Job 9: Suffering but not Broken

Job’s anguish and desperateness stirs a deep sense of pain in my soul. To feel so close to someone, to deeply love them, and they appear to turn their back on you. I think any woman who has experienced a heartbreak, break-up, or divorce can identity with the utter torment that must’ve been running through his soul like a virus. As women who are intricately created to be emotional beings, it’s no wonder so many of us can sympathize with Job. I find that when I’m in seasons of despair and anguish I will play that emotional head game that Job could’ve gotten trapped in: What did I do to deserve this? What offense did I commit against God? How can I ever survive? I am obviously unforgivable.

However my understanding of God’s character has transformed through our relationship. Like any relationship there are many stages: excitement, getting to know one another, contentment, ups and downs along the way, re-learning one another and so forth. I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I though like a child. I understood like a child. Now I am a man. I do not act like a child anymore” (NLV). My relationship has changed with God from being a ‘newborn’ Christian and therefore my understanding of who God is and our relationship. As I grow and my mind has expanded, I have been able to understand God in a whole new way…it’s almost like exploring a new city- every little thing is exciting and scary and wonderful!

When I was a child, I saw God as this ominous big fluffy cloud. Untouchable but present and evident. Through the ups and downs of my life I’ve seen him as a commanding authoritarian (do not do this, do not do that), a protector from potentially devastating situations, a supernatural healer, and even a loving dad-figure. Maybe you see Him in one of these ways right now. The thing is though, he isn’t one of these ‘hats’; he just is.

He is present (even when you don’t see him). He is protecting (even when it doesn’t feel like it). He is directing (even when you don’t know where to go). He is loving (when you feel unlovable). He is the healer (when doctors tell you nothing is wrong with you). He is a dad (to all sons and daughters). He is YOURS. He is yours, and you are His. Together you get to evolve and change your relationship. Who said there was a right or wrong way to see God? There isn’t! There is only one rule in this relationship,  and that is to L-O-V-E. Job had to go seek a mediator to understand God’s love for us, but we don’t even need to go anywhere- Jesus (THE Mediator) is in our hearts.

Liked and Lonely

How many likes did you get on your last Instagram post? What about on your new Facebook profile picture? Do you remember how many people commented on your last post? We're a very "liked" society. If we're not careful, we can get caught up in basing our worth and value in the likes  by others (and often thee others are strangers or people we barely know). How is it then, that we can be "liked" by so many  people yet still feel lonely? How come we fill our Facebook event calendar with "interested" stars but when it comes to actually going out you can't find anyone to go with you? Or what about when you're having a rough day and need someone to talk to, can you call the last person who liked your post? Probably not because we're liked and lonely.

I admit it: I have placed a lot of my self-worth and value in whether or not people like me. Do the popular girls in high school invite me to their parties? Does that University want to accept me into their school? Will the super cute guy down the hall notice me? Will the company I interview with hire me? I have always been wrapped up in one way or another if people "like" me. I wanted to be liked so badly and even when I was affirmed and 'liked' by others, I still felt horribly alone.

I had some great friends in high school but still struggled with self esteem and worth. In college I was involved in clubs and sports and even a sorority but still struggled with confidence and depression. I thought that once I graduated and started my 'real' life it would be better, I would be happy and have wonderful friends and wouldn't face the throngs of loneliness. Well let me tell you, as a woman in her late 20s, I still feel liked and lonely. This isn't  something I'm going through alone, and do you want to know why...because I see women all around  me struggling with this epidemic in silence too.

The epidemic

Look around you; sit in an airport or Starbucks without your cellphone or laptop in your hand. I dare you for thirty minutes to not be plugged into something and just observe. Our technology is our defense mechanism, our walls. If we appear busy, no one will notice that we're ______ [fill in the blank with the thing you're dealing with, the emotions you're feeling, the issue you're avoiding]. I bet I know how you'll feel as well: UNCOMFORTABLE. Being vulnerable is so uncomfortable and awkward and that is exactly why after about ten minutes of sitting unplugged you'll start itching for the safety net of scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. It's uncomfortable to be without your safety shield; the one that can deflect a situation and allows you to shut yourself off to the world. It's uncomfortable--- but so is being lonely ladies!

