tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30209897427178559432024-03-05T08:12:41.133-08:00Laying Down MyselfMy life in all honesty. The good, bad, and indifferent. A life of following after Jesus as closely as possible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-14808294710779722402013-07-22T13:07:00.001-07:002013-07-22T13:07:40.978-07:00Babysitting BlessingThe quiet house around me seems empty and lifeless. The little giggles and squeals and even the animal noises are missed in this vastness of silence. I've always said I didn't like kids and I'm not kidding. I really didn't, but now, I'm not sure that I like it, but it's become more normal. I'm sitting here waiting for the crazy boys to get home from camp and almost in a way, missing them. I saw them three days ago and left them with smiles on their faces and an eagerness in their eyes. I know I haven't been good about wanting to be with them, but that's all changed now. <div>I see that God is using this in my life. In the past few months of watching these energetic little ones my patience has grown tremendously, it has given me an appreciation for those stay-at-home moms and shown me the good parts and the bad parts of healthy discipline. It has made me have more respect for the way that my mom and dad have raised me and let me appreciate the maturity of my younger brother. </div><div>I can't say that this experience hasn't made me crazy at times or that it makes me want to be a stay-at-home mom or even a teacher, but I can say that I find myself growing in love for boys who originally, honestly, I couldn't stand. </div><div>Yes, I will probably still complain time to time, but I see now that God is working through me in this home. Where prompts like "What do you say?" used to be necessary I now hear an immediate "Thank you, Kenzie" and even an occasional "Yes ma'am" or "May I..." I have seen that they are asking questions that make me think of just how wonderful the Father is like, "Why is that cloud shaped like a dinosaur?" And I smile. I know why it's shaped like a dinosaur...God gave me this opportunity to say that He made it that way because He knows just how much they love dinosaurs. </div><div>I like watching them run around in the backyard in their swim trunks with water guns. The smiles on their face are huge and their giggles intermingle with the sounds of the wind blowing. Their eyes shine with glee as they pounce around the backyard trying to spray me with water guns as I soak them with the hose. I love it. I love their smiles and having times where I get to enjoy them. I don't like putting them in time out or getting my serious face, but I know that it's necessary and it's funny to me how quickly they forgive me for getting on them. </div><div>I've found myself blessed and excited about watching my own kids grow. It's funny to watch them make discoveries, learn how to conquer writing letters, and help make their own lunch. I know that watching my children achieve these milestones will be extremely exciting. I feel blessed to know that a family has invited me into their home to experience these milestones with their kids. </div><div>Then I hear Daulton's little voice echo through the living room "Helllooooo" and I hear Hayden's excited footsteps run through the front door. Finally, they're.home and ready for another day. </div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-73565419862741699192013-06-27T08:46:00.001-07:002013-06-29T13:12:08.149-07:00Rise UpThere are times that it feels like God shows up and this week has been full of those experiences. From watching people who are struggling with addictions firmly decide that God is worth more to them than alcohol or drugs, to seeing how people finally grasped the hand of their Creator and allowed Him to pull them out of pits that they have fallen into, it's been a week of God showing up. It's funny because even in little things like accidentally getting the wrong leader has showed his goodness and omniscience. I think it's crazy. God doesn't just work in big ways. He works in quiet conversations on the beach where someone who you never expected to have anything to pour into you, makes you realize the extent of His grace. It's funny because conversations in hallways, past curfew, make you more willing and able to pray for someone you love. It's not like He only works through miracles. He works through repetition. The Holy Spirit lays things on people's hearts and these people hand deliver messages of God to you. I've seen it before, but I have never seen the extent to which I saw it this week. I'm just saying. . . Wake up! Expect great things from God and He will show up. He changes lives. Grab His hand that he has extended to you for so long and RISE UP!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s230/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-61904735828401720622013-06-10T20:59:00.001-07:002013-06-29T13:11:28.408-07:00What If...I can't help but think that everyone has days (or nights) where "What Ifs" cloud your mind. I hope it's not just me searching through this meaningless and pointless fog. I hate to wish confusion on people...and I don't really mean it that way. If I could, I would choose to be out of the confusion rather than pulling you all in ( you're welcome (; ) Anywho...that's beside the point.<br />
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I guess I just feel like I'm the only one thinking back years or months or days and thinking "What if I handled that situation with more grace and dignity?" Or "What if that person never came into my life?" Or maybe even "What if I didn't struggle with that sin in that one instant? Would it change who I am today?" </div>
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I feel like these are such meaningless and pointless questions. They're gone. Done. Over. Never able to be taken back. </div>
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I'm not saying all "What Ifs" are bad. I think a lot of them are GREAT. You just have to make them that way. For example:</div>
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What if tomorrow I show someone Christ's love?</div>
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What if someone comes to Christ because I stopped and listened to them talk? </div>
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What if someone who feels lonely needs me to be a friend to them? Will I take the challenge? </div>
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What if I put away my selfish, ignorant pride and said those words that need to be said and heard..."I'm sorry". </div>
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Just think about it...What if we changed our view on "What Ifs"?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s230/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-58027675760053725422013-05-27T20:26:00.001-07:002013-05-27T20:26:21.109-07:00My Graduation SpeechI was class president and with that position, I got the honor of giving the "Welcome" speech. So it might be kind of awkward to read, but I hope that for those of you who weren't there and kind of wanted to know, this can give you an idea.<br />
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It was our very first day of school. Most of us don't remember back that far, but parents, this was a time when you saw our long journey begin. I'm sure that most of us were kind of excited and kind of scared, but we knew that with your hand in our hand, we would be safe. You walked us to the classroom. Then you blinked. All of a sudden, you're here in this sanctuary to celebrate a day that you couldn't have imagined and a day, that as students, we have dreamed of. In thirteen years, so many things have changed for us. The first day we were walked into school by our moms and dads, but at the end of it all, we drove away on our own. Now this doesn't mean that we have outgrown our parents. Today is the day that we celebrate the culmination of thirteen years of being molded and developed. We are the products of God, our families, and our friends. You all have been there to be the safe haven amidst many a storm, love and support when we needed it, encouragement when we were doing well, and correction when we weren't. We thank all you for your support throughout our journey and ask you to continue to support us as we go through this day and as we move on into the rest of our lives. So without further adieu, families, friends, and fellow students, I am honored to welcome you to Whitefield Academy's Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2013. </div>
