I was lying down in the sandy dunes of Castlerock Beach on Wednesday. It’s been a long few weeks with so much added on my already full load. So I was taking the day alone to gain some rest and some clarity. At the beach I was journaling, praying and listening. I’ve been struggling with a lot of things lately, among them has been comparing myself to others and a season of depression. Today these were my lament. As I spent the morning asking God to reveal himself to me, I was expectant He would answer. He did, albeit I was surprised how it came…
When you lie on the ground you see how many minuscule bugs there are. They do not put me off in any real manner, but they fall into the category of animals in my mind. If you know me, animals of any shape, size, or breed don't often get much, if any, of my attention.* As I shifted position in the sand, my journal was pushed aside and I saw an ant. Strangely, it had my immediate attention. We all know ants are characteristically strong. They can hold a ridiculous amount of weight in comparison to their body size. However, this ant was lacking on the strength side. It was on its back and seemed to struggle but with reason. It’s legs were wrapped around a piece of grass not much larger than an eyelash, and it couldn’t seem to turn over and get the grass on it’s back. The ant was refusing to give up. I was watching it; sort of cheering the ant on, hoping its innate strength was going to win the battle with the grass. After a few minutes it gave up the fight and just lay there. The ant then pushed the grass aside and looked like it was just trying to turn over. I’m now at about 5 minutes watching this ant.
Showing posts with label Support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Support. Show all posts
Monday, June 10, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
I Need Your Support
March 2013
A letter Family and Friends –
Today I sit in my home in Northern Ireland, and I feel a chill in the air but I see the sun peeking through the clouds. It makes me aware of the many blessings in that have shone down on my life in the past year and a half and I am excited to see what still has yet to be given to the light. And this is what I am writing to share with you. As many would know, in September of 2011, I packed up my life in Tempe, Arizona and moved to Northern Ireland to start a course at the University of Ulster and to become involved with the Causeway Coast Vineyard Church in Coleraine. It was a rocky start, but very quickly, I felt that this place has become a place of welcome and it’s home away from home.
I spent much of my time here earning a Masters Degree in Design Communication. The course allowed me to continue my career pursuit of graphic design while adding business and research skills. I developed a web-based community growth initiative that attempts to change a community by promoting happiness, well-being and hope. The work was intensive and I found myself challenged in many ways but it left eagerness in me to do more. Through the research and work, I’ve discovered that this community of Coleraine is searching for answers and looking for something higher to aspire to.
When I wasn’t working towards the masters’ degree, I was in an informal role at Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, volunteering my time with graphic design. It is a church of nearly one thousand people with a deep reach into the community. They were greatly in need of visual communications that matched the vision they have for the church and the impact it already has and will continue to strive for. Being involved at this level, I have seen the heart and the passion of the leadership of the CCV, to bring the transforming love of Christ into the lives of men, women and children who live in Coleraine, the surrounding area and more areas of Northern Ireland. I get so excited by the many ministries that have begun before I arrived, while I’ve been here, and what is still being developed. There has been incredible favor on this place, but there are still many people who’ve not yet experienced the love God has for them. Being a designer, I understand that visual communication is, on occasion, the first contact the community has with any organization, and I feel blessed to have helped the CCV reach the community members in this way.
Among many programs at Causeway Coast Vineyard, one is the Encounter School of Mission. I had several friends who took this course last year and I desired to be involved with it as well. Encounter is a nine-month teaching course that focuses on evangelism and leadership. Encounter students are encouraged to pursue the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to go intentionally into their daily lives ministering and taking risk for the Kingdom of God. As if I wasn’t busy enough, with only two weeks left of my masters’ course and four months left on my visa, I decided to begin Encounter. Since starting it in August, I feel like I have really begun to see why God led me to Northern Ireland in the first place.
