I quit using this blog because when ever I tried posting something that I had wrote, it wouldn't properly paragraph it, and that got on my nerves so I decided to make a new one... and I've read what I wrote on here, and I see how much I've changed and grown as a person since creating a new blog and going through some really tough times... it all just made me relize that God is good no matter what we face. <3
follow me on my new blog(:
Katelyn
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Behind The Scenes
This song Behind The Scenes by Francesca Battistelli makes me think of two questions, if we knew fully what everyone goes through, know and understand every detail and nothing to be left out, and to feel the pain of what it's like for someone else, would we treat them the same way that we do now? What if we knew, would we be more willing to pick up our crosses follow Jesus and show those around us his love? or would we freak out too soon and unknowingly add to their pain when we choose to walk away?
what a tragedy that would be! Jesus loves them soo much, and we should show them that. Is it way too much to ask of you to make someone feel like they're not just another face in a crowd? Make them feel like they matter, they're loved, they have someone who, for once, actually CARES? Like you're not all talk, you're actions and words match up?
I know this idea freaks people out. Why? well, have you looked at the world yet? When it comes to 'love', we're expected to love those who look like they deserve it... not that nerd at lunch, not that shy kid, not the girl in the corner with her head down, not that person who is sitting alone, not that gir or that boy. But, instead we're to love those who "deserve" love. Not true at all.
What does the Bible have to say about this topic?
The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:31)
You have heard that the law of Moses says, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT, Matthew 5:43-48)
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end... And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)
We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (NRSV, 1 John 4:19-21)
I don't know how much the Bible talks about love, but you should get the point. So, here's the song by Francesca Battistelli;
When I googled the lyrics for this, I thought of one person. (out of respect, no names will be given.) This one person, rides my bus and sits infront of me. He told me something and I'll never forget what he said. He said he tried to kill himself, and my jaw dropped. Why? because I never would have suspected he would be one to do that or attempt to do that.
People put up a dang good front and pull off the "I'm ok" attitude. Have you ever thought that the people you've walked by today, could go home, and on their way, they get into a reck and die? or even worse, go home and committ suicide? What if you see it on the news the next day? Will you regret not taking time out of your day to make an eternal difference in their life? Will you share Jesus with them?
Because as the song states, Even though I've got the lines rehearsed
A picture only paints a thousand words
Things aren't always what they seem
You're only seeing part of me
There's more than you could ever know
Behind the scenes
I'm incomplete and I'm undone
But I suppose like everyone
There's so much more that's going on
Behind the scenes
please, don't wait to change the way you treat people. treat them the way Jesus would. Treat them as you wish to be treated.
Here's a challenge for you to do for the rest of your life, and yes, I'm aware not everyone will take it. I challenge you to go that one extra mile for someone, anyone. It doesn't matter who... everyone needs to feel like they matter and are loved for who they are. Your challenge? go that one extra mile for 3 people every week til you die. I know it's a crazy challenge, but it's possible.
are you ready? I am! Let's do this.
- Katelyn
what a tragedy that would be! Jesus loves them soo much, and we should show them that. Is it way too much to ask of you to make someone feel like they're not just another face in a crowd? Make them feel like they matter, they're loved, they have someone who, for once, actually CARES? Like you're not all talk, you're actions and words match up?
I know this idea freaks people out. Why? well, have you looked at the world yet? When it comes to 'love', we're expected to love those who look like they deserve it... not that nerd at lunch, not that shy kid, not the girl in the corner with her head down, not that person who is sitting alone, not that gir or that boy. But, instead we're to love those who "deserve" love. Not true at all.
What does the Bible have to say about this topic?
The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:31)
You have heard that the law of Moses says, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT, Matthew 5:43-48)
If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end... And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)
We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (NRSV, 1 John 4:19-21)
I don't know how much the Bible talks about love, but you should get the point. So, here's the song by Francesca Battistelli;
When I googled the lyrics for this, I thought of one person. (out of respect, no names will be given.) This one person, rides my bus and sits infront of me. He told me something and I'll never forget what he said. He said he tried to kill himself, and my jaw dropped. Why? because I never would have suspected he would be one to do that or attempt to do that.
People put up a dang good front and pull off the "I'm ok" attitude. Have you ever thought that the people you've walked by today, could go home, and on their way, they get into a reck and die? or even worse, go home and committ suicide? What if you see it on the news the next day? Will you regret not taking time out of your day to make an eternal difference in their life? Will you share Jesus with them?
