headbands

This is REALLY rare for me..... having two posts in one day. In fact, it has never happened before and it is highly unlikely that it will ever happen again. Nevertheless, it is happening now. I have been crafting the past couple of days
1) because I've been bored
2) to have some alone time
3) because I love crafts
4) because I haven't had time at all this semester
5) to distract myself from thinking about the fact that I don't feel like it's Christmas

so here are my creations from the past two days.


ta da. the end. goodnight.

new things in familiar places

Here I go again writing about my favorite park and this probably won't be the last time. For reasons not worth being mentioned, I ended up with some free time to spare before church this morning so I decided to grab some Circle K coffee (my favorite) and spend some time at my park. I am not one to anger easily nor stay mad if I am angered, it has just never been my style. This morning I would have described my feelings as irritated, bummed, and let down. So I knew a little me time/a little Jesus time at the park would snap me right out of it.

I started with a quiet walk around the trails

and the once full of life lakes,

where I still managed to find some beauty.


So here's the thing. Like I said above, I came here today because I was looking for that old familiar feeling I always get when going to Agua Caliente. I knew I would feel better upon leaving, because the park has this way of
quieting my mind,
soothing my soul,
and calming my heart.
All of those things it did today. However, it provided something new for me today as well. I was sitting on the bench watching the ducks and taking in the surroundings and I looked down to the underside of the bench and saw this:

you are loved

How cool was that? It was just what I needed this morning. Now, I realize that bench was inscribed with that when it was made and that it was not specifically meant for me. BUT, today it was meant for me. It made me think about the fact that so often we are stuck in our routines and familiar ways, which is usually fine, but I think it can cause us to miss the little things.... or even big things for that matter. This is a bench that I have sat at countless times because I have been going to this park since I was 5. I often go for that familiar feeling and experience, but if I go there with an open mind and open heart, I usually leave with a new thought, feeling, or discovery. Today, it was the discovery I found on the bench. It was a good reminder for me (and for all of us) to keep my eyes open, to keep my heart open, and to keep my mind open to experience new things in familiar places. You never know what little (or big) things or ways God may be trying to speak to you or show you that you are loved and that he is there.

aunt kate

Being an aunt really has been the highlight of my year. Someone asked me the other day to tell them 3 things about myself. Obviously my first go to answer was that I love dogs. My second response was that my favorite thing about life right now is being an aunt. (The third I don't really remember, so it obviously was something random or meaningless) It truly is though. As this year is wrapping up and I'm thinking of all of the things that have happened this year, as well as all of the things I'm thankful for... I cannot stop thinking about how much I love being an aunt.

Watching Conner grow since March, but especially the past couple of months, has been so much fun. I guess I've never spent very much time around babies, but every time I see Conner I fall more in love with babies and obviously him. My mom and I babysat him yesterday from about 8-6 and it was honestly the most fun I've had in a long time. He was dancing, laughing, smiling, and crawling everywhere. He was so happy and I could not help but smile all day just being around him. Watching my brother be a father is also something that is so special to me. Cory is one of the most gentle, strong, amazing men that I know, so watching my big brother be a dad to this little boy really just warms my heart.

The new year will also be bringing a new NIECE! I am so excited for Casey and Amber to welcome little "Lucy" (They are keeping the name a secret, so that is what we have all been calling her) into the world. They are going to be such amazing parents and I just can't wait to see that adorable little girl. :)

busy busy bee.

Busy.
It has been quite the busy semester and my lack of blogging proves that. Often times, I like being busy.... I always have. Especially if it involves getting to use my planner or making to do lists, both of which I am very fond of. I have always been a planner, so usually having many things to do doesn't really get to me.... Until this semester. This semester was proof that although I sometimes love being busy, it can also be a terrible thing for me. I can usually handle being super busy for a short period, but I can't survive like that for too long. This semester, it made me pretty frazzled. It made me not think clearly. It caused me to lose sight of certain priorities. It contributed to neglecting some important things. AND I hated it.

