Matthew 1:18-25 NIV
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! May you enjoy this time with family, eat delicious food, and pause and remember why this season is so special. The babe in the manger taught us what love is and would later give the ultimate sacrifice for you and me. May His love, peace, and grace be felt this holiday season by you and your loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
Katie
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Color Me Rad!!!
I have lost my mind! If you find it, please sent it my way! In fact, Whitney has lost hers too! Our minds will be together if you find them. We are going to sign up for the Color Me Rad 5K. Now I have never ran a 5K nor am I a runner but I have a desire to be a runner. I have always heard that running is one of the best things you can do physically.You can do it almost any time, any place, and best of all it is free.
I began talking to Nick about my desire to run about two weeks ago. I want to train more but session fees add up quickly and this girl lives in the po' house. So I decided that running would be the best option for me. I can supplement my weekly training sessions with running and get healthy, be in better shape, have clothes fit better, and more importantly feel better! Nick is an avid runner and has ran in numerous marathons and he and I talked about a running program I found on Women's Health. It is similar to Couch to 5K and is a combination of walking and running.
So I went to the gym on Wednesday by myself... no trainer. That is huge for me! Just me, my thoughts, and the sound of my feet hitting the treadmill. Since all the students are gone on break, the Johnson Center was not crowded and I could pick which treadmill I wanted. I didn't go fast and just ran at a comfortable pace. With a combination of running and walking, I completed 2.5 miles in 34 minutes, which included a warm up and cool down. I was pleased! I didn't kill myself and because I didn't, I was motivated to run again and left the gym feeling proud that I did it on my own.
However, the competitor in me wants to achieve something and it makes sense that I want to run a 5K after running only one time, right? I have heard about Color Me Rad and seen pictures of this crazy race and thought why not set this as my goal? This is where Whitney comes in! We both want to be fit and want to be each other's accountability partner. So I shot her the link, the date of the race, and said are we crazy? Apparently we are because we are going to sign up as soon as we get paid. The race is on campus, March 2nd!!
I told Jace about desire to run, the Teak, and now you. If I tell you about my running and progress to the 5K, then I have to hold myself accountable. So here it is friends, I, Katie Keith, am going to run a 5K and best of all, I get to do it with my best friend! Lord be with us!
I began talking to Nick about my desire to run about two weeks ago. I want to train more but session fees add up quickly and this girl lives in the po' house. So I decided that running would be the best option for me. I can supplement my weekly training sessions with running and get healthy, be in better shape, have clothes fit better, and more importantly feel better! Nick is an avid runner and has ran in numerous marathons and he and I talked about a running program I found on Women's Health. It is similar to Couch to 5K and is a combination of walking and running.
So I went to the gym on Wednesday by myself... no trainer. That is huge for me! Just me, my thoughts, and the sound of my feet hitting the treadmill. Since all the students are gone on break, the Johnson Center was not crowded and I could pick which treadmill I wanted. I didn't go fast and just ran at a comfortable pace. With a combination of running and walking, I completed 2.5 miles in 34 minutes, which included a warm up and cool down. I was pleased! I didn't kill myself and because I didn't, I was motivated to run again and left the gym feeling proud that I did it on my own.
However, the competitor in me wants to achieve something and it makes sense that I want to run a 5K after running only one time, right? I have heard about Color Me Rad and seen pictures of this crazy race and thought why not set this as my goal? This is where Whitney comes in! We both want to be fit and want to be each other's accountability partner. So I shot her the link, the date of the race, and said are we crazy? Apparently we are because we are going to sign up as soon as we get paid. The race is on campus, March 2nd!!
I told Jace about desire to run, the Teak, and now you. If I tell you about my running and progress to the 5K, then I have to hold myself accountable. So here it is friends, I, Katie Keith, am going to run a 5K and best of all, I get to do it with my best friend! Lord be with us!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
There's another wedding in the works!!!!!!!!
Hi Y'all! As you might know today is 12-12-12. Ross Keith made sure it would be a date that none of us would forget, especially Elizabeth Shaw! Tonight Ross proposed!!!!
