tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325118302024-03-07T06:38:58.920-05:00Reflections of an ever changing woman. . .. . . who learns more about who God is each day through the beauty and words of her children and the gifts of her husband and beautiful friends!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-36048028537692083372011-12-07T12:03:00.004-05:002011-12-07T12:08:55.538-05:00A Fun Christmas Tradition<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">I LOVE my girlies more than words could ever express, but if I had to choose my favorite person on this earth, it would be my sweet husband, Joshua. Biblically, I believe that God designed it that way, and practically, it just works! He's got so many qualities that I fell in love with over 11 years ago and has only improved upon and added to that long list since our time together! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">As I consider this beautiful Christmas season, one of joy, of hope, of promise, of mercy, of love, of kindness, of grace; all gifts of God through the birth, and then ultimately, the death and resurrection of His Son, I also consider the joy that comes with celebrating it with my family! And though there is nothing like experiencing Christmas through the bright, beautiful eyes of a child, there are still some fun things that I look forward to sharing with Joshua each and every year.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">One of our favorite holiday traditions is to put the girls to bed (waiting to make sure they are asleep after their giggles, their attempts to get in and out of their bed/room) and settling in for the night to cuddle up on the couch with warm apple cider while laughing hysterically at National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! Yes, we could quote most every line. Yes, we have seen it about 100 times since it aired back when we were kids. Yes, we know the jokes and yes, we still laugh as if it is the first time we have watched it! It has little sentimental meaning and doesn't just make us feel all warm and gooshy inside, but for those 2 hours, we enjoy just "being" together. We forget the presents we have left to purchase. We forget the many obligations and events we have to attend. We forget to consider how to make things even more fun for the girls for the Christmas holiday. We refuse to worry about how all of the above things will get accomplished in the few weeks we have left before Christmas. We refuse to multi-task by wrapping gifts, signing cards and online shopping. We just laugh. Together. And it's fabulous!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Georgia"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b><i>What are some ways that you and your favorite person celebrate the holidays together, forgetting the stuff that can make us truly forget the important things?</i></b></span></p></span></span>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-62007043600574771492011-11-11T13:36:00.004-05:002011-11-11T13:49:59.884-05:00Sweat: Liquid Awesome<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/378992922/" target="_blank"><img src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/230035493436362534_Ol8x7EyK_c.jpg" border="0" width="300" height="199" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"><p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=fitness+inspiration&start=74&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1580&bih=676&tbm=isch&tbnid=d_MmtL2I9u0bIM:&imgrefurl=http://carlybananas.com/2011/10/14/friday-fitness-inspiration-5/&docid=knV9DclTJZcCvM&imgurl=http://carlybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sweat-300x199.jpg&w=300&h=199&ei=XBOmTuiuEOHd0QGN4qj4DQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1167&vpy=215&dur=1285&hovh=159&hovw=240&tx=138&ty=84&sig=102286003121407247286&sqi=2&page=4&tbnh=117&tbnw=153&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:74">google.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/rachael_orejana/" target="_blank">Rachael</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p></div><div><br /></div><div>My bestie and I were just discussing fitness this morning, as we always do (among 1000's of other topics we can cover in a period of time while indulging in pumpkin soy lattes and splitting a cinnamon crunch bagel). We have always enjoyed "sweating." Well, maybe I should qualify this. She's always enjoyed sweating, as her days of an athlete/well above average active woman far surpass mine. Me? I have just learned to enjoy the roll of a good shin sweat over the last 4 1/2 years since I decided, or rather, God decided, that I owed it to Him and to my family and friends to be not just "OK" before Him, but to be EXCELLENT in all I strive to do, for His glory, which yes folks, includes your health and fitness! So, sweat quickly became my friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sweat has so many scientific properties and is perfect for what the body needs (cooling down, releasing toxins, etc.), but sweat is also a good sign of a job well done in using the body as it was created. So next time you sweat from being "overly active" or as a result of a effective, quality, hard workout, think of it as "liquid awesome," or as "fat crying," but always think of it as a huge work of God to remind you that your body is a machine that was created BY Him and FOR Him!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29482" style="line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: text-top; ">16</sup> For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16</span></i></span></div>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-53677583472517808772011-11-10T12:12:00.001-05:002011-11-10T12:12:33.443-05:00Thanksgiving<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><b><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23326" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; ">9</sup> “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23327" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; ">10</sup> Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23328" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; ">11</sup> If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23329" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top; ">12</sup> So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.</span></b></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><span class="woj"><b>Matthew 7:9-12</b></span></span></i></span></div><div><br /></div>Thanksgiving. Such a beautiful word filled with thoughts of elementary school studies (you remember seeing kiddos in your lunch room being replaced by little people wearing construction paper pilgrim hats and Native American head dresses/feathers), lining the tables and enjoying what was considered a "Thanksgiving Feast," ala public school lunchroom. It's a word filled with thoughts of family. Of being together with those you love, and some, you do well to love, and sharing laughter, food, football on the family TV and thoughts of Christmas knocking loudly at the door. It's a word, that combined with the words, "after," "day," and "sale," brings excitement to the hearts of serious (or crazy, I'm not sure which best describes this tribe of people yet, even though I have been privy to what is known as Black Friday) bargain shoppers who wish to get the best things for the least money!<div><br /></div><div>But, what is Thanksgiving? I am not a linguist, but I do love how the day that we celebrate in our country as the day that two groups of people came together to unite, even for a day, and celebrate freedom and friendship, is made up of two words: "thanks" and "giving." And as I sit to ponder this post, I wonder how little that I really think of either words as being crucial to that particular holiday, or, any day for that matter? Personally, I have more than I can even begin to type or even categorize in the way of "things for which I am thankful," and when it comes to actually "giving thanks," do I equally do more than enough of that to account for my many blessings? I won't bore you with the hundreds of things I can spout off when it comes to things that bless me, all beyond what I deserve, but I do wish to challenge you, as well as myself this season of Thanksgiving.