I swung myself on to the mare’s saddle and slipped my feet in the metal stirrups. Running my hands through his long mane, I squeezed him forward. Talking gently to him, I watched his ears as he relaxed and dropped his head. A few years ago, this would have been a weekly occurrence for me. But now, after seven months of not riding, crutches, different doctors, and surgery, I was finally allowed to get on a horse again. I’d been anticipating and counting down to this day for weeks, and I wasn’t disappointed! While I am incredibly thankful to be healing and back to horseback riding, I’m also thankful to God for teaching me lessons throughout this time.
Throughout the whole hip journey, God’s shown me that He’s faithful. That He never gives up on us, and that He’s got a plan. He can use struggles, heartbreak, and pain to build character and, ultimately, bring Him glory. Romans 5:3-5 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This has been one of the passages that’s really stood out to me lately, reminding me that through every struggle I go through, God’s love never fails. We can rejoice in our sufferings instead of turning bitter, knowing that God’s going to continue to mold our character even throughout the hard times.
Hard times doesn’t mean God’s forgotten or given up on you. He’ll be right alongside you no matter what, slowly shaping and molding you during the struggles. If you’re struggling with something in life right now, know that God can use even your current circumstances to grow you in Him.
Kayla Joy
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Treasure Matters
I sat on the picnic bench, coloring in an ocean and doodling fish in the blue waters. A little girl next to me chattered, happy to have someone coloring with her, as she told me one thing after another. Her curly brown hair bounced as she squirmed on the bench. She proceeded to tell me about a rich couple she knew, as she reached for a blue colored gel pen.
“So this couple I know,”, she continued, “they told me…” she paused here, looked both ways, and lowered her voice to a soft hush, “that they have a THOUSAND. DOLLARS. So they’re like. Really rich.” I smiled to myself as I listened, loving the perspective that little kids have on things. I could tell that she was imagining a pile of treasure sitting in their luxurious castle.
The word “treasure” means different things to different people. To one little girl, it means having a thousand dollars. The things you treasure change as you change throughout life, but ultimately, Christ should be our treasure, our focus in life. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I especially love the last verse. Where is the treasure in our life? If something as fragile and important as our own hearts’ are where our treasure is, shouldn’t we pick our treasure carefully?
Kayla Joy
“So this couple I know,”, she continued, “they told me…” she paused here, looked both ways, and lowered her voice to a soft hush, “that they have a THOUSAND. DOLLARS. So they’re like. Really rich.” I smiled to myself as I listened, loving the perspective that little kids have on things. I could tell that she was imagining a pile of treasure sitting in their luxurious castle.
The word “treasure” means different things to different people. To one little girl, it means having a thousand dollars. The things you treasure change as you change throughout life, but ultimately, Christ should be our treasure, our focus in life. Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
I especially love the last verse. Where is the treasure in our life? If something as fragile and important as our own hearts’ are where our treasure is, shouldn’t we pick our treasure carefully?
Kayla Joy
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Child Delight
I watched as the nine month old baby got placed in the baby saucer. Almost instantly, his face lit up. He squealed with excitement, and twirled in circles, looking at all the toys within his reach. His little legs moved fifty miles an hour, spinning him in all directions. He couldn’t get over how exciting this was, and for the next half hour, I could hear him squealing and giggling with pure joy.
This is one of the many, countless reasons I love kids. They have such genuine joy, over what seems like the smallest thing to us. They have a different perspective. Instead of tiring over seeing what they’ve seen a million times before, they react each time with newfound delight. When I see an old play house, they see as a castle, when I see a lego piece, they see a city of legos.
As adults, somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost this. We easily tire, and rarely find joy in the little things. Even things such as showing God’s love to people becomes wearisome. If we’ve showed His love to someone before, then we can just stop and be done with it, right? Galatians 6:9, however, doesn’t say that. It says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
No matter what age you are, no matter how many times you’ve shown God’s love to someone, no matter how weary you are of people rejecting God’s love, don’t give up. Remind yourself of how amazing God really is, what He gave up for you. Reminding yourself of this really gives you a new perspective again, and an excitement for sharing God’s love to everyone. And, finally, as Galatians says, don’t give up.
Kayla Joy
This is one of the many, countless reasons I love kids. They have such genuine joy, over what seems like the smallest thing to us. They have a different perspective. Instead of tiring over seeing what they’ve seen a million times before, they react each time with newfound delight. When I see an old play house, they see as a castle, when I see a lego piece, they see a city of legos.
As adults, somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost this. We easily tire, and rarely find joy in the little things. Even things such as showing God’s love to people becomes wearisome. If we’ve showed His love to someone before, then we can just stop and be done with it, right? Galatians 6:9, however, doesn’t say that. It says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
No matter what age you are, no matter how many times you’ve shown God’s love to someone, no matter how weary you are of people rejecting God’s love, don’t give up. Remind yourself of how amazing God really is, what He gave up for you. Reminding yourself of this really gives you a new perspective again, and an excitement for sharing God’s love to everyone. And, finally, as Galatians says, don’t give up.
Kayla Joy
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
I Can't See Nothing!
“Miss Kayla, close your eyes!” the little girl said, waiting expectantly. I closed my eyes for a few seconds, then opened them and smiled. She smiled back, her shoulder length brown hair bobbing as she wiggled about.
“What did you see?” She inquired curiously. I told her it was just dark, and then told her to close her eyes. She obediently closed her eyes, then exclaimed, “I can’t see nothing!” Though that double negative would normally bug a grammar lover like myself, I simply love how little kids put things. But more than that, I love how she noticed such a stark difference that we take so often for granted. The difference between opening and closing your eyes is huge, yet we don’t give it much thought—at least I know I don’t!