I am going to have an honest moment here: I am miserably lonely. If you look at my IG profile you wouldn't guess it but that's because it's a P-R-O-F-I-L-E! It's my highlight reel not reality. (Another newsflash, probably 99.9% of my pictures are edited #ILoveThatValenciaFilter). My career allows me the incredible opportunity to travel the country for a living and it's an amazing adventure but it can be quite the lonely affair. I fly by myself, I travel by myself, I eat by myself, I adventure by myself. There are times where I love the solitude and don't cross me because I'm one tough-butt-independent-woman-solo-traveler but still it gets lonely out there. 

I long for real friendships and relationships but it's been really hard to cultivate these meaningful relationships. Anyone else out there feel the same? I have hundreds of virtual "friends" but months ago when I was having an incredibly difficult day, I scrolled through my contact list and literally felt like I couldn't call one single friend in that list. How can that be?! I was devastated. In a moment where I needed someone the most, I had no one to call on. I was completely friendless in a "friend"-filled world. I realized that there was this epidemic around me and I was involved in it as well. I've become so numb to the virtual world of friendship that I realized I wasn't sure how to cultivate real friendships around me.

The cure

I don't know a cure, so if you're looking for a 3-step prescription plan you unfortunately won't find one here. Unfortunately, I'm still trying to figure it out myself. I started volunteering at a charity, a got involved in an association at work, I joined a new church, I joined a Bible study, I've put my phone away at the coffee shop and yet I'm still sitting here liked and lonely. I know that these enriching friendships are out there because I see other women in them. I know that God places people in our lives for specific seasons and reasons. I also know that Satan's main goal is to keep us isolated and lonely. If Satan can keep us separated and feeling alone, we won't be able to flourish and live out God's plan for our lives. 

I wonder though, if there was a way for us women to come together to connect and really form relationships how the world would change? This isn't just a disease that affects the Millennial generation or those women who are using social media- it knows no age or socioeconomic or race limitation [and  on that same thought, I'm sure men go through these same things but I'm just speaking from a female perspective]. Women in their 70s who have lost their husband and suddenly feeling very alone in the world are feeling the same thing as those of us in our late 20s, 40s and 50s. What if these women banded together and took a stand against Satan's attempts to isolate and devour us in depression? What if we created a Sisterhood of women who decide enough is enough, we are done being LIKED AND LONELY and are ready to be LOVED AND LIVING? I think it'd be a life changer for all of us living in loneliness in a liked-age.

The Thankful Project: November 23rd

The Thankful Project: November 23rd: Hot Tea

Growing up in Minnesota you have no choice but to have thick skin for the winter. It could start snowing as early as October and could last into April, but you just accepted that and moved on with life. However when I moved down to North Carolina, I quickly lost my Northern blood and became a pansy for the cold. I use my heat seat all the time and I have a heat pack I bring to work all year long. North Carolina has mild falls and springs for the most part with an occasional snap of cold. Well today is one of those cold snap days. It was below freezing when I ventured into the office today and boy was I thankful for a hot cup of tea in the office this morning.

When I lived in England I drank tea all the time. My flatmate Liam would actually wake up early in the morning to get the kettle going so we all could have hot tea before we headed out for the day (boy do I miss that luxury). When I returned back stateside, the “sit and enjoy a spot of tea” mentality just wasn’t the same; maybe it’s American consumerism, the American mentality of never enough time in the day, or the obsession of Starbucks (guilty) but I rarely drink tea these days. After today though, I’m reminded why I love hot tea and the nostalgic and warm feelings you get by drinking a wonderful cup of Earl Gray.

Cheers to a wonderful week!

The Thankful Project: November 15th

The Thankful Project: November 15th: Weekends

Weekends are such a glorious thing, it’s just too bad they always seem so short. This weekend I’m thankful for time with my family especially. Tyler came up from college and we did a family portrait session with a wonderful local photographer (we haven’t gotten professional pictures done as a whole family in years). Then we all went out for a family dinner.

Today I got to push my boundaries a bit by trying something that kind of scares me: aerial yoga. If you don’t know that that is, it’s yoga done in silk scarves. You get great support but I also find you can reach new positions and work muscles you didn’t even know you had! I flipped upside down and didn’t die, so I consider that a great success.

Weekends are meant for rejuvenation, relaxation and a time to reconnect. I’m keeping it short today so I can spend the rest of the day with family and doing the things that give me joy. 

Enjoy your weekend all!

The Thankful Project: November 13th

The Thankful Project: November 13th: My Parents

Today I want to love a little on the people who raised me, put up with me, and have supported me in every venture I’ve sought- my parents.