I have absolutely loved seeing God’s Kingdom break through to the people of Coleraine. As a group of students in Encounter, we gather on a Tuesday for teaching from the pastors and leaders of CCV as well as dedicated prayer and intercessional ministry for one another. Then Thursdays and Saturdays, are our practical days when we head out into the streets of town, taking what we’ve learned and bring it into the community. It is mission focused in a local environment. We seek to serve by listening to, healing, praying for and speaking of God’s truth into the lives of those in the community. Amazing stories of God’s grace have come from this course. I have realized from Encounter that every person has an identity in Christ that needs to be released. I’ve experienced it in my own life and helped guide others to it.
For the first time since moving to Northern Ireland, I was able to return to Arizona for one month this past Christmas. It was a great time to visit family and friends. It was well-needed time to see everyone, but it was also needed to really seek wisdom and guidance on what to do next. My student visa expired and I was applying for a new visa. I felt so eager to take what I’ve learned in Northern Ireland and bring it into my community there in Arizona. I want to see God’s Kingdom break through in the States as it is my first home. However, the time home helped me see with more certainty, that Northern Ireland is still the place God has me for now. So in January, I returned in a new capacity and with new needs.
There are a few things I am involved with in Coleraine. Firstly, Causeway Coast Vineyard has invited me into a formal internship for graphics and multimedia. It is a role that I am eager to be in. I am continuing work on visual communications within the church body as well as working on outward focused campaigns to reach the community. I am working on building a team of other creatives and expanding the impact that multimedia and arts plays in the CCV community. I’m very excited with the possibilities this brings to serve while using the skills that I’ve so diligently developed while in my masters’ course, while showing others that their artistic abilities are gifting from God for use in Kingdom expansion.
Secondly, I’ve continued on with Encounter. When I returned to the states, Encounter was only four months into the nine month course and I very much desired to finish the course. My heart has grown for missional work and I’m not sure beyond Northern Ireland where that will take me, but Encounter will continue to provide tools and learning to keep on this path.
Lastly, I am still hoping to continue work on the web-based initiative I built in my time at The University of Ulster. I have had a few meetings with the local council and they seem eager to learn more of the project.
I aspire to see God change the hearts and minds of those in the UK to follow Him. I don’t have a definitive time line for how long I’ll be in Coleraine or the UK. As long as I continue to sense God’s hand stirring the work here, I will continue on. I am committed to seeking His heart for my community in Northern Ireland and in Arizona as my home base. As I continue this incredible journey in Northern Ireland, the areas I would ask for your support are first and foremost, prayer:
Also, would you also prayerfully consider supporting me financially with a one-time donation or monthly support of some degree? In each of these roles I’ve taken on, I must be self-funded and my current visa does not allow me to work while in the UK. Any amount you could offer will help, as it will go to my daily living expenses and housing. I have included a self addressed stamped envelope for your ease in supporting me. Whether you can contribute financially or not, I know that your thoughts and prayers can be counted on.
The generous love and support I have already received has been a blessing beyond measure and I know that I wouldn't be in this position without it. I truly believe God is leading me on this journey and has provided in so many ways. I know his provision will continue.
Many blessings to you and yours!
Katie
A letter Family and Friends –
Today I sit in my home in Northern Ireland, and I feel a chill in the air but I see the sun peeking through the clouds. It makes me aware of the many blessings in that have shone down on my life in the past year and a half and I am excited to see what still has yet to be given to the light. And this is what I am writing to share with you. As many would know, in September of 2011, I packed up my life in Tempe, Arizona and moved to Northern Ireland to start a course at the University of Ulster and to become involved with the Causeway Coast Vineyard Church in Coleraine. It was a rocky start, but very quickly, I felt that this place has become a place of welcome and it’s home away from home.
I spent much of my time here earning a Masters Degree in Design Communication. The course allowed me to continue my career pursuit of graphic design while adding business and research skills. I developed a web-based community growth initiative that attempts to change a community by promoting happiness, well-being and hope. The work was intensive and I found myself challenged in many ways but it left eagerness in me to do more. Through the research and work, I’ve discovered that this community of Coleraine is searching for answers and looking for something higher to aspire to.