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That's it. Crazy that I had the honor of addressing my class, their families and friends, and my family and friends. It was a GREAT honor. I love my class and I love Whitefield.</div>
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<b><u>CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2013</u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-55773341021588639122013-05-27T20:12:00.003-07:002013-05-27T20:22:15.353-07:00Chapter 1...No, I'm not writing a book and giving you a sneak preview. I know I would never finish it and like many people with the unpublished Stephanie Meyer's fifth book of Twilight, you would be held in suspense only to be disappointed by the never completed work. Now that I openly admitted my desire to read the fifth book of the Twilight Saga (because after reading the other four three times, they get kind of boring and you start feeling like you have no life and deserve to do more productive things with your days), I will continue on to my actual meaning for this post.<br />
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It feels like I'm starting all over again. There's a blank page in front of me and I get to scribble down my thoughts, desires, and dreams. I get to reinvent the system of my life, but yet I'm stuck in the Prequel. I'm stuck in losing some undeveloped characters in order to create new ones and I'm scared that the new ones might overshadow some of the old ones who used to be shining beacons into dim or extinct candles...<br />
Maybe I should stop speaking in metaphor and just be real.<br />
I'm scared of how my friendships will change. I have gotten to the point of acceptance now (and that's always the first step...isn't it?) My friendships WILL change. I'm just a little concerned about to what extent and the even scarier question...HOW SOON?<br />
When a prequel ends, you put it down...wait about a year and then pick right up where it left off, but I'm not getting a break. I feel like a writer who just published a completed work only to turn around and start leaking the next book. I am constantly living and constantly changing. This means that my story and life change to, but I kind of wish I could have that year between books where I could take a deep breath in and out and live in the past for a few moments, but it's time.<br />
Time has come for me to put down the old book, stop caring about the drama and insecurities and start, or maybe just continue, listening to the words of God. It's time for me to let Him lead the way and carry the light into the darkness and confusion in my life. Don't get me wrong...CHAPTER 1 is going to be awesome, but I just don't know exactly where it will leave me to go with CHAPTER 2. Oh well, it will be okay. I will cast my anxieties onto the Lord and know that He is God above ALL things.<br />
Stay tuned as I start to write....<br />
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Chapter 1: My journey out of high school<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVBXv-LUtMAhlE8FIEsLv6wzVhRjLcXCF_eMHtEnOW42Xq6VWbV_kEvTnzzACyLvBZnQ3Mk9Py4THAeS3GkxyK5yUOtmQVWzXBN2efR5uF77M5QZfTMQ5O1VDD4BMBXvNrjn4J49lZMk/s1600/IMG_3548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVBXv-LUtMAhlE8FIEsLv6wzVhRjLcXCF_eMHtEnOW42Xq6VWbV_kEvTnzzACyLvBZnQ3Mk9Py4THAeS3GkxyK5yUOtmQVWzXBN2efR5uF77M5QZfTMQ5O1VDD4BMBXvNrjn4J49lZMk/s320/IMG_3548.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan and I at prom! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoYfU29pFkX0Ci32cEjvg2g6t9RhwdWpG1awxnRRr6Pv9MPP9X5qsb_TVTxTUetGwsvM6Rw2UN6_V8g2bddOLoLKC_xxnhQyQQPS_kEBW1MOGKTEgDIuXGXrNU3zayEDgLgcblSF4jGg/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoYfU29pFkX0Ci32cEjvg2g6t9RhwdWpG1awxnRRr6Pv9MPP9X5qsb_TVTxTUetGwsvM6Rw2UN6_V8g2bddOLoLKC_xxnhQyQQPS_kEBW1MOGKTEgDIuXGXrNU3zayEDgLgcblSF4jGg/s320/IMG_3554.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walk away from the past...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyzpFSGpEwXnOvoG2xOuwHJr5cF87R10VJgq1T2AFiZPjPqXiHOf7SN9oIZEW1obdOxCksSGh7NQ9_RoxOwWTf5nR8W7Wkrs4qZUTYHwuA5HBaOybEXq84XdEwSD9Egx9eaucntSw85o/s1600/IMG_3560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyzpFSGpEwXnOvoG2xOuwHJr5cF87R10VJgq1T2AFiZPjPqXiHOf7SN9oIZEW1obdOxCksSGh7NQ9_RoxOwWTf5nR8W7Wkrs4qZUTYHwuA5HBaOybEXq84XdEwSD9Egx9eaucntSw85o/s320/IMG_3560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin, Holli, Rachel, Tori, Ryan, Lindsey, Jordan, Vanessa, and Jacob<br />ALL amazing people to spend prom with! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOvhKsN2SO2KEtwzAjVaUbwluKWfCMRduvflAdohI9xHw64jqRnz01lfdwTuKELCXglDn2rUFNCYBcMLIGwyTclVBTjfYDzJZGvLkwdmQTcgu8OtdtQB6Pg2oHkyj22xH2H96Y4WHQPA/s1600/IMG_3572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOvhKsN2SO2KEtwzAjVaUbwluKWfCMRduvflAdohI9xHw64jqRnz01lfdwTuKELCXglDn2rUFNCYBcMLIGwyTclVBTjfYDzJZGvLkwdmQTcgu8OtdtQB6Pg2oHkyj22xH2H96Y4WHQPA/s320/IMG_3572.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will look back on high school and smile because we lived every second of it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eemVhyDI0Nv8VYy9drSn3JhcqL6PmZqTEIRQJ2uWCS-OCQoaSwv1900DNakWO70mOEFusCuMRg5tyvTZPTCTaSQE_jzycS_Hh3jTxcrW9YwRWBdFBCwUt0XKV0nANVVjYa5IFy8KxSA/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eemVhyDI0Nv8VYy9drSn3JhcqL6PmZqTEIRQJ2uWCS-OCQoaSwv1900DNakWO70mOEFusCuMRg5tyvTZPTCTaSQE_jzycS_Hh3jTxcrW9YwRWBdFBCwUt0XKV0nANVVjYa5IFy8KxSA/s320/IMG_3642.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since freshman year, these girls have stuck by my side.<br />(Before graduation picture)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgseTZU1Y-N_aoCPn04SS8s3k9bBcUerkH9J_cSJsH-ONQ65MtjDz5rmIHSnmM81Z6B0px9R4XLsR2JRdB9UbmspM8w5mrEPSCmN9qEdRQNiOzVF0xdCm6taqCv5Vl8xoZ7alNWmN0g4/s1600/IMG_3657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgseTZU1Y-N_aoCPn04SS8s3k9bBcUerkH9J_cSJsH-ONQ65MtjDz5rmIHSnmM81Z6B0px9R4XLsR2JRdB9UbmspM8w5mrEPSCmN9qEdRQNiOzVF0xdCm6taqCv5Vl8xoZ7alNWmN0g4/s320/IMG_3657.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now to move on into the rest of our lives!<br />Love you always.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-12158653673087853482013-04-30T22:38:00.003-07:002013-04-30T22:38:35.627-07:00Awake.I'm laying in bed wide awake at 1:30 in the morning. I have school tomorrow and am desperately in need of sleep, but instead of having a clear mind and resting peacefully, I have a list of mistakes running through my mind. There are things I've done wrong in my life and as I lay here, his voice whispers in my ear. "You're a failure. Who would be proud of you? If people knew, would they look at you the same? You are worthless. No one loves you." Satan has a way of speaking into our mistakes and letting us think that these things define us. He has a way of making us feel guilt for a debt that has already been paid for and wiped off your record. <div>
That's right. He's lying to you. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He steals your joy and peace, kills your hopes and ambitions, and destroys you from the inside out, but only if you let him. Satan is stronger than we are often, but when God is on your side, you have the one who has conquered the thief and murderer. He was victorious that day when He rose from the dead. In doing so, he wiped away our sins so that we do not live as slaves, bound by the chains of sin, but free in the love and grace of God. </div>
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Tonight, in my weariness, I claim His freedom. Satan can not tell me who I am; I already know who I am. I am a daughter of God and He adopted me into His family. He chose me before the foundations of the world were made. He thought of me when He sent His son to earth to die. He paid for my sins with innocent blood. I am free, not because I deserve it, I don't. Satan's right about that. I am undeserving of the grace, but that doesn't take away from the fact that I have had it freely offered to me. I am grateful now because I can go to sleep in peace knowing that it's all a lie. I sleep knowing that I have hope for tomorrow. </div>
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Goodnight, Late Night Bloggers</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Nickole<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-704582238887268982013-04-28T19:39:00.001-07:002013-04-28T19:39:12.692-07:00And the Countdown BeginsI am so excited for this next step in my life. I know I haven't posted on here in a while, but stuff has been so crazy! I'm sorry (: I really am trying. . . be patient with me! I'm only human, friends. I figured I'd take this time to catch you up on some stuff.<br />
<br />
1) 2 Days Ago: I enjoyed spending four months with my boyfriend.<br />
