Hey! I’m Lauren Doty, author & creator of the Lately with Laur blog. I hold so many passions dear to my heart it’s hard to choose just one to highlight. And that’s what I love most about this space! There are no rules, no right or wrong. I can illuminate all the different sides of Laur in my own unique way. So consider this a mosaic, a pieced together work of words, stories, encouragement, and innovation. A space to unplug from the crazy world around us and let our minds wander and ponder. My greatest joy is bringing joy to others – and I aspire for this blog to do just that.
just an overview
Let’s start at the beginning.
I’m the eldest of four girls (sorry Dad… you’re slightly outnumbered) and love my family with all my heart and soul. My dad’s service in the Marine Corps has led us all across this beautiful country with 10 moves and 7 different schools by the end of high school. Being a military kiddo has its pros and cons, between all the challenges, connections, and new adventures. But over the years, I am proud of the military lifestyle and the resilience it has built in me.
After graduating high school in 2021, I embarked on my journey to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. And WOW what a journey that has been! No amount of words can sum up with LU means to me nor every aspect of growth it has blossomed. I finished my degree in Psychology: Child Life Specialist in December 2024 and am awaiting commencement very soon! My 2025 kicked off in Cape Town, South Africa, where I spent a month completing a child life practicum! Now I call my daily routine a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, riding the wave as it comes, adjusting to living at home again and chasing my next career steps – the very competitive child life internship. I’ve poured countless hours of work and grit into these applications and now pray for a positive result.
(we’ll find out together in early May!)
The Lord’s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:23
Above all, my deepest love is my faith in Jesus Christ. He is my rock and foundation, my source of gratitude for everything in my life. His gift of salvation has lit a spark in me, a soul on fire that desires to reach whoever it can with the same gift – freedom, forgiveness, eternal life. I am by no means perfect. In fact, most days I feel pretty far from it, like the true hot mess express. But every day I see His grace over my life in all kinds of ways, and I am reminded just how good He is. He’s given me a unique creative side, my gifts and talents, and I seek to reflect Him and His love, through that gift, to the world.