Ross and Beth have dated for over two years and I don't know if two people can compliment each other more. They both enjoy the outdoors, hunting, farm life, know the value of hard work, love easily, and are family oriented. I have gotten to know and love Beth over these past two years and I couldn't be happier in gaining her as sister-in-law. She loves Ross and Ross adores her!
He got the ring before Thanksgiving and picked out the one she wanted. She mentioned 8 months ago that she really liked this particular ring and he remembered. There was some scheming about that ring; one day I was having car trouble and I asked him if he could come over and look at my car. That evening I was washing dishes and Ross called and said he looked at my car. I asked him how he did that since my car sat in a parking deck all day long. He told me that was the story we were going to tell Beth in case she asked what he was doing that night because instead of working on my car he had been busy picking out her ring.
Thanksgiving rolled around and Beth and I talked throughout the day. It was difficult to not say anything because I am not the best at keeping secrets. I am the person that immediately tells you that I got you a gift and how much of a deal I got on it! I somehow kept my cool and didn't breathe one word about wedding rings, weddings, or wedding planning. Then I saw Beth again before the Michael Bolton concert and right before she came home, Ross showed Mom and I the ring on their Ipad and explained how he asked her entire family for her hand in marriage. Lord, Mom and I were tearing up and then Beth walked in! Mom and I must have played it off like veteran actors because she never caught on to us wiping away our tears!
Ross has talked to Mom countless times since Saturday! Of course, as soon as she got off the phone with him, I would get the latest update--a sista got to know now! Ross picked up the ring on Tuesday night and then today, before Beth got home from work, he taped a hand written love letter to the door. She was to read the letter and then walk in and Ross would be on bended knee. The night would be complete with a dinner by candlelight. However, Beth decided to go to the tanning bed after work and was really craving Mexican and suggested they go out to dinner. Ross somehow convinced her that they should eat at home tonight.
After hearing how it really happened from Beth she said she read the letter, opened the door and instead of stepping inside their apartment she stepped back and started crying. Ross had to ask her to come inside! Of course she said yes and both of them cried! The best thing is that Beth had absolutely no idea the ring was coming. None! She thought it might have happened sometime next year but definitely wasn't expecting it today.
I am just so happy for Beth and Ross. Their love is so evident and you can tell they are each other's best friend. How about this Beth: you can take my last name and I'll take Jace's!
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| The Future Mr. and Mrs. Ross Keith! |
He got the ring before Thanksgiving and picked out the one she wanted. She mentioned 8 months ago that she really liked this particular ring and he remembered. There was some scheming about that ring; one day I was having car trouble and I asked him if he could come over and look at my car. That evening I was washing dishes and Ross called and said he looked at my car. I asked him how he did that since my car sat in a parking deck all day long. He told me that was the story we were going to tell Beth in case she asked what he was doing that night because instead of working on my car he had been busy picking out her ring.
Thanksgiving rolled around and Beth and I talked throughout the day. It was difficult to not say anything because I am not the best at keeping secrets. I am the person that immediately tells you that I got you a gift and how much of a deal I got on it! I somehow kept my cool and didn't breathe one word about wedding rings, weddings, or wedding planning. Then I saw Beth again before the Michael Bolton concert and right before she came home, Ross showed Mom and I the ring on their Ipad and explained how he asked her entire family for her hand in marriage. Lord, Mom and I were tearing up and then Beth walked in! Mom and I must have played it off like veteran actors because she never caught on to us wiping away our tears!
Ross has talked to Mom countless times since Saturday! Of course, as soon as she got off the phone with him, I would get the latest update--a sista got to know now! Ross picked up the ring on Tuesday night and then today, before Beth got home from work, he taped a hand written love letter to the door. She was to read the letter and then walk in and Ross would be on bended knee. The night would be complete with a dinner by candlelight. However, Beth decided to go to the tanning bed after work and was really craving Mexican and suggested they go out to dinner. Ross somehow convinced her that they should eat at home tonight.
