Up, Up, and Away on a New Adventure

Starting tomorrow- the new chapter of my life officially begins.  Living in a house, getting promoted at work, and the hecticness of a new school year.  After cleaning/ packing for 5-6 hours I turned on the TV and noticed that UP was on tv.

For those who do not know what Up is about, it's pretty much one of the most amazing cartoon movies.  There is SO many amazing and life-altering morals and reflections from the movie.

In the movie, there is an old man who plans a life-long journey with his wife to travel to South America, you see throughout the movie, the man reminiscing on his life with the woman he loves, who sadly passed away.

After finally reaching his goal of traveling to South America, the old man learns how to open his heart up again to a child and a dog who become his besties.

Right before the epiphany, Carl opens up the last page of his wife's Adventure Book, where she writes: "Go have a new adventure!"

As heart breaking as this movie is, it reminds me that each beginning to a chapter in our lives can be seen from two perspectives: The perspective that nothing good is ahead, so you continue to live in the past.  Or, the belief, that everything that is meant to look forward to is ahead!

^{Isaiah 43:18-19}

¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.

Don't be afraid to reach your goals and/or dreams- it's a scary thing to move forward with what ever path you're dwelling on!

God will guide your life in a direction that far more superior than you see from where you are standing right now!  People come and go, friendships come and go, love comes and goes, memories, form and disappear.  But, new friendships, opportunities, dreams, and so many other wonderful things are ahead as well!

But, to find what that new adventure is- you need to move forward!

Have a great day!
 <3KM

Transition

Hello friends,

It's been a while, eh?

My sincerest apologies- life has just been a little bit everywhere the past semester/ summer, very busy- very hustle and bustle!  With close friends graduating, finding a new apartment for the past 3 months (which I finally achieved!), working, volunteering, and doing extracurricular projects for school.  My life has hit an ultimatum of a pause, or the last few passages to the end of a chapter.

What does one do in "transition periods?"

Transition is change. In a broader sense however, transitions are life’s way of asking us to reexamine our present way of being. These transitions can be predictable such as a child leaving for college or marriage, or they can be unpredictable! Whatever the degree or intensity of the event, every transition we experience has one thing in common.

It forces us to make changes to our existing life. 

And with change, comes resistance. A major life transition literally closes one chapter of our life, and starts a new one, putting us in a new place and direction that we have not walked before. It is often a very difficult adjustment as we endure intense feelings of fear, doubt, and uncertainty.

One of the best analogies I have heard before is that transition periods are kind of like standing in the doorway with each foot in between two rooms.  You can stand there as long as you want- but eventually someone (aka God) is going to shove you out of the way into the next room, into the next period of your life.

Transition periods are honestly some of the most scariest, yet beautifulest periods of our lives.  Because in the crazy, uncertain period- we find ourselves, learn more about ourselves or others, and test our abilities of courage and confidence.   

And ultimately, we have the opportunity to give all our faith in God in the miracles, blessings, or silver linings He can form!

Let us "fix our eyes Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)

 

What to do during the transition periods, I believe, depend on what each person and what is being laid on the heart. 

•  If your doubting you future plans, pray for wisdom and guidance, as well as really analyzing who you are as a person.
• If you're waiting to get into a program, do what ever you can to get in and improve yourself as a candidate.

• If a loved one passes away or some other traumatic event, cry away the pain, pray for strength, and seek support.
• If your just waiting for school to start again, relax and have a great summer!
• If your seeking for the next big event, or  waiting for the next precursor for your life route- wait it out, the next "big thing" will come in small strides as time passes by!

In the spectrum of all things, remember all things work together for those who love Him!

Life is many different things at many different times, remain hopeful in the things to come.

Cleaning Inside and Out

Hello friends!

Well, let me just say that the past few weeks have been absolutely, positively crazy!  Like, a-horse- running-without-its-head crazy.  It's kind of been one of those weeks where you have a million and one things to do.

