How you view God, reflects your view of yourself

          In this day and age, women look down on themselves. It's probably nothing new, but this is for many reasons and happens in many different ways. The most common way, though, is how they view their God-given body. Their initial shape, weight, and height is a factor of stress, depression, and self worth.   One can usually tell women that are more proud of what God has given them shape wise. Often times, women will wear clothing that shows them off, more than showing Christ off because in our society, if you look good, or feel good, you must be doing something right.

What goes into your mind is usually what comes out in attitude, especially if you believe it. Most women do one of two things; they eat right, or they work out. If I were to go around with a survey asking you why you eat right and/or work out, what would you say? Would it be “Because I want to be healthy”? Or “I want to keep myself looking good”? Or would it be something more like this:

“I want to make myself look good”?

The key problem? Your view. The view you have of yourself, and the one of the God that formed you in your mothers’ womb. Do you have problems with your health? Guess what, it’s a sin problem. Maybe not with you, but sin is in our world, infesting it, trying to take over. You don’t have a perfect body, rear-end, complexion, smile, hair? Guess what, ladies, NO ONE DOES! That woman that you admire so much? (Another “Guess what?”) She had her hair done. She whitened her teeth. She works out.

The main question I want to throw at you is this: What do you have the view of yourself that you have?

I may not love my body. Yeah, I have fat here and there. I have bad hair day(s!). I use whitening tooth paste. It’s not wrong. But make sure your focus is correct, with the right outlook on life, and on Christ. Make sure you don’t pass down to your daughters a wrong outlook of why you are the way that you are.  Don’t let your sisters, grand-daughter, daughter-in-law go on thinking that they have no shot in every living up to anyone’s standards. The worlds’ standards on beauty are wrong. They teach women of all ages that they will never be good enough, beautiful enough, skinny enough, curvy enough, when, darlin’, that’s just not true.

Don’t wear sweatpants cause you feel fat. Wear them because they’re comfortable. Ladies, there are many different styles of clothing. Find the kind that fits your body style, and strut (don’t show off) what the Lord gave you! Don’t want around holding your arms because they flap when you wave, because, a different side of this, is pride. Ask yourself why you don’t to look bad in front of people. Are you afraid of other women judging you, because you judge their flapping arm fat? Think about it…and be honest with yourself.

Now, back to the reason we are on this topic. The younger generation. Those women and young ladies that are impressionable. And they look to you. They look to us.  Help their thinking. Help them by what you say about your own body. No, you don’t have to go around flaunting your good-looking bod. Clothe it with respect, and walk around with your head held high. 

"You may find your worst enemy or best friend in yourself" - English Proverb 

"You can't live a positive life with a negative mind" - unknown 

Love is a journey... Part 1

And we started our journey March 12, 2011. Sunday evening when we were at my home church in Derby Kansas. Not "us" technically. Nick went to a Bible college from the North side of Wisconsin. The Lord has led him to travel with the ministry team that went around, well, ministering to various churches and school's, recruiting students for the college. The team was in my hometown for a two-day weekend, to have a youth activity with the teens, be in charge of Sunday school for them, then have an activity for the College and Career aged group of people as well.

I was busy with work, closing up the place every weekend night, which means 1-2 a.m. evenings. This meant I did not make it to Sunday school, just church - barely. This particular Sunday, I had no idea this team of all guys from a Bible school were going to be in town. (Crazy for a single girl to not know, right?!) So, I walked in a few minutes late to a guy at the podium I had never seen before, but would like to have.

I quickly found my family, squeezed in the pew, and sat down taking mental notes of the other heads I could only view the back of. "Darn it", I said to myself, thinking this would have been a good to day be on time, or even a little early. Any other team we had come to our church had mostly woman in them and if there were men, they were all engaged, married, or, honestly, not that good to look at. This team, however, was a little different. If, you know what I mean!

That afternoon, I didn't think much of it. I had a lot going on that day, so my mind was somewhere else. My sister and I took the day to go horseback riding for my first time. Throughout that time, my poor foot was stepped on by the hoof of a 30,000,000 pound horse (again, not really, but the point is made.)! My sister, Elise, came away with more sustained injuries after being thrown quite a few feet from a rather brat-like horse, in my profession opinion! My thoughts were engaged elsewhere, to say the least.

