Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Lift Me Up-The Afters/Worship Wednesday#1

Lift Me Up- The Afters /Worship Wednesday1
Worship Wednesdays.  A day of the week were I will post worship music/songs, ect.  This is the first one of many to come.  I listened to many  great worship songs and changed my mind several times as to which one would be the first, but this one struck home.  We recently found out that my Aunt has cancer.  She'll be starting chemo soon.

 "When I'm crying out and falling down
You are here to

  lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go"


No matter what life is trying to drag us down with, We need to remember that God is always here to Lift us up when we get weak.  It doesn't matter what kind of weakness; if your spiritually, mentally,  or physically weak (or a combination), the same rules still apply.  I don't know what your going through, it may be a breakup/divorce,  it could be an illness/death for you or a family member,  it could be rough times between close friends, or even just the craziness of starting back to school.  Whatever your falling down about, know that God is here to lift you up.

So with that said, that's why The Afters, "You Lift Me Up" is today's Worship Wednesday song.  I hope the song lyrics encourage you as much as they encourage me, and let it be a sign of worship to God when you sing along and allow God to lift you up.  I'm gonna keep all my readers in my prayers daily. 

Please keep my Aunt and the rest of my family in your prayers.
This song and post is dedicated to my Aunt Shelley.  I love you Aunt Shelley!

Official Music Video (Link Below)
 http://youtu.be/KBy2D8p5Kpw
 
Video with Lyrics (Link Below)
http://youtu.be/i6UAGhJHmOw



Lift Me Up - The Afters  (Lyrics)
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

Waiting for the sunrise
Waiting for the day
Waiting for a sign
That I'm where you want me to be

You know my heart is heavy
And the hurt is deep
But when I feel like giving up
You're reminding me
That we all fall down sometimes
But when I hit the ground

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

I know I'm not perfect
I know I make mistakes
I know that I have let you down
But you love me the same

And when I'm surrounded
When I lose my way
When I'm crying out and falling down
You are here to

Lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love
With your love
I don't know what I can offer
In this moment I surrender to your love
To your love

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go

You lift me up when I am weak
Your arms wrap around me
Your love catches me so I'm letting go
You lift me up when I can't see
Your heart is all that I need
Your love carries me so I'm letting go

I can see the dawn is breaking
I am feeling overtaken with your love

You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up with your love
You lift me up

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Read, share, comment and have a blessed week!

<3 KayLeigh

Monday, August 6, 2012

Is Catwoman the Bride of Christ--By JR. Forasteros

Is Catwoman the Bride of Christ - By JR. Forasteros

Someone recently shared this blog post on facebook and of course me thinking that all the Batman movies are flipping awesome, it peeked my curiosity.  I read this amazing article and I thought it was so great that I'd share it with all of you.   JR. Forasteros is an amazing writer! Enjoy!

Click the link below to read the article by JR. Forasteros
http://jrforasteros.com/2012/07/30/is-catwoman-the-bride-of-christ/



 Also, Starting on Aug 8, 2012  "Worship Wednesdays", where I'll be posting inspiring worship music (about 2 Wednesdays a month)

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Read, share, comment and have a blessed week!  Check back next Monday for a post inspired by the movie Mirror Mirror  

<3 KayLeigh

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Purity Dairy and Communication

Purity Dairy Ice- Cream & Communication
(Proof that guys always have food on the brain)

Hey peoples!  You can now follow me by signing up with your email address, it will update you when I have new posts.  So with that said-- onto the post haha.

*****
 Today's humorous topic was inspired by a Conversation that I had with my boss, David.  Thanks for the inspiration! :)

Okay ladies-- I officially have proof that guys always have food on the brain! Now how did I get such proof?  Keep reading to find out :)

It was just a regular Monday of work at the Shoe Company; Straightening shoes and cleaning windows when my boss David asked how my weekend was.  So I honestly tell him, it was rough. I said God was speaking to me about some things I've put off for too long, things I didn't want to hear.  Ever have those talks with God where your like,  "Really God? Do I have to? What if I did this________ instead?"

