Thanksgiving 2015 came and went before we knew it, and although it was a whirlwind, it was truly a time to reflect on how blessed we are. I have always loved Thanksgiving more than almost any other holiday, and my family’s traditions make it extra special.

This year was our first married Thanksgiving, so we had lunch with his side of the family and dinner with mine. We consumed so much food in one day! It was marvelous. We’re thankful to both come from families full of amazing cooks. The creamed corn and mashed potatoes are always my favorites.

In July of this year, the church that Grayson grew up in and we got married in caught fire and the sanctuary was quickly completely engulfed in flames. It was a terrible day that left many broken hearts and tear stained faces, but we have faith that God is going to (literally) bring beauty from the ashes. Grayson’s mom got us a very special ornament that the Ruritan Club in Bethlehem, NC is making this year. We will treasure this for years to come, and are so thankful to have a piece of such a special place hanging on our Christmas tree as a reminder of our beautiful Christmas wedding.

Our car broke down on Thanksgiving day, while we were traveling from his parent’s house in Hickory, NC to my grandparent’s house in Banner Elk, NC. Needless to say, Jesus is constantly teaching me to #1 see the good in all situations and #2 not be so caught up in my “plan” that I can’t function when things change. We were lucky that it happened in a safe place, that we were close by enough that I could call my family to come get the groceries out of our car so they could get in the refrigerator, that I have a AAA Membership and we were able to have the car towed for free, and that we were still able to make it in time for Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I guess you could say we’re just adding adventures to our list!

On Friday morning, Grayson and I cooked breakfast together for my whole family, which was so much fun. Before my grandma died, she taught Grayson how to make her famous biscuits and gravy (a recipe that takes quite a while to master and is hard to write out on an index card). Watching him make her recipe just filled my heart with such overwhelming gratitude. I’m so thankful to have found a man who loves my family and appreciates traditions like I do.

Another Thanksgiving tradition we have is that the weekend after Thanksgiving, we always go pick out our Christmas tree on my uncle’s tree farm in Avery County. Some years, it’s freezing or pouring snow, and some years it’s a pretty fall day with that crispness in the air that only fall can bring. This year, it was unusually warm with blue skies and it was so nice. I have taken the same picture of Grayson pulling our tree behind him holding the chainsaw every year for five whole years! It’s crazy to think that God has already given us the opportunity to make these traditions our own… it’s such a gift! My uncle, Bill, is such a special man. I love him so much, and I’m so thankful for any time we get to spend with him.

My aunt, Tootsie, lives on a beautiful farm in Crossnore, NC and every year, we get a beautiful wreath from her for our front door. There’s nothing like the smell of a freshly made wreath, and knowing it’s been made with love makes it that much better.

Leaving the mountains is always so bittersweet for me. There’s a piece of my heart that will always belong there, no matter where life takes me. Although I love coming home, I get homesick quite often for the quietness and peacefulness that comes with this view.

Now, as we approach the Christmas season, I am excited for what Jesus has in store for us. This new season is going to be filled with a kind of joy that can only come from our Father, I just know it.

Okay, okay… I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet…. But I can’t wait to mail out Christmas cards this year! I have always loved getting and sending out Christmas cards. Some of my sweetest childhood memories from Christmastime are of racing to the mailbox every day during the month of December, looking through the cards we got from friends and family, dragging a dining room chair through the living room so I could reach, and hanging them on the door in our living room with scotch tape, starting at the top and working our way down as they kept flooding our mailbox. We had them all hanging up on display and our visitors would stop to admire all the pretty cards we’d received as they came and went during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

For me, Christmas cards are a reminder of home, a reminder of traditions, a smell of sweet cinnamon coming from the kitchen and a twinkling pine tree that I picked out myself on my uncle’s farm. They’re one of those things that, if we don’t keep the magic alive, could easily fall through the cracks and quickly become a thing of the past. Let’s keep the magic of Christmas cards alive. Even if it just causes you to pause and read a sweet sentiment in the middle of what can be a busy, stressful time of year. It’s special. Take the time to let someone know you’re thinking of them this Christmas… sometimes that’s the sweetest gift you can give.

Two years ago, my college sweetheart got down on one knee and proposed to me in the sweetest, most unexpected way.

We were spending our two year (dating) anniversary at the Biltmore House and he had arranged for two of our dear friends (who are now also married) to meet up with us and take pictures and video of the proposal.

Dream life. Seriously, I have a gem of a man. This is one of my favorite days and sweetest memories.

We love returning to Asheville to relive that day, and it seems that no matter how many times we revisit Biltmore, it never gets old. The beauty, the charm, the history… it just captures us and we love spending the day there.

