Saturday, December 31, 2011

Wrapping Up 2011

At the beginning of 2011, I made a lengthy list of goals for myself.  Now that 2011 is coming to an end, let's see how I did on these goals...

Career Goals:1. Find a job that is spiritually, intellectually and emotionally fulfilling.
I love my job so much!  I can't even begin to express how much I love my job.  It has turned out better than I could have ever imagined.  I get to talk to the kids about God, Jesus and the Bible, which is spiritually fulfilling.  I get think of fun and creative ways to teach the children new concepts, which is intellectually fulfulling.  I don't leave work and emotional wreck, running to my car in tears, which is emotionally fulfilling.  So, I would say that in 2011, I found a job that is spiritually, intellectually and emotionally fulfilling.!

Educational Goals:
1. Make all A's and B's in my last two semesters at CPCC
I made A's and B's for the last semester that I attended CPCC this year.  Sadly, I did not attend my last two semesters at CPCC this year. 
2. Graduate from CPCC in December 2011
I did not graduate from CPCC this year.  Although, the only reason that I didn't is because God wrecked those plans. 
3. Make a plan for furthering my education
I am making plans to further my education.  I know what I want to get my Masters in.  I am just searching schools and programs for a Bachelors degree that I feel God is calling to me.

Financial Goals:
1. Build my savings account
I am building a savings account.  This year has had a lot of unexpected expenses, and I have been able to pay for all of them because I had money in savings.  I put 20% of my paycheck in savings each week!
2. Start paying the bills my parents are paying for me
Accommplished!

Personal Goals:
1. Lose 30 pounds and keep it off!
eek!  I was well on trach for this goal at the beginnning of the year.  Life happened...
2. Run my first 5k
I was ready to check this one off.  I trained for a 5k, registered to run a 5k, and bought new shoes for the 5k...  The week of the 5k, I fell down my stairs and nearly fractured my ankle.  I am still not running.
3. Stop eating fast food on a regular basis
Yes!  Having a job where I do not get a lunch hour to go meander around town aimlessly and eat terrible food has forced me to stop my fast food habit. 
4. Work out at least three times a week
I was doing this as well, before my beautiful fall.  I am going to cross it off, because the only reason I did not work out in December was because of my foot.

Relational Goals:
1. Get to know my brothers better
Fail.  My middle brother went to live with my grandma after Philip passed away.  My youngest brother is having an identity crisis.  This year has been a hectic year, and I didn't make time to get to know them better.
2. Gain an understanding on my parents resistance to church
Negative.  I do not know how to go about this goal...
3. Visit my grandparents at least four timesI made it!  I went to se them four times before Philip passed away.  If I only remember one thing from this year, I want to remember the time I spent with my grandparents before Philip passed away.
4. Visit Victoria at least four times
Thrilled to report that I did this, as well.  Victoria will be leaving the country to study abroad in January.  I am grateful to have been able to spend more time with her this year than I normally do, being that she will be gone until summer!

Spiritual Goals:
1. Gain a better understanding of the Old Testament
This is a work in progress.  I have recently began listening to some of Pastor's old sermons and am learning from each of those. 
2. Learn from my New Testament class
I sure did!  I am glad that I did as well.  I would ahve hated walking away from that class without having gained anything.
3. Finish the 8 month Bible Reading Plan
Whoops.
4. Finish Sun Stand Still
So thankful that I read this book in 2011.  It is a book that is worth reading over and over again!  Grateful that Pastor Steven is my pastor!
5. Have a more personal relationship with God
God rocks my world daily.  We talk on a regular basis.  Yes, we talk.  I don't just talk to Him.  He talks to me, too... and I am not crazy!
6. Learn to follow God's direction without hesitation
Sometimes this has landed me in a position where I walked away looking like a fool to everyone around me, but I did what He told me to do no matter what!
7. Serve on at least three Outreach projects
Love Week 2011 was a success.  I served on three Outreach projects.  It was an amazing experience.
8. Become a better eTeam leader for Host Services
I would not be crossing this off if I did not have other people giving me promotions in my volunteer role.  I don't think that I am all that and a bag of chips.  I more than that I am merely nobody.  But, some people at Elevation seem to think there is something inside of me.  And, because of them I continue doing what I do and strive to be better at it daily.
9. Join an eGroup for the first semester of 2011
Nicki Koziarz was an amazing eGroup leader.  It was an honor to be in her eGroup and listen to her speak every week.  I learned so much about what it meant to be an eGroup leader from her. 
10. Lead an eGroup for the second semester of 2011
You got it!  This girl is leading the Rock Hill Middle School Girls eGroup!  I love it more than I would have ever imagined.

Well folks.  There ya go!  That is how I did in 2011.  I think I did alright.  No one ever accomplishes all of their goals, right?  And, it is okay to not accomplish a goal if God derails your plan!!

What are your goals for 2012?  Mine will be up tomorrow!!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

.Redeemed. in 2012

Pinned ImageI can imagine that my last post got you at least a bit excited for .Redemed. in 2012. I want to give you a sneak peak of what is in store for .Redeemed. in 2012...

Sermon Sunday- I will post a few paragraphs about how Sundays sermon impacted me. I will be sharing some of my favorite lines and where we went in the Bible. I think that this will be a great way for me to keep track of the great things happening at Elevation Church and maybe get you a little excited about church.

Thankful Thursday Tuesday - Say it is January 3rd, I will blog about three things I am thankful for. As the month goes on, it will force me to remember the little things I have to be thankful for - being that at the end of January, I will have to blog 31 things I am thankful for! Doesn't this sound exciting??

Reflection Friday - (Better name involving alliteration in the works.. ideas?) The eGroup that I co-lead with Sarah meets Thursday evenings. It is a small group for middle school girls in the Rock Hill area. A typical eGroup involves laughter, someone crawling around on the floor, studying when God writes your love story, and diving into any tough questions the girls may have on their hearts. Reflection Fridays will be a post about what we talked about, random questions that came up, a great part of the discussion, just anything exciting that happens when the Followers of God eGroup gathers.

Q & A Saturday - I really loved the Q&A's that I did this year, so I will be bringing that back. But, I can only keep it going with questions from my amazing readers... THAT'S YOU! :-) Start thinking of questions that you may have for me. They can be questions about leadership, my walk with God, or something completely random like what kind of cheese I like. (Ha!)

