There is no God like Jehovah!

After 2 years of not going to school, I am going back!! In January I will start going to New Tribes Bible Institute with Rianne. She doesn't know this, but God has been using her over the past couple of weeks to show me His next step for my life.

Rianne started school at NTBI about 3 weeks ago. I was in a slump when she started though. We have become really extra close over the past year, year and a half, and I knew that I wouldn't be seeing her EVER because she would be spending her entire life for the next two years at school. Just this past weekend, Rianne invited me to come hang out with her and meet her friends at school. I was hooked! I have been back there just about every day since then. Everyone there is so friendly, and you feel God's presence in everything that you do there. There's nothing like it.

Over this whole week I have been praying about NTBI and if it is what God wants me to do. The first day I went, everyone was saying that I had to start coming in January. I was like, "No! I don't need it." Then the next couple days it turned into, "Well, we'll see. I'm not sure yet." Something was goin on in my heart for sure! There's no denying that. So yesterday I went for a nice little run with my Father and we had a little chat together. Boy did He have some things to tell me! But that's for my ears only. ;-) When I got home from my run I knew that God was leading me to go to school at NTBI. This little epiphany was kept to myself for the rest of the day. I was still praying about it and making sure that I wasn't forcing myself into this. 

Last night I went back to NTBI with Rianne. While I was sitting there among some amazing people, I knew that this was the right thing. I leaned over to Rianne and said, "I have a secret for you. I'm coming in January." "AHHHHH!!!" Rianne scared the entire room! Rianne told some friends that have been trying to convince me to come and they got super excited. Lot's of screaming and a few hugs. Yep, this is the right choice. Rianne preceded to run around the school telling everyone that she found that I was coming in January. Half the people don't even know who I am! But oh well, I'll let my sister have her fun.

In conclusion: God used Rianne. God told me to go. I'm going. 

'Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”'  - Isaiah 30:21

Weekend birthday bash

August 6th marked my 20th birthday! To celebrate this milestone, I decided to not only celebrate my birthday on the day of my birth, but to go all out and celebrate all weekend long. And it ended up being the best birthday ever! 

Friday started the weekend off perfectly. I got to play hockey in the morning! No other way to celebrate if you ask me. Later that day I got to help Rami out at her church doing the games for VBS. My mom, Rianne, Anna and Emma came, too! We had a bonfire and hayrides after that. Great night!


On my birthday I got to go see the Bristol Renaissance Faire! So much fun. I'm hooked! I went with Rami and her brothers, Jason and Quin. We got to see some pretty epic shows there. Plus I got roasted nuts, which are possibly the most delicious thing on the whole dang planet. The fire whip guy, Adam Winrich, was probably my favorite show. Check him out! http://www.winrichwhips.com/ We also saw a bagpipe group called Tartanic. Loved them! Barely Balanced was right up there with Adam Winrich. They were very funny and did some crazy stuff. I now have 2 more trip to the Ren fair planned in the next two weeks. Don't judge.

Adam Winrich

The day after my birthday, we made a trip over to state fair. I was joined by Rianne, Rami, Aaron, Stephen, and my friend David from our TKD dojo. Crazy fun group! And you have to love Wisconsin. Where else do you find deep fried snickers, oroes, pb&j, beer (don't get your undies in a bundle, I didn't have any!) and BUTTER?! I think with the Ren fair and state fair, it's quite possible that I gained 10 pounds! So much tasty food.

Powered?

 

deep fried pb&j! thank you Jason for opening my eyes to this deliciousness on a stick

 

 And there ya have it, my weekend birthday bash! Tune in next time for my next great adventure!

Life is a funny thing

Ya know, just when you start to think you're in the right place with your plans, God gives a little smack in the behind to remind you that you're supposed to be following HIS plans. Well, I have been the recipient of a little smack in these past couple of months.

Remember that job at Menards that I was so excited to start? Yeah, that lasted a good 2 months. It was causing a lot of issues that were making my life at my other job, and at home, a nightmare. What I did leading up the job was bad. I ignored God. What pretty much went down was me saying, "God, I'm going to reject your plans and substitute my own." Dumbest thing EVER. I don't suggest doing that. So, to make a long story short, I suffered through the job and ended up quitting. Lesson learned. From now on there will be no "I want" and it will all be "God wants." Through this little fiasco, I learned to trust God a lot more with my, er His, plans for my life. By His grace, He has granted me with a peace that I've been waiting for for about 2 years now. It feels great! God is so good.

