Summer Picture Update

 I really thought I would be able to get some work and blogs done while I was away for 2 weeks at Montreat. When some people hear that, they laugh.  I didn't get much "work" done, but I worked in another way.  I got to know the amazing-incredible-hilarious-spontaneous-loving-thoughtful-surprising-fantastic youth of UPC.  And their awesome adults who willingly give up their time to spend with them at Montreat.

The whole "being at Montreat" is a bonus, but seriously.  

These are some youth who are gonna change the world.  

I mean, they're changing it now,

but, just you wait. 

So, until I get some other things down on paper (like a sermon, and some school work paper type things), enjoy some pictures from my time at Montreat for the Youth Conference and for the Worship and Music Conference. 

 The beloved gate.

 

 How gorgeous is this creek?

**note...falling asleep to rushing water isn't as much fun as I imagined...**

 Wonderful music at Youth Conference; led by Jorge & Turner!

 

 WE DID A COLOR RUN

WE DID A COLOR WALK

WE DID A COLOR PRANCE!

Chalky Chacos.

 This was such a fun activity!

 One of the adults took these photo's...he's good. 

 Twins*

(Well, up until you decide to have a Katy w/ a "y" or a Katie w/ an "ie")

These youth have such a great attitude!

 

  I had the privilege to be a part of a small group, just as a boring adult leader.  It was so much fun, and some amazing conversations were had within our "small small" group. 

My awesome "small small" group I was a part of.  We did just about the funniest drawing of Moses I've ever seen/done/been witness to. 

The "OMG" is my favorite response EVER of Pharoah's daughter finding Moses. 

 Birthday girl!

On the final night, there's a tradition of a candlelight service at the Youth Conference.  It was just as moving as it was the first time I was a part of it, five years ago. 

 

I SAW A DEER...outside the kitchen window. 

I didn't see the bear, but I saw the trash he left. (Rude, I know.)

 Lovely day for a canoe trip around Lake Susan!

 

Some nature photos. (Sometimes I felt like I was a part of Ferngully.)

CTS Worship Professor Kim Long was our Liturgist at Worship and Music! 

 Totally worth the steps to sleep at this house and sit on the front porch. 

 These youth are so talented. 

Statue of Liberty...Montreat Style

Muscle Man

Youth at work:

 

 If someone is wearing tie-dye, they're our group.  We were pretty tie-dye-licious. 

 I feel like we ate a gallon of ice cream...each...

 Fellow CTS'er directing the handbells!

 Semi-typical night with the youth. 

The moon on our last night.   

 This was waiting for me; how awesome and appropriate is that?  (#bestmomever)

Awake, my soul!
Awake, O harp and lyre!
  I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
    I will sing praises to you among the nations.
For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens;
    your faithfulness extends to the clouds.

Psalm 57:8-10 

What Do You Pray For?

I've noticed in the past year the frequency I've been asked this one question on a regular basis:

"So, are you married?"

The first couple times I was asked (on a Sunday morning I might add), I truly was in shock that this question was seriously being asked of me. What happened to asking the basics:

"How are you doing?" 

"How's the weather?" 

"Where are you from?"

  After recovering from the shock of the question, I often would just make a joke about how I only had time for school, and there was plenty of time to think about marriage.  

Just not this morning. 

 At church.  

This question isn't just asked by one type of person or one age group or even just by males or females.  

But as a twenty-eight going on twenty-nine year old single woman, I get asked it often.

I'd be lying if I said it doesn't bother me, because it does.  Not in the "oh, you're alone, single, and getting older" manner, but in this lifestyle I've chosen.  Or in thinking what is expected of me. 

I watch with admiration my peers who come to school with their spouses and families.  It is not an easy thing whether single or partnered to uproot all that is familiar for the journey called Seminary. Coming to ATL with just me, myself, and I has been a freeing experience.  I am able to focus on my school work, my discernment, and my passions.  I've been able to do things I never imagined I would do, like spend a summer in Chapel Hill, NC as an Intern or choose to study abroad in another country (Spring 2014!).  Just typing these things out I feel selfish, but I shouldn't.  

This is what life is about, right? 

Learning? 

Growth? 

Adventure?  

This isn't to say I lead this lonely and isolated life.  I have meaningful relationships with friend here on campus as well as friends back home.  My family ties seem strengthened through this distance.  The time we spend together is shorter but oh so much more meaningful; I treasure the simple act of just drinking coffee with my siblings in the mornings in ways I never did before.  (Maybe this is just a sign of getting older...)

