Day 25 - What would be found in my bag
Unfortunately blog followers...it's pretty boring. Let's see...probably sunglasses, chapstick, lots of pens, wallet and because it was Sunday...my scriptures. :)
Day 26 - What I think about my friends
Well, if that's not a broad question, I don't know what is. I feel like everyone always says "I have the best friends in the world". I wanna put a bit of a different spin on that. I have the best friends for me! I've been consistently amazed with how I always seem to encounter the most amazing people and that along with them come incredible lessons. I've been blessed with awesome, stable friends who have hung in there with me for years. I also have new friends who have blessed my life incredibly in a short period of time. Then I have people who helped mold and shape me, and then life moved us in different directions.
The truth is that I'm so very grateful for all of them. We are the sum of our experiences. That being the case, the people who were a part of those experiences are also a part of us. Good or bad. Long term or new. My friends have changed me. And I'm lucky.
Day 27 - Why I'm doing the 30 day challenge
I've had this blog for years. I think I started it in 2008. And I've completely failed with updating it. I've had HUGE amounts of time pass where it was completely abandoned. I found where my friend Kaycie was doing this challenge. I thought it would be the perfect thing to get me in the swing of regularly posting. I've done better. But clearly still failed at posting everyday...I get points for trying, right?
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving
I know there have been people who have been doing entries everyday for one thing they're grateful for. I saved it all for today (mostly because I had already started the 30 day blog challenge). But it's Thanksgiving today and it's entirely appropriate that I mention the things that I'm thankful for. My list (in no particular order, well...other than the first few :) )...
1. My Savior.
What can you say about the person who loves you more than anyone else? There aren't words for how grateful I am to Him. He provided the way for me to be forgiven of my sins and live with Him, Heavenly Father and my family for eternity. If that weren't enough, the way that he did it was by paying for the sins that I commit. He felt the pains, sadness, hurt, anxiety, fear...all of it. For each of us. He's real. What He did is real. It happened. And because of Him, I can be better.
2. The Gospel.
I know, I know. #1 and #2 go together, but I felt that they were deserving of individual numbers. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has made me who I am. Being a member of His church factors in to every choice I make. Having the teachings of true and living prophets helps guide me daily. Knowing there are inspired priesthood leaders who can provide direct assistance to me is incredible. Having access to another record which testifies of Jesus Christ, his ministry and divinity is an incredible blessing. I'm grateful that my parents were people who recognized truth when they heard it.
3. My Family.
Though we're all far from perfect, we're a lot of fun.
I'm grateful to know that if I ever needed them, I know they'd be there. I can count on them. They are stable forces. One of the few things that is unchanging in this life. I can't think of any other people I'd rather be with forever. :)
P.S. Look at their tender, young faces!
4. Friends.
I've been extremely blessed over the years with good, reliable friends. That's not to say that I've always been the best at picking good friends. But it's through the struggle that you learn to appreciate what you have. I did go through a really rough patch where I learned a lot about myself and my friends...and what is important in a friendship. Through that I have found the people who are truly good friends. I've learned what a good friend is...and how to be one to others.
I'm grateful to Heavenly Father for sending me good people. People who are good examples to me. People who are honest and kind. It's so very appreciated.
(Sorry for no pictures here...see other blogs of friends. It's wayyyyyy too many pictures to post!)
5. Living in the USA.
I am increasingly grateful to live in the United States of America. I think as a younger person, it was very much taken for granted. But everyday I'm reminded of blessings I enjoy simply by living here. I can go to church without worrying that someone will injure me. I can hold a job, live by myself and own property. I can vote for individuals who want to hold public office. I go to bed at night and sleep without fear for my safety. This land is a special place. And I am immensely grateful to live here.
6. EFY.
EFY changed my life as a participant when I was a youth. Now as an adult I've had the blessing of going back and working as a counselor. It's changed my life again. I get to spend a few weeks each summer working with amazing youth and incredible co-workers.
(My first group EVER! EFY 2009)
(My most recent group. EFY 2010 Amherst, MA)
(A few of those incredible friends I've made)
Jordan.
Jesse.
Domonique.
