tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139816402024-03-14T03:23:45.287-04:00arrivederciIrrational Love. Adventurous Faith.Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-2965632050938287022011-07-12T11:34:00.000-04:002011-07-13T13:35:17.386-04:00new name. new blog.So I may or may not have forgotten to mention that my blog moved.<br /><br />I'm leaning more toward "not"...<br /><br />http://adventurous-love.blogspot.com/<br /><br />new name. new blog.Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-44011026218822876622011-04-12T22:57:00.002-04:002011-04-12T23:22:16.620-04:00VBJI<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Virginia-Beach-Justice-Initiative/145451395519986">Virginia Beach Justice Initiative</a>
<br />
<br />It's real.
<br />
<br /><div>The last few years I have been struggling to figure out what it is I'm supposed to do in life. I've been on the non-profit track for quite some time now and have been confident that I am an idealist who needs to have some type of tangible impact in my "career". Mixing that with my art background has been a fun and wonderful ride; I will always appreciate and love art-especially photography. Deep down, I have known that art is not my #1 head-over-heels passion. I'm not really sure what word describes what my passion is- but it's people. Specifically: women. Young women. Young women who are vulnerable and at high-risk for injustice and violation; especially sexual injustice and violation.
<br />
<br />How convenient that I'm about to marry the man of my dreams, who has a strong passion for abolishing the cruel reality of Sex Trafficking.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Together we have dreamed many dreams of starting an organization that focuses on educating and ultimately preventing these nightmares so many women live in today. We have dreams of building on that idea and starting a shelter for women coming out of sex trafficking and a community center for young women and survivors to frequent and learn life skills and art and get counseling and begin integrating back into society.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The first step of many of these dreams has come true. At a training for Hands That Heal (a curriculum for working in after-care with victims of trafficking) Ben and I approached a woman we have loads of respect for who founded the organization<a href="http://www.richmondjusticeinitiative.com/"> Richmond Justice Initiative</a>. We told her we lived in VB and wanted to be involved any way we could and we could love to help get something going in our area. Well, Ben and I honestly thought this would be something we would slowly be involved in through the leading of someone else and it would be months down the road. Little did we know, God had something else in store.</div><div>We immediately scheduled a meeting with Sara and three other people interested in getting involved in the starting of a Virginia Beach Justice Initiative. A model is already laid out courtesy of International Justice Mission and Richmond Justice Initiative, so there is not much re-inventing that needs to be done-- just a lot of steps toward getting support, getting our name out, connecting with churches and organizations, and then becoming an official 501c3.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>In order to be more a part of this, I put in my two-week notice at the museum. This was an extremely difficult decision to make because my job there was really enjoyable. But there was no guarantee the position would go full time and I have been working 3 jobs to supplement my income so I could continue to work there... I am getting married soon and I would like my life back. So after much thought, stress, frustration, tears and finally TRUST- I put in my notice. (No more 80 hour weeks!!!!)</div><meta charset="utf-8"><div>It is incredibly freeing to know I can pour my energy into beginning an organization with my husband. God has opened so many of the right doors and given us the right tools. We are trusting and praying for so much more! It is a very humbling experience so far. I feel generally clueless in every step we move forward with. Without God there is no way we will succeed. Thats how we know we are a part of something big-- it is so beyond our capabilities. We feel honored to be such a large part of this initiative. Please pray for the victims we are advocating for. Pray for the struggles so many men woman and children are facing by having their freedoms stripped and being forced into labor and prostitution. Pray for the success of this organization- no matter who is a part of it. Pray for provision of all sorts: people, finances, opportunities, connections, volunteers, you name it we probably need it. Thank you :)</div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is who we are:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; "><table class="uiInfoTable profileInfoTable noBorder" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; width: 483px; "><tbody><tr><td class="data" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 15px; "><div class="data_field" style="width: 350px; ">
<br />Virginia Beach Justice Initiative is a grassroots organization consisting of volunteers who have a passion to see an end to human trafficking, specifically the human trafficking going on in our own back yard.</div></td></tr><tr><th class="label" style="padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold; width: 125px; line-height: 15px; ">
<br /></th><td class="data" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 15px; ">
<br /></td></tr><tr><th class="label" style="padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 8px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold; width: 125px; line-height: 15px; ">
<br /></th><td class="data" style="font-size: 11px; text-align: left; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: top; line-height: 15px; "><div class="data_field" style="width: 350px; ">Our Mission is to bring an end to issues of the injustice of human trafficking by empowering the residents of Virginia Beach and the surrounding area by providing education, awareness and prevention campaigns, and hosting fundraising events to support credible organizations that are involved in the work of eradicating human trafficking on a national and international level.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-43628010480030588872011-03-30T11:51:00.002-04:002011-03-30T12:13:42.774-04:00BreatheToday I am reminded of God's goodness, and challenged by His calling on us as believers to live in His truth and His spirit. Take a second and think about what is inside you right now. If we are truly honest with ourselves, what are the things that are filling our minds? Most likely, it's the things we are worried by, stressed from, anxious of, or angry with. <div><div>
