To Choose Joy

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A Joy-Filled Life: Our Newest Featured Reader

We've got another joy-filled life to draw you into! It's a delight to introduce you to a bubbly, Boston-dwelling Physician Assistant. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let Kelly's willing heart and gentle spirit encourage you wherever you are!

Kelly Ozbolt

1.     Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello ToChooseJoy!  My name is Kelly.  I am 28 years old and originally from Maine, but now I live in Boston.  I'm newly married (a year and a half in!) to a wonderful man named Tommy who I met at our church here in Boston.  I love Jesus, hugs, and wandering outside. I have a huge sweet tooth (chocolate is the way to my heart), I play the piano, enjoy any type of fellowship, and love to cook. I'm addicted to coffee, wish I were a little more spontaneous (I will admit, I’m a planner), love helping others, and really love traveling.  I’m excited to share some of me with you this month!

 

2.     What does a typical day in your life look like?

Each and every day is different in my life.  I work as a Physician Assistant in an Emergency Department and my schedule is a little all over the place.  Some days I work morning, others evening, weekends.  Around my four shifts a week, I try to fit in work outs, cooking (I love to cook), and time with my lovely husband.  On Wednesday evenings we go to Community Group with a wonderful bunch from our church.

 

Loving on Becky and Sean's littles one on the morning of my wedding!

3.     What brought you to “To Choose Joy”?

Well, a very special sister of mine created it!  Becky and I are from the same area of Maine and are dear friends.  She has been talking about this vision of hers to create a place for women to daily be reminded of truth and God’s love; and of course she saw it through.  To Choose Joy is a blessing for myself and all the women who frequent it.

4.     How did Jesus first get your attention?

I was blessed to be raised in a family that loved the Lord.  We attended church since I can remember and I was always reminded of God’s love.  I was saved when I was six with my Mom at bedtime.  Since then, I have certainly had my ebbs and flows in my walk with God; and he has always been faithful to me.  I would say there was a major change in my life in prioritizing God more after reading the book I talk about in a few questions.  

 

5.     What Bible verse or simple truth has God been really pressing on your heart with lately?

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God!

Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” 

Psalm 143:10

This is simple and to the point.  The prayer of all of our hearts should constantly be “God, not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42).”  If we are willing to allow God to lead us, he will be by our side through all victories and trials.  God’s will for our life is far better than our own.   It's easy to get caught up with day-to-day concerns and worries, but this is a good reminder to pray for God’s spirit to lead us.  We don't need to worry that he won’t get it right.

 

6.     What do you consider to be your strongest character trait?

Oh boy.  This one is tough.  I love to love on people.  I love to host, help, give hugs, and truly love others.  I guess that would be a strong character trait.   

 

7.     Your most embarrassing moment?

I honestly can’t think of anything good enough to share!  My husband loves to embarrass me as much as possible with his random dancing in public places act. 

 

8.     Your favorite food?

Hmm...I’d have to go with two: Sushi and Ice Cream

 

9.     How about your biggest pet peeves?

  • Chewing with your mouth open.
  • When people don’t take there shoes off in someone’s home. (strange I know.. it just really bothers me!)

 

10. What book has really impacted your life?

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson had a huge impact on my life in the time that I read it.  We all go through seasons, and I was in a particular season of laziness with my relationship with the Lord.  This book really reinforced that the season I was in was one of choice and I needed to be a “lion chaser” and take on, in full faith, what God had planned for me.

A few great quotes from the book:

“What sets lion chasers apart isn’t the outcome. It’s the courage to chase God-sized dreams.” 
“Embrace relational uncertainty. It's called romance. Embrace spiritual uncertainty. It's called mystery. Embrace occupational uncertainty. It's called destiny. Embrace emotional uncertainty. It's called joy. Embrace intellectual uncertainty. It's called revelation.” 
“Worship is forgetting about what's wrong with you and remembering what's right with God.” 
 

12. You have a free 3 hours. What will we find you doing?

  • Reading with a cup of coffee.
  • Taking a bubble bath.
  • Enjoying the outdoors and God’s creation in some way.

 

13. What's your favorite childhood memory?

Ah, there are so many!  The majority of my childhood was spent outside.  I would say my favorite memories were during camping, fishing, and outdoor adventures up in northern Maine with my family.  I can make a mean campfire and have a good shot thanks to my Dad!

 

14. Is there a topic that you would love to see us do a study on in the future? 

I love focusing on choosing joy in all times of life.  Counting it joy during trials is just as important as praising God during times of blessings.  To Choose Joy really does a great job reinforcing this easily forgotten truth that’s been speaking to my life a lot lately.  

 

15. Where do you need to be reminded of truth most in your life?

Haha, as above--always.  However, I find it hardest to focus on truth during the monotony of day to day life: when it seems as if you are just going through the motions.  It is during these times that we are not as driven to God’s word.  It is all to easy to run to the truth in times of trial or in thankfulness; but we must not forget about Him in the in between.  Nothing is too big OR to small for God. 


Many thanks to Kelly for sharing her beautiful life with us! Did this glimpse into Kelly's story resonate with you at all? We'd love for you to share this post on your favorite social media platform so that we can spread the inspiration!

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