Well, another year has come and gone.
My, how time flies! It seemed like just yesterday that we were all sitting in the living room of our old Yacolt house, waiting for 2015.
All in all, it has been a wonderful year, although there has been some ups and downs.
Moving out of the red farmhouse in Yacolt was a major change, and a sad one at that, but after living in Hockinson for five months, I welcomed another move to this sweet little house in Amboy.
People ask me if I miss the convenience of living in town, and they are baffled at my answer. "Nope!"
All those noisy cars, the throngs of people, no woods or back roads to walk through...No thanks, town is just not for me.
I am loving living here in our new home, even though I haven't a permanent room as of yet.
Since there are four of us girls, we take turns each Friday, two sleeping in bedroom on a mattress, while the other two sleep in living room on a hide-a-bed.
We plan to build another bedroom in the garage, so us three oldest will share it then.
The view from our bedroom window is absolutely beautiful, so that is one thing I will miss when I move into the new bedroom.
The mountains always look so peaceful in the mornings, with mist hovering over the trees, and the sun shining on the distant hills.
In fact right now as I look out of our laundry room window, I can see a rainbow shooting across the mountains, ending in the pastures below. :)
It's truly beautiful here, and I am loving every minute here!
There has been other major happenings in 2015, like our trip to the ranch, a visit to New Hampshire, my cousin Clayton flying out for a surprise visit, and the best Christmas I've had in years!
It's been a busy year, with trips here and there, moving into three different houses, cleaning, painting and remodeling the new house, Daminika's surprise party (Seriously, that took a lot of planning!) and the list goes on!
I don't really do New Year's resolutions, but there are some things this year that I want to get done.
Get my license.
I have been putting it off for two years, and I think it's about time now. I don't enjoy driving in the slightest, much to people's amazement, but I would like to just get the drive over with.
Write more blog posts. I've really been slacking lately, but I'm hoping to post more this year. :)
I would also like to switch to all natural, organic makeup this year.
Beeyoutiful.com sells foundation, blush, eye makeup, mascara, lip shimmer...they have a lot to choose from, anyways. :)
Not only is it way healthier for your skin, but it also looks more natural.
I believe makeup should simply enhance your natural beauty, instead of actually changing your face to look like a painted doll.
Well, I can't really think of anything more.
I pray that this new year, 2016, will be as blessed and full of happiness as 2015 was for me, and I pray this year will be a blessing to you all as well!
Have a wonderful day!
God's peace,
LaKaysha
Friday, January 8, 2016
Monday, December 14, 2015
Tag of Happiness
I must say, I have a strange variety of things!
Some movies that make me happy:
Man From the Snowy River
The Shadow Riders
Love's Enduring Promise
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Our Gang comedies
The Blob (1958)
Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree
The Dick Van Dyke Show
Summer Magic
Some books that make me happy:
The Daybreakers by Louis L'Amour
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Borden Chantry by Louis L'Amour
Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter
Cassidy by Lori Wick
Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Roses For Mama by Janette Oke
Songs that make me happy:
How Deep the Father's Love by Philips, Craig and Dean
In Christ Alone by anyone
One Day at a Time by Carmen and Krissa
Everything is Fine by Josh Turner
I Will Follow You by Ricky Nelson
Don't Fence Me In by Roy Rogers or Clint Eastwood
Alone Yet Not Alone by Joni Erickson Tada
Try a Little Kindness by Glen Campbell
The Best Day by George Strait
My Rifle, Pony and Me by Ricky Nelson and Dean Martin
Let's Go Fly a Kite by Mary Poppins
A Cowboy Sunday Prayer by Roy Rogers
Foods that make me happy:
roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy
onion rings
soft pretzels
pastie
ice cream
apple pie
nachos
burritos
beans
cheese nips
V-8
beef jerky
taco sauce
Words that make me happy:
retro
cowboy
western
free
pastel
love
family
flowers
wind
sea
soar
lace
leather
patriot
Arabia
ancient
feminine
elegant
vintage
history
valor
Other:
fifties dresses
old vintage hats
sunshine
listening to music
hanging out with friends after church
listening to family stories
snuggling with babies
drawing
painting
sleeping in!
Guidelines:
Take the banner and put it in your post
List as many things as you want in each category
Come up with more category if you wish
Tag as many people as you want
I tag:
Felicity @Poems, Prayers and Promises
_______________________________________________________________________________
Merry Christmas!
LaKaysha
Friday, November 27, 2015
Alone Yet Not Alone
Ok, everyone. I am going to really open up in this post so bear with me if you can...
