What a Glorious Day!

Happy Easter y'all!

I'm taking a much needed break from studying to share a few thoughts with you all. Things have been very busy for me the last few days, so I apologize for the radio silence on my part!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine certainly was full. Saturday morning, my church here in College Station served about 4,500 people with our 3rd annual "Egg The City." This was my first year to participate and it was so much fun. The church rented out a park and invited families in the city to have some Easter fun! We had games, food, snow cones, bouncy houses, face painting, Clydesdale rides, and lots of other attractions for kids of all ages. Then we had a HUGE Easter egg hunt. Our church team filled 50,000 Easter eggs so all the kids could participate. Those little guys cleared out two soccer fields full of Easter eggs in under five minutes. It was craziness. But it was such a wonderful time to serve the sweet children of this city. I loved being able to love on all kinds of people yesterday, just by helping out in a few insignificant ways. My job has hair-painter! Spraying little heads with temporary blues, greens, reds, pinks, and purples.It was so much fun!

At one point during that long Saturday morning, I looked down at my hands absolutely covered with hair dye. Red and blue from all the boys who wanted killer mo-hawks, and pink and purple for all the girls who wanted to match their Easter clothes. Too precious. And I would look out into the park and see those crazy-colored do's running wild. Absolute bliss to a child of that age.
Then I thought of that verse in Matthew where Jesus is encouraging Christians to serve. He says "whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)  I got this wonderful picture in my head of Jesus with green and blue hair, matching those brothers and sisters of his.

To him, my efforts that morning were significant. I may not even know the names of the children who's little heads I looked over, but He certainly does. And maybe someday, those little boys and girls will look back to a time, when somebody wanted to make them feel so special, and loved... that they dyed their hair. Or gave them a free snowcone. Or led them on an egg hunt. Jesus doesn't overlook the little things. And the kids certainly don't either. They feel the weight of loving kindness, especially when it may not be consistently present in their young lives.

Often, its the little things God uses to reassure us that he is there. I felt his presence among the 4,500 yesterday. I felt his heart beat in longing for those children and parents who don't know him yet. I felt him renew my strength as that early morning turned into a hot afternoon, combing the soccer fields for leftover trash. And it all brought joy to my heart!

If you don't read another word from me again, please don't miss these next three.

Jesus is everything.

He is everything to me. He has given everything to me. He is the reason I get up in the morning, He is the reason I smile, and He is the reason I am confident in who I am.
I feel the weight of his loving kindness, because it didn't exist before I knew Him (and I mean REALLY knew Him).

This Easter, my heart breaks for a world that doesn't know Jesus. They don't realize what they (or maybe even you reading this) are missing. I can see how far away people are from God. I see how there sin weighs them down, leading them away from the most fulfilling life with our Creator. I see people who have never had an encounter with the Cross. The Cross that was so necessary in the history of humanity.

Be thankful for this day. Be thankful for everyday you spend knowing that you are forgiven. Forgiven of a lifetime of wrongs that should have you sentenced to eternal death, but instead you are raised to eternal life because a Man decided that He couldn't even imagine a world where He lived without you. So He died that He might have you spend an eternity with Him. Don't overlook that! Jesus went to hell and back so he could save you! Wake up to that wonderful reality! No other person in all of history will do that for you, and no other god has ever literally died and resurrected for their people. Only Our God, the Great I AM would humble himself to die a criminal's death because it meant restoring the most beautiful of relationships. One that I invite you to become a reconciled part of.

God and his children. I am a beloved daughter of my Father in Heaven. Look to the Cross and be led to Him for yourself.

I hope you have a beautiful day..  With love,

-K

Thoughtful Thursday

Hello all!

As Easter Sunday approaches, I hope that you are mindful of the reason why it is a time worth celebrating.

Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to live and then willingly died. So that He could defeat sin. And believing in Him meets being reunited with our Heavenly Father forever. And being absolved of your sin. Of all my sin.  In Jesus, I have received grace upon grace upon grace upon grace upon grace upon grace...

I look to the Cross, and  I see a victory. I see Jesus hanging there, love in his heart for me, and for you. He saved me.

That's why I celebrate. Because to Him, I am to die for.

