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Forgive me.
Forgive me for all those times I saw you hurting but didn't offer my arm for comfort. Forgive me for all those times I silently hated the sinner instead of the crime. Forgive me for those times when I could've told you about Jesus, but the terror of man fell on me. Forgive me for not turning the other cheek. Forgive me for being selfish. Forgive me for being sometimes distant to all the suffering you're going through in your country. Forgive me for sometimes losing hope that sometime, somewhere, somehow, a Godly leader will arise and guide America back to the throne of God. Forgive me for the times I haven't stood up for you. Forgive me for withholding my compassion because I feel an injustice towards me. Forgive me for looking to my own interests. Forgive me for being sometimes callous to what God hurts for. Forgive me for not praying at the hour that I most need to. Forgive me for not showing you the hospitality that God so gently commands. Forgive me for my moments of passiveness. Forgive me for not caring for the least of these. Forgive me for not smiling Jesus' radiance as I passed you by. Forgive me for sometimes letting my pride get in the way.

Forgive me. For I am just a C H R I S T I A N  under C O N S T R U C T I O N.

"I've been lost chasing dreams of yesterday
Found my heart always leading me astray
So take these broken wings and teach them to fly 'Cause You're changing me from water into wine From water into wine" ||Chris August: Water Into Wine||

Girl talk and maybe a Modesty Monday||

Hey hey, ladies!! Just droppin' by to say how amazing each and every one of you are! I feel God laying it on my heart to share this with you. There have been some decisions made, by leaders of this country, that (in all honesty) horrifiy me. We, as a country, have crossed all the boundaries that God has set so wisely. What pain God must feel as we celebrate something so unnatural and contrary to His will. We've spit on the idea of the sanctity of marriage over and over again. I rub my eyes in disbelief of what I'm seeing. What is a man? What is a woman? Everything has become so blurred.  Every day the sun rises and sets, as the words Gay, Transsexual, Bisexual, Lesbian, etc. invade our vocabulary, I have become more and more aware of the incandescent beauty of womanhood. Womanhood as God sees it.

As I sit here and think about it, I've realized that you know... Considering how fast evil has grown and spread in this world, it hurts to think that I might have to tell my little girlies only "of the days" when women where attracted to men and men had a thing for women. Aggh!! It's just all so terribly backwards, ladies! Okay, I could stand on my soapbox all day and preach to you all the wrongness that has transpired... but instead, let's focus on all the "rightness" of being a woman. The little things that make femininity so breathtaking.

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and… I believe in miracles.” – Audrey Hepburn

I think Audrey Hepburn, pretty much nailed it in the above quote. It really is the smallish things that make being a lady so amazing!! We women are given such a beautiful role in life. To be the soft hand our husbands can grasp in the moment of their instability. 

God picked us; our bodies to be the home of  little people for the nine months of their lives. I mean despite the pain and grossness we have to suffer thru, it all makes sense in the end as we get to nurture and fiercely gently love the world's future doctors, presidents, veterans, policemen, and so much more.

We get to instruct our little girls on the ways of true ladyhood. And for our little men, we get to add a softer influence to their rambunctious selves. 

We were instilled with such a great appreciation of beauty. Roses, color, art, etc.

No man will ever understand the joy we experience when we find out that; that EXTREMELY cute dress is actually on sale! 

Or the simple satisfaction it gives us to stay up late with our girlfriends, solving the world's problems.

And only us ladies, will know how truly wonderful it is to have a good hair day. Or how dress-up was usually the highlight of every day. 

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years."

||Audrey Hepburn||

And let's be honest here... Men, they make being a girl all the more special...

But it's even better knowing, that we are loved unconditionally, no matter our mood swings, cravings, and moments of wishing we weren't girls, by a Man that thinks we're to die for. A Man who took off His shiny armour to die for us, and to prove how ardently he admires and loves us. He thinks we're beautiful. No matter what, because he's the one who created us to be His women!! 

So as the lines get blurred, let's focus back on who we were meant to be. Women. 