This weekend, we made our way back to Asheville and had the best time! We drove up early Saturday morning and spent the majority of the day on the Estate. It seems like no matter how many times we go, it’s always fun and we notice new things about it that we love. Of course, we had to take a picture in the spot where he proposed two years ago.

After a day filled with laughter, salted caramel filled dark chocolate truffles, and chilly but beautiful fall mountain weather, we made our way to dinner.

We had asked friends for suggestions and done lots of research, wanting to have a special anniversary dinner. We finally decided on The Corner Kitchen and were so pleased with our experience. They have a small, but impressive menu that changes daily and we could hardly choose because everything sounded so delicious. Grayson got peppered tenderloin of beef with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and a mixture of oysters, mushrooms, and tomatoes that he described as heaven on earth (I didn’t try it because I don’t like oysters). I got a pork chop (that, I swear was 3 inches thick) topped with a creamy buttery sauce and served with a barley risotto that was absolutely delicious and so flavorful.

We had briefly mentioned to our server that we were celebrating our anniversary, and after dinner, he surprised us with a complimentary dessert and two glasses of champagne! It was so sweet! After checking into our hotel, we ventured downtown to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, a place I had been dying to try for quite some time. IT WAS AMAZING! Grayson and I both fell head over heels in love with this place. When I say “amazing,” I mean like, game changing chocolate status. It was unlike anything either of us had ever had before. There was a line outside in the cold to get in, but now after experiencing it for myself, I would wait in that line 100 more times… because it was just that good. There were so many choices, but we finally made our decisions. Grayson got a salted caramel liquid truffle, a coconut macaroon brownie, and a chocolate snickerdoodle. I got a milk chocolate liquid truffle and a dark chocolate and salted caramel mousse trifle. The liquid truffles were our favorite, but everything was to-die-for. The atmosphere is so much fun, and sitting on the cozy little couch pigging out on all this delectable chocolate with my sweet husband was the perfect ending to the perfect day!

On Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at the hotel, stopped by the Asheville Farmer’s Market, and swung by Starbucks for our first red cups of the season. We love red cup season!

It was a wonderful little getaway and I’m so thankful to get to do life with a man who loves adventure, travel, traditions, and trying new things as much as I do. He’s my biggest blessing, no doubt. We may have only been married for (almost) a year, but we’ve been dating for four, and it will always be my favorite anniversary to celebrate. Having a man pursue your heart and point you closer to Jesus is the greatest gift.

I was in the seventh grade.

I was in English class, with Mrs. Holman. We had a pocket folder with brads that served as our “journal,” and every morning, the first ten minutes of class were spent answering a writing prompt that she had written on the board.

Most of my classmates hated it, but it was one of my favorite parts of the whole day. I looked forward to what the prompt might be that day, and I loved going back through the pages, reading what I had written in the months before.

Mrs. Holman was one of the few teachers I ever had that really went out of her way to encourage my writing. I remember the green check marks of approval throughout my paragraphs, her words of praise after turning in big papers, and I remember her pulling my Momma aside at a basketball game one night saying, “Katie has a real gift for writing.” Of course, encouraging and helping uncover student’s gifts is all part of a teacher’s job – I see my husband do it every day with his own students – but for some reason, her encouragement did more than just make me smile… .it made me want to write even more.

I’ve been doing some serious soul searching lately about the words I say to others. I’ve been asking myself questions like, am I being intentional with my conversations? have I taken every opportunity to find the good in others today? did I take the time to let so-and-so know that I see they have a real gift in a certain area?

Sometimes all it takes is a word of encouragement or a reminder of a time when someone really pointed out a gifting. Sometimes it’s something small that we don’t even expect anyone to notice… Just a quick word can make us not only thankful that someone noticed or took the time to lift us up, but make us want to be better. What a gift. Why not take the time to, as my pastor says, catch someone doing something right? You never know what a difference it could make it their life. It might just make such a difference that they end up writing a blog post about it years later (thanks, Mrs. Holman!).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You’ll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
Youll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you’ll understand
I’m painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

This song (by Casting Crowns) just blesses my heart every single time I hear it. I love listening to radio stations like 106.9 The Light and K Love 94.1 because songs like this are so encouraging and uplifting. It’s amazing, really, how just hearing words like this can sometimes turn your whole day around.

I love the reminder in this song of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s so easy to take our eyes off of Jesus, to focus more on whatever problem we’re facing rather than our Father who loves us and has a perfect plan for us, but when we focus on Him, it’s so much easier. He has our lives in His hand, and He will always make beauty from the ashes.

Be encouraged today, my friends!

