journal

July 10, 2007 - Be Clean

I've believed a lie that says "You're not enough for me."
How is it even possible that I don't need everything around me?
I've believed a lie that says "You're not listening."
With everyone in the world to care for, You must be busy.

So now I cry because I know
That You've said,
"Look at my scars on my hands and my feet.
I've gone through great suffering.
And even now I will help you through this.
I am so patient, I know your doubt.
Come to me and I'll shed light upon
the darkness that threatens to consume you,
the worry that begins to weigh you down;
My load is is easy and my burden light,
I carry it all for the ones who delight in me.
In your lonliness if you find
a spirling down effect that leads you
into a hole of depression,
Just lift your eyes up to the skies
and see that I am pleading on your behalf.
I'm calling out your name to the Father,
to bring you close to His side.
This is not just an idea to appease your pain.
It's the reality of my suffering.

If you are feeling filthy
and you can't wash away the past guilt,
remember when I saw the leper and with pity on him I said,
'Be clean.'
I am willing to make you clean
Stand and go out of here with no shame
For I have washed you completely in my blood,
through my suffering.
If you are waiting for a season to pass
I will more than bring you to the a shoreline for rest.
I know you're getting tired of treading with everything you have.
Know that I am nearer than you could imagine and I will lift you up again
and give you the courage to be patient through everything;
even the things that you hate.
I will use it all for my glory and your good,
Believe that I am good."

July 9, 2007 - Spiritual Words

At some point in my growing up years, I began to believe that those who speak more spiritual words and have more awe inspiring occurances are those who walk with God the closest. And so often in my insecurities I have almost used God and His word to elevate myself. All the while God Himself says that He will humble those who exalt themselves. Over and over again I think of the poor old sinner who beat his chest crying out, God have mercy on me a sinner, and how God was pleased with this man above the spiritual individual who thanked God that he was able to avoid committing serious sin in his lifetime. I would like to say I'm the poor old man beating his chest; the one who recieves mercy. But so often self-righteousness and pride and lack of care for others invades me. I am like the spiritual, ignorant, self absorbed man.

It's interesting that the people in the bible were normal people going about their normal lives- it wasn't that they sought out supernatural experiences that they could boast in, but rather that God spoke and they had willing, obedient hearts. It wasn't that they plastered "God told me to do this." on everything. The reality is that God spoke in the midst of the mundane and these people struggled with how to respond, and yet most were willing and obedient. It's difficult to ignore God for long.

Oh God, help me to not over spiritulize the things that you've already made simplistically lovely. Make my heart tender to always being willing and obedient when you call.

July 7, 2007 - Raccoon

A few nights ago Grandma Flossie, Aunt Missy, and I were all around Gram's
dining room table playing a card game called "Hand and Foot." We were so
enjoying the game,our popcorn, chocolate, and soda that we didn't realize how
late it was getting. We finally decided to quit the fun and go to bed when Aunt
Missy yelled for a flash light saying that the dogs had gotten some sort of
critter. Oh my. The dogs had attacked a racoon and had injured it by using it
as their play toy. It definitely needed to be put down. Aunt Missy had the
shovel and asked if I could do it. I was quite sure that I could do it until I
saw how cute the racoon was. Tears filled my eyes and I just couldn't. (Now, if
the racoon was attacking someone I could have done it, but even the I probably
would grab the person and run far far away.) We tried to figure out if there
were any men in the area who would be home and able to put the poor thing out
of it's misery. No luck. I ran inside to grab a sweater and when I came back
out, there was Gram with the shovel taking care of business. We then proceded
to put the racoon in a bag, all the while Aunt Missy whined that she was going
to throw up. I also had to swallow to keep it all down. So Grandma Flossie was
the brave one. She really didn't want to do it. She just felt bad for the poor
thing and knew that someone had to take care of it. We were all wide awake
after the escapade so we finished the night with another round of cards.

July 6, 2007 - 4am

Well goodmorning, friends. It's 4am right now and I'm not quite sure why I'm awake. I'm wondering if it was the banana split that I ate last night or just that I'll be back into music as of next Friday and the excitement keeps me awake. Either way, I've been meaning to write an update for some time. So really, why not 4 in the morning?

