This song was in my head today. I was looking around YouTube to find an a cappella group that could sing it (cuz i know there are some great arrangements), but nothing really stuck out. This guy makes it sound cool on the guitar though : )
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
An Update
Alright - as requested, the current thoughts of Kayla Kutz. Nothing "deep", just what's on my mind
Yesterday I went and had my fun little meeting with Mr. Bangert about college and senior year, that sort of thing. It was overall quite uneventful... he asked if I had any idea where I wanted to go, I said a private school, he asked what I wanted to do, I said I wasn't quite sure. This meeting, however uneventful, represents the source of some anxiety for me: what I'm going to do with my life. Everyone has their opinions to give... my parents are encouraging me to go into the medical field - with good reason. Job security, not having to live paycheck to paycheck, an honorable title... who would blame them for wanting that for their child. I've been doing this "medical explorers" program at waukesha memorial... it's cool... I get to job shadow, see fun stuff like pacemakers put in and everything. If there's something not so educational that I've taken from it, though, it's that I dont really like hospitals. They just seem too cold and sterile for my liking. Mr. Wiegert suggested that I become an elementary band teacher : ). I personally really like this idea - I love music, like to teach, and have a good amount of patience with kids. When I presented this to my mom, however, she said that I would not be making the most of my talents.
And so, here is my dilemma: to find a job that I can really enjoy, and that makes sufficient use of what I'm good at... and that my parents can respect. They're so concerned about the money part... "If you can get a high-paying job that you'll enjoy, why wouldnt you pick that over a low-paying one?" Aka why teach when I could be a doctor, or something of the sort. I'm not sure I know the answer... it all makes for a very clouded future.
But back to the present. I'm really hoping my parents let me go to church tonight... I havent communed for three weeks and it's driving me crazy! Singing about it is certainly wonderful, but nothing beats the true body and blood of the Lord. On the bright side, I did get to pray compline... in a chapel, in the company of some awesome people... with incense! most definately the highlight of my week : ) I've been given quite a blessing in the lot of you.
Yesterday I went and had my fun little meeting with Mr. Bangert about college and senior year, that sort of thing. It was overall quite uneventful... he asked if I had any idea where I wanted to go, I said a private school, he asked what I wanted to do, I said I wasn't quite sure. This meeting, however uneventful, represents the source of some anxiety for me: what I'm going to do with my life. Everyone has their opinions to give... my parents are encouraging me to go into the medical field - with good reason. Job security, not having to live paycheck to paycheck, an honorable title... who would blame them for wanting that for their child. I've been doing this "medical explorers" program at waukesha memorial... it's cool... I get to job shadow, see fun stuff like pacemakers put in and everything. If there's something not so educational that I've taken from it, though, it's that I dont really like hospitals. They just seem too cold and sterile for my liking. Mr. Wiegert suggested that I become an elementary band teacher : ). I personally really like this idea - I love music, like to teach, and have a good amount of patience with kids. When I presented this to my mom, however, she said that I would not be making the most of my talents.
And so, here is my dilemma: to find a job that I can really enjoy, and that makes sufficient use of what I'm good at... and that my parents can respect. They're so concerned about the money part... "If you can get a high-paying job that you'll enjoy, why wouldnt you pick that over a low-paying one?" Aka why teach when I could be a doctor, or something of the sort. I'm not sure I know the answer... it all makes for a very clouded future.
But back to the present. I'm really hoping my parents let me go to church tonight... I havent communed for three weeks and it's driving me crazy! Singing about it is certainly wonderful, but nothing beats the true body and blood of the Lord. On the bright side, I did get to pray compline... in a chapel, in the company of some awesome people... with incense! most definately the highlight of my week : ) I've been given quite a blessing in the lot of you.
So there you have it... the current joys and anxieties of Kayla Kutz. Hehe oh yeah - here's one of those awesome things I didnt mention before:
We praise You and acknowledge You, O God, to be the Lord,
The Father everlasting, by all the earth adored.
To You all angel powers cry aloud, the heavens sing,
The cherubim and seraphim their praises to You bring:
"O holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth;
Your Majesty and glory fill the heavens and the earth!"
You, Christ, are King of glory, the everlasting Son,
Yet You, with boundless love, sought to rescue ev'ryone:
You laid aside Your glory, were born of virgin's womb,
Were crucified for us and were placed into a tomb;
Then by Your resurrection You won for us reprieve-
You opened heaven's kingdom to all who would believe.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Smiles
I've been reminiscing lately. About grade school, about old high school times, about my past in general. Things pop up all over the place that remind me of someone or something or sometime. It's an intriguing experience that I havent really had before.