</div><div><br /></div><div>May we all not only recognize the people, things and most importantly, the God who wishes to give His children (who aren't worthy) good gifts (and by gifts, I don't mean nice cars, fancy homes or the latest Apple product), but may we then turn and give to others out of our abundance. Out of our abundance of funds. Out of our abundance of "yard sale" boxes. Out of our abundance of time (and yes, we may feel spent, but we always have more time to give for the things that matter most to us). Out of our abundance of food. Out of our abundance of hope. And most importantly, out of our abundance of the joy, which comes down from the Father of light, who does not change like shifting shadows, who not only wishes to give us good and perfect gifts (James 1:17), but who then wishes us to share all for which we have been given with those who may be lacking in their abundance, even this very moment!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanksgiving. May it be truly a season for us to be thankful, but also, to give. . . sacrificially, joyfully, abundantly, freely, as Christ has given to us!</div></span>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-78256241053293698822011-11-01T11:37:00.002-05:002011-11-01T12:06:02.633-05:00Feels like HomeNovember 1, 2010. It was a date that I was dreading and a date that I longed for! It was the day that we officially moved to a small town in southern Ohio known as Hillsboro. It was the day that I had eagerly been anticipating, as it was confirmed over and over by questions answered and opportunities granted. It was a day that I equally loathed, as I would no longer be living in my "Old Kentucky Home," of which I had never known any different in my then 31 years. It was a day that made my heart full of joy to not only see my husband be able to spend his days doing what God had made Him for, as a minister of the gospel, but to also be able to spend more time around the dinner table as a family, to snuggle up on the couch after the girls went to bed because he no longer had 4 hours of class that would keep him from home until after 10 pm, and even, to have him work next door for impromptu lunch dates and errand runs together! It was a day that made my heart full of sorrow, to know that our families, who had been just 15 and 45 minutes away, along with all of our beautiful friends, were now going to be 3 or more hours from us. It was a day that I anticipated new friendships, of which God has continued to grant and surprise me with in His creative ways of connecting me to so many beautiful and unique women in and around this community!<div><br /></div><div>It was a day of laughter. It was a day of tears. It was a day of hope. It was a day of fears (sorry, I really didn't plan the rhyme!).<div><br /></div><div>It was a day. And above anything that my heart and head were telling me, God was whispering His peace to me: Peace in the timing, peace in the location, peace in the tears, peace in the laughter. That He was sovereign. That He was in control. And that in it all, He knew I would be here way before we knew, and that Joshua was His physical reminder. A reminder here in this place of uncertainty. A reminder that God is always present and that wherever He is, is my home. Joshua and I had always said early on in our marriage, that no matter where God may lead, with God as the center of our marriage, wherever we are together is HOME!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here we are. November 1, 2011 marks our year anniversary as Hillsboro, Ohio residents. It's been 365 1/4 days! Each day has been different, like everyone's days. It's not been an easy transition some days! Other days, it's been smooth sailing. Truth be told, I miss my family. I miss my Target strolls with a Starbuck's cup in my hands. I miss my 5 minute run to the mall to grab something quickly. I miss the bright lights and the strolls downtown Louisville, one of the prettiest downtowns around. I miss all of the wonderful little eateries in the Highlands. I miss dropping into my mom-in-law's beauty shop, just to get a quick hug and say, "I love you." But in those moments, God still whispers to me that He is home, that Joshua is home and that as our little family cuddles together in the cold, dreary days or runs and giggles together on the warm, sunshiny days, I'm never out of place. Joshua is my other half. With him, I am one. With him, I'm always home. God's design for marriage has so many implications that I don't understand, but I am not one to question when each day is made sweeter with the home that we continue to build together, in Christ, no matter the city, town, or "'boro!"</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="22" align="center" class="mainbk" style="background-color: rgb(185, 227, 255); "><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="bluebk3" width="98%" style="background-color: rgb(249, 253, 255); background-image: url(http://bible.cc/lline.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat repeat; "><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" class="btext" height="20" style="font-size: 14px; color: rgb(0, 19, 32); line-height: 21px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-decoration: none; text-align: justify; "><p><i><b>This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Genesis 2:24</b></i></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-968090121021999912011-04-10T08:50:00.004-05:002011-04-10T08:55:09.410-05:00How Sweet It Is!What's sweeter than coming into the living room, seeing your beautiful 3 year old girl standing at the door, awaiting the arrival of Daddy and sissy from school and hearing her pass the time by softly saying, "Thewah-fow, as God's chosen people, holy and dealy loved, clothe youwself with compassion, kindness, bumisy (humility), gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12"? <div><br /></div><div>Nothing is sweeter! Nothing! May my girls always hide God's Word in their heart!</div>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-37521179524186831492011-03-02T21:46:00.001-05:002011-03-13T16:50:00.398-05:00Muddy MamasI am so very humbled to get to contribute to another blog that takes other ladies who, like myself, are just lumps of clay outside of the Potter's Hands, but are beautiful creations within them! Check out how God is moving and growing each of us and we pray that you may be encouraged as you read and share with us on this muddy journey called life!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.muddymamas.blogspot.com/">Muddy Mamas: Pursuing God's beauty in Imperfect Lives<br /></a><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><br /></p></div></div>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-74775064643577151262011-03-01T14:26:00.003-05:002011-03-01T14:37:52.277-05:0020 pounds, glass jars and 3 year oldsI'm not feeling well today. I have a 20 pound head (or so it seems) full of snot. I feel like I'm talking, and hearing, in a glass jar. My ears ache and my body almost requires the same level of adjective as my ears! I'm not in bed, I don't have a fever, but I just am not "Lela" today! But, life continues. There were lunches to be made, breakfast to enjoy with my family before everyone rushed out the door for school and work, newsletters to be folded and conversation to be enjoyed at First Baptist. You get the idea! Life continues and carries on. I do my best to push on, as if nothing is different, but anyone who knows me would recognize that there's a lot less pep in my step, a few less giggles and maybe, a few more dark circles under my eyes! I'm hopped up on Sudafed, Advil, Neti-pot solution and tons of vitamin C, water and prayers for a quick recovery from this "ick" of winter!