Time just keeps going!

There has been so much happening, so fast! And time just keeps going by without notice. I just turned 31!! Feels more like 25 but still!!! God is good and things continue to more forward.  I got to spend a few days last week with my family in GA and that was a great boost, especially weather wise. We left snow and went to shorts. Maybe I need to plan that in every winter! I still need to write about the Frozen February Tour!!

These are the days of our lives...

Well, I absolutely can't believe it's already December. Reflectively and honestly... personally, it's been the hardest year of my life.  Yet, God is very loving and kind and walks with us day by day.  I was thinking the other day that the goal in life is to thrive, not survive. But there are seasons, where surviving is a huge success and you have to make a choice that says, my knees are dirty and in pain from crawling... but... I crawled and didn't quit and didn't look back.  Then moments like these when you do look back you can see God's hand at work.

Personally, life has been hard. But I've gotten to spend some priceless time with my mom and other members of my family that I may not have had dedicated to them otherwise. Professionally, this has been one of the most successful years in my ministry. We had a 1/3 increase in teams this year from last year sending 93 teams to 39 countries and the World Mission Summit 3 (www.twms3.com) is 20 days away and I can just feel God's passion to reach the nations mounting in my spirit. Although there is a huge pile of things to accomplish for the summit in the next 20 days, I feel honored to be able to work for the kingdom in such a blessed capacity, representing and being sent by many of you. Lifted up by your prayers and being propelled by the spirit of an amazing Holy Spirit. I have moments when I wonder how anyone could live without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit... and how in the world did I survive without it so long ago?  So glad I don't have to go a day without my comforter now.

As for the holidays, we had Thanksgiving here at the house and it was nice and a blessing to have a moment together where we were just thankful that we were together, because life is not easy and God gave us family.  For Christmas, my brother and his family will be coming up. Mom and I are excited. There is nothing like a Christmas where babies are involved... we have a gingerbread kit, christmas lights going up, a beautiful tree, all the christmas movies out, wrapping paper in random corners of the house, a beautiful nativity, a counter full of cookies and candies with more to come, an advent calendar with little chocolates that is taking all of my self control not to open all of the little doors, my friend Carolien send me tasty dutch teas that I can enjoy for the month, my friend heather sends me comical texts and statements that make my day, my friend Beth sends me text videos of baby Izzy that make my day, my friend Lindsay just welcomed a new baby boy right before Thanksgiving, my friend Lindsay --we still need to make time to melt crayons on a canvas, and.... it's December and 60 degrees outside. December is the only month that I'm interested in snow! I want to have a White Christmas and play in the snow, be cold and drink cocoa and the day after Christmas I'd like to wear shorts again :). Oh well, I appreciate a variety of seasons and the changes that come with them.

2013... what can I say... I'm glad it gets to start charged with the power charged from the Summit and being in community with my Chi Alpha Nation family. And may God use 2013 as a redemptive year of good things laced with blessings, I believe and hope.

Thank you to everyone who has endured life with us this year and throughout our lives. But especially this year. We miss dad a lot, but somehow, God is good and .... GOD IS STILL GOD and sovereign and loving... still amazing and knows what he's doing even when we don't!

After reading all of this, you can think of your own ways to pray for us.  You should know that, you are in my prayers as dear and loved friends. May Papa shine on you and help you to be thankful and joyful even in situations where you really don't feel like it.  You are loved and appreciated.

Joy in the little things...

Sometimes life is harder than you'd like to admit. Or perhaps it's just me... But there are amazing and great days and there are tough lets just make it to the end days.

Regardless, I was driving past Jungle Jim's and Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt today with a friend. And a big smile elated my face these are two things very right with the world. 1 the ability to purchase food from many countries with ease and enjoy a grocery store like its Disney world. 2 cake batter frozen yogurt heaped high with strawberries and blueberries tastes so good.

There are a million little things and life that make life more enjoyable. Sometimes it's just right to take some guilt free time to enjoy them especially if they are hot apple cider, hot cocoa, s'mores, walks on a beautiful fall day, a good flight, frozen yogurt, tasty treats, the company of good friends or whatever comes to heart. Sometimes you just have to take joy in the little things.

Giving

AG launched a new website for giving and its so much better than the previous one!

https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/700001-276199?MinistryName=Katrina%20Frazee&Page=1

On the road again

It's been a great week of missions meetings in Springfield and then a nice weekend in Tucson with friends. Heading back to Ohio to implement the vision!
We serve a great God who longs to love on us and to see us at our best. If we take the time to remember that we can press forward to new places.

Chasing Life

Ever feel like you are chasing your life? That things are going so quickly that you can barely keep up let alone implement strategy into your life? That is what my year has felt like. Which makes me thank that in what I do I plan for the year the fall before so that the super important details are fulfilled. I never could have imagined that this year would be as complex and difficult as its been, nor would I want to. This years details were planned last fall and Gods details were planned years ago. So glad that God knows what He is doing. Work wise things have been on target and have gone well this year actually way better than I would have imagined. But in my head I have felt behind all year, like I'm chasing my life and it's just going on without me. I know that's not true, but if you went by feelings, that's how I feel.
I'm glad my fall planning season is coming it allows me the time and focus to direct some strategic prayer and practice into the heart of what I do for myself, Jesus and the kingdom. Time to step in front of my feelings and tasks and give some direction and priority assessment. Time to say thank you and love you. Time to look at 2013 and ask the Lord personal questions about what that will look like... Spiritual questions about about what Papa would like to do... And emotional questions on how I can grow and continue to accelerate personally and spiritually. I love autumn. Did I mention jeans, hoodies, cider, hot cocoa, football, brisk air and beautiful trees.

Exhaustion Has Set IN!

The summer is coming to a close and campuses are launching their Chi Alpha meetings across the United States and World. God is on the move! And I am EXHAUSTED! :)  I'm working on catching up my newsletter, blog, prayer cards, etc.  And then to close up shop on summer teams paperwork and launch into the planning season for next year... and in December we have The World Mission Summit 3!  Click for TWMS site! and I can't wait to see what God has in store!!

Stay Tuned!!!