That is what .Redeemed. will look like in 2012 as of right now. I am pretty excited to put myself on a blogging schedule. I can't wait to attract more readers.

Are you excited? What would you like to see on .Redeemed. in 2012?

Monday, December 26, 2011

Vacation

I have had few happy posts over the last few weeks.  I apologize for that.  I want you to know that there are big things in store for .Redeemed. in 2012.  I can't wait for 2012 to get her, so I can revamp this blog and draw you in! 

For now,  I am off on a cruise.  My family and I are going on a three day cruise for our Christmas present.  What a Christmas present, right?  I am a lucky gal.  I can't wait.  Because you have to pay to use the interent and phone on the cruise, I will not be blogging.  You can't get rid of me that easily though!  I have a few scheduled posts in store for you.  Please stay tuned to the blog over the next few days. 

I'll see you in 2012.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Closing Out 12.25.2011

Well, there is less than an hour left of Christmas 2011.  I must say that I am happy that this day is coming to a close.  It was one of the hardest days of the year.

All of the death that has surrounded this year has been difficult to do deal with.  All of the disappointments of 2011 has been difficult to deal with.  But, waking up Christmas morning without Philip was the hardest moment of the year. 

This slightly spoiled girl is used to waking up around 6:00 but not allowed downstairs until 8:00am to presents under an eighteen foot tall Christmas tree, presents in the dining room, presents staked two feet tall across the living room...

Philip made Christmas for my family what it was.  He spoiled us beyond measure.  This was his favorite time of year.  He would shop until all of the stores were closed.  He would buy presents from every thinkable and unthinkable place.  In December, his studio would turn into Santa's workshop.  There was a secret knocking code into the studio and entering Santa's workshop's bathroom was never an option.  Philip would procrastinate until Christmas Eve when it came to wrapping presents.  He was typically done wrapping around 2:00 and 3:00am on Christmas day.  Philip loved Christmas.

Christmas this year looked immeasurably different.  I woke up at noon to an empty house and a four foot tall Christmas tree.  I spent the day in my pajamas, watching movies and crying by the Christmas tree.  I miss Philip more than ever today. 

Christmas will never be the same...
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But, as I write this with tears streaming down my face, I think about Philip.  He wouldn't want me crying in bed missing him.  He would want me to be happy today.  He would want me to be thankful for every moment that I had with him.  It was such a blessing to have as long as I did.  He would want me to make new Christmas traditions and move forward.  I can't continue to look back on the path. 
So, this year my family took a break from Christmas.  We each did our own thing.  We will forever remember Philip, but we will begin making new Christmas traditions next year.  Our step forward this year will be going on a cruise for Christmas.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Code Orange Christmas Pt. 2

I hope that you got your tickets for Code Orange Christmas!  Elevation Church is seriously the most amazing church to be at.  Because Pastor Steven only preaches what the Lord tells him to preach, each message is uniquely individualized to your situation.  Every week I walk out of there with at least one take away, one little nugget that was perfect for where I was that day. 

This Christmas worship experience was no different.  Pastor Steven titled this Christmas Code Orange Christmas to signify the urgency of having Christ in your life.  Living with Christ in your life is not a decision you should wait to have. 

Pastor Steven's father, L-Train has been very sick.  Several weeks ago, he was diagnosed with ALS (more popularly known as Lou Gehrig's disease).  He will be given one to three years to live.  Pastor Steven shared this and the story of his father in detail this Christmas.  Pastor Steven had the privilege of praying with his father when he accepted Christ over 5 years ago.  Pastor Steven talks about how his father would be hopeless if he hadn't brought Christ into his life.  But, he knows now that he is part of an everlasting Kingdom and is not going to be brought down by the diagnoses of ALS.

Once again, I was balling by the end of the worship experience.  Not because I know someone dying of ALS, or because I need to bring Christ into my life.  I had tears rolling down my face because Pastor talks about death on a personal level.  This Christmas, a holiday that is spent with family, my family will not be coming together for one meal. 

I am terrified to think that Christmas' will be forever spent separately because Philip isn't here.  I always knew that he brought us together for Christmas, and made Christmas what it was, but I never would have thought that without him, my family would not spend Christmas together.

Christmas is my second favorite holiday.  This year I am surrounded by the thought that I could possibly be spending Christmas day by myself.  My mom, dad and youngest brother will be spending Christmas dinner with my moms friend.  My grandma and middle brother will be enjoying Ruby Tuesdays as a Christmas dinner today and attending church in Aiken tomorrow.  Where does that leave Keirstin? 

By the end of today I will have spent over 14 hours at Elevation Church volunteering over three days.  The thought of driving to Aiken to spend Christmas with my grandma, who needs family most right now, doesn't not thrill me.  But, it is what is right.  But, if I drive to Aiken, that means I do not get to see my mom, dad and youngest brother on Christmas. 

Either way, I will not be spending Christmas with my entire family and the thought of that is foreign. 

Sadly, this year I am ready for December 26th and the mystery of how to do Christmas with Philip will be over.  We will have survived our first of many Christmas without Philip.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Code Orange Christmas



The Elevation Rock Hill Middle School Girls eGroup would like to invite you to Elevation Church this Christmas.

As always this is a ticketed event... Best part about this ticketed event?  The tickets are free!  You don't have to pay anything for the tickets.

Elevation does events like Christmas ticketed so that we can make sure everyone has a seat.  When the auditorium is full at a location, there will no longer be a ticket available.  Isn't that great?  With your ticket you are guaranteed a seat at the Code Orange Christmas worship experience.



So, where can you find a ticket?  Take a look at the picture.  www.codeorangechristmas.com

Getting a ticket is easy.  Follow the following steps.
1. Click here.
2. Where would you like to attend the worship experience?  Select that campus.
3. Select a worship experience time and the quantity of tickets you will need.  No tickets are needed for children from 6 weeks to 5th grade.  They should attend eKidz.
4. Print your tickets and take them to Elevation with you when you attend next week.

I am so thankful to attend a church that has six locations and thirty worship experience's over Christmas.  Think of how many  more people Elevation can reach with six locations and thirty worship experiences.