So I told him for a long time God has been telling to me write a book, and start a purity blog.  And David looks at me with this big mischievous smile and says, "That it so awesome! Starting a blog about Purity Dairy Ice-cream. Well you can put on your blog that my favorite flavor is vanilla bean." 
By this time, I've stopped talking and I'm looking at him with a puzzled face.  He stops smiling and says wait, "What were you talking about?"   After realizing we were on two completely different pages, I respond with, "Oh! yes, Purity Dairy has amazing Ice-cream! But I was talking about a different kind of purity."   "Oh okay."  HaHa.

So there ya have it.  Proof that guys are always thinking of food.

So since this is a blog about all forms of purity, why not Purity Dairy?  My favorite Ice-cream flavor is Cookies 'n Creme.  Whats yours?

 Read, Comment, share and subscribe/follow!  Hope you all have a blessed week and check back Monday for a new post!  <3 KayLeigh

Monday, July 23, 2012

Dressed to Lure or be Pure?

Dressed to Lure or be Pure?
My boys are obsessed with fishing in a pond set back in a wooded area behind our house. Because this pond can only be accessed by a few homes in our neighborhood it is well stocked with fish of every kind. My boys never tire of hiking back there with their nets, poles, and tackle boxes. They shimmy carefully out onto a homemade make-shift dock perched atop a leaning tree and casting their lines into the water. Their quest: Catching one of the big-mouth bass who will occasionally swim teasingly near the surface of the water. Trust me, these fish are not big by accident. These guys have had the run of the pond for years—that is, until my boys came along. Fortunately, my boys are only interested in the challenge of catching them and once they do, they pull out the hook and throw them right back in for a second chance. (That’s your cue to say “Ahhhhhhh, poor little fishies.) Both my boys insist that snagging these big 10-12 lb. bass come down to the bait. They rely on fancy spinner lures that attract the curious fish with shimmering pieces of metal and rubber tentacles that dangle from a hook. 

So, what in the world does fishing have to do with they way girls dress? Given the scanty fashions of the day, many girls are unaware that the clothes they wear can act as bait—the kind that attracts boys. You’ve probably noticed by now that girls and guys are wired differently. When it comes to attraction, girls tend to be more emotionally wired while guys tend to be more visually wired. An article appeared in my local paper called "What girls wear, and what boys think" that proves this point. A sampling of boys we're interviewed at the local mall and asked what they thought of some of the girls who walked by wearing hip hugger jeans with bare midriffs and scanty tops. One boy suggested that girls dress that way because they want attention. Another boy said it is an 'invitation.' He said, "They're telling you, 'Come get it.' When girls dress like that, it tells guys they're easy." 

The truth hurts. For many girls, their sincere motive in wearing skin-baring fashions is to be fashionable. Unfortunately, there is no denying that guys read much more into it than a sincere fashion statement. Just like the lures my sons use to attract the fish they catch, your clothes may be sending out an invitation to the guys that you never intended to send. Some girls are fully aware of the power they can have over the opposite sex when it comes to cultivating their sensualities with just the right outfit, whether it’s a cleavage-baring top, short shorts, a bare midriff, or tight-fitting clothes. For them, negative attention is better than no attention at all. Regardless of whether or not a girl’s motives are to be fashionable or to be sensual, the results are the same. Like the bass drawn to just the right bait, guys will be drawn to you…but for all the wrong reasons. When the fish see bait, they see a free meal—and they get it to go. Do you want to send that kind of message to the guys?

The Bible actually addresses how women should dress. In 1 Timothy 2:9 it says, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.” The actual word for “propriety” is a Greek word, “sophrosune,” which means “sanity or soundness of mind.” Let me translate the verse for you: Does that outfit indicate that you’ve LOST YOUR MIND?! I am shocked at how many Christian girls who should know better show up at church (or anywhere else, for that matter) dressed inappropriately. I recall a Sunday morning service where one of the girls in the youth group took part in a skit. She was wearing a skirt that was small enough to fit my 5 lb. Yorkie. Clearly, she hadn’t thought this through and when she went to sit down during the skit, her skirt was eye-level of the audience and she ended up flashing everyone in the congregation, including Pastor on the front row! Now c’mon. There’s nothing cool about that! 

