tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5022394376461762892024-03-13T08:35:38.957-04:00thewarehouse"I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble” -Helen KellerKathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-80275804614012387822012-02-24T17:28:00.001-05:002012-08-21T21:28:59.155-04:00elections"Our electioneering racers have started for the prize. Such a whipping and spurring and huzzaing! Oh what rare sport it will be! Through thick and thin, through mire and dirt, through bogs and fens and sloughs, dashing and splashing and crying out, the devil take the hind most.<br />
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How long will it be possible that honor, truth or virtue should be respected among a people who are engaged in such a quick and perpetual succession of such profligate collisions and conflicts?"<br />
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-John Adams on the overall folderol of an election yearKathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-67310744444205320212012-02-24T17:23:00.001-05:002012-08-21T21:26:56.333-04:00Grateful in GreenwoodIn a desire to constantly set before my heart and mind that which I have been blessed with, and in order to direct my thoughts on God's goodness, I would like to share an email that I sent to family and friends shortly upon moving to Greenwood just one year ago. <br />
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I am SO excited to share how God continually provides and shows his constant faithful nature to Blake and me. As you know, I made the move to Greenwood in March and have already had a busy schedule. I am gainfully employed with the Catfish Farmers of America until June 24, (2 weeks before the wedding) essentially doing grassroots organizing for a federal campaign. I am so thankful for this incredible job opportunity that gives me wonderful flexibility working remotely. <br />
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On another issue, I have been staying with a couple from our church in their pool house. (yes, I went from a family's basement in DC to a pool house in MS, Matthew 6:31-33 is becoming very real to me.) When I first got to town, I began to look for places to rent, and found that there were no open houses or apartments anywhere in Greenwood. Every realty company in town said they might have some things open at the end of the month, but each address of potential rentals they supplied for us to drive by, just looked disappointing. All appeared either old, or a little dilapidated, and the amount they were charging was disproportionate to the quality. I was beginning to feel discouraged, but then our associate pastor's wife called me and said that the Lord had provided an incredible deal on a home for them to buy and that they were moving out of their cabin. The timing for my moving in has also proved to be perfect.<br />
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We went by, and were blown away! It is spacious and yet cozy, and the rent we will be paying is a steal. Literally as soon as we told both the landlords and our pastor that we wanted to move in, they were contacted by other couples who were interested....we just barely snagged it. We are overjoyed to begin our first year of marriage here in Greenwood, and have a great home from which to be hospitable to our friends and family....please come visit!<br />
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And finally, even before I moved to MS, I was thinking about what we would do for furniture. I knew we didn't have the resources for a wedding, moving, and buying furniture. And prior to praying for this area specifically, Blake's dad decided to sell his condo in Buckhead and needed somewhere to put all the furniture...well you can guess what happened. He has graciously allowed Blake and myself to use it. Blake and two of our guy friends from church drove over with a borrowed truck and trailer and brought it back to another friend's house to store for however long we need to. Then we got a call from some more friends in town that had some extra furniture.....just the pieces that we needed! I laugh every time I read or think about all these many details that God continues to take care of, and the extreme kindness and generosity of our friends. It is truly challenging my faith, and the extent to which I am generous to others.<br />
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I know this is a novel, but I am just overflowing with thankfulness for and awe at the way God is revealing himself to us, and wanted to share our testimony with the hope it might provide an encouragement to you as you walk daily in the mercy and grace of our Lord.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-53907114645295673122011-02-27T21:37:00.009-05:002012-02-24T17:30:13.003-05:005 months later...Yes, five months from my last blog post I decide to sit down and actually publish some more of my thoughts. Some of the initial questions I ask myself are, why do I do this? And, why did I start? I think the first reason why I started was so that I could update family and friends who had an interest (or stock) in how my life progressed in D.C. Well, D.C. has been great. My time here has included a lot, I mean a lot, of work, a lot of learning, and a lot of life changes. And I feel a bit of remorse about just now sitting down to write when I am wrapping up my time here. As a single woman in D.C. I had all the time in the world, but relationships, especially long-distance ones, take a lot of time to invest in and nurture....and mine is definitely worth every second.<br />
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However, I have recently developed a new hobby of reading blogs, mainly wedding blogs. Everyone who might stop by this lonely little web-page would know that I got engaged at Thanksgiving, but I always like saying it again...I'm engaged to the most incredible, godly, selfless, loving, smart, attractive, athletic, and thoughtful man. I really could go on forever. If you haven't seen it already, here is our proposal in pictures: <a href="http://vimeo.com/19100523">Will you marry me??</a><br />