Leading up to the worship experience, take some time to pray for Pastor Steven.  The devil will do all that he can to get into Pastor Steven's head before the worship experiences.  Pray that Pastor Steven has audacity to preach a message that will change hundreds of lives.  Pray that Pastor Steven and the Furtick family will be well.  Pray that nothing stop Pastor Steven from preaching the message that the Lord has given him.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

A new kinda Christmas



Well, I told you earlier this week that I would show you my Christmas tree.  To the left you will see a beautiful before picture taken Sunday night.  This is my very first Christmas tree that I ever got myself.  I got the tree from one of those places at a corner... sure wasn't the experience this girl is used to.  Next, I got the tree into the house by myself... a lot easier than taking an eighteen foot tree inside.  Then, I put the tree in the stand... that was harder than I would have imagined.  This afternoon, I finally got around to decorating the tree.



Decorating the Christmas tree has been a family event for as long as I can remember.  It is something that we all do together.  It takes the whole family to decorate the trees that I am used to.  I decorate this tree alone.  How weird...

Drum roll please...
I now present to you the finished product...



This tree is a symbol of a new beginning for me.  As much as I  miss Philip daily, I can do life without him.  It will all be okay! Christmas this year will be different, but change is good.  I am using this as an opportunity to grow.

How about you.... Will this Christmas look different for you for any reason?  How are you using the new experience as an opportunity to grow.  Are you all ready for Christmas?  Is your tree decorated?  Are you done shopping?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

What does a normal Christmas look like?



Growing up, my Christmas looked a lot different than the typical family Christmas.  I wouldn't even know how to begin describing a normal Christmas.  But, I can describe to you what Christmas has looked like in my life for the past 21 years...

Christmas for my family began in the beginning of December.  Philip would hook up the trailer and strap on the 16 foot bamboo stick.  I wish I had a picture of that bamboo stick...

The bamboo stick came along as our reference.  The tree always had to be taller than bamboo stick. 

When I was younger, Philip, Grandma, my brothers and I (occasionally, my parents would join us, too!) would load up in the Bronco.  We would visit three different tree farms.  We always ended up getting a tree at the third.  I never understood why we had to visit three, to always get a tree at the last.  I'll never know.  The picture above is from two years ago.  We were wandering around trying to find the perfect Christmas tree. 


When I was younger,  Philip would cut down the Christmas tree himself.  As Philip got older, the men who worked at the tree farm would cut down the Christmas tree.  We would load up the tree on the trailer.  The trailer was small.  Several feet of tree would always hang off! 

We would spend the rest of the day pulling the tree onto the porch, getting the tree in the stand and into the house.  It would take all evening to get the tree standing straight.  There are hooks all over the living room to use pulleys to make sure it is perfectly straight.  The picture on the left is a lovely indication of all the work that went into putting a 17 foot tree up.


Day two was the day we decorated the tree. The day began with everyone unraveling and testing the lights.  Each strand had to be tested, each bulb had to work!  Once the bulbs were tested, the lights went on.  Then, the garland and balls.  While the lights, garland and balls were going up, everyone would be untangling and sorting the ornaments.  Finally, the ornaments would go up.

Below is a picture of the finished product two years ago.  Isn't she beautiful?


This year, Christmas looks a little different.  Philip isn't here... Philip isn't here to get us excited about Christmas.  Philip isn't here to take us to the Christmas Tree Farm.  Philip isn't here to make sure the tree is perfectly straight.  Philip isn't here to put the lights up.  He loved Christmas so much.

I didn't want to decorate for Christmas this year.  I want to avoid the day.  I didn't want it to happen.  What is Christmas without Philip?  I went to get a Christmas tree three times this week.  I couldn't bring myself to do it.  I am having my eGroup girls over for a Christmas sleepover this Friday, so I knew I had to decorate.  I bought a white tree from Michael's.  The lights didn't work. 

I took it back and decided to be a big girl.  I bought my own Christmas tree.  I bought a Christmas stand.  I got it in the house by myself.  I got it straight in the stand by myself.  That was difficult!!  Now, I am waiting for the branches to fall so I can decorate it. 

There will be pictures up of my first Christmas tree later this week.  

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Encouragement


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Have you ever been having a bad day and felt like you were doing everything wrong?  Have you ever felt like you were at the very bottom and nothing could pull you out of where you were?  How did you get out of that place...

It was probably someone giving you a pat on the back, or someone telling you that you were doing a good job.  It may have been someone calling you to tell you about their terrible day and you remembered that it wasn't that bad.  Or, maybe you read something that was encouraging. 

We all need people to encourage us sometimes.  We all need a little push in a positive direction sometimes.  It is a wonderful feeling to have people in your life that always move you out of a bad mood into a wonderful mood.  Those people are wonderful for a bad day.

I have been in great spirits about life lately.  I love my family, I love my friends and I love my job.  I am truly blessed.  How many people have the whole package?  I can't think of many.  I have the whole package.  I love my life!  I couldn't ask for anything more than what I have.

But, there is one area of my life that has been lagging behind the others.  There is one area that isn't meeting status quo.  There is one area that is trying to pull me into a dark pit of misery.  That one area is the situation with my lack of serving at Rock Hill.

I keep trying to blame myself for everything that happened.  I keep replaying each moment of my time there.  I keep thinking of how I could have handled things differently and how I could have acted differently.  I just can't figure out what I did wrong.

Even though I couldn't figure out how I messed up so bad for it to warrant the decision that was made, I am constantly beating myself up for it.  I am blaming myself.  I was beginning to think that no campus would want me.  I couldn't imagine the things that were being said, and how anyone would want to serve with me.

Then, that all turned around yesterday.  I got a call from someone who I look up to, someone who I thought I hurt in this whole situation, someone who I never thought I would hear from again.  She lifted me right up.  She said some of the sweetest things to me.  I almost cried.  She reminded me that I didn't do anything wrong.  In fact, I did exactly the right thing. 
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I am so thankful for people in my life who can pull me out of misery.  I am so thankful for kind words.  We all need someone to speak life into us, and remind us that we are worth something!  We all need people that will tell us how important we are to a team. 

Do you have someone like that in your life?  Find time to thank that person in your life.  Remind them how much they are worth to you!  Can you be that person to someone?  Work on improving your ability to speak life into your friends if you aren't the friend that gets called when someone is down. 


Friday, December 2, 2011

Good Bye 21!

Well, today I turn 22.  Twenty-one has come to a close.  Here are my top ten moments of 21.