<br /></div><div>If we allow ourselves to have a changed perspective, it is easy to see that God is here; right now. It's easy to give Him credit for our existence. His breath is our life. Subsequently it's even easier to disregard that by holding things in that are not His truth. We let these small distractions harbor within us until we get to a point that we cannot even recognize the holy ground upon which we walk.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The spirit of God guides us into truth and God <i>gives </i>the spirit without limit. How amazing is that? God guides us and gives us His spirit without limitation?! It's hard to wrap my mind around that and yet that truth disappears at the sight of life's small adversities. Responsibilities hurry us and we miss out not only on the truth that God is HERE and He wants to bless us abundantly with His spirit (which consequently brings Joy), but we also miss out on revelations and burning bushes and blessings and opportunities to show His light. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>What is He trying to tell us that we are too distracted to hear?</div><div>
<br />May we come to see that God is here. Right here, right now. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Ephesians 4: 1-6</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; <span class="Apple-style-span" >one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.</span></span></div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-71945874239824717312011-03-07T13:00:00.002-05:002011-03-07T13:04:06.730-05:00God is nearDeuteronomy 6:10-15<br />When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. The Lord your God you shall fear; him you shall serve, and by his name alone you shall swear. Do not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who are all around you, because the Lord your God, who is present with you, is a jealous God. The anger of the Lord your God would be kindled against you and he would destroy you from the face of the earth.<br /><br /><br />Satisfaction and idolatry are connected because our hearts don't want to dependent on anyone or anything else for our care, sustenance and safety. We desire control over all of these things, but control is the very face of the “other god’s” that the bible warns us about. <div>Are we more prone to ignore God in moments of provision and abundance or in moments of pain? How often are we tempted to forget God when we have everything we want?<br /></div><div><br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-78494509955122595822011-03-06T22:05:00.012-05:002011-03-06T23:10:26.952-05:00The [long-winded] StoryWe have yet to make a wedding blog, but I wanted to share Ben's and my story. God's orchestration could not be more evident than in the early story of our relationship. I tried to cut it as short as possible, but it is still a bit long.<br /><br />Our meeting:<br /><br />Ben and I met through mutual friends who were planning to get married. Their love for each other did more than bond them for life. Ultimately without their union, I would have never met Ben. At the time of our meeting, summer 2009, I was in a relationship, living in Nashville, TN, and working as a Nanny and freelance photographer/photo assistant. My schedule was mapped out months in advance and I had taken one particular week off because my current boyfriend and I had planned to take a vacation. For whatever reason that vacation never happened, but Casey's parents were planning a surprise engagement party for her and asked some of her friends if they could make it to VA for the party. I so conveniently had that week off, so I flew to Virginia Beach. Ben and Casey's fiancée, Jeremiah, had known each other since they were young so when I got into town, Miah called Ben and the four of us hung out the entire week I was visiting. I had no intention of liking Ben. I actually was not at all into him, not in the least. (sorry, Ben)<br /><br />I left to go home, Ben took me to the airport at 5am. I was very intrigued by his optimism and genuine zeal for life, but we had almost no communication after I left VA. A few months later the relationship I was in ended quite dramatically the night before I had planned to fly home for a visit to Michigan. My flight was awful because I drank too much during my lay-over and just cried and drooled on the kid next to me. (worse idea ever) That same day, I checked my email and had an encouraging message from Ben saying he didn't know why he was emailing me, but he had woken up in the middle of the night and read some verses from the Bible that he felt he should pass along. Needless to say, this email didn't help my whirlwind of emotions and I closed my computer before I finished reading the message. The last thing I needed was some amazingly optimistic godly man complicating my life during a break-up. I never went back and finished reading the email...<br /><br />The development of our relationship:<br /><br />A couple more months went by, I had the occasional small talk with Ben on Facebook, but nothing significant. December came around and it was time for Casey and Jeremiah's wedding. Again I flew to Virginia Beach, and I saw Ben at the rehearsal dinner. I was strangely excited to see him. (Mind you, during the entirety of Casey's wedding planning she confessed her scheme to force me and Ben into marriage. This only made me not want to like him more.) After the dinner, some of us made plans to go out and play pool, nothing spectacular, but again I was drawn to something in Ben. From this point on, the rest of the time I was in VA Ben and I were subtly trying to be near each other. We were like magnets. Ben was staying at the Brook's house until the wee hours of the morning to hang out with everyone and ultimately be near me as long as possible. We both were surviving on just a few hours of sleep per night so we could spend time together before I left.<br /><br />Casey's wedding was wonderful. Ben and I were both in the wedding party and we were, of course, walking partners. Everyone could tell there was something happening even before we were willing to admit it to ourselves. The end of that week came fast, and it was time for me to go home for the holidays. I had a 14 hour drive back to the Midwest with my second family, the Roomes, and Ben and I texted almost the entire day. I was definitely on cloud 9. When I finally made it back to Michigan the texts were replaced by phone calls, most lasting no less than 3 hours. Sleep was not a priority. I remember laying in the guest room at my dads house until 4:30am on the phone laughing and talking and never wanting to hang up the phone. This same week I also went back and found that first email Ben wrote me. I finally finished reading it, and was amazed by his character and the verses he felt God telling him to encourage me with. It was amazing. At the end of my holiday stay I traveled back to Nashville to spend just a few more weeks there packing my things and preparing for the move home. I had no idea what was in store for Ben and I. Michigan and Virginia are not close.<br /><br />A month later we decided to meet up in Cinncinnati, OH at Casey and Miah's home for a celebration weekend. Ben flew from VA, I drove from MI, Calen drove from TN, and Casey's cousin drove from KY. The 6 of us had an awesome weekend together, Ben and I had our first "official" date at a jazz restaurant down the street and the day before Ben flew home he asked me to be his girlfriend. January 24th. The next morning he had to fly back to VA and we desperately did not want to part ways. His flight was scheduled to leave at 6am so I drove to the airport and to our surprise, Ben's flight was delayed until that evening. (!) We had another afternoon to be together as a couple! It was perfect. And so began our long distance relationship.