My friend Marianne Mobley has started a new blog!
It is really cool and you should check it out!
Her blog is called Lillie's Valley (cause her favorite flowers are lillies). It is a really fun green blog with pictures of flowers and lilac bushes that she loves to take pictures of.
Check it out here!
I guarantee that it will make you smile~
Kaye
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Simple Things
The world is full of little simple things.
All we have to do is look for them and see if we can find the beauty in them.
Like telephone lines running to our house.
And electricity powering our world.
The water that runs out of our sink.
The windchime that clinks in the wind.
Simple things.
our family sitting down to dinner- all six of us- to read the Word and talk about worldviews with my dad.
bowls and spoons and plates waiting to be used.
a wooden cross and a red flower as our centerpiece.
simple things.
fiery sunsets that cast shadows through all the trees.
laughter around the table.
adventures with my dad (whether we look for them or not). ;-)
God's continuing grace in my life.
simple things that I am oh so grateful for.
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 30:18
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Kaye
Pictures: my mom's dragonfly windchime; our family dinner table; sunset on our block; HCR dinner
Monday, April 19, 2010
Ask Me About Sponsorship
Quite a few years ago, my family decided to choose a child through Christian Childrens fund to sponsor. She is just a year younger than me, and she is from Bolivia. I loved that I could write to her in spanish and she would write back. Now, she is almost 16 and has many siblings. She sends pictures of her where she is smiling so big and holding a new pair of shoes or clothes, or whatever she was able to buy that month.
On our fridge, there are pictures of her from when we first chose her to now, and I am amazed at how she has grown!
When my dad turned 37 years old, my mom and sisters and I wanted to do something new and special that would mean a lot to him. We thought about it and prayed, then my mom told us that we could sponsor another child for him.
I was excited! We jumped online to World Vision and chose a child. Since we were all girls and we already sponsored the young girl in Bolivia, we chose a boy from Kenya. His little picture popped up and we all instantly fell in love with his. He is a Hope Child who lives in an area of Kenya that is severely affected by AIDS. His small smile and little overalls stole our hearts, and we chose to sponsor him.
When my dad opened his gift and saw that little face, I believe it made his day. The little boy was only 4 at the time, and just slightly younger than my sister M.
For six years now, we have recieved letters and pictures of this little boy who is now almost 11 and much taller than he was when we first started to sponsor him.
It makes our day to recieve letters and hand-drawn pictures of him all the way from Kenya. His picture are right next to the girl from Bolivia's on our fridge, and every time we walk in the door, they are one of the first things we see.
After reading A Hole in Our Gospel by the president of World Vision, I was again reminded of the many children in the world who are without food, water, clothing and resources to get them out of the life of poverty. The $35 a month that you could give them through sponsoship would literally help lift them and their families out of poverty.
I was convicted lately about how many 'loaves' I have been given. Jesus asked his disciples when He fed the 4,000, "How many loaves do you have?" They gave Him what they had, and He multiplied it to feed 4,000 men (that's not including women and children!)
I have been given much. I have many 'loaves'. I have been homeschooled and raised in a Christian home. I have a lot of time to spare during my day, and the resources to make a difference. So why wasn't I making a difference?
I went online, back to World Vision, and searched their site for something- anything- that I could do.
Lord, just show me something.
I came to page where it describes hosting a party to raise awareness of the great need that children have, and to ask people to seriously consider sponsoring a child. God poked me.
Got it.
I sent the link to my mom and dad. My mom read my mind! I was standing by the door just about to ask when she looked over and said, "You'd like to host a party, wouldn't you?" I started to cry because yes, I really did.
My mom knows me well.
So we are planning a party to help the kids who are hurting. To help more little smiling boys in Africa and laughing girls in Bolivia.
Look for an invitation to the party coming in June/July!
Lord Jesus, I pray right now that you would take and use the loaves that I have. Use me to spread your good news of salvation from sin. Give me Your courage to do what You've asked.
In Your Name and to YOU be the glory!
Amen
K.A.S.
On our fridge, there are pictures of her from when we first chose her to now, and I am amazed at how she has grown!
When my dad turned 37 years old, my mom and sisters and I wanted to do something new and special that would mean a lot to him. We thought about it and prayed, then my mom told us that we could sponsor another child for him.