One of the blogs that I follow is that of a girl who really has a way with words and loves the Lord with all her heart. You can just feel it in her writing. Well anyways, she was also talking about being busy, especially around the holidays. She then shared this excerpt from a devotional that she has, where the devotions are written as letters from Jesus. It is so beautiful.

Walk peacefully with me through this day. You are wondering how you will cope with all that is expected of you. You must traverse this day like any other: one step a a time. Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking the next step. The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from Me. This is a training opportunity, since I designed you for deep dependence on your Shephard-King. Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help.
When you don’t know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I’m doing, and be ready to follow My lead. I will give strength to you, and will bless you with Peace.

It was such a great reminder that we can only take things day by day. We don't have to have it all figured out in our heads. As long as we keep our minds and hearts fixed on Jesus, he will be right there with us through all of the challenges, all of the good... and all of the bad. I know this is something that I need constant reminding of and definitely something I need to dwell on and be thankful for before I enter into my last semester of college (which I wish I could say will be less busy than this semester, but it unfortunately might be worse). It is something that we ALL need constant reminding of. Like it says above, "When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My Lead."

school blues

Today.... I felt like an actual college student. This semester includes: 18 credits, a huge research project, designing a program intervention plan, 2 big papers, too much group work, and I don't even know what else. All of that along with Young Life, work, trying to have a social life, trying to find me time, etc. Needless to say, I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed. (Disclaimer, I am not intending to whine or complain)

As sad as it is though, today was one of the only times in the last 3 years that I have actually felt like a college student. I had to go to the 4th floor of the library, who ever goes there right?, to find some books for my research project. I spent an hour or two sorting through the shelves, reading abstracts, looking up tables and statistics, etc. I then proceeded to check out 7 books, that I had to carry around the rest of the day (stupid decision). As much as I am dreading this research project, I was also somewhat excited to feel like a real college kid and feel like I was actually putting in effort to earn my degree.

All of this made me realize something else though. I don't think it's time to call it "Senioritis" yet, but something similar... I'm going to go with the "school blues." I have always, ALWAYS loved school, learning new things, challenging myself..... but I am just getting a little bit sick of it. I have really enjoyed my major and my minor so far, but as graduation grows near, I think I am starting to realize that I don't feel like I have learned that much? Maybe it's because I had a different idea of what I thought college would be like. Maybe it's because I have never felt incredibly drawn to any traditional profession that can be obtained through the various different colleges within U of A. Maybe I am doubting my choice of study or getting nervous about graduation. Whatever it is, I just feel like I am in a school rut. I feel like the last 3 years have been spent working my butt off to get A's.... and I got them, but can I look back and recall important things I learned from each class? I honestly don't think I can. That makes me sad and frustrated. U of A has been overall a great experience, one that I wouldn't trade for anything, but why am I feeling like all of the time and effort I have put in hardly even matters? It feels like society has taught us that we must get the best grades & be the most involved while effortlessly balancing LIFE... but while we strive for perfection, we miss the point of learning. The true joy of sitting down and opening a book, or listening to a professor, or even having a conversation with a friend..... and just learning.... AND ENJOYING IT. That is what I miss.

So maybe I am just worn out from years of being a perfectionist. Maybe it's like Alycia and I have been talking about.... that we're just ready to get out of the Academic world.... get away from all of the competition. Maybe it's just that it's a rough semester. WHATEVER it is, I feel like my passion for school is gone, and that makes me feel a little empty. I don't want to spend the next 8 months simply memorizing bullet points to ace tests. I want to feel passionate about learning again. But is there a chance my gas tank for school is simply running on empty... just in time for graduation? Or does my battery just need to be recharged? I don't know, but it is a strange feeling.

deep breaths, new beginnings

"First it begins inside your heart.
Something moves
Then opens.
Then frees itself.
And now you feel a rhythm breaking its long silence.
This is going to be good."