When I wasn’t working towards the masters’ degree, I was in an informal role at Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, volunteering my time with graphic design. It is a church of nearly one thousand people with a deep reach into the community. They were greatly in need of visual communications that matched the vision they have for the church and the impact it already has and will continue to strive for. Being involved at this level, I have seen the heart and the passion of the leadership of the CCV, to bring the transforming love of Christ into the lives of men, women and children who live in Coleraine, the surrounding area and more areas of Northern Ireland. I get so excited by the many ministries that have begun before I arrived, while I’ve been here, and what is still being developed. There has been incredible favor on this place, but there are still many people who’ve not yet experienced the love God has for them. Being a designer, I understand that visual communication is, on occasion, the first contact the community has with any organization, and I feel blessed to have helped the CCV reach the community members in this way.
Among many programs at Causeway Coast Vineyard, one is the Encounter School of Mission. I had several friends who took this course last year and I desired to be involved with it as well. Encounter is a nine-month teaching course that focuses on evangelism and leadership. Encounter students are encouraged to pursue the gifts of the Holy Spirit, to go intentionally into their daily lives ministering and taking risk for the Kingdom of God. As if I wasn’t busy enough, with only two weeks left of my masters’ course and four months left on my visa, I decided to begin Encounter. Since starting it in August, I feel like I have really begun to see why God led me to Northern Ireland in the first place.
I have absolutely loved seeing God’s Kingdom break through to the people of Coleraine. As a group of students in Encounter, we gather on a Tuesday for teaching from the pastors and leaders of CCV as well as dedicated prayer and intercessional ministry for one another. Then Thursdays and Saturdays, are our practical days when we head out into the streets of town, taking what we’ve learned and bring it into the community. It is mission focused in a local environment. We seek to serve by listening to, healing, praying for and speaking of God’s truth into the lives of those in the community. Amazing stories of God’s grace have come from this course. I have realized from Encounter that every person has an identity in Christ that needs to be released. I’ve experienced it in my own life and helped guide others to it.
For the first time since moving to Northern Ireland, I was able to return to Arizona for one month this past Christmas. It was a great time to visit family and friends. It was well-needed time to see everyone, but it was also needed to really seek wisdom and guidance on what to do next. My student visa expired and I was applying for a new visa. I felt so eager to take what I’ve learned in Northern Ireland and bring it into my community there in Arizona. I want to see God’s Kingdom break through in the States as it is my first home. However, the time home helped me see with more certainty, that Northern Ireland is still the place God has me for now. So in January, I returned in a new capacity and with new needs.
There are a few things I am involved with in Coleraine. Firstly, Causeway Coast Vineyard has invited me into a formal internship for graphics and multimedia. It is a role that I am eager to be in. I am continuing work on visual communications within the church body as well as working on outward focused campaigns to reach the community. I am working on building a team of other creatives and expanding the impact that multimedia and arts plays in the CCV community. I’m very excited with the possibilities this brings to serve while using the skills that I’ve so diligently developed while in my masters’ course, while showing others that their artistic abilities are gifting from God for use in Kingdom expansion.
Secondly, I’ve continued on with Encounter. When I returned to the states, Encounter was only four months into the nine month course and I very much desired to finish the course. My heart has grown for missional work and I’m not sure beyond Northern Ireland where that will take me, but Encounter will continue to provide tools and learning to keep on this path.
Lastly, I am still hoping to continue work on the web-based initiative I built in my time at The University of Ulster. I have had a few meetings with the local council and they seem eager to learn more of the project.
I aspire to see God change the hearts and minds of those in the UK to follow Him. I don’t have a definitive time line for how long I’ll be in Coleraine or the UK. As long as I continue to sense God’s hand stirring the work here, I will continue on. I am committed to seeking His heart for my community in Northern Ireland and in Arizona as my home base. As I continue this incredible journey in Northern Ireland, the areas I would ask for your support are first and foremost, prayer:
- Pray that more guidance would be imparted on me and that all fear would go.
- Pray that creativity would flow in new ways and that cultural boundaries would be non-existent.
- Most importantly, pray that God's love can pour through me and those I partner with Causeway Coast Vineyard, Encounter, and in the community.