<br /><br />But, the best medicine so far today out of that long list of "doctor-yourself" solutions? Laney, as we lay together on the couch, just says in the silence, <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Mommy, I wanna pway foh you! 'Dea-ah God, please help mommy feel bettah. Amen!" </span>Nothing is as sweet as the sincere, straightforward, unhindered, unprompted prayer of your 3 year old who sees that mommy isn't quite herself and that God, the Great Physician, is the only true and effective help in Mommy's time of need. And nothing is as amazing as watching God move in the heart and mind of your 3 year old, knowing that she's responding to His promptings, even when she doesn't realize it quite yet! <br /><br />I am feeling much better already!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-27354763622218374112011-03-01T14:24:00.001-05:002011-03-01T14:38:07.174-05:00Time to Get Real<span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">This post is written by my favorite person on the face of this earth. He has a way with words, a way of challenging me with God's Word, and he's awfully cute! This is a subject that we have both been battling lately since we both experienced a major move and along with it, major life change. May you be encouraged, as I was, as you read my husband's words and remember to look upward and out!</span><br /><br /></span>It’s time to get real.<div><br />As I write these words I am sitting in my office sulking. Pouting like a 4 year old boy who didn’t get to buy the GI Joe he really wanted at Toys R Us. (I want to throw a fit but am refraining) The morning started with a wonderful argument with my wife followed by a series of text messages to try to explain my stupidity and ask for forgiveness (yes I know texting isn’t the best way to go about those things, but it will start the ball rolling so I can continue the convo in person). So, why am I so on edge and taking it out on those closest to me?</div><div><br /><b>I’m a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and at times I’m lonely.</b></div><div><br />I am surrounded by a wonderful support system starting with my family. I could not have designed a better woman to fill the role of best friend, wife, and ministry partner and our girls are amazing. As I write and try to keep a frown on my face, I find myself being encouraged via two phone calls from close friends and a visit in the office. I serve a God who has overcome all odds and provided me freedom from sin and the promise of life eternal through Jesus and yet, here I sit at my desk starring at the wall.</div><div><br />WHAT’S THE DEAL! SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP! WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?!?</div><div><br /><b>Oh yeah, I’m a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and at times I’m lonely.</b></div><div><br />I keep reciting Romans 8:9 in my head waiting for the power of the message to sink in, “You are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit, if you have the Spirit of God living in you,” but nothing happens. Where is that abundant life and overflowing Joy that Jesus speaks of in the book of John (John 10:10& John 15:11)? Where is that contentment that Paul talks about with Timothy or the peace that transcends all understanding that is supposed to guard my heart and mind (1 Timothy 6:6 & Philippians 4:7)? Why are there days that I just can’t seem to snap out of a funk?</div><div><br /><b>Oh yeah, I’m a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and at times I’m lonely.</b></div><div><br />I know it. God knows it. Lela knows it. And now, you know it. But, you know who else knows it? The Devil. Satan knows it. Big deal, who cares if Satan knows my weaknesses, he’s not the boss of me! He can’t control me. He can’t make me do nothin’! Yet here I sit, pouting, sulking, & feeling sorry for myself. What’s the deal?</div><div><br /><b>I’m a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy..and at times I’m lonely....oh, and Satan knows it.</b></div><div><br />He is taking my weaknesses and using them against me. From time to time I find myself letting him win control of my thoughts, my actions and my feelings. Satan has found a crack in my wall and he is using that weakness to try and break me apart; and in some small ways, its working.<br />I’m tired. I’m tired of using my weaknesses as an excuse and a cop-out.</div><div><br /><b>I’m tired of being a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and I’m tired of being lonely.</b></div><div><br />Too many times in life we allow our weaknesses to control us. We allow the imperfect parts of who we are to dictate our thoughts and our actions. To often we allow Satan to gain a foothold in our lives because it is easier than fighting. Why is it easier? Because fighting is hard, it’s ugly and it hurts. The problem with not fighting is that you are left with only one choice: surrender. I don’t have a problem with surrender, its just I much rather choose when, where and to whom I’m going to surrender. When you surrender you hope to get something in return. If I surrender to my weaknesses, to those things Satan wants me to experience, all I get in return is to be a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy...and I get to be lonely.</div><div><br />In contrast, if I surrender to God and let him fight with me and on my behalf, I get something much more appealing.</div><div><b></b></div><blockquote><div><b>I get freedom.</b></div></blockquote><div>Freedom from being a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and freedom from loneliness. I get the promise that in Christ, I am a new creation because the old has gone away and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). I get to rest in Him because all this fighting has been a heavy burden and made me weary (Matthew 11:28). I begin to realize that as I move closer to God, he in turn moves closer to me (James 4:8). I get to experience hope and the promise that nothing can separate me from the love of God because Jesus conquered death, sin and oppression (Romans 8:37-39).</div><div><br />I know you are tired too. I know that the battle you are fighting is hard and in some cases, you have just surrendered to it because its easier that way. The result however, has not been so good and in some cases it’s been catastrophic. It’s time to start fighting again. It’s time to pick up the pieces and move on.</div><div><br />SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP!</div><div><br />Admit you are a failure. Admit you are worthless. Admit your weaknesses, out loud, and get over yourself. Don’t be a selfish, self-centered, insecure guy. Oh, and don’t be lonely.<br />God is on your side, but you need to be on your side too. You are worth fighting for! Why do you think Satan is trying so hard? Jesus didn’t just sacrifice his life because he didn’t have anything else better to do that day.</div><div><br />As God’s people, we need to make a shift. For too long we have covered our tracks, thinking that what the world needed was a bunch of people acting like everything was okay and that we had it all together. Somehow we thought it would be encouraging and others would want a piece of what we had. Well, it has backfired. Not only do they not want what we are selling, but we have also disillusioned ourselves into thinking that we can’t show weakness. What the world needs and what we need is to see real people. We need to see Real People, living Real Lives, facing Real Challenges, trusting in Real Hope, and experiencing Real Transformation all because of the Real Jesus.</div><div><br />Don’t hold it in any longer. Don’t tuck it away and don’t try to hide. Let it out. Get those weaknesses and insecurities out on the table and let God start working. I pray that my confession is helpful to you. I hope that my candidness and willingness to be open will stir something in side of you. The quicker we can own up to our weaknesses, the quicker we will be able to recognize when the enemy is trying to use them against us.