"To understand the meaning of womanhood we have to start with God. If He is indeed “Creator of all things visible and invisible” He is certainly in charge of all things, visible and invisible, stupendous and miniscule, magnificent and trivial. God has to be in charge of details if He is going to be in charge of the overall design."

||Elizabeth Elliot||

As I mentioned, here is the little MM bit. 

Hat: I think it was Wal-Mart. It was pretty cheap

Dress: This is my favorite part guys!!! I got this dress from Target ( yes Target, the place you leave almost broke. ) for the grand total of $3. Whaaat? Contrary to what you might be thinking, it is in excellent shape for being marked so low. I also found out that it actually has pockets!! So weird thing is, my bestie pulled out this dress from the rack, after I had pulled the same one out in a size medium. The one I originally had was on sale for $8. But the small (the $3 one) basically was the same size as the medium. And as you can see in the above picture, the small was still loose around my waist. Basically a win-win in every direction. So I don't know if Target just really wanted to make someone's day, or if they're having some major communication problems within their pricing department. Either way, I'm stoked that I found this!! 

Two Thousand Fourteen... In A Nutshell

Well... lately I've been going through that awkward stage between birth and death called "life". 

A life that I have been so blessed with. 

There has been so much brokenness, healing, laughter, love, friendships and grace. It just makes you want to take a moment and breathe it all in.  Isn't God so good to us?? No... just really think about it. The Thesaurus.com uses the word satisfying as a simile to good. God is satisfying. Hmm, when you put it like that...

So, here is a big  a little conglomeration of photos illustrating my 2014 in no particular order. 

Friendships. I loved that part of this year. So many beautiful kindreds, so many exquisite memories made together. There are so many faces not posted here. Friends whom emails have been exchanged back and forth to, un-recorded visits, last minute conversations. Aren't friendships beautiful?

Annie. The new 2014 Annie production is DELIGHTFUL!! All of us girls in the fam went to see it and all fell head over heels in love with it! 

Talent. Talent flows in our little church and it is most prevalent during our spring and winter programs. So many children and adults endowed with beautiful voices. Dess, Reba, Cal and others at LCBC (you know who you are ;}) I admire your voices. 

I don't have a picture (only a video... yeah, no way.) but my sisters and I sang a number at our Christmas program. It definitely was a stretch of my comfort zone but it was fun. 

Speaking of talent... meet the world's best actress! Lil... You rocked. 

We welcomed in the Christmas season by watching a play. The classic, 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Let me tell you... the two boys that played the character George... they were UH-mazing. They had James Stewart's voice down to the T. #sogood 

And Lil! I actually think she made a better Clarence than the actor in the movie. 

Just look at this picture... how can you not be overwhelmed by that cuteness!?!?

Josie and I bought this outfit for this adorable lil' girl. #i'mwrappedaroundherlittlefinger

She brightens up our days, this little girl! The things she says keep us in stitches. 

Sisters. Sisters who ask you to take their senior pictures. Sisters who have faith in your amauter photography skills. What would this world be like without sisters? #seniorpicspostcomin'up #getexcited

These last two Christmas' I've been really getting into being creative in my gift wrapping. It's so much fun. I still haven't reached the "pinterest worthy" level yet, but I'm way excited to get there. Isn't life beautiful!? #becreative

Did I mention friendship? :] I love this part of Christmas!! Love seeing all these darling friends whom we love. 

darling photo taken by EB

Talking about stretching comfort zones, my sistahs and I put on a 25th anniversary celebration for the parents. (They helped out for the majority of it) but it was still definitely stretching planning and organizing everything. #lookforthisupcomingposttoo 

Outings. The make for exciting days, don't they? Josie and I traipsed around the Iowa State Fair together. The sights, smells, sounds... whoo! Overpowering! But somehow we managed to have a delightful little sisterly bonding time together. 