8. Being from the South.
Growing up in GA is something I'm very proud of. I know the south sometimes gets a bad rep for. But I tell you what, some of the best people I know are from there! And there are a lot of great things that can be said for that area. I love that people are still respectful. "Ma'am" and "Sir" are still frequently used words. Your friend's parents are Mr. Steve and Ms. Jennifer. It's beautiful (see the picture below). People will say hello to you when you're walking down the street. But mostly, I'm grateful to have lived in a place that required me to decide at a young age if I was a believer or not. It's the best place.
(The Riverwalk in Columbus, GA)
9. My former Primary class.
Man, I love these kids. They have the sweetest spirits and would blow me away with the things they would say and the concepts they would understand. They taught me so much and I miss them!
11. My Missionary Brothers (and Friends!)
I still think it's such an amazing thing that we send 19 year old boys and 21 year old young women out to teach the gospel. I also think it's amazing that those young people so willingly leave their families and lives behind and devote 1.5 - 2 years of their lives to the Lord and doing his work. I'm super proud of my brother, Matt who is currently serving in the Idaho, Boise mission.
(Elder James Matthew Harrell!)
(Elder Jonathan Harrell. California, San Bernardino Mission 2006-2008)
(Elder Joseph Pate)
(Sister Corley Griffin.)
(Elder Elijah Hall)
And there are many, many others.
I've been blessed more than I can say.
1. My Savior.
What can you say about the person who loves you more than anyone else? There aren't words for how grateful I am to Him. He provided the way for me to be forgiven of my sins and live with Him, Heavenly Father and my family for eternity. If that weren't enough, the way that he did it was by paying for the sins that I commit. He felt the pains, sadness, hurt, anxiety, fear...all of it. For each of us. He's real. What He did is real. It happened. And because of Him, I can be better.
2. The Gospel.
I know, I know. #1 and #2 go together, but I felt that they were deserving of individual numbers. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has made me who I am. Being a member of His church factors in to every choice I make. Having the teachings of true and living prophets helps guide me daily. Knowing there are inspired priesthood leaders who can provide direct assistance to me is incredible. Having access to another record which testifies of Jesus Christ, his ministry and divinity is an incredible blessing. I'm grateful that my parents were people who recognized truth when they heard it.
3. My Family.Though we're all far from perfect, we're a lot of fun.
I'm grateful to know that if I ever needed them, I know they'd be there. I can count on them. They are stable forces. One of the few things that is unchanging in this life. I can't think of any other people I'd rather be with forever. :)
P.S. Look at their tender, young faces!
4. Friends.
I've been extremely blessed over the years with good, reliable friends. That's not to say that I've always been the best at picking good friends. But it's through the struggle that you learn to appreciate what you have. I did go through a really rough patch where I learned a lot about myself and my friends...and what is important in a friendship. Through that I have found the people who are truly good friends. I've learned what a good friend is...and how to be one to others.
I'm grateful to Heavenly Father for sending me good people. People who are good examples to me. People who are honest and kind. It's so very appreciated.
(Sorry for no pictures here...see other blogs of friends. It's wayyyyyy too many pictures to post!)
5. Living in the USA.
I am increasingly grateful to live in the United States of America. I think as a younger person, it was very much taken for granted. But everyday I'm reminded of blessings I enjoy simply by living here. I can go to church without worrying that someone will injure me. I can hold a job, live by myself and own property. I can vote for individuals who want to hold public office. I go to bed at night and sleep without fear for my safety. This land is a special place. And I am immensely grateful to live here.
6. EFY.
EFY changed my life as a participant when I was a youth. Now as an adult I've had the blessing of going back and working as a counselor. It's changed my life again. I get to spend a few weeks each summer working with amazing youth and incredible co-workers.
(My first group EVER! EFY 2009)I've worked 2 summers and 6 sessions. Total 4 sessions in GA, 1 in FL and 1 in MA. With limited distractions, we focus on the gospel...and miracles happen.
(My most recent group. EFY 2010 Amherst, MA)I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to work with this program. It's a lot of work. A lot of sleepless nights. Lots of prayers and (sometimes) tears. But I'm so lucky. Many thanks to the counselors and youth when I was a kid, the youth I've had the blessing of working with the past 2 summers (you are all amazing!) and the other counselors who have become incredible friends and examples to me.
(A few of those incredible friends I've made)7. Health.
While working at AFLAC from 2008-2010 I was reminded how blessed I am to be healthy. As wonderful a gift as our mortal bodies are...because they're moral, they're not perfect. They get sick or injured. I've been so lucky to avoid major illness or injury. For that I am very grateful as I know many people who have many physical struggles.
