I love the beginning of a new year. It is positively one of my favorite times of year. I get to start fresh and take advantage of the opportunity to view these next 365 days in a new, wiser perspective. I am brimming with anticipation for this upcoming year and I almost cannot contain my excitement. This year, I feel, will be a year of change. Not just for myself but also for people around me. There will be babies, weddings, new chapters, all lovely things that will be a blessing to see God unfold.
I don't really have much to share about my resolutions for this upcoming year. I, typically, make a list of things that I want to accomplish and see happen in life. Sometimes I accomplish them, sometimes I don't. Although I did make a brief list of resolutions, my number one resolve this year is simply to enjoy it. 2011 was a bit of a stressful year, so I am really looking forward to letting my hair down, smiling more, laughing often and enjoying time with the people that I love and that have taken the time to invest in me during my previous, stress filled year. I mean, I'm smiling as I type this so 2012 has to be great, right? :)
I hope YOU have a wonderful 2012 and that we have an abundance of engaging stories to tell 12 months from now...
"...14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family[c] in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Stepping Stones.
I would not be lying to you if I said that my lack of blog posts and updates were a solid indicator of how busy the last few months of my life have been. But despite the steady pace of my life, the time that has elapsed since my last post has proven to be, once again, filled with opportunities to learn and to grow.
I feel like I'm in a really "good" place in my life right now. For the majority of this year, and if anyone reads this silly blog you already know, I have wrestled the fog of confusion, finding my purpose in life, becoming fulfilled in my seemingly insignificant tasks and "to do's" that are expected of me from day to day. It has proven to be a pivotal journey in my life, for sure. But I feel I have come out of the fog and leapt into excitement for the future and what is to come in my life. I was/have been so bogged down by what seemed like the small steps of life, that I foolishly failed to see the small steps of life as they truly are, stepping stones.
Under the influence of my generation, I have adopted the midset, and sometimes work ethic, that would wish to bypass the "small steps" and get straight to the big things, ie. my dreams that my heart desires to fulfill. But life doesn't work that way. You can't run a mile one day and a week later run a marathon, you know? You have to train, build, prepare and engage yourself to small commitments first before you can even begin to reasonably expect the "big" things to come. That lesson has been humbling, to say the least, and I feel that I can apply it to several areas of my life.
My mom always says that this particular time in my life is my "prime" and that I should be living life to fullest and doing everything that I feel called to do, now. My mom is a very wise woman and I completely agree with her. I think my problem and struggle post-graduation has been that I got caught up in the bigger picture. I didn't see my current situation as part of my ultimate dream and what I feel called to do. But it is. My current situation is a stepping stone to get to the person I would ultimately like to become. And when I look at life through those lenses, I see everything about the moment I'm in now as a blessing and a time to take advantage of the opportunities right in front of me.
I feel like I'm in a really "good" place in my life right now. For the majority of this year, and if anyone reads this silly blog you already know, I have wrestled the fog of confusion, finding my purpose in life, becoming fulfilled in my seemingly insignificant tasks and "to do's" that are expected of me from day to day. It has proven to be a pivotal journey in my life, for sure. But I feel I have come out of the fog and leapt into excitement for the future and what is to come in my life. I was/have been so bogged down by what seemed like the small steps of life, that I foolishly failed to see the small steps of life as they truly are, stepping stones.
Under the influence of my generation, I have adopted the midset, and sometimes work ethic, that would wish to bypass the "small steps" and get straight to the big things, ie. my dreams that my heart desires to fulfill. But life doesn't work that way. You can't run a mile one day and a week later run a marathon, you know? You have to train, build, prepare and engage yourself to small commitments first before you can even begin to reasonably expect the "big" things to come. That lesson has been humbling, to say the least, and I feel that I can apply it to several areas of my life.
My mom always says that this particular time in my life is my "prime" and that I should be living life to fullest and doing everything that I feel called to do, now. My mom is a very wise woman and I completely agree with her. I think my problem and struggle post-graduation has been that I got caught up in the bigger picture. I didn't see my current situation as part of my ultimate dream and what I feel called to do. But it is. My current situation is a stepping stone to get to the person I would ultimately like to become. And when I look at life through those lenses, I see everything about the moment I'm in now as a blessing and a time to take advantage of the opportunities right in front of me.
Monday, September 5, 2011
23.
Today I turned 23 years old. I can't believe it. The year from 22 to 23 has been a memorable one, to say the least. It was my first year out of college and I must say that I learned more in my first year or so out of college than I did in the entirety of my collegiate career. I think that is so because my first year out of college is when I truly felt the sting of life.
