"VBS- Sailing the High Seas"

I will be in and out this week, as I am a "crew leader" at VBS (vacation bible school) at my church. This is my first time but I am glad I listened when I felt God telling me to do this. Last night, the first night was AMAZING. VBS runs through Friday.

The church looks phenomenal. I was blown away yesterday when I arrived and saw it. But trust me I will have lots to tell, as I already do; from one night, about my experience. I am so excited to dive back in tonight. I had a blast, probably more fun then my kids.

I have a great crew. 3 boys & 1 girl. My girl, Sarah is going into the 6th grade this fall. 2 of my boys, Jacob & Alex are going into 3rd grade and Joseph is going into 4th. Hopefully tonight I will also have my younger sister, who like Sarah, will be entering middle school in the fall. My dad/stepmom forgot that VBS started Sunday night. So Dee only missed one night.

Also this week: 

E has an ETN apt... as she has yet ANOTHER ear infection. That makes 6 since Dec. Can we say "tubes". Poor baby.  She was supposed to start tumbling this week but b/c of her EI and her ENT apt she will miss her 1st tumbling class via the YMCA. I am sad but we will go next week, I need her to get better.

-and-

Thursday E, my mom, stepdad & Hayls (E's Godmother) & I are going to see Nickelodeon Presents Storytime LIVE. I got tickets for this back in June! So As you can tell we are BUSY BUSY this week.

I will try my absolute best to blog/comment this week but being my first time leading a group through VBS, I want to really be focused on God & his word and what he has in store for me and these children this week. I know that I am going to gain a lot from this experience & I hope my kids do too.


SN: Guess what happened?! E went poopoo IN THE POTTY THIS MORNING! After telling us that she had to go! Thats right, she TOLD US she had to go. Folks we are moving in the RIGHT DIRECTION to being diaper free, but I am not getting to excited, yet.

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Have a great week everyone & HAPPY AUGUST.

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo

-Kandid Kelli

"5 minutes w.God"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest if you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.



I have never been a super religious person, Im not a "bible banger" if you will.

I grew-up in church, my Gran saw to it that I did, I went to VBS when I was a child and loved it. As I got older and understood God's role in my life, I was baptized, I was 8.

Then shortly after that when I hit middle school I started to "church hop" & became unsure of my faith. I knew I believed in God but I didn't know much else. I was a confused middle schooler, I mean middle school is rough for most kids.

Then I found my way and realized 'my church home' was right where I started.

But as of late, I have not been attending church b/c of my geographical location, and b/c the closet Baptist church isn't close. I guess you could call me a denomination snob, but I've tried them all, as you all know.

Just because I have not been in church doesn't mean I have stopped praying or worshiping in my own way. I like to involve E too, because some of my first best memories are from Sunday school.

As I have mentioned on this blog & in numerous tweets, E has a growing Veggie Tales collection. I watch them with her, I find myself singing the songs, so much so that I spent $8 on iTunes the other day buying VT music! E loves it and I love the messages behind the videos/music, they are terrific.

In a way, I feel like this is how we worship daily, and trust me its MULTIPLE TIMES DAILY . I am not sure she fully understands but I think in time she will. I get just as much, I know it sounds silly, out of the videos. Because I do understand.

I know as a Christian I am not supposed to question what God's plan for me (or the people I love) is. I know I am just supposed to go w/it, take it in strides and move on.

But I was thinking the other day... If only I could have 5 minutes, face-to-face with God... what would I ask him? The list of questions got so long, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't believe I had so much I wanted to ask God. The "WHY'S" overtook the list. It was then I realized, I don't pray/talk to him nearly enough.

The amount of time I have to talk to him is unlimited. He might not respond/answer me right away but, he will. I just have to listen. If he doesn't answer, it doesn't mean I should stop talking, it means I should talk more & listen even harder. One day, out of nowhere I will start to hear his responses.

He like any Father, isn't always going to give the answer we want, but he gives the answer that is best for us.

God loves when his children talk to him. He never gets overwhelmed. So I am going to work to better myself, as a parent & a Christian. God is always listening, I just need to speak up.