Years ago, I was on fourth grade, my class was doing Bible, and my teacher was trying to explain faith, comparing it to a desk chair.
"How do you know if that chair will hold you when you sit down? You don't really, your just believe it will."
Well, looking back, that doesn"t even compare, but sitting at my desk, I began to ponder that, something that can be very dangerous.
Then that one, terrible thought came into my mind, "How do I know God is real?"
I instantly was ashamed of that thought, but it was too late. I had lost that innocence each child has when raised in a Christian home, and began to think and ponder, question and doubt.
I even said aloud once, "I hate God." Just to see what would happen.
The mind is a dangerous thing. I was treading deep waters.
That started it all, for I began to live in fear of dying, ashamed of all those terrible thoughts..
I just knew that my faith was no longer strong enough, because of all my doubts and thoughts, and if I died, what would happen?
The end of the world terrified me, and night after night I lay in bed, praying, singing hymns, tears streaming down my face as I begged God to grant me more faith, and to not let me die until I was spiritually ready. A lot of terrified pleas and promises...
I wrote notes to my parents, as it has always been easier for me to write how I feel, and they always assured me that everything was forgiven and washed in the blood of Christ, and gave me all the love and encouragement they could, but it didn't really help.
I was living in fear, pure and simple.
I went from day to day, thinking on nothing but death, dying, and sin, until it practically consumed me.
Nothing anyone told me helped.
I read my Bible, I sang hymns, I prayed endlessly.
The Scriptures always comforted me for a while, as did hymns, but the fears would always come back, and oh, I knew I was too terrible a person to save.
This lasted from fourth grade until I was about fifteen years old.
One day, God suddenly opened up my eyes and told me, "It's all forgiven in the blood of Christ and I love you, and I don't want you to be so unhappy."
It's all forgiven.
For years people had been telling me that, and I wanted to believe it, oh, I did!
But God had to give me that peace and faith.
I couldn't do it myself, no matter how hard I tried, because, believe me, I tried.
And it didn't go away overnight, mind you, even after God revealed it to me.
I still struggled with sleeping, for nights were the worst for me, but I didn't despair and cry this time,
I finally had the peace to say to the devil, "Get thee hence."
And he would go away.
I still struggle at times, and I have to go to my parents to be encouraged and assured, but I don't live in fear anymore.
I know that God will never leave me or forsake me.
The song "Alone Yet Not Alone" sums it up so well for me.
"When my steps are lost and desperate for a guide, I can feel His touch, a soothing presence by my side! Alone, yet not alone. Not forsaken when on my own. I can lean upon His arms and be lifted up from harms.
...If I stumble or if I'm thrown, I'm alone yet not alone. I'm alone, yet not alone!"
I can only thank God for those very trying years of my life, because I can say with confidence that it was because of those years that I feel God closer than ever.
It was all those terrible nights that drew me to His side, and now I know I will never, ever be ripped away.
"How deep the Father's love for us! How vast beyond all measure!"
God bless everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!
LaKaysha
Years ago, I was on fourth grade, my class was doing Bible, and my teacher was trying to explain faith, comparing it to a desk chair.
"How do you know if that chair will hold you when you sit down? You don't really, your just believe it will."
Well, looking back, that doesn"t even compare, but sitting at my desk, I began to ponder that, something that can be very dangerous.
Then that one, terrible thought came into my mind, "How do I know God is real?"
I instantly was ashamed of that thought, but it was too late. I had lost that innocence each child has when raised in a Christian home, and began to think and ponder, question and doubt.
I even said aloud once, "I hate God." Just to see what would happen.
The mind is a dangerous thing. I was treading deep waters.
That started it all, for I began to live in fear of dying, ashamed of all those terrible thoughts..
I just knew that my faith was no longer strong enough, because of all my doubts and thoughts, and if I died, what would happen?
The end of the world terrified me, and night after night I lay in bed, praying, singing hymns, tears streaming down my face as I begged God to grant me more faith, and to not let me die until I was spiritually ready. A lot of terrified pleas and promises...
I wrote notes to my parents, as it has always been easier for me to write how I feel, and they always assured me that everything was forgiven and washed in the blood of Christ, and gave me all the love and encouragement they could, but it didn't really help.
I was living in fear, pure and simple.
I went from day to day, thinking on nothing but death, dying, and sin, until it practically consumed me.
Nothing anyone told me helped.
I read my Bible, I sang hymns, I prayed endlessly.
The Scriptures always comforted me for a while, as did hymns, but the fears would always come back, and oh, I knew I was too terrible a person to save.
This lasted from fourth grade until I was about fifteen years old.
