Some real a.m. ink.

Well, this might be the first time I've actually posted in the morning as I had intended. The purpose of posting in the morning was supposed to be to motivate me to get out of bed. I just could never remember. I'm not sure why I'm awake at this hour, but I am, and I thought I'd write. This helps clear my head from the billions of thoughts I have everyday. It would probably be better to post at night. Actually, when I think about it, that's probably not a good idea. Night is when I'm most dramatic and I over react to situations. I'd be taking a lot of things off the record if I wrote them down here when I was like that. It'd be good entertainment for my readers though.

Moving right along...

I've been thinking about how destructive it can be to one's life to believe that your life has already been written and there's nothing you can do about it. If you think that you can't change your life, then you also believe that you can't make real mistakes because it wasn't really your choice. You then don't feel real contrition for your sins and can not have a true conversion.

That is something that bothered me about time travel movies. Did you see that Ben Affleck movie "Paycheck"? Very entertaining. His character built a machine that could see the future. How can you see something that isn't there? And he saw the future and didn't like it so he took some steps to change it. However, if the machine really worked, wouldn't it have seen what he was going to do all along? It just didn't fit.

Okay, just some food for thought.

God protects His children from Tsunami

God uses all things to bring glory to His Name! God Protects His own!

We know that 80% of the town of Meulaboh in Aceh was destroyed by the Tsunami waves and 80% of the people also died. This is one of the towns that was hit the hardest. But there is a fantastic testimony from Meulaboh. In that town are about 400 Christians. They wanted to celebrate Christmas on December 25th but were not allowed to do so by the Muslims of Meulaboh. They were told if they wanted to celebrate Christmas they needed to go outside the city of Meulaboh on a high hill and there celebrate Christmas. Because the Christians desired to celebrate Christmas the 400 believers left the city on December 25th and after they celebrated Christmas they stayed overnight on the hill. As we all know the morning of December 26 there was the earthquake followed by the Tsunami waves destroying most of the city of Meulaboh and thousands were killed. The 400 believers were on the mountain and were all saved from destruction. Now the Muslims of Meulaboh are saying that the God of the Christians punished us for forbidding the Christians from celebrating Christmas in the city. Others are questioning why so many Muslims died while not even one of the Christians died there. Had the Christians insisted on their rights to celebrate Christmas in the city, they would have all died. But because they humbled themselves and followed the advice of the Muslims they all were spared destruction and can now testify of God's marvelous protection. This is a testimony of the grace of God and the fact that as believers we have no rights in the world. Our right is come before God and commit our lives to Him. Our right is kneeling down before the Lord almighty and commit our ways to Him. He is our Father and is very capable to care for His children. Praise the Name of the Lord.

Bill Hekman Pastor Calvary Life Fellowship in Indonesia

God is so good!

I've got a story brewing'! It's going to be great. The Lord sort of dropped it in my lap. I've been wanting to do a film that's Christian based, but that isn't your typical "conversion story" film. I wanted a film about someone who's walking with the Lord, but having issues. A story about how to run the race, so to speak. And that's exactly what this film is about. I was looking at some digital cameras and thinking about how much they cost and where I would get the money to do a film when I realized that I have a loan offer from my credit company that's been sitting here staring me in the face. It never once occurred to me that I could use the funds for a film! I just keep throwing away the offer because I only thought it'd be good for a new car or something similar, which I have no use for. So, now I have the money and the story, there's nothing that can stop me! ...... uh..... I'd better go write the script now!

new toys

I recently purchased a new camera phone for use in Europe. It's a tri-band phone so I can use it practically anywhere. The pictures aren't that great and they cost a quarter to send anywhere, but it'll be fun anyway. I've yet to figure out how to send any pictures directly to my blog from the phone. Here's a picture of Candice and I at Walmart shopping for sheets to use at the hostels. Some hostels don't provide linen and will charge an arm and a leg for them.

epiphany

I've recently had an epiphany about spiritual growth. I've been doing some reading about how to train and strengthen my body. Each muscle has a specific function and can be trained individually. In the same way, we can train our minds. That's what we go through school for. We train the different areas of our minds, from math to reading and everything in between. But it has only now occurred to me that we can train and strengthen our spirits in the same purposeful manner. Through prayer, worship, and meditation of the Word, we can train our spirits to function properly. The next question being "What is the function of our spirit?"

New Direction

Tonight I had dinner with my parents and their friends from many years ago. Black Angus. It was a nice meal, of course I ate what I always eat there. Baked potato soup, Cesar salad, and cheesy bread. Yum :) It was a lovely night with good stories and discussions. I'm posting this blog to remind myself that I got a word from my dad's friend. He said that I will have direction from God three to six months from now. I don't want to be stuck wondering about it day after day, so I'm writing it down so I can forget about it. I have no idea what is going to happen and I want to have my head clear when the Lord speaks to me. So that's it!

