Alleluia! Praise to Jesus Christ!

And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow. And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror, and became as dead men. And the angel answering, said to the women: "Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified." 

"He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid. And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen: and behold he will go before you into Galilee; there you shall see him. Lo, I have foretold it to you." And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples. ~Matthew 28:1-10

Jesus Christ has risen today! Alleluia!
Happy Easter everyone! <3

In Christ,
~Katherine

Forgive them, Father...

"And the governor answering, said to them: Whether will you of the two to be released unto you? But they said, Barabbas. [22] Pilate saith to them: What shall I do then with Jesus that is called Christ? They say all: Let him be crucified. [23] The governor said to them: Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying: Let him be crucified. [24] And Pilate seeing that he prevailed nothing, but that rather a tumult was made; taking water washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood of this just man; look you to it. [25] And the whole people answering, said: His blood be upon us and our children." - Matthew 27:21

That last sentence gives me the chills. We are those children whose parents mocked and spat at Jesus and condemned him to be crucified. We are those children whose blood has been tainted by the evil that these people committed.
We, Gods master creation; his children, killed his only son. And in doing so, this man, Jesus Christ, saved us.

It blows my mind. We killed a man completely free of sin, completely without blame and in return he saved us from our own curse of sin that Adam and Eve brought onto us.
It's like this, God is our Shepherd we are his sheep. But we seem to be robotic sheep with our brains set to "disobey"; wandering past our safe-haven and into the brambles and ditches of darkness and evil.

"And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." - Luke 2:33
Even when Jesus had been treated so badly, beaten, mocked...He forgave us and asked God to forgive us.

Is it even possible to forgive someone after such a thing happened? If I had been treated this way, would I have been able to forgive my persecutors? Jesus is the ultimate man. To die for those you love (without fighting back) is the greatest thing anyone could do. And it wasn't just a single family he faught and died for, not like a man going off to war because he is thinking of his family. This is for the world. He endured all of this for the entire worlds sake, and Heavenly Father I am so thankful for your son. I wish with all my heart I could be like him, to be able to correct people and preach to people about the truth without being afraid or caring what the consequence would be.

Why is Good Friday good? I have heard this question asked before, and recently in my Kindergarten Religious Education class I teach.
The reason the day our Lord died is good is not because he died but because of the intention of his death, the good intention, saving all of us from the snare of sin.
I could go on forever about how important the death of our Lord is and how intense a sacrifice it was but I'm sure you all know this story very well, and if not you should really take a few moments to research what your faith is really all about.

So I guess I will conclude with these words; Jesus Christ, son of God the Father thee Almighty, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for giving up your life to save us from the stain of original sin. Please, help me to walk your path of truth, though it be narrow and very rocky, take my hand and lead me through it all.
The Holy Spirit, fill me with knowledge and understanding of my faith that I may be able to change the lives of those about me with the true faith.

Hope you all have a grand Easter weekend!


In Christ,
~Katherine


"'It is finishes.' And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit..." - John 19:30

God Give Me Patience.

Well, here I am, as I promised. But I don't really have anything optimistic to say. I guess I'll just start with the good news. The only good news is that I'm doing better with my Lenten sacrifice. I'm trying to limit how many nice things I get/buy and offering up some of my hardships.

But even so, these hardships are weighing down on me and I can hardly take it. So, now I'll start with all the bad news.

First off, school. My math teacher was insane so I had to drop that class. Everything was so hard and the teacher was just so rude about everything. My sister and I weren't understanding anything and she even accused us of cheating. We dropped the class yesterday and are trying to get into another class. Our math teacher from laster quarter was saying she would let us join her math class, which is awesome because it's online and I can go at my own pace (Once we catch up of course...We're coming on the 4th week...). However, her class is at 8am this brings me to my second problem.

You know how I said we were looking into getting a car? Well, my sister and I found one and really liked it, drove it around and everything. We looked into it more and found it had been stolen at one point in time, nothing bad done to it, they just added some miles. My dad said we should look someplace else and what my dad says goes. We went and saw another today, we liked it as well and my dad liked it too. We told the owners we were interested....But, they had a couple coming to look at the car later. And guess what? They got there, liked the car and had cash on hand and the deal was closed.

We, having a loan by the bank, have to wait 2 days after deciding we like a car to actually hand the people a check. This is a great disadvantage because having cash in-hand really helps, cash speaks.

It's like this...Lets say you like this car but it's $4500. You're thinking "Ok, maybe I can get the price lower." Well, if you happen to have $4200 on hand and say to the owner, if you like the car, "I like this car, would you lower the price to $4200?" and then show them the check honestly they can't really refuse. (If they do then you don't want to buy from them because they're just being picky now)

The fact that we can't do this is really REALLY testing my patience. Oh...All of this is with a private dealer. It's a bit easier to buy a car from a dealership then a private dealer when you have a loan...Dunno why.

