Revived in Christ, with faith, with perserance.

I have been reading the new testament lately, and documenting what I find. Today I decided I would re-read through Acts. I thought I would share this.

Acts 3 and 4- It tells of Peter and John, when they heal the crippled beggar outside the temple gate. The priests and the Sadducees arrested them because they were too afraid that people would come to know Christ, so they resulted to persecuting Peter and John. Even though they were imprisoned, it says "but many who heard the message believed, and their number grew to about 5,000." They could not stop the will of God.
They put them in prison thinking that if they put them away the spreading of the gospel would stop. It says that they couldn't deny that what Peter and John were saying was the truth, so they tried to silence them. But the two refused to keep quiet. They only replied to them, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Basically, told them do you really think we could be that stupid? Listen to earthly men over the God of the Universe? But sadly people do it everyday.
The apostles in the bible, prayed about everything. So did Jesus, they devoted hours, even whole nights to prayer. I don't think we pray as often as we should, I don't think we trust God as much as we should. Peter and John had so much faith, though they were threatened and persecuted, they kept their faith strong lifting their voices up to God in prayer and worship.

While in prison, Peter, filled with the spirit, said to the rulers and elders,

Acts 4: 10a-12 "It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is the stone your builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

It says Jesus was rejected. It is funny how everyone sees him as one who was holy and miraculously above everyone, although he was indeed holy, he put him self at the lowest point so he could know us and save us.

Jesus calls the rejected, constantly in the Gospels and altrough out the NT, he reaches out his hand to those who we would never think to give the time of day. Saul for instance, God transformed him from this evil god-hating murderer, into a devoted follower of Christ. The apostles, were "rejects" of the law.
In Jewish customs, boys were to have the whole old testament memorized by the age of 15, when they were to seek a Rabbi to instruct them and guide them further in their study. But they were fisherman, so clearly they had been rejected. But Jesus sought them out to follow him, and immediately they followed, no questions asked. He dined with sinners and tax collectors, gave time to the most "unclean" people, healing their sins. (Luke 8: 43-48)

He is calling us. He knows our hearts, knows we have messed up and continue to mess up. We have been rejected. Rejected by the world, by our friends who think we are strange to want to follow and "give in" to the christian beliefs. But he has not rejected us, and never will. He knows what it feels like to be rejected. He went through the ultimate rejection, humiliation. He was spat on, beaten, laughed at, cursed, misunderstood to the extreme.

It is such a comfort for me personally to know that my saviour is a saviour of love and forgiveness. One who has been there, and is not just telling me to follow something without a cause. In nothing else can I get eternal salvation, hope, joy, love, peace. In nothing else can I find such life and an everlasting, unwavering foundation.

"Since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus...let us draw near to God with a full assurance of faith, having our bodies sprinkled to clean our guilty conscience, let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10: 19-23

" Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set out before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 12: 1-2

People like Peter and John, encourage me so much. I see what they went through, and the situations they faced daily. I see the faith they had in God, that he would show them what to say and how. It makes me feel so guilty of the excuses I make about not sharing Jesus with those around me more than I do. In today's world, I probably will get laughed at, its a good chance, but I doubt I will get flogged and definitely not thrown in jail. It's sad that I can't share with people because I'm afraid of getting laughed at. I'm sure Jesus got laughed at a lot, probably about everyday. But it didn't stop him, or his followers from sharing the Gospel.

He commands me to share my faith, he doesn't ask or beg. I shouldn't feel I have to make excuses to get out of it. I pray to God that I can learn how to share more easily to those around me, even though I may be persecuted for it. I want to take up my cross for him. My only hope is in God, and I want to embrace him with all I have.

Old art that I found

I did most of this stuff in the 8th and 9th grade, some is good, some a little strange. :) and I know they are side-ways, but it would take allot of work to get them straight, so I will do that later....sorry! :)

Is he good or what?