Happy Easter Y'all. May the love of Christ dwell richly in your heart!

-K

March 27th

Did you know that slavery still exists today?

Not only does it still exist, but there are more slaves now than there ever have been in the history of the world.

The United Nations has even given us a number.

27 million.

And there's an average age.

12 years old.

You may have also heard this world wide issue referred to as human trafficking. Same thing. It is defined by the A21 Campaign as:

 ...the illegal trade of human beings, mainly for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. As the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every nation across the globe. Every thirty seconds, someone is forced into this type of bondage—modern slavery.

In January of this year, I attended Passion 2013. There I was made aware of the plight of the modern day slave. More than 60,00 college students were gathered at this event. Our mission was simple: make the name of Jesus known. And what we dedicate ourselves to to be the hands and feet of the Body of Christ: ending human trafficking. At the end of the 4 day conference, we raised more than $3 million to support organizations that are committed to seeing this atrocity end. This added onto the $3 million raised the previous year at Passion 2012--the first major event to identify modern day slavery. Over the last few years, movements in the Christian community and beyond have begun spreading awareness and raising support to rescue those 27 million. 

END IT Movement came out of the workings of Passion 2013 as an additional effort to increase awareness and provide a means of donating to organizations like the A21 campaign. END IT Movement lasts this Spring only. And let me tell you, college campuses all across the nation have totally gotten on board. I am so encouraged by this generation's persistence concerning this issue. But the fight is not over.

Today is the 27th. So in honor of the 27 million modern day slaves, and as an effort to raise awareness and support for ending human trafficking, we (those who have pledged/support END IT Movement) have been posting on social networks every 27th minute of each hour. #enditmovement was trending this morning on Twitter.

I invite you to educate yourself on modern day slavery. Awareness is the first step in this battle. And being aware can help you spot human trafficking in your own backyard. That's right, America is not immune. IH10 is one of the largest human trafficking corridors, and Houston, Texas, is a trafficking hub. It is time to stand up for these 27 million people. I will not sit by and allow this crime to fester. I want to be part of the solution. And God willing, He will bring justice in this day and age. Pray that the world will see this issue clearly, and that hearts will be moved to join in the fight. 

-K

If you would like to learn more about Human Trafficking in the 21st century, here are some places I'd recommend you check out first!
     The A21 Campaign
     END IT Movement
     The International Justice Mission
     Polaris Project
     Free The Slaves
     Love 146
     Not For Sale
     Made In A Free World
     Slavery Footprint

Are you in it to END IT?

    

Oh, Texas...

...Just when I thought my boots and sweaters were to be put away for good (after experiencing a week's worth of temps in the high 80s), you usher in a coldfront that is scarf-worthy. Well, at least for this girl.

Go figure, the first day of Spring was just a few days ago! While I do look forward to warmer weather, I have been enjoying the chill. This morning before work, I happily reached for my flannel and riding boots :)

A delicious cup of coffee got  me going this morning, and a hot cup of tea awaits me as soon as I get off work this afternoon. Mmm, little joys. This evening I plan to spend curled up in my favorite armchair, with my favorite fleece blanket, reading. Sure its for an English class, but I don't mind! This cold front will be gone before I know it, and the blistering heat of Central Texas will certainly find its way back into the forecast. And yes, it changes that fast.

What are some of your favorite things to do on chilly days? I would love to hear from you!

Happy Spring :)

-K

FoodDay Friday

Eating healthy is tough. Eating healthy in college--even tougher. For one, healthy, whole foods are expensive and difficult to keep fresh for long periods of time. Then there's the constant barrage of fast food driving around campus.

I am quite the avid food-pinner on Pinterest and within the first couple months of living off my own groceries, I had a lot of research at my fingertips. I used to really ambitious: meticulously planning my meals every 2 weeks, even sticking to them. Then school started. To put it in the wise words of my good friend Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time for dat." Since, I have modified my methods over the last semester. Granted, I haven't come up with a fool proof means of the cheapest, healthiest grocery trip you can make... but I have come up with a definitive list that can help most college students-or anyone-eat well.

