Katy Rose

Katy Rose
JUST A WOMAN SAVED BY GODS GRACE AND WANTS TO WRITE ABOUT IT.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

BLESSED...

 The title of this blog post will pretty much give you a good idea of what this post is going to be about.  I am just going to get right into it and start off by saying this....... YOU ARE BLESSED!!!!  WE ARE BLESSED!!!!


I was reminded tonight as I was tossing and turning in bed that I needed to have alone time with God and have a deep talk with him.  The Holy Spirit reminded me how blessed I truly am, and how much I miss out on because I forget to see the small things in life.  We need to truly grasp the concept in our minds that we are only promised one day at a time.  Each morning that we open up our eyes and take a breathe out of our nostrils, that we can only take that day into account.  We cannot worry about the next day or the day after.  We just need to focus on what that day!  We need to remind ourselves all of the little things that we can sometimes find ourselves complaining about.  I remember a long time ago before I had kids, I used to have a car that had no air conditioning.  I used to complain about how hot it was and how annoying it was.  I finally learned to be thankful in that area and realize how blessed I was that I had a working vehicle.  What happens with us is that we become spoiled, and we focus on what we don't have, instead of what we do have.  This is a tough mindset to break, but when you are able to "think things on purpose" then breaking that mindset can begin.


I have found myself recently riding these waves of emotions.  At times I am so overwhelmed that I feel like I could break at any moment, and at other times I am fine.  I have had to do alot of soul searching and have scheduled "alone" time with myself.  Being a full time stay at home mother is difficult when you try to find "alone" time, but I am blessed because my Husband makes sure I am able to go off alone, and spend some time alone with myself.

An important life principle to grasp is that: we are here for Gods purpose, and we are here to serve others.  We are NOT here for ourselves!!!  So many people spend time focusing on themselves and make it all about themselves, and miss out blessing after blessing along the way.  The tricky thing to keep in mind is that we need to first be ok with ourselves BEFORE we start serving others.  If we are not good for ourselves, then we will be no help to others.  If you find yourself struggling at the moment then go through this quick  checklist and hopefully this will help you get started!


1)  Did I have scheduled time with God today?

2)  Have I written out a list of blessings (so when I get down I can remind myself) ?

3)  Am I thinking before I speak out loud?

4)  Do I find myself speaking Life or Death?

5)  Am I complaining?

6)  Do I thank God DAILY for everything?

7)  Am I looking each day to bless someone or focusing on myself?

8)  Do I read the Bible?

9)  Do I put Gods Word above my own?

10) What is the state of my heart?

This little checklist will help you look at yourself and see how you can get started to focusing on one day at a time, and realizing how blessed you truly are.  If you still do not know what to thank God for, let me help get you started :)

- Running Water (There are people in other countries that have to walk MILES a day for just one bucket of clean water.  They use this water for drinking and for bathing)
- Electricity
- Food
- Shelter
- Job
- Health
- Salvation
- Clothes
- Medicine
- The Bible
- Family
- Vehicle

I want you to lift your head up and realize how blessed you truly are!!!!  I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit got a hold of me tonight and put this message on my heart!!  WE ARE BLESSED!!



Wednesday, April 8, 2015

How To Have Realistic Balance...

I did a short video below to explain the reason behind this blog post. I think this is probably one of the most important posts I have ever written.  It is something that needs to be addressed to everyone because so many of us are stressed out and hurt from the affects of the world.  This video is 10 minutes long, see why this post is so special to me.  The rest of my blog post is below :) Enjoy!!



As people we are always striving for Order and Balance.  It is never fun to be overwhelmed and stressed out.  So if it is not fun, then why do we do it?  Simply because we never take the time to stop and get a clear picture on what REALLY matters in life.  This world throws thousands of different things in front of us daily to where we are constantly cluttered with too much stuff in our heads.  It usually takes something serious to happen in order for us to finally pay attention and see what truly matters in life.


I want each person to carefully read what the image above says.  Be honest and true with yourself and see what you would do with it.  This is the truth!!!  We are only promised each day!! We honestly cannot look at it as a whole, we need to take it minute by minute and day by day.  People get so focused on what is happening tomorrow or next week or next month, and never just focus on the day at hand.  I honestly feel if we truly just took it one day at a time, then we wouldn't be running around so chaotic.  I am going to share personal struggles that I deal with in this blog post.