When I really sit down and think about it, the passage in Matthew 5:14-16 comes to mind, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Similarly to the contrast of opening your eyes versus keeping them closed, we have a choice. We are the light of the world, and we can chose to hide that light. We can close our eyes and pretend as if there is no light. Or, we can shine our light, which points to Christ. We can give hope to people. We can show them God’s love for them. We can live our lives for Him, and bring glory to Him with our lives.
The choice is up to us. Close your eyes, or open them. Hide your light, or shine it.
“What did you see?” She inquired curiously. I told her it was just dark, and then told her to close her eyes. She obediently closed her eyes, then exclaimed, “I can’t see nothing!” Though that double negative would normally bug a grammar lover like myself, I simply love how little kids put things. But more than that, I love how she noticed such a stark difference that we take so often for granted. The difference between opening and closing your eyes is huge, yet we don’t give it much thought—at least I know I don’t!
When I really sit down and think about it, the passage in Matthew 5:14-16 comes to mind, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Similarly to the contrast of opening your eyes versus keeping them closed, we have a choice. We are the light of the world, and we can chose to hide that light. We can close our eyes and pretend as if there is no light. Or, we can shine our light, which points to Christ. We can give hope to people. We can show them God’s love for them. We can live our lives for Him, and bring glory to Him with our lives.
The choice is up to us. Close your eyes, or open them. Hide your light, or shine it.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Clean Snow
Snow. Snow, snow, snow. What can I say about the past month, other than snow? I dislike the cold that comes along with the snow, and usually I find myself wishing I lived somewhere else—perhaps Florida—and didn’t have to bear through the cold. Thankfully, I can console myself that we’ve made it to March already, and that means that spring is definitely on its way!
But through this past snow-y winter, I’ve taken the time to look at the freshly fallen snow. I love the parts with no footprints yet, no dents. A white blanket of cotton, it seems to calm the surroundings and freeze nature in place. Some days, the snow is so white you feel the need for sunglasses. Yet through the brightness, I can’t help but notice the beauty of freshly fallen snow.
This reminds me of the picture with sin our lives. Our sins cause ugly dents, and end up staining what could have been so beautiful. It started out so wonderfully—until sin entered the picture.
But that’s when Jesus comes in. He washes our sins away, removes the stain, fixes the dents, and suddenly, our sins are as white as snow again. 1 John 1:9 says, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “ After we sin, we’re not stuck being dented and stained. When we confess our sins, when we turn away from them, He will cleanse us. He’s waiting for us to turn to Him, to acknowledge that we don’t want to remain stained and dented any longer. But ultimately, the choice is left to you. Do you want to turn from the sin that you’ve been holding on to, or do you want Him to wash you white as snow?
Kayla Joy
But through this past snow-y winter, I’ve taken the time to look at the freshly fallen snow. I love the parts with no footprints yet, no dents. A white blanket of cotton, it seems to calm the surroundings and freeze nature in place. Some days, the snow is so white you feel the need for sunglasses. Yet through the brightness, I can’t help but notice the beauty of freshly fallen snow.
This reminds me of the picture with sin our lives. Our sins cause ugly dents, and end up staining what could have been so beautiful. It started out so wonderfully—until sin entered the picture.
But that’s when Jesus comes in. He washes our sins away, removes the stain, fixes the dents, and suddenly, our sins are as white as snow again. 1 John 1:9 says, “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “ After we sin, we’re not stuck being dented and stained. When we confess our sins, when we turn away from them, He will cleanse us. He’s waiting for us to turn to Him, to acknowledge that we don’t want to remain stained and dented any longer. But ultimately, the choice is left to you. Do you want to turn from the sin that you’ve been holding on to, or do you want Him to wash you white as snow?
Kayla Joy
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Messy Moments
As I sat down in the chair, I balanced two children on my lap, each toddler fighting to have me to themselves. Soon enough, a much needed distraction came—cupcakes. The chocolate cupcakes were in celebration of Jesus’ birthday; a birthday party for the toddlers, in order to help them understand the birth of Jesus. One of the girls on my lap was especially delighted about her cupcake, squishing the soft cake between her fingers, stuffing it in her mouth with delight. I smiled as chocolate crumbs fell on the floor, knowing the floor would definitely have to be cleaned. I couldn’t help but laugh when I looked at her face and realized that she was wearing more of this dessert than she was eating. Her mouth was smudged with icing, with even a few dabs of chocolate on her nose. Her short golden hair had some crumbs hiding in it. But beneath all of that mess, her smile was huge. She was having a blast, and she definitely wasn’t afraid to get dirty! As I wiped the mess off her mouth, I couldn’t help but wonder at how she wasn’t afraid to get messy. She knew she would be taken care of. She didn’t worry about getting messy, but instead she delighted in it.
Sometimes, God calls us to get messy for His sake. Maybe it doesn’t look quite the same—it probably won’t involve wearing chocolate cake on your face—but it often involves tasks that aren’t so pleasant. An example of this that Jesus gave us? One that instantly comes to my mind is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. A nice, relaxing, clean job… or maybe the complete opposite. Jesus humbled Himself to take on a lowly job—scrubbing the dirt off feet. It isn’t exactly a job most people scramble to do, but Jesus willingly did it, leaving a beautiful example for us. After washing their feet, Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15). Washing their feet is one of the best examples of being willing to humble yourself and get messy for God’s glory, but it doesn’t always come in the form of feet washing. Whether it’s changing a dirty diaper, sweeping the floor, or taking the time to serve the needy, it can be done for His glory.
The real question is—are you willing to get messy for His sake? As He showed us through His example, following Jesus is often messy. Much like the little girl, however, even through the messy moments, He’ll take care of you. He’ll be right there beside you, as you go through messy moments for His sake.
