Well, I was over at Mom's and Dad's and they have this new program - that I can't remember. So I was fixing pictures from the wedding for fun last night. There's a button on the program that just lets you blog immediately! I felt like I just came out of the stone age. :)
Technology is so cool.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
And now, may I introduce to you...
My new sister!!! Mrs. David Paulus - or - Kara! They got "marred" this past Monday, the 24th. What a beautiful young woman (my junior by a little over a month)!
Congratulations, David!!!
Congratulations, David!!!
Friday, November 21, 2008
I'm doing well.
I'm sorry if I was freaking out yesterday. I'm doing well today. The Lord is good! After reading and praying those verses the Lord really encouraged my heart. Then Michael came home and he encouraged me as well. So now, I'm doing well knowing that the Lord is in control over my life and my husband is right by my side encouraging me in godliness. :)
Thank you for your prayers!
Thank you for your prayers!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The sign.
Ok, so while I was running my errands today our property manager came over and put the "For Rent" sign up in our yard.
Ahhhhh!
I have to be totally and completely transparent, right now. I was angry. "Who does he think he is that he's coming in here and sticking that sign in our yard without me knowing!" I was convicted, thankfully, very quickly.
But my next feeling was something even greater that I really don't want to deal with: sadness. I felt like I got a punch to the gut and I was gasping for air. "I'm not leaving for another month!"
So I cried. Actually, I shed a few tears. I haven't had a belly-whopping cry yet.
What this all revealed to me is that even though I've been "dealing" with things as they come, I haven't really sat down and thought about it. And, more importantly, I have been completely relying on my own strength and fortitude. Even to the point of trying to bear other's sadness. I used all of this strength to put aside what is going on in my heart and head and instead focusing on "fixing" things.
So. I'm telling you all now. I am not alright. (I'm crying fully as I'm writing this). If I say I am I'm lying, or not digging deeper.
I'm telling you this so you can keep me accountable.
What am I going through? I'm twenty. Moving completely across the continent. My only friend and human companion is and will be my husband (he's amazing and I love him so dearly. Lord, thank you for Michael!). I'm afraid I won't make friends easily. I'll be missing important things happening here. My siblings will grow up without me. I won't have my parents to straighten me out as well as they do right now. I'm scared I'll lose connection with people back here. I'm going to a place I have never been. I have no idea where I'm going to school or even what I'm going to do after school. And nothing is in my control. Nothing. Not even placing the sign in the yard.
I need truth. Truth.
"For I know the plans I have for you... Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:2
"You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." John 15:16
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
So, if you think of me, please pray for me to find my strength in Christ, to rely on my husband's leadership, and to seek to be honest about my emotions and what's going on my heart. Thank you!
Ahhhhh!
I have to be totally and completely transparent, right now. I was angry. "Who does he think he is that he's coming in here and sticking that sign in our yard without me knowing!" I was convicted, thankfully, very quickly.
But my next feeling was something even greater that I really don't want to deal with: sadness. I felt like I got a punch to the gut and I was gasping for air. "I'm not leaving for another month!"
So I cried. Actually, I shed a few tears. I haven't had a belly-whopping cry yet.
What this all revealed to me is that even though I've been "dealing" with things as they come, I haven't really sat down and thought about it. And, more importantly, I have been completely relying on my own strength and fortitude. Even to the point of trying to bear other's sadness. I used all of this strength to put aside what is going on in my heart and head and instead focusing on "fixing" things.
So. I'm telling you all now. I am not alright. (I'm crying fully as I'm writing this). If I say I am I'm lying, or not digging deeper.
I'm telling you this so you can keep me accountable.
What am I going through? I'm twenty. Moving completely across the continent. My only friend and human companion is and will be my husband (he's amazing and I love him so dearly. Lord, thank you for Michael!). I'm afraid I won't make friends easily. I'll be missing important things happening here. My siblings will grow up without me. I won't have my parents to straighten me out as well as they do right now. I'm scared I'll lose connection with people back here. I'm going to a place I have never been. I have no idea where I'm going to school or even what I'm going to do after school. And nothing is in my control. Nothing. Not even placing the sign in the yard.
I need truth. Truth.
"For I know the plans I have for you... Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:2
"You did not choose me, but I choose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." John 15:16
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
So, if you think of me, please pray for me to find my strength in Christ, to rely on my husband's leadership, and to seek to be honest about my emotions and what's going on my heart. Thank you!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
If you come across this post -
Please pray for me to feel better! I feel miserable right now and I'm supposed to be getting ready to go out with Michael for the weekend. I just feel icky and I have a million things to do!
