"And it will be said in that day:
'Behold, this is our God;
We have waited for Him, and He will save us.
This is the Lord;
We have waited for Him;
We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation."
Isaiah 26:3
What beautiful language of faith looking forward to the defeat of Israel's enemies. Today is one of those mornings when all of a sudden I realize that the half-dozen things I have to do are actually a dozen things -- and for once I do not exaggerate on my numbers. I suppose I should not have procrastinated so much for the past couple of days, though I have been industrious in some areas. (Does loading two photo albums to Facebook count?) Regardless, nothing is in crisis mode. I can make a few phone calls on the road and sacrifice some reading time. This verse reminds me that small to-do lists and larger plans for the future swirling around in my head are really of no consequence compared to knowing that God is faithful and will take care of me.
I know I'm being awfully vague, so I shall type my current list here as I get it squared away in my head.
Call the eye doctor
Call Tom
Call Veronica
Call my grandma
Call Amanda
Fold my laundry
Edit Daniel's thesis
Look over Cultural paperwork
Shower
Go to work
Email Donna
Clean the kitchen
Write Jon's thank-you
Put sheets on the bed
Straighten my room
Email Leanne
All right, off to the races.
May 24, 2009
Brief Update
As most of you know, I have been unemployed for the past five months and thus residing in Fillmore with the parentals and the two youngest siblings. This has certainly been a time of growth as I continue to pursue working in the nonprofit field, preferably with an organization that seeks to alleviate crisis needs in Christ's name. A few times I thought the end was in sight, but the door was closed. As of yesterday, I am now employed part-time through July by the California Literary Arts Society. It is a small nonprofit that primarily focuses on writing workshops for underprivileged kids. I was introduced to one of its members through my grantwriting class and will also be helping them write a grant. The work is slated to last through July, which would time nicely should I be accepted to work beginning early August at a nonprofit in Orange County through AmeriCorps. Though only truly interested in one, I have applied to five positions through AmeriCorps and feel that I am a strong candidate. Competition for other jobs has been quite incredible; it is discouraging at times to realize that I am often being compared to candidates with three to twenty years of experience. Still, I know that God will take care of me.
It is rather frightening to see how easily I revel in the luxery of unemployment. It is like a perpetual vacation, and I was never one to be bored during summers off school. My time is quickly and (generally) pleasantly filled, and I still watch relatively few movies and virtually no television. This has indeed been a pleasant interlude with plenty of time to lavish on the people and activities I love. It has also been an excellent learning experience, one of the lessons being that I will never have enough time in the day. Contentment is so much more of a choice than we suppose.
Thanks for your time. :)
It is rather frightening to see how easily I revel in the luxery of unemployment. It is like a perpetual vacation, and I was never one to be bored during summers off school. My time is quickly and (generally) pleasantly filled, and I still watch relatively few movies and virtually no television. This has indeed been a pleasant interlude with plenty of time to lavish on the people and activities I love. It has also been an excellent learning experience, one of the lessons being that I will never have enough time in the day. Contentment is so much more of a choice than we suppose.
Thanks for your time. :)
Good to remember...
The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us
May 22, 2009
I do believe; I do!
My charming little brother just sneered, "No one reads your blog." Clap if you read it! It may yet live!
May 15, 2009
The time has come.
Aack! I'm doing it! I'm submitting my story to a memoir contest. I think I might have a pretty good shot at placing. In any event, I may be working for the nonprofit that hosts the contest, so my submission fee could be considered donated time, in a way. If I win, I may be motivated to devote more time and energy to the written word.
May 11, 2009
Serving Los Angeles
Hi friends!
Our dear family friends the Holladays have a church in downtown Los Angeles. They minister to a poor, spiritually dark community and are always on the lookout for items to minister to physical need. I recently asked Marion Holladay if they had any particular needs, and she responded with the list below. If you come across any of these items, would you save them for me?
Thanks!
Katie
P.S. If you have watched "The Soloist" (which I would recommend as not brilliant but as a thought-provoking departure from our usual junk food media), you will have an idea of the population they serve.
"We can always use clothes, blankets, soap, towels, washcloths, socks, bottled water, canned goods, soups (microwaveable) deodorant, shampoo (smaller bottles) , after shave, cologne, lotions etc. Thanks for asking. We always say if we are not home just leave it in front of our big garage doors. If you have used clothing put it in garbage bags but don't make them too heavy. We appreciate all the help we can get. Thanks a lot."
Our dear family friends the Holladays have a church in downtown Los Angeles. They minister to a poor, spiritually dark community and are always on the lookout for items to minister to physical need. I recently asked Marion Holladay if they had any particular needs, and she responded with the list below. If you come across any of these items, would you save them for me?
Thanks!
Katie
P.S. If you have watched "The Soloist" (which I would recommend as not brilliant but as a thought-provoking departure from our usual junk food media), you will have an idea of the population they serve.
"We can always use clothes, blankets, soap, towels, washcloths, socks, bottled water, canned goods, soups (microwaveable) deodorant, shampoo (smaller bottles) , after shave, cologne, lotions etc. Thanks for asking. We always say if we are not home just leave it in front of our big garage doors. If you have used clothing put it in garbage bags but don't make them too heavy. We appreciate all the help we can get. Thanks a lot."
May 7, 2009
Nor have entered into the heart of man...
