Inspired to Bible Journal early this morning, as my best friend has been placed on my heart.
AMP "For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; so that he does not abandon (turn away from) the fear of the Almighty."
I've journaled a few pages in my bible over the last few weeks, but other than highlighting a specific verse and adding some stickers, I haven't actually journaled any of my thoughts or prayers. And that changed tonight.
I made a page with a tip in so I could have more room to write. And I'm so proud of this page and how it turned out. Thanx to my Mom and Elaine for bringing me into this amazing world of Bible Journaling. I've never really memorized too many bible verses in my life, but every day as I flip through the pages I've done so far, and the verses highlighted, I feel like I'm able to start memorizing verses like never before.
**"I do not know the answers to your problems, all I can say to that, is that God alone must know; Let us go to Him."**
**"I may not always be there with you, But I will always be there for you."**
I think the goal with any friendship, is to shower them with kindness through all the seasons of life. Some seasons are definitely easier than others, some seasons the love comes flowing freely, sometimes it's mot flowing so smooth. And some seasons may even call on some tough love, know God is control.
As long as we can point our friends to God I think we're doing pretty good. We can't see God but He's always here for us, in all of our seasons.
God,
I pray that I can show my best friend Casey kindness. I pray that she will be reminded of Your kindness and love for her all the days of her life. Show us both how to treat each other with love and kindness, how to be friends to the other in this season of our lives.
In Jesus name, Amen.
NIV "Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forward the fear of the Almighty."
NLT "One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty."
I've recently starting this thing called Bible Journaling, for those of you that don't know what that is, you basically color and write in your bible. At first I had my doubts. But just in a few pages done over the last few weeks I've felt closer to God than I've been in a while.
Matthew 10:29-31 I've been wanting to bible journal these verses for a little while now. I'm still getting used to writing with the water color paint pens. It's too late now to take back my terrible handwriting lol doing a simple page just isn't my style haha.
In these early morning hours and every waking moment I have to know my worth and remember not to settle for less. That worrying just makes me feel worse. I am worth more than a million canaries. And so are you people who read this.
I can't worry about tomorrow and what hasn't happened yet. I don't need to worry over family, friends, my future, ECT.
If God can keep all the birds fed and cares about them, then He can take care of me and everyone else that is on my mind, who are far more important than any bird.
So if we are worrying about someone, God is already ahead of us. And it's hard trusting/having faith. Faith is believing without seeing. Trusting/having faith that the people that are on our hearts are taken care of. The birds wake up singing joyful songs each morning, not worrying about their next meal. So let's let God take the weight of our worrying.
A mom is someone who lives with her heart outside of her body.
A mom is there to love us, protect us, pray for us, guide us, give us advice, to listen to us, to take care of us 100% of the time. No matter the weather or how she feels (since a mom's job is never done)
A mom is someone who makes you feel and look beautiful even on the days when you don't feel beautiful. I want to thank two special mothers.
1. My hairdresser has played a huge role in this over the years-- Thank you for all you've done for me and my hair over the years! With each hair cut and every crazy color combo I've tried, you've helped my self confidence to soar high! Happy Mother's Day Mrs. Penny!
2. Mrs. Diana, I grew up knowing I never needed makeup to feel pretty, but the world tries to make you doubt what you already know. Thank you for teaching me all about makeup whIle I was in high school. You helped me learn to enhance my natural beauty, and in doing so I've gone on to help so many other girls and women.
Happy Mother's Day Mrs.Diana!
A mom is strong.
A mom is someone who takes care of you when your sick, and a lot of times takes care of you while their sick too. A mom is someone who tries to hold an umbrella over us during our rainy seasons of life.
A shout out to a strong mom in my life is my Aunt McKenna. She doesn't always feel the greatest and is always there for her kids. She's also taught me that you can still be yourself and be a mom, not just one or the other. You can still be selfish sometimes. Treat yo self! Makeup, tattoos, concerts, Unicorns too! Happy Mother's Day McKenna!
A mom is someone who will climb a mountain just to show you that one day you can to.
A mom is someone who helps you cross a finish line. Someone who knows you can do something before you yourself know you can.
