If you get chilly, here take my sweater

I may be the coldest natured person that the Dear Lord Jesus has ever graced the planet with. And for that reason, ladies and gentlemen, I am the proud owner of over 25 sweaters. Yes, I said it, the secret is out. I am a sweater hoarder, and quite frankly, I'm ok with the whole situation. It is pretty convenient that I have a sweater to match every outfit that I will ever put on. And I can go over three weeks without wearing the same one twice. Seriously, I am living in a dream world!

I have come to know the true power of a good cardigan over the past couple years. If you think really hard and close your eyes, you can actually solve any problem by wrapping a sweater around it. Let's start with the basics:

"Oh, you look like you have the Goosebumps, here take my sweater" (problem solved).

"Excuse me sir but it looks like you were just shot, let me stop the bleeding with my old sweater" (check).

"Oh rip stick! I forgot my pillow on this 9 hour plane ride! Good thing I brought this sweater!" (Crisis averted)

You can also utilize our crocheted friends by stuffing it in the mouth of that annoying girl that sits in front of the classroom and refuses to shut her yap trap.

I mean, clearly, I could go on and on but I think that most of you are starting to get the picture. So, when things get rough and you don't know where to turn . . . should you turn to my closet? Can we really solve life's booboos and owies by wrapping ourselves up in a cotton-poly blend? I have got to admit, this is a tough one. I have been fast to throw icing on a burnt cake in the past. However, sometimes in life the quick fix isn't all it’s cracked up to be. For example, remember when I said you could stuff my sweater in that annoying girl’s mouth to keep her quiet? Yea, well, eventually she is going to spit the sweater back out. Then you are going to have a slobbery sweater and one really outspoken girl ready to let loose on you. NOT a good combination.

Now I have you all confused! So, what should you do the next time you get a little chilly? How about we ask the Big Man to wrap his loving arms around us! How simple does that sound?! He literally can solve any problem, heal any wound, and calm all the fears that are dwelling in your heart. All you have to do is ask. If you think about it, this really is a better deal that my sweater theory. He never goes out of style, and you can't leave him at home. The trick is (which really isn’t a trick at all) you have to have faith that Jesus can do it all.

"Faith is the yes of the heart, a confidence on which one stakes one's life." Martin Luther

"Faith in God is a wonderful commitment; it may come slowly or in a moment, but once it truly gets hold of us it changes just about everything" Extravagant Mercy by M. Craig Barnes

So, let your heart say YES to Jesus. My faith grows stronger each and every day. And even though I will continue to grow my sweater collection most likely for the rest of my life, my relationship with Jesus is growing faster and bigger than my closet could ever handle.
Now, go out this week leaving your sweaters, cardigans, jackets, hoodies, and pullovers at home and test this out for me so we can finally answer this burning question:

Are sweaters the secret to life?

How to be the perfect perfectionist

This week I am taking a class called "A workshop in Counseling procedures." It has been a great class and I have learned a lot not only about the art of a Motivational Interviewer but as a person. We were forced to do this completely awkward and anxiety provoking exercise where we took turns practicing the skills we learned on each other. We each had a turn to be the "patient" where we picked a small issue that we would like to work on to talk about. This could be anything from procrastination to exercising more. I picked to work on my perfectionism complex. I was asked if my perfectionism only dealt with academic responsibilities. I responded that no, I always try to do the best I can in any situation whether it was being the best daughter, the best sister, the best friend and so on. Later that day I was reflecting on the session and all the sudden I felt a bag of rocks hit me upside the head.
If I am so worried at being the best student and daughter, why would I not be trying to be the best Christian? Seriously, it didn't even cross my mind to say that during my session. Shouldn't the most important part of my life be the one thing I put the most effort towards? Sounds simple, I know!
I wonder if I stop putting so much pressure on myself to be the best at everything and put a little more effort into living a life full of Jesus then things would fall into place by themselves. One of the things I find most intriguing about my relationship with Jesus is that he knows my destiny and he still sits by my side and listens to me whine, complain, and push myself to the absolute limit trying to be the best version of myself. Must be pretty entertaining for Him! So, when will I realize that being perfect in His eyes, is simply being myself.

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." 2Samuel 22:31

If I can figure out a way to take full refuge in The Lord and work on my relationship with my Best Friend a little more, then he in turn will provide more for me than I can ever do by working myself to extremes. This is so easy to say, but so hard to understand. I can't satisfy Jesus by making a 4.0 or being a size 2. However, I can satisfy him by having a heart full of His love.

