Romans 8:28

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

My daily devotion this morning was focused around this verse out of Romans. This particular verse is familiar to me, and I'm sure to a few of you as well. It's so hard to see that God is working even amidst the struggles and trials-but He is! I think back to 3 years ago, I guess it is, when I was struggling with an eating disorder. Hardest time in my life...but through that I have seen the Lord work in SO many ways.

For one, I'm sharing my struggle, never in a million years would I imagine telling, or even blogging about having an eating disorder. Thankfully the Lord has brought me through this struggle (2 years now!), and it has been incredible seeing how He has worked through it. Through my struggle I have grown to have a passion for teen girls. I started helping out at my church leading a 9th grade small group and helping out with the student ministries. I can't tell you how much I love doing this. I love sharing and hearing the hearts of these teens. I love being open and honest with them. It's like mini camp time...I love investing time into each girl and praying for them and what they may struggle with. While not every girl has gone through an eating disorder like I have, I hope through me sharing and being open with them, they in return will do the same. Vulnerability is not bad as long as it is with people you trust and who will love you just for who you are (a precious child of God).

This is something I learned a few years back while working at a camp. In fact, my boss' wife was probably the biggest help and influence during my struggle (thanks Brooke! that's her and I on the left). I can't tell you the countless times I cried (probably balled) to her just feeling so broken. It was her love and prayers that encouraged me and helped me through that summer.

Identity is a hugeeeee struggle for girls, and my prayer is for them to know that they are treasured and loved by an incredible God who loves them JUST AS THEY ARE. I still have to remind myself of that. When I fully wrap my head around the unconditional and everlasting love that Christ gives me, maaan do I feel so much better. It's comforting to know we have such a loving God.

(btw...This summer, I'll actually be going back to work at a different camp...and this time as a counselor! I'm soooo pumped just to let the Lord work through me. Christ has set me free and I know that this summer will be incredible.)

I'll end this post with a quote "We don’t have to figure out how God will bring good, we just have to stay on the journey with Him and watch Him work."

expectations

I feel like there is so much going on inside of me...especially since the last time I blogged. I could write about 5 different topics about how the Lord is working and refining me, but today I'll focus on expectations.

I'll begin with a quote:

"Expect nothing and experience the unexpected yet incredible blessings from God"

My mom constantly has told me, "kelly, you can't expect that" or "kelly, don't place expectations on others". and so often i'm like, ok ok ok. but recently i've come to realize how true that is. because let's face it, people are going to disappoint us...but if you expect nothing out of others, then you'll be pleasantly surprised.

This may seem harsh. But I disappoint people all the time, not meaning to, but that's human nature. And oftentimes the expectations I have are unrealistic. Recently I had the privilege to be an 'adult' (yes, you can laugh that i'm considered an adult in charge of teens) on a mini mission trip to Birmingham, Alabama with 10 highschool teens (I'll probably blog more about the trip tomorrow). I remember the first night as we were looking out over the city of Birmingham, praying, and just sharing with each other, one of the students asked what people expected. Immediately, my head went to think about that...and honestly I didn't know what to expect and didn't really hold any expectations with this trip-sooo great, right?! Especially because I feel that the Lord was able to use me without myself being a hindrance-which is so often the case. And our team was also incredibly blessed throughout...things that I didn't even think would happen! (like sleeping in a bed for the first night...yeah didn't even expect a bed!)

Reflecting upon that trip, I keep thinking how I can incorporate that mentality of no expectations to everyday and my relationships...and why was it so 'easy' for me not to even expect anything on the trip? Is it because I want to control my relationships or my life? Is it because I'm too consumed with what I want or how I want to feel or how I think something should be? It could be all of these...

Anyways, I'm trying to step away from my life and give it completely to God...living life without expectations and pushing what I want aside. Remember, He knows us better than we know ourselves..and he knows exactly what we need.

Irish Day!

So I started out St. Patrick's Day by waking up at 6 am to cook the roommates green banana pancakes (with vanilla and cinnamon of course!). They were ohh soo delicious! They may not look appetizing, but oh they were!

So I recently moved to where I am living right now and I absolutely LOVE it! God has truly blessed me with 2 wonderful roommates who love the Lord and life, and it so refreshing and uplifting for me. I'm closer to my church, my internship, Nashville, and a lot of my friends and in these past 2 weeks I have noticed that I am less lonely and happier. Not that I wasn't happy before, but driving 2 hours a day takes a toll on ya!

Anyways, today it is absolutely beautiful outside! I am loving this weather...not loving my allergies that are kicking in, but the sun is beating down and it makes me smile :)

I hope you all are wearing your green today! When I was in highschool I made a shirt that said "Kiss me, I'm Irish" haha, I wish I still had that ;)

I DID IT!

YAAAAY!!! I did it!!! I finished my first half-marathon! After being injured a year ago in the middle of the Disney Princess Half, I have been through crutches, physical therapy, biking (i hate biking), and finally back to training to complete my first half!! My goal was to finish it in 2 hours...and I went beyond my goal and finished in 1 hour, 50 minutes, and 3 seconds! I feel soo accomplished! And it was a beautiful Nashville day!

I'm going to take a little break from running to rest my knees and toes...and I'm going to start Insanity (like p90x).

I think I'm going to do another half in September time? I hear there's a great one in VA beach...I may have to take a trip there!

kid in a candy store

sometimes I feel like a little kid in a candy store. it's the little things in life that get me super

excited...

like when I see a Steeler's fan or anything related to the Steelers or Pittsburgh :)

when someone gets engaged

when someone is from anywhere I've been (ha, that happens often)

bouncy balls

when my favorite flavor is at sweet cece's (york peppermint

patty)

moving into my new home

cooking or baking

justin bieber - he's just so catchy!

fantasy football

traveling and visiting people

working at camp

making the perfect cup of coffee

puzzles

when i see guys being super sweet to their girlfriend or wife(especially my brother)

the sun!

seriously tho. i always feel like a little kid, but i love it! people always laugh at me when i do my giddy dance (yes, i have a giddy dance), or get super pumped at random stuff. but that's me :)

tough love

so i haven't posted in a few days...and partially because i just haven't known what to write about. i recently moved this past weekend so my life has been kind of upside down. especially because i don't have a room yet and my stuff is all over the place! but that'll be fixed this weekend :)

anyways. i recently had a conversation with my sister-in-law and she mentioned tough love, and how it may not be the easiest thing...but how it is ultimately beneficial and for that person's good. i say this because i was given a bit of tough love this morning. and yes, it was hard and still is to be honest, but i know it will only help strengthen and refine me. i think i get the most tough love from my family. only because they know me more than anyone, and they want to see me be the best i can be.

honestly, i hateeeee being told that i am wrong, or having someone notice a flaw in me. but the truth is, i'm not perfect-no one is. i feel blessed to have close family that will tell me how it is...there may be tears, but in the end there's always hugs! now i'm not saying my family does this all the time or even out of spite. i think it's quite the opposite, they love me so much that they want to see me grow and become that better godly woman.

with all that being said. tough love is tough. and today i got a little bit of tough love. but i pray that the Lord will use this and refine me and continue to mold me into His image.