Dawn, if it wasn't for you I would have been a beauty school drop out. But you helped me face each day, you could see the end in sight for both of us. I'll forever be grateful and blessed by knowing you. And I hope one day to be able to repay the same kindness you showed me. I love you!
Happy Mother's Day Dawn!
Happy Mother's Day to both my grandma's!
(Face swap photo of us when I was showing you Snapchat!)
Kakki, I know we don't get to see each other often enough, but know that I love you and the conversations we have. I'm hoping in the future to make our in person time happen more than once a year! I'm thankful for your love and prayers. Hope you get to relax some this mothers day.
Gammies, you've shared so much wisdom with me it's crazy. You've been an amazing Godly influence that I've got to see while growing up. You've allowed me to watch what happens when you follow God's will for your life. And you've got the 2nd coolest job after being a mom/grandmother. You assist women in becoming mothers all the time. Happy Mother's Day Gammies!
Mom, I guess 1st I should say thanks for not killing me haha! Thank you for always being there for me no matter what choices I made. And I know it's been far from easy for you, yet you support me anyways, knowing I have to learn some things myself. Thank you for all the times past and future for taking care of me when I was sick and throwing up. Thank you for holding me tight as I cried tears over different people in my life. Thank you for sending me encouraging snail mail. Thank you for helping me chase and achieve my dreams. For believing I could make it. Thank you for hiking the Appalachian Trail. I'm so proud of you! Because of you I know I can do anything I set my mind too.
I like to believe I'm Brave like you, selfless like you, and putting others above myself because of you. I could say so much more but I'll stop now. Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you like a circle!
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Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!
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God, wrap your arms around the people who are sad and mourning the loss of a mother, or the loss of being childless and not being called mother.
God is good. And God you are here with those of us in Joy and Sadness. Thank you for loving us God.
Michael Castro put into words what I've been thinking on the Starbucks issue.
I won't hide that I shared the video that caused the uproar, but after thinking about it, I deleted the post soon after and told myself a plain red cup doesn't affect me and my life. It's not my business. It's sad that some Christians are making a big mess out of something so stupid. If you don't like the plain red cups, then don't support Starbucks by buying your coffee there :)
If your anything like me you probably complain about people more than you should. Complain about work, friends, family, significant other, ect.
One of my goals this year has been to have a more positive look on life, and especially in my relationships. Not going to lie, its super easy to complain and be negative about people when they let you down (and continue to let you down). I also think we don't do a good job on thanking these people for all they do for us. Especially when we're not at our best. Or simply thanking someone for being there for us when we needed them.
Early in December of 2013, I lost someone very dear to me. When I found out she was gone, I was sad. I'm still sad. I was in shock thinking she can't be gone. There's still so much I want to tell her. So much I should have told her. I'd go and sit with her and we would drink our sprites and talk about all the worlds problems. Or my worlds problems. I'd tell her everything. Tell her my dreams, tell her the funny things. Tell her the sad and confusing things. She didn't always have a reply, but she always listened. I told her and God all the time how much I wanted a true friend who would do for me what I would do for them. I didn't realize until after she was gone, that she was my best friend. She was one of the people I thanked God for, not often enough, for helping me keep my head on straight. Especially when I didn't want too.
I'm so thankful for the number of years she was in my life. I knew she always thought it was a treat for her to have me over, but in all honesty, I feel like I got the better end of our deal. Being able to just listen to her give me the advice of 70 plus years or even just to feel her big hugs hold me so tight. I love her.
The first few times I went to her resting site right after her going to be with Jesus, I probably cried and screamed until I was horse and my face swollen from crying so hard. But God wrapped His arms around me and gave me peace! He hit me with lyrics from most beautiful worship song. One that we sometimes sing in my small group (7:02) on Tuesday nights. I sang this song out loud over and over. More peace washing over me each time I sang it.
(Song below with Lyrics)
I'm so thankful to my group 7:02 for giving me that song.
Its taken me over a year to write this post. To get through writing or rereading any of this without having a huge meltdown. But what made me decide to finish this post is because I needed reminding of things I'm thankful for. I need reminding of how good God is to me.