I don't know that I have ever talked about him on here. . .so SURPRISE! But it was a really fun day and I realized, once again, how blessed I am by his friendship. Being able to know that he loves God and his family is just amazing. He is a great encourager and we have fun doing stupid little things together, so yea. I don't know really what to say, but it was a good day for me and I smiled all day long so I thought I might as well share it. (:<br />
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2) 2 Days Until: My final college decision has to be made.<br />
BUT! Unlike usual, I did not procrastinate and have made a decision. . . DRUM ROLL PLEASE!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm going to THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE.</i></div>
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I am so excited that this decision has been made and I am ready to be there already! I will be in Speed School with the intentions of studying Electrical Engineering. I hope to go through and get a Bachelors and Masters degree. I really am excited about all the adventures that are in store! I know God will be with me as I walk through these next years in my life.<br />
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3) 9 Days Until: My first AP Test for the year.<br />
I'm nervous...it's Calculus...To be honest, I can't test out of it for Speed School sooo it's not necessary that I pass, but it really would be a confidence booster if I could just get a 4. Please, if you happen to think of me, pray for me to have clarity that day with minimal to no distractions. Pray that I recall what I have studied all year. I really would appreciate it! Then the next day I have to come in and take ANOTHER test :'( WAHHHH!!! But this one really counts! If I test out of this, I can bipass English in college. That would be a huge blessing. Again, I would love to have your prayers with me!<br />
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4) 19 Days Until: PROM!<br />
To many, this seems insignificant, but to me, this is so exciting. I love prom just because last year, I had such a big role in planning it and I can't wait to see what the juniors this year have done. I love events; I love getting dressed up; I love dancing. What about prom don't I love? Plus, this year, I have a date. I am so excited! It's probably the last time that I will wear a long formal dress until the day I get married (that'll be a while ya'll, don't worry), so it's kind of a big deal in my mind. So anyways! I'll try to post pictures when I can (: Remind me if I don't!<br />
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5) 26 Days Until: GRADUATION!<br />
I'm nervous, excited, happy, scared, emotional, and pretty much everything in between. I'm excited for summer and college, but I'm scared of the change. I'm stressed because I have to speak, and the last time I did that, there was a fire :O (If you say you want it, I'll write out the story, but for now, I'll just move on). I know it will be bittersweet to walk across that stage and to see my classmates walk as well. It will be a huge blessing, but so scary. But, I think I'm ready (:<br />
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So, there ya go! There's what you've missed hearing about! God really has been blessing me in huge ways! I hope that you all are doing great and guys, I love to hear from you. Your emails and messages have been great, but REMEMBER, you can subscribe! Thanks ya'll! Love you! <3<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying Down Myself<br />Kenzie Nickole</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-34628355772395335302013-02-28T08:05:00.001-08:002013-03-01T05:33:33.011-08:00Strange Little ThingsI think it's funny that on a day like today with all the darkness and clouds, I've become thankful for something. Cold. I HATE cold, but there is something so refreshing about being cooped up and so hot you think you are going to die and then walking outside into the frosty air. Don't go getting all crazy thinking that I want cold weather for the rest of my life, but today, I have a new appreciation for the cold weather. I'm still counting down the days until summer officially starts as I can start wearing shorts and TShirts, but right now, in this time, cold will do just fine. <br />
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Guess it just goes to show that everything has it's seasons...even the weather. <br />
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Yea. I know I'm not funny. No need to tell me (; <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-10188355862337968682013-02-18T09:12:00.000-08:002013-02-18T09:12:13.026-08:0010 I Will's and I Am'sI will smile every day because God has given me a reason to.<br />
I will love my family and treat them with the care and respect that they deserve.<br />
I will let go of the drama and remember who it is that I represent.<br />
I will take each moment and run with it because God never intended our lives to be boring.<br />
I will find the silver lining in every storm.<br />
I will make mistakes and learn from them.<br />
I will grow stronger every day.<br />
I will not be complacent and stagnant in my faith.<br />
I will try to understand grace in a new way with each opportunity that I have.<br />
I will follow the will of God even when I don't understand.<br />
<br />
I am a child of the one and only King.<br />
I am more than just what people tell me that I am.<br />
I am enthusiastic about what is coming up in my life.<br />
I am kind of scared as well.<br />
I am blessed in more ways than I have time to count.<br />
I am saved from my abundant sin only by grace.<br />
I am loved by my friends and family though I don't deserve it.<br />
I am unique.<br />
I am not a fan.<br />
I am waiting.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-37829638165694184832013-01-22T16:09:00.000-08:002013-01-22T16:09:00.432-08:00Special RequestWell, my best friend Holli looks at me today and told me that I haven't written a blog post in a long time and you know what...she's right. I said I would start getting back into the habit of writing on here more and to be honest, I had good intentions too. I just feel like now I have to filter myself. I have definitely been struggling a lot with negative talk. There are things going on and people around me who have stirred in me a desire to say ungracious and just plain right rude things. (I am supposed to be being honest here so for those of you who would like to say negative things about me because I struggle with these things and I am a Christian..go ahead..that's what the comment section is for.) I haven't wanted to give myself too much freedom to run so I have been limiting and filtering the things that I post on the internet. I finally feel like I might have a grip on myself and the situation now so I will continue (as long as Holli keeps asking (; ) to write this blog. I do feel like it is important for me to share my triumphs and my struggles because later in life I will look back and maybe be able to reflect on some of my stories. Some things might just amaze me and I'm sure, more than once, I'll laugh at how foolish I sound. I also just really enjoy writing and I am really happy to finally be over my "grumpy phase" and feel comfortable enough to continue publishing these blogs.<br />
<br />
This blog isn't going to be long, however I promise to post another one on Thursday or Friday depending on my schedule...maybe even tomorrow if you're lucky.<br />
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I just want to say one thing that helped me get through the moments where I wanted to say and think negative things. I think that it is important that we associate with people who are going to encourage us and lift us up, however sometimes those same people are going to have to step into your life and correct you. Proverbs talks about the wise man who accepts godly council and the foolish man who rejects it, but I would like to give some equally biblical advice for the advice giver, because I know on multiple occasions I have found myself failing at this. Always speak with love. Whether you are lifting someone up or rebuking them, do it with love. I'm sure some of you are thinking about how that could be possible to rebuke someone out of love, but if the intentions of your heart are to put the other person down and humiliate them, you have the wrong intentions, however if you are a good friend of this person and you see them succumbing to peer pressure in certain areas, you have a duty to that friend because you love them so much and would never want to see them end up hurt, to advise them to come back to the Lord. Of course, you can not say it like that, but if you are really their friend, you will know how to handle the situation.<br />