I love how every once in a while, someone comes along and makes you feel alive again. Feels like a breath of fresh air. Letting go of the old and embracing the new. Recognizing that old wounds have healed. Deep breaths. New beginnings.

roomies

Life with roommates really is great. Over the summer, I moved back home and although my dogs are perfect roommates and my parents aren't too bad most of the time, I truly missed living with roommates. I was so blessed to have lived in the Young Life House the past two years. Although there were times that I wanted to rip my hair out or punch someone in the face, I am so thankful that I can look back on the experience and truly appreciate all of the ups and downs, all of the friendships that were formed, all of the outrageous memories and quotes, and just the experience as a whole. I am so so so happy I got to live with all of these wonderful people:



That brings me to this year. I am finally moved into the new house on Highland. It was a rough start for sure between landlord issues, dates getting pushed back, finding furniture, trying to decorate the numerous incredibly white walls, etc. But I finally feel like I am settled here. It has been so much fun decorating my new room. I feel like my style has definitely evolved a little bit each year and this year my room finally feels so "me." I am also so excited to get to live with Lauren and Lauren for the third year in a row, as well as Lexi for the first time! I have such a good feeling about this year and can't wait to see what it entails.

relief

You know that feeling you get when you get a grade back from a test you thought you failed....
but you did fine
Or that feeling you get when a cop is behind you and you think you're going to get pulled over....
but he goes around you
Or maybe that feeling you get when you watch some look like they are about to seriously injure themselves after doing something stupid, and you want to look away, but you can't....
but then somehow they are perfectly alright?
YEAH that feeling.


RELIEF. I cannot explain the sense of relief I have right now after finishing my summer school class. 1st session was great, wonderful, easy, interesting... I could go on and on. This last session however, was honestly a huge pain in the butt. Between actually having to read the text book (who seriously does that, let's be honest) to having to watch the world's most boring video segments each module (like I'd rather watch a snail crawling than watch these kind of boring) to having some girl plagiarize almost word for word one of my discussion posts (yes, I'm serious) this class was just terrible. BUT, it's over. It was painful and annoying but the end result was so worth it. Don't you just love that feeling too? Don't get me wrong, I love working, serving people, volunteering.... I like all of that. I think we should always work hard because we will probably end up with a good end result. But I'm talking about that kind of work where you are just absolutely, positively, 100% miserable the whole time you're doing it. That is how this class felt.

Now comes a week of freedom before senior year. I honestly don't know where the last 3 years went. I know they've been wonderful (well, minus a few mishaps) but I honestly feel like they flew by. I am excited for this last year with some wonderful friends who have become some of the most important people in my life. I am excited for a new house. I am excited to be 21. I am excited to be enjoying my senior year with my yl girls who are also enjoying their senior year of high school. I am excited to be done with school (I think). I am excited to see what God has planned for me after graduation.

twenty one

Wow, I can't believe it's finally here.... well now it's come and gone. What a fun, whirlwind birthday week. I just feel so blessed to have gotten to celebrate with so many people this week, from my parents who worked their butts off for my party, to my best friends who were willing to do anything I wanted and made me go out even though I was cranky, to dear friends that drove all the way to the east side from far away lands. I feel so loved and so blessed to know so many wonderful people and to be able to walk through life with them.

To friends and family! CHEERS!
yayyyyyyy 21.

buttons and braids

"Little things console us because little things afflict us"
So true.

I have found myself to always be a worrier. I stress out very easily, often over little things that I shouldn't. I'm trying to get better, in fact, I think I have improved a little over the past couple of years. Well, tomorrow is my wisdom teeth surgery. I have been so stressed about it all week. Today has been even worse.... I am so nervous. WHY though.... everyone gets their wisdom teeth out and I KNOW that I'll be fine.

Well today, instead of doing anything big for the 4th, I just spent time with my parents. My mom and I ended up going to Joanns to get some craft supplies. I have been getting a lot of compliments on my button bracelet, so I decided that this week while I am laying around I am going to start making them for people : ] I of course also found numerous other beads and things for bracelets and necklaces that I'll probably make for myself. I just love crafts. After all of my button bracelets, I'll probably move on to attempting to make some headbands.

Anywho, I realized that little things as simple as beads and images of upcoming braided headbands in the near future really consoled me today. I can't wait to start my crafting projects while I have the week off : ]


Some of my new purchases/current collection/inspiration

july

July is here.... and that is something to be celebrated.

