A Celebration of Sorts

Today we celebrated a couple of milestones.  This morning we assisted in the painting of the new sanctuary.  It was awesome to see how many people showed up to help.  Not only were there some from our church, but from sister churches and also some guys from the F.A.R.M. of Northwest Florida.  Everyone kept up a positive attitude and worked together as if it was something we did on a regular basis.  The painting of the sanctuary is a milestone for our church because it means growth.  Growth as a church and as a family.  

We also celebrated Granny's 80th birthday by having a surprise dinner with several family members.  I'm married into this family,  but they feel just like my own.

Nate, Granny Lodean, and Marie.

It's day 2 and I'm going strong with all of my "daily goals" except getting the 10,000 steps in.  The day isn't over yet so I'm determined to make it happen.  My mom called earlier and was eager to tell me that she had not only reached her goal for the day, but continued walking until she reached 10,000.  

Something interesting I read today was in the story of Noah and the Ark.  It rained for 40 days and nights while Noah was on the ark with his family and the animals, BUT did you know that the water stayed on the earth for 150 days???  Crazy to think about.

Christ's Love,
Katie Castaneda

A New Start

They say what you do on the first day of the year is what you'll be doing the rest of the year.  So, my day was spent with my husband, family, and working towards reaching my goals.  Sounds like a productive year ahead.  

The day started with me delivering a present to my Mom from my Dad.  He had me order her a Vivosmart so she could start keeping track of her steps.  Then Nate and I had a New Year's Day lunch at my Grandparents.  Black eyed peas made it on the table along with roast beef, green beans, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and peach cobbler.  

When we made it back to the house I was determined to complete all of my goals for the day...and I did.  I started off with cleaning for 30 minutes--starting with the dishes (my least favorite chore).  It wasn't as bad as I made it out to be.  Then I went straight into my Quiet Time.  I'm starting to read the entire Bible for the third year in a row.  This time I'm going straight through from beginning to end.  Today I read about all that God created, man's fall by temptation, and the consequences of their sin.  

The rest of the afternoon was spent cooking, watching Gilmore Girls, and trying to complete all 10,000 steps.  This is a task for sure.  I remember when I first got my Vivosmart and how hard it was just to reach about 5,000 steps.

A highlight to my day was being able to finish the "Loneliness" chapter in my book, Checklist for Life for Women.  The chapter was titled "Filling the Empty Heart" and talked about how even in our loneliness we are not alone.  God is always with us.  It helped me to focus on others who might be struggling in this particular area and to {hopefully} be an encouragement to them as well.

One of the rules I gave myself when I got this book was that I would go from start to finish, but I couldn't move on to the next topic until I completed all of the tasks for that particular checklist.  I was able to do that today by finishing my last two tasks: taking a walk outside and putting a picture in my purse to remind me that I'm loved.  The walk outside went better than I thought.  It was cold and I took our dog Maggie with me--we both survived.  The picture I put in my purse was one of my favorites from mine and Nate's engagement photo shoot.  

Since I finished that topic, I moved on to the next one titled "Style: Brains, Beauty, and Spiritual Balance".  This topic discusses how it's OK to pamper your outward appearance, but to especially consider the condition of your heart.  "The heart that seeks after God is the most beautiful thing in the world."

Overall, a very productive first day of 2016.  Pressing on to tomorrow.

Christ's Love,
Katie Castaneda

16 for 2016

So, here we are again at the end of a year getting prepared for January 1, 2016.  Keeping with the pattern of this year and last year, I have already set 16 goals for this next year.  But, before I get ahead of myself, let’s recap and let me share this past year with you.  Instead of going back over every goal I set for 2015, let me just tell you which ones I WAS able to reach:

1.  I will read the entire Bible—again.  Just like last year, this took a lot of discipline on my part and I did get behind several times.  However,  I was still able to learn new information from the scriptures even though I’ve read them before.

2.  I will make 15 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I was so excited that I was able to reach this goal this year.  I’m always encouraged by the others who pack shoeboxes.

