12-31-11: New Year's Eve

Wow... is it seriously almost 2012? Are you kidding me? That can't be!!!
But it is! Another whole year has gone by... yikes.
In 2011, so much changed for me, it is insane.

• I became old enough to drive(Though I still don't have my license or permit...)
• I attended yet another life altering mission trip
• Realized where God wants me to go with my life
• Strengthened my relationship with my Savior
• And listened to a lot more music ;) (Yes... it was mostly country)

I made some resolutions last year and for the most part, I think I've really managed to keep up with them.
My main one was to prepare to make a difference. But inside that, I had three other resolutions...

• Stay in constant communication with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

I believe I did pretty well with this one, until lately :( Sadly I've dropped the ball with my prayer time. So this one will continue to be on my list for 2012.

• Stay in the Word, studying everything in it.

I did amazing with this all summer, and then decently in this school year. But, I know I can do better, so I'll continue with this too.

• Listening and learning what God has to say through people wiser than I.

If I do say so myself... I rocked this one. LOL. Every chance I could I was listening to a sermon, or a Sunday School lesson, or attending youth group, or bible study. I drank it all in like I would die without it. And, this one I'll continue with as well... mostly because I can't stop :)

But, I've got a few new ones to add...
Canter on the wall more effectively.
Do better in school
Stop focusing on what the world says, and more on what God says.

What about you? How did you do with your 2011 resolutions? Have you come up with any new ones?
Happy 2012 everyone!!!

12-27-11: Christmas 2011

Merry belated Christmas everyone!!
I had a pretty good Christmas this year, and just a small way to show you that, I've come up with my own twist on the 12 Days of Christmas song...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
One King born this day!

not my image

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Two Remington hair dryers,

not my image

and one King born this day!
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Three broken ornaments,

Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Four amazing movies,

not my image

Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Five different gift cards,

not my image

Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Six hours of sleep,

not my image

Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,

not my image

Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Eight adults stressing,

not my image

(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,
Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Nine tries at Just Dance 3,

not my image

Eight adults stressing,
(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,
Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Ten candy-cane painted nails,

not my image

Nine tries at Just Dance 3,
Eight adults stressing,
(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,
Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Eleven cousins unwrapping,

not my image

Ten candy-cane painted nails,
Nine tries at Just Dance 3,
Eight adults stressing,
(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,
Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,
Twelve different kinds of cookies,

not my image

Eleven cousins unwrapping,
Ten candy-cane painted nails,
Nine tries at Just Dance 3,
Eight adults stressing,
(Only!) Seven minutes late for church,
Six hours of sleep,
Five different gift cards,
Four amazing movies,
Three broken ornaments,
Two Remington hair dryers,
And one King born this day!

Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!!

12-23-11: My 11 favorite photos I took in 2011

Here we go! (Again)

11.

10.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

12-22-11: My 11 favorite quotes I heard in 2011

Here we go again.... :)

11. "Roses are red, violets are blue... love never crossed my mind until I met you!"

10. "My brain is 70% song lyrics." (It is actually more like 95% ;)

9. "Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the moment, ignore the pain. Live, laugh, love, forgive and forget... 'cuz life is too short to be living with regrets."

8. "If you could see my google history you'd think I was nuts... unless you're a writer. Then you'd understand."

7. "Jesus Christ is my Savior, not your swear word."

6. "Stop that Rhyming, I mean it!" "Anybody want a peanut?" - Princess Bride

5. "Be a best friend, tell the truth, and over you I LOVE YOU!" - Lee Brice

4. "Not perfect... just forgiven" :)

3. "You're the peanut to my butter, the star to my burst, the pop to my tart, the fruit to my loop, but most important you're the best to my friend!"

2. "Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, 'Oh crap, she's up!' "

1. "If you live to be 100, I want to live to be 100 minus one day, so I'd never have to live without you." - Pooh Bear

Not my image

12-21-11: My top 11 books I've read in 2011

Keeping this trend going, here are my top 11 books that I've read in 2011...

11. Lonestar Homecoming - Lonestar Series - Colleen Coble
10. Every Storm - Lori Wick
9. Lonestar Secrets - Lonestar Series - Colleen Coble
8. Arkansas - Christine Lynxwiler
7. So Over My Head- A Charmed Life Series - Jenny B Jones
6. I’m So Sure- A Charmed Life Series - Jenny B Jones
5. The Princess -Lori Wick
4. Just Between You and Me - Jenny B Jones
3. Lonestar Sanctuary - Lonestar Series - Colleen Coble
2. Save the Date - Jenny B Jones
1. So Not Happening- A Charmed Life Series - Jenny B Jones

Yeah, so there are mostly series in this list, but they were all amazing! Check them out in 2012!!
(P.S... check out Jenny's blog too!)