Anyway, my sister and I really thought we were going to get this car. We agreed with my dad that if we don't get the car we'd look someplace else for something else. However, I don't want something else. The car we are looking into, a Dodge Neon, is a great commuter car(We need it for college), has great gas millage, is somewhat safe, and the thing I think is important is it is comfortable to drive. (I cant stand big nosed, slanted windshield, long and cramped cars. This model is exactly what I'm looking for.)

So my mom and I called the first people and asked if they still had the car (The one that had been stolen once) it is in fine shape with no internal problems, is cheap, and close by. When my mom told my dad we were going to go see it again tomorrow he totally blew up. He decided he wasn't going to see it (And this is bad because it's his loan so we need his approval) This is seriously and UTTERLY ridiculous! My dad is crazy, that's all there is to it. He's looking at cars we can't afford and are sinfully ugly and look just really unnecessary. It takes him seriously 2 months to look for a car and I don't have that time. I've been having my brother and mother drive us to school and it's really costing us. I need one by the middle of this coming week or else I swear I'm going to go insane. I've just had it with "His way or the highway." Man, I'd hit the highway in a heart beat but I NEED A CAR FIRST!

Arghhh.........."Lord give me patiences."

I'm sorry for ranting. I just really have no one else to talk to. If you're thinking "Well why don't you just talking to him?" Heh, you don't know my dad. He is painfully prideful. You say something he doesn't like and he will make your life living h-...well, you get the idea.

Ok, I'm done with the above....for now. Now for the next bad news.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, a Sunday me and my siblings love so much because of how light hearted our church becomes. That day has so many memories from when I was little. We would always stay hours after church to play with all the kids.

This year is going to be totally different. Our priest has scared away so many people; the church is practically empty, and he has an attitude about him that says "I guess I could serve mass if I had to....*sigh* I'm too good for this." It's so annoying because that's not what a priest is suppose to like! As I have gotten older I have become very interested in the Mass. It is so beautiful and I've always loved it. But since this priest has come I find myself zoning out or rolling my eyes. It's just all so seriously wrong!

On top of this is the choir. I believe I told you about our Music Coordinator, how she's so flamboyant and 70's worshipy. We have been sort of restraining her, telling her what we are not comfortable with and such. Last week I really thought we choir girls finally got her to understand how we do everything.

I was wrong. Tomorrow in church we are going to be waving palms, clanking finger cymbals, and she will be strumming a guitar. AHHHHHH!!!!! Never in my entire life would I have thought our little church would be turned into some 70's weird worshipy thing. We are very traditional! Why can't she understand??

Well I'm done with it. Tomorrow I have decided is my last day at choir. I was going to write her an email telling her what was wrong with everything, but I'm going to do it in person...Before mass. No cymbals and no strumming a guitar up the isle. I'm just so utterly frustrated at her! Why won't she listen to us? She asked us what songs we would like to sing on Palm Sunday and we told her two songs, letting her pick the rest since she is after all the music coordinator. She only used one and told us she was "Breaking away from our tradition for a bit tomorrow..." Uh, say that again? Not happening......

Ugh......I just sent her an email saying that we(The other choir girls and I) were going to be talking to her about the future of the choir. If we cannot get to her then I am leaving. It is not worth it. I cannot focus on the Mass and Gods presence in church with all this complicating and bizarre music going on.

Anyway, I'm done with all this stuff.

God, teach me to be patient, 

Teach me to go slow,

Teach me how to wait on You 

when my way I do not know.

Teach me sweet forbearance 

when things do not go right

so I remain unruffled 

when others grow uptight.

Teach me how to quiet my racing, rising heart

so I might hear the answer 

You are trying to impart.

Teach me to let go, dear God, 

and pray undisturbed 

until my heart is filled with inner peace 

and I learn to know your will.

Amen.

I really need to remind myself about how God feels. He must get pretty impatient with us, waiting for us to 

turn to him and realize who he really is. 

Lord, your children have abandoned you and yet you wait so patiently.

Please teach me your patience...

Yours truly,

~Katherine

It's been awhile!

Oh dear. It looks like I haven't kept my promise of posting once a week. Well, at least I know I have a bit to talk about! First off I want to apologize for not posing for so long. Since Spring Quarter started up on March 28th I have been very busy with a new schedule along with one surprise after another. It's been very hectic and I keep forgetting myself in all the crazyness.
So let me start where I left off, a few days before Spring Break. That Sunday I got to drive myself to choir! It was the best feeling ever. Being alone in that astro van, cruising along with no one to tell me what to do. I got the first taste of freedom and that taste wont go away.
I thanked God at mass that day, praying that he would keep me safe and that I would always drive responsibly. I thanked him for all of the amazing things he had done for me over the past weeks and then asked him to watch over me during Spring Quarter. I was a very happy person!