10. Emily and I went to the Memorial Day Knights game to watch the fireworks. I had never been to a Knights game. It was a lot of fun. The fireworks were great. I just love fireworks!! :-D

9.  I may not still be a part of this eGroup, but I met some amazing people in Nicki Koziarz's eGroup and will cherish the friendships that I gained from that eGroup forever.  We came together as a group of about 25, but each person had a unique personality.  It was amazing to gather with them, learn from them, and just have fun with these people.

8.  Camp Horizon 2011 was incredible. It brought new challenges that I did not think I was prepared for. But, it was perfect! I had my favorite camper yet, and loved ever adventure that Scotty brought.

7.  I had an amazing year at Elevation Church. We had a fabulous Christmas series, an amazing Easter sermon and each sermon in between was top notch, as well! I was given the opportunity to step up in leadership twice. I had the opportunity to help launch Elevation: Rock Hill. Elevation Church is a huge part of my life, and I wouldn't have that any other way. I love my church!!

6.  For the second year in a row, Elevation Church asked me to go to the NewSpring Leadership Conference.  I loved listening to seven of the most incredible pastors in our nation today!  They each brought a word that applied to me today or that I can't wait until I can apply. 

5.  This year I was blessed with the opportunity to begin leading a middle school eGroup.  These are some world changing middle school girls.  For example, last night we had an terribly off topic, incredibly deep conversation about Heaven.  They asked some deep questions that I did not know the answer to!  I will be researching the answers to their questions this week.  I knew I would learn as much from them as they learn from me.  It is showing itself already!  They have made the last few months of 21 amazing!!

4.  Emily moved to Charleston and I had the chance to go see her twice over the summer.  It was great to lay on the beach with my best friend in the summer, completely care free.  Emily is the best!!

3.  So, my two amazing bosses took me to a Panthers game this year!  I have never been to a Panthers game.  We had a blast.  It was a wonderful day, and I am so blessed to have a job where I get to do things like that! I  am so thankful for them. 

2.  I got a new job this year!  Woooooo!!  I hated my other job, and it was such a blessing to get a new job.  I get to spend my day with those two amazing kiddos.  Abby is the most compassionate three year old that I know,  When I hurt me ankle this week, she was the best nurse I could ask for.  She made sure that I was taken care of. Parker is the most caring five year old I have ever met.  He takes wonderful care of me, and keeps me laughing.  This week he was talking about mathmachipins (mathematicians).  There brother-sister bond is the best I have ever seen.  I love getting to teach them on a daily basis.  They are amazing!!

1.  Turning 21!  This was an amazing day!  My mom and grandma surprised me at work.  They came to bring lunch to my class!  They had princess hats for the girls and Elmo hats for the boys.  Then, on my lunch break my mom, grandma and I went to grab dessert.  Finally, we went to Macaroni Grill for my birthday dinner.  The one and only Victoria Lockridge surprised me there!  For the first time in our entire 15 year friendship, we spent my birthday together.  She spent the night with me and it was the best birthday ever!!  (Sadly, I can't find any pictures of the day on facebook or my new computer!)



21 was an amazing year.  I can't wait to see what 22 holds.  Thank you for being a part of my life!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

No Post.

I know that in yesterday's post, I promised that I would post my reflections on The Adjustment Bureau. I just spent 30 minutes typing a post and I didn't love what was on the page. I apologize for not having the post that you were looking for today.

As soon as the right words come to mind, I will get them on here!

Until then, rent The Adjustment Bureau.  If you would like to see The Adjustment Bureau's trailor, click here. If you would like to see their Wikipedia page, click here.

The movie is a present day look at "the man upstairs" and what happens when you don't stay on plan.



Friday, November 25, 2011

Patience.


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As you may know, I have been trying to figure out what to do for the rest of my life.  At the end of last semester, God firmly put a stop to my plans to get a degree in education.  I have been trying for this entire semester to figure out what was next.  If it isn't education, what is it?  What else am I good at?  What else could I see myself doing for the rest of my life?

A few months ago, I began to feel a pull toward getting a degree in Children's Ministry.  After much research, I learned that you can get a certificate in Children's Ministry or a graduate degree.  I was excited to have a plan for a graduate degree, but still had no idea what to get my undergad in. 

As I began to realize that all of my friends would be graduating in May with a Bachelors degree from fancy colleges across North Carolina (and other states in a few cases), I began to work very hard toward figuring out how I could graduate with an Associates degree by May.  Every door that seemed half way open seemed to quickly slam in my face.  It was killing me to think that I have 75 credit hours and no degree.  All of my friends will have degrees and be off to bigger and better things.  As for Keirstin?  She will be stuck in school, still trying to figure out what to do with her life.

The harder I tried at figuring something out, the harder the door slammed in my face.  For instance, today I was looking at colleges in Charlotte and their programs.  I found several colleges that interested me, a few programs that made me excited, and finally narrowed 37 open tabs down to two colleges.  One school that beyond excited me and one school that had a program that made me get butterflies in my stomach.  What do I learn?  The one that I got beyond excited about, doesn't have that program in Charlotte.  *DOOR SLAM!*

Have you ever wanted to yell at God and tell the Creator of the Universe that His plan was wrong?  I have been tempted to do that recently.  I want to yell at the top of my lungs,

Hello, God??  Don't You understand how crazy are You being right now?  Teaching me a lesson on patience during one of the most critical moments of my life?  Toying with my education, is that really a good idea?  Can't you just tell me what I need to major in?  You can teach me a lesson on patience by sticking me in traffic, or making me wait in line at Starbucks... Right now isn't the best time to teach me a lesson on patience... okay?!  Glad we are on the same page now. 


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As soon as I began to think those thoughts, God grabbed me by my chin and said, "Keirstin!  I have always proved myself faithful to you.  Remember your finances?  Remember your last job?  Remember what Jeremiah 29:11 says?  I have a plan for you that is far greater than you can imagine.  Trust me.  Let go of your control issues.  Let go of your need to have a plan.  And, trust that I will tell you what you are suppose to do next when you are ready."

Now, I sit and pray.  I pray that He give me patience.  I pray that He put in front of me whatever challenges He needs.  I pray that this lesson makes me stronger.  I pray that I never forget how great of a God He is.  I pray that I will not be tempted to doubt the One who made me who I am.  I pray that He give me patience.

Tomorrow, I will post my thoughts on how all of this relates to the movie The Adjustment Bureau.  