This summer has been quite enjoyable. Last week I was biking down the road to meet a friend for coffee and thinking about how fresh air just makes one feel alive. Certain temperatures in certain settings specifically feel amazing. For instance:
83 degrees on a beach with a breeze and a splash of the ocean,
70 degrees on a bike on an early summer morning,
54 degrees at night on a camping trip around a warm fire,
(Forgive me, some of these temps may not be spot on. You'll have to give or take a few degrees.)

It has been great to spend time outside with friends and family and the great part is, summer has just begun. Next Saturday night I get to play at Lifest with a full band. Scott Troyer, Lynn Graber, and Alex Texteria, will all be driving up from Indiana and joining Hoss and I in Oshkosh at 10pm at the festival. I have had a few weeks without playing music and I am now anticipating next weekend with excitement. Following Lifest we will be playing a few other random places before leaving for a trip to Guatemala. We'll finish up the summer with more concerts and events and a good friend's wedding. I'm sure you all have amazing adventures in store for the rest of the summer as well, and I hope that you enjoy each moment as God gives it.

I love that He is in the business of giving life. Not just oxygen/heart beating life but life that makes us fully alive in HIM. Our souls, our beings, our relationships, our minds; made new through faith in Jesus. His death bringing us life.

Here are a few verses from the book of Hebrews that I was reading the other day that blew my mind.

How much more will the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself without blemish, to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve a living God!
Through a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil , His flesh.

I'm seeing that the life God gives is the life that I'm always longing for. If only we would take a moment to turn our gaze to Him in our day. Life is not always bike rides and gentle breezes, and yet still God remains faithful through each season of difficulty and joy.

John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.

Much love to you as you seek Him,
Katie

June 14, 2007 - My Nephew, the Protector

Yesterday I was standing in line at Dollywood to get on a ride with my 4 year old nephew. I told him that I was a little nervous that part of the ride was going to be in a dark tunnel. He reached up his little hand, touched my face and said, "It's alright Auntie Katie, I'll protect you." He then proceded to assign protectors to every lady in my family before we stepped on the ride. During the ride he cuddled close to me and would randomly assure me that he was brave so I need not be afraid. By the intensity of some of his squeezes I think the protecting was going both ways.

Last night my brother in law came to the end of his patience rope and so my brother in laws and sisters and brother and I all played a midnight game of putt putt. The golf course was over the top extravagant. We were so geared up after our game of golf, and especially since we won 5 free games, that we drove around to at least five different go-cart places only to find that most places close after midnight. Oh well, we still have today:)

Last week I was at Silver Birch Ranch with my good friends and fellow musicians, Hoss and Scott. We had a great time hiking and widdling and playing music. The speaker, Dave Wager spoke about intimacy a bit and since then I have been thinking about how to grow in openess and care with those I love. At one point in my life I was in a frenzy trying to build relationships. Recently I've realized that relationships are a gift. I cannot force or manipulate intimacy with others. I am so thankful that God has given His wisdom and love in this area. I'm not suzre how it happens but somehow as I go to God for help asking Him for wisom and love, He supernaturally gives love. Really, I shouldn't be surprised ,since God is the very definition of love and He Himself invented relationships and intimacy. Love is patient love is kind, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self seeking, it keeps no record of wrongs, it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always trusts, always hopes, always protects, always perseveres. Love never fails. May we always be thankful for the the time that God gives to be with those we love the most. And may we ever overflow with God's love to one another.

Much love, Katie

April 24, 2007 - Lift Your Eyes

If I could tell you a thing or two,
I would let you know that He hears the broken,
and took notice of the leper, the woman at the well, and the blind beggar.
He shunned the religious arrogant
and had mercy on the poor old sinner
who beat his chest and pleaded for a drop of grace.
God's perspective is turned all around
from the way we see things,
and he wants to give us a glimpse into these glorious mysteries.

So don't be so hard on yourself.
He is pouring His love on you.
He just wants you to take off the rain coat.
Yes He is holy, but He willingly laid aside His majesty
to prove His love for you.
He is willing to help you in your unbelief
and He understands more deeply than words can go
So rest easy knowing that He loves you more than you know.
Frustrated that again you've walked away.
Lift your eyes...
I pray that your soul may find rest in God alone.

Love, Katie

April 24, 2007 - The shadow proves the sun shines

In a hotel lobby looking for a sauna and a place to rest
My card was declined and the hostess sympathized;
or was it pity, It's hard to tell.
I walked out the door
Trying to hide my crying
Only to find that when I reached my car
My gas was on empty
With many written checks
Which won't be helpful until tomorrow when the bank opens
And 2 physical dollars to my name
I'm finding my way back to Grandma's house.
All alone, with little identity and no money.

