tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18328856096729667202024-03-13T04:55:40.572-07:00She Believed in Hope simple words of a girl who finds her Hope in ChristKyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.comBlogger299125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-26820518520155534062014-01-13T01:43:00.001-08:002014-01-13T05:33:47.684-08:00Beautiful <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">They will tell you there is a certain way,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">only <i>one </i>way,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">to be beautiful. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Think thin, they say.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Beachy waves and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">Blemish free, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">they say. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">But you are </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">crazy curls,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">spattered freckles,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">and a gap tooth grin,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">curves,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">with their own set of rules. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">you are 'imperfect'.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">which is brilliant,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">because you can't be replicated,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">repeated,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">or improved.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">you were born to be your own brand. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">And - ultimately, if you can bring love, encouragement, and joy into a room,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">You're the only kind of beautiful that really counts anyways. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span>Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-27897965384396908162013-12-27T22:10:00.000-08:002013-12-27T22:13:03.814-08:00Just a girl 8 months ago, I wasn't happy with myself.<br />
<div>
Wasn't proud of who I was or where I was going.<br />
I didn't like acknowledging who I was becoming, so I stopped writing. </div>
<div>
Because if I never let the words come out, never watched them press into the paper, then maybe it made them a little less true. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I thought, for awhile, that in order to blog, to write, I needed to be cute and cheerful and perpetually inspirational. I felt pressure.<br />
All the other blogs had themes and contests and trendy outfits -- wasn't that what I was supposed to be? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I'm not. </div>
<div>
I'm just a girl. </div>
<div>
Who's been broken and restored.<br />
Who carries scars and hope in the same heart. </div>
<div>
I'm not here to impress you,</div>
<div>
preach to you, </div>
<div>
or pretend with you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This place,</div>
<div>
is for the words that press on my heart,</div>
<div>
those thoughts I can't shake loose.</div>
<div>
It's for the days I struggle with my Lord</div>
<div>
and when I cling to His Truth. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe you'll find pieces of yourself here,</div>
<div>
in the imperfections,</div>
<div>
the frustrations,</div>
<div>
the joys,</div>
<div>
and the triumphs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Come as you are! </div>
<div>
I'm just a girl. </div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-65774637881591251212013-04-30T05:24:00.000-07:002014-10-27T13:54:01.758-07:00Satan is picking on you... On those days fear is a stone on your chest and anxiety lines your pockets,<br />
when self doubt is your best friend<br />
and you get tired of walking forward, consider this....<br />
<br />
Satan is picking on you.<br />
<br />
Leaning in to whisper discouragement,<br />
to stir up words of "I can't do this"<br />
and "I'm not good enough"<br />
or "I am a failure"<br />
<br />
Because he knows.<br />
<br />
Knows that if you ever threw that stone off your chest,<br />
shook out your pockets,<br />
and got a new best friend -<br />
if you ever realized your potential <i><u>in Christ</u></i><br />
your strength<br />
your joy<br />
your hope<br />
your purpose<br />
<br />
...he'd be ruined.<br />
<br />
He only wins if you keep believing lies.<br />
<br />