Thursday, November 24, 2011

(Four) Things to be Thankful for... Day Five

27. A song:  There are two songs that I am very thankful for this year.  The first is For the Honor by Elevation Worship.  I wrote a blog post about the line "We'll live our lives as sacrifice until You come again" and what that line meant to me.  That line has completely changed my perspective on a lot of situations, and has taught me to think about things in a new light.  I have shared this thought with several other people.  I am so thankful for Elevation Church and the Elevation Worship team.  They are amazing!  You can click here to buy Elevation Worships first nationwide CD that is titled For the Honor.  The second song that I am thankful for is The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets.  Every time I hear this song, I think about my ex.  Every time I hear it on the radio multiple times in a day, I take the time to reach out to my ex.  I have never regretted doing that.  Several times, it has been important.  God uses that song to speak to me.

28. A gift:  This year I am thankful for my boss getting me a gym membership.  This gift has sparked change in my life.  I am working out at least twice but am upset if I don't make it three times.  I am so thankful that my boss cares enough about me to get me a gym membership and say that she loves me the way I am, but knows I can be healthier and have a better life!

29. Something in my home:  On my dresser sits a picture frame that used to sit on Philips dresser.  One day when I was five or six, Philip took me to Glamor Shots to get glammed up.  He always called me a princess, and that day I got top notch princess treatment.  They did my make up, did my hair, and dolled me up for several different pictures.  This picture frame has two pictures in it.  When I look at the pictures, I remember that day with Philip and how special he was to me.  He always did everything in his power to treat me like a princess.

30. The thing I am most thankful for:  Elevation Church.  Through Elevation Church, I have come to know Jesus in a way that no one has ever taught me.  Through Elevation Church, I have found a group of friends who love me for who I am, encourage me in hard times, and who I can celebrate victories with.  Through Elevation Church, I have found a group of 7 middle school girls who are looking to know Jesus in a more intimate way.  Through Elevation Church, I have learned the importance of tithing.  I can't thank the eight families who moved to Charlotte to start Elevation enough.  The staff of Elevation is par to none.  They never give less than 100% at everything they do.  The volunteers at Elevation pour their heart and soul into the church.  They work harder than any group of volunteers you have ever seen.  I am most thankful for Elevation Church this year.  I am so thankful that God brought me there on that day in May of 2009. 


This five day series on thirty things I have to be thankful for has been truly eye opening.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I am a blessed girl.


Dear Reader,
You may not have made onto one of the categories that I wrote about this week.  But, I want you to know that I am very thankful for you.  I write to you.  I pray that you will read each of my posts and grow from or learn something from them.  I am thankful that since I started writing in 2009, you have read my blog over 1,440 times!  Thank you!  Please continue to read, and to share this blog with your friends!!

Sincerely, .Redeemed.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Six Things to be Thankful for... Day Four

20. A keepsake:  I am a pack rat.  I save everything!  I still have journals from when I was in middle school talking about a different boy every day.  I still have a few calendars from high school.  A keepsake that I am thankful for this year is some teddy bears.  I have a teddy bear that was my Nana's and one that was Philips.  These teddy bears have gotten me through many tear filled nights this year.



21. A disappointment or fear:  A disappointment or fear that I am thankful for???  I am the only one who this doesn't make such to?  If I had to be thankful for a disappointment or fear it would be my fear of failure.  I always give my best (and then some) to everything that I do.  I never give less than my best at anything.  This can be great, but it can also be bad.  For now, I'll be thankful that I have gotten very far by having a fear of failure.

22. A book:  when God writes your love story by Eric and Leslie Ludy is a book that I have to be thankful for this year.  Victoria showed this book first to me when I came to her about this crazy idea a friend told me about.  Victoria said, "No, read the book! It's in the book!!"  So, I read the book.  This book has changed my world for the better.  I am no longer bitter about being single, lonely or wasting my time on pointless relationships.  Also, this is the book I am walking through with my middle school eGroup girls!!!  I can't wait to see how this one book redirects their entire future. 

23. A feeling:  This year, I am thankful for the feeling of happiness.  I have had the opportunity to experience this feeling a lot this year.  There are many people who do not experience happiness on a daily basis.  I laugh daily.  I love my job.  I love my church.  I love my friends.  I love my family.  I love my life.  I am so thankful that I can be happy every day!!!

24. A photograph:  The picture to the left is a picture that I will be thankful for forever.  That is me in the baptism tank.  John Bishop is baptizing me, and I am coming up after being dunked.  This was such a powerful moment.  Baptism did not save me.  Baptism was a public commitment to myself, the Lord, my family and my friends that I will live my life as a new person because Christ lives in me.  I was so thankful to have (almost) all of my family there, and some of the best friends in the world.  This picture sits on my dresser, and I look at it daily as a constant reminder of my new life.

25. A luxury:  I am thankful for the luxury of having a job.  My job brings so many other luxuries.  First and foremost, I get to influence the lives of two gorgeous children.  I get to teach one of them on a daily basis.  The kiddos parents are far greater to me than I deserve.  They bought me a gym membership, are encouraging me on my running and becoming a part of the 5k I am doing next weekend! (eek!!)  They buy me random presents for being me.  They treat me far greater than any boss has ever treated me.  Simply put though, there are millions of people without jobs right now.  I am so thankful to have a job that I love in these hard economic times!

26. A charity An organization:  I don't know of a charity that I am thankful for this year.  So, I am going to change this up a little bit to be an organization.  I am thankful for the Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte.  They do some amazing work for children with Down Syndrome and their families.  I am so thankful for the work that they do, and the opportunity to be involved in their good works!

Tomorrow, I wrap up this series by blogging about a song, a gift, something in my home and the thing that I am most thankful for!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Six Things to be Thankful For... Day Three

14. Something new:  I am thankful for my new eGroup.  This would be my middle school girls eGroup.  These girls have been a true blessing to my life.  They come from four different schools, but you wouldn't know that if you saw them on Thursday nights.  They are amazing.

15. A recipe  Ha!  You know me right?  This one is going to have to go unanswered.  I have no favorite recipe, being that I don't cook, ever!

16.  An experience:  An experience that I am thankful for this year is growing closer to God.  I have heard Him speak in my life in an audible manner this year, more than ever.  The moment that stands out the most is when He asked me to begin leading an eGroup in Rock Hill.  I thought He was crazy, but I was obedient (delayed obedience is disobedience).  Now, the eGroup is actually happening.  The girls are growing and learning together, and it is amazing!

