Yes, A Post on Thanksgiving Giving Thanks

Naturally I would get around to writing a post on Thanksgiving. I've been busier than a bee the past couple of months and let me tell you, a lot goes into making honey so that is no joke. SN: I am obsessed with honey... thank you, 6th grade campers who put honey on everything for giving me this obsession. This is most certainly going to be one of those rambling posts where it's obvious I just want to tell people the things I've been thinking because I think I'm clever for thinking of the things I think of. If I were you I might not proceed unless you just need to waste some time. In that case, join me for an adventure through my thinking process, but brace yourself.  So I've noticed that 3 times out of 4 I incorrectly button my flannel shirt AND I AM NOT EXAGGERATING AT ALL. I just hate starting from the bottom, ya know? But ever since I was the only one in my 5th grade English class who knew that this one particular word was an adverb and not an adjective, I knew I was destined for greatness.  But I also recently realized that I'm one of those people who always quote Beyonce when giving directions referring to the East and West cardinals, which is so annoying.  Also, I pretend I'm still at camp everyday, so it's kind of a normal thing to see me wear my purple fish pants in public... not good. I'm so confused with my status in society, But on to important things: Today, which is Thanksgiving, is a day of giving thanks. Save the snide remarks. If you are having a hard time being thankful, I would like to give you a starting point by listing things that I personally praise God for: coffee breaks, friends who are never too busy to pray with me,  a stranger who smiles at me, shaven legs, umbrellas on a rainy day, talented guitarists, good pens, clouds on a hot day, America, camouflage sweatpants, green lights, hot chocolate, the uniqueness of every person’s laugh, finishing a paper, clean clothes, honey, clean sheets, hugs from tall people, fifth gear, colorful trees, crisp mountain air, and most of all, the love of Jesus. There is nothing greater, nor sweeter than this.  As the Jesus Storybook Bible puts it so simply and truthfully, it is "a Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love."  (If you have not read this book, do it. PLEASE. Your life depends on it. Not really, but kinda...) It's such an unfathomable phenomenon, that we (or at least I) just cannot grasp its depth and breadth.  But I've realized one thing and nothing else matters; His love is all we need.  It truly is that simple.  I'm done, because who likes reading long blog posts? That's right, my mom and that nerd guy Michael who has nothing else to do in life. But  really no one else.

If you trust me, listen to these 5 songs:

Dusty Road - Michael Ketterer

Dance With Me Baby - Ben Rector

Set A Fire - Will Reagen and the United Pursuit Band

Goodbye L.A. - Green River Ordinance

Challengers - The New Pornographers

As always, I wish you Peace and Blessings,

Kaylee

experience J O Y on this day!

Have you ever had a bad day? Have you ever been in a slump? Yes, you have and if not, quit lying please. Well, I've had my share of bad days as well. Do you ever think it's a permanent condition, which you have no idea how to cure? That's happened to me too. Time and time again, however, I am reminded that the joy of Christ is not something that is dependent upon our circumstances in this world. Man, that is encouraging! Not that I've been in a huge slump these days (besides post-camp depression), but I had forgotten how magnificent His joy is! He never ceases to amaze me by reaching down at precisely the perfect time, every time. And like a flash of lightning at that: no warning, just BOOM! BE JOYFUL. I'm pretty sure my smile has reached uncharted territory on my face today. Why? Because it was rainy today? Because I'm behind in my readings? Because I have to write an essay in a completely foreign language today? Because there is a tornado outside? No. Just because. Seriously- just because. It's easy to be joyful when you are reminded of how great God is, how much He loves you, and what you had to do in order to receive His precious grace: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! AHHH! I cannot get over myself. I pray you all will experience this joy that surpasses all humanly understanding, no matter what you are experiencing.

Good News! Romans 4:1-5 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.

Therefore: Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

So... Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Peace and Blessings!

По-Русски?!

Да, я пишу по русски. Я не много знаю, но это я знаю... я очень люблю говорить по русски. Я также люблю курицу, но эта другая история. Мне нравится говорить по русски, почему? Потому что вы не понимаете что я сказаю!! ХАХАХА.

Тоже, я ЗНАЮ что вы просто googled это. Смешной, да?