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I never understood the incessant desire that some people (mainly women I know) have to read blogs. It always befuddled me that these individuals would sit around for hours and read about other people's lives and thoughts. And that in turn they would share their own. I have always wondered why in the world someone else would ever want to know what I was thinking or my view on a issue. The hard part about my blogging is that I am so passionate about politics and social issues that I tend to use this space as a platform for sharing all of that information, maybe more than others would like to know. Life is just so short, and I truly don't want to live it without passion and conviction.<br />
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The world really is becoming flatter by the day. Some friends that I keep up with are across the world in India, England, the Dominican Republic, China....and yet with the click of a button I can Skype with them or simply read about their life on a blog. Then I must ask myself, why do I like reading blogs? It's almost like a good conversation with a friend. People will write in a way that they may not share verbally and even those who are wonderful at deep conversations in person can express themselves in a different way in the written word. I believe life is made richer with each good conversation, be it with a stranger or a friend. There is a reason that man was created for community and every interaction, from my perspective, is divinely ordained.<br />
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Why blogs? There is a certain element of writing that is nonintrusive and noncommittal. You don't have to read my blog, and I don't have to read yours. One of the facts that I often have to remind myself, is that once a word is written, (just as if it were spoken) it cannot be taken back. Especially if it is online and published....some computer somewhere has it on file. I have found though, that blogging is a way to connect with people that I may never meet. And yet their words and pictures, ideas and dreams inspire and encourage me. I always feel incredibly artistic and crafty after visiting all the DIY wedding blogs, even though I will probably never touch an actual project. There seems to be pressure to write what others want to read. And for "professional" or money-making blogs, that holds true. But for me, it's about connecting and expressing. As the world changes no one, including me, wants to be left out or left behind.<br />
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For these reasons, and more, I will continue to blog. Who knows, my life in Mississippi might present even more things to blog about. I sure hope I have more time on my hands. I will enjoy more time to be introspective and still before the Lord. It will be a welcome relief to leave the crazy workaholic lifestyle of D.C.<br />
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For an outlook on 2011:<br />
Blake and I tie the knot on July 9, 2011, and it couldn't come soon enough. I cannot wait to be married to the love of my life, my best friend and become Mrs. Blake Ware.<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/19078837">Save-the-Date video</a>Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-64759115068098397402010-10-23T17:15:00.003-04:002012-02-24T17:30:50.422-05:00America's heartbeat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<div style="font: 12px Helvetica; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="190" data-width="266" height="190" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQRXhXWdEdpYExYonbp-NbDF2OyWjI7tHR8BoUr1Bkr2dCR6VE" style="height: 190px; width: 266px;" width="266" /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><br />
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<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://votingforlife.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">http://votingforlife.com/</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vote for those who can’t and may not ever get the chance to. November is coming very quickly and the chance to </span><a href="http://www.albanyherald.com/news/headlines/100119514.html?ref=514"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">repeal deathly part</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">s of the healthcare bill is resting on this election. The longer Congress sits on the legislation, the harder it will become to repeal. It will further burrow into our economy, healthcare system, and the moral fabric of America.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div></div></div></blockquote><div></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple"><div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is one issue that truly breaks my heart, and reveals the true selfishness of our society worldwide. We are blatantly accepting and promoting abortion. We kill </span><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,880,00.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.6 million babies </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">EACH year. The numbers are staggering. The stats show that 43% almost half of all American women will have an abortion at some point in their life. How devastating to the women, the families, and our culture. My heart is very heavy.</span></div></div></div></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i> Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> the fruit of the womb a reward.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Like arrows in the hand of a warrior </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> are the children of one's youth.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> Psalm 127:3-4</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> See that you do not despise one of these little ones. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i> For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>the face of my Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 18:10-11</i></span><br />
