Stay Classy Ladies - Picture Quote

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. 

Wisdom Wednesday

Read this on Facebook and thought it was a super good read--- some good advice about jobs and life from "Mike Rowe--- of Dirty Jobs"

(Link below)

http://news.distractify.com/people/mike-rowe-crushes-a-mans-hopes-for-finding-a-dream-job-and-i-agree-with-him-100/?v=1

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.

Let me know what you think.

KayLeigh

Glowstick - Picture Quote

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

"Hard to Find" Skillet Saturday 5

And this is why I don't date. 

I was asked recently by more than one female, the age old question that the majority of girls sit and ponder hours and shed countless tears over. 

"Why do guys (or girls) play with peoples hearts? Why do they lead you on and play games with you only to get bored and find a more interesting game?  Telling you they care for you, then dropping you like your hot and leaving you to get cold on the floor."

The cruel vicious cycle of flirting, talking and dating = heartbreak 99% of the time.  The game we all say that we hate, yet continue to play.  

"Turned on the TV yesterday
So much pain bleeding through I had to look away
But inside me the picture’s just the same
And every time I open up my eyes nothing seems to change

It never seems to change"
Towards the middle of last year I had this guy I went to church with start showing interest in me.  I had been single for a few months and I enjoyed the attention this guy was giving me.  It felt nice to have a guy say nice things to me and comment on my appearance.  What girl doesn't love flattery? 

This guy was was super charming, and I would find out the hard way that he was quite the lady charmer and into playing games with every girl  he could convince to play the game.

I turned him down a few times saying I wasn't looking for another relationship anytime soon.  But guys love a challenge.  He kept pursuing me, (I finally let my guard down) and he eventually tricked me into going out with him.   (**Helpful hint** Ladies-- When a guy says he'll pay for you and its just as friends--- its a lie!  Lies!!! He wouldn't pay if he wasn't interested in you. Moving on.) 

After the date ended, he tried to kiss me.  I was like, "Whoa, dude! This is not happening. I'm not one of those easy girls that kisses someone their not dating."  I continued to tell him about my non-kissing vow/commitment that I had made to God. How I was saving my first kiss until I was engaged/married.  He told me how cool a commitment that was and how he wished all girls thought the same way. 

Dumbly and because I was asking for trouble, I went out with him a few more times.   And when the date would end, he still tried to kiss me each time. After the second time, I decided to ignore the red flags I saw. ( I enjoyed being liked. Who doesn't?)

 I found my self in a not so good situation and had to almost smack him away.   

"Something woke me in the night
In the midst of the darkness I recognize the light
Now inside me the picture seems so clear
All the dying in my broken dreams is starting to appear"

He finally tells me he had dated a girl that said she had the same no-kissing rule and after taking her on a few dates, she quickly broke that rule.  

"You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find

Faith is hard to find"

He continues to tell me that he didn't like me. That he only started talking to me because he thought I would be easy. And because he hadn't sucked face with anyone in a few months. (Yes he told me that.) He found my personality annoying and my beliefs ridiculous (too strong for him).  "How do you know if you'd wanna date someone without kissing them several times first?"  

I was crushed.  At the moment hearing this so called "good christian guy" say all that to me, it confirmed what a lot of girls think about guys.  That guys only care about one thing. 
"If I fall will you hold on to me
Through it all promise you won’t lose me
These days hope is hard to come by
And tonight I don’t know how I can’t survive

These ladies that brought up the questions about why are guys players, ask me yet more questions.  "If God has a reason for everything, and knows everything that is going to happen in my life, then why did he allow this person to do this________? Why did He let this person even come into my life if it was only to hurt me?  What lesson am I supposed to learn?"

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."   ~Proverbs 4.23 (New Living Translation)


When I got home after the guy brutally crushed me, I just stood in my driveway and cried. I cried hard and yelled at God.  Asking Him why?  Why God??? Why did you let him use me like that??? I remember singing "praise you in this storm" by Casting Crowns and several other worship songs. Just pouring my heart out to God in the driveway. Red faced, tears and all, I told God I was sorry for trying to give my heart away to someone who wasn't meant to have it.  I was sorry for feeling so desperate to have a guys attention.  Even when it put me in a bad situation.  

You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find"

Crying, singing, and praying, I had this overwhelming peace wave wash over me. I felt truly happy.  I was glad I had experienced what happened. It brought me so much closer to God.   God told me, I have to have faith in Him to believe that He has a great love story written for me if I just hand him the pen and let him have control. 