I was excited! We jumped online to World Vision and chose a child. Since we were all girls and we already sponsored the young girl in Bolivia, we chose a boy from Kenya. His little picture popped up and we all instantly fell in love with his. He is a Hope Child who lives in an area of Kenya that is severely affected by AIDS. His small smile and little overalls stole our hearts, and we chose to sponsor him.
When my dad opened his gift and saw that little face, I believe it made his day. The little boy was only 4 at the time, and just slightly younger than my sister M.
For six years now, we have recieved letters and pictures of this little boy who is now almost 11 and much taller than he was when we first started to sponsor him.
It makes our day to recieve letters and hand-drawn pictures of him all the way from Kenya. His picture are right next to the girl from Bolivia's on our fridge, and every time we walk in the door, they are one of the first things we see.
After reading A Hole in Our Gospel by the president of World Vision, I was again reminded of the many children in the world who are without food, water, clothing and resources to get them out of the life of poverty. The $35 a month that you could give them through sponsoship would literally help lift them and their families out of poverty.
I was convicted lately about how many 'loaves' I have been given. Jesus asked his disciples when He fed the 4,000, "How many loaves do you have?" They gave Him what they had, and He multiplied it to feed 4,000 men (that's not including women and children!)
I have been given much. I have many 'loaves'. I have been homeschooled and raised in a Christian home. I have a lot of time to spare during my day, and the resources to make a difference. So why wasn't I making a difference?
I went online, back to World Vision, and searched their site for something- anything- that I could do.
Lord, just show me something.
I came to page where it describes hosting a party to raise awareness of the great need that children have, and to ask people to seriously consider sponsoring a child. God poked me.
Got it.
I sent the link to my mom and dad. My mom read my mind! I was standing by the door just about to ask when she looked over and said, "You'd like to host a party, wouldn't you?" I started to cry because yes, I really did.
My mom knows me well.
So we are planning a party to help the kids who are hurting. To help more little smiling boys in Africa and laughing girls in Bolivia.
Look for an invitation to the party coming in June/July!
Lord Jesus, I pray right now that you would take and use the loaves that I have. Use me to spread your good news of salvation from sin. Give me Your courage to do what You've asked.
In Your Name and to YOU be the glory!
Amen
K.A.S.
1000 Blessings...
a big day full of surprises yesterday winds down to today- a quiet day at home to do school and dance in the living room with my best friends (LM&R) to my favorite radio station, the Refuge. (Thanks Mom!!)
so today as spring comes into full view with a beautiful day, I remember blessings- #260-279 of 1000!
a fun cd cover by one of my favorite bands, Hawk Nelson, a christian group from Canada
spanish... such a fun language
re-reading books by Christopher Paolini
babysitting at church
Carter (one of the preschoolers from church who finds me and reminds me every time that his name's not Carter, it's Lightning McQueen!)
books by Chuck Black- the Kingdom Series. He tells the stories of the Bible in the form of a kingdom of Arrethtrae (earth terra backwards! pretty clever!) who finds salvation in the words of a King and his son, the Prince. "The King reigns... And His Son!"
my bff L and I talking through Psalms together
a printer that works
shoe shopping with my daddy
The Girlhood Home Companion magazine! what a great magazine for young ladies learning to live for the Lord!
vinca vine flowers covering our garden as the first blossoms
World Vision signs in Linden Hills reminding me to keep it in perspective
our neighbors in the yellow house
Deanna coming over for dinner
cool pink lemonade
homemade sub sandwiches
phone calls from Grandpa Baker
Mr. G speaking at church yesterday
Mr. G's joy and excitement over being used by the Lord
peace
His promise:
Kaye
so today as spring comes into full view with a beautiful day, I remember blessings- #260-279 of 1000!
a fun cd cover by one of my favorite bands, Hawk Nelson, a christian group from Canada
spanish... such a fun language
re-reading books by Christopher Paolini
babysitting at church
Carter (one of the preschoolers from church who finds me and reminds me every time that his name's not Carter, it's Lightning McQueen!)
books by Chuck Black- the Kingdom Series. He tells the stories of the Bible in the form of a kingdom of Arrethtrae (earth terra backwards! pretty clever!) who finds salvation in the words of a King and his son, the Prince. "The King reigns... And His Son!"