17. A store:  Target!  I am so thankful for Target.  It is a one stop shop.  I can get everything that I need from Target; groceries, clothes, gifts, body care, and so on!  Target is a gift from God, I am certain of it!!

For the Honor (Deluxe Edition), Elevation Worship 18. A saying:  We'll live our lives as sacrifice - Elevation WorshipThe line of this song is a constant reminder that the life I am living, is not mine.  It is His, and I need to live it as if it is His.  You can read a post I wrote previously on this song here.

19. A favorite piece of clothing:  Skinny Jeans.  I may be very late to the skinny jean fad, being that I bought my first pair two months ago.  But, I love them!  I have enjoyed changing up my wardrobe up to wear things with my skinny jeans.


Tomorrow, I will be blogging about a keepsake, a disappointment or fear, a book, a feeling, a photograph, a luxury and a charity that I am thankful for this year.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Six Things to be Thankful For... Day Two



7. A scent:  I love Bath & Body Works Sensual Amber.  I always have.  I always will.  I get the most compliments when wearing it.  I have the most confidence when wearing it.
8. A restaurant:  Olive Garden has never let me down.  The service is always great, the food is always delicious and the company that I share when there is always top notch. 
9. A blog:  Pastor Steven Furtick brings so much truth every day on his blog.  I wait every morning for his tweet that a new blog is up.  I read it every day and learn something new by reading it! 
10. A time of day: Nap time.  Hands down, nap time in a time of the day to be thankful for.  Some days can be crazy.  Nap time gives me an hour and a half to clean up the house, do laundry, catch up on the shows I like and occasionally catch a cat nap, too.
11. A tradition:  I love the tradition seeing the lights at Hopelands Gardens in Aiken.  I look forward to parking at Applebee’s, riding a school bus, singing Christmas songs, getting hot chocolate and a cookie, taking pictures, finding new lights and occasionally seeing a proposal every year.  This is a tradition hat has been in my family for more years than I can remember.  I have shared it with many close friends.

12. A gadget:  I could not live without my phone.  Could anyone these days?  It tells the time, gives me access to my email, facebook and twitter, sends texts and makes phone calls.  Where would I be without my phone?
13. Something old:  Philip always had a handkerchief on him.  The day of his funeral, everyone in my family wore something red.  I just wore a blank dress and was sad that I didn’t wear red.  (Red was Philip’s favorite color.)  My mom pulled out one of his red handkerchiefs.  I carry it around now.  I am thankful for that because it is like having a piece of him with me all the time.


Tomorrow, I blog about something new, a recipe, an experience, a store, a saying, and a favorite piece of clothing that I'm thankful for.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Six Things to be Thankful for... Day One

So, I was late to the “Thirty Days of Thanks” idea.  I saw many blogs, tweets and facebook statuses about this idea.  Every day you write about one thing that you are thankful for.  I have a friend that posted some things to talk about.

So, in spirit of this week being Thanksgiving, leading up to Thanksgiving, I will post six things that I am thankful for.
1. A person:  Victoria.  We may live over 115 miles away from each other, and are lucky to talk on a daily basis, but we still are best friends.  We have known each other for 15 years, always been best friends and grown closer each year.  I am so thankful for the truth that she brings into my life.  She supports each decision I make and is always a shoulder to cry on when I need one.  She is the best friend that a girl could ask for.


2. An animal:  Oh geeze.  Well, you know that the answer to this is going to have to be Tiger.  In our nearly six years together, Tiger brought me a lot of joy.  He was a wonderful cat.  He loved me unconditionally.  There would be days when I would be drained from work, and just throw him off of me when I got home.  But, he still would snuggle with me at night.  He took good care of me in our time together.

3. A cozy place in your home:  My bed!  My bed is comfortable, warm and safe.

4. A favorite snack:  Oh how I love Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, frozen yogurt and BBQ chips.  This girl does not cook, so the majority of what I eat is snacks.

5. A place:  Aiken, South Carolina.  This beautiful city will always be home to me.  I will treasure each memory that I have their as a kid.  I will patiently wait for the moment that God brings me back there.  It is the place which I want to get married, raise a family and grow old with someone.

6. A pair of shoes:  My rainbows have always been faithful to me.  They have held up for many years and are still kicking.  They have been out in the rain, in the snow, in the ocean and on the lake.  They have been through a lot. 

Tomorrow, I will write about the scent, restaurant, blog, time of day, tradition and gadget that I am thankful for.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Taking Time

There are many things that I don't like.  I don't like steak, I don't like putting laundry away and I don't like the word panties.  I don't like sour cream near my food, I don't like not having at least one item of jewelry on, and I don't like reading.  One thing I really don't like is dealing with difficult situations.

As you can read in a post from earlier this week, I have had a lot going on over the past few months.  One thing I have not taken the time to do through the events over the last few months is grieve. 

When Philip passed away, I took a week off of work.  But, instead of spending time with my family and grieving, I spent the week with my best friend.  I knew that with her I could avoid dealing with what was happening.  I only cried around her twice that week.  The rest of the week was filled with random drives, coffee shops, walking the Aiken (s)Mall, getting our nails done, and just laughing.  When I had to come back to reality after Philip's funeral, I didn't talk about what happened.  I quit my job a week later and started a new job. 

When I took Tiger to the vet for what I thought was a broken leg, to realize it was something completely different, I tried to avoid the situation. I didn't stay in the room with my baby as they put him to sleep. As long as I didn't see it happen, I didn't have to believe that he was really gone. Then, I walked downstairs in the mornings and he didn't walk me down, I came home from work and he wasn't at the door waiting for me, I laid down at night and he didn't jump in bed with me. He was really gone... But, I kept moving. I talk to the kids that I nanny daily about him and answer any questions that they have. I just keep hoping that it isn't really happening.

When my great-grandpa had a stuttering stroke, I didn't talk to anyone about it.  I hoped that by not talking about it, it would just go away.  I kept working, I kept volunteering, I took no time to go see him.  I hoped that if I didn't see him, he would have to stick around longer.  Then, he passed away.

When I got a call several months ago about my great-uncle being sick, I just brushed the call off.  He couldn't be at the end all ready.  I still remember the last time I saw him, the meals we ate and the shows that we watched together that summer.  Then, I got a call that he passed away.

