ten years

Ten years ago this month, I started a blog.
(Okay, technically it was January...so I am off one day!)
I remember another friend had started a blog sharing about her work in ministry and her new life as a wife and mom. I looked up to this person; in some ways, I wanted to be like her when I grew up. 

As I read her blog, I thought to myself, "This looks like fun. Gosh, I could do that!"
And so I started.

I started it about six months before my wedding. After getting married, I used it as a little spot to talk and reflect on marriage, my faith, and working in ministry.
Over the last ten years, this space has changed and evolved. In many ways, just like me.
I have went through divorce, annulment, dating and being single, career changes...pretty much a lot of the "big" adult things.
I have went through big changes here; healed, grown, and shifted.
From the time I was a little girl, I loved writing. When I began this space, I saw it as a creative outlet I could practice the art of writing. 
And you know what happened?

a 2012 Patty...

I discovered something in this little space - my soul came alive in new ways writing. It helped me find myself in deeper ways and became a way to process and navigate hard things in my life.
I did it just for me, for Patty. Not knowing where it would take me. 

Yes, blogging has led me to opportunities to write more professionally online and speak from time to time. Those experiences enriched me as a woman and I am grateful for opportunities to be paid for my work.
However, those experiences alone do not keep me writing. 
I keep writing because I love it. I keep writing because it is a fire in my soul, my blue flame if you will. I keep writing because it helps me feel more connected to my own heart, my spirit, and to God.

a 2022 Patty

This humble little space has done more good for me than I anticipated. 
Happy anniversary, little blog. Happy anniversary, writing life. Happy anniversary, sweet dream I never let die.
You brought me more than I ever expected: a deeper sense of being connected to myself and the heart of Divine love.

Divine Mercy Taught Me How to Forgive

Sometimes there are seasons of life defined but certain lesson God is teaching us.
Recently I been in a season of mercy in life. And in the not so distant past, the Catholic Church celebrated the Year of Mercy.
Those two, plus my pilgrimage experience in Poland for World Youth Day last summer have been some powerful ways God has been working on me.

When Divine Mercy first became a "thing," I only liked praying the chaplet because it was faster and easier than praying the whole Rosary. Thankfully, I have grown up spiritually (some) since those days.

The beautiful image and devotion of Divine Mercy have taught me many things over the last year or so.



The mercy of Jesus Christ is the most powerful force in this world. It can change our lives if we choose so.






Namely, Divine Mercy has taught me how to forgive...

READ THE REST OVER HERE ...

What the World Really Needs from Women

I feel like there is lots of talk about women these days.
From Kellyanne, Hillary, and the popular #daywithoutwomen, and the list goes on and on.
There are many things in the culture today we're very confused about. Feminism and the empowerment of women are two that have been on my mind a lot lately.
I am ALL about the empowerment of women today. Some of it is really good stuff; some of the original suffragettes like Susan B. Anthony were pro-life women. 
I believe in the values of equal pay and rights for working women. I believe women should not be objectified and talked about as body parts or in ways deemed as "mere locker room talk." We need to stand up and defend women who are abused and robbed of their dignity.
Our world today is unknowingly aching for a true, beautiful reflection of the feminine genius that St. John Paul II spoke of with such love.

READ THE REST HERE...

5 Great Podcasts (and their great episodes)

I love to read. But a close follow-up is listening to podcasts.
And that's why I love podcasts so much, because they are kinda like books. There are shows on everything, any possible genre you could imagine. 
Here are five great podcasts I think you'd really enjoy, with a particular recommendation for a certain episode.

1. The New Activist The New Activist is a new-ish podcast created through IJM (International Justice Mission). 
This is an organization I am really loving learning about and ways I can support their mission of ending modern slavery in our lifetime. They have a heart for justice, the poor, and are doing some powerful work around the globe.  This has quickly become one of my favorite news shows to follow.
Try this episode: Lu Cille Dejito (warning it is very heavy and could be triggering-topic on cyber sex trafficking of children) VERY powerful and sobering.