That is, until we arrived home, at my parents' home for the afternoon. As we told our sleepy-looking parents our stories of the day and started thinking about whether or not we would make it to church that evening, my mind went to those five handsome strangers of which I had no existed until that very morning. I thought about it, and decided I should go. I was very single, after all. While deciding what to wear for the service and the activity afterwards, I chose my trusty KU basketball shirt since they had a game that night I would watch later on. So with my Kansas blue shirt, capri's and tennis, I was out the door. But before I left, I shouted back to my two younger sisters, "Don't wait up for me, I'm gonna go meet my future husband tonight!"....

Top ten [known] changes this year:

 1. I am going to be a wife.
 2. I am going to get a husband.
 3. My last name will change.
 4. I am moving out of state.
 5. I'm turning 23
 6. I will quit my job and start a new one in Arkansas.
 7. I am gaining a mother and father-in-law.
 8. I will start running my own house (or apartment).
 9. I got engaged.
 10. I will be attending a new church, with my new husband, and we will be starting a different kind of  ministry together.

These are just the changes that we are aware of so far. I cannot even describe the level of excitement for starting a new life with someone, and the balanced level of uncertainty with leaving my current life, living conditions, job, friends... The list can go on and on. However, for times sake, I shall stop there.

As an update for those who may not have known about #6, my fiancé got a job in Arkansas as an Assistant pastor at a Bible church. We are ecstatic (and nervous!) about this new direction the Lord is having us take right before we start our new life together. We ask for prayer and wisdom on other decisions we have to make and that God would give us abounding grace to get through these changes. 

Grow up, or you'll grow old.

 "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop 
playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. 

You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die.
We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! 
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up.

If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old.

If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. 

Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. 
Have no regrets.

The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those 
with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose."

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.

At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died 
peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's 
never too late to be all you can possibly be. 

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS 
OPTIONAL.

We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give."

Giving Thanks God's Way: Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week. What is it for? Well, giving thanks. For all God has done, given us, things we usually forget to thank Him for, and even what we don’t think as a blessing in our lives. Usually it’s so easy to come up with a list of things we are all grateful for. And usually, they’re the same things that everyone else is thankful for. However, this year, God has given me the incredibly hard task of looking to the other things in life he blessed me with this year, and even right now in my life.

The list most people give are:  Family, friends, a house, food to eat, clothing to wear, a car to drive, etc, etc, you get my point; moving on.  

This year is much harder. There has been so much pain, heartache, heart break, let down, stress, worry. 

Yes, all of those things most people are grateful for are wonderful, and I am too grateful for them, but I know there are much bigger, more important things God is asking me to just say “thank You” for. Like heartache that has grown me closer to Jesus. Let down that makes me run to Christ. Pain that only my Lord God can heal..in His time. He is teaching me patience, love, selflessness, diligence, and contentment with this life that He has blessed me with. I am truly thankful for all I have, but He is simply asking me to be content with everything else that makes up the rough patches in life.

Let me tell you, it’s hard. So tough to sit down and praise God for all the pain He has allowed. But I have been thinking about it a wrong sense. I am thankful for how I have grown, what I’ve learned; about me and about my Savior, things I have seen God do in other’s lives. I am thankful. Even though it means that I cry myself to sleep. Even though my plans for getting married have been removed from my life. Even though I go out to eat alone. I wake up with hope. Hope in the fact that I have a bright future no matter what my past looks like. No matter what I have done, or what others have done. God is sovereign, and in that, I give thanks. 

Below is the song that my heart has clung to this week of tough decisions and growing up. 

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

All of Philippians 4  <-----Click here.

think on these things

While pondering what I would do if I knew, as a fact, that I would have one day left to live and what I would do or how I would spend that day, I got thinking a little. Or, a lot, rather.

I would be scared, confused. I would want to spend it with the love of my life and my family. But when I started thinking how I would want it, I started seeing a reality mock up of that day/night. I would be fighting a lot. Arguing, saying things I didn't mean, but would say out of fear for the unknown.