I was hoping to awake with the beauty of the sun rise
Only to find that it is somewhat gloomy today
(The weather seems to echo other things)
There's much to do, and I've eaten too much sugar already.
Today i'll check my mail and stop at the bank and see some familiar faces
I'll bring some posters to my church
Perhaps enjoy filling a friend in on my tour adventures
At some point I'll have tea with Gram
I'll read my bible and be reminded that I'm not alone.
That God is faithful through it all.

April 3, 2007 - One Hour

"So could you not watch with me one hour?"

This is the question Jesus asked His disciples, while in the garden before His death. Even today it challenges me and my heart. Am I not willing to struggle in life with my Lord? Am I too accustomed to ease and my way that I am utterly shocked at the idea of difficulty. Like life has somehow chosen me as the object of wrath of all mankind?

Today, I found out one of my dear friends will be having surgery. When I heard her name, I remembered all of the stories that she and her husband have shared with me - the many difficult things in their lives; and yet they are to me one of the clearest pictures of Christ's love. Hmm... Isn't it odd that those who follow God also have died of starvation, and have been penniless, and struggled greatly? Seems contradictory to our idea of blessings from God.

Life happens. It is truly what we choose to do with the life that makes the difference. May our lives boldly speak of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Once again, I am thankful that God understands our weaknesses. Jesus Himself pleaded in the garden: "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will , but as You will."

1 John 3:16-18 âEUR" By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyones had the world's goods and sees his brother in need , yet closes his heart against him, how does god's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and truth.

Much love,
Katie

April 2, 2007 - Easter in New York

As we are approaching Easter, I've been continuously thinking about life and new life and how because Jesus rose from the dead we also have life. It truly is amazing. I too often live as though I am dead. Sometimes I feel like I'm riding on a large conveyor belt and all along the sides of the belt belt are people shoving food in my mouth and telling me what to wear and who to be and truly I get frozen. It's like I'm glued to the rat race. When all the time within me is a belief screaming that real life exists, that Christ died not so that I would be paralyzed by my own limitations and expectations, but that I would truly and with creativity live in and through Jesus. Dead to self but alive in Christ. Sometimes it's just a little painful to crawl off the conveyor belt of this world - all alone - remembering that truly living the unique life of obedience to Jesus is what my soul craves and needs. He is so patient. This morning I was reading about the time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after He rose from the dead. He was gracious to show them the scars in His hands and His feet. He knows that we are mere people and I'm so thankful that He continues to prove His love in small ways. He has no obligation to prove anything to me and yet he does.

Right now I'm in New York on tour. I really like this area and have met some sweet people already. The sun is shining and compelling me to try out my new running shoes. Hmmm...

Oh by the way... I'm so excited! I'll be picking up my cds from Pensauken, NJ on April 10th. WOO HOO!! If you like, you may pre-order the album on my website. Also I will have a cd release concert at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, WI on June 3rd and would love to touch base with you.

Much love,
Katie

February 6, 2007 - Trustworthy

Well, it is so cold up here in Wisconsin that cars don't start, and boogers freeze, and coffee sales are at their all time high. I can't complain; my car started, I don't get boogers, and I love coffee. Actually right now I'm in a coffee shop. I drove to Peshtigo this morning to play for a group of ladies only to find that due to cold weather, the event was cancelled. Immediately the thought of my bed flashed into mind and my heart sank a bit at the missed possibility of sleeping in on a chilly morning. Very quickly after that thought I was reminded that God has a purpose for everything in life and I quietly told the Lord that I didn't know why I was 2 hours from home for no reason but that I'd be on the lookout. A few moments later that pastor of the church jokingly asked if I would play for their staff meeting. I said sure. I'll tell you... it truly was an incredible time. I think they were encouraged and I was as well. Hmm, I'm thankful.

On my drive to Peshtigo, I got to talk with some of my dearest friends. They lived in Columbia for years translating the bible into a tribal language. And ever since they moved back to the states they have been longing to return to people they love so much. For the past seven years that I've known them, they have prayed and wondered "why the wait?" All the while knowing that God would bring about His good plans in His good time. I just found out today that they are leaving tomorrow for a week long trip to help with some translation. This is incredible for them; they were some of the first people to put this tribe's language on paper. So approximately 20 years later they are helping on the final translation of some of the first bible lessons.