2. The Fountains of Carrots I just love Haley and Christy! Every time  I see a new episode load, I get so excited because it feels like I am sitting down with real-life friends. 
Two lovely women chatting on all kinds of things like faith, books, living the liturgical year, culture, and more. Plus these two always have GREAT book recommendations! Because of them, my life has changed immensely through reading Anne of Green Gables. 
Try this episode: Why We Need Silence & Thomas Merton This.episode. I read a little of Merton in grad school and my favorite professor loved his writings. This episode has given me great places to start to read Merton (whom I'm now love!) and gave great insight into the life and person of Thomas Merton.

3. The Liturgists This podcast I just stumbled onto in August as I was moving into my apartment.
A show where the hosts talk on a variety of topics through the lenses of faith, creativity, and science. Their description reads, "Making room at the table for the spiritually homeless and frustrated," is a great summary of what you'll get with their take on hard topics. I love this one because they challenge me to think and stretch myself, especially when it comes to things we may have differing views on.
Try this episode: Black and White: Racism in America Think you know it all? Well you probably don't. Great conversation + they give a ton of book recommendations to learn more.

4. Upside Down Podcast This is new gem is in my weekly play list, but wow is it mighty and fierce! 
Five women having an unscripted conversation on life and faith. One of my friends Shannon is one of the co-hosts too! Just honest, genuine conversation...
Try this episode: Loneliness in the Kingdom of God

5. On Being On Being explores a variety of questions from a variety of perspectives. What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live? The show has conversations on any and everything. It does a great job of creating open dialogue to break down barriers of class, race, religion, political, and socioeconomic.
Try this episode: Fr. James Martin SJ on Finding God in All Things Fr. Jim Martin is one of my most favorite writers and speakers. A Jesuit priest, here he talks on his journey of faith and how Ignatian spirituality can be something for everyone in all stages of life. One of my favorite episodes of this show!

I listen to so many shows, and it always seems I am adding more ;) I'll share more another time!
Do you have any particular favorite podcasts?!

Read, Watch, Listen, Follow

One of my favorite podcasts has a feature where every so often the ladies share what they are reading, watching, listening, and following.
I'm always on the hunt for new running music or book ideas to add to my reading list. So I thought it would be fun to share and maybe get some ideas from you too.

Read: 
New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton: Essential Writings 
The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

Watch: 
Honestly. Just re-watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Pre-gaming for November 25th.

I need some new suggestions of worthy watching on Netflix. Suggestions? I'm all ears.

Listen: 
Right before my race, I decided to treat myself to a few new tunes to spice up my running playlist.
American Authors -Believer
Coldplay -Sky Full of Stars I listened to this as I ran across the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor. Kinda fun with watching the sunrise as a backdrop:)

Follow:

Upside Down podcast
My friend Shannon started this new podcast with three other girlfriends. It has this cozy feeling like I'm sitting down for coffee with all of them, and they have interesting topics all focused on life, faith, and culture. Good stuff!

And you?!
What would yours be?

My Tribe. My Sisters.

Wow.
What a beautiful, amazingly awesome weekend #bisteamretreat turned out to be.

Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect as my plane arrived in St. Paul on Friday. I only "knew" these women from an online ministry we all are a part of. 
We arrived on Friday as online acquaintances. On Sunday, we left as sisters and friends.
The weekend was full of laughter, lots good food, and even better conversation. Not to mention, all the cute babies that were constantly passed around like s'mores around a campfire. We prayed the rosary around the bonfire on Friday evening. We talked and dreamed some big dreams for the future + growth of Blessed Is She. We ate some AMAZING food. And we talked and talked and talked.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was the small group discussion on Saturday afternoon with the three other women in my group: Mary, Jacqui, and Elise. We got real and vulnerable. There was tears, honesty, encouragement, and hugs. We opened our hearts and just laid them out on the table. It did something fiercely good for my heart.

Coming home, I was just in awe of it all.
As I drove back to my apartment on Sunday, I just wept and wept. Yes a few tears it had to end, but primarily tears of gratitude and thankfulness that I have such a community in my life where I can just be me. Where just being Patty is enough and a-okay. Where I am supported, loved, encouraged, and challenged just the way I am... I want all women have such a community in their own lives.
Every woman I got chance to talk with and get to know on a deeper level was like adding another rare, precious jewel to a treasure chest in my heart.
I am so excited I finally got to meet these sisters of mine!