Several months ago I taught a Bible study in my home and the topic was "How To Have A Mary Heart In A Martha World."  I have books sent to me to review because I blog and this particular book was sent to me.  It even came along with Study Guides and a DVD series.  I knew it was placed in my hands for a specific reason and I knew I had to share with women that I knew.  I invited a small select group that I knew were hungry for Gods Word and wanted to truly grow in their faith walk.  This was a two month series that I taught and I can honestly say we all learned so much.  The image I posted above is something that I still struggle with today.  The image reads "Sometimes it's okay if the only thing you did today was breathe."  While teaching this series the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I had a "Martha Heart."  I was constantly DOING and GOING from one thing to the next.  My Husband and I were greatly involved in our church being used in every direction and leading groups and teaching etc.  I got so used to being on autopilot that I didn't get a chance to just clear my calendar,  sit back, and breathe.  I realized that I had become a "people pleaser."  I was constantly doing for everyone else around me and not taking care of myself properly.  I naturally have an "ALL OR NOTHING" attitude so the word "MODERATION" didn't sit well with me at all.  In fact it was completely foreign to me.  I learned through this series that I had to learn to say NO to people.  I had to learn that people ARE going to be offended and gossip about you, and it is ok.  I had to realize that I didn't need to explain myself to anyone because as long as I had peace, and it lined up with Gods Word, then I was ok.


When we are believers and we have Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior then we know that we are not alone in this life.  We no longer have to fight to swim up the current.  We no longer have to worry about drowning or suffering.  We know that we have been crucified with Christ and we are placed IN him.  We are instructed as believers to rest IN him and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  God does not make it hard for us.  He makes easy enough for everyone!! We need to trust in him, and not be moved by the things we see.  I have found with myself that when I was volunteering at our church I was giving EVERYTHING I had and when I came home I had nothing left for myself or for my family.  I would counsel people for hours on the telephone while my daughter watched t.v.  I was missing time with my daughter because I was a people pleaser and didn't learn boundaries.  It took me to learn this by trial and error.  I became dedicated to fitness and gave my EVERYTHING and then other areas of my life were slacking. I struggled to find a healthy balance.  I would give myself completely in one area and then fall short in three other areas.


Each person has their own personal struggles so I really pray that this post speaks to you.  I hope by me sharing my personal struggles, that maybe it might help at least one person.  I had to STOP being a people pleaser and understand that I need to take care of myself first.  If I am not good with myself then I am not good for anybody.  I had to take that MUCH NEEDED time to close people out and focus on myself.  I needed to grow in my own faith walk and take a long break from pouring into others.  I spent so much of my time pouring into others and had the hardest time understanding why I was so empty on the inside.  It seemed like I could help everyone else but myself.  Of course people got offended along the way but to be 100% honest it is something that I cannot try and figure out, it is between them and God.  I am only responsible for my part, and that is what I will have to answer for when I stand before God, and I can honestly say I am good with that.  I had to learn to not take things so personal.  Remember earlier above I mentioned that we need to get a clear visual of what REALLY matters in life?  Well that is what I am talking about.  When someone comes at you a certain way or is in a bad place and takes it out on you, we are to not take it personal.  When we step back and access the situation we can understand that the person is in pain and is going through something themselves, and they do not know how to properly handle it.  Maybe that person doesn't even have Jesus in their life.  So instead of taking things personal and carrying around offense, I have had to learn to forgive without even asking for an apology.  That person might not even know that I have forgiven them.  


Through this life we are constantly HOLDING on to things and LETTING go of things.  We find out quickly what works and what doesn't work.  I have had to ask myself deep questions just so I could truly see where my head and heart were at with certain issues.  I will give you the questions below of what I asked myself:

1) Can I honestly say that I am being the best wife that I can possible be? Is there more that I can do?
2) Am I doing everything I can for my children? Is there more that I can do?
3) Am I making excuses for myself? Am I playing games with myself?
4) What are the 3 most important things to me in life?
5) If today was my last day, would I be proud of my last day on earth?
6) What are some things that people would say about me after I am gone?
7) Have I been a true disciple of Jesus Christ on this earth?
8) Have I been seeking God with my WHOLE heart?
9) Am I being a hypocrite?
10) Am I truly living to please God and please him alone?


Maybe some of you need to ask yourself those questions and be real with yourself.  You will have a true one on one with God.  The next step is that when you find out those true answers then you need to come up with a plan.  How can you stop your bad habits and start to make good ones?? You need to PLAN ON PURPOSE!!  Get a list out and start writing!! Be realistic with yourself!! Post reminders up in certain areas of your house so you can truly succeed.  Have accountability partners to check in with you once a week.  Ask your family/spouse/friends/co-workers how you are doing on the areas you are trying to work on.  