Today I'm reminded that God can be trusted. He does have the best plans. He loves us the most and we much trust when life seems so uncertain.

Much love and grace to you today,
katie

January 18, 2007 - Speak to Me

Good morning all:) This morning I am once again sitting in my grandma's kitchen enjoying a cup of tea and a snowy view out the window. Yesterday was my first day home after being gone for a few months , and so it was both productive and refreshing. Today I'm off to spend the weekend with my brothers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It's quite possible that I'll even have the chance to go skiing with them. Whatever we do will be an adventure. I'm excited!

On Monday, I will be driving back to Indiana to record my final vocal takes for the upcoming album. After nearly a year of planning and praying and dreaming and working on this album it is now coming to an end; or shall I say a beginning:) We will record my vocals and background vocals this week and then begin the mixing process; with plans to send the final artwork and audio in for replication by March 1st. Which means that the album will be out and for sale by the second week in March! I'm excited to begin sharing these songs as I travel around. The album title is "Speak To Me." It comes from a few thoughts all meshed together in my mind.

Matthew 6:28 - See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that even Solomon in all His splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field , which is here today and tomorrow is thrown in the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Why do we worry so and strive and beat ourselves up when all the while we have a God who is patiently waiting for us to Speak to Him?

Psalm 62:8 - Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Sometimes we carry unnecessary burden. God did not come to weigh us down but to be our refuge and our source of life.

John 3:17 - For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

I'm looking forward with hope and joy to what God has in store.

Much love and grace to you,
Katie

December 30, 2006 - Catching Up

Good morning, friends; And an early one it is. I'm currently at my parent's house in the U.P. of Michigan. Today I'll be heading back to Wisconsin, back to the crazy and yet good music schedule. I realize that it as been quite some time since I've written and it would be foolish for me to believe that I might be able to fit even a fraction of the happenings in this one entry without it sounding like a list. So instead of fighting it, I'm just going to surrender and document in a somewhat sterile format , the life I've been living.

#1 my car has been fixed- I'm driving my faithful Volvo wagon around with no remnants of any deer.(For the time being)

#2 I went on a month long tour out East. It was truly an adventure as I traveled through 12 different states. IN,OH,PA,NY,NH,NJ,CT, RI,ME,...Hmm I'm not sure which ones I'm missing... Honestly , I loved the trip. I enjoyed meeting new friends, and seeing new sights and it was a blessing to have my friend and producer, Scott Troyer along for the ride. We thank God for His care and provision and are both excited to continue touring as opportunity comes along.

#3 Not long after the tour, we went into the recording studio once again with fresh ears and ideas and I'm pleased to say that the album is nearing completion. Thanks to Scott Troyer and Lynn Graber the songs are sounding more and more beautiful. The anticipation I have for you all to hear the finished product is somewhat like that of a little kid waiting for Christmas. I'm excited:)

#4 Christmas break with my family has been really good. Taking saunas in the back yard, hearing dad play the guitar,playing violent games of liverpool(it's a card game), going bowling with my grandparents, (my one boast this Christmas is that I bowled a score of 170 -If you've ever bowled with me, you know this is a miracle. My second round was a bit more telling of my usual score at 50 points- Oh well ,at least the moment felt good) and last but not least it was a delight to be with my brothers and nieces and nephews;somewhat crazy at times but never lacking in energy and fun. These times always seem a bit too short. I guess it makes sense that I wouldn't want to leave people I love.

In closing, i want to thank you for all of your support and love in this past year and I pray that this next year you may know the One who loves us , even a bit more. in the months I'll be wrapping up an album, traveling to MN, IN, NY, FL,Australia, and a few other places I'm sure. if you think of it, I would appreciate your prayers.

Acts 21:32- Now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Much love to you,
katie

November 7, 2006 - Oh Deer...