my bff L and I talking through Psalms together
a printer that works
shoe shopping with my daddy
The Girlhood Home Companion magazine! what a great magazine for young ladies learning to live for the Lord!
vinca vine flowers covering our garden as the first blossoms
World Vision signs in Linden Hills reminding me to keep it in perspective
our neighbors in the yellow house
Deanna coming over for dinner
cool pink lemonade
homemade sub sandwiches
phone calls from Grandpa Baker
Mr. G speaking at church yesterday
Mr. G's joy and excitement over being used by the Lord
peace
His promise:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9May the Lord bless your day!
Kaye
Saturday, April 10, 2010
World Vision
"What does God expect of us? Is our faith just about going to church, studying the Bible and avoiding the most serious sins- or does God expect more? Have we embraced the whole gospel, or a gospel with a hole in it?
Ten years ago, Rich Stearns came face-to-face with that question as he sat in a mud hut in Rakai, Uganda, listening to the heartbreaking story of an orphaned child. Stearns' journey there took much more than a long flight to Africa. It took answering God's call on his life, a call that tore him out of his corner office (Kaye here... he was the CEO of Lennox) at one of America's most prestigous corporations- to walk with the poorest of the poor in our world. (Kaye again... he is now the president of World Vision).
The Hole in Our Gospel is the compelling trure story of a corporate CEO who set aside worldly success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel- the whole gospel- was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins in us."-back cover, A Hole in Our Gospel
It is a desperate call from a man who has seen the work of the Lord do great things in countries around the world who are desperate for aid and how he is determined that if we all gave of ourselves, we could change the whole world.
One thing that struck me while reading this is the ammount of water that I use all day. I turn on a faucet, rinse out my toothbrush, wash my hands, drink, and cook with water all the time.
There is some statistics I'd like to share that shook me:
"As many as five million people die every year of water-related illnesses...Thousands of hours are lost seeking and hauling water, especially by women. These are hours that could be spent earning an income or contributing to the well-being of the family and community. This same task affects children too: millions are unable to attend school because of the hours they spend fetching water. -Richard Stearns, Hole in Our GospelWater has many affects on a community. The need of it can cause more hardships and work to be made, or the benefit of having a clean water well can benefit the entire community.
Think of it! If water were readily available to those who had to travel distances to get it, women could help at home more, aiding their production of food. More children could go to school, decreasing the illiteracy in the world. Men wouldn't have to run back and forth for water all day and start farming or helping out in the local industries.
Think of it!!
Why am I just sitting on my hands, pointing fingers and not up and out helping in any way I can?
After praying about it a few nights, I asked the Lord to show me something-anything- I could do to help those who are desperately in need around the world today. I felt the Lord leading me to give to World Vision.
I wasn't totally certain that this was the place to donate, so I prayed and waited some more.
Yesterday, the World Vision Catalog showed up.
I shook my head. Message recieved, Lord.
"Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and injustice when He could do something about it."
"Well, why don't you?"The catalog has things that you can purchase for families aroundt the world- cows, chickens, goats, sewing machines for single moms, water wells!, emergency food, clothing, school supplies, farming supplies, seeds, plows, fishing kits, medicines, and more.
"Because I'm afraid He would aske me the same thing." -Anonymous
You could even give money to build and stock a health center, school, or home for orphans!
I am still deciding and saving up some more money before I choose what to donate.
If you would like to help out a family in need anywhere in the world, even the U.S., click here to go to the World Vision site.
To see a copy of their catalog, click here!
To find out more about The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, click here!
My family has bought chickens and ducks in the past, and it is such fun!
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. -Deuteronomy 15:11Kaye
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Blessings on a Thursday
I just looked up and guess what? It was Thursday and I had forgotten to do my blessings list!
Many blessings swirl through my brain and I think about how much the Lord has blessed me.
250. our old black piano that still plays tunes throughout our house
251. PSEO prayers answered through acceptance letters!!
252. L's light switch mechanism, so that we can turn off the light from where we sit and read at night and don't have to leave our warm beds
253. Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
253. The Hole in Our Gospel book by Richard Stearns- incredible! Please read!
254. Friends who come to the project fairs
255. finishing my piano piece without exploding
256. Psalm 91
257. new traditions started this Resurrection Day with a package from Holy Experience
258. Bonifay's Blog- awesome!
259. homemade sloppy joes!!!