"To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless." Psalm 119:96

I can only get so far on my own, but with The Lord I can do things unimaginable. I think I'll make it my goal this week to turn my perfectionism toward something else, somebody else. . . My merciful man upstairs!
So my perfect people. . .

Is perfectionism the secret to life? 

Mamma Said there would be days like this

Everyone from Mother Teresa to Heidi Klum has a bad day every once in awhile. I don't know when I realized this, maybe it was when my girl Britney broke down and shaved her golden locks off. . . I'm not totally sure. What I am sure of is, no one is an exception to the awful, terrible, no good, very bad day. So, what do we do when we get hit with one of these monsters? My first instinct is to just give up, throw in the towel, and make sure EVERYONE knows that today is not the day to mess with this cowgirl. But honestly, what good is that doing? By succumbing to the bad events that I experience I am basically saying that the things that happen to me, the bad grade, the wreck, fight with my (non existent) boyfriend, stubbed toe, or  uncooperative hair is bigger than me, and Him for that matter. But, what if, the next time something bad happens to us, we shout out a little hallelujah? I mean, how are we supposed to appreciate the good in life when we have nothing bad to compare it to? I would  never understand how great it feels to strut my stuff in front of a crowd if I have never busted it in the midst of about 40 people. . . right? Ok, that could be a stretch. But seriously, there has to be a bad day in order to have a good day or a FABULOUS day for that matter!So, next time you pop the button on your fat jeans or get stranded in the rain without an umbrella thank The GOOD Lord for showing you that life isn't perfect. . . and that is a Darn Good Thing!

Is having a bad day the secret to life?

A hold on my heart

Love is the mystery this week. Does this undefinable fairytale feeling solve all of life's tumultuous issues? I can't say that I am liable to answer this question. I say this because I have never been "In Love" in all of my long drawn out 21 years.
Does this bother me? Well, sometimes. Mainly when I visit family or old friends who pop the never-ending question, "Do you have a boyfriend, yet?"
"Well, no grandma, I don't thanks for rubbing that sore in for me."
And then the follow up, "Well, why not?"
This is where I want to say "Because I want to rot and be alone and miserable for the entirety of my life."
But instead I calmly go with the less facetious response of, "I don't know."
So, if I was to have found my knight in shining armor by now, would I have all my ducks in a row? I've always told myself, I know God is going to put the perfect man in my life at the right time. I know that I have to be fully stable in a relationship with Him in order to involve myself in a relationship with any ole random schmoo off the streets. But when I step back and evaluate my life thus far, I realize that I live a pretty awesome life that is filled with some pretty awesome people. I have gotten opportunities to do things with my time that not everyone gets to do. I have been able to focus on myself, and my own spiritual well-being for 21 years, which is pretty neat. And let me tell you, I still don't have it all figured out (obviously).
So maybe love is the answer to my search. But perhaps this love involves something other than Dr. Mcdreamy. I'm thinkin' that my love story involves a weary soul and a merciful Creator. And to be honest. . . I'm likin' the sound of that. How can I go wrong with the one who: knows me better than anyone on this earth, will never desert me or cause me harm, and who is always there no matter what I do. I think I got lucky here. I'm in love with the only perfect thing that exists, and the best part is He loves me right back!
So, grandma, the reason I don't have a boyfriend is not because I'm not worthy of true love, it's because Jesus has a hold on my heart and he won't give it away to just anyone!

Is falling in love the secret to life?

Advisement Week!!!

Advisement is sneaking up on us at Southern Miss. While many students moan and groan when they hear the phrase, "It's time to sign up for advisement", I get weirdly excited. As a matter of fact, I was the first student to sign up for advisement in my department (I'm a complete dork I know). Maybe I love advisement because I am blessed with a wonderful advisor. She literally would do anything for her students. Along with being my advisor, she is also my very favorite teacher. I always feel prepared in her classes and gain so much from her lectures. Without her, I would probably be an utter wreck! She is the reason that I finally know what I want to do with my life. I never feel unsure when I leave her office. Which brings me to my point, all of us need some sort of advisement in our lives, we all need guidance.

