Today calls for a repost of a video from three years ago. His body is like Disneyland and he'll make barbeque when you want him to. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you....Dave Barnes.

The Funny Thing About Christmas

I've just returned (well, not JUST. About three hours ago I did...) from the Stone Family Christmas gathering (my mother's side of the family). We did it a day early this year and yes, we are all at a loss of what we will do on Christmas Eve now.

Although half the family was missing, so many things remained the same. Chatting all long-time-no-see like with cousins. Stuffing our faces with finger foods. Singing "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" at the top of our lungs and in perfect three-part harmony. We are a musical family.

But also, asking the many kiddos what they've asked Santa for and if they've been good enough all year to get it. This is something we all do when we get around kids at this time of year, and it hit me today just how funny the whole thing is.

We sing, "he's making a list and checking it twice, gonna find out who's naughty or nice." We've ingrained into ourselves and our society, this figure, this man who gives gifts only to good little girls and boys. It's a ploy to get good behavior out of our kids. When my nephew starts acting up, the first thing that comes out of our mouths is, "Santa's still watching."

We've conjured up this idea that we have to perform for our gifts. There's this imaginary list that we try and try and try so hard to get on.

But the funny this is that the real meaning of Christmas reflects the exact opposite. Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The very nature of God come to Earth in human form to save the entire world from the wrath of sin. He's THE gift of the season. The FREE GIFT of the season.

Unlike our gifts from Santa, we don't have to perform to receive the gift of Jesus Christ. In fact, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that we can do, on our own, to get Jesus. Nothing. That's why it's called MERCY -- compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an enemy, the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone, something that gives evidence of divine favor.

The bible says we were enemies of Christ but now we are co-heirs with Him in the kingdom of God. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. And we didn't have to do anything or perform any task or act a certain way to gain His favor. He met us where we were -- dead deep down in our sin -- and He laid down his life and raised us up out of the yucky mess that was our life and now, when we confess Him as Lord, we will reign with Him in eternity.

And, we don't have to wait until Christmas day to receive the gift. It's there for our taking every single day.

Now, that's a gift worth taking.

Holy Week (Edited)

***Edited to add Sunday's reading. (Because I refused to be around a computer on Sunday.)***

I'm enjoying my slight vacation (because I still have to work, just from home), and I hope you all are enjoying yours. Don't let the holiday-ness trump what this week is about.

Thursday's reading:
1. The Last Supper
Matthew 26:17-29
Mark 14: 12-25
Luke 22: 7-38
John 13: 1-38

2. Jesus comforts His disciples
John 14: 1- 16: 33

3. Jesus’ high priestly prayer
John 17: 1-26

4. Gethsemane
Matthew 26: 36-46
Mark 12: 32-42
Luke 22: 40-46

Friday's reading:
1. Jesus’ arrest and trial
Matthew 26:47- 27:26
Mark 14:43-15:15
Luke 22:47-23:25
John 18:2-19:16

2. Jesus’ crucifixion and death
Matthew 27:27-56
Mark 15:16-41
Luke 23:26-49
John 19:17-37

3. The burial of Jesus
Matthew 27:57-66
Mark 15:42-47
Luke 23:50-56
John 19:38-42

Sunday's reading:
1. Jesus appears at the empty tomb
Matthew 28: 1-8
Mark 16:1-8
Luke 24:1-12
John 20:1-10

2. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden
Mark 16:9-11
John 20:11-18

3. Jesus appears to other women
Matthew 28:9-10

4. Jesus appears to two people going to Emmaus
Mark 16:12-13
Luke 24:13-32

5. Jesus appears to Peter
Luke 24:34
1 Corinthians 15:5

6. Jesus appears to the ten disciples in the upper room
Luke 24:36-43
John 20:19-25

Oops!

So I completely forgot to post yesterday's Holy Week readings from Annie and I feel so, so bad because it was oh, so good! Yesterday was an interesting day though. On top of a 13-hour work day, I got news that Dad had a mild heart issue and had a stint put in but he's doing great now. We'll not great, what with all the poking and proding going on. But great, considering the circumstances.

So here I am, asking for prayers and posting yesterday's and today's readings. Enjoy a little Jesus.

Tuesday's reading:
1. The authority of Jesus questioned
Matthew 21: 23-27
Mark 11: 22-27
Luke 20: 1-8

2. Jesus teaches in the temple (Warning: This is a lot.)
Matthew 21: 28-23: 39 (22:41-46 should be titled "Jesus shuts everybody up".)
Mark 12: 1-44
Luke 20: 9-21: 4

3. Jesus’ feet anointed
Matthew 26: 6-13
Mark 14: 3-9
John 12: 2-11

Wednesday's reading:
The plot against Jesus
Matthew 26: 14-16
Mark 14: 10-11
Luke 22: 3-6

I'm continually amazed at the words that I'm noticing in these readings that I've never really taken note of before. Like in Luke 22:3, "Then Satan enter Judas". Wow.

Perspective

Dear Blog Family,

My tremendous apologies for neglecting ye olde blog for the past, well forever, except for the American Idol recaps. My life has been a complete blur for the past three weeks, save a couple of sweet moments with friends. And I use that term moments literally.

Work has completely swarmed me and held me underwater for a good 10 days. Good thing, I spent all those summer days having "underwater breath holding" contests with my pool rats friends. It seemed to have come in handy recently.

I'm just now getting back to where I can stand on my own two feet and after tomorrow, I think I'll be able to take a few steps forward. And forward toward Jackson might I add. I'm so pumped to go home and see family and friends and spend a Sunday afternoon somewhere else besides a softball or baseball field for the first time in a month.