But praise the Lord, last week is over!

Yet, somehow, in the middle of the stress- God has been teaching me many valuable things.

Got has reminded me the value of hard work, focus, and dependance on Him for comfort.

 

The Lord has laid on my heart throughout the week Galatians 6:9.  This verse has done wonders the past week. 

God is pretty much saying: "Keep on keepin' on, do the right thing- and you bet your cracker jacks I. Will. Bless. You."

How amazing is that!

This verse has also has helped me stay focused that, you know- I may be studying my butt off, yet in the long run it will pay off!  In the end, I hope to achieve a harvest of Straight A's (a girl can dream, right?)

But, probably the most important thing God has done is in a sense, cleaned out my life and made me aware of loose ends.  I've learned that I need Him the most on my life, I can't always depend on friends and family to hug me when I need one.

What God has been teaching me is that pain and discomfort is only for that moment, only for that week, or only for that season.  If you put your all into what you are doing, assuming you're doing something good, the blessings following will be abundant!!!

God laid on my heart that after all the mess that comes into your life, or your bedroom. He is there to clean it out- even the tiny crumbs that dirty the carpet. 

Like a farmer, you have keep breaking your back raking and watering the seeds.  But, it due time, the outcome will be beautiful.

That's a pretty sweet deal, I think.

Alas,

Have a blessed day!
<3 KM

Joy in Cheerio's

Hello Friends!

Yesterday, I was reading through Proverbs 17, and I came across Proverbs 17: 22.

"A merry heart does good, like medicine. But a broken spirit dries the bone."

While reading this, I was drinking my usual cup of coffee and bowl of Cheerio's with strawberries (yum!).

And it kind of came to me, Joy is like Cheerios.

You see the commercials for Cheerios, where they advertise that the cereal will make you happy and heart healthy.

While reading through Proverbs, I have gained insight on the importance of wisdom, faithfulness, honesty, and other fruits of the Spirit.

But what really spoke to me in this verse is how "a merry heart does good, like medicine."

In everyday life, it's so easy to be sidetracked by the constant distractions or busy-ness to study, go to work, volunteer, go to meetings, and so on.

In all the hectic that everyday life brings, one thing to search for is joy.

In the dictionary, there are two definitions of joy.

The first is: "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness."  I think that's the most common goal people have is to be happy, to seek pleasure in whatever they do.

But, I think there should be more to this definition than just "a feeling."  Joy is not just a momentary pleasure or happiness, but a zealous that lasts for hours, days, or for an extended period of time.  Joy is more than just being "happy."

You can be happy that you took your exam or finished a strenuous work out, but that happy feeling can just be sucked out with an on-off switch, when you get your grade back or come home to chocolate cake that you can't eat.

Joy is a passion that can not be easily broken.  Joy breaks that switch, the only way it can only be turned off is by internal means, not external means.  Joy is something you choose.

The second definition of joy is "to rejoice."

Rejoicing is FAR more than a happy feeling, Rejoicing is the overwhelment and passion of praising and thanking your Lord for all He has provided and blessed you with!

Joy is a gift that only God can give!  

It is a fruit of the Spirit!

It is an attribute you receive when you realize the the beauty and glory that God is!

Rejoicing is FAR superior than a "feeling or pleasure of happiness."

Happiness is momentarily. Joy, however, is a life long attribute that you possess all the days of your life!

Back in relation to Cheerios, joy is "like medicine."  True joy, true power from God gives you strength, encouragement, and hope that tomorrow will be a better day!  Cheerio's heals your heart from cholesterol and plaque build-up.  Joy is similar in that it builds up your heart!

I love Nehemiah 8:10- "Do not grieve, for the Joy of the Lord is your Strength!" It has strong relation to every aspect of our lives! If we need God everyday to make it through, we definitely need Joy everyday!

So today! Make sure you eat your daily bowl of Cheerio's!

Have a blessed day,

 <3 KM

Residency

Hello friends!

