Giving Thanks...

Today is Thanksgiving and I have sooo much to be thankful for...So, while I'm at work, I thought I would write some of them down. In my life, I have found it so incredibly heart-healthy to chronicle God's faithfulness. To have something tangible to look back on when times get hard, or the road narrows. In those times, when my heart knows He is good, my mind finds it easier to believe when there's evidence of His hand. This is just such evidence. Happy Thanksgiving, all. You are loved.

I am thankful:
*That I know the Creator of my heart.
*For a family that I would choose to love even if I wasn't related to them.
*For friends that truly love me just the way I am.
*To be living out my passion.
*For the gift of song...for the love of music and art.
*That God has protected my heart more times than I can count.
*For Southern food and tradition.
*For the hard times, because they have made me grateful for the good ones.
*That I am healthy.
*For the hope of things to come: marriage, a family, eternity with my King.
*For the ability to communicate...with my voice...with my life...the love of Jesus Christ.
*For people to look up to and for people who look up to me. Both offer accountability and joy.
*For coffee.
*That my home is a safe place...not just for me, but for other people.
*For my sister. She is my best friend and urges courage out of me that I could not do alone.
*For the Word. Living and active...Guiding my heart and directing my path.
*For the courage to create things!
*For being able to see real love lived out among the married couples I know.
*That one day I will get to live that out as well.
*For transparent conversations spent lying on the living room floor.
*That I am right where I am doing life with the people I love.
*For seasons' change.
*For good books.
*For new babies and for the families that will raise them in a God-loving/God-fearing home.
*For paint. And for what I can do with it.
*For people who aren't afraid to love hard.
*That real Love crosses language barriers.
*For freedom and for those willing to fight for it.
*For a Way to love the way I was meant to.





1 Chronicles 29:11-13:
"Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name."

Jesus te ama.

I was reunited tonight with some truly amazing women. Women I served with on the mission field of Iquitos, Peru this summer...We shared our latest struggles and joys...our past adventures together...and what the future holds for each of us. It didn't take very long for us to start spilling our hearts. And hearing the excitement in their voices as they spoke of God and His plans, my heart was revitalized. Not that I don't have truly incredible friends that love the Lord with all their heart, because I do (and am deeply grateful)...But because with these girls, I share a very unique bond. We share Peru. And what God did in each of our hearts there is only magnified as we commune.

Julie, my roommate on the trip and dear friend, made a fantastic video documenting our journey. And I sat on my couch tonight with tears in my eyes as I watched. For several reasons... 1. I was overwhelmed at simply seeing some of those precious faces again. 2. My heart was overjoyed. Because I was witnessing all over again what it was like to care about nothing but the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being out of your comfort zone with nothing but the faith that God will speak and move through you will do that to a person. 3. Lastly, I was so moved because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the mission of Christ's gospel will ALWAYS be present in my life. And unless I am physically unable to make the trip every year, I will hit the ground running the race in Peru summer after summer. Because the people there need Christ. And the ones that already know and love Him refresh my spirit in ways that I am sure they are unaware of.

So I praise God tonight. For opening my eyes to the beauty of His gospel. For saving my sick and dying soul. And for giving me the strength, and passion, and ability to go and tell that story. Boldly and sincerely.

Thank you Peru for teaching my heart what love looks like...In a way that I will be forever changed by experiencing. See you again in July. In the meantime, know that Jesus te ama.

Luke 10:2: "...And He said to them, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Inspiring.

I am currently reading a book called, "You Matter More than You Think" by Dr. Leslie Parrott. And I have found it to be both encouraging and difficult to read. I think that one of the hardest things for a woman to do is realize her own worth. And Leslie explores why...Therein, one might see my dilemma. There's this battle between the desire to make a difference in the world around you and actually allowing yourself to do so.

Does it sound crazy that I believe that women stand in their own way? For instance...the girl in her college ministry, who was a true leader in her youth group before moving some-odd hours away to place she's unfamiliar with, LONGS to be that leader in a group that naturally sees her as the new face. Her desire to make a difference is sometimes so great that her thoughts are dominated by ways to make herself stand-out, to fit into a particular "leader" mold, or to force gifts and talents into her life in order to impact someone. When all along, the simple beauty of who she is is more than enough to lift the spirits of a roommate who is missing home. Or her genuine vulnerability is exactly what her classmate needs to bond with...

You see, we stand in our own way when we do not allow God to use us exactly where we are, exactly the way we are. Comparison can kill a heart and drown a spirit. And its sometimes a woman's foulest enemy.