SoThis Thankful series with take place on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or maybe both days. But I look forward to sharing people and things I'm thankful for. And I also plan on finishing the Skillet Rise inspired posts too. So thank you for being patient with me, for those who even take the time to still read the few things I do post every now and then, it means alot to me. And I give you a big thanks :)
I love you.
I miss you.
I miss your hugs and all our long talks solving my worlds problems.
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Its still hard for me not to come home from work and want to run next door to tell you the funniest thing my coworkers said or did. Or tell you the latest exciting things happening for me, like learning to hula-hoop.
Sometimes I go and ring your door bell hoping if I wait long enough you'll open up your door to greet me while giving me the tightest hug and the biggest smile.
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You were my best friend. Always there for me. Your heart was as young as me and my soul as old as yours. We were a perfect pair, chatting for hours about nothing and everything. Sipping on our sprite or diet coke.
Walking around your yard admiring your flowers or watching your backyard for deer. I loved it all.
It means so much that you were so proud of me. Even over the littlest things that other people might not have found important. But you understood they were important to me.
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I know your in a better place. (But i'm still selfish and wish your were here with me and the others who love you as much as I do.) You have a young and new body with no pain and no sorrows. (I wonder what that is like?) Singing and dancing for the Lord. Tending your garden. Keeping the house beside you ready for me. I can't wait until we can be neighbors again.
This song has helped me so much over the last year. It helps remind me that this world I'm in is only a temporary home. And one day I'll move on to where I truely belong.
Stay Classy ladies!!! And Put some clothes on!!! (Help our guys out)
And HUGE shout out to all the classy ladies who dress modestly --- Guys appreciate it and they do notice when we put in the effort to cover ourselves. Think about that this summer.
I love how Mike tells this guy that even your dream job won't make you happy all the time. There's ups and downs to any job.
So thanks Mike for reinforcing what I need to remember on a daily basis. That my happiness cannot rely on my job, friends, family, ect. It's my choice every morning to make the best of every day, no matter what I have to do that day.
As I lay awake at night, I think about the day that just went by, Wondering if I could have changed anything to make it better. I think about my future, What I can do to reach my dreams, How to achieve them, If I have what it takes, And if I'm on the right path in life. I think about my past, All the people I've met, Who I've liked and disliked, My family and friends, How I grew up, And what I've accomplished. I think about what's really important to me, My morals and values I think of how the world works, And I how i would change it if I could. I think of what I've been through, And how I feel. At the end of the day I think about who I am. ~Eva Doty *****
I love the poem above! Its so true! I think about people who have come and gone in my 21 years of life, like the changing of the seasons. And not gonna lie, there are definitely days where I wish I hadn't met some of those people, the people that put dark colors on my canvas. But if it wasn't for those people as well as the good people who care about me, then it wouldn't make the brighter colors stand out, and then I wouldn't be who I am today. I wouldn't have the same strong beliefs and convictions if certain life events hadn't happened. If certain people hadn't crossed paths with me.
I would like to thank my Mom for having the biggest part of me; for loving me and putting up with me even on days when I'm just downright mean to her. I wouldn't be where I am now without her and I don't tell her enough how much I still need her. Love you like a circle!
I think about my past too often. Playing the What if game. For the last several years I would definitely say I'm a half empty person, way more negative than I should be. Leading lots of people to think I'm this super cheery & hopeful person, when in reality, I feel far from that a lot of days.
And my goal starting in 2014 and going on, was to start thinking in a "half full" mindset and to live my life to the fullest! Dreaming big and not being afraid of what the future holds for me.
Watching the video below makes me so excited about my future! About all the exciting things God has in store for me! (Doesn't it make you want to get up and do something?? Ive been obsessed with this song ever since my brother showed me this video. **and sorry for a word in the song,)
I'm learning to accept and believe in myself, which I think that can only happen as we age.
I'm learning to forgive people who judge me for my wildly colored hair, my ever changing modest fashions, my piercings, My love for Jesus, and my strong/ different world views. I'm learning to be true to myself and not to please everyone. I still have my bad days where I'm super negative, but with God, my family and close friends, I'm doing better.