Here’s the bottom line when it comes to modesty: You want what you wear on the outside to allow others to focus on God rather than you. I am certainly not saying you have to dress like a nun. It is possible to dress both fashionably and modestly but it will take some effort and extra time spent looking for clothes that would pass the test. Take God shopping with you next time and when you look in the mirror, ask Him what He thinks. His opinion is the only one that matters. Remember, if you are a Christian, your body is the temple of His Holy Spirit so He has a vested interest in how you choose to adorn His temple. You also want to be certain that what you wear reflects who you are on the inside. That way, when a guy is drawn to you, it will be for the right reasons. 

Dressing modestly not only demands respect from the guys but it is a sign of self-respect. It makes the statement that you feel good enough about yourself without having to dress in such a way that would “lure” the wrong kind of attention. Get in the habit of doing a mirror check before you head out and ask yourself, “Is this outfit screaming ‘lure’ or ‘pure’?”

Written by: Vicki Courtney, founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries and best-selling author of "Your Girl," "Your Boy," and the entire "TeenVirtue" and "Between" series.
Article taken from TeenVirtue: Real Issues, Real Life…A Teen Girl’s Survival Guide. Used with permission from Broadman and Holman Publishing. 


http://www.virtuousreality.com/articles/2007/11/dressed_to_lure_or_be_pure.html

******

Wow!! What do you think of that?  Who knew a story of fishing could be tied into dressing modestly.
 1 Timothy 2:9 says, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety.” The actual word for “propriety” is a Greek word, “sophrosune,” which means “sanity or soundness of mind.”
What do you think of this verse?  Ladies-- Do you think your dressing with a soundness of mind?

*These words were said to me the other day by a good guy friend of mine and I thought I'd share.
"KayLeigh, us guys-- we're like fish. We're drawn to shiny objects.  (shiny object syndrome)

Yes ladies, I know I'm swinging the hammer at you in full force right now-- but trust me, you'll be glad I did.  ( And the guys turn will come later.) 

Read, comment, share and let me hear your feedback! <3 Suscribe <3  Check back every Monday for a new post! =D

Have a blessed week! Love, KayLeigh <3

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Clothes - Barlow Girl

 Clothes - Barlow Girl

Song Title: "Clothes"
Artist:  Barlow Girl
Album:  Barlow Girl

Click on the youtube link to listen to the song and read the lyrics-- was the best lyric video I could find. 

http://youtu.be/O88KlgcsY8s

Lyrics (Below)

Clothes aren't what they used to be
They don't seem to fit you and me anymore
Modesty is out the door
Flaunting what we've got and more is in
Yeah its in

They're saying
Don't ask why just wear what we say
You'll look like a model if you'll only obey
To get the attention, just do what we say

Pay so much for clothes so small
Was this shirt made for me or my doll?
Is this all I get?
I looked so hot but caught a cold
I was doing just what I was told
To fit in

Were saying lets ask why
Don't wear what they say
Don't want to be a model
They cant eat anyway
That kind of attention will fade with the day
So Ill stand up and say

Clothes that fit are fine
Wont show whats mine
Don't change my mind
Ill be fine


~Behind the Song~
'About a year and a half ago, we had just seen a movie and we were upset about the immodest clothing the actresses wore. It made us want to protect our brothers in Christ, and men in general against seeing such things. Often, they have no choice because its always there, right in front of them. They can try to look away, but the damage has already been done. Its everywhere. So we just wanted to, in a creative way, not a condemning way, speak up about that issue. Now, many times when we play that song, guys will come up to us after our concerts and thank us for writing it.' - Becca Barlow (BarlowGirl)


*****

Barlow Girl has been one of my favorite bands for years.  I can remember jumping on my bed when I was younger, singing this song as loud as I could -- with a hairbrush in hand as my always ready microphone, and all my always supportive stuff animals as my audience.  All their songs are great, but this one always was a favorite of mine.  I didn't understand the meaning of the words back then, not like i do now.  Its a great song-- So enjoy and have a blessed week! 