So the next time you wonder if you are making a difference, chances are that you are impacting far more lives than you even realize. Because you're Super Mom or an Independent Woman? Maybe. But probably because you are simply where you're supposed to be, loving the people you are meant to love. Take joy in that. Use that truth to empower your soul to create an environment that causes the people around you to feel inspired.

So whether you are making sandwiches for your kiddos, or coaching a mom through labor, or fighting cancer, or learning everything you can about your major, or completing one more casefile, or planning your wedding, or teaching children not to kick other children, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee...know that you have all the makings to inspire. My prayer is that you start to believe that. Our world would quickly become a better place if you did.

Vegas, and Finals, and Showers, Oh My!

So this has been a slightly crazy week!

I had an incredible opportunity to go to Las Vegas for a conference through work (All paid for! Which was great!). Im pretty sure we went inside every hotel and ate at most of the restaurants. Ok, maybe Im kinda kidding about the restaurants, but we did consume a large amount of breakfast and seafood! I heart buffets! Ashley, Beth, Lauren and I laughed alot and walked even more...But bottom line, I think everyone should visit Vegas at least once :) If for no other reasons than to see the Bellagio fountain show, The Lion King live (and if you dress up and show up right on time, the ushers will get you some amazing seats!), and eat at Tao at the Venetian! Put it on your to-do list!

So we landed in Birmingham at 7:30 on Thursday night. I immediately dropped off my bags and headed to study with some girls from class because we had our comprehensive final exam Friday morning at 9:00 am! Which I passed! I really can't believe that in a little over a month, I will graduate with my Masters! Gosh, it seems like yesterday that I applied! And yet, it seems like this season of life has lasted forever! So, I am finished with the craziness of this semester. I officially have free time again! I could cry just thinking about the chance to sit at a coffee shop and read a book. For leisure! Or go to church on Sunday morning! Or go to the Botanical Gardens! Or take pictures! Or paint! Or watch a television show at its actual running time! I can't wait to enjoy the little things in life again :)

And last but not least, my sweet friend Robin's baby shower is getting closer and closer!! She is having a baby girl, Reese, in December and I can't wait! Hopefully, I will be an incredibly cool aunt and that the shower will be everything Robin hoped for! Praying for Reese, Rob, and Jared as they get closer to the due date :) Love you guys!


Hope everyone has a great weekend! ROLL TIDE!

Graduation Countdown!

P.S. Only 61 days until Graduation!!

Hallelujah and pass the gravy!

God's Providence

Today I was just overwhelmed by the favor of God. Not because I have been given tremendous amounts of favor today specifically, but just looking back at my life and what God has created it to be, its overwhelming. To think that the God of the universe loves me is enough. But to know for certain that He is creating a life especially for me is simply too much. He has prepared my heart to love people...prepared my hands for a job that I love...prepared my mind to understand the words that He speaks to me through circumstances. And I love Him more every single day because of who He is...and who He is creating me to be.

I truly believe that God pieces together each moment to create a lifetime full of stories of His grace. I can see that in my life. Not because I'm anything special, but simply because He is so big...and so intimate at the very same time.

He has provided answers when I deserved none. He has offered comfort when I should have been left to fend for myself. And He has been faithful when I struggle to be. I owe my life to this God...who is more than just that. He is my Father. My friend. He is my strength and my portion and therefore, the reason for my existence. I pray to honor Him in my relationships...to love Him when people don't understand...and to always be grateful.


Psalm 73:23-28
Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Flat on your face.

Ok I realize that this won't be nearly as funny as it was to witness it first hand, but I must share a story of my family. I arrived at the beach this morning and met my aunts, Jean and Cherie. We chatted in the condo as it rained outside...went to a movie as it continued to downpour...and then ate a yummy dinner at Carraba's, while it continued to rain. Did I mention that it was raining at the beach? And maybe this contributed to the delirium that ensued as the afternoon slipped away. Or maybe its because we haven't all hung out in a couple of months. Whatever it was, it made for a laugh-your-tail-off funny day.

So on to my story. Like a cherry on a Sundae, this topped the day off.