Now don't get me wrong, my life is sweet. I wake up knowing that I have a job to go to everyday, where my next meal will come from and that I get to walk this life with wondeful people. But, with all of that aside, I feel like this past year has tested me, more than ever. My endurance, faith and character have been challenged in ways that I had not experienced before. Some of the circumstances led to immediate victory, while others left me flat on my face. A lot of the circumstances left me feeling very confused. I was struggling with wrapping my mind around this new chapter of my life. Some of you reading this might have made the adjustment with effortless ease, and for that I commend you, but for me that was not the case. I found it difficult to understand where I was going. What was I meant to do in this life? Who was I supposed to be?
In the midst of my questioning and confusion, God allowed this year to be one of the sweetest in my walk as a Christian. I probably made more mistakes in my 22nd year of life than all the others before it, but He is still so good. He draped His love, forgiveness and guidance like I had never experienced before. And, I think this year was so special to me because I finally realized that I didn't deserve Him. He is so, so good and I don't deserve Him.
With all of that being said, I am really excited about this year. I feel renewed. I feel I have learned a lot. Like, you have to laugh at life. Each day is new and exciting and if we're not excited about today then today is most likely being spent focusing on situations that only God can change, or ourselves. NEVER assume. We only get one life. So, if we're not investing in other people then will we, I, really be satisfied? And finally, I've learned to love my past. This last lesson is very personal. There are so many things in my past that I have struggled to forgive myself for, and that have caused me struggle accepting God's forgiveness. But, I've learned that the things in my past are beautiful because they have led me closer to a beautiful Savior.
I'm thankful for this year, the people in it and the lessons I have learned. This year was one of a kind, rough, hard and confusing... but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Now don't get me wrong, my life is sweet. I wake up knowing that I have a job to go to everyday, where my next meal will come from and that I get to walk this life with wondeful people. But, with all of that aside, I feel like this past year has tested me, more than ever. My endurance, faith and character have been challenged in ways that I had not experienced before. Some of the circumstances led to immediate victory, while others left me flat on my face. A lot of the circumstances left me feeling very confused. I was struggling with wrapping my mind around this new chapter of my life. Some of you reading this might have made the adjustment with effortless ease, and for that I commend you, but for me that was not the case. I found it difficult to understand where I was going. What was I meant to do in this life? Who was I supposed to be?
In the midst of my questioning and confusion, God allowed this year to be one of the sweetest in my walk as a Christian. I probably made more mistakes in my 22nd year of life than all the others before it, but He is still so good. He draped His love, forgiveness and guidance like I had never experienced before. And, I think this year was so special to me because I finally realized that I didn't deserve Him. He is so, so good and I don't deserve Him.
With all of that being said, I am really excited about this year. I feel renewed. I feel I have learned a lot. Like, you have to laugh at life. Each day is new and exciting and if we're not excited about today then today is most likely being spent focusing on situations that only God can change, or ourselves. NEVER assume. We only get one life. So, if we're not investing in other people then will we, I, really be satisfied? And finally, I've learned to love my past. This last lesson is very personal. There are so many things in my past that I have struggled to forgive myself for, and that have caused me struggle accepting God's forgiveness. But, I've learned that the things in my past are beautiful because they have led me closer to a beautiful Savior.
I'm thankful for this year, the people in it and the lessons I have learned. This year was one of a kind, rough, hard and confusing... but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Series of Occurrences
There is so much on my mind right now. It has been quite a week, I must say. As I sit here and type this (while listening to the new Mat Kearney CD; thanks "Mr. Disheveled"!) I am exhausted, hot (dang Mobile heat) and completely humbled.....
I have experienced a series of occurrences this week that have reminded me of how much I am not in control of anything; people, places or circumstances. They were simple situations wrapped in a greater message that, after a bit of reflection, I knew God had used to show me the beauty of humility. Earlier this week, I met a good friend to catch up on life and all that jazz. Over coffee and a chai latte we discussed what was new in our lives, and anything we needed specific prayer for. I asked that she pray for me about humilty. I've been struggling with it, and recently I have started to take notice on how my lack of humitlity in certain areas has affected my attitude and my daily walk. In short, God has been very faithful to humble in the areas where it was in need. I was not having the best day today and on my drive home, God, once again, reminded me of His grace, mercy, provision and timing. Quite humbling.
Some of what I'm referring to is in reference to my previous blog. It really is such a joy to find joy in other people's joy. It is a wonderful thing, a humbling thing and such a pure way to make a person feel special....