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I want to thank a moment to my friends who sympathized with me on my struggles, but did not encourage me in my negative behavior. It is because I see you all living out your faith day-to-day that I was able to realize that God has better plans for me than meaningless and worthless chatter. James says something revolutionary. Just as a huge ship is steered by a little rudder and a horse by a bit in it's mouth, the tongue has the potential to control the body. It can lead you in the wrong direction, or it could be a tool that helps you praise the only one worth praising.<br />
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I know that I have failed, but I will keep trying.<br />
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Thanks for being patient with me! Love always <3<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-60973058673140092312013-01-07T17:57:00.001-08:002013-01-07T17:58:17.992-08:00Silence is KeyI'll be honest. I wish some of the things I said and did today, I could take back only because I know it wasn't pleasing to the Lord.<br />
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Colossians 3:12-14 (Message)</div>
<div>
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: <b>compassion</b>, <b>kindness</b>, <b>humility</b>, quiet strength, <b>discipline</b>. <b>Be even-tempered</b>, content with second place, <b>quick to forgive an offense</b>. Forgive as <b>quickly and completely</b> as the Master forgave you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>AND REGARDLESS OF WHAT ELSE YOU PUT ON, WEAR LOVE. </b></div>
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It's your basic, all-purpose garment. </div>
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<b>NEVER BE WITHOUT IT.</b></div>
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Wow. . . talk about humbling. I think of the things that I've said today that haven't been graced with love. Instead it has been stained and polluted with anger. </div>
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I'm sorry for the lack of discipline and self-control. Those things are not from the Lord. Let God grant me the strength and the courage to follow His will. . . and stay silent in the face of adversity.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-24314316360661472702013-01-04T11:27:00.001-08:002013-01-04T11:28:19.404-08:00I Haven't ForgottenWow.. I haven't posted on here in a while. Sorry about that, but I haven't forgotten. I think about blogging almost every day, but never sit down and relax long enough to do it. I guess I'm starting to feel the extreme circumstances all around me. I can hear the clock tic-tocking away as if tomorrow isn't another new adventure with new struggles and new triumphs. This is a big year. I have all the big senior experiences like senior trip and prom. I graduate. Choose a college. Move out of my house...my home. Turn eighteen. Possibly go to a new city. Start a new day-to-day. And keep God number one amidst all the chaos.<br />
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Deep Breath.<br />
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It's not my will that I'm living every day. If it is, I've failed to understand the world around me, my Creator, and my purpose. I live to serve God and every day I find myself with lots of failures to set at His feet. Every day, He reassures me that He loves me even when my actions don't prove my love for Him. I give Him all of me, the brokenness and failures included, because that's all I have and yet He says it's enough. I wake up the next day realizing the fullness of His grace and again I decide that that day is His to do with what He will. Even that day, I still fail. The cycle continues, but as God starts working more and more in my life, I see the places that He's saved me from. I see how obedience takes away the possibilities for regret and heartbreak. So far, it hasn't been perfect, it will never be, but it's been real.<br />
<br />
{As I walk into the valley ahead, I will not fear for God is my strength and my courage and though I will daily fail, He never will. His eyes are of love and grace to me and He calls me His daughter. I am truly blessed. His ways will be my ways and those who He loves, I will also love. To those He shows grace, I will likewise show grace.}<br />
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I'm sorry that I haven't taken the time to write, but I don't want to miss a single moment. Every moment that I spend, I want it to shine a light on the reason that I'm living. I forgot just how good this was for me. Sometimes I need to sit back and count my blessings.<br />
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Until next time!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying Down Myself<br />Kenzie Mason</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-67649947649591428002012-12-14T19:57:00.001-08:002012-12-14T19:57:47.497-08:00By the PhoneI'm sitting here waiting for a reply that won't come. At least not tonight. I know I can't and shouldn't complain but I want to talk. I just don't know what to say. I need to talk to you, but I can't. So I'll sit and wait by the phone in case, by some miracle, you decide that you might want to talk. About anything. I don't care. I just want to know that you understand that I'm here to listen and that I still care about you. I'm sorry. <br />
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I'll be by the phone. Just in case<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-63343592787102004312012-12-09T20:13:00.000-08:002012-12-09T20:13:08.425-08:00122 DaysI was digging through my drawer to look for a pencil and I found it. A journal. I've always loved to keep journals, but I've never been good at consistently writing in them. This one was quite different though. I've never read through this journal that I wrote. I wrote it, tucked it away, and prayed that I would forget that it existed. You're probably asking why I didn't throw it away. . . well to be honest, I don't know. I just couldn't. . . can't. I wrote in this journal every single day for four months. It feels like it houses part of my heart. Today, I read through it.<br />
<br />
I felt it all over again. The break in my heart. The ache in my stomach. The pounding in my head. I felt utterly alone all over again. This journal was back from the days that I went through a really hard time in my life. It was sophomore year and my best friend and I ended our friendship. I was absolutely broken. All of my worth had come from what my friend thought about me. I had my identity wrapped in what friends told me I was rather than what God told me I was. I didn't see myself as a true daughter of God. I saw myself as the outgoing, fun-loving, goofy girl that my friends told me I was. When they stopped telling me, I lost everything. I questioned who I was and what my purpose was in living. Luckily, my mom stepped up alongside of me and reminded me where my identity is really found.<br />
<br />
It's funny that today I worried about who I am. What I live for. What I'd die for. What I love. What my hopes and dreams are. Where I'm going. And Who will be along for the ride. And today I found that journal where my identity was unknown and I asked these same exact questions. Today I asked because I want to know God's will, then I asked so I could know my will. Looking back, those 122 days, I lived in my own little world, only concerned about me. I don't want to live that way. I see how far I've come and how different my basis for identity is. Only God tells me who I am. I try so hard to follow His lead, but it can be hard. But the thing is, those 122 days showed my how hopeless it is to try to do it on my own. I can't. It has to be God that leads the way. His way is goodness, peace, love, and joy. Mine is not.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-20539831778649376052012-12-09T16:18:00.001-08:002012-12-09T16:49:13.537-08:00What to do? What do you do when you stand in the middle between your heart and mind and nothing makes sense? What do you do when the crossroad seems so immense that you're drowning in the possibilities before even making a step? What do you do when your forced to betray your heart no matter which way you step? What do you do when you regret things that you've thought, done, and said? What do you do when the walls close in and you don't know where to go?<br />
<br />
I feel stuck. Being pushed into things that I'm still thinking about. I jumped into decisions before I was ready, but how do you backspace in life? What do you do when you do the one thing you were trying so hard to avoid?<br />