Some may find their way through self help books, a parent, or maybe Oprah is your go to guide to life. However, I am learning to rely on, you guessed it, The Man Upstairs. When it comes to making decisions regarding my education I never question the suggestions that my advisor gives me. But man oh man, I have had some major pain in my neck from listening to Jesus’ advice. I do not know exactly why that is but I have discovered that when I do listen I am usually pretty satisfied with the results. I wish I felt as confident after a long talk with Jesus as I do after a long talk with my advisor. I mean I'm pretty sure he knows more than she does. So, next time I am in a pickle instead of running to my advisor's office I will take a second and talk to The Lord. I have heard he will never steer anyone in the wrong direction. . .

Is finding guidance the secret to life?

 ¹The LORD is my shepherd,
         I shall not want.
    ²He makes me lie down in green pastures;
         He leads me beside quiet waters.
    ³He restores my soul;
         He guides me in the paths of righteousness         For His name's sake.
    ⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
         I fear no evil, for You are with me;
         Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
    ⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
         You have anointed my head with oil;
         My cup overflows.
    ⁶Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
         And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23

Safety First?

If you are the kind of person who loves a good bungee jump or enjoys doing insane activities like jumping out of airplanes, then I commend you. Those are two things I would rather not ever attempt to do in my lifetime. The mere thought of it makes me wanna crawl under my blanket and cling tightly to my pillow. I have been thinking about the normalcy of my life lately and have been struck with a realization that I do not love so much. I live a plain Jane always the same life. Yes, I love my life and my friends and all that jazz but a girl has got to get some adventure up in her life ya know!?
So, does this mean I also play it safe when it comes to loving Jesus? In Crazy Love, Francis Chan says, "Christians today like to play it safe. We want to put ourselves in a situation where we are safe, 'even if there is no God.'" Which is totally true for me. I like to know that I am in the clear if there is a God, but don't miss out on life, just in case this whole Jesus thing turns out to be a hoax. I wish someone would have hit me in the head with this a while ago because HELLO! This is no way to live! With Jesus, you're either in or your out, there is no meet me in the middle in this situation. "Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers." In order to really surrender our whole hearts to Christ we must do things on this Earth that seem pretty crazy, but when we reach eternity it will be so well worth the risk! To be a Christian it is necassary to take risks and do things that are scary. We need to jump out of the plane! Maybe I just need to go sky diving. . .who wants to join???

Is adventure the secret to life?

This is my friend Christie sky diving. . . doesn't look so bad!!!

Sob Story

Tears are all too often given the shaft. In the past, if I were to think about tears I would envision crying. Then I would think about being hurt, sad, unwanted, used, injured and everything else negative. However, I am beginning to see a whole new side to these mascara running, eye puffing creatures. Lately, tears have been pouring out of my eyes at record amounts. Why have I been boo hooing around the clock these days? I have no earthly clue. This definitely turned my thinking cap on.  Why do we tie such a negative connotation to tears?  I have been treating tears as my enemy my whole life, but I think its time I cut them some slack.

Did you know that even when you are not crying, tears flow from your lacrimal glands with every blink, moistening your eyes. This moisture helps to maintain healthy vision. Tears clear your eyes of debris and allow light to enter your eyes so you can see.

How interesting is that?? Tears make it possible for us to see, they wash us clean of distractions. In my past, holding back my tears may have kept me from seeing the light. I think it might be about time we take a stand for our watery friends! Yea they may puff my eyes up to the size of a peach and turn them as red as tomatoes, but that's only one side of their story.
Is the problem that we are facing holding back our tears? Maybe, just maybe, if we gave a little more respect to our cryin' eyes we would have a much better view of the world. . .
We need tears. So stop holding yourself back and let 'em flow!

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting."
Psalm 126:5

Are tears the secret to life?

Have a blessed week!

xoxo

Kathryn

Don't try this alone

So, I am sitting in my room alone on a Saturday night. My friends are all out gallivanting with their Valentines having early celebrations of the wonderful day of love, romance, and mushy gushy sweetness. I started to work on a study guide for a test but I couldn't concentrate. You would think that this would be the perfect time to get some studying done in this house, which is usually filled with noise that can be heard all the way in China . . ok ok I'm guilty, that noise usually is coming from me. Anyway, I can't really get a thing done. Besides not being able to get the burning craving I am having for a Sonic Blast out of my mind, I just wish I had a friend here right now to talk about Jesus with.