OK, so in the past few weeks, God has shown me so much....more like slapped me right in the face and told me I am not as invincible as I think I am. I am so amazed, and completely confused...I can't even begin to explain. I know now, more than ever, that Satan is real, and he is surrounding my every move just waiting for me to give him a foothold into my life. But I am so glad that God is right there to lift me out and wake me up. It's like he is sending me all these things, waving his arms telling me to hold on...back up. Every time I fall, every single time he is always there to lift me up, to pick me back up again. He has done it again. Is he good or what??

At one time, I heard faith explained a very neat way. He said, faith is like a dam, holding back tons of water. Every mistake we make, every wrong move and every temptation we fall into creates a crack in our dam, or our faith. The more we give in to temptation, the more the water seeps into our lives, and without the grace of God to intervene, we can be completely flooded with sin, up to our heads wondering how we will ever get out.

I know now that my faith is not as solid as I thought it was, and it could definitely be strengthened more. There are definate holes that could be mended. I am just so glad that he knows my every move, so he can mold me more and more in his image. Because he knows that "good" isn't good enough. And I just pray that certain people in my life can come to understand that.

~kayleigh

Self portrait-Abstract

This is another latest addition. It's color pencil, abstract blocked up into color and no color. I don't have a name for it yet, and I didn't excpect it to look so evil but thats just how it turned out. haha :)

Most recent art~~~The Red Lady

So here is the most recent addition to the collection. I don't have an official title for it yet, I want something better and more creative than the red lady..:) Any suggestions? I will take them gladly. :) My grandpa says it looks like "the devil woman" but I think I will stray away from that name..:)

P.S. I will update the picture of it matted when I get the chance, there were a few touch-ups made, and the newest pictures will look better. :)

How well do we really KNOW our Jesus?

All through our lives we hear about Jesus. He died for us, he was the ultimate sacrifice, he was perfect and loved everyone regardless. We see him as an image, as a poster on the wall with a bright and shiny glow around him. A beard and white robe smiling down on us. We see him all around us, but how much do we really know him personally? With this image, we often feel distant. We long for a relationship with him but sometimes we feel so confused on how we are supposed to reach through that shiny glow and actually find "Jesus", pure and simple.
In this thought I have a few questions for you. Who was he really? Who was this man/God who came down and died the most humiliating death. Was he 100% human? Was he 100% deity, or was he more 50/50. Or how about this one, did Jesus really know he was the son of God all his life, even from the time of birth. Was he completely unable to Sin, or did he have such amazing perfect self control that he resisted every temptation.

Your attitude concerning Jesus effects everything. Our relationship with him is centered on how we really view him. Can we really relate to him, or was he just a human "look alike".

In the first chapter of Mark, Jesus comes down from Galilee to be baptized by John the baptist. As soon as Jesus was baptized, the scripture says "he saw Heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." A voice comes from heaven and it says " You are my son with whom I am well pleased." Did he first know of his purpose here, or did always have a idea.

These questions are so important for us to know if we truly want to understand and develop a relationship with him. Jesus is our ultimate savior, he died for us , he shed his blood but there are other things behind all of it, that show us how devoted he was to understanding us fully. It says in scripture that he didn't see equality with God something to be grasped. He went to the ultimate low for us, leaving all power behind. He made him self so vulnerable, coming into this world in the form of an infant. He put himself so low, so it would be fully possible to clear the greatest sins..lower than the grimiest criminals...he went there. He was spit on, abused, mocked, denied, he went through everything, somethings we will never go through. He died on a cross..about the most humiliating death possible. All so he can say he's been there, and he has earned the name above all, so he can argue our faults for us. He is arguing our case for us when we mess up...he knows.