Because as the song states, Even though I've got the lines rehearsed
A picture only paints a thousand words
Things aren't always what they seem
You're only seeing part of me
There's more than you could ever know
Behind the scenes
I'm incomplete and I'm undone
But I suppose like everyone
There's so much more that's going on
Behind the scenes
please, don't wait to change the way you treat people. treat them the way Jesus would. Treat them as you wish to be treated.
Here's a challenge for you to do for the rest of your life, and yes, I'm aware not everyone will take it. I challenge you to go that one extra mile for someone, anyone. It doesn't matter who... everyone needs to feel like they matter and are loved for who they are. Your challenge? go that one extra mile for 3 people every week til you die. I know it's a crazy challenge, but it's possible.
are you ready? I am! Let's do this.
- Katelyn
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
5071404... Your new identity
I don't think I can ever forget that number. On Tuesday, which would be today, March 2nd 2010, in Self Development at school, we went to a prison as a field trip or something.
Go here to read the comments from me of what went on today; http://www.facebook.com/livethecause#!/livethecause?v=feed&story_fbid=383441530288
That number, 5071404, in prison, means that's what you answer to. and at the start, we had to put on this thing that had the number on it, (btw, each number is different) and in prison, you're not known by your name, in prison, you have NO identity, except for that number.... and you must memorize it in there. One of the guys made us memorize the number in 5 seconds... and then asked random people what their number is.... backwards! I failed and had to go by the wall and look in the mirror and memorize my number. Do you realize how hell-ish it would be to actually be in prison for like 20 + years?! I couldn't stand it that one day!
Before I got in the room area, we had to go 5 at a time in there, and I could already hear them yelling. And I didn't know why and I still don't, but what I did know, was that I wanted to go home. badly! it was aweful!
I didn't know what to think when I found out that, by your number, not your name, you are known for in prison. When you get that number, you have no identity. No one is going to call you by your name, they'll call you by your number. I wouldn't be 'Katelyn Frye', I'd be 5071404.
Although, in prison, you're known by a number. but, by God, the God who created the earth, the birds, the sky, the grass, the water, the sun...etc. He doesn't know you by some number... He doesn't know you as 'Creation number 2999939041' , He knows you by NAME! How cool is that?
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 139)
I'm glad that God knows me, not by some number, but by my name.
Look at this verse again;
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
wow, I don't know what to say. It's amazing that God knows me! and you! Have you ever thought about that? like really thought about it... I don't mean just think about it for a few minutes, but for days, weeks, months, years ect. even if you did do that, you wouldn't understand Him and why he does that. I don't even understand it!! But I'm in awe of Him!
5071404, is not my identity. My identity is found in Jesus and my name is Katelyn!!
Go here to read the comments from me of what went on today; http://www.facebook.com/livethecause#!/livethecause?v=feed&story_fbid=383441530288
That number, 5071404, in prison, means that's what you answer to. and at the start, we had to put on this thing that had the number on it, (btw, each number is different) and in prison, you're not known by your name, in prison, you have NO identity, except for that number.... and you must memorize it in there. One of the guys made us memorize the number in 5 seconds... and then asked random people what their number is.... backwards! I failed and had to go by the wall and look in the mirror and memorize my number. Do you realize how hell-ish it would be to actually be in prison for like 20 + years?! I couldn't stand it that one day!
Before I got in the room area, we had to go 5 at a time in there, and I could already hear them yelling. And I didn't know why and I still don't, but what I did know, was that I wanted to go home. badly! it was aweful!
I didn't know what to think when I found out that, by your number, not your name, you are known for in prison. When you get that number, you have no identity. No one is going to call you by your name, they'll call you by your number. I wouldn't be 'Katelyn Frye', I'd be 5071404.
Although, in prison, you're known by a number. but, by God, the God who created the earth, the birds, the sky, the grass, the water, the sun...etc. He doesn't know you by some number... He doesn't know you as 'Creation number 2999939041' , He knows you by NAME! How cool is that?
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 139)
I'm glad that God knows me, not by some number, but by my name.
