Tuesday night I crawled into bed and it was almost midnight. I had
left my house about 8:45am to go to Encounter for my normal scheduled teaching
session. We always know that Encounter can be unpredictable and anything can
happen, but when I left to go there in the morning, I didn't expect to not come
home from it until past 11pm. The day was one of the best I've had in a
long time. Now, it is a few days later and I am still reeling. I feel like my lungs
were filled with a fresh new air. Every part of the day I felt I was doing what
I was and am meant to be doing.
I started by going to CCV for Encounter. Encounter
School of Mission is a course I began last August and I believe it is one
of the reasons that I was brought to Coleraine, Northern Ireland in the first
place. The course is all about servant evangelism. We have a group teaching
session on Tuesdays and then practical application on Thursdays. In the course,
weekly we face huge risk of going into the streets to pray and minister to
people. Some interaction is practical ways of washing windows, passing out
muffins, and cleaning toilets, but we also ask God to direct us to people to
pray with and when we find them we approach them, chat with them, and ask if we
can pray and share God's love with them. Some days are great, and some are
hard. The course has been a big catalyst for me in seeing God's love in such a
new way. I've really grown to see and understand that what they Bible says we
can do and should do (Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 28:19-20), we do really have
the authority to do. I have seen people healed of crazy physical/emotional ailments;
I've seen freedom come to those crushed by finances, depression or broken
families. I have continuously gone into businesses to pray for them and when they
were struggling financially in August are now experiencing a complete financial
turn around.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Sometime I Truely Believe This Is A Fairytale
If you ever come to Northern Ireland, Murlough Bay, outside of Ballycastle is a must see. I was with my friends Samuel, Phil and JD and they were scouting an area for a music video shoot and we ended up here. It is by far the most gorgeous place I've been to date in Northern Ireland.
It was a fairy tale in beauty and in the sense that I felt like a princess among these truly incredible men.
It was already a windy day in Coleraine, but when Sam parked the car at the top of the hill we weren't expecting gale force winds. We were just leaning into the wind hoping it wouldn't stop suddenly or we were going fall flat on our faces. Seeing the rocky cliffs, we were also hoping that a gust wasn't going to knock us over, because of course our curiousity brought us far too close to the cliff edges.
All photos are courtesy of Samuel Steele.
 |
| Sometimes even little gnomes come out for a visit in the fairy tales |
Monday, April 8, 2013
Donegal Weekend Trip
| A small glimpse of the beauty standing at one of the most northern points of the island. |
The eight of us loaded into three cars with all of our gear, and headed to a rented cottage near Fanad Head. We brought our own food and each had to cook only one meal for the rest of the group. We had no internet, an no phone connection. It was a great break. We dandered about the beach which was only about a 5 minute walk out of our door. We enjoyed wine and a pint or two. We visited Fanad Head lighthouse (which made me think of the East Coast of the US), Portsalon, Carrickart, Downings and a few other places.
Here are some pictures from the trip
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Finished Up The Twenties. Now Onto Thirty.
A few weeks ago, I was hitting my thirtieth birthday. There’s no gasp on my end so there shouldn’t be any on yours. I am not really sure why it is that people get scared of passing the threshold of thirty. Like other birthdays, life doesn’t suddenly change when the birthday begins or ends. Panicking about it will not change the fact that there were things I wanted to do beforehand but didn’t. The panic certainly will not make me feel younger or older. I simply was not overly bothered. Actually, I was and am quite happy because I have had an incredible life that I think is still in quite the early stages. There is so much more still to come.
I did have one shocking thought upon approach—this is the beginning of a new decade, what am I going to do to make it better than the last? What choices would I make? Who would I meet? What new corners (or old corners, I guess) or the world would I find myself living? There is a lot that can happen in a decade.
Ten years ago when I was turning 20, I was a sophomore in college, struggling with my identity in many ways. I was frustrated with my family, with my faith, with my mental well-being. I was far from home. My college classes were turning my thoughts upside down, inside out, and backwards. As I came to my twentieth birthday all I wanted to do was abandon all that I knew of me and create someone new. But two massive things happened after I turned twenty.