So next time you feel that weight and that doubt,<br />
take it is a compliment.<br />
<br />
It just means Satan is <b>scared</b> of what you're capable of.Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-46248066336176632092013-02-28T20:27:00.000-08:002013-04-30T05:25:38.459-07:00Encourage&Inspire:: 4 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been one of those weeks,</div>
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where I doubt who I am -</div>
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as a friend,</div>
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as a photographer,</div>
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as a christian. </div>
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The thing is,</div>
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it's ok to doubt.</div>
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Because if we doubt, </div>
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we question, we search,</div>
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we discover.</div>
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And in doing so, unearth</div>
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the better, truer </div>
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versions of ourselves </div>
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<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-27548123941246203272013-02-17T20:38:00.000-08:002013-02-17T20:48:12.942-08:00Where we Are, is Really Not so Bad I<br />
am a naturally selfish person.<br />
I complain<br />
often<br />
so people understand<br />
just how darn hard my life is<br />
{although lets be real,<br />
it's not}<br />
and feel sorry for myself<br />
on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
Then<br />
I work next to a friend<br />
who's sister is<br />
recovering from<br />
a double mastectomy<br />
and suddenly<br />
the tears in her eyes<br />
put life back into perspective,<br />
the catch in her throat<br />
shifts priorities back into place.<br />
<br />
Because<br />
while exhausted,<br />
I am alive<br />
and while not ideal,<br />
this body is whole.<br />
My family<br />
may be rough<br />
and raw around<br />
the edges but<br />
they are mine and they are here.<br />
<br />
It<br />
surprises me<br />
that even after<br />
losing and learning<br />
things the hard way,<br />
after promises of life<br />
with no regrets,<br />
I still forget.<br />
I still take these blessings for granted.<br />
<br />
lets be thankful for where we are, instead of waiting for something to remind us how good it is<br />
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-23267249476402292392013-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:002013-02-11T11:14:20.765-08:00Encourage&Inspire:: 3 <div style="text-align: center;">
One of those days I wish adults had snow days too... </div>
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But really, I'm just thankful that we didn't end up with that much snow...unlike the poor east coast!! </div>
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And I had an excuse to wear my awesome turquoise hat, so all in all it's a pretty good day =) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxl_2x32A6tmvr_Q3aqQaO361hXd14paX6OIDXY_FWMdcccDpaR8X0ZfxfmzV31RuHbKeE_c8LFoBvYOs3eZ4ODNnC2rWv0EeFDbpVrLUVkQlz-bgGuwzX18ngQXBqAveZy5ofKN-FuA/s1600/bcb69fabca5355bb313dda4a951e4f23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxl_2x32A6tmvr_Q3aqQaO361hXd14paX6OIDXY_FWMdcccDpaR8X0ZfxfmzV31RuHbKeE_c8LFoBvYOs3eZ4ODNnC2rWv0EeFDbpVrLUVkQlz-bgGuwzX18ngQXBqAveZy5ofKN-FuA/s400/bcb69fabca5355bb313dda4a951e4f23.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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found this after writing my last post...AMEN is all I can say</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc2-rUUYkbfLLCLoZjUVzyEm1dLSkznlB8CVSkzEJGbPCESfiEMaoFj2pJTCxIQpQHaHZRH9lRzwt2ry4p0DbcIgoDjCLtr-GzSdtH3I4f-BrDkaLlIpB7LMa3u0kM3W6lQnJ9Gcv7Tk/s1600/IMG_99861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc2-rUUYkbfLLCLoZjUVzyEm1dLSkznlB8CVSkzEJGbPCESfiEMaoFj2pJTCxIQpQHaHZRH9lRzwt2ry4p0DbcIgoDjCLtr-GzSdtH3I4f-BrDkaLlIpB7LMa3u0kM3W6lQnJ9Gcv7Tk/s640/IMG_99861.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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You might have heard Jill's story already, but if you haven't, go <a href="http://www.inbedwithsue.com/the-light-that-shines/" target="_blank">read</a>(watch) it here on Sue Bryce's blog....and if you can make it through this beautiful woman's fight with cancer without crying, you're stronger than I am! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibUuAzYYqnMHcdSyM7-ED2m6WPTYesj2Y3p3OGoBY6pCnMvGNtfMLG8MqadJZV3BMYbL_GTWrHDcr5XVVcU-_cPVCmO-nGRAuwNInhibg9nRjhck8PE8dLI0mLFw5E7ZWoxuBajRCoGY/s1600/971dcd0efee45915f0db7522c61db850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibUuAzYYqnMHcdSyM7-ED2m6WPTYesj2Y3p3OGoBY6pCnMvGNtfMLG8MqadJZV3BMYbL_GTWrHDcr5XVVcU-_cPVCmO-nGRAuwNInhibg9nRjhck8PE8dLI0mLFw5E7ZWoxuBajRCoGY/s400/971dcd0efee45915f0db7522c61db850.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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If I had to say one thing to describe what I want to do with my life..this would be it right here</div>