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</i></span>Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-87606506493755929662010-09-25T18:04:00.001-04:002012-02-24T17:32:13.507-05:00It's the little things in lifeThat make me happy.<br />
Last night I was wandering home from work not really having anywhere to go and decided to take care of some errands. I am so type A that it felt good to finally take care of those tasks. I went and used store credit from 2008... I am very bad about using giftcards and store credit. However, because the store didn't have the item I was looking for, they ordered it and gave me 25 % off! I only had to pay an extra $0.58. Thank you God!<br />
I got fuel. Which, shouldn't be that difficult, but taking the time to stop and fill up is one of my least favorite activities, and I do it more often since I moved to Virginia.<br />
I picked up a few good bottles of wine at a discount...that small joy will last me on into the next week.<br />
And I was near a Chick-fil- A (yes I was a good ways out in VA) so of course I stopped. It's crazy the calming affect that food and the simple familiarity of that food can have on one.<br />
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On another note: I am really trying to keep an eternal perspective. It is easy to get lost in the daily on-goings and discouragements of life. It's also hard to be focused on the here and now when one wants something that rests in the future. I am truly praying for contentment and satisfaction with where the Lord has me. I am trying to remember that the Lord is whom I seek to please, and it is for his glory and magnification that I live. Every person makes mistakes, I cannot please everyone nor can I solve their problems. Especially not the entire constituency of the State of Alabama... however, in these times I am reminded how thankful I am that the Lord loves me enough to continually mold me and remind me that I really am incompetent and need his daily intervention in my heart and actions.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-21421765901802875092010-09-11T13:10:00.003-04:002012-02-24T17:33:35.877-05:00ReminiscingBeen a while, so here is a novel on the recent goings on in the life of a poor Senate staffer:<br />
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I have always considered myself to be a flexible person. I have been comfortable with taking on new challenges and have always enjoyed meeting new people. Sixteen months ago I made the transition to D.C. and have never regretted the decision. However, it proved to be more challenging than my initial assumption. I was blessed to have the chance to go home every month last year after moving (whether my pocketbook liked it or not.) That helped with the transition so I didn't feel far away. When I was in town, I felt like each week I was meeting so many people, and getting invitations to go to a variety of fun events. I can remember desiring to be settled in and have a routine life that felt normal and not as transient and temporary. However there is something to be said for that level of discomfort. It pushes one to go outside of their comfort zone to meet friends and participate in activities that they may not otherwise experience. Moving to a new city without a lot of close friends can be such a great growing experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed every experience here and the many periods of growth that the Lord has carried me through. I could never have envisioned the way this past year unfolded.I now feel completely settled in, or I did until the middle of August.<br />
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I had an incredible roommate this past year, who blessed my socks off. I am truly thankful for her. After living with Lauren, I realized how important it is to have a good roommate with whom you mesh. This becomes an even more vital reality as I look to choose my lifelong roommate. She was such an encouragement and great friend. We experienced a lot of life changes this past year, and discovered what it means to be an adult. Paying bills, figuring out retirement, healthcare, savings, credit cards, managing time and deciding who we were going to surround ourselves with and what church-body to commit to. We served at a wonderful church and were challenged in our interactions with the students and other youth leaders. We dealt with guy issues, and employment struggles. We fought with the choices that would determine how we would be defined, and ultimately what we wanted our lives to look like outside of the Auburn bubble. We had purses stolen, and cars towed. We paid a ridiculous amount for parking and winced each time half of our paychecks went to rent each month. We romped around the city with all the many visitors we had, we went on day trips and roads trips. We sat in A LOT of traffic, and waited on a good number of metros. We met so many craigslist people that we could write a book. We survived two of the worst snow storms DC has ever seen and had dance parties in our posh apartment. D.C. with one of my best friends was great.<br />
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When Lauren left in the middle of August, I went through the most stressful and extensive process of moving. I have decided moving and painting are my least favorite activities. However, I am now living with a wonderful family of 6 in northern Virginia. It is wonderful. I never thought I'd love being back with a family as much as I do. All the kids are 7 and under. There is a lot going on in the house, but it is cool to witness the manner in which the parents lead, love and teach. I am sure to have many stories to come.<br />