12-19-11: My top 11 movies from 2011

Continuing with my "11" theme, here is a list of my 11 favorite movies I watched 2011(Not necessarily from 2011 though)...

11. Thor -2011
10. The Spy Next Door -2010
9. Secretariat -2010
8. Prom -2011
7. Cars 2 -2011
6. Tangled -2010
5. Dolphin Tale -2011
4. Letters to Juliet -2010
3. Soul Surfer -2011
2. Beastly -2011
1. Courageous -2011

12-16-11: My top 11 songs from 2011

So, as this year sadly comes to a close, I figured I'd come up with the top 11 songs(in honor of 2011) that I listened to this year. Y'all know how much I love music, so this was no easy task... but here we go...
11. Unafraid - Joy Williams


10. Long Black Train - Josh Turner


9. Dirty Dishes - Scotty McCreery


8. Wait for Me - Rebecca St. James


7. Ours - Taylor Swift


6. Wanted - Hunter Hayes


5. Forever Reign - Hillsong United


4. Revelation Song - Kari Jobe


3. Never Once - Matt Redman


2. Battle - Chris August


1. Growing Her Wings - Lauren Alaina



And of course, me being me, here are my honorable-mentions :)

She's a Wildflower - Lauren Alaina
Awake and Alive - Skillet
Christ Alone - Edens Edge

12-8-11

Hello!
It is crazy to think that Christmas is just over two weeks away, isn't it? My brothers' Christmas program was tonight, and that, along with our house being covered with Christmas decor, made that realization even more evident.
I just love seeing little kids singing about baby Jesus. It really makes you put everything into perspective when cute, little four, five and six year-olds are singing, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come" and other songs like that. I don't think the majority of them really know what they are singing about, but still... I can only imagine God staring down on them, smiling ear-to-ear.
We are incredibly blessed that my brothers are able to attend a Christian private school, so every year we get to see a program that expresses the true reason for the season. But, I've gone to quite a few different programs over the years where Christmas is actually Holidays, and the "real" reason, is not Jesus. :( It really makes me sad when that happens, and I can only imagine how God feels, He gave His best gift ever, His son! And yet, we too often forget about that, getting all wrapped up in the giving and receiving of gifts, Christmas parties and spending time with family. Not that these things are wrong, but we really need to remember that the only reason we are able to celebrate, is because God sent His one and only son down to earth, to live a Holy and perfect life, only to die on a cross for something we did, because He loved us that much.
There was a song later in the program sung by one of the middle schoolers, and I find it just incredible. If you haven't heard it, I'm going to share it with you and I encourage you to pass it on. Put it on your blogs, facebook pages or wherever. It is called, "Where's the line to see Jesus" by, Becky Kelley.

"Santa Clause brought me presents, but CHRIST gave His LIFE for me."

Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

11-26-11: One Amazing Year

Well, hello again! I hope y'all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!!
I cannot even begin to comprehend that 2011 is coming to a close in just a little more than a month, it doesn't seem real! How can time fly so fast? Part of me is glad, a new year brings joy and exciting times, but most of me is sad... I've had a fantastic year and I don't want it to end!
I started out 2011 by making a promise to grow closer to Christ, and I think I've done just that. I turn to Him for everything, I cannot get enough of his word, and I want to shout His glory to the ends of the earth! I love my Savior so much, I could be labeled crazy or insane!
2011 brought happiness and sorrow if I'm honest. I had an incredible summer, filled with VBS, hanging out with friends and my second Teenserve mission trip. But, in September I attended a funeral for a 14 year-old boy, who passed from cancer. I experienced trials, some small and some not-so-small, but God stood by me the entire time. I cannot thank Him enough for that.
As Christmas is right around the corner(how crazy is that?!?!), part of me wants to cry, and not because the year is almost over, but because I'm already seeing the way the world views this amazing season. Commercials filled with, "you need this, you need that" and Santa Clauses everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong, I love that ole' Saint Nick as much as the next, I even saw him at the mall earlier this week, but we need to remember that this is CHRISTmas, and it is a season of giving, not receiving.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is by the Go Fish Guys, and it is called "Christmas with a Capital C". I'm obsessed with it really, it is embarrassing :) Comedian Brad Stine has a little intro in the song, and speaks through-out the song too, it is funny, and yet so true.