As many as you know, I am single.  Single as in "no ring on it," or in any form of a relationship with the prospects of leading to marriage.  Which honestly can be a bit scary, at least it was.

I have been reading a book called "The Single Woman," it is a great book with a Christian base about being single and fabulous in stilettos.  Being 5'9', I don't exactly need shoes quite that high.  But still, this book has entirely given me a new perspective on being single.

One thing that I have gotten out the book is not seeing single as just a relationship status, but kind of like a residency. A neighborhood. 

You can either be in Singlehood or in Relationshipville. 

This ideology has led me to really embrace being single.  I mean, I live here (at least for now).

When you are single, it can be viewed as something you just kind have acquired.  Like you have a disease that associates being single as either desperate, a flirt, or that there is something wrong with you in the eyes of a few people.

But that's just it, it can be acquired- but I would rather see it through the prospective that I chose to be single.

My younger sister is about to be 18, and when she talks about boys and being single.  She always says, "I'm just keeping my options open."

I always thought that this was just a way of saying, I don't want to settle for less and see what other guys are out there.

But the thing is, she's right!  Being single is keeping your options open!

Not necessarily keeping your relationship prospects open, but your life options open!  Being single gives you the ability to choose where you want your life to lead.  Sometimes when your in a relationship, you have to find how your dreams and aspirations match your mates already established life.


My cousin who is in her early forties is not married, but despite this she has taken life by the horns and has gone across the world (For FREE! because of her job).  That's pretty amazing itself.  Get paid to go to France and Italy.

Point is, being single does not make you any less that someone in Relationshipville. 

Being in singlehood is a journey itself, not just a town your passing through or a pit stop.  It's a place your soul and mind resides in.

You can either view singlehood as a miserable town with nother to offer, so you only rent a dumpy motel room to save money.

Or, you can fully invest in this time of your life!  After reading the book, I have a full passion to deck out my luxury apartment studeo, and celebrate life with friends and family. 

God provides more to our lives than a marriage partner, but He provides opportunities, friendship, family, travel, dreams, goals, half-marathons, and Oreo Cheesecake.

Needless to say, I'm officially sick of hearing and saying "God will provide," "The right man will come at the right time," or my favorite-"Jesus is enough, you don't need a man."

I identify all these things, and am not condemning these things as lies.  However, I think more needs to be said about not so much having faith that God will provide one day, but God will provide me Faith everyday.

Not, the right man will come at the right time, but the right man HAS came 2000 years ago, and He give me purpose.

Not, Jesus is enough- you don't need a man. But, I desire more than enough of not only Jesus, but also my God.

So yes, I am in Singlehood right now.  I chose this, I wasn't just stuck with it.  And if God does provide a strong Christian man- great! But if not, I will fully invest in what my life has to offer right now and tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!
 <3KM

BTW: The Single Woman is an AMAZING book! It's witty, humorous, and has a Christian foundation but not too Jesus-y for your non-Christian friends.  

Who You Are

Hello again friends,

Let me just tell you this morning has been VERY insightful. I prayed this morning for God's truth, and I definitely found it.

This morning, I found this video.  A video that is meant to be encouraging, uplifting, and radiating with God's love!

This morning, I saw this video and just got a bunch of "tinglys." It made me feel amazing and that I could anything.  It made me feel like I was the icing on a cupcake.  I was even praying, "Can I marry him?"

After comprehending and doing some soul searching, and finding God's truth.  I've realized this video, right here, is a bunch of b.c. It's BULL CRAP.

I watched a corresponding video, it's by a regular, 30-something preacher who reveals whose God's true nature is.

The video is quite long, but very well worth it!

One of the points that really struck me was how probably the BIGGEST factor that makes Christianity pretty amazing itself.  NOT ONCE did the 1st video ever mention Jesus, the man just says "Someone died for you"- or something like that.  He never says who died.

I realized I got so struck by this somewhat attractive man make me feel so special, that I forgot to recognize the name of the One who gives me a purpose to live.