While working at AFLAC from 2008-2010 I was reminded how blessed I am to be healthy. As wonderful a gift as our mortal bodies are...because they're moral, they're not perfect. They get sick or injured. I've been so lucky to avoid major illness or injury. For that I am very grateful as I know many people who have many physical struggles.
8. Servicemen and women.
Growing up near Ft. Benning, GA I've had the opportunity to meet and become friends with many of the wonderful people serving our nation in the Armed Forces. The sacrifices these people make, all the way up to giving their lives are amazing. I currently have 2 friends serving in Afghanistan and 1 who just recently completed a tour of duty. I'm grateful to know that men like them exist and are protecting the freedoms I enjoy. I'm particularly mindful of them today as they aren't able to be with their loved ones. MANY thanks to Jordan Cross, Jesse Holmes and Domonique Anderson. I'm grateful for you, your service and glad to call you my friends.
Growing up near Ft. Benning, GA I've had the opportunity to meet and become friends with many of the wonderful people serving our nation in the Armed Forces. The sacrifices these people make, all the way up to giving their lives are amazing. I currently have 2 friends serving in Afghanistan and 1 who just recently completed a tour of duty. I'm grateful to know that men like them exist and are protecting the freedoms I enjoy. I'm particularly mindful of them today as they aren't able to be with their loved ones. MANY thanks to Jordan Cross, Jesse Holmes and Domonique Anderson. I'm grateful for you, your service and glad to call you my friends.
Jordan.
Jesse.
Domonique.8. Being from the South.
Growing up in GA is something I'm very proud of. I know the south sometimes gets a bad rep for. But I tell you what, some of the best people I know are from there! And there are a lot of great things that can be said for that area. I love that people are still respectful. "Ma'am" and "Sir" are still frequently used words. Your friend's parents are Mr. Steve and Ms. Jennifer. It's beautiful (see the picture below). People will say hello to you when you're walking down the street. But mostly, I'm grateful to have lived in a place that required me to decide at a young age if I was a believer or not. It's the best place.
(The Riverwalk in Columbus, GA)9. My former Primary class.
Man, I love these kids. They have the sweetest spirits and would blow me away with the things they would say and the concepts they would understand. They taught me so much and I miss them!
11. My Missionary Brothers (and Friends!)
I still think it's such an amazing thing that we send 19 year old boys and 21 year old young women out to teach the gospel. I also think it's amazing that those young people so willingly leave their families and lives behind and devote 1.5 - 2 years of their lives to the Lord and doing his work. I'm super proud of my brother, Matt who is currently serving in the Idaho, Boise mission.
(Elder James Matthew Harrell!)I'm also proud to be able to say that my only other brother eligible (so far!) to have served also went!
(Elder Jonathan Harrell. California, San Bernardino Mission 2006-2008)And to have had amazing friends who also devoted time to serving the Lord.
(Elder Joseph Pate)
(Sister Corley Griffin.)
(Elder Elijah Hall)And there are many, many others.
I've been blessed more than I can say.
Day 24 - A letter to the Parentals
Mom and Dad,
Thank you. I don't really know how often I say it, but regardless I should probably say it more. You have been incredible parents to me (experimental child included and all :) ). You've done a lot for me...
You've provided me with all the necessities and many of the extras. You showed me what kind of person I want to be when I grow up (because even though I'm an "adult", let's face it...I'm not "grown up" yet). You've given me a great example of what I want my future marriage to look like. You've been wonderful examples and shown me great patience. You set boundaries and requirements, and you enforced consequences when I broke rules. Even though I didn't appreciate it at the time, I see the importance of it now. You said "no" and didn't give me everything I wanted. What a great life lesson! Like a Sister said at church a few weeks ago, "There were times when I got what I wanted and it was good. And there were times when I didn't get what I wanted, and it was better". You both found the gospel, and because you did the searching, I didn't have to. I'll forever be grateful to you for that. You taught me what it meant to be a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You taught me what was sacred and special and how to treat those things.
In short, everything I am and hope to be is because of you. You are wonderful. And I love you both.
-Kate
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Why I'm Special and Cravings
Day 22 - What makes me different from others
This one is a bit of a hard one just because it's such a broad statement. I mean, really? What makes me different from EVERYONE else? Intimidating much?