In all of these situations, I didn't deal with the difficult situation.  I swept it under a rug.  Out of sight, out of mind...

Earlier this week, when I was asked to walk away from something that meant so much to me, my world was officially turned upside down.  I had worked two years to get to where I was.  I had planned vacations around this position.  I had passed up family vacations for this position.  I had jeopardized friendships for this position.  And, by burying myself in this position, I stepped on toes and was asked to step down. 

As the week has progressed, I am beginning to look at this as a blessing in disguise.  I need a break.  I need to take some time.  I need to take time to grieve the deaths that have happened in the last few months.  I need to take time to see friends.  I need to take time to spend with family.  I need to take time to reevaluate some things with God.  I need to make sure I am only pursuing His goals and not goals of my own desire.

As hard as this is to say, I am thankful to have been asked to step down from something I worked so hard for.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Not Giving Up

Don't give up on the God who has never given up on you!
Pastor Perry Noble

The last six months of my life have not been easy.  I feel as if the valleys in my life over the last six months have been long and unbearable, and not had many mountains in between.  I feel as if God is slowly stripping away everything good in my life.  Have you ever felt like this?

I am by no means comparing my life to people who have lost everything.  I am not comparing my life to people who started with nothing.  This is all just a personal reflection of what is going on in my life and how I feel.

Over the last six months, I have been tempted more times than I can count to walk away from God.  I hate to admit that, but it is the truth.

When Philip died, I wanted to hate God.  Why couldn't He make him better?  Why did he have to go?  I was so tempted to turn away from God.  I was tempted to doubt Him.  I never did.  But, it would have been easy to.

When God told me to do something that made no sense, I confusingly followed, and felt like He didn't meet me where I felt called, I wanted to doubt Him.  I wanted to question His motives.  I pressed on, embraced the struggle because I felt like that is where He wanted me to be.  I was tempted to doubt Him.  I never did.  But, it would have been easy to.

When my great-grandpa had a stuttering stroke (about ten strokes back to back), which caused damage to the entire left hemisphere of his brain, paralyzing the entire right side of his body, I wanted to hate God.  I wanted to question His judgement and ask Him why He was hurting all of these people close to me.  I was tempted to doubt Him.  I never did.  But, it would have been easy to.

When I took my cat to the vet for what I thought was a broken leg, but turned out to be a blood clot that paralyzed his back legs, I wanted to get mad at God.  Didn't God know how much Tiger meant to me?  Didn't God know that Tiger was like a child to me?  Hadn't He heard all of the conversations I had with various people about how I hoped to die before Tiger, because I wouldn't know how to live without him?  Didn't He know how much I would miss Tiger walking me down the stairs at the morning, greeting me at the door in the evenings and snuggling with me at night?  I was tempted to doubt Him.  I never did.  But, it would have been easy to.

When my great-grandpa and great-uncle passed away, and I was asked to step down from a role I had worked so hard for in one day, I was tempted to be very angry at God.  He knew how much these people meant to me, right?  He knew how hard I had worked to get in the position, right?  Why was He doing this to me?  I was tempted to doubt Him.  I never did.  But, it would have been easy to.

That "one day" was today.  The moment I was about to doubt God, I began to remember a sermon I was listening to recently by Pastor Perry Noble of Newspring Church.  The sermon was on the life of Job.  He mentioned chapters one and two of Job, where God and the devil are talking.  The devil had to get permission to do anything to God. 

The devil has been granted permission from God to put these hurdles in front of me.  I can react in one of two ways.  Way One - Walk away from everything I have worked so hard on, what I have built my beliefs on and where I believe I am suppose to be based a series of bad events.  Way Two - Embrace this, work harder and prove everyone that I will do what God has called me to do no matter what! 

Way one seems much easier.  It seems much more appealing.  As much as I would like to take the easier route, I have yet to take the easier route and will not start now.  I will be embracing this battle, working harder at the goal God has set before me. 

I will not doubt God.  I will not give up on Him.  I will not walk away from Him.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thanksgiving

I can't wait for Thanksgiving this year.  It may possibly be the best Thanksgiving for me ever!

My middle school girls eGroup will be celebrating Thanksgiving together this Thursday.  We are having a potluck dinner with not only the girls, but their families too!  I can't wait. 

My eGroup started about six weeks ago.  This will be the first time that the girls and their families have been under the same roof at the same time.  I can't wait for us to fellowship together, get to grow closer to one another and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.

I was beginning to stress out about this event.  I had high expectations for it, and wasn't getting a great response about it.  Thankfully, in the last few days everyone has began to gain interest in the event.  All of my eGroup girls will be there, at least one of their parents will be there, and everyone is bringing at least one thing.

What's on tap?  We will be having a ham and a turkey, homemade mac and cheese, famous green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, and banana pudding.

How are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Death

Death is probably one of the scariest words to me.  Death terrifies me.  My death and other peoples death.  I don't enjoy talking about death.  I don't enjoy thinking about death. 

Death has been more common this year than I would have liked for it to be. 

In May, Philip passed away.  It wasn't a surprise, but it still hurt to lose him.  I stood at the end of his hospital bed, and was with him until his last breath.  Watching someone who meant so much to me leave the world is an experience I will never forget.

Last week, I had to put my cat so sleep.  He was about five and a half.  I took him to the vet thinking that he had a broken leg.  It turned out that he had a heart murmur, which caused a blood clot in his back, which caused his rear legs to be paralyzed.  I promise you, putting him to sleep was the last thing I wanted to do.  If I had unlimited funds, I would have done all that I could to make him better.  Sadly, I do not have unlimited funds.  So, I put him out of his pain and sent him on.

My great-grandpa is very sick.  He recently had a stuttering stroke which caused damage to the entire left hemisphere of his brain.  He is non-responsive.  He is paralyzed on the right side of his body.  Doctors were saying that he would pass soon.  This week they changed their mind, and said that as long as he eats a tablespoon of food a day, he could go on like this for months.  Knowing that my great-grandpa is in this state is painful. 

I know that death is a part of life.  I will die.  That is a fact I can not avoid.  But, no one I have known to die has died an easy death. Everyone has been in pain.  Everyone was in pain for months, if not years.  The idea of  me dying a slow, miserable, painful death freaks me out.