God has been teaching me lately about myself worth.  While I don't have to be amazingly beautiful or need to be a size 4.  Above else, my self worth does not need to be defined by man. Only God can define my beauty, my strengths, and my worth.

And honestly, without Jesus.

I am nothing.

We all are.

Not only should we be humble and not self-righteous, but we should also recognize who we are.  A bunch of tiny specs just drenched in sin.

With our sin, we are unworthy. Nothing. At all...

A prayer that a preacher brought up to help teach humility is :"Lord, I am the worst of sinners.  I am unworthy.  Without You, I am nothing."

This prayer at first was just to silly to met at first, but each day I have been praying like a mantra and have realized- it's true.

I am all these amazing things, not because made me awesome.  But, because Jesus has granted me freedom from my sins.

In the presence of God, I am drenched with the Holy Spirit.

We become worthy because of Jesus! 
We become enough- through Jesus.
We become empowered- because of Jesus. 
We become unbreakable- because of Jesus.

With my sin, and no Jesus, I am just that- sin.  I may be a good person, I may just be a college student, but at the core of my being- I'm ugly sin.  And sin does not make one enough.

Jesus makes you enough because Jesus is enough.

"I am beautifully and wonderfully known"- Psalms 139:14-15

Not by the definition of the world am I special, or the most amazing person to walk the earth (Jesus already covered that).  But, because I have Jesus in my heart.

After reading this, has your opinion of the video changed?  It's okay if it didn't, I was just offering another view.

But if it did change your view, how?

What truths are God trying to show you?

Do you fall into the same trap of needing a man, a friend, or family members telling you your self worth?

If you do: Remember- Whose you are's is God's! 

This is who I am, and who you are.

Have a blessed day,

<3 KM

Thinking, Considering, Planning

Hello lovely readers,

Let me just say, yesterday was VERY frustrating. Though as frustrating as it was, it somehow drew me back to a mini life lesson that only Jesus could come up with.  They say life is the best teacher, it just gives the test before the lesson plan.

My day went a little like this; I had a doctor's appointment at 9:45 on the other side of town from where my 8:00-9:15 class was.  So, when I woke up at 7:00, I figured- "hm...I'll just skip class."

How many times do we make irrational decisions because we do not think of the consequences or the ripple effects?

My day proceeded to going to the appointment and NOT checking out (I was only there for a prescription and figured (irrationally) that I did not need to, since it was free). I drove across town, dropped off my prescription and realized- wait...I do actually need to do this? If I don't check out, I can get billed or a fee.  (Yesterday did not consist of my most wisest, proudest common sense ).

I proceeded to drive back across town, checked out and drove back to the other side of town to go to work. After work, I went straight to Starbucks across town to study and get life straightened out, right?

Nope. I forgot my prescription pick-up- you guess it, across town.

So yes, I wasted probably 2 gallons worth of gas yesterday driving.  And overall, it was just frustrating to not be able to do the things I planned due to my lack of planning ahead and not thinking of the consequences.

That's the point I am making today, how many times do we make impulsive decisions or choices without considering what it may bring?

In one of my favorite Bible passages, Proverbs 31, one of the qualities of a Virtuous Woman is thinking, planning, and considering the long term effects.

Proverbs 31: 16

"She considers a field and buys it;
  out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."

That key word: Considers

This virtuous woman planned ahead and had to look at the many perspectives of buying a field, the way I see it- the minute you make a decision, you are BUYING that decision.

Whether buying a Chocolate Milkshake from Cook-Out or choosing to become boyfriend/girlfriend with someone- you made you made a choice that you should have devoted at least a minute of thought on.

My challenge for you is to CONSIDER the decisions you make, no matter how silly or simple the choices may be.

If not, you may regret the decision, waste time, or in my case- a quarter tank of gas.

Think of all the possible perspectives of the situations and plan ahead!  

Have a blessed day,

<3KM