First. Consider how often you can afford going grocery shopping. I prefer keeping the bill around $70 or less if I can. So that means shopping every 4 weeks for me. Yep. 4 weeks. Gotta be smart about this stuff.

Second. Get a handle on what you can cook and what you can't. If you find a way to ruin cereal, then its time for a little kitchen education. Google is my best friend when it comes to the how-to's of cooking. Make a list of all the things you can cook for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or a list of things you'd like to ). It's like outlining your kitchen assets, building your culinary repertoire. :)

Third. Refine your meal choices. If your meals consist of mac n cheese and frozen dinners... Hello freshman 15! Lets be real. You and I can no longer afford to eat like that. So maybe instead of a frozen dinner, bake a chicken breast and sautee up some green beans, with whole grain toast to finish. See! Easy substitutions and totally manageable.

College is the perfect time to form good eating habits. Live and eat by these words: portion control, balance, and moderation.

By portion control, I mean don't eat a pork chop the size of your face. Do some research and find some practical ways to maximize your portions appropriately. I'm not big into counting calories, so here's my dietary catchall:

Boom. There's your dinner plate.

By balance I mean don't pig out on one healthy food thinking it'll get you through the day. You need energy and nutrients to function properly, and lacking those vital resources can be dangerous to your health. If you make it to the end of the day and think, I haven't had a single fruit or vegetable all day--time to chow down on some carrots. Same goes for protein and dairy. On top of eating all that, throw in a multivitamin for good measure. You will find yourself feeling much better.

By moderation I mean enjoy those guilty pleasures. Just don't sit down and eat an entire roll of ThinMints. Limit your intake of sweet and salty stuff. This isn't news. But really commit yourself to this one.

Fourth. And basically final step--make the friggin grocery list! Here's mine!

• Pantry Staples:
  whole wheat pasta
  brown rice
  Israeli couscous
  canned vegetables
  oatmeal
  canned soup
  canned beans (red and black)
  canned tuna
  saltine/ritz crackers
  coffee (!!!)
  peanut butter
  marinara sauce
• Freezer necessities:
  mixed frozen fruit
  frozen spinach
• Fridge necessities:
  sticks of butter
  salad dressing
  coffee creamer
  mayo/mustard
• Pantry:
  bread
  snacks (fruit snacks/mixed nuts/etc.)
• Produce:
  zucchini
  sweet potatoes
  baby carrots
  spinach/salad in a bag
  lemons
  apples
  grapes
  bananas
• Protein/Dairy:
  pork loins (the family packs are cheap, buy a couple and freeze em)
  chicken breast (again buy them fresh and then freeze!)
  sliced provolone cheese
  milk
  eggs
• Other:
  juice
  tea

This list is a really good place to start. From here, you can plan out your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, then learn from experience what you need and what you don't. Practice makes perfect!
Eat your freshest food first! Then as the month goes on, transition into those frozen foods and pantry items. Oh and realize that you will have to revisit the grocery store for milk and salad and bread. Lol you do NOT want to keep those for a month!

I hope this list helps you shape healthy eating habits. Fresh food is your friend!

Enjoy eating well! And feel free to comment with your questions, I would be more than happy to answer them :)

-K.

Ten Things I Can't Live Without

1. My Bible. 

It is beautifully worn inside and out, and there is nothing in this world that I value more than the Word of God. I take it with me wherever I go.

2. A Journal.

I have dozens of journals, and often I'm writing something different in each one, all at the same time. Writing out my thoughts and dreams and emotions fuels my creativity!

3. Starbucks Venti Cappucinos.

Because 8ams and early work mornings can't be accomplished without one.

4. Passion: Let The Future Begin.

Seriously LOVING this cd right now. Always on repeat. Beautiful worship from beautiful people. 

5.My Old Navy Chambray button down.

A wardrobe staple--I keep finding new ways to wear it. And its perfect for almost every season.

6.  Sephora Face Scrubber.

It's like the cheap, non-battery operated version of a Clarisonic. And it still gets the job done!

7. Nail Polish.

All kinds really. Currently obsessed with Maybelline New York Color Show "Shocking Seas." Its highly pigmented, goes on well, and is really affordable.