I did have one shocking thought upon approach—this is the beginning of a new decade, what am I going to do to make it better than the last? What choices would I make? Who would I meet? What new corners (or old corners, I guess) or the world would I find myself living? There is a lot that can happen in a decade.
Ten years ago when I was turning 20, I was a sophomore in college, struggling with my identity in many ways. I was frustrated with my family, with my faith, with my mental well-being. I was far from home. My college classes were turning my thoughts upside down, inside out, and backwards. As I came to my twentieth birthday all I wanted to do was abandon all that I knew of me and create someone new. But two massive things happened after I turned twenty.
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
A Dusting Off
I do not know if you are like me but when life gets cluttered I notice it everywhere—from the clothes on my floor, the mound of books tumbling off the shelf, the icons on my computer desktop, and the trash on the street—and I am pushed me into drastic measures. It begins the massive effort for “Katie’s World Clean-Up Day/Week/Month.” Yes, it does last months sometimes. I clean up and reorganize everything. I attempt to figure out better methods to handle my chaos. I toss out what is not important. And then, I put away the things that are important, but not necessary at the moment. Unfortunately, there are instances that I have gone too extreme in “Katie’s World Clean-Up.” As I shift things around while cleaning up, some stuff is put away that should not have been put away in the first place. Have you ever put something on a shelf that was useful, important, or treasured, and then you forget where it went? Well, it is time to dust off a lot of things I have put on a shelf for a while. This blog, Beautiful Chaos, is one of them. I shifted it out of my focus and I lost an important outlet.
Life got cluttered, my brain got cluttered, and I started cutting things away. I took away the blog because I thought I could not handle the time it takes to write. Unknowingly, I also took away something that effectively uncluttered my brain. As I been away from Beautiful Chaos, more thoughts have piled up in my brain that I could not find an outlet for. Writing a blog provides me a way to do many things. With it I can talk about my travels, tell the stories of an American living in Northern Ireland. I am able to process what God is speaking to me and communicate it with others. With the blog I can share what inspires and challenges me. It allows me communicate with people from home when I can’t stay on top of replying to emails, Facebook or Skype. The blog also helps me develop skills as a writer. By taking it away from myself, I actually began to notice my head starting to explode with ideas that I could not quite get out other ways.
I have learned that I love words. I love stories. I love describing the wonder that is in my mind and hearing the wonder that is in other’s minds. I love learning the skills that God is calling out in me, especially when I thought they were the absolute last things He had planned for me. I never thought I would call myself a writer. I use the term very loosely for now. Much improvement could be made on what I do, but it is process I am embarking on once again.
A few months back, I was at a retreat with my Encounter School of Mission Team. We were at the end of a long night, but we were all huddled in groups praying for one another, and I clearly heard God speaking to me that the arts were mine to take. I have always loved the arts, focusing mostly on design and art, but music, writing and theater have always intrigued me. That not only is design and art an area that God wants to expand in my life, but writing and music are as well. He was speaking to me that the world I see—one that sometimes seems so fantasy like, unusual, beautiful, difficult, far-fetched, confusing, and inspired—is something that is the basis of the arts for me and I needed to start writing again. After I heard this from God, a friend who was praying for me said the same thing, she spoke “Katie, it’s time to take the pen and paper out again.” It was a confirmation to me.
Confirmation yes, but finding the courage to step into again was another thing. It has taken a few months to act on instructions and desire. I know I shoved this blog on the shelf when it was never meant to be. I was wary of making mistakes, filling my time too much, and focusing on the wrong things. Yet, I keep coming back writing, thinking about it, feeling the urge to write, and hearing the prompting to do so. So here I am, finding myself finally searching my shelves for one of those lost items that are treasured to me. It’s coming down and being dusted off. There needs to be some oil added to make it work again, but it’s being restored. The knicks and scratches don’t take away from anything but add to the charm. I know I have a unique perspective on life, we all do. I see chaos, yet I also see beauty. It’s time for sharing in the clean up of my mind.