May the Lord bless your days ahead!
Kaye
Photos: our piano, The Hole in Our Gospel, wreath made by Caleb
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday Wanderings
After a day of school and reading, I took a walk down to the corner with my dog.
Once we were there, I pulled out my dad's new camera and snapped a few photos:
He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High wiill rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
May you walk with the Lord this Wednesday.
K. A. Silver
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nation to Pray For
Azerbaijan-
Status: Restricted Nation
Azerbajian has been dominated by its neighbors for centuries. Subject to the USSR during most of the 20th century, Azerbajian broke away from the Soviet bloc in 1991. The Christian population is almost entirely Armenian and Russian, and many fled the country following the massacre of their people in 1989. While Azerbaijan officially guarantees religious freedom, the nationalists are becoming more Islamic and anti-Christian.
Christians make up 2.67 percent of Azerbaijan's people. Armenian churches have been closed and few of the Christians left in Azerbaijan would feel secure enough to attend if they reopened. Police raided one of the nation's largest churches in September, 1999, and interrogated church leaders and foreigners in attendance.
Christian literature can be printed only with government permission, which is never given. There are currently only about 10 items of Christian literature available in the Azeri language.
- dc Talk from their book Jesus Freaks: Martyrs; Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks
Prayer Requests:
Thank you
and God bless the Azerbaijan people.
K. A. Silver
Status: Restricted Nation
Christians make up 2.67 percent of Azerbaijan's people. Armenian churches have been closed and few of the Christians left in Azerbaijan would feel secure enough to attend if they reopened. Police raided one of the nation's largest churches in September, 1999, and interrogated church leaders and foreigners in attendance.
Christian literature can be printed only with government permission, which is never given. There are currently only about 10 items of Christian literature available in the Azeri language.
- dc Talk from their book Jesus Freaks: Martyrs; Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks
Prayer Requests:
- That the Lord would light a fire in the Azerbaijan churches and that many would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- That more Christian literature would be permitted to be printed to aid those in the country
- That the people of Azerbaijan would be brave and strong in the Lord, and not fall away because of fear.
Thank you
and God bless the Azerbaijan people.
K. A. Silver
Friday, April 2, 2010
Pink Splash
Hello there everyone!
My dear friend Bonifay just started her own blog and it is amazing!
Click here to see it!
Blessings-
Kaye Ann
My dear friend Bonifay just started her own blog and it is amazing!
Click here to see it!
Blessings-
Kaye Ann
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Permit Test
So today I woke up, excited and nervous at the same time. As Lauraine Snelling (one of my favorite authors) put it, my butterflies were up earlier than me. Today was my last day for drivers ed in the classroom and right after I went to get my permit.
Yikes.
I made my lunch, said see ya later! to my sisters, and headed out the door. Mom drove me there and said see you soon! then I went in.
The first half of the class seemed to drag on and on as a speaker told us about motorcyle safety. When lunch time came around, I was pretty much out of my mind with anxiety. Would I pass the test? Did I study everything?
As I ate my PB&J and chips with three chocolate chip cookies to help me out, I prayed hard. "O Lord, help me help me help me! I'm as nervous as all get out and really would like to pass this test so I could get my permit today. Please be with me."
Students filed in, all chattering and laughing after lunch. I sat at my desk, staring at my driver's manual and still praying like crazy.
Everyone settled down and Mr. P passed out the last test. As mine dropped on the table in front of me, I placed my name at the top and stared.
The first question. It didn't make any sense! What was that? Where had I missed that? I pondered quietly. Someone who was braver than me raised his hand.
"What's the first question mean?" a chorus of similair ones followed. Deep sigh. Phew. Wasn't just me!
The rest of the test passed quickly, and we started to grade it. I peeked at the score my neighbor was highlighting at the top of my paper.
88%
I wanted to jump up and laugh and whoop! I had passed!
Those beautiful little blue slips came around. One had my name on it. Yes! Thank you Lord!