With all that said, you may be wondering why I titled this post "Perspective." And if you weren't already wondering with that (which I'm sure you weren't), you are now.

Okay, I'll tell you. There are two reasons.

Reason One.

Today started kind of sucky with some parameters being put around me that I thought were unfair. I saw it as me being treated like I didn't know what I was doing and like someone below me would be treated. Although that truly may be the reason for the parameters, I sucked it up after a good 4.2 minutes of sulking and told myself, "Katie. You can either continue to sulk about it or you can suck it up and take it like a big girl and learn from it."

So, I listened to that little go-getter voice in my head and decided that I could continue be in a bad mood everytime this happened or I could suck it up, realize that the parameters have been set to help me to my job better, which will eventually help me be a better person.

So, I change my perspective, put a smile on my face and decided to run with it.

Reason dos (that's two in Spanish for those of you who didn't catch that).

I realized today that it is Easter Week. I mean, of course, I've know that Friday is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter Sunday, but just today, I realized that it is HOLY WEEK.

That's huge for me as a Christian.

This week marks a series of events that culminated in one of the greatest life-changes for me.

All those years ago, a sinless man died for me so that I could live freely, out from under the fear of sin and hell and death.

He died so that I could know what true love is, what redemption is, what sacrifice is.

He died so that I could be free to do the things that he wants me to do.

He died so that I wouldn't be afraid to do those things and he died so that the whole world could be with him one day.

He died because he knew that there would be nothing in myself that could merit a life with him.

He died because on the day when I stand before God and he asks me what I've done to earn a place in heaven, I won't have to list a bunch of good deeds. Because we both will know that there is nothing in me that could measure up to what he's done for me, in me and to me.

I've realized that I haven't been paying attention to the good part of Holy Week. I've usually just waited until Good Friday, thought about what that meant, and then on Sunday, I go to church, sing some songs and then have a big lunch with my family.

This week, I want to focus on what the week is about. What leads up to what happens on Friday and Sunday.

Annieblogs has posted and will continue to post for the rest of the week, the outline that her bible has for each day of Holy Week. I'm going to read it, along with the readings that I'm already going through with my church. (We're in Judges. Good times.)

I wanted to post them here as well for you guys who aren't faithful readers of Annieblogs, which if you aren't, shame on you because she is hilarious and talented and well, you've just got to read her stuff.

She gives all the passages from each of the gospels and I would recommend reading them all. You can look them up or click on the passage and read it a Bible Gateway. It's so neat to see the different perspectives. Ha, see how I brought that full circle.

I love hearing the same story from different people because there are things in one that aren't in the other and different personalities point out or emphasize different things in the story. It really brings the story to life in a different way.

So, read on people. Read on. And I'll see you in another three weeks. (Just kidding, there will be an American Idol post up this week. I can't slack on my duties.)

Palm Sunday:
Matthew 21: 1-11
Mark 11: 1-11
Luke 19: 29-44
John 12: 12-19

Monday:
1. Jesus curses the fig tree
Matthew 21: 18-22
Mark 11: 12-14

2. Jesus clears the temple
Matthew 21: 12-13
Mark 11: 15-18
Luke 19: 45-48

Holla Oh-Nine, See Ya On The Flip

2009 was a good year. It was a different year. There were lots of highs and lots of lows.

I saw two best friends get married. Said goodbye to a great childhood friend forever. Went through my quarter-life crisis. Turned 26 on the 26th of July. And fell in love with Central Park. Just a few of the milestones.

But overall, I'd have to say that 2009 was a year in which my life completely changed.

My prayer for several years has been that God would give me the desires of His heart. When I started praying this, it sounded good, so I adopted it. I was going through a serious life change -- saying goodbye to the life I once knew, and finding myself searching for a new life in a new city with new friends.

I never actually thought God would give me the desires of His heart. I'm 26. Still single, way single. And although, deep down inside, I long for that husband, that house, those kids, my deep down desires have shifted.

My passion -- sports -- has changed. My passion is now finding ways that I can spread the love of Christ and live out James 1:27 the best way I know how. My desire for a career in sports has changed to a desire for a career in missions ministry or a charitable organization. My desire to spend every waking moment at an athletic event because "It's sports! I love sports!" has drastically changed to a desire for a career that actually allows me to build a life outside of work.

It's been a tough year. But it's been a great year. God's been working deep down inside of me in a way I never knew he could, and he's made me realize my potential for making a difference in his name in a different capacity that I never saw myself in.

I've never been big on resolutions because why make a list of things to accomplish when I know I'm going to fail. (Gotta love my confidence, eh?) However, there are a lot of things that I know I could do better and a few that I know I could do to make me a better person, so I'm make a list of those things. Call 'em resolutions, call 'em a bunch of things I want to do. Whatev. It's a list.

1. Read through the bible chronologically. With the help of my church, my pastor and my small group, this is something I know I want to accomplish this year. My pastor, David Platt, has challenged our faith family to do this. It's a series this year that we will read through the bible chronologically, he will teach what we are reading, and we will go deeper in that study in our small groups. Frankly, I'm excited.

2. Work out more/be healthier. I don't have a good family history of health. Both of my parents remind me of this every time they see me. There is history of cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, etc. All things I want to stay away from. Not to mention, if I can get rid of this innertube around my waist, I might feel a little better about myself too.

3. Be a better employee. God has given me the job I have for a reason. I've enjoyed it for the past three and a half years. Although my desires for the future have changed significantly, that doesn't give me the right to do a (pardon my french) half-ass job at what I do. (Not that I am doing a half-ass job, I just know that I'm not putting 100 percent into it like I know I can and I should. My attitude and my work ethic must change.

