*snow day*

Well, my prayer was answered.  "Lord, a snow day tomorrow would be REALLY really nice.  Can I have it?!"

Woke up at 5:30am with Craig to check the news and started getting ready for work when I didn't hear anything about the Mead School District.  5:59am...Mead School District: CLOSED.  Really?!  I got my wish!  Now what...

I can't go back to sleep because I have already had three cups of coffee.  So I made a to-do list that I am aiming to complete.  This snow might handicap Craig and I this weekend from painting rooms in our house so we will probably continue to pack up our apartment and get things ready to go.  Our goal is to be out of our apartment a week from today.  That's 7 days!  I am really excited but there is a part of me that holds to the bittersweet feeling of leaving this cozy little 1-bedroom box.  If you would like to come help us decorate, paint, move, etc...please let us know!  Once moved in we will be hosting a house warming party -- because it's pretty cold in there right now!!!  I might even attempt to make homemade bread in my bread maker 3000.  

Home sweet home in just a few short weeks.  There is some apprehension in me about the added responsibilities that come with a 1,200 sq. ft. home.  We will definitely have projects to last us through the summer!  

Now that it's 7:50am I will post my to-do list and get started with today's bullet points!!

• blog 
• vacuum
• RUN 5 miles
• go to Winco
• make a Pinterest recipe
• pack
• go through my clothes...purge!!!
• laundry (if i make it to Winco to get quarters)
• Bible study
• write some birthday cards
• and watch the movie RENT to prepare myself to see it on stage next weekend!!! YAY!
• anticipate my husband's safe arrival home tonight for boot camp!

Happy productivity day!  Thanks snow :]

this crazy little thing called life

fact: Life is short.

advice: Don't waste it.

how to: love, serve, sing, dance, laugh, cry, run, compete, worship, pray, meditate, exercise, befriend, drink, coffee, succeed, fail, and put your faith in the only thing that stands firm in this dark, sinful world: the Lord.  ["the Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still" exodus 14:14]

I have been deeply challenged to live my life for the Lord and to make decisions that I wouldn't regret later on.  I, more so, have considered this within my marriage.  Craig and I barely see each other during the week but when we do our time is so much richer if we are speaking kind words and performing encouraging acts of service toward one another.  If either of us were to go be with our Savior sooner than later, I surely wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life drowning in the regret of things said or my life lived.

Life is precious but the life we will live after this earth will be even MORE precious.  I can't wait to look into the eyes of the one who died for me and who gave me breathe.  I yearn to walk hand in hand with my creator; my potter.  I desire to see Him look at me and smile, saying, "well done my good and faithful servant [matthew 25:23]."  But I currently long to know that I am DAILY putting a smile on His face with what I am saying and doing.

No Words

Words are not coming easily to me today.  Been hit too hard with tragedies and trials.  I will let Christ speak through His words this morning...

"This is my command - be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Dear brothers and sister, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when you faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.  Do not waiver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.  Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do."  James 1:2-8

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."  Hebrews 10:22

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

Dearest Katie,  you will forever be missed by Craig and I, but we rest assured knowing you are enjoying the presence of our Savior this very minute...

And thanks to Katie we will always have a beautiful set of engagement photos:

Katie Clark Photography 2009