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While I am tired of moving twice every year for the past 4 years, I can say with complete confidence that I will be satisfied moving when the Lord calls me to my next adventure. Until that time, I will rest in the love and providence of my Sovereign Father, and seek to maximize each day's blessings and opportunities to the fullest.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-11688369055008968082010-06-04T09:20:00.002-04:002012-02-24T17:34:07.050-05:00Halls of History 8.5.2009:<br />
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Lauren and I trekked across the city last night to go for an evening jog around Iwo Jima and the Rosslyn area. The weather was nearly perfect, and we split up to enjoy our different paces. It is truly a beautiful area to run, I headed around Iwo Jima, by Arlington National Cemetery and over the Key Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial and continued to dodge people as I hit my turn around mark by the WWII Memorial.<br />
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As I reflect on recent changes. I feel I should update you about an exciting adventure I am embarking on. After an extended period of prayer I have committed to serving weekly at The Falls Church in their youth family. I have been charged with shepherding 6th grade girls. Many stories and revelations are sure to come.<br />
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One of the first things I have observed is how much of life they have ahead of them. Those sweet faces reflect youth full of hopes and dreams.<br />
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I can remember sitting in their shoes and looking at my babysitters thinking how cool their life is and how much I had to look forward to. I was going to have such a fun filled life and it was going to be just like all the movies, picture perfect. I could not wait to take a stab at changing to world. I dreamed of politics and glamor, of history in the making. <br />
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I now walk the halls where history has been, is, and will continue to be written.<br />
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Yes, it may be difficult having my daylight hours committed to a cubbie in a marble building and football weekends make me long for the e-mail from the Whip's office that says, "these are the last votes of the week, have a good weekend."<br />
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However I am in those shoes now and it is totally worth every sacrifice to serve my fellow citizens daily by fighting to restore America to our founders' original vision. A place free from oppression and open to expression of all religions, but firmly acknowledging that we are guided and directed by one God.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-48447439059774053242010-01-13T15:40:00.000-05:002010-01-13T15:40:32.668-05:00Through the eyes of a 6th grader<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
At Crossroads this week (middle school youth group) Matt, the boys Youth Director, gave a wonderful example of how we can doubt God's goodness by having a selfish, narrow-visioned, instantly gratifying mindset. (He of course used different terms.) He asked one of the middle school girls to stand at the front and close her eyes. He proceeded to hold up a large and beautiful painting close to her face. When she opened her eyes, all she could see was yellow. As she took steps backwards she saw more and more of the striking sunset painting.<br />
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This resonates true when we live day by day and see little by little God's great plan come into existence. We cannot always understand the reasons that we are enduring the trials or situations that we are, or cannot understand the uncomfortable position that God has us in; but He continually reveals more and more to us so that we can more fully grasp his magnificent plan and painting of our lives.<br />
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Later, one of my co leaders in the small group asked our girls how they felt when God didn't give them something they wanted. The sweet girl to my left looked up and said, "Well, it can lead to resentment, but if you really trust God, you will know that if he really does have your best interest in mind, then what you wanted wasn't best for you, or you might should not have wanted it in the first place." - Ladies and Gentlemen, the wisdom of a 6th grader.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-88766497850874282272010-01-13T11:46:00.002-05:002010-06-03T21:38:28.188-04:00Silent Night- All is CalmAs I walked to work this morning in the nipping cold, I realized how often that I walk looking at the ground. Sure I was shielding my poor face from what I thought was -20 degree winds, but when I recognized how much I was examining the semi-flat pavement rather than looking at the world around me I was hit by the simple truth that I have been living life in the same manner.<br />
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How much do I miss by looking down at my feet. If I would just raise my eyes to look at those around me I might share the kindness of a stranger's smile, or enjoy the simple yet miraculous act of a bird in flight, or I might notice a cloud in an odd shape, or even just take in the enchanting world of the city.<br />
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Like tonight- I walked home from watching football at a friend's apartment on the north side of the Hill. I won't tell you what time, or how far, because I am sure to get scolded. I very innocently didn't expect snow, but much to my Alabama delight I walked out to a fresh layer of snow and practically floated home as I tried to see how long I could look up into the kaleidoscope of snowflakes. As I neared the Library of Congress and the Capitol, my breath escaped me. What a beautiful view. I didn't see a car in sight, and there were no noises. Very austerely and yet elegantly stood my Capitol. There is something simply charming and endearing about the Capitol at night with the sharp contrast of a midnight sky, the lights are at just the right angle so it demands respect. The snow peacefully fell covering me completely in new white attire, and silently embracing the Capitol that I love.<br />