I count my blessings to have two parents who always love and support me. They have always been there for my riding competitions, piano recitals, dance performances, school field trips, and of course moving me from city to city because I just can’t make up my mind on where to live or what to do in life! I realize everyone doesn’t have two parents who are still together, let alone involved in their life, so I find myself blessed that I have parents who love one another, sacrifice daily for their children, and manage to bring joy and love into our family.

Mom: When my mom was pregnant, my parents decided to wait to find out the gender of the baby. My mom thought she was having a boy, so she was shocked (and thrilled) that I was a girl! Her exact words were “I can’t believe I got my girl!”. My mom and I have always been close and because I am the only girl, and the oldest, she’s become my best friend. For most of my life I was fortunate enough to have her as a stay-at-home mom so she was always involved in my life: classroom parties, field trips, dance practice, piano recitals, horseback riding and all the other random activities I wanted to try as a kid. My mom’s always been my #1 cheerleader and has believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. She’s scarified having her own career and pursuing her dreams to raise four kids. She’s also been the one to hold down the household while my dad is away. Mom’s always been there for us, supported us emotionally and spiritually…as well as taken care of us while we’ve been sick (there’s something about being sick that just makes you want your mom).

Dad: Being the only daughter I of course fall into the “daddy’s little girl” category. My dad has paid a sacrifice nearly every day since I was about nine-years-old. His job takes him on the road every week, he flies to his office on Sunday night and returns Thursday night. He’s had that schedule for a huge chunk of my life, basically only being home on the weekends. However sometimes he goes overseas and then it’s weeks at a time where he’s gone. (So as wrong as it probably may be, I have a hard time feeling sorry for friends who act like the world is ending when they have to leave their husband for 1-2 nights for a trip or girls weekend. It’s also why distance doesn’t scare me, I’ve seen it work with my own eyes)
 Although he hasn’t always physically been at home, he’s always been involved and connected in our lives. When I was younger, I’d fax him math homework and he’d help me work through those horrid mathematical equations. When I started to drive he was always a phone call away for a car issue and 9 times out of 10 he’d either walk me through the problem or have AAA on speed dial if need be. Thanks to modern technologies like Skype, text, FaceTime and Facebook, that didn’t exist 20 years ago, my dad gets to be more connected and involved in our lives.

It’s a rare thing, especially now, for people to stay together forever. I look at my grandparents and I look at my parents and am so thankful that they all have been examples of committed, God-centered marriages. I’m thankful that my parents have decided to bring the family up in a Christian home and instill in us values and characteristics that are Biblically-based. I’m thankful for their love and support for one another, but I’m also thankful that they’ve been real. They’ve shown me that marriage isn’t perfect and it won’t fix your problems; they’ve had their moments and their struggles (like when dad is driving and mom is giving directions) but they have always shown me the importance of compromise, saying sorry, unconditional love and faith.

I love you mom & dad!

The Thankful Project: November 12th

The Thankful Project: November 12th: A Pet

Whoever said "It's only a dog" has obviously never loved a dog

“After years of having a dog, you know him. You know the meaning of his snuffs and grunts and barks. Every twitch of the ears is a question or statement, every wag of the tail is an exclamation”

When you get an animal, it becomes more than just a pet, it becomes a part of the family. Fourteen years ago we added one more baby into our family, and she happened to have four paws and a tail. Now we consider her family, we don’t discriminate against the number of paws she has or that her nose is wet; we just love her. Abby was so small she could fit in our two hands. She was more like a big cotton ball then a puppy, heck her tail hadn’t even curled yet. Although my parents would say she definitely had her trying moments (like when she chewed the bottom of the blinds in the kitchen, or when she whined all night long, or when she ate a whole Subway teriyaki chicken sandwich off the counter)…she has become the center of our family.

I seriously doubt there is a dog that is more loved, more spoiled and more pampered than Abby. She has three dog beds on the first floor of our home and not to mention the plethora of couches, chairs, sofas, ottomans and beds elsewhere in the house she can choose from. Our family Christmas card always includes a little love from the baby and in case any of our family questioned our undying love for her, we throw her a birthday party every January (to in which, she gets birthday cards FROM our family…yeah we’re crazy)

I hate to see Abby get older (she’ll be fourteen come January) and it just breaks my heart to think of a day when she won’t be here, but we’ve been blessed with her for this long and are praying for several more healthy years for our baby. I’m so thankful for our little fluffy muffin and her sweet nature. She is affectionate and loving, always there to cuddle and lick away your tears. She is playful and funny when you need a laugh. She tends to wounds and knows when you’re hurting and offers her own fluff as a comfort. She’s the absolute best friend (and sister) a girl could ever want. 