<br />
I just need time to think and until the time when I know, I have a feeling that I'll be standing at this crossroad, but it could be that things will change before I'm ready. When will I be ready?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-36693265105005881162012-12-05T20:54:00.002-08:002012-12-05T20:54:35.289-08:00Maybe They Are RightI don't often say this, but I might be wrong about something. Vastly, indefinitely, unarguably wrong. I know it's a shocker for most of you. Just kidding. If you have read any of my posts, you see that I am so very very very wrong. But once again I have this fact thrown in my face. Let me put it this way. . . I'm going to tell you the situation, then my thoughts, then I will once again sulk into my utter wrongness.<br />
<br />
Well to say the least, I'm a little stressed right now. Here are the things I have to do in the next two days and how long each one will take:<br />
<br />
~ Finish ridiculously long project due Friday<br />
Three hours for writing<br />
An hour for putting together<br />
~ Do Physics Labs due Thursday<br />
I have 2 of these suckers<br />
1 will take me about an hour<br />
The other will take me about 30 minutes.<br />
~ Study for ALL my tests on Friday<br />
Let's see. . . 30 minutes to study for each of them<br />
Calculus<br />
Bible<br />
Physics<br />
~Try to function as a normal human being ALL THE TIME<br />
Though that surely isn't going to happen.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing, I'M FREAKING OUT! I hate getting bad grades and I hate feeling like I didn't do well enough so I'm scared that it all won't work out. Now I bet you're asking the question most people would. . . If you're so stressed, why are you blogging? First of all, I need a break for 5 minutes and secondly, I need to write it down to remind myself of something.<br />
<br />
SOMETIMES I FAIL, BUT GOD IS STILL GOD. TOMORROW STILL COMES. I AM STILL BLESSED.<br />
<br />
It's true.<br />
Deep breath in. . . . . . . . and out. . . . . . . .<br />
Ok well I'm going to continue to slowly chip away at my work and in doing so I admit that I am wrong. How well I do on my test or project does not make me any more or less than I am. Thank you for listening and reminding me of that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-10728273648059375402012-12-03T18:58:00.001-08:002012-12-03T18:58:39.032-08:00I'll Lose It. It sounds like I'm going crazy, and maybe I am, but maybe I need to. See I went to Radiate tonight and everything just feels like it makes more sense. I understand why I'm at this stand-still in my relationship with Christ. I keep catching these glimpses of what He wants me to do and to be honest, I'm just flat-out disobedient. Call me a bad Christian. Call me a hypocrite. Call me what you will, but I just find myself to be hungry.<br />
I always want more. I want to hear more, see more, think more, but one thing I never want is to do more. In Radiate, we talk about Christ's life being split into three main periods of his ministry. There was the "Come and See" period, the "Follow Me and I'll Make You" period, and the "Come and Die" period. As we walk through our relationship with him, we walk through these stages. I think I've been doing what many Western Christians do. I get stuck in the "Come and See" period. I don't want to do anything. I want Christ to work, but I want to sit back and watch. I can't do that anymore. Sometimes I find myself wandering into the "Follow Me and I'll Make You" period. I have a hard time staying there and not falling back into the first period. This is mostly because I'm so prideful and convince myself that I can do it on my own without Christ. I take 2 steps forward and 18 backwards.<br />
The one section I never seem to make it to is the "Come and Die" period. I think that every person who claims to be a Christian would say that they love God, but to what extent? My mom has often told me that love is often shown through sacrifice. Whether that is time, money, or pieces of your heart, it's always a sacrifice. If God is really worth loving as much as we claim He is, He deserves everything. A complete sacrifice of our life, but I find myself holding on to many of the things in my life. For many girls, I'd say we have a problem of letting go our desires for the future. Most of us want a husband, kids, and a job, but what if you found out you wouldn't get married, would you still trust Him? Would you be willing to sacrifice that for God? I honestly, question myself in this area. Am I willing to give up my future for Him so that He can do what He wants with it? The thing is I know His plans are much greater than mine. I can't say that my heart is completely open to the idea of not getting married, not having kids, or not having a job that makes me happy, but if He's calling me to it, I love Him enough. I'll lay down my desires so that He can work in me. Maybe then I can Come and Die.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-84878533067626206002012-12-01T17:27:00.000-08:002012-12-01T17:28:42.388-08:00The Rescue Mission<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> His heart raced and his mind
wandered. The entire school day, he’d carefully processed exactly how the next
hour was going to play out, and as he stepped of the bus the only thought
running through his mind was ‘And my time starts…now’. Step-by-step he walked
the two blocks to his empty house still thinking. As he approached the front
door, tears welled up in his eyes. As he turned the key, his heart broke from
millions of pieces to trillions. The door swung open and the smell of his house
overwhelmed his senses. He imagined these moments all day and tried to prepare
himself for these feelings, but how did you honestly prepare for this? He’d say
to himself, ‘Travis, you’re doing this to free them, not to hurt them’. Travis
threw his backpack by the door; no point in doing his homework. He checked the
time; fifty minutes until it was too late. He walked to his computer and opened
Word to start typing the letter that he’d been planning out in his mind all
day, but as the line flashed at the top of the page it erased every pre-planned
word in his mind. Tears again overwhelmed him and after trying to stifle them
back, sobs broke from his lips. He thought to himself, ‘I shouldn’t type this. This kind of
thing needs to be hand written.’ Then he wondered, ‘Since when were there rules
for this kind of thing?’ Oh well, it felt better to him to write it. He found a
pen and some pretty, baby blue stationary that his mom used to write official
letters. The pen was firmly gripped in his hand, but he couldn’t control the shaking
to be able to legibly write a single word. He thought for a second then in the
best handwriting he could in his state wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear
Everyone,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> THIS
ISN’T BECAUSE OF YOU; IT’S FOR YOU. I DON’T WANT YOU TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS
ANYMORE. I DON’T DESERVE YOU.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I
LOVE YOU, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Travis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He
had thought all day about what he was going to say, but these were the only
three sentences out of the book in his head that he could manage. He glanced at
the clock. Twenty-seven more minutes until his dad would walk in the door. He
knew that if he was going to do this, and he was, he had very little time. He
walked into his parents’ room, tears still streaming down his face. He stumbled
to his dad’s nightstand and opened the little wooden box that kept his dad’s
most prized possessions. Through the tears, he frantically searched for a small
silver key. He couldn’t find it and almost thought that this wasn’t going to
happen today until he moved a letter that Travis had written him in fourth
grade for Thanksgiving. He thought that soon that baby blue piece of paper
would lay there beside it. As soon as the thought came through his mind though,
he shoved it away. He grabbed the key and half ran out of the room. He walked
into his garage with the baby blue letter in his hand. The scene was almost
set. Slowly and suppressing more sobs, he opened his dad’s gun cabinet. He
looked through the many hunting guns that he owned, but quickly glanced past
them until he found what he was looking for. He saw it, sitting there, promising
him relief. He picked up his dad’s police gun. His dad was a cop, but on
Thursdays he stayed in the office and did paperwork so he never took his gun.
