Part 2 - " A Romantic Dream"

Part 2

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.

*****

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.

http://www.openbible.info/topics/gods_timing

~KayLeigh

*****
Click the link below to read Part 1 of "A Romantic Dream"

http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-romantic-dream-part-1-flashback.html

*****

"My Religion" will be up soon! (Again sorry about the wait lol)

Picture Quotes - God seems far away

Found this pic on facebook last week,  Such a cool illustration :)  

God is always there for us even when we think we can't see Him.

Happy Monday Everyone!

~KayLeigh

"Hero" - Skillet Saturday 7 - Written by Jasmyn Wright

Its been far too long since I've posted anything. And I hope ya'll can forgive me.  Life has been hard the last few months.  Its been a real struggle for me to want to write.  But I'm feeling more inspired these days and I can't wait for all the posts that will come in 2014! So bear with me!  In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you all to an amazing writer and dear friend of mine, Jasmyn Wright, who I asked to write a guest post for me.

Of course she is as Skillet crazy as I am since we met at the Road to Rise tour, so it seemed only fitting to have her write something for my blog.  Enjoy!

*****

"I'm just a step away...I'm a just a breath away...losin my faith today...Falling off the edge today. I'm not superhuman. I need a hero!"

 In life I believe everything has meaning. There's nothing in the universe that doesn't. Patterns and rhythms...we might think are just coincidence, but they're not. Just as it wasn't a coincidence for my friend, KayLeigh to have asked me to write something for her Skillet blog series on her blog, song of songs. I believe it was ment to happen. It is my chance to tell my story of how I've been delivered with the inspiring band Skillet. 

  My journey is long and weary, but thank God for a band who knows how to word my feelings exactly. (:

 The start of my journey was when I was a defenseless child_ sexually abused by a close family member who was supposed to be protecting me rather than hurting me. 

    "Someone save me from the hate." 

 But I believe that it was the devil just expressing his hate toward me because he knew the strong woman of God I was going to be. And I know this because that abuse only happened that one time. And never again.  

  But although it never happened again, it did leave me with a on and off battle to fight. A battle that I thought I was alone in, and I sadly continuously let the devil talk me into believing I was never going to win. I never once thought what happened was my fault, but I did believe that something was wrong with me. 

    

   "Just a step from the edge..."

 For years I struggled with self-hate and self-abuse. I never thought anything I did was good enough. Even though I had plenty of godly, loving family members around to talk to and confide in, I never did because I allowed the devil to speak louder to me than God; I decided to listen to his voice rather than my personal hero. Jesus. 

  As years past by, I started blaming myself and what happened to me for my many failures. But the truth was, I was never doing my best because I was scared to succeed and I thought I wasn't worthy of being truly happy. 

   

"I gotta fight today, to live another day."

   I was fourteen, If I'm correct, when I first heard Skillet. I was playing smack down Vs. Raw with my two brothers and one sister. And the song (Hero) played on the root menu. I immediately fell in love with Jen's voice, and I pictured John's voice of a tall, lumberjack type of guy. Lol. (which he kinda does look like one when he has his full beard.)

(Best pic I could find of John's beard lol and Jenn too)

  I remember asking my brother over and over to play that game just so I could hear that song- I also found out that Monster was on there as well. Another song I love. (: 

 So shortly after I started looking up the songs and found Skillet. Their music changed my life, and although I listened to other types of Godly music, theirs was different in how it made me feel. 

 But as much as I wish I could say that from that day, the self-abuse situation stopped. It didn't. It was a pit that I'd dug myself into for years; and climbing out wasn't a one day journey. I had to go through a lot of self-doubt to even get to the place where I would allow myself to hear God's voice over the devils. 

   "The countdown begins to destroy ourselves!"

 But I will never forget the day when I finally and clearly heard the precious voice of my hero. 

    It was the time when I was so done with trying to get free from this battle. Nothing seemed to work out. EVERYTHING seemed to be falling apart. I ran from God's voice and listened back to the voice of the person who's hated me from the beginning. Who's held me down for so long, just so I would think suicide was the only way out. 

