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."