Welcome to the World Makenna Joy!

Oh, friends! I have a beautiful reason to be visiting you this afternoon. The latest Clay baby {Our Pastor's family} has arrived! I have heard that she looks precious {which I know she does!}, but I will not be laying my eyes on Ms. Makenna until I can get my hands on her! :) I am ecstatic! I feel like we're adding a member to our family today, which we are-- just not biologically.
In celebration of Makenna's birth this afternoon I will be posting lyrics and Bible verses that pertain to this little girl... and all the little lights across the globe.

Look at all the angels watching you
They're singing songs that we have never heard
And their voices ring like bells over the mountains
Oh, if only we could hear their words

God is near, little girl
God is near, little girl

Your eyes are brilliant, deep sky blue {{although I don't know if this is fact ;) }}
Their quiet wisdom is an evening song
And the angels must be breathless at your beauty
Like the world catches its breath before the dawn

God is near, little one
God is near, little one

Jesus bends to hear your breathe
And His tender hands are holding you tonight
And His heart is ravished when you look, when you look at Him
And, Oh, the endless mercy in His eyes

~Matt Hammitt ft. Audrey Assad -Little Light

Makenna,

• You were knit together by God in your mother's womb.
• You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
• Your frame was not hidden from Him when you were woven together.
• His eyes saw your unformed body.
• All of your days were written in His book before one of them {this day} came to be.
• You're engraved on the palms of His hands; Your walls are ever before Him.
• He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you with singing.

{From the truths of Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 49:16, and Zephaniah 3:17}
I found that Scripture {Psalm 139}for the zillionth time last night and thought it fitted in the most divine way :)

I found out that Keneenia {The name of Makenna before her arrival. Long story. ;) }
was going to be born in the early summer of this year. I was so excited! Although, that ment the children of God would gain a sibling-- It also met the Uganda team would lose two. Grant and Suzanne were planning to go with us, but the Lord had another one however!

We are so joyful :) over Ms. Makenna's life!
I can almost guarantee that there will be pictures as soon as I meet this little one. :)
Until then,
Emilee

Also! A special shout-out to Auntie {not literally ;) } Diane! Happy Birthday! See ya soon!

Walkin' In A Winter Wonderland.

Hello friends! Merry Christmastime :) Here in Kansas it is has been snowing all night... I love snow SO much. This evening our friend Miranda came over for supper, a walk, and a movie! As a family, our tradition is to go on a walk in the first snow of the season-- So, tonight Miranda got in on our tradition and joined the family! ;)  It was alot of fun... Which it always is with her! Here are some pictures from our night/my day :)

View from our front porch earlier! Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

While getting ready or practically anything we have music playing... and recently these guys have been

a favorite. Notice Peculiar Treasures in the favorites above :)

Mom and Miranda walkin'! Oh, the places we have walked together!

 {Miranda went to Uganda w/ us :) }

The street sign...

And its shadow!

The three of us!

{{Before we were numb and covered with snow!}}

Christmas lights <3 {{notice snow on lense :)}}

I love how the Lord planned shadows of snowflakes and tree limbs on the actual snow.

Snowball fight! We were giddy with joy! :)

Isn't this just a wonderful moment captured? :) Happiness! Sisters In Christ we are :)

{{Notice how white my coat has become! ;) }}

All snuggled up in our blankets for the movie!

My great Grandma painted this in 1979 :) I thought it was appropriate for tonights post! :)

I hope you enjoyed following along on our night! Enjoy this week and everything good that comes with it, treasures! :) Live for Jesus and no one else! {{Thanks for hangin' w/ me! :) }}

In Him,

Mary Pondered and Treasured.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ~Luke 2:19

This verse has really stuck out to me as I have heard the Christmas story recently-- This past week specifically. Christmas for  alot of people is stress, right? {{I don't want you to insert an amen here! :) } I have heard from someone this year that they wished Christmas was over already... and I don't think the Lord would be joyous over that. I really don't. I have had a  really hard time getting into the marketing part of Christmas this year... Our trip to Uganda has really helped me w/ the material part of Christmas, but it has been hard. Yes, I will look forward to receiving my presents and I will be grateful for them-- In a way I never have before.
 While in Uganda we celebrated Thanksgiving, but two days later we celebrated Christmas with our family {group}. These kids received a little Christmas tree for the whole family, a Christmas card, and an ornament. ~~ While celebrating a birthday our first night at New Hope the family father got only a cake {with no frosting.} and stood up for ten minutes thanking us for being there. Thanking us for encouraging them. I invite you to ponder these things for awhile. :)