That’s why Travis knew that it was now or never. Rarely, did he get this
opportunity. He did what he saw his dad do thousands of times at the shooting
range. It was a little harder because of his blurred vision. He opened the gun
to load the bullets that conveniently sat on the shelf below where the gun had
been. He opened the box of ammunition and a chill went down his spine and an
almost scream broke from his lips. He carefully picked up two bullets and with
shaking hands lodged them in the chamber. He thought for a second about why,
during lunch, he had decided that two bullets were necessary. He had thought,
‘What if the first one only leaves me in pain?’ That’s when he decided that he
need two…just in case. Now as the gun stood, loaded, in his violently shaking
hand, he realized that it would really be needed in case he would miss. Sobs
overwhelmed him for a moment, but he regained composure when he realized that
his dad would be home in ten minutes. He turned the safety off. Glanced at the
shaking gun. Bit his lip. Lifted the gun to his head. Paused for a second. Took
a deep, uneven breath and suddenly, the garage door opened. Travis’s best
friend Brandon stood on the other side smiling, but only for an instant until he
fully took in what was about to take place. He ran up to Travis knocking the
gun out of his hand and tackling Travis to the cold cement floor. Travis
sobbed, “STOP! STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE!” Brandon, now breathing heavily screamed,
“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU THINKING, MAN?!?!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think most of us has seen someone going through a rough time and ignored them. I know I have. Sometimes, it's just easier that way. It's easier to look at your shoes as you walk past them in the hallway than to stop, talk to them, and try to just sit there and listen. Honestly though, when I was in a low in my life, all I wanted was for someone to go out of their comfort zone, put their arm around me, and just listen. The best prevention of suicide isn't accidentally walking into the scene like Brandon in the story. The best way is to get out of our own little selfish worlds and look around and see what we so often don't want to see. My challenge is to do what the Bible says, </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have definitely struggled with this. It's hard to see what you don't want to see, but by opening your heart to being compassionate to the situations of others, we learn to love like Jesus loved. By doing this, I hope that this whole idea of depression in our world can end and that the suicide rates would drop to nothing. Love saves lives. The love of Christ has saved our lives for eternity, but the love we can give someone on earth might be able to save their earthly lives.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwA9-929MQ9DGkfAYMvK6pZOUwVrgwX7Sn6DK2CYEs_T6_Dri8LJrWn-9Cftb0Jnp2aqhsyxKZBNuaO0Yccv0HBmzmT1bS_H-fXh1Tpj_VzyG0vCPj2dlUc__EoTEENO67bC8GuPVX2s/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />
Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-67314815794097952942012-11-26T20:33:00.003-08:002012-11-26T20:33:44.124-08:00Bows and RibbonsLife always comes in neat little packages wrapped with sparkling, glittery paper and floppy bows. Ribbons always engulf the package only waiting for you, the lucky receiver, to tear into. Life always seems to make sense and because of that we are always happy. We never have to struggle. It's always shine, glitter, bows, and ribbons. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe if you live in a fantasy world. I know that my life does not always come wrapped with ribbons and bows. Usually it's wrapped with a little frustration, a little resistance, a little persecution, or a little failure. Of course, there are times that we consider ourselves blessed for getting the perfect, pretty package that we admire, but honestly, how often does that come? It feels like it's always the girl who has the perfect hair, beautiful clothes, and stunning personality that is handed the most extravagant package. It feels like the popular jock who plays starting quarterback every game is the one who receives the luxurious gifts. It's never your time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But maybe it's not the wrapping that matters all that much. Maybe what's important isn't the bows and ribbons, but the things inside the boxes. I know for me, the best lessons that I've learned about life haven't been from gifts that were perfectly wrapped. There was always the packages wrapped in frustration that led to me growing as a peson. They were the gifts tangled in heartbreak that made me realize where my value comes from. They were the presents delivered by unlikely, and often (I say with much shame) in my eyes, undeserving people. The gifts that weren't the prettiest, were the ones that I consider myself completely and utterly blessed by. Through these gifts, I have developed a new identity in Christ, a new love for people around me, and I continue to grow from many of them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know it feels like there's always that one person who gets everything on a silver platter. The package comes wrapped in wealth and property, but inside, the only thing that they find is loneliness. The package comes wrapped in beautiful children but inside comes the painful reminder of a messy divorce. The gifts can come wrapped in a nice package that you, the onlooker, is completely entranced by and jealous of, but sometimes it's the people who look like they have it all together that are truly struggling the most. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do not look at the wrappings of the parcels that life gives us, look at the worth of what's on the inside, but also be willing to step in and be the good that adds value to their life. I know I am blessed through some amazing friends who step into my life daily and bless me. I honestly do not deserve them, yet they stick around and encourage me in my walk every day. I'm not perfect. Life still has a lot of things to teach me, but I'm ready for whatever God is going to throw my way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For those of you who just received a beautifully wrapped package with something good inside:</div>
<div>
Give thanks where thanks is due. Remember that even if you feel like you deserve it now, there have been times that you don't. Remember the grace that has been extended to you and I to allow us to have gifts like that.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For those of you who just received a beautifully wrapped package with something bad inside:</div>
<div>
Things will get better. There are people around you who can encourage you and a God above who has hidden a fantastic present in what seems to be a bad gift. Keep faith and take a look at the big picture. God may be giving you some important message. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For those of you who just received a package that was not beautifully wrapped and has something bad inside as well: </div>
<div>
It's all part of His plan. Right now, I know it doesn't look like it. It looks like the end of the world, but I promise that God has a plan. I don't know how He is going to use it, but even if you don't see it, He is using it for His glory. Have faith because though the world seems to be crushing you, He has overcome the world and if He is on your side, He will not let it overcome you.</div>
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Lastly, </div>
<div>
For those of you who just received a package that was not beautifully wrapped and has something good inside: </div>
<div>
God grows us with these kinds of gifts. It looks like resistance. It looks bad, but He uses what looks messy and hard to show us who we are and how we are to serve Him. Don't let the messy packing deter you. Walk boldly because He is setting you up for something great that is right around the corner. </div>
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I love you all! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself<br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-10827786239870749762012-11-26T11:38:00.000-08:002012-11-26T11:38:05.635-08:00Up-side Down Kind of LoveI think about the sacrifices that Christ asks us to make as his followers. We have to sacrifice our desires for His will. Whether that be our desire for a well paying job, our desire for a relationship with a significant other, our desire to become wealthy, our desire to be popular or famous, or our desire to be god, we have to realize that our desires pale in comparison to God's good and perfect will. He has set up these amazing things in our lives that He is going to use for His plan and in the end, we try to grab hold of them ourselves, steer them to "work for us", and ultimately, lose everything. We lose the goodness of the plan that God has originally intended and often, we lose the very thing that we decided was ours to control. Let's be honest, we might as well be the opposite of King Mitus sometimes. Whereas everything he touched turned to gold, everything we touch turns to dust. I know that's how it often is for me.<br />
<br />