Things I love about July:
1) My birthday
2) Monsoons
3) Watermelon Eeegees
4) 4th of July
5) These skies


6) Pool days with the girls



I can't believe how fast this summer is going by. Sometimes I am sad about that, but other times I just want summer to be over so I can be back in school and back with friends again. Tomorrow is the first 4th of July that I will not be spending with my best friend, Melissa, in a long, long time. The 4th is kind of "our holiday" and I will dearly miss spending it with her. Widsom teeth come out on Monday, so I am anticipating being out of commission for a while. I'm not looking forward to it at all, in fact I'm rather nervous. BUT I am looking forward to laying around and eating ice cream for a couple of days, I haven't really gotten to do that yet this summer : ]

can we pretend

that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?

Okay sorry, I cannot get that song out of my head. SPEAKING OF airplanes.... I bought my plane tickets tonight. Oregon August 1st- 7th. I am beyond ecstatic! As I was talking through the dates with my mom, I could just feel my mood change and I have been so happy this whole night. I can't even fall asleep. I know it's still a whole month away, but I just can't wait.

My mom and I babysat my nephew, Conner, today and it was so great. He was so full of smiles and really didn't cry at all. He is such a little bundle of joy..... Also, he is pretty much a baby model.


This little boy is really going to grow up to be a dog lover that's for sure. He already is so fascinated by them. Maggie thinks he is pretty neat too. : ]

savers

So I went to Savers this weekend and I am very proud of my purchases.

Item #1- a couple of old mason jars


I think I'm going to use them to create something like this for my house next year : ]

I found this idea on a wedding website, of course, but I really love it as a household decoration as well. I might get some smaller glass containers like the ones in the picture, but we'll see. I really love old mason jars, they have such character.

Item # 2- random belt ($3)

The dress I didn't find at Savers, however it is my new favorite summer item from Forever : ] I just thought this belt was fun & quirky.... and for $3 how could I pass it up?

Item # 3 - vintage purse! ($5)

I've been looking for a new purse because, sadly, my wonderful rice sack purse from Oregon is falling apart. I wasn't actually looking for a used one but when I saw this one I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. I think it has a good summer feel to it : ]
So time to make the switch. I will miss my rice sack bag, but I will not miss it shedding on me.

P.S- I only have a toothbrush in there because it was a new one from when I got my teeth cleaned recently haha! But I will admit that I always carry floss in my purse.

people

It's been a long day. For some reason I'm feeling extra tired as this week is coming to a close. Maybe because it was the first week that I combined LOTS of school, work, and the gym. Who knows. Only 6 1/2 hours of work tomorrow and then I can relax on Sunday : ]

There are a lot of people I miss right now. Of course there are all of my Young Life friends that are away for the summer. Tucson no longer feels the same without them. But then there is Melissa, my best friend, who has been gone for about a month now and I miss her more than words can explain. She is my rock, she is my person, she is the one who truly understands me. We have both been so busy that we have barely even talked and it's killing me. I can't wait for her to be home in one more month. Rachele just made it to Argentina! I am so excited for her to have this study abroad experience, but I can't believe I won't see her until January.... makes me want to cry every time I think about it. Alycia is off to England in a couple days! So excited for her as well. All of my friends' trips are making me CRAVE an adventure. Hopefully I'll make it to Oregon in the beginning of August.

Tonight was such an odd night. Had lots of interesting customers tonight.... very interesting. I must say, I really do enjoy (most days) the customer service aspect of jobs. I love talking to people and getting to know the "regulars." Tonight, Marilyn and I were talking about how we always feel so welcome when we go into Chic-Fil-A and that we hope we make customers feel like that at Cold Snap. Well tonight I was feeling really tired, I think it was the clouds, so on my break I just wanted to sit and eat my salad and just sit for 1/2 hour..... well I didn't get to do that. When I first walked next door to get some food, the guy that was working started talking to me like we were old friends. Then, the girl that brought me my food, someone I've seen before but never had a conversation with, was very chatty. At first I was annoyed.... really annoyed, but as we kept talking I realized that she clearly needed someone to talk to, or just someone to listen. She started telling me all about her life, her pregnancy, etc. and I actually really enjoyed talking to her. Even though I was annoyed at first because I wanted my alone time, I realized that not everyone has someone to talk to and I was just happy that I could sit and listen to this girl talk tonight. Well much to my surprise, it happened to me AGAIN with one of my customers about an hour later. Quite amusing, but also nice.