Now, this is Christmas! We know what Christmas is and the majority of you reading have accepted Jesus personally... Do you really focus on Christ? After many years do we forget to ponder why Jesus came as a baby? Within packing our clothes, our gifts, and many things we take for granted... Do we forget why we are doing it? I think that if we focused on resting in Him more we wouldn't stress so much over supposedly going to rest with family. I am NOT saying that we shouldn't pack up our cars and visit them, give gifts, etc. BUT is that all Christmas is for you? Is Christmas all about family? In a way, it is, but Christ is what Christmas is all about! Christ is why we celebrate...Not because any of us or our earthly possessions came down from heaven, humbled themselves, performed miracles, loves us like no one else can, and died for every single person that would breathe on earth-- It is because He did. God came in the form of a human and the blessed {human} life of my Best Friend began.
This is our challenge, Peculiar Treasures.
Don't get to busy resting that you ''forget'' to rest in Him. Love your family like you never have before! {relatives and the Kingdom of God} Follow Mary's example: Ponder these things...Treasure them and remember that the Lord treasures you. Treasure your family. Treasure your friends.  Also, enjoy your break! Don't take it for granted... You won't have another season exactly like this one ever again.

{{I hope I don't sound all ''buh-humbug'' on you! I love this time and am so looking forward to my break off school, seeing my family, and everything in between. :) }}

Lastly, the comments about ''This year went by so fast!'' are already beginning. {Believe me, I have thought it as least 1,050 times :) so far...} Friends, you still have right now. Don't take to much time stating that it went by so fast, because the fact is this: Every. single. year. goes by fast. It won't go slower- You have to number your days and thank Him for every one! You have 13 days left in 2011. You have 365 days in 2012. What are you going to do with them? Use them for Him alone--whatever you do. :)

In Him,
Emilee Kaye :)

My balance; biblical.

This is all in good fun...No theology, Greek, or Hebrew words this evening-- I don't think, anyway! So, as I am having my quiet time and hangin' out with the Lord this evening {and will continue to after we are done here ;) }I found this verse and had to share it with you. Although there is a story behind it... :)

I was at a joint birthday party with 10 young ladies {including myself} with 3 other ''chaperones'' ladies. Anyway, we went rollerskating first and well-- It was my first time. Everyone else said they were really impressed with it being my first time and all, but I did fall a total of 2 times. Ouch.
Both times it was because I was standing somewhat still and then I lose my balance. The 2nd time I brought my friend down with me!! {Thanks, Kylie for bearing with little ol' me :D } We all had a blast! Thank you chaperones for helping! Also, a special shout out to the birthday girls- Audrey and Mariah! We love you!
When I fell I fell facedown... This is where the ''biblical'' part fits in :D

Levitcus 9:24
''...And when the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.''

While this verse was pertaining to the glory of the Lord I found it humorous to find this verse on this night. Although, we did laugh very hard while stuck on the ground trying to get up. We are very entertaining! --Understatement. Now, I might go and write something inspirational in my journal :)

After the fun of the birthday party tonight I went to the latter part of one of our very last Uganda meetings. I forgot how much I missed ''my'' team. Even if I see them at church- I still miss them.
Oh, the experiences we have had together. *sigh*
See ya next time, friends!

In Him,
Emilee

Intentionality

It is so good to be back! {On Peculiar Treasures} I hope you have been checking on our Uganda blog, {and continue to} because I am not finished with it yet-- I just had to come visit you tonight. How are you?
I am still slowly, but surely coming back into our time zone! Although part of me was left behind.

I love how God lays different themes on my heart... Remember my Knowing post or my Yearning post?
Well, for this season in my life it is intentionality. Ya know how you cherish when someone is intentional with you? The moment when a little one {or anyone for that matter!} smiles directly at you.
When a cherished friend comes up to apologize. When you don't have to walk across the room to talk to your friend; they are already walking to you. When someone sends you a note or text {etc.} just for fun. When someone gives you a present-- You know there was thought behind it. Sometimes we just need people to be intentional with us-- right? We desire to be loved- Not because of obligation or for charity, but because of sincerity in their feelings and decision. We want to be ''searched'' for and fought for.
We try to fill this gap with earthly things and humans. Our gap can never be filled if we don't come into contact with this {inspired by the sermon on Sunday}:

Jesus is intentional with you.
He searched for you! He daily comes to rescue you from your earthly and sinful ways.
He gave you the perfect gift; life forever and abundantly.
The Lord your God fights for you need only be still.
He walks to be by your side...and stays there.
Oh, and He sent you a note alright! :)

Talk about satisfying! :) So, we get discouraged when our friends let us down, because they weren't intentional like we might have dreamed they would be... We feel miserable and realize maybe a hint of our hope was put in them-- if even for a short time. We have to put our hope in Him... and it is an everyday decision you have to make. He will never forsake us even when earthly possessions do.
He has to be our treasure. He has to be our everything before everything else falls into place; place being His plan.