So, am I defying what "is normal" just because there is no man by my side?  Should I be concerned that the life of a house, husband, and 2.5 children seems light years away?  Is this something I should be praying for?

I don't think so.  

 I think of the prophet Jeremiah and the letter he wrote to the exiles from Jerusalem in Babylon.  It is a verse that is printed on my business cards: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

(Of course, this letter includes instructions for the exiles, including ones to get married and increase in numbers. The irony.) 

So while it is sometimes tempting to pray for that chance encounter with a handsome fella who turns out to be Mr. Right and we have the happily ever after life with twins, a cat, and a dog (not that I've thought about this at all), I choose to pray for discernment. 

I choose to pray for God's will be done.

And I pray that I be wise enough (and willing) to listen and hear what God is calling me to.

On a completely different note, this is the Disney moment I always think when people say they will pray for me to find my husband. 

Birds, Squirrels, and Chipmunks - Oh My!

As a child, like many other women of the world, I loved the Disney Princesses.  While some loved the idea of being swept off their feet by a prince or the leisurely lifestyle that came with being a princess, for me, it was more of the "burst into song at any moment" and "sing and talk with your animal friends" lifestyle that hooked me in.

Snow White sharing her dreams with the woodland creatures.

I'm serious.  I've always wanted to communicate with animals.

Cinderella was buds with the birds.

Wouldn't it be neat if cute little birds and forest animals could help you get ready in the morning?

Aurora and her friends.  (Sleeping Beauty - my favorite!)

Some might argue these Disney princesses talked to the woodland creatures because they had no one else to talk to (a reoccurring theme in these princesses' lives), but it's still fun to imagine themselves engaged with the creatures of their environments. 

So why do I share this confession with you today?

Giselle from Enchanted.

(I promise it is not because I have no one else to talk to.)

I've been spending some time outdoors by myself since coming to Chapel Hill.  Most of this time involves me going on long walks around town, but some of this time is sitting on the steps of my back porch....

...

...

...in silence.

I know, I know.  Not your typical Katy type of thing to do, but it has been an awesome practice to begin.

The funny part?  

It's not silent. 

 There is an original symphony performed each evening by a variety of birds.  Whether they are just calling out to each other or tootin' their own horn, it sounds like an evensong to me. 

In my stillness, I observe parts of God's good creation I might have looked over before. 

Like this guy:

I've seen this little one almost every day, doing the chipmunk things you would expect him to do.  I find it absolutely adorable to watch (yes, I know it is a form of rodent...) and it feeds this silly dream I have to one day be like David from Alvin & the Chipmunks (or Princess Aurora, whichever comes first).

The other day on a walk, I saw this going on:

 

While it may sound silly to talk of the Disney Princesses and their woodland creatures, it isn't so silly to sit or walk and observe God's creation at work.  I think that's a practice of sorts, especially when done in silence. 

So, get out there. 

Open your eyes. 

Engage in your environment.

Sit in your own silence.

And listen.

Observe.

Reflect. 

And give thanks. 

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." -Revelation 4:11

I'm New Here

Being the "new kid on the block" can always be a bit challenging at times.  As someone who works with youth and children, I try to work on creating the least awkward/uncomfortable/challenging situation possible with new faces, but alas, that doesn't always happen, does it?  I like to think that part of this journey I'm on called life has these "new kid on the block" experiences so that I can ideally learn something from them.  And in learning gain some knowledge or wisdom, or at least have a good story to share with others.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

For the facing of this hour, 

For the facing of this hour. 

This is the second time I've been the "new guy" at a church, and let's be honest, it won't be the last.  In my previous internship, there were THREE interns, which meant I wasn't the only "new guy".  Better yet, I had cohorts to commiserate with when I fumbled or bumbled during worship. 

Speaking of fumbling and bumbling, let's address what happened this morning.  

Meet Mike. 

Don't be fooled by Mike's fancy appearance and cool gadgetry.  Mike's a tricky one.  For instance, Mike has to be turned on and off each time you use Mike.  So, that means don't turn Mike on right when you robe up, because if you talk with some people in the office, the entire worshiping body in the sanctuary will hear you.  (Thank goodness I wasn't in the ladies room or telling awful jokes!)

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, 

Lest we miss Thy kingdom's goal, 

Lest we miss Thy kingdom's goal. 

The best thing about being the "new kid on the block" with a church?  grace.

Grace. 

Laughter.

Kindness.

Grace abounds.

