book worm status.
30 May 2012 2 Comments
in because it's a keri thing to say
Here’s a random fact for you: I’m a book worm.
MAJOR book worm. Especially during the summer. Especially this year.
Since the majority of the past school year has been spent studying and/or reading for my classes, “fun reading” has not been possible or even thought of.
AKA major deprivation going on right about now.
School is finally out and I’m ready to dig into another good book.
But I’m stumped. I have NO idea what to read next.
Nicholas Sparks is over rated. Plus, all of his stories sound exactly the same after you’ve read one or two (sorry, but it’s true).
I’ve already read some of the more popular series (Hunger Games, Twilight, Sisterhood, etc).
I left the library the other day with a 15 book stack, but they should be finished by mid-June or so. That leaves me the rest of June, July, and August.
HELP!
If you have any ideas on books to read, LET ME KNOW!
Do you have a specific book you LOVED and couldn’t put down?
Comment them here and let me know. My sanity is depending on you. ;]
I sooo appreciate it!
major nerd status? yeah, probably. but whatever. 
speechless, wordless beauty.
20 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
“I always thought I was good with words, until I needed to describe something. To describe something perfectly is a beautiful art. To master it, you must practice. To practice, you must simply look around and see the beauty that lies before you.”
Sometimes, I like to read through old journals and see what I wrote. Tonight was one of those nights.
As I was flipping through a more recent journal, I stumbled upon an entry I wrote just a mere few months ago.
I read it a few times over to familiarize myself with the words, but I still don’t remember writing it. It’s like the person who wrote it was a different Keri from ages ago; someone who stole my name, my handwriting, and my thoughts and claimed it as theirs. But it was me. That’s my signature and the date scratched at the edge of the page.
It must’ve been early morning when I wrote the entry [AKA the time of day when my brain is asleep!] because usually,
I can remember specific details. But nope! Not this time. Isn’t it crazy how you can encourage yourself without even knowing it?
Reading the entry made me thankful for journals and the fact that I sometimes still use them…on occasion. ;] [even if I can't remember it!]
I really should write in them more often, because sometimes, your past self encourages your present self and it’s crazy how that works.
Anyways, enough of my rambling…
Here’s the entry.
“There are some things in life that don’t require thinking to be beautiful. It just is. Like a sunset over looking the beach or waking up to the birds chirping. For some reason these sorts of things calm me, but I can’t describe why. Words simply refuse to do them justice. I think God did this for a reason so even Type-A people like me, who over think everything, can, too, see and grasp the concept of speechless, wordless beauty. To think outside of ourselves and focus on something we can only momentarily take in; something that was so specifically designed by the One who created words. It will be gone in an instant. Sometimes, the Creator of words can also make us momentarily forget them all when we steal a glimpse at speechless beauty. He purposely takes the words from us so that we can’t think so hard we miss it. It is beautiful, because… it just is.”
Almost…there!
03 May 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
This week has been God’s little whisper of encouragement to me. It’s like He’s saying, “I told you I’ve got this.”
Everything that I was stressed about last week has been resolved this week. It’s been fixed; one problem at a time. God’s awesome like that, fo real.
Encouragement… a daily boost of confidence; a daily kick of inspiration. I found a quote on Pinterest the other day that really resonated with me.
It said: “Having a rough morning? Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? That’s called purpose. You’re alive for a reason. Don’t give up.”
That’s amazing.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel defeated and worthless. However, sometimes, God sends quotes from Pinterest or little victories to let us know He’s still there.
Don’t give up. That’s my advice to you today. As cliche as that sounds, listen to those words of wisdom. You’re here for a purpose and you’re alive for a reason.
You were made to do this; you CAN do this. Sometimes, we just need that little boost of encouragement to help us along the way–to make us remember again.
Don’t give up.
God’s got this, man… He’s totally got this.
And you’re alive for a reason and a purpose.
Don’t give up.
Rainy Sunday Afternoon.