Notice how that’s only two goals reached?  Yes, I slacked this year and it has motivated me to do even better in 2016.  Now, let’s look forward.  For 2016, not only do I have goals set, but I also have a “word for the year” and it’s: PREPARED.  I realized that the main reason I did not reach my 2015 goals was because I was unprepared (mainly do to laziness).  By being unprepared I came up with excuse after excuse for not getting things done.  Also, I have more accountability partners this year to help me stay motivated to reach my goals.  Finally, here are my 16 Goals for 2016:

1.  I will read the entire Bible from beginning to end by setting aside 30 minutes each day for my quiet time (Bible reading and prayer).  I am using a different plan this year.  The previous plan I was using would have me read scripture from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs all in one day.  This new plan goes straight through the Bible starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation.

2.  I will share the gospel with/witness to 16 people using a Bible, my testimony, and/or Sharing Jesus Without Fear—and keep track of it.  By writing down who I share with, I believe I will actually put forth more effort into doing and reaching this goal.

3.  I will reach 10,000 steps everyday using my Vivosmart.  When I first got my Vivosmart (pedometer) I realized it was a lot harder to reach 10,000 steps than I thought.  For me, it takes a lot more intentional walking and effort.

4.  I will learn a new song on the piano each month and share it with someone.  I believe that learning new songs will help me to retain my knowledge about notes, techniques, etc.

5.  I will learn to cook a new meal each month (entrée and dessert).  I’ve had a few people laugh at this one when I shared it with them… I plan on using the SEVERAL cookbooks that have been given to me over the years.

6.  I will put together 16 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Once again, I plan on buying specific items each month to help with the packing process.

7.  I will go zip lining.  In a way, I did this when I was younger.  My dad made a homemade zip line by attaching a rope to the middle of one tree and the bottom of another.  We would use an old bicycle handle to slide down the rope.  Now, I would like to do the real deal.

8.  I will jog a 5k in its entirety.  I did not reach this goal in 2015 due to laziness and procrastination.  I plan on using the couch to 5k app to help me be prepared.

9.  I will read one fiction book each month.  I haven’t really read fiction books since high school.  I have a hard time getting into them and I started to enjoy reading Christian non-fiction so that fulfilled reading in general.  However, when I did read fiction growing up I did enjoy what I read.

10.  I will keep track of the clothes I wear by turning the hangers backward at the start of the year and turning them back the normal way after I wear an item of clothing.  Any clothes still on backwards hangers by the end of June and December will be donated.  I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it was pretty smart.  There are so many items in my closet that I know just stay in there when someone else could enjoy wearing them.

11.  I will learn a song on the Chrom-A-Harp and share it with someone.  When I graduated high school my neighbor, Lou, gave me a Chrom-A-Harp.  I had never heard of or seen one until then.  She told me she would supply me with new strings for it until I was finished with college.  But, I never took enough time to sit down and truly learn how to play it.  

12.  I will only drink non-carbonated drinks (for as long as Amber drinks non-carbonated drinks).  I accomplished this goal in 2014, contemplated doing it for 2016, and decided against doing it again until my cousin Amber said she wanted to give it another try.  So, here we are as each other’s accountability partners.

13.  I will have one get together at the house each month.  Whether it’s inviting over one or twenty people.  I feel as though we rely on social media for interaction, but DESIRE face to face interaction with each other.  I know I use social media, but nothing beats having dinner together while catching up or playing card or board games.

14.  I will go on a date each month with my husband.  When we lived in Graceville, Nate and I had easier access to restaurants and the movies than we do now.  Plus, we stay busy with activities, work, etc. that there’s little quality time spent with just the two of us—something I believe is important in a marriage.

15.  I will clean the house for 30 minutes every day except Sunday.  This is another goal that was laughed at.  By now you can see what my areas of weakness are.

16.  I will fly a kite.  Yes, I have flown a kite before, but it’s been years.  I put this down as a goal because it’s something I enjoyed doing growing up and sometimes “adults” just need to have some fun.

As I tell my students, I believe setting goals is very important because it keeps you moving forward; there’s always something you could be aiming to achieve.  I challenge YOU to to set a goal or goals for 2016 (it doesn’t have to be 16 like me), but just think about something you would like to do or a way you can better yourself.  I know for me, there’s always room for improvement.