There are somethings I long to know the answer to..like did he ever get the urge to lust, or could he sin. If he was a teenage boy, what things did he go through? I do know that he withstood every temptation, never sinned once. Sometimes I think why can't we do that? We have all the resources that he had, sure we can not be perfect. We are always going to mess up, but if we strive for him every day, imagine how close we can get to him? Nothing is impossible with God. Jesus always urged his disciples to have faith...over and over they doubted and he asked them why do you have to ask, don't you know? Why do you have to doubt? If we had the faith to see our selves being like Jesus, we could do it. I believe he can give us the strength.

I will write more on this later, there is so much to contemplate!! He is amazing, i urge you to let him show you who he is. Try to fast for a few hours, he will really amaze you.

God bless!!

Kayleigh

THEA workshop

So today, I got the privilege to attend an all day workshop of art. I went to a THEA workshop, for winning 1st in the junior division. I was so blessed to be able to go to it, it inspired me so much. It even go time thinking on some things about m future. Ive always said that i want to be an art therapist. Even though I love the idea of doing that, I really don't know after today. There was a guy that talked to us, he was talking about how he didn't have a very supportive family, and all his brothers went to med school, so he got scarred into a more mainstream side of art, which happened to be commercial art. He said he felt like "an animal in a cage" because he was so confined to this cubicle and desk and a time clock. He had to limit his expression and imagination to the things people wanted him to do and make, until he decided he had to make something else of himself, he couldn't be confined any longer. So he said he got out and started busing tables, then found an art studio where he started painting. He eventually found a job at a local art school. He talked about how before he used little bitty movements with his wrists, it was all tiny details right in front of him, but the paintings he could do now he felt free, he moved in full movements, used all of his brain. No limits. He was free. Now he is doing giant sculptures for hospitals, he actually sculpted "The Nine" in front of Central High. His work is amazing! All because he had the guts to step out and do it..follow what he loved no matter who objected. The studio we were in just felt "it"..like I was home there, like I could see my self coming there every day and working. I don't want to be confined. I want to wear those long flowy skirts, sandals and walk in and say "lets do some serious art today, or lets create something magnificent!" I don't want to be confined to my "limited" imagination.I don't see my self in a business suit, I wnat to be vintage, stylish, and "artsy" haha..Like one of the instructors said, "we are Right brained people, and we are different from everyone else." I want to show that, not hide it. The arts are beautiful, and it's everything to me. I don't know if I can see my self sitting in a room and saying "how do you feel about that" I just can't see it. I don't want to be a starving artist either..so I just don't know. But everything isn't about money..God will provide.

But I can't wait until I get to go to a studio like that and dig in! Just dig into painting and sculpting with plaster and clay and metal...giant acrylic paintings...I can't wait!! I want to get my hands dirty..I'm sick of using little details...tiny movements...I'm ready for the extreme!

Kayleigh

~In Christ Alone~

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

-Newsboys


THis is such a powerful song, it is one of my favorites. It really shows the majesty of our Lord. It reminds me that no matter what happens, he will be by my side, he will love me,never leave me, and nothing can ever take that from me. It is so beautiful! :)

<3~<3

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
--mercy me




There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus
--third day



I know you're always there
To my every prayer inside
I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime
--kutless



In only moment truth
Was seen revealed this mystery
The crown that showed no dignity he wore
And the king was placed for all the world
To show disgrace but only beauty flowed from his face
Would you take the place of this man
Would you take the nails from his hands
Would you take the place of this man
Would you take the nails from his hands
--jeremy camp



Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
--casting crowns



I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel you by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone
--barlowgirl



God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe
Declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
--caedmons call



You made it all
Said, "let there be"
And there was
All that we see
The sound of Your voice
The works of Your hands
You do all things well
You do all things well
You do all things well
--chris tomlin

<3

Is it REAL is it TRUE
What I hear about you
That you love me , love me
That's what everybody's saying
Can it be that you see
Something beautiful in me
Well it sounds too good to be true
What I hear about you

Recent Art

Food Production: Is there a danger in the foods we Eat?