Life got cluttered, my brain got cluttered, and I started cutting things away. I took away the blog because I thought I could not handle the time it takes to write. Unknowingly, I also took away something that effectively uncluttered my brain. As I been away from Beautiful Chaos, more thoughts have piled up in my brain that I could not find an outlet for. Writing a blog provides me a way to do many things. With it I can talk about my travels, tell the stories of an American living in Northern Ireland. I am able to process what God is speaking to me and communicate it with others. With the blog I can share what inspires and challenges me. It allows me communicate with people from home when I can’t stay on top of replying to emails, Facebook or Skype. The blog also helps me develop skills as a writer. By taking it away from myself, I actually began to notice my head starting to explode with ideas that I could not quite get out other ways.
I have learned that I love words. I love stories. I love describing the wonder that is in my mind and hearing the wonder that is in other’s minds. I love learning the skills that God is calling out in me, especially when I thought they were the absolute last things He had planned for me. I never thought I would call myself a writer. I use the term very loosely for now. Much improvement could be made on what I do, but it is process I am embarking on once again.
A few months back, I was at a retreat with my Encounter School of Mission Team. We were at the end of a long night, but we were all huddled in groups praying for one another, and I clearly heard God speaking to me that the arts were mine to take. I have always loved the arts, focusing mostly on design and art, but music, writing and theater have always intrigued me. That not only is design and art an area that God wants to expand in my life, but writing and music are as well. He was speaking to me that the world I see—one that sometimes seems so fantasy like, unusual, beautiful, difficult, far-fetched, confusing, and inspired—is something that is the basis of the arts for me and I needed to start writing again. After I heard this from God, a friend who was praying for me said the same thing, she spoke “Katie, it’s time to take the pen and paper out again.” It was a confirmation to me.
Confirmation yes, but finding the courage to step into again was another thing. It has taken a few months to act on instructions and desire. I know I shoved this blog on the shelf when it was never meant to be. I was wary of making mistakes, filling my time too much, and focusing on the wrong things. Yet, I keep coming back writing, thinking about it, feeling the urge to write, and hearing the prompting to do so. So here I am, finding myself finally searching my shelves for one of those lost items that are treasured to me. It’s coming down and being dusted off. There needs to be some oil added to make it work again, but it’s being restored. The knicks and scratches don’t take away from anything but add to the charm. I know I have a unique perspective on life, we all do. I see chaos, yet I also see beauty. It’s time for sharing in the clean up of my mind.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Trying to not feel guilty here...
There's been a big period of silence here. I want to be blogging, I truly do. It makes me feel guilty and disappointed in myself. Both are feelings I don't want. There feelings I have had a lot lately and I am trying to fight.
I am in the last 5 weeks of my master's course. It involves programming a website, amongst other things. So I am sitting at a computer a good 12hours a day. I just don't want to be doing anything else here that isn't necessary.
It's a short update for you but here it is.
It's been a crazy, amazing, blessed, difficult, roller coaster, of a summer. School never really stopped. I've been to Switzerland to see some friends. I had 14 people from my family at Vineyard Church Gilbert come see me. I have moved houses yet again. Friends that I've made since being here have left to go home. Homesickness kicked in again.
I love it here, but I miss loads of things. Give me a few weeks to get my head above water and an I'll be good again. That's the hope anyway. I hope none of you, my readers have felt disappointed in my lack of posts, but that's my reality right now.
I am in the last 5 weeks of my master's course. It involves programming a website, amongst other things. So I am sitting at a computer a good 12hours a day. I just don't want to be doing anything else here that isn't necessary.
It's a short update for you but here it is.
It's been a crazy, amazing, blessed, difficult, roller coaster, of a summer. School never really stopped. I've been to Switzerland to see some friends. I had 14 people from my family at Vineyard Church Gilbert come see me. I have moved houses yet again. Friends that I've made since being here have left to go home. Homesickness kicked in again.
I love it here, but I miss loads of things. Give me a few weeks to get my head above water and an I'll be good again. That's the hope anyway. I hope none of you, my readers have felt disappointed in my lack of posts, but that's my reality right now.
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