Christ’s Love,
Katie Castaneda

A Light for Lou

On August 9th of this year, someone very special to me passed away.  I came to realize that there weren't many people in this area that knew who she was, but for some reason she had chosen to invest in my family's life over the years.  My earliest memories of Lou Reardon are of me and my brother trick-or-treating at her house for Halloween.  At that time, her husband Bob was still alive as well.  Mama and Daddy would drive us a little ways down the dirt road (we were neighbors).  Then we would take the "trail in the woods" that would lead us to their house.  Not only would we be greeted by Bob and Lou, but we were also welcomed by their dogs and cats--some of which we shared custody over.  They had candy ready to give us and then Mama would take a picture of me, Jesse, Bob, and Lou.  I was thinking about this the other day and I honestly don't know if Bob and Lou had any other trick-or-treaters stop by their house.  As far as I know, me and Jesse were the only ones.

As Jesse and I got older, we didn't go trick-or-treating anymore.  BUT, Lou would drive over to our house and deliver a plateful of candy that was covered with colorful Saran Wrap.  You would think that after graduating high school and going off to college that the giving would stop.  This was not the case.  Every year Lou would mail us Halloween cards with a little treat inside.

I was able to visit Lou one more time at the hospital before she passed away.  I almost didn't recognize her, but as soon as she started speaking she was who I remembered.  She started telling me about things that she saw in her life growing up and she asked me about what was new in my own life.  Then she said some things that kind of surprised me at first, but will always be something I remember from our last conversation.  Lou told me that she had a good life and enjoyed watching me and Jesse grow up.  She told me that we were more than neighbors now, we were lifelong friends.

Lou passed away about a week after my visit to see her.  Since there was no memorial service, I've been trying to think of a way to honor her memory.  This Saturday is Halloween. I know a lot of children may not trick-or-treat anymore, but even if there's just one, Nate and I are going to leave our porch light on that night.  The light will be a reminder of someone who cared and went out of her way to share a little joy with a couple of kids next-door.

In Christ, 

Katie 

Be The Example

Back in May I was asked to speak at a local event called Tables of Love.  Besides speaking at my own church and once at a school FCA, this was something new to me.  I wasn't 100% sure what I needed to speak on even up until the night before the event.  I tried coming up with creative titles to different speeches, but God kept tugging at me to go back to some scripture and study notes I had already read over.  I didn't think the topic of "Parenting" would really make an effective speech, but it was something that had been on my heart for a few months.  When I got in front of the ladies that morning, I told them that I didn't trust my own words, so most of what is in this speech is straight scripture and some study notes from the HCSB Study Bible for Women.

*Please keep in mind that I am not a parent myself and am no expert when it comes to parenting.*

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In Deuteronomy chapter 4, Moses is calling the Israelites to live a life of obedience. This is taking place after Moses came down from the mountain with the two tablets and saw the Israelites worshipping a golden calf--even after everything the Lord had done for them.

"Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don't forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don't slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren."
Deuteronomy 4:9

The Responsibility of Parenthood

Over and over again the book of Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying the Lord, and Moses linked this to the responsibility of parenting. Not only were the adults to listen to and obey the Lord, but they were to teach their children how to listen to and walk with God. Your actions today affect those who come after you. Do you live in a way that will bless those who come after you? Are you listening and making choices that are in accord with the commandments and statutes of God? Are you allowing your children to see you respond to the Lord in your daily life? Are you teaching your children to know God and obey him? Moses was not asked to be the primary teacher to all the children; parents were given that responsibility. In the same way, even though pastors, teachers, and church leaders will play a role in the spiritual development of children, parents have the primary responsibility of passing down spiritual truths to their children. (HCSB Study Bible for Women)

"Listen, Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the door posts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9

God instructed Moses not merely to tell the people what he said but to train people how to follow his command. Parents are responsible for the spiritual training of their children, a process that involves both verbal instruction and modeling obedience. (HCSB Study Bible for Women) Some parents live by the rule: Do what I say not what I do. The reality is, your kids are watching you. They are listening to you. What kind of example are you providing for them?

You might be asking "When do I have the time?" Even if you don't have time for anything else, make time for God, especially when it comes to setting the example for your children. Here's how:

Morning Time

When I graduated high school my mom had several close family and friends write letters to me.  One specific part of a letter that I remember is from my Aunt's letter.  It said something along the lines of: "Before you put on your shoes and begin your day, spend time in God's Word and pray."  (I know that's probably not how it goes at all, but that's just what I remember about it.)  I know some of my least stressful days are started in conversation with God and giving Him control of the day.