Do you have a community, a tribe to call your own?
If not, we would so love to have you into our home :)

The 30 sisters I never knew I had.

While I love my younger sister, as the oldest kid deep down I always wished I had an older sister. Sure being top dog of the birth order has its perks, but sometimes it doesn't.
This weekend I am heading to Minnesota for a weekend retreat and get-together with almost 30 of the writers + creative minds behind Blessed Is She. It is a Catholic women's ministry where you get an e-mail each day with the Mass readings with a devotion to accompany it. Plus, now they a membership (complete with online classes!), a shop of gorgeous goodies, Facebook groups, and one of the most lovely Gram feeds I follow.

Y'all. I am SO flipping excited and have been saving up for my plane ticket since last spring.
It is crazy to think after chatting with so many of these lovely via Skype or Facebook messaging, I will finally get to meet them in person and give each a big hug.
I have had hit or miss experiences with making friends and/or small groups over the years, but I am blown.away. the sense of community and sisterhood with these ladies. It is so cool to be a part of something bigger than me in being a part of Blessed Is She.
My airline ticket is printed.
Laundry is finishing in the dryer.
And I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning giddy with excitement.

Cannot wait to meet you sisters I never knew I had or needed in my life:) 
#bisteamretreat

Technology + Growing in Faith

Hi everyone, I'm Lauren from When Beauty Met Truth, blog and Etsy shop!  

I want to give Patty a HUGE thank you for asking this newbie blogger to write a guest post while she's off to World Youth Day!!  Can you take me in your luggage Patty???

So today's topic of discussion is...drum roll please...faith and technology!  

So often we hear about the evils of the Internet and how it can take us further away from God.  Of course it can be used for that very reason, but I have a list of sites and apps that can bring us closer to God and help us to learn more about our Catholic faith.  

This post is really about taking advantage of technology that inspires and uplifts us in our faith journey.

I work out of my home and spend a lot of my time sitting at my desk.  I am one of those people who cannot stand to work in silence for hours.  I always need to have something playing on my computer (so I don't imagine that every random noise in my house is that of a stealthy burglar.)  

While I will be the first to admit that I struggle with getting sucked into time wasting sites on the Internet (I'm looking at you Netflix) I recognize the need to balance out all of the frivolity with things that feed my faith.  So I have compiled a list of some of my favorite sites, blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels that help me do just that!

Blogs and sites:

National Catholic Register (America's most complete Catholic news source and a service of EWTN.) 

Blessed Is She (Subscribe to this website and receive the daily readings and a reflection in your inbox each morning.)

Formed (A sort of Catholic Netflix if you will.  Watch and listen to Catholic movies, programs, CDs and audio books.  It also includes talks by Lighthouse Catholic Media, which are fantastic!)

The Chastity Project (A great resource for leading a life of chastity, with articles by some of your favorite chastity speakers.) 

YouTube Channels:

EWTN (I can and have sat for hours watching episodes of The Journey Home and Women of Grace)

Ascension Presents (I love Fr. Mike Schmitz's byte size teaching moments on pop culture and our faith.)

Breaking in the Habit (Answers to common questions about the Church, culture, and religious life from a young Franciscan friar.)

Catholic Answers (One of my go to places when I have a specific question about Church teachings.  If you have a question no matter how random, chances are its been asked and answered here.)

Podcasts:

Word on Fire Sermons (Bishop Robert Barron's weekly homily.)

Catholic Bytes (Ten minute episodes that tackle various aspects of the faith.)

The Jennifer Fulwiler Show (Jennifer's take on modern life through the lens of a Catholic convert and mother of six.  Prepare to be entertained!)

Women of Grace (This radio program instructs and inspires listeners while answering questions about living the Catholic faith in the world today.)

Apps:

Laudate (Daily Mass readings with prayers, meditations, virtual rosary bead counter and so much more!)