Also, would you also prayerfully consider supporting me financially with a one-time donation or monthly support of some degree? In each of these roles I’ve taken on, I must be self-funded and my current visa does not allow me to work while in the UK. Any amount you could offer will help, as it will go to my daily living expenses and housing. I have included a self addressed stamped envelope for your ease in supporting me. Whether you can contribute financially or not, I know that your thoughts and prayers can be counted on.
The generous love and support I have already received has been a blessing beyond measure and I know that I wouldn't be in this position without it. I truly believe God is leading me on this journey and has provided in so many ways. I know his provision will continue.
Many blessings to you and yours!
Katie
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
I'm here. I'm alive. I'm trusting my Faithful Lord.
Hi all. This isn't like most of my blog posts. It's maybe a little more gloomy. But to connect you all with where I am here goes...
Lessons I've learned so far in Northern Ireland:
1. Life with out socks is no longer an option for me.
2. I may give up coffee for tea because it just isn't the same... it's a dreadful thought to me though.
3. I need shoes will amazing grip because the hills are steep here and when ice comes I don't want to break my neck.
4. God is absolutely amazing and faithful and my source of strength.
I'm really sorry that there has been such a lack of communication. It is a huge adjustment being here. And it's been really really rough actually. Traveling without my own computer is incredibly tough! I didn't realize how connected to technology I am.
The first two days with I was with my friend Sam and they were great. I was able to see some friends and hang out along the beach the very first day. Then things went a bit downhill. I moved into my new home and it was very dirty and cold. I can overcome the dirt. The people in the house are actually great and I'm going to have an interesting time with them. But soon my credit cards were put on hold so I had to sort that out. Plus I dropped my phone in Sam's car and didn't realize it until he'd left Derry. So I had no phone to call anyone including the bank. There is a local hotel that I could access the internet but it is £1 for 10mins and 10 mins is not much time to get A LOT sorted out. The internet in my flat was not working at all for my housemates either and until I am registered at school I can't get online there either. I felt sort of stranded. I feel sort of stranded still. But God is proving faithful and provides.
This is a hard adjustment. A lot more than I thought.
Yesterday was the first day of school for the orientation and I really sort of felt sick when I was meeting with the people in the program. I feel like I am really far advanced in comparision to the work the past few years students have produced. And I am the only student who has worked professionally. I have to remember though that coming into this I considered school to only be 30% of my reason in Northern Ireland. I'm hoping that the slight isolation I'm feeling with the program will disappear as I really begin classes. I'm praying for guidance on it all.I know, I know, I know, God has placed me here for a reason, but I do find myself desiring to be in Coleraine and not Derry as Coleraine is where most of my friends are. But I need to live life where I am placed. I just feel like I am being really struck by opposition.
What has been amazing though is the community of Causeway Coast Vineyard. I was able to make it church on Sunday and I saw many old friends and met many new ones. I really felt alive walking through Coleraine and into the church. As I was able to chat with people, immediately help was being offered to me in ways I couldn't have expected. There are also a few families from CCV who live in Derry and last night was their weekly small group. I met with them and this group is immediately helping me feel settled. They are so eager to help in practical matters and spiritual. It's amazing to me that community can feel so disconnected and then connected at the same time.
God is whisphering truths to me everyday and is showing His spirit everywhere. But the struggle still abounds. This is a lot and it all sounds disjointed. I apologize. I don't know how to express my thoughts right now.
Please pray.
-Katie
Friday, August 12, 2011
I DID NOT fail
"You have failed to provide ..." I stopped at "You have failed." I thought I was going to be sick ...
Now go back in time with me ...
Last Sunday morning, I met with a young girl I mentor at Starbucks before we went to church. We were talking about life and God. As we made our way through many many topics, we sort of landed on struggles and about how Satan nags at us when or where we're at our weakest. It was funny how we hadn't yet gone over to church yet God was stirring. *Disclaimer- We need not be in a church to have God stir.* I knew I was facing some struggles. So was she. Apparently it was also on the heart of the youth pastor to that morning, though I didn't hear it, I was told he prepared a lesson about the armor of God and how to protect ourselves when Satan tries to attack us at our weakness. His lesson was based on Ephesians 6:10-17.