I think it's the total of all your qualities and experiences that make you unique and different from everyone else. No two people have the exact same life experiences. So, truly it's everything about me...all together...me as a complete unit that's different from everyone else.
That wasn't a cop out, I promise.
But if you really, really want me to say something specific that I think STANDS OUT about me in comparison to others it's that I have a desire to help people. It might be part of the whole oldest child complex. It might be a need to control something. It might be a million other things. But the simple truth is that I get great joy from helping someone. Putting a smile on someone's face when they've had a rough day. Giving someone a note/small gift just because. Listening while someone talks. I can honestly say that I love it. And I guess I do think that's special. :)
Day 23 - Cravings
This one is a bit of a hard one just because it's such a broad statement. I mean, really? What makes me different from EVERYONE else? Intimidating much?
I think it's the total of all your qualities and experiences that make you unique and different from everyone else. No two people have the exact same life experiences. So, truly it's everything about me...all together...me as a complete unit that's different from everyone else.
That wasn't a cop out, I promise.
But if you really, really want me to say something specific that I think STANDS OUT about me in comparison to others it's that I have a desire to help people. It might be part of the whole oldest child complex. It might be a need to control something. It might be a million other things. But the simple truth is that I get great joy from helping someone. Putting a smile on someone's face when they've had a rough day. Giving someone a note/small gift just because. Listening while someone talks. I can honestly say that I love it. And I guess I do think that's special. :)
Day 23 - Cravings
I feel like the only thing I crave is Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana soup. But the best thing EVER is that I found the recipe for the soup online a few weeks ago. So whenever I really want it...I can just make it at home! Winner, winner!
Ok...so, I'm gonna knock out one more entry tonight (because it's after midnight I'm gonna do day 24 so I can write a special Thanksgiving entry tomorrow!)...
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 21 - Something that makes me happy
This topic is fun, so we'll do a few!!!
Babies.
Look at that face! I mean, really. How can you look at that and NOT be happy?
Mean Girls.
SUCH a guilty pleasure, but such an awesome movie! I mean, think about it. It's BEFORE Lindsey went crazy! It's what first made me LOVE Rachel! And how awesome was Amanda? Add Tina Fey and an incredible script? It's genius. Admit it. You know it's true.
The Stars.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I really love the stars. How can you look at that and think that everything is just a big BANG of an accident? No, no. It was all the workings of the Master Artist. And what an artist He is.
MAIL!
I love going out to the mailbox and seeing an envelope HANDWRITTEN to me. Super exciting!
Thunderstorms.
It might sound crazy, but being from the south, I really love thunderstorms. It's something I've missed the past few months while I've been in UT.
Wint-O-Green Lifesavers.
These guys are my FAVORITE candy! SO yummmm!
That was just a few, maybe I'll do more later? We'll see...
Babies.
Look at that face! I mean, really. How can you look at that and NOT be happy?
Mean Girls.
SUCH a guilty pleasure, but such an awesome movie! I mean, think about it. It's BEFORE Lindsey went crazy! It's what first made me LOVE Rachel! And how awesome was Amanda? Add Tina Fey and an incredible script? It's genius. Admit it. You know it's true.
The Stars.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I really love the stars. How can you look at that and think that everything is just a big BANG of an accident? No, no. It was all the workings of the Master Artist. And what an artist He is.
MAIL!
I love going out to the mailbox and seeing an envelope HANDWRITTEN to me. Super exciting!
Thunderstorms.
It might sound crazy, but being from the south, I really love thunderstorms. It's something I've missed the past few months while I've been in UT.
Wint-O-Green Lifesavers.
These guys are my FAVORITE candy! SO yummmm!That was just a few, maybe I'll do more later? We'll see...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Procrastination is B-A-D.
Good grief. Do I really have FOUR entries to do? Well I suppose we should just dive right in...
Day 17 - Life switching
Truthfully, I don't know that there's anyone I would want to switch lives with. Someone else might seem to have things more together than you do, but underneath that they've got problems too. At least with me, I know what most of my problems are. :)
Day 18 - Dreams, Hopes, Wishes...
I think the biggest thing for right now is that I want to get in to a good counseling program AND last a solid assistantship. It would be awesome to not have to pay tuition (and with some of them, not pay room and board either).
