Monday, February 20, 2017

Music in my Veins

 
Music has an amazing power.
 It can take you far away from your troubles, and sorrows, and into a beautiful world of notes, emotions, and bliss.
 Music has been a huge part of my life, since I was old enough to hum the first notes of 'Jesus Loves Me'.
 Family gatherings were often filled with the beautiful notes of a piano or guitar, sometimes family members singing solos, and other times the whole group lifting it's voice in song.
 They sang the popular country songs of the time, like 'Little Bitty' or 'Fishing In the Dark', and they also sang Great-Uncle O'Neil's songs, like, 'Frog-Legs', 'Spotted Owl' and 'Father, Have Mercy'.
What fun it was when the young folk would take up their guitars and sing their hearts out!
Us little kids would gather around the living room, staring up in fascination while our 'old' cousins and uncles sang and played. (Most of them were just teens)
This is the new generation of 'young folk' :D

 More often than not, the songs sung were mainly those beloved hymns of old-time, or gospel songs written by family members.
(Incidentally, the top photo has the lyrics of my great-grandpa's beautiful song that he wrote many years ago. No stealing, please.)
The comfort found in those songs is so much stronger than I could ever try to describe.
 The peace in those inspired words...it just fills your whole being as you sing.
Hymns are such a blessing in troubled times, because often enough there is no healing found except in the comfort of music.
 I remember those hard weeks, when my grandma was slowly passing away into eternity.
The house was filled many, many loved ones, gathered to comfort each other and to say goodbye to the woman we all loved for so long.
 Many of us stayed overnight, for weeks, and it was an adventure to find a place to sleep at night.
You were literally stepping over sleeping kids and even adults as you went through the house, and if you got a blanket, you were lucky.
 My dad even slept in a lawn chair out on the porch one night.
Someone was always up with Grandma, and I don't know if my Grandpa ever got any sleep. I do know that his dark hair beard turned silver before it was all through.
 But during all this, the sleepless nights, the sad days, music was playing throughout the house.
Great-Aunt Eunie played piano(in the photo above Great-Aunt Darlene is playing) with those musical fingers and sang with her lovable Southern drawl, no matter how late it was, or how dark the days seemed.
 Sometimes others joined in, other times it was only her, alone, singing hymns at the top of her voice.
Uncle Casey sometimes played guitar and sang, or it was O'Neil on his own guitar.
It seemed like there was always music throughout the house.
 Through music we can reach out, comfort the lonely and lost, heal the hurt, and other times find our own comfort through those blessed words.

'Hold my hand all the way, every hour, everyday, from here to the great unknown. Take my hand, let me stand where no one stands alone...'

'Abide with me, fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide!'

'And I believe that there's a place called heaven, and I believe in a place called Calvary...'

'In the cross, in the cross ,be my glory ever, till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river...'

One of my favorite hymns is 'Rock of Ages', that blessed song from so long ago.
 It just fills me such peace and awe when I ponder the words.
'Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.'
 Rock of ages.
Think how long this Rock, this Savior, has been holding each and every believer, since the very beginning, in his arms.
 Ages and ages.

Then there is the beloved 'Amazing Grace'.
'Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind, but now I see.'
To think that an evil, cruel captain of a slave ship saw the great power of God, saw His loving forgiveness, and His amazing grace.... What a loving God we serve!

So you don't you see?
 What a powerful gift He has given us, to sing our hearts out, whether we are hurting, or rejoicing, there is a song for every moment.
 I am huge a fan old-time country, and I love the old folk songs, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could ever beat those blessed hymns of old. <3

What is one of your favorite hymns?

                                                                               LaKaysha


Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Q&A Tag


 Hello, blog world! *waves*
It's raining!
 Maybe that doesn't seem like much to you, but I've been dying for rain! <3
It's been snowing WAAAY too much for my liking, and around here, when the rain comes, you know that spring is finally on it's way.
(Actually, most winters are nothing but rain, and it'll probably rain for another four more months now, but I happen to like rain... So there. LOL)

Now, that being said...I was tagged for the Q&A Tag! :D
 Thank you, Shantelle
 
- The Rules -

Thank the blogger who nominated you
 Answer the questions you were given 
Nominate other bloggers
Write out your ten questions 
Let them know they've been tagged
 

 
1) Favorite book you've read this year?

WELL....I haven't had much time to read lately...
 I actually have only read one book this year. *blushes*
'Passin Through' by Louis L'Amour. It's a good one! <3
 
2) A restaurant you love, and what do you usually order?

