Did Grace + Gratitude intersect your life last week? They did in mine. How? In ways I wasn’t anticipating that is for sure. Warning: Deep thoughts ahead…you might need waders. You have been warned! Maybe this collage of our flower/vegetable garden will make you smile. There’s more than just plants growing around these parts…lots of thoughts too!
Here’s what I discovered during the week. To be honest I rush through my days thinking about exercise and food and miss so much of life. Truly, these are things that are on my brain A LOT! Because that is my truth I tend to miss precious other things like moments and people. Today, I’m thankful that I am beginning to realize some of the isolation I’ve created because of my focus on lesser things. Greater things are the works of the Lord in my life and people. So what happened that spoke to me this week?
1. I believe grace intersects my life each day with my new job. Why? Because I GET to interact with a variety of people. I GET to serve them through various facets of my position. I receive feedback on my duties which encourages me. I feel appreciated and that has lifted me out of a place of darkness that I was in but didn’t realize I was in. Such grace has been extended to me to see these things. I am grateful for all of it and how it is changing my outlook and perspective. That leads into my next point…
2. All that talk about graduation and graduation looks plus all the pictures of people who actually did graduate got me thinking. I was reminded that a new degree program was released last summer at DTS {seminary}. Such grace that the new degree is for lay people and only requires 36 vs. the 60 or 120 hour programs. I am applying to be re-admitted so I can finish the actual degree program rather than just the certificate. I think I only need about 4 classes. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity!
3. I have seen grace in my life is through another opportunity that has been extended to me. I have completed courses in Biblical Counseling and I am now being told that I can receive a certificate for that through a national organization of counselors. This means I can be a legit lay counselor in my church. This is one of my heartbeats. Speaking truth to those who are hurting. Such grace!
4. This past weekend I had the opportunity to be home alone. This provided a much-needed opportunity for reflection. I started reading the book, Brazen, the courage to find the you that’s been hiding, which also got me thinking. Words get me thinking and she honed in on two words that hit me hard in my heart – brazen {bold without shame} and frivolous {not having serious purpose or value}. Wow! Those words rocked me and I’m so grateful because I want to be bold but I have lived much of my life trying not to be frivolous. My seriousness may {most likely} have caused me to miss some fun and experiences. How is this all going to pan out in the future? I don’t know yet but I’m thankful for the grace to read these things that cause me to think. Today I’m practicing these words of Coco Chanel.
[Tweet “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. ~Coco Chanel”]
5. Friends! I’ve also realized that my life with friendships is changing. It’s under construction! Two of my dearest friends have moved {or are moving} out the area. Mind you they are not going far and will be in the DFW area but no longer in my backyard so to speak. I’m choosing to look at this as an opportunity of grace. As they move “out” more space will be “open” for new friendships. I tend to not have a super close or “best” friend. As I have thought about that recently I know some of that is tied to relationships with ladies where I’m kinda the third wheel. I choose not to fight be center stage and the favorite friend. But also I’ve transitioned several times in life and friends got left behind. So as I’ve thought about this issue, I’m looking to open myself up for new friendships. Not sure what that will look like but I feel this is grace. New space is open – open for business so to speak. I’m open to the business of cultivating new friendships.
[Tweet “Make room for friends – old and new for this will enrich your days.”]
That’s about it. I know it’s all on the deep end. That’s mostly where I swim or tread water. I think I was raised to be not be frivolous. I might need a little bit of that in my life. It might do me good to step out of the deep waters and wade along the shore for a little while.
Have a beautiful day. Hope you capture the moments of grace + gratitude as they intersect in your life.
Katie Mitchell says
Loved reading this!! Thank you for showing your heart and for so much honesty! So great that you are loving your new job and I really lenjoyed your thoughts on friendship. I absolutely have a best friend but have also been the third wheel in some relationships!! Have a great Monday Carrie!
Katie Mitchell says
Also, that Coco Chanel quote is now my lock screen on my phone!! Lol…so great!!
Carrie says
This makes me heart smile!
Carrie says
Thanks, Katie! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Hope you have a lovely week!
Living on Cloud Nine says
You are such a beautiful soul dear Carrie!! I related to this so much, I do not have a best friend, I have a close friend but she has so many others in her life, it’s not like the BFF’s I had in high school and college and sometimes that makes me sad because I try to be the best friend I can be to so many. So proud of you for taking those last courses and for pointing out how important it is to stop and feel the Grace and beauty around us!!! Hugs on your Monday friend!!
Carrie says
Thank you for the encouragement! If we lived closer we could be each other’s bestie!
Making the Most of Every Day says
I loved the BRAZEN vs FRIVOLOUS thought. That’s worth pondering… Good, deep roots going down…
Carrie says
Thanks, Sheila! Hope it helps you ponder!
Deena Simair says
So many great thoughts in this post- I wish we lived closer so we could be coffee buddies
Carrie says
Thank you, friend! I would love to sit and talk over coffee with you.
Runwright says
I loved this post. I just found your blog through the linkup and I tweeted both of your quotes. I am following you now on social media and on the blog. I hope you’ll check me out and follow me too.
https://runwright.net/2016/05/22/what-he-said-church-files/
Carrie says
Thank you! Your words so encouraged me today.
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says
Carrie I think you would/ are going to make the best counselor ever. I love everything you wrote…I love the direction you are taking with your blog lately, love getting to know you more.
Carrie says
Thank you for the encouragement. As people quit following since I’m doing as much style it can be discouraging but I would rather be true to my heart and speak those things. We’ll see what happens.
Shaunacey says
I love this and I feel like every post I read of yours lately is part of some transformation you are experiencing and I love being witness to it. I love how self-aware you are and how you share so openly. Thank you for that! xo
Carrie says
Thank you! I’m glad you can see change in me – that is encouraging!
Lana L. says
This is such a beautiful post, and really touched my heart. I can relate to so many things you wrote. Just ordered the Brazen book – looking forward to reading it!
Carrie says
Thank you, friend! I hope you enjoy it.
Abbie Ginther says
Carrie, your honesty and vulnerability are so refreshing. I am sure that you are light wherever you are and I love that your new job of serving others is lifting you up. Friends are hard. I hope you update us on how it goes.
Carrie says
Thank you, Abbie!
Emily Green says
Carrie, what a beautiful post! This was nourishing to my heart. You are motivating me to step out of myself to see the good work that the Lord is doing that I often overlook. Needed this today, sweet friend!
Carrie says
So glad to hear this was helpful!