One day, God suddenly opened up my eyes and told me, "It's all forgiven in the blood of Christ and I love you, and I don't want you to be so unhappy."
It's all forgiven.
For years people had been telling me that, and I wanted to believe it, oh, I did!
But God had to give me that peace and faith.
I couldn't do it myself, no matter how hard I tried, because, believe me, I tried.
And it didn't go away overnight, mind you, even after God revealed it to me.
I still struggled with sleeping, for nights were the worst for me, but I didn't despair and cry this time,
I finally had the peace to say to the devil, "Get thee hence."
And he would go away.
I still struggle at times, and I have to go to my parents to be encouraged and assured, but I don't live in fear anymore.
I know that God will never leave me or forsake me.
The song "Alone Yet Not Alone" sums it up so well for me.
"When my steps are lost and desperate for a guide, I can feel His touch, a soothing presence by my side! Alone, yet not alone. Not forsaken when on my own. I can lean upon His arms and be lifted up from harms.
...If I stumble or if I'm thrown, I'm alone yet not alone. I'm alone, yet not alone!"
I can only thank God for those very trying years of my life, because I can say with confidence that it was because of those years that I feel God closer than ever.
It was all those terrible nights that drew me to His side, and now I know I will never, ever be ripped away.
"How deep the Father's love for us! How vast beyond all measure!"
God bless everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving!
LaKaysha
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Hymns
There are so many hymns that I hold dear to my heart, and in the trying days of my life, I usually think of some hymn or another that seems to fit my emotions.
It always gives me such comfort to know that whoever penned these songs were moved by the Spirit.
I just thought I'd share a few of my many favorites.
The Love of God
The Old Rugged Cross
Jesus paid It All
Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross
Because He Lives
Come Holy Spirit
Did You Think to Pray?
This Is My Father's World
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Rock of Ages
I Need to Be Filled
Blessed Assurance
Confidence
It Is Well
Constantly Abiding
This World Is Not My Home (Also a favorite of the Wests)
Shall We Gather at the River?
My Blest Home is Up in Heaven (This was my Great-Grandpa Seppala's favorite song, who left us a short time ago for his home in heaven)
Til' the Storm Passes By
How Beautiful
How Deep the Father's Love
In Christ Alone
Farther Along
Well, hope you enjoyed it! I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I should do something
LaKaysha
It always gives me such comfort to know that whoever penned these songs were moved by the Spirit.
I just thought I'd share a few of my many favorites.
The Love of God
The Old Rugged Cross
Jesus paid It All
Jesus, Keep me Near the Cross
Because He Lives
Come Holy Spirit
Did You Think to Pray?
This Is My Father's World
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Rock of Ages
I Need to Be Filled
Blessed Assurance
Confidence
It Is Well
Constantly Abiding
This World Is Not My Home (Also a favorite of the Wests)
Shall We Gather at the River?
My Blest Home is Up in Heaven (This was my Great-Grandpa Seppala's favorite song, who left us a short time ago for his home in heaven)
Til' the Storm Passes By
How Beautiful
How Deep the Father's Love
In Christ Alone
Farther Along
Well, hope you enjoyed it! I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I should do something
LaKaysha
Friday, July 17, 2015
Raspberry Glaze Pie
Raspberry Glaze Pie
This recipe is actually Grandma's Strawberry Glaze Pie, but we had extra raspberries, so I made it a raspberry pie instead.
I prefer strawberry over raspberry, but my sisters disagree, so I guess it's whichever berry you like better.
I don't measure the berries, but this is the recipe.
If you were to make it strawberry, cut the berries in halves for the filling. :)
One baked pie shell 3 tbsp. corn starch
3 oz. cream cheese 1/2 c. cold water
6 c. strawberries (raspberries) 1 c. mashed berries
1 cup of sugar
Spread cream cheese onto cooled pie shell. Place berries into pie shell. In a small kettle, stir together the sugar and corn starch. Add cold water and mashed berries.
Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute, cool, and spread over berries in pie shell.
Let sit for 4 hours.
You could also make this with blueberries! I tried it once. :)
Enjoy!
LaKaysha
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Top Ten Books
So, Felicity shared a top ten list of her favorite movies, and so in order to not seems a copy-cat, I will share a list of my favorite books. ;)
Just keep in mind that it may change a little over time.
10. Anne of Green Gables
Nearly everyone who loves classics has read about the beloved redhead from the small town of Avonlea on the beautiful and enchanting Prince Edward Island.
I always loved the movies, and when I was older, I fell in love with the books as well.
The adventures of Anne are so innocent and funny, with some sadness along the way, like the time she dyes her hair, or when her and Marilla lose their beloved Matthew.