I have too many favorites to name one! So I'll be like my sisters and name three. ;)
 Olive Garden: Tour of Italy (I actually order this or another meal just as often but...AHEM I don't know how to spell it. haha)
 Rocky's Pizza: Lightweight Pepperoni
Mill Creek: Roast Beef and Pretzels w/cheese
 
3) What's one movie/TV series that has impacted you? Why?
Hmmm.....

 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' really got to me the first time I watched it.
It's just packed full of patriotism and morals....I truly made me feel proud to be an American, proud to be a lowly little citizen and actually sparked an interest in the Supreme Court! lol
 I'm not one for politics, but this movie isn't just politics.
It's about standing up for what's right even when it seems as if the whole world is against you, screaming in your face, laughing at you, mocking you.
 It stirred up the fire in me, I'll have to admit. ;)
And they mention my hero, Abraham Lincoln, quite often, so it really snagged me. haha
 
4) Do you prefer cold cereal or oatmeal?
 
Well, depends on the kind of oatmeal or cereal. lol
 Soaked oatmeal is OK, but I'm not a huge fan of cold cereal, either.
I guess it doesn't really matter to me. I don't like breakfast foods. ;)
 
5) Love being with people, or would you rather be a loner?

Well, both, I guess.
 I don't really want to be alone all the time, but I do enjoy my quiet moments, and I'm sort of 'anti-social' at times. lol
 But then again, I do wish to be with people, to get in a nice, intelligent conversation with someone, and I enjoy laughing and talking with friends.
 I can get 'peopled out' and get lonely.
So a little of both is good and healthy for me. 
 
6) A book cover you love? 

Well, all the old Louis L'Amour covers!
 But I can't really name them all, you know....
If it was published past the 80's, I don't really like the cover. (All right, I'm a creature of habit, I admit it!) 
 I grew up reading Louis L'Amour's that were my dad's, so most of them were pretty old, and I loved looking at the covers, even before I could read.
 The artist just caught the mood, the era, and your instant attention with his work.
I enjoy drawing and painting, so I've always had an eye for a nice piece of art, and many times I've practiced my drawing by copying one of his covers! :D
 The new ones just don't make the cut.


 
7) What trait do you, personally, think is important for people to have?

Well, I think a person should be generally happy, I guess, but Daminika already said that, so....
 Having the ability to laugh and joke, but also take important things very seriously.
 
8) A favorite thing about blogging?

Connecting with all these awesome girls!
 It's wonderful to reach out to other Christian girls, getting and giving encouragement, and to know we share the same love. Our Lord Jesus Christ
 
9) What's one wish of your heart?

Well, besides to marry and have dozens of children?
 Living for God in whatever way He wants me to, to seek His will, and to always be growing in grace, each and every day.
 
10) Could you share about three blessings (big or small) that have touched your day?

 Today? Well, not much happened today....
Could I share some from the week?
 Rain! (But I already shared that)
Like Daminika already said, seeing the beautiful bond we have with our family, and feeling the love as we all gathered together to comfort each other and to simply know, that no matter what happens, they'll always be there for you.
 Blest be the ties that bind. :)
And lastly, I am so blessed to have a bed.
 It's really quite comfortable, you know.
You can laugh if you want to, but some people don't have nice beds, and I greatly appreciate mine. ;)

I think I've run out of people to tag....
 But if you haven't been tagged, feel free to do this anyways, and let me know!
I'd love to read it.
 And all you followers who don't have a blog, you can still answer the questions in your comments if you'd like! :)

Your questions:
1: What is one of your favorite historical events?
2: What's your favorite time of day?
3: Favorite drink?
4: Do you have a nightly ritual (like me!) and what is it?
5: How often do you wear makeup?
6: Favorite actress/actor?
7: Are you a Daddy's girl or Mama's girl?
8: Favorite flavor of ice cream?
9: Beef jerky or potato chips?
10: What's a strange thing you always do?

                                                                           LaKaysha
 

Monday, February 13, 2017

Letting Go


I've been struggling, you all know it, and I want to thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement! <3
 It's been quite a storm over in my world for the last week, and it didn't look much like the sun would ever come out again.
 No, not literally, because our weather here has been quite gorgeous. ;)
I'm talking about inwardly.
 Besides my other struggles I have shared, there has been a family matter that has us in fervent prayer for one our dear ones, and it's been a hard, hard time for us all.
 It isn't something I can really talk about, but it's been very hard for me, because the person involved has been my dearest friend since childhood, and it's never easy to see someone you love turn away from all the things you believe are important.
 Needless to say, I was hurting so badly, and it wasn't a very happy birthday for me...
(The party wasn't on my actual birthday, you see)
 I couldn't understand why this was happening, why God allowed this...
I was confused, and hurt.
 But in times like these, the only thing you can do is...
Let go. 
 I was clinging to my pain, my hurt, but I now see it's time to leave it all; my loneliness, my hurt, my confusion, and my dear friend in the hands of our Savior.
 There is nothing I can do, and it's time I stopped trying to change things that I have no control over.
It's time I went on with a smile, and a sense of peace in my heart, knowing that this life, this world, and my soul are in the Hands of the One Who made it all.
 'Leave it there, leave it there. Just take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. If you trust Him through your doubt, He will surely bring you out. Just take your burden to the Lord and leave it there...' ~ 'Leave it There' by Joey and Rory
 Have you ever heard the song 'You Know Better Than I'?
It's a beautiful, beautiful song, that gives me great comfort when I'm confused and hurting.