Check back on Monday for a new blog post! 

Are you dressed to lure, or be pure?  Find out on Monday.

Love, KayLeigh  

Monday, July 16, 2012

Bellies, Boys, and Stumbling Blocks

Bellies, Boys and Stumbling Blocks
When the warmer weather comes, we’re all hunting through our closets, raiding our friends' rooms, and hitting the malls for summer clothes. The problem is, alot of what you find in stores is too short, too tight, and too low. Thankfully, shirts are a bit longer these days, but still, the “sexy” look is everywhere. 

1 Corinthians 8:9 says
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” Using our freedom to wear the “sexy” look- to see just how much attention we can get from the guys- makes us a stumbling block.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul quotes a saying of the time used to defend immoral
behavior. “Everything is permissible for me,” but then he challenges that freedom by
continuing, “but not everything is beneficial...” Isn’t that true for so much of what we do,
say, and even wear?

Don’t just think of “the weak” as guys with the “bad boy” reputation. The New Living Translation reads “…Do not cause a brother with a weaker conscience to stumble,” (emphasis added). We need to think in terms of our Christian brothers. Guys are visual, connect the dots kind of creatures. Show them a little something and their imagination may take them further than you intended for them to go. If you love the attention you are getting because of shirts that ride a little too high, or pants that ride a little too low, it’s because guys are connecting the dots. They are left imagining more of you.

Our clothing choices affect those around us, and they affect our inner value. Showing
too much of ourselves gives away too much of ourselves. It turns us into a stumbling
block for not only those around us, but for ourselves! We end up not respecting our
bodies as the temple our Heavenly Father created them to be. And, we end up tripping
up the very people we are trying to lift up, not let down…our brothers-in-Christ.

I know it can be hard to find clothes that leave you looking great, and cover everything
you want covered, but they are out there! It just takes a little extra work.
If you find
the cutest spaghetti strap tank that you just can’t live without, but it is showing too much
skin or is too low cut, layer it over a great tee! Look for tanks that have wide enough
shoulder straps to cover your bra. Lean over and look in a mirror- can you see down
your shirt? If you can, others can too. So pick another shirt, one that keeps to you what
belongs to you. Make sure your shorts cover all they’re supposed to, and keep your underwear, UNDER your clothes.

God has blessed us with freedom. Freedom to make choices that reflect our
commitment to living a godly life. His Word protects and defends us by urging us to “be
careful” with our freedom. The stumbling block that the “weak” trip over, may be the very thing that is holding you back from truly seeing your beauty as God does.

Written by: Jen Brennan
Copyright, virtuousreality.com


 ******

I found this article and knew it would be a perfect kickoff to a summer series about modesty.
For me personally, reading and reading this article has made me think alot about how I use my freedom in my choice of clothing.   The example of taking a cute spaghetti strap tank and layering it over another shirt is something I do quite often.  (like in the picture below)


 So how are you using your freedom??

  I took this past week and did a lot of praying, and writing.  And I felt like this series was a must to start things out with. :) so i hope you enjoyed it!  Check back every Monday for a new post =D   Comment, share, let me hear your feedback!

Have a  blessed week!!  <3 KayLeigh

Friday, July 6, 2012

A Tale of Three Brides

A Tale of Three Brides
(***I did not write this story--- all the credit goes to my Teen Virtue magazine.***)

This story has always captivated me from a young age and it makes sense for all ages.  I thought of what my first post would be about and I immediately thought of this story.  I also wanted to say that this story, this blog--- is meant for everybody.  Girls, guys. Single people and married people.  Everybody still has temptations. Doesn't matter if your married or not.  Enjoy!