My last most important tip is........... TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH GOD!!  The true revelation, wisdom, and change comes from him and reading his word.  So many times we focus on what is wrong with everyone else and not with ourselves.  When you are reading Gods word he begins to speak to you and it is in the most gentle correction you will ever receive.  You won't have a God that is shouting at you and making you feel condemned.  It will be a quiet whisper, it will be a gentle tap on the shoulder, you will feel two arms behind you hugging you.  It is the most loving way of correction you will ever receive.  So please I truly pray that this blog post spoke to you personally. Feel free to read it again.  Sometimes when you read things several times, certain things will stand out each time you read it.  I myself still continue to work on having a realistic balance, and I hope you are able to join me in that journey! :)  God Bless!








Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Just Dance


I wanted to share something on my blog that I have never shared before on here.  My blog is usually on Faith and Fitness posts, but today it will be about dancing!!  I wanted to write a post and share our experience on taking dance lessons for the first time.  My husband and I are always looking for new things to do with each other.  I decided to research dance classes near the area because in the past my husband and I talked about taking dance classes together.  I was able to locate a dance studio named "DanceForever."  I spoke with someone on the phone and they let me know when class sessions started and how much they would be.  We decided to do a 6 week session and learn Salsa Dance.  The price was very reasonable and it was scheduled for Monday Nights for one hour 7pm-8pm.  My Husband and I were excited and nervous because we didn't know what to expect.  We walked into the studio and it looked like something from "Dancing With The Stars."  The dance studio was very clean and it seemed to sparkle.  They had dance costumes set up in one area, and a sitting area in another area.  All of the instructors had a smile on their face and were more than happy to help us with any questions we had.  Dance class started at 7pm and we got to meet our instructor.  He began explaining the history of Salsa dancing and told us the basic steps we were going to learn in the 6 weeks.  He would first show us a demo of the step that we were going to learn for the night, then he would break it down in small steps.  The "leaders" were on one side of the room, and the "followers" were on the other side of the room.  He would go over the leaders part several times with them, then he would teach the followers.  We learned the "count" for the very first time in class. (1,2,3...5,6,7)
We then got to practice the dance with each other and at the end of the lesson.  At the very end of class our instructor let us film him so we could practice the step at home.  I was pleasantly surprised on how simple they were able to break it down for us.  I thought I was going to be lost during the entire 6 weeks, but they made it so easy to learn.  


We just finished our 6 weeks and we finally were able to put all of the steps together.  We now have more confidence in our dancing, and we love practicing the dance together.  It is so much fun to be able to move with one another and be in step with each other.  Carlos is Venezuelan and has danced before to salsa, but I never had the opportunity to learn Salsa.  I have always loved Spanish music and would always make up my own dances, but now I can actually do a legit Salsa Dance.  


The Dance Studio told us they have "Friday Night Dance Nights."  They teach a dance lesson at 7pm then from 8pm-10pm they have an open dance for everyone.  We were excited to check this out, so we made sure to get a babysitter, so we could at least check out Dance Night.  We arrived at 7pm and they were teaching "Tango."  I was very excited to learn this dance because it is such a beautiful and romantic dance.  I love how dramatic the music is, and how both people move as one.  I was surprised how fast the hour flew by, and before I knew it, we were both doing the tango.  As of right now, this was my favorite style of dance.  I loved doing the "Fan."  


Open Dance started and they would announce different styles of dance.  The instructors are there as well, so you have the opportunity to dance with the instructors.  They moved throughout the night between different styles of dance.  We very much enjoyed Friday Night Dance and would recommend it to others.


We are somewhat sad that our 6 week class has officially ended, because we looked forward to it so much.  We are now going to be looking into taking "Private Dance Lessons" with the Instructor that taught us Salsa.  We loved the way he taught us, and how simple he made it.  Every teacher has their style, and Carlos and I liked the way he taught us.  We are excited to see what other styles of dance we can learn.  Dancing is such a fun activity to do with one another, and it honestly brings you closer as a couple.  


We are so thankful that we found DanceForever and we would not dance at another studio.  This is now our dancing home, and whenever we want to dance, we will always come here.  We would recommend it to everyone in the area.  We honestly believe you will feel the same warm welcome that we did.  We are planning to film a short video of us dancing Salsa and also Tango.  I wanted to put the information to the dance studio that I keep mentioning.  I will put their link below and that way you can view their dance calendar and see what they have to offer.

Here is the link to their webpage


Here is the link to their facebook group page