Friday, February 14, 2014

"A Romantic Dream" Part 1 *Flashback Friday* V-Day 2014


***Flashback Friday***

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.

***************
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!

********

If you liked this post,  check out last years Valentine's post (2013)

http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/02/yellow-flowers-on-valentines-day2013.html


P.S.    I will continue the Skillet Saturday with you guessed it!  "My Religion"  really soon!

Peace, Love Skillet <3   KayLeigh

Monday, January 20, 2014

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

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Quick Update

Hey y'all!

*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!

~KayLeigh

Monday, January 13, 2014

Happy New Year! #Top13 of 2013

Happy New Year everyone! 2014!    

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

13.  http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/12/hero-skillet-saturday-written-by-jasmyn.html

12.  http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/05/strangely-dim-francesa-battistelli.html

11.  http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/01/modesty-is-key.html

10.   http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/01/saturday-survey-response-to-what-is.html

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

8.     http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/03/radiant-beauty-with-purpose.html

7.  http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/02/yellow-flowers-on-valentines-day2013.html

6.  http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/09/cutting-through-american-noise-skillet.html

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

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

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

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


And the number 1 read post of 2013 is......

1.   http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2013/09/oceans-where-feet-may-fail-worship.html

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.

*****
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


Saturday, December 28, 2013

"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
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

Saturday, September 21, 2013

"Cutting Through The (American Noise)" - Skillet Saturday 6: By Bert Starzer

This guest post is written by fellow writer Bert Starzer, Author of "Hershey The Hound of Hope: In Search of Her Forever Home"

Link to Bert's Blog and his Website:  (Below)

http://bnatl.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/cutting-through-the-american-noise/ 

www.hopedistributionstudios.com


******

I have never asked to be apart of a blog much less any writing exercise on the web.  However, when I came across KayLeigh's blog, Song of Songs 8:4, and her recent series based off the rock band Skillet and their latest CD release, Rise, I really felt my spirit stir with excitement.  Not only had I found another writer who shares a love for my most favorite band in the entire world, but KayLeigh's passion and desire to delve deeper into the songs really captured me.  I've been following along each week as she has used a very personal touch in sharing what the music of Skillet has meant to her and how God has continually shown His love.




In my entire life I have never come across a band who has spoken to the very core of what I am going through in my life than Skillet.  Ever since I have been listening to them, from their self titled album Skillet, it has felt like John Cooper, lead singer and bass player, has been keeping a diary of my life.  Through the good times as well as the hard times, you could pick any Skillet album and a song and I would be able to tell you exactly what was going on in my life at that time.  What's amazing to me is just when I believe this will never happen again, the next album comes out and again I am floored by the accuracy of the lyrics and my life at the time.  Rise has been no different.  In fact, with this album I am thinking of getting a restraining order to make sure Mr. Cooper isn't eaves dropping on my conversations with God, LOL!!  All kidding aside the song that has been stirring me lately is titled “American Noise”.


"Angry words and honking cars
Satellites and falling stars
Distant dark blue radios that whisper down my boulevards
Ghosts and chains rattle in the attic
Broken headphones filled with static
Lonely room you’ve got nowhere to run"

As some of you may know, I self published my first children's book titled 'Hershey the Hound of Hope (In Search Of Her Forever Home)' and with self publishing in order to create any amount of buzz you need to spend a good bit of time doing the social media tour.  Prior to the release of Rise I had been fairly active on Twitter and Facebook.  I had also opened a Pheed account and linked all of my sites together so I wouldn't have to make redundant posts.  You can say I am a social media geek.  Any way, while I have met some very awesome people on the sites I had been telling myself I was doing the social media tour to advertise my book.  While I had done some advertising and promotion at the same time I had become addicted to them and was spending hours just reading, responding and creating various messages.  I neglected my sleep and after several months of only getting around 4-5 hours of sleep a night my immune system shut down.  I became extremely sick with strep throat that nearly went into pneumonia.  Now while mine is only a cautionary tale and not as severe or tragic as some other experiences, it was during this time God began to seek me.

"Times will be bad, times will be good
Things I wish I hadn’t done and some I wish I would
Cutting through the American noise
You’ve got a voice and a song to sing (and a song to sing)
Drink deep in the morning
Drink deep in the morning
See what the day will bring"

I've been a follower of Jesus Christ now for 20 years and I can say my walk has not been the ideal model.  However, I know that through everything God has always been there with me.  Encouraging me and loving me, desiring my best.  Shortly before I became sick one of my best friends gave me a book that a mutual friend had given her to give to me.  The title of the book is 'How To Stop The Pain' by Dr. James B. Richards.  Now every day for a month or two after receiving the book I clearly heard God tell me I needed to read the book.  And every day I continued to ignore God.  In stead I chose to spend my time playing in the social media world and ignore God's best for my life. 