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<!--3--><!--3-->Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-72909181140960013892013-02-07T22:11:00.000-08:002013-02-07T22:25:50.987-08:00Feather Paperweights years ago, in the midst of my <a href="http://shebelievedinhope.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-remember-why-im-here.html" target="_blank">depression</a>, one of my greatest fears was that I would would never be enough for a man. {i hate admitting that...i know we should look to Jesus for our worth, not men.}<br />
<br />
but every day i woke up and told myself, no man will ever want you. i ached to be desired. i thought if i was desired, I would have worth.<br />
<br />
years later, i have learned, finding a man to want and desire you isn't hard<br />
but finding a man who yearns for your <i>heart</i><br />
your <i>thoughts</i><br />
your <i>friendship ... </i>that is another matter.<br />
<br />
you see, desire can be a cheap thing, a fragile thing, a temporary thing. it only lasts for so long. and more importantly, desire does not mean someone finds value in you.<br />
<br />
in my experience, being desired can leave you emptier than when you began. like feather paperweights, desire without love, affection, or commitment, doesn't do much. i don't know about you, but I don't want the cheap, the fragile, or the temporary.<br />
<br />
i want the real, the long term, the trustworthy.<br />
<br />
being desired does not prove you have value. whether cheap or real, waiting for another person to affirm you can love yourself is unneccesary. <b>you are worth loving right now. as you are, in this moment .</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
"As you come to him, the living Stone - <i>rejected by men</i> but <i>chosen by God</i> and <b>precious</b> to him -"<br />
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-1 Peter 2:4</div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-14475414538182088152013-01-21T13:59:00.000-08:002013-01-21T13:59:20.645-08:00Encourage&Inspire:: 2 <div style="text-align: center;">
Do you like the blog's facelift?! Just seemed like a good time for a little change =) </div>
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Clean, crisp, and simple areas make me feel calm, like I can breathe a little easier.</div>
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{which may be why I avoid my room so much....oh the <i>clutter</i> haha} </div>
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Happy Monday everyone! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78dCIn3pf8e0XvPs1rWHomHQOjvT_X6N-b25p3t_DpV-OVjws_AwqY7uge0NwW6KX5Tqmy0ypABhKYPTcq4PvzGx9Ru_A18QRzqrYH0kUeGgRrK8_X3y5RHAm5jN-ZVRcyxnVwKwBAK8/s1600/36521446949062698_cghkcuUj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78dCIn3pf8e0XvPs1rWHomHQOjvT_X6N-b25p3t_DpV-OVjws_AwqY7uge0NwW6KX5Tqmy0ypABhKYPTcq4PvzGx9Ru_A18QRzqrYH0kUeGgRrK8_X3y5RHAm5jN-ZVRcyxnVwKwBAK8/s640/36521446949062698_cghkcuUj_c.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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so much MAGIC! {found <a href="http://500px.com/photo/11370219" target="_blank">here</a>}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBwMU-tkZnWkpynMZtQXVyvXMy-afPoP7GH-r7goyRTol_-Z36Q_r4SWj4hdDRr6Nrb0RKki-SDLZhuIqYKsraKlhMF1MZVLIi6eIbgvdruzdHzUXds_mwyJL33Ufxs4A4210aPGzP9A/s1600/79305643408857735_Ct0u9Luj_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBwMU-tkZnWkpynMZtQXVyvXMy-afPoP7GH-r7goyRTol_-Z36Q_r4SWj4hdDRr6Nrb0RKki-SDLZhuIqYKsraKlhMF1MZVLIi6eIbgvdruzdHzUXds_mwyJL33Ufxs4A4210aPGzP9A/s400/79305643408857735_Ct0u9Luj_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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love. this needs to go up on my wall. </div>
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how great is this? </div>