23 Apr 2012 1 Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve posted, huh?
I hope your April has been going well so far! Personally, April has been flying by! I can not BELIEVE it’s already the 22nd.
Nonsense!
It has been raining today. I LOVE the rain; especially when I don’t have anything to do or anywhere to go. Today was one of those days.
Sometimes, you just need a break from life. You just need a day to really breathe and relax.
I picked today to do that. It was amazing.
Having a break and being lazy are two different things. Although I focused most of my time doing homework, the break came mentally.
I played my “stress-free” playlist, drank tea, wore sweats, my hair was in a pony tail, and I literally curled up at my desk for five hours straight doing math homework and studying for a French oral presentation. Whew! You may be thinking, that’s not a break! Ahh… but it is.
Productivity! But still, relaxed. I wasn’t on Facebook or Twitter until the latter part of the day, which really does help your attention span [go figure]! I read today that a lot of people were having trouble being motivated this afternoon, because of the dreary rainy weather outside. Hmm…I guess I’m not your typical teenager, because I found today to be a very productive day.
Rainy days can be good lazy days, too, don’t get me wrong! Sometimes it’s good to really take a break and be lazy. Sometimes, that’s the best option for your health.
Everyone deserves a break once in a while. Even if it’s not a physical lazy day, sometimes mental rest days are just as good!
I’m always drawn to Matthew 11:28 which says, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” Just another simple reminder that Jesus will help us and give us rest. It’s such an encouragement to know that even when life gets crazy, even if I stress out to the max, Jesus is there to help.
I think of rainy days as Jesus’ way of saying, relax. It’s ok, I’m here. Take a break mentally. I’ve got this.
Be productive sometimes; be lazy other times. Everything in moderation. Don’t freak out. Stay calm. Breathe and listen to the rain; it really is the best calming sound. Relax; inhale, exhale; and remember Matthew 11:28.
Happy rainy Sunday to you. I hope yours was a good one!
Like this:
I’m in debt and I cannot pay it by myself
07 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
I’m speechless. Everything I want to say right now has left me, for what more to say than this?
Jesus paid it all and because of that, I am His. He is mine. He died for me so that I may live. I am speechless, for I have nothing more to say then this.
Jesus paid it all…Oh, praise the One who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3o3DiMVdOI <– click that to hear the song that changed my life. To hear the reasons why I am speechless.
I hear the Savior say
Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness watch and pray
Find in me thine all in all
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Lord now indeed I find
Thy power and thine alone
Can change the lepers spots
And melt the heart of stone
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
It’s washed away! All my sin! And all my shame!
And when before the throne
I stand in him complete
Jesus died my soul to save
My lips shall still repeat
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead
Jesus paid it all
All to him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow
Tuesday afternoon goodness
03 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Tuesday afternoon! How’s your day going? For me, all I know is that it’s been a good day and I can’t pinpoint why.
Maybe it’s the fact that it’s been filled with productivity or the fact that I finished three assignments so far.
Or, maybe, it’s just because some days you wake up and know it’s going to be a good day… just because it is.
Welcome to my Tuesday afternoon: a day that is good with no apparent reason.
It just is.
And to celebrate the day of random awesomeness, I have created a list of things that I like on Tuesdays.
Mozart.
Beethoven.
Bach.
My iPod.
Spotify.
A desk.
A quiet place to study.
Water.
Sunglasses.
PB&J sandwiches.
Notebooks.
Mechanical pencils.
Good hair days.
Flip flops.
The sun.
Easy assignments.
Productivity.
These are just a few things that overwhelm my Tuesday afternoons.
P.S. My experiment to see if classical music helps my attention span increase is working.
Classical music really does help with focus, no lie!
I’m a pirate.
01 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Spring Break!!
Yes, that’s right. I’m such a little kid.
When others went to Panama or Italy for Spring Break, I went to Disney.
I’m not complainin’ though, because Disney is AMAZING. It was beautiful and sunny, with a high of 88 degrees every day.
