jamba Juice's new fruit & veggie smoothies. I'm a huge fan of Apples 'n Greens. You'll read the menu and question the likes of kale, spinach, green bell pepper, carrots, and spirulina (a type of algae). But, BUT, it tastes and looks so much like apple and is incredibly refreshing and nutritious. Just 220 calories in a 16 oz and 3 servings of fruits and veggies! :) I usually ask for a power size and request for a small kids cup to be filled from my portion for Blakes. She digs it.

credit

4. This is an old discovery...but the old ones are the sweet ones. 15 years ago--at just the right moment--God brought me this friend. We haven't missed a beat since. Happy 31st birthday today, Yasi! p.s. -- for more on Yasmin's incredible talent and work click here. :)

Eleven for Twelve

I'm sitting in the dark, quiet of by baby girl's nursery. Correction--room. And she's not much of a baby these days. In fact, I'm leaning against the door and tapping on the laptop keys as a gentle, physical reminder for her to stay in her new-to-her toddler bed.

So far so good. She's humming herself to sleep and I have a solitary place to put my resolutions in writing! Science proves that we are much more likely to stick with our goals if we share them with others!

Thanks to all of you who have added goals, ambitions, and resolutions to your social networking of choice. It's been an inspiration to read!

Okay...after much thought and prayer...I'm excited about embracing 2012. I not only share with you my resolutions for accountability's sake, but also because I can't misplace a blog post! I know exactly how to get back here and check up on my progress. ;)

We had a guest speaker at church this weekend and he shared that 12 is the number of order in the bible. He believes this year will be a year when God restores order for people personally and the church as a whole! Wow! I love that vision and I do believe this is a perfect year for me to claim God's order in my own life and with my own family.

I'm only on day two for my first resolution, and for me, it's lofty (because I'm not nearly as disciplined as I wish I were)...but this is my first and best way to invite order back.

1. Read through the bible this year! I have a One-Year bible that is organized in chronological order and broken up into daily readings from start to finish. *To be honest, I bought this bible two years ago and dusted it off two days ago. Yikes. Well, here's to a new year!

2. Read My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Again. This is my all-time favorite devotional. If you've never tried this one out, I strongly recommend it! As you underline wisdom that speaks to you, date it also. Then if you read this during various years, you'll have an awesome record of what God showed you in the past!

3. Jog more. Surf more.

4. Try a new dinner recipe each month.

5. Use coupons.

6. Learn to sew!!!

7. Finish the books I've started. Specifically as follows:

• The Shack
• In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
• The book of Jane (Christian Chic Lit)
• The Pound 4 Pound Principle (written by my pastor)
• East of Eden
• The Help
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
• The Power of a Praying Wife
• Bringing Up Girls

I don't even want to think about when the last time was that I picked up some of these titles. It's not that they are boring reads, it's just that I get so stinkin' busy and push reading so far off until it falls off my plate altogether. It's shameful (I'm an English teacher). 

8. Reach out more to my neighbors--literally--the families living in the homes on my street. Tangibly speaking, here's my plan: have time to stop and chat while walking the dogs, when possible, make extra food and take over meals, bake extra cookies and drop at doors, invite to church. 

9. Take more time to chat with my students about their lives. 

10. Gain weight, have a baby, lose weight. Well, I suppose the only real resolution is the lose weight part because the gain and baby are comin' no matter what I do. ;) Anyway, this summer still falls into this year and I'll need this resolution then! Just Dance 3-- Here I come! 

11. Pray more. Specifically for my daughter, daughter-to-be, and husband. I pray. I pray honestly and I pray hard. What I don't pray is consistently---enough. I need to find more quiet places and pray without ceasing. 

All eleven resolutions won't happen this week, this month, or even in this half of the year. The beautiful thing about new year's resolutions is that I have 365 days to remember and focus on these eleven goals. Eleven goals that I believe will help restore order and help me honor God above all else. 

Join me! Make measurable and attainable resolutions. Don't like resolutions? Call them goals. Ambitions. Ideas. Heck, call them dreams. But think about what you want for 2012. Each year goes faster than the last, right? 

May God richly bless you in this new year!

Zephaniah 3:17

11*11*11

Today comes around only once in a 100 years!

Kind of fun!
It's also Veteran's Day and I'm grateful for all who have served and continue to serve our country!
In honor of the numbers aligning, here are 11 current reasons for choosing joy my life.

Numero Ono: My almost 20-month-old rocks at independent play. Sometimes I feel badly that I'm not always engaging her, but I'm oh-so-grateful for the moments she gives me to work or rest. I just snapped this pic of her this morning on my cell phone.

Secondly: My love and I were just in the city that doesn't sleep. And little sleep we did get. It was such a blessing to explore a couple vibrant far-away cities!

Number Three: Our lilikoi are on fire this year! I can't wait for lilikoi pancakes, lilikoi yogurt, lilikoi butter, you get the idea...

Foursies: My hubby makes me coffee every day. I go to sleep excited to wake up and drink a cup (or two or three) of hot coffee!

Cinco: Our mini church (aka: bible study) is pretty much the goofiest and most loving group of people we could meet with weekly! Here are the girls Halloween weekend--pre karaoke as our singer selves!