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Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-12834642308937075572013-01-20T20:41:00.001-08:002013-01-20T20:44:50.784-08:00Beauty in Disappointment I had plans.<br />
<br />
Finish up work, spend the weekend with friends in another state, dance and photograph and just relax for a few days.<br />
<br />
Then I woke up sick.<br />
<br />
Fever, puking, miserable sick.<br />
<br />
And I was angry.<br />
<br />
BECAUSE I HAD PLANS, you know?<br />
<br />
I'll admit, the sick part was pretty awful. Laying on the couch for 48 hours wondering if you'll ever want to eat again is not ideal. Missing work (read: money) wasn't great.<br />
<br />
But waking up rested after two days of sleeping was needed. And spending 3 days with my godparents (from CA) instead of 1, was pretty special. Bowling and watching movies and learning about football was...refreshing.<br />
<br />
I'll admit, I'm still disappointed my plans didn't go as planned. I'm sad I didn't get to spend time with my friends.<br />
<br />
However, realizing God can make beautiful things out of my disappointment, that he can renew and breathe life into areas I didn't even know I were lacking...is pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-1062620271923102182013-01-14T18:05:00.001-08:002013-01-14T18:07:38.134-08:00Encourage&Inspire:: 1I think it's key to constantly be finding things that inspire you, whether it be someone you know, a photo, a cause, or a quote - discovering pieces of life that light a fire within you.<br />
<br />
Life can be rough, we all know that. It likes to wear you down, whisper the negative, and prey on your insecurities. But that's when I go digging for my favorite photo, write a bible verse down and pin it on my wall, or go read up on a photographer I look up to. A little motivation goes a long way!<br />
<br />
So in honor of mondays, when I find myself dragging the most, I'm starting "Encourage&Inspire". Basically, quotes, photographs, and stories that I enjoy and think you might like too =)<br />
<br />
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<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-80917496724780505012013-01-04T16:41:00.001-08:002013-01-04T16:41:46.176-08:00Reminded: Hope <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A gift from a dear friend,</div>
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my favorite word with my favorite color,</div>
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a much needed reminder</div>
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to keep holding on.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To the hope that no matter how hard we fall,</div>
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how low we sink,</div>
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how far we walk away,</div>
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God can always save us from ourselves.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtvJrdCpNzPRdV135w0Dxsf6UtybqQ-jp5pnxOdatV5QWEq0MReIRzpSTosyWVhyckVk29kAV60OGF5hx365WVgAENA4mp1GbvFeGXwmFSavMJMz86h06WfOrBfXC0XDrl4UVttZs-Ac/s1600/DSC_6066-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtvJrdCpNzPRdV135w0Dxsf6UtybqQ-jp5pnxOdatV5QWEq0MReIRzpSTosyWVhyckVk29kAV60OGF5hx365WVgAENA4mp1GbvFeGXwmFSavMJMz86h06WfOrBfXC0XDrl4UVttZs-Ac/s640/DSC_6066-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
this beautiful song from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gungormusic" target="_blank">Gungor</a> is another great reminder </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of this Hope </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OR7VOKQ0xJY" width="420"></iframe></div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-39281250925993249742013-01-02T22:18:00.002-08:002013-01-02T22:20:45.401-08:00Bring Joy This isn't a new year resolution. Because I don't plan on it failing. Or pretending like I didn't say this in about three and a half weeks. This is real and it isn't a new years resolution because I thought about it before the new year even happened.<br />
<br />
promise.<br />
<br />
this is what I know:<br />
I like people who make me laugh. Who make me happy to be where I am, doing what I'm doing, because they're there. I like people who make my day better.<br />
<br />
and this is my thought:<br />
what if...I was that person. What if I made people laugh? Made them feel better? Brightened their day?<br />
<br />
here's the key part:<br />
<i>regardless of how I feel</i>. whether I want to be at work. or I happen to be struggling with myself. beyond all of that, if I stepped outside of myself and where I'm at and simply<br />
<br />
<b>brought joy</b>.<br />