During this epiphany at 2:30 in the morning, I came to the conclusion, this is exactly the reason God does not allow us to know when our end will come. He knew exactly how we would react to matters of money, wealth, power, illness, and He for-knew that we would act as complete idiots with this information. He knew we couldn't handle the truth.

Human's are creatures of habit. And because of this, we don't like when life throws curve balls in the way of our happiness. However, that kind of thinking is why so much depression is caused. Our minds are not open, we are set on our "Ten Year Plan" and if anything deviates from that, our life is off focus and we feel we need to regroup. What idiots we are!

After coming to his conclusion, I for one, am eternally grateful that my Lord does not withhold any good thing from me (Psalm 84:11)

My God loves me. Withholding this news from us, is proof He loves us so much He wants us to live in harmony and love toward each other. Not in quarrelsome attitudes, but unfailing mercy and grace. 



Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

blessings through affliction

This time last year I had so many decision to make; whether or not I should go to school and seek out God's will for my life, stay here and continue working aimlessly. I made a decision, though. Based on faith in Christ and in His sovereign hand in my life. He taught me so much through choosing Him and making the hard decision to follow blindly to the state of Wisconsin for a year and trust He knew what He was doing in my life. Leaning on Christ was the hardest, most exciting, rewarding thing in my spiritual walk I had done up till that point. Independence, yet being dependent on God, makes your faith, trust and love for Christs stronger than you can imagine, but God doesn't stop there. He never will. He will always keep pushing, pulling, shoving, and dropping you out of His comfortable nest, to see us fly and learn that new isn't always bad. The tough things in life always seem to be the most peace-offering.

This time last year, I was scared about the following year and what God would allow in my life, making me stronger in my walk. I never could have imagined the heart break I would feel in the up coming times, but the Lord is gracious and always exceeds my expectations. Always.

Long, rocky roads are only rocky for a time. Time is a great healer, or so I've heard. Wounds hurt deep, but are never healed in vain. God's grace abounds. He said it would! I can only praise God for the blessings He brought into my life through the pain I have been allowed to feel and go through. I can definitely think of harder situations or differing scenarios  than those I went through, and I will be the first to say, my God loves me. This, I know!

Recap: Yes, I may feel like I am back in my own aimless world of last year before my life changed forever, but I have changed. Therefore, I can change my look on my situation and know that I am not without hope. I, occasionally, feel like I am waiting around with nothing to do until God brings another road to walk, but shame on me for thinking He doesn't have me here, right now for something just as great. Maybe in my life, maybe in someone else's. That doesn't matter. My God reigns. What right do I have to be so selfish as to think He may bring a situation in my life that only I may benefit from? None! Almighty God can do all things.
And He will do the best for me and I will attempt to be my best for Him.

Because I love Him.
Praise Him for His excellent greatness! (Psalm 150)

Gods word: from Him to me

Hebrews has been such a blessing to me! Reading chapter 9 I learned and truly saw the meaning and reason Christ came to earth to die the terrible death He died. How His blood covered our sins. He not only forgave ones I committed yesterday and today but already forgave the ones I WILL commit tomorrow and is standing by, ready to hold me in His loving, precious arms. Notice how many changed have been made to the appearance of the text. Notice how many time each of the embellished words are mentioned. When God says something once, He means it. When He says something more than once, He wants you to KNOW it with every part of your being! This is something I have been trying to capture in my mind and learn how to study out His Word(2 Timothy 3:16) in my every day study.




Hebrews 10:1-39



For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.


*A change in direction*


Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

The Power of Music

A song that has recently had a great inpact on me is one called "Time In Between" by Franchesca Battistelli. 


Her songs usually speak to me because of their meaning and passion she puts into them. This one, however, has more. It has the power to bring tears to the eyes of anyone who has no clue what's going on for two reasons: 1) It's beautiful and passionate and 2) because it shows the world's Creator being tortured in a gut-wrenching way. Here are some of the words and a link to the song you can find by clicking  here. Enjoy!