<br /><br />This lasted 6 months. Six months of skype dates and plane rides and road trips and no sleep and constant texting. We were over it. I prayed for some kind of opportunity and within a month I had found a job with the American Cancer Society in Virginia Beach and Casey's parents offered me a place to stay until I could get my feet on the ground. More provision! I moved to VA June 1st and God has not stopped revealing himself! Around the holidays this year Ben and I got serious about taking steps toward our future together. Unfortunately, the investment of an engagement ring seemed somewhat of a discouragement to us. We prayed for provision if this was the plan God had for us. Shortly after Ben's mom offered us her mother's diamond ring. We were ELATED! We felt like it was a double answer to prayer: confirmation and provision. I was very excited to have such a special piece of jewelry too. Then just last month I went to MI to visit my family and my dad and Aunt offered us <span style="font-style:italic;">my </span>grandmother's ring, the ring we decided to accept and re-set. It was my dad's mom's ring. The diamond is stunning: 1ct round cut, colorless and flawless to the naked eye. But more than anything it is yet another testament to God's provision and such a perfect piece of sentiment from the Harvey family. I am so honored to have an heirloom diamond.<br />Our last 9 months have held a lot of growth for both of us individually and as a couple, but we have seen how perfectly our dreams align and we have been able to develop realistic plans for our future together. It is safe to say we are beyond excited about what God has in store for us.<br /><br />And the engagement (finally!)<br /><br />Ben and I are more of the sentimental type, opting for adventures and memories over a shower of material things. So, naturally, our engagement was personal, intimate, and sentential; reminiscent of a significant memory from the beginning of our relationship.<br />It was a Thursday evening and we had made plans to eat dinner with friends, but Ben had asked me to stop at his house before hand because he had a lot of "things" to do. I remember driving to his house thinking "I wonder if he's going to propose tonight?". (Mind you, this was a thought I had almost daily since I knew my ring was set or at least close to being set.) I got to Ben's house and was surprised he was not doing any of the "things" he said he needed to get done before dinner. He said he had finished them. weird. I tried not to look into it. We talked about our days and Ben mentions some news about the ring adding "we'll find out more when the ring is done". * He's not proposing tonight. *<br />I sat in the kitchen, hungry, wondering why we can't eat dinner now instead of waiting 2 hours. Ben disappeared for a second, returning with his computer playing a song by The Tallest Man on Earth (one of my favorite musicians). The album that was playing has specific significance to my difficult adjustment period this past summer. Moving to the East coast was not an easy thing for me and as a gesture to cheer me up, Ben bought The Wild Hunt album for me which we listened to on his roof under the stars.<br />As the music was playing Ben fondly reminded me of that evening, then asked if I wanted to go on the roof. I did, of course. We climbed on top of the roof and laid out a blanket, sat back, listened to The Wild Hunt, and talked. Ben and I could sit pretty much anywhere together and do nothing but talk and laugh and be perfectly content. As we talked about the view we wished we had from the roof, Ben asked me to stand up. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet; we stood with our arms wrapped around each other discussing the things we hoped to do together and the peoples stories we hoped to be a part of. At the closing of that conversation Ben dropped to one knee and told me he wanted me to be his wife and opened a little black box holding the most beautiful, breath-taking ring I'd ever seen. At that point, everything became a blur. After staring at that box for what felt like an hour I realized he was proposing to me. I don't really remember what I said, and I don't even recall him asking "Caitlin will you marry me?", but I remember the feelings of love and excitement that totally consumed me. Even after months of talking about our future together, I was still amazed that Ben was asking for my hand in marriage. After the realization that this WAS really happening, the tears began and I was overjoyed that I would get to spend the rest of my life with Ben.<br /><br />From the day we met God's hand has been obvious in our relationship. He perfectly orchestrated every detail that has gotten us to this point together. We have yet to decide a date for our wedding, but we have no doubt that we are supposed to be together not just because we are in love but also because God has a greater purpose for our lives together. <div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-29866873645623049082011-03-04T15:45:00.002-05:002011-03-06T23:16:50.306-05:00Put a ring on it.<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WE'RE ENGAGED!!</div><div>
<br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fleu1cGT-_rXkSYLK5s8SRSS5njSFsaJC7CIOg_DocJb-xW-cWvjBOaYJi439alWgzOYEu790HJ38FAu0U_fCaqcQ9oFEf7iW-sEo7NSaeq2bdKqRchdf0Un5k5gPnTh0adj/s320/190521_613908148078_208702547_34467564_348712_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581071691855982914" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">March 3, 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwqfyTooCttpWI8LMx0coUrf3_hFfaKEK2z0T7BXuqdKgvlydB7rTrSPsO3dDmTcqqxG9RxamOVsG9CYh6-kvamu1RmXwiXV25mx-DG5AN6kPNojcbTDnK3r5B9XZBX717Cid/s320/DSCN2012.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581072929480540642" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">We set the diamond in a "North South East West" design because it signifies a compass which represents our love for adventure</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG2R45HBgnFSAH1Ll_8blIHlDYoOXQhZYz5V4W0qtla0C-uqL5dbDCEUMefRA1Hdv9XsY82AW_eLn1PhzPuWCfowcs5Y1sKNJTUqBxq-fEGGx1cTdBhawdO_pRL6kLxCgllfq/s320/DSCN1073.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581073805360852802" /><div style="text-align: center;">First Date</div>
<br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSsQiA4QKB2X_pR3TO4C3UNVC45qWO5_gONvzj7YZ5CwavVBnf2YK7Hhk-wBsuQSMkh8uo35guxj_oINFRV1s5ZgD47k_MnoUJNst2OeA3Vy4SaIAkozEdgqX1JcNSXNHRZpc/s320/DSCN1195.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581076987261355698" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Long-Distance Visit</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div>
<br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHM_7ZdqSB6L6KnaulACHZrh2iIlvLZkpSOhkOeJP3zRNzSW1vjXNjSJPMui53pMOm3d9b83WoFxsRqrsKELVZiZU96hpGQKYzvbQ5aTiVJXRCJDeg61wMCDKV4nTP1VJIfi2/s320/DSCN1382.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581077246689019122" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Summer Fair</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ydQ-Qhj9mdVtoQmgY6qNkPJFPbWLv7-jPu6jTykEou2-flaBuJzqihslBnrBWfWb9u72vMrBAGK2D4PhV-JqCZBCZViWWNYuZ7y0P09Qp2EomoHxHLUlFuCAYtq6xhcrR2Mn/s320/DSCN1764.JPG" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581074365007158434" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrations</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thursday night is a night I will remember for the rest of my life.