After hearing how it really happened from Beth she said she read the letter, opened the door and instead of stepping inside their apartment she stepped back and started crying. Ross had to ask her to come inside! Of course she said yes and both of them cried! The best thing is that Beth had absolutely no idea the ring was coming. None! She thought it might have happened sometime next year but definitely wasn't expecting it today.
I am just so happy for Beth and Ross. Their love is so evident and you can tell they are each other's best friend. How about this Beth: you can take my last name and I'll take Jace's!
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| HHI 2011 |
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| Playing Wii Dance, obviously I am one move behind Beth! |
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| Thanksgiving 2012 |
Sunday, December 9, 2012
My Legacy...
This upcoming Friday is a big day for our family. My Papaw, Dr. Mack Whiteker, will be inducted into the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Hall of Fame! Twenty people will be inducted, fifteen posthumous and five living recipients. This is the first year for the Hall of Fame and my family and I are humbled and excited!
I found out about PaPaw's induction at a College of Ag & HES Alumni Board meeting. My heart burst with pride when they called out Papaw's name. After leaving the meeting, I called my Mom with the exciting news and ran home to tell Teak. Teak was excited for Papaw as well and when I told her the ceremony would include a dinner downtown at the Hyatt, her wheels were turning on what she should wear!
Looking back on my Papaw's career makes me unbelievably proud. After serving in the Korean War, Papaw used his GI Bill money to complete his Master's and after completion, he worked for the University for 2 years in the Cooperative Extension swine unit. After working two years, he continued his education and completed his Ph.D. Both his Master's thesis and dissertation sit on my desk and were a huge source of inspiration to me as I wrote my creative project!
Soon after, Teak and Papaw along with my aunt and mom headed to Iowa. Papaw got a job with the Iowa State Cooperative Extension Swine Department. They spent 6 years in Iowa, made wonderful friends, and ended up leaving with three little girls. My Aunt T was born in Iowa and Papaw was more than outnumbered! According to Teak, this is where Papaw made a name for himself. While in Iowa, Papaw became involved with the Pork Producers Association and worked to help pig producers. While meeting with producers, food was often involved. It was through these meetings that PaPaw taught others about ground pork burgers which is just like a hamburger, but with pork. If you have never tried one, I highly recommend it. I actually prefer a pork burger over a hamburger any day. I can't eat one without thinking of him.
While they enjoyed their time in Iowa and made good friends, an opportunity arose at the University of Kentucky. He and Teak packed up the girls and headed back home to the bluegrass state. To the best of Teak's memory, the job was for the Extension service as a Swine Specialist. In a nutshell, a specialist serves county extension agents and provides research-based information, program opportunities, and answers questions from citizens and agents. From the stories I have heard, my Papaw was one hell of an employee for Extension. He was all about the farmers and producers, didn't act high and mighty, laughed easily, and could relate to any audience he was in front of.
Somewhere along the road, PaPaw got involved with UK Athletics. He started cooking meals for Joe B. Hall's basketball team, Papaw would gather a group of guys and they would cook pork chops for the team. As an appetizer, they would grill pork sausages and make sandwhich out of a sausage patty, tomato, and onion on a roll. To this day, we have this meal and it is in remembrance of Papaw.
It was through his cooking for the basketball teams that he became good friends with Bill Keightley. I can remember coming to Teak and Papaw's house and he would have basketball shirts for us. Keightley would give Papaw t-shirts for us grandkids and they would swallow us whole but it was a treat to get them. Papaw raised us young to become UK fans!
In 1982, Papaw was promoted to Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension. In this administration position, there was quite a bit of travel. But it was here that I think Papaw thrived. He enjoyed speaking to groups, being with others, and hamming it up with everyone. He retired when it was no longer fun for him and the traveling was too much, which was 1987.