Beyond that I can't wait to be licensed as a therapist and start helping people! Having a job I love going to! It's gonna be awesome!
Then also, of course I dream, hope and wish that I'll meet some wonderful man and get to spend eternity with him! I love the gospel and I love the concept of eternal families and can't wait to have my own! Now we just need the man...
Day 19 - Nicknameage
Oh dear. This could get embarrassing real quick. Let's see.
Well, first I don't think you should be reading this if you didn't know that Kate IS a nickname of mine. The real (on the birth certificate) name is Kathryn. You're special if you know the middle name. :)
An EFY friend of mine started calling me Kater Tot, and that has stuck with a few kids from home (who were in her group).
Katers and Katish were around back in the YW days. Oh, girls camp.
My darling brother, Spencer calls me Katee (said like Katie). He does this mostly to annoy me.
Rachel and Ashley have taken to calling me Sister Harrell. This is because I shared with them several stories from my primary kids who can't say Sister Harrell, it comes out SISTA HAWWO. So that's stuck, too.
Kate-dizzle happened in college. I truly don't remember how it came about, but I do remember that it was Adrienne who first started using it. I think I'm still in her phone that way, too.
Day 20 - Potential Husbands? Whaaa?
Ummm...the sad truth here is that I haven't dated many guys that I could actually see myself marrying. This is why I haven't dated any of them for a very long time (oh, the stories I could tell here...). There has been ONE who I think matched most closely the qualities I'm looking for. And I know that may sound like I'm being super selective or that I'm really very picky. It's not that at all. I'm looking for a kind, happy, worthy priesthood holder. From there, the rest is gravy (not that there aren't other things that I like or find attractive). Education is a major plus. Liking/being good with kids probably should be a requirement. Easy-going attitude. Fun. Good sense of humor.
Day 17 - Life switching
Truthfully, I don't know that there's anyone I would want to switch lives with. Someone else might seem to have things more together than you do, but underneath that they've got problems too. At least with me, I know what most of my problems are. :)
Day 18 - Dreams, Hopes, Wishes...
I think the biggest thing for right now is that I want to get in to a good counseling program AND last a solid assistantship. It would be awesome to not have to pay tuition (and with some of them, not pay room and board either).
Beyond that I can't wait to be licensed as a therapist and start helping people! Having a job I love going to! It's gonna be awesome!
Then also, of course I dream, hope and wish that I'll meet some wonderful man and get to spend eternity with him! I love the gospel and I love the concept of eternal families and can't wait to have my own! Now we just need the man...
Day 19 - Nicknameage
Oh dear. This could get embarrassing real quick. Let's see.
Well, first I don't think you should be reading this if you didn't know that Kate IS a nickname of mine. The real (on the birth certificate) name is Kathryn. You're special if you know the middle name. :)
An EFY friend of mine started calling me Kater Tot, and that has stuck with a few kids from home (who were in her group).
Katers and Katish were around back in the YW days. Oh, girls camp.
My darling brother, Spencer calls me Katee (said like Katie). He does this mostly to annoy me.
Rachel and Ashley have taken to calling me Sister Harrell. This is because I shared with them several stories from my primary kids who can't say Sister Harrell, it comes out SISTA HAWWO. So that's stuck, too.
Kate-dizzle happened in college. I truly don't remember how it came about, but I do remember that it was Adrienne who first started using it. I think I'm still in her phone that way, too.
Day 20 - Potential Husbands? Whaaa?
Ummm...the sad truth here is that I haven't dated many guys that I could actually see myself marrying. This is why I haven't dated any of them for a very long time (oh, the stories I could tell here...). There has been ONE who I think matched most closely the qualities I'm looking for. And I know that may sound like I'm being super selective or that I'm really very picky. It's not that at all. I'm looking for a kind, happy, worthy priesthood holder. From there, the rest is gravy (not that there aren't other things that I like or find attractive). Education is a major plus. Liking/being good with kids probably should be a requirement. Easy-going attitude. Fun. Good sense of humor.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Day 16 - Another recent picture of me
Me and Ashley Kay.
If it weren't for this girl, I wouldn't have half the pictures that I do. She loves taking some pictures! :)
If it weren't for this girl, I wouldn't have half the pictures that I do. She loves taking some pictures! :)
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