You were there when your Father said
"Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3) 
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb (Matthew 1) 
Three days in a borrowed tomb (Matthew 27:57-61) 

(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between (Matthew 1-26) 
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me (John 3:16-21)
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between

Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again

(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between

So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all

(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe (Acts 16:31)
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between

The parts with the highlighted areas are where I looked up passages to go with these statements. There are also different ones for most, except Genesis 1. There are four gospels like John and Matthew, and there are many ways to communicate it. These are simply the ones I chose. 

~Caitlin 

Unimportant Arguments

I hate fighting with God. No matter how much I get upset about things that I think he does just to irk me, if I go to Him, and appeal to Him, he is faithful and shows me again and again that He loves me and whatever I am being stupid and sensitive about, is actually for my own good and He is being my loving protector.

Passages like 1 Timothy 2 where it talks about the purpose of a women in the church makes me so mad. Guys get so much responsibility and God works through them in a great way. But what do I get? I get to pray? Behind the scenes? I'm supposed to submit? And stay quiet when it comes to teaching?

Sometimes, I plainly do not agree with what God does. But not too long ago. Like, literally 10 minutes ago, I went to Him and told him I wasn't happy. I was upset that I wasn't being "treated right" or wasn't getting the same "responsibility" men have in the church because of a woman HE made so long ago was deceived by a fallen male angel. This may not be correct to the whole extent, but that was my argument. But God answered faster than I could cry out.

"Do you trust Me?" He asked.
"... Sometime, I actually wonder.." I admit guilty.
"What have I done for you? Who am I? How much do I love you? he kept asking and I had no answer.

Ouch...

All right. Jesus? You win. Still. Again. Always.

I do love you. Thanks for loving me too.


P.S. No that was not the whole argument. I had a LOT more to say. And so did He. But this was the crucial part.

Sovereignty Through Something Like Music

God has a way of bring me to my knees by the things I love. Music is a huge part of my life, and I love seeing God work in me through it. Today on our way home from church, All of these different songs, with very differing words filled the the car with their lyrics and overtook me, my emotions, and I felt God working, changing me. 

All these songs spoke to me. In the way the music moves and has such truth in each one. And God allowed them to be played in this order on the way back.  They all have meanings and all meant something very huge to me all at the same time. The perfect order, the perfect songs for what Jesus knew I needed today. And now I will shut up and let the words speak for themselves.  

Slow Fade - Casting Crowns 


Be careful little eyes what you see
It?s the second glance that ties your hands
As darkness pulls the strings


And thoughts invade, choices are made
A price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

It?s a slow fade
It?s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattering leads to compromises
The end is always near

Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises
Leave broken hearts astray


People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day




                      ~(*)~
What Do I Know of Holy? - Addison Road 


What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?


                       ~(*)~


Blessings - Laura Story 

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are your mercies in disguise

                    ~(*)~

My Savior, My God - Aaron Shust 

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

~Caitlin 

Faithfully

Four weeks ago, Nick and I started reading a book called "When God Writes Your Love Story" and we loved every minute of it, no matter how grueling it may have been to read about how we have failed. But we know that God is always faithful, even if we aren't. This song is one that the authors wrote together and sang themselves when they were much younger. They have a truly amazing story and I can't wait to start reading "When Dreams Come True" by Eric and Leslie Ludy as well. 

We love the book we read together, and will now embark on reading the next one together. Lord willing, we will get a lot of out seeing a Christ-like relationship lived out, even if our circumstances are different. 

Here are the lyrics to the song above:

Tonight I saw a shooting star
Made me wonder where you are
For years I have been dreaming of you
And I wonder if you're thinking of me too
In this world of cheap romance
And love that only fades after the dance
They say that i'm a fool to wait for something more
How can I really love someone i've never seen before
But I have longed for true love every day that I have lived
And I know that real love is all about learning how to give
So I pray that god will bring you to me
And I pray you'll find me waiting faithfully

Faithfully, I am yours
From now until forever
Faithfully, I will write
Write you a love song with my life
Cause this kind of loves worth waiting for
No matter how long it takes I am yours
Faithfully

Tonight I saw two lovers kiss
Reminded me of my own loneliness
They say that i'm a fool to keep on praying for you
How can I give up pleasure for a dream that won't come true
But I will keep believing that god still has a plan
And though I can't see you now,
I know that he can
And someday I will give you all of me
Until I find you, i'll be waiting faithfully

Faithfully, I am yours
From now until forever
Faithfully, I will write
Write you a love song with my life
Cause this kind of loves worth waiting for
No matter how long it takes I am yours
Faithfully

Embarking on New Adventures...