4. Take steps toward my future. I can sit and write and talk about what I want my future to look like in terms of my career all I want to, but if I don't take steps to make contacts and get my foot in the door, there's nothing anyone else can do for me.

So, here's to a new year sure to bring new experiences, new opportunities and new friends.

Hello, 2010. Nice to meet you.

Ring-a-ding-ding

Staying in the Christmas spirit, I just had to share this latest mission by Improv Everywhere.

The Best Way To Spread Christmas Cheer...

...is watching this Dave Barnes Christmas Extravagan Za (Part 4) and sharing it with friends both far and near.

Trust me. You want to watch this.

But be careful. You might pee your pants from all the laughing.



Also check out parts one, two and three.

***************************************************************************

Also on a completely different note, I wanted to share this post by Annie Downs that really spoke to me as a fellow July baby.

Thankful

DVR. Gummy Bears. Grapes. Cheese Pringles. These are things I'm thankful for.

Chips and rotel at Bulldog Deli/Pepper's. The hilarity of Amanda Bynes. So You Think You Can Dance. The music of Switchfoot, Hillsong, Dave Barnes, Green Day, Dave Matthews, Brandon Heath and so many more.

I'm thankful for...

...the family I have. A mom. A dad. Still together after 32 years. Loving each other unconditionally. And teaching me how to love everyday.

...A sister who always has my back. Who completely uses her God-given gift as her ministry. Who gave me the coolest nephew ever.

...A brother-in-law who has seemed more like a real brother than an in law. Who serves the Lord in the church and out and has no less made me a secondary LSU fan.

...Friends. Young and old. Friends whom I seek out for wisdom and friends who seek me for wisdom. Growing together in the love of the Lord. Spurring each other on and keeping each other in check.

I'm thankful for...

...the job I have. That it meshes my three of my passions together into one cool gig.

...A Heavenly Father whose mercies are new every morning. Who gives me a reason to live everyday along with the breath and sustenance to live that day. Who saved me from myself so I could serve him and glorify Him. Who has completely changed my heart to align with His desires for my life.

I'm thankful for...

...the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. The only thing that can get me up early on a holiday at my age. The Rocketts. The Broadway showcase. The balloons and floats and marching bands.

...Extended family who seem more precious every time I see them.

...Mississippi State football and the Egg Bowl. GO DAWGS!

...Mississippi State basketball and Jarvis Varnado.

...Football on holidays. Period.

I'm thankful for the ability to express myself through the written word. On this blog. For the whole world to see.

What are you thankful for?

I'm profoundly apologetic that my NaBloPoMo efforts have been less than desirable. November has turned out to be both an incredibly busy month and an incredibly uncreative one in my brain. I'm sorry to say that I don't think I'll make it to 30 posts this month. I have failed. Here's to hoping I don't try to do this again.

Pumpkin Party '09

Last Friday, we had the Pumpkin Party of '09 at Kelly's house. Friends from small group and other places gathered to participate in the annual pumpkin carving contest and partake of some good eats.

I don't think I've ever really been a fan of Halloween. Sure, when I was little I was all about some trick-or-treating and stuffing myself full of candy. But I've never been a fan of the scary, horror side of Halloween. It's just not my cup 'o tea, if you will. I mean I've had probably six costumes in 26 years of living -- a cheerleader (alive and dead), a bear, a witch, Gilligan (which was totally a 5-minute or less construction) and a Firehouse Dalmatian (another last minute idea).

See, I put all my creativity into the pumpkin. Kelly guts the pumpkin and I do all the creative stuff. At least, that's how she puts it.

Two years ago, it was the Up-Chucker...

Last year, it was the Butt-Grabber...

This year, the mummy...

Fun times were had by all though. Some people really went all out.

Raymond brought out the power tools for some serious business this year.

Kelly and I broke out a little power tool of our own.

However, as it always seems, fun and creativity can only take you so far. Kelly and I have never taken the top prize because well, we don't take it as seriously as everyone else.

Tim (TIMMY!!!!) won the whole sha-bang again (over-achiever!) with his incredible headless horseman carving (center). That's it in the front.He even put a strobe in there next to the candle. Look closely and you can see the Mortal Combat pumpkin in the back that won second. It's the dragon that looks like a wolf. But y'all, that's a dragon. Not a wolf. Don't call it a dragon, lest you fall under the wrath of the pumpkin carving gods.



And see our little mummy right there on the left. He was covered in glow-in-the-dark paint. But he wasn't so much glowy in the dark-y. And y'all I just love that cross pumpkin in the front.

This year saw the first gourd entry. Which was cute. But the pictures didn't turn out so well for that one.


So, that wraps up this year's Pumpkin Extravaganza.


I'm already sketching for next year.

Just A Big Whole In the Sky

I remember where I was when I heard about the attacks on the Twin Towers. I remember watching it on the Today Show. Matt and Katie. Katie and Matt. The image was forever burned into my head -- the Towers, smoke billowing from them like two oversized smoke stacks on a warehouse.

I remember hesitantly going to my U.S. Government class that day. I didn't want to leave the dorm room. I wanted to just stay and watch it all. I started to class, the sun bright in the sky, but the mood was somber, as people here and there started to find out the news.

I remember sitting in my seat, front row, middle section, third seat from the left. I remember my teacher coming in, starting up the lesson, only to stop not even five minutes later. He was speechless, heartbroken and confused. I'll remember his words forever, "I just can't teach government when all of this is going on."

He dismissed us, and I trekked back to my room. There I found out two more planes had crashed.