Perfect!
OH, and while visiting the Happiest Place on Earth, guess what I did [besides gaining a sweet tan]?!?
I hugged Jack Sparrow and became a member of his crew.
That’s right. Be jealous.
To say that I was ecstatic is an understatement.
My friend captured my excitement in this picture.
See?
Yep, that’s right. You’re looking at the newest Pirate…Arghhhh.
Psssstttt. Here’s a picture of me and a few of my favorites in front of the castle :]
So you’ve had a bad day…
23 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say Tags: bad day, encouragement, faith god, food, friday, friday night, motivation, motto, nutella virgin, obstacle, positivity, pun, restaurants, weird title
Have you ever heard a message so many times, but then you hear it one day, and it’s like you’ve heard it for the first time?
You have a total “OH MY GOODNESS!!!” moment.
Your whole life makes sense. Or, at least, some parts of it.
You have an epiphany of sorts.
That happened to me yesterday. Yesterday was not one of my better days. Everything seemed to be going wrong. To be honest, I felt hopeless, insignificant, lost, and utterly speechless and incapable of doing anything. I wanted to give up. I started doubting myself. I started wondering why a lot of things were happening to me.
A little dramatic, are we now? You may be thinking.
Oh shush. Haven’t you had one of those days, too? Of course you have. It’s called a bad day.
I’ve blogged before about my Type-A personality. Sometimes, it can be a good thing. But other times, it makes me my own worst enemy. I put pressure on myself to do well in whatever I do, no matter what the cost, no matter how hard it may test me physically, emotionally, mentally, etc. I put pressure on myself to succeed because Type-A personalities do that. It’s weird; I don’t know why, but it happens that way. Like I said, sometimes, it works to my advantage. I work hard to play hard. But then, sometimes, I work too hard and don’t play at all.
You can call me a perfectionist, or a psycho, or a perfectionist psycho, but whatever the case, that’s how it is. That’s how it’s always been for me and once in a while, it overwhelms me to the point of a breakdown. Yesterday was the point of breakdown-ness.
The day happened. I somehow survived. I was talking to my really good friend/sister in Christ last night, completely having this aforementioned mental break down, and she said something I’ve heard over and over again, but this time was different. Something clicked. The phrase I’ve heard thousands of times became a phrase that I’d only really heard once.
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. Can I say that again? YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT,” she said.
As I heard this, and thought about it, I started crying [I'm such a girl]. OF COURSE I don’t have to be perfect. Of course this pressure is unnecessary because aiming for perfection is the unreachable goal. “Practice makes perfect,” but you can never be perfect. Debatable, you may say. But no, it really isn’t. You know why that is, right? You know why we’re imperfect all the time, right? Because, if we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior. We wouldn’t need grace. We wouldn’t need redemption. We wouldn’t need forgiveness. We’d be perfect from it all. We’d be perfect from imperfection.
Of COURSE that’s why it frustrates me when I make failed after failed attempt at being this, because I CAN. NEVER. BE. PERFECT.
That’s why JESUS came down to earth and died for me, for you, for us. Because HE. IS. PERFECT. His perfection gives us grace. His perfection gives us forgiveness. His perfection gives us love. His perfection gives love and life to our failed selves. He’s perfect because we aren’t. He’s sinless because we’re sinful. We need a Savior. We need Jesus.
As you can probably imagine, this is only a spec of this epiphany I had last night. Bad days can turn into good days sometimes, as it did yesterday. It doesn’t change the circumstances or the obstacles, but it changes the perspective and the outlook we have. It can change the way you end the day and fall asleep. It can change the reason why you cry. It can change the reason for the bad day. It can put us in check; show us that not everything will be happy and fantastic all the time.
Sometimes, bad days happen so that we can realize just how much we need Jesus…
You know how much we need Him?
All day. Every day.
March 18th
18 Mar 2012 1 Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Today’s my birthday!
I’m not my golden age anymore, but that’s ok.
I checked something off my bucketlist, though!