...alone, yet again.

Sort of. The last 18 hours has been a shocker for me. And a big one. One of my biggest fears of dating came true. And not only did it happen, but what makes it even harder, I watched it happen with my own eyes while it happened.
What a kick in the stomach, and head, and lungs, and anything else that would take your breathe away so badly you feel like throwing up and haven't eaten in 24 hours. This never happens to me. I'm kind of like a boy when it comes to food and eating, but I have felt like an emotional eater, today especially in the sense that I am not hungry. I've drunk a lot of water to fill my stomach that hurts, but it's pain. Not hunger. Maybe God wanted me to fast for a few days. Maybe. And if so, it's definitely happening because I know I won't keep anything down anyways.

Life right now, is a whirlwind of emotions, broken promises, hurt feelings, immature decisions (on both parts), heavy hearts filled with regret, and deep depression.
I haven't felt depression like this since I was 18, not sure if I would live another year.

I hear all the time that it's selfish to want Christ to come back and take all this hurt away. But I also hear that it's selfish to want to stay here so we can see our kids graduate, get married, get married ourselves? But the truth of the matter is that we are to do what the Lord commands as long as He commands it. No matter what. No questions asked.
I fail. I want to know what the purpose is for this. But then God rebukes me; I know why it's happening - for my own good.
Yesterday, before all this went down, I was sitting in church and heard a quote that I loved..not knowing yet that it pertained to me in such a vast way.

"Every trial we face is allowed by God for our ultimate good." - James MacDonald

Also, one from the week before... " If God doesn't plan to use it, He wouldn't have allowed it."

I thank my savior for the series we have been covering in church. It was a blessing without a trial. It is a stronghold with a trial.

I praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.

II Corinthians 12

So This Is Love

5 Months. 

Sunday, February 12, 2012 marks five months with the love of my life. 

I love that man. 

He makes me mad. He makes me happy. He brings the best and worst out of me. 

These were the pictures we got taken right after our 4th monthiversary.  A "just for fun" couple shoot.

The closeness of these just astound me. I truly amazes me how comfortable we not only feel, but look when we are together. 

The Lord has truly blessed me in the last 11 months since I have met this wonderful person that has been allowed to be in my life. I have always wanted someone I could be myself with. I found myself when I met him. He pushes me in my relationship with my savior and loves me even though I am human and show it. God, through him, shows me grace and an unconditional love. I love him with all of my heart I have to give. 

Sunday: what an amazing day to celebrate how God brought us together! 

I love watching God work. I love being a part of His handy work. He is amazing and I am so incredibly excited to see how Christ leads the next chapter in our lives and He brings us closer together, through Him.

Photos by J<3DH Photography. 

Bringing In The New Year

2011...

Well, this has been, by FAR, the best year of my entire life.

I have:

1) Worked two jobs without getting overwhelmed or so sick that I had to quit
2) Met the guy of my dreams
3) fallen in love with this guy I’ve been waiting for my whole life
4) God called me to go to school and see my guy every day
5) I get to learn about my Jesus every day at school
6) Improved my relationships at home with parents and siblings, both
7) Become best friends with my sisters
8) Fell in love
9) Moved to Wisconsin for school
10) Started the adventure of dating my wonderful boyfriend
11) Passed ALL my classes at school
12) Learned a little more about life and people.
13) Just one more year to seeing my Lord and savior
14) Made LOTS of new friends
15) Made this year different because of a different attitude towards life
16) Rode my first roller-coaster
17) Drove 9 hours by myself
18) Added 3 more states to my "have been to's"
19)....Etc

I may not have enjoyed every single aspect of this year, but it was definitely the best year I have ever had and I can honestly say that I can not wait to see what the year 2012 brings and what the Lord brings into my life.
Starting on January 1st of 2012, I am starting a new Bible study with this amazing man of mine and we are reading the Bible in a year. Chronologically.  I am so excited to see how the Lord will use this in my life to better and further my relationship with Him and others, my prayer life, and life in general.