Look at this verse again;
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake, I am still with you.
wow, I don't know what to say. It's amazing that God knows me! and you! Have you ever thought about that? like really thought about it... I don't mean just think about it for a few minutes, but for days, weeks, months, years ect. even if you did do that, you wouldn't understand Him and why he does that. I don't even understand it!! But I'm in awe of Him!
5071404, is not my identity. My identity is found in Jesus and my name is Katelyn!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
When Everything Falls Apart
I love that moment when you're flipping through the music on your mp3 player and you find that one perfect song. You know what I mean, that one song that just describes everything about the way you're feeling.
Well, I just did that very thing... and this is the song that just made me think "That's it!"
The song is Everything Falls by Fee. << Youtube it. (I can't post it here because this school laptop is being dumb and has it, with every single random- and I do mean random- thing blocked... but I can post the lyrics from a site that has the right lyrics! You said
You'd never leave or forsake me
When you said,
This life is gonna shake me
You said
This world is gonna bring trouble on my soul
This I know
When everything falls apart
Your arms hold me together
When everything falls apart
You're the only hope for this heart
When everything falls apart
And my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong
You keep holding on
If you know me at all, you'd know this song is for someone like me you will not give up for anything. I won't give up when giving in to the idea of giving up seems so much easier than persuing after whatever it is that Jesus has called me to do. I won't give up, ever. Why? well, reason #1 it's not in the book. #2 it sure as heck aint an option for me or for you.
Giving up does sound easy, but it's not acceptable. we must not give up. We must continue to fight the fight.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
You know I have to say this, it's been hard for me but it's all worth it. It's hard when your stuck with a very unsupportive mother (sorry ma, but you are. I do love ya, but, you're not helping me very well. was I too blunt?) who says it alot better than she can show it. Get real! please.
Why do I say she's unsupportive?
well ;
#1: I told her about the Campus Ministry and all she said was 'that's cool'
#2: I told her about the threat of a high school shooting (which isn't credible, but, it could very well happen.. we can never be sure) and what did she say? 'oh, that's cool' for real? did my mom really just say that a threat of high school shooting was cool? first, she dismisses that threat (credible or not, she'd still miss the point) second, by dismissing the threat, she dismisses their real need... a spiritual one. their need to feel like they matter, like someone loves them, like someone will actually listen.... like someone who will risk everything and go share Jesus with them.
#3 I told her about the school district planning on changing the block schedules for next year... going from 4 classes a day, 2 nights to do homework, to 8 classes a day and one night to do all of your homework... she wasn't getting that either... she doesn't get how every student is going to be extremely stressed out, and what about the teachers!? goodness. how are they going to grade all those papers!?
it's stressful just thinking about #3... it's not how I planned Junior year of high school to be, but, pray please!!
I mean, I guess I can't blame Ma for all of this... but, she is the majority.. and I do not mean that in a good way.
Just being a Christian who isn't ashamed of the gospel, is a battle today.
it's hard, but I'm willing to go where I'm sent. Are you?
Well, I guess simply put, I'd say never give up and at times you may feel at odds, but bring it! with God nothing is impossible!
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Well, I just did that very thing... and this is the song that just made me think "That's it!"
The song is Everything Falls by Fee. << Youtube it. (I can't post it here because this school laptop is being dumb and has it, with every single random- and I do mean random- thing blocked... but I can post the lyrics from a site that has the right lyrics! You said
You'd never leave or forsake me
When you said,
This life is gonna shake me
You said
This world is gonna bring trouble on my soul
This I know
When everything falls apart
Your arms hold me together
When everything falls apart
You're the only hope for this heart
When everything falls apart
And my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong
You keep holding on
If you know me at all, you'd know this song is for someone like me you will not give up for anything. I won't give up when giving in to the idea of giving up seems so much easier than persuing after whatever it is that Jesus has called me to do. I won't give up, ever. Why? well, reason #1 it's not in the book. #2 it sure as heck aint an option for me or for you.
Giving up does sound easy, but it's not acceptable. we must not give up. We must continue to fight the fight.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
You know I have to say this, it's been hard for me but it's all worth it. It's hard when your stuck with a very unsupportive mother (sorry ma, but you are. I do love ya, but, you're not helping me very well. was I too blunt?) who says it alot better than she can show it. Get real! please.