'I thought I did what's right. I thought I had the answer. 
I thought I chose the surest road, but that road brought me here. 

So I put up a fight, and told You how to help me
And just when I have given up, the truth is coming clear. 

Chorus:
You know better than I, You know the way. I've let go the need to know why. 
For you know better than I.

(2)If this has been a test, I cannot see the reason. 
But maybe knowing 'I don't know' is part of getting through. 

I try to do what's best and faith has made it easy, 
to see the best thing I can do, is put my trust in You. 
(Chorus)

I saw one cloud and thought it was the sky. I saw a bird and thought that I could follow. 
But it was You Who taught that bird to fly. If I let You reach me, will You teach me?

For You know better than I, You know the way. I've let go the need to know why. 
I'll take what answers You supply. You know better than I.'

I've come to realize that God does know, much, much more than I ever could.
He has a plan, a purpose for my life, and
Everything is gonna be okay. 
 In one of my favorite films. 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'. the leading character tells the girl how things always seem so much brighter, so much lovelier when you emerge from a dark tunnel, and that he tries to live his whole life, to see the whole world, as if he had just come out of a tunnel.
 Well, guys, I've been in a dark tunnel for a while.
A tunnel I built myself, with self-pity and loneliness.
 But no more.
I'm coming out of the tunnel, with a smile on my face and a song in my lips, and I'm going to try and embrace the life the Merciful Father has given me with a contented heart.
 You know, ever since the trouble with my friend started, I haven't given myself much thought.
God can use every trial for something good!
 I now see there are so much worse things than being single for a while.
How selfish of me, to feel anger and sadness simply because I haven't got what I wanted right now. 






I belong to a God Who loves me, Who died for me, Who created every single inch of me, and has a glorious plan for me. 
 Why should I feel discouraged?
I know my life, my family and friends' lives, and your life is in His Hands. 

How great is that? 