</div><div><br />God loves you and knows you are special. He wants to rescue you and set you free (John 3:16-18).</div><div><br />It’s time to get Real.</div>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-4140432642021772062011-01-25T10:53:00.004-05:002011-01-25T19:00:00.082-05:00All too oftenSo lately, I have been thinking of my life. I know that it should be an offering to God, as He has created us to glorify Him in everything! I also know that God desires our very best! He desires for us to give our "first fruits" and not just the leftovers or the things that aren't quality or worthy of human consumption, let alone, a gift to a holy, almighty God! As I have studied the last couple of weeks in 1 and 2 Samuel, I have been convicted that more often than not, my offerings are less than "first fruit-ish." David is a main character in these books and he did many things well! He loved God with his whole heart, but often, got distracted by his flesh. God, as always, received David's "broken and contrite heart" and restored him with each sincere apology. David yearned to be excellent in God's sight, and knew that of course, he would fall short, but a story in 2 Samuel 24 has kept coming up in my heart and in my mind and comes up over and over as I live life the last couple of weeks! You know, the daily grind, the mundane, the chores, the things that can be difficult to view as offerings, but cannot be discounted as "just things." <br /><br />David had sinned against God and had taken matters into his own hands (as David often did. . . as WE often do), and feeling broken and convicted, decided to repent and though God disciplined David (God even gave David a menu to choose from for his punishments!) as well as those that David ruled, God had mercy and stopped His punishment just short of what He had planned, because of David's heart and willingness to absorb all the punishment and still worship and give thanks to His holy and forgiving God. Araunah, who owned the threshing floor where the Angel was commanded by God to cease his task of destruction, saw David coming and offered to give the king his floor where the altar where David would give his offerings to God would be built. But, David knew the blessing of giving God our best, and that doing so often comes at a cost. In 2 Samuel 24:24, King David says this, <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">"No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” <br /></span></span><br />May I never sacrifice to the Lord offerings that cost me nothing! May I strive to be excellent in everything. May I repent and be restored and feel compelled to build altars to my holy and almighty God where I can bow at His feet, praising and rejoicing and bathing in the grace that God continues to offer me as I seek to glorify Him, but find myself all to often glorifying self! May we all refuse to take the easy way that means nothing to us and is not worthy of the God who breathed into us the breath of life!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-82896253097428380522011-01-11T10:42:00.002-05:002011-01-11T10:51:42.369-05:00Sweetness in the MailboxSo more proof that my "babies" aren't babies anymore arrived in the mail in sweet fashion yesterday. Jovey had her first school picture taken at her previous school, Lowe Elementary in Louisville, KY. Her teacher assured us she would send them to us via the mail. I had forgotten about it until we were greeted with a large envelope yesterday in the mail. Within it was my big girl's first school picture. It wasn't the best picture, but boy, did she look all grown up! I'm not sure when that happened, but if I didn't remember when she uses big words, is starting to have a little flair of culture pop up here and there and is losing teeth here and there, I now have it in photographs with that same gray background that I had some of my own school pics taken in front of! <br /><br />Within that envelope, her sweet teacher also had included letters from her friends in her class at Lowe to express how much they missed her. One of the students even asked about how Jovey's mom was doing! ha! It made my heart smile and brought tears to my eyes to look at a few class pictures that Mrs. Thurman sent, as well as a picture of her own little family that she had shared with me in stories and in amazing things that God had done to make her family even more beautiful, in picture and in person! <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"> I had prayed and prayed all last winter and summer that Jovey's first year at school would be most blessed and full of love as well as a teacher who loved Jesus and had no problem sharing that with Jovey and her friends. God blew my mind and made the whole "sending off my baby to school" process much easier. Even now, with a simple envelope full of memories, He reminds me of how well he cares for His children.<br /><br />Thanks, God, for providing amazing and meaningful relationships in this life that remind us of how much you love us and how much you wish for us to see the many ways you share that with us, even on a regular day through the regular postal service, using regular people! </span>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-58502594067785592942011-01-01T20:34:00.005-05:002011-01-01T22:40:53.171-05:00I came, I saw. . .I have a long way to go!A new year. . . as a "blogger", used loosely since I am not the greatest at always keeping this wonderful mode of communication and expression updated, I would be remiss to not include a look behind, reflecting upon lessons learned and then, to look forward, taking in where I stand now as a woman who is ever changing and where God wishes to take me along this journey of life that He has so intricately and amazingly crafted for us all to encourage, love and lift up one another, all in Christ's name and for God's glory! <br /><br />2010 was full of moments, as each year is. Sad ones, happy ones, angry ones, silly ones, crazy ones, quiet ones. . . it was, as each moment is, a time to live. Each moment was a time to not live for what I desire, but for what God desires in me. Each moment, I chose. I chose to fall to my flesh and disobey and downright disregard God's will for my life. I chose to praise Him and seek Him in the smallest giggle of my children and in the biggest moments on my knees before Him, ever so grateful, even in my shame, for His infinite grace and unfailing mercy in forgiveness. I chose to be loud, too loud to hear myself think, let alone to hear God speak. I chose to be quiet before Him, closing out the distractions and focusing in on His face alone. I chose to raise my voice to my children and snap at them for no good reason. I chose to ask for forgiveness, from a holy God and from my beautiful girls, for unholy anger and hearts broken. I chose to laugh off the things of childhood and teach my children, directing them in the ways of the Lord outlined in His Word and prayerfully holding my tongue and training theirs. I ate way too many "bad" things for me and not near enough "good" things, defiling the temple a bit with each time of gluttony. I p90x'd, Insanity'd, tae bo'd and ran and pushed my body to the extreme and saw just how amazingly intricate and strong that God made the human form. I nagged my husband, although, I always find ways to justify it and a thesaurus full of words to name it something else. I asked forgiveness for not respecting him and having faith that he will do what he says he will do. I found new things out about my Godly husband as he grew in God's Word and in His desire to love Christ more, therefore, loving our family more! I forgot about God some moments and didn't consider Him in anything. I spent time with God, drinking in His Word and basking in His beauty. <br /><br />Some friendships slowly passed away, or at least, evolved, and I mourned. I missed my sweet friends, the ladies I "did life" with and even now, I <span style="font-style:italic;">still</span> miss them dearly, but praise God for computers, phones and even short visits and trips to catch up over breakfast. My friendship with my best friend continued to evolve, becoming stronger, more solid, and even more fun in the circumstances of life and a tool to learn and grow, sharpening each other, even from miles away. My truest friends came to my rescue more than once, with a skype, an email, a phone call, a text or a visit, reminding me that God always provides and many times, He does so through our closest and most wonderful, God fearing and God honoring friendships. I became excited for a move to a new town with new opportunities to love God and love people. I moved and felt lonely, sad and a bit, ok, WAY out of my element and I cried. I was reminded of God's new mercies every morning and I drank them in in bucketfuls, waiting for God to reveal Himself to me. I felt His arms wrap around me, over and over. <br /><br />I look forward to what's ahead and I am thankful for what's behind. I dance, I sing, I mourn, I cry, I laugh, I whine, I lose, I gain, I rest, I wrestle. . . I am not THERE, but I am getting THERE. I will never be THERE, but I am moving forward and am so blessed for it all!