Most of you know that I started a small business three years ago to raise money for the mission work I do in Haiti with my church, Calvary Baptist. Today, I wanted to share my blog entry from yesterday, discussing something I have prayed over and sought discernment about for quite a while. I don’t usually blend Coffee Date with Kate with Renmen Abonde, but I want to share my heart as this sweet season of ministry comes to a close for me:

The past three years of starting and growing Renmen Abonde have been such an incredible journey. I’ll never forget that day at the daycare where I worked in Boone, NC during my last year of college when I was inspired by a precious lady who also loves the Lord named Peggy Eller to start a business of making bracelets to raise money for my trips to Haiti. Someone commented on the pretty scarf she was wearing, to which she replied, “Oh, thank you! I bought it from [so-and-so] for her mission trip to Africa!” That’s when I perked up and said, “Mrs. Peggy! I’m selling pine needles with my church for our upcoming mission trip to Haiti! Want to buy some pine needles?!” She then replied with a laugh, “I can’t wear pine needles!”

I remember looking down at the pretty bracelets on my arm that a dear friend of mine, Lee Lankford, had given me months before. She had made them out of beads and wire, and I loved them and wore them every day, but the thought of making them myself had never crossed my mind until that day at the daycare. When I got off work at 5pm I drove my broke college student self straight to Michaels, the only craft store in Boone, where I spent $48 of the $50 I had to my name on beads, wire, pliers, wire cutters, and a small tupperware box.

I sat at the desk in my dorm room that night and made bracelets until the sun came up. I was exhausted, but it was like something came over me and I just knew that Jesus was going to use this. The first onecouple of bracelets I made were not the prettiest things in the world (it definitely took me a while to get a hang of it) but I soon began to see the fruit of my labor take shape and pretty little bracelets that I could hardly wait to share with the world. These bracelets weren’t just bracelets to me. They were a plane ticket and a bumpy landing into Port au Prince. They were new shoes for my Haitian friend, Junie. They were the money used to pay the sweet Haitian ladies that cook for us at the hospital in Jacmel where we stay, helping them provide for their families. They were the money for repairs and renovations at the hospital and church where we serve in Jacmel. They were so much more than bracelets.

The next day, I took them to work with me at the daycare and I not only sold every single bracelet that I had made the night before, but had orders for almost 100 more. Clubs, sororities, church groups, sisters, friends… they all wanted my bracelets. I was floored. It’s amazing what God will do if you’re obedient to Him, and I’ve never seen that more true than with these bracelets. Soon after that, doors began opening at local boutiques and hair salons…. all wanting to sell my bracelets. I shared with each person the story behind these twisted pieces of wire and beads, so excited to have opportunities to tell them about the Haitian people. Soon after that, I outgrew that small tupperware box.

It wasn’t long after that I chose a name for this blooming ministry: Renmen Abonde, meaning “love abounds” in Creole (the beautiful language of my beloved Haitian friends).

The rest, they say… is history. And to me, it’s the sweetest, most precious gift. Jesus used people in my life in such incredible ways through this journey. People opened their homes to me for bracelet parties, where they decorated, provided snacks, and invited all their friends- all the while providing me with yet another opportunity to share the mission behind these bracelets, explain what God is doing in Haiti, and give people and opportunity to be a part of the wonderful revival that’s happening there through willingness to share the Gospel with them. Churches invited me to come share, strangers sent me extra donations for the cause, accompanied by sweet letters of encouragement. It has been more of a blessing in my life than I could ever explain.

As we prepare for our upcoming trip to Haiti this December, I know without of shadow of a doubt that it’s going to be special. Going back to see my brothers and sisters in Christ, continuing to build relationships with them, and see the growth they’ve experienced since I saw them last, warms my heart in ways that only Jesus can. Please continue to pray for our team from Calvary Baptist Church as we prepare for our trip, pray for the Haitian people- that they will continue to learn and love Christ, and that healing, restoration, growth, and revival would happen like never before.

Renmen Abonde has (including this upcoming trip) helped send both Grayson and me to Haiti two times, helped support a team of guys from our church that went to Haiti last December, fully sponsored a child from our church to go to summer camp, which had a focus on missions, and has been used in every way we could find to support both local and global mission work.

There’s not a doubt in my mind that God allowed me the privilege of this ministry for this season of life. It’s been such a sweet season, and I’ve seen His faithfulness and provision through this in every way. However, after much prayer, I believe that this season of life is coming to a close. Merry Market will be Renmen Abonde’s last big outreach, and after the current supply of bracelets are gone, this ministry will come to an end. There aren’t enough thank you’s, not enough hugs, not enough words to ever begin to thank each and every person who has believed in me, supported this cause, encouraged this mission… I am so humbled and eternally grateful to the gracious hearts who have helped make Renmen Abonde so successful. I have been pushed, challenged, and stretched through this journey in the sweetest ways, and God gets all the glory. His love for us is so powerful, His plan for us is so much bigger than we could imagine, and this story is proof that He doesn’t call us to be able- He calls us to be available. When we make ourselves available and say, “God, use me,” our request will never be ignored. It might be through beads and wire, it might be through making pies for our neighbors, it might be getting out of our comfort zone and completely moving to a new place to share the Gospel, or it might just be through mowing someone’s yard for them, but God will show you. He always provides a way.