 But we love control, and that's what makes it so hard. It's so hard to hand your life and your choices over and let someone else decide for you, to let someone else do the driving lol.  

But God's Timing is always perfect. Never too early, never too late.

"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:
    Do not arouse or awaken love
    until it so desires."  ~Song of Songs 8:4

I'm now able to put what happened in the past behind me and move on. And I made it through that hurtful night.  God gives me the strength to keep my commitment to Him even when its hard and its the last thing I want to do. 

 God is constantly shining a light in my life ,blinding me sometimes to make me stop and shield my eyes, while other times burning bright enough for me to see anything in the darkness.  His light shines the most when faith is hard to find. 

 The light in the darkness of this story is that the pain pushed me closer to God. I didn't see it at the time, But since I experienced that, I've been able to help others (or at least I hope so).  And God revealed it was time for me to start writing-- this blog was born.   This post is dedicated to three special friends in my life right now.  

 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." ~Philippians 4.13 

*Check back on Wednesday for my bonus post that I missed last week.

Love, KayLeigh

*******
If you enjoyed this post, you may want to check out this past post:

http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/06/music-monday-when-right-one-comes-along.html

*****
Want to Win Skillet's new CD Rise? Enter my Instagram contest! 

How ya enter:

1. Snap a pic of what your sick of  

Sick of heartbreak.  (Inspired by life events.. **Not my Image** ) 

2.  Tag me in it @Nxt_Left 

3. Hashtag it  --   #skilletsaturday_sos84 ,  #sos84_contest 

4. Share the contest and tell others to like your picture! (If your account is private the photos can't be viewed :(  )

*I'll be featuring some of my favorites every Saturday on my blog until the contest is over :) 

*This contest will end when I finish the Skillet Saturday Series.  The Winner will be picked randomly and if the contest goes well I'll pick more than one winner! So plenty of time to win! :D Spread the word, share it, like it,ect!  So excited to see your photos!!!! 

*******

Check out my previous Skillet Saturday Posts!!!

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

******

Skillet - "Hard to Find"  *lyric video*

http://youtu.be/dmfIGbqKaPo

"Hard To Find"  (Lyrics)

Turned on the TV yesterday
So much pain bleeding through I had to look away
But inside me the picture’s just the same
And every time I open up my eyes nothing seems to change

It never seems to change

You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find

When faith is hard to find
Will you still hold on

Something woke me in the night
In the midst of the darkness I recognize the light
Now inside me the picture seems so clear
All the dying in my broken dreams is starting to appear

Starting to appear

You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find

Faith is hard to find

If I fall will you hold on to me
Through it all promise you won’t lose me
These days hope is hard to come by
And tonight I don’t know how I can’t survive

You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find

When faith is hard to find
Will you still hold on

You give me faith to believe there’s a way
To put the past finally behind me
And hope to make it through another night
You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind
You are my light when faith is hard to find

Music Monday - When the Right One Comes Along

Being single can be amazing at times, while other times you can feel really lonely.

  While I was solving all the worlds problems with my elderly neighbor Mrs.Wanda the other day I was inspired for this post. We were talking about life,love, and boys.   I was telling her that I'm so tired of playing games with guys.  I'm tired of being a jerk magnet (or at least feeling like it lol) and attracting guys that only wanna bring me down or play with my heart. 

 Don't you wish guys came with a label saying I'm not the one.

 I miss being in a relationship. Having someone to share my dreams with and talk to all the time.  I feel lonely.  I tell people I'm content being single, because I know God has someone made just for me. But since I'm being honest, I'm tired of being single.  I know God is my lover. And I know when I can be truly satisfied with just loving God, that's when He'll bring someone into my life.  I don't want a relationship just to say I'm in one. 

  

I told her I don't see a guy fitting into my life anytime soon. Boyfriends are too much work I told her. Time and work I need to spend on other things.   She then gives me some amazing advice-- and this is why I love her so much! 

"The right one will come into your life when you least expect it. And I'll be here to see it happen.  He'll sweep you off your feet and glue a smile permanently to your face. He'll have the same strong beliefs and values that I have. He'll support me and spoil me.  He'll encourage me with my dreams and goals.  Our life dreams won't clash, but will mesh together beautifully. He'll come along when I'm living my life to fullest and I'm ready and willing to share the ride with someone else."

 From the moment I heard the song "When the Right One Comes Along" on the tv show Nashville I instantly fell in love with it.  Sam and Clare's voices are amazing.  (Too bad we can't do the whole little mermaid thing where we steal their voices haha cus I would totally steal her voice. Moving on.)  

