I attended the Music Educator's Conference for the state of OH these last few days. Many more people have heard about Black Forest Academy - talked with many people doing research for my Masters and it was on my name tag. I ran into several old friends - it was good to see them! Some I hadn't seen in.......a long time. 
   As I went around to the different exhibits....I noticed a man selling director's batons. I had lost my batons on one of the trips from Germany to the US. One of them had been VERY special to me - my students from Heritage had given it to me and it had been engraved with the reference of 1Timothy 4:12 - which I challenged them with and an acknowledgement that it was from them. Since I lost mine, I have not used one or bought a new one. How do you replace something like that? You know?
   Well....God gave me a new one. As I looked at this booth, I asked the man, if I wanted to buy a baton like the one I had in my hand....how I would describe it to him, in an e-mail in the future. (There was a particular cut to the handle, length, etc.) He said that he could put my name on it and put it on hold for me - asked how long it would be until I'd pay for it. I said that I did not want him to do that and I didn't know how long it would be. He asked what I did...I told him I was a missionary who taught music at Black Forest Academy in Germany. He said....you know....that baton is my contribution to your mission. Tears came to my eyes (and are again as I type this). Thankfully they did not come down my cheek, but....he said, since that is the case, is the one in your hand the one you would pick? I said no, that I hadn't been looking that way. He said...well, you better look again. :) WOW!!!!
   I did pick out a baton. I traded him for a packet of information about BFA, Teach Beyond, etc. and said THANK YOU!!! God gave me a baton through him. Cool!
   I went back by the booth and said thank you again and asked about his faith. He said that he was from Pennsylvania and attended a church there. I told him that I would think of him and his gift every time I used it. He said, may God's love pour out of you as you direct. WOW!!!
   I.....thank you Lord!!! Thank you for loving me through this man and for supplying another baton - something I wanted/needed, but....thank you for that gift. Love, Katie
    
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May all of you be reminded of His love for you in a special way this week - from Him or those in your life!!!! If you are reading this, you are a part of my life. Know that I am thankful for you and love you as a sister in Christ!

These days I am focusing on my Masters and looking forward to traveling quite a bit as nature comes back to life this Spring. I will be seeing many friends and family, who I have not see for literally years. I'm excited! I have SO enjoyed visiting with many of you in OH and WI already - talking about what is going on in our lives, how God is working, what He's teaching us, praying together. It's been my privilege. Thank you for the time!

I am trying to post the missions updates that I send out regularly to this website, but I will not be putting everything out onto the web. If you would like to receive the full updates through e-mail and you do not currently receive them, please let me know. I'd be happy to add you!

I've been personally thinking A LOT lately about God's will. That we are not puppets, He gives us choice - wisdom - desires, but He also has a plan and purpose for our lives...there's a balance. 

I was listening to a song this week from the Continentals, whom I traveled with Summer 2004. This particular song was not from that summer, but it hit on what my heart was thinking/feeling. The lyrics say:
               I've made a choice, I want to live my life, 
               not for myself, but all for Jesus Christ.
I know that we are not puppets, but that is honestly what I want.....to fulfill His purpose for me. To live for Him, His glory. To serve Him. To please Him. To acknowledge Him in all my ways and let Him direct my paths...whatever, wherever that means...that's what I want. I guess that is the choice we make when we become a Christian, but it's not put quite that way. The song is solo up to a point and then the whole choir sings:
    We've made a choice, and it's a choice that will stand
    When we loose, we have to choose, we choose in life
  And together hand in hand, bound in love we'll take a stand
        In Jesus Christ, for tonight we've made a choice
I just want to let you know, that if you've also made this choice, I'm standing with you and I'm cheering you on! If I can ever be of help to you - praying for you, etc. - let me know. I'm standing with you and on your team in Christ!
If you have not made that choice, and you want to know more about it, I'd love to talk to you! It's an adventure!

Love and blessings to you as we continue to live for Him and His glory this week!  
                                                         ~Katie
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I am currently enjoying the holidays with my family, enjoying participating a church Christmas program and taking a short breather from working on completing my Masters. I hope that your Christmas celebrations of our Savior are special and sweet! May He bless you abundantly in the New Year as you continue to seek and serve Him!
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    I am a Christian, music educator currently serving as a missionary to BFA in Kandern, Germany. I grew up in Dayton, OH, attending Northmont, Dayton Christian and then Cedarville University. I taught at Heritage Christian Schools, 4-12 grade, instrumental music for 4 years before the Lord called me to Germany. Walking with Him is always an adventure!

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