Here Goes Nothing...

Hi! I'm Kelly.

I'll first start by saying that I've never written a blog before, or much of anything that I've put out on social media for others to see (other than short and simple Facebook posts now and then).  So, this is me stepping out and giving it a try, which scares me a little!  But, I've been trying out a lot of new things lately and taking risks I thought I never would, so here's to giving another new thing a shot!  

For those of you that don't know, I recently took a year leave from teaching (which I always thought would be my lifelong career) in order to pursue some other things.  My goal was to completely open myself up to any possibilities or opportunities and allow God to lead me in the right direction--His direction.  So, that's the journey I'm on now! 

I've always loved photography, but never imagined that it would be something that I could possibly do for a living.  Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever had something in life that you LOVE doing and are so passionate about, but for some reason you don't believe it could ever be anything more than a dream, or a wish on your "if I could do anything" list?  Well, that's how photography has been for me.  After months of fighting with myself over making a "smart and realistic" decision versus a "risky and 'are you crazy?!'" decision, I went with the "yep, you're crazy!" decision.  

To others, it may make no sense whatsoever.  To leave a stable and secure job that I went through years of college for, just to walk into a situation that has no consistency or security at all... Yeah, that may be crazy.  and scary!  However, I've come to a point in my life that I've realized that life is SHORT.  We don't get a chance for a re-do.  I don't want to look back on my life and think "ohhh man, I really wish I would have tried that out when I was younger!"  I'm tired of doing things because I feel that I'm "supposed" to.  Instead, I want to make decisions and do things because I'm following what's in my heart, even if it does seem unrealistic or irrational.  

I'm 28 years old and had a secure job, consistent pay, and predictable life.  I'm now trading that in because I feel in my heart that God has another plan for me.  I strongly believe that God rewards those that follow Him without doubt or fear.  I've accepted that maybe God's plan for my life is a little different than what I always thought it would be.  It may be one that involves me taking scary risks and leaning on Him to guide me in the right direction (even if I don't fully understand where He is taking me).  One thing I do know, though, is that His plans for my life are far beyond what I could ever plan on my own.  So, I'll follow Him...

Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will."  John 13:7

:)