We love the pork chops! #you'vegottahaveone 

So many vibrant colors, so many unique people, so much to take in. It was interesting being on our own without older sister or mother to handle the maps and the directions. Our legs were sore by the end of the day from so many wrong turns and loops around the large grounds. :]

Yes, there is a story behind this. My dad works for the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dad had a booth up at the fair. And thus this picture was born. (Don't you just love the turkey leg touch?) 

Inspiration. The Family Economics conference. (This was the only picture I took during the three days. Enjoy. :]) This was a very long three days. I mean that in the best possible way. There was so much wisdom handed out, so many inspiring teachers/speakers/mentors. Wow! Our family came back home bursting to the seams with new ideas to forge. 

Family. Family camp was a most definite highlight of the year. Loved each and every moment spent there. Do you ever just smell or feel something that reminds you of a place? Well this is the place where so many of my memories run back to. 

Wissmann's and Bontrager's thank you for putting together this! We love you! EB has some more memories captured from family camp here.

So beautiful. That smile gives me butterflies! 

Elizabeth Telfer! I love you to pieces! Thanks for being the calm in my crazy! :]

Btw, Mr. Telfer has a neat ministry. As well as an awesome and thought provoking documentary. Check it out here.  

Tessa!! I love this kindred. Isn't she stunning?

Turning Hearts. We love going every single year. The old friendships revisited, new ones made, the inspiring speakers. We just love it! Shout out to the Bontrager's for keeping this going every year! 

Seriously... it never gets old! Aren't they just adorable? :] 

This picture. I love seeing daddy's with their daughters. Beautiful.

Modesty Monday. I had fun posting these! Hoping 2015 will bring around some more posts!

The above picture was supposed to be a Modesty Monday titled "What to wear to the State Fair" 

Well here it is! :] So in 2015, if you're having trouble trying to decide what would be most comfortable to wear, pick the jean skirt! It always wins! :]

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Guys, there are so many more adventures and events that happened this year. But I didn't preserve the memories in a picture. But the memories are still very much there!

This year I was stoked to finally give my bedroom a much needed make over. I'm tossing around the idea of doing a post on it. After you see the pictures, maybe you'll agree with me that it was much needed. :]

Speech. Josie and I participated in another tournament this autumn. 

Speech is such a stretching experience. Writing, editing, memorizing, and practicing over and over and over. I know I'll be glad when it's finished but I also know I'll be blessed with the experience. 

God. This year I was overwhelmed with my sinners state of heart. I am such a sinner, but isn't He such a Savior??? 

Forgiveness. My family constantly showed me God's grace by forgiving my faults and shortcomings over and over again. I've learned the healing power of being forgiven, and the joy of forgiving. My friend, Hannah, picked HOPE as her word of 2014. I think If I had a choice, FORGIVENESS would be my word. Maybe for the next ten years actually. :] There is still so much I have to learn. Soften my heart, Lord.

I've found that I've entered that interesting/bittersweet stage in life where my friends, whom I've grown up with, are embarking on a new path of life. The path of marriage. Part of me is beyond stoked for them. I mean I've been trying to find them matches for a long time!! And yet, a part of me wishes life would just slow down a little. But I know that it can't. It won't. I know think that's been part of my growing up experience this 2014. 

Work. Josie and I very much enjoyed working for the Cory's this year. Yes, there were a couple of days where the early mornings didn't look very inviting, but I went anyway. Responsibility is another thing I'm learning and still will be learning years to come. But for the most part, we ENJOY work. After all, not everyone gets to have these cuties as their constant companions! We love the Corys to the moon and back! 

Elizabeth Elliot. That woman, that good, Godly, beautiful, and inspiring soul! She has become such an example to me. Check out My pinterest boards and you'll know what I mean! That lady is so full of wisdom. Ladies, I encourage you to look up some of her quotes. You will be inspired. I promise. 

Music. Chris August's 'The Upside of Down' album has refreshed me this year. Man, that guy knows what powerful lyrics mean. 