The Thankful Project: November 11th

The Thankful Project: 15 Thankful Things

Thanksgiving is just 15 days away so today I'm thankful for..

1. Sunday afternoons: when you can refresh, catch up with friends, and do absolutely nothing

2. Slow cookers: my Crockpot saved my life in college and continues to pay for itself over and over again

3. Wine: because it’s gluten free and wonderful

4. The local farmer’s market: I love going to the market on Saturday and strolling through the aisles of fresh fruits, veggies and baked goods. God’s harvest on display

5. Grandma’s old cookbooks: they’re simple and classic. Doesn’t get much better than a mac-n-cheese tuna hotdish

6. Bookstores: because there is something still magical about turning the pages of a book

7. Family vacations: we’ve been blessed to visit some amazing places and grow closer together as a family

 

8. The healing power of music: whether you’re sad, happy, sleepy or scatter-brained, music soothes the soul

9. Spellcheck: because lets be honest, seeing that little squiggle is a life-saver for work documents

10. Gluten-free cookies: Praise the Lord for gluten-free foods that are actually yummy

11. Pandora being on point: You all know you love it when your Pandora station is on-point and playing all the right songs

12. Instant oatmeal: because my butt is always running late for work after Crossfit in the morning, so grabbing a pack on the way out the door saves my morning

13. Monogrammed stationery: bringing back the art of a well-written letter

14. Bible Study Groups: because the girls in my group get me, love me and hold me accountable in my life 

15. Spandex: because sometimes all you want to wear is that pair of Lulu workout pants and an oversized sweatshirt, and that's ok

The Thankful Project: November 9th

The Thankful Project: November 9th: Photo

Photographs forever freeze a moment in time. Photographs capture love. Photographs capture pain. Photographs invoke feelings, emotions, thoughts and memories. Photographs become a time capsule in which you can capture things you can’t necessarily express in words. For this, I am thankful.  

I'm thankful for friendship & sisterhood

I'm thankful for adventures and trips to wonderful places

I'm thankful for yoga.

I'm thankful for a close family (who likes to do adventurous things)

I'm thankful for dance

I'm thankful for Crossfit & the wonderful athletes I've met along the way

I'm thankful for God and how He constantly amazes me with His creation and His love.

The Thankful Project: November 8th

The Thankful Project: November 8th: Words

Today's thankful project is being thankful for words. Immediately my mind went "well I'm thankful for the Word of God- duh", and then it went to "the encouraging words from friends" but I still just didn't have big ah-ha moment and my fingers start flying over the keys. I decided to look through one of my favorite boards on Pinterest for some sort of inspiration. The first pin there was something I pinned a few days ago and it was just like the Lord was speaking directly to me.

I don't post about romantic relationships very often but these words were just too good not to share. 

Let’s get this straight. There is a BIG difference between a Christian guy and a Man of God. The Christian guy might say that he loves you, but a Man of God will love God more than you. A Christian guy might text you Bible verse or have a tattoo of them, but a Man of God will live out those verses and have them written on his heart. A Christian guy might go to church, but a Man of God will praise and honor God in all his ways for all his days. A Christian guy might ‘accidentally’ compromise your virtue or purity, but a Man of God will protect it above all else. A Christian guy might be super attractive, fun or handsome, but a Man of God will have a beautiful heart, regardless of his looks. A Christian guy might be content to take you out, but a Man of God will go beyond the superficial and hold you up before God in his prayers continually.

There was a similar sermon by one of my favorite pastors, Matt Chandler, and he said... "Girls: the error they make is this really kind of “Well, he’s a neat Christian guy. I’ll marry him”. No. I think you avoid neat Christian boys like they’re the plague. I really do. You find a guy who is directionally headed toward godliness. Ok. Now, are they going be raw? Sure. Are they going to have weaknesses and flaws? Yes. Is there a desire and direction to become a godly man? Yeah that guy is gold.