At the end of the day, it really feels good to have been a part of some complete strangers' days... whether they were just really outgoing or I was the only person all day to have really listened to them and made them feel comfortable. Everyone has a story and everyone wants to be heard. I think getting to know people, hearing their stories, finding out what unique quirks they have, what their dreams and passions are..... is one of the most amazing things we can do in life.

be free

It's been a week since things fizzled out with a guy I was sort of dating? Regardless of what we were, I was pretty bummed because 2 months of my life we're invested in it. I don't want to say that it was a waste of time because, well it wasn't... I really did like the guy, but we all live and learn, right? However, I am someone that opens and gives my heart to people, not just guys, very freely. As much as I like people, I am also someone that likes to be alone.... (so if I make the time to hang out with you I must really like you!) Besides investing my heart in things, sometimes I think I may actually be too trusting, too forgiving, too hopeful... but is there such a thing? I don't know. I think in the past it has gotten me in trouble, it has set me up for some heartbreaks, and has left me feeling sad and empty. Yet, I continue to trust people I maybe shouldn't, forgive endlessly, and place hope in things perhaps I shouldn't. But I honestly don't think I'd like to do it any other way.

Well today I placed a lot of hope and trust in someone who rarely let's me down.... but long story short, I was pretty let down. I was left having a pity party for myself and feeling like I just couldn't deal with it today. So I ended up going to one of my 2 favorite places in Tucson, Agua Caliente Park. This park is so full of meaning for me. From girl scout activities, to feeding ducks with my best friend, to sitting in my first boyfriend's truck in the parking lot, to dog adventures..... this park sure holds lots of dear memories. It is also where I go to escape, to think, to let go and be free.

As I was sitting on a bench, I overheard two women talking. One of them said, " Ya know, I think this is a very spiritual place," and the other woman replied, "Yeah, and I think it really brings out the best in people." It made my day. I went there because I was feeling upset and alone and as I was sitting there I just felt like the best version of myself. I realized that I can continue to trust and love and forgive with no regrets or bounds, but inevitably people are going to let me down, let us down. The only one who is never going to let me down is my God. So whether or not these woman were talking about "spiritual" in well, whatever way they meant it, today it did become a spiritual place for me. A place where I could sit and be content in my aloneness, in my singleness, in my emotions and just be thankful knowing that the Lord is right there by my side.....

It is a place where I can just Be Free.
Do you have a place like this? That brings out the best in you? That makes you feel alive? I sure hope so. We all deserve one : ]

summer school

Welp, I'm up early making corn bread for class. Yes that is right, I am making food for a college class. (This week we've been studying African American culture and each Thursday someone brings a typical food from that culture). I was dreading summer school SOOO much.... BUT I have been blessed with not only the easiest class, but also a very interesting one complete with one of the most amazing teachers I've ever had. I actually wake up excited to go to school most days and it has been a long time since that has happened to me.

I have always loved school. Growing up it was always my "thing." I always got straight A's, enjoyed my classes, and loved my teachers. Since high school though that has been changing. Last semester I was blessed with a really amazing Family Studies teacher whom I developed a really great relationship with. Besides that though, college teachers/classes have not been the most enjoyable thing. I love my major and do enjoy most of those classes but it makes me sad that I haven't had many other classes the past 3 years that I've been excited to go to or feel like I have learned anything valuable from.