"I need a Hero, to save my life!"

And there I was, knife to waist. Tears on cheeks. Heart beating fast. No one around. Or so I thought...

"Who's gonna fight for what's right,

Who's gonna help us survive,

We're in the fight of our lives!

And we're not ready to die!

Who's gonna fight for the weak,

Who's gonna make 'em believe,

I've got a Hero

Livin' in me!"

My hero was there and he whispered... 

    "DON'T GIVE UP ON ME."

"A Hero'll save me just in time!" 

And here I am today, almost nineteen years old. I only give God the glory for that. If it was up to the devil, I would have die at only the age of fourteen. I'm not all I should be. But thanks to my hero Jesus I'm now not how I used to be. I can't even remember the last time I caused harm to myself or even hated myself. I love myself and the people I surround myself with each day; they're encouraging. And when I finally told my parents the truth, I found out that the devil was wrong. They were they for me and always will be. I now know how much God loves me. He loves me so much he gave his own life so that I could have life. (:

"A Hero's not afraid to give His life,

A Hero's gonna save me just in time!"

John Chpt. 19  --- Story of Christ rescuing us. 

*****
"Hero"  - Skillet Official music video

"Hero" - Lyric video

*****
"Hero"  - Lyrics -  From CD Awake

I'm just a step away
I'm just a breath away
Losin' my faith today
(Fallin' off the edge today)

I am just a man
Not superhuman
(I'm not superhuman)
Someone save me from the hate

It's just another war
Just another family torn
(Falling from my faith today)
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live

[Chorus:]
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero (save me now)
I need a hero to save my life
A hero'll save me (just in time)

I've gotta fight today
To live another day
Speakin' my mind today
(My voice will be heard today)

I've gotta make a stand
But I am just a man
(I'm not superhuman)
My voice will be heard today

It's just another war
Just another family torn
(My voice will be heard today)
It's just another kill
The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

[Chorus]

I need a hero to save my life
I need a hero just in time
Save me just in time
Save me just in time

Who's gonna fight for what's right
Who's gonna help us survive
We're in the fight of our lives
(And we're not ready to die)

Who's gonna fight for the weak
Who's gonna make 'em believe
I've got a hero (I've got a hero)
Livin' in me

I'm gonna fight for what's right
Today I'm speaking my mind
And if it kills me tonight
(I will be ready to die)

A hero's not afraid to give his life
A hero's gonna save me just in time

[Chorus]

I need a hero
Who's gonna fight for what's right
Who's gonna help us survive

I need a hero
Who's gonna fight for the weak
Who's gonna make 'em believe
I need a hero
I need a hero

A hero's gonna save me just in time

*****

Catch up on the other Skillet Saturdays:

1. Rise
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/07/rise-skillet-saturday-1.html

2. Sick of It
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/08/sick-of-it-skillet-saturday-2.html

3. Good to Be Alive
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/08/good-to-be-alive-skillet-saturday-3.html

4.  Salvation
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/08/salvation-skillet-saturday-4.html

5. Hard to Find
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/08/hard-to-find-skillet-saturday-5.html

6.  Cutting through the ( American Noise)
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/09/cutting-through-american-noise-skillet.html

****

Thanks so much for reading and huge thanks to Jasmyn for being a guest writer! I hope you all have a Happy New Year and a Blessed 2014!!! 

P.S. Skillet Saturday will continue and finish the Rise CD in January 2014.  

~Love and Blessings, KayLeigh

Strangely Dim - Francesa Battistelli

*Song of the moment*

 From the moment I heard this song on the radio it instantly spoke to me.

 We all go through times in our lives where we have a million things planned out for ourselves.  As time goes on, different events unfold which can sometimes keep our dreams on hold. For days, weeks, years. 

When I was 16 God gave me this beautiful dream about a book that I'm supposed to write.  Life happened. Was in a relationship, family issues, graduated high school, got a full time job, volunteering on Wednesday nights, online college classes, ect.

I've always worried way to much and I over analyze everything.  I'm a perfectionist. I'm my own worst critic. All that said, I want every post to be perfect for you guys! I've been a slacker not being as frequent with my posts as I should. I doubt that I'm a good enough writer.  That I can't explain myself right. That y'all will stop reading.