I remember just four years before I was there at The Towers. I stayed in the hotel at the World Trade Center on a choir trip to the big city. I remember being enamored with the fact that we didn't have to go outside to get on the subway. And I remember being overwhelmed by how big it all was.

I remember going to the Statue of Liberty two years later, for the second time, and looking back at Manhattan, the towers literally towering over everything. It was that one mark of the skyline that was unmistakable.

This summer was my first time going back to New York City after the attacks. Just like they say, the skyline wasn't the same. At all. There was a big whole in the sky.

Before, everywhere you looked, there were the Towers. It was like it was NYC's own little compass, helping you to navigate the concrete jungle. But this time, there were no Towers. The compass was gone. And to a tourist, all sense of direction was gone.

It was my first time to actually go to Ground Zero. We walked around, Kumar (our tour guide) spitting out facts and stories. Finally, we reached this huge window in the middle of the plaza that looked out onto the construction site. Where there used to be towers that seemed to go up into the sky without end, there was now dirt, steel beams scattered about, and various construction equipment.

Then Kumar told us a story that I'll never forget. He said that when he was little, he used to get made fun of and beat up at school. That why most of his stories started with, "I remember this one day, when I was skipping school..." (No worries. God got him. He was saved one day while skipping school.). He said on the days when he would have a bad day at school, his mom (who raised him and his brother alone after his dad died) would hug him tight, take him to the window and they would stare out at the unmistakable Twin Towers.

She would point out the blinking light on the top and tell him that as long as that blinking light is there, everything would be okay. That was Kumar's sign of hope. Then he told us about the first time he went down to Ground Zero after the attacks. How there was just a big hole in the sky. And how that blinking light was no longer there.

Everywhere we went, Kumar would point to a place in the skyline and say, "Right there, where there is nothing but sky? It used to be nothing but towers."

It was so interesting to hear his point of view, to see St. Paul's where the workers would go to sleep on their "off" shift, and to see the work that had been done already and the miles and miles of work there still was to go.

The memorial is set to be complete in 2013. That's four years from now. Can you imagine?

September 11 will never be the same for this country. And especially for my generation. Sure we'll go about our lives, doing what we do. But like our parents remember where they were when they saw the moon landing or when they heard that JFK was shot or when the Challenger exploded, we will always remember 9/11.

But with that, I'll always remember that God always works things out for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. We don't always know what that purpose is, but the good thing about that is that we don't have to.

Because we aren't in control.

He is.

International Justice Day

What's your favorite holiday and what does it mean to you? You know, like most people love Christmas because of all the presents and fun songs and stuff. Or Thanksgiving, with all it's abundance of food and football and dog shows and parades. Fourth of July and the fireworks. Memorial Day marks the start of summer. Labor Day marks the end.

But what do those days really mean? What's the meaning behind them?

International Justice Day is a day when we all should open our eyes wide to the injustices of this world and see that we can do something about it. For me, it's becoming a day that I realize what's going on outside this bubble world of mine and get on my knees to plead to the Almighty on behalf of those who can't. Because alone I can't do a thing about it. But with Him, I've got all the help I need. You know, He's got the whole world in His hands, right?

Y'all, if you haven't already figured it out, there's some crazy business going on up in this world. Genocide, hunger, fatal disease, human trafficking, poverty, child labor, lack of education or medical care. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I could go on and on.

Many organizations lend their help to promote this day. Today, I'm helping Mocha Club spread the word.

Watch this video. It's pretty awesome.

So.

What's it going to mean to you?

It's Not The Fourth Until Ray Charles And Lee Greenwood Show Up

Hey people!

I had a great weekend and I hope you all did too.

I had Friday off, so I slept in (until about 11, which is early) and went shopping (jeans at GAP for $20? don't have to tell me twice). Then I met Hollie for a matinee at the Rave. We saw The Proposal. And it was H-I-Larry-O-U-S. I will be buying it when it comes out on DVD. Ryan Reynolds is so precious and so hilarious. And well, there are no words for Sandra Bullock. Hope Floats changed my life. The end.

Saturday, I went down to Prattville/Billingsly with Hollie to celebrate the Fourth with her charming little family. These people are country to the bone and I love them for it. We went down to her sister's house and laid in/by the pool and ate until we couldn't stand up. Seriously. Just looking at the amount of food gave me chest pains. But it was good. And there was homemade ice cream and watermelon. Hallelujah, praise the King. Amen.

We also decided to go a little ways down I-65 to Montgomery to the Biscuits game because a) they were having fireworks after, b) it was only $5 and c) they were playing our Barons! So Hollie's mom, Hollie and I headed down and enjoyed some baseball and fireworks. The Barons won 10-2 and the fireworks were spectacular. It was also so neat to see the players just laying around on the field like kids watching the fireworks. If it hadn't have been so dark, I would've take a picture because, well, it was a picture perfect moment.

I couldn't help but smile when the fireworks started and the music started playing. The Fourth of July is one of my most favorite holidays and fireworks are my favorite part. It never feels real until you hear those seven little words sung --- "...And I'm proud to be an American!" Ha. It's so cliche but with all the stuff that is going on in the world -- from Iraq to Honduras to North Korea -- I really couldn't help thinking how true those words were for me right now. I've found myself thanking God that I'm an American citizen more recently than I have ever before.

And then I heard Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful" and I got all misty-eyed. It just seals the deal, doesn't it?

Of course, we didn't get in until almost 1 a.m., so I decided to just sleep in and go to church tonight to the 6 p.m. service. (Our church does the same service at night that they do in the morning.)

Let me tell you, my church is amazing. I'm continually in awe of the people that I am surrounded by and the leadership that God has placed in that church. God has richly blessed each and every one of them and they are so obedient in using their gifts to bring glory to his name.