The lesson continued on to Wednesday and will be a series for several weeks. This Wednesday though, I was there and I was really struck by the activity we were doing. He was talking over the Belt of Truth from Ephesians. It is the truth of God that surrounds us, and hold us together. That it is His truth that allows us to move faster, stay secure, and hold more weapons to fight back the enemies. The youth pastor handed us a sheet of paper with lists of God's truths found in the Bible. One side held a lists of "God is" and the other was a list of "I am". See some examples:
God is
When I walked through, no I couldn't hear every single person, but I heard enough. When you are bombarded hearing truths of our maker, our God, our love, it's hard to not sense some sort stirring of God. I walked through and felt like I was being armed. Those words were being driven deep. It was pretty incredible.
This week has been up and down. I am with in a month of leaving. Today actually is one month from when I board my plane to Northern Ireland. Yesterday was great. I felt happy. I was productive. My checklist was review and there wasn't much left that I really needed.
Today it seemed like I was kicked in the stomach. I had an email from the British Consulates office in New York- the office that has the decision power on whether I will be allowed into the United Kingdom for an extended period of time. The first sentence said " You have failed to provide...." and I read it just as You have FAILED!" There is paperwork that I was told I need not provide but I really did need to provide. It is paperwork I think I have. I hope so, because with what I think I had- off I went to the Post Office to overnight it to their office. If it's not right then....I'll deal with it as it comes.
But as I left my office and drove home to get the paperwork, I kept hearing. You failed. You failed.
Then it hit me. I was smacked in the head with list I'd been armed with earlier in the week. "I failed" was a lie and utter deception. God's truths were with me. The examples I chose above are the examples that were really in the forefront of my mind. They filled my mind when I heard a song come on the radio that said
Yes, there is a hiccup in the road. Yes , there are steps that I have taken and will need to take to provide what UK Border Agency needs. It's covered by grace though. God's asking me to follow and to be willing to forsake all else to seek him. The decision of the British Consulate's office isn't going to stop that. God's glory will shine in this. It already is.
I do ask for prayers for continued strength and endurance in this race. Pray for wise decisions and a clear course of action that needs to be taken in the coming days.
Now go back in time with me ...
Last Sunday morning, I met with a young girl I mentor at Starbucks before we went to church. We were talking about life and God. As we made our way through many many topics, we sort of landed on struggles and about how Satan nags at us when or where we're at our weakest. It was funny how we hadn't yet gone over to church yet God was stirring. *Disclaimer- We need not be in a church to have God stir.* I knew I was facing some struggles. So was she. Apparently it was also on the heart of the youth pastor to that morning, though I didn't hear it, I was told he prepared a lesson about the armor of God and how to protect ourselves when Satan tries to attack us at our weakness. His lesson was based on Ephesians 6:10-17.
The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
The lesson continued on to Wednesday and will be a series for several weeks. This Wednesday though, I was there and I was really struck by the activity we were doing. He was talking over the Belt of Truth from Ephesians. It is the truth of God that surrounds us, and hold us together. That it is His truth that allows us to move faster, stay secure, and hold more weapons to fight back the enemies. The youth pastor handed us a sheet of paper with lists of God's truths found in the Bible. One side held a lists of "God is" and the other was a list of "I am". See some examples:
God is
- He is faithful (deut. 7:9)
- He is my strength (Isa. 12:2)
- He is the All-sufficient one (2 Cor. 12:9)
- He is my Resting Place (Jer. 50:60)
- He is my peace ( (Eph. 2:14)
- I am a child of promise (Gal. 3:14)
- I am an expression of life in Christ (Col. 3:4)
- I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
- I am a light in the world ( Mt. 5:14)
- I am chosen and appointed to bear fruit (Jn. 15:16)
When I walked through, no I couldn't hear every single person, but I heard enough. When you are bombarded hearing truths of our maker, our God, our love, it's hard to not sense some sort stirring of God. I walked through and felt like I was being armed. Those words were being driven deep. It was pretty incredible.