I know this is going to take some serious thought on my part. I used to be an avid prayer; But then IDK what happened, whatever it is, no excuse is good enough. Don't get me wrong, I never claimed to be perfect, but I know once I get back into a groove of talking to God, I will feel my 'list' diminish.

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Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , a lot.

xo
-Kandid Kelli

"Temptation Tuesday"

When someone tells you not to do something it makes it even more tempting and appealing. Just like when God told Adam & Eve not to eat from the Garden of Eden & that he would provide for them... what did Eve do... yup she ate that apple. Temptation has been around since the beginning of time, its not a new thing.

Temptation is everywhere. Wether it be that delish bakery up the street, when you're trying to shed 5lbs, that adorable pair of boots when your trying to save some dough or cheating on a spouse/SO with that hawt new coworker or new neighbor that just moved in down the street.

It is everywhere. esp with all this Tiger Woods BS. He gave into the many temptations that were laid at his feet b/c of his social situation.

I feel like he made it okay, when it clearly is not.

Temptation is the desire to do something, esp. something wrong or unwise.

[Usually] after you give into the temptation you feel horrible, asking yourself, "Why did I do that?" "Why did I eat that or spend that money"

Nothing is worth that feeling.

-As for the sweet treats at the bakery, maybe limit yourself... to half.
-The shoes try to find a cheaper version, b/c lets face it, theres always a cheaper version.
-But when it comes to adultery I have very strong feelings. IT IS WRONG. If you are no longer happy in your relationship you have two choices: FIX IT & get happy again or leave. DON'T CHEAT. There's NO grey area when it comes to cheating. I myself have been hurt by being cheated on, I have seen cheaters hurt my friends & I have seen it not only hurt the cheater and the victim as well.

This has been a topic of discussion before on this blog and my freaders had alot to say, thats why I LOVE YOUR FACES SO MUCH, keep the comments coming!!!

This is not just about cheating. It's simply about giving into temptations & the lessons learned after giving into said temptations.

Maybe you feel so tempted you remove yourself from the situation to keep from giving in. You stop driving by the bakery or going to the shoe store.

Just because it seems attainable does it mean you should do it? Just because you think you wont get caught cheating on that big midterm paper, should you and your buddy cheat?

Temptation is everywhere we look nowadays, esp. with iPhones & Blackberries, FB & Twitter.

I am not perfect, I have given in to things i know I shouldn't have, but I have learned from those mistakes. I am a Christian, I know that temptation is the devils work, as hard as it can be to say no, I pray for strength. Although not everyone has the same beliefs as I do, and that is fine. So someone might deal with temptation in a different way than I do.

Just when you think the grass is greener... you 'hop the fence' & realize that the grass really isn't greener, it was just a mirage. You find yourself wishing you were back on the other side of the fence, sometimes going back, just isn't an option.

EVERYONE has given into some kind of temptation at one point in time, as no one is perfect.

**Feel free to leave an anom. comment, tell me what kind of temptation have you given into that you wish you wouldn't have? Did you learn a lesson from giving in? I would love to know**

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I hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday...

I'm gunna get yall involved tomorrow, I'm pretty excited, so make sure to check back then...

Don't miss a beat, keep up in between posts, I Tweet , are we friends?

xo

Kandid Kelli

“Three Trees”- ( also known as “Not The Way You Planned”)

Pic courtesy of Lachlan McDonald.

I got this is an e-mail & I got goose bumps. I thought I would share. I think, It's fitting for almost anyone.
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Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a great Treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with an intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'


Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be mighty ship. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my Hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the men said,'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying Kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.


When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us.. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best..

If you want to....pass it on, so God may inspire more people on their way. if you don't nothing will happen, but if you do this might just be the inspiration another person needs this day to carry the heavy burden they are struggling with, as we all must shoulder the crosses we have been required to carry along this journey called our lives...

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun. (please stick around even during the hiatus)
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"My Roots Run Deep"

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.

I originally was going to post today letting you know I was going to take a few days "off". I have been in a funk, lately. But while I was in the shower earlier, where I do a lot of good thinking, I felt myself kind of come out of my funk, if you will.