I feel like that's what happened in the garden. The serpent came up and instilled this spark, an idea, nothing more, in the mind of Eve. She started taking hold of the apple in her mind much before she physically did. As the thought of being like God overwhelmed her, her desire overruled God's command. She took with two hands something that she hoped to turn into gold. Sadly, it became dust and darkness to the world. Eve's original desires were to listen to God and as she walked in His will, she found herself happy with her husband in the presence of the Lord, but when she tried to make things even better for herself, it made her ultimately lose everything. She lost the garden, the ease, the comfort, her relationship with God, purity, and she welcomed death as it came into the world.<br />
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As people died, God couldn't let his children be sent to hell, because although He is just, He is also gracious and loving. He gave the best form of grace that could ever be imagined. He came down to earth to teach His people about Him. He lived like we do on this earth. He dealt with common, daily struggles like the ones that we have, yet in the end, because He is perfect, He never sinned. Not once. Jesus never tried to go against the will of the Father. Even when He was faced with death, He did not waiver. He walked parallel to the plan of the Father. One of his closest friends betrayed Him and as the prophesies had foretold, He was hung to a cross to die. He didn't speak out against the Father, instead He spoke out for the people who hung them there to die. Even on the cross, in the pain, He remembered why He had to come to earth. He had to come because He couldn't stand the thought of us staying an eternity in hell, because He couldn't imagine losing His sons and daughters to the evil one. He loves us and wanted us to spend forever in His glory.<br />
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I love the cross. It is the ultimate sacrifice of love. Perfect God loved me enough to come to earth and to die. If that was the end of the story, there wouldn't be much hope. I'd be serving a dead God. Instead, three days after His death Christ rose again from the grave proving that in the end, Satan can not hold down the power of God. God is alive.<br />
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I believe that with all of my heart, but now I go back to my original statement, Christ asks us to make sacrifices as His followers. Maybe we do have to sacrifice everything that I mentioned before for Christ. Maybe He asks us to go even beyond that.<br />
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I think of Peter. He loved God and laid down his life to follow after God. He literally died upside-down on a cross because he felt that he was unworthy to be crucified like Christ was. What if our love for God was that radical? So up-side down that we feel it totally ridiculous to hold on to our lives only to in the end lose it? Oh wait. . . that does sound pretty ridiculous. Maybe we should all just start sacrificing little things for Christ, then maybe things would start to change. Maybe by sacrificing little things, we would ultimately, be sacrificing a lot. Maybe then we could have a committed up-side down kind of love like Peter had for Christ.<br />
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I don't think I would be offended to have my faith compared to his. Sure he might have been a little crazy, but only because he wanted to give his entire life up to the one person who could in the end, save it. He didn't believe in the world. He believed in the one who overcame it.<br />
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And that made all the difference.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-48306217952007878372012-11-25T19:26:00.001-08:002012-11-25T19:26:10.934-08:00Warm Fuzzy SongsGirls grow up with this idea that they will be swept off of their feet by Prince Charming. I'd like to think that it's something like that, but I want my Prince Charming to stay with me through ups and downs...I'm not naive enough to think that it's going to be happily ever after, but I have faith that there will be forever...<br />
<br />
Anyways, that's kind of beside the point. Here are some songs that make me get that butterflies in the stomach, forever kind of feeling (:<br />
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<b>1. Fine By Me- Andy Grammer </b><br />
I love that it's so imperfect and not fairytale, but it's real and forever.<br />
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<b>2. Are You Gunna Kiss Me or Not- Thompson Square</b><br />
Come on...every girl wants to be kisssed.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDUOcHg5ijg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b>3. God Gave Me You- Blake Shelton</b></div>
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Let's be honest, I want a for better or worse relationship. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nCf2PoTuh4Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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4. Give Me That Girl- Joe Nichols </div>
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I don't want to have to be perfect. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NmekzvbKrF8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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5. Our Song- Taylor Swift </div>
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This is just super cute! </div>
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6. 1 2 3 4- Plain White T's </div>
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Those three scary words.</div>
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7. The Woman with You- Kenny Chesney</div>
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Simple as that. </div>
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8. I Do- Colbie Caillat</div>
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If you're a girl and say you can't relate. . . you lie. </div>
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9. Wanted- Hunter Hayes </div>
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Cliché, but true. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ruyaKdPfTN4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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10. Hey There Delilah- Plain White T's </div>
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Close or far away. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EbJtYqBYCV8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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11. Fall For You- Secondhand Serenade </div>
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I want to fall for him, but he also has to fall for me.</div>
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12. Check Yes Juliet- We The Kings</div>
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This just makes me smile. </div>
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13. Smile- Uncle Kracker </div>
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Gives me butterflies. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ffej15-Dgl0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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14. Bless the Broken Road- Rascal Flatts</div>
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Yea...it's not a perfect journey, but the end result will be beyond what I can imagine.</div>
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15. Little Moments- Brad Paisley</div>
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I'm a little clumsy. </div>
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16. Don't Take the Girl- Tim McGraw</div>
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It would be nice to have that guy. </div>
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17. Good Morning Beautiful- Steve Holy </div>
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Who doesn't like being called beautiful? </div>
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18. She's Everything- Brad Paisley </div>
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I would love to be that to someone. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JCjXaEbrLdw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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19. Check Yes or No- George Strait</div>
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AWWWWWWW </div>
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20. When You Say Nothing At All- Allison Krauss</div>
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Overused, but cute</div>
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And there you go! In no particular order, with every video. I hope you like them (: </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself </td></tr>
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-32596517482470934312012-11-21T19:45:00.001-08:002012-11-26T11:38:52.893-08:00...Accursed WordLet's be honest, boyfriend-girlfriend relationships can be such an amazing and beautiful and uplifting thing, however it can also be something that causes unnecessary heartbreak. For me, I always have to remember what God says about guarding your heart. I'm the kind of person that let's myself care about someone way too quickly. I've worked on this a lot. The people who have places in my heart have showed me that they honestly care about me and love me. I am thankful for each one of them. (Of course here I'm not talking boyfriend, but more best friend).<br />
