WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

“It has been said to me on so many occasions of late, that I am filled with grace and if this is true,

I owe that to God who spoke to me through Kasey. I have so many marked moments of a changed heart it is sometimes overwhelming to me.”

Chris, stay-at-home mother of 4 children, Bothell, WA

 

“Kasey was our spiritual direction consultant at Cedar Cross United Methodist Church near Seattle, Washington during 2005-2006. She came to us with a vision and passion to help churches go deeper spiritually through one-on-one and group direction and learning. It was a "heart-opening" experience to have her among us and gave our leaders and people new keys into their own spiritual journeys,

as well as the spiritual journey of our whole community of faith. I recommend her gentle, wise,

resourceful and quiet presence to you. She has a wonderful way of helping to open the door of the soul."

Randy Henderson, Pastor

 

“I first signed up for spiritual direction with Kasey when she was completing her Masters of Divinity at Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle. Our local church worked with Kasey to create an internship that would help her complete the requirements for her degree. At first, most of us signed up as a “courtesy” and an “experiment.” Within a couple of sessions, I knew that I would make an effort to continue with spiritual direction for the rest of my life. Making a space for silence, using imagery to better understand my relationship with God, inserting myself into the Scripture through meditation

and visualization, and opening all of my senses to God’s presence has been enriching for my faith. After just a few sessions, I found myself removing excess noise and stimulation from my life. As a self-professed NPR-junkie, I found myself turning off the radio and simply driving to work in silence. In the evening, before bedtime, rather than “cramming in more study,” I often meditate and focus

on the images we created through direction. When Kasey left Seattle, I wondered what might become of my proclamation to be in direction “for the rest of my life.” Luckily, she is offering her services through internet-based formats. Direction on-line isn’t quite the same as in-person, but Kasey is creative in her ways to not let technology (or several thousand miles) interfere with the goal of

being present with God and discerning His will.”

Lynette H. Bikos, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed my spiritual direction time with Kasey. She taught me a new, personal way

to worship, and to simply be in touch with God. She is patient and helped to guide me along my

own path instead of forcing a path upon me. Kasey is professional and very knowledgeable. I

highly recommend her spiritual direction for anyone seeking a closer walk with God.”

Tom, Senior Program Manager, age 46

 

I received one year of spiritual direction from Kasey in her role as Spiritual Director of Cedar Cross United Methodist church, and attended a silent spiritual retreat which was planned, coordinated, and led by Kasey. I found her to be an intuitive, insightful leader who had an in-depth knowledge of

Scripture, and an ability to listen deeply and respond effectively to others. She was able to make

the scriptures come alive with the sights and sounds of the times in which the passages were written, and able to focus on their relevance for today. The individual spiritual direction helped me to more fully experience God's constant presence and guidance. I felt Kasey was also effective in

strengthening the church community's spiritual discernment through the retreat, through occasional sermons, and through her work with individuals".

Kristine Cutter, RN BSN, Member/previous treasurer of Cedar Cross UMC, Mill Creek, WA

 

“I met with Kasey during a transitional period in my life, when I was seeking direction from God about vocational and personal issues. Kasey was a wonderful and wise guide along the path. I valued her gentle demeanor, her insight and maturity, her appreciation of mystery, and her calm assurance

of God’s faithfulness throughout the process. I can honestly say that I sensed God’s presence among us on several occasions. Kasey naturally possesses a listening heart, attentive both to God and to

those persons with whom she ministers.”

Marcia Webb, M.Div., Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University

 

“Before Kasey went off to seminary and before she learned about spiritual direction in a formal

sense, I observed her living out the principles of spiritual direction as our youth pastor. Each year Kasey would take a few students aside and spend extra time with them, helping them grow deeper

in their walk with God. These students blossomed under her tutelage and are more grounded today than they would have been without her. This is not only something Kasey did for others but

something she sought for herself. While on staff she asked me to assist her in finding a mentor who could pour into her life. Ironically, the very person who mentored her for years is now trained in

spiritual direction herself. The fruit Kasey is bearing in this much needed area of ministry was being born before she even entered the field. I can only imagine what it will be in the years to come!”

Ron Watts, Senior Pastor, La Croix United Methodist Church, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

 

 

Providence United Methodist Church is a new church plant.  We chartered approximately two years ago, but many were meeting prior to this.  I met Kasey when I was drawn by God to one of her silent retreats.  I have always been drawn to retreats, but was unsure of a silent one!  For those that know me, this is not one of my gifts (silence).  Kasey is truly a source of God's strength and beauty.  Little did I know that I was going to really need her retreats and spiritual direction when my younger brother committed suicide on Mother's Day 2009.  During this time, Kasey was not only doing retreats but leading the congregation in prayer with silence.  Oh, how I needed God's reasurrance of His presence.  Since that time, I have taken many retreats and have taken advantage of her spiritual guidance which has been a huge blessing.  Knowing God is with us but actually feeling His presence, is not always the same.  I look forward to many more moments spent with this true beautiful, gift from God who leads me to be still and feel His presence and love.  I recommend silent retreats as well as spiritual guidance for everyone who wants to really have a deep relationship with our Savior.
Marsha Carrizzo (senior child of God)  

 

 

I've been on a few silent retreats that Kasey has put together and have found them to be amazing. My weekends seem like a blur with the busyness that life has become. The weekends where I attend a silent retreat actually feel like a weekend. I usually go from Saturday morning until Saturday afternoon, but the opportunity to just stop and relax and spend time meditating, napping, or taking in nature makes the whole weekend slow down. They also make me realize how tired I am and how necessary it is to take time for myself. I would recommend a silent retreat for everyone. I was a little uncomfortable the first time I attended one as I didn't know what to expect, but now I wish I could attend one every month. 
Joe, Teacher, age 48

 

“I met with Kasey to find a way to ”clean out” some of the noise in my life, the busyness, the

distractions, the stress of everyday life. I immediately found use in the techniques and silence and found it very powerful in finding ways to connect with God in the most trying of moments. This proved very valuable in the months to come as I faced and learned to push through very hard times

and hard decisions. I can honestly say my life has been deeply changed as a result of meeting with and learning from Kasey. I would encourage anyone to give it a try, she’s the best!

Kelley Johnson, Director of Communications, Providence United Methodist Church