Bring on the GOATS.

It's funny how themes immerse in my life.

On Tuesday night, I was talking to someone about the animal that I resonate with: goats. Out of every animal, there is just something in a goat that seems so familiar.

Having owned goats myself, I can tell you that they are intelligent (always know how to get home), stubborn, playful, ornery, bold and absolutely adorable.

Mmk, so I'm not saying that I'm ALL of those things.... BUT seriously. ;)

Moving on, Thursday nights = prayer at the church. Tonight was no different. While Robin (whom I love) was praying for awakening in the hearts of people here in Gilbert, she said "Lord, and I pray for your sheep, they are so lost." That was it. Just one small mention of sheep, and she continued on in her prayers.

Instantly, God gave me a beautiful revelation. His Spirit spoke to mine, in a way that you would have to experience to know and He said "Kelly, my herd of lost sheep need a goat."

Do you remember hearing about this story? In Turkey, three years ago, a Shepard was grazing his sheep on grass that lined a cliff... one decided to walk over the edge, and next thing you know, 1,500 sheep followed him (why is it that I instinctively want say it was a "him" that took the first plunge...? hmm I'd have to think about that :). Only 450 sheep died. It was said that the other ones lived because they had a pile to break their fall; tragic, really. Would you like to know what their solution was? They introduced a goat to the pack.

This decision was based on the notion that a goat would take the lead and make smart choices that would impact the pack. While praying tonight, the Spirit of God spoke words that pierced my soul; tonight, He said bring on the goats.

The rest of my evening has been filled with childish smiles and prayer. Praying, that God would place me in the middle of a lost herd. A herd needing direction. Praying, that I would make wise decisions and love others into His Kingdom. Praying, that I would not lose sight of how to get back home. And praying that upon my arrival home, I may have a flock, a large flock, following closely behind.

Great is God. Great is His faithfulness in my life.

Picture worth a thousand words.

Don't feel like writing. Much to say, but am suffering from word constipation. So much packed in this brain of mine, that the thought of passing it is overwhelming. Like childbirth. Okay, enough poop analogies... onto photos from the past 3 weeks of my life. I have some beautiful people in my life, people I am lucky enough to love. My Father is so good to me.

{heart}
Kel








Birthday day hike.




And coffee.


And free dozen donuts shared with dear friends.


And she thought that hiking a mountain in Large House, all by ourselves, with a truck full of men parked at the base (shovels in their truck bed) was a good idea... great idea is more like it -- still probably one of the stupidest things I've done in a while though...


Florida.


One of the most generous people I know.




Have I mentioned that I love to fly? Exhilarating.


Kevin summed up in one picture


Lexy and Banana Pancakes, need I say more?




She greeted me with a knicker and would have crawled into my back pocket had I not been wearing a dress. Someday I will have one of my own.

Funny with goodbyes.

Much, much, much to say, but I will start with this: I am funny with goodbyes.

The first time I realized this was 3 years ago, way back in August of 2008. You see, my brother and I have been pretty close. We are close. In the August of 2008, he moved away to college. Not to be misleading, he moved to ASU's Polytech Campus, which is less than glamorous and closer to home than the nearest gas station (okay, so I exaggerate a little). Nevertheless, he left. A few weeks before his official move out date, I remember having an unacknowledged tension between the two of us.

Push came to shove eventually, and we got into a fight. I remember that it revolved around the laundry, but did it really? No. Neither of us were good at goodbyes. The conversation ended with this: "Well fine, I'll just leave!" "Fine, leave! And I hope the door does hit you on your way out!"

Within the week, I had been officially invited to his "dorm" and it was then, that I realized that we were capable of sustaining a close relationship, even with 8 miles between us.

In class this week, I sensed the same -unacknowledged- tension among my classmates, now, very much my friends. It made me sad for a moment, knowing that for the past two years these beautiful people have seen me at my brightest and at my lowest. I have shared many laughs, inside jokes and pages of notes with these people and this week, I sensed each person drawing back... as if we were all subconsciously aware that this sweet season is coming to a quick end.

I could stay sad, but I was reminded of my history with goodbyes and came to the conclusion that the best outcome of goodbye is living without regret. Loving while they're in your life, caring in the present. Available, should they want you in their future, and committed to those that are forever branded on your heart.

I will need to remind myself of this in the coming weeks, as I know that I have many to say goodbye to.

This is life. Wonderfully, life.