The Loveliest/Most Awesome Things (New Inspired Series)

The Lipstick Gospel is one of my favorite blogs. Every Friday for the few months I've been reading her blog she had this series  called "the Loveliest things" where people share 5 lovely things. It helps remind us to see the beauty in the world. Lovely things can be anything.  So I want to start my own series! I'm still trying to decide another name for this lol so if you have any suggestions please let me know! (The most Awesome things?)  I'll go first-- would love to share your loveliest/most awesome things.

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1. Starry Nights -  There is something so incredible when looking up into the dark sky to see billions of stars twinkling. And the occasional airplane (or could they be UFOs???) flying by.  You wonder what all is out there... you  dream of going and flying among the stars. I've always wanted to see a star up close.

2. Road Trips -  I love how we can remember more about what happened while we were traveling to a place than what actually happened while we were there.  All the amazing and super funny memories that are made with our traveling companions; whether they be family or friends.  You always find out more about people on road trips. Getting there is half the fun :)  "It's not about destination, its about the journey."

3. The Color Blue - Blue is my #1 favorite color. Blue has always been my color.  I even have blue streaks in my hair lol.  What can i say, I love blue. All shades, especial aqua blue or dark heart of the ocean blue. Blue is one of those shades that can scream anything from spring to winter, happy to sad, skies or oceans.

4. Smiles -  "Your never fully dressed without a smile!"   Can I just say this kitten is sooooo adorable!!! Ok lol. Smiles. They're a free facelift for your face as one of my beauty guru's say. Smiling is an amazing way to cheer up someone.  You never know who is loving your smile. I often get called smiley because of how often I smile :)

5.  Birthdays -  That wonderful day were we celebrate turning another year older (and hopefully another year wiser lol)  That special day where we celebrate someone's life.  And who doesn't love cake and ice-cream!! Including balloons and sometimes birthday spankings' hahaha.

Happy 18th Birthday (Yesterday) to my awesome friend Jacob!! He's truly a one-of-a-kind laid back dude that I'm so glad to call my friend.  Glad I got to celebrate with him! =D

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 Thanks so much for reading this post-- Love, KayLeigh

 Check out the blog that I'm doing a spin-off series of!
http://thelipstickgospel.com/

Friday Five - My Top 5 Posts

 Friday Five! My Top 5 Blog post since I've started my blog! Enjoy!


5. Saturday Survey: Response to "What is your favorite Worship Song?"
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/01/saturday-survey-response-to-what-is.html

4. Yellow Flowers on Valentine's Day2013
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/02/yellow-flowers-on-valentines-day2013.html

3. Lift Me Up-The Afters/Worship Wednesday#1
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2012/08/lift-me-up-aftersworship-wednesday1.html

2. Is Catwoman the Bride of Christ--By JR. Forasteros
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2012/08/is-catwoman-bride-of-christ-by-jr.html

1. Most read post is:  A Tale of Three Brides
http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2012/07/tale-of-three-brides-i-did-not-write.html


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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

Radiant - Beauty With A Purpose

To those of you who know me, you know how much I dislike the color pink. How I avoid most things in any shade of pink.  So you may be looking at this photo and wondering; "Why is she wearing bright pink lipstick? She hates the color pink."

Well folks I'm sporting this bright hot pink shade of lipstick for a good cause!  

I somehow happened to stumble upon this blog called the Lipstick Gospel sometime early February.  The blog name had me curious. I read post after post until I totally fell in love with this blog.  I recently open my email to read her latest blog post which informed me that she was partnering with this makeup company "Radiant Cosmetics- Beauty with a Purpose".  Fighting Human Trafficking one lipstick at a time.  I immediately rush over to their website and read all about it.  I never knew such a company existed. I was thrilled.  I could expand my makeup collection and help a cause that is very dear to my heart.  So Radiant teams up with the Lipstick Gospel to make this exclusive "Lipstick Gospel Pink" Lipstick.  I of course order one for myself.  I gladly wear this fun shade of pink lipstick knowing I'm helping others in doing so.  