I've been reminded so much lately of the real freedom that I have in Christ. Of course, the Fourth of July is a time when we celebrate our nation's anniversary of gaining our own freedom. But with that, I'm also reminded of the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ. Most people see salvation as freedom from sin. And it is. But recently I've been reminded that salvation gives me freedom to live the way I want to -- the way God wants me to. Because I'm reminded that I have a Savior who endured every trial that I could ever even imagine being faced with, and came out on top every time. That's so encouraging!

Anyhoo, I hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth! In less than four days, I'll be on my way to the beach for vacation with the family! Woohoo!

My Dad's The Cooooolest

Ever since I was little, I've proclaimed my dad the hero of my life. It's never been more true before than it is today.

In exactly nine minutes (as I type this sentence), it will be my daddy's 29th Father's Day. That's a lot of plaster hands and hideous ties. Ya know what I mean?

Anyhoo, I know that anyone who knows me gets so sick of hearing me talk about my dad. Because I do it all. the. time. Whether it's something that he's taught me, a funny story or what he thought about the last movie he saw, I'm going to gladly share it with anyone I know. Or don't know, for that matter. 

Y'all, I can't get enough of my daddy. He's the bestest friend a 25-almost-26-year old girl can have. It's true. My dad has undoubtedly become (and always been) my most favorite person, my best friend and my confidant. 

He's the one I go to when I just need to bounce some ideas off of someone and he's definitely the one that I go to when I need some major life advice. Back when I went through the "quarter-life crisis", Big Bob was the one who heard me out and offered sound advice and made me really think about what I was doing. 

My most favorite memories of my dad from when I was little were our fishing trips, the back scratches (of which I'm pretty sure I still owe him approximately 10, 572), and sitting on the second pew in church cuddled up to him. My most favorite memories lately are our theological discussions, uninterrupted talks about nothing on the phone and our "two-for-one" movie outings.

My dad's been through a lot in his life, more than anyone like him should have to. But I strongly believe that all of that has made him the man he is today. A man who serves his God with everything that's in him, makes no excuses, and loves those in his life in spite of himself and with a love that only comes from God himself. 

He's my hero.

He's taught me what desperation for God is and has displayed that in so many ways. He's taught me what sacrifice is and what standing up for what is right looks like in all aspects of life. He makes no excuses. He loves my mom and has never done anything to make her, my sister, me or anyone else think otherwise.

He's my hero.

He always tells me he is proud of me. He was so proud to say that he was a "cheer dad" and he loves telling people what I do (even though most people think that I run the whole athletic department at Samford and am best friends with Pat Sullivan). He has often introduced himself as "Katie's dad" or "Anna's dad" and loves it (I think) when he's referred to as Libby's husband.

He's my hero.

I love the way he wells up with pride when he watches my mom sing, when he gets tears in his eyes (who doesn't) when my sister sings and the way his faces lights up with a smile anytime I'm trying to make a joke. 

He's my hero.

I love love love to tell people that he played football at Mississippi State. And that he held the state record for shot put until a few years ago. And that he lead the Peeple's Junior High soccer team to a district title. 

He's my hero.

I love telling people how the place he works is his mission field. I know what a strain it puts on him but I know that he puts everything he has into making a difference in those kids' lives. I know how his heart breaks for those kids and believe that he's passed on a just a little bit of that compassion to me. I pray for him and those kids everyday. 

He's my hero.

I made a list a while back in my journal of the things that I love about my dad. I did a list back on Mother's Day for my mom, and I thought it only appropriate to do the same for my dad.

Things I Love About My Dad:

- The way he fueled my love of forehead kisses.

- The way I get dizzy when he hugs me.

- Our very random talks about sports, politics, technology and religion.

- The way he always says, "Don't you worry about it. I'll take care of it."

- When he told the guy I went on my first date with: "Be careful with her. She's the child of a King...and me.

- His consistent reminding me of "who I am and Whose I am."

- His humility and his faith.

- That he played football at MSU.

- The way he recounts, so detailed, the day he became a Christian.

- How fondly he speak of his most special friends. 

- The way he loves my mom.

- His thoughtful secret gifts.

- His smile and his laugh.

- The way he cared for Papaw until the end, and the way he cares for Grandma.

- The way he cared for my cousin in a troubled time.

- His sincere interest in every one of my Stone cousin's lives.

- His love for his dogs.

- The way he makes sure every guy in the room knows I'm single. He's been know to start Sunday School lessons with the line: "Have you met my daughter Katie? She's the pretty one in the second row. And she's single, guys."

- The way he embarrasses me with that line.

- "Cheer dad"

- The fact that we are Facebook friends.

- His jokes.

- His daily email devotional and the long list of people that receive it.

I'm sure I could name more but at the risk of this becoming the marathon blog post, I'll cut it off at that.

Dad, I know that you know how much I love you because you've taught me through the years that you can never tell someone you love them enough. I'm so proud of you and I don't know what I would do without you. 

Happy Father's Day!

Sunday Post #2 (Mother's Day Edition)

Four of the most wonderful women in my life are the greatest mothers I've ever known. They all have made me the woman I am today and have impacted my life in indescribable ways.

Grandma (Dad's mom) has always satisfied my love for food. Always. She's one of the most amazing cooks I know and literally fed my hunger for black olives every Sunday for countless years.

Dearmom (Mom's mom) always brought a smile to my face. Whether she was correcting your grammar, reminding you not to "gaffaw" in public, cheering on the Bulldogs or telling stories about Willie (her husband), I always enjoyed visiting with her. 