There is such an air of happiness in the books, in a time when life was slower, and more peaceful.
I love this book!
9. Candle in the Darkness
Candle in the Darkness is actually part of a series by Lynn Austin, but this one is my ultimate favorite.
It takes place during the Civil War, and is centered around a young girl living in the South on a plantation.
Caroline’s father is a slave owner, and everyone around the girl believes deeply in the South’s cause.
Even her beau is a strong Confederate.
Yet, Caroline believes in a Heavenly Father who created all men equal, with rights and freedoms. Her love for the Negros causes her to be called ‘that strange one’.
In a vital moment, she has to decide between her family and loved ones, or the beliefs that God has convicted in her heart.
A deeply emotional story, filled with sadness and turmoil. One of my all-time favorites!
8. Heart of India Series: #1"Silk", #2 "Under Eastern Stars" and #3 "Kingscote"
Queen of the Home is a book filled with poems, essays, and speeches on Biblical womanhood and feminine beauty.
I asked for this book for Christmas on whim, not really sure what it would be like, or if I would even like it.
I read it and loved it!
There are beautiful paintings at the beginning of each chapter, and it is filled with lovely poems on mothers, woman, and godly beauty.
Ah, Sherlock Holmes.
The first thing that comes to mind when someone says that name, is a thin-faced man sitting a cozy chair by the fireplace, a pipe between his lips, as he contemplates his latest gruesome case.
I actually purchased this book for my dad one Christmas. He is a history buff like me, so I thought he would be interested.
He loved it and so did I.
3. The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln: Six Months in the White House
This book was written in 1866, one year after our beloved President was killed by Booth's bullet.
The author was a painter who had stayed at the White House with the President for six months (hence the name) painting the famous signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
He tells of his time with Lincoln, his daily routine in office, and of his guests and Cabinet member in the White House.
He writes of watching the President pardon soldiers, shake hands with thousands at a time, and most of all, he writes of watching Lincoln walk sadly through the great halls of the White House, his tall frame bent as he mused over the crisis of the Nation.
It is a truly beautiful picture of my hero and I enjoyed it greatly.
A ten star for sure!
2. The Daybreakers
(sorry for the small picture)
Now if you're a Louis L'Amour lover, you'd know that you simply can't pick one of his books as your favorite.
Shalako, Borden Chantry, To Tame a Land, Bendigo Shafter, Ride the River, Lonesome Gods....
I have over dozens of the I could name off, and that would more than fill up my whole list.
So I thought I'd just pick one to tell you about.
The Daybreakers has always been one of my favorites since the very beginning of my Louis L'Amour days.
Tyrel Sackett is one of my favorite Sacketts, and his love story is just the cutest ever!
When he shoots Long Higgins in order to save his brother Orrin, Tyrel as to leave his home in the mountains at the age of eighteen.
Big brother Orrin joins him, and together they ride the range, fighting white and red savages, rounding cattle, and helping people in need.
Along the way, Tyrel meets Drusilla, a young Spanish girl living with her grandfather, and they fall in love.
Full of action, it is an awesome Sackett book, and the parts with Tom Sunday are sad, changing it from a typical western to a more emotional and exciting novel.
Louis L'Amour beats any other western writer out there!
Just keep in mind that it may change a little over time.
10. Anne of Green Gables
Nearly everyone who loves classics has read about the beloved redhead from the small town of Avonlea on the beautiful and enchanting Prince Edward Island.
I always loved the movies, and when I was older, I fell in love with the books as well.
The adventures of Anne are so innocent and funny, with some sadness along the way, like the time she dyes her hair, or when her and Marilla lose their beloved Matthew.
There is such an air of happiness in the books, in a time when life was slower, and more peaceful.
I love this book!
9. Candle in the Darkness
Candle in the Darkness is actually part of a series by Lynn Austin, but this one is my ultimate favorite.
It takes place during the Civil War, and is centered around a young girl living in the South on a plantation.
Caroline’s father is a slave owner, and everyone around the girl believes deeply in the South’s cause.
Even her beau is a strong Confederate.
Yet, Caroline believes in a Heavenly Father who created all men equal, with rights and freedoms. Her love for the Negros causes her to be called ‘that strange one’.
In a vital moment, she has to decide between her family and loved ones, or the beliefs that God has convicted in her heart.
A deeply emotional story, filled with sadness and turmoil. One of my all-time favorites!
8. Heart of India Series: #1"Silk", #2 "Under Eastern Stars" and #3 "Kingscote"
Angry Hindus, mysterious abduction, and even a death at sea. All from the exciting series by Linda Chaikin!