Thankfully I have the most awesomest husband in the world! He's prayed over me multiple times, got me a movie, went shopping for me, woke up in the middle of the night to turn off the fan so my throat wouldn't be as dry, cooked for me, and tried to make me laugh, as well as giving me any medication that helps me. If I feel any better it's because of Michael!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
F-U-D-G-E!!!
I'm waiting for paint to dry so I can put on my next coat. Just wanted to share this fudge recipe I found (thank you, Martha Stewart!). You decide for yourself whether or not you like it. It's super easy, quick, and tastes delicioso!
Fudge Recipe by: Katie Paulus
2 cups sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons butter
5 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chocolate semisweet chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1) Melt sugar, cream, butter, marshmallows, and salt in saucepan over medium heat until smooth
2) Add chocolate chips and vanilla
3) Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth
4) Pour in 9x13 pan
Fudge Recipe by: Katie Paulus
2 cups sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons butter
5 cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups chocolate semisweet chips
1 teaspoon vanilla
1) Melt sugar, cream, butter, marshmallows, and salt in saucepan over medium heat until smooth
2) Add chocolate chips and vanilla
3) Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth
4) Pour in 9x13 pan
5) Cool at room temperature for 3-4 hours, until set
Notes:
Lining the pan with long strips of wax paper before pouring helps remove the fudge when ready to serve!
I sprinkle sugar across the top of the fudge before I serve it. This takes away the apperaces of grittiness (whatever) if the sugar didn't dissolve completely.
This recipe is a hit for us! It makes great holiday gifts. Bon a petit! (whatever)
Quick update:
I'm supposed to be cleaning, painting, and folding clothes right now...
Just wanted to send out my trial blog through wordpress:
http://katiepaulus.wordpress.com/
Just something I'm trying... If anyone has any ideas for it or have something you would like me to write about on it please let me know! This blog is for my readers. But more importantly, this blog is to help me relay what's going on in my little life to those I love - Mom :) I know I have a hard time putting into words what's so easy for me to write. It's not intentional - at all.
Till next time!
Just wanted to send out my trial blog through wordpress:
http://katiepaulus.wordpress.com/
Just something I'm trying... If anyone has any ideas for it or have something you would like me to write about on it please let me know! This blog is for my readers. But more importantly, this blog is to help me relay what's going on in my little life to those I love - Mom :) I know I have a hard time putting into words what's so easy for me to write. It's not intentional - at all.
Till next time!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
History will be made today - in one form or the other.
I'm so excited! I voted for the first time. Nothing exciting or anything. Actually, it was a bit irritating. One hour standing in line it started to rain - no rain jacket or umbrella. Two hours waiting in line and I haven't moved in thirty minutes. Two and half hours in line and they ran out of ballot cards - just my luck. Also found out that there was a riot earlier that morning - part of why it took so long for us to move. Two hours and Forty-five minutes: I voted!!!! 
The Lord did open up an opportunity for me to rejoice in the Gospel with the man standing with me in line. Fate (his name) just lost his 91 year old mother last Wednesday, his gas pipes leaked, his water pipe burst and four close friends and relatives died in the last month and a half! Needless to say, he was pretty down. When we started our conversation we both were loving the fact that the Lord places people in leadership, so neither of us needed to worry.
The whole time we talked we talked about what God was doing in our lives. He was really struggling to smile and be cheerful. The Holy Spirit kept putting on my heart to pray for him. I put it off, "I'll pray for him in a few minutes. Let's move up some in the line." Finally, he bravely asked me to keep him in my prayers over this coming week, with family members and friends coming into town for the funeral on Thursday for Mama Lil (his mother - I love it!). Right there I prayed for him. I prayed for strength, peace, and joy for Fate. It was so wonderful to get to see the Lord move on our hearts! We prayed for the election. For our leaders. It was great. Amazingly, soon after we prayed his whole demeanor lightened up! I felt like I was talking to a new man.
Lord, thank you for putting people into my life to unknowingly encourage me that you are sovereign over all I do and go to do! You are in control of my life! Thank you!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hehe!
So, I'm writing the newsletter for the squadron wives. I needed to come up with a witty little phrase to start the newsletter off with a smile. Here's what I came across:
An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. ~Irv Kupcinet
Ah! on Thanksgiving day....
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before.