Catholic Emoji (A Catholic emoji keyboard with stickers of your favorite saints and sacramentals!  Texting has never been so fun!)

Confession: A Roman Catholic App (This app helps you to make a good examination of conscience and answers all of your Confession questions.)

FOCUS Equip (Filled with talks and tools from FOCUS to help you evangelize others.)

What are some of the blogs, podcasts or apps that you love? I would love to hear your suggestions!

---------- Thanks Lauren! Having a good stock of encouraging online resources I find makes it easier to use my online life more intentionally:)
Lauren is an artist from El Paso, TX. She started her Easy shop as a side business while she tried to determine what career she was "really" supposed to pursue. Eventually, her "side job" came to "the job" God had called to all along. She now works out of her home to bring art and faith together as a way to evangelize others! When not painting, she can be found reading a good book with a cup of tea in hand, binge watching Netflix, or planning future trips around the world.
Be sure to go check out and get to know more about Lauren on her blog and her gorgeous shop too! :)

Power of Community + Membership Perks

Real, authentic community is one of the most life-giving and powerful forces in a world where likes and re-tweets rule. Having a community to call my own has challenged and empowered me; it has called me on to be a more loving Christian woman. 
Two years such a community was a big dream in the heart of Jenna Guizar. 
Since then, Blessed Is She has grown exponentially. What was once a dream and a prayer has turned into daily devotionals with Scripture, brunches for women all over the globe, retreats, journals for liturgical seasons, and regional Facebook groups. 
It has become a revolution of love: genuine love for each other as sisters in Christ and a deeper love for Christ & Scripture.
Blessed Is She is now embarking on a new chapter.

There is now a new membership option.
Your membership will include:

• Monthly workshops offered by a variety of incredible speakers on matters relating to faith, prayer, culture, and Church teaching. Members will also have lifetime access to workshops for easy re-watching.
• The very popular Lent & Advent journals will be auto-shipped right to your door. These journals are just gorgeous!

Priced separately, workshops are $15 each and journals are $20 apiece. So your membership fee of $9.99 a month or $99 a year means you'll save at least $100 each year! 

Even if you cannot financially swing this for yourself, please share with other women in your life who would benefit, who are looking for ways to grow in their faith.

Blessed Is She has has been a community that has totally surprised me and blessed my life in countless ways. As a part of the editorial and writing team, I can honestly say these women are my people; the additional sisters I always wanted growing up.

One of my favorite quotes growing up is from C.S. Lewis: "Friendship is born at the moment when you say to another "What! You too? I thought I was the only one..."

The beauty of community is when we see and experience these words; the fact that we're not the only one. And I am excited to see how this new adventure for Blessed Is She continues to support women.

Subscribe today. I promise you will not regret it.

We Need YOUr Art + Giveaway!

One of my favorite quotes on art and creativity is from Seth Godin: 
"Art is when we do work that matters in a creative way, in a way that touches people and changes them for the better."
Whether that be writing, painting, speaking, or designing, the world needs YOUR art. It will look different for each of us, but the world needs more beauty and goodness. However you make art in your life, we need it.
I am constantly inspired by men and woman I encounter online using their gifts to creative beautiful images and words. And Lindsay is one such artist. 
A graphic designer, she creates prints and home decor with the message of helping others experience and grasp the depth of God's love.

Lindsay has kindly offered one of you this gorgeous 8 x 10 print of John 10:10.

Beautiful right?!
Along with the giveaway, Lindsay has created a coupon code (GRACE10) for use to receive 10% off your order from her shop, Just Love Prints. AND the coupon code is good until the end of August!!!

So even if you don't win, you still have a great incentive to check out some of her lovely prints! I'm loving this print with advice from Pope Francis. #frankforpresident2016
Enter the giveaway over here on Instagram!!

Radiant Magazine Giveaway!!

Two weeks I was thrilled to pieces when Radiant Magazine reached out to me. They have kindly offered one reader a FREE print copy of their newest issue.
Radiant is a Catholic Women's Magazine. It features traditional topics in the Church and how to apply them to the modern lives of women today. The latest issue comes out in print May 15.
You can check out past issues of Radiant here. It has a gorgeous lay out and great team of women working hard to give readers an elegant, relevant publication.