I have always loved India and Arabia, so this series was really intriguing for me.
It is three books in all.
It takes place in India on an English silk plantation with a young silk heiress as the main character. She takes in an orphaned native child, and then the drama begins when he is believed to be murdered. The girl doesn't believe this to be true and begins a search for her child, while also trying to start a school and mission for the natives.
There are some political things in the books that are over my head, but it is still an interesting Christian mystery, with a clean love story. Cobras, poisonous spiders and tigers are featured in some intense scenes, along with a few crocodiles and even trained crows.
Although it has some action, it isn't really a boy's book, and even some girls found it boring, but I really enjoyed the series. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes a long mystery!
7. Queen of the Home
Queen of the Home is a book filled with poems, essays, and speeches on Biblical womanhood and feminine beauty.
I asked for this book for Christmas on whim, not really sure what it would be like, or if I would even like it.
I read it and loved it!
There are beautiful paintings at the beginning of each chapter, and it is filled with lovely poems on mothers, woman, and godly beauty.
Definitely a book worth reading, for old and young woman alike. Inspiring!
6. Sherlock Holmes
Ah, Sherlock Holmes.
The first thing that comes to mind when someone says that name, is a thin-faced man sitting a cozy chair by the fireplace, a pipe between his lips, as he contemplates his latest gruesome case.
Criminals can never get past this man with a sharp eye and mystifying mind.
Filled with danger, suspense, and humor, the complete, unabridged collection of Sherlock Holmes is by far the best mystery series I have ever read.
Snakes, lions, poison, murder; I could go on and on, but I won’t ruin it for you. Read it yourself! :)
5. Abraham Lincoln: Heartwarming Stories of our Most Beloved President
I actually purchased this book for my dad one Christmas. He is a history buff like me, so I thought he would be interested.
He loved it and so did I.
The author did deep research, and read eyewitness accounts of the wonderful President, so I felt I could believe most of his words.
It is such a beautiful picture of my favorite President, filled with humor and sadness.
I cried numerous times while reading it, and chuckled at some of the jokes Lincoln told.
Anyone who loves Lincoln should read this book!
4. Little Woman
Little Woman was a lovely book to add to my shelf.
Nearly everyone knows the story Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy.
But reading the unabridged version, I got a much deeper, emotional picture of the March sisters.
I was happily surprised at the amount of times God and Christ were mentioned in the story, and was completely swept away into the world of Jo and her sisters.
There is a little bit of all of us in each sister, and I could relate to the characters.
Meg is sweet and proper, respectful and polite, yet has a weakness for fine things and struggles to be content with her poor lifestyle.
Jo is happy, cheerful and fun, while she struggles to be the feminine woman God meant her to be, battles her fiery temper constantly, and hates change deeply.
Beth. Sweet, dear little Beth.
Who can forget the seemingly perfect younger sister, with her gentle voice and quiet nature?
Even Beth has her faults, though, as she struggles with her shyness and fear of people, preferring to hide herself away in her home with her beloved piano.
Amy, the youngest girl, is pretty and sweet when she wants to be, although she is slightly spoiled and selfish, while being much too self-conscience about her nose and looks.
All in all, it is a book I always enjoy, and a great novel for girls!
3. The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln: Six Months in the White House
This book was written in 1866, one year after our beloved President was killed by Booth's bullet.
The author was a painter who had stayed at the White House with the President for six months (hence the name) painting the famous signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
He tells of his time with Lincoln, his daily routine in office, and of his guests and Cabinet member in the White House.
He writes of watching the President pardon soldiers, shake hands with thousands at a time, and most of all, he writes of watching Lincoln walk sadly through the great halls of the White House, his tall frame bent as he mused over the crisis of the Nation.
It is a truly beautiful picture of my hero and I enjoyed it greatly.
A ten star for sure!
(sorry for the small picture)
Now if you're a Louis L'Amour lover, you'd know that you simply can't pick one of his books as your favorite.
Shalako, Borden Chantry, To Tame a Land, Bendigo Shafter, Ride the River, Lonesome Gods....
I have over dozens of the I could name off, and that would more than fill up my whole list.
So I thought I'd just pick one to tell you about.
The Daybreakers has always been one of my favorites since the very beginning of my Louis L'Amour days.
Tyrel Sackett is one of my favorite Sacketts, and his love story is just the cutest ever!
When he shoots Long Higgins in order to save his brother Orrin, Tyrel as to leave his home in the mountains at the age of eighteen.
Big brother Orrin joins him, and together they ride the range, fighting white and red savages, rounding cattle, and helping people in need.
