As I reflect on the positive and wonderful impact Young Life has had on my life, it has made me come back to the question of legacy-what impact am I leaving on this world?

When I was about 10, I discovered an Amy Grant record belonging to one of my sisters. I remember putting it on my record player (remember those things?) and being totally captivated by a song written by Gary Chapman that Amy sang called Father’s Eyes. This song, in many ways, had a part to play in shaping my theology, and in turn my song writing.

The desire to reflect the character of God resonated with me then, even though I was so young, and still does today. I am full of failures, of that I am well aware. The older I get, the more passionate I am becoming about being honest with my music, honest with those around me, and honest with myself.

I hope and pray that somehow though my songs, my journey, my voice, and my words that it will be the character of God that people will remember.

Blessings Katie

As corny as it sounds it is such a privilege to be invited into a community and to walk along beside them for a while.

The retreat is called “Essence” and we will be going back to the basics of the essence of worship. We often spend so much time and money looking at the forms of worship and get so distracted that we drift away from the essence of worship and wonder why it falls in a heap.

It is important to help equip and train and support people developing their skills in ministry, but if the central focus on the essence of worship is absent, then something is wrong.

I have never seen a ministry area cause so much conflict or bring so much unity as the music team in a church! I pray that as I work with different teams from around the traps that I will always keep coming back to the essence of it all-Jesus.

Blessings Katie

I need to keep reminding myself that eventually it will go away and the sun will come. I need patience. I need perseverance. I need to keep my eyes from being cast down. I think this mood of mine is a reflection of my spiritual health at the moment. I am busy. I feel like one of those mice on a treadmill, continually running and unable to get off.

My husband reminded me of something the other day. As we approach the season of Advent, he reminded me about waiting well. He reminded me of beautiful anticipation, of joyful watchfulness as we look towards the coming of the Christ child and all that he represents.

So, as I madly rehearse carols I will pray for an attitude that imitates the Psalmist that prays, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation.”

In the midst of the business, may joy and peace overflow in all I do this season….even if it is freezing.

Blessings Katie

I recently spoke at a Women’s conference on the book of Ruth. It has been called one of the greatest short stories ever written.I have been writing and speaking on living well through times of change, and this book has been a great source of inspiration for both song and story.

I have recently finished writing a song about the relationship between a mother and daughter, which is also a feature in the book of Ruth.

I am currently preparing for a music festival, a Christmas Event, the beginnings of a church consultancy which will flow onto next year. What an exciting and creative time this is!  I am thankful.

Blessings,

Katie

Saturday Night the 27th of August was the scene of the release of Katie’s new Album, “The Simple Life”.

Held at The Street Theatre in Canberra as part of their “Made in Canberra initiative”, the theatre was filled with supporters who had come to celebrate the release.

The ‘Simple Life’ offers beautifully crafted songs possessing confronting honest lyric married to a timeless acoustic framework. The result is an album that reflects both a deep intensity and sweet simplicity.

The “Simple Life” can be purchase directly at our store here.

In the midst of this there is a launch to plan, staging and set design to think through, lighting, set list, and media releases, to all be done. It has been an incredible couple of weeks.

I am so grateful for the team of people who support me and make this life possible…it really is a privilege to be able to do what you really believe in.

Over the past few days as I have been listening to the final mixes of the songs, my kids have drifted in and out of the room. It has brought a smile to my face to hear them singing along.

Blessings Katie

I have now finalised the final songs which was a difficult task. I had a head
cold thanks to three beautiful children coughing in my face for three
weeks.. So, my guide vocals sound strangely like Kermit the Frog.
Thankfully final vocals tracked in a couple of weeks.

It is deeply satisfying but also a little unsettling being new the completion of a
project that you have worked on for so long. I can’t wait to hear the
completed album…I will get a sneak preview this week. I hope you are
looking forward to it as much as I am.

Blessings,
Katie

Whatever the case may be, it makes me think that there are a lot of artists who aren’t easy to work with, or who appear to be but when push comes to shove, they shove! I was always told as a child how sensitive I was.

I am beginning to see that as a strength as an adult, not only in my songwriting, but also in assessing a situation and the people within it. Sometimes a smile can go a long way during a sound check, or thanking the stage manager, responding to emails, or introducing yourself to other artists involved in an event.

I am well aware I am not perfect – just ask my family who have to live with me every day. I am also well aware that some days are bad ones and we make mistakes…I make many and have had more than one bad hair day! But I hope that integrity is alive and well in the creative arts, especially creative ministry.

People are more important than a performance. I hope more than anything that if my children look back on my ministry when they are older, this will be the legacy they see and experience themselves. I will have to remember this next time I am performing and things don’t go my way…..

Blessings,
Katie .

I am waiting on lots of things at the moment. I am waiting for people to get back to me. I am waiting and preparing for upcoming events.

I feel like stomping my feet and folding my arms and having a good yell like a kid. Maybe I should..I will probably feel better.

I wrote a song called “Wait” which will be on my new album.I think I need to revisit the moment I was in when I wrote that! It’s funny how a song you write years before suddenly can connect with you in a new way in a different time of life.

Maybe I should write another one called “Impatience” or “Fed up”. Maybe I should just be quiet, and be still, and have a coffee, and get over it.

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. I will sit and play and sing, and remember the essence of why I do what I do. Be strong, take heart, and wait.

Blessings, Katie