Cast Away

No, I am not starting to resemble Tom Hanks in the movie Cast Away, and no, I haven't actually been "cast away". 


These two words just happen to pop in my head right after I wrote out my to-do list and I was staring at it, starting to get a little glazed eye.


Yes, I know it is only the 2nd day of the semester, but you haven't seen my to-do list.  


Quick Lesson on Katy's To-Do Lists:

• I love making them.  
• I love the power of being able to cross or check something off of them, even if it is minor.  
• That being said, I am so not above putting "shower" on my to-do list because of the warm-fuzzy feelings I get because I have accomplished something. 
• My to-do list is all of my life: school reading combined with personal tasks (any of you who receive mail from me, thank my to-do list!)
• I prefer colorful to-do lists (different colors designate priority given...or my mood towards task...)
• Unfortunately, my to-do list tonight is not as fun as some of my others. 

*sigh*

Gearing up for Spring semester also means looking towards Summer and Fall - yikes!  As I was staring down the list from tonight, those two words popped in my head - "cast away". 

At first I was thrilled with the idea of throwing my list away and then realized that is not the grown up thing to do.

My next thought involving those words were from scripture, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  taken from I Peter 5:7. 

Maybe it's because I have one actual class of Exegesis under my belt or because I've been reading lots of Bible this week (yay Bible Content Ordination Exam!) but two words stick out to me:

all & cares

We aren't told turn over one or two things; we aren't told to give just the hardest thing to God - we are instructed to give it all.  ALL of our worries, our troubles, our anxiety composed in a 12 + to-do list.  While this doesn't exactly mean God's going to take your list from under your pillow and do it all for you, but He is going to be there with you.  

Know why?

Because He cares.  Not because He has to, not because we want Him to. Because He loves us and cares for us so much that He willingly wants to be with us along this journey.  

I don't know about you, but that makes me feel a little more confident in my abilities to accomplish my to-do list. I feel I often remember to thank God in times of joy and celebration, and tonight I am reminded how thankful I am for His care even in times of stress.

I know this is just the beginning of my semester; I know it is also still very early in my Seminary journey.  There will be more stress to come - more mountains to climb - more to-do lists to make.

But I have every confidence in my God to not leave me stranded on my mountain alone, that I will be joined in this journey.

What a gift to be thankful for.

Gracious God who provides at all times in our lives - we give you thanks for your care and love of your people.  You give us simple instructions we stubbornly refuse to follow, making our steps heavier and more burdened. Take away our obstinate nature and replace it with a willingness to cast our anxieties to you.  In your holy name we give all praise, Amen.

Not Missing!

Dear friends!  I'm sorry I have been MIA for a spell.  I thought this January Term would be slow and relaxing; boy, have I been wrong!

I've been taking a class taught by an entertaining and very knowledgeable professor on the Gospel of John. It's been an 8:30 am everyday sort of class full of lectures, group work and presentations, papers, political jokes, and lots of reading of John.  It has been wonderful experience and makes me wish I had some Greek in me so I better understood some of our texts!  (Some of my peers say this class is good preparation for Greek...mainly the 8:30am class everyday sort of thing).  If one does need to be in class by 8:30 am, this class is at least entertaining and 100% worth waking up for.

The other cool thing about this class is how large it is (was supposed to be 20 yet there are close to 50!!!) and the breadth of experience within this class.  I find myself at times in awe of my peers who are amazing scholars.  They impress me with not only their knowledge, but with their passion for the Word to be at work in their lives'. I feel very much like a sponge in this class, trying to soak it all in and at some point process it all. Dr. Bartlett is such a talented teacher, theologian, and over all fun guy to study with.  I'm so sad he's retiring this spring, but know he'll be around at least to say hello.

In addition to class, I've been blessed to nanny my favorite 2 yr old boy and a sweet little baby girl. It's nice to spend an afternoon at the park blowing bubbles or taking walks and just decompressing from an intense morning of learning.  I have a post in mind for all the things I've learned with this dude, so stay tuned!