He intentionally seeks you out. He intentionally is seeking out unbelievers. Jesus is intentional.
He cares about the one lost sheep...That one lost sheep is the son or daughter He delights in and He doesn't want to lose them because of this world. Remember these things when Satan uses his lies to discourage you.

Now, what are we supposed to do with this promise and knowledge? Let's be intentional people!
Intentionally have time in prayer, the Word, and listening to the Lord every day.
Intentionally tell someone hello. Intentionally send someone a note. Intentionally tell your friend you appreciate everything they do- even if you told them yesterday. Intentionally let someone know they are loved- by the Lord and by you.
See ya soon, friends. Have a wonderful day!
In Him,
Emilee

P.S. I apologize for all the times you had to read the word intentional in this post :) Maybe that is a way to keep it engraved on your mind! ;)

I love my family.

Hey ya'll. Don't you love how God makes your heart so heavy- but in a good way?
I just read a blog that is just what I want to express about my brothers and sisters in Christ.
I love how when you meet a Christian- a sincere, madly-in-love-with-Jesus, authentic- Christian you have an instant bond. You have a million things to talk about. Something that no one can receive until they come to know the Lord. Seriously- read this blog when you have the chance {I recommend it immediately :) } Here is the link, friends: Friendship and Beauty of Surrender.

The Lord has blessed me with so many lovely God-lovers. I love on Sunday mornings- and particulary this morning- they are all {a large number of them} in the same building. Coming to worship the Lord together!
Am I making any sense at all?! I pray that I am. :)
I could talk about this for so long.
In a Beth Moore Stepping Up study we finished awhile ago {I highly recommend it BTW} she talked about deep relationships and how we are hungry for them. We wish to get close to our brothers and sisters, but we are afraid. Afraid of what those brothers and sisters would think and then what others around you would think. We don't want people to think that it is awkward or wrong. Friends, {and Im talking to myself here, too.} getting to know your brother or sister is not a thing to be ashamed of. Also, we are too busy. We don't have the time for friends to come over. We don't just on a whim go to see someone, because we don't want to disturb them. The Lord wants us to surround ourselves with people who love Him more than they love us. Then they can truly love us sincerely! :) He wants others around us to challenge us and love us. Also, He set the example of fellowship in this way as well as hanging out with sinners. He wasn't afraid of getting ''dirty''
He is the holy son of God and while angels could have been worshiping Him...He trusted His Father and came to earth to minister, disciple, heal, AND hang out with sinners.
Remember when Jesus talked about His true family? He said that all that share in God's will w/ Him were his mother, brother, and sister.
This weekend {and week...and years :D} we just had some amazing fellowship w/ friends.
It is crazy how much we take for granted.
I am going to let you go, but this subject won't be put away. It will be discussed over and over- and over. Thanks, guys!
Love,
Emilee Kaye.

The Best Medicine Kinda Day!

Hey ya'll. How are ya?
My week has been fulfilled. In wonderful ways and difficult ones.
 It just started yesterday, right? In reality though it is November 11, 2011 {but November 12 or later by the time you read this}. It is so exciting! God is good!
Talk about an understatement!

I will share you this much about this joyful day.
I have never laughed for such a long time and consistantly in all my life...and trust me at those sleepovers when I stayed up until 6:00 in the morning- We laughed. alot. You get the point :)

On Thursday Mom and I went shopping for last minute details for our trip. We are done! PTL!
We just have to pack and complete that whole routine :)
This morning I had coffee and biscuits + gravy with my Mom and Aunt Becky. Then, at 10:00
I went to my six hour BibleQuiz practice. It was awesome! I know your reaction, ''That is a long time for Bible trivia.'' or ''What do you do for six. long. hours?'' BUT it was completely awesome. We had so much fun and learned so much. It went by rather quickly. All four girls had the chance to be a ''QuizMaster'' and present her own questions to the two teams {2 people on each team}. That was my personal favorite. :D
While on one of our breaks we had girls on the floor kicking their legs because they were laughing so hard. {You know who you are.} Although, I couldn't tell you what we were laughing about. Fun, fun :)

Tonight we hung out around the house and rented a movie to watch together. Great times!!
We also had a few laughing sprees this evening. :) Tomorrow my brother is coming {!!!!!}, a Uganda team member arrives, and we have my Grandpa's 70th birthday party. :)
I will talk to you very soon!
In Him,
EMiLeE

Proverbs 31:25
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Uganda Blog :)

Hey friends! And yes, when you get to the end of this blog it will tell you I posted in 9 something AM, because I am blogging on Sunday morning instead of 12:00 am :)
How are you? This morning the Jr. High is putting on a fundraiser @ our church...So, I will be headed there shortly. I can't believe I have time to do anything! I am usually waking up at this time, though.