For example... I was driving my mom home from her choir practice, and she decided we should stop at the grocery store. About thirty seconds from the entrance, a whole new world came on the radio. : ) I was excited, and surprised, and all at once a tide of memories came flooding to the forefront of my mind. It's the kind of feeling that makes you want to just sit back with your eyes closed and exist. Unfortunately, that's not the best plan while you're driving towards a building. So my mother tactfully advised me to slow down and sit normally, which i did... but I couldnt get rid of the subconcious smile that was fueled by memories of cast parties and band tours, senior servant days and a trip to Florida with good friends.
Other than in remembering these wonderful times, that smile with a mind of its own pops up in various places. When I'm reading, when I hear a good song, when something becomes clear... and when I'm hearing about Christ. Plain and simple, no strings attached glorification and proclamation of everything He has done and is doing... in that I cannot help but smile. I smile a lot, I know I do. I cannot help it - and in this there is not fleeting joy that comes from memories, but a living, present joy that no amount of time can erase.
For example... I was driving my mom home from her choir practice, and she decided we should stop at the grocery store. About thirty seconds from the entrance, a whole new world came on the radio. : ) I was excited, and surprised, and all at once a tide of memories came flooding to the forefront of my mind. It's the kind of feeling that makes you want to just sit back with your eyes closed and exist. Unfortunately, that's not the best plan while you're driving towards a building. So my mother tactfully advised me to slow down and sit normally, which i did... but I couldnt get rid of the subconcious smile that was fueled by memories of cast parties and band tours, senior servant days and a trip to Florida with good friends.
Other than in remembering these wonderful times, that smile with a mind of its own pops up in various places. When I'm reading, when I hear a good song, when something becomes clear... and when I'm hearing about Christ. Plain and simple, no strings attached glorification and proclamation of everything He has done and is doing... in that I cannot help but smile. I smile a lot, I know I do. I cannot help it - and in this there is not fleeting joy that comes from memories, but a living, present joy that no amount of time can erase.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Coasting time
Just wanting to say here's to the amazing college kids I know and love. Wish I could see you all more often. "Don't it always seem to go, that you dont know what you've got til it's gone.." yep, thats for sure. I know you're the only one who'll read this Jon, but ah well : ). It shouldnt go without being said. Miss you all dearly
I get to talk to mr. doerr on a regular basis now - there's an upside to no sports! I dont know who I would talk to about church/theology stuff if Mr. Doerr wasnt there... he's busy a lot of course, but it's nice to know there's someone right up the stairs who will listen to whatever I'm wanting to talk about. He's a good guy, that mr. doerr.
Well... that's about all I can think of for now. I'll update if something interesting happens or if for some reason there's something to write about. Grace & peace to you and all my friends outside the high school. Hope to see you sometime
Hmm.. update on my life... it's been pretty boring lately. Swim is over now - that season was definatly a blast. Drama has ended too... and I'm really glad I did it. I'll have to remember to thank my mom for forcing me to do musical... anywho, because of it now I talk to a bunch of people I probably wouldnt be otherwise. But no more extracurriculars now save for band... just school day in and day out... coasting into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons
I get to talk to mr. doerr on a regular basis now - there's an upside to no sports! I dont know who I would talk to about church/theology stuff if Mr. Doerr wasnt there... he's busy a lot of course, but it's nice to know there's someone right up the stairs who will listen to whatever I'm wanting to talk about. He's a good guy, that mr. doerr.
Well... that's about all I can think of for now. I'll update if something interesting happens or if for some reason there's something to write about. Grace & peace to you and all my friends outside the high school. Hope to see you sometime
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Such is life...
Alright.. this is rough and there's a lot missing, but I thought I'd post it anyway. I considered only putting the first few paragraphs up, but somehow ended up not. I'll probably do an "Update on the life of Kayla" later on. This is just what was on my mind.
Time. It never stops, does it? Even when we get away - go on vacation, find a good book to lose ourselves in - time is there, ticking away the minutes, hours, days until things will once again be expected of us, when we'll have responsibilities and concerns and worries.
Life and time... they dont wait for anyone, do they? We are all swept away in the current, powerless to stop the flow. Even as time sweeps us along without ceasing, life threatens to drown us, pull us under into hoplessness and despair.
But wait! Look - a hand reaches down into the crashing swell of our world. Places a redeeming life jacket on we who can do nothing to keep ourselves afloat. We are wrapped in Christ - that personal flotation device that attatches Himself to us by his own body and blood and brings us to the surface in baptism, giving us the breath of the Holy Spirit. Alleluiah! Our hoplessness, weakness, sinfulness has been overcome! Not of ourselves, but because the Father reached down to us and sent a Savior.
Even so - who wants to be dependant? Just like kids who are so reluctant to wear their life vests, we are offended by it. Who says we need to be saved? I'm a strong swimmer... I can stay above the water all by myself thank you very much!