<br />
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ydQ-Qhj9mdVtoQmgY6qNkPJFPbWLv7-jPu6jTykEou2-flaBuJzqihslBnrBWfWb9u72vMrBAGK2D4PhV-JqCZBCZViWWNYuZ7y0P09Qp2EomoHxHLUlFuCAYtq6xhcrR2Mn/s1600/DSCN1764.JPG"></a><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-29230460858927680012011-02-24T08:48:00.000-05:002011-02-24T08:49:52.533-05:00For today..Instead of seeking an answer, pray instead for the reality of God’s kingdom to be shown in living color through your question, through the world, and through the people around you.Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-19555826677936284072011-02-21T23:47:00.002-05:002011-02-21T23:59:37.764-05:00A ThoughtTonight the question was asked:<div>"Is this how God made you? Or is this how you made yourself?"</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div>God created each of us to be unique in His image. He made you and me a certain special way, but as life takes its course each of us takes the reigns and begins to create our own idea of self. In time, our relationships with God change us, bringing us back to the "original blueprint"or the plan he had for us from the beginning. We're not being changed <i>from</i> ourselves, we're being changed<i> into</i> ourselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Often times I have struggled with really being open to change within myself. Change everything around me and I can easily adapt, but real change in me is more difficult. I can be stuck in my ways and I am stubborn. It's always the little things I don't really want to let go of, the things I say make me who I am. Some of those personality traits ARE what make me who I am, but there are things like my tendency to be a bit crass or lack humility or to swear maybe a little more than I need to... sometimes I say "that is just who I am" because I've been identified by certain things I've always done and it's hard to imagine me without something unique in my eyes to be distinguished by. So it's comforting to have a new perspective; that God is not changing me to make me a different person, God is changing me to really make me who I am, who I know I am and who I feel I am deep inside. And I am defined only by God. I don't need to be a certain way to impress anyone. I am unique. I am special. I am gifted. I am chosen. I am beautiful. I am one of a kind. I was created by the King of kings. And He is changing me day by day by day.... and honestly I couldn't be more excited about it.</div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-26127757280593207262011-02-21T00:02:00.001-05:002011-02-22T00:29:53.936-05:00Hands that heal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNeJlWsoWV2xxz0DNsIe_gM1fGkpti9-ZUROzk_X2YFIbqOTTveGjLpNSiL1BrUDDDCZsNrIF-Ot6yAUEAb3-rxOTQHGY2BfP9-fX5tixdr4sv5O_l-fUSPnZFFDB8VBXmSTk/s1600/rji.png"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 42px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNeJlWsoWV2xxz0DNsIe_gM1fGkpti9-ZUROzk_X2YFIbqOTTveGjLpNSiL1BrUDDDCZsNrIF-Ot6yAUEAb3-rxOTQHGY2BfP9-fX5tixdr4sv5O_l-fUSPnZFFDB8VBXmSTk/s320/rji.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576381129940001842" /></span></a>
<br />I have been following this truly phenomenal organization, <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="http://www.richmondjusticeinitiative.com/">Richmond Justice Initiative</a>, for about 5 months now. I came across them on the web randomly during an afternoon of blog searching. (I am in love with blogs and not ashamed to admit it.) I was really excited about coming across RJI, because there are few anti-trafficking organizations in the Hampton Roads area and I have been aching to be involved in a community dedicated to giving back to abused women. I'm being patient in waiting for God's timing to provide the right opportunity for my involvement, but in the mean time I have been closely keeping up with RJI and many other organizations like it, and have attended a couple of their interest and informational meetings. <div>Recently they sent out an email about an aftercare training they were holding along a couple other organizations I had been reading about, <a href="http://thegrayhaven.com/">The Gray Haven Project</a> and the F<a href="http://www.faastinternational.org/">aith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST)</a>. Saying I was VERY excited about the weekend training would be a severe understatement. The only problem... my work schedule is insane. I didn't think I would be able to get any time off for the training so I dismissed the idea entirely from my mind. Every time I saw the email in my inbox or saw something pop up on facebook about the training my insides burned. I wanted more than anything to register. So just a couple days ago I told Ben about it. It was weird that I waited so long to even tell him since we share pretty much everything, but he got excited and encouraged me to sign us up saying it would be a wonderful thing for us to attend together (to which I enthusiastically agreed!)I emailed RJI and turns out we weren't too late, there was just a couple of spots left. After registering the only thing I had to do was actually get Friday night off work which I felt was impossible. Reminder: nothing is impossible with God. He provided and I was amazed at how willing my coworkers were to figure out a way to cover the evening so I could get away to Richmond. </div><div>The training is called "Hands that Heal". It's a 2-day session starting Friday evening and finishing up Saturday afternoon. Ben and I have both been eager to get involved with trafficking victims and both have been praying and waiting for the right opportunities. We tend to get a head of ourselves so we've been trying to wait for Gods hand to lead. This event is most certainly from Him. We are completely excited at what the weekend will offer with information, equipment, community, relationships, connections, opportunity, etc. Ben and I both have loose ends to tie up with school and finances, but we are very close to being at the end of that road and both of us are waiting for God to give us the "go-ahead" to pursue our passions full-force. I'm optimistic that this next weekend will bring clarity to the next step of our future and how we fit into the ministry with human trafficking.</div><div>I've been praying the prayer of Jabez trusting that God is enlarging our territory and opening and closing the right doors for us!</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span"> "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “<span class="Apple-style-span">Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain</span>.” And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 4:10</span></div><div>
<br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-28482920389138439642011-02-14T14:02:00.002-05:002011-02-14T14:13:56.665-05:00You are the Click to my Clack<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcuzCO2hZLmR-dLn22fouUMhwD7lMSouMwsvEUKYqEiA4rw0DdXONnLmPBUW5HQKbpjURwv83IA6pHLFBMJw0WumEmgovs4Ex-X3w37Odya67sgTwWceVSyIyvcagurYYm3xq/s1600/clickclack.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcuzCO2hZLmR-dLn22fouUMhwD7lMSouMwsvEUKYqEiA4rw0DdXONnLmPBUW5HQKbpjURwv83IA6pHLFBMJw0WumEmgovs4Ex-X3w37Odya67sgTwWceVSyIyvcagurYYm3xq/s320/clickclack.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573622607623869394" /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today remember all the wonderful people God has blessed you with in your life. It's easy to get swooped up in valentine's bliss with your significant other, but extend your love to anyone within arms reach. It feels good to be loved :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is Ben's and my second Valentine's Day together. Last year we were living 15 hours apart and had a "date" via skype. Luckily this year we are able to physically be together. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spring is upon us here in VA, we spent an amazing weekend in Charlottesville and Richmond with another couple embracing the warmth of spring and the beauty of the mountains. I've been leaving my winter coat in the car and just embracing the chill that lingers in the air. I love the changing of seasons mostly because I adore the anticipation of what is yet to come. Out with the old - in with the NEW! And yes, spring of 2011 has much to offer. I feel completely overwhelmed with blessing and privilege when I think of all the opportunities and endless possibilities God is presenting me. *happy sigh*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be blessed today and bless others with the gift of love!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-51470854265786349402011-01-11T11:24:00.003-05:002011-01-11T11:54:47.890-05:00Praising!This photograph makes me ache for my own space. Soon. Soon. Soon!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/2109174/010411Murphy02_rect540.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 540px;" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/atimg/2109174/010411Murphy02_rect540.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The last year has been one of change. Moving to GR. Moving to VA. Different jobs. Re-designing my future. Re-discovering my passions. It was also a year filled with struggle. I struggled with my family, my finances, my self worth, my purpose, my future, my past... you get the jist.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I first moved to VA, Ben and I attended a "miracle offering" service at his church. Every year Wave church does this. Members bring their greatest needs to God with a seemingly risky financial offering - believing that our God is a God that can do anything. And wow, do people have testimonies. This particular service I was broke (and frustrated about that fact) and had the same stress and anxiety that I had for the prior 6 months... money. Student loans. Medical bills. More medical bills. I felt like I was drowning. So I gave a chunk of what I had- knowing I could and should have offered even more- and I asked for provision. I didn't want to be held down by these roller coaster emotions of anxiety and feel like I couldn't be a part of the ministries and opportunities I ultimately felt called to do because I had to make a significant paycheck every month.</div><div><br /><div>God has provided every step of the way. In wonderful ways. Starting with my temporary job at the American Cancer Society- which was stressful, but gave me the experience I needed to get my next position at the Hermitage museum where I currently work. Both of these positions had immense numbers of applications and even interviews of which I was obviously chosen from. Although, taking the second job was a leap of faith because it required a bit of a pay cut- but its provided the exact experience I want and need and also allows me to work in my area of concentration. I see it being a positive building block for my future. I began doubting the place I was... again.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I began a half-assed search for a second job. Took a retail position at Banana Republic but unfortunately spend most of my pathetic paycheck on their fabulous clothes. A new beer bar was opening up in Norfolk and I decided I would give it a shot even though they'd been hiring for months. Turns out, of all the applications they received, I was the only person they responded to. (This seems to be a trend. thank you, God.)</div><div>Needless to say- From opening day there has been consistent money flowing to this business and a significant amount going into my bank account. God has answered a HUGE, and on-going plea and prayer. I cannot say how long it will last, but for the time being He has blessed me with freedom to pay my bills and then some without a financial worry in the world. I'm so ecstatic I've put realistic plans into action to be debt free (minus a school loan) in 4 months. (!) I feel unworthy, but so honored.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>God is faithful in answering our prayers when we are faithful in bringing Him our needs and trusting He is who He says He is.</b></div><div><br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-79310159915968325222011-01-01T22:30:00.000-05:002011-01-02T22:45:19.340-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://indianapublicmedia.org/afterglow/files/2010/12/New-Years-Eve.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://indianapublicmedia.org/afterglow/files/2010/12/New-Years-Eve.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Out with the Old and in with the New!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy 2011!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2010 was filled with changes, emotion, challenges, and adventure. God has shaped me so much the past 365 days; I am overwhelmed by His grace, mercy and love. I am blessed beyond belief with a wonderful family (and some new added members), the most amazing man ever to walk the earth, phenomenal friends and a truly loving and solid community around me. I hope everyone takes a moment or two to reflect on their favorite moments of 2010. I made a little top 10 list of my own. There were many to chose from... it's not as easy as you think once you look back on the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best moments/memories of 2010.</div><div style="text-align: left;">(in no specific order)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Moving in with my best friend in GR</li><li>Road trip to Cincinnati, OH with Ben, Calen, and Laura to visit Casey and Miah. aka-the weekend Ben asked if I would date him.</li><li>Week in DC with Ben</li><li>Road Trip to Nashville, TN with Ben aka the weekend Ben told me he loved me.</li><li>My little sister's high school graduation weekend in GR</li><li>Climbing on Ben's rooftop to listen to the new Tallest Man on Earth album at 3am.</li><li>Ginger's wedding!</li><li>4th of July at the beach</li><li>Christmas in Florida </li><li>Bus trip to NYC!</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year :)</div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-58688987509783467742010-12-18T14:57:00.004-05:002010-12-18T15:19:17.827-05:00Keep our Christmas merry<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtERpXiMSgh3eWO97dailpGoj6nyhWlbeJBtYsCGdoVscHuHN2aj4o1kPVah8P7GShU8XntMETJvxATy3E-_52H-3QjHoZN71VySKbqcPgu3CgKvbs_pSMeEv0en0jlaSHkH_9/s1600/tumblr_ldhgv3ZnbC1qclrjao1_1280.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtERpXiMSgh3eWO97dailpGoj6nyhWlbeJBtYsCGdoVscHuHN2aj4o1kPVah8P7GShU8XntMETJvxATy3E-_52H-3QjHoZN71VySKbqcPgu3CgKvbs_pSMeEv0en0jlaSHkH_9/s320/tumblr_ldhgv3ZnbC1qclrjao1_1280.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552115404098275666" /></a><div>The Holiday season is a perfect time to recognize, appreciate, and love the people around us. Especially the ones we do not know. So many hearts across the globe are without companionship this Holiday season. Not only are we blessed to have more material things than we truly need we are also blessed to have people to share our lives with. <i>Blessed to be a blessing. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Heap on the wood!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The wind is chill;</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">But let it whistle as it will,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We'll keep our Christmas merry still.