By the way, ya'll, Im headed to Uganda in less than 2 weeks. :)
If you haven't been a ''follower'' for long I would recommend searching the blog ''Dream On''
to read my dream of Africa before I knew about this amazing oppprtunity.
This is something I know you guys will appreciate: I am going to blog in Uganda!
Our team will be starting one and I am the official ''coordinator'' of it.
If you would like to go ahead and save us to your favorites and/or read the updates we have now-
click here @OurJourneyAllTheWayToUganda!
This will be a place where our families, supporters, YOU, and all friends can
leave us messages as well as prayers. So, be sure to check that out! :)

{{Shout Out to Carla! Thanks for reminding me to put a link on here! :) }}

Can you even begin to grasp the messages and stories that will be shared afterwards/during?
We are ecstatic. God will change us in such a way--
Please continue to pray for us! Thank-you. SOOOOOOO much!! :D
After this week will be our ''Commissioning Sunday'' We have been talking about it for months and it will be such a sweet time. We have beloved family and friends coming- We are so joyful over this occasion.

I better go. :)
See ya soon!
In Him,
Emilee

November! (What! Already?)

Hello my brothers and sisters!
How are you? Can you believe it is Novemeber 3rd?
Actually I can...I just don't want to! We seriously purchased Egg Nog yesterday. Christmas will be her before we know it. I am totally saying that excitedly, though. I love Christmastime!  <3
Five years ago today I became friends with the Man of my dreams. Of my eternity.
I sorta forgot until I thought about what day it was. Of course, then I smiled :) It's my 5th Spiritual birthday!
My Mom and I were starting school and at that time we had a little devotional book
for girls 5-7 or something. That day it was about becoming a child of God- being in the family of believers.
When Mom asked me if I wanted to be a ''child of God'' I said yes :)
I wanted her to pray for me so bad, but of course I was the one that had to do it.
Of course I don't remember my wording, but I wish I did :) I sobbed my little eyes out!
I was so happy. I'm still happy and on top of that- joyful.
I remember being in my loft or in my fort I made with my brothers reading my pink Bible.
I also journaled. {I still do. I started doing it on a regular basis last November though.} I love looking back and seeing how what I prayed for then is different now.
I especially like reading when I said, ''I just wish I was 11 or 12 or 13.''  In my ''young'' handwriting.
So sweet. I can't wait to sit down someday with you and here your story.

This week has been pretty awesome. It is flying, thats for sure! This Tuesday I babysat in the morning and went out to eat with my Mom and a wonderful young lady we are going to Africa with. Talk about soul refreshing friendship!! It was so sweet to visit and share stories.
Yesterday Mom and I went shopping with a sweet lady from church.
We laughed until our sides hurt! In Wal-Mart. You can only imagine! I am still grinning when I think about it. Then last night we went to church. My parents went to Home Group and I went to PowerHour.
It was such a sweet, sweet time. I love my brothers and sisters.
Tonight we ate supper and then I headed to babysit for a little while before heading here...with you bloggies :) Then, tomorrow morning I am babysitting again :)

Before I leave you for this evening I am going to share some Scripture. You're always up for that, right? ;)

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

¹⁷ The LORD your God is with you,
   the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
   in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
   but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Last night someone prayed for me and said, ''God, rejoice over her with singing... As you say in Zephaniah....'' Afterwards they said, ''Isn't that cool? He rejoices over us with singing.''
Sometimes when it is put in personal terms like that it becomes more significant and precious to you.
It is very precious to me! Any prayer like that just blesses you and makes your heart sing.
This verse has came up in the past, with a Bible Study we just finished up, and now last night.
Also, today while I was listening/singing to some of my favorite music I found a song called ''Singing Over Me'' by Kari Jobe. How perfect is that?
So, children of God- He will take great delight in you. He will rejoice over you with singing.

Love,
EMiLeE

Abraham and Sarah.

