Be kind.

Your Siblings…

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I can honestly say that you five are my best friends. It amazes me how close we really are. I know we can get on each other’s nerves. We argue and fight, but we also laugh together and cry together. I know if I ever needed anything from any one of you that you’d be there in a second.

Lauren-Nicole,

I always thought that because I am older that it should be you who looks up to me, but as I watch you grow into yourself and the young lady you are, you truly inspire me. You always have the best intentions at heart and you know yourself so well. You aren’t afraid to express who you are and you have an inner beauty that just radiates out. From you, I can learn honesty, loyalty and purity. I love our late night chats and all the advice you give me. You are more than I could ever ask for in a sister. I love you Toad.

Jordan,

You have really surprised me with how fast you are growing up. Everytime I see you, you are more beautiful inside and out. We were always the least close out of all the children, but we have grown closer lately and I am so happy for that. Jordan, you are such a strong young woman. You strength is incredible for someone your age. You are so stubborn, but still level-headed. You are fair and just. I love your sarcastic sense of humor and your witty comments. Whoever marries you will definitely have their hands full. I love you Jordie Paige.

LeighAnne,

Annie girl! You are growing up so fast. You have always been the sweetest, most tender-hearted out of all the other girls. You are so compassionate and caring. Especially when it comes to your animals. By this I know you will be a great mother one day. You are such a nurturing person and your kindness is really moving. You have always been my mini-me and I hope that I can always set a good example for you. Follow your dreams and believe in yourself. Whatever you choose to do, you will be successful. The world is at your feet. Love ya baby girl!

Christian,

I have had such joy in helping raise you. I never knew how strong love can be until you and Landon came into my life. Sometimes I’ll watch you both as you play with your toys or are on the computer and my heart fills with so much love that I think it makes me sad. It breaks my heart that you can’t live with us, but I will do everything in my power to change that. You are like my own children to me. I have so many memories of you taking your first step, teaching you the alphabet and how to write your name, putting you on timeout for misbehaving…I see your intelligence, your independence and your protective nature. You will become a good man one day. I love you Christi-poo. Stop growing up so fast!!!

Landon,

Landi-lou, I love youuu (: Hi baby boy. You are still the cutest thing. Chrisitan is so independent, yet you still have your childlike innocence. You are gentle and sweet, yet quiet and reserved. You are the baby of the family, so of course we’re going to spoil you! Landon, you teach me to slow down in life and enjoy every minute. I remember changing your diapers and rocking you to sleep. The way you would cuddle up in our arms when we held you was so adorable. You are my sweet little angel.

-Katelyn

It has been four months since the start of the year 2011. It seems only yesterday that I was packing my suitcases for California and heading off on a Boeing 737 to the west coast. Looking back, I am not too sure what I intended to accomplish or if I did accomplish anything, but now I can reflect on what I learned and God’s purpose for my life.

It is funny to observe the world and society that we live in this present day. In the past hundred or so years, almost every aspect of life from technology to clothing to family structures has completely changed. In this quickly progressing era, where nothing is the same from one day to the next, it is very easy to lose yourself, your identity, and most importantly your faith. Too often, I believe, that we try to put our view of who God is in a little compartment of our life and we try to live out who we want to be and who society makes us feel that we need to be in the rest of our life. As we all know, me especially, it doesn’t work that way. God calls us to be exceptional people and beacons of light to the world. He calls us to take on the characteristics of Christ, until they permeate our souls and being selfless and unconditionally loving is as natural as breathing to us.

I know from first-hand experience how easy it is to get lost. To slowly push God out of the picture and forget about His will for my life. As I sit here today and write this I realize how dead I feel without God’s daily presence. I need His Spirit to move within me. I need His Spirit to remind me of my value and worth. For so long, I viewed my life in terms of limitations. I can’t do this because of this reason; I am unable to do this because I can’t or I’m not good enough. How many of us are stuck in this limited thinking? Jesus wants us to know that with Him all things are possible.

Last Sunday, I listened to a mind-altering sermon from a woman named Priscilla. In her message, she stated God’s infinite ability to do above and beyond our highest expectations. She said that God is power. Too often we get caught up thinking that there isn’t enough to go around, but God is POWER. He has the ability to do all the things we ask (and go exceedingly above all that we can imagine). With this, I felt empowered. As Priscilla put it, “It is God’s sovereign right to decide if and when he wants to act on our requests, but it is not because he doesn’t have the ability.”

Therefore, God CAN do above and beyond what I or you ask of him. “You are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”

Have faith and see how God can work in your life.

You are important and able to accomplish more than your wildest dreams.

Woot Wooooot :D

California is AMAZING.

i have heavy heart.