Maybe the reason my lamp of faith has had its shade on recently is because I don't have anyone around me who has challenged me to reveal it. As Christians, we need to surround ourselves with others who believe and want the same things in life as we do. How can I grow in my walk with God if I am trying to do it alone? I don't do anything alone, the only reason I haven't gone out to get that Sonic Blast tonight is because I would have to endure the 2 minute drive there by myself. So, why in the world would I try to do this whole Christian thing by myself? Jesus is meant to be shared.

Since I have been on the geek train tonight,  I'll explain it this way: Say you are studying for a test or working on a project. Would it not make more sense to grab a classmate and say, "Hey, let's put our notes and our brains together." This way, you both have more knowledge, materials, and resources to be successful. Plus, studying with a friend is soooooooo much more enjoyable than being cooped up in a room all by your lonesome.

I have finally gotten it drilled through my heart that, its not possible to be a Christian by yourself. We need community and support and we need to be challenged by other followers. If the spirit and joy of the Lord is so strong and contagious, how and  why would anyone want to keep that to themselves? From the very beginning God said that is is not good for man to be alone. Let's rally together people! There is strength in numbers!

Is a Christian Community the secret to life?

In the spirit of Valentines Day here is a video of one of my favorite songs.

Orange You Glad I Didn't Say. . .

The banana is what I like to call the universal fruit. I mean seriously name one other fruit that has this many uses. Bananas can be put in cereal, on a sandwich, in pudding, made into bread, frozen into a chocolaty treat, dipped in peanut butter, and even put to rest muscle cramps. Yea, I am pretty sure I would rather not eat cantaloupe bread, make a peanut butter and orange sandwich, and eat a frozen chocolate covered watermelon. It seems like the banana has it going on. Should we go ahead update our medical books to "A banana a day keeps the doctor away?" Maybe. Let's find out.
Have you ever looked at the shape of a banana? I mean really looked at it, turned it sideways, upside down, and backwards to see all dimensions of this mega fruit? I'm only asking because well, I have. A banana at different angles resembles a moon, rainbow, smile, telephone, mountain, bridge and much more. Remember when you were a little kid and you would rather play with the kitchen pots and pans than your $150 doll house? Have you ever wondered why? It's because of the ability to use your imagination and turn the pot into whatever you want! It could be a drum, a hat, or a kettle filled with witches brew! It is the transformation of the pot that kept you so interested and intrigued after hours of continuous, loud, and annoying pot banging.
So, why would I think that a banana is the secret to life? Because of its ability to metemorphosize into so many things.
I believe a huge part of our population has a beef with change and transforming as the world turns. I personally could live without change sometimes. I like to stay at ease in my comfort zone.  But God doesn't call us to sit around and be comfortable does he? NO! To be a strong faithful christian we must take a step toward the unknown, take risks, and adapt! In Romans 12:2 the bible says:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 I have been struggling with the whole idea of growing up lately. It seriously freaks-me-out! In a year and a half I will be a college graduate aka and adult! I am not sure if I am prepared to deal with that! But, you don't see a banana jumping out of its peel at the thought of being put into a recipe for bread. However, you do taste the the richness that is created as a product of this change. Mhhmmmm Mhhmmmm!
 So, is the issue at hand transformation? Am I seeking to stay close to a God in an evolving world while I refuse to move?
So maybe we should all go bananas. . .

Are bananas the secret to life?

XOXO
Kathryn

Louboutins Vs. A Fresh Pair of Nikes

                 

Have you ever heard the phrase, “I’m on a walk with Christ”? Most likely you have and if not, well today is your lucky day because now you have! Jesus calls us to walk with him on a great journey of faith and love. However, have you ever wondered what kind of shoes are on your feet as you are walking this journey? The answer to that question is most  likely a big fat negative. So, I started to do a little thinking this week. The first thing I needed to figure out in order to decide what pair of shoes I need to lace up in was where have I been walking, and where do I want to continue to walk. The first half of that question did not take me long to figure out, I have been walking down a spiritual path filled with road blocks left and right. Imagine your neighborhood street after a hurricane whipped through. There is debris everywhere and plenty of distractions (including that FINE hottie helping your neighbor get the tree lifted off her car!).