Kayla Joy
Sometimes, God calls us to get messy for His sake. Maybe it doesn’t look quite the same—it probably won’t involve wearing chocolate cake on your face—but it often involves tasks that aren’t so pleasant. An example of this that Jesus gave us? One that instantly comes to my mind is Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. A nice, relaxing, clean job… or maybe the complete opposite. Jesus humbled Himself to take on a lowly job—scrubbing the dirt off feet. It isn’t exactly a job most people scramble to do, but Jesus willingly did it, leaving a beautiful example for us. After washing their feet, Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14-15). Washing their feet is one of the best examples of being willing to humble yourself and get messy for God’s glory, but it doesn’t always come in the form of feet washing. Whether it’s changing a dirty diaper, sweeping the floor, or taking the time to serve the needy, it can be done for His glory.
The real question is—are you willing to get messy for His sake? As He showed us through His example, following Jesus is often messy. Much like the little girl, however, even through the messy moments, He’ll take care of you. He’ll be right there beside you, as you go through messy moments for His sake.
Kayla Joy
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Secret Sins
I sat on the heater on a particularly cold day, trapped behind the pages of a book I was reading. My dog, Sammy, had been wandering in and out of the room, as if he was bored and looking for something to do. At a breaking point in my book, I looked up for a moment, and heard an unusual crinkling sound. I instantly wondered where Sammy was, knowing it was never a good sign to ask that question. Getting up from my comfy spot, I quickly spotted him in the bathroom, unrolling a toilet paper and stuffing it in his mouth hungrily.
As soon as he looked up, he knew he was in trouble. He ran from the room and stared at the mess he made, looking at me as if asking, “Why whoever made that mess??” His guilty eyes and licking lips told me the true story, however.
Instead of instantly being sorry, he first tried to escape from being scolded. He knew he was going to be in trouble if he was caught, so he thought he could hide his bad boy acts.
Isn’t this how we act around God a lot of the time? It’s certainly not something we want to admit, but we really don’t want to give Him all parts of our lives. We’d rather give Him only the good parts, and attempt to hide the rest from Him.
But God doesn’t want us coming to him displaying our best parts and disguising our sins as something else. He wants us to come as we are—even when that means broken and hurting. Thankfully, we have an amazing, merciful God who forgives us time and time again. You don’t have to fear telling Him of your sins and broken pieces, He already knows. He’s just waiting for you to hand over all of yourself to Him.
Kayla Joy
As soon as he looked up, he knew he was in trouble. He ran from the room and stared at the mess he made, looking at me as if asking, “Why whoever made that mess??” His guilty eyes and licking lips told me the true story, however.
Instead of instantly being sorry, he first tried to escape from being scolded. He knew he was going to be in trouble if he was caught, so he thought he could hide his bad boy acts.
Isn’t this how we act around God a lot of the time? It’s certainly not something we want to admit, but we really don’t want to give Him all parts of our lives. We’d rather give Him only the good parts, and attempt to hide the rest from Him.
But God doesn’t want us coming to him displaying our best parts and disguising our sins as something else. He wants us to come as we are—even when that means broken and hurting. Thankfully, we have an amazing, merciful God who forgives us time and time again. You don’t have to fear telling Him of your sins and broken pieces, He already knows. He’s just waiting for you to hand over all of yourself to Him.
Kayla Joy
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Take Heart
I had just settled down to form play-dough into pizzas, chatting about school with the girls I was babysitting. Reminding the youngest to keep the play-dough out of her mouth, I was surprised in the midst of the light hearted chatter to hear a serious question asked. “Kayla?” said the nine year old, “Are demons real?”
Her brown eyes stared at me, waiting to know the answer. Her face held a tinge of fear. I did my best to explain that, while demons are real, Jesus is stronger. He’s already overcome them, and ultimately, He’s already won the battle. Simply put to a nine year old, while demons are real and do exist, we don’t have to live in fear of them, because Jesus lives in our hearts and He’s bigger than them.
I love how kids ask and face questions that sometimes we’re afraid to even think about. There are so many scary things going on in the world—with the outbreak of Ebola, ISIS, natural disasters, violence, school shootings, terrorism, the list could go on and on—it’s almost easier to ignore the fears in the world and simply live out our lives, pretending as if none of it is going on.
But is that how we’re really supposed to live? Pretending like the world is fine, even when we know of all the pain going on in it? John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I love how the verse doesn’t sugarcoat it. It doesn’t say that we will all live easy lives. It doesn’t say there won’t be any pain or sorrow. Instead, it comes straight out and says, “In this world you will have trouble.”
But the amazing thing? It doesn’t end there. The world doesn’t end with trouble. That isn’t the end of the story. It ends with Jesus saying, “But take heart! I have overcome the world”. We can’t ignore the pain going on all around us, but we don’t have to live in fear because of it. We can take heart, knowing that He has already overcome the world, and find strength in Him to persevere, to continue to spread His love to the hurting.
Yes, demons are real. But Jesus is stronger. He’s already overcome.
Kayla Joy
Her brown eyes stared at me, waiting to know the answer. Her face held a tinge of fear. I did my best to explain that, while demons are real, Jesus is stronger. He’s already overcome them, and ultimately, He’s already won the battle. Simply put to a nine year old, while demons are real and do exist, we don’t have to live in fear of them, because Jesus lives in our hearts and He’s bigger than them.
I love how kids ask and face questions that sometimes we’re afraid to even think about. There are so many scary things going on in the world—with the outbreak of Ebola, ISIS, natural disasters, violence, school shootings, terrorism, the list could go on and on—it’s almost easier to ignore the fears in the world and simply live out our lives, pretending as if none of it is going on.
But is that how we’re really supposed to live? Pretending like the world is fine, even when we know of all the pain going on in it? John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I love how the verse doesn’t sugarcoat it. It doesn’t say that we will all live easy lives. It doesn’t say there won’t be any pain or sorrow. Instead, it comes straight out and says, “In this world you will have trouble.”