Along the way, Tyrel meets Drusilla, a young Spanish girl living with her grandfather, and they fall in love.
Full of action, it is an awesome Sackett book, and the parts with Tom Sunday are sad, changing it from a typical western to a more emotional and exciting novel.
Louis L'Amour beats any other western writer out there!
1. Uncle Tom's Cabin
Now we come to number one.
This book is truly a wonderful work of art, and I can understand when it is referred to as 'the book that started the war'.
I cried many times reading it for the first time.
Uncle Tom is such a sweet person, with a simple, yet unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
He goes through so many trials in the book, and I hurt so deeply for him, as I did for all the other slave characters.
Little Eva is another wonderful person in this book, and when she died, I felt as if the world had lost their only ray of sunshine.
It accurately shows the horrors of slavery in a complete different light than most books do today.
Not only does it show the physical tortures that the slaves endured, it also shows the emotional and spiritual tortures the poor blacks had to endure.
There were so many times in the book when I wanted to beat the slaver owners' with their own whips.
Yet Uncle Tom forgives them all, every time, and even prays for their souls as he lays bleeding and wounded on his pallet at night.
He is a beautiful picture of what we all should strive to be.
A story of forgiveness and faith, and a good read when you really want to cry! ;)
Well, there you are. I love reading, so I have dozens and dozens of favorite books, but this is just a short list of some that I enjoy.
I hope you'll try to read them sometime!
God Bless,
LaKaysha
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
What Is Beauty?
I am a girl who loves feeling pretty. I adore dressing up in nice clothes, curling my hair, and feeling like I at least tried to accomplish looking neat and feminine.
I struggle with my looks a lot of the time, feeling homely and insecure, especially now that I have glasses. If anything makes you feel unfeminine, glasses would be my number one.
But I know that it isn't our outward beauty that matters, but a much deeper beauty, one that a lot of people in the world can't understand.
Let's say there are two girls sitting side by side.
Both are dressed in nice, pretty clothes, and have their hair dressed in a feminine style.
One is sitting with her hands clasped in front of her, avoiding eye contact with the passing people and sometimes flipping open her phone when she finished complaining to her friend.
She is a very pretty girl, with rosy cheeks and perfect skin, and not a hair out of place.
The other is listening respectfully and quietly as she sits with an air of serenity and pure contentment. Her nose seems a little large for her face, and she had a small splash of acne on her cheeks.
An elderly woman stops beside them, addressing both, asking for directions for a certain destination.
The girl with the phone rolls her eyes and pretends she hasn't heard, bending farther over her phone.
The other sets her book down with a smile, happily giving the woman directions and wishing her a good day.
The elderly woman leaves thinking the young girl the most loveliest thing in the world, while she thinks of the other girl with a disbelieving shake of her head.
And now, the same girls went to a party at a friend's house.
One comes in with a sweet smile, the room instantly filling with a gay air as she enters.
She greets her young friends, sweetly and politely addresses the parents there, and all the children instantly run to the young woman, their arms outstretched.
And then the other girl enters the room.
She has disposed of her phone for now, yet it hasn't seemed to make any difference.
She snubs the adults, sits down beside her friends ready to let loose her latest complaint, all done with a sneering, haughty look on her physically pretty face.
She suddenly doesn't look so pretty anymore. She is vain, deceitful, uncaring, selfish, and unhappy.
Which one do you want to be?
One girl was sweet, happy, loving, understanding, and respectful.
The other had an air of annoyance and arrogance.
Even though the sweet one didn't have the porcelain beauty of her friend, she truly looked prettier, the smile on her face lighting up her gentle eyes.
Beauty isn't what the media says it is.
It isn't large eyes with dark eyelashes, and powdered eyelids.
It isn't rosy red lips, and even white teeth.
It isn't long glossy hair and the ability to toss your head like a movie star.
No, it isn't even a dainty nose that makes one beautiful.
It's the beauty of Christ, shining from inside us, that is truly important.
Love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, these are all true beauty, the beauty that is from God.
Walking in a happy, yet humble way, spreading Christ's love in word and action.
Christ thinks we are all beautiful, no matter our age, race, or physical appearance.
I must confess, that I should practice what I preach, considering how many times I have complained to others how ugly I am.
I guess it is something all girls struggle with.
Yet, believe it or not, I am more insecure about my character and inward appearance than I am about what I look like.
I am striving to be a virtuous young woman, and it can be hard struggle for all of us.
Praying for all young woman like me, who long for different kind of beauty, something so much more.
God bless!
LaKaysha E
I struggle with my looks a lot of the time, feeling homely and insecure, especially now that I have glasses. If anything makes you feel unfeminine, glasses would be my number one.
