Valentine's Day

ahhh. it's so adorably punny.

Valentine's Day or it's more common names: vomit day and single awareness day.
I get it. I've been there.
It's so hard to be single on Valentine's Day, especially when it seems like literally everyone is rubbing it in your face that you don't have anyone.
But they aren't. I promise. They're just super happy and they want everyone to share in their happiness.
Yes, there are some who maybe shouldn't talk about it as much as they should.
But be happy for them anyway.
Your time will come. It really will.
And then you'll be just as happy as that couple you were really annoyed with...and you might be filled with regret that you complained so much.
I know I am.
Tell those couples how happy you are for them. Encourage them and pray for them.
They need it. Believe me.
Then enjoy your singleness. You won't be single forever.
Enjoy the people God has placed in your life here and now.
He put them in your life for a reason.
Love on them.
Do super nice things for them without expecting anything in return. Just because you care.
God has called us to love one another in Christ.
Find some way to show that.
Maybe unbelievers would then start to realize we actually aren't a bunch of stuck up jerks.
Love others with the love of Jesus. Unconditionally.

On another note...I did get to spend Valentine's Day with my far away valentine.
I did the first impulsive thing in my life.
I was talking to my dear Andy and suddenly realized how badly I wanted to spend my first Valentine's Day not single with my favorite person.
And with my parent's permission, I drove six hours to the freezing cold town of Aberdeen, SD.
When I got into town, Andy took me shopping and bought me more clothes (last minute decision to stay the whole weekend resulted in me not bringing any extra clothes...) and groceries for our homemade pasta Valentine's dinner.
I had homework that was due at midnight that night.
Andy volunteered to cook dinner so I could make sure I was able to get it all done in time. (isn't he just so sweet?)
It turned out delicious.
After we ate, we went out and had dessert with Andy's roommate and his girlfriend who are both very dear friends of ours. (side note...they set us up. such a fun, small world.)
It was such a sweet time of fellowship, and it eased the pain of loneliness I had felt so keenly for the past month.
Afterwards, Andy and I visited with his mom for awhile.
We then watched a bit of Les Miz before calling it a night.
The next day Andy had a track meet in Fargo.
Did you know that people actually voluntarily live in North Dakota?!
Yeah. Me neither.
But it was super wonderful to finally be able to see what Andy commits half his life to these days.
He ran both his races in new personal record time.
Most of the time my ignorant mind had no idea what was going on, but I was thrilled for him.
And I have to brag on this dude: he broke his school's record for the 200m race.
I am still just so proud of how hard this guy works.
He has been so gifted with talent from God, and he does not waste it.
Andy's mom was so generous (and rocks at thrifting) and bought me 16 pieces of clothing for only $6! I'm telling you she's a genius.
I got the super awesome opportunity to finally attend Andy's church Sunday morning.
I was beyond thrilled to get to see where my wonderful friend worships God each week.
It was a fantastic experience and I can't wait to go back soon.
Andy and I went out to lunch with a few of his wonderfully Godly friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Andy got the shock of the weekend when he found out he didn't have to go into work that afternoon.
We decided to be extremely productive with the few extra hours we had together and watch Spongebob and drink coffee.
We laughed ridiculously hard and were complete dorks all afternoon.
It was the most fun I had had in far too long.
That guy makes me laugh. All the time.
Since I had to drive six hours back to school on a Sunday evening, we decided we should talk the whole way so I wouldn't get sleepy.
We did just that.
It ended up being a five hour conversation.
Longest phone call of my life, but oh it was so much fun.
I miss that guy so much.
He's a wonderful friend and listener.
And people. He got me a Winnie the Pooh for Valentine's Day.

I will leave you all with this:
You don't need Valentine's Day for an excuse to love on someone.
Love someone who doesn't deserve it.
That's what Jesus did.
And we're called to be just like Him.
It's something I want to strive to do better at.
Won't you join me?

Love,
Katie :)

an entire year. how time does fly.

oh how so many things have changed since I blogged the last time.
I have seen a change in school,
                   a change in town,
                   moved away from my family,
                   entered a relationship with the coolest guy ever,
                   and watched God reveal Himself in a way I never thought possible.

God has been incredibly faithful and He has blown me away with how He has answered prayers and the pleadings of my heart in miraculous ways.
there have been extremely hard times and wonderfully happy times.
I have seen Scriptures speak to my heart that have made me cry tears of sadness and shame at the thoughts of my sin and yet tears of pure joy at the love of my great Jesus.
I have worshiped with believers in a way that I will never be able to describe.
I have experienced Godly fellowship with my dear family and close friends that I could never replace.
there have been tear filled days and nights filled with loneliness and ones filled with endless laughter.
and I wouldn't trade any minute for anything.
God has blessed me richly and I thank Him for His great mercy and love that I do not deserve but for the precious blood of Jesus.
in the span of a year, God has turned my world upside down.
some things are much better but other things have grown worse.
but I will praise God.
because He is God.
and is worthy of it all.

I'll leave you with this picture: (pretty much the best person I have in my life right now. my heart overflows with thankfulness.)

isn't he the cutest thing?!

Love,
Katie :)