So how to enter the giveaway??
Well because I'm not the most tech savvy blogger, I will be offering the giveaway over on my Instagram.
All you have to do is tag a friend in the comment section. One friend per comment, please. Tag friends, that's it! Drawing will be open from 9am today-9am May 12. You'll be contacted if you are a winner, and an issue will be mailed to you directly from Radiant.
I don't know about you but I love a beautiful print magazine. I was so bummed when Verily ended their print publication, but Radiant would be a great option if you are looking for something new to enjoy!
This latest issue sounds amazing! There is a fun fashion spread with designer Jessica Rey. If you don't have one of her beautiful bathing suits, you are missing out! I have this one and LOVE it. It also includes articles on St. Rita & St. Faustina, and even information on a faith-inspired workout!
So bounce on over to Insta and tag away!!

Good luck :)
 

On Becoming a Woman of Grit & Grace

One of my favorite things about blogging and writing is discovering different writers and creative dreamers. I love finding new people that really make me think or try something new. One such place online I've recently discovered is Grit & Virtue. 
Honestly the only other time I have heard the word grit is when being referred to a well-loved dish hailing from the South (grits). Feeling rather certain this sweet community was not named after a savory breakfast food, I was curious to do some digging and see what the word meant.

Grit refers to courage and resolve, a person with endurance and resilience. Grit is strength of character. It is passion, purpose, and perseverance. Grit equals bravery.
The more I thought about it I realized that those are words I want to describe me, how I want to live my life and be engaged with the world around me. I want to be a woman who is courageous; one who faces the dreams and messes of life with resolve and patient endurance. I want to be a tough cookie, not rough or mean. But toughness in relation to strength of character. 
Grit to be courageous and speak up when your voice is needed when it may be easier to keep silent or blend in. Grit to not let people or situations in life knock you down, but rather you thrive instead of survive. To allow your God-given talents, passions, and big dreams to be used to build God's Kingdom wherever you are put.
And we women need grace too. Most importantly showing grace to ourselves when feeling we don't measure up or aren't (          ) enough. Fill in the blank. There is a need of grace in all of us to love ourselves from a place of self care and affirmation rather self-hatred and frustration. We need grace to love and serve others well. If  you're a believer, then God's grace to help you become the woman you were created to be.
Grace is more than just elegance, charm, and class. Grace is also a reminder of whom is and is not God, it reminds me to get out of the way. Grace is not just spiritual, but also emotional and psychological. Grace reminds what is possible when I am in not charge or what wild, beautiful things happen when I let go of control.

Women in today's culture more than ever need a balance of both grit and grace. So much is thrown at us and sadly so much (perfection) is expected of us. The standards are impossible in our culture. But holding ourselves to a standard of grace not perfection is freedom in more ways than one.
Slowly I am learning in my life...it is not about the destination but the journey; all the experiences, situations, people, messes, and memories that shape a woman of strength and courage. You don't get strong enough to run a marathon overnight. It takes time, patience and endurance. It is the same thing in becoming a woman of grit and grace, it takes time and patient endurance. 
I am thankful for all the different beautiful, creative examples that give me different glimpse of what it means to live with grit and grace. So thank you Bonnie, Susana, Jenna, Mary #1, Amy, Molly, Mary #2, Nell, and Christy...each you reveal unique, beautiful snippets of this stuff lived out.
Who are the people that inspire or challenge you to become a better version of yourself? Who are the women in your life you see living with grit and grace?

To Post or Not Post: 3 Questions To Ask

There can be a lot of talk on the interwebs and social media about knowing when to post or not post. The game has changed significantly since when I first "discovered" Facebook as a sophomore in college. 
Social media has quickly become a world without guidelines. I don't know abut you, but times in my life where guidelines are absent, chaos is almost always inevitable. 

Personally, I find myself asking these type of questions more often: Am I just adding to the "noise" of social media? Or do I have something life-giving and encouraging to share or add to the discussion? Am I just white noise in the middle of a busy, chaotic machine?