My new LIFE’S resolution: Love God. And love others. Live life. Love life. Be a doer and not a hearer only. But listen, as God leads.

New YEAR’S resolution:
Read the bible in a year successfully
Forget about ice cream
Stay away from corn products and corn syrup in soda’s.

Seems simple, right? Sure, but it never is. I will need my God’s grace to get through everything I encounter from now, till the end of my life.

My prayer is that I will become the woman God has called me to be - according to His excellent purpose and will for me.

I also have quite a few books on my reading list for this year.

This list includes, but is not limited to:
Radical
Radical Together
Preparing To Be  A Help Meet
Re-read: A Woman After God’s Own Heart
The Bible


I pray 2012 will bring some heat, so we may all learn. As a smart person once wrote “ No pain, no gain”.


I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 ESV)

My Week...

Has been GREAT! One of the best ever recorded in my life, actually. First of all, I know I have mentioned at least once of this random guy that I "met" a few months ago(six months and one week, to be exact!) and I started talking about and to him quite a bit. We had talked about dating....a lot. And started getting quite attached to each other...
I ended up able to attend the college he is currently at studying to by a Youth Pastor. I was excited and all. And so was he. Although I was worried, God had it all in His hands and we got through the initial shock of being able to see each other everyday. Well, sort of...I am still not quite USED to it. I hope I never "get used to it" because I love getting to be with him.
Anyway! The reason for this post is sort of an update. On, him, me....and now...US! *Dun dun dun*

"Sassy Grandma and goofy Grandpa"

Yes, folks, this is my boyfriend! A week ago today, we decided to take a walk(a "break") from studying and went for a wonderful walk in the most beautiful lightning storm imaginable(yes, I am biased to this particular night!). We walked quite a few laps and on the last, he asked me to be his girlfriend. :) With all smiles for the next few hours, everyone could tell, I said YES!

Yes, we make quite a pair!

This is us this last weekend right after our "date" to goodwill....with my sister. On this date we decided to go to Goodwill and pick out the most ridiculous outfit we could find and make the other wear it to school the following Monday. Although we decided to not make each other do that, the alternative was to take pictures and post them on Facebook for all our friends to see how crazy we are! The pictured shown above is what we looked like with the other choosing out an outfit. Doesn't he look adorable?! I certainly think so! :D

If you would like to read HIS half of the story just go to His Page to read all about it! He is the sweetest! 

Give Me Jesus

Defying Gravity

Well, it happened!...I'm going to COLLEGE!!!!!!!!

God is SO good! God provided the needed funds for me to at least attend school for one semester. After that, I am not sure, but NOW is taken care of!

I am the first in my family to do something like this. Against all odds, I am doing this! I am Defying Gravity!!!!

Please pray for me as I embark upon this great, new adventure! I am so excited to see how God will use this experience in my life, and use me in the lives of others! 

New Found Creativity. For now.

‎*Sung to the tune of this song  from The Emperors New Groove. *

"Happy happy birthday from just me to you, I don't wish it was my birthday, cause I can't par'y with you! Happy happy birthday from only me to you. So glad it is your birthday, cause you're a speci'al-a-roo!"


Yes, at this moment, I am feeling quite inventive. Not that I really am. I just feel like it for now. It will leave shortly. I am immensely tired right now. So, when I have gotten some sleep and am not on such an adrenaline high from such a long day, the normality of my weird thinking will return.

I wrote this to my brother, Daniel just now for his birthday. He is turning 26 years of age today. I just wanted to use some of my creative skeelz to show him how much I love him and am thinking about him on the first birthday I have without him. Yes, one year ago(almost) he was stolen from me. From one of the most beautiful ladies in the world. My sister-in-law. Yup. Stolen. And I am very saddened that I will never have him back, but! I will soon be taken as well, and he will "lose" me, in a sense.

I hope you know that you will always have me, though. I am and will always be your sister and I will always love you. Very much. <3

So, Daniel, this one is to you. Because I love you. Very much, and I miss you even more. :')

Love,
Your Caity Lynn
(AKA, your favorite sister, right?!)