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Everything in life depends on one's outlook. Think of what I would have missed had I not looked up. This year in 2010, I promise to pull my eye from the pavement and my own life, and look up to face the world around me.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-40758805867145098052009-10-09T10:35:00.001-04:002009-10-09T10:37:57.086-04:00In God we trust<a href="http://tinyurl.com/yz69leb">http://tinyurl.com/yz69leb</a><br />
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Watch the video.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/Ss9KvTgsDPI/AAAAAAAAACI/oTpweVT4Vr8/s1600-h/InGodwetrust.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img $r="true" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/Ss9KvTgsDPI/AAAAAAAAACI/oTpweVT4Vr8/s320/InGodwetrust.bmp" /></a><br />
</div>This is why I work here. This is what we are fighting for. <br />
Take heart America there are still great men fighting for this country.<br />
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"The Lord blesses each nation that worships only him. He blesses his chosen ones."<br />
Psalm 33:12Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-24334440835159901662009-10-02T13:55:00.002-04:002010-06-03T21:45:01.328-04:00::Autumn::There is just something marvelously wonderful about the change of season from summer to fall. <br />
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Fall is probably my favorite season. I can remember having an odd fondness for fall growing up. In the Isaacson household, we were big on make-believe play outdoors. We would make forts or become domestic and have forest “houses.” If we were feeling extra adventurous we would explore the wooded areas, (this is when 2 acres of land was “uncharted” territory and felt like 200,) or we would turn on some music and choreograph trampoline circus routines. I can remember four-wheeler hide-and-go seek games, horseback rides, and rollerblading up and down the one paved street in our area. Being homeschooled was fabulous because there were so many opportunities to finish our work quickly so that we could spend the day playing catch with Puppy outside. <br />
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I was never enthusiastic about summer days in Alabama. We were always in the pool and while that was fun, it was the nip of the autumn air that sparked in me a passion for God’s great outside creation. <br />
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My strong affinity for sports was also satisfied by football-filled Saturdays. Growing up in Auburn/ Opelika, I have been around SEC football for the majority of my life. Currently I am experiencing serious withdrawals that incite strong arguments about teams of which I care nothing about. I am venturing today to Knoxville to finally see my Tigers play, and I couldn’t be more excited! War Eagle!<br />
Autumn also brings the need for long sleeve shirts, turtle-necks and sweaters. There is something delightful about cuddling up in a hammock with a good book and beautiful bronze and ruby leaves creating a canopy above that rustle with the cool wind interrupting the silence of the country. Oh how I wish I could be on Sedgefield Lane.<br />
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One of the other things I feel with the coming of autumn is the desire for school. I enjoy reading and learning, and I liked “school” growing up as long as I had some say in what I was learning. After a summer break, I can recall the excitement upon discovering a box arrived in the mail, all the kids would gather around to claim the books that were to become our teachers for the upcoming year. I would much rather be in school in the fall than any other time of the year. The weather inspires me to think deeper thoughts, and truly desire to retain the information I encounter; new books, new hopes for good grades and new interesting subjects to discover.This may be why I have been interested in grad schools the past few weeks, even though I can't fathom going back to school anytime soon.<br />
In the AO area, we always had fun fall festivals, hayrides, corn mazes, etc., and all the memories of those activities makes me long for home and yet so thankful that I will actually get four seasons in D.C.<br />
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So it is with that same childish fascination of the weather patterns and biological change in the landscape that I am clinging to the hope of bottling up the weather here in DC and having some to enjoy year round. God is so creative to design a consistent pattern by which our agricultural cycles follow. <br />
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“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.<br />
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. <br />
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”<br />
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Daniel 2: 20-21Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-74036254123087398402009-08-31T22:13:00.007-04:002010-06-03T21:50:39.035-04:00Andy Griffith<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SqVmpW8708I/AAAAAAAAACA/hnimx_YrJtU/s1600-h/opie.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378818190685754306" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SqVmpW8708I/AAAAAAAAACA/hnimx_YrJtU/s320/opie.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 295px;" /></a><br />
Guilty confessions:<br />