Laughter abounds.

Kindness abounds. 

There is ample room for forgiveness, growth, and a chuckle. 

So when on your first Sunday you read something like this:

Romans 16: 1-16

(I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.  I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.  Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.  Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.  Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.  Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.  Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.  Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.  Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.  Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.  Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.  Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.  Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.  Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.  Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.  Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.)

...a verse full of names that are tongue twisters by themselves but then when piled together seem utterly impossible, you are able to stand before the congregation and just smile your way through it.  (And then after worship, joke with members on the baptism by fire you've received.)

Our God is a God of Grace. 

Our church is a place of Grace.  

All so we continue worshiping, serving, and loving in this world our God has created. 

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, 

Serving Thee whom we adore, 

Serving Thee whom we adore.

Welcome to Chapel Thrill

In case you didn't know, I've got the pleasure of spending this summer in Chapel Hill, NC serving as the Summer Intern at University Presbyterian Church.  I've been here a week and already experienced the generosity of true Southern Hospitality (and the infamous humidity!).  

In the week of finals, my traveling looked a bit like this:

And it was totally worth it to spend time with these awesome people:

The time was short and sweet and involved the zoo, aunty bath times, puzzles & songs,  amazing weather, good food, and great company!

My internship gets me back into what I love doing most and what brought me to Columbia: Youth Ministry.  I'm going with a group of youth to Montreat Youth Conference (my first time as a Youth Leader!)  and will spend a week at Montreat Worship and Music Conference (my first time as well!) I will get to serve alongside youth on a mission week at Appalachian Service Project.  I will be involved in Sunday worship on the Sunday's I'm here and as part of that, I am keeping a liturgy journal of sorts.  And of course, there will be some preaching involved.  

I live in this adorable cottage, Blythe Haven:

 It is perfect!  (And have you ever seen a house with a pew for a couch?)

The best part is my commute to work - this is taken from the front yard:

It is so green here, I just can't get over it!  Here's a picture of the front of UPC, I'll work on getting a better one...

This is the first time I've ever lived in downtown of sorts, and this being a college town, just about everything is walk-able!  I've been taking daily walks and just exploring the neighborhood.  I've got a good friend from CTS who is in Durham for a while, and she's been showing me the sights over there as well.  

I'm looking forward to this summer. I know it might be challenging at times, but as Bette Davis said, "The key to life is accepting challenges.  Once someone stops doing this, he's dead."  

Word #9 - Label

I've been a bit MIA due to some classwork and a conference (stay tuned for a post on that one!), but am still intending to do my 40 words.  Label is one of the words I carried around in my pocket for the past week in reflecting on what to write.  I stumbled upon this poem by Emily Dickinson and in an abstract way reminds me of that word: label.

This World Is Not Conclusion

by Emily Dickinson

this world is not conclusion

a species stands beyond -

invisible, as music -

but positive as sound -

it beckons, and it baffles

philosophy - don't know -

and through a riddle, at the last -

sagacity must go -

to guess it, puzzles scholars -

to gain it, men have borne

contempt of generations

and crucifixion, shown -

faith slips - and laughs, and rallies -

blushes, if any see -

plucks at a twig of evidence -

and asks a vane, the way -

much gesture, from the pulpit -

strong hallelujahs roll -

narcotics cannot still the tooth

that nibbles at the soul -

"This World Is Not Conclusion" by Emily Dickinson. Public domain.

We live in a society that wants to label everything: good/bad, fresh/old, big/small, rich/poor, smart/dumb, etc.  I encounter labels on a regular basis.  I spend more minutes than I want to admit reading labels on the products I buy at the grocery store.  I spy labels in the signs around town; "go here" or "don't go here". 

Labeling can be good, it can protect us- "POISONOUS".  But I think labeling has taken on a negative connotation within our society.  We've moved beyond labeling objects to labeling ourselves, our communities, our neighbors. Dickinson names some labels at work in the world in this poem; it seems we want to label the world as a conclusion.  

By putting a label on something, in a sense, we're done with it.  

Or, we think we are.  

I've had a few things I thought I had compartmentalized with a label...

and then...

Bam. 

That label doesn't seem to fit. 

(example: contemporary Christian Music; every time I think I've been "done" with it, I get surprised by how much I really like another song. This has been happening since 1998..you think I would learn.)

I could muse on for this, but instead, I'm going to challenge myself to maybe not be so quick to label the world around me.  

By doing so, I'm limiting myself. 

And The World is Not Conclusion.

Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

Colossians 3:9-11 … The Message …