 

Everyone is always telling me that when the right one comes along, that I'll know it. That I'll get this feeling that I've never had before.  He'll  just show up out of the blue and I'll be saying to him,  "where have you been my whole life??"   He'll probably look at me, smile and say, "I got lost darling."  I'll look back at him and say, "It's about time ya got here. Kept me waiting long enough. " LOL :)  

  ~Every single broken heart will lead you to the truth
you think you know what you’re lookin for
til what you’re lookin for finds you

One day all those broken pieces of our heart will be healed. And this one special person will help us see why it never worked out with anyone before. We think we know what we want, but we really don't.  Then one day, when the timing is right and when we're ready, the right one comes along. And they turn out better than we ever imagined they could be. 

It's just the waiting on them that is hard.    I'm not saying I'll have the perfect relationship-- since nobody is perfect that can't happen.  But it will be amazing and everything God said it would be.  I'll be blowing confetti and crowds (my family and closest friends) will be cheering for me.  

~ All that changes is only everything
when the right one comes along

 ******

 Nashville – Lyrics: When The Right One Comes Along

When The Right One Comes Along
Written by: Justin Davis, Georgia Middleman, and Sarah Zimmerman
Sung by: Clare Bowen (Scarlett) and Sam Palladio (Gunnar)
______________________________________________________

There’s no music, no confetti
Crowds don’t cheer, and bells don’t ring
but you’ll know it, I can guarantee
when the right one comes along

What they’re thinkin’, what you’re feelin,
You no longer have to guess
All those questions are finally put to rest
When the right one comes along

Every single broken heart will lead you to the truth
you think you know what you’re lookin for
til what you’re lookin for finds you

In a cold world, it’s a warm place
where you know you’re supposed to be
A million moments full of sweet relief
when the right one comes along

Every single broken heart will lead you to the truth
you think you know what you’re lookin’ for
til what you’re lookin’ for finds you

It’s so easy, nothin’ to it
though you may not believe me now
But I promise that you’ll find out
When the right one comes along

All that changes is only everything
when the right one comes along

******

Couldn't decide who's version to share since I love both their voices.  So here's the link below with lyrics to both.   promises

When the Right One Comes Along - Sam Palladio

http://youtu.be/Y82R9CTaDa4

When the Right One Comes Along- Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio

http://youtu.be/SFpw0vFCvWk

Love, KayLeigh <3
Comment, share this post if you liked it. And like my page on facebook!  

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  

Girls&Guys- I can Be your Friend, Psalm139:14

Girls, Guys,

Being curvy or stocky doesn't mean you're fat
Being you doesn't mean you're weird
Being single doesn't mean you're alone
Being imperfect doesn't mean you're ugly.
You are different.
That's what makes you perfect. And what makes you incredibly unique.

*****

I felt the need to post this tonight.  So many girls (including myself) battle daily with the way we look. We're shot with air-brushed photos of fake models,  Clothing and makeup adds daily pressure us to look or dress a certain way.  Even guys feel pressured if their small and underweight or tall and stocky.  We are all perfect the way God made us.

My absolute favorite bible verse-- One I believe everybody should memorize.

"I Praise you because I am Fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."  ~ Psalm 139:14 

And With Veggie Tales on the brain today while at work today I remembered this song and its so perfect! I love you guys and I pray for you all :)  (sorry it was so last minute this week.)

Link to: I can be your Friend - Veggie Tales  (Lyrics below link)
http://youtu.be/MbJNlJ5yVUk


Have you ever seen a boy with funny clothes?
A girl with braces on her teeth or freckles on her nose?
Some kids call them odd balls, some kids call them wierd
Is it my imagination or does aunt ruth have a beard?
God makes lots of people in all colors, shapes and sizes
He loves them very much and what we need to realize is:
That calling people names because they're different is wrong
Instead we need to look on them in love and sing this song

[chorus]
I can be your friend (na na na)
I can be your friend (na na na)
Any day any weather
We can be friends and play together

Ya were all pretty different some are skinny some are stout
But the inside is the part were supposed to care about
Aye! thats why we have feelings that are very much the same
So instead of saying wierdo i think friends a better name

[chours]
I can be your friend (na na na)
I can be your friend (na na na)
If your hair is red or yellow
We can have lunch i'll share my jello

I can be your friend (na na na)
I can be your friend (na na na)
*fades*