Now to peel away just another layer of the onion to allow you to see a bit deeper, while I was busy social networking and ignoring God, I had begun to battle depression once again.  I have for many years battled what I call 'cycles of life'.  You know those seasons where you are on top of the world for a week to a month and then you gradually fall to the point where it feels impossible to pull yourself out of bed the next day and it continues till you ride the very same roller coaster the next week to a month?  Well if you haven't had those struggles feel very blessed.  Most of my issues were tied to self esteem and my world view which began to bring me to a complete free fall and it was beginning to be documented on my Twitter, Facebook and Pheed time lines.  It was as though self destruction was inevitable.  Then I got sick.  So sick I was out of work for over a week.  So sick the only activity I wanted to participate in was sleeping, period.  During this time I decided to yield my will and listen to the lover of my soul and so I began to read.  For those who know me well know I am not a reader.  I know it sounds weird, an author who doesn't read, but yep, that is me. As I began to read however, God began to show me where my mind set was off.  Where I had not forgiven some in my heart and most importantly how my own concept of Him and His love was so far off base it was holding me back from partaking in all of His promises and even more I was missing out on living a life free from the pain I had been engaged in battle with for so long.  To make a long story short Jesus with His ever loving arms delivered me once again.  This time however, He illustrated to me by His deep and passionate love how to use all the tools He has already provided and let me say freedom has never tasted so sweet. 

"La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise
La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise"

It's been nearly two months now since I was sick and two months since I last battled any type of depression.  It has also been two months since I have ventured into any social media sites.  Most of the updates have come strictly through my web site, Hope Distribution Studios.  I have to admit to peeking on my Facebook app.  However, my time on social sites is practically zero.  So what does all this have to do with Skillet and the song American Noise?

"No matter who you are you've got a voice
Why don’t you use it
Sing your own song take all the noise
And make it into music"



Every day we are bombarded by social media, TV and the latest craze.  We no longer need the use of a lap top or desktop because we have the entire social media sphere at our finger tips with our phones.  I am in no way saying we need to ditch technology and I am not even advocating limits of usage or some legalism type system for me or you.  Rules and legalistic rituals are very far from God's heart and love.  What I am saying is this, God loves you and is wanting to converse with you.  The only One who truly knows what you are going through and truly desires your best interest is speaking and you have a choice.  Allow God to cut through all of the 'American Noise' and speak to you or continue to ignore the true lover of your soul, and miss out on the life only Jesus can give you.   Jesus said, “come to me all who labor and are heavy labored and I will give you rest”.  Are you struggling with life?  Are you seeking an answer for the pain you relieve day in and day out?  Have you ever felt true love?  A love that you never have to work for or try to earn but is right in front of you?  Don't allow the 'American Noise' silence God's voice.  Don't allow the 'American Noise' to keep you from God's gift.  All it takes are 4 simple words.  Jesus Please Save Me.  Open your heart to Him and you will never be disappointed.  I chose to cut through the 'American Noise', and my prayer is you do as well.  Thank you for your time and a very special thanks to KayLeigh for her inspiration and allowing God to use her in an amazing way.  Keep up the awesome work my fellow Pan Head!!  Now, it's time to RISE!!



If after reading this you would like more info or you would like to ask me any questions I will be more than happy to help you.

Coming soon a new series on Faith and Love.  Please stay tuned to Hope Distribution Studios at www.hopedistributionstudios.com

******
Lyric Video for "American Noise" (Above)


"American Noise"
Angry words and honking cars
Satellites and falling stars
Distant dark blue radios that whisper down my boulevards
Ghosts and chains rattle in the attic
Broken headphones filled with static
Lonely room you’ve got nowhere to run

3, 2, 1 for all and all for 1

Times will be bad, times will be good
Things I wish I hadn’t done and some I wish I would
Cutting through the American noise
You’ve got a voice and a song to sing (and a song to sing)
Drink deep in the morning
Drink deep in the morning
See what the day will bring

La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise
La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise

Slamming doors and cell phone rings
Hurricane force of silent screams
Don’t know what to believe
Bend the rule just to break it
You're so tired 'cause you're gotta fake it
But you just wanna be someone