My sister was my greatest enemy until she moved away to college. (Laugh, laugh. Snicker, snicker.) But if I have to be honest, she always been the one person that I wanted to be like. However, she also taught me that being yourself is the best person to be. She's my second mother, of course, and was never afraid to tell me that a boy that I was dating was "not the one" so I didn't need to waste my time.

But oh, Libby, my mother. The one who gave birth to me. I can't even describe my love for this woman. But I'll try. I've compiled a list of my most favorite things about my mother and I hope it gives you just a glimpse of how amazing she is.

(If this post seems jumbled and not concentrated, it's because it is. I'm typing while watching the Celtics/Magic game.)

- Her passion for the Mississippi State Bulldogs is unparalleled. I can always count on my mom to call after the last shot of a basketball game, or after the first timeout. I, seriously, talk to her about sports more than I do with my dad, the one who played.

- I LOVE LOVE LOVE listening to her sing. I can't remember a day in my life that I've been down and hearing my mom sing hasn't brought a smile to my face. And it makes me so proud when people talk about how beautiful her voice is.

- Her nonchalant reminders.

- Her smile and her laugh.

- Her massive but close circle of friends.

- The way people talk about her, whether it be her personality or her talent.

- The way she sees someone she knows everywhere she goes.

- Her humility.

- Her compassion for her students.

- The way her students love her. Past and presents. I love meeting people she taught when she first started teaching and hearing them talk about how much she impacted their lives. There are countless people out there in whom she instilled a love for music who would have never had that if not for her.

- The way she would take students home when she worked at Siwell and Forest Hill. 

- The way she loves my Daddy. And the way she shows it.

- How she cared for Dearmom, sacrificially and unconditionally.

- The bond she has with her siblings.

- The way she is just more than my mother. She's my friend.

- The way she taught me to love my God. 

I'm sure there is more to add but I know this list is getting long. 

Long post, short. Mom, you're incredible. I thank God everyday for picking me to be in your family. Happy Mother's Day!

(This is where the picture of me and my mom would go but I have no pictures of the family on the Macbook yet. My apologies.)

Ketchup

...Or catch up. Whatevs.

There is so much to blog about. I would have done it sooner but I just think I was not motivated enough to blog for the past few days. I've had words and ideas and things swimming around in my head for days now but just have not found the "umph" to get it out of my head, into my fingers and onto the blog. I don't know why.

I'll just start with my trip to Gulf Shores to visit Bethany and her parents for New Year's. Filled with highlights. Just watch. I'll list for easy reading.

Highlight #1: Seeing this...(this is where I would insert a picture of what I saw but it turns out that when you are the only one in the car, driving is more important than taking a picture with your camera. At least I think so.

Right past Hattiesburg, I got behind this old white truck with something spray-painted on the tailgate in orange and blue. The closer I got, the better I could make it out. It read, "15" on each side with "UF" in the middle. It was a Tim Tebow truck! Considering my love for the Gator QB boy-wonder, I definitely chalked it up as the first highlight of my trip. I only wished I had a "Honk If You Love Tebow" bumper sticker at the moment.

Highlight #2: The Mobile tunnel. This has to be one of my favorite things in the world. I know, I know. You're asking yourself right now, "Why is a tunnel one of Katie's favorite things in the world?" Well, I'll tell you. It's tradition in my family, as I'm sure it may be in others, to roll down the car window, yell and honk the horn as you pass through the tunnel in Mobile. As I rode through it, my mind was flooded with memories of doing this very thing as a kid and even just a few years ago. I restrained from doing it as yet again, being the only person in the car, would have possibly called too much attention to myself and most likely cued my fellow motorists to call in the white coats and take me away.

Highlight #3: Being less than a mile from the beach. Enough said. (Although I didn't really get to go TO the beach.) It's one of my favorite places on Earth.

Highlight #4: New Year's Eve dinner at the Tin Top. Bethany and I basically shared a meal. We got sauteed crab claws (probably THE most delicious thing I've ever put in my mouth) as an appetizer, followed by salads and seafood stuffed grouper and finished it off with a piece of key lime pie. The portions there are humongous so Bethany and I shared.

While there we (or I) kept our eyes glued to the TV where the LSU/Georgia Tech game was being shown. As I've said before to several people, if I weren't a MSU loyal fan, I would definitely be an LSU fan. They are so fun. My brother-in-law is one and so I think that gives me a reason to cheer for them, well that, and the only bowl Mississippi State went to this year was the toilet bowl. Hey, I was just cheering for the SEC, right? Anyway, I cheered and clapped and cheered. And they won. BIG! Hence the picture below with my make-shift paper napkin sign.

Bethany giving the thumbs up. I don't know if it was the food of the game.

Bethany and me at Tin Top

Highlight #5: Last but not least, my favorite highlight was getting to hang out with one of my bestest friends in the whole world, Bethany. She's just about my only single best friend yet and we understand each other like nobody else can. It's good to spend time with such a great friend with such a great head on her shoulder and be able to bounce thoughts, ideas and emotions off of her. Yay for best friends!

Anyway, that's about all the ketchup I have. I don't make resolutions so there will be no post about that. If I decide to do something serious, I don't just make a resolution to do it. It's a long thought-out process with much prayer and consideration so it's more of a life change I guess. As far as small things go, I don't resolve to do those either because I don't want to let myself down if I break them, and that right there is no enough motivation to not break them.

I'm still working on my big post about future changes that I've mentioned before. This is a really hard thing for me to actually blog about because that would mean that there would be a possibility that it would actually come true or happen, which it a little freaky for me. I think I've been putting off writing about it because I'm a little afraid of what my fingers might actually type out and I think I'm a little intimidated by the imminent changes that are on the horizon.