10-30-11: The skit guys

Hello :)

So in youth group quite some time ago we watched this video I'm about to share. I fell in love with the message and it hit me so close to home it was unreal. I recently found the video online, and immediately wanted to share it with you.



The lines that hit home the most:
Man: "I let you down so many times God."
God: "No my child, you were never holding me up. I hold you up with my victorious, righteous right hand. Never the other way around. In this relationship, I hold you up."

What do you think of the video? Did it touch you too?
Have a fantastic week, and don't forget... God doesn't make junk. He makes masterpieces.

9-11-11

Today is bitter-sweet for me.
A close friend of mine turned 18 today, and entered his senior year at high school this past week. it is strange how time flies too fast.
And then, on a more obvious note, today is the anniversary of 9/11... my heart aches for the victims' families and friends, I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. My condolences if you fall into this category.
I don't exactly remember what happened ten years ago today, but I do remember the events of the aftermath. A lot of fear, a lot of worry, and not a lot of hope. Security reached a new high, fights broke out in the middle east, families were shattered at the loss of loved ones, but most of all... it seemed like the entire country, at least for awhile, was shocked to a silence.
Several years have passed now, ten to be exact, (which doesn't exactly seem possible btw) but there is still one thing that came from this horrid event makes me tear up every single time. A famous song, but a famous musician who goes by the name Alan Jackson(ring a bell?? (:) I've shared SO many songs with you in the past, but I cannot skip over this one. So, here it is, listen closely, close your eyes if need-be. And think back ten years ago.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

8-9-11:Check this out!

Hey guys! I'm back!

I hope y'all are having a great summer! I've been keeping pretty busy, last month I went on another mission trip with Teenserve(as I've mentioned in previous posts), and then the last week of July I also taught at my church's VBS. Along with youth group events(bonfires, water balloon wars, crazy, last-minute get togethers) I'm really enjoying summer 2011, and cannot believe that it is almost over :'(.

But, the reason of this post is to tell you about my photography blog! It has also undergone some changes, and I've put up some newer(and WAY better) pictures! It would mean a lot to me if you'd stop over and check it out(and follow!!) So, here is the URL...

www.godsimagephotography.blogspot.com

Have an amazing Tuesday!

8-3-11:Under construction

Hello :)
Just thought I'd let y'all know that for the next few days I'll be under construction. Nothing major, but there will be a few changes to this blog :) Have a fantastic week and I'll see you soon!

7-25-11: Slumber, by Needtobreathe!

So, I'm kinda, sorta, really obsessed with this band called Needtobreathe. I heard about them through my youth pastor and haven't gotten enough since. When I went to the T-swift concert just over a month ago they were one of her opening acts, and they were amazing!
But today I thought I'd share with you their latest single, Slumber. It is a great song, and I can't wait for y'all to hear it!






Hope y'all have a great Monday!

7-17-11: Something I learned (prt. 2)

Hello once again!
So this post was supposed to happen yesterday, but it was pretty crazy over here.

A quick recap and then we will continue!!
1. God loves us! - He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us... his Son. And He always will love us.
2. Love ourselves - In a non-proud way. God created us, He loves us and he sacrificed a lot just for us. We must be special :) And, it is impossible to give love if you do not have it.

Alright! Here we go!

• Loving Others

1) "The only way this world will ever see God until His return, is through our love."
This is very true. We as Believers need to strive to show love to everyone around us. No matter their race, religion or where they stand socially. This is hard, I know. In my life I do have people that irk me, and if it were up to my human conscience I most likely would not show them love, but thankfully it is not. Here is where my next pointer comes in really handy.
2)Love is a choice!
I know what you are thinking, "we've all heard that, Kayla... we now Love is a choice, this isn't anything new."
Are you sure it isn't??
We are not committed to a feeling, we are committed to a choice.
Think about this; when you find the man/woman of your dreams, and you marry them... are you committing to a feeling alone? Sure, obviously you will feel some physical attraction to the person, but if that is all you are basing your marriage on, let me tell you it will not last. Looks don't stay forever. We need to choose to show love, even when we have our bad hair days, or just our bad days. Just like everyone else in this world, married couples will fight!(Gasp! I know... strange huh??) But, if we choose to love the other person, it won't matter if you fight over what TV channel you watch or if you buy 1% or 2% milk at the grocery store. Love is a choice, and we need to choose to love everyone.
3) Love is shown by actions, not words.
Sure, you can tell someone you love them, I'm not discouraging this at all. Those three little words mean a lot to a person. Even if they are just coming from a family member or a friend. But, love is even more powerful if you show a person that you love them.
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. ( 1 John 3:17-18 NIV)
You can tell someone you love them, and yet turn away when they stumble and fall. But, what really shows love, is when you get down beside them, reach out your hand and help them to their feet.
4) Love will always be rewarded
Think on this:
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7 NIV)
This is true is it not? If you plant a seed, what do you get? A tree... well I'm pretty sure a tree is much more than a tiny seed. We need to sow love into everything and everyone we come across, because we will always reap more than we sow.