добрий день!

Top Ten Most Important Things I Forgot About The Real World.

10. It is not socially acceptable to casually wear a princess backpack around.
9. Most wardrobes consist of more than flannel and boxers.
8. You can't refer to a small fish as a tweedle fish.
7. You don't stand on your chair and sing after eating.
6. I don't actually live with 20 of my best friends.
5. S'more pockets don't exist out there. (SAD FACE)
4. Drinking a glass of water is not the cure for every illness.
3. You don't have to chant everything. Example: If I were to spill my water all over the table, the only action required is to clean it up. It is unnecessary to inform the world what happened, by way of song.
2. Beds are soft.
1. There are boys out there.

And 19 years later, I've learned 19 things...

...okay, maybe a few more than 19, but some of the most important are, in no particular order, as follows:

1. Just don't worry about it. It'll work out, just because it always does.
2. Look for other options: they are there. Whether or not either of them will please you is a different story.
3. When it comes to life, resistance is futile. I mean, it's going to happen whether you like it or not, so make it good.
4. We are all selfish. Terribly, terribly selfish.
5. You need to come to a point where you can just be with yourself... If you don't even like hanging out with you, who else will?
6. Sometimes laughter is the only cure for things. Find funny friends.
7. Rules are to be considered guidelines.
8. Rarely is anything actually the way it appears.
9. Take responsibility for your own actions, as hard as that can be. Don't go blaming somebody else for your mistakes.
10. Happiness is often a choice.
11. It's easier to love people that you can be absolutely ridiculous and straight up silly with.
12. If you just sit down and do it, it'll be done. (Revolutionary, I know.)
13. Embrace stupidity. It's here to stay. ("Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” --Albert Einstein)
14. Fears hate exposure and they will cower when you share them with someone. (And it's nice to know someone's in it with you.)
15. Home really is where the heart is.
16. Sometimes not talking is the smartest move you can make. (I often fail miserably at this one.)
17. Life is full of surprises. Some are good, some are bad. But mostly they're just good.
18. Poptarts are bad for you. (I know. I'm sad too.)
19. Life moves quickly. Make sure you catch the ride.

So, here's to hoping I'll learn at least one more thing by next May.

I like lists. So I made some.

The title is not misleading, I just had to get a few thoughts out before I started all my lists. Gosh, don't get so hostile.

I was wondering why we don’t celebrate FDOX? Ya know… first day of exams?  I mean it’s a great concept.  Why not celebrate the increase in caffeine and the decrease of sleep? Why not get excited about the approaching stress and the lack of fun? I mean I love living in the library and staring at my notes hopelessly for hours (and the ceiling for hours, which may not apply to all but certainly to me.)  Also, I just love how Davis Library turns into the wild at exam time.  Basically, you are the predator; the tables are the prey.  You creep up the stairs with all of your gear (backpack, laptop, etc.) and take an initial glance around the room.  If a member of your pack has already taken down the prey, you’re all set. Table secure… time to study. But if you approach the field and all the prey have been attacked, you must get in pouncing position: wait in the bushes (or the couches.) When a table becomes available it becomes a scene similar to that which you can find in a Baptist church on fellowship night: once the preacher says Amen, it’s on.  The Baptists are hopping over seats and clawing at one another to get the first serving of green bean casserole and a cup of sweet tea before it vanishes. (Disclaimer: I go to a Baptist church back home, so I have a right to make fun of my people.) It’s REALLY on when it comes to the dessert table, but that’s a story for another day.  But anyway… I’m not celebrating LDOC next year. FDOX is way more exciting.

A few habits that I've broken this year:

I no longer have to set my alarm clock to a time ending in 1, 3, 7, or 9! (But it now must be a 0 or 5…)

I no longer fold my underwear.

I no longer fold my shorts (but I guess it isn’t quite as abnormal to fold your shorts?)

Things I've learned (or truly realized) this year:

God's grace is sufficient.

Jesus is absolutely the only thing that can give you the righteousness of God.

Sanctification is a daily surrender at the cross.

Globalization is happening in a town near you.

Zombies are at a high risk for contracting Kuru.