8. Washi Tape.

A crafting staple. I use it to frame pictures in scrapbooks, to mark my phone charger, and to organize days in my planner.

9. My Trader Joe's "Z-Planter" with Rosemary, Thyme, and Basil.

This neat lil planter was only 10 bucks and has continued to supply me with some of my favorite herbs. I love seeing the green fill my kitchen window sill. I use the herbs in everything!

10. Coconut Oil.

Is there anything coconut oil can't do? Lately I've been using it to massage my scalp. I do it for about 20 minutes, shampoo it out, and I'm left with soft, shiny hair. It's helping my mane grow and is sealing my split ends!

-K.

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, this one has a few words...

These are some iPhone snaps from the Chris Tomlin with Kari Jobe concert I went to this weekend! It was hands down the best concert I've ever been to. Yeah. That good.

K.

Happy Spring Break!

FINALLY. 

I am so looking forward to a week without class. Granted, I still have work all week, but hey, I'm blessed to have a job.

To kick off this wonderful week, I am spending some down time with my best friends. We bought tickets to the Chris Tomlin Burning Lights Tour in Houston tonight, so we're making a weekend out of it. These are seriously some of my favorite people in the world, so needless to say, my heart is full! And I'm so looking forward to hanging out with Chris Tomlin and Kari Jobe tonight. There is no better experience in this world than worshiping alongside your best friends. 

If you don't listen to Kari Jobe or Chris Tomlin, you're seriously missing out and you need to get on that. Seriously. Go check out the links above! And pics will certainly follow the concert tonight :)

Happy Saturday Y'all.

-K.

Thoughtful Thursday

Don't we all need a little more sometimes??

 

Spring Break is finally upon us here at Texas A&M. 

Treat yourself to more of something wonderful!

--K.

She Makes The Day Brighter..

She leaves a little sparkle whereever she goes. 

I found this quote on a journal in one of my favorite Target Aisles. You know, the ones lined floor to ceiling with planners and spirals and journals and all that fun stuff. Seriously my favorite time of year is when I finish a planner or a journal and get to go buy a new one to fill up with all the happenings of the year to come. And I know I'm not alone in my satisfaction: my roommates and I will spend days looking for the perfect journals.

There's something about all that empty space that's inviting. Especially if you love to write--and I love to write. I make a point to record all of my favorite memories, because if I don't, I feel like I'm going to lose them. I hate being super cheesy, but its the first blog I've ever written. I think its about time for some cliches.
Life is an empty journal. No, I need to rephrase that. Life with Christ is an empty journal.

I had a journal before I met Jesus. It was torn and tattered, the pages filled with horrible memories and accounts of all the terrible things I had done to myself and to the people I loved. Inside, all of my deepest, darkest secrets were exposed, like a wound that was in need of healing. I was ashamed of those pages and ashamed of what they said about me. Every misspoken word seemed to be a mark against my character. And it was exhausting holding onto all those assaulted pages.

But something beautiful happened. I came to know a Man who already knew everything in my life that had been recorded, good and bad. His name was Jesus and he wanted to take a second look at the tattered pages of my life and give them a new meaning. Slowly, he removed all the pages that bore my sins, and began erasing the marks of a life that would no longer be mine. He replaced the dull, worn out pages with new ones. White, crisp, and pure. Before my eyes, a change had taken place. I was a new person with a new life to be lived. And I owed it all to the One who reached out and saved me from my despair. He came to me so that I could live life a little brighter. Jesus has healed me from the inside out, and I put all my trust in Him as my Savior. There is nothing else that defines me. Because God sent His Son to die in my place, I have life.

I really love the quote on that Target journal. It reminds me of what God has restored in me, and the way my life has changed since coming to know His Son. My life is certainly brighter. I have experienced more joy with Jesus than I ever would have expected. And that joy overflows from my relationship with Jesus into my relationship with others...Leaving a little sparkle wherever I go.

That about sums me up. I love living with Jesus. Because its a bright and beautiful life. And it spreads and sparkles all of my days. So that's what I would like to share with you: a bright life, full of sparkle. Nothing too serious, but limited to anything under the sun. I'm kind of excited.

 With love,

     K