New Year's Eve!

       Today is New Year's Eve! I'm sure you all have a few resolutions for 2014, am I right? Mine are:
1. Wake up Earlier (Yeah... I seriously NEVER get up early enough)
2. Be healthier (Because who doesn't want to be?)
3. Read my Bible every day (I'm not good at this one...)
5; Be a better sister ('cause I'm sure this could use some work)
6. Reach out more (Outreach is important)
7. Be brave
8. Ask questions (It's important to ask questions, and to know what's going on)


     So, what are your New Year's Resolutions? Excited for New Year's? I know I am! 2014, here I come!!! Have a happy new year everyone, and make the most of it!!!
                    
                                           ~Katie~

A Night of Loss

     Dear friends,
A close friend of mine lost her 13 year old brother last night, who was also my friend. It was very sudden, as he was happy, and healthy. It is being investigated as an accident or suicide, but all who knew him know it was an accident. The family is torn and heartbroken, as are we, the family's friends. Please pray for the family in their time of loss and grieving.
                  ~Katie~

Make my Day!

       Well, at 4:00 we finally ate brunch! It seems in reality that it was more like eating breakfast for dinner! Afterwards, we opened gifts! I got two C.D's from my parents, Sidewalk Prophets, and Matthew West! I loved seeing everyone open the gifts I made them, the reactions were priceless! We drove to Bethlehem (Not in Israel!!!) for a live nativity, but arrived a bit too late. Tonight we are all doing our own thing. The joy and peace of the day has not left us, and our hearts are calm. The hubbub, and craziness, and running around of Christmas day is exciting and thrilling. Spending time with family and celebrating together is absolutely priceless! However, I think my favorite part is at the end of the day. Everything is over, but I am not feeling empty. I feel full, and joyful. I like this part of the day, where I just sit and enjoy my Savior's love. In the morning he is in my bright smile, and excited songs. In the evening, he is in my gentle smile and soft, rich song. Despite missing family that we would normally spend Christmas with, and despite missing friends that would usually be so near, I can truthfully say that this day has been joyful, satisfying, and beautiful. The love is not diminished, simply more widely spread! Is this true contentment? Perhaps...

            ~Katie~

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!

         Guess what it is? That's right, it's Christmas!!!! Last night I finished up gifts for my family, and this morning I'm cooking breakfast! It's a beautiful day outside, though there is a serious lack of snow. Bacon is cooking in the oven, coffee is brewing, biscuits and cinnamon rolls are ready to be put in the oven, and my heart is singing joy and glory to God! You know, I'm excited for gifts, but that's not what matters today! Today, it matters that Jesus came down to earth to save me, and you, and everyone! Today, it matters that I've got my family beside me! Today it matters that the friends and family that are far away are still in my heart and on my mind! Right now I'm listening to contemporary Christian Christmas music, different from the Christmas music the last few days, but I like it! What are you doing this Christmas? Any special traditions? Remember always the reason we are really celebrating... JESUS!!!!!! And boy is he worth celebrating! Merry Christmas to all, and have a blessed day!
                 
                                           ~Katie~

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people!"

Just a Few Songs for the Listenin'

Okay, So where I live it's 20 minutes to Christmas, so here are a few Christmas songs to enjoy! Sorry, I make faces ad turn my face when I sing! :-P

Winter Wonderland
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
O Little Town of Bethlehem
O Come, O Come, Immanuel
and
White Christmas

Hope you enjoyed!!!!

Christmas Eve

     Well, today is Christmas Eve, Merry Christmas Eve everyone out there!!! I'm listening to Hyper's piano playing right now. You can find his blog at www.hyperlinker.blogspot.com He's an amazing pianist and I could listen to his playing all day! Anyway, last night we finally got our Christmas tree up, and did some decorating! While we were decorating, we watched The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe! It's kinda a Christmas tradition. I've also been reading Treasures of the Snow by Patricia M. St. John, another Christmas tradition! My novel The Lost Princess by Kate Elizabeth StoneAcre is now going through the editing process, and will be published soon! I'm so excited!!!!! Now I just need to do a bit of baking, finish up last-minute Christmas gifts, and drink hot cocoa! Have a blessed Christmas Eve, and remember the true reason for Christmas! :-D

"Hosanna to the son of David, hosanna in the highest!"