because I know people need it.<br />
<br />
I would really like to be that girl.<br />
<br />
I will probably fail 9 times out of 10 (okay, maybe 8), because lets be honest, I get wrapped up in my worries more than a normal person should, BUT<br />
<br />
if every morning, I wake up and try again, wrap my joy up in a paper bag and carry it to work, share it in a smile, or a joke, or a listening ear;<br />
if every morning, I make the choice (no matter how many times remade)<br />
<br />
to bring joy.<br />
I think that's what counts.Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-38777694165846063382012-12-08T21:38:00.002-08:002013-02-07T22:27:26.498-08:00pretty little things <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a long week, </div>
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it's good to be lazy - </div>
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spend the day in pajama pants, watch a new show on netflix,</div>
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wrap presents, and put up christmas decorations. </div>
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In a world of mundane schedules,</div>
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it's the pretty little things that lift my spirit. </div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-40198279943257865422012-11-26T22:03:00.001-08:002012-12-08T21:38:35.292-08:00a dreamer's hunger <div style="text-align: center;">
and my prayer tonight Lord, is that you will give me a hunger in my life,</div>
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<br /></div>
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from the heart and not of the flesh;</div>
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that finds a home along the curve of my mind;</div>
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<br /></div>
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a hunger that will allow me contentment</div>
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<br /></div>
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but never, ever to settle. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAyRwYkr38F6y89ozBFJIqXxEZ6XXNnWOKZ6gp82c4hbLYTx9SZxSW9fHimm1YkvMyw3vIVGE-4WOr2RZHGlyf0G27_U4sq28KS5CzOCVQr_eCt0UokrwL6WS3C71GmfaQroKLLI69SA/s1600/dreamer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAyRwYkr38F6y89ozBFJIqXxEZ6XXNnWOKZ6gp82c4hbLYTx9SZxSW9fHimm1YkvMyw3vIVGE-4WOr2RZHGlyf0G27_U4sq28KS5CzOCVQr_eCt0UokrwL6WS3C71GmfaQroKLLI69SA/s640/dreamer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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we were meant to be More than this -</div>
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can you feel it? </div>
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Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-12826012019502960972012-11-05T20:44:00.000-08:002012-11-05T20:44:37.057-08:00just as you are<div style="text-align: center;">
we take for granted the people who already love us -</div>
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it's the ones who don't care,</div>
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we'll spend our whole lives trying to prove wrong. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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i hope you know you are already worth loving, just as you are. </div>
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Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-23939976213011882942012-10-22T21:58:00.001-07:002012-10-22T21:58:47.857-07:00in Motion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">If you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results." </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Jack Dixon</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQEwoAST6ShH4PfNdpG6FhfmzV-zs1JLmLq712kcgenFdYAEWr720vcZFVag7Y_zyXASQV92rh3xhN17jeQuY-JBUXooDS0BZdhhj-gxYYirEhrV6yaLBDm06UGf6BSj7TVG1sXhF1Rk/s1600/DSC_4834-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQEwoAST6ShH4PfNdpG6FhfmzV-zs1JLmLq712kcgenFdYAEWr720vcZFVag7Y_zyXASQV92rh3xhN17jeQuY-JBUXooDS0BZdhhj-gxYYirEhrV6yaLBDm06UGf6BSj7TVG1sXhF1Rk/s640/DSC_4834-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, it's all about being in motion. </div>
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I can handle working two jobs, paying off loans, and living in SD,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as long as I'm constantly<i> pushing</i> -</div>
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I can't explain it except, my heart is always pulling away,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
