To Joplin I Go – God Willing :)

I have traveled up and down the West cost NUMEROUS times. I have even (briefly) been up to Canada as a youngin’ and Mexico twice. But I have NEVER traveled further east than Arizona. Let me show you a map of just how far East (or not so) Arizona is.

Now, I’m not one to complain. Really. I am VERY INCREDIBLY thankful to have been to Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. But my love of accents and curiosity of the flat plains in the mid-West keeps pestering me.

On a more serious note…

When the tornadoes hit Joplin this past-May, the thought of a mission trip briefly crossed my mind. I didn’t think much of it until I overheard Shane talking to AJ about a plan to go a couple weeks ago. (I’m a middle child, i’m nosey!) I interrupted him (woops!) to verify what I heard was true…and it WAS! I was SUPER pumped about it – especially to go with many of my closest friends!!! But then…the dates were announced. September 1-9. And I was torn.

My older sister is due with her second child that same week. Right smack dab in the middle. September 6.

Sure, you can never really plan when to give birth (naturally). She can have it a week early or two weeks late. My sister wants me there, and I want to be there.

I also have my first family reunion in 11 years that same week.

I love spending time with my family, being around my own flesh and blood who love me. I want to be there, too!

But the passion to serve in my own country where people are in need was too strong to ignore and forget about.

I need to go where He wants me. And the Lord is calling me to Joplin.

With that being said, I need YOUR help.

I wholeheartedly believe that where God guides, God provides. And sometimes His provision is through support from others. I have been super blessed the last couple years I’ve gone to San Vicente, Mexico with the youth group as the timing of the trip is around the same time I get my tax refund check. But this time, it’s different and I am relying on God to provide the way for me to go. I will be saving as much as I can, but I know I won’t be able to do it all myself.

So, if you feel called to do so, please pray and if you feel lead to donate, please do. Even if all you can do is pray I will receive the funds, I will be just as thankful! Seriously!

I know how great and big our God is. The total amount for the trip is not for sure yet. Shane mentioned something in the area of $700-800. I also am taking a week off work, which is a pretty good chunk – especially coming off such a busy Summer. With that being said…my goal is $1000, ALL extra money I don’t need will be given to the Calvary Chapel in Joplin or to victims of the tornadoes directly.

I am excited for the opportunity to serve the Lord in the United States. Having been through natural disasters at my own house growing up, and being super blessed by my churches serving the Lord and helping my family, I am thankful to do the same for others.

Please pray for this trip. That all details will fall into place. That we may all be prepared to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and genuinely. That all funds for everyone will be provided, and if this trip is not the Lord’s will for me (or someone else), that we will be okay with that, too.

If you would like to donate to my trip fund, please click the image below. I am doing it through my Paypal. If you would like to send a donation in the mail, please email me at katiefargher@gmail.com.

Thank you.

In Christ love,

Kattie.

“…whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

The Older I Get…

The more wise I become! I amaze myself…and I give the glory to my Jesus!

Unfortunately, not everyone allows themselves to experience such a privilege.

But truly, the Lord has really been “seasoning” me, so to speak, over the last couple years. Through said wisdom, I watch out for warning signs…and i LISTENED to them. I knew what to pray for – and am thankful when I open my eyes and realize He is faithful to answer my prayers. Just not always in the manner I expect!

This verse caught my eye last night while going over 1 Thessalonians 4 at The Gathering –

“Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians  5:24

It’s amazing to see His handiwork. It’s an amazing feeling when you take each moment as it is, not jumping to conclusions. It’s an amazing feeling when a dumb little thing can totally give you a different perspective over a heartbreaking situation.

Lessons have been learned, my expectations have grown, and my faith in my FAITHFUL Lord Jesus has increased.

Over some stupid little thing…but a stupid little thing He knew I needed.

He really is amazing…

And His grace and mercy is never ending.

It’s not good to be afraid to pray for something, He already knows it all…you can’t hide! Bring it to His throne – and His will be done!

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Waiting for the Break.

Dear Jason Wade,

Thank you for writing awesome music…and putting on an amazing show last Saturday. I waited for you outside for over an hour in the freezing cold, but you never showed…I forgive you though, your music has helped deliver me from hard times many times over. 🙂

Sincerely,

Your biggest fan (no, really – i am.)

Winds of Change

I guess nothing turned out like I planned.
Everything’s sure to fall out of hand,
And it takes a lot to find it,
And it takes a lot I know,
To believe that there is meaning
Inside this moment.
In the winds of change.

As it turns you upside down,
As confusing as it seems,
Keep your head high and your feet on the ground,
And turn and chase your dreams
In the winds of change.

Butterfly

she wants to be the girl who’s swept off her feet in the end
she wants to live a life that’s real and not just for pretend
she dreams of laughter echoing and says it’s her favorite sound
she dreams of plastic parents that will never let her down

and I know it won’t be long
till you turn into a butterfly
I know you’re weak and you’re hanging on
cause you’re dreaming of an open sky
go and give it another try

and I know it won’t be long
till you turn into a butterfly
I know you’re weak but you’re hanging on
cause you’re dreaming of an open sky

Signs of Life

A heart that’s been buried in the ground
Can break if it’s never found
I spent so much time digging that grave
And even if it’s pain that I feel
At least I know that it’s real
I’d rather be broken than afraid
Can April hours spring
Signs of life in me

Yeah, oh

Just slow down and take it in stride, yeah
There’s no deadlines as long as you’re alive, yeah

Alive, yeah

Joshua

The air has never felt so warm
the sky has never looked this way before
there’s nothing comforting in change
I can’t seem to find any peace in this confusion

I can’t help my mind from racing
and my heart is beating faster than ever before
tell me is this really happening
I cannot tell if I am dreaming

but last night
I saw you standing in the moonlight
and you took my hand and we walked
beside the river
and you said
don’t be afraid, be strong
I’m with you

Somewhere In Between

Would you catch me if I fall out of what I fell in?
Don’t be surprised if I collapse down at your feet again.
I don’t want to run away from this,
I know that I just don’t need this

Cause I cannot stand still,
I can be this unsturdy,
This cannot be happening.

Cause I’m waiting for tonight,
Been waiting for tomorrow.
And I’m somewhere in between
What is real,
And just a dream