He passed away in 2006, well before I realized I have a passion for Extension. I so wish he was here so I could ask him what he thinks of Extension's future. I wish I could have his wisdom to help me do my job better and know what to let roll off my back. I don't want to ride off of his coattails, but I do hope people get to know me first then hear that Papaw is my Papaw and see similarities between the two of us. Nothing thrills me more than when an agent comes up to me with a story about Papaw. Some stories make me blush because my Papaw was known to cuss a little, tell crude jokes, and enjoy a drink or two of Bourbon but all within moderation! However, most of the agents tell me what an influence he was to them and their county. They describe how friendly he was and how much they liked him coming to their office. Again, my heart bursts with pride knowing these things about my Papaw.
Friday night's induction ceremony is beyond meaningful to my family and I. All of us will be there (Mom will be in spirit) celebrating his lifelong work. He loved pigs but more importantly he loved people. He knew the value of hard work, the power of laughter, and the importance of being real with others. I pray that I am half of the worker that he was. Thank you Papaw for your rich legacy in the College of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Service. Oh what a night Friday night will be!
I found out about PaPaw's induction at a College of Ag & HES Alumni Board meeting. My heart burst with pride when they called out Papaw's name. After leaving the meeting, I called my Mom with the exciting news and ran home to tell Teak. Teak was excited for Papaw as well and when I told her the ceremony would include a dinner downtown at the Hyatt, her wheels were turning on what she should wear!
Looking back on my Papaw's career makes me unbelievably proud. After serving in the Korean War, Papaw used his GI Bill money to complete his Master's and after completion, he worked for the University for 2 years in the Cooperative Extension swine unit. After working two years, he continued his education and completed his Ph.D. Both his Master's thesis and dissertation sit on my desk and were a huge source of inspiration to me as I wrote my creative project!
Soon after, Teak and Papaw along with my aunt and mom headed to Iowa. Papaw got a job with the Iowa State Cooperative Extension Swine Department. They spent 6 years in Iowa, made wonderful friends, and ended up leaving with three little girls. My Aunt T was born in Iowa and Papaw was more than outnumbered! According to Teak, this is where Papaw made a name for himself. While in Iowa, Papaw became involved with the Pork Producers Association and worked to help pig producers. While meeting with producers, food was often involved. It was through these meetings that PaPaw taught others about ground pork burgers which is just like a hamburger, but with pork. If you have never tried one, I highly recommend it. I actually prefer a pork burger over a hamburger any day. I can't eat one without thinking of him.
While they enjoyed their time in Iowa and made good friends, an opportunity arose at the University of Kentucky. He and Teak packed up the girls and headed back home to the bluegrass state. To the best of Teak's memory, the job was for the Extension service as a Swine Specialist. In a nutshell, a specialist serves county extension agents and provides research-based information, program opportunities, and answers questions from citizens and agents. From the stories I have heard, my Papaw was one hell of an employee for Extension. He was all about the farmers and producers, didn't act high and mighty, laughed easily, and could relate to any audience he was in front of.
Somewhere along the road, PaPaw got involved with UK Athletics. He started cooking meals for Joe B. Hall's basketball team, Papaw would gather a group of guys and they would cook pork chops for the team. As an appetizer, they would grill pork sausages and make sandwhich out of a sausage patty, tomato, and onion on a roll. To this day, we have this meal and it is in remembrance of Papaw.
It was through his cooking for the basketball teams that he became good friends with Bill Keightley. I can remember coming to Teak and Papaw's house and he would have basketball shirts for us. Keightley would give Papaw t-shirts for us grandkids and they would swallow us whole but it was a treat to get them. Papaw raised us young to become UK fans!
In 1982, Papaw was promoted to Assistant Director of Cooperative Extension. In this administration position, there was quite a bit of travel. But it was here that I think Papaw thrived. He enjoyed speaking to groups, being with others, and hamming it up with everyone. He retired when it was no longer fun for him and the traveling was too much, which was 1987.