But the amazing thing? It doesn’t end there. The world doesn’t end with trouble. That isn’t the end of the story. It ends with Jesus saying, “But take heart! I have overcome the world”. We can’t ignore the pain going on all around us, but we don’t have to live in fear because of it. We can take heart, knowing that He has already overcome the world, and find strength in Him to persevere, to continue to spread His love to the hurting.
Yes, demons are real. But Jesus is stronger. He’s already overcome.
Kayla Joy
Monday, September 29, 2014
Chocolate Buh-Na-Na Masterpieces
"Buh-na-na!" the toddler called out, twisting her body and squirming in my arms to reach for a banana on the counter. Her blonde curls bounced as she wiggled in my arms, acting as if the banana was a piece of chocolate cake. I grabbed the banana, carefully un-peeling it and exposing a slightly overripe banana. The tip of the banana was bruised. I was prepared to scrape off the bad spot and hand the rest of it over to the little girl when she chimed up cheerfully, "It's a chocolate buh-na-na." I smiled, loving how I saw a bruise, but she saw something completely different. I didn't give it a second thought, but she was fascinated by it.
I love how we can look at something and see one thing, but God sees something completely different. We may look at ourselves with disgust, wishing we could scrape away the bruised parts of our life and erase them, but God knows that even in those spots, His grace is sufficient for us. He can take even our most bruised spots and use them for His glory, if we let Him. Isaiah 64:8 says, "Yet You, Lord, our are Father. We are the clay, You are the potter: we are all the work of Your hand."
We have been carefully crafted, the workmanship of God. He's forming us daily into who He wants us to become. The next time you wish you could scrape away a certain part of your life, remember that God can form even that into a way to glorify Him. He isn't confined by boxes, He is amazing at taking something we view as bad and slowly shaping it into a masterpiece.
Kayla Joy
I love how we can look at something and see one thing, but God sees something completely different. We may look at ourselves with disgust, wishing we could scrape away the bruised parts of our life and erase them, but God knows that even in those spots, His grace is sufficient for us. He can take even our most bruised spots and use them for His glory, if we let Him. Isaiah 64:8 says, "Yet You, Lord, our are Father. We are the clay, You are the potter: we are all the work of Your hand."
We have been carefully crafted, the workmanship of God. He's forming us daily into who He wants us to become. The next time you wish you could scrape away a certain part of your life, remember that God can form even that into a way to glorify Him. He isn't confined by boxes, He is amazing at taking something we view as bad and slowly shaping it into a masterpiece.
Kayla Joy
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Living Moment by Moment
“Awwwwww!” A little girl’s voice rang out, eyeing my dog, Sammy. She leaned her bike in the grass and came running up to me, her wavy hair bouncing against her back as she ran. She looked as if she was eight years old or so. Sammy excitedly wagged his tail—happy as always for a chance to be loved on.
“He’s just too cute! Can I pet him??” She asked eagerly, and I made small talk with her as she leaned over to pet him. I was just taking Sammy outside for a minute, but the little girl took a long time to adore him. After he had given her kisses, she spoke up again, this time asking a different question.
“Can we sit down and talk for a bit?” This caught me off guard. I’d seen the girl biking around the neighborhood recently, but I’d never talked to her before. I had plans for the day, and I hadn’t accounted for this. Yet her brown eyes looked up at me questioningly, waiting for my response.
For the next hour, I found myself sitting on the grass next to her, Sammy asleep at her feet, as she chattered about random things. She never ran out of things to talk about, from her dog, to birthday’s, to friends, to just about anything you could possibly think of. The smile never left her face as she spoke, and she seemed delighted to have someone to listen to her.
I hadn’t planned on talking to her for so long, but I found myself enjoying the time to stop and listen to someone else. It’s easy for me to rush on, from one thing to another, and miss chances like that. Isn’t that true for all of us? Life is busy, filled with places to be, and sometimes in the rush of it, we miss moments to pause and truly be in the moment. With school starting back up, life is getting especially crazy, yet I’m determined this school year to be intentional with my actions, and take the time to pause and live in the moment. God is the One who gives us every moment we have. Instead of taking it for granted, let’s live in the moment, giving God the glory and honor every step of the way.
“He’s just too cute! Can I pet him??” She asked eagerly, and I made small talk with her as she leaned over to pet him. I was just taking Sammy outside for a minute, but the little girl took a long time to adore him. After he had given her kisses, she spoke up again, this time asking a different question.
“Can we sit down and talk for a bit?” This caught me off guard. I’d seen the girl biking around the neighborhood recently, but I’d never talked to her before. I had plans for the day, and I hadn’t accounted for this. Yet her brown eyes looked up at me questioningly, waiting for my response.
For the next hour, I found myself sitting on the grass next to her, Sammy asleep at her feet, as she chattered about random things. She never ran out of things to talk about, from her dog, to birthday’s, to friends, to just about anything you could possibly think of. The smile never left her face as she spoke, and she seemed delighted to have someone to listen to her.
I hadn’t planned on talking to her for so long, but I found myself enjoying the time to stop and listen to someone else. It’s easy for me to rush on, from one thing to another, and miss chances like that. Isn’t that true for all of us? Life is busy, filled with places to be, and sometimes in the rush of it, we miss moments to pause and truly be in the moment. With school starting back up, life is getting especially crazy, yet I’m determined this school year to be intentional with my actions, and take the time to pause and live in the moment. God is the One who gives us every moment we have. Instead of taking it for granted, let’s live in the moment, giving God the glory and honor every step of the way.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Sufficient in Weakness
My eyes scanned the crowded Megabus, searching hopefully for an empty seat without someone sitting next to it. It didn’t take long before I realized it was in vain—I’d have to muster up the courage in my shy, introverted self and sit next to a stranger for a six hour car ride. I saw a girl who appeared to be college age moving her backpack off the seat next to her; she was starting to realize she wouldn’t get the seats to herself, either. Motioning to the seat next to her, I asked if I could sit next to her. She smiled friendly and made small talk with me introducing herself as Rachel. She quickly mentioned that she had just graduated from college, where she was traveling from, and how much she loved French. As soon as she mentioned her love for and fluency in French, I couldn’t help but throw a few French sentences her way. Her eyes immediately sparkled with joy as she replied back in French. It definitely didn’t take long before she realized how little French I know, but nonetheless, it definitely was a conversation starter.
