#ClearOctober

   Happy October!! Fall is by far my favorite time of the year: the pretty colors, sweater weather, pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING. Something about the crisp, cool feeling in the air makes it feel like the perfect time for new beginnings, even if according to the calender, the year is almost over. The thing that I've come to learn about new beginnings though is that they can happen at any time. Anyone can make a fresh start and new promises during New Year's, but those tend to fade out or become overshadowed by life come February. I think it takes true determination and the want to change to start new in the middle of the year. Through Instagram, I have begun to read and learn about a woman named Lara Casey. I love reading her blog posts and learning new ways to live simply and simply live. She strives after the Lord's calling for her life and it is so incredibly encouraging to know that there are still God-fearing people in the world trying to make a difference. During the month of October, she has challenged herself and those who read her posts to take part of what she calls #ClearOctober. In a nutshell, she wrote down every definition of the word "clear," she could find and decided to apply her favorite ones to her life. I've decided to start new and take that same challenge. So.....here we go!

1. Not obscured or darkened; bright-During the whirlwind I experienced during the first half of this year, I found myself in a place of deep darkness, but that is no more. I want to be bright and have God's love and light emanate from everything that I do.
2. Free from flaw, blemish, or impurity-This one is particularly important to me. I know that I need to drastically change my definition of "perfect." I am not perfect, but my Savior is. He alone has made me new again, free from flaws, blemishes, or impurities. He alone takes away what has tried to ruin me, and makes what the enemy intended for destruction, good for His glory.
3. Free from impediment, obstruction, or hindrance-I know that I have been called by the Lord to work in the medical field. I have no clue in what direction He will lead me with this profession, but I know He has plans for me that I can not even imagine! I will finish nursing school come next May. I will take the NCLEX next summer, and I will be an RN by this time next year. I will not let anything (including myself) hinder the Lord's plan for me.
4. Open: a clear view; a clear path to victory-I love the verse of Philippians 3:13-14 that says: "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" This one goes along with the previous one in that I know what my calling from God is. I'm working on my "clear path to victory" and trusting that the One who brought me to this place will lead me through it.
5. Discerning or perceiving easily; keen; a clear mind-This first half of this year was very clouded for me. I felt like I was in a constant fog and could never focus. I wasn't concentrating on what was most important. I didn't have a clear mind on God's plan. I was focusing on everything except what I needed to: loving God and trusting that He will take care of me.
6. Free from doubt or confusion; certain-This one is HUGE for me. I was (and still am at times) my own worst enemy. My mom has always told me that God isn't a god of doubt and confusion, that's all us. We're the ones who allow the thoughts of fear and doubt to consume us and hinder us from following God's path. Is it easy to not be afraid? Um, definitely not. You're going to be scared taking chances and putting yourself in new experiences, but the important thing for us to remember is that we MUST pray without ceasing. Trust me, trying to do everything yourself is the number 1 sure fire way to fail.
7. To get past or over something safely-I think this is a great one to end with because it reminds me of a finish line or a pole vaulter clearing the hurdle. Those few seconds when he's in midair, he doesn't entirely know if he's going to make it over. He's having to trust that's he's trained enough and knows his body well enough to clear the pole. We have to prepare ourselves spiritually for the hurdles we'll undoubtedly have to face. Trust that God loves you more than anything. Train yourself by praying every day and diving in to His word. And when the time comes, and you have to take a running start and jump over the biggest hurdle of your life, even if it seems impossible, trust that you'll make it to the other side, that you'll be clear. 

I have loved getting to sit down and truly focus on what's important by learning to be clear. It has really helped me prepare for my trip to Baja by getting rid and letting go of things that don't matter and zoning in on the truly important things in life. One of the things I want to do to continue this is to ask anyone reading this: Do you have anything you need prayer for? Is there something I can do for you? I love hearing and sharing the ways that God is working, and I would love to help you in anyway I can =) Have a blessed day, and don't forget to #liveclear.