A Tale of Three Brides

Once upon a time, there were three brides.  Each bride had been given a large, beautifully wrapped gift with a silver ribbon when they were just little girls. Each gift came with the same tag that read:

Precious Daughter,
Do not open until your wedding night. This gift is meant to be shared with your husband. 
Love, God

Well, I wish I could tell you that all three brides heeded the instructions. One bride opened her gift long before she met her husband. In fact, she shared “the gift” over and over again, sometimes with guys she hardly even knew! When it came time for her wedding night, she didn’t even bother to take the gift with her. 
What did it matter anyway? She thought. It had ceased to be a gift the day she opened it.  Besides, she had seen the unwrapped box in the back of her closet not long ago, and it was tattered and worn.  Certainly, not something fit to take on your wedding night.  

But to her shock, her husband brought his gift along and presented it on their wedding night. It looked like that gift tossed in the back of her closet. She explained that she didn’t bother to bring her gift because it was so old and secondhand. Regardless, they agreed to open his gift as the instructions had said on the box, even though they had not waited.  The beautiful wrapping had long since been ripped off, and the bow was gone. The box was bent, torn, and falling apart. When they removed the lid and peered inside, they were confused. The bride spoke first and said, I don’t get it—what’s so special about this gift?” then they both sat there in silence. The bride wondered to herself why the box was so used.  Has he taken the gift and shared it with others? She wondered. The thought was certainly unsettling, but the thought that followed sent a chill up her spine.  What would keep him from sharing the gift with others in the future if he had already done so in the past? Didn’t this gift belong exclusively to her, now? 

 At the same time her husband was deep in thought, wondering why she had left her gift behind and shrugged it off so easily. I mean, sure, we may not have followed the directions with our gifts, but couldn’t it still be special? And then he wondered how many men she had shared the gift with over the years—the gift that was meant to be his exclusively. The thought certainly left him feeling insecure about the future. His thoughts continued.  Why did we build up so much excitement over the wedding and the honeymoon in the first place? I mean, we’ve already shared a bed and many of the things that married people share. What’s so special about a wedding and a honeymoon?  And then they both found themselves thinking, maybe this is the very reason we were supposed to wait to open the gift, but it was too late. 

The second bride also unwrapped her gift early, but she experienced great regret. So she made a vow to take better care of the gift and save it for her wedding night, just as the directions said.  When it came time for her wedding night, she presented the gift to her husband, and he presented his to her.  His gift was brand-new, and she felt a pang of conviction that she could not offer him the same in return. Even thought she regretted her mistake, she was grateful that her gift had never been shared with her husband until this moment. While it would not be as special as God intended, it was still special.

 
The third bride had heeded the instructions that came with her gift. She treated it with loving care knowing that it was a gift from God.  Her husband also saved his gift for the wedding night, though at times he had been tempted to open the gift early. On their wedding night they had no regrets. Each one felt respected and honored that so great a gift had been saved for the other.  After their wedding night, they felt secure in their relationship knowing that if someone can trust God and believe him at his word, they will likely do so in the future. And with that thought, they both felt great pity for their many friends who had opened their gifts early.

What about you? Which bride will you be? 


Comment, like, share, and question. :)  I love hearing feedback!  What's something you guys would like me blog about? 
Love, KayLeigh   ~SoS 8:4

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Finally Started this blog!

"Young Women of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not stir up or awaken love until the timing is right."
~Song of Songs 8:4 

I'm finally doing it you guys!! Starting my blog. This blog  is dedicated to my purity book. And that purity book is in turn dedicated to all you guys. :)   Speaking about purity is where my heart is. Purity of the body. Purity of the mind and soul, and especially the heart.   I'm so excited about this.  Will do my best to update on a regular basis.  With God's help and all you guys encouragement-- I'll finish this book. 

shoutout--- Thank you Amber!! For all your encouragement :) it means so much! I'm finally starting! haha not just talking, I'm doing the walk too!

Love, KayLeigh