Aside from this fun little adventure, my life has been pretty good. I am now the proud owner of a car, whose name is Appa of course. My job at the golf course is going pretty good, including a raise. Yay! Next to that, I'm helping my dad and brother, Bill, coach the high school girls soccer team that Rianne is on. That keeps us pretty busy, but we have a great bunch of girls which makes it very enjoyable. When I'm not working or coaching, I'm either spending my time with my amazing family or hanging out at my second family's (Kausaliks) house.

One thing that I have really gotten into recently is getting into shape. I am working on changing my eating habits (lost 16 pounds already!), plus working out every day. So on top of losing fat I'm gaining muscle. It feels so good to be getting into shape! It has also been nice doing all of this with my friend Rami. As much as we want to die after doing our workout, Insanity, we keep pushing through. I have never been this determined to get into shape. I love it!

As I had mentioned in an earlier post, we had a guy, Duchene, from Haiti living with us. This morning we dropped him off at the airport to fly back home to his family in Haiti. I can't believe that he's gone! He was at our house for 5 months, becoming part of our family. We got to share so much with Duchene: Christmas, the birth of my niece, Liesl, a couple birthdays, Easter, and family. He was truly part of our family and he will be dearly missed. Please pray that he is able to settle back into life in Haiti and that he is able to stay healthy.


 ~Katie~

Blessed life

Let me start off by saying what a great week God has blessed me with. I mean really, He has given me way more than I deserve. Thank you God!

Tuesday I found out that I got a job! I will now be working at Menards on the morning stocking crew. Monday-Saturday from 5am-9am. Yes, you heard me 5 AM. No more sleeping in until noon every day. Even though I'll have to be getting up at 4:30 every morning, I am greatly looking forward to starting this new job. I pray that God will allow me to shine bright for Him in this new place. Time to go flannel and work boot shopping!

On Wednesday, my new wheeled goalie bag came! I know it does not sound that exciting, but I have been waiting for quite a while to get this. My manager from Hockey Haven is one of the nicest guys and was able to secure this bag for me for almost 50% off. Thanks Hawk! I think the coolest part about this bag is that it's the 2011 model which doesn't come out until April. Ergo, I am the first to own one. SCORE! And it is called the Messiah, which is wicked awesome. To add on to the awesomeness, I got a new goalie stick as a thank you for helping out with some practices. Yet again, I don't know what I have done to deserve these ridiculously sweet blessings.


Yesterday I had the pleasure of watching the Catholic Memorial/Pius hockey team on which a few friends play. They beat Waukesha 5-2 and advanced to the next round of the state playoffs. Go CMP! To top yesterday off, I got to go see The King's Speech with my dad, Bill, and Duchene. Great movie!


I started today the way every morning should be started: I played hockey. Friday mornings are always interesting pickup games. There are lots of former pro and junior players there. This makes my job very difficult, but it also helps me become a better goalie. Besides getting slashed in the neck (ow!) it was a blast! I now get to continue this amazing day by going out with my good friend Carrie.


God, thank you so much for blessing my life in all the ways that you have. This week has made me realize that I do not have any reason for complaining...ever! I love you, Dad.


Showing hope -
 ~Katie~

Cayman pictures, as promised

Rawr!

George Town

Rum Point

Stingray on my back!

Baby sea turtle! I almost stole it...

Hockey, eh?

My not being in school and not having a job may bring a question into your mind: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOURSELF?! Excellent question. And the answer?

PLAY HOCKEY

And a lot of it. Nothing could make me happier than playing hockey. It is my passion! Yes, an uncommon passion for a girl. But then again, I'm a very uncommon person. So it fits.

The past month I have played at least 15 games for 4 different teams, and I have practiced twice with a team. A guy from one of the teams is so thankful for my playing for him, that he's going to buy me a new stick. Score! I guess you could say that I'm getting paid. When all is said and done, I have absolutely no life whatsoever, but I get to play a heckuva lot of hockey. Totally worth it.

Anyone need a goalie?...

Liesl Alexa Hardin

I believe it is high time that I introduce you to my new niece! 

Liesl Alexa Hardin

Liesl was born Januray 2, 2011 at 10:16am, weighing in at 8lb 3oz, 20" long. Both mom and baby are doing great! Plus, Alex makes the cutest daddy ever. Liesl has mommy's eyes and daddy's red face when she cries. So cute! God did one heck of a job with this little bundle of joy. I look forward to seeing her grow into a godly woman. I will be there for her whenever she needs me. Love you, my little niece!

Showing hope -

 ~Aunt Kate~