I come to you having a new perspective on this story- even if I haven't went in great detail on it... I have been reading it in a Devotional book, I am memorizing Hebrews 11 this week that involves Sarah and Abraham, and I am reading a book that mentions it numerous times. So, I felt I should present some of my thoughts to you tonight on these awesome people. I can't wait to meet them in heaven-the ultimate Promised Land.  ~~~ So many times in life we learn a story in Sunday School and then we just go back to our busy lives and talk about how busy we are for anything- Therefore we are to busy for God's Word daily. {{Don't get me started on that one :) Haha! }} {As you have heard} This evening we will be talking about Abraham and Sarah.
Or you may know them as Abram and Sarai. 
You know the story right?  Abram {and Sarai} is promised to have many descendants and to move to a place hundreds of miles south completely unknown to them. They wouldn't know where to find it on a map... Can you imagine how they felt? They were told that their promise would be fulfilled there...
What does that even mean? If I was Sarai I would have a nervous fit and wonder what my husband was up to! :)  Here is a passage from the beloved Hebrews author that will help explain our situation.

Hebrews 11:8-16
 ⁸ By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹ By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
 ¹¹ By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he^[a] considered him faithful who had made the promise. ¹² And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
 ¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. ¹⁴ People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

v9   ''By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country....''
v13 ''All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not recieve the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.

Being called a stranger on earth has never sounded so ''cool'' has it? :)
Abraham was looking forward to the city with foundations with God as ruler and author if it all.
This just encourages me all the more to look forward to a country of my own.
On earth and our Promised Land where we will meet Him face. to. face.

I have grown very fond of how God changes names- Representing a promise and fresh start for His children.
He changed my name to beloved, holy, hidden in Him, peculiar treasure, and so many more I can't even count. {See Jason Gray's ''I Am New''} If you have invited Him in your heart and life- these are your names as much as they are mine :)

He desires for us to represent Him in every area and sometimes that means leaving our luxurious comfort zone.  That doesn't mean you have to move across the world to follow where He is leading, but it does mean that you would be willing to. Where is your Canaan?
Your Canaan. Where is God leading you? Where is He keeping you? Where is He meeting you?
I can't answer those questions... You have to...Through prayer and discussions with Him.

These are only 3 little insights on the lessons of Abraham and Sarah. They are very special and significant; as you are. Remember who you are, Beloved.  See ya next time ;)
Love,
Emilee

Christmas in October. {{A Shopping Tale}}

Hello you treasure of a people! How beautiful is it that through His grace we may be called Peculiar Treasures. {Notice that wasn't a question. :) }
Well, today my friends we went shopping. For a person that hates shopping it seems I sure do blog about it alot! ANYWAY, we went shopping with my Grandma Dixie mainly for clothes for our trip. {Can you believe how close it is? Mind blowing!} We left our driveway @ about 9 and reached the driveway shortly after 6. It was a long, but productive day. Mom and I have mainly everything we need...except the last minute purchases. You won't believe how relieved we are now. {At least I am ;) } We can just soke it all in and prepare. As much as we actually can prepare. Immediately following purchasing my last skirts I was talking about how much better I felt. Today I am absolutely getting more and more excited for our trip.
We {the whole team and I} would appreciate your never ceasing prayers! Pray for our meetings, team building, safety, etc.

Back to shopping: While most of the shopping was ok, I enjoyed the Christian bookstore most. Surprise, surprise. I could have stayed in there all. day. long. Reading commentaries and all! {I will let you know that
I was going to buy one, but Mom informed me that that was my Christmas present ;) }
I bought this book. It took me a total of 5 seconds to decide I was buying it.

I also was blessed with a Coffee with God journal. How perfect is that?

ANYWAY!

I bought TobyMac's 1st Christmas Album: Christmas in Diverse City.

So, after Mom and I got home we {Mom, Dad, and I} piled up in the truck to listen to the Christmas c.d.

Call us crazy, but we had fun.  While living in Mississppi our house was featured in our church's Tour of Homes. Mom started cleaning windows in late October to start preparing and we blasted the Christmas music up loud! BUT then some church friends came over and we were labeled by them ''The family/The girl that listens to Christmas music in October.'' :)  It will turn into a tradition now I suppose!

I am so looking forward to this season and all that God will do through it. If we look back on this past Summer we should be utterly amazed at the little things...as well as the big things. Doesn't that make you excited for a new season? I hope it does. So, lets welcome this season w/ great joy! Even if it is a season of trial.

Isaiah 6:8

 ⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
   And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

What A Weekend.

Hello followers. For some odd reason I have missed you :D haha!
Life is crazy, but in a good way. Let me just clarify: Good can be tiring :)
Tomorrow is my Momma's Birthday! A special shout out to her. <3 ya!
Fun Fact: I started this blog on my Dad's birthday... In the room I am sitting in right now ;)
Also, tomorrow is a month from our trip. God is so good, gracious, and patient. Prayers are so appreciated. Every. single. one.