More and more I find myself reflecting on why I am doing certain things: do I feel I am merely trying to keep up with others in terms of blogging or social media? Am I one some level comparing myself to others? The more I think on these questions, the more I realize whenever I blog or share something on social media I want it to be because I have something to say: something meaningful, encouraging, and life-giving.  I don't want to be a voice just adding to the mindless noise and chaos. 
The following are some questions I am asking myself in regards to why and how I am using social media:
1. Am I looking for validation, likes, and/or comments? Perhaps on some level, we all have done this..well I know at least I have: looking to social media for validation. I think that is one of the reasons it can become so addictive because it gives instant affirmation. Post the pretty picture with perfect words. Click one button to post and then wait for the likes/comments. Sure its not like this with all of us all the time, but eventually the comments and likes stop. 
I have seen that desire grow stronger in me at times, and it can quickly become a slippery slope. If social media impacts your worth, mood, value, or how you look at yourself, maybe think about taking a step back and wrestling with the deeper reasons. 
2. Will this post add something to the conversation? Sure we all have the rights to post or say whatever we want on the Internet. But when we do, are we really adding anything new or deep to the conversation?
Start asking yourself (I'm trying to do this more too) before you post: "Is this beneficial? Am I adding to the conversation?" If you're unsure or the answer is no, maybe consider holding back from hitting publish.

3. Am I posting about something I should be taking action on?   Social media can be a meeting place for people with new ideas and great intentions. But intention doesn't change the world. Action does.
Behind every social/political/cultural issue are real human faces, people whom this issues affects. Just like behind every book, blog, Instagram account, or computer screen is a man or woman; a person just like you and I.
There are times where I have posted something to social media or re-tweeted about an issue when I should be more intentional about doing something to correct the issue (or at least properly educate myself on the issue). Sure that is not always the convenient or the easy route, but it goes back to that whole concept of "am I just adding to the noise?" 
That is a danger of social media today; it can trick us into believing talking or tweeting on an issue are the same thing. When actually they are very different from each other.


Are there questions missing that you would add?  How do you keep in check knowing when to post or not post?

Podcast Loving + My First Guest Appearance!!

I have become a bit of a podcast listening nut over the last few months. I love listening and subscribing so much, I am realizing I need to set a daily limit each day...not to mention the constant listening is taking away from quiet in the car ;) Following different podcasts is a great way to learn, grow, and grow in creativity!
Some of my new recent favorites include: Relevant: Similar to the faith based/culture magazine, Relevant. SO funny, informative, and great interviews with all types of interesting Christian men and women.
Caritas: Elise and Brigid are two young Catholic women talking on all things prayer, life, creativity, and have some great episodes! My favorite ones so far were with Jenna Guitar from Blessed is She and Audrey Assad.
Mud Stories: Jacque is Christian woman who offers a platform to talk/discuss with all types of people the mud they face in their own lives, and encouragement to know you're never alone. Lots of great stories and I always leave feeling inspired. My favorite episodes were with Jess Connolly from Naptime Diaries and Emily Freeman.

I am SO EXCITED to have recently been a guest on the Caritas Podcast with Elise and Brigid. We chatted all things self-care, exercise, how to have good relationship with food, and our love for all things Ingatian spirituality and Fr. James Martin, SJ. Check out the episode here.
Initially Brigid contacted me regarding a post I had written on why I owe my body an apology. I had so much fun with these lovely gals, and I really encourage you to check out their podcast! It is relevant, inspiring, and empowering to (I think) any Christian woman no matter her state or stage in life.
Download on iTunes and leave them a review, I know it would totally make their day:)  Do you listen or subscribe to podcasts? What are some of your favorites? I am always on the look-out for good recommendations! :)

Making 2016 Happen: PowerSheets Prep

For a good portion of my 20's, I only saw New Year's as a time to renew my age-old resolution to lose weight. I know how original. Over the past few years, I have begun to really cherish and get excited about the New Year. It means a new start, a new opportunity to focus on what matters most in life.
As a girl who loves making lists and dreaming big, I have found that certain tools in life help me dream big and focus on goals that align with me core (Love God. Love People...next tattoo idea I'm thinking ;). There a lot of talk on Periscope and the inter webs as folks are using these things called PowerSheets. The PowerSheets are not some magic binder of papers that are going to make you more productive, but they help you plan goals while focusing on the things that matter most in your life. 