We really need to start loving people! Here are some of the ways that Mike suggested we do that...
1. Stop gossip
2. Stop judging people(Matt. 7:1-2)
3. Start accepting people
4. Show kindness
5. Pray for people (THIS IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY OF THE OTHERS!)
6. Meet people's needs
7. Forgive people

Are these steps easy? Of course not... God never said it would be easy, but he did say it would be worth it. :)

(Other helpful bible verses for this topic - Matt. 22:37-39 1 Peter 4:8 1 John 4:7-8 John 4:12
1 John 4:20 James 2:8 1 Cor. 13:1-3 1 Cor. 14:1 John 13:34-35 Matt. 10:42 Luke 6:31)

• Relationship love

Alright, here it is... the big L.
In our society, love has been twisted, manipulated and totally changed from what our Heavenly father created. He created it to be this special thing that only happens between one man, and one woman. Not with a high school partner, college partner, and then finally your marriage partner. Or even multiples of these. God designed love to be saved up, not thrown away at the first chance we get.
Again, I know what you are thinking. You've heard all this before too... and maybe even you are saving yourself for marriage(Which my readers, is GREAT!) BUT... there is more to just waiting until your wedding night to keeping yourself pure for your future spouse. You guys already know this, but one of my all time favorite verses was used during this talk, and I'm happy to share it with you again...
Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you,
by the gazelles and the wild does of the field:
do not stir up or awaken love
until the appropriate time. (Song of Songs 2:7 HCSB)
We are called to wait for love! To live for God while we are waiting, (1 Cor. 7:33-34)!
Though, when it is time... (and that time will come! Trust me!) there are some things that we really should take to heart.
1) Involve some of your mentors!
I know this is really hard to wrap around your head but (gulp!)... adults actually know what they are talking about! They have been there, survived it and, in most cases(I hope especially with your youth leaders) overcome it! When you meet the person you feel like you are meant to be with for the rest of your life, have people you trust, and who have a strong marriage to come along side you and talk to the both of you, together and separate. Pray with them, ask them questions about how they make their relationship work. This could maybe be your parents, a youth pastor, a small group leader or someone else entirely. But involve strong believers in your relationship even before you are engaged. Let them come along side of the both of you and help you!
2) Keep the physical side out of the relationship
In our society today, it is thought to be impossible to do this. How can you have a relationship without the physical? Isn't it just a friendship then? Well... yes and no. Let me share something with you that Mike shared with me and 441 other students two weeks ago...
90% of your marriage foundation will be your friendship!
You and your spouse should be best friends! Not just a couple, but best friends.
3) Set boundaries! (Eph. 5:3)
I have chosen for myself that my first kiss will be on my wedding day. I've also said that I will not hold hands with any guy unless we are most definitely headed for the isle, to not be alone in a room with a guy, and long, tight hugs are just a no until we are at the very least engaged. Now, these might seem strict to you, (I mean... no hugs?! [I'm not saying that btw... just not long, tight ones]) but I am a people pleaser. Am I proud of this? No. But I am, and if I give in some areas, they will lead to larger, more dangerous areas that I want to stay clear of until marriage. So, to just skip out the temptation, I'm setting my boundaries high.
I'm not going to tell you that these should be your boundaries... that is something you need to pray about, and really talk to God about. Read scripture about this, pray and pray and pray about it, talk to your mentors, and question yourself, what do you think is a good boundary line? Also, if you are in a relationship, talk to the other half and ask them what they think... is it hard to be in a room alone together and stay pure? A great tip I've heard over and over again is to use the shoe-door method. If you ever come to a situation where you are alone with a guy/girl in a room... place a shoe in the doorway so it stays propped open.