Well, I was going to blog Sunday night. Obviously that didn't happen :)
So, here I am!
Last weekend:
BibleQuiz Meet, UgandaGals get together, Church, UgandaTeemMeeting, Hanging out w/ some awesome friends. Literally though- thats how it happened. The biggest gap in between was an hour and a half :)

BibleQuiz Meet: Way. To. Much. Fun. Us girls are a example of how Christianity doesn't have to be boring. We are living proof. {{Not that you aren't. You totally are. :) }} At 7:00 a.m. we were at our leaders home. Then, we all gathered in the van to head to Emporia, KS 2 and a half hours away.
Our first official BibleQuiz meet started at maybe 10:30. I was so nervous. When we got there...On the way I was trying to not think about it :) Of course after the fact you wonder what you were so anxious about. It was way less formal than I thought it would be. Prayers even it that simple little circumstance helped me along with all of our members. {We have 4 girls including myself.} We got to meet some fun people. I will have to post pictures someday :) Lets just give you an example of our silly conversations: Two girls ordered in ''accents.'' Chloe was just hilarious and Mariah ordered her Wendy's meal in a British accent. The lady asked her if she was from England. For real---No joke. I have her ordering on video!

UgandaGals Get Together: Mom and I's first pedicure and then out to supper. We had fun and wonderful conversation. It wasn't the whole group of ''gals'' though... We missed the other three greatly :)
We went to the Manhattan mall to get our nails done. I got a french pedicure. Just sayin'.
Then, we went to Chili's and ate! It was great to get together aside from all the logistics.

Church: Wonderful. I mean, it is always {usually :)}, but it was wonderful.
Have ya ever just sat back and loved your congregation? Fellowship is so sweet. I am grateful...
Especially because of a time of Church Family ''Loneliness'' that we have experienced.

UgandaTeam Meeting:
The meeting was from 11:30 ish to 4:00. Not even kidding :) It was so special for me to go on a Prayer Walk w/ these people. It is our main mission in Africa and I just love dreaming about our future walks together. We then broke of in small groups and that was so special... Notice the word special alot :D
The meeting part was alright... :) I enjoy it.

Anyway! I will let ya go! Thanks so much more listen' to me gab!
Now its your turn to tell me about your weekend!!

I love God. I love You. He loves us. I love that :)

<3,
Emilee Kaye~

The Third Day.

The Third Day. Maybe other people have made these revelations about the third day, but recently I have been thinking about this...
Judging of Attitudes time! {Heb. 4:12}

Acts 10:40
but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.

Praise the Lord :)

Genesis 1:13
And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

Exodus 19:11
and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

2 Kings 20:5
''Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.''

Ezra 6:15
The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.

Hosea 6:2
After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.

Matthew 27:64
''So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
As you have read some of these third days are marvelous ones...Some aren't so great.

⁴¹ Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. ⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
{Sidenote: I love that Jesus is 12 in this passage and I bet you know why ;) }

To enrich your ''Third Day'' experience go to BibleGateway.com at on the keyword search type in Third Day/Three Days. There withstand some glorious results. :)

So, there were 3 days in between Jesus being at the temple during the Feast of the Passover...and
3 days before He rose again. Think about those 3 days for Mary. For His whole family...
It was a panicking and a mournful time for them. They were saddened...or oblivious to where Jesus had gone. Where are you? Are you on the latter part of the third day being, ''amazed at His understanding and His answers.'' or are you still in the middle somewhere?
You don't have to wait for that Sunday morning, Retreat, or Wednesday night {meeting with friend, etc.} to be revived and restored. Maybe this is Day 2 for you {See above Hosea 6:2} or maybe this is the standing in Awe before God season. Maybe you are in a time of complete exhaustion and spiritual dryness. Let's be real.
It happens to everyone...They feel God one day and then the next they are discouraged, {for numerous reasons} because the freshness of it has been swept away. The circumstances leave you feeling lousy.
What is the point of the relationship aspect with God if you only spend time with Him when you feel Him?
If I only had quiet time when I felt Him; Jesus and I wouldn't be this close.  I wouldn't be who I am.
So, I challenge you...when your circumstance isn't necassarily ''praiseworthy'' {I know there IS something praiseworthy in your life...maybe just not in your attitude toward the circumstance} find THE reason.
These 3 days will be over soon. God is with you.

For you stand in awe-ers. The third day will end, but you have hope. Hope in Him.
That my friend, is praiseworthy. You will hit a time of spiritual dryness, but He has overcome the world.