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Right now, having a boyfriend seems like such a weird concept. I have to think that next year I will be going to college and leaving behind some of my best friends, my cousins, my family, and I can't imagine adding a boyfriend to the mix. Of course this is my plan FOR NOW. I know how I am and I know how things change for me. </div>
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The good part is that no matter what, I know that God will show me the right thing to do. . . even if it's hard and I know that it most likely will be either way. </div>
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But here's what anyone might want to know about my "Boyfriend Wishlist" if you will:</div>
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1. He has to be a Christian</div>
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2. He has to be social</div>
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3. He has to be kind to everyone, not just me</div>
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4. He has to be gentle</div>
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5. He has to be funny</div>
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6. He has to smile and be happy</div>
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7. He should be close to his family</div>
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8. He can not be a cheater</div>
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9. He has to accept me for who I am (though I'm willing to change little things about myself, but not who I am) and he can not be embarrassed of me in front of his friends (AKA I want a title)</div>
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10. He has to be American (; (Inside joke! But those who get it . . . seriously though lol) </div>
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I don't like talking about boyfriends much. . . so this probably won't happen again. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s1600/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUy4dL6_CZ0FX_rJMBj0ugppcf1Ri7m1GFD3ETvgKfx5ONXcj_AGdE-GhI3U3QpfNB8gisVhWty4YbC6rptDwtepqHPetJeeBJ0N2KIfNsnnONb47rw3BzKEWnaif3nDZZJYsCofaJkE/s200/Fleur+de+Lis.jpeg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />
Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-38377032577271109742012-11-19T08:29:00.001-08:002012-11-21T19:48:31.843-08:00Coming outLet's be honest...I haven't told many people about my blog, but today was ground breaking. I finally told two of my best friends that I write a blog. It looks like they might enjoy it (; <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenzie Mason<br />Laying Down Myself</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-23042482409838570012012-11-13T19:17:00.002-08:002012-11-13T19:18:46.829-08:00Welp, This is Awkward..Ok so usually I try to connect what I'm going to say to my spiritual faith, but tonight, I'm just going to talk about something that I think every single person understands. Sometimes, let's be honest, life just gets so. . . awkward. I can't help, but think that God giggles as he watches these little events unfold.<br />
There are some places that just create awkward situations. We would all be lying if we denied that awkward moments seem to spawn out of school dances. From the parents watching at all angles, to the teachers commenting on your dress, to the moment when a guy walks up to you. He smoothly says, "Hey do you like this song?" Your heart beats fast because you've had a secret crush on him and your mind flashes through the images. The first one, is you all dancing, the next dating through college, then getting married, and having a baby (okay. . . that's a MAJOR exaggeration). Some how you formulate words and without even knowing what song is playing you say, "I love it!" To which the boy looks you straight in the eyes, takes a deep breath and says, "Well I hate it!" After that, he plops himself in a seat close to you to wait out the slow song. Talk about awkward.<br />
Maybe that's never happened to you, but maybe this has. You get to the dance. Your hair is fixed and your dress fluffed. You've talked to this certain guy and he's told you that he plans to dance with you all night. You're giddy as you walk through the doors into the dance. You walk up to the sign in table and bend over to write your name when the seam of your dress by the zipper splits in two, almost causing the dress to fall down. You run to the bathroom with your best friends.<br />
Maybe you had your eye on a guy all night. You are just waiting for him to ask you to dance with him. Your friend whispers in your ear to ask who you want to ask you to dance. You smile and giggle as you whisper his name. She looks at you and with an encouraging nod says that she knows it is going to happen. Suddenly, the D.J. announces that he is playing the last slow song of the night. You make yourself easily accessible by standing in an open space easily in his line of sight, but as you look for him, you see your friend who you just told that you wanted to dance with him, talking to him. You kind of think how nice she is for encouraging him to ask you to dance when suddenly, his facial expression gets nervous and he says, "Ok." Your friend, the one you trusted, starts to dance with the boy you told her you liked.<br />
Sometimes things just get awkward, but when you surround yourself with good friends, they all end up working out to be in your favor. Sometimes your friends make or break a situation.<br />
As you sit there awkwardly after the boy you have a crush on told you he hates the song, a mutual friend comes up, tells him to get over his hatred for the song, and choose someone to dance with. You're still sitting right next to him so he asks you if you want to and you get the chance that you thought you lost.<br />
Your friends try to help you the best they can. They seek out a sewing kit and eventually find one. The dress is stitched together for the night, but at the end of it all, you have to cut the dress off. Sure, the end is still a little weird, but you, without paying much attention to the dress situation, dance the night way with the boy who then asks you to be his girlfriend.<br />
You feel your heart break with betrayal and a little sadness. You sit down and decide that you are going to give up on trying to find someone to dance with. Your best guy friend comes up, and even though he HATES dancing, he sees how sad you are and offers to dance with you. He pulls you close to him and you all spin around the floor, with each step, you forget the boy who originally occupied all of your thoughts.<br />
It's a good thing that friends are there at school dances. They are some of the best memories and most awkward situations. They are a place to socialize and enjoy yourself. School dances are just great, but only if you have great friends to be there for the awkward and the awesome. There's only one thing friends can't help you escape at school dances. . . the most horrid of all dance songs. . . "Then".<br />
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But that's a different story for a different day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying Down Myself<br />
Kenzie Mason</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020989742717855943.post-27748305579783174142012-11-12T18:48:00.002-08:002012-11-12T18:48:47.350-08:00If God Was Like ME... I have to start this off with saying I feel like I've had my share of bad luck with boys. I have had some guys in my life who have been high quality, God-loving, gentlemen. Others however...well...to be completely honest, I'm going to quote my mom, "If you can't find anything nice to say, just don't say anything at all." In other words, I'm not a big fan. I know one thing that helped me get over or past the heartbreak in those situations is a song that made me feel like I didn't deserve what happened to me. It also makes me sound a little better than I actually am, but even though I don't believe that I am high up on a pedestal as this song makes it sound, it quite clearly conveys the emotions I felt. For all of you Taylor Swift haters who thought my last blog about Taylor Swift was bad...I bet you can't wait for this one!<br />
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Ok I know this might be a far stretch for some people, but for me, this is how I feel like God should react to us sinning. I mean, He is supposed to be the best thing in the world to us and He should be walking away with His hands in the air saying, "I'm never taking you back since you decided that money, your popularity, sex, drugs, alcohol, is more important than me." God is a gracious God. He doesn't walk away from us. He is absolutely heartbroken over our sin, but He waits like a loving Father for His children to return to Him. When they do, they receive an extravagant homecoming, not a jaded God. He loves us past our mistakes.<br />
I'm not saying to the girls out there who have ever been cheated on to accept that guy back into their hearts because that's what God would do. I am saying however, imagine how hard that is for you. Now imagine how much harder that would be for God to accept someone back who completely rejected Him in order to follow after something else. All I have to say is I've been there and I know that our God is so much more gracious than I will ever be able to be. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying Down Myself<br />Kenzie Mason</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02724167906707318257noreply@blogger.com0