God's boundaries are here to protect you. Not take things away from you. He is the creator of love and relationships, why would he want to take something away from you, if it was designed for you? He loves you and wants what is best for you!


I hope that some of this has maybe tugged on your heart even just a little. It moved me in so many ways that I cannot describe it in words. God is fantastic, and I am very, very proud to call him my Savior.
1. God loves you!
2. Love yourself
3. Love others
4. God: The creator of Love
If you would like to hear from Mike these messages that changed my life, you can! Check out his website and go to his store. I encourage you to maybe buy them with a friend, or ask your youth pastor if they would consider purchasing them for your youth group... or any of Mike's work. God works through him in ways that I hope someday he will do so in me.

GOD IS GREAT!

7-15-11: Something I learned (prt. 1)

Hello again, :)

So I've told y'all a little about my mission trip, but not much. I thought today I'd expand just what I learned that week, :) But, since I learned a lot I'm actually going to spread this our over two posts. Today I'll share with you the first two days, and then tomorrow I'll give you the other two.

Every year TeenServe has a theme. Last year was Restore and Rebuild, this year it was Love re:action. And our verses were 1 John 3:17-18. Here is what it said...

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Something we really expanded on that week was how to love not with our words, but with our actions. Now, it is a little easier to do such a thing on a mission trip when you are "forced" to go out and serve from nine until four... but when we come back home? Not so easy.

Every night we had a different topic that Mike Guzzardo(our AMAZING speaker) would speak on. I don't think I could pick a favorite, so I'll just share a little bit of each night with you :)

• Our first night was God's love, and how much he loves us.

This is how he started off the program. He told us, "Understand God's love for you is the most revelational piece of knowledge you will ever possess." Well, why you might ask? I did too... though he was quick to explain. When our complete identity is defined by God's love, then we have nothing to fear! We don't have to worry about what others think of us. When our complete identity is defined by God's love, our behavior changes, and our attitude changes... all for the better. Something that I found absolutely fascinating was that God is thinking about me(and you!) 2,970,758,233 times per second! Now, I don't know about you, but I think that the only way someone could think about another someone that much would be if they loved them with all their hearts. Pretty cool right?
Another little pointer Mike told us was this, "God will never love you more than what he does right now, but sometimes we let things(pride, guilt, fear, ect.) block out his unconditional love." You know, sometimes we all thing, "If I did this, maybe God would love me more." Or maybe, "Oh no, I did this so God now loves me less"... well that is not true. God loves us with an unconditional love. The only thing that changes, is how we accept that love, or deny it.

• The next day we talked about loving ourselves.
  

"You cannot love others, unless you love yourself."
For some people, loving themselves comes easy, others... it takes so much effort that we just say, "forget it... I'm not worth loving.". But that is a lie. Just like we learned the night before, God loved us so much, that he sent his only son to die for us! And I'm sure that took a lot of effort for him, he loved his son, he did not want to put him through all those trials, through all the pain, but he did so anyway. If we don't have love, we can't give it. You cannot give what you do not have.
But we know this, right? And yet we still fall into this lie. How? Well... most people(I'm in this category, though I am climbing out!) find their identity in comparison. Ladies, we especially do this every day. Don't try and deny it. We go to the grocery store and we see maybe a friend, or a classmate, or just a complete stranger and we just start comparing ourselves to them. "Well, her shirt is cuter than mine... my shoes look nicer than hers... her hair is way better than mine..." all this nonsense, and unknowingly, we are knocking not just ourselves, but that other person as well down. Satan loves this. Comparison is his number one tool to get us to stumble. So when we find our identity in that, it is very hard to love ourselves, which makes it impossible to love others. So what do we do? We need to switch the source of where we find our worth. Have you ever heard of a car company that, when they make a car they take it to a rival manufacturer and has it critic their work? And then when they say something discouraging, the company says, "Oh... well they don't think it is good so obviously it is not." Yeah... no. They will defend their car, saying all the good things about it, building it up, they don't really care what others think about it. They believe in it... and that is all that matters. God is our manufacturer. His opinion is all that matters. God made us each fearfully and wonderfully made.