I've become more and more increasingly aware of the amount of 'Christian boys'. I mean this is for men and women, but just because you have a Bible verse you Googled on your IG profile, doesn't make you a Godly man (or woman). To me, actively walking in a relationship with the Lord means: making every day decisions as if God was right there next to you. Spending time in fellowship with those who build you up and bring you closer to God. Praising and worshiping. Reading your Bible or a devotional or an app or something where you are getting the Word of God. Praying, whether that’s one, five or seventy times a day…making conversation with God. Bringing your heart and your desires before God and asking Him to show you His way. It is about recognizing your errors and sins and turning from your ways. It’s not just about church on Sunday and leaving Him at the door on your way out.

These words were just so poignant and truthful for the season of life myself and a few of my friends are in. I am so thankful that there are people like this that just spit truth and share it on social media, because just when I’m struggling and feel lost, God speaks in miraculous ways. I’m thankful for the Truth and for reality checks. I’m thankful for a network of women out there who continually share God’s truth for women and remind us all that honey, every little thing is going to be alright. 

The Thankful Project: November 7th

The Thankful Project: November 7th: A job

When you're little, people ask you "What do you want to be when you grow up?". The answers vary from princess to teacher to veterinarian to a movie start, and a sprinkling of everything in between. Heck, you ask the same question a few weeks apart and a child will probably tell you different dreams. The thing is our dreams change. We realize different gifts and talents we have and we realize things we don't enjoy. It's amazing to me how life works out and where the journey takes you, sometimes even to very unexpected places. Today I'm thankful for the career path the Lord has sent me down. 

I've been blessed with a job that lets me do two of my favorite things: be creative + travel. I received a Bachelors of Arts from UNCW in Communication Studies, a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science. I dabbled in politics and event planning and landed on wedding planning post-graduation. I love wedding planning- being a part of someones incredibly happy day is such a blessing. I love the details, the planning, the organization, the creativity but most of all I loved the 20+ hour day of work to put together a magical moment for the bride and groom. 

Unfortunately reality set in, bills had to be paid, and living in a resort town just wasn't cutting it anymore. So I sadly moved inland and to make a long-story short (too late), I ended up landing this job. By day I'm the Marketing Coordinator for a huge international organization, by night I'm the Traveling Cupcake :) 

This job has blessed me in so many ways. I've been able to travel all over the US and Canada (and fingers crossed more international travel soon). I've learned from some incredible mentors. I have wonderful coworkers and a kick-butt boss who definitely has the mentality that we 'work to live' not 'live to work'. They allow me to take my wanderlust-self and travel to Europe. I get to create, develop and implement creative plans in all sorts of mediums and then travel to see them come to life: not too bad for a 20-something-year-old. 

How did I get this job? It was a complete God thing. I was hired in the middle of a hiring freeze: how is that possible? God. I was the first person to be hired in over a year: how is that possible? God. I am definitely a young professional and didn't necessarily have the pin-point focus they were looking for: how is that possible: God. I'd applied with this company a few times prior and heard nothing back, but this time God had a purpose and plan for my life, so I trusted Him and here I am. There's a time and a season for everything in life, and I'm absorbing and loving this season He's placed me in and wait expectantly on Him to direct my next steps; for if I rely on Him, I know it will be wonderful.

The Thankful Project: November 6th

The Thankful Project: November 6th: A Failure

Failure. It's a tough word to swallow. Yikes. Failure has such a negative connotation. By definition it is "the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective, and being viewed as the opposite of success". OUCH. I don't think anyone wants to encounter failure, to be called a failure, to feel like a failure, but sometimes God requires us to encounter a setback in life.

"A minor setback is an exquisite set up for a major come back, remember that."

At 16-years-old I started working at a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Shop. Within a year or so I was promoted to a Shift Leader and was responsible for managing the people under my shift...100% of which were older than me! It took a little getting used to for my former coworkers to look at me in a leadership role but eventually I earned their respect. I also had to prove to my Manager that I was capable of this position. Well probably a year or so into that new position I worked a closing shift with one other guy. Once a week we had to 'defrost' the freezer which means we had to take all the ice cream out of the cases and with a hose and spades scrape down the whole freezer. Then we had to dry it off completely and reload the freezer with all the ice cream. It was such an exhausting job and it took over an hour after closing to get it finished. 

Well the two of us did both of the cases, finished up cleaning and left. The next morning I opened the shop and I came in like normal, about a half hour before the shop opened and turned on all the lights and started to get everything set up for the day. I went over to the freezers and flipped on the lights and that's when I noticed it: there wasn't any ice cream. In place of where the ice cream was, was puddles of melted ice cream all over the case. We had forgotten to turn the freezers BACK on before we left. All night long the ice cream had defrosted and melted, soaking through their boxes and leaving behind a soupy ice cream mess. I immediately felt sick. Even worse, I had to call my Manager and explain to her what happened. 