I went to the Cheesecake factory!
so.delicous.
oh.my.goodness.
thanks to everyone whose wished me a happy birthday thus far! you guys rock!
…
that is all.
<3
50 Ways to Include Nutella In Your Food
17 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
I found this list on Google while searching for new ways to include Nutella in my meals.
I don’t recommend all of these suggestions, since a few ideas are kind of weird, but for all you Nutella Lovers out there…enjoy :]
5o Ways to Eat Nutella :
with a spoon.
between two slices of white bread.
spread onto a crusty baguette.
in a crepe.
in a crostata.
in brioche/cornetti/croissant.
in a donut.
on top of gelato.
dip a banana into it.
spread onto cookies or wafers.
between two pizzelles.
in an ice cream cone.
on sweet ravioli.
in a hamburger or hotdog bun.
on a bagel.
on a muffin.
on top of a waffle.
in a pita.
on poundcake.
twisted in challah.
on strawberries.
on sliced pear.
stuffed in a cored apple.
spread on celery sticks.
stuffed in French toast.
swirled into brownies.
swirled into or topped onto cheesecake.
dosed into your morning coffee.
frozen into an icy granita.
mixed with rice krispies.
topped on a cupcake.
injected into a cupcake.
between layers of a cake.
as frosting for a cake.
as a twist on tiramisu.
mixed with your favorite cream alcohol.
mixed into a chocolaty martini.
between layers of trifle.
mixed in your favorite pudding.
melted into hot chocolate.
in creme brulee forms.
in filled profiteroles.
in tuiles.
in babka.
in tiny filo cups.
on a sweet pizza.
sandwiched between layers of pandoro or panettone.
with peanut butter in a poor man’s peanut butter cup.
in a N&J – Nutella & Jelly sandwich.
with marshmallow fluff in a FlufferNutterNutella.
So, what’s going on here?
15 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
So, I love spring.
Love it, love it, love it.
Where I live, winter never came. It’s been spring since November.
With the occasional day of 40 degrees, it’s been 50 or higher pretty much every day.
That’s not normal for where I live, but hey! I’m not complaining.
It’s fantastic.
Well, with spring, comes the usual craziness of life. But that’s to be expected.
Instead of filling you in with what’s been going on lately, I decided that I’d just add some pictures.
Change it up a bit. ;]
So, here’s my life in a nutshell… picture style.
I’ve been hanging with my friend Tessa. She rocks.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Spring Break. [This picture was taken a few days ago, by the way].
A few of my friends were inducted into Honors’ Society :]
I was there to cheer them on during their Honors’ Society induction.
Meet my soul bro #2, Ryan.
I tried Nutella and thence became addicted.
I’ve studied…and studied…and studied some more.
This has become my new favorite song/new favorite band.
I’ve been researching Fort-de France, Martinique for French class.
I’ve been learning guitar. (I found it in the trash and my brother fixed it for me!)
Coral is my new favorite color for spring.
This has become my March verse.
So yeah, that’s just a little bit about what’s going on over here.
[All photo credits go to my iTouch and it's awesome way of capturing random moments.]
Spreadin’ the love
11 Mar 2012 4 Comments
in because it's a keri thing to say Tags: food, friday night, nutella virgin, pun, restaurants, weird title
So, I was introduced to something pretty amazing the other night.
Apparently, it’s this thing that EVERYONE likes and before Friday night, I had not tried it yet.
People were pretty shocked.
Pretty sad.
Pretty mad.
All these random emotions were spewn at me because I had not tried this amazing thing.
Apparently, I had not lived life to the fullest because of this absence.
But no need to fear, that quickly changed.
So what is this amazing thing, you ask?
Oh, ok…I’ll tell you.
Nutella.
Yep, that’s right.
Before Friday night, I had never tried Nutella.
Ever.
Go ahead…join the “WHAT?!?!” club.
But don’t worry–it was quickly remedied. I’m now a huge fan of Nutella.