There's a state called Oregon. It's somewhere out there... in the north.

Living with someone who is the complete opposite of you actually works really well.

Я очень люблю говорить по-русски. 

Being broken is a beautiful thing, because it shows us how perfect our Savior is.

Having sisters is great!, but I'm also thankful for my brother(s). 

How to do laundry.

...that I enjoy doing laundry.

How to swing dance!

Spontaneity is the way to go.

Patience.

First impressions are rarely accurate and preconceived notions never do you any good.

The best times in life are those spent with the ones you love.

Jesus loves us despite our imperfections. It's called unconditional love. Agape, baby!

The best thing about college is free everything.

Procrastination is a disease (and I have it.)

Enrolling at Carolina is the best decision I've ever made.

Just listening to someone is the best thing. A comment or a nod here and there. People just want to be heard.

Growing up is no fun, so I'm forever going to be a kid at heart.

A few things I will miss during the summer:

My boos

Alpine Bagel bagels

RUF large group

Davis Library (sadly true)

Chapel Hill

The Pit

Movie nights

Lunch dates with cool people

A few things I will NOT miss during the summer:

Writing papers

Reading textbooks

Writing papers

Writing papers

Loud drunkards

Writing papers

Your Love is Extravagant.

The bottom line is that Jesus loves you. So, so incredibly much. He loves you more than life itself. How do we know this? He gave His for yours. Despite your sin and imperfections and failures, God loves you just as much as the day before; just as much as He did when He was hanging on the cross, beaten, wounded, humiliated, and alone. And that's basically all that matters... Jesus loves and accepts you for who you are. There is nothing you can do to make yourself look better to Him. He already loves you that much. We look to other things like success and the approval of others to find love, but you just won't find it in anything other than Christ. He is love. Until we realize this, we will seek the approval of the world and quite frankly, the world doesn't give a crap about you, so it's not going to turn out too swell.

If you want to know how incredibly loved you are and how wonderful Jesus' loveis, listen to the following songs:
Love Me - JJ Heller
How Deep The Father's Love
Your Love Is Extravagant - Casting Crowns

And Jesus says to us "I will love you for you, not for what you have done or what you will become. I will love you for you - I will give you the love, the love that you never knew." (JJ Heller)

In other news, I didn't wear shoes today. I went barefooted around campus as a part of TOMS One Day Without Shoes to raise awareness for poverty in other countries which leads to kids not having shoes. It was interesting. I really love going barefooted (I feel like a total hippie) but having the comfort of shoes in my closet is pretty great. It was eye-opening for sure.

FM Static's new album "My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go".... CHECK IT OUT.

I'm having a stick battle with one of my dear friends and basically we have this stick and we hide it in the other's room. I wanted to say this, because I'm really proud of my last stick placement;  I definitely put the stick in her Cheerios. Yeahhhhh, I'm thinking victory.

Peace. Love. Jesus.

What you know 'bout me, what you what you know 'bout me?

Have you ever noticed how rap songs never make sense? Well, this song does! (But it's not a rap song.) I know this, so don't think I'm a music idiot. I just discovered the greatest song of all time, apart from Carry On My Wayward Son, Jessie's Girl, Hotel California, More Th... Okay, maybe not the very best, but it is excellent nonetheless.  Once again Pandora, you have enlightened me. So, go listen to it!! Or just read the lyrics, but listening to it would be so much better for your soul. Promise. So, without further ado, I present to you...

All I Know

                By:  Matt Wertz

I don't know how the stars hang
Or how there's night and then there's day.
I don't know how You spoke into the black
And made it all obey.

All I know is the bleeding in my heart
And the healing in Your touch.

All I know is that You gave everything
So let that be enough
'Cause it's all I know.

I don't know how Your love works
How You cover me in grace.

I don't know how You swallow all I am
When I can't stand my taste.

All I know is the bleeding in my heart
And the healing in Your touch.

All I know is that You gave everything
So let that be enough
'Cause it's all I know.

I can't explain Your mystery
But I know the answer.

All I know is the bleeding in my heart
And the healing in Your touch.

All I know is that You gave everything
So let that be enough
'Cause it's all I know.