3, 2, 1 for all and all for 1

Times will be bad, times will be good
Things I wish I hadn’t done and some I wish I would
Cutting through the American noise
You’ve got a voice and a song to sing (and a song to sing)
Drink deep in the morning
Drink deep in the morning
See what the day will bring

La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise
La da da da
Lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise

No matter who you are you’ve got a voice
Why don’t you use it
Sing your own song take all the noise
And make it into music

La da da da
La da da da
La da da daaaa
La da da da
La da da da
La da da daaaaaaa

La da da da lift up your voice
Let love cut through the American noise
La da da da you have a choice
Let love cut through the American noise
You’ve got a voice
Let love cut through the American noise


*****
Catch up on the other Skillet Saturdays:





Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - Worship Wednesday

This worship Wednesday fits good with this upcoming Saturdays post.  Hope ya enjoy :)

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Hillsong cover by Sarah Reeves (Link Below)

http://youtu.be/Jhf6XHvMHqE

*****
We've been singing this song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) - by Hillsong at church for several weeks now.  The more I hear it, and the more I listen to the lyrics, the more they become my prayer.

We all want that amazing faith based relationship with God, yet there's not many of us that actually go after it.  When He tells us to jump off the cliff into the deep dark swirling waters, we often hesitate. We look down too long and end up freaking ourselves out.  The voices in our head are shouting don't jump! Look how far down that is! DO you know how cold that water is? Its so dark.  What If I don't resurface? What if I drown because I'm fighting to hard against the current? What if?

We all have times in our lives where like Jonah from the bible (Jonah and the whale/fish, you've probably heard of him if you've spent any time in church.) we try and run from God.  We run  from places we're supposed to go, we put off events we're supposed  to do, we push away people that are supposed to be in our lives.   Jonah didn't trust God enough to go to Ninevah and preach the gospel, he didn't trust that God knew what he was doing.  Are you sure you want me to go there God? I think those crazy people in Ninevah are kinda a lost cause.  #justsaying

"You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand"


Two years ago I started teaching a group of middle school aged girls on Wednesday nights, (which I still teach today).  When my youth pastor asked me to teach them, I told him he was crazy.  I wasn't and I'm still not the best christian or godly person around.  I said I wasn't the best person for the job.  But he told me I had a big caring heart and I loved God.  He said that's all you need.  God will give you the words to say, if you just let him use you.

 And like Jonah, I put off teaching for awhile, even though I knew that's what God wanted me to do.  I didn't want to be a leader. What If  I lead them the wrong way, or couldn't answer their tough questions.

I remember my time in the belly of the whale, it wasn't fun.  We all have those icky moments in between running from God and having a brick wall thrown in front of us. The God prompts.   I remember the moment inside my whale where I finally told God I would let him use me to teach and love this group of girls.

"And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine"





Someone told me God doesn't call the equipped, He calls those who are unequipped so that they have to rely on Him.  And its so true.  I love all my girls. I can't picture myself not being their leader and friend. Watching them grow the last two years, and me growing right along with them.  There have definitely been periods of time where I wanted to pull my hair out and wonder what the heck I was even doing. Especially when I was asked hard questions that I didn't have good answers to.  Times where I was extremely selfish (more recently the last few months) and wanted to leave and move on (Like Jonah).  I have often felt way to inexperienced to be their leader.  But God is still working on me.  God has shown me recently that I'm just what they need.  They need someone who shows them on a daily basis that I'm far from perfect but that I still strive to be a good Godly person.  They need someone to listen to them pour their hearts out, and someone to love them. In a million years I wouldn't have picked myself to teach them, But I'm glad God and many others saw what I didn't see in myself at the time.  I'm so glad God loves them 1000 times more than I ever could...

"Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now"


*****
And this is my prayer....

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

My Beautiful Girls <3


God, Thank you for everything you have been showing me lately.  (Especially the things I didn't appreciate at first.)  Be with all my beautiful girls and help me continue to lead them onto your path.  My faith is being made stronger the more I teach them.  Thank you Jesus for being our Savior.  For saving me. I love you. And I love those girls. 



When you pray prayers like that, that's when the Devil throws crap at you to slow you down.  And I'm sorry to say I've been slowed down. That I've felt defeated lately.  So keep me and my girls in your prayers.  I would greatly appreciate it.  

~KayLeigh
P.s. Check out Jonahs story in : Jonah Chpt. 1. starting in verse 1 - 

"Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)"
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
*****
If you like this post you may want to check out my first "Worship Wednesday" 

http://kayleighryder.blogspot.com/2012/08/lift-me-up-aftersworship-wednesday1.html