I've made a recent discovery concerning the large deer population in this great state of Wisconsin. Years ago I would have said that animals (especially deer and sheep) lack in the intelligence area. And yet my recent discoveries conflict with my previous assumptions. I have reasons to believe that deer are no longer in defense mode when it comes to hunting. Rather they have become offensive by actually attacking innocent drivers. Why me? I'm not sure. But a little over a month ago a deer decided to plunge into the road in front of of my car resulting in it's brutal death. ( My car was quite injured as well, with thousands of dollars in damage)

I did get my car fixed and cleaned of all the deer remains just in time for deer # 2 to display it's revenge on humanity. Currently my car is in the shop and I am waiting to hear if it has any hope of survival. Really I don't have much more to say concerning this issue other to warn you all. Drive slowly around dusk, never swerve for a deer, and make sure you have deer insurance if you visit the state of Wisconsin.

Happy Hunting,
katie

October 11, 2006 - Friends and Family

So, today I don't know what to do. Life comes and goes and sometimes we stress over things that we really don't need to. And yet sometimes we fail to ponder life enough. How do I know how I'm supposed to think? It makes me tired just thinking about it. I so wish that I could do more for my friends and family. More to ease their struggle and pain. How are we supposed to communicate love when words are not found and the distance is too far to stop in for tea? If I was all alone in this turmoil I'm sure I'd go crazy. But I dare not forget that someone cares about my circumstances and thoughts and friends and family more than I do.

Oh God, help me to trust You. Today I pray that you will be a light to those around you who so desperately need love and affirmation that the world is slow at giving.

"Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."
- Psalm 143:8 

With grace and love,
katie

October 9, 2006 - Nicaragua

Today is a good day. The weather is slightly dreary here in Wisconsin, making it the perfect time to catch up on an overdue journal entry and have a cup of tea. I really hope that you are doing well – filled to overflowing with hope and life. Life continues to come my way at a reasonably fast pace and I am thankful for all of the opportunites that God continues to bring.

Since the last time I wrote, I hit a deer with my car. I just would like to know, what is it about my family's vehicles that is so attractive to deer? (Last night a deer ran into the side of my mom's car.) When I brought my car in to the auto body shop to get fixed the mechanic asked if he had worked on this car in the past; it looked familar to him. Come to find out, he had in fact worked on it when my dad hit a deer with it. My goodness!!! Lets just say we love State Farm Insurance! They picked up the majority of the costs.

While my car was in the shop, I took a trip to Nicaragua with my friends and fellow musicians, Scott Troyer and Lynn Graber. Our friend Luis Martinez, whom we met in Guatemala this summer, asked us to lead music at a large gathering that he was preaching at in Managua. We flew out of Indianapolis on September 22, expecting to be in Managua by early afternoon. Instead we arrived at 11:30 that night after experiencing the most challenging of travel experiences. We ended up flying from Indianapolis to Atlanta to Miami to San Salvador to Managua. We definitely got in our physical activity for the day as we ran from gate to gate. In the end we were really thankful that we made it in time for the event. On Sunday, the 23rd, we took a trip to the market in search of some clothes to wear to the event. (The airline lost our luggage.) We found what we needed and went back to the hotel to practice one last time our songs in Spanish. Scott learned the lyrics to 6 hymns in spanish and even translated one of his own songs as well. I played the keyboard and sang harmony on most of the choruses. Lynn backed us up with a second guitar. We ended up playing for 35,000 people that day and someone said that 500 people accepted Jesus Christ as thier savior. Exciting!! It all still feels surreal, but a really good experience. We flew back to Indiana on Monday and even found our luggage on the way home. Clean clothes feel amazing after you've worn the same outfit for 2 days in 90 degree weather.

I flew back into Wisconsin on Wednesday and have been in full swing with music and life. I really enjoyed playing music this weekend. Somehow I walk away refreshed and full of rest when I have opportunity to sing. We played at a little Coffee shop in Marinette, WI on Friday night, a women's event in Oskosh on Saturday, and yesterday played a concert in Norway, MI at my uncle's church.

This morning I was reading and came across this in a book by Beth Moore and wanted to share it with you.

"I believe that God takes the building blocks of our lives and uses them for His glory. Never assume that to follow Him means to throw away who He has made you to be. Few things seem less spiritual than keeping a bunch of smelly sheep, yet God used David's skills for eternal purposes."

If you get a chance, find Sleeping At Last's song "Umbrellas" and listen to it today.
You were meant for amazing things! May you be reminded by the One who created you and Who has good plans for you.

Much love,
katie

August 21, 2006 - In Your Arms

Good morning dear friends. Once again I've made it home to Grandma's house and so I am able to take a moment and fill you in with recent news.