My second year using these little beauties, I love using a tool like this that isn't just gonna put more on my plate but help me discern where God is leading me and where I wanna dream big dreams in the coming year.
One of the great things about the PowerSheets, is the prep work that helps you sort through, dream, and discern as you head into the New Year or just a new season in life.
The other night I was working on a section where I am reflecting and looking back over what I am saying "no" and "yes" to in the coming year. Here's what some of the things I am sensing I need to say "no" and "yes" to:
I Am Saying "NO" To:

• "Everything-tasking"!!!!
• Being judgmental
• Scrolling or re-tweets instead of starting my day with God
• Climbing into another person's process when its really about them not me
• Anger/bitterness/resentment (all the fun ones ;)

I Am Saying "YES" To:

• New Adventure & being more spontaneous
• More intentional living vs."fragmented living"
• Even more races, running, and training
• More love/grace to other people, especially myself
• Simplicity

Just as I am preparing my heart for Christmas, for Jesus Christ to come make His home in my mess o a life, I want to prepare for 2016 with thoughtful prayer and reflection on where God is leading me in the coming New Year.
If you are looking for something to help you focus with purpose and intention in 2016, I highly recommend checking out Lara Casey's products (especially the PowerSheets!). Whatever you use, just find something that helps you launch into 2016 with intention, passion, and focus! Do not let whatever happened this past year, hold you back from dreaming big with God in the coming year.

As we draw closer to 2016, what are the things you will be saying "yes" and "no" to in the New Year?Do you use any particular system for goal setting with a purpose?

Peace: When the Greatest Evil, becomes the Greatest Gift

Peace. It's funny and tricky word in relation to living the Christian life.
Similar to mercy, forgiveness, or love, its a word mentally I understand what it means, but on a heart level I am very much still a beginner.
The angel choir sang it to the shepherds that cold night in Bethlehem, "Glory to God in the Highest. Peace on earth to men of good will." Peace on earth. Such a simple, pretty phrase we read in the Christmas story, but so easily and quickly forgotten. I have struggled and wrestled with this idea of peace a lot in my life; of finding peace in the midst of pain, suffering, sadness, and even in anger. 

Peace is believing God's provision is everywhere, because Jesus is everywhere. Because His presence can be found everywhere and in anything, no matter what it is. 
This Advent, I am using a devotional written by Ann Voskamp. Part of what she wrote yesterday, reminded so much of the writing prompt today for this link-up: "No matter what intends to harm you...God is never absent, never distant. You can never be undone. If God can transfigure the greatest evil into the greatest Gift, then He intends to turn whatever you're experiencing now into a gift. You cannot be undone. You, there on the edge, whispering it, defiant through the torn places: "All is grace." 
Yes I think that is what peace is; that no matter what happens, you cannot be undone. All really is grace, because if God can take the greatest evil and make it the greatest Gift...how much more would He do that in our lives?
Of course, I do not always live each moment to moment in the peace of God. But I certainly receive glimpses of it. And if I choose to whisper through it all, "All is grace," then more and more I can live in the peace of God. There are days where I am just muttering to myself, "No all is grace. All is grace. Always." 
Sometimes it feels so contradictory to sings Christmas carols of love, peace and mercy mild. Because often in life I don't feel that way and certainly the world at large does not look like that.
But then I have to remind myself peace is not about a feeling, but its about a Person. And that Person didn't promise us it would be easy. He promised that no matter what happens in our lives He would be with us, His peace can always be found and experienced.
All is grace. All is grace.  And Peace, true peace, can be found. 

Is peace a difficult concept you have had to wrestle with in your own life? Is it just me? ;-) How was your understanding of peace and God's peace grown and changed over your life?
(Go the to Blessed Is She link-up to read other post's on today's prompt, peace)

3 Myths about Community

I have said before that community is a funny, little thing. To be in meaningful relationships and feel accepted by people is something that every human hearts desires. 
Relationships with other people can be tricky sometimes, even messy. And while I am so grateful for the beautiful communities in my own life, it certainly took work and I made mistakes along the way.