What moistens the lips and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?
~John Greenleaf Whittier
On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence. ~William Jennings Bryan
Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. ~Michael Dresser
Coexistence: what the farmer does with the turkey - until Thanksgiving. ~Mike Connolly
Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James
Happy We-Stole-Your-Land-and-Killed-Your-People Day! ~Thanksgiving toast, from the movie Sweet November
The thing I'm most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands. ~Author Unknown
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown
Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude. ~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
I used the first one. :) Hope they made you smile!
An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. ~Irv Kupcinet
Ah! on Thanksgiving day....
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before.
What moistens the lips and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?
~John Greenleaf Whittier
On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence. ~William Jennings Bryan
Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. ~Michael Dresser
Coexistence: what the farmer does with the turkey - until Thanksgiving. ~Mike Connolly
Thanksgiving, man. Not a good day to be my pants. ~Kevin James
Happy We-Stole-Your-Land-and-Killed-Your-People Day! ~Thanksgiving toast, from the movie Sweet November
The thing I'm most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands. ~Author Unknown
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown
Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude. ~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
I used the first one. :) Hope they made you smile!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
If you think of me,
Please pray. I am in a wonderful, amazing, and sad place in my life right now. Being less than two months away from moving emotions are abundant as are my prayers. Loving people come up and ask how I'm doing. To be honest, I have felt the need to lie and save myself from sorrow, tears or the truth. This season is a dichotomy: I'm so excited about the adventure, with my wonderful husband, that I'm embarking on. But at the same time my heart aches (literally) for everyone that I'm leaving behind.
So the truth, I'm excited that I'm moving. I know that I will make it through this time because the Lord has given me the strength to press on. Before I even met Michael the Lord was shaping me for this time, and all the experiences to come. Somewhere, the Lord talks about not giving us more than we can bear, but that He provides us with the strength needed for each new trial. (i'll have to find the verse later.)
Another truth, I'm so sad that I will be leaving behind all of you! All the loving people that have spoken into my life, Mom, Gracie, Mema, etc. All the possible events I will miss, weddings, showers, babies, courtships.
Also, another hard thing for me is hearing of all the planned trips to come and visit us. For real. Everybody means well, and I truly hope we will get many visitors. But life does set in. People get busy. Long distance friendships seem further away, and more expensive than when we planned the trip back in April! All is well. I'm in my Savior's hands. He knows the good intentions, and well thought out plans. He will provide for us.
But the Lord hasn't given me the grace to deal with the "what if's" He has given me strength for today and a peace about tomorrow. If the Lord leads us through our daily mundane lives (or active lives - Jennifer :) why would He drop us when the big things come up? No. On the contrary. God's grace and mercy is new every day!!!! What amazing news!!! I will not be forsaken, no matter how hard things get.
Lord, thank you!
And, if you think of us, specifically me, please pray for strength and compassion for those I interact with. I keep wanting to bite people's heads off for asking the same questions. I really struggle with patience. :) I drive myself crazy sometimes!!
Ciao, till later.
So the truth, I'm excited that I'm moving. I know that I will make it through this time because the Lord has given me the strength to press on. Before I even met Michael the Lord was shaping me for this time, and all the experiences to come. Somewhere, the Lord talks about not giving us more than we can bear, but that He provides us with the strength needed for each new trial. (i'll have to find the verse later.)
Another truth, I'm so sad that I will be leaving behind all of you! All the loving people that have spoken into my life, Mom, Gracie, Mema, etc. All the possible events I will miss, weddings, showers, babies, courtships.
Also, another hard thing for me is hearing of all the planned trips to come and visit us. For real. Everybody means well, and I truly hope we will get many visitors. But life does set in. People get busy. Long distance friendships seem further away, and more expensive than when we planned the trip back in April! All is well. I'm in my Savior's hands. He knows the good intentions, and well thought out plans. He will provide for us.
But the Lord hasn't given me the grace to deal with the "what if's" He has given me strength for today and a peace about tomorrow. If the Lord leads us through our daily mundane lives (or active lives - Jennifer :) why would He drop us when the big things come up? No. On the contrary. God's grace and mercy is new every day!!!! What amazing news!!! I will not be forsaken, no matter how hard things get.
Lord, thank you!
And, if you think of us, specifically me, please pray for strength and compassion for those I interact with. I keep wanting to bite people's heads off for asking the same questions. I really struggle with patience. :) I drive myself crazy sometimes!!
Ciao, till later.
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