P.S. For your listening pleasure, I have included one of my favorite songs off of Mat Kearney's new album. I really love songs that tell stories.. and this one certainly does!
I have experienced a series of occurrences this week that have reminded me of how much I am not in control of anything; people, places or circumstances. They were simple situations wrapped in a greater message that, after a bit of reflection, I knew God had used to show me the beauty of humility. Earlier this week, I met a good friend to catch up on life and all that jazz. Over coffee and a chai latte we discussed what was new in our lives, and anything we needed specific prayer for. I asked that she pray for me about humilty. I've been struggling with it, and recently I have started to take notice on how my lack of humitlity in certain areas has affected my attitude and my daily walk. In short, God has been very faithful to humble in the areas where it was in need. I was not having the best day today and on my drive home, God, once again, reminded me of His grace, mercy, provision and timing. Quite humbling.
Some of what I'm referring to is in reference to my previous blog. It really is such a joy to find joy in other people's joy. It is a wonderful thing, a humbling thing and such a pure way to make a person feel special....
P.S. For your listening pleasure, I have included one of my favorite songs off of Mat Kearney's new album. I really love songs that tell stories.. and this one certainly does!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Joy
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you give to others." I have recently been thinking about joy and how it relates to prayer.....
When I think of joyful people in my life, I am sad to say that only a few come to mind. But, when I think about those particular people, I think about how their joy and happiness seem to permeate me and make me feel the same. I love being around those people. Another thing I have come to notice about joyful people is that just because they are joyful, doesn't mean they are disconnected from the burdens and negative situations. In some cases that might be true, but they do experience disappointment and they are burdened by the struggles in their lives and the lives of the people close to them. But in my eyes, they are truly the people who live out Romans 12:15. They "rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." They are selfless and are in tune with the struggles of life that their loved ones are going through. They pray for them, love them and support them, no matter the cost or convenience to them.
I have been praying, for awhile now, about a situation and have been asking God to really have His way with it. It has been amazing to see what God has done with that situation, from start to finish. God is so good and His ways are so perfect. He is faithful to provide. Even though the situation does not directly involve me, I felt joy because of what God has done in the lives of the people I have been praying for.
When I think of the people in my life who are consistently joyful, my prayer is that one day I will be one of those people to someone else. I pray that my walk with God is that intimate where I can experience joy from other people's joy and answered prayers. To pray for people, to rejoice with them, to mourn with them, that is why I have the relationships that I do. Too often I focus on what I receive or how I feel from friendships and relationships, but what a sweeter way to live if I was simply pleased by what I gave to the relationships... when I give of myself and that is enough.
When I think of joyful people in my life, I am sad to say that only a few come to mind. But, when I think about those particular people, I think about how their joy and happiness seem to permeate me and make me feel the same. I love being around those people. Another thing I have come to notice about joyful people is that just because they are joyful, doesn't mean they are disconnected from the burdens and negative situations. In some cases that might be true, but they do experience disappointment and they are burdened by the struggles in their lives and the lives of the people close to them. But in my eyes, they are truly the people who live out Romans 12:15. They "rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." They are selfless and are in tune with the struggles of life that their loved ones are going through. They pray for them, love them and support them, no matter the cost or convenience to them.
I have been praying, for awhile now, about a situation and have been asking God to really have His way with it. It has been amazing to see what God has done with that situation, from start to finish. God is so good and His ways are so perfect. He is faithful to provide. Even though the situation does not directly involve me, I felt joy because of what God has done in the lives of the people I have been praying for.
When I think of the people in my life who are consistently joyful, my prayer is that one day I will be one of those people to someone else. I pray that my walk with God is that intimate where I can experience joy from other people's joy and answered prayers. To pray for people, to rejoice with them, to mourn with them, that is why I have the relationships that I do. Too often I focus on what I receive or how I feel from friendships and relationships, but what a sweeter way to live if I was simply pleased by what I gave to the relationships... when I give of myself and that is enough.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Halfway
I can't believe it. We are halfway through 2011! Where has the time gone?
I'm currently doing a mental recap of my year thus far and I'm overwhelmed by the experiences that I have encountered to date...
Wednesday will mark my one-year anniversary at my job. It is hard to believe that I was going through training this time last year. Now, it feels like second nature. I remember shadowing on tours, my first move-in day experience and the first day of class as an employee. Then came my first private visit and college fair. The first time I stayed in a hotel by myself, the random and obscure questions that I received from students that no mock fair can prepare you for and trying to navigate my way to my appointment, no thanks to my GPS who, at the time, was having an electronic breakdown have given me such incredible memories and experiences.