Many people don’t realize the amount of, or the danger of, food additives that are put into the substances we consume daily. The food industry has made a fortune, by producing foods that last longer, and look better, at the cost of our health. The food manufacturers have found ways to allow potentially unhealthy substances into our foods for the very reason of making a profit. By exploring the different views of the effects from these substances, the question of whether the use of food additives should be acceptable is answered.
Food additives have been used for centuries. There have been reports of food additive uses dating as far back as pre-historic man. Research has shown evidence of chemicals used in meats, and later adding salt to fish to preserve it longer. This doesn’t mean they were healthier back then, though. In fact the additives they used were more harmful that some today. The Romans, for example, used lead acetate as an artificial sweetener, while in the 19th century, chalk was commonly found in milk for color. Pesticides were introduced in America during the WWII Era, allowing the food producers to bring in remarkable gains, which still is true for today.
Today food manufacturers use about 2,800 natural and artificial additives in our foods. (Rowlands 16) This includes preservatives, and processing aids. They are used to sweeten, freshen, flavor, and so on. Although the effects are clear, ideas about food additives vary in many ways. There are the pros, and then there are the obvious cons. There are many positive reasons why food companies repeatedly choose to add the many substances that go into our foods. The most obvious reason is, that with the use of food additives, there is an increased shelf life of the food, allowing the company to sell more of the product while reaping more of a profit. Spoilage is less of an issue when food additives are used, because the amount of bacteria, mold and fungi are controlled. Without these food additives, the product will go bad before it even hits the shelf. For the same reason, stabilizers and preservatives allow for companies to ship our foods all over the world. The use of food additives help to increase the availability, safety, and quality of the foods we eat, and at the same time they help to keep the cost affordable. Additives help to provide the lacking nutrients in foods, therefore improving and maintaining its quality while keeping the flavors and aromas fresh. (“Chemicals and Foods” 1)
Another side of the positive effects that food additives bring us is more appearance conscious. For example, additives are used to increase the color of the foods, therefore creating a desire to be bought. They are used to provide consistency and body, allowing a more pleasing effect when eaten. (“Chemicals and Foods” 1)
A main concern of food additives today is the question of illness related to food additives. Even though there have been distinct relations to illness, there also have been different cases. For example, pasteurization has been a constant benefit of food additives. It has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of tuberculosis related with drinking milk. Research has also shown that less than one percent of cancers have been caused by the use of food additives. (Fountain 34)
Clearly there are considerable amounts of excuses for the use of additives, but there are many negative consequences that should be realized. Food additives have been linked with many illnesses, which have failed to come to the public eye. There have been direct links to various physical and mental disorders, as well as hyperactivity in children. A recent discovery has linked the effects of these additives to the womb. (“The Adverse Efects of Food additives on Health” 12) Just as tobacco or alcohol uses can have horrid effects on a pre-mature fetus, they have now found that additives also can have these same effects. This can lead to tumor development in the fetus, if not worse. Even “natural” additives can have the same side-effects. Some of these additives, such as the vitamin C, or other wise known as “ascorbic acid” that is often found in an orange, is actually identical to that which is produced in a lab. There are endless concerns about food additives, another being the concern of loss of nutrients in the food, which can even result in malnutrition.
There are many types of food additives that end up in the food we eat. They all vary in the process or the reason for it being added, but do they have equal effects? A major Additive that is used every day is the chemical. Chemicals are widely used, for the purpose of preserving and protecting the foods from bacteria and fungi. Nitrates are used to protect the foods from spoilage, extending the shelf life, and keeping the food looking fresh. As this sounds useful, there is another side to this “necessary” chemical. Nitrates react with certain amines, with this reaction, the food is preserved. If the chemicals that they produced are consumed in high amounts, it could cause cancer. This doesn’t seem very acceptable, as most foods contain nitrates. (Rowlands 16)