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>a poem I love by Sir Walter Scott</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">*</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-46883256109265177332010-12-14T00:16:00.002-05:002010-12-14T00:22:00.322-05:00The A21 Campaign - Be Her FreedomTwo blogs in one hour. I'm on a roll. <br />Actually Ben just sent me this video. We are hoping to gather some items and put together some boxes to send to women that have been rescued from human trafficking. This is an issue close to both Ben's heart and my own-- we feel strongly about being a part of the solution to the extreme issue of human trafficking. So strongly that both of us are working toward careers to be a part of the lives of victims to this painful and damaging crime. I've been slowly familiarizing myself with organizations in our area, and both fortunately and unfortunately there are a number to choose from. IJM, A21, RJI, World Hope, VA coalition against trafficking, Polaris Project, the list continues. A21 is not as local as the others but Ben's church supports their shelter efforts in Greece. This is a video they recently released. Please Watch. Educate yourself in this issue.. it is not a distant, over-seas problem. Women from all over the world fall victim to this disgusting trade. <span style="font-style:italic;">Including our own literal backyard</span>. Women in the United States are kidnapped, forced, coerced, and manipulated into trafficking every day. Young, poor, wealthy, educated, loved, neglected, tall, thick, skinny, living, breathing women. There is no stereotype of the victims. It truly can be anyone, anywhere.<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/roxUbCV9x_c?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-76826359758866114152010-12-14T00:07:00.001-05:002010-12-14T00:09:29.778-05:00Fat CatOn my break today at work I was reading this article on stress in Allure magazine. It was quite interesting - witty too - I really enjoyed the content. There was one thought in particular that made me laugh out loud. <br />Robert L. Leahy, director of the American Institute for Cognitive Therapy in NYC points out: "Animals don't have the capacity to worry about anything that might happen more than 30 seconds from now. 'Consider that cat' he says. 'No cat has ever wondered, Did I offend that other cat? or Is my cat ass getting fat?'" I'm pretty sure I literally pictured a cat looking in the mirror thinking is my ass fat? ha!<br /><br />The main thing I took from the article is the real importance of relaxation. I'm talking about relaxation beyond sleeping or napping. Taking time for yourself to decompress and not feel pressed by life's worries. Reading, doing nothing, listening to music, doing art, working out, whatever releases tension. I've been working myself to bits lately, and while my body functions best at high intensity, my sanity has been suffering. I'm happy the holidays are approaching so I have some time to get away, sleep in, and just do nothing! I'm not sure how well that will work out, but I'm looking forward to it none the less. I'm especially looking forward to my flights. Being on a plane gives me an excuse to zone out to my ipod or read about the Kardashians without knowing there is something far more productive I could be doing. If only I were flying over seas...Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-39164470149459699422010-12-13T00:05:00.000-05:002010-12-14T00:07:01.970-05:00Like the WheelI'm not sure I love anyone more than Tallest Man on Earth right now. Enjoy.<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3hIYcOUbtlU?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-24804769966949099922010-12-10T09:05:00.001-05:002010-12-10T09:05:53.983-05:00morning reminder"You may feel you need His healing touch while He may decide to reveal His peace in the midst of your ailing body. You may think you need His financial provision, and He may decide you need to learn dependence. He knows what's best and will reveal the attributes we need in His timing. " <br />♥Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-67689124386256503422010-12-05T22:29:00.002-05:002010-12-05T22:45:50.920-05:00Chisel<div>In recent months, I've ben pushed to face and overcome some real tribulations. In slowly giving up control, the path seems to be getting rougher. I think some things just never stop trying to hold us down. As believers we have a choice: allow the cycle of lies to continue or trust that as new creations God has cleansed us. The fallen world encourages lies of all kinds to poison us and inhibit individual growth and healing. It's hard to feel whole when you look at yourself and see something worthless. But the name above all names does not create junk, He creates masterpieces. Even though its a bit painful, He wants to purify us into something more precious that gold; the only way for that to happen is to trust and step into the fire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch this short video:</div><a href="http://skitguys.com/videos/item/gods-chisel/">God’s Chisel « Videos « The Skit Guys</a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-23638947872545731502010-11-29T08:47:00.000-05:002010-12-05T22:48:53.286-05:00Christmas LightsThe Holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is a thing of the past and Christmas is on it's way. What better way to get in the spirit than a beautiful serenade by Chris Martin?<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z1rYmzQ8C9Q?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-2245409452187537752010-10-28T20:30:00.006-04:002010-10-28T21:30:24.070-04:00Teach me to Love<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Oh, where has the time gone? These last couple of weeks have been exciting, challenging, my-feet-really-hurt-tiring, and fulfilling all at the same time. I started a second job... Sales at Banana Republic. I thought it might be nice to get some extra cash during the holidays and take advantage of a sweet discount while I'm at it. Although I must admit: working retail is SO BORING. I don't know how I forgot, but I did. </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I love my job at the museum. I thoroughly enjoy having a purpose, a job description, tasks, artists and students to build relationships with, projects to take on, and things to make my own. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes when you do something you know and enjoy. I wake up and am excited by my to-do lists and upcoming events. I feel blessed.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I'm slowly finding community here as well. Did I mention the process is particularly slow? Yes, it is moving at snail speed. Its a struggle and unfortunately its not happening at the mega-church I had hoped to call my home. It's not to say that this could change, I have connected with a couple of very wonderful women; overall it is not a place I feel safe or comfortable. I have been raking my mind trying to pinpoint what it is-if it is any one particular thing. My conclusion: the community is severely lacking in comparison to other church experiences. The church is great. The preaching is challenging. I don't have anything theologically to disagree with. So why not just grin and bear it, wait it out, and make it home? I ask myself that too... Which made me ask myself, why do I go to church? Aside from being fed spiritually and having the opportunity to connect with God in a communal setting, why do I go to church? What makes a church home?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I don't think there is a formula for the perfect church. Part of me grieves over the way Western culture has created a church that strives to fits our needs rather than the church being an actual foundation of the physical community that people live in. We "church shop" to find a place that has what we are looking for. Theology. Music. People. Outreach. A vision. Biblical teaching. The list goes on and on. We all are guilty of it. There are so many churches now, it almost seems necessary. But to begin answering my question, my main and obvious criteria is to be in a church that preaches Biblically and has sound theology. The bible holds Truth and the instructions we need for life to be full. I need it to be the foundation of the teaching. So then what?</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">People. Community.