Last week was a really great week for recording. Lynn Graber , my recording engineer from The Recording House, laid down some drum parts that really brought completion before moving on to the bass. Dan Wilton played some sweet and groovin bass lines. Once again, I can't wait for you to hear the new songs!

Scott Troyer is producing my album and doing an amazing job. As the artist, I have an idea of what I would like but have a hard time knowing how to bring about the end goal. That's where Scott comes in. I tell him all of my thoughts and ideas for the album and he is committed to accomplishing the end goal and striving for excellence throughout the process. I am so thankful. If it comes to mind, please pray that The Lord continues to bless this recording time and give us creativity, wisdom, and care with one another.

Last week we had a crazy moment while working on a song that our friend Nathan Hamlin wrote. We were planning on recording the drums and a basic guitar part and so we spent quite a bit of the day making sure we were ready. We figured out the format and even programed a piano loop to fit the song. Shortly after we finished working on the song, I got an email from Nathan that contained a much anticipated second verse. Scott and I were quite excited. And then Nathan mentioned that he had also written a bridge. This would have been better news if we would have gotten it a few hours earlier. We were planning on leaving for the recording studio in less than an hour and somehow needed to hear the new bridge, learn the new bridge and fit it into a new format. Oh my. One small difficulty; Nathan lives in Ireland. Scott and I made an executive decision that if we didn't hear from Nathan before going out to the studio we would carry on with the original plan. Well , we did hear from him; in the car on the way. Nathan played and sang "In Your Arms" over the phone for us 5 times and we went into the studio and got it done!!! A bit crazy , but well worth it. (We think that this song may be a radio hit:)

Well, my mother is in town today and she has a bit of shopping to do, so I think I'll head into town with her. Later on I have another story to tell you. I nearly got in trouble with the law last night... I know , You're dying to know. Soon enough... soon enough.

Blessings to you,
katie

August 12, 2006 - Back From Guatemala

Good morning, dear friends. I am finally taking a moment from the business of life to jot down a bit of life. The past weeks have been truly rich with new experiences and relationships. The end of July was full of music opportunities and so it was an interesting puzzle trying to find the time to pack up my apartment and move in with my Grandma Flossie. ( I'm at her house right now enjoying an early morning cup of coffee. I'm typing and she's working on a crossword puzzle . I like this alot!) In addition to packing for the move into Gram's, I also was packing for a 9 day trip to Guatemala and a 4 day stay in Indiana for when we got back into the States. Goodness gracious! You should see my car. Not alot of room to spare.

Guatemala was amazing! You can check out some photos from the trip at lwcteamguatemala.blogspot.com.

If you are free I would love to get together with you and tell you all of the stories but for now I'll just share one.

One day our group went to Tzucubal, a village in the mountains. We gave out over a thousand pair of shoes; one pair at time, trying to find the best pair of shoes for each individual. I stayed outside of the building hanging out with the hundreds waiting in line. The little kids were adorable, the mountains breathtakingly gorgeous, and the moment, moving as I watched excited families and little kids with their new pair of shoes. One little girl in particular grabbed my heart. She had some sort of skin disease or infection on her face and arms.Her arms originally were covered up with dirty,old sweatshirt sleeves. My friend Chris and I pulled off the sleeves and rubbed ointment and lotion on her and then covered them with bandages. This little girl ended up bringing us a bag of bananas and standing near us for the rest of the day. I can't even begin to tell you what it meant to me to be able to physically care for this little girl. At one point during the day I asked the Lord why I couldn't just live with the Guatemalan people; I so loved the time. As I was bandaging the little girl, in my heart, God reminded me that he has called me to do the same thing for people's souls. And so I did come home last Saturday night. I am excited about this season of my life and hoping that a future season may include the country of Guatemala.

On Sunday night, my good friend, Steve drove to Fort Wayne from Kansas City, Missouri. We spent all day Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in the recording studio. It is incredible to watch an idea become reality. Steve did a phenomenal job on the drums. I can't wait for you all to hear the new album. I'll be heading back into the studio on Monday with my producer, Scott, my bass player, Dan, and recording engineer, Lynn. If you think about it, pray that God will give us wisdom, creativity and provision in this process.

Well, my Aunt Melissa is making breakfast and I need to finish getting ready for a concert today so, take a moment today to be refreshed and renewed by God's love and life.

Much love,

katie

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