Nevertheless, I'm ready to get the jumbled mess that is in my brain out in written form. I think it may actually make some sense then and I won't be so afraid of it anymore.

Stay tuned.

Before I go, I must mention two things.

#1 - My unabashed love for Dave Barnes. I've written about him several times. He undoubtedly one of my favorite musicians ever and I like to brag (not really) about how I knew him when...way back when. His mom and my mom are best friends. There were Chi Omegas together at state, best friends throughtout high school and college roommates all four years. Now that's some tight friendship. There are old pictures of playdates with me, my sister, Dave and Beth, Dave's sister, but yikes...I won't share.

My love for him does not stem from this "I knew him when" concept at all, however. My love stems from just how much of a great person this guy is. It's unbelievable. He's incredibly talented, both musically and comedically, and he's still one of the most humble people I've ever met. He knows that his talent comes from God and keeps that in mind and he's passionate about helping his fellowman, far and near, with the gifts and blessings he's been showered with. And he's genuine. God bless him.

#2 - Did anyone see that new show on CBS tonight called Game Show In My Head? Freakin' awesome is my review. This show, hosted by Joe, the guy who used to host Fear Factor, sends people out on the streets with a little bud in their ear and he tells them crazy tasks that they have to do. And if they complete them, they get a certain amount of money. It's hilarious, the things that these people do for money. Here's a snippet.

Too bad it cuts off before the really fun part. I'm sure you can watch it on CBS.com.

I hope everyone's 2009 is off to a great start. "Ketch" ya later!

Final Post Of '08

This is the last post for me in 2008 and it's a little weird. I feel some changesoming on in my life but that's a whole different post for another day. And it will be coming soon.

Right now, I'm enjoying the evening with my bff Bethany and we just got in from eating some fantastic seafood at a restaurant called Tin Top in Gulf Shores. We decided to forego The Wharf tonight since it's freakin' cold outside and we know it will be packed. No worries. We sent her parents out to check it out and they will report back. Good thing we are close enough to see the fireworks from her house.

Just finished watching the Rockin' New Year's Eve and I don't know about you, but sweet Dick Clark needs to hang it up, in my opinion. As much as Dick is a huge part of New Year's Eve, I felt like I needed closed-captioning to understand what he was saying tonight. Good thing Ryan Secrest, Dick Clark incarnate, is ready to step up to the plate once Dick decides to give it up for good.

What a motley crew they had on the platform with Secrest to watch the ball drop, eh?!? (And I think I just became Canadian there.) Lionel Richie, the Jones Bros, Taylor Swift and Demi Levoto (sp?). I think you could cut the tension with a knife between ex-lovas Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift (and it scares me how much I know about the Disney relationship drama).

And Kelly Pickler is too cute. No?

Okay, I must go watch this crazy Robbie Maddison guy try to jump over the moon. Death wish? Maybe.

It's Never Over

First of all...As hard as it is to believe that Christmas Day has come and gone, Christmas (and Easter for that matter), is never over for me. Both are year-round as far as I'm concerned. It's comforting to know what God did for us and what Jesus' birth and death and resurrection means for all of us and it gives a different meaning to the Apostle Paul's words, "Grace and peace to you all." Interesting, huh?

Now on to the less meaningful stuff...What did Katie get for Christmas?

Before I tell you about the one present on my Christmas list that I REALLY wanted and got, I'll tell you about everything else.

I got...

... a beautiful cross necklace from my mom. She really knows how to pick out great jewelry for me.

... several a couple of framed pictures of me and the nephew. One was from him. Sweet kid.

... a fantastic dress and cute cable-net sweater from Ann Taylor LOFT that I picked out myself. Now, I've just got to find somewhere to wear the dress. Maybe I'll crash a wedding or something.

... an awesome knee-length woolish maroon coat, also picked out by Yours Truly. I just wish it would be cold so I can wear it. This 70 degree weather in the heart of winter is killing me.

... a great yellow scarf from Casey which I just wear around the house for fun since it's too hot outside for it.

... PJ pants and slippers, a Third Day shirt and Jelly Bellies from Kel.

The next three things deserve their own separate paragraphs.

As many of you know, I've become quite obsessed with multiple births. I'm not really sure why. My mom says I should watch out lest I be cursed...ahem blessed...with more than one child at a time should I ever be given the chance to experience such an opportunity. I read several quad blogs -- the Steece's, the McNulty's, the Murray's, the Goerlich's and recently the Lambe's and Suzy (I don't know her last name but she just delivered her four bundle of joy on Christmas Eve). I also watch Jon and Kate Plus 8 every time it is on TLC. It's safe sto say, I'm obsessed. I talk about it all the time. It's insane.

So my sweet Daddy, being the observant one he is, got me this for Christmas.


I was so pumped. See, not only do I just love this TV show, I love this family for the testimony that they are living out day by day. Jon and Kate Gosselin have chosen to tell their story on television and in this book, along with various speaking engagements, without leaving out the most important writer of all, God Almighty. The parents of eight give God his due honor in every sentence that is written in this book. I started last night and I'm almost halfway through it.

One part that I've read so far was when the couple was urged to seriously consider "selective reduction". Both refused given their beliefs and Christian faith. They chose to play the hand God had dealt them and ended up with multiple blessings!

Last but not least, my mom and dad got me THE ONLY thing that I wished for this Christmas. Santa came through. I present to you...

The iPod Touch

I have not put this down. And to make it even better, my sister and bro-in-law gave me a leather case for it, considering my proneness to drop cetain expensive items (i.e. digital camera in Honduras).

I'm so pumped about this gift that all I've done for the past 30 hours (well, minus the 10 hours of sleep) is add free apps and play with my new gadget.