It was so embarrassing and worst, it was hundreds of dollars literally down the drain. You better bet that from then on, I triple checked that the freezers were turned back on after a defrost night. It was the first epic failure I had at a job and it definitely left an impression. I learned that even when life seems boring, tasks get tedious, and you're rushing to finish, it pays to take a moment and slow down. It taught me the importance of double checking work and to make sure things get done correct the first time.

That story translates to our spiritual walk as well. I know sometimes I hurry to get done with something when God is calling me to slow down. I go 100 miles an hour trying to cram as much stuff as I can in one day and sometimes I miss things or I double book myself. Even when we do face failures or hardship in our lives God says to pray and never give up. Don't let your struggles and failures get the best of you. Take the trials and hardships and find the positive in them (sometimes it's harder than others). God is loving and full of grace, he can take that mess or struggle and turn it into a lesson just don't give up.

"Always pray and NEVER GIVE UP" Luke 18:1

The Thankful Project: November 5th

The Thankful Project: November 5th: A talent you have

Today I'm thankful for the gift of writing. I distinctively remember when I learned to live writing, I was in Ms. Doorheim's 5th grade class and she really encouraged me to continue writing; now granted I was just a kid and she was probably just doing her job but it made an impression! Ever since, I have always found joy in writing. 

Recently I was reading about spiritual gifts. Growing up in church I'd always heard about the 'typical' spiritual gifts like the gift of prophecy and the gift of speaking in tongues and I never quite knew what gift the Lord had instilled in me. This author however talked about the gift of writing and I was intrigued. Here is what it said

The gift of writing: the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to translate Bible truths into a written form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers. This is a gift of creative ability that is called into use in the service of the Lord to forward his kingdom.
Although this gift is not specifically named in New Testament gift lists, there is little dispute that God still gives special creative abilities for use in his work today as he did in Old Testament times. David’s great poetic ability was a skill God used to enhance temple worship, and his writings became timeless through the Psalms, moving literally hundreds of generations of believers. 

One of the reasons I started blogging was to share, inspire and encourage... a desire that has come from the Lord. I'm thankful that He has given me a platform to share His word and be an encouragement to others by sharing my journey of being a Christian woman with a case of wanderlust in the 21st world!

The Thankful Project: November 4th

Thankful Project: November 4th: An experience

"For there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to rebuild,
a time to weep and a time to laugh
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This passage always soothes my soul and reassures me that 'this' is just a season. When we're experiencing pain, sadness, pain or upheaval I am reminded that God promises peace and hope (Jeremiah 29:11) and that this too shall pass (Ecclesiastes 3). Sometimes you don't know you're in a season until you look back. Every experience, every person we've encountered was orchestrated by God. I believe that God doesn't do coincidence. Our experiences shape who we become, God uses them to build us up and mold us into the men and women of His Kingdom.

I think one of the experiences I'm most thankful for is my time overseas. God had a plan for me and He had to send me thousands of miles away from home for it to come to fruition. My time in England changed who I was. I was shy my whole life. I was quiet and reserved. England changed that for me. God had to draw me out of the familiar and into the unfamiliar and I had to 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable'. Know what, it worked! I'm not saying I'm this loud and outgoing life of the party but I gained a new confidence while in England that has greatly affected my life. There's something about living in a foreign country and being completely on your own that changes a person. I learned to adapt to new situations, I managed to figure out how to navigate the UK rail and bus system effortlessly, I figured out how to cook on an oven that wasn't much larger than an American microwave, I learned how to fix a water heater, I managed to make new friends, finish school and travel the country without getting utterly lost (except for that one time). Ha. I gained a new confidence, I danced, I stayed out too late, I wore high heels that I look at now and probably would've snapped my ankles. I ate greasy pub food, I learned to love hard cider, I learned to speak another language...I learned about myself and what this blondie was made of!

God orchestrated my move to England, He set things in motion that could only be through Him. He sent angels along the way to protect me and guide me, and even though I didn't realize it then, looking back I see His protective arms around me that whole trip. It has been years since I returned to the States but I am so thankful for the experiences and the life lessons God taught me on that journey... I would've trade it in for all the tea in the world.