We arrived back at the condo tonight as my parents pulled in...We embraced, laughed a little more and headed across the parking deck to the elevators. I say we, but I mean, we followed behind Jean who was trucking it across the deck, mumbling something about parking on the wrong side and now we have to walk a long way. In her haste, she failed to recognize the bright yellow speed bump on the cement below her feet. Before we knew it, she was flying through the air like a 747. It took what seemed like 10 minutes to actually hit the ground, but when she did, she landed smack on top of our to-go boxes from dinner. PLOP! Taters everywhere. MEANWHILE, in HER attempt to catch her sister, Cherie began to run toward her fallen comrade paying no mind to the SAME SPEED BUMP THAT TOOK HER SISTER OUT! She, too, went out in a blaze of glory on the pavement. Through tearful eyes and shallow breaths, we picked them both up off the ground (fortunately with no injuries other than skinned knees and bruised egos)...Needless to say, we will not be having left-over Chicken Marsala and Filet Bryan for lunch tomorrow.

I love my life.

Waiting.

I think its safe to say that we are almost always waiting. On something...on someone...Whether it be waiting to check-out at Publix...for an eternal Kingdom...or simply for the weekend. (Which in my case right now only means that I will actually get paid for the work I do :).

Like I said, we're waiting. I believe that character is not built upon one's ability to wait. We can all do it. I believe that one's true self is gloriously revealed in the manner in which they wait. Are you tapping your foot? Watching your clock? Or do you FORGET that you are waiting because you are too busy living life to the fullest in the present? My deepest desire is to be described as the latter. To be hopeful of things to come, while being content in the here-and-now.

Here's to building patience. And to the incredible journey that occurs while we wait...


While I'm Waiting- John Waller:
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, LordAnd I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waitingI will serve You
While I'm waitingI will worship
While I'm waitingI will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Kaylie: A Social Hazard.

So, I woke up this morning with a sore throat, upper respiratory congestion, a cough, and fatigue. And I immediately thought, "Hello, Yearly Sinus Infection! What took you so long!?" But when I shared these symptoms with my sister (who is in her third year of nursing school), she flipped and persistently, but calmly urged me to get a swine flu swab! Now, we were at lunch at this point, so if I had been inoculated with this potentially deadly strain of the influenza virus, I was putting the entire restaurant at risk and therefore a social hazard. 

Amber leaned back every time I coughed and looked around the restaurant to make sure no one heard it/saw it. Then, I began to get paranoid that maybe I DID have the swine flu! I would have to be quarantined for 7 days! And people would throw tomatoes at my house and put a sign up that said  "Stay away! She's contagious!"...and no one would let me keep their children ever again! Ok clearly, I mildly overreacted. 

To make a long story short (though the clinic visit was not!), I have good news and I have bad news. 

Good news: No swine flu here!

Bad news: I am convinced that I sustained a brain injury from the nasal swab. 

A Foundation for Freedom...

Today, my heart is burdened for my country. My heart is broken by the decline of virtue in the land of the free and home of the brave. In the beginnings of this great country, the men who established it had a faithful, abundant love for God...their Creator...and sought to build a republic that celebrated that. Freedom being only a by-product of religion and morality as a foundation for this country. Love of God and an increasing knowledge of Him being central. 

What happened? When did we run from these truths? Many have speculated...but it doesn't matter how it has happened...all we can do now is draw near to the heart of the God who loved those men that built America from the ground up. For He is the same God who builds and tears down all empires as His will permits...And I believe that He hears us when we call to Him...He rejoices in repentance...delights in our faith in Him. I pray that the remnant of believers in this country hold out the light of truth and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ. Because He is all we need. And the only One able to save. 

God bless America. 

"If my people, who are called by name will humble themselves and pray, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins. And I will heal their land."

2 Chronicles 7:14

But Take Heart.

There have been many times in my life when God has quieted me with His love. There have been countless times that God has calmed my heart with a mere word or whisper. And I know that there are thousands of days ahead when only His voice will give me the peace I long for. 

God has not let me down this week. Faithfully. Again. This week has been one of the busiest, most exhausting (both physically and spiritually) weeks. And yet, I feel refreshed today knowing that He has overcome all of my frets. All of my plans. All of me. 

Tonight as Chris Tomlin led us in worship, he sang these words: "Jesus has overcome. And the grave is overwhelmed. Victory is won. He is risen from the dead." And I as I sang, the singing turned into reflection...which turned into worship. And there I was. Fully aware of His presence in my life and His sovereignty over all. Christ has defeated all that separates me from the greatest Love I will ever know. And He is alive in me today. I am friends with the God of the Universe and my life has been placed in His Hands to use as He wills to glorify Him. In light of that truth, my troubles...my worries seem but as vapors. 

"I tell you these things so that you might have peace: In this World, you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the World."

--Christ in John 16:33

The Stillness...