Good right? That's what I was thinking too. I can't explain God's wonder and majesty, but all that I do know is that His love, grace, and sacrifice are enough. Yessssssssssssss.

Romans 8 excites the daylights out of me.

^{I'm a courteous citizen of society, so I've conveniently included the text below; therefore, read it:}

Romans 8:  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

 ¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

 ¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

 ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

 ²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

 ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

   “For your sake we face death all day long;
   we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

 ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

TOTAL EXCITEMENT!!! It is so incredible and freeing to know that there is nothing at all that we can do to be saved. Nothing at all. The grace of God is what brings us to our Lord Jesus, because of His love. He has drawn us near to Him. He has called us by name and we are His! We were called by Him and He has justified us to the father through Jesus' blood. It's such an amazing love story! Nothing that I do could ever make Him love me more and as I continue to fail He loves me all the same. God gave His only son to us... the biggest sacrifice to ever be offered. He did this for us. Not because He had to, but because He wanted to... He loves us that much."The blood is my victory!"

Also, we sang "Come Thou Fount" at RUF this past week and it seemed to take on a whole new meaning to me:

 

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,

interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor

daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;

here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.

Jesus sought me, rather than me seeking Him. I was on the path to death and destruction and He instead drew me to Himself. His grace alone was tugging at my heart as I was wandering, lost. But He got me; He put various people and events in my life in order to bring me to Him. It is such an astounding thing to think about. It blows my mind and continues to fill me with overwhelming love and gratitude for my Savior. So, take my heart God, because I know I will stumble and wonder. Keep it for Your courts above.

I've committed a felony.

That's right. I kidnapped a girl. It was a team effort. Blindfolded, handcuffed, and stuffed in the car, she knew she was a goner from the very beginning. We roughed her up a bit and made her do embarrassing things. We are so bad.

Okay, as cool as that sounds, we knew her. I'm not that much of a bad ass. But still, of all the things I've ever done, I'd have to say kidnapping someone for their surprise birthday party was the coolest.

I have nothing good, inspiring, funny, or worthwhile to say. At all. So I'll just ramble...

I did yoga Thursday. It was ridiculous. We did the warrior pose... I felt like I was going to attack the people in front of me. It made me feel soooo intense. And after that, I biked home in a t-shirt, shorts, and boots. It was highly attractive and extremely cold.

I went to a honky tonk a couple of weeks back. SO FUN. I mean that's all I have to say.

I really have nothing else.

Back to school. Back to school... to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool...

...I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Ohhhh, back to school. Back to school. Back to school. Well, here goes nothing...

Well, it's that time again. You know... time for class, papers, homework, the library. I'm pretty excited for the semester though, so I'm not complaining. Plus, it's great to be back with all my faves.

Before I got back to school, I went on a mission trip in downtown Durham with, RUF,  the ministry I'm involved with at school. It was fantastic. I learned so much about inner city kids and urban mission work. One specific thing I learned was that to be effective, you've got to commit. You must be dedicated and invest your time and energy. This was great info to learn, as it's my desire to one day be a long-term missionary. Also, it's possible. You can totally make a difference with Jesus on your side. You don't have to be a majorly awesome crazy cool person to make a difference. Just do it, ya know? Additionally, (english 101 transition word, BOOM) many have this mindset that Christianity is ran by two types of people: those who go to tell the good news and those who fund those people. That's not it at all. You can be a witness wherever you are in life. One last thought from Durham, take control of your city and do it some good. Small things make a huge impact.

New Year's resolution? I've decided to be a better flosser. Well, actually to just be a flosser. You know that's the only thing my dentist ever complains about. So I found my cinnamon flavored floss (which makes it so exciting!!!!) and hopped right on that. It's going great. You should try it so your teeth don't fall out when you're old. Also, it decreases your chances of developing chronic halitosis. (Thank you, Cledus T. Judd, for teaching me that big word.)

I think my creative juices have evaporated, so I apologize for the dullness of this post. Why are mundanity and mundaneness not words?!? It took me forever to come up with "dullness"...

Maybe this will make it a little more interesting? Maybe... (Notice the fine artistic talents of my youth located on the sliding glass door... what a beautiful caterpillar.)