I have written posts about religion before but this is different, I have neaver been this open before, until recently; I wasn't very open about MY life. Anyone else life, yes. Mine, no.

I was born & raised @ First Baptist Church of Pine Castle [FBCPC] . I was then baptized when I was 8 years old. I attended church every (other) Sunday, as my parents were divorced since I was a baby & I only went on the weekends I was at my dads, b/c at the time my dad life with my Gran & FBCPC was "her" church. I went to sunday school & children's church & then on to evening service w. my Gran. I loved it. Since my dad got me EVERY Wednesday & everyother weekend, that meant that I was also at church EVERY Wednesday night, too. It was who I was, I loved my savor, my Lord in heaven. I continued to attend for the next 4 years, until I hit 12 years old.

I wanted to be a rebel. I decided to become a Methodist. Which is VERY similar to a baptist. I attended Conway UMC b/c that is where my bestfriend, Amy, at the time & a lot of kids from my middle school went. I think it was more of a social thing then anything. But in my head I was rebelling again my baptist upbringing.

I found out that you had to go through what they call confirmation, so I did that & had a really shoddy mentor, it was my friends mom. She had another girl as well and let me fall to the way side so I basically did it on my own. I had a lot of questions but had to do it on my own. This did not make me like the denomination very much but I pushed on. I attended for two-ish years. It wasn't for me. At least that church wasn't.

I felt lost. I didnt feel like I was connecting with God anymore. I needed to reconnect.

I couldn't hear what he was trying to tell me. I needed things to quiet down so I could hear God better.

My sophomore year of highschool I decided to give my dads church a try. He no longer attended FBCPC. He was a FOUNDING MEMBER of Fellowship of Orlando . It was non-demnominational but the pastor was raised in TX, and his father was a BAPTIST pastor. Nevertheless It was okay, a little to "hip" for me but I "followed" them all over Gods green earth. They were just starting out so they didn't have a permanent location. They were at the YMCA in Lake Nona, a movie theater, DPHS, a few other locations ETC... I realized by my SR year it wasn't my scene. I stopped going to church altogether.

I lost sight of bigger picture. I still read my bible, not enough but occasionally. I still talked to God, but I became a "holiday" church goer & when that happened I would go to FBCPC or with my mom to Northland . I dislike churches that large. NO ONE knows ANYONE. Where is the Familiarity? How can someone feel like they are welcome if no one knows their name?

I left for college in Jacksonville. I found myself "wandering" I needed to get back in church- ASAP. My roommate and GREAT friend, at the time, Kristen, was Methodist. Wonderful. I found myself attending with her as to not be alone. We had our own bible study in our dorm. It was great. I felt more connected with God & with myself. But something still felt "off". I had a few other friends ask me to go w.them to their very upbeat non-demnom. churches, but that just wasn't my scene.

Kristen and I parted ways as friendships sometimes do (another blog- maybe) and I found myself stepping WAY WAY out of my comfort zone & going to church by myself. gasp. I know. I went online and googled the BAPTIST churches in my area. I knew that is what I needed.

After a few weeks of trying out different ones I found Kernan Blvd. Baptist Church [KBBC]. I ended up spending over a year at KBBC I never became a member, though. I don't know why. It was down the street from my school and eventually across the street from my condo. It was exactly what I needed. It was a great substitute until I could get "home".

Now a few years and a bachelors degree later, I have returned to my home, FBCPC. It is bitter sweet for me. I just recently re-joined, found my way back home if you will. Yet I am moving in 21 days. I SOOO MANY memories in that church. Mainly the sanctuary. Its sad to think that LAST service I will attend in there will be Dec 27 2008.

My Gran used to be the wedding director for FBCPC & I used to run up & down the aisles w.my cousins- Amy, Dani & Bubba, with lace tied to us- idk where tomtom was. while Gran set up for the weddings. Or we would be upstairs playing hide & go seek in the dark. SOO SOO many wonderful memories.

That church, which I will always and forever refer to as 'Grans Church' has changed so much- has grown so much. Which is wonderful. I am elated for the new sanctuary but I will miss the old one.

