Kelli. in real life

Homebody or Social Butterfly???

The last 2 weeks or so, I've been putting in some extra hours at work. We've got a few things coming up that require a little extra money. Instead of expecting my husband to "hand it all over', I've been doing what I can to bring in some extra revenue so we can move(in a few weeks), get some new furniture (thank God), and I'm supposed to go away with a friend for a week. (yay for mommy!)

In my free time, I've noticed I've been out and about more than usual. I'm normally the type that likes to be at home, curled up in front of the tv or reading a book; just relaxing and being quiet. (Well as quiet as quiet can be with a 2 year old).

Lately, I've been meeting up with friends for coffee, going to the movies, having playdates, or just venturing out on my own more often. It's not that I'm a shy person (the thought of me being shy is hilarious), nor am I quite the loner. But the truth is, I actually don't mind being a lone. Biologically, I'm an only child, so I'm used to entertaining myself.

What I've noticed is that the last 2 weeks have been emotional and filled with lots of ups and downs. Some of those "downs" are still kind of "up" in the air. There's been death, overdue bills, misunderstandings with loved ones, etc. Both my husband and I have sort of "taken turns" finding outlets to keep us sane. He's been playing at gigs, and indulging in a few rock band challenges with some friends. I've had more "coffee and/or movie" dates more than ever. And together as a couple, we've enjoyed fellowship with other christian couples.

It's a weird season in our lives, but both us have found strength by managing our time well, communicating honestly, and having some good, healthy fun.

How about you? When life throw's you a curve ball do you tend to stay home, or do you come out of your cocoon and socialize to keep your mind off things?

A Prayer Journal

A dear friend of mine gave me a beautiful gift on Sunday; a journal.

Like me, she loves notebooks and journals of all sizes, shapes and patterns.

But this one was different.

Inside the cover she said she specifically wanted me to use this journal for prayers and the specific things I was believing God to bring to pass in my life. She said it was her hope that soon I would look back and rejoice at all the things God had done for me.

I've had it for 3 days, and already the first 5 pages are filled with hopes, hurts, and praise to God. Sure, I've been praying out loud in the morning, and at night like I try to do every day. But there's something special about seeing these prayers written out. I feel such a cleansing and even anticipation rising within me. I find that I am expecting God to answer these prayers...in his time, in his way.

I've often struggled with this verse of scripture....

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God
Phillipians 4:6 NASB

I get anxious almost every day and its a struggle to overcome worry, doubt, and even fear sometimes.

But already, I can feel that anxiety lifting as I make the time to write down my "requests".

Tell me, how do you pray?