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This is the kicker. Do I feel welcomed? What is the community like? What kind of lifestyle do the leaders lead? Where is the focus of the congregation? Does the congregation live the vision of the church? Is there a genuine quality to the people? Words like real. raw. honest. genuine. flawed. embracing.welcoming. loving. uplifting. family. are the kinds of words I want to think when I'm describing the community at my church. I want to see hurting people embraced. Struggling people lifted up. Spiritual people challenged. Troubled people forgiven. The body reaching outside the walls of the church. And most of all, I want to connect with people on a brotherly level so we can do life together and carry each others burdens (and so fulfill the law).</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gal. 6:2 "Carry one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (One of my favorites)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1 Thess. 5:14 </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Matt 22:37-40 "</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'"</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I don't want to spend time with my fellow brothers and sisters only inside the church walls and within church functions and within our comfort and safety of each other. I want to do life with them. Step out into the world with them. I want to invest in them. I want to encounter God more through our interactions. I don't want to be a christian confined to my specific lifestyle maintaining superficial relationships and encounters - I want to go deeper. In ALL of my relationships, but especially those with fellow believers. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I could really dive into this topic, but I will leave it where it is for now. God has stirred my heart for more and I am determined to find it, create it, be it, do whatever He calls me to do to be immersed in the kind of community He aches for us to be in. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lord teach me how to love.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-34494771222243785952010-10-27T09:46:00.001-04:002010-10-28T21:33:41.073-04:00Whip My Hair<div>For Your Viewing Pleasure:</div><div><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/ymKLymvwD2U/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ymKLymvwD2U?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ymKLymvwD2U?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>[she is 9 years old]</div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-44114011073527460502010-10-14T23:00:00.004-04:002010-10-14T23:38:00.245-04:00future<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>After 2 years of debate, experience, and a fickle mind, I am fairly confident I have figured out my grad school path. [!] I began 2 years ago set on studying Arts Administration, quickly re-decided on Non-Profit management, which slowly changed to Counseling Psychology, then morphed to Art Therapy, then back to Arts Administration but with a minor in Psychology, then shifted entirely to Social Work, and again back to one of the prior options. I have requested information and searched the programs of schools all over the country. I've worked in environments that I was "so sure" were where I wanted to go in furthering my career. Now, finally, through much analyzation and prayer I have decided on one program. More specifically a dual degree.... possibly with an added certification. :/ oops.<div><br /><div> <div>Masters in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University with a concentration in </div><div>Gender Violence Intervention and certification in Non-profit Management.<br /><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5EBeL5VJ2Nu8e3RfjkR7JJZindJQp0SWy3NAqzQc7Wzatv0zQChiQlgHwRAV2QMtdX33nbTMnstmZqpvy5zh2PbTR5TGh0cliNJ9WEbUsm5CXZhLhJoGp49owaUKGkGMmBBCl/s320/vcu_logo.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528110613116185522" />Quite a mouthful huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>"</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; ">The concentration in Gender Violence Intervention is a collaborative effort between the Department of Sociology and other departments and programs at VCU, as well as community advocates working in the area of sexual and domestic violence. And t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 19px; ">hrough a cooperative arrangement with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, M.S.W. students pursuing Social Work may simultaneously earn the graduate certificate in nonprofit management offered by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;">Assuming everything goes smoothly, I'm applying for admission for fall of 2011 along with any and every scholarship and opportunity for financial aid VCU offers. My financial standing (and weather or not I get in, of course) will determine my start date. By Fall of 2012 I WILL be in grad school though. I would prefer to be enrolled for 2011, but will wait another year if the opportunity to save/earn/receive more money comes along with the time.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;">I feel really really wonderful about this development. VCU's program is #14 in the nation for Graduate Social Work programs and one of 3 that have any kind of sexual or gender violence intervention concentration. I feel like this program paired with my undergrad in art, my passion for women, my experience working/volunteering with community organizations, and my experience working for national and international non profits will really shine on my resume and equip me for the many future plans God has been developing in me.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;">I'm nervous about finances and also being back in academia. I'm not the most academically inclined person in the world. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;">If I have learned anything about God, I have certainly learned He always always always provides. I also know this is a step toward the plans He has for my life and by focusing on Him and staying in His will I can never fail.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large;">:) </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: large; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-79212416486434758312010-10-11T18:26:00.002-04:002010-10-11T18:27:57.869-04:00'Dance Dance Dance'<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; ">I've seen a lot of shows since my first concert (Weezer & Jimmy Eat World @ age 14) Especially with living in Nashville where there is show after show after show for so cheap... I lost count after 43. Of everyone I've seen Bon Iver remains at the top of my list of favorite live acts. I was brought to tears the first time I saw him (now 'them' with his band) play. I just love Justin Vernon. Here is a video of Bon Iver playing with Swedish indie singer Lykke Li. This girl is sort of excentric but has amazing talent none the less, especially for being 24. This is her and the guys singing "dance dance dance" - It's so awesome to see musicians having fun like this! I'm green with envy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; "><div style="text-align: center; ">Enjoy!</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/_fgbTvfCgSk/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_fgbTvfCgSk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_fgbTvfCgSk?