Well this summer I am taking a humanities course at Pima (my first Pima experience). My teacher is 77. He is one of the most interesting human beings I've ever met. He tells us stories about remembering Pearl Harbor, working on the Mexico border, teaching in China, being in the same town when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed, etc. He is also a believer and every once in a while when we are analyzing short stories that we read, he will bring up biblical facts and Christian beliefs, which I enjoy quite a bit. Also, small world.... he was saved in Young Life WAY back in the day. Basically, I just really enjoy his enthusiasm for teaching us about different cultures. It makes me wish all teachers had that passion for teaching shining through them every class period. That is how it should be!

be here now

Wow, It's been over a month since my last post. A lot has happened since then.
School ended
Summer started
All of my friends left
Moved home for the summer
Started a new job
Started summer school
Dating ups and downs

I have had so many things I've wanted to get off my chest the last month, yet for some reason I was afraid to write them down. I didn't even journal about them, which is really out of the norm for me. I have always loved to write and especially to write down my feelings. I've come to realize that is how I think best, how I heal best, how I come to figure out what I am truly feeling deep down. Every time I went to start a post, I think I realized I didn't want to expose to myself or others that I was feeling like a mess. Today I realized, Katelyn, what is the point of naming your blog "a beautiful mess" if you're not willing to be vulnerable with yourself and others, but even more.... what am I afraid of? I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I don't need to censor my posts so they are all bright and cheery, or inquisitive and insightful, or full of pictures and profound.

I have not felt like myself this past month but I am starting to feel like I'm crawling out of whatever funk I was in. I feel like I have built a bit of a wall recently. A wall from the Lord. A wall from thinking about what is really best for me. A wall from dealing with life. A wall from letting some people in. I am working on breaking down that wall right now. I really think that wall has been one of the biggest struggles in my walk with the Lord. Sometimes I like to think I know what is best (don't we all), instead of trusting in the Lord. I think it has to do with my independence that I have always been so fond of. I have felt really distant from the Lord this past month, some reasons obvious, others not. But I have come to realize that my walk has been so full of ups and downs like this that I can't beat myself up about it every time it happens. I feel like a little kid who has a little fall and just has to pick themselves right back up.

Tonight at church we sang one of my favorite David Crowder Band songs and it just really hit me tonight. Isn't is so awesome how certain songs touch you in different ways each time you sing them?

"He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us oh,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.

And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

That He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves."

I love that whole song and I could talk about how much I like each verse, but tonight I was really struck by the line, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets, When I think about the way he loves us." ......... I don't need to waste time having regrets about not loving or following the Lord like I should have this past month. We don't need to waste time thinking about any of our regrets. That is such a beautiful thing. Just being able to think about how much he loves us... Now that is even better.

This week I want to live thinking about how great his affections are for me, for us. I want to simply, "be here now," one of my favorite phrases. After I was held at gun point, I saw a counselor for a short time because I was suffering from PTSD. That was one of the most useful things I got out of my counseling sessions and a phrase that I try to live my life by.
Be Here Now.

wildflowers and freedom

you belong among the wildflowers
you belong to a boat out at sea

you belong with your love on your arm

you belong somewhere you feel free

run away, let your heart be your guide.

thank you tom petty for helping me through this day.

I am having one of those days where I just want to run away.
I want to be among the wildflowers in the first picture... back in Oregon, sitting on my beloved bench on the Gearhart coast.
I want to be sitting on the pier in the second picture, after enjoying a nice meal and latte at Coffee Girl.
I want to find love.
I want to be somewhere I feel free. I want to be sitting at the picnic table where I took the fourth picture.... watching the sunset, enjoying a cool Oregon night.

I want to run away. Not from anything or anyone in particular. I just want go somewhere where I can feel free again. Many people don't think I had a good time in Oregon this past summer.... that is 100 % false. My 3 months in Oregon were some of the best months of my life. Some of the most challenging times, some of the most beautiful memories, and some of the most growing experiences of my life. I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be right now. I'm feeling trapped, bored, ordinary, and itching to get out of here. I think I left my heart in Oregon and I would love nothing more than to run away from here and let my heart be my guide.