I had a lovely visit with my aunt and uncle from Grosse Pointe, MI, who made a visit here on their way to Florida.  We visited the MLK, Jr site and it was fascinating to go again with my aunt who experienced much of the segregation and race riots in Detroit and to hear her perspective.  She taught government and economics ( I think...) in Detroit and to hear her story made it a very memorable time.  My uncle is also very entertaining and we all had a grand time.  I think one of my favorite parts of their visit was just sitting in their hotel room, drinking tea and watching Home and Garden shows.  *sigh* Wouldn't that be nice to do every day?  I'm escaping the city this weekend to go and visit them in Florida and am looking forward to it!

So this has nothing to do with how I study,
 but I do like cats and do have
many books...so....it works!

The last thing (ok, well, one of the last things) I've been working on is preparing for the Bible Content Ordination exam which I will be taking February 3rd.  I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I work towards this goal.  It's basically a 100 question test involving all aspects of the bible and you need to get at least 70 out of 100 right to pass.  I find myself wishing I'd grown up Baptist (mainly because all my friends that are Baptist know the Bible the best...) or at least taken more Bible classes in my undergrad years.  There is one tool that is the BEST help ever, but it still takes mucho time to sit and go through it all. The good news is I can
totally use my kindle fire to take practice tests.  Yee haw.


Finally, I upgraded my phone!  (About time, I know!) Sadly it didn't sync with the old one so I need some numbers.  My number is the same, so just shoot me a text saying who you are so we can keep in touch!

Thanks to you all for your love and prayers!  I'll try to be better about sharing my story as I continue with Spring semester. ~Katy

"Keep the joy of loving God in your heart and share this joy with all you meet especially your family. Be holy – let us pray." 

- Mother Teresa

Welcome to 2012

 Greetings to you all and happy New Year!  I'm back on campus and adjusting to classes and life here at CTS after an absolutely wonderful break at home. We're in a term called "winter term" which means I take one class that lasts about 2 1/2 weeks.  While this sounds like a breeze, my days will be filled with reading, writing, and preparing for the Bible Content Ordination exam at the end of the month.  Yikes.

My break in Texas was absolutely wonderful and it went by all too fast.  There are always so many people to see back home and I find it hard trying to coordinate and fit everyone in so to speak.  If I missed you over the break, know I will see you when I return!

Some highlights of my holidays are here the following:

Mornings with my Jay-bird.  He's such a fun little guy - and working on walking!!!  I love singing and dancing with the dude and his unbridled joy in everything from granola to animals to puzzles and books is just so encouraging to the heart and soul.

Babysitting Miss Blue Eyes - Evie is just a gorgeous sweet little girl who I could hold all day. And play dress up with.  And sing to.  And laugh with.  (You get the idea) 

Hearing the youth choir sing on Christmas Eve at my home church was just wonderful.   I love those  kids so much and am SO impressed with their decision to make church a priority.  My little sister was singing too...we didn't embarrass her too much.  Sitting in the pew with the people I love so much was just a wonderful memory and one I treasure dearly.

1st NFL game for me with Frank and his family in Houston!  It was loud, exciting, crazy, and a bit intense.  I had fun but admittedly did stick cotton in my ears.  I had a great visit in Houston and actually got to do some of the tourist type things which is always fun.  

This is how I felt in leaving home.  I keep wishing it would get easier, but my heart truly is in Texas.

  I am excited for a new semester and to put all my Hebrew to use in exegesis. It's been great to reconnect with friends here at CTS and feel refreshed going into 2012.  I would ask for prayers though in easing some of the homesickness.

I did just have a wonderful visit with my Aunt and Uncle coming from Michigan on their way to warmer weather in Florida.  It's one of those ways God provides when we're feeling low.  He brings my cheery Aunt and fun Uncle to explore Atlanta with. (We actually saw a WONDERFUL movie - My Week with Marilyn - I would highly recommend it).  We've has a wonderful visit and it made my heart happy to have them here.

As I ease into 2012, I find myself making lists, like I always do.  Stay tuned for a post on that.  For now, blessings to you all that you have had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for the adventures to come.  

Gracious God, in you we find our being.  As we begin a new year, we pray we remember all the promises you have made for us, you beloved children. We give thanks for time spent with friends and family and for memories made.  Help us to not lose sight of what matters the most in this world.  In your holy name we pray, Amen.