He has overcome these distractions that may have triggered the ''dryness'' in your life.  Thank Him for your circumstance and pray against distractions. Be honest with Him...Pour out your heart to Him like water. :)
Trust me when I tell you: I feel like I am writing to myself. ALOT. God is convicting; It seems in every situation.
The Third Day represents so many different situations. I hope this encourages you to move past that
''feeling'' relationship to encourage you in pursuing your every-day relationship with Him!

Another reason I feel ''connected'' to the Third Day is because I became a Christian on the Third Day of
November. How awesome is that? :)
Before I go, How's your servitude?  Just a reminder...{Just because I published another blog doesn't mean the message is skim worthy now! ;) }

See ya!
Love,
Emilee

A Psalm of Ascent and Commentaries.

Hey You! {Im into Jesus} {That's a song BTW :) }
How are ya? Well, as of this evening I have a message to share with you. If I knew everyone that would read this particular blog I would type it right... HERE.
I am hangin' out with Jesus this evening. {Specifically} I am doing my Beth Moore Bible Study ''Stepping Up.'' It. Is. Awesome.  Plus, this most recent one is my favorite so far....Even though I am only in week two-day two! We are going on a journey through the Psalms of Ascent. {Psalm 120-134}
Tonight I will have you read our current Psalm- Psalm 123 in the HCSB version.

Looking for God’s Favor

A •song of ascents

1 I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.

2 Like a servant’s eyes on his master’s hand, like a servant girl’s eyes on her mistress’s hand, so our eyes are on the Lord our God until He shows us favor.
3 Show us favor, Lord, show us favor, for we’ve had more than enough contempt.
4 We’ve had more than enough scorn from the arrogant and contempt from the proud.

 

The focus of today's lesson was lifting our eyes to Jesus.

{If you would like to be an overachiever read Acts 3:1-7 and note what Peter said to the beggar in verse 4}

 

Hear are some commentaries on Psalm 123...and yes, I am a geek. I am thoroughly enjoying reading commentaries! {TOTALLY quoting in these. Do not sue me for plagiarism. :) }

 

Our Lord Jesus has taught us to look unto God in prayer as our Father in heaven. In every prayer a good man lifts up his soul to God; especially when in trouble. We desire mercy from him; we hope he will show us mercy, and we will continue waiting on him till it come. The eyes of a servant are to his master's directing hand, expecting that he will appoint him his work. And also to his supplying hand. Servants look to their master or their mistress for their portion of meat in due season. And to God we must look for daily bread, for grace sufficient; from him we must receive it thankfully. Where can we look for help but to our Master? And, further, to his protecting hand. If the servant is wronged and injured in his work, who should right him, but his master? And to his correcting hand. Whither should sinners turn but to him that smote them? They humble themselves under God's mighty hand. And lastly, to his rewarding hand. Hypocrites look to the world's hand, thence they have their reward; but true Christians look to God as their Master and their Rewarder. God's people find little mercy with men; but this is their comfort, that with the Lord there is mercy. Scorning and contempt have been, are, and are likely to be, the lot of God's people in this world. It is hard to bear; but the servants of God should not complain if they are treated as his beloved Son was. Let us then, when ready to faint under trials, look unto Jesus, and by faith and prayer cast ourselves upon the mercy of God

 

From Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary

{Found at mystudybible.com. Awesome website!}

 

How would our lives completely change and alter if we prayed to God the way we see Him when we are being convicted? I can think of several times when all I want to talk about is how good God is and about the situation I felt that He was very evident in. I can think of personal times when God is so real to me and so majestic all I want to do is sing. If we had that attitude every single day; every single prayer- we would change.

 

 

Beth Moore quote: ''He wants us to approach on His terms based on who He really is.''

 

So get this. God is in command over everything. I opoligize if that sounded like a kindergarten Sunday School lesson. {Hey, don't get me wrong...I love Sunday School. You get the point.} He is not just controlling your good things. He is controlling your trials.

Finish this prayer: Lord, You are the Holy One and You are alertly and lovingly enthroned over.....

 

I don't know what you are facing. You might be on a high with the Most High- or...not.

If you are not- You don't have to stay that way. Fix your whole being and face on our Jesus. Your circumstances will slide to the wayside if you do it sincerely.

If you are- I praise with you!! I'm so glad you are accepting Him and lovin' Him. I hope these words encourage you and convict you.

 

Upcoming Commentary written by Eugene Peterson.

 

''We are not presented with a functional god who will help us out of jams or an entertainment god who will lighten our tedious hours. We are presented with the God of exodus and Easter, the God of Sinai and Calvary. If we want to understand God, we must do it on His terms. If we want to see God the way He really is, we must look to the place of authority- {Beth Moore quote: "He cannot be unholy in any dimension of His authority''} to Scripture and to Jesus Christ.'' {Amen!!!}

''And do we really want it any other way? I don't think so. We would very soon become contemptuous of a god whom we could figure out like a puzzle or learn to use like a tool. No, if God is worth our attention at all, He must be a God we can look up to- a God we must look up to....The moment we look up to God (and not over at Him, or down at Him) we are in the posture of servitude.''

