I marvel at the way Goo Goo Dolls on my MP3 mesh so nicely with a nighttime bike ride. Cheers to that.

On a much different note, I got word yesterday that my dear piano teacher of twelve years went to be with the Lord. She lived for almost a year with a brain tumor and yesterday, September 26, was relieved of her pain and earthly bondage. For that, I say hallelujah. I am still sad, however. I remember my first piano lesson at age six like it was yesterday. We sang some of my favorite choral pieces of all time when she directed choir my freshman year. She was such a beautiful, soft-spoken woman of God. I love her and miss her, but I'm so glad I got to visit her in her home before returning to college in August. Today has been a day of reflection, prayer, and solitude. Refreshing. These hymn lyrics have been with me all day (a great version of this is by Chris Rice from his "Living Room Sessions" album):

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

May the blessings and abundant love of Christ be yours
Kathryn Elizabeth <3

My brother and I went took a 600+ mile road trip last weekend and I wanted to share some of our glorious experiences.

The picture on the left was taken in far North Michigan just as the sun was rising. Donald and I had been driving for a long, long time by this point. Seeing the absolute splendor of God's creation was so validating. Just that sunrise made the trip more than worth it.

When we got to Sleeping Bear dunes, five and a half hours later, we were both exhausted and relatively moody. It was sprinkling, despite the forecast that had predicted a sunny day. I admit, I had a bad attitude about the situation. We drove around and, after a little confusion, found the Empire Bluffs trail head. I begrudgingly followed Donald up the path. It didn't take long for my mood to improve. We were the only ones on the secluded trail and, as we walked, the sun started streaming through the colorful leaves.

Nothing prepared us for the view that greeted us when we came out of the forest. We emerged on top of a mountain of sand and rock that overlooked some of the most beautiful water I'd ever seen. Water that went on forever. The sky was so blue that there was no true horizon between it and Lake Michigan. Pure bliss :)

Traverse City, Michigan was also a delight. I loved walking down Front Street and seeing the bay peeking through the spaces between the restaurants and shops.

On the drive home, all I could think about was the perfection with which God has wrought together His creation. I am so thankful I got to experience it in such a setting, and that I've been blessed with a brother to share that experience with.

I read this verse in Isaiah 40 for the first time the day we returned from our adventure. What a wonderful mental image this conjures up :)
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and marked off the heavens by a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure, and the mountains in scales, the hills in a balance?

Happy living, friends :)
Kathryn Elizabeth

I'm teetering on the edge of big descisions: where to go to school next fall? What to major in? I know, I seem fickle. I promise I'm not. I'm just...nineteen. And trying to discern God's will vs. my own selfish ambitions for my life. It can be a tough task. I want to be where He wants me. I can either stay at Bethel or transfer to some kind of state institution. At this point, I'm fairly sure I'll be transferring. Where to? That's the big question. I really don't want to leave the South Bend/Mishawaka area. I've made so many connections with friends and my church family here, and it would be painful to leave those behind. And my brother is a freshman and loving Bethel. So...deep breath...I applied to Indiana University South Bend. We'll just have to see what the difference in cost is when the out-of-state fees are calculated. But at this point, I've put the situation in God's hands.

In other news, tap dancing has taken over my life. Between tap class, Collegians, and the musical...it's all-consuming. But I can't say that's altogether a bad thing. I enjoy it, and feel well-equipped after my 10 years of instruction with Jen Nelson.

I have two friends that are expecting their first children, and another who is expecting her second. They are all due anytime from late December to early March. It's an exciting time! I am thrilled for all of them. It's overwhelmingly exciting to hear updates on the little ones they're carrying. God is so, so good. :)

Happy living :) Kathryn Elizabeth