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Apt 930 is addicted to the Andy Griffith show. It is true. We enjoy the antics of Barney and the comments from Gomer, and the sweetness of Opie.<br />
There is even an appeal of the slow peaceful life of Mayberry. After going to my boss' district this past week, one of the guys from our Leg staff said he forgot that people lived such different lives. In D.C. it is easy to get caught up in the sexy world of politics and power and it sometimes takes a jolt of reality in the world of, "normal middle class America" to remind us of real life. Life is starkly different outside of D.C. Even the simple detail of clothing choice; we stopped at one locality and a woman looked at the gentleman she was with and commented that, "they must be from D.C." He inquired as to why she would presume this, and she informed him that just as we were, everyone in D.C. wears black.<br />
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Time and time again, I have found Andy to be so wise, and his profound comments and solutions always strike a chord with the true values that I align with. Each episode, he takes problems and solves them with real world, common sense solutions. Maybe he should be president!<br />
I would be quite satisfied if God gave me an Andy Griffith to marry and an Opie for a son.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-21903156472309647312009-08-27T20:01:00.005-04:002010-06-03T21:49:48.648-04:00TravelsWhew. I just got home from a tour of my boss' district. It was exhausting! Very very beneficial and eye opening, but socially draining. I really enjoy just listening to the rest of our staff and soaking up their exorbitant amounts of knowledge. There is much more to the legislative process than most people understand.<br />
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I feel like I'm constantly traveling these days, and my pocket book is proof as I buy plane tickets home to Alabama once a month if not more. When at home recently, I went out to meet up with a friend one night and realized that I felt SO out of place. Auburn seemed so foreign, it was like a dream in which I was searching to find a glimpse of normality and it was no where to be found. The faces were different, the buildings new, I kept trying to get comfortable, but I even found myself socially awkward. When my friend told people where I lived, they then asked what school I graduated from...doesn't take long to be forgotten. And as soon as I started talking about my job they glazed over, and I lost their attention almost instantly. I have forgotten how to small talk with anyone outside of D.C.!<br />
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However the trip was wonderful and it was great to see the family. My brothers are precious and growing by the day. And I was SO SO excited that Landrum chose to be a diamond sister with me in ADPI. I am very excited about all the experiences she is about to embark on. I will have to admit, that as beautiful as the country roads were in our district, and as refreshing as my trip home might have been, I realized each time I left, I was yearning for D.C. I look forward to the place where I fit in and live a comfortable life and also to come back to my roommate and my cosy grown-up apartment with the luxuries of a big city.<br />
So tonight, for now, I'm back in what is my sweet home D.C.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-8758689347945169182009-08-19T09:08:00.002-04:002009-08-19T09:26:25.615-04:00BodegaReported by some friends in Auburn:<br /><br />Robert Gibbs, the current White House Press Secretary, who seems to get more flustered than any secretary I can recall ever seeing or hearing about, was in Auburn a few weeks ago for his high school reunion.<br />Reliable sources have informed me that Mr. Gibbs was seen being thrown out of Bodega, a common late night watering hole after making a scene.<br />The bouncers were shutting down the bar when Mr. Gibbs who thought it was a little too early for this, insisted on getting in their face and asking repeatedly, "DO you know who I am???"<br />The bouncer then took the beer from his hand and chunked it in the trash saying," I don't care who the **** you are, GET OUT."<br /><br />Washington has a habit of blowing up people's ego...but I'm justing being trying to be understanding. :)<br /><br />War Damn.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-75716402697558498222009-08-07T12:31:00.005-04:002009-11-30T23:46:09.684-05:00Successfully LostI just had one of the toughest workouts. Kickboxing at Gold's Gym on Capitol Hill with Jen. She sounds nice, the experience sounds normal, but I am in PAIN! She kicked my butt. After our initial meeting I came to the conclusion that this Jen is NOT nice...or maybe she's simply sharing a tough love, because I will feel better about my caloric intake while I limp to work tomorrow. After an an hour and a half of hell, I ran home, and decided to head up to the roof for an evening swim. It was so relaxing to be back in the water, especially on a warm summer night with the glow of the Nationals stadium to my left and the Capitol and Washington Monument to my right. I then made a much needed call to a best friend in Auburn. What a blessing to have such good "bosom friends" as Anne of Green Gables referred to them. I don't know what I would do without the consistency of a wonderful roommate, an incredible family, and circle of friends and mentors who truly care for me.<br />
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These past two months have been a balance between managing a new work life and finding new friends. It's actually not been that difficult, God has laid everything in my lap. I have no complaints, it's just an odd reality that my friends and family in Auburn or elsewhere in the world have no idea about my life here. It's completely different and separate from the last 21 years of my life. The majority of my friends are new, a new church, new scenery, new apartment, a new world. No one back home can relate to the experiences I'm having. And yet in a way I feel like they should because they know me.<br />