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</span> Philippians 3:12-14Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-22628642941759973712010-12-30T16:45:00.003-05:002010-12-30T16:49:43.366-05:00Of course!We got to enjoy Laney's first preschool Christmas program this year and upon leaving the little reception they had afterward, Joshua proceeded to tell Laney that he recorded the program on our video camera and that she could watch herself when we got home. Laney then replied in pure Laney fashion (which means, with lots of drama and a flair for humor in her sweet, high-pitched voice), "Um, Daddy, I ALREADY saw it when I DID it!" Joshua, unable to dispute the obvious, just replied, "Yes, of course!" Love that girl's fun-loving personality!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-86940761528345361902010-12-11T17:04:00.003-05:002010-12-11T17:29:13.530-05:00Pomp And Circumstance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo-Vgos0CgUHlFm6aNJJYzjQncChwqpLH5dyMbIWDzgxFJQDIfxC8Mf4ZuauG4rhVepDsO9aoNJTQ02xKNdGJYwwLEZZt7zVbDROl4YbukXxbWpmHbNRrYm6XLCQNskZV1RoV0w/s1600/IMG_5816.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo-Vgos0CgUHlFm6aNJJYzjQncChwqpLH5dyMbIWDzgxFJQDIfxC8Mf4ZuauG4rhVepDsO9aoNJTQ02xKNdGJYwwLEZZt7zVbDROl4YbukXxbWpmHbNRrYm6XLCQNskZV1RoV0w/s320/IMG_5816.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549555062275668818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD9czc2PqSTHtjVzQ-tARZwRW5h83oJ6_-adikxJANbpyU9zlg_PmltdZe8W10vZM3FlliIFHUqZ-zx4zSZaszd6TqUs6SLnIPtK_6V3ObMMb0u9_q0-6Gc0Mp8HUZuzhNPuRnw/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD9czc2PqSTHtjVzQ-tARZwRW5h83oJ6_-adikxJANbpyU9zlg_PmltdZe8W10vZM3FlliIFHUqZ-zx4zSZaszd6TqUs6SLnIPtK_6V3ObMMb0u9_q0-6Gc0Mp8HUZuzhNPuRnw/s320/IMG_5814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549549467525397122" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>"Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.: Proverbs 9:9</strong></em><br /><br />It has been a journey. . . a long, challenging, frustrating, beautiful, winding, amazing, tiring, defining journey that we have been on these past 5 years. When Joshua finally surrendered and applied at CU-Louisville after much prayer, study and fighting within himself, we knew that we would go on a journey that would prove to be all of the above adjectives! Little did we know that God would change us in ways that would prove to not only allow us to see Him more clearly, but to truly love him more dearly! To cling to him when hours seemed long. To rest in Him when body, mind and spirit were all exhausted, either from too much school work, too much job work, or too much housework and kiddo stress. To be with Him when we were clueless on how to be with anyone else under the pressure, the thin-stretched time with family and the chaos of life. To trust in Him that when he says, "It is ok, my child" that truly, it is going to be MORE than OK! To learn to praise Him when hours spent in class also meant hours spent away from home, bedtime fun missed and the only friends being occasional texts to each other, the clock on the wall and the tv/computer combo that connected us to life! To praise Him that we are no longer the people we were 5 years ago and that as He promised, we are all OK!<br /><br />Congratulations for the accomplisment of yet another piece of paper to hang on the wall, Joshua. But for more than that, for always seeking, moving and bringing us along on this fabulous journey to which you have been called in Christ's name! I'm so glad that I get the opportunity to minister alongside you and encourage you toward excellence! I have always known you can do anything you put your mind to, and now, there are framed pieces of paper to help back that fact up!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-22958096548967894302010-12-02T11:11:00.002-05:002010-12-02T11:28:49.475-05:006?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ez-aiv4uRpzefzmityjr1KJIEuso5iymA4bKgAyOUWxkdx0UwZYJIvIFGvCtw0hd5hMkt0JRjicEb0i89HYG005yPJfzSv1BSX0isWm5mGrTx7UsKhHocuW3b3P0Wl4WtvonRQ/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ez-aiv4uRpzefzmityjr1KJIEuso5iymA4bKgAyOUWxkdx0UwZYJIvIFGvCtw0hd5hMkt0JRjicEb0i89HYG005yPJfzSv1BSX0isWm5mGrTx7UsKhHocuW3b3P0Wl4WtvonRQ/s320/IMG_6127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546118890755021554" /></a><br /><br />6? Really? This beauty that we named Jovey, an idea for a different, cute name that we heard in a movie that is now one of our fav holiday flicks, is really 6 years old? It seems like yesterday that we were just a family of 2, talking, praying and joking about what life would be with kiddos, but of course, waiting and enjoying our time together. Then, after almost 2 years of marriage, we felt the nudge from God and made the leap and God blessed us with a pregnancy that although wasn't easy, was a time of growth in our lives as people, as each new season of life should be! I didn't get to even hold this sweet beauty right after birth, due to the high doses of morphene medical staff quickly put into my IV after birth, but wow, I instantly fell in love as they laid that crying, wiggling, big baby on my chest. This little miracle quickly stole both Joshua's and my heart and we both viewed God, ourselves and life through different lenses! <br /><br />Jovey is. .. well, she's just Jovey! She's happy, dramatic, giggly, bright, quick witted, sassy (we are working on that one), a leader, a perfectionist and quick to offer a smile! We love her more with each new day and as we sit back to see how God works in her little life, we stand amazed at the miracle that she is; that we all are! That God would see fit to entrust us with her little life for a few years, teaching her the things of life and most importantly, the things of God and the grace offered through His son, Jesus! We are in no way experts in how to raise the two precious girls, but we sure do enjoy trying and then laughing, crying and being covered in glitter and tears (Joshua's observation of life around the McFarland homestead) along the way! <br /><br />Happy birthday, big girl! May you always know that home is a safe place to fall for you , that we love you so very much and that God loves you so much more than we ever could! May you always remember that you are very special and that you are always loved! "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. . ." Jeremiah 1:5Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-50513658551750153932010-12-02T08:08:00.002-05:002010-12-02T08:23:21.357-05:00CrunchesJoshua busted his ankle in good fashion after playing a pick-up game with a friend on Monday. To spare you the gaggig, I will not post a pic, but trust me, his ankle is all sorts of pretty colors and roughly the size of a small grapefruit. The doctor at our church looked at it last night and ordered x-rays be taken this morning so she could look at them and know whether or not he needed to be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon from there (too bad the one we know and trust is in Florida doing his fellowship before he moves a short 45 minutes away from us). <br /><br />She did suggest he buy a special lace up brace as well as use crutches to keep pressure off the tendons that are probably pretty damaged. A sweet church member ran home and came back within 5 minutes (love a small town) with a pair of crutches for Joshua. So, Jovey and Laney are excited, to say the least, to see daddy hobbling around on his crutches. <br /><br />"I LOVE your new crunches, daddy!" says Jovey. Joshua told her quickly that he'd rather be on the floor doing crunches than hobbling around with crutches! ha!