Either way. I am glad I found my way HOME. No other church has helped me connect with the Lord like this one. Once you find a church that is HOME, you should never leave.

My roots are at FBCPC. They always will be. I am moving for Graduate school, but trust that when I am home for breaks or for a visit I will come HOME for a visit.

I am going to try to find a church that meets my needs up near me, but I always know I have this one back home to fall on. Thank you for being such a strong and loving church home. I love you all dearly.

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey REALLY has just begun.
-Kelli-Sue

"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

"I never claimed..."

--Disclaimer: This has to do with religion, I know some are not comfortable with religion or God. Thats fine, this is MY blog & no one is forcing you to read it, I suggest I you are uncomfortable with the topic that you do not read todays post. It's as easy as that. I will not tolerate: mean, hateful or nasty comments. Period. The End.

...to be perfect. But I do have very strong opinions & beliefs. Which stem from my Baptist upbringing.

A few years ago I stopped going to church. No reason really, I just stopped going. Well thats kind of a lie, I was living away from home, in the dorms- and I was usually hungover on Sundays. So outta respect I didn't go.

When I moved back home I would go every now & again; but I have since started to go again on a regular basis and I rejoined my old church. My grandmother was elated, she is the definition of Southern Baptist & when I stared attending regularly, w/my daughter, she told me that her prayers had been answered.

It was until this past Sunday did I really realize how much my relationship w/the Lord had suffered. I mean I knew it had suffered but the sermon didn't really reach me so I had some spare time to think & pray. [Don't judge me... I can't be touched week after week]. Just being in Gods house & really talking to him I felt as if I was taking the needed steps to re-build my relationship with him.

I was raised in the church & I want E to be raised in the church. I felt like my church family were MY family. It's a great feeling to walk into church & still to this day everyone knows you & have known you since you were a lil-tot.

I haven't always walked the straight & narrow or in the way of the Lord, but the wonderful thing about him is he is a forgiving God. Life is full of trials & tribulations, ups & downs. I am learning that, with my family right now. I know that I can't do it with out him in my corner. Its been hard & I know he's never left my side but now it's my turn!

**I know this isn't my normal type of post. But this is what has been weighing heavy on my heart.**

>>Now I ask you my lovelies... Is there anything weighing heavy on your hearts that you just want to get out there? It can be deep or it can frivolous. Either way; Tell us about it >>

>>IM STUCK IN A BLOCKERSBLOCK...HELP ME PLEASE! I WANT TO GET "REAL" WITH YALL SO PLEASE SUBMIT QUESTIONS [[ANYTHING]] & @ THE END OF THE MONTH I WILL COMPILE AND ANSWER THEM ALL!! THX!!

Don' forget I am giving away a [custom] piece of jewelry (check here for an idea) to the reader who comments the most throughout the month of Oct. -- I know that is a long time to run a "contest" but I hope since its custom that my readers will be more inclined to comment!!

The "contest" has started! Good luck & Happy Commenting! :)

**Limit... 2 comments per post, per person**

Thx for sticking with me [us]... the journey has just begun!


-Kelli-Sue


"Im on twitter!" ... Are you following me yet?

I love my friends!

I got the following in an E-Mail from my friend Jessica (J.Caylor) and its one of those e-mails that just hit me in the right spot... I really NEEDED this one! So Thx Jess!!

The Fern and the Bamboo
One day I decided to quit.... I quit my job, my relationship, my
spirituality. . I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one
last talk with God. God, I said..
"Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me..... "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern
and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of
them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the
earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the
bamboo seed.. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern
grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo
seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".
He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the
bamboo seed. But I would not quit.
He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five
years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would
not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
God said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been
struggling, you have actually been growing roots.. I would not quit on the
bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others.
He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both
make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come," God said to me. " You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on
you........Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you Happiness.
Bad days give you Experiences. . Both are essential to life. Keep
going....Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong, Sorrows keep you
Human, Failures keep you Humble, Success keeps You Glowing, But Only God
keeps You Going!

God Bless Your Week.