So huge thank you to my family, my close friends and all you wonderful facebook friends for writing nice things on my birthday. I love and care for you all!!
p.s. check out my cool titanic cake!!! Make by my LSBDSister who is gonna be the next great cake baker
And to end this post, I'll leave yall with another inspiring & positive songs lol (One of my all time faves, and a great theme song for us all.) Since my awesome other mother, Mrs.Laurel got me Katy Perry tickets!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! LOVE YA!!!!!
So remember your all fireworks and let your colors burst!!
Thanks again to everyone who helped make my 21st birthday my best one ever, love my family and friends for driving to see me and hang out with on my 21st bday!
21 wishes, prayers and lots of love, KayLeigh
P>S> Skillet Saturdays will start back soon! Promise! :)
We dance. And dance some more. With each new song my feet somehow remember. After a moment of of initial fear and doubt, I feel the King's presence again, I have no idea how, but I begin to lead the dance.
I can only look in your eyes for so long. I don't know what makes me so overwhelmed when I stare into those deep, woody brown eyes. I finally lock my eyes to yours. Forcing myself not to look away. Your natural, radiant beauty, the most beautiful maiden I've ever laid eyes on surrounds me. Your face is glowing in the dancing candlelight. The world is whooshing and swirling around us as we spin and move. My hand in yours.
I stare into your eyes. All the pain, all the longing, everything from the past, the pain of being away from you on the voyage, the pain I caused you by being late, the soreness from the journey, the fear of failure, my lack of confidence, everything-- everything is burned away-- seared away. Everything that is pure, good, and worthy, is all that remains. My Love!
"I love you!" I squeak.
"I love you." You laugh musically.
Yes. Everything in the world is worth this.
Ah! My Love!
We continue dancing never releasing each other's gaze. We dance even as the fire grows dim. I want this night to never end. But we are both growing tired. It never occurs to either of us how many hours have past by.
We dance over to the grand old hearth. The embers and fire crackle tiredly. I lead us to a couch, and we at last sit down together. Our hands still locked. All the other guests have been making their way out for a short time. The whinnying of horses and shouts of drivers can be made out across the dance hall.
I squeeze your hand. "I've missed you, Princess, I've missed you so much."
"I have send my thoughts and prayers out to you every day since you left. I love you so much, dearest."
"I love you."
There is much to say, so much to talk about now that we've reunited. But not right now. Now is the time for being silently together. You sigh tiredly and I squeeze your hand. You squeeze back lightly letting the weariness take over. You lay your head of my shoulder and close your eyes. I put my free around around your shoulder and pull you closer to me. I lean my head gently on yours.
I can see outside that the storm has passed in the early dawn. The last of the stars are exclaiming the Glory of the Lord. I hold my tongue just in time as a shooting star streaks across the sky. Your rhythmic breathing tells me you've passed into the land of sleep. This day has been perfect.
Oh my beautiful love.
I notice the King watching us. I understand His look. He is trusting the life, love, and happiness of His precious daughter to me. The well being and future of this precious sweet lamb in my arms is in my hands. The weight of this crushes me. And yet I know, He will give me strength. It is only with Him that we will succeed. That this magnificent tale will have a happy ending after all. He will guide us through everything.
And with that thought, I fall asleep joining your dreams.
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And there you have it. Hope you enjoyed a cheesy sappy romance story. (From a guys point of view.)
Even though I'm no longer with the guy who wrote this, he told me to share it on my blog whenever I had the courage to start writing. If your a hopeless romantic like me, it will inspire you for the future.
Write love letters, and letters just about your life in the moment. Develop pictures and put it all in a box for your future spouse. It will be a real treat for them down the road. And it allows your love juices to ooze some lol =D So have fun dreaming and be patient with God. He his timing is always perfect. Never too early, or too late.
And the link below will lead you to a list of bible verses about God's timing.
BlimeyCow is my latest YouTube addiction, their videos are funny, full of wisdom, and to the point. So I'd love to share some of their 'Messy Mondays' videos with you!