It seriously rocks and I’m starting to realize why people got so mad at me when I had proclaimed I was a “Nutella virgin.”
Such a weird title, but alas…Nutella and I have finally met. And we definitely have a connection.
It’s love.
So…with that said, are you a Nutella fan?
If so, what do you put Nutella on? I need some ideas on how to spread this love (haha pun intended!) on every food I eat.
It’s just that good.
Let the count down begin!
09 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
March is a very busy month.
It’s like October for fall semester, except for spring.
March is full of many different things: exams, quizzes, papers, study groups, plays, classes, busyness, etc. etc.
Although it may be a month of insanity, God has blessed this state with beautiful weather thus far!
It definitely makes the time fly a lot faster when it’s warm. The sun has a way of doing that.
Today it was in the low 70s! AKA, It was gorgeous and definitely not normal for March weather here in this little state.
Although March has the tendency to be crazy, it also holds a lot of little gems. Little things to look forward to always make the time pass quickly. So, here are a few things I’m looking forward to!
March 18th– MY BIRTHDAY– 10 days!
March 22–MIDTERMS’ WEEK ENDS– 14 days!
March 23– SPRING BREAK BEGINS– 15 days!
March 23– HUNGER GAMES MOVIE COMES OUT– 15 days!
March 26– LEAVE FOR SPRING BREAK DESTINATION– 18 days!
What are you looking forward to?
My girls :)
03 Mar 2012 2 Comments
in because it's a keri thing to say
“I read your blog,” one of my girls, Camryn, said to me last night.
“Oh you did? How’d you like it?”
“I loved it!” she exclaimed.
“Awwh, good. I’m glad!”
And THAT’S when I got the brilliant idea: shout out.
I look forward to Friday nights, but not for the reason you’re thinking.
No, no, no… I look forward to Friday nights because I get to spend it with a bunch of really awesome, really cool, really gorgeous 7th and 8th graders. That’s right, you’re jealous. I would be too, if I were you.
These girls are amazing. They’re my adopted little sisters.
They’re hilarious, gorgeous, funny, talented, filled with good ideas, and love Jesus with all their heart.
I love having them in my life and being their youth leader.
Shout out to my girlies!! Love you!
Fighting with Faith
02 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
It’s hard to put into words the ache that’s in my heart.
My heart grieves and aches for the family of and those who knew one of the strongest people I know, Joe Feeley.
Joe went to be with Jesus on Monday night. He has no more pain, no more sadness.
His legacy has impacted hundreds of people, myself included.
Although I had only met him a few times, Joe’s faith in Jesus was apparent in everything he did.
Every time I saw him, he was smiling. Even in pain, he smiled.
You see, the doctors found cancer in Joe’s body two years ago.
For two years, Joe battled a cancer that would appear, then disappear, then appear again.
But through a journey of pain, questions, and a search for healing,
Joe always praised God. No matter what.
And this became evident in whatever he did. People noticed.
People questioned how he could remain so positive. People wanted to know more.
When people asked, Joe said “Jesus.”
Joe’s faith in Jesus is contagious. It has resonated with a lot of people who have been impacted by his testimony and his life.
His faith and strength through the trials he faced is inspiring.
You know the motto that I have been blogging about?
“Let your faith be bigger than your fear.”
Joe lived that out. He didn’t fear cancer and he didn’t fear whatever came with that.
He had a faith in Jesus bigger than any fear.
That’s inspiring. That’s courageous. That’s living for Jesus.
Many people, myself included, will miss Joe. I’m thankful that he’s now pain free and dancing with Jesus.
Cancer didn’t beat him; he won.
Thank you, Joe, for teaching me how to live for Jesus by your life’s example; by fighting with faith.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” ~Hebrews 12:1-2
flip flops in february
23 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
As I write this, it’s 5pm on February 23, 2012, and it’s 64 degrees outside.
64 DEGREES!! IN FEBRUARY!! AT 5 PM!!
You have NO idea how happy this makes me.