Then...Monday came, the first day of Spring quarter. It was so overwhelming. My first class was math. I wasn't use to being in an in-class math class, I had always done it online. Well, the teacher is very different than what I'm use to. She doesn't seem to really care about much other than how neat a paper should look. She didn't even hand out a syllabus. She doesn't really teach, just lecture about nonsense. It's really annoying and I don't like it at all.
Next was a piano class. I had taken a piano class in Fall quarter so I was use to the pianos and such, but this class is different. It is a computer piano class, you know, play something and then edit it on the computer? I said "Ah why not. Two friends are signing up and I know piano playing and computer technicals." Well, I have no idea what I'm getting into. It's something totally new. My friends, one being Colin (You remember, the kid who wants to "save" me? ;) ) and his friend, I'll just call him Mike, well they took to the class like fish in water. Yeah, I know Colin is great at the piano, heck I'm jealous, but I should be able to do just fine in this class. But I keep having blond moments or something (Call it what you want...). Arghhh!!! It's so frustrating. =/
Anyway my other class is online, History 101. This was the class I was dreading the most because of all the reading and writing. But so far this class is the best! Other than the fact that they think we evolved from monkeys (Silly evolutionists!) it's really great. I love reading about ancient history and all those events.


So anyway, the classes are just really clashing; taking up all of my time, making me go crazy, forgetting myself. I keep getting so angry especially at my family. I know this may seem harsh but I need to get out. I need to move out and taste that freedom again. I guess the problem is this......You know that astro van I talked about? The one I drove to taste that freedom? Well, my mom and dad sold it last Tuesday. My only means of escape. Yes, we have another vehicle but us kids aren't allowed to drive it. So here I am with a license and a want for freedom and I have no means of escape. My sister Jeanne and I are looking to get a loan to buy a car sometime this coming week, but it seems as if she's not even trying to look. I really need to get a car!
Ahhh, anyway. That's what we did today; went out looking at cars and then got home and searched online. It seems God is really and truly testing my patience, with my friends and family. My friends he uses to taunt me about not being able to drive to school and about my blond moments (Haha) and my Family he uses to test my temper. I have become so frustrated with my dad. If you knew him you'd understand, but I don't feel like ranting about him online. Today I said something to my mom I really regret and I know it was wrong...It just came out. I'm just so confused. Over homework and this lent I can't balance it out. I'm going crazy!


My God, I believe in you, I trust in you.
I love you above all things.
With all my heart, and mind, and strength.
I love you because you are supremely good and worth loving,
And because I love you I am sorry with all my heart for offending you.
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,
Amen.


*Sigh* I really need to focus on God. Lent is ending soon and I feel as if I haven't done anything to prove my love for him. Lent is a time where you reserve a bit of your life over the span of 40 days to focus on God. You offer up sacrifices for him. I feel like I haven't done a single thing for him except get angry. Tomorrow I can't stay longer after mass to say a couple more prayers before going to talk to friends like I did last week, but I can focus on mass itself, the blood and body of Christ is present and I have forgotten the importance of mass ever since things got busy. Singing has become a distraction instead of helping me stay focused because of our new Music Coordinator. But since I got to pick out music for tomorrow and I know they are good songs I can stay focused and start some new Lenten sacrifices for last two weeks of Lent.


So other than my failure as a Catholic to stay true to the Lenten season not too much has happened!
This is about the 3rd week of Spring Quarter and I am beginning to get use to my new-found friends. Mike and his girlfriend are really quite amusing. I found out his girlfriend is my old highschool teachers daughter! It was so weird but really funny. =)
Anyway, as for Colin...I cant figure out how I feel about him. He's a Christian who wants to save everyone around him. His friends are Christian as well but they don't know about our little discussion, haha(This is good because I don't want them ganging up on me!) Other than being a Christian he is really quite funny and as I said before he is very talented at the piano. As a test I gave him some sheet music from my favorite movie Gladiator. Apparently that is one of his favorites too and he's now halfway through the song. I am very jealous!
Though I am just waiting for him to bring up our discussion again...I'm keeping my distance...But I cant help but want to hang out with him and his group of friends, they're so open and funny. =)


So! Now that your up to speed with what's going on I'll leave you now. I will try as hard as I can to remember to post again at the end of this coming week. It's just really hard to remember with all of my homework.


Well, God bless and watch over you! Hope you're all doing better with your Lenten Sacrifices than I am!
In Jesus Christ,
~Katherine


Coming up next: Hopefully some good news on a car and better Lenten sacrifices!

Lord,
what you ask of my life seems so right.
It is how I want to live,
following your Son, Jesus, so closely.
And yet I fail so often to stay on that path.
I cannot do it alone, loving Lord.
I need your help and guidance.
I need to remember your love for me
and I want to remember
how very much I need you in my life.

Amen.

Jesus Christ be with me, always.