New Gallery

I've just added a new photo gallery to my katherinelaine.com homepage. You can also access it by clicking the link below! Here I am after finally figuring out how to create the new gallery!

Snowqualmie Pass

Yesterday I had so much fun up at Snowqualmie Pass. I when with Sarah and Adrian. It was my second time snowboarding, but I really got the hang of it. I even attempted a couple jumps. The first one I fell flat on my tush. Ouch! The second one I slowed down on and just slide over it. I sure wish I had some money to buy my own gear so I could go at the drop of a hat. Maybe this summer when I get back from Europe I'll go looking for gear so it'll be cheaper. Anyway, I hope I get to go again soon.

Adrian and I had a neat discussion at one point while we were riding the lift up the mountain. I said something about how you don't see any animals creating any ski resorts. I thought it was cool that God gave us the minds and desire to enjoy life no matter what the weather. Adrian mentioned that God would have known what we would do with the snow when he created it. I reminded her that when God created the earth, he had no intentions of bad weather. It was paradise! Sunny days would be a no brainier for the weather man. It was an exciting thought for me when I realized that our making the best(skiing etc.) out of what we have (cold weather and snow) is evidence that we are made in God's likeness. Scripture tells us that God uses the bad for good. It's like making lemonade when you've been given a lemon!

Wedding

The Bride and Groom.

Sean and Serena

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I've had a computer crash. I will be posting some updates as soon as I get it fixed. Meanwhile, I hope everyone starts the new year off right! 2005 and still alive! That's all I could think of.

25 December

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Remember that the real reason we celebrate Christmas is to rejoice in the coming of the Son of God. Our Savior Jesus Christ!

Luke 2:9-14
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Family Christmas Card

europe plans

Cheramie and I have made some real progress with planning our trip. Here's a quick shot: London to Venice to Oslo to Stockholm to Dublin to London and back home to Seattle. Whew! All our flights are booked, we've got reservations at hostels in Venice and Oslo, we're visiting Cheramie's Swedish friend near Stockholm, being adventurous in Ireland, and going to see a show in London! All the while making lots of friends and memories. Anyone care to join us?

This is me and Steve in Romania posing by the Fanta poster. Wanta Fanta? 

early Christmas

It was like Christmas this morning. I woke up to the chime of the doorbell and found a rather large rather lite box with my name on it. I knew it had to be my new pack so I quickly pulled it inside the house and began tearing into it like I was five and thought there was a puppy inside! It was so exciting. So, here's a picture of what the bag looks like. And I already know I'm a geek if anyone feels like pointing that out to me. :)

Europe

Well, the trip to Europe is slowly forming. Cherm and I have roughly decided where we'll be going. Our time will be spent between London, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and Norway. Cherm has a friend in Sweden so accommodations there are covered, but everywhere else is still in question. I haven't bought my ticket yet, but soon. I did order new luggage. When it gets here I'll have my friend Adrian take a look at it for me. She's a hiker and knows all about backpacks. I'll be packing as light as possible, but a month is still a long time to live out of a backpack. Being a military kid I'm a pretty avid packer and traveler. That's about it for now, I'll keep ya posted.

famous friends

I had breakfast this morning with my friend Steve. He's a musician and a magnet designer. He's one of the most creative people I know. He gets an idea and he runs with it. He's very inspiring. You can check out his website by clicking the link. Anyway, it was nice to catch up since he moved to the east coast. He's making good progress with his music, it sounds great! You should buy a copy! Well, that's all for now. I have to go to work, but first I'm going to stop by the gym to sign up. I'm so excited to get back into working out. I always feel better after a workout.

camera

I took the camera to work again and here's a picture of Tim!

Bachelorette Party

Today was my friend's bachelorette party and we had a lot of fun. We played some games, had some food, gave gifts, and laughed a lot. One game included using toilet paper to make a wedding dress....

here's the winning team...

and here's Jami! (be sure to read her name tag carefully)...

next is presents...

and then cake!

All in all, it was a great time and a reminder that girls just wanna have fun!

just for cheramie

Well, my dear friend Cheramie said I hadn't enough picture on my website, so I set out to get more pictures. I decided to take a picture of me with my co-worker, Ryan, but then a couple other friends showed up! So here's some pictures Cherm!

last Thursday of November

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! I don't know about you, but I'm stuffed! Even more than the turkey. It was a wonderful meal and nice conversation. I'm thankful for all those things. What is it that you are thankful for?