But no... that precious Savior doesnt abandon us to the tide, despite our indignant attitude. He is steadfast in His love, always turning our faces to the surface. Showing us branches to anchor ourselves on and rocks to cling to when the going gets rough. He never leaves us, but sacrifices Himself for us! Because of this, we may one day hear the Lord say to the turbid waters of life- "Peace, be still"
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Time. It never stops, does it? Even when we get away - go on vacation, find a good book to lose ourselves in - time is there, ticking away the minutes, hours, days until things will once again be expected of us, when we'll have responsibilities and concerns and worries.
Life and time... they dont wait for anyone, do they? We are all swept away in the current, powerless to stop the flow. Even as time sweeps us along without ceasing, life threatens to drown us, pull us under into hoplessness and despair.
But wait! Look - a hand reaches down into the crashing swell of our world. Places a redeeming life jacket on we who can do nothing to keep ourselves afloat. We are wrapped in Christ - that personal flotation device that attatches Himself to us by his own body and blood and brings us to the surface in baptism, giving us the breath of the Holy Spirit. Alleluiah! Our hoplessness, weakness, sinfulness has been overcome! Not of ourselves, but because the Father reached down to us and sent a Savior.
Even so - who wants to be dependant? Just like kids who are so reluctant to wear their life vests, we are offended by it. Who says we need to be saved? I'm a strong swimmer... I can stay above the water all by myself thank you very much!
But no... that precious Savior doesnt abandon us to the tide, despite our indignant attitude. He is steadfast in His love, always turning our faces to the surface. Showing us branches to anchor ourselves on and rocks to cling to when the going gets rough. He never leaves us, but sacrifices Himself for us! Because of this, we may one day hear the Lord say to the turbid waters of life- "Peace, be still"
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Point of Interest
At church sunday morning, I was sitting in back listening sort of half-hartedly to announcements. Then one of the pastors said something that caught my attention... apparantly they are going to be doing a Bible study on "the Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective." As he was telling us about it he said "We dont really get to go into this during the service, so it's a great chance to learn... blah blah blah... so we encourage you to be a part of that." This is when the flashing lights went off in my head.. WHAT?!.. are you saying we arent preaching our faith during church?! I was shocked. Not only at the concept, but at the fact that he said it right out loud and didnt seem to think it something to be acted upon! sure, they're doing a Bible study, but how the heck are they supposed to get the whole congregation in there to learn something as important as that? They cant. Hmm.. you know what would be better than a full-congregation bible study? A CHURCH SERVICE! i just dont get it...
So what is there to do? Just sitting here and not doing anything doesnt seem right. But I cant go to the pastor and tell him I have an issue with something, either. Quite the knot. What I can do, bare minimum, is pray. Pray for wisdom and insight to the pastors, understanding for the congregation, and faith for all. May God answer these prayers according to His will.
I know my church isnt exactly held in high esteem by the other LCMS churches in the area... we arent traditional, we dont use the hymnals or therefore the liturgy, we sing contemporary music with a few common hymns here and there. I completely understand where people have issues with that. Dont always agree, but understand. Becoming more and more evident, however, is an underlying problem... something having to do with the very nature of what we preach. I have just never heard it put so plainly before, and by one of the pastors.
Something else they said... they were trying to figure out the "business of the church" - the money and so forth - and stated that their main focus was going to be bringing people to Christ. Dont get me wrong, that's great. After all, we've been commissioned to "Go and make diciples." But what about after they've been brought to Christ? What about caring for them, educating them in the faith, "teaching them ALL that I have commanded you" ? One would argue that's what church is for. But didnt he just say that we dont really get to teach "the Christian faith through the Lutheran perspective" in church?
So this is what's been floating around in my head lately. May God continue to be with His church on earth always, to the very end of the age. Grace, mercy, and peace.
- Kayla
So what is there to do? Just sitting here and not doing anything doesnt seem right. But I cant go to the pastor and tell him I have an issue with something, either. Quite the knot. What I can do, bare minimum, is pray. Pray for wisdom and insight to the pastors, understanding for the congregation, and faith for all. May God answer these prayers according to His will.
I know my church isnt exactly held in high esteem by the other LCMS churches in the area... we arent traditional, we dont use the hymnals or therefore the liturgy, we sing contemporary music with a few common hymns here and there. I completely understand where people have issues with that. Dont always agree, but understand. Becoming more and more evident, however, is an underlying problem... something having to do with the very nature of what we preach. I have just never heard it put so plainly before, and by one of the pastors.
Something else they said... they were trying to figure out the "business of the church" - the money and so forth - and stated that their main focus was going to be bringing people to Christ. Dont get me wrong, that's great. After all, we've been commissioned to "Go and make diciples." But what about after they've been brought to Christ? What about caring for them, educating them in the faith, "teaching them ALL that I have commanded you" ? One would argue that's what church is for. But didnt he just say that we dont really get to teach "the Christian faith through the Lutheran perspective" in church?
So this is what's been floating around in my head lately. May God continue to be with His church on earth always, to the very end of the age. Grace, mercy, and peace.
- Kayla
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