Home Life Matters

History in the Making

Katie — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:26:57 +0000

Yesterday was the 18th anniversary of the day I married my best friend. It was the beginning of a journey that has taught me many lessons–some repeatedly. I could probably do a post a day for the next 18 years and still not touch all the lessons I have learned. We won’t go there. Instead, I’ll just share how we chose to spend the day.

Steve is a huge history buff. I also enjoy history–especially with Steve’s color commentary added into the mix. So, we set out to explore The Hermitage. I had been there as a chaperone for field trips, but Steve had never been. It was a lot of fun. We enjoyed taking our time and listening to each of the audio segments on the headsets provided. It was interesting to imagine how life must have been on the plantation so many years ago.

I couldn’t help but wonder what people would learn from our home and lives if they studied them years from now. I have no desire to be famous or to have people tour my homestead one day. However, I do hope people would be able to learn from our mistakes, laugh at our crazy antics, and be inspired to do more–to make a bigger impact on the Kingdom. May our family always point others to a “real-ationship” with our amazing God.

Sixth-grade Servants

Katie — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:09:53 +0000

I just returned from a weekend trip with some really cool Exit 6 students. Exit 6 is a program for the 6th graders at my church. It helps them transition from the children’s ministry to the youth ministry. We went to Cincinnati to explore the Creation Museum, bond as a group, and serve at a homeless shelter. There were many highlights from the trip, but watching the students transition from sixth-graders to servants as we worked at the shelter was one of my favorites.

We made 28 homemade pizzas–chopped the veggies, cooked the meat, etc. Those students jumped right in and worked hard with great attitudes. They helped prepare the meal, serve the meal, and clean up from the meal. They even spent time interacting with people from the shelter. People who didn’t dress like them, look like them, talk like them, or smell like them. They didn’t seem to notice the differences by the time we were finished.

I vividly recall one moment as I stood in a corner and watched them in action. My “Mommy Heart” looked out over the room, noticing the unique personalities shining through as they served, and wished all the other Mommies could have witnessed what I was seeing. They got it–they saw the big picture. They were really serving for the right reasons.

I can’t always say the same thing about myself. I sometimes allow the distractions of my daily details to cloud up the big picture. What about you? When’s the last time you served–like a sixth-grade servant?

Taking Turns

Katie — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:58:17 +0000

I’ve decided it’s not a bad idea to take turns doing someone else’s job if you are able to do so. It gives you a new perspective on things. Today, we took turns answering the phones for the receptionist. Some on our team were learning for the first time just how hard it can be to answer the phone. As I watched their anxiety wax and wane over the 45 minute shifts, I allowed myself to remember how stressful it was for me to learn the same skills a few years ago.
It seems as if time stands still from the time the caller asks to speak to someone and the time it takes for me to find the button that will connect the call to the proper extension. It must be some law of physics or something. Afterall, how hard can it be just to transfer a call? Right?
Hmmmm. . . It made me think. I can be critical of others very easily sometimes–at least until I am walking in their shoes!

Oh, and by the way, I don’t have issues with our receptionists. They are quite good at what they do! It’s some other, unmentioned things I struggle with

Try, Try Again

Katie — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:53:08 +0000

It’s that time again. I’m trying to be more consistent at updating my blog. Actually, I have been consistent–consistently sporadic! I guess what I am trying to do is jump back on the wagon of more regular posts. I won’t even attempt to suggest what “regular” will mean–let’s just see how that works out.

Some coworkers who repeatedly chastised me in front of a visiting consultant yesterday spurred this attempt on! They might have thought it would embarrass me but it didn’t. However, it did make me want to tell things about them on my blog! If you want to learn more, keep reading!

I knew you’d keep reading. I hope you won’t be disappointed in what I am about to share. Here goes . . .

Jonathan Yandell has just returned from California where he welcomed his first grandaughter, Noelle, into the world! Only a few weeks before, he was in Oklahoma welcoming another grandson, Landon, into the world. He is a dear friend and great partner in crime–I mean co-worker. His tireless efforts have provided some exciting additions and changes to Fusion Magazine as well as many other things. He often inspires me–at work and in life.

Jacob Riggs started out at RH as an intern in my department. I was thrilled to have him join the team because I was already a fan of his creativity, humor, and general approach to life. It didn’t take long for him to move into a new position, created just for him, where he continues to flourish–and amaze me. I got to peruse the first issue of The Brink Magazine he has been creating and I am so proud of him and excited about this program’s potential to impact the Kingdom!

Danny Conn was always “that guy” taking pictures at the National convention until a few years ago when he became my boss. I wonder if he knew what he was getting into when he agreed to come to RH and deal with our department! I often worried, early on, that we would run him off! I have been amazed at his ability to teach difficult truths and passages of Scripture and make it seem easy. I have learned a lot about biblical translation and history under this man, for sure! I am thankful for the leadership he provides that allows for creative boundaries and expression. It’s great to be on his team!

Ron Hunter first became a familiar name and face some 20 years ago (ouch, it hurt me to type that number!) when I met him on the campus of Free Will Baptist Bible College. I had no idea I would one day be working under his leadership, but I sure am thankful for that truth. It is very encouraging to work in an environment where creativity is encouraged and supported. It’s also exciting to be part of a team that is willing to take some hits, expand certain boundaries, or step out of a box in order to continue to edify and provide tools for the Body! I’m thankful and proud to be on this team. (BTW, Happy Birthday, Ron!)

You (and my co-workers) might have expected something different. That’s okay. I just find myself feeling very thankful that “for such a time as this,” I get to be on this RH team. I have a strong desire for God to use me to bring others closer to Himself. My participation on this team is providing opportunities to do that and my heart is overflowing because of it. I wish you could be on this team, too! It’s a great place to be!

I’ll see you in 4 months! Just kidding. It will be sooner than that–I hope

Where’s the flashlight?

Katie — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:12:12 +0000

Honey, where are the matches? Mom, where’s the flashlight? Help! Where’s the extra toilet paper? These are questions that invoke a different answer audibly than the one that remains in my head! (Duh? Where have we always kept that? How long have we been married? How many times do I have to remind you of the same thing? Have you even looked where I told you to look last week? Do you have your eyes open? Are you kidding me?)

Without the same sarcastic tone that often accompanies my thoughts, I find myself wondering if God says some of the same things to me when I fail to remember what He’s already told me. (Trust me, child. Don’t you remember I already forgave you for that–I don’t even remember it. Read my Word–the same verses I showed you two days ago! )

Today He lovingly reminded me of something He has shown me over and over again–even in the last week. When will I learn?

Are you looking for anything and forgetting you already know where to find it?