Why do I say she's unsupportive?
well ;
#1: I told her about the Campus Ministry and all she said was 'that's cool'
#2: I told her about the threat of a high school shooting (which isn't credible, but, it could very well happen.. we can never be sure) and what did she say? 'oh, that's cool' for real? did my mom really just say that a threat of high school shooting was cool? first, she dismisses that threat (credible or not, she'd still miss the point) second, by dismissing the threat, she dismisses their real need... a spiritual one. their need to feel like they matter, like someone loves them, like someone will actually listen.... like someone who will risk everything and go share Jesus with them.
#3 I told her about the school district planning on changing the block schedules for next year... going from 4 classes a day, 2 nights to do homework, to 8 classes a day and one night to do all of your homework... she wasn't getting that either... she doesn't get how every student is going to be extremely stressed out, and what about the teachers!? goodness. how are they going to grade all those papers!?
it's stressful just thinking about #3... it's not how I planned Junior year of high school to be, but, pray please!!
I mean, I guess I can't blame Ma for all of this... but, she is the majority.. and I do not mean that in a good way.
Just being a Christian who isn't ashamed of the gospel, is a battle today.
it's hard, but I'm willing to go where I'm sent. Are you?
Well, I guess simply put, I'd say never give up and at times you may feel at odds, but bring it! with God nothing is impossible!
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lord, Empty Me
(Lyrics by Chris Sligh in his song 'Empty Me')
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you
I’ve seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
I really think that this song has become my prayer that I pray for daily.
I know what happens when I’m not filled with Jesus… I’m a complete mess and I don’t know what to do or how to do anything… I also know how amazing it truly is to be filled with Jesus. Nothing in this world can ever top that feeling! I can’t describe it… you just have to experience it for yourself.
I think it was yesterday, 2/11/10 , that I realized I wasn’t really willing to surrender two areas of my life… I wanted control over them. And guess where that has got me? No where… It was so stupid of me to do that. And yet it was in vain too. It was totally for me. Not for Jesus. I thought it was for Him, but I was wrong.
I wanted control over the Campus Ministry that I haven’t heard anything back yet from the activities director. I wasn’t really praying about it either. And I wanted control over I guess “changing” someone’s life and have them trust in Christ… but it doesn’t work that way. Only Jesus has the power to fully transform someone’s life from a living hell to feeling like they, with Jesus, can face what they are going through.
I’ve realized that wanting control over things in your life, doesn’t turn out so well as compared to when we surrender those areas to Christ alone. I know surrender doesn’t come easy to anyone. Especially when it comes to fully surrendering everything to God and trusting in Him that He knows what He’s doing.
Take a look at Jeremiah 29:11 with me;
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
It’s just that simple; He knows full well what He is doing. Why can’t we just trust Him in that area and not try to take over and end up doing a crash and burn?
Like I said earlier, surrender is hard for everyone. But it’s totally worth it.
Dear Lord,
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you
I’ve seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
I really think that this song has become my prayer that I pray for daily.
I know what happens when I’m not filled with Jesus… I’m a complete mess and I don’t know what to do or how to do anything… I also know how amazing it truly is to be filled with Jesus. Nothing in this world can ever top that feeling! I can’t describe it… you just have to experience it for yourself.
I think it was yesterday, 2/11/10 , that I realized I wasn’t really willing to surrender two areas of my life… I wanted control over them. And guess where that has got me? No where… It was so stupid of me to do that. And yet it was in vain too. It was totally for me. Not for Jesus. I thought it was for Him, but I was wrong.
I wanted control over the Campus Ministry that I haven’t heard anything back yet from the activities director. I wasn’t really praying about it either. And I wanted control over I guess “changing” someone’s life and have them trust in Christ… but it doesn’t work that way. Only Jesus has the power to fully transform someone’s life from a living hell to feeling like they, with Jesus, can face what they are going through.
I’ve realized that wanting control over things in your life, doesn’t turn out so well as compared to when we surrender those areas to Christ alone. I know surrender doesn’t come easy to anyone. Especially when it comes to fully surrendering everything to God and trusting in Him that He knows what He’s doing.
Take a look at Jeremiah 29:11 with me;
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
It’s just that simple; He knows full well what He is doing. Why can’t we just trust Him in that area and not try to take over and end up doing a crash and burn?
Like I said earlier, surrender is hard for everyone. But it’s totally worth it.
Dear Lord,
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of me
So i can be
Filled with you
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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