Dear Friends:
Selfishly, I wish that I had some news or insight to share with you today. Instead, today has been one of those inner dialogue days when I stride up and down a mental corridor alternately critiquing and encouraging myself. Moreover, the heat shot up into the 90's this morning, which invariably contributes to a draining lethargy. In the midst of my list of self-imposed as well as necessary tasks, I realized that for the moment none of them were as important as stopping and proclaiming God's goodness. Today is the National Day of Prayer, and one of the highlights was being reminded again that "There is a God" and He is involved with humankind on every level. Just now, I was writing 1 Corinthians 2:9 on a graduation card: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him. (NKJV). More important than my self-perceptions (especially the vacillating ones of today) is the fact that God loves me and has a purpose for me. I want better for myself than discouragement, laziness, and fatigue. I will walk into what God has prepared for me. If you are one who loves God, know that He has incredible, abundant life-bringing plans for you as well.
NOW, I can continue to my list of things to do, and perhaps even incorporate a nap.
Later,
Katie
Selfishly, I wish that I had some news or insight to share with you today. Instead, today has been one of those inner dialogue days when I stride up and down a mental corridor alternately critiquing and encouraging myself. Moreover, the heat shot up into the 90's this morning, which invariably contributes to a draining lethargy. In the midst of my list of self-imposed as well as necessary tasks, I realized that for the moment none of them were as important as stopping and proclaiming God's goodness. Today is the National Day of Prayer, and one of the highlights was being reminded again that "There is a God" and He is involved with humankind on every level. Just now, I was writing 1 Corinthians 2:9 on a graduation card: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him. (NKJV). More important than my self-perceptions (especially the vacillating ones of today) is the fact that God loves me and has a purpose for me. I want better for myself than discouragement, laziness, and fatigue. I will walk into what God has prepared for me. If you are one who loves God, know that He has incredible, abundant life-bringing plans for you as well.
NOW, I can continue to my list of things to do, and perhaps even incorporate a nap.
Later,
Katie
May 3, 2009
"Come fill me again."
Sometimes I try to find alternative versions of my favorite songs. One can hit pay dirt or be sorely disappointed. I should have known better than to try this with "Annie's Song" by John Denver. I wanted something just a tinge less country but was ... sorely disappointed.
Same old, same old here. I've been getting discouraged regarding the job search. I do think that I am doing what the Lord wants, but at times I question whether or not I am missing something. Should I be working at Payless? Moving out? Cleaning more? I'm unsure. I'm hoping to be chosen for a part time job at a church in Ventura, but they are reluctant to hire me without a year commitment. I, in turn, am reluctant to commit for a year to a part time job. I have been praying about it and feel that I need to wait a week while they try to interview other people. Sigh. Waiting is not one of my strengths. It has definitely been good for me to have to practice it over the past few months.
Let's see. I went to Bennett and Laura's wedding a weekend or two ago. That was lovely, and it was a blessing to see old friends. Likewise I saw Richie, Katie, Dani and the rest of the Morrisons yesterday for a prolonged period of time. I actually like their version of golf, probably because I was not inherently the worst player. Also, it was a low-exertion activity. Hmm. Emily is going to Israel in a couple of weeks. Oh, I quite enjoyed myself at the Goodwill 50%-off sale on Wednesday. I recently painted and reorganized my room and needed a lampshade for a lamp I salvaged from the attic at church. I scored a cool one for $2. In other news, I decided to conduct church services at the convalescent home on the first Sunday of the month in addition to our usual third. I'm praying that God will bring people to continue it after I leave. Beth and Jeremy were kind enough to go with me today. (Well, I also bribed Jeremy, but he probably would have come anyway. As Emily would say, he's cool like that.)
This week is shaping up to be a busy one with social engagements, editing Daniel's thesis, my grantwriting class, house maintainence, and the National Day of Prayer. I know I'll be antsy to hear from the church in Ventura, so it will be good to have distractions. In the meantime I'll continue to look for other openings, preferably full time ones. I'm still determined to pursue nonprofits.
This has been a haphazard update on the life and times of Katherine Brooks. Tune in next time for philosophical musings on asking for money (i.e. grant applications), the relativity of wealth, and nature v. nurture.
Same old, same old here. I've been getting discouraged regarding the job search. I do think that I am doing what the Lord wants, but at times I question whether or not I am missing something. Should I be working at Payless? Moving out? Cleaning more? I'm unsure. I'm hoping to be chosen for a part time job at a church in Ventura, but they are reluctant to hire me without a year commitment. I, in turn, am reluctant to commit for a year to a part time job. I have been praying about it and feel that I need to wait a week while they try to interview other people. Sigh. Waiting is not one of my strengths. It has definitely been good for me to have to practice it over the past few months.
Let's see. I went to Bennett and Laura's wedding a weekend or two ago. That was lovely, and it was a blessing to see old friends. Likewise I saw Richie, Katie, Dani and the rest of the Morrisons yesterday for a prolonged period of time. I actually like their version of golf, probably because I was not inherently the worst player. Also, it was a low-exertion activity. Hmm. Emily is going to Israel in a couple of weeks. Oh, I quite enjoyed myself at the Goodwill 50%-off sale on Wednesday. I recently painted and reorganized my room and needed a lampshade for a lamp I salvaged from the attic at church. I scored a cool one for $2. In other news, I decided to conduct church services at the convalescent home on the first Sunday of the month in addition to our usual third. I'm praying that God will bring people to continue it after I leave. Beth and Jeremy were kind enough to go with me today. (Well, I also bribed Jeremy, but he probably would have come anyway. As Emily would say, he's cool like that.)
This week is shaping up to be a busy one with social engagements, editing Daniel's thesis, my grantwriting class, house maintainence, and the National Day of Prayer. I know I'll be antsy to hear from the church in Ventura, so it will be good to have distractions. In the meantime I'll continue to look for other openings, preferably full time ones. I'm still determined to pursue nonprofits.
This has been a haphazard update on the life and times of Katherine Brooks. Tune in next time for philosophical musings on asking for money (i.e. grant applications), the relativity of wealth, and nature v. nurture.
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