I have been hesitant to talk about my singleness, but it is a part of my life so I might as well share about that area of my life with you, as well. I have been single for just over two years. That is a decent amount of time and during that time, and especially this year, I think I have felt every high and low of being single. I have enjoyed having time to focus on my goals and aspirations. I have grown as a person and my relationship with God has been so sweet. Then, there are times when I am overwhelmed with emotion waiting on that man God has for me. There have been times when I thought, "I have found the man of my dreams", only for time to show me that he was really meant for someone else's dream. I was talking with a friend at work the other day and we were discussing the topic of singleness. He was talking about how God prepares us just as much when we are single as He does when we are in relationships. I agree wholeheartedly with that statement. So, no matter how many times I get asked why I am not dating anybody or why I am still single, I am content and confident with where God has me. I am happy and that is exactly what I want my single years to look like.
You know, my list of things I want to accomplish for this year is no where near completion, but this has been a good year so far. Although, it has been a hard and confusing first-half of the year. I have struggled with things, even some that you've read about in my blogs. But, in other ways I have never felt more energized. I am excited about what is in store.
So, with the first half of this year behind us, let's make the second half even sweeter :)
I'm currently doing a mental recap of my year thus far and I'm overwhelmed by the experiences that I have encountered to date...
Wednesday will mark my one-year anniversary at my job. It is hard to believe that I was going through training this time last year. Now, it feels like second nature. I remember shadowing on tours, my first move-in day experience and the first day of class as an employee. Then came my first private visit and college fair. The first time I stayed in a hotel by myself, the random and obscure questions that I received from students that no mock fair can prepare you for and trying to navigate my way to my appointment, no thanks to my GPS who, at the time, was having an electronic breakdown have given me such incredible memories and experiences.
I have been hesitant to talk about my singleness, but it is a part of my life so I might as well share about that area of my life with you, as well. I have been single for just over two years. That is a decent amount of time and during that time, and especially this year, I think I have felt every high and low of being single. I have enjoyed having time to focus on my goals and aspirations. I have grown as a person and my relationship with God has been so sweet. Then, there are times when I am overwhelmed with emotion waiting on that man God has for me. There have been times when I thought, "I have found the man of my dreams", only for time to show me that he was really meant for someone else's dream. I was talking with a friend at work the other day and we were discussing the topic of singleness. He was talking about how God prepares us just as much when we are single as He does when we are in relationships. I agree wholeheartedly with that statement. So, no matter how many times I get asked why I am not dating anybody or why I am still single, I am content and confident with where God has me. I am happy and that is exactly what I want my single years to look like.
You know, my list of things I want to accomplish for this year is no where near completion, but this has been a good year so far. Although, it has been a hard and confusing first-half of the year. I have struggled with things, even some that you've read about in my blogs. But, in other ways I have never felt more energized. I am excited about what is in store.
So, with the first half of this year behind us, let's make the second half even sweeter :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Bueller... Bueller...
Ok so everyone remembers this scene from the 80s movies Ferris Bueller's Day Off, right? I mean it's classic. Well, I was reminded of this particular part of the movie recently while I was driving home from work the other day...
This timeless scene was triggered because I came to the realization that recently I have not been very "present" in my life. My mind is either consumed by matters of my past, or is absorbed by thoughts and anticipation of my future. I have lost my concentration on what I am actually doing NOW. If you have read any of my previous blogs you are aware that I am in this season of my life where I am trying to figure things out. It has been a beautiful, confusing journey. As thought provoking and wonderful as it has been, I feel my attention on where God has me and what He has me doing at this very moment has been distracted. It is as if God has been calling "Katelyn.. Katelyn" out to me and I have been too consumed with my thoughts to hear Him.
I want to be in the mindset of the here and now. As much as I am ready to be out of this season and into another, I do not want to miss the gifts of this season. I do not want to miss the opportunities of this season in my life, because one day my life will be drastically different and I want to look back knowing that this chapter was complete. Even the things and situations about the season I am in now that do not appear to be a blessing or valuable, I want to see them as treasures of great worth in my life now.
I am a planner and a dreamer, so my mind is, more often than not, preoccupied with everything but the here and now. Being present is something I have always struggled with, and I have not always realized it. But now that God has pricked my heart about this particular area of my life, I want to see change. I want to make the most of these days. Not just for myself, but for the peace of knowing that I gave up my control to dwell on the past and plan the future, to simply give myself to the circumstances, people and opportunities that are a current part of my life.
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