A Whirlwind year.....

Dearest Family and Friends,

What a year this has been! As 2009 draws to a close, I anxiously look forward to 2010. 2009 was one of the biggest rollercoaster rides, and I am glad it is over. I can just feel it... 2010 has alot coming... and God has a few surprises I think-- some good ones.

Looking back, I thank you all for prayers and encouragement as this truly was a tough year. For a majority of the year I had a couple of jobs that were complete nightmares, and that ended well with my current job at Cole Chrysler Dodge Mazda in SLO. I surprisingly love it. I really like the people I work with, very low drama, and dependable. I am adding to my skill set, making ends meet, and continuing to look ahead. For now, I know I am blessed... it took two bad jobs to get here since returning home.

As we know I returned last year after a four month stint following graduation in San Diego. Those were some tough months dealing with unbeknownst to me, depression, and coming to terms with it once knowing it was something I was battling (yet again). It was a long season, and I definitely have not walked away from that dark season unchanged or affected in the long term. It changed relationships, and it is something that will always be in the back of my mind. My relationship with God has completely changed... and for the better. I am continually reminded that his mercies are new EVERYDAY! For pretty much my whole life being a "Christian" was mapped out by other people. I had to live a certain way... other peoples convictions had better be my conviction. If I was not super conservative and pretty much taking the legalistic approach to my faith and fearing God to be this harsh judger, then I was not living at all. But through situations, this past year, and the amazing people God has put in my life (roommates, friends, family, my church family), I know that God is so much more than that. I am done living my Christian faith the way other see fit, but am truly making it the relationship it should be. I know how it looks as I did it before... and people thought I was living too "carefree". I have learned a lot about me and who God is once again this year... and as I head into 2010 that is on the forefront of my mind.

2009 brought a lot of heart ache with the halting of some relationships or bringing some of them to a close. Some because I was in destruction mode at the beginning of the year just coming to terms with my situation and dealing with depression. Here I am now.... 95% better than I was... but still have those moments that I have to make the decision to not let it get me down. As I have grieved some relationships not meant to be a long season, and some relationships were even restored this year, and some have strengthened beyond more than I could have imagined. God brought new people into my life whom have blessed me and I am one very lucky girl to have them in my life. I do pray 2010 brings more healing and reconciliation that the end of 2009 has started.

The middle to now of 2009 have been anything but calm. This summer was a tough summer for my roommate Kristi, and I think you for keeping her family in your prayers as her family lost both grandparents in a very short amount of time of the other, and that is a lot of one family to take on. This year I have battled the weirdest physical ailments, and having to adapt my diet for it has been challenging, but nonetheless after almost a year it is more under control than ever. It is a candida allergy, but the cause of why I have it is still known and there is hope it is not permanent, and it has been shown with how I don't always react when I am eating those foods that sometimes argue with my body :) So maybe as things are looking up in all other areas... this will too. The prayers for these things have definitely been felt, and I appreciate them so much. I definitely love my roommates for accommodating this as much as they have, because it makes me a lot more high maintenance than I would like to be. What else happened in 2009?? Oh.... I turned 25. It was definitely a hard birthday and the weeks leading up to it were well.... ahhhhhh..... I just never thought this is where I would be in my life at 25. It also affirmed that in every aspect I am an adult. I should have all my ducks in a row by now. I should have some amazing career job, focus on getting married, and being just somewhere completely different than where I am. And someone came along side me.... maybe it was Genessa (how I love this girl), who reminded me "I am exactly where God wants me to be at this point in my life". And I am realizing that more so. I have a lot to be thankful for in having a college degree, in having wonderful roommates, and great church family... and I live in one beautiful place. So, as I regroup and approach 2010 being 25 for most of it so much I know awaits. I have big plans.... if you haven't heard. Following dreams and goals and it is going to be a wild ride.... all in God's timing.... so what is it??

I never talk about the things I dream about I just pursue them, and if they don't happen I just let down myself and not everyone else around me. But this is what's going on: I am pursuing jobs... out of state! I know scary! But I am also still keeping my eyes open for here in California, because you just never know. But for YEARS it has been on my heart to live in NYC. Just for the real change of scenery, being close to people I love in NY, and getting my career going. I have nothing to lose, if it doesn't work, I could come back. I have been submitting resumes EVERYWHERE and looking at churches I can connect with. I have my aunts supporting me so much with this and encouraging me. I even have a blog about it (I know.... dorky....), and so it really is showing this journey I am on.

But while I remain in beautiful California in wonderful Arroyo Grande, what is going on?: Continuing to serve with my church in Childrens' and Youth Ministries, and I am loving. They have been such a blessing to me. They are all great kids. The youth retreat was wonderful and brought us closer together as a group, the 2's and 3's kids are growing so fast, the Youth Christmas party was a blast. I also was in choir this season for the Christmas season and it was so much fun and great to connect with others in the church I wouldn't normally. 2010 will continue the bible study we just started at the end of this year being led by my wonderful friend Megan. "TrueFaced". It is making us closer friends, and changing how we approach our relationships and that's with God included. Also, 2010 brings me taking on one more thing: Financial Peace University, which I take starting in January. Great Dave Ramsey series, and just giving my finances to the Lord and being a better steward with my money.

So that has been the year.... well the highlights. I still have caitlynlawton.blogspot.com where updates happen somewhat regularly. And also the new nychereicome.wordpress.com. Updates for me and you on my journey in making the goals happen. I can feel it that 2010 is going to be a great year...

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and encouragement this year. Sticking by me in some of the low points and cheering me on in the high points. I pray you all had wonderful Christmas' with family and friends, counting your blessings, and looking forward to what is in store. I hope you all have a wonderful new year. When you get the chance.... I would love to hear how YOU are doing, and what is on the horizon for you!

Blessings and Joy,

Caitlyn Lawton
http://caitlynlawton.blogspot.com
http://nychereicome.wordpress.com