Chemicals can have a major effect on our health in general. Even the containers that foods are stored in contain chemicals that can leak into our foods and become carcinogenic. “Man-made industrial chemicals and pesticides may tamper with the molecules in the body’s regulatory system, possibly causing birth defects, low sperm counts, breast cancer, mental impairment, and several other ailments.” (Cushman A14) Even the simplest sweeteners are very dangerous. For example, “saccharin” which is widely used as a sweetener, has been proven to cause cancer, and even “congenital malformations” caused by the mutagenic qualities it holds. Aspartame, a common sweetener in most diet drinks, and all gum, has been studied also. Research has proven that it “breaks down in the body into byproducts that may include formaldehyde and formic acid” (an acid produced by ants.)(Rowlands, p. 16) But not all chemicals have even been tested. “Screening chemicals to see if they cause cancer is usually very expensive so not many natural chemicals have been subjected to the test.”(Fountain 34) In a normal cup of coffee, there are 1,000 plus chemicals, but only 26 of them have been tested, and 19 have been found to be carcinogens.(“The Adverse Effects of Food Addtiveson Health” 12) Some of these chemicals include benzene, caffeic acid, ethanol, formaldehyde and toluene.
There are definite effects of chemicals involving children also. Children tend to absorb the chemicals faster and are more highly affected than an average person. Their small bodies and high metabolism allow their systems to absorb substances faster, meaning their functions are affected at a higher risk.
Pesticides are another concern of many. Right now over 400 chemicals are allowed to be used on crops to kill weeds, insects and other pests that may attack crops. For example “non-organic apples are sprayed over 16 times with 36 different chemicals.” (Fountain 36) What is worse is that washing these fruits and vegetables does little to remove the chemical, even with peeling them. These pesticides have shown a link with serious diseases, such as male infertility, Parkinson’s disease, and even Cancer. Studies have shown that men have even shown signs of a lower testosterone level. There are organizations and companies that regulate what goes into our food. But even with all the regulations, the pesticides still show up. For example, there are chemicals that were banned a very long time ago, some decade ago, such as DDT and other pesticides, which still linger in our soil and show up regularly in residue tests.
Although pesticides are a concern, they have their purposes. When used in a careful manner, they are supposed to minimize the loss of crops and plants, and keep prices down. Some people are even worried that the government will try and restrict these pesticides too much. For example “W.E. Spencer, an Arizona Citrus farmer, predicted that if the Government restricts pesticides too much, The U.S.-similar to its dependence on foreign oil-will have to rely on foreign pesticides banned in this country to stock the produce bins and grocery aisles at the local supermarket.” Some also argue that this scenario isn’t likely, as foreign countries have to comply with the U.S. standards.
Mutagens are another widely used additive that has both it’s benefits and drawbacks. Mutagens are different from most additives as the human body does not have the metabolic space to metabolize and render them harmless. They have been proven harmful to the fetus, as it reacts with and injures the chromosomes and genes that carry its genetic code. They are also fully capable of damaging and killing the living cells. This can even result in mental retardation. Most substances that are found to be mutagenic have also been proven to have carcinogenic actions.
Antibiotics are another type of additive that is put into our foods. Antibiotics have been transformed from a simple drug into a serious additive. Every year, more than half of the antibiotics produced, about 70%, go into the agriculture business.(“Antibiotics and Food” 1) Antibiotics are injected into cows, chickens, and other factory raised livestock, to make up for the unsanitary conditions of the overcrowded feed houses and coops. They are loaded into the animals so much that it has reduced the useful lifespan of the drug by about 30%.(Suzuki 1) This misuse and lead to resistant infections in humans. The problem is that with the overuse of these drugs, the bacteria has evolved into “super drugs” that are immune to our antibiotics.
Clearly there are two sides to this question. Food additives do have a purposeful reason to be added to our foods, but it is so important that it has to be a threat to our health? There are other methods that could be used to replace these harmful substances, such as organic foods. Studies show that organic foods are not only safer, but they have higher levels of vitamins and nutrients than others. (Everybody’s going Organic, should you? 4) They even have found them to contain more of the “cancer fighting compound called Lycopene and show higher antioxidant activity than most brands.”(‘Simply Organic 1) With the use of organic foods there is a lower occurrence of disease and allergies, as well as a higher occurrence of the nutrients that are thought to slow the ageing process.
Clearly there is too much of a risk in the chemicals that we are putting into our bodies. We can not be productive and live to our fullest when our own food is pulling us down. There is definitely a need for the assurance of safety with the production of our foods. If we want to increase our health, reduce the risks of cancer, and bring our society to a healthier life, then we must change some things about the way we do things.

