The Final Day

Eighteen months. 400 blog posts. A year in a new job and a new home. Nine months of marriage.
I think I can officially say, I am settled.

I started this blog with the title "Rediscovering Rocky Top." I wanted to celebrate all the things I was discovering and re-discovering about this city, after a decade away. I changed the name to "KtownKatie" as I got a bit more settled in, but life still had so many changes. Since moving, I have fallen more in love with my family, made wonderful friends, planned and celebrate the wedding of my dreams, become a part of Second Presbyterian Church, found dozens of wonderful restaurants, shops, and special things, and become a home owner for the first time. Most importantly, I am married to a wonderful man and I love it.

So, as I'm turning 31, I am taking a break from blogging. And leaving you with 31 things I have learned over the last year and a half.

1. Sabbath is a commandment.

2. While I may be concerned with happiness, God is concerned with Holiness.

3. Google Reader can change your life.

4. Hospitality can be a ministry.

5. Not every girl is girly.

6. It takes time to become good at things.

7. It is okay to not edit your blog posts. You will have typos. People will judge you. But there is freedom in not worrying what they think.

8. God commands. Sometimes He "calls" us or "gives us peace" about something. Other times, He just says do it.

9. It is better to make food from scratch.

10. People don't give kids enough credit. Especially toddlers and preschoolers.

11. In this life, we will always want for things. That is our nature as created beings. Even Eve wanted something she could not have. Only in heaven will we be satisfied.

12. Homes are supposed to be a haven.

13. People will hurt you.

14. Love delights in truth. Evil loves darkness. The Lord loves light.

15. We are supposed to "make every effort" to love people well and to serve with excellence. But our best effort is all we can do and all we are held to.

16. To analize or discuss something, figure out: What are we trying to achieve? What are we trying to avoid?

17. My home and my husband are even more important than my work.

18. When in doubt, wear cowboy boots.

19. Christmas is so fun in your own home. Can't wait for Easter.

20. I want to make everyone feel important and loved while they are with me. The way my dog does.

21. Spiritual disciplines really do fit into the 21st century.

22. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is not the biggest, most noticeable thing.

23. Weddings are for brides and grooms. But also families. Especially moms.

24. My mom is wonderful. I am blessed.

25. My mother-in-law is wonderful. I am doubly blessed.

26. Yard work is a metaphor for life.

27. Listen more. Honor people by not talking yourself.

28. Being a team player can be thankless. But it's still right.

29. Two become One. Wow.

30. I am never going to know it all and I am never going to be perfect.

31. I am okay with that.

Quote for the day...

The Miracle on Main Street was a success.
Plans are all but set at the church.
In less than a week, the celebrations begin.

So, now, I head into my weekend. And I'll make this quote my prayer...

"May your soul breathe deep today, and may your home be a place to be. Not a place to be busy, or to be anxious, or to be contentious. May it not be a place of turmoil, or a place to worry what they are thinking. May it simply be a place of truth, of freedom, and togetherness. May it be restful, joyful, and safe."
- Chatting At the Sky Blog

Day ???: Strong Women Soft Hearts

This weekend was: Windy Gap, feelings of "home", a little solitude, laughter, truth, and peace. I was at Women's Weekend! It was highlighted by friendly faces, a silly appearance on the stage, lots of coffee, and (of course) the Sippy porch.
Our speaker was Paula Rinehart, author of several books, including Strong Women, Soft Hearts. Here are a few key thoughts from the weekend...
* The Lord patiently stalked Anne Lamott...and me...and you.
* "There are parts of me that have never heard God."
* "Carry each other's burdens...[AND] each one should carry his own load." - Galatians 6:2a, 5
* My place, what I was made for, is the intersection of my deepest gladness and the world's deepest hunger.
*"God does not leave you with a list of things to do and then come back at 5pm to see if it is done." - Paula Rinehart

Another quote for the Day

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ― Thornton Wilder

Day 270: Fountain City Creamery

Perfect Saturday. Lazy lunch. Cute new place.
Conversation about our wedding and plans for remodeling our house.
I love Saturdays and I love having a couple hours with nothing scheduled todo.

Source

Note: the "nothing scheduled todo" part is probably even more revolutionary for me than anything else. Falling in love and moving to Knoxville and growing in a knowledge of God's grace has really relaxed me this year.

Day 145: Gel Nails

Obsessed.
I just got my first "gel" manicure. Actually, I got it 5 days ago. And they still look perfectly, freshly painted.
Obcessed. Everyone said they were so great. Abigail, Shana, and the girls at Mary had told me all about them. I had no idea how right they were. And the gel is as thin as regular nail polish.
Obsessed.
Plus, it wasn't expensive at all.
Obsessed.
Apparently, other cities have had gel nails at salons for years. But they are brand new to Knoxville. So, if you are here, make a trip to Odyssey Pedispa.
Obsessed.

Day 34: Natural Alternatives

Fabulous.
I got "Brighten" at Natural Alternatives Salon and Spa.
Nothing tops a quick trip to the day spa on a cold day. Nothing is better than finding great options at a reasonable price. And absolutely nothing makes you feel at home like finding that new day spa once you move. Thanks Megan, I'll be back!

Photo Credit