Real Talk – Kate with a Twang

A Gift in Memory

Last night, I was given the most thoughtful gift I have received in quite some time. Before I assisted with our Blue Christmas worship service (meant for those grieving through the holidays) at the church I serve, a member of our grief group ran up to me. She handed me a clear bag with aContinue reading “A Gift in Memory”

A Positive Perspective

A theological thought for the evening… It is widely believed that Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in jail, and yet it is often called “the book of joy” by students of the Word. Jail may not seem like a likely place to author “the book of joy,” though, right? Paul finds joy andContinue reading “A Positive Perspective”

From Impossible to Possible

In Genesis 18, this question is asked: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” And this answer is given: “No, nothing is too hard for Him.” Genesis, which aims to show us God’s omnipotence, tells us that nothing is too much, too difficult for God – because God is all powerful. Later, as we progressContinue reading “From Impossible to Possible”

Thoughts on Political Violence

It’s September 11. May we never forget… Often we say “I’ll never forget where I was that day.” But what if we never forgot what it was like to feel empathy and devastation for others we don’t even know? What if we decided to never forget the way our chests felt hollow as we watchedContinue reading “Thoughts on Political Violence”

WWJD: Biblical Perspectives on How to Treat Others

This is a different kind of blog post… Admittedly, I don’t have a lot of perspective to offer – just scripture to share. I have been praying over and reading these passages lately. They have popped up in conversations and situations, and it hasn’t felt coincidental. In the midst of divided communities and difficult situations,Continue reading “WWJD: Biblical Perspectives on How to Treat Others”

Ladybug, A Poem

It’s World Suicide Prevention Day, and September is Suicide Prevention Month. I can’t let this day slide by without acknowledging the terrible void that suicide has left in my life and in my family. In May of 2023, one of the most important people of my childhood committed suicide. My cousin Rachel was one ofContinue reading “Ladybug, A Poem”

Treating Others As You Wish to Be Treated

Bear with me, as today’s post is one I felt called to share, but is not my usual home decor hacks, recipes, or parenting tips. This is not about your politics; this is about your humanity. You cannot claim to support “family values” (however you may define that) and then laugh in the face ofContinue reading “Treating Others As You Wish to Be Treated”

Theological Ramblings on Philippians 1 & 2

I’ve been reading Philippians daily with one of my youth group members, and Paul has a lot to say about how to treat one another and a lot to say about joy despite circumstance. When I scroll through social media, I see an awful lot of complaining. What’s interesting is that it seems that wellContinue reading “Theological Ramblings on Philippians 1 & 2”

Theological Ramblings on Psalm 69

I am very fortunate and blessed to lead a Bible study, twice a week, at church as a part of my job as Christian Education Director. (Some might use the verb “teach,” but I often learn as much from the group members as I share, and often times they teach me in ways I couldContinue reading “Theological Ramblings on Psalm 69”

Thoughts on Contentment

Contentment: (noun) feeling of being happy or satisfied. (Oxford Dictionary) It’s easy, on social media, to assume everyone else has it all together and is living the life of their dreams. It’s easy to assume that behind perfectly magazine cover-worthy front landscapes, they are living every day like a highlight reel. The reality is thatContinue reading “Thoughts on Contentment”