always striving for where I want to be [ <b>who </b>i want to be ]. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and If my heart can stay in motion,</div>
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the rest of me can handle the necessity of staying put. </div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-70971584667291691452012-10-09T20:40:00.003-07:002012-10-09T20:42:13.550-07:00Soul Shaping<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe God is waiting to see what you do with your life Right Now before He gives you more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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This came to me mid-rant with God,</div>
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because, you know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"all those Other people are living my dreams</div>
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and looking good doing it. "</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny how quietly He talks when I'm yelling. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What seems simple and mundane now,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will likely in hindsight,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be a soul shaper for your future. </div>
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<br /></div>
Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-82699541649890244842012-09-28T23:15:00.000-07:002012-09-28T23:15:56.946-07:00There is Calm <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few nights ago I found myself laying in bed,</div>
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tears creasing my face as I thought, </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I don't think I can do this God. I don't know if it's worth it." </div>
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I was worn down</div>
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worn out</div>
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worn through. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And then, I was reminded, by my good friend Pastor <a href="http://www.paulteske.com/Paul_Teske/home.html" target="_blank">Teske</a>,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of my <a href="http://shebelievedinhope.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-remember-why-im-here.html" target="_blank">healing</a> - </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of my identity, a beloved daughter of God,</div>
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who's been rescued and set free {thank you Jesus}. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So again,</div>
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I said a prayer,</div>
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to chase out the Lies, the Self Hate, the Oppression,</div>
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and asked to be filled with His Love, His Peace, His Security. </div>
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I have just spent the last 24 hours free of any negative thoughts -</div>
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no fear,</div>
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no anxiety,</div>
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no abusive self talk. </div>
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For the first time in a long time,</div>
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there is calm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlAbluwgXHe3TYdzfOW32QdbCvm1kwtOI7Clzq2iLrvBhkzkMUTLzcdVfekCRnesmXgRPNlHKT6N2Ws0_dMEIls5c8dvxpLVax5XBq5VCiNpcm3EjQJTeY8nwlcDy_soR4vBhQfmyHcQ/s1600/DSC_4032-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlAbluwgXHe3TYdzfOW32QdbCvm1kwtOI7Clzq2iLrvBhkzkMUTLzcdVfekCRnesmXgRPNlHKT6N2Ws0_dMEIls5c8dvxpLVax5XBq5VCiNpcm3EjQJTeY8nwlcDy_soR4vBhQfmyHcQ/s640/DSC_4032-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-74486180127349417422012-09-16T20:43:00.000-07:002012-09-17T04:53:47.999-07:00on a farm in Iowa we went out, for about an hour or so, to "experience iowa" as I said, with a laugh. Although i meant it too, you have go out on the dirt roads and soak in the night air, so full of stars; go and meet the local folk, who will not only show you the bathroom, but insist on standing inside with you<br />
<br />
when they ask, he says, "we're like family". and i smile because it's true, even though it's been about 7 years since I last saw the guy. but our moms are best friends from high school and we've been playing together since as early as i can remember. it's one of those friendships that doesn't fade, just sits, suspended<br />