I noticed two notebooks Rachel had opened up in front of her as the bus began to pull away from the dusty curb. It wasn’t long before she started explaining the notebooks—how she had written one back in January, and she was rereading that one, while taking notes about it in her other notebook. She played with her blonde hair, twisting it around her ponytail, and bit her bottom lip, seeming to be pondering something. Speaking more softly, she explained, “I was going through a hard time in January, so I’m trying to learn things from that experience.” She paused for a second, then asked, “Would it be awkward if I shared what I went through with you?”
I quickly ensured her it wouldn’t be awkward—that I would be glad to listen to her story. Just minutes later, I found myself wrapped up in the complexity of her struggles. I definitely didn’t agree with all of her decisions, but I couldn’t help but feel so much compassion for this girl who was sharing her heart and life story, someone who just needed a listening ear.
I didn’t know all the right words to say. I didn’t know the perfect way to listen to her, to love her, and to gently show her some of the wrong decisions she was making. During those hours on the bus, listening as she poured out her story, I couldn’t help but feel insufficient. I couldn’t help but wonder why God chose me to sit next to her that day, instead of someone who would have had all the right words to say. Why would God want me to listen to her and not someone else? Shouldn’t He have chosen someone better at listening, someone more outgoing?
But He didn’t. He chose me.
If you’re a child of God, He’s chosen you, too. No matter how broken your story is, no matter how lost the pieces in your life seem to be, no matter how many times you’ve fallen. He chooses you, and if you’re willing, He’ll use you in ways you never thought possible before.
More than likely you’ve felt insufficient at some point, too. You’ve felt as if someone else would do a better job than you. But don’t let that get you discouraged—in 2 Corinthians 12:9, it says, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
When God wants to use you, don’t panic. Don’t wish He had picked someone else to use. Don’t feel insufficient. He’ll equip you with what you need. He’ll give you words to say when you need them, and He’ll show you when to listen when listening is what’s needed. His power is made perfect in weakness. Don’t be afraid to let His power shine through your weaknesses.
Kayla Joy
I noticed two notebooks Rachel had opened up in front of her as the bus began to pull away from the dusty curb. It wasn’t long before she started explaining the notebooks—how she had written one back in January, and she was rereading that one, while taking notes about it in her other notebook. She played with her blonde hair, twisting it around her ponytail, and bit her bottom lip, seeming to be pondering something. Speaking more softly, she explained, “I was going through a hard time in January, so I’m trying to learn things from that experience.” She paused for a second, then asked, “Would it be awkward if I shared what I went through with you?”
I quickly ensured her it wouldn’t be awkward—that I would be glad to listen to her story. Just minutes later, I found myself wrapped up in the complexity of her struggles. I definitely didn’t agree with all of her decisions, but I couldn’t help but feel so much compassion for this girl who was sharing her heart and life story, someone who just needed a listening ear.
I didn’t know all the right words to say. I didn’t know the perfect way to listen to her, to love her, and to gently show her some of the wrong decisions she was making. During those hours on the bus, listening as she poured out her story, I couldn’t help but feel insufficient. I couldn’t help but wonder why God chose me to sit next to her that day, instead of someone who would have had all the right words to say. Why would God want me to listen to her and not someone else? Shouldn’t He have chosen someone better at listening, someone more outgoing?
But He didn’t. He chose me.
If you’re a child of God, He’s chosen you, too. No matter how broken your story is, no matter how lost the pieces in your life seem to be, no matter how many times you’ve fallen. He chooses you, and if you’re willing, He’ll use you in ways you never thought possible before.
More than likely you’ve felt insufficient at some point, too. You’ve felt as if someone else would do a better job than you. But don’t let that get you discouraged—in 2 Corinthians 12:9, it says, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
When God wants to use you, don’t panic. Don’t wish He had picked someone else to use. Don’t feel insufficient. He’ll equip you with what you need. He’ll give you words to say when you need them, and He’ll show you when to listen when listening is what’s needed. His power is made perfect in weakness. Don’t be afraid to let His power shine through your weaknesses.
Kayla Joy
Monday, June 23, 2014
Relying on Strength
“Just one more fish!” I begged, loving the newfound hobby of fishing and not wanting to go inside. My mom silently agreed by nodding, and waited as I hooked a worm on the fishing rod. Within seconds, I could feel strong tugs on the rod. I reeled in as fast as I could, but the pole was starting to bend. It was clear that, no matter how fast I tried to reel the fish in, the fishing pole wasn’t going to cut it. The rod simply wasn’t strong enough on its own. It was starting to break under the weight of the fish. I grabbed for the string and pulled the fish in by the string. Once I unhooked the fish, my mom had calmed down and stopped screaming enough to fetch a bucket for this fish—later named Gulpa as he become our dinner. In the excitement of it, I showed Gulpa off to whoever was interested, but I couldn’t help but think of how our fishing rod couldn’t do it on its own.
Isn’t this so often how we are? We tend to rely on our own strength. We think we can get through life on our own. It’s not until we start breaking and falling apart that we realize… we can’t get through life on our own. Our own strength isn’t going to be enough, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be! We need a Savior—and we have one. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Your own strength isn’t going to be enough. You’ll break under the stress of the world if you try to rely on your own strength. Instead, rely on God’s strength. His strength is enough for you, and it always will be enough for you. Shouldn’t we ask for strength from the very One who will never run out of strength?