But I know that it isn't our outward beauty that matters, but a much deeper beauty, one that a lot of people in the world can't understand.
Let's say there are two girls sitting side by side.
Both are dressed in nice, pretty clothes, and have their hair dressed in a feminine style.
One is sitting with her hands clasped in front of her, avoiding eye contact with the passing people and sometimes flipping open her phone when she finished complaining to her friend.
She is a very pretty girl, with rosy cheeks and perfect skin, and not a hair out of place.
The other is listening respectfully and quietly as she sits with an air of serenity and pure contentment. Her nose seems a little large for her face, and she had a small splash of acne on her cheeks.
An elderly woman stops beside them, addressing both, asking for directions for a certain destination.
The girl with the phone rolls her eyes and pretends she hasn't heard, bending farther over her phone.
The other sets her book down with a smile, happily giving the woman directions and wishing her a good day.
The elderly woman leaves thinking the young girl the most loveliest thing in the world, while she thinks of the other girl with a disbelieving shake of her head.
And now, the same girls went to a party at a friend's house.
One comes in with a sweet smile, the room instantly filling with a gay air as she enters.
She greets her young friends, sweetly and politely addresses the parents there, and all the children instantly run to the young woman, their arms outstretched.
And then the other girl enters the room.
She has disposed of her phone for now, yet it hasn't seemed to make any difference.
She snubs the adults, sits down beside her friends ready to let loose her latest complaint, all done with a sneering, haughty look on her physically pretty face.
She suddenly doesn't look so pretty anymore. She is vain, deceitful, uncaring, selfish, and unhappy.
Which one do you want to be?
One girl was sweet, happy, loving, understanding, and respectful.
The other had an air of annoyance and arrogance.
Even though the sweet one didn't have the porcelain beauty of her friend, she truly looked prettier, the smile on her face lighting up her gentle eyes.
Beauty isn't what the media says it is.
It isn't large eyes with dark eyelashes, and powdered eyelids.
It isn't rosy red lips, and even white teeth.
It isn't long glossy hair and the ability to toss your head like a movie star.
No, it isn't even a dainty nose that makes one beautiful.
It's the beauty of Christ, shining from inside us, that is truly important.
Love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, these are all true beauty, the beauty that is from God.
Walking in a happy, yet humble way, spreading Christ's love in word and action.
Christ thinks we are all beautiful, no matter our age, race, or physical appearance.
I must confess, that I should practice what I preach, considering how many times I have complained to others how ugly I am.
I guess it is something all girls struggle with.
Yet, believe it or not, I am more insecure about my character and inward appearance than I am about what I look like.
I am striving to be a virtuous young woman, and it can be hard struggle for all of us.
Praying for all young woman like me, who long for different kind of beauty, something so much more.
God bless!
LaKaysha E
Friday, May 15, 2015
Lemon Pie
A yummy lemon pie recipe we found in Felicity's cowboy cookbook! I've made it twice already and it's a hit here in my house!
3 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup sugar, divided
Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 baked 9 inch pie crust
Cook egg yolks, water, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir until thick, and set aside to cool. Beat egg whites 1/4 cup sugar, and cream of tarter until stiff peaks form, then fold into the first mixture. Pour into a baked pie shell and brown slightly under broiler.
*We use Grandma Seppala's pie dough recipe for the crust*
Lemon Pie
3 eggs, separated
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup sugar, divided
Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 teaspoon cream of tarter
1 baked 9 inch pie crust
Cook egg yolks, water, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir until thick, and set aside to cool. Beat egg whites 1/4 cup sugar, and cream of tarter until stiff peaks form, then fold into the first mixture. Pour into a baked pie shell and brown slightly under broiler.
*We use Grandma Seppala's pie dough recipe for the crust*
Friday, April 10, 2015
Though the Wrong Seems Oft So Strong
I woke up this morning, with these beautiful words running through my mind.
Such peace filled my being.
Have you ever pondered these words?
This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
Oh, I needed that this morning. I thought maybe someone else would, so...
Short post... :)
LaKaysha
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
My Own Memory Lane
I read Felicity's blog post about her own memories, and I began down my own memory lane, where life was so much simpler, and so much sweeter.
I remember going to The Friendly Farm in with all of the family, and feeding the baby goats from my hand, and feeling a little nervous, while my Aunt Marita picked up one kid.
Most of my earliest memories are from the ranch or New Hampshire.
I remember laying in a throw, giggling, while I stared up at my uncles Nolan and Marlon as they held the corners and swung me gently, laughing. I wasn't too happy when they put the other kids in with me. I was slightly selfish then... ;)
Swinging on the giant rope swing in the Ranch's barn, Grandma smiling at me and giving me push while telling me to hold on tight.