He passed away in 2006, well before I realized I have a passion for Extension. I so wish he was here so I could ask him what he thinks of Extension's future. I wish I could have his wisdom to help me do my job better and know what to let roll off my back. I don't want to ride off of his coattails, but I do hope people get to know me first then hear that Papaw is my Papaw and see similarities between the two of us. Nothing thrills me more than when an agent comes up to me with a story about Papaw. Some stories make me blush because my Papaw was known to cuss a little, tell crude jokes, and enjoy a drink or two of Bourbon but all within moderation! However, most of the agents tell me what an influence he was to them and their county. They describe how friendly he was and how much they liked him coming to their office. Again, my heart bursts with pride knowing these things about my Papaw.
Friday night's induction ceremony is beyond meaningful to my family and I. All of us will be there (Mom will be in spirit) celebrating his lifelong work. He loved pigs but more importantly he loved people. He knew the value of hard work, the power of laughter, and the importance of being real with others. I pray that I am half of the worker that he was. Thank you Papaw for your rich legacy in the College of Agriculture and Cooperative Extension Service. Oh what a night Friday night will be!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
The magic of Rupp Arena
I was sitting at my desk Tuesday afternoon when Jennifer sent me a Lync message. The message said that her parents weren't going to use their UK tickets and she wanted to know if Teak and I wanted to go. I quickly called Teak and she perked up about the offer. She thought we should go to the game because who knows when the next time we will go. I messaged Jennifer back and told her we would take 'em!
I ran home, changed into UK gear, and Teak and I headed to Rupp. We found parking and got to the arena in plenty of time. Before we got to our seats, Teak wanted to stop and get some nachos, I picked up some popcorn, and we split a large Coke 0. We had great seats and sat and ate our dinner and soaked up the magic that is Rupp Arena. Rupp is one of the most iconic places for NCAA basketball and so many wonderful players have made a name for themselves on this court. The National Championship banners hang from the rafters and is one of the first thing that people notice upon entering.
I think my most favorite part of going to a UK game is the 5 minutes before the game starts. People are filing into the arena and finding their seats, the band is playing, cheerleaders are leading the CATS cheer, the student section is rocking, and then the lights go out. Spotlights come on and the video screens light up. The players come down the Catwalk and a short video is played. This video along with the music give me goosebumps. Everyone is beyond hyped and ready to watch a good game. After each starting five player is introduced, fireworks go off and I am almost ready to loose my voice at this point from screaming so loud. It truly is a production, the players are treated as celebrities, and the pressure Wildcat fans put on the team is outrageous. In the words of Coach Cal, "you people are crazy!" and we are!
The game got off to a great start and it is so much more fun to watch the game live as opposed to watching the game on tv with tv timeouts and commercials. Plus, at home you can't get ice cream cones like this! Teak and I believe Rupp has the best ice cream in town and no game is complete without a cone!
Getting to go to Rupp and watch the Cats play is always a treat. Lord knows the tickets are like gold to Kentucky fans! Thanks Jennifer for letting Teak and I enjoy a night out and to watch the current reigning National Champs! #BBN
I ran home, changed into UK gear, and Teak and I headed to Rupp. We found parking and got to the arena in plenty of time. Before we got to our seats, Teak wanted to stop and get some nachos, I picked up some popcorn, and we split a large Coke 0. We had great seats and sat and ate our dinner and soaked up the magic that is Rupp Arena. Rupp is one of the most iconic places for NCAA basketball and so many wonderful players have made a name for themselves on this court. The National Championship banners hang from the rafters and is one of the first thing that people notice upon entering.
I think my most favorite part of going to a UK game is the 5 minutes before the game starts. People are filing into the arena and finding their seats, the band is playing, cheerleaders are leading the CATS cheer, the student section is rocking, and then the lights go out. Spotlights come on and the video screens light up. The players come down the Catwalk and a short video is played. This video along with the music give me goosebumps. Everyone is beyond hyped and ready to watch a good game. After each starting five player is introduced, fireworks go off and I am almost ready to loose my voice at this point from screaming so loud. It truly is a production, the players are treated as celebrities, and the pressure Wildcat fans put on the team is outrageous. In the words of Coach Cal, "you people are crazy!" and we are!