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

 I love this song because it reminds me that I don't need to worry. He's got it all under control.  When I fix my eyes on Him, and let him have my posts, this blog, and my readers,  that's when all my worries and insecurities grow strangely dim.

" I don't know, I don't know
What tomorrow may hold
But I know, but I know
That You're holding it all
So no matter what may come"

I don't know what God has in store for me tomorrow.   Or even later this year. But I know I'm supposed to write for you guys (and leave the rest to Him).  So thank you all for being so awesome and understanding. I love you all and pray for you all the time.  Again thanks so much for reading and sharing my posts! 

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI LYRICS  "Strangely Dim"

I've had all these plans piled up sky high
A thousand dreams on hold
And I don't know why,
I got a front row seat
To the longest wait
And I just can't see
Past the things I pray
Today

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

Sometimes where I stand
On this narrow road
Is in a raging storm
Or a valley low
But oh

When I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

I don't know, I don't know
What tomorrow may hold
But I know, but I know
That You're holding it all
So no matter what may come

I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are
'Til every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
Let all my worries fade
And fall to the ground
I'm gonna seek Your face
And not look around
Til the place I'm in
Grows strangely, strangely, strangely dim. 

Like me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/KayleighsBlogSongOfSongs84
 Still trying to work out the details on how to do a giveaway through Facebook-- so stay tuned! (They have a bunch of stupid rules lol)

Check out my blog this Friday for a post "Friday Five- My top 5 posts since starting my blog"

Love, KayLeigh <3

Throwback Thursday & 20th Birthday

 Today is my 20th birthday.  And for Throwback Thursday I wanted to share a letter of advice that was given to me at my sweet 16.

 Dearest KayLeigh,

Happy 16th Birthday.  I know you think that this birthday is no big deal, but nothing could be further from the truth. These are the years when the decisions you make now effect the rest of your life.  You are given a blank canvas to put the colors of happiness and joy that are bright and sparkly against the colors of stretching and hurt feeling that give a person depth of character. 

                                          (Not my image- above)

 God has blessed you with an amazing family and great friends to help make your piece of art brilliant before God and man.  Never take those relationships for granted. They are the relations that can and will save your life in those hard times.  Keep those bridges strong and they will carry forever. 

Don't be afraid to make mistakes and don't hesitate to confess them to God who is faithful to forgive them. Keep all that he has given you sacred and pure before him.  It is easier to live against all you have been taught, but more rewarding in the long run. 

Focus your life and thoughts towards the greatness that God has planned for you.  You are the only one who can limit your growth.  God's plan for your life is amazing, spend the rest of your life searching it out.  Discover all the wonder He has in store for you.  Be all you can be for Him and he will be all He can be for you.  

Happy Birthday,

Uncle Matthew

*****

I've loved and lost the last few years.  I've made mistakes and learned from them.  My life has changed quite a bit since I was 16, but I wouldn't change a thing.  I'm so excited for this new #20 (even if it does kinda freak me out a bit lol :) )  I'm looking forward to my next 20 years.I can't wait to see where my life takes me and all the people I'm gonna meet.  Who knows! I could one day be an apprentice makeup artist for Robert Jones (my dream/wish lol)

To my family and close friends who mean everything to me.  Thank you all so much for loving me.  I know I don't tell you often enough how much I love y'all back :)

Dad, Thanks for buying me my favorite ice-cream when I was sick yesterday (Even though i didn't need it :) ) And for always listening to me talk.

Mom, Thanks for being there for me and for putting up with all my kraziness. Love you like a O.

Isaac, Thanks for being your funny self. Even when I don't always find you so funny.  Being Gollum/Batman always puts a smile on my face. And thanks for introducing me to Olan Rogers (even thought I was resistant in the beginning lol) 

Love, KayLeigh  

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

 *Get updated every time I have a new post by signing up with your email address

*Follow me on Twitter @NxtLeft 

Read, share, comment and have a blessed week!

<3 KayLeigh

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

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

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