Bible. I love that Book. "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man..." Romans 2 starts off that way. Talk about getting your attention. So much power in four words. "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man". One of the things I've been learning. Trying to learn, Is that judgement should come slowly. I rush to judgement SO much! So this passage really leaped out at me.  >>>>>> 

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:1-3 

Wow. And that's only one of the many convicting verses I've discovered in 2014!  

This year wasn't a perfect year, but I choose to love this year of my life. 

I have learned so much, enjoyed, loved, and adored so much of it. 

My God has been so faithful! Faithful to meet me at the end of my floundering, weakness, and insecurities. I will never stop asking this... Isn't God SO good to us? 

Well to wrap it all up... I leave you with this.

Embrace 2015. Purpose to make this year better than the last. Make a difference. Shine a light. And remember... God is SO good. 

A happy new year to you and yours!

Your friend,

Kaylee

Thank Him!

Hello, people! I apologize for the lack of posts on this lil' blog o' mine.
Life has been full... full of Speech & Debate. I would so appreciate your prayers as Minnesota qualifiers are just two weeks away.

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Anyway... dropped by to leave you with a thought I've been thinking about lately.

Taking things for granted. We do it W A Y too much. So take a little moment in your day. Close your eyes breathe in... open them and thank Him for the little, simple, mundane things that you take for granted. For when you lose them, you'll be thankful that you were grateful when you had them!


Yours Truly,
Kaylee


{P.S.}  Smile today, you never know... it just might make someones day!

Stop.breathe.gasp...

Don't grow up...

How do they so easily grasp your heart?

A small three year-old with a personality as large as the world.

Syrup dripping from her face, she stops and flashes a smile as bright as the sun at you. Stop. Breathe. Don't grow up.

innocence as beautiful as the moon, unaware of the darkness of this world. Stop. breathe. Gasp. Don't grow up.

She walks up to you and quietly slips her hand into yours and exclaims, "You're my best friend!" Stop. Breathe. Don't grow up.

 She whispers in your ear, "I love you, Kaylee!" Stop. Breathe. Don't grow up.

 A little girl with two mis-matched flip-flops. 

A three year-old girl with the world at her hands... Stop. Pray. Protect her little heart. Lord... hold her tightly in the palm of your hands. Stop. Breathe. gasp.  Don't grow up.

Psalm 112:2

 Their children will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.

::Let's pray::

This post was hard to put into words. I've been realizing how many things I take for granted. I pray within my little bubble of comfort. Sometimes I forget that there are people all around the world, brothers and sister's in Christ, dying for choosing to follow Him. What about that missionary proclaiming Christ in a foreign country? We forget to pray for them, that their message (Christ's message) would reach the hearts of the people. How about that young boy that made the decision to follow Christ? Maybe a simple prayer asking God to strengthen his heart and not lose courage when his family becomes hostile towards him.

Or a petition, asking Christ to be with the person smuggling Bibles in a foreign country. All these and so much more. Let's make it a goal... not even that... a mission to pray for all these people in these circumstances.  Some of us are millions of miles away from these countries, but prayer fills that gap! 

There is a candle in every soul

Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home
So carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Cause We are a family whose hearts are blazing
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
So Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hepeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/c/chris_rice/

::John 17:15::

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

::2 Corinthians 9:14::
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

::2 Corinthians 1:11::
Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Father's...

...They bless us in SO many ways!

"Walk With Me Daddy

Walk along side me, Daddy, and hold my little hand. I have so

 many things to learn that I don't understand.

Teach me things to keep me safe from dangers everyday. Show me

 how to do my best at home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand to guide them as they grow, so

walk alongside me, Daddy-we have a long way to go."

~Written by HELEN BUSH

I'm the one with that ridiculous cheesy grin.

Daddy, thank you SO much for being caring, willing to listen to my ranting and raving, gentle, kind, and for putting others first instead of yourself. Thank you for the many sacrifices you've made!
I'll always remember the times you'd wrap your arms around me, comforting me after a bad dream when I was little, and now I thank you for the many times you have mentored me and taught me!
Thank you for being a man of God, faithful, selfless, and willing to serve!

I Love you!
Kaylee for All his girls!