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-42000492712075092732010-10-11T10:27:00.005-04:002010-10-11T11:03:28.691-04:00Back in the saddle again.Today I am enjoying an entire day off. It is insanely hot in VA for being October. The high today is 88 degrees. So again, I am sitting by the pool listening to "The Album Leaf" soaking up every last ray of sun and thanking our God immensely for it all. <div><br /><div>Yesterday I had a pretty relaxing day too. It was the first time in the last couple weeks of craziness I was able to evaluate myself, where I am now, and where I want to be in the future. I write down goals I have for every area of my life periodically and yesterday was a much-needed day of inventory. I think the main area that I have lacked in is my health. I was reading this article in Glamour Magazine written by one of their bloggers that did an experiment of eating only foods she saw advertised on TV for a week. Applebees, Chilis, Jimmy Dean's, Burger King, Yo-plait, Kellogg's. Some very very unhealthy, some you would think were not. It was interesting the effects she, a normal organic-whole foods eater, experienced. I connected to some of the feelings she was having after just 5 days of eating not so healthy: </div><div>"I wake up feeling foggy...normal tasks like making a phone call were suddenly making me off the charts anxious... no coordination.." Ugh. It's not hard to understand that diets overly saturated in fat, sodium, and refined sugars have serious negative effects on the body and the brain. But this article pinpointed exactly what happens. The fat, sugar, and salt, overstimulate the release of the brain chemicals dopamine (responsible for euphoria) and norepinephrine (involved in mental activity). So when any of those levels of refined sugar, fat and/or salt are increased and then take a nosedive- we feel uncoordinated, anxious, unfocused, tired, etc. And the worst part is that these changes can happen after ONE MEAL. On top of that, your mood is negatively affected too (that whole euphoria thing is unbalanced.) This explains my recent hatred of the human race.</div><div><br /></div><div>My downfall: sugar. I don't normally crave fatty, salty snacks or processed foods like a lot of people do. I crave sugar. Not baked goods (ok..sometimes bread) but candy. Dark chocolate, which has positive benefits in moderation, gummy bears, sour patch, fun dip, shock tarts, sweet tarts, laffy taffy, jelly bellys... Willy Wonka is my hero. Sugar is my health's kryptonite. I'm addicted. Last week I made the addiction far more extreme with my 3 days of crappy lunch choices followed by a binge of pixy-stix. Why I thought this was a good idea, I will never know.</div><div><br />All of this to say, I related to some of the side effects this woman was having. I have been feeling almost ill the last couple of weeks and it's because I'm not taking the time to focus on my diet and health like I normally do. So in my goal re-evaluation that was the #1 thing I need to get back on track with. I am tired of feeling like I'm not with it and have zero energy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also am registering for the Virginia Beach Surf n' Santa! It's a 10mile run in December. At first I was thinking "oh no... long runs in the snow again?!" (I experienced a LOT of deep snow runs last winter in my failed training for the Country Music Half.) Then I realized, I live in Virginia Beach... I don't even need my yack trax! It's not going to snow enough for that. If I can run 8 miles in the Michigan snow I can run 10 miles in the Virginia cold. </div><div>I have 53 days to train.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to healthy living!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13981640.post-23788203572188440602010-10-10T01:03:00.001-04:002010-10-11T11:43:50.204-04:00d'alcoolDuring certain periods of my life, God brings verses specific to the season I am in. I may have mentioned this before. I posted the verse that has been coming back to me over and over again since I came to Virginia Beach a few months ago. 1thess 5:16-24 (this time in NASB):<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rejoice always;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">pray without ceasing; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in everything </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Do not quench the Spirit; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">do not despise </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">prophetic </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">utterances. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">examine everything carefully; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hold fast to that which is good; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">abstain from every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">form of evil. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Now </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">may the God of peace </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">without blame at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Faithful is He who </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Recently the subject of alcohol has been fleshing itself out in my mind. I come from a family that struggles to overcome alcoholism. I have lived a crazy life, I've struggled with many addictions, but in my eyes alcohol has never really been one that was hard for me to say no to or use in moderation (when I made the choice to do so!). I have friends that drink, friends that don't, friends that won't, and friends that shouldn't. </span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Personally, I am a long time lover of wine and always always always appreciate the discovery of new and local brews. A good dirty martini is essential from time to time as well. I genuinely appreciate the taste and enjoy savoring a delicious meal with a drink to compliment or relaxing with friends and a cold beer.<br />If anyone ever asked me "Do you think alcohol has any control in your life?" I would respond "no" with zero hesitation.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">"But </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">examine everything carefully; </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">hold fast to that which is good;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">abstain from every </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">form of evil."</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">"Test everything; Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil."</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This subject has become a known struggle with a loved one in my life recently. Again, I am aware of the hold it can have on people. I've witnessed it with both family and friends in the past and am all too familiar with the process of discovering the problem and the struggle to overcome. It's painful to witness again. It has caused me to really examine what it means to "test everything", to "avoid every kind of evil" as well as what it really means to "carry each other's burdens" (Gal 6:2). I've been asking myself "does drinking have any kind of hold over me? Any?" and the answer may be that it does. I often think just because I've never had a serious issue with drinking heavily, I do drink frequently and allow myself the indulgence of a glass of wine to relax or a beer to calm my nerves in a new social situation.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> I am testing and carefully examining my heart and intentions with having a drink. or two. or three. I am deciding that it's not necessary and want to really truly see where my dependence lies in those situations where I desire rest or comfort or just an easy conversation. I want my dependence to be on God if it needs to be anywhere at all.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I also want to live out </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Galatians 6:2 and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> sup</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; ">port the people I love in making positive life choices.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Honestly, I feel great about it. I just hope this is a decision that the people around me support and encourage.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>Caitlin Mackenziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17515714994351171300noreply@blogger.com0