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There are endless interesting things to do and people to meet in DC. I feel as though my weekly activities are constantly changing and I'm collecting new emails from acquaintances all the time. (We don't really do facebook, or cell phone numbers, correspondance is all through email. This is the downside of everyone having a Blackberry.) One weekend I spontaneously went to New York City to the US Open with a friend from Auburn who was interning in NYC. So a few hours after deciding to go I got on a bus and made a friend at 8 am on the way there, and another at 3 am on the way back. Both women were incredibly accomplished and so interesting! I had a truly eye opening week with the wide variety of people that I encountered. I now keep in touch with both women and have been touched by their different experiences. After living in Auburn, Alabama for 17 years of my life I have broken out of my sheltered bubble. Even with the multiple trips and conferences I went to, I did not have the depth of relationships with people who were really much different than me.<br />
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Then the realization hit me, there are a lot of generally confused people who are hungry for answers. They are unsure of what is going to happen in a sinking economy and a world filled with war, depression, hate, and hopeless discontentment and greed. DC is a prime location for hurting people. The "successful" ones just know how to cover it up. I want to make a difference on this planet in the short life I'm given. And even if it pulls me away from my family and friends, I want to be in the place where I can be best used by God. I want to serve as an open sounding board for anyone who needs a friend; to be able to implement the many ideals and values imprinted on me throughout my life. So here I am. A displaced southerner who seeks fulfillment in the daily joys of life with a passion to make even the smallest difference in the world around me. Why do I consistently chose to be silent and ignore opportunities when I have been blessed with the answers? As Christians WE have been given the answers!!!! Speak up and act out, for our reward is not on earth, but in heaven and we do not answer to men, but to the Creator of the universe.<br />
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14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear[<a goog_docs_charindex="3764" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=67&chapter=3&verse=14&end_verse=16&version=31&context=context#fen-NIV-30423a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]; do not be frightened."[<a goog_docs_charindex="3795" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=67&chapter=3&verse=14&end_verse=16&version=31&context=context#fen-NIV-30423b" title="See footnote b">b</a>] 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.1 Peter 3:14-16Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-61333722700581646162009-07-30T21:42:00.006-04:002009-11-30T23:44:51.118-05:00Next. Next."Coming up next" is the ending phrase of almost every commercial break on TV. The producers create an appealing can't miss preview of the next show. And after this I find myself often bored with the current show and just waiting for the next rather than enjoy the mindless experience. I'm beginning to see how easy it is to live life in that phrase as well.<br />
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When I was a child I wanted to be in high school because it had to be just as cool as I saw on Saved by the Bell. When I was in High School I longed for the college years which I cut short into three to be able to live the glamorous life of a poor young professional.<br />
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And now I sit here and am perfectly content, but wonder what it would be like to be in the next phase. My friends have to often remind me that I am only 21. So young. Although I think the independent culture of DC is further provoking my own independence; the other night a man proposed at Screen on the Green, (a movie shown in front of the Capitol on the Mall,) I spoke too loudly in a careless moment, "Say no, you have your whole life ahead of you!"<br />
I didn't really mean to say it, it kind of came out without my thinking. But it leads me to wonder, am I really becoming disenchanted with the idea of relationships?Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-28210997159105053392009-07-28T20:17:00.002-04:002009-07-28T20:26:41.327-04:00Flashback<a href="http://www.lutherstrange.com/node/86">http://www.lutherstrange.com/node/86</a><br /><br />Whoever thought this was a good idea, should reconsider their career in campaigns...the first thing I thought about was Big Jim's campaign in 1946 in which the musical creativity of slogans was unleashed with the melodies that introduced the famous phrase, "Y'all come."<br />Bad idea Strange.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-77119210632852603422009-07-24T08:26:00.003-04:002009-07-24T08:40:51.242-04:00Suing history<a href="http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2009/July/Lawmakers-Speak-Out-Against-In-God-We-Trust-Suit/">http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2009/July/Lawmakers-Speak-Out-Against-In-God-We-Trust-Suit/</a><br /><br /><br />Can you believe this is what our nation is coming to? That we are suing the Federal Government for posting a phrase and a document on which our country was founded? Absolutely ABSURD!Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-81143869811729785002009-07-23T21:48:00.003-04:002009-07-23T21:52:54.564-04:00House shoppingAs soon as I find my camera, I'll post pictures from my current D.C. abode. But in the meantime, here is the gem of an apartment that Lauren and I searched all over the city to find. The building is actually visible from my current front door. Ha! BE Jealous!