"The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad!"
~ Author Unknown

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty."
~ Author Unknown 

"A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow."
~ Author Unknown

"Somebody said that no one can love a child the way a mother can. Somebody was never a father."
~ Author Unknown

"The Measure of a man is not of his worth, but what he means to those he loves."
~ Leisha Farnsworth

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."
~ Author Unknown

I apologize for the lateness of this post!

Through the eyes of a child

Tonight we babysat three adorable kids. Watching their eyes light up playing with toys, hearing their light and care free laughter fill up the room, seeing little fingers and feet exploring the world around them, hearing their voices asking "why this works and why that has to be" gave me a wonderful glimpse of life through the eyes of a child.

A friend of mine recently reminded me of how when we were little we used to view those plastic playgrounds as the greatest play place ever! The slides were long and slick. It took forever to get to the top of the climbing rocks! But then we grew up and saw the top of the playground. (Or for many of us some of the playgrounds now reach to our waists.)  We can stretch out on the slides and our feet touch the ground.

Thinking about that brought me to another pondering. I wonder if that's how our heavenly father sees us as,
Little children who think the world and everything it has to offer is fascinating and big when in reality it is small and useless.

Our God offers so much more than we as little children could ever fathom!






Lord of immortality, before whom angels bow and archangels veil their faces, enable me to serve Thee with reverence and godly fear. Thou who art Spirit and requirest truth in the inward parts, help me to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Thou who art righteous, let me not harbour sin in my heart, or indulge a worldly temper, or seek satisfaction in things that perish.
I hasten towards an hour when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain, when it will be indifferent whether I have been rich or poor, successful or disappointed, admired or despised. But it will be of eternal moment that I have mourned for sin, hungered and thirsted after righteousness, loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity, gloried in His cross. May these objects engross my chief solicitude! Produce in me those principles and dispositions that make Thy service perfect freedom.
Expel from my mind all sinful fear and shame, so that with firmness and courage I may confess the Redeemer before men, go forth with Him hearing His reproach, be zealous with His knowledge, be filled with His wisdom, walk with His circumspection, ask counsel of Him in all things, repair to the Scriptures for His orders, stay my mind on His peace, knowing that nothing can befall me without His permission, appointment and administration. ~Puritans Prayer~

From my heart

On January 26th 2012 One of God's dear children was reunited with his companion,dearest friend, maker, creator, and ultimately his Heavenly Father.

I arrived at the funeral sorrowful and with a heavy heart. But I left rejoicing. Rejoicing for Michael! Rejoicing that his race is finished. Rejoicing that he has received the most wonderful victory prize. Heavens eternal glory, along with the most glorious words of his maker. "Well done my good and faithful servant."

I didn't cry during his funeral. I didn't cry because I knew within my heart that I would see Michael again someday. I didn't cry because I knew that Michael felt no more physical or emotional pain. I didn't cry because I knew that January 26th 2012 was the best day of Michael's entire life....
.....The day he ran past the finish line and into his Makers arms!

Michael had a unique story. We all do! But we all have one thing similar in each of our unique stories...... Christ as the author!

As we were riding home from the funeral, I began to think....
If I died today tomorrow or the next day, what memories would I leave behind for my friends and family to remember me by? Would they remember me as the main character in my story or Christ as the main character? Would they remember me as funny, hilarious, and goofy? Or would they remember me as a god-fearing, pure, and radiant young lady? I know right now people would probably only remember me as  the silly, goofy, and funny girl. But I am working on and striving to be that God fearing young lady! I know some of you blog readers that know me well are probably thinking "She's got a loooooonnnnggggg way to go!" But hey, with God's help even the impossible is possible! :)

I want to leave you today with these thoughts/questions.
Who is the main character in your story? You or Christ? If you died suddenly, what would people remember you by? Your humor,laughter, stubbornness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, pride, cheerfulness, pessimism, optimism, angry spirit, self-pity, compassion? I encourage you to do a self-evaluation.

Talk to the Author of your story!