1. It's Easy Intentional, close-knit commuting with other people does not just happen overnight. It can feel odd, awkward, or just plain off. That was my own experience when several years ago I joined a small group at church. I tried really hard to "make it fit." I really wanted to be that girl that found these life-changing, deep friendships in her small group at church. But can I tell you something?
It felt awkward for me. While we were all the same age, I wasn't in the same stage of life as the women who were married with little ones running around. I stuck with it for about a year and a half before realizing that it just wasn't a fit for me. And you know what? That's a-okay. It was a time that showed me sometimes being in community with some people just isn't the right fit.
2. It's Optional We are simply aren't meant to be alone. God made us to be in relationship with Him and each other. Look at Genesis: God creates Adam and almost immediately acknowledges his need for a mate, a companion. If you read onward in the Old Testament, you see this reflected in the way God calls His people a group, a specific community (the children of Israel). Moving onto to the New Testament, it is so clearly seen especially in Acts where we see the records of the early (and rapidly growing!) Christian community. We are not meant or designed to be "lone rangers" in life. We all need each other! 
3. It happens instantly or overnight  Closeness just doesn't form overnight. I mean realistically it just doesn't. Building community takes time and effort. Community requires us to step outside the you-bubble and into someone else's bubble. That can be physically, emotionally and spiritually inconvenient or frustrating, but really is the best thing for us.


Think about the blessing of particular communities in your own life today: church, friends, co-workers, small group, Bible study, book club, etc. Offer up a prayer of gratitude for them today!
What are particular communities that have greatly blessed your own life? What do you think is the most difficult thing about community?

5 Tips to Simplify Your Digital Life

I can remember when I got my first phone it was one of those pay as you go cheap things. At the time, it would cost extra to text, so I always told me people to just call me and not text. I still remember when texting was starting to become a big thing and I didn't get it. Why send a text when you can just call someone?!  Fast forward 10 or 12 years, and communication has only rapidly continued to change. 

Sure apps and social media have made my life easier in a lot of ways, but I have also seen in my life how easily it become a constant distraction. Since the New Year, I have made some changes that have helped me become more intentional, but I still see the need to constantly re-evaluate and simplify my digital life online.
1. Set limits For awhile, I have been going on my social media accounts only twice a day. Some days are better than others, but overall it has helped me see how much time I can waste and the frequency I do "mindless scrolling." Some other things I have started trying and to be helpful are:

• No notification checking before 9 or 10a
• Not going on any social media accounts past 8pm (this one has been really helpful for me!)

Of course social media is not a bad thing, but seeing how much I go on them daily has shown me I need to use social media with a purpose, and not just mindlessly.

2. Turn off notifications

I did this about 6 months ago, and especially with texting I notice even how I'm carrying my phone with me every second of every day. Not focusing on the distracting beeps and dings is slowly helping remember to be more present to the life I am living instead of how many likes I got on a picture.

3. Move Social Media Apps to last page of phone

I've talked about this before, but recently I've noticed how my faves have made there way back onto the front page of my phone. I know for me, not having particular apps right in front of me makes it easier to not go on them mindlessly.

4. Don't sleep with phone in your bedroom
Until several months ago, I had been using my phone as my alarm clock. Not having my phone charging in the bedroom while I'm getting ready for bed and/or sleeping has surprisingly been a very good thing. If the phone is another room, I'm much more likely to not use it "just because."

5. Use Digital Life with a Purpose
Realizing how sometimes my social media use has gotten a wee bit addictive is teaching me how easy it can be to get consumed with scrolling, commenting, and clicks. I try to constantly remind myself not to post or hit publish on a post unless I have something to say. If it just adds to the mindless chatter of the interwebs, then really why do I want to engage in that?

What are ways you try to simplify and de-clutter your digital life? How do you strive to use your digital life and social media with a purpose? I'm all ears with suggestions ;-)