I want to be among the wildflowers, I want to be somewhere I feel free.

childlike faith

Tonight, I went to see one of my Young Life girl's play at CDO high school. It was, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned In Kindergarten." It was such a cute play and I feel like I actually learned a lot. It really made me think, it was grounding. It is so true that we learn so many valuable things at that age that carry us through life, or should at least. It is sad that we lose sight of how we lived life back when we were 5. Everything was so wonderful back then, so pure, so simple. The play made me miss being 5. Made me miss dressing up, playing house, learning so many new things, being friends with anyone and everyone, and just loving life. I don't know about you, but it's been a while since I've been able to enjoy the simple things of life and just live, laugh, and love with such ease. It seems like I am always caught up in the business of life.

While I was thinking about missing the simplicity of life, it made me think about faith. I feel like along with growing up, our faith can also be an area where we lose sight of the simplicity. Sure, there are parts of Christianity... stories in the bible, trying to fathom the greatness of God, trying to fit in the time to have quiet times, etc. that can get complicated. But when it comes down to it, I think that our faith in God should be simple and it is simple. We believe that he is God, that he is good, and that he is Love. John 15:4 "If you remain in me, I will remain in you." It's that simple, if we remain in him, he will remain in us. Too often, I think we let life take over. We let our selfishness take over. We let things of this world take over. Sometimes, we even get caught up in our faith being complicated. But what if we made it a point everyday to just simply love the Lord and love others..... to remember that our faith in God is a beautiful, simple, thing.

There are many instances in the Bible where God talks about childlike faith. I was listening to this song by Rush of Fools called "Holy One" and these lyrics just jumped out at me:

All other noises fade away
Like all of the fear when your voice I hear
You're beckoning me to just come and be
A child at your feet seeing your need for thee

The play tonight, this song, and verse 15 from Mark 10 ("Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all.") all bring me back to this beautiful idea of childlike faith. God is calling us to look at him through the eyes of child, with wonder, amazement, obedience. When we were 5, we trusted everyone and we looked at the world with wonder and amazement. How great would it be to live simply like that again and love God in that same way? Let's all make it a point today, this week, or whenever we remember to live like we are 5 again. Even though life is messy, complicated, busy, and complex.... let's try to live simply, love simply, believe simply, and embrace the simple things in life that make us smile : ]

canine love

So today, I realized that this blog can't really define me or really even feel like my own personal blog until I share with you one of my favorite things in the whole entire world, dogs. My friends and I always joke that If I never get married I WILL become a crazy dog lady.... (crazy cat lady isn't the job for me, cats are wonderful too.... just not my style) No but really, I don't think I can express in words how much I love dogs, mine (of course) in particular. Some of my friends absolutely adore babies, or old people, or.... whatever else it may be. But I am truly thankful that God has placed such a huge desire in my heart for man's best friend. They bring me joy on my worst days in ways that no human can.

My family has grown up with labs our entire life. Every size, shape, and color. Right now, I am blessed by 3 adorable yellow labs that make my heart smile every time I see them.

First, there is Magnolia (Maggie). Side note: it seemed as though my family had some sort of problem because literally all of our animals were named after food. So we decided to steer away from that and tried a new trend with our current three, flowers. ANYWHO. I got Maggie as a surprise for my 11th birthday. Ya know how people sometimes say that owners resemble their dog or vice versa. Welp, that's Maggie and me. She is the most loving dog I've ever had. She definitely thinks she is a human and loves loves loves meeting anyone and everyone.



Then there is Chamomile (Kami). She is Maggie's half-sister. Kami is an odd one that's for sure. She kind of has middle child syndrome and is a little bit stand off ish at times. BUT she is by far the most beautiful lab we've ever owned.



And then there is Sage. She is one of Kami's puppies. Kami had puppies my senior year and it was one of the highlights of my life. It was such a cool experience to be a part of. Sage was the last one born out of 9 and we thought she was dead.... but she made it! I knew from the beginning she was the one I was going to keep. I love love love Sage. I can be gone for 3 months, 1 week, or 1 hour and regardless of our time apart, she is always so excited to see me (knock me to the ground kind of excited) She is goofy, and ridiculous, and adorable.



Anywho, that's that. I hope you this blog feels more Katelyn-esque to you now, cause it sure does to me. If anything, I hope those adorable faces made you smile like they continually make me smile : ]


"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself"
-Josh Billings