"Rain"

There are times in our lives, when we feel for whatever reason, that we are being drenched with nothing but rain. Rain, it seems to be a two sided thing. In some cases it is so beautiful; a graceful release from the everyday, even to the extent that we have a sudden urge to run and play in it. (Which is really exciting, if you haven't tried it I highly recommend it.) But there are times when rain seems to be not-so beautiful. It is going to rain in our lives, we have to be prepared for it. God does not promise us a easy ride, full of "sunshine and rainbows". Sure he loves to grace us with happiness, but it doesn't always work out that way. It's like the story of the Wise and Foolish man. The wise man was prepared for the rain, he had a sturdy foundation, he choose to build his life on the teachings of Jesus. The foolish man wasn't quite prepared, and the storm overwhelmed him, destroying his house. The storm is going to come, sooner or later it will rain. It will rain allot. The question is do we have the right foundation to make our way through it, and come out a stronger individual.

It is argued, of whether our trials are the workings of God, or mere coincidence. I personally feel, he wants us to live our lives without trials. But seeing as we are human and often stubborn, we make him show us the long way home. He tells us in scripture that with trials, we develop perseverance with the trials we face. I've personally seen this in my life. There have been certain things in my life, that weren't quite "good" per say, but at the same time if I hadn't of gone through them, or done some of the things I did, I wouldn't be the strong christian young lady I am to this day.

We watched a video during our church lesson the other day that impressed me. It is called the "Nooma Videos" all by Rob Bell. There are 14 in the series, I saw number one. I urge to go to Nooma.com and check it out, you can actually watch the whole "Rain" (#1) video on the website. It is a beautiful example of the love God has for us. The way he clothes us in his grace, wrapping his arms around us. Psalm 55: vs. 22 says "Cast your cares on the lord and he WILL sustain you. He will NEVER let the righteous fall. Psalm 46 vs. 1-3 "God is our refuge and STRENGTH, and Ever-Present help in trouble. Therefore we WILL NOT fear, thought the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

He tells us he cannot ignore the cry of the afflicted. He is there by our side ALWAYS. And we should feel so SAFE in that thought.

God Bless!

<3 Kayleigh

Breaking the ICE...

Every now and again, I get this sudden urge to write something. The urge is usually overbearing, there is always a central point. Last night, while listening to a bit of George Winston's beautiful piano, I had an urge to write. My mind somehow focused on a single idea, ICE. I don't know how, or why, but I had to sit down and write about this subject, and I did. With this in mind, it lead me to a thought.

There are so many words to be spoken, to be written that rarely ever get thought of. How many times do we actually sit and think about things that aren't really needed, or certain. If we just started to pick words out of the air, and arrange them into forms; imagine the masterpieces that could be created. Poetry for instance, is it really a talent, or do people fail to open their minds enough to create it? With simple words, a mind can be changed completely.

There are no wrongs to be written with words, as long as we choose them wisely of course. There are a thousand stories lying behind their doors, should we dare to open them.

I really hope this made any bit of sense. Sometimes I just get these ideas, and they seem so interesting I can't help but write about them.

<3 Kayleigh

Worship or Romance?