Kayla Joy
Here's a picture of Gulpa!
Isn’t this so often how we are? We tend to rely on our own strength. We think we can get through life on our own. It’s not until we start breaking and falling apart that we realize… we can’t get through life on our own. Our own strength isn’t going to be enough, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be! We need a Savior—and we have one. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Your own strength isn’t going to be enough. You’ll break under the stress of the world if you try to rely on your own strength. Instead, rely on God’s strength. His strength is enough for you, and it always will be enough for you. Shouldn’t we ask for strength from the very One who will never run out of strength?
Kayla Joy
Here's a picture of Gulpa!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Beloved
I gathered smooth, flat rocks in my hand. Turning them over, I carefully looked at each of them—determining if they were good skipping rocks, and if so, how many skips I could get out of each rock. Each rock was different, unique. Some were scraped and scarred from the journey down the river. Others were smooth, glistening from the water rushing over it. My eyes scanned the rocks, looking only for flat, round rocks. As I ran my fingers over the individually shaped rocks I was holding, I couldn’t help but think of how many times we skip over people in our lives.
Maybe the people seem scraped and scarred themselves—hurting from going through the storms of life. When you see those types of people, it’s so much easier to just skip over them— to choose to talk to the people who look like they’ve experienced less hurt. It’s less time consuming, and can be easy to ignore the hurt people are going through.
But… that isn’t what God does. He doesn’t see us and skip over us. He sees every person, each fearfully and wonderfully created by Him, and He cares for each person, no matter their story, what they’re going through, or how many scrapes and scars they have from their life. He could choose to love only certain ones and ignore others. But, out of His greatness and mercy, He doesn’t.
I think Ephesians 3:17-19 sums up His love for us—every one of us, no matter our story—in an amazing way. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
People in life will skip over you, ignore you, and cause you pain. But the Creator of the universe Himself won’t skip over you. He notices you, He cares for you, and most importantly, He loves you. To Him, you’re not a single rock surrounded by hundreds of better rocks. To Him, you’re His beloved child.
Kayla Joy
Maybe the people seem scraped and scarred themselves—hurting from going through the storms of life. When you see those types of people, it’s so much easier to just skip over them— to choose to talk to the people who look like they’ve experienced less hurt. It’s less time consuming, and can be easy to ignore the hurt people are going through.
But… that isn’t what God does. He doesn’t see us and skip over us. He sees every person, each fearfully and wonderfully created by Him, and He cares for each person, no matter their story, what they’re going through, or how many scrapes and scars they have from their life. He could choose to love only certain ones and ignore others. But, out of His greatness and mercy, He doesn’t.
I think Ephesians 3:17-19 sums up His love for us—every one of us, no matter our story—in an amazing way. “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
People in life will skip over you, ignore you, and cause you pain. But the Creator of the universe Himself won’t skip over you. He notices you, He cares for you, and most importantly, He loves you. To Him, you’re not a single rock surrounded by hundreds of better rocks. To Him, you’re His beloved child.
Kayla Joy
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Different Perspectives
I sat under a gorgeous blooming tree, reading a book. The Ohio river stretched out before me, muddy waters slowly gurgling past. The park was alive with kids giggling with delight as they threw pebbles and twigs into the river. I stretched out my feet, loving the spring breeze. I was about to go back to reading my book when a little boy walking up the sidewalk caught my attention. He was trying to act like an adult in charge. He shouted out to his siblings, “Don’t run or you’ll fall in the pool!” This instantly made me smile. He was too little to understand that it was a river and not a pool. To him, the Ohio river was all a giant pool. I was looking at the exact same thing the boy was—only we had different perspectives on it. Where I saw a river, he saw a pool.
I can’t help but think of a similar comparison. When we look at a person whose life seems to be falling apart, we see a hopeless situation. We see a mess. But God looks at it with a different perspective. He can be looking at the same situation as us, but He doesn’t see what everybody else sees, He sees so much more. He sees hope. He sees the plans He has for that person. He can take what everyone else thinks is a mess, and turn it into a message. Our God is an amazing God who isn’t limited by what the world defines as hopeless.
If your life is a mess, don’t give up hope. God’s not finished working with you. You might only be able to see a mess, but God sees more than that. He sees all the plans He has for you. He knows what good He’s going to bring out of the situation. Even if it seems hopeless to you, remember that He’s coming at it with a different perspective. He knows everything that’s happened in the past, and He knows everything’s that’s going to happen in the future. Though we can’t always see where He’s leading us, we can have faith that He knows what He’s doing.
Kayla Joy
I can’t help but think of a similar comparison. When we look at a person whose life seems to be falling apart, we see a hopeless situation. We see a mess. But God looks at it with a different perspective. He can be looking at the same situation as us, but He doesn’t see what everybody else sees, He sees so much more. He sees hope. He sees the plans He has for that person. He can take what everyone else thinks is a mess, and turn it into a message. Our God is an amazing God who isn’t limited by what the world defines as hopeless.
If your life is a mess, don’t give up hope. God’s not finished working with you. You might only be able to see a mess, but God sees more than that. He sees all the plans He has for you. He knows what good He’s going to bring out of the situation. Even if it seems hopeless to you, remember that He’s coming at it with a different perspective. He knows everything that’s happened in the past, and He knows everything’s that’s going to happen in the future. Though we can’t always see where He’s leading us, we can have faith that He knows what He’s doing.