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-53012876183982273232010-11-22T16:42:00.004-05:002010-11-22T19:10:53.518-05:00Lights, Wreaths and Flip Flops?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBr2WWuO78xSodFMPVBEoDFJqGjclVxrhINDhlyWLzqSgsEaBCVGP7ZipCwb6xDRqmdyJBnr95eT8qapQqLOHxqdRr2n-ZQz7cPjfrIX1lu2NLH2FN7xWJnmzBOZ43eOMjLHNuA/s1600/flip+flop+wreaths"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBr2WWuO78xSodFMPVBEoDFJqGjclVxrhINDhlyWLzqSgsEaBCVGP7ZipCwb6xDRqmdyJBnr95eT8qapQqLOHxqdRr2n-ZQz7cPjfrIX1lu2NLH2FN7xWJnmzBOZ43eOMjLHNuA/s320/flip+flop+wreaths" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542493240075404306" /></a><br /><br />No, I didn't make this wreath, but after we decided to do some outdoor decorating on this beautiful, unseasonably warm 22nd of November, it may be a bit more appropo than the evergreen wreaths we are currently hanging on our windows, while I am standing outside watching the girlies and Joshua enjoy this fun, festive time of year with shorts and flops on! Isn't this usually a horrid, cold, frosty job whose completion is always merrily met with mugs of hot chocolate and warm baths? I'm not going to complain, though, and even with the gusty wind and the warm temps, I will be glad to greet everyone with a big dose of "Merry Christmas, have a glass of iced sweet tea!" :-)Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-66048446883859874032010-11-19T13:07:00.004-05:002010-11-19T13:26:58.266-05:00These are the daysToday, I got to experience a great perk of being married to a man in vocational ministry within the local church: THE BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, MOST AMAZING, BLESSED, NECESSARY, FUN, (hmmm. .. I'm sure I could keep going on, but I will refrain) DAY OFF DURING THE WEEK! You see, Sundays, although wonderful and amazing because it's a day that is set aside to worship and praise our awesome God with others who desire to do the same, and made even more amazing to a pastor who gets the humble opportunity to share the gospel with a large group of people gathered at one time to hear from God, it is also a day that is considered a "work" day for those within the vocation of ministry. Many times, on top of worship gatherings, there are also counseling sessions (many times impromptu), meetings, and other things that require a pastor's attention, which usually doesn't include the sacred Sunday afternoon nap. So, many congregations, aware of the need for some extra "recharging" will require pastors to choose a day off during the week to claim as his day off. For now, Fridays are Joshua's "day off" and it's been a lovely day so far! <br /><br />We got to take the girls to school together, and then, grab some coffee and some breakfast at the sweet, little, local coffee shop in town. It is hidden in a gas station and it has more than comparable Starbuck's quality coffees and other drinks! It was nice to sit down, chat about the week, and just really be able to share in all that God is already doing as we have been living in Hillsboro for the past 20 days! We then headed back to church for the IT lady to come and check some things out and get things a bit more updated and running a bit smoother (Joshua could have done this, but is learning to appreciate that there are people in line for these things and what he has always done as the "anything" guy is being a bit lifted from him and he is starting to enjoy the weight lifted!). Then, off to the YMCA to take a tour and join up. We figured this would be yet another venue for us not only to enjoy activities as a family as well as boosting some fitness opportunities for us all, but to also build some relationships within the community outside of the church walls. Because, as always, it's NOT about church and programs or even worship services, but it IS all about Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross and then, gave us mandate to share with all we can while living this life that we so gracefully have been given! Then, it was time to pick up our sweet Laney Belle from preschool and enjoy laughing at her silly ways and eating lunch together at home. <br /><br />These are the days that make the last 5 years of 2-3 jobs plus full time school all worthwhile. These are the days that make this past week that has been a bit hazy and bumpy for me seem just that, a thing of the past! These are the days that remind me what a precious gift it is to have beautiful girls together that connect Joshua and I on an even more amazing level than we could have ever imagined! These are the days that seeing God in the little things, including taking a tour of the cute little gas station that houses a generic "Subway" sandwich shop, a little pizza place, a locally owned coffee house, and your usual drinks, smokes and snacks, makes me more and more grateful that God has lead us to this little town for this season of our lives! <br /><br />These are the days that I have nothing else to do but to be grateful for a great God who saw fit to put me with a wonderful minister (both to his family and to all he meets) of a man, to gift us with two beautiful, wonderful, wide-eyed little girls and still, loves us all through the cross of Christ, even on our worst days!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-65654850112258047532010-11-18T12:52:00.006-05:002010-11-18T14:14:56.392-05:00Great Big World, Sweet Little Town<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6RF4_f7blSWFOP_jXwDoGErMxcezHFDlSLFtP3mhKnI_EwfszCZDTiYRTN4yoTUFLNQdrt588HhUYRnsVGHvlmjxxFxVVnMIOdaVcQMlGQvRXCYEI1UUIUoKcRNyGsPBrOld9w/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6RF4_f7blSWFOP_jXwDoGErMxcezHFDlSLFtP3mhKnI_EwfszCZDTiYRTN4yoTUFLNQdrt588HhUYRnsVGHvlmjxxFxVVnMIOdaVcQMlGQvRXCYEI1UUIUoKcRNyGsPBrOld9w/s320/IMG_5745.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540970336607912354" /></a><br />There are so many things to catch up with on here and there just is not enough time, or enough patience to get my brain in order, so I guess I should just start with a quick update! <br /><br />Joshua, my sweet, hott, minister of a hubby, was recently called to be the lead pastor at a church in a little town in Ohio about 45 minutes northeast of Cincy called Hillsboro. It's a sweet little town that is drastically different than the big city life that is Louisville, but we are learning to adjust to the quiet, more laid back lifestyle offered by a small community again! <br /><br />The girls are loving their schools and we are always greeted with smiles upon their pick-up! My oldest, Jovey Kay, is now in kindergarten while my baby, Laney Belle, is in preschool 3 days a week. They continue to be more than blessings to Joshua and me, and everyone they see each day! They fill the house with giggles, cries, pouts, excitement and at times, drama and attitude! They are two of God's greatest gifts to us!<br /><br />Joshua is loving the fact that he finished his master's study in theology in October and that he is only claming one job now. He will receive the official degree in December with all the graduation regalia and will hang another display of the hard work and sacrifice that we have all put forth to see this act of obedience become a joyful time of celebration and fruit, as he now feels more prepared to share the gospel with even more knowledge, conviction and fervor! It is truly amazing how God says to do something and then, in time, always rewards the effort with a deeper love and respect for Him as our creator! Truly, we are forever changed for these past 5 challenging, beautiful, wonderfully tiring years of Joshua's schooling!