I was reading an article today, finding something interesting to end my boredom. An interesting point caught my attention and got me to thinking. The article was titled "Undivided Worship" by Susie Shellenberger. It was talking about our worship, and how even the most moving songs, we think, are really questionable on who they are focused on.

Read the lyrics to this song:

"I want to know You; I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more.I want to touch You;
I want to see Your face, I want to know You more."

Now does that seem a bit weird? If not read it again. It seems as if we are romanticizing God. Instead of truly worshiping him with all our hearts, we seem as if we could be singing to some boyfriend of ours. Which questions what our minds are really focused on. It doesn't mean they are wrong, it just seems a bit under-classifying God. It is like we are putting him on the same level as a friend in our 1st period class, when he is our maker, our savior. The one who created us all!

But take a look at these lyrics:

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee;
How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

There is no question what so ever who we are singing to. All the focus is on the greatness of God, his power, his mighty Grace!

This is just something to think about. I just really thought it was interesting, that we could actually Romanticize God, and not even realize it. I hadn't ever really thought about this before, but it is certainly true. God wants our all when we worship. I truly believe that when you worship, you have to give your all, 100%, no holding back what-so-ever, to feel the spirit of God upon you. If he is urging you to close your eyes and become closer to him, then you need to do just that. If he urges you to lift you hands, or clap, then don't hold back! Give him all you've got, and don't be afraid of what others are thinking, because they don't have your life in their hands. I really believe that he sees that, and he fills you with his spirit when you give you all, 100%. And it is so beautiful!

God Bless,

Kayleigh

Driving!

So today I went driving with my pepaw. It was actually not so bad. In fact I love it! I have been putting off the idea of getting out and learning how to drive for awhile now, so much that my family has started to think that I am scared to drive. They have this strange idea I have some phobia of driving which isn't so. So we went out on Redman Road, and he let me drive. I thought I was going to practice in a parking lot or something but no, I was on a actual road...cringe. It freaked me out at first but It was so fun, I actually got up to 40 miles an hour. I know that isn't fast, but for me who has never driven a car in my life, it is. I am very proud of myself...now I just have to study that retched test. sigh....

:)

~Kayleigh

Thoughts from a song

"In the quite, in the stillness I know that you are God...I am restored by your presence." "There is no one else for me, none but Jesus. Crucified to set me free, now I live to bring him praise."

-Hillsong United

What a wonderful message. It is so comforting to know that Jesus loves us so much. How he died for you and me, and everyone on the face of this Earth whether they accept it or not. He is here with us holding out his loving arms whispering to us, we are his! It is such a beautiful message. All of our life is in him, all of our hope, all of our strength! There is no one else for us, none but Jesus. He is always there. Wow, it is unfathomable.

I just got the urge to share this, while I was listening to Hillsong United, they are so wonderful and inspirational.

Have a wonderful blessed day!

<3 Kayleigh

Art and other pictures

These are pictures of art, and other things I am proud of. I hope you enjoy them!

This is a kind of bad picture, but oh well. On the left is the head BMW guy(executive maybe, I don't know what to call him) and the other one is my art teacher, Coach Lindley.
This is at the BMW contest, as I'm accepting my check from the head guy(far right in the suit) and that is my wonderful art teacher in the blue next to me. My picture is on the screen behind, but they cropped and I don't know why.

OK, this picture of me is bad but the drawing is really what counts. This is my famous "Lady in Blue" that won 2ND in state and BMW. I love it, there is nothing else to it. My pepaw thinks it's strange though, maybe it is, but I won me 250 dollars so I'm not complaining, and besides aren't artists supposed to be a bit strange? :)

This one is also a favorite. It was actually a minor, meaning it was the warm-up drawing before the major of this media. It actually has an interesting story behind it. Our assignment was to find a piece of architecture, a building of some kind that had character. So me and my memaw went to Little Rock, so I could photograph some of the houses in the historic district, seeing as most of those houses are absolutely beautiful! Well I was taking a picture of this(not this one I drew) house, and this teenage boy comes out and asks me why I'm taking a picture of his house, so I'm kinda scared, like what do I say? So I told him it was an art assignment, and he just kinda looked at me like he had no idea what the word "art" meant. And for the record it wasn't like I was on their property, I was on the street a ways away taking a simple shot. Well we drove away, and that is when I found this wonderful house and I believe it worked quite well. It is matted also, it just doesn't show it. This one hasn't competed.