<br />
he fills me in on life as we drive back, his face illuminated by the dashboard lights. his voice is lower and his hair is longer and i'm pleasantly surprised to find a man where i once knew a boy<br />
<br />
we fall asleep in the living room, just like we're 10 all over again, sinking into couches with puppies curled against our stomachs. we laugh about boys and girls and nothing at all until its three in the morning and we've run out of air<br />
<br />
some of my favorite memories have taken place on that farm. i think it's because it's one of the few places left in my life full of good, strong people and unconditional love<br />
<br />
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-41174208904660310442012-09-11T19:41:00.000-07:002012-09-11T19:42:10.411-07:00My heart aches Twice I didn't even realize it was 9/11 this morning - not until scrolling through Facebook before work. I was wondering why everyone was feeling so patriotic. And then came the photos of the twin towers and that feeling of loss welling up beneath my rib cage.<br />
<br />
Everyone talks about where they were that morning, when they first heard, when they first saw. But when I think of September 11th, that memory isn't my first, but my second.<br />
<br />
The first is standing in our driveway, early morning dew clinging to our ankles as we watched Bryan ride his new, red scooter. He wore a paper crown and a crooked grin. I always find it ironic the same day tragedy occurred, we were celebrating a life well lived, oblivious of what was to come.<br />
<br />
Now, years later, a breaking heart still overshadows a breaking country. Amidst the memories of falling towers, piles of rubble, and grieving disbelief, is Bryan. My heart aches for this country, for what we lost.<br />
<br />
But it aches harder for the birthdays left uncelebrated.Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-55061133351873721792012-09-08T19:20:00.001-07:002012-09-08T19:20:31.115-07:00When Overwhelmed, Hug a Tree <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Life has been a little ... much</div>
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this week - not bad, just a lot. </div>
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A lot of learning new things, </div>
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making plans,</div>
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dreaming dreams,</div>
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and working hard. </div>
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Today, Mom and I went out scouting photo locations (mini sessions coming up!!), </div>
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I got a haircut,</div>
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and spent the afternoon reading Hunger Games. </div>
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Yay weekends! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX14yaIgVTJDYdDI086d7O0ccViab-TGyk0WhlD-D_JHxtLMIxvQxUieUVxyRbOMOym7ReK6yyanprq1OlgcGocJ8A1HTux4doL-bEl5gC-qtiKpqzOYw_YxqId7yB4fi-w-jeYCdr1c/s1600/DSC_3487-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX14yaIgVTJDYdDI086d7O0ccViab-TGyk0WhlD-D_JHxtLMIxvQxUieUVxyRbOMOym7ReK6yyanprq1OlgcGocJ8A1HTux4doL-bEl5gC-qtiKpqzOYw_YxqId7yB4fi-w-jeYCdr1c/s640/DSC_3487-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Put some beads back in my hair. love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1jHEU0artXdp6gwBLWuzXrRD3QXqJRXetAWbMcCHakISgFtpXqzX6HLApnJpFVVmYHByFasiTAIBPbyQSWJOqWSddKxdpJY3FeBCs0KNstDJ8cMN70DLILGkZJ1mrylbYy13IFd-1X0/s1600/DSC_3505-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1jHEU0artXdp6gwBLWuzXrRD3QXqJRXetAWbMcCHakISgFtpXqzX6HLApnJpFVVmYHByFasiTAIBPbyQSWJOqWSddKxdpJY3FeBCs0KNstDJ8cMN70DLILGkZJ1mrylbYy13IFd-1X0/s640/DSC_3505-2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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senior photo moment?? ... it happens ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0QVL1zDXnXdS8I7VsBRxcU0vez0MnYqdHvg5JBS64SQC2F2mVpDTMXW4SCpdZpcvnZFR5c6chX0g88OGKEmVFznZvNgRb6nJOgeQkZ6yR6Yewz3Kh19tg5wlUfOgAk_1yN6ENHPGX3w/s1600/DSC_3507-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0QVL1zDXnXdS8I7VsBRxcU0vez0MnYqdHvg5JBS64SQC2F2mVpDTMXW4SCpdZpcvnZFR5c6chX0g88OGKEmVFznZvNgRb6nJOgeQkZ6yR6Yewz3Kh19tg5wlUfOgAk_1yN6ENHPGX3w/s640/DSC_3507-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and because I'm a dork. </div>
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-13634498057981719942012-09-01T23:19:00.001-07:002012-09-01T23:19:40.129-07:00it will be Worth it <div style="text-align: center;">