This week has been up and down. I am with in a month of leaving. Today actually is one month from when I board my plane to Northern Ireland. Yesterday was great. I felt happy. I was productive. My checklist was review and there wasn't much left that I really needed.
Today it seemed like I was kicked in the stomach. I had an email from the British Consulates office in New York- the office that has the decision power on whether I will be allowed into the United Kingdom for an extended period of time. The first sentence said " You have failed to provide...." and I read it just as You have FAILED!" There is paperwork that I was told I need not provide but I really did need to provide. It is paperwork I think I have. I hope so, because with what I think I had- off I went to the Post Office to overnight it to their office. If it's not right then....I'll deal with it as it comes.
But as I left my office and drove home to get the paperwork, I kept hearing. You failed. You failed.
Then it hit me. I was smacked in the head with list I'd been armed with earlier in the week. "I failed" was a lie and utter deception. God's truths were with me. The examples I chose above are the examples that were really in the forefront of my mind. They filled my mind when I heard a song come on the radio that said
Fear has no place and the enemy has to leave at the sound of God's great name. Crazy stuff, but it's the truth. I decided there, God's name is going to be lifted today's struggle. The enemy is not winning this!
Yes, there is a hiccup in the road. Yes , there are steps that I have taken and will need to take to provide what UK Border Agency needs. It's covered by grace though. God's asking me to follow and to be willing to forsake all else to seek him. The decision of the British Consulate's office isn't going to stop that. God's glory will shine in this. It already is.
I do ask for prayers for continued strength and endurance in this race. Pray for wise decisions and a clear course of action that needs to be taken in the coming days.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
In everything with prayer and petition.
I'm sending this message to everyone who's been supporting me in prayer and other ways on for my journey to N. Ireland this fall.
I'm trying very, very hard to not become frustrated and overwhelmed because I know that this journey is one God is calling me to. But there are major roadblocks in the way of me traveling. Daily they seem to multiply.
There are aspects of the Visa process (finances) that literally needed to be complete one week ago, but could not because of pending information from the school I'll be attending. But I was told this morning that they will not be even approached until the earliest of June 28th. If these issues aren't resolved or unless some thing spectacular happens, I will not be go to N.Ireland in the intended time frame or capacity that I've been planning.
I am still moving ahead on my original plans. I know without a doubt that there is a work that God's doing in this. There's something he's teaching me and growing in me. But it's extremely hard to see it right now. He's telling me he's gonna take care of it and I know he will. I'm learning to trust in so many deeper ways than I've ever had to before.
In efforts to hold to Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " I am presenting prayers to Him. And I'm asking for you all to do the same with me.
This in only a part of things. There are other ways to pray for me as well in this journey overseas, but I'll let you read them as you have time at my blog http://milburn-k.blogspot.com/. Thank you all so much for the love and support you've already shown me. It's huge to me!
-Katie
I'm trying very, very hard to not become frustrated and overwhelmed because I know that this journey is one God is calling me to. But there are major roadblocks in the way of me traveling. Daily they seem to multiply.
There are aspects of the Visa process (finances) that literally needed to be complete one week ago, but could not because of pending information from the school I'll be attending. But I was told this morning that they will not be even approached until the earliest of June 28th. If these issues aren't resolved or unless some thing spectacular happens, I will not be go to N.Ireland in the intended time frame or capacity that I've been planning.
I am still moving ahead on my original plans. I know without a doubt that there is a work that God's doing in this. There's something he's teaching me and growing in me. But it's extremely hard to see it right now. He's telling me he's gonna take care of it and I know he will. I'm learning to trust in so many deeper ways than I've ever had to before.
In efforts to hold to Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " I am presenting prayers to Him. And I'm asking for you all to do the same with me.
This in only a part of things. There are other ways to pray for me as well in this journey overseas, but I'll let you read them as you have time at my blog http://milburn-k.blogspot.com/. Thank you all so much for the love and support you've already shown me. It's huge to me!
-Katie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)