Travel Time

A friend of mine told me that she and her daughter have  a prayer time on their travel to school in the morning.  This could fall under the morning time category as well.  Be creative with your time together in the car whether it's a short trip or traveling on vacation.

Family Time

I had a conversation with a parent of a youth once.  We talked about the Essential Connections that the youth get each month that has daily devotions in it.  The parent mentioned how it would be good to do the daily devotions together as a family in order to hold everyone accountable for their time spent in scripture.

Bedtime

No story to share here.  I would just encourage you spend time reflecting on the day with your child and end the day in prayer just as you began the day.

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It is important to remember that even if you don't have children of your own, you can still be an example to the children and youth around you. You never know who is watching your actions or listening to your words. Let their eyes and ears be filled with God and His instructions for our lives. My parents encouraged me to go to church, but I also had family members and people in the church who followed up that encouragement. 

Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

"I do my best and God will do the rest." -Cecil Motley

Youth and children: You have a role too! 

Children, obey yours parents as you would the Lord, because this is right.

Ephesians 6:1

Paul first commands children to obey their parents because it is the right thing to do. A child's obedience to his parents is a reflection of his or her 

obedience to the Lord. (HCSB Study Bible for Women)

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Colossians 3:20

Jesus told his disciples that if they loved Him they should obey his commandments. In the same way, children must show their love for their parents by obeying them. (HCSB Study Bible for Women)

I hope this provides encouragement for you when it comes to your children. Maybe it gives you an idea on how to be involved with the children/youth at your church or community. Whatever the case, be the example they need when it comes to their relationship with God.

In Christ,

Katie Castaneda

One Body, Many Parts

This past Wednesday I did the lesson for the youth since Nate was on his way to the Pastor's Conference.  The lesson's scripture was from Nehemiah 3.  To give you a little background, Jerusalem's walls and gates have been destroyed (Nehemiah 1) and in Nehemiah chapter 3, they are being rebuilt.  As I told the youth, if I had been reading this chapter on my own time I would have probably just skimmed over it due to all the hard-to-pronounce names and repetitiveness.  But with the help of the Essential Connection book and just digging a little deeper I was able to see the significance in this chapter.  Nehemiah could have tried to restore the entire wall himself, but it would be near impossible.  Instead, he recruited the help of several different people ranging anywhere from priests, rules, common people, and everyone in between.  This chapter shows the significance of people coming together for one purpose and what can be accomplished as a result.

Think of your many roles/positions that God has allowed you to be a part of.  Some of you belong to a family, a group of friends, a church, sports team, a club, a community, a school, your workplace, etc.  You may not see your role in these particular groups as something of importance, but you have your place.  These roles are important, if you chose to actually do something with them.  

Some of you belong to the body of believers, the body of Christ.  Here are some more verses to show just how important you are:

For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body-so also is Christ.  For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.  So the body is not one part but many.  If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body.  And if the ear should say, "Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?  But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted.  And if they were all the same part, where would the body be?  Now there are many parts, yet one body.  The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor again the head to the feet, "I don't need you!"  On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.  And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation.  But our presentable parts have no need [of clothing]. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other.  So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.  And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret?  But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

I don't take all of my roles as seriously as I should, but recognizing what roles I have is a step in the right direction.

I am a Christian.

I am a wife.

I am a "drug lady".

I am a pianist.

I am an assistant of youth.

I am a daughter.

I am a granddaughter.

I am a sister.

I am a neice.

I am a cousin.

I am a friend.

I am a coworker.

I am an employee.

I am a resident of Graceville.

I am a member of West Pittman Baptist Church.

I am a daughter-in-law.

I am a granddaughter-in-law.

I am a sister-in-law.

I am a neighbor.

Challenge: Identify the roles God has placed you in during this time in your life.  Realize the importance of each role.  

In Christ,

Katie Jo. Castaneda

Goodbye & Hello

Before I share with you my new list of resolutions for 2015, let's take a look back at what was or was not accomplished during 2014.