Anyway, here is my question: If I had on an AMAZE pair of Louboutin pumps while walking down this destructed path, would I have seen the light a little sooner, or would I still be in utter darkness. (For all you guys out there Louboutins are the Mercedes of shoes! A basic black pump runs at about $600, and do not start to fret because YES, mens shoes are available!) This question seems kind of funny to ask but take a deeper look at it with me:

Jesus is constantly pursuing each one of us. I would say that at the moment Jesus is pursuing me full throttle. The difference between now and last year is this time my heart is totally captivated! I’m now contemplating does that have anything to do with the shoes on my feet???
Stay with me on this one: Imagine you are at Disney World and you are wearing a pair of Jessica Simpson platform heels. You may be lookin supafly, but do you think you really would want to gallivant around the park all day in those weapons? Chances are, you are screaming out a big N-O in your head right now. These shoes are holding you back from experiencing the happiest place on Earth! Now, imagine that you exchanged those brutal heels for some fresh Nike Shox. Who wants to make a run to Animal Kingdom? HOLLLAAAA!!!

Did you make the connection? Disney would was the same when you were wearing the heels and the tennis shoes. It was YOU that felt different. It was YOU that went from just wanting to relax and put your feet up, to wanting to run around and soak up as much wholesome fun as you could!
Jesus was the same yesterday that He is today and will be tomorrow. He has been calling my name since before I was born. I just had the wrong shoes on. So, now its your turn to make the call,

Is the Secret to life a good pair of shoes?

Feedback is encouraged I would love to hear your thoughts!!!

Happy Friday!
Kathryn

The Search is On

 

Hello friends!!! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Kathryn. I am 21 years old and am currently at a crossroad. This Monday I asked my Phi Mu chapter to take time and write a letter to themselves. The letter could include anything from New Years resolutions, goals for the year, or if they so pleased a list of “Would you rather” jokes. (For example: Would you rather eat 15 unused cotton balls, or drink a gallon of salt water?) At the end of 2011 I told them I would send the letter back to them via snail mail. Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks. BOOOMMM! As I was receiving all of these letters back, I couldn’t for-the-life-of-me figure out what I wanted to write in my own letter! To be honest, a month ago I probably would have said that I had it all figured out, my life was finally perfectly in place, and I didn’t need to make any changes whatsoever. But boy oh boy, was I mistaken! I have had a lot of time to think over the brutally dragged out Christmas break, and this is all I could come up with: I AM A MESS!

Let me give you a little information to help you understand:
At the beginning of my college career I was full throttle Jesus Freak on fire! The good Lord was filling my love tank up each and every day and I could not get enough! I actually acquired the nickname, Little Jesus. Which, until recently was something that I resented with a mile deep passion. Then, “college life” zoomed in at 120 miles per hour. I got caught up in school, new friends, being a sorority girl, and trying to balance my new life in with my old faith. How wrong does that sound? I was trying to balance my faith in with my life, aka Jesus was being put on a big fat hold! Eventually, He got shoved in the back of my messy closet. But don’t worry, I pulled him out every once in a while to make sure people remembered I was a Christian. HA!

This brings me to the present, I am currently on a mission to ignite my hotter than hot love for the big man upstairs once again! How do I do this? I don’t really know. So, I picked up an old book I had started reading a long time ago, Crazy Love (Highlyyyyy recommended!). This made me realize something, I’ve been a lukewarm Christian the past two years. YUCK! For those of you who are not sure what that is, let me give you a couple of characteristics (all thanks to Francis Chan).
1.They desire to fit in both inside the church and outside the church
2. They don’t want to be saved from their sins, rather the penalty of them
3. They are moved by people who do radical things, yet they themselves do nothing
4. (This is the most cringing of them all ) They rarely share their faith because they do not want to make people feel uncomfortable!

What does all of this have to do with finding the secret to life you ask? Well, I want to figure out what Jesus’ big secret is!

As we both pursue each other on this new journey of revived faith, I want to find out what I was missing 2 years ago that made it so easy to rid me of my yearning for the Lord.

What is it that satisfies the human heart to the utmost core? I LOVE loving Jesus and now I want to find out what he is holding out on me with! Is it true love, music, a good vacation, or is the secret embedded in my guilty pleasure: GOSSIP GIRL? Consider this my letter to myself. I am setting a time crunch of one year to figure it out. This means I have 365 days and 52 weeks to explore the worlds most compelling mystery. Every week I will dissect a topic from laughter to grandparents, from a cozy bed to a best friend, what is it that makes the world go round? At the end of one year I will pick THE secret of life from these 52 topics. Is it possible? I am not sure, but I am excited to find out!
So, please join me on this journey and invite your friends! Maybe together we can put this mystery to rest!

Peace out rainbow trout!
Kathryn