The Sixth: In just a week-and-a-half, this 13-month-old ham is coming to stay with us! And he's bringing his parents along. We're stoked. :) BTW--Sawyer's dad is in the Air Force and I couldn't be more proud of my brother's heart for our country. Happy Veteran's Day, Andy!

Sevens: Thanks to Timber we have fresh, home-grown papaya a couple times a week! Yum!

Numero Ocho: I've been introduced to Essie nail polish and re-inspired to have pretty nails! The color goes on smoothly and doesn't chip for at least a week! I love it!

{silverlipsbeauty.com}

Niner: My husband rocked my skinny jeans (better than I can) and dressed up as Justin Bieber for Halloween. Oh, I love him! (I was 90s Gwen Steffani).

Tenth: My casa. My hale. I love my home. This is where I find my family. It may be small, but hey...it's easy to clean and I love having all my favorite people smooshed into one room! Cozy!

Eleven: While I love the little things that bring me smiles, I am by far most grateful for God's love! Feeling how deeply I love my daughter, reminds me that I understand just a fraction of how much our Jesus loves us, His children. I'm honored today that God has put a call of service in the hearts of so many. Happy Veteran's Day!

{We Heart It}

Friends and Family, I hope you feel covered by joy today, too! Love on a service member today if you can! Let's keep them all in our prayers!


Strawberry Shortcake: The Wrap

I thought the light-hearted parts of Halloween would be a bit more fun this year now that I have a 1 1/2 year old, but I didn't expect this much silliness and joy!

I've always lived for costumes and celebrations, so naturally this opportunity would be up my alley!

Here's some of the goofiness of my Strawberry Shortcake!

p.s. -- this was an easy DIY costume if ya wanna file it away for a little girl next year.

 Our little astronaut friend, Natalie.

 Hey you, Strawberry Shortcake..over here!

 First stop, our dear neighbors!

Where to next, Strawberry?

 Getting the hang of this... :)

 A kiss from Strawberry! Lucky me!

All tuckered out!

Pre-Halloween Night Lovin'...literally!

Halloween can be a tricky night. While it's silly, light, and sugar-filled for some, for others it's much more serious and possibly darker. I'm not willing to ignore the reality of darkness, but I'm also not compelled to flee from the night. Darkness cannot be where light shines!

I hope you all had a lovely, blessed, light-filled Halloween, harvest weekend--however and wherever you were!

Can you believe it's November already? A month to focus on blessings! Happy being-thankful-month to all of you!

Peace, love, and Jesus,

Katie, Strawberry, and Justin Beiber ;) (more on that later...)

Being Rooted & More

Guess what? I finished the school year at the high school on Friday! Yay! As much as I adore my job, summer break always comes at just the right time! I'll keep teaching online through the summer, but am greatly looking forward to catching up on my home projects and playing with Blakely tons more!

 credit: google.com--quiltingbooklady.blogspot.com

Alice Cooper is still playing in my head as I enjoy this Memorial Day so peacefully (knowing I don't have to do any lesson planning tonight!).

How's your weekend been so far?

Blakely took her first (really) hard fall on Friday in Old Navy (yikes--cement floors). I'm still reeling from it. It's been over 48 hours since her tumble and she seems to be fine! Praise God for keeping angels around her precious head! This snapshot is from the park today--she is her same joyful self. :)

Saturday, Tim, B, and I drove up to Camp Waianae. It's gorgeous! Really, I think Waianae may be one of the most astounding places in this world. 

 credit: Camp Waianae's myspace page

My dear friends and pastors of the middle school ministry (Jan & Dave) invited me to speak to the middle schoolers at their camp. I'm always humbled and honored when I get to share what God puts on my heart with young people. The theme of the camp was Rooted.

The main verse for the camp was Colossians 2:6-7 (So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness).

I was blessed and inspired by my dear friend Patsy, who recently shared Jeremiah 17:7-8 with me (But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit).

I won't re-hash my message here. The above scriptures are beautiful as they are! I will share this cutesy tree image that I found and love! I know I need to keep growing my roots as well!

My mission this summer (on a very personal level):
1. To be still (my life verse--psalm 46:10)
2. To have no worries (pray about everything; worry about nothing)
3. To grow in my knowledge and love (for Jesus)

Happy Memorial Day! Love to you! xoxo

credit: weheartit.com

To those who have served, who continue to serve, and who will serve our country in such a tangible way--Thank you--from the bottom of my heart. (I love you, Andy!)


GOSPEL Video {worth watching}

G.O.S.P.E.L. from Humble Beast Records on Vimeo.

Easter Love

I hope you had a lovely, blessed Easter holiday! We have much to celebrate on this earth!

While Blakely joined us just in time for Easter last year, she was by far too itty bitty to even grasp a plastic egg. So, this year was sort of her first Easter.

Blakely wasn't feelin' a mini photo shoot after church!

Hey! That's the same basket she was in last year!



Blakely--one year ago--same Easter basket. :)

  John 10:10 has been on my mind lately. God has given us this gift of life and we've been asked to live it abundantly!

Here is John 10: 9-10 from The Message: "I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."

I love that!

More and Better

Full and Satisfying

Life in Abundance

Rest in the free gift of salvation and a rich life here on earth while we wait for our eternal home!

Love to you!