1.  I will only drink water, lemonade or breakfast drinks such as HI-C, apple juice, milk, and orange juice.  ACCOMPLISHED!  I think this would not have been as easy if I didn't already drink as much water as I do. 

2.  I will only eat out once a week.  Exceptions are birthdays, special occasions, or visiting friends or relatives.  EPIC FAIL.  

3.  I will set a budget each month and only withdraw money out of my checking account.  Exceptions are emergencies.  FAILED. 

4.  I will write one letter or card each week and send it to someone by mail.  FAILED.  

5.  I will exercise for 30 minutes each day for at least three days a week.  FAILED.  

6.  I will start and end my days with prayer.  FAILED.

7.  I will finish the Hospitality chapter in my checklist book by March (I accidentally put Humility chapter last time).  ACCOMPLISHED!  This was probably one of the easier goals to reach.  I met this goal by having friends over for homemade pizza and dirt cake.

8.  I will get a credit card to use only during the dead time between paychecks.  FAILED.

9.  I will eat one fruit a day.  FAILED.

10.  I will share the gospel/witness to 14 people this year.  ACCOMPLISHED!  Although I can't count the specific number, I was able to witness to 6 people at the Patriotic Celebrate in Bonifay and several children at Kingdom Quest during our mission trip to Brevard, NC.

11.  I will play a special at church one Sunday each month.  FAILED.

12.  I will walk away from gossip, change the subject, or say something positive about the person who is being talked about.  FAILED.  

13.  I will read the whole Bible this year using the Bible App (Sections each day).  ACCOMPLISHED!  This goal required a LOT of discipline on my part.  I got behind on several occasions and had to spend hours catching up on some days.  

14.  I will be an encourager to others by: speaking uplifting, positive words, helping with their needs, or smiling at them.  FAILED.

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So 4 out of 14 goals were met.  The reason I failed the other goals is because I just didn't put forth effort or didn't have enough self control.  Some of these goals I have decided to put back on my list for 2015 to take another shot at them.

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1.  I will read the entire Bible--again.  I've decided to make this a yearly goal.  I love going back to verses I've read before and learning something new from them.  This year I will be using my new HCSB Women's Study Bible that I got earlier in 2014.

2.  I will share the Gospel with at least 15 people.  I have opportunities every day to go above and beyond this goal. 

3.  I will make 15 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Every year I procrastinate with making shoeboxes until the last minute and then I'm scrambling for supplies.  This year I plan on buying certain supplies each month.

4.  I will speak positive, encouraging words to or about people.  I'm setting this as a goal because I hear so much negativity and criticism from people around me. 

5.  I will create a budget each month and stick to it.  Nate and I are planning on saving money while knocking out payments at the same time.  If we are able to stick to a budget it will be easier for us to do both of those.

6.  I will clean the house for at least 15 minutes each day.  Should be simple....right?

7.  I will learn/cook a new meal each month.  Seeing how I get a new cookbook each Christmas, I should have plenty of resources to make this happen.  

8.  I will play a special on the piano at church each month.  I was only able to play 3 specials in 2014 because the second half of the year I was left without much access to a piano.  This year I will snag any opportunity I can get.  

9.  I will exercise for 30 minutes each day, 3 days a week.  I hope to use my planner to actually write out the times I can exercise during the week.

10.  I will jog a 5k in its entirety.  If I do #9, this should be a breeze.

11.  I will write and send a handwritten note once a week.  I have this as a goal because I love getting letters/notes in the mail.  It's so much more meaningful and can be a keepsake.  

12.  I will use my Canon camera to take pictures.  Yes, it is easy to just pull out my phone and snap a quick picture.  However, I want better quality, more space, and to actually use the pictures instead of them just sitting on my phone.

13.  I will start and end my days with prayer.  Something else that should be simple to do.

14.  I will sew a dress.  This is something I've been wanting to do for a while.  Now, I have a sewing machine.

15.  I will pass out at least one mixed Christian cd a week.  That's at least 52 cds this year.  That's 52 people who will see/hear something about God.

Whewwwww.  Ok, so this does seem like a lot.  But, I already have two people I know who can hold me accountable for achieving these goals and I'm holding them accountable for theirs as well.  I would love to hear what your resolutions/goals are for 2015!  

In Christ, 

Katie