I think we've created a monster.

I hope everyone had a marvelous Christmas full of fun times with loved ones and true reflection on what the true meaning of this holiday season is all about.

Random Ramblings

Just because I'm on this movie quote kick, I'm giving this one to you for free. My dad and I are watching Spiderman 2 as I right and Mary Parker just said this and I felt it deep down in the core of my heart for the first time...

"I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams. "

Totally unrelated to anything else I'm going to say, as will the rest of the stuff. Hence the title of this blog.

I told you about the friends' wedding I went to on Saturday. What I didn't tell you was that the groom was my elementary school boyfriend. Actually, he was my boyfriend in first grade and into second grade. Then we "broke up" and got back together in fifth grade into sixth grade until I came to my senses and realized what a boyfriend really was.

Back then, love and boyfriends seemed so simple. I mean, you went up to a boy on the playground and declared/told him that he was your boyfriend and that was that. And you didn't even have to talk to him ever again. He was still your boyfriend, just because you said so. You could even have more than one if you wanted with no questions asked.

Now there are all these rules and standard procedures to go by. It's so complicated. Can't I just find a cute boy I like and declare him my boyfriend? No? I would get laughed at? Ok.

Does anyone know why Mary always wears blue? Yeah, Mary. Like Jesus' mom. She's always wearing blue. All the pictures, all the videos, all the church Christmas plays, Mary is wearing blue, with a white headdress no less. Is that biblical? Does it say in Luke, "And Mary gave birth to her first born son while donning a beautiful 500 count cotton azure gown made by Rafiki from Nazareth"? No? Just checking. Although that would be cool, huh?

I think blue for Mary is pretty right one though. It brings out her eyes.

Dude, I so want to be a superhero right now. And Spiderman just tried to stop a train with is own legs and then grabbed his leg in pain. Spidey, it's gonna hurt. You're what...180 pounds. That train is about a billion tons and it's going probably 100 mph. Suck it up.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Who wants it? (Obama has no idea what he's gotten himself into.)

Home Sweet Home

I'm on my second day at home (well, my first full day at home) for the holidays, and I couldn't be more fulfilled right now.

I got home in time to go to a friend's wedding yesterday afternoon and what a wonderful event it was. It was such a display of what a wedding truly means and I was so grateful to have been there and seen people I haven't seen in such a long time.

From there we went to my sister and brother-in-law's church (First Baptist Florence) to see their Christmas program and it was fantastic. We even went back again tonight and it was even better. We were able to see some of Ross's family that I definitely haven't seen in a while and it was great to see them.

As I sat listening to the music of this wonderful program my amazing brother-in-law put together, I was overwhelmed with all that is associated with this season -- the birth of Christ, what it means, what it led to and what it has meant for my life.

And then it hit me, how many people don't even know this story or just don't even care. As I sat and listened to the words of the songs and watched the video of the birth of Christ and then the death of Christ, tears streamed down my face.

What an impact these two events have had on my life, even just in the past few years. I've been a Christian since I was seven, and I confirmed that fact when I was 14 and struggling with some doubts, but only recently have I fully grasped that Christ has completely transformed me from the sinful being that I was born as. Yes, I still struggle with sin. Everyday. We all do. But I now know that Christ in me can defeat, and has already defeated, any temptation that comes my way. I just have to trust and believe that with God, nothing is impossible.

The song that really struck a chord (no pun intended) with me tonight was originally sung by Natalie Grant, one of my favorite contemporary music singers. It's called, "I've Believe". Here are a few of the lyrics.

I believe
The wise men saw
The baby born that the angels called the son of God, Heaven’s child
The great I AM
Born to take away my sins through nailed pierced hands
Emmanuel has come

And I believe
Precious child
How can it be that God’s great plan
For his story
Would send you to the lonely tree
That you would come
For one like me

I believe
In a cross
I believe he came for one, he came for all
Heaven's child became a plan
Gave his life for me in spite of all I am
I believe

This is such a declaration that all Christians should be exclaiming to everyone they meet. This is such great news. This GOD became a man, suffered and took on the wrath of the Father for ALL people so that we would not have to suffer it ourselves. And for what? Because of love. WOW!

See I'm one of those people with whom it doesn't take a lot to convince me of something. I'm more prone to believe than not to believe. I believed in Santa until I was 11 years old. And I still love to believe in him. It just gives Christmas a completely different feeling. Like there's more hope or more to look forward to. I believe in GOD a billion times more than I believe in Santa Claus. I can't really explain it. There's just a completely different feeling. I've seen so much evidence of GOD in my own life and in many of my family members' and friends' lives that it's too hard not to believe. And he just keeps showing himself. It's so exciting!

My hope is that you are experiencing that same completely different feeling. And if you aren't, seek it. Be desperate for it. Find it. Or better yet, quit hiding and let God find you. And when he does, and you get that feelings, relish in it. Because that is as good as it gets...until we get to Heaven.
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On a completely different note. I thought I should post the answers to my fun little movie quote quiz and then add a few bonus questions for good measures.

Here are the answers:
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
2. Elf
3. A Christmas Story
4. The Wizard Of Oz
5. Remember The Titans.
6. You've Got Mail
7. Christmas Vacation
8. My Fair Lady
9. Hoosiers
10. Shawshank Redemption
11. The Holiday
12. Polar Express
13. Rookie Of The Year
14. The Replacements
15. Dangerous Minds

And a few for good measure. Are you as good as you think you are?
1. You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son.

2. A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up. But if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can't stop you, then you become something else entirely.

3. Remember kid, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong.

Leave your guesses in the comments!