<br /><br />I am finding my way. I was born, ironically, just 45 minutes from our new town in the little town of Maysville, KY. Even then, I was definitely a "big city girl" and always would find new energy each time we would go to the nearest cities of Lexington or Cincy or Florence to truly "shop" or experience "downtown". So, moving back to a quieter, gentler way of life has been nice, but is definitely taking a little bit of getting used to! I mean, the nearest Target, Starbuck's, Chick-fil-a and mall are all a 45-50 minute drive! Before, I was within a 2 mile radius of multiple locations of each! Yes, silly, but it does definitely change one when a physical move is involved. Unfortunately, it's never just physical, since with new locations also are included new relationships, so I rely on my super big God to help me see where I fit in this puzzle called Hillsboro, OH. I can't wait to see what He has in store for this little lady in His great big, beautiful world and in this sweet, sleepy little town in southern Ohio!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-11948899409604650722010-05-19T09:14:00.002-05:002010-05-19T09:37:10.719-05:00"Where He Leads Me"I've been missing lately! Not just missing on keeping my posts updated on here, although, that's pretty normal for me, but missing truly surrendering. Surrendering what I want, what I think I deserve, where I think I should be. All the while, God has been reminding me that all I need to do is to follow Him. It may not produce my dream house as an abode or a new wardrobe each season or even every little thing I would like to keep my fridge and pantry stocked with without concern to budget, but it will produce joy, contentment, blessing and a desire to live out what God has called all of his children to, to truly manifest Christ in the world! May I stop dwelling on me and remember that it has nothing to do with me, but has everything to do with making Him known! <em>"That ye may know what is the hope of His calling . . ." Ephesians 1:18</em><br /><br /><br />1. I can hear my Savior calling, <br /> I can hear my Savior calling, <br /> I can hear my Savior calling, <br /> "Take thy cross and follow, follow me." <br />Refrain:<br /> Where he leads me I will follow, <br /> where he leads me I will follow, <br /> where he leads me I will follow; <br /> I'll go with him, with him all the way. <br /><br />2. I'll go with him through the garden, <br /> I'll go with him through the garden, <br /> I'll go with him through the garden, <br /> I'll go with him, with him all the way. <br /> (Refrain) <br /><br />3. I'll go with him through the judgment, <br /> I'll go with him through the judgment, <br /> I'll go with him through the judgment, <br /> I'll go with him, with him all the way. <br /> (Refrain) <br /><br />4. He will give me grace and glory, <br /> He will give me grace and glory, <br /> He will give me grace and glory, <br /> and go with me, with me all the way. <br /> (Refrain)Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-24210781420606739722010-04-08T07:31:00.002-05:002010-04-08T07:36:41.441-05:00This is Laney Belle. . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk_AyzL3J4nGRjOX6B5oafrpymSJZDM5slQeA1qiUGfaOv3uPsOz7ajFiEfPa-DZNyBh5RvV3J3JFcBAxUrd9YGQwQvXpNFkAygqe46LIxDVdKfVibmIc1XTnx5wos_td0wznEw/s1600/IMG_4624.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQk_AyzL3J4nGRjOX6B5oafrpymSJZDM5slQeA1qiUGfaOv3uPsOz7ajFiEfPa-DZNyBh5RvV3J3JFcBAxUrd9YGQwQvXpNFkAygqe46LIxDVdKfVibmIc1XTnx5wos_td0wznEw/s320/IMG_4624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457744622191984930" /></a><br /><br /><br />This pic sums up our little Laney. ..slightly pigeon-toed, always trying to figure out what's going on and where she is (she gets this from her mother), compact, and completely adorable! It's hard to believe she will be 3 in just a couple of months! I'm not sure when that happened, but she definitely keeps this house interesting with her pranks, her giggles, and yes, even her whines and her quirks that make her completely Laney Belle!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-33412651657485134882010-03-23T15:14:00.005-05:002010-03-23T15:26:34.417-05:00Made New AgainIt's Spring! The sun is shining brighter, the temperatures are a lot more conducive to a light jacket as compared to an Eskimo coat and gloves, and though I can look at the pic below and have wonderful memories of snow, hot chocolate and cuddling up with my best friend by the fire after the girls were tucked in for the night, I was more than ready to say a loud, "Adios!" to Winter! <br /><br />As I look toward the things that spring brings, I can't help but also remember the season of hope, the season of love and the season of renewal that comes with the celebration of the Gospel; the death, the resurrection and the realization of who Jesus Christ was, is and always will be in the hearts of those that believe! I have been studying the book of Romans lately, and it's such a reminder of who I am and continue to become, all because of the Gospel! Nothing more, nothing less! I boldy get to proclaim that I am nothing good apart from Christ (Psalm 16:2) and that unashamedly, I claim a love that is like no other, for everyone, and for every time! As I look forward to the joy that comes with the new season, I pray that I will also be able to find joy in the new season of life that God has called me to, to be still before God, to be hungry for the things of God, and to be willing to discern the difference between what I think will make me happy and what God truly knows will bring Him glory! <br /><br /><strong><em>"I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for the salvation of EVERYONE who believes in Him!" Romans 1:16</em></strong>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-2143154476139571542010-02-16T15:45:00.001-05:002010-02-16T15:48:39.442-05:00Snow PrincessLast week's snow made for perfect snowman creating, so I give you:<br /><br /><em><strong>Princess Tiana, the Snow Princess</strong>, </em>(and of course, my princesses, Jovey Kay and Laney Belle!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH-KEffJd_y9NEqFLHyycyPqlG81snT7Twh-UN_qivptPcUyfD7QvKakvMxjExbfHIAyPUOISLa4h5eRuaXh6Zty7gkWTj1V_KVn1jVQE5JLUgbIFMz1XrL50fxdfJSS2paH4Og/s1600-h/IMG_4596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZH-KEffJd_y9NEqFLHyycyPqlG81snT7Twh-UN_qivptPcUyfD7QvKakvMxjExbfHIAyPUOISLa4h5eRuaXh6Zty7gkWTj1V_KVn1jVQE5JLUgbIFMz1XrL50fxdfJSS2paH4Og/s400/IMG_4596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438945516849248674" /></a>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-23404246940025055112010-02-10T14:59:00.002-05:002010-02-10T15:13:56.697-05:00And, more snow. . .. . . OK, I will be lying if I were to say that I was just simply thrilled with the impending storm that was being predicted for our area once again this week. Once I see a good snow, get some cute pics of my kiddos loving it, have some hot cocoa (that always tastes best after some time in the snow), have some snow cream and make a snow man (or princess in the McFarland home's case), I'm pretty much over it. I don't love seeing snow mounded up for days and weeks in parking lots, I'm not a huge fan of snow clothes laying all over the place and boots sitting by the door to greet us as if to say, "wanna stomp around in us for a while. .. those flip flops get way too much time out in the open", I don't love the wind chill that is made even chillier when mixed with the moist snow. . . I'm just not a huge fan of snow overall, except in small doses. <br /><br />So while my niece is over playing with my girlies today, with her mom and dad busy at work, I have had more time to look out of the patio door and really consider the snow. Not the cold, not the mess, but the snow. One of my favorite hymns growing up (when I LOVED the snow, mind you), was <em>Whiter than Snow </em>by James L. Nicholson. I used to sing the words, but now, I truly see the beauty in the lyrics and the message that is so simply put. . . <br /><br /><em>Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;<br />I want Thee forever to live in my soul.