Actually, you probably do, considering how often I blog about warmth, the sun, summer, flip flops, and anything bright and cheerful.
But that’s besides the point.
The point is that it was high 70s today and it’s a Thursday in February. AKA, I’m wearing flip flops in February and I’m not freezing cold.
To celebrate this magnificent weather, I studied on the green today with my friend, Liz.
For those of you who are so confused as to what a “green” is, it’s exactly what it sounds like.
A huge green lawn in between buildings on campus.
Lots of people were out on the green today, studying, laughing, having picnics, and just enjoying the random weather.
I overheard one person say, “Wow! Delaware weather is awesome! It never snows!”
I wanted to turn and tell them, “False. This is random. It’s giving every body the wrong impression of what weather is like here!”
But I didn’t. I was too busy enjoying the awesome random weather of Delaware.
It’s just too great.
I was out side a lot today, but now I am in Starbucks, drinking a tall light java chip frappuccino while studying for my mass media class.
It’s just too great today.
Oh wait, I just said that.
But, it’s just one of those days where I don’t care how many times I say it, because it’s true.
Starbucks, flip flops, sunglasses, warm weather, comm homework… really, can it get any better than that?
Curiosity is getting the best of me.
18 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
Stop right there! I need your help.
The reason I’m writing this:
I’m a Communications major. This, you may have already known, for I have written about it before.
In one of my core communications’ classes this semester, we’re discussing mass media and the effects it has society.
My professor has begun to explain the logistics behind what looks to be casual television with minor advertising.
What seems to be innocent television really has a huge message behind it.
Weird, right? Everything on TV is put there for a reason– everything.
I had no idea. There is a whole different world behind the scenes of production and media in general.
They don’t call it “the world of television” for nothing!
Okay, I actually I did know a little bit about this world of television, but I didn’t know the depth of it all, how much time it took, and what all had to happen for a simple show or commercial to be added to the schedule.
And that got me thinking…
What shows are the most popular? What shows are people more interested in?
Why are the shows interesting? Why can’t people WAIT for the next new episode?
What’s so great?
I’ll spare you the crazy long answer and tell you simply:
because the mass media industry is doing their job efficiently.
You and I are addicted to shows like Glee or The Office because of the behind-the-scenes industry that helps shows like those two succeed.
It’s mind blowing, really, if you take the time to have this information sink in…really sink in.
The fact that we’re addicted to these shows is not just because of our personal interests, but because of a specific scientific method.
Whaaaaat?!
So, you may be thinking…that’s great. but why do you need my help?
That’s where YOU come in. The “so what” is that I’m a curious person. I’m a Communications major. I’m studying the insanity of media and how it effects you and me.
And because of all these reasons, I want you to take the poll!
Simply put, I’m curious to see what shows you’re watching now that I have a little bit more info on the entire process of it all.
Side Note: If your show is not listed, please choose the option “Other” and then comment on this post to tell me which show that is.
Heads up: If this experiment succeeds, I may continue to ask for your help in the future. I may post polls or questions that I’d love your feedback on in order to gain a better understanding of the media world. What better way to learn more about people’s opinions then to ask them through my blog? It’s perfect. Don’t worry about future questions… for now, just click an answer. I greatly appreciate it!
Thanks mucho!
A 4 part thought in 1 blog post: categorized for your convenience.
15 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
There are four parts to my blog post today:
A beginning, a middle, an end, and a “why the heck is Keri even writing this?” (aka a summary). Obviously. But this time, I’m doing something different. I will be “bolding” the four parts so you clearly see how they intertwine with each other.
Behind the Scenes:
You know, some days I have these random thoughts that completely summarize everything I’m feeling.
And then, other days, I have thoughts that don’t apply to any aspect of my life.
Today was Valentine’s Day. Happy Valentine’s Day, by the way!
Throughout the day, I couldn’t make up my mind on whether I liked being single or not.
Random, I know.