With all this being said, I hope to see each and every one of you this Saturday (11/7/15) at the Grand Hall in Mount Holly, NC for Merry Market 2015. I love everything about the heart behind Merry Market and I’m honored to be one of the 48 local artisans offering handmade goods at this craft fair. Bring your friends and stop by Renmen Abonde’s booth between 10-4. The address of the Grand Hall is: 400 East Central Avenue Mount Holly, NC 28120. I can’t think of a sweeter way to bring this season of ministry to a close than by sharing it with you all at such a sweet, special event. See you there!

This past Sunday night, my pastor’s son preached our evening sermon. He is also a pastor and although he’s only 29 years old, he is full of wisdom and God is using him in an incredible way. It was a real blessing to hear him share what the Lord had laid on his heart.

He spoke about our identity in Christ, how we find that, and how we can stop trying to find our identity in other things. For me, it’s such an easy thing to do without even realizing that I’m doing it… placing such value in things of this world (things that aren’t even “bad” things, just cherished things) so much that I find my worth in them rather than in my Father. He shared with us an illustration that resonated with me in a powerful way. He talked about driving through the mountains and coming to a small, rickety bridge with a weight limit prohibiting large vehicles from crossing it. He talked about how that little bridge was not made to carry the weight of large loads, and if say, an 18 wheeler tried to pass, the bridge would collapse. His point was this: how often do we entrust the weight of our lives to things (or, if you’re like me- people) that were not meant to carry us through?

The most precious, Godly husband. The most understanding, supportive parents. The most faithful, well-meaning friend. None of them can carry you through this life. Only Jesus can. He is the only thing that we should expect to carry us, support us, and sustain us. And the best part? All we have to do is ask. His love is a free gift that He gives freely and He longs for us to reach out and trust Him to bring us through the inevitable valleys of life.

Now, don’t get me wrong, a good support system is one of life’s biggest blessings. I wouldn’t trade my husband, Momma, or friends and sisters in Christ for anything in this world, but it’s Jesus who I have to trust to be my rock and my fortress.

Yesterday was my husband’s 26th birthday and in the hustle and bustle of things, I didn’t really get a chance to write about how truly thankful I am that he was born. To me, he is such a testament to the Lord’s tangible love for me, for His provision, and His faithfulness. I know without a shadow of a doubt that when the Lord was forming him in his Momma’s womb, He was thinking of me (before I was even thought of). Life with Grayson is a gift, and I am so thankful for his love, patience, and encouragement. He makes me laugh like nobody else, knows me better than I know myself, and blows me away every day with his big heart that’s full of compassion.

This time of year, the basic white girl in me goes crazy. Pumpkin anything? Sign me up. I have seen lots of different recipes like this, but I adapted my recipe from this one.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Vanilla Extract
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2  teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray one 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, add the the first eleven ingredients, through ground nutmeg, and whisk to combine.

• Then, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
• Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.

• Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula and pushing it into corners and sides as necessary.
• Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is domed, golden, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (the toothpick test is tricky here because you might hit melted chocolate and the toothpick will look wet).

• Allow bread to cool in pan for about 15 minutes before turning out on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

This bread is moist and delicious, with just enough chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s perfect with milk or coffee, and the aroma of it baking is better than any fall candle you could ever buy!

I made this last night for the first time and it was so good, I could hardly wait to share the recipe. It’s so easy to make, hearty enough to be served alone, or easily paired with a yummy vegetable (I served it with grilled zucchini and squash). I first saw the recipe here, but adapted it a little.

Ingredients:

• 16oz French Onion Dip (I used Deans French Onion Dip)
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16oz egg noodles
• 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag of french fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking dish
• Cook egg noodles (just follow the instructions for cooking on the package) and drain
• Boil chicken breasts and pull apart into small pieces
• In a bowl, combine both cans of Cream of Chicken Soup, French Onion Dip, chicken, and cheese.
• Stir in egg noodles
• Pour mixture into 9×13 baking dish and top with french fried onions (I used the entire bag, but you could use as much or as little as you’d like)
• Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, until heated through and french fried onions are crunchy and golden brown

The recipe makes enough to easily serve about 8-10 people, which is one of the reasons I love it. When you make a dish like this on Monday night, you can have the leftovers for lunch every day that week!