We need to stop comparing ourselves because you know why? We were each made to do something differently. Well, now you're thinking to yourself, "yeah, yeah Kayla... we know that. We've heard that our entire life. So what?" Well, what if you think about it this way. Paul did some really terrible things before he turned his life over to Christ. He pursecuted Christians, killing them mercilessly, and did not loose an ounce of sleep at night. Surely if anyone had a reason to dwell on their past, and compare it to the people around him, it was him. But he didn't. Imagine if he did though... we couldn't have half of our New Testament. So many lives would not have been changed because he couldn't stop comparing his past. Paul was an incredible man with a heart so for the Lord... imagine if he'd stopped and really thought, "I can't live this life. I've done terrible things, I cannot change." How different would our lives be if he didn't follow the path God had for him? Well... it could be the same for us. We need to stop comparing, stop trying to be like everyone else, and just live our lives with an identity found in God's love alone.

Every night we sang one song, and I just cannot get enough of it. It still gives me chills when I listen. Here it is...



This was an extremely long post, and for that I do apologize, but I hope that maybe God has said something to you. If he did, and you are comfortable sharing, leave a small comment. Even it is just something like, "I need to stop comparing" or "God does love me!" or maybe even, "That song gave me goose bumps!". I'm praying for all my readers daily, you guys are important to me and I hope that this year y'all are learning to run into Christ's arms, and your hearts sing no other name than JESUS!!

Have a fantastic weekend,

7-8-11: Four days late...

SO, I feel really, really, really, really, really, really, really terrible about this. Our nation's Independence day was just the other day, and well... I forgot to post :( BUT today I'm going to be doing an extra long post to attempt to make up for it :)

All gave some, but some gave all

Freedom never comes Free

America, Home of the Free
Because of the Brave

So, the main reason why I didn't post on my absolute favorite Holiday(after Christmas... it is really hard to beat out my Savior's birthday) was because I wasn't near a computer. I woke up early to walk in a parade(pictures below) and then after that my aunt picked me up, taking me to our annual 4th of July party/papa's birthday party. My fam was already there, so I had to hitch a ride from someone else :)
And then, when I did finally get home, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I don't remember anything after turning off my light. I slept through a firework war(Our neighborhood and the two across the street were seeing who could have the biggest show) and booming music across the street(late-night party). Apparently the house even shook... good thing a bomb didn't go off right?? lol

My summer has really started to get on a roll now :) I also just got back from my mission trip!!! It was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did not want to leave :'( I did cry... and I'm still wearing my red bracelet. (If any of you have ever done TeenServe before, you'll know what I mean... and if not, it is like a water park wrist band thingy... it lets ppl know that I'm with TeenServe)

But currently I do have a small break :) Though in just a few weeks I'll be teaching VBS at my church! I'm excited to see just what God has planned this year!

Alright, so here are some pictures from the 4th, and there is one from my mission trip(sorry ppl, I didn't get around to taking pictures...)

The Giant Fish!(Not a whale... the tale is turned the wrong way)

Leaving FOR the parade(Carpool!!)

Half day! On Wednesday we only worked until just after noon, then, for a few hours we got to go hang out with our youth groups! It was a blast and definitely a highlight of the trip :)


Oh, and one more thing... here is my Top-Twelve Patriotic Playlist :) (Not in any order)

1. Old Glory - Phil Stacy
2. If You're Reading This - Tim McGraw
3. Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning) - Alan Jackson
4. Just a Dream - Carrie Underwood
5. Soldiers & Jesus - James Otto
6. Real - James Wesley
7. All American Girl - Carrie Underwood
8. I will Not Say Goodbye - Danny Gokey
9. He Ain't the Leavin' Kind - Rascal Flatts
10. Made in America - Toby Keith
11. American Solider - Toby Keith
12. God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
    

5-31-11: A Day Late

So I feel terrible that this is a day late, but I was no where near a computer yesterday so here it is...

THANK-YOU TROOPS! YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!!!

Here is a little something that I've been (trying) to write for awhile now... it's only the chorus but I hope you enjoy...

Thank-you,
We love you,
We’re praying for you,
You’re amazing,
Incredible,
So special,
I realize freedom can’t come free,
That’s why you’re over there,
Fighting for me,
Words cannot begin to express,
My gratitude,
So I’ll just start by saying,
Thank-you! ♥

Once again, thank-you so much to the men and women fighting for our freedom! You guys are the best and I cannot even begin to describe my thanks to you :)
You're truly amazing,

5-27-11: Can't! Wait!

Okay, so I saw this on my fave author's website yesterday and almost fell out of my chair....

Are you as excited as I am???????? Have you read anything by Jenny B Jones, if so, what book was your favorite? I just picked up In Between, one of her first novels and can't wait to start reading it. (I've already read her Charmed Life series, Just Between You and Me and Save the Date)
Have a fantastic week-end!