The Thankful Project: November 3rd

The Thankful Project: November 3rd: A Place

Today's thankful project is to think of a place you're thankful for. My mind immediately starts running over all the places I've been lucky enough to visit in my life. I could talk about all sorts of travel adventures both near and abroad but I think the place I am most thankful for is home. 

It's no secret that I love to travel and I'm blessed to have a job that sends me all over on a semi-regular basis. Then when I'm not traveling for work I typically go on European vacations for fun…so I've racked up quite a few frequent flyer miles to say the least. As much as I love traveling to amazing places, I have to say that I'm most thankful that I have a place to come home. There's something comforting knowing that no matter how far I travel or how long I'm gone, I can come home to my own little space and regroup. 

You can see some of the most beautiful places in the world, but you only have one home- and that is where the people you love and your heart lie. 

The Thankful Project: November 2nd

I'm The Thankful Project: November 2nd: A role you've played

How would you describe yourself and the roles you play? Just off the top of my head I'd have to say: a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a cousin, a sister, a friend, a colleague, a sister in Christ, a counselor, a leader, an ambassador and a mentor. I've held many roles in my life. In college I was in a sorority and held many leadership positions including the "sorority mom" role for several years. After returning from overseas I became a study abroad ambassador. I've had a job since I was sixteen and held different roles such as a leader and trainer. However the hats I wear on a daily basis, without fail are: daughter of the King, sister in Christ, a daughter, and a sister. 

I'm the oldest of four. There's me, Tyler (20) and Jack (16) + Abby (14). With the exception of our fluffy sister Abby, I am the only girl in the family. I'd love to say that my brothers and I have been best friends our whole lives and we never fought…but unfortunately that isn't true. We had our growing pains. They'd pick on me, I'd pick on them. We wrestled and fought. We drove our each other nuts sometimes but more often we probably drove our parents nuts!  However through all the growing pain and squabbles, we always knew that we each had each others back. I remember vividly threatening/beating up (okay 'beat up' may be a stretch) a kid at daycare who was taunting Tyler- no one messed with my kid brothers except me! 

I think the changing moment in our relationship was when I went to college and for the first time we were all separate. It was the first time we had to make an effort to have a relationship, talk and stay connected. I can definitely say that my brothers and I have a new-found wonderful relationship and get to bond over new experiences. My brothers have become such wonderful young men, respectful, loving, and compassionate and I am so proud to be their sister. I love you guys! 

The Thankful Project: November 1st

I love November for many reasons: the colorful trees, the cool crisp mornings, the starry nights, and the idea that we stop and take a month to reflect on the things we are most thankful for. Life gets busy and we all fail to be thankful for the little things in life; so lets take this month to take a moment and reflect on the all the blessings we have in our lives.

The Thankful Project: November 1st: Friendship

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"

Friendship is a funny thing, right? God puts a human in your path, you have some sort of connection, you decide 'hey you're pretty cool, I want to get to know you more' and then you start building a relationship. Then within a short amount of time you're opening up about your life to this person. God doesn't do coincidences, he's intentional and purposeful; So even though it may seem crazy to us, He really has orchestrated our friendships and put people in our lives for a reason.

Provers 27:17 is a common verse that we learn in Sunday school but it is still incredibly relevant in our lives today. They say that you become like the people you surround yourself, so it's important that you surround yourself with people who support you, uplift you and spur you closer to the Lord. I'm incredibly blessed by the people God has strategically placed in my life. From the time I was three-years-old, God has been orchestrating a network of believers to love me and support me. I could spend hours writing about each one of my friends: from the longest friendships that last oceans of distances (Heather) to the incredible women in my Life Group and dozens of others in between! However today I got to spend time with these two sweet friends and I just felt so refreshed and encouraged by their love and laughter. 

Kierre & Marika.

The thing is, friendship isn't always rainbows and butterflies. Today was not only a gray day outside, but my heart was burdened and I was a little glum (which is  so not Katlin). After church we went out for lunch and they allowed me to verbally dump what was going on in my life at that moment. Know what their response was: life-giving, Godly advice that just made me so encouraged. It may have just been lunch for them, but to me it was God refilling my cup and replenishing my soul. Their advice was coming from a place of Scripture and Godly-wisdom, something that I greatly appreciate. It's easy to hear what you want to hear, but it takes a true friend to tell you what you need to hear. God puts people in your life for a reason, and today I'm so thankful for wonderful friends like these who love me, laugh with me, and are willing to share this incredible crazy journey of life with me.

Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity".