Katie’s Blog!

… but I am comforted in knowing I am not the only one.  

finding my voice.  being who I am.  being more than content with being who I am.  being joyful in living the beautiful life that God has given to me.  and being confident in who I am.  

 *see endnote for a sidenote  

Here is a quote I read that I really, really want to share with anyone who will listen:

“Listen to your life.  See it for the fathomless mystery that it is.  In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness:  touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” (Taken from Gifted to Lead by Nancy Beach, but originally written in Frederick Buechner’s Now and Then)

I also believe that this quote can be beneficial in a person’s journey to finding herself.  If I stop comparing myself to other people, and my life to the lives of others, and simply and honestly love my life, then I believe I will be confident in who the God of the universe created ME to be.  

*endnote*

females and males are very different, we all know this.  yet somehow, everyone assumes that men and woman think the same way and have the same struggles within their minds.  I have found in my experience, that men tend to deal with the sin of being too prideful.  and somehow when a female finally musters up the courage to have a little confidence in who she was created to be, she is scolded and “convicted” by other Christians (sometimes outright, but mostly through other means) for being tooprideful.  Yes, there are sometimes in my life when pride slips in, but it is not nearly as often as I used to think.  Many times it was simply my modesty that I was confusing for pride.  Can someone please tell me how that happened?

The other day I was angry with someone. As I was trying to cool off, I thought I had reached the point of forgiveness, and I thought the usual, “I will forgive this person, when he/she apologizes.”

And then I realized, that is not forgiveness at all. True forgiveness is not circumstantial, and comes from your own heart and mind. Therefore, it should not matter whether or not the person who you are angry or upset with apologizes or changes his/her behavior. It is all up to you. No one else. And forgiveness is of vital importance in life.

Matthew 6:14-15:

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

…but it is time for me to do a little bit of sharing.

These past few days have really been a learning experience for me, for many reasons.  On Saturday evening I had two very God-ordained conversations.  Have you ever had one of those?  If you have, you know that no matter what I tell you or attempt to describe to you, no one else will ever fully comprehend or know the peace and guidance and love of God that was a part of each of those conversations.  If you haven’t, I encourage you to pray and seek God for whatever it is that you need or desire, and someday soon I am sure you will have one of these conversations.  

All of you know that I am in a time of EXTREME transition.  I could have never in a million years dreamt of all of the emotions and feelings and thoughts that I am experiencing.  I am so thankful to all of my friends who have offered me wisdom and encouragement in this area.  Just simply being able to talk to someone who has recently experienced this transition has been truly appreciated, as well as talking to anyone who will listen.  haha.  

Here are a few encouraging words that have been spoken to me through various people the last couple of days:

• Life is full of doors.  If you don’t know which one to pick, just start knocking.  Eventually the door you are supposed to go through will open.
• “Ask and you shall receive”  – but you’ve got to ask!  
• Obedience to God requires action and response on our my part.  

There are so many other ways God has been faithful and has encouraged me these past few days, but I am not going to share them here.  :)  

One last thing, I am having a minor outpatient surgery on Jan 21st, and I would appreciate your prayers!  :)

Love to all,

Katie

Happy New Year!!!!!