<br /><a href="http://www.jeffersoncapitolyards.com/photo_gallery/">http://www.jeffersoncapitolyards.com/photo_gallery/</a><br /><br />Can you tell I'm trying to entice visitors??Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-15944769817081486582009-07-21T23:07:00.006-04:002009-07-21T23:44:27.498-04:00Unemployed for a day.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SmaFronENpI/AAAAAAAAABw/H3jvoiWL7AM/s1600-h/Rayburn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SmaFronENpI/AAAAAAAAABw/H3jvoiWL7AM/s320/Rayburn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361119391113295506" border="0" /></a><br />Literally, I was unemployed for one day in D.C.<br />I think most everyone knows how God abundantly provided, but I like to tell the story about how God so richly blesses those that He loves.<br /><br />Dad and Benjamin moved me up to D.C. on Saturday June 1, (I just loved having some time alone with those two.) Poor B-Man was so sweet even though we stuck him in the backseat without any leg room and more luggage in his lap.<br />By Monday morning I had two interviews scheduled by people who had heard of me through friends. By Monday afternoon, I had one more. Tuesday, I had three call backs.<br /><br />Now I'll stop and say that it was quite a surprise to many people that I was moving without a job and the more I heard the shock in their response, the more nervous I became. However, I knew that I needed to step out in faith and if I really believed the Lord had placed these passions in my heart, I had to follow the nudge to reach true satisfaction in fulfilling my life's calling.<br /><br />As I made my way through Arlington Cemetery on Tuesday night to join Dad and B-man for the Marine Corps' Sunset Parade; I received a call from the Hill and had my first official job offer in a span of 24 hours. The very next day,I was also offered two of the other positions.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SmaI08dOR9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/WdeE8SNOpgI/s1600-h/iwojima.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fEnEdknu5PU/SmaI08dOR9I/AAAAAAAAAB4/WdeE8SNOpgI/s320/iwojima.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361122849594427346" border="0" /></a>(Picture of the Marines at Iwo Jima)<br /><br />I couldn't believe it, in a country with 10% + unemployment, the Lord had proven that He was much bigger then the numbers. And even though it feels more like a stipend than a paycheck, I have a job, in a great office with wonderful staff and an incredible boss. And even more I was reassured of His faithfulness.<br />WHY do I EVER doubt? And why is it always so hard to trust in His voice? Go in faith and be encouraged.<br /><br />(the top picture is Rayburn, my office building)Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-78210327874981189742009-07-21T22:52:00.004-04:002009-07-21T23:06:00.843-04:00Sweat and smiles.Not much makes me homesick, especially in a city that I love like D.C. But whenever you get a War Eagle moment in the gym like I did tonight, I can't help but swell with love for Auburn and have a pang of sadness for the life I've left behind.<br /><br />As fate would have it, on the run back home I heard sweet Matt Wertz voice in my ear whispering confirmation of my calling to DC;<br /><br />Listen close<br />The monuments are whispering your name<br />I'm standing strong<br />Knowing that we'll never be the same<br />It's getting hard to fake<br /><br />But as you go your own way<br />Remember, do not be afraid<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">because you're right where you should be</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In Capitol City</span><br />Yeah, I know<br />There's better things right now for you than me<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You're growing up</span><br />Those squinty eyes are just starting to see<br />Everything you need<br /><br />Say the word<br />It's all I'd need<br />To catch a plane<br />Make you believe.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOySJS-xoiE" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOySJS-xoiE</a>Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-23977309351103655222009-07-19T23:04:00.003-04:002009-07-19T23:31:32.573-04:00finally a localTonight on one of my nightly runs through the city I decided to go long distance and visit my favorite monument, the Jefferson. As I was running down the path I saw a couple taking pictures of each other so I stopped and offered to take one of them together. As they were thanking me, they mentioned they were just enjoying every aspect of my city. All I could say in response was, "I do too every day." And that couldn't be more true.Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-502239437646176289.post-61602107656120492512009-07-19T22:43:00.004-04:002009-07-19T23:30:41.414-04:00my prayer for life in DC<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> Where there is hatred, let me sow love;</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> where there is injury, pardon;</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> where there is doubt, faith;</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> where there is despair, hope;</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> where there is darkness, light;</span><br /> where there is sadness, joy; </span><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;<br />to be understood as to understand;<br />to be loved as to love. </span></p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For it is in giving that we receive;<br />it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;<br />and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.</span></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:100%;">-St. Francis of Assisi</span></p>Kathryn Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16497129451811683057noreply@blogger.com0