The game got off to a great start and it is so much more fun to watch the game live as opposed to watching the game on tv with tv timeouts and commercials. Plus, at home you can't get ice cream cones like this! Teak and I believe Rupp has the best ice cream in town and no game is complete without a cone!
Getting to go to Rupp and watch the Cats play is always a treat. Lord knows the tickets are like gold to Kentucky fans! Thanks Jennifer for letting Teak and I enjoy a night out and to watch the current reigning National Champs! #BBN
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| The sweet Teak and I |
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Waiting
Do you know the feeling of sitting in the church pew and you feel as though the minister is talking directly at YOU?! Well today was that kind of day for me at Crestwood. You feel you like you are being called onto the carpet, you might hang her head in shame or nod repeatedly because everything the minister is describing is you. Yet, you find peace after a sermon like that and gain a sense of hope and renewal.
Today Kory spoke about waiting. We are all waiting for something.You may be waiting for a baby, a proposal, a job offer, the return of a loved one from war, whatever it is we are all waiting for something. For Jace and I, our wait belongs to University of Florida. Jace sent in his application the first day it could be accepted, we recieved quick responses from UF saying they had all his documents and we should hear something back from them within 4 weeks. We are now starting week 6. The first four weeks, Jace and I didn't discuss it. We knew the time frame and were patient. The beginning of the fifth week, I started to get ancy. Had the letter arrived? Has Jace checked his mailbox yet? These are my thoughts each night. Our future lies within the contents of that letter and to say that I am ready to know where we will land is an understatement. Katie Keith is a planner and I am ready to start planning 2013-2014.
Yet in Kory's sermon he said that waiting is the hardest work of hope. In our culture we don't like to wait. Kory described how we get frustrated waiting for the microwave to finish heating up a meal as well as the second or two we wait for the car in front of us to go when there is a green light. I know I am one of those people he was describing. But in our rush of everthing we miss the blessing that is found within the wait period. Instead of wishing time away and trying to do things faster and on OUR time, we should put our entire trust in God and be on guard. We have to be on guard so that we do not miss an unexpected blessing.
I don't know what our unexpected blessing is just yet. We may not know until after we hear from UF and can reflect back on this waiting stage. What I do know is that my God is a provider and has a wonderful, beautiful, grand plan for Jace and I. May I learn to rejoice in the waiting and discover the blessings of this time. May I also rediscover the joy and anticipatin of waiting during this Advent season for Christ the King is coming. Amen and Amen.
Today Kory spoke about waiting. We are all waiting for something.You may be waiting for a baby, a proposal, a job offer, the return of a loved one from war, whatever it is we are all waiting for something. For Jace and I, our wait belongs to University of Florida. Jace sent in his application the first day it could be accepted, we recieved quick responses from UF saying they had all his documents and we should hear something back from them within 4 weeks. We are now starting week 6. The first four weeks, Jace and I didn't discuss it. We knew the time frame and were patient. The beginning of the fifth week, I started to get ancy. Had the letter arrived? Has Jace checked his mailbox yet? These are my thoughts each night. Our future lies within the contents of that letter and to say that I am ready to know where we will land is an understatement. Katie Keith is a planner and I am ready to start planning 2013-2014.
Yet in Kory's sermon he said that waiting is the hardest work of hope. In our culture we don't like to wait. Kory described how we get frustrated waiting for the microwave to finish heating up a meal as well as the second or two we wait for the car in front of us to go when there is a green light. I know I am one of those people he was describing. But in our rush of everthing we miss the blessing that is found within the wait period. Instead of wishing time away and trying to do things faster and on OUR time, we should put our entire trust in God and be on guard. We have to be on guard so that we do not miss an unexpected blessing.
I don't know what our unexpected blessing is just yet. We may not know until after we hear from UF and can reflect back on this waiting stage. What I do know is that my God is a provider and has a wonderful, beautiful, grand plan for Jace and I. May I learn to rejoice in the waiting and discover the blessings of this time. May I also rediscover the joy and anticipatin of waiting during this Advent season for Christ the King is coming. Amen and Amen.
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