Kathleen strives for excellence in all things...even in the struggles she encounters in everyday life.
Kathleen is growing up during a very tumultuous time in U.S. history. The great depression brought about poverty, homelessness, and many other dire problems for millions of Americans. An uncertain future, combined with ups and downs of growing up, make Kathleen’s youth a time of great trials and triumphs.
Whether she is worried about winning a race, or that her papa may lose his job, Kathleen learns to trust the Lord with every problem, big and small.
Kathleen oftentimes finds herself in humorous, embarassing, or awkward situations due to her spontaneous and enthusiastic personality. Many of these struggles stem from needing to impress others, dealing with disappointments, and competitiveness.
Through situations like falling during a big race or botching her harmonica solo at church, Kathleen learns many lessons about herself. WIth the same vigor that Kathleen dives into her innocent mishaps, she also dives into making amends, seeking God's guidance, and learning from her mistakes. Whether she is faced with overcoming a blunder or striving toward a personal goal, Kathleen does not shy away from hard work. Whatever task she sets her mind to, she works at it with all her heart and sees it through to the end.
Kathleen is diligent with her school work and household chores, and even with practicing her harmonica. But at times, she struggles with being too hard on herself, especially when the outcome of her hard work doesn’t meet with her own expectations. Kathleen learns that a winning outcome begins with a positive attitude in her heart, not just coming in first place. She relies on her Father in Heaven for the strength to stay focused on winning the race of life---being a shining example of Christ in all she does. Like you, Kathleen has a wonderful imagination. Her dreams take her to far-off places on exciting crusades, but her dreams also inspire her to reach for and achieve great things—like one day visiting Washington D.C....as a spelling bee champion!
But sometimes her imagination can get away from her. Whether it’s a scary night in a tree house or the illness of a friend, Kathleen must trust the Lord to help her sort out what is truth and what is the result of her over-active imagination.
Although Kathleen lives in the 1930s, you will find that many of the struggles she faces are similar to the struggles you face today. Click on the following list of Kathleen's struggles to find out how she faced each problem head on with great imagination and faith in God.