Some moments, I had thoughts like, “Yeah! Being a single lady rocks!” and then other times, I had thoughts like, “This stinks. So much.”
My thoughts frequently contradicted each other today. But what else is new?
But then I realized, like with everything else, there are two ways to look at Valentine’s Day.
Either you can look at it as the most awesomest holiday ever where you get to wear red and pink clothing, eat chocolate, and wear a smile all day long…
OR…
You can look at it as a day of depression, loneliness, and despair.
OR… (a third option!)
You can look at it like I did, which was to wear happy clothing and eat chocolate, but still feel a teeny bit lonely and a little desperate.
Ha ha ha.
Just kidding. …but seriously.
So what if I’m a little cliche? :
I will admit, I’m a sucker for the cheesy relationship stuff like roses, teddy bears, big hugs, and Halmark cards. I mean, HELLO, I LOVE the movie Valentine’s Day and one of my favorite movies is 27 Dresses. I’m such a girl when it comes to these things, but that’s not necessarily wrong.
It’s OK to like these things and it’s OK to love Valentine’s Day, but don’t forget that it’s not the things that count, but the people.
I know that sounds so cliche, but I feel like a lot of people forget why they celebrate Valentine’s Day. They get so caught up in the commercialism and the idea of love, that they forget to love.
It may be the enormous amounts of Mass Media Communication knowledge in my head right now since I’m studying the psychology behind commercialism in college, or it may just be the many thoughts I had during the day today, but whatever the case… I think that Valentine’s Day is a perfect example of how there are two (sometimes three) ways to view a situation.
Whatever the case, this is what I know:
There is a reason why I’m single right now that I’m still trying to find out. Actually, I take that back. I know why I’m single.
It’s because God has the perfect person made for me and in His timing, I’ll find him.
Like in the many situations I find myself in, I am reminded once again that God’s got this. Yeah, it’d be great to have a guy and a “valentine” on the most romantic holiday of the year, but then again, I’ve been single for this many years, so I can be single for one more…or two, or three…really, I can be single for as long as needed, because that’s what God intended in His story for me.
I’m not going to lie and tell you that it’s easy to see other people’s successful relationships and then realize that I don’t have that. I’m not going to lie and tell you that I feel like I need a guy to be okay. And I’m certainly not going to lie and tell you that I write my blog posts to receive attention, praise, or compliments [especially this post].
No, it’s not easy to be single in a world that’s so focused on relationships, but also…No, I don’t feel like I need a guy to be okay. When he comes, he comes. But until then, my focus is on Jesus. And I definitely don’t write my blog posts trying to hint for praise, compliments, or attention. I am very thankful when people do comment and love my blog, but I don’t set out trying to write and bring attention to myself. Side note and a small rant: I started my blog because I had things to say and people began to read. I did not start this blog to generate attention and have people think I wrote it specifically to get others’ approval.
Anyways… :
Like I said, God’s got this and although that may be hard to accept on some days [today being one of them], it’s still the truth and at the end of the day, I am thankful for it.
Because today turned out to be a great day. I went to Starbucks with a friend and had great, encouraging talks. I successfully understood everything my French professor said [in French!] and was able to respond back [in French!]. I ate lunch with a few long-lost friends from last semester. I was able to finish my homework early and therefore have small adventures. I worshiped Jesus with a bunch of people tonight at a campus ministry and then came home to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers and chocolates from my brother.
God sent me valentines throughout the entire day through different people. He loves me and I’m thankful that He calls me his daughter.
Oh, and I read a letter from Him, too. Best. Valentine. Ever.
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
It is not proud. It does not dishonor others,
It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
- Corinthians 13:4-8
Like this:
The gift that keeps on giving.
09 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in because it's a keri thing to say
I have neglected this blog for about a week or so.
In the “real” world, that is not a long length of time, but for the blogging world, that is an eternity.
My apologies.
Every day is a gift. Sometimes, I have to remind my self of this many times a day. Especially during this time of year.
Spring semester has officially arrived.