And since we're still in the month of Love, I thought I'd share two of their videos (One for Girls and one for Guys) Enjoy!
"10 Ways to get the Right Guy to Like You"
And so the guys don't feel left out, "10 Ways to get Girls to Like you"
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"A Romantic Dream" Part 2 - Will be uploaded tomorrow!!!
So I decided to share a letter that was written to me a few years ago by a former friend and boyfriend. I've been waiting for a good time to share it, and I think now will be good. Hope you enjoy Part 1!
***** Intro before the Love Letter
Happy Valentine's Day! Now I know everyone reading this post is in one of these two camps. Love or Hate Valentine's Day. The Video below is perfect! LOL =D
HATE - I'm single, Valentine's Day is the dumbest most fake holiday ever. I don't have someone to love, or buy an over-priced sappy card for. All the pink and red hearts makes me wanna puke! Ect.
LOVE - I Love Valentine's Day!! And of course I love my significant other! I've either already gotten them the perfect gift or I stress til the last minute looking for something that will show how much I love them only to go broke when its over. Ect.
So since we're being honest here, I'll pick a side.
I...... am in the group that Hate valentines day lol.
And that's why I'm sharing this "Romantic Dream" letter that was written to me. Even though I'm no longer with the guy who wrote it, it still lets me dream about what the future will bring when I'm ready for love again. And I hope it encourages all you single people (or people who are on reserve for the right one, in God's timing) that Love happens to the majority of us. We will blink and it will be upon us. So in the meantime, enjoy being single! Do all the things God is calling you to do and continue to discover yourself.
"Daughters (And Sons) of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires. "
~ Song of Songs 8.4.
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Close your eyes and dream this with me.
Camelot
I'm riding as fast as I can. It's already dark. Our ship got to the harbor later than expected today because of stormy seas. I'm still in my lieutenant uniform. This is already my second horse. My little sea-bag of belongings is bouncing up and down with me on the horse. It's cold and windy. The swirling clouds threaten to erupt in a tremulous storm. I spur the horse on, faster, faster, faster boy! Foam streams off the horse. He's wearing out. Oh no! Just a little further! She is waiting for me!
My love!
I cry out as the lighting exploded the whole sky in blinding light. my horse nearly falters, you flash before my eyes as i feel myself begin to crash to the ground--- but God catches the horse, and we are both spared. Heart racing. I'm still alive. I'm still going to see my dearest love. I'm going to see her tonight! An eternity goes by. Its raining now. I don't even hear the thunder anymore. I'm soaked to the bone. I see the light just in time! As my horse was growing incredibly weary. I wish dear horse you understood how grateful I am for you. Without you I would not have made it.
I almost leap from my horse. An attendant with a lantern takes the horse and leads him the to the stables.
"The ball! Is it still on?" I breathlessly wheeze. He nods and points across to the hill with the castle. Bright orange candle lights emanates from within the palace. Once inside the inn a servant leads me to room to clean myself. When I was clean to satisfaction, I find a carriage waiting on me. Not my carriage. Not my room in the inn. I'm just a poor serf who was enlisted into the Royal Navy. The King, in all His blessed Magnificence and Grace, has given me this room, carriage, servants, and more that I could ever need. And He has given me something---Someone--- else, the greatest and awe-inspiring gift of all. My love. His daughter, the Princess.
As I prepare myself for the carriage ride, the servants give me helpful tips, "Don't shout or run." "Bow and gently kiss her hand."
It was a short way to the castle. After all the rushing to get here, I finally had a moment to just breathe and take in the quiet. Just the clop-clopping of the horses and the rattling of the carriage wheels on the path. My heart is pounding like a war-drum. I've got to calm myself. I can't! I keep thinking of the future. Walking into the ballroom awkwardly, seeing all the people, seeing you...
I can't understand why she choose me. I don't even know how to be a gentleman. She probably thinks I've forgotten her. Curse the sea storms for making me late! She won't want to see me or have me in her presence. I'll be exposed for who I really am. A poor, confused, Navy serf who doesn't deserve to be with a lady of her class.
