Too much

My day was too full. My heart is heavy. My mind is busy. 

I want to yell or cry, but I don't have the time or energy for either.

Blessing

Courtney Lyn

daughter of Michelle Kay

daughter of Janet Kay

daughter of June

daughter of Margaret

Tonight I was able to attend the baby/belly blessing of my dear friend, Jen.
We made yarn bracelets that felt together as you wear it.
As you wrap the strands around your wrist you share your lineage as the Hebrew women would do.
The bracelet is a reminder to pray for this new baby and the family.
Traditionally, you cut the bracelet off after the baby arrives.

We discussed connection and womanhood.

I was the only single/childless woman present, and it was an honor to be include with this group of beautiful, Christ-following ladies.

We prayed over Jen.

Her tummy was decorated with Henna.

A special time of celebration, wonder, and anticipation.

This day

I haven't felt too happy in my job as of late.

I do care deeply about the teens that I work with,
but I've felt so exhausted, drained and discouraged by the little details of my position (driving too much, late nights ect).

 Isn't it amazing that The Creator of the universe knows our hearts perfectly?

Today, I was provided with necessary encouragement.

After lunch, I went to see AJ. It was my first time seeing him since he's returned from intensive treatment. AJ said to me, "Courtney, I just feel so good (being clean)". He shared how he has gotten rid of his drug paraphernalia and had his mom clean out their medicine cabinets. "I'm just really into skating and staying out of trouble now". Happy for him.

At 2:30pm, I returned to the office and found two former clients waiting for me. They randomly stopped by "just to check in". They are both doing well. One told me about his new job. The other pulled a mini NT out of his backpack. Then, he read Acts 17 aloud to me. I felt that Christ was literally the fourth person in our unexpected conversation that followed.

I mean seriously? only God could be making up this stuff...

Most days, I feel that I put in lots and lots of effort but rarely see clear pictures of redemption, but on this day I have been acutely aware of the greatness of God and my role in His story.

Thankful.

Moment of the Week

This little lady was 'Special Person' of the week at school and chose me as her hero because, 

"we do crafts together".

Humbled.

Preserve and Share

 20liters.org

For this sacred land  

It has seen many hands 

It has wealth and gold  

Yet it is fragile and old 

And all the greedy souls  

Just don't care to know  

Of the changes it will confront

So speak out loud 

Of the things you are proud  

And if you love this coast  

Then keep it clean as it hopes 

'Cause the way that it shines  

May just dwindle with time

 

 XAVIER RUDD - MESSAGES LYRICS

Stones

The past weekend was beautiful in 1000s ways.

Rejuvenated. Satisfied. Encouraged. Awed. Rested.

One of my favorite things was spending hours wading in the cold and clear waters searching for Petoskey stones.

Finding treasures and treasuring the moments.

Being a Young-Adult is Awkward.

I'm not really into labels.
At dinner tonight, the topic of "Emerging Adulthood" was brought up.
I didn't even know there was such a thing.

Developmental psychologists typically categorize the stages of life as: infancy, early childhood, late childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle adulthood, old age

In the past decade, Emerging/early adulthood has been a proposed new stage to follow adolescence.

I remember reading in college about the development of the adolescent period. If I am recalling correctly, It began after the industrial revolution when more emphasis was placed on education for those in late childhood. A gap of time began to grow between childhood and kids going into full-time work (farms, factories, trades ect).

And now, apparently, the gap between adolescence and adulthood is growing. Many believe that society and economy trends are influencing this shift.

Emerging adulthood is evidenced by: increasing amount of education needed for employment, later  marriage ages, childlessness, not owning a home, unstable income, continued dependence on parents, growing debt.....

How should I feel about being in this so-called demographic?

Most of the time, being a young adult does feel awkward.

I'm trying to figure out a zillion different things and learning to be independent financially and so on..

Some of us are single, some of us are married, some are still in school, some work full-time, some are job searching, some live at home, some in apartments.....Oh, and it seems that the vast majority of young-adult social events involve alcohol.
Is this to take away some of the awkwardness?

Many days I feel like I am just attempting to play the role of 'adult'.
How about you? What things do you think 'make' you an adult?

I relation, we were reminded in church today through the story of Ruth, that roles are not one's highest calling. Our highest calling and purpose comes from our creator God.

Thank goodness.