I ran out to the car, waving my slip triumphantly. Who cared about the real permit test I was about to take at the lisencing center? God got me through that, he can work me through this.
I practically ran into the center, eager to get the test done. I sat at my computer, pushed the start button. As the test came suddenly to a halt, I wanted to jump up again.
91%
Even better than the one I took at the classroom part! Thank you Jesus!
Much relieved and quite tired, I walked up and handed the nice gentleman my papers, had my picture taken, and went home with a new yellow sheet in my pocket.
Yes! Thank you, Lord for helping me through my permit tests!
Blessings,
Kaye
Yikes.
I made my lunch, said see ya later! to my sisters, and headed out the door. Mom drove me there and said see you soon! then I went in.
The first half of the class seemed to drag on and on as a speaker told us about motorcyle safety. When lunch time came around, I was pretty much out of my mind with anxiety. Would I pass the test? Did I study everything?
As I ate my PB&J and chips with three chocolate chip cookies to help me out, I prayed hard. "O Lord, help me help me help me! I'm as nervous as all get out and really would like to pass this test so I could get my permit today. Please be with me."
Students filed in, all chattering and laughing after lunch. I sat at my desk, staring at my driver's manual and still praying like crazy.
Everyone settled down and Mr. P passed out the last test. As mine dropped on the table in front of me, I placed my name at the top and stared.
The first question. It didn't make any sense! What was that? Where had I missed that? I pondered quietly. Someone who was braver than me raised his hand.
"What's the first question mean?" a chorus of similair ones followed. Deep sigh. Phew. Wasn't just me!
The rest of the test passed quickly, and we started to grade it. I peeked at the score my neighbor was highlighting at the top of my paper.
88%
I wanted to jump up and laugh and whoop! I had passed!
Those beautiful little blue slips came around. One had my name on it. Yes! Thank you Lord!
I ran out to the car, waving my slip triumphantly. Who cared about the real permit test I was about to take at the lisencing center? God got me through that, he can work me through this.
I practically ran into the center, eager to get the test done. I sat at my computer, pushed the start button. As the test came suddenly to a halt, I wanted to jump up again.
91%
Even better than the one I took at the classroom part! Thank you Jesus!
Much relieved and quite tired, I walked up and handed the nice gentleman my papers, had my picture taken, and went home with a new yellow sheet in my pocket.
Yes! Thank you, Lord for helping me through my permit tests!
Blessings,
Kaye
Monday, March 22, 2010
Blessings of Memories
As this week starts up again, I again take a trip through my memories that I have in my room.
I remember that one time or this one little thing, and I smile.
How good the Lord has been through all my years here on earth!
And how much He continues to bless me with daily!
232. R's belly laugh
233. M's giggle
234. L's patience with me as I talk on and on and on late at night :)
235. reading at night with Daddy
236. the first quilt ever created by Mamo and me...
It still keeps me warm on my bed on top of my fish quilt
237. The box that Mamo made me in 1998, not long after Lily was born. I was four and loved baby dolls, and she surprised me with a whole box full of beautiful homemade dresses for my baby doll. Now it holds all of my baby-toddler memories.
239. the cloth that was on my bed cover when I was little.... I just love this!
240. my Mom's yummy homemade pizza dough
241. paper and glue securing project boards for the project fair
242. my PLAN test coming in!
243. opera music while we clean
244. worship at church with my family
245. plants growing
246. wearing a wind-breaker instead of a winter coat
247. getting my permit on Wednesday!!! Pray for my dad... :)
248. Haiti pictures that make me realize how selfish I am
249. The Incredibles movie and popcorn
Go with God!
Kaye
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Technical Difficulties...
Hey...
I am slightly frustrated since I can't figure out how to put a subscription link on my blog like Holy Experience and Grace Cottage.
So I decided to do this instead-
If you would like to recieve my blog posts in your email and you know my personal email, please please please let me know and I will forward them to you on a regular basis.
Thanks!
Kaye
I am slightly frustrated since I can't figure out how to put a subscription link on my blog like Holy Experience and Grace Cottage.
So I decided to do this instead-
If you would like to recieve my blog posts in your email and you know my personal email, please please please let me know and I will forward them to you on a regular basis.
Thanks!
Kaye
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