Playing 'house' in the room in the barn, mixing sawdust and water in old pots, while Felicity swept the concrete floor, and Marissa pretended to start a fire in the old stove.
This Saturday, the family had a barbeque, so we could spend some time with Mikey and Missy, who were visiting for the weekend.
I watched the little kids run around the yard, playing "war" while Chancy and the boys captured them and dragged them off to their base.
I was swept away into a different time, when I was one of those little kids being taken prisoner and carried away to the big kids base, which usually was Grandpa's shop.
Little Casey and Marissa were almost always the captains of the big kids, while Austin and I were the little kids leaders. Oh, where has the time gone? I wish I could go back and truly appreciate the time I had with Austin and Casey...
One year I went with my mom to drop Felicity off at Casey and Debby's for Little Casey's birthday party, and Austin came running out of the house, and bounced in front of the van window, asking if I could stay, too. My mom agreed, and I happily jumped out of the old van. We had a lot of fun building a fort out of tarp and wood, while the sun danced between the swaying trees. Such good times...
The most clear memory I have is the day my sweet, wonderful grandma finally left her cancer behind and went to be with our Savior. I was watching a movie, but I don't recall what it was, with the other kids, when Felicity came in, her head down, and her eyes red. She stopped in front of me, and whispered, "Grandma died."
I couldn't believe it. I had known she would, but when those words were spoken, I couldn't get my mind around it, and I glared at my sister to show her that I didn't think she was funny.
She had to be joking. It wasn't possible.
But I knew by her red face that she wasn't lying, and I jumped up from the Lazy Boy, running to throw back the blanket that hung in the doorway of the dining room where Grandma was staying. The sound of crying could be heard, and it was Uncle Clint who put his arm around me and told me that she was in heaven now, away from pain. That is the most painful, yet wonderful memory I have....
Things seemed so much easier in those old days of childhood...I miss them a lot.
But it has been a nice walk, and it felt nice to take that little stroll.
God Bless,
LaKaysha
I remember going to The Friendly Farm in with all of the family, and feeding the baby goats from my hand, and feeling a little nervous, while my Aunt Marita picked up one kid.
Most of my earliest memories are from the ranch or New Hampshire.
I remember laying in a throw, giggling, while I stared up at my uncles Nolan and Marlon as they held the corners and swung me gently, laughing. I wasn't too happy when they put the other kids in with me. I was slightly selfish then... ;)
Swinging on the giant rope swing in the Ranch's barn, Grandma smiling at me and giving me push while telling me to hold on tight.
Playing 'house' in the room in the barn, mixing sawdust and water in old pots, while Felicity swept the concrete floor, and Marissa pretended to start a fire in the old stove.
This Saturday, the family had a barbeque, so we could spend some time with Mikey and Missy, who were visiting for the weekend.
I watched the little kids run around the yard, playing "war" while Chancy and the boys captured them and dragged them off to their base.
I was swept away into a different time, when I was one of those little kids being taken prisoner and carried away to the big kids base, which usually was Grandpa's shop.
Little Casey and Marissa were almost always the captains of the big kids, while Austin and I were the little kids leaders. Oh, where has the time gone? I wish I could go back and truly appreciate the time I had with Austin and Casey...
One year I went with my mom to drop Felicity off at Casey and Debby's for Little Casey's birthday party, and Austin came running out of the house, and bounced in front of the van window, asking if I could stay, too. My mom agreed, and I happily jumped out of the old van. We had a lot of fun building a fort out of tarp and wood, while the sun danced between the swaying trees. Such good times...
The most clear memory I have is the day my sweet, wonderful grandma finally left her cancer behind and went to be with our Savior. I was watching a movie, but I don't recall what it was, with the other kids, when Felicity came in, her head down, and her eyes red. She stopped in front of me, and whispered, "Grandma died."
I couldn't believe it. I had known she would, but when those words were spoken, I couldn't get my mind around it, and I glared at my sister to show her that I didn't think she was funny.
She had to be joking. It wasn't possible.
But I knew by her red face that she wasn't lying, and I jumped up from the Lazy Boy, running to throw back the blanket that hung in the doorway of the dining room where Grandma was staying. The sound of crying could be heard, and it was Uncle Clint who put his arm around me and told me that she was in heaven now, away from pain. That is the most painful, yet wonderful memory I have....
Things seemed so much easier in those old days of childhood...I miss them a lot.
But it has been a nice walk, and it felt nice to take that little stroll.
God Bless,
LaKaysha
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