In the stillness of morning, I am filled. My heart is urged by the Holy Spirit to celebrate life today. For God is revealing Himself to me in all of my blessings...in my struggles...in my grey days. And that is cause for rejoicing. Because the God of the Universe knows my name and knows my heart. And desires for me to know the same of Him. He is steady running after me so this morning, I long to steady chase His heart. In all things. Forever.

Isaiah 43 says:

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
   he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
   I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
   and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
 when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
   and the flame shall not consume you.
³For I am the LORD your God,
   the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
 I give Egypt as your ransom,
   Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
⁴Because you are precious in my eyes,
   and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
   peoples in exchange for your life.
⁵Fear not, for I am with you;
   I will bring your offspring from the east,
   and from the west I will gather you.
⁶I will say to the north, Give up,
   and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
   and my daughters from the end of the earth,
⁷everyone who is called by my name,
   whom I created for my glory,
   whom I formed and made."

Oh how I am thankful that I am His.

Paint and Prayer for Peru!

The weekend before Easter, I held an art show at my home. I painted a variety of pieces and invited some of my friends to come, advertising that all the proceeds would help send me to Peru this summer to share the gospel and help run a medical clinic on the Amazon. And the turn-out was just overwhelming! God sure does provide when He calls you. And this event was no different. I sold almost exactly as much as I needed to with funds to spare for vaccinations! Hallelujah, He is good!


So thank you to everyone who came, bought, and prayed. (I am already up to my elbows in canvases, but no worries! I love it!) You all are amazing people. Not only because you love me, but because you believe in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to those who may never hear it otherwise. I promise to take a little piece of you with me as I go...And I will always be thankful for you, as you played a precious role in carrying out His Providence and showing love when you might not have even known its full impact. :) Which just happens to be something else He calls us to...


Jesus proclaims in the gospel of John in chapter 15: "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other." I have seen God moving in my life most recently through the people around me. Through your love of Him and of me...For that, I am grateful. 

Be praying for the Peruvians we will meet and treat and love in Iquitos, June 27th- July 6th! I am praying that their hearts be softened to His word and their minds be open to accept the Truth. I also pray for their health and prosperity after we leave them. That they will live long, abundant lives filled with the Spirit for their children to see...and their children to see...and their children to see. I can't wait to see what the Lord is doing there and am thrilled to be a part of it!


P.s. If you are interested in buying a piece of art, go to http://www.abound.weebly.com/ and contact me! :)

Do you know all the States?

Reasons why you should watch this video:

1. To encourage your faith in American education...or at least the American family.

2. Because Isabella is just too cute.

3. Baby laughs are the best.

4. And because Alabama is her favorite state. Roll tide :)

Praying for My Sweet Friends!

This post is purely dedicated to the Haynes family. I love them dearly and was able to see them off today as they head out to start their new life. They will be serving in a secure area so I can't disclose the name of where they will be, but lift them up with me as they further the kingdom by being His Hands and Feet in another country. :) 

Easter with the Griswolds!

Ok, so I am a Southern girl by nature, merit, and genetic disposition. So I have seen my share of funny families. I have heard the drawls and laughed hysterically at what they will do just to crack a joke or show somebody up. But my family takes the cake on being more Southern than any other family I have ever met. So, today, I welcome you to our family. Meet the Griswolds...Where Easter is not only a day to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and our reconciliation with God Almighty...but a day of Keenum family food, fun, and folly. Please watch this clip as we partake in our Annual Egg Toss.

http://www.qik.com/video/1453512

P.S. That's my mother in the blue linen outfit. Just watch. ***Disclaimer: You might pee your pants when the clock gets to 1:50 on the video clip***

All that noise.

For as long as I can remember (and from the day I uttered my first word, according to my mother) I have been a storyteller. Sometimes my words are profound...sometimes, not so much. And though the majority of what I say is not necessarily changing lives, I do feel as though I have some great stories. About life...about God...about love and everything in between. So I created this blog in order to share those stories. Those stories that have made me cry....the ones that have made me laugh...Stories about people who invested in me, and I in them...And stories of people who taught me something and kept moving through life. 

I guess my desire is that somewhere in my story-telling, somewhere in the midst of all that noise, God will be glorified. And that people hear the good news that they were created to tell a story. That we were all created to be part of such a big story. One that has been told since the beginning of time.  A story of joy, adventure, intimacy, passion, pain, and redemption. Your story is incredible. And I would love to hear it. Until I do, can I share mine? 

Thank you for listening to the story God is writing for me.