<br />Break down every idol, cast out every foe;<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Refrain<br />Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Lord Jesus, let nothing unholy remain,<br />Apply Thine own blood and extract ev’ry stain;<br />To get this blest cleansing, I all things forego—<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Refrain<br /><br />Lord Jesus, look down from Thy throne in the skies,<br />And help me to make a complete sacrifice.<br />I give up myself, and whatever I know,<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Refrain<br /><br />Lord Jesus, for this I most humbly entreat,<br />I wait, blessèd Lord, at Thy crucified feet.<br />By faith, for my cleansing, I see Thy blood flow,<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Refrain<br /><br />Lord Jesus, Thou seest I patiently wait,<br />Come now, and within me a new heart create;<br />To those who have sought Thee, Thou never saidst “No,”<br />Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.<br /><br />Refrain<br /><br />The blessing by faith, I receive from above;<br />O glory! my soul is made perfect in love;<br />My prayer has prevailed, and this moment I know,<br />The blood is applied, I am whiter than snow.</em><br /><br />Can the Gospel be applied any better? Can we all long for more than to sit at Jesus' crucified feet and be made whole, fully clean before Him? Can we ask for anything better than for a new heart to be made within us each day, to focus wholly on the things of Christ? <br /><br />May the snow be not a reminder of the mess, of the cold, of the dirty mounds that sit in parking lots, and not even just the joy that comes with watching my children throw it up in the air and trudge knee deep in the squishy goodness, but may it ALWAYS be a reminder that I long to be whiter than snow in my own heart, to "all things forego" so that I can experience only the things that God wishes to teach me, even in the still and the silence of the snow!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-90754735901238040432010-02-01T14:20:00.006-05:002010-02-01T14:29:23.989-05:00Snow!I was starting to feel guilty for having not taken the girls out in the two sizable snows that we have gotten since the cold, dreary winter set in. So, when it was predicted that we would get a possible 2-5 inches, I decided that it would be the perfect opportunity for . . . daddy to take them out to play in the snow! :-) I was available for bundling up, photographing, hot chocolate making and stripping down to get warm, dry clothes on! The girls had a blast and daddy did too!I think we can now say that we have lived completely this winter! "Come as fast as you can, Spring!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJn14Ornadd4qCURnAZf0Fqx0lsRVJ1y1mmuDXwYVdckcTwTGJRldDJHXeGmBVhIBEiyvgI5LuueCYTG-Ba-w6e7PnKk32PkmN0C3T1eYZpl09THQdwFctCBphQ5L6lD68MgNww/s1600-h/IMG_4511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJn14Ornadd4qCURnAZf0Fqx0lsRVJ1y1mmuDXwYVdckcTwTGJRldDJHXeGmBVhIBEiyvgI5LuueCYTG-Ba-w6e7PnKk32PkmN0C3T1eYZpl09THQdwFctCBphQ5L6lD68MgNww/s200/IMG_4511.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433359183178221586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWR6JDhTBrZwzqYNdkxOd45JDzDOyzFIqMdhLmWyddawm_Nyiyn70yvNk6KYj8ywUU4UFL844n3cF4TgDCp58L_Hk4-BkRan08Tkj69gwhwMIe4TKm7cD00trCSgGz0sWEKV9Tg/s1600-h/IMG_4494.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwWR6JDhTBrZwzqYNdkxOd45JDzDOyzFIqMdhLmWyddawm_Nyiyn70yvNk6KYj8ywUU4UFL844n3cF4TgDCp58L_Hk4-BkRan08Tkj69gwhwMIe4TKm7cD00trCSgGz0sWEKV9Tg/s200/IMG_4494.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433358883692825762" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09SOWE94aP3BVLjpGtFsBsshJ_9Dqh21HJOphSendW9m0hFQvFWwnhk6oMFlWLQmuZ-hIsb-ZED1wrxMFR12gLp5ox9I9iAbosc_4fgghyphenhyphen98kSmnFJSTYLqRw-FNlWZQpMYyf-Q/s1600-h/IMG_4492.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09SOWE94aP3BVLjpGtFsBsshJ_9Dqh21HJOphSendW9m0hFQvFWwnhk6oMFlWLQmuZ-hIsb-ZED1wrxMFR12gLp5ox9I9iAbosc_4fgghyphenhyphen98kSmnFJSTYLqRw-FNlWZQpMYyf-Q/s200/IMG_4492.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433358753811306610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iErkGtbcC4InvFUBfFyo1TfDc6sPyOqWX79bETokbGtH5kWyKetzboDVAbh01j5qwx6jF-Kv26kZSLaZFcOv8R0Q33DkE-lRYXyuV7UKLkAQ4RnsmdQHeCdeC6W3jNw3NZYgKw/s1600-h/IMG_4486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8iErkGtbcC4InvFUBfFyo1TfDc6sPyOqWX79bETokbGtH5kWyKetzboDVAbh01j5qwx6jF-Kv26kZSLaZFcOv8R0Q33DkE-lRYXyuV7UKLkAQ4RnsmdQHeCdeC6W3jNw3NZYgKw/s200/IMG_4486.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433358233646168098" /></a>Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32511830.post-83447298832716283912010-01-20T08:27:00.002-05:002010-01-20T08:42:41.581-05:00". . .as Christ loved the Church."<em><strong>Ephesians 5:25-27 (The Message)<br /><br /> 25-28Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church—a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor—since they're already "one" in marriage. </strong></em><br /><br />My husband and I have been married for 8 years as of yesterday. I remember most every day after we met (at Cedarmore Discovery Camps while on mission teams for the state of KY comprised of college students from all around the state known as Son Teams). Even from the very beginning, I thought Joshua was someone different than any other guy I had met. In wonderful ways, of course! We quickly came to know each other and began coming to one another at the end of the day to share about our campers and pray for each other as well as the students we were ministering to. Shortly after camp was over, as in the first evening we were back at our homes after our 10 week commitment, we began our journey of dating. From there, it was all about committing to something that was very obviously bigger than us, it was a God ordained gift that we should marry and live this life together. <br /><br />Yesterday, we got the opportunity to share lunch together, as our two beautiful girlies were at Parent's Day Out. Joshua already had made plans for us to go out and celebrate on Friday night, so when he came walking in at 8:30 instead of the 10:30 he usually does on Tuesday evenings (he has his master's class every Tuesday night from 6-10), I was more than excited. He had Godiva chocolate covered strawberries in one hand and beautiful flowers in the other. He had skipped class, gone to the mall for the fun treats and was now here to give his full attention to me. He is allowed to miss one class in the 8 week course, so he had chosen this night (and we now pray that he doesn't get sick for the next 5 weeks), telling his professor that he wouldn't be attending because he was going home to see his wife for his anniversary. It is these moments that I can see him back at camp in 2000 when we met, see his smile and know that when I felt that he was different somehow, that I can truly testify that he IS very different. <br /><br />Last night wasn't just a simple class skip to get out of class or to come home. By skipping class, going to spend crazy money on one of my favorite treats, and coming home to just be with me, he was loving me as God has called him to, "as Christ loved the church" as seen in Ephesians 5. To make me more holy and to point me to Christ by being unselfish and choosing me above anything! When I think on my life, I thank God first of all for loving me and sacrificing everything so that I may have joy in life as well as an eternity with Him in heaven, but then, I am quick to thank him second for sending me such a man of God that treats me as I pray that someday, my girls can be treated by their loving, God fearing, unselfish, Christ-like husbands!Lela Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11400787475813572721noreply@blogger.com2