Kayla Joy
Saturday, March 15, 2014
God's Handiwork
“Wook, Kaywa!” The little boy’s hands tapped his sheet of coloring paper, as he exclaimed again, “Wook!” I looked down at his sheet of paper, filled with colorful scribbles. “Do you wike my wock?” I smiled as he gestured with his finger to a circle he had drawn on the paper. The circle had been filled in with scribbles of all sorts of colors, red, yellow, green, blue. “I love it! That’s a gorgeous rock!” I exclaimed. He beamed proudly, then pointed to another circle, “And dis wock? Do you wike dis wock, too??” I nodded enthusiastically, assuring him that he did a wonderful job of drawing rocks. No doubt he was already dreaming about his future of becoming a famous rock drawer. He pointed to a third rock he had drawn, “Kaywa! Dis wock, too! You wike dis wock?” Once again, I told him it was a wonderful rock, and I loved the blue he used.
No two of his rocks were the same. Some were outlined, then filled in, some loosely resembled a circle shape, let alone a rock shape. Yet, he was proud of what he had drawn. He created his rocks, and he could see beauty through all those scribbles.
God, on the other hand, didn’t create little scribbles as He created us. He didn’t mess up along the way, and He didn’t make any mistakes. None of us are exactly alike. I can imagine God being proud of how He created us, much like how the little boy was proud of his rock drawings. But, unlike the rock drawing, we weren’t a spur of the moment idea. God had us in mind since before the creation of the world. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are God’s handiwork. We’re His creation. He sees beauty in His creations. Not everyone will appreciate His creations, but that doesn’t mean that His creations are of any less worth because of how other people view them. He put effort and thought in to each of us. That, in itself, gives every single person worth. The next time you feel like a random scribble, remember that you’re God’s valued creation.
Kayla Joy
No two of his rocks were the same. Some were outlined, then filled in, some loosely resembled a circle shape, let alone a rock shape. Yet, he was proud of what he had drawn. He created his rocks, and he could see beauty through all those scribbles.
God, on the other hand, didn’t create little scribbles as He created us. He didn’t mess up along the way, and He didn’t make any mistakes. None of us are exactly alike. I can imagine God being proud of how He created us, much like how the little boy was proud of his rock drawings. But, unlike the rock drawing, we weren’t a spur of the moment idea. God had us in mind since before the creation of the world. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are God’s handiwork. We’re His creation. He sees beauty in His creations. Not everyone will appreciate His creations, but that doesn’t mean that His creations are of any less worth because of how other people view them. He put effort and thought in to each of us. That, in itself, gives every single person worth. The next time you feel like a random scribble, remember that you’re God’s valued creation.
Kayla Joy
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Horse Trust
I slowly eased on my horse's back. I had a new horse for this session of horseback riding--more specifically, jumping lessons--and it was my first time getting to know this horse. My horse, Tommy, waited patiently until I cued him to walk forward, and then obediently walked on. Throughout the warmup, I tested his obedience. By halting him when he wasn't expecting it, asking for him to back up at random times, and making him circle around in some corners, I was seeing how much I could trust him to follow my lead. Each time I tested him, he was eager and willing to respond to my cues. He didn't question where I was leading him--even if it seemed random and didn't make much sense to him. He trusted that I knew what I was doing with him. Tommy trusted me to show him what to do next, even if the path wasn't clear to him.
I can't help but realize how different I am than my horse. When God tells me to do something, I'm not always jumping straight up to do it--sometimes I spend more time grumbling about it than listening to Him. I don't know what my life will look like in ten years from now, and often times I wish I could know. When something happens that doesn't make sense to me, my first reaction isn't to trust that God has it in His hands. The King of the universe knows every detail about my life--past, present, and future--and yet it's still a struggle to trust Him with my daily life.
Overall, I'm not like Tommy. I don't think many of us are. I think we all, to some degree or another, don't want to give God full control of our lives and don't want to put our trust completely in Him. It's certainly not easy to do, and it's not something that happens immediately. It's a daily process.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Sometimes we get so caught up in looking at the plan of our life. If we can't see what's going to happen and what this plan consists of, we want to take things over for ourselves and try to form our own plans for our life. But Jeremiah 29:11 doesn't say that we know the plans God has for us, it says that God knows the plans He has for us. We're not expected to know God's plan for our lives. We're expected to trust the Planner.
Kayla Joy
I can't help but realize how different I am than my horse. When God tells me to do something, I'm not always jumping straight up to do it--sometimes I spend more time grumbling about it than listening to Him. I don't know what my life will look like in ten years from now, and often times I wish I could know. When something happens that doesn't make sense to me, my first reaction isn't to trust that God has it in His hands. The King of the universe knows every detail about my life--past, present, and future--and yet it's still a struggle to trust Him with my daily life.
Overall, I'm not like Tommy. I don't think many of us are. I think we all, to some degree or another, don't want to give God full control of our lives and don't want to put our trust completely in Him. It's certainly not easy to do, and it's not something that happens immediately. It's a daily process.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Sometimes we get so caught up in looking at the plan of our life. If we can't see what's going to happen and what this plan consists of, we want to take things over for ourselves and try to form our own plans for our life. But Jeremiah 29:11 doesn't say that we know the plans God has for us, it says that God knows the plans He has for us. We're not expected to know God's plan for our lives. We're expected to trust the Planner.
Kayla Joy
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Love Through Listening
“Kayla! Kayla! I need to tell you something!” The five year old exclaimed, her eyes looking urgent. She seemed bursting to tell me her news. Her long, curly black hair swept down her back, her hands motioning in her excitement. The second I asked her what she wanted to tell me, she went into an explanation about the movie Strawberry Shortcake, as if it was the most important thing in the world.
To me, it seemed like a big buildup for something so little. To her, it meant everything. She felt what she had to say was important, and she wanted someone to listen.
Recently, God has been impressing upon me how important it is to show love for people by listening to them. And not just by hearing what the person is saying, but truly listening--caring about what they have to say, praying for them about it, and following up with it, as a way to show them your love and God’s love for them.