After spending most of the day (okay lets be honest, most of the week) </div>
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spewing bitterness and anxiety, </div>
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I came across this: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZRlW96kGjsho_i8zKaIRbdsYQS6PbHcZw3zXK-MuPVazWDDOalcqjpzvayjKpH24oUX-Dv0JNLSFbKnVz2EB-JB7AsvkdTQPziwRjv6zfH-dJ518gTha6JuvwC7dykq5647LxtHM3c/s1600/228411_451696188207850_523962015_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMZRlW96kGjsho_i8zKaIRbdsYQS6PbHcZw3zXK-MuPVazWDDOalcqjpzvayjKpH24oUX-Dv0JNLSFbKnVz2EB-JB7AsvkdTQPziwRjv6zfH-dJ518gTha6JuvwC7dykq5647LxtHM3c/s640/228411_451696188207850_523962015_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Satan has a very loud whisper,</div>
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but I am stronger than he knows. </div>
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There is a plan. There is a purpose. </div>
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And I like to think someday I'll get to look back</div>
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and see the value in these days. </div>
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-15015956455832332142012-08-26T22:47:00.000-07:002012-08-26T22:47:31.858-07:00First you must End to Begin Again There were last minute dinner dates<br />
and escapes to my home town,<br />
while it was still so close.<br />
<br />
The tail end of work days,<br />
where I stood still to remember<br />
what it felt like to belong there.<br />
<br />
Held a sparkler in my hands and<br />
perched on a swing,<br />
while we poured our hearts out on the sand.<br />
<br />
Gathered all the memories<br />
that made it Home<br />
and buried them in my packing boxes.<br />
<br />
If I wasn't scared of never changing, never growing, never being all that my heart desires, I would have stayed. But while I loved where I was, I love the thought of where I will be even more.Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-83340640878014441182012-08-04T17:55:00.001-07:002012-08-04T17:55:15.651-07:00On the brink of Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmYAozs0BkefY_-or2GZuGGqf4rgJDKWJzTTZ0X2lRQhYjkUEQ4iSXLz5cVbIad1H4V_Fem8X8k4eHajcv2v5XtZWSQgP3RHHsDFuZaFDpYC2N1VgvaEacJIkgeUId39u3Xk9T6YyAl8/s1600/DSC_1794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmYAozs0BkefY_-or2GZuGGqf4rgJDKWJzTTZ0X2lRQhYjkUEQ4iSXLz5cVbIad1H4V_Fem8X8k4eHajcv2v5XtZWSQgP3RHHsDFuZaFDpYC2N1VgvaEacJIkgeUId39u3Xk9T6YyAl8/s640/DSC_1794.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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I love this photo (blurriness and all) because I know I'm going to look back someday and think, "Oh yes, this was the end of summer after college, right on the brink of change, when I didn't really know what was going to happen, but I knew it was going to be good." </div>
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Found this quote on pinterest and I think it's perfect for where I'm at: </div>
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<b>Dear God,</b></div>
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<b>I've tried my best, but if today I lose my hope, please remind me your plans are better than my dreams.</b></div>
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Amen, pinterest, amen. </div>
<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1832885609672966720.post-89190251830014011692012-07-21T11:25:00.000-07:002012-07-21T11:25:58.667-07:00Hearts offbeatI need to recapture my heart,<br />
reach and grasp and tuck<br />
it away, down deep inside my chest.<br />
Teach it to beat steady again -<br />
<br />
when you fill it up with shallow things,<br />
it's bound to lose its rhythm.<br />
<br />
I hear the irregularity when I talk to my brothers,<br />
our common desire to be loved,<br />
to love,<br />
and our shared inability to<br />
Wait, to have patience.<br />
<br />
Like eating sand,<br />
when our mouths beg for water,<br />
I watch us pour in affection, lust, and meaningless words<br />
that only make the aching space grow.<br />
<br />
Our hearts are offbeat,<br />
and there's only one kind of Love<br />
that can make it go steady,<br />
only one kind of Love<br />
that can satisfy this thirst.<br />
<br />
HIS.<br />
<br />
"and in Christ you have been brought to fullness" -Colossians 2:10<br />
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<br />Kyleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624669481958406709noreply@blogger.com1