And with the spring semester, comes a new round of trials, obstacles, stressful situations, joys, exciting moments, and gifts.
Gifts at every corner.
Gifts wherever I look.
Not physical gifts, like a wrapped present or a bag with a ribbon.
But hidden gifts.
I’ve shared in the past about my challenge to find 1,000 gifts.
Who knew that a gift would be getting to class and finding the only seat available was in the front row?
God did.
He knew that my attention span [especially when it comes to anything mathematical] is short and that sitting in front would not only give me a full view of the board, but I’d also make a friend or two at the end of the class.
Who knew that forgetting a coat on a cold February night would lead to fully enjoying the cold weather and the sight of exhaled breath as it filled the air?
God did.
Who knew that sitting in a window sill would not only allow me to feel the sunlit windows’ warmth on my face, but also give me a perfect view to see a long-lost friend walking my way?
God did.
Who knew that finishing a long day of classes and walking outside to see snow falling from the sky would lead to a grin on my face and a burst of un-containable energy?
God did.
You see, to me, these things would’ve been insignificant if I had not stopped to think about why they happened.
God is constantly showing me and giving me reasons to trust Him. To show that the little things are from Him. Little gifts, although they aren’t wrapped in paper or tied with a ribbon, are still just as significant and precious.
I know most of my blog posts end up talking about the hidden gifts and/or why God puts them in our lives, but this entire challenge has given me a new perspective.
Even on the most “boring” days, I still try to find at least two, or maybe three, gifts.
I have been pretty busy with school [already!] but I had to update you on my gift challenge.
Hopefully this tidbit of a blog post inspired and/or encouraged you to keep with your personal gift challenge.
Have you found any gifts today?
Mondays and Baby Steps
30 Jan 2012 1 Comment
in because it's a keri thing to say
I’m not usually a huge fan of Mondays, but today, I decided to start my day with a different approach.
Instead of looking for reasons to help my theory that Mondays are always horrible, I decided that I would start looking for reasons why Mondays are manageable. (Notice I didn’t say Reasons Why I Love Mondays…baby steps, baby steps).
This may sound like a no-brainer idea. Obviously, there are two ways to look at every situation: either glass half-full or half-empty.
I grew up being asked the question over and over again. “See this cup? Is it half filled with water or half empty?”
I’d shrug, say “half filled with water,” and then be congratulated and told that I was an optimistic person.
Okay then…
I never really understood how looking at a wet cup determined what kind of person I was, but I rolled with the punches.
As the years passed, my thinking matured, and I grew up, I started to understand the value of optimism.
Of how it can affect your mood, your day, and even the people around you.
And now, when somebody asks if I’m usually optimistic or pessimistic, I can answer without hesitation.
I’m pretty optimistic.
Except when it comes to Mondays.
I don’t know why Mondays have the reputation of being horrific, but they do. And I’ve never liked them. They’re the wake up call that the weekend is over; time to get back to work.
But today, as I said, I woke up thinking “Today is going to be okay. I’m not going to look at it as a burden, but as an opportunity.”
Baby steps. I was determined to see Monday as a half-filled cup of water.
So, when I started the day off with a late start, I didn’t sigh and give up all hopes. When a headache [the size of Texas!] wouldn’t go away, I bit my lip, didn’t complain, and ignored it’s existence.
Baby steps.
Baby steps.
Mondays try to teach me something.
Look for the bright side to every situation. Your attitude tells a lot about your character. It tells a lot about how you choose to handle situations.
Are you half full or half empty? When the challenges come, does your view of the things around you change or stay the same?
Is it easier to be an optimistic person when happy things are all around you? Absolutely!
But when the “Mondays” of your life come around, don’t neglect your optimism for pessimism just because that’s the way it’s always been.
Just because everybody hates Mondays, doesn’t mean you have to, too.
Look for the little joys; the baby steps.
Because when you do, a late start or a horrible headache doesn’t just become an obstacle, it becomes an opportunity.