That kind of listening can be hard. It takes time and effort. You have to work towards it--it doesn’t usually come naturally. And sometimes, it gets really discouraging. It doesn’t feel worth the effort to listen. But, when you have the ability to show God’s love to someone through listening to them, isn’t it worth it?
Kayla Joy
To me, it seemed like a big buildup for something so little. To her, it meant everything. She felt what she had to say was important, and she wanted someone to listen.
Recently, God has been impressing upon me how important it is to show love for people by listening to them. And not just by hearing what the person is saying, but truly listening--caring about what they have to say, praying for them about it, and following up with it, as a way to show them your love and God’s love for them.
That kind of listening can be hard. It takes time and effort. You have to work towards it--it doesn’t usually come naturally. And sometimes, it gets really discouraging. It doesn’t feel worth the effort to listen. But, when you have the ability to show God’s love to someone through listening to them, isn’t it worth it?
Kayla Joy
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Identity In Christ
I paused for a minute before putting my temporary drivers license in my purse, staring at it. It seems to have all my information on it--from information to my name and address, to details such as my eye color. It’s an identification card, yet it fails to include the most important identifying information there is about me: that my identity is found in Christ.
Because of what Christ has done, my identity is no longer defined by things this world finds important. My identity is found in Him. When this world tells me that I’m a failure, He gently reminds me that “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When this world tells me that it’s all about looks, He says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4). When this world tries to identify me by worldly standards, I’m constantly reminded that my identity isn’t found in this world, but in Christ, thanks to what He’s done for me.
Kayla Joy
Because of what Christ has done, my identity is no longer defined by things this world finds important. My identity is found in Him. When this world tells me that I’m a failure, He gently reminds me that “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When this world tells me that it’s all about looks, He says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (1 Peter 3:3-4). When this world tries to identify me by worldly standards, I’m constantly reminded that my identity isn’t found in this world, but in Christ, thanks to what He’s done for me.
Kayla Joy
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Willingly Being Shaped
I rolled the play-dough between my hands, twisting and twirling it until it reached a shape I was satisfied with. I wasn't sure what I was going to make yet; I was paying more attention to ooh-ing and ahh-ing over the creations the girl I was babysitting was making. I absentmindedly formed my piece of play-dough together, wrapping it into a circle. "Hey!" the little girl suddenly called out, pointing at my play-dough, "You made a nest!" I glanced down at my play-dough, only to realize she was right. It really did look like a bird's nest! The whole time I'd been forming the play-dough, I didn't have any slight idea of what I was going to make. A bird's nest certainly never popped in my mind!
Thankfully, it's not that way with God. When He created us, He knew what He was doing. We weren't a mistake. We weren't a spur of the moment kind of idea. He didn't need someone else to point out to Him what He had created. He knew what He was doing when He created us. And, amazingly, He didn't only make us, but He keeps working on shaping and forming us into who He wants us to be, if we're willing to be molded by Him.
Isaiah 64:8 says, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." I love how the verse doesn't say, "You were the potter" but that it says, "You are the potter". He didn't just create us and leave us on our own. He's actively shaping us, forming us, and molding us.
Often, this shaping stretches us. It can make us step out of our comfort zone. It can be painful. But as long He's the potter, He sees the big picture, and He has a plan. Are you willing to let Him shape you daily?
Kayla Joy
Thankfully, it's not that way with God. When He created us, He knew what He was doing. We weren't a mistake. We weren't a spur of the moment kind of idea. He didn't need someone else to point out to Him what He had created. He knew what He was doing when He created us. And, amazingly, He didn't only make us, but He keeps working on shaping and forming us into who He wants us to be, if we're willing to be molded by Him.
Isaiah 64:8 says, "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand." I love how the verse doesn't say, "You were the potter" but that it says, "You are the potter". He didn't just create us and leave us on our own. He's actively shaping us, forming us, and molding us.
Often, this shaping stretches us. It can make us step out of our comfort zone. It can be painful. But as long He's the potter, He sees the big picture, and He has a plan. Are you willing to let Him shape you daily?
Kayla Joy
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Leaping For Joy Daily
“Come on Sam Sam,” I said, tugging on my dog’s leash, “She’s not home.” He continued to pull on the leash, trying to direct me up her sidewalk. With dramatic whining, it was obvious what my dog wanted; he wanted to see one of his absolute favorite people in the whole wide world, who just so happens to be an elderly lady that adores him. His love does have some part to do with all the treats she freely gives, and all the kisses she smothers him with. But no matter she does; he loves her. He jumps wildly in the air every time he gets to see her, and he wags his tail practically non-stop for the rest of the day after seeing her. It’s the only thing on his mind when we come near her house on walks, and he never fails to tug toward her steps. He doesn’t care if her door is shut, the lights aren’t on, and the car isn’t in the driveway. He still leaps for joy at even the thought of seeing her, no matter how small the chance.
We have the privilege of being able to spend time with God whenever we want. Day or night, weekend or weekday. He’s the Creator of the world, the King of the universe and yet... are we as excited at spending time with God as my dog is about seeing this lady? I know I fail at this often. Sometimes, I get caught in the trap of thinking it’s a chore to get my daily devotions done. When really, it’s a privilege that we’re even allowed to spend time in His presence, let alone whenever or however often we want! Are we leaping for joy when we spend time with God, or are we dragging our feet the other direction, thinking of what else we should be doing with our time?
Kayla Joy
We have the privilege of being able to spend time with God whenever we want. Day or night, weekend or weekday. He’s the Creator of the world, the King of the universe and yet... are we as excited at spending time with God as my dog is about seeing this lady? I know I fail at this often. Sometimes, I get caught in the trap of thinking it’s a chore to get my daily devotions done. When really, it’s a privilege that we’re even allowed to spend time in His presence, let alone whenever or however often we want! Are we leaping for joy when we spend time with God, or are we dragging our feet the other direction, thinking of what else we should be doing with our time?
Kayla Joy
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