                                                                                         LaKaysha



Thursday, February 9, 2017

A Wonderful Surprise


You all know I have been feeling down. :P
 Well, last Friday I was feeling pretty low. Ugh.
Daminika told me that morning that Emily wanted to take her shopping for my birthday, and I just shrugged. Sure, go ahead.
 I didn't exactly like being reminded that I would be a year older in a week.
 So she left that morning, and I just waved goodbye with a solemn, low face, feeling 'Ehhh'.
Then I decided to try and make the most of this slow, dull day.
 I skipped into my bedroom, where Felicity was doing hair and makeup, having just taken a shower.
"Hey, are people coming over tonight? Can I have an excuse for doing my makeup?"
She looks at me a little sheepish. "I don't know. I'm gonna go hang at Kaysha's for a bit."
 "What?!" I was pretty upset. "Everyone is leaving me today! Why am I even alive?"
"I'm sorry." She said, looking a little ashamed. "Maybe people will come over later."
"I don't want people to come over. I want to go somewhere." I wasn't exactly being cooperative. "I'm sick of this house."
 She tried to talk to me, but I just picked up my housecoat and slammed the door behind me, feeling pretty alone.
 I admit crying in the shower, my emotions all in a jumble, and I wanted to crawl back in bed and start this day over.
 None of this was helping my depression one bit. Ugh.
When I got out of the shower, I saw that Felicity was gone, and I cried a little bit again, wishing she had had the decency to invite me along.
 I needed to get out.
After doing my hair and makeup, I went to the living room, to find that Chancy was leaving, too, to go visit his cousin's.
 "So long, fair weather, friend." I thought as I watched him walk to the waiting truckload of boys.
Hmmmpp.
 'You'd think I had the measles the way everyone is avoiding me.'
Even Liberty and her friend seemed to be trying to stay away from me.
 I kind of just sat around the rest of the day, staring out the window, and played a little piano, trying to pass the time.
 Then I got a text from Felicity:
'You got your wish, sugar-plum! We are all invited over to Kaysha and Roger's after supper instead of Family Night.'
 Oh, goodie! She told me to let Chancy and Daminika know, but I told her they weren't home, and she said, 'Oh? Well, text them.' (as if she didn't know)
 I did, and Daminika acted all excited, being her easily riled self. (ACTING is right)
Then I wandered around the house again, trying to figure out the meaning of my existence. ;)
 Emily dropped Daminika a little while before supper, but she walked in and sat on her phone, ignoring me.
 Well, if that's the way you want it. I won't talk to you, either.
Then Felicity came home, too, and we ate supper, did the dishes and went to out room to get ready.
 On the drive over, it dawned on me that Felicity must have told Kaysha about my silly little fit.
'Did Kaysha invite everyone over because of me?'
 'Mmm...well...yeah.'
I thought so. Leave it to big sister to try to make me feel better. (If I only knew)
 When we got there, Felicity certainly took her jolly time getting out of the rig, and I was getting pretty impatient.
 When we got to the door, she turned the knob, then gave it a gentle kick.
I stood there staring in, heard a loud 'Surprise!' and tried to figure out just why Shiloh was at Kaysha and Roger's. And Kirsten...Oh, it's a party! For me!
 Frank Sinatra was playing loudly, people were grinning at me, and I felt like I was going to burst into sobs, so I kind of just stood there with a huge grin and covered my mouth with my hands.
 Kirsten was bouncing around me, and so was Emily, but I had to sit down because I suddenly felt very dizzy.
 They had done all this for me!
They actually cared!
 The thought made me want to cry again, so I followed the girls into the room, and they excitedly showed me all the decorations and food.
'Look, decaf coffee! Just for you!'
'Molasses cookies!' (my favorite! Emily, you're a doll!)
 It was an awesome night and I never felt so special!
Now things made sense.
 Chancy left to hang out with Laban and Shiloh before the party, Daminika and Emily really did go shopping, but then went down to Kaysha's to decorate.
 Liberty and Damara knew and were avoiding me so they wouldn't let something slip.
I felt pretty foolish for getting upset. LOL
 Everyone did such a great job of keeping the secret, and I never once suspected.
Thank you, everyone for making me feel so wonderfully loved!
 (These pics are from Daminika's cell)

 
 
 

Kirsten!
This doll drove all the way down here just for the party.
It was also all her idea, knowing I was down.
Isn't she sweet? <3

I'm still a little flustered in this pic. Excuse the strange expression. ;)
 

 

Daminika, being the sweet thing she is, bought me a Coke.
My favorite pop. <3

This punch was sooooo good! <3
 


The boys. I just love them all! *great big hugs*



It was interesting watching them try to drink coffee from a tea cup!
*laughter*
 
My gift from Kirsten! :D
Sooo excited about this one!

Because she knows I like to pamper myself....
Shower items from Felicity Dear! ;P :D

This beautiful gift is from sweet Emily Sue <3
Isn't the prettiest thing you've ever seen?
I feel so dainty when wearing it.
Thank you, Emily!

Yes, I have a thing for necklaces, and they know it. ;)
This is from Daminika, along with a Coca-Cola and a super cute shirt
that I never got a picture of....So sorry
Isn't it cute? It's now my 'go-to' necklace.
The one from Emily is to be saved for special occasions. :D

Expensive chocolates from Rusty and Shanoah.
I am not a chocolate person but these are SOOOO good.

<3
 
 

For some reason I don't have a picture of my gifts from Marissa?
 But she gave me some lotion (LOVE it and use it everyday) and a sweet smelling candle.
Marita was a doll and gave $20 to spend on myself.
 It was a wonderful surprise and I want to thank you all for doing it!
 
 
                                                                         LaKaysha
 
 

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Like Snowflakes, Crafted with Love

Sometimes you find things on Pinterest that seem to describe you perfectly!
 And there are the quotes that seem to put into words just what you've always wished you could say, explain...
 Would you like a small glimpse into my world?

 



















 
 
I'm a hard person to understand.
 I love people, but like being alone.
I enjoy a nice conversation one-on-one most of the time, but I hate talking in a large group.
 Sometimes I need to be alone and cry, but other times I wish someone would notice my hurt.
I like the simple life, dirt roads and screen doors, but love shopping, nice clothes and high heels.
 It's hard for me to open up so I don't try, but other times I long for someone who understands and has the patience to listen while I try to talk.
 
It's amazing, when you think about it.
 Each person is completely different from another.
God created every one of us with our own little quirks and personalities, just like He crafted each snowflake, or each leaf on a tree.
 Nobody has the same handwriting, voice, or laugh.
He made you, and I, tenderly, and lovingly, because He cares.
 
Isn't that amazing?
 
                                                                                  LaKaysha