The carriage stops. The door swings open with light dancing into the carriage. I am temporarily blinded. I step out onto the covered protected path. Gathering what remains of my courage. She is in there, my love. I walk up the steps, through the enormous hardwood doors and into the ballroom of the palace.
People are everywhere. Colors swirling all around the dance floor like school of fish in the sea. (Which I've seen many times from the Ship when near coral reefs.) The musicians play the lasted music of the times. The large chandelier and roaring fireplace bring light and warmth to the massive dance hall. Busy servants move to and from keeping plenty of food and drink on the tables.
This is all I notice in a second, until i focus on the real reason for being there. I continuing searching the crowd not seeing the face I was longing for. I assumed the worst that she had retired and left the ball early since i hadn't shown up yet. Oh my dear love, will you ever forgive me? If only i could have ridden faster! never joined the Na---
My heart stops. I see you. I SEE YOU! My Love! I legs feel all wobbly and I look to see you haven't noticed me yet. What will I say when I approach you. What do I do? Oh yes, courtesy , no she'll do that. No, she won't do that to someone beneath her class. I kiss her hand??? What if she doesn't extend her hand to me??? Stay calm and don't run to her. I realize I was shouting when the group closest to me finally hustles away from me whispering. I've forgotten how to dance! And I'm starting to sweat now, and if i don't stop running my hands through my hair I'll mess it up again.
"She's waiting for you, my son." The King is beside me.
I gasp, "Your Majesty! Why?" I bow quickly.
"Do not ask why. Trust in Me. She is waiting." With that said He swiftly walks away from me, leaving me with a courage that in not my own. Time slows as I walk towards you. I see nothing else, only you, looking as radiant as the morning sun shining over a blooming field of wildflowers. I feel the King's presence give me strength., As I approach the Daughter of the King. I walk up and bow just a bit too quickly.
"Your Highness," I stammer a little too loudly. You turn with one quick pivot and swish of your dress. A smile dances across your face as your eyes meet mine. You raise your hand to me, "Lieutenant." I grip your hand tightly not wanting to let go. You don't seem to care. I kiss your outstretched hand with trembling lips. I don't let go of your hand.
"May I... have this dance? Your Highness?" I tack on the end.
Her unattempts to keep from laughing have me confused. "Of course you may, my gentleman."
My heart melts as you pull me to the dance floor.
My love!
Stay Tuned for part 2 of "A Romantic Dream" on Tuesday. Have a great weekend everyone! And Happy Valentine's Day! May you know how much you are loved!
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If you liked this post, check out last years Valentine's post (2013)
*UPDATE*
I have been so busy wrapping up my last week of makeup artist school that it's been hard to finish what was supposed to be today's Skillet Saturday post. But don't fret, It will be posted soon!!!
Below are some picture *Hints* as to which song I'll be writing about. Happy Guessing!! =D
(Isn't the above picture beautiful!)
So I hope everyone has a great rest of the weekend!
Hope everyone's year so far (13 days into it) is going great! I've got so many plans for my blog this year and so many exciting stories and ideas that I can't wait to tell you all over this new year. So bear with me =D
Thank you all for being so patient with me in waiting for new posts. Its been so nice to hear all you wonderful people actually take the time to read my blog and tell me about. I love hearing from you guys!!
So without further ado, here's the
So in case you missed any of these, like to reread them, or you'd like to share these with others, Here's the Top 13 most read posts from Song of Songs 8:4 Top 13 Blog Posts from 2013
This post had over 100 views!!!!! EEEEEEE!!!! I can't believe it, thanks so much to all you wonderful readers!!! I love you all so much and I'm so glad you carve out a little time from your busy life to read my blog. My prayers are that you've been touched in someway =D and that I continue to let God speak through me over this next year.
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As I look back and reread the top 13 most read posts of 2013 it surprises me, shocks me, and makes me glad! =D Again, I can't say thank you enough!!!! (((INSERT APPLAUSE HERE)))
And I'm so excited for this Saturdays post!!!! Skillet Saturday --- This Saturdays song wasn't really a favorite until I listened to it for the million time and heard something all new that I'd never heard before. Love and Blessings, KayLeigh <3