I just keep wondering why I am having to deal with the people and animals closest to me to die this year?  Is He preparing me for something?  Is He wanting me to become more comfortable with the idea of death?  Why??


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Being Single Isn't All Bad

I would like you to be free from concern.  An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs – how he can please the Lord.  But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world – how he can please his wife – and his interests are divided.  An unmarried women or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.  But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of the world – how she can please her husband.  I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in the right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35

This week, I have been on a roll talking about what the Lord wants for mine (and your) dating life.  I have been discussing how I gave God control of all of my times, how I will not waste time on a man who is not Mr. Right.  Today, I talk about the positive side of being single.

I am not going to lie.  I want to be in a committed relationship.  I don’t want to continue spending my nights alone with a bowl of ice cream watching Grey’s Anatomy.  I don’t want to continue having no one to call to talk to about my day.  But, this is where I am in my life right now.  God knows me better than I know myself.  I trust that He thinks that this is better for my life right now, than being with someone.  So, I do not hold any bitterness about being single right now.

As I spend more time being single, with no love interests in my life, I have began to evaluate how great this time is for me.  Here are some great things I have found about being single right now.

The most important, I have more time to spend with the Lord.  As you can read above in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, the writer states that an unmarried person should devote themselves to the Lord in both body and spirit.  But, a married person compromises their devotion to the Lord by becoming concerned with the ways of her husband/his wife.  If I were in a dating relationship, I would find myself diving my time with the Lord and with my boyfriend.  Right now, I can devote all of myself to the ways of the Lord.

I have more time to spend with my family.  Right now, I spend Friday nights with my mom.  We go out to dinner, go shopping, and just bond.  I typically go to my parents on Saturday or Sunday to have dinner with them.  This is a great opportunity to strengthen my relationship with my parents.  If I were to be in a relationship, I would spend my weekends with that lucky man.  Right now, I get to spend time with my parents!

I have time to spend time with friends.   In my previous relationships, I spent all of my time with the boy I was with.  I spent less time with my friends.  I have been able to see Victoria more this year, than any year in the past six years.  We take day  trips to halfway points and drive to spend the weekend with one another often.  I love it!!! Right now, I get to spend time with my friends!   

Being single is great!!!  I am so grateful for this time that I have to devote all of my life to the Lord, strengthen my relationship with my family, and spend time with my amazing friends.  I will not take this time for granted. 

 Single people – What do you  have time to do now that you wouldn’t have time to do in a relationship?  Keep looking at the positives!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Not Wasting My Time

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:12

So, yesterday I talked about how I gave God control of my times and how that applies to my dating life (or lack thereof).  Today, I want to talk about not wasting my time on just anyone, how that applies to honoring my future husband and how it relates back to yesterdays post.

Every time I move, my brothers and dad help me.  “Next time, you need to have a boyfriend to help you do this,” is what my dad says as he hugs me and heads home after a full day of helping me move.  I have been thinking about this statement a lot lately. 

I am confident that I could easily walk into any bar, restaurant, or Wal-Mart of that matter and say, “Alright boys, this girl needs a boyfriend.  First one to talk to me gets the job.”  Easy enough.  But, is that what I am looking for?  I am confident that I could strike up a conversation with a boy/man anywhere and get him to ask me out.  But, is that what I am looking for?

No!!!! I am looking for someone to marry.  I spent three and a half years with a boy who was completely wrong for me.  We were going in different directions, we had different goals for our lives, we were looking for unreasonable things in one another.  Then, I spent nearly three more years with someone who had completely different values than me.  I only kept him around because he told me I was pretty.  I don’t want to waste a single moment of my life with the wrong person.  I am searching for someone to marry. 

By no means do I think the next eligible man who steps into my life will be my husband.  I would love it if that were the case, but I am not so naive to think that will actually happen.  I do have a strategy already set for when I feel as if it is time for me to get myself out there.

To my unmarried crowd – Please don’t waste time on the wrong person.  If you are seeing someone; start asking the Christ-like people in your life whose opinion matters to you if the person you are seeing is perfect.  Take their opinion to heart.  Pray about what they have to say. If you aren’t seeing someone; wait for Him to tell you when to get out there. 



---
I wrote a post titled All the Single Ladies about Psalm 31:12 a few months ago.  Check that out, too.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

My times are in Your Hands

My times are in Your hands...
Psalm 31:15

My times are in Your hands... I have stopped searching for Mr. Right.  I do not expect that Mr. Right will come knocking on my door one day.  I do expect that the Lord will put me where I need to be to meet Mr. Right. 
My times are in Your hands... I have stopped actively searching for a job that is spiritually, intellectually and emotionally fulfilling.  I love being a nanny.  I am certain that when my life is where it is suppose to be, He will reveal a job to me that is spiritually, intellectually and emotionally fulfilling.

Well, there are some people in my life who seem to think that letting God take care of my life is crazy.  I constantly hear, "God is busy, Keirstin,"  "Just get out there, Keirstin," "I just want you to be happy,"  "So, any boyfriends?  You interested in anyone?" 

My responses to these people is always the same.  "God isn't too busy for me,"  "I don't have time to get out there,"  "I am happy.  And, I surely don't need a man in my life to make me happy, " and "No and no!"

Well, last night my mom began evaluating how I spend my time.  She told me the things that I should cut out to make time for searching for Mr. Right.  This hurt.  Yeah, I am a busy girl.  I work a lot.  I am heavily involved in activities for Elevation during the week.  But, these are NOT things I am willing to sacrifice right now.

My times are in Your hands... I will not step down from my position at Elevation to spend time searching for a man.  I will not leave the eGroup I attend to spend time searching for a man.  I will not leave my middle school girls eGroup to spend time searching for a man.  And the most time consuming part of my life, work.  I will not quit my job to spend time searching for a man.  When my lie is where it needs to be to find a man, He will begin lightening my load. 

This is what the Lord says,
"In the time of My favor I will answer you,"
Isaiah 49:8

Please note that Isaiah 49:8 says NOTHING about our timing.  He will answer our prayers in the time of His favor.  


To all the single people reading this -
Who is questioning your motives on being single?
Who is questioning your motives about your approach to meeting someone?
Who is bringing you down?
Have you began sacrificing things that are important to you, to go out and search for a partner?

Guess what, the only One who has the authority to question how we are doing things is our heavenly Father!