Again, I am very sorry for the odd shape of this one, my camera couldn't capture the whole thing. This one is titled "Joy". It is of one of my dear friends, and expresses so much Joy ,so I felt the name fit well. This one is also much larger in person, approximately 18x16 I believe, I'm not sure exactly. It won honorable mention in the Emotionalism category at state.

This is a picture of my "Pointe of Grace". I did a bit of research for this name, I found that the tip of the toe on a ballerina is called a "pointe". So that is where the name originates from. This one I did last year, I am very proud of it. At first I didn't like it, and my Art Teacher, Coach Lindley, had to almost Twist my arm to finish it...but I am very grateful because it is one of my favorites. It is about 18x24, larger with the full matte. It won 1st in the ASU Beebe contest, and has yet to compete in State, but it will this year. (sorry for the odd shape of the matte, it is normal in real life I promise. :)

This is a picture of Kayla Oudthone and I at the BMW overall competition. This is her piece, that won overall in state and BMW. It is completely beautiful, and flawless. She won 1st I believe, and then overall, and I won 2ND, and honorable mention for the overall competition. Fun times!

Beautiful world

There are so many beautiful, wonderful things in this world that we overlook far too often. Too many times we focus on the negative when we fall, when we feel alone. If we could see the beauty and joy around us, it could all be well again. I hope for both myself and others, that we get to experience this beauty firsthand. To be able to dive head first in the radiant wonders of this world. To see the glory in the towering mountains, the grace in each and every flower, the brilliance in the showering rain. I feel so light and wonderful when I think of the things God has put on this Earth just for the soul purpose of letting us experience his beauty. We could be so worry free, so happy and free if we could see the majesty in his works, every single day. I vow to myself, that at least before I die, I will go in all the world, to capture his beauty, and let it amaze me firsthand. I want to see the beautiful fall leaves on the trees, towering over a country road. I wish to stand, feeling like a mere ant, in front of a towering snow peaked mountain. I wish to fly across the beautiful ocean, plant myself on the edge of the sea and paint my heart out. To lie under the stars, feeling wrapped in a blanket of light. I want to run in a field of flowers, falling amidst their graceful blooms.

His majesty is engulfing us everyday, if only we could feel wrapped in it, as we are. Such beautiful things lie on this Earth, and I want to witness everyone of them.

Check out this video, it is so beautiful it could almost make you cry.

http://mayyoubeblessedmovie.com/

Have a wonderful Blessed Day!

<3 Kayleigh

Family History

Isn't it just strange thinking about the genealogy of our families, and the thousands of ancestors we have never heard of? If you really give it much thought, we all could be related, since everything started with Adam and Eve. It is as if we are one huge family, all of us, our genes have just been mixed together too many times to count, making it seem as if there is no possible connection.

I made a strange, and a bit frightening discovery today. Me and my memaw were looking at the genealogy records on the Internet, racking our brains trying to think of the names of my great- great-great grandmother and father. I learned my great great grandmother's maiden name was actually "Moore". The surprised me because I have a good friend by the name of "Moore". So I was talking about it, and it just so happens that all of her sisters, that held the name"Moore" also, had red hair. Well my "friend" has red hair. This could be a huge coincidence, but it is a bit frightening to think that me and him could be distant-distant-distant cousins by some odd chance. I just had to write about this because it freaked me out way too much to pass it by.

Like I said, this may be a huge coincidence, but it is all so fascinating to think about.

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