 Radiant Cosmetics is a social enterprise makeup company whose mission is to garner awareness for human trafficking by raising funds through cosmetics to provide resources for victims and those on the forefront of change.

 (Some words from the Founder of Radiant Cosmetics-- below)

The cosmetics industry generates $170 billion annually. Women dominate this industry and of the over 2 million human beings trafficked each year, 80% are women and girls. My dream is to awaken a generation of women to not sit back and allow this injustice to happen to our fellow sisters.
My dream is to set the captives free, one lipstick at a time.

Links to both sites below :)

http://www.radiantcosmetics.org/

http://thelipstickgospel.com/


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Thank you all for being patient with me while I edited this post until I thought it worthy of publishing.  I've decided writers really are their own worst critic.  Just when I seem satisfied, I find something that needs to be changed.  So bear with me :)

Love and prayers and a  Happy Easter Weekend!

Love, KayLeigh

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  

Yellow Flowers on Valentine's Day2013

What the Bible says about Love: 

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
(New Living Translation)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance ... love will last forever! (NLT)

*****

I had something planned for this week, but I've decided nothing goes as planned. I forgot it was Valentine's Day this week. So obviously the post should have something to with love right? It took me awhile to decide what to write this week. How did I want to approach this.  Some people LOVE Valentine's day and other people wish we could just skip over the day of love entirely. 

 I'll admit that I've always thought Valentine's day was a dumb holiday. Too much red and pink everywhere (Colors I don't care for  haha.)  A day made to make single people feel bad, and people in relationships spend way to much money.  It's so funny how God inspires me sometimes.  

I loved hearing from my dear friend (and coworker), Donna, someone I look up to as a Godly woman, share how much valentines day meant to her.  She told what it meant to her growing up and how she always felt loved on that day.  After reading her blog post about it, I had a change of heart about the love day I had always dreaded. 

 Valentine's Day isn't just for the love between couples.  Its for love in general.  Love for my family and friends. Love for the beautiful middle school girls I teach on Wednesday nights.  And my love for God.

God  has a funny way of showing me how much he loves me.   I kept saying to myself all week that I wished I was with somebody (not really) so I could receive flowers this week. I've seen these beautiful flowers on the side of the road on my way to and from work everyday this last week and finally decided to stop and pick some for myself.

I didn't think I had a valentine this year. But as I look at the beautiful yellow flowers on my desk, I see how loved I am. I see that I've always had a valentine.  Jesus is my Valentine.   I got my flowers on Valentines days, from the one I least expected. My one true love, the love of my soul.  I believe God grew these beautiful yellow flowers just for me.


*****http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/love    Definitions from Webster! (Below)

Definition of LOVE  (As a Noun)

1a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties <maternal love for a child> (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>

b : an assurance of affection <give her my love>

2: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>

3a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration <baseball was his first love>

b (1) : a beloved person : darling —often used as a term of endearment (2) British —used as an informal term of address

4a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others 

Definition of LOVE (as a verb)

transitive verb

1: to hold dear : cherish

2a : to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for

b (1) : caress (2) : to fondle amorously (3) : to copulate with

3: to like or desire actively : take pleasure in <loved to play the violin>

4: to thrive in <the rose loves sunlight>

intransitive verb: to feel affection or experience desire

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You can like my facebook page to stay updated on new posts, ect.   49Likes!!! Thanks to everyone who already likes my page.  And like at said, at 50 likes I'm gonna do a contest giveaway. Still thinking of some good ideas.

http://www.facebook.com/KayleighsBlogSongOfSongs84

 P.S. The Link to Donna's Valentine's Day blog post that helped inspire this post
http://dartypartymom.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-valentines-day.html

Thank you all so much for liking my page and sharing my romance picture on facebook  like crazy! 

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*