 

Who else loves the word servitude but me? Huh?

I want to be a lady of servitude! What about you?

Let's work on that posture shall we?

 

Beth Moore quote: ''Who else is so brilliant, so multidemensional and gloriously mysterious that you could spend your entire life studying and never grasp His vastness?''

Who else can proclaim that God is ''gloriously mysterious''?!

 

ONE MORE commentary; for tonight anyway! ;)

 

''The singer affirms his total devotion to the Lord, and he wants to obtain a vision of the divine presence.... His eyes are fixed on God's hands. To lift up the eyes is a gesture of deep longing. While God is enthroned in the heavens--a sign of kingship--his transcendence is not inaccessible. God's crown of helpers, like royal attendant, wait for a single hint before going into action.''

From The Eerdmans Critical Commentary.

 

Who else wants to be a royal attendant waiting for a single hint to take action?

''Take a moment... and sense Christ's gaze upon you, His Beloved.''

 

Needless to say, I am having a wonderful evening hangin' out in my studio/basement/office!

Reporting from Kansas City...

Hey everyone!
It is good to type to you ;)
I didn't think I would get to blog this weekend!! We have WIFI @ the hotel.
Well, today was thee official day of ''The Walk.'' We got here last night around dinner time...
I will tell you that I have not seen a skyline yet. I don't know if I will unless I talk Mom and Dad into taking me tomorrow before we leave :) This morning we headed to the walk, came back, had J girls' 1st
Birthday party, and us girls shopped! I even enjoyed shopping. That is a huge accomplishment...
We have walked so much today. Our feet are just plain sore.
{Back to the shopping trip} I got 2 scarves FOR FREE! We had a coupons that we picked up @ the walk. I also got a new shirt. BUT, this is what I really wanted to tell you. I knew you would celebrate with me. Mom and I went to the bookstore...and got a latte afterwards! That sentence contains two of our favorite things! Ya know what book I bought at the store? Peculiar Treasures. I thought of you, dear ones.
I have read it, but I am ''collecting'' that series one by one. I will probably read it again, too.
In fact, I might start tonight or tomorrow!
That series had a huge impact on my love for orphans, but in general the whole continent of Africa.
Jesus placed Africa on my heart in such a way no one else on earth ever could.. Ever.

For those of you that have no idea what I talk about when I say ''The Walk'', below I will explain.

JDRF stands for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation {International}. My nephew has Type 1
diabetes and he was diagnosed at 11 months. He has at least 4 shots of insulin a day...and countless ''pokes''. He is a wonderful little guy and we love him! We come every year {with the exception of last year} to get together for a really great cause.

BTW, as I finish this up I hear cars passing on some kinda highway nearby. I love the city!!

Well, I would love to stay and chat, BUT all the lights are out. So, I'm takin' that hint :)
See ya when I get home!
Reporting from Kansas City,
I'm Emilee Kaye.

P.S. I also got to meet the most precious little girl today. She is 3 and a half months and she is practically family :) So fun!

Favorite Things: activities {and much more!}

Hey ya'll :)
Tonight we will continue on w/ our ''Favorite Things'', we will watch some videos together, and we will reflect together!
Welcome to my humble abode!

Here we go.... :)
{No specific order...}

(1)  Reading.
As if you didn't already know that!!!
Reading blogs, books, articles, etc.

(2) Knitting!
Did you know that? I love to knit. I don't do it as often as I should, but it is
awesome. Especially when something is finished and you can say that you knitted it ;)

(3) Hhhmmm... Writing.
For this blog. I don't love writing for school believe it or not. {I actually just did
before I started this!} I also love to dream about my books. I have titles in my head.
Covers, Scriptures. :)

(4) RoadTrips!!
I. love. road. trips. 
{Tomorrow I get to go on one! :) More on that later.

(5) Bible Study.
You learn more about Jesus...
and this word geek gets to learn more bits and pieces of greek words. :)
{and SOOOOOOOOOOO much more!}

(6) Anything that includes Arts & Crafts.
So much fun! {drawing, painting, pottery, etc.}

(7) Hangin' out with my friends.
Sweet soul-refreshing companionship. :) I am living proof to being soul refreshed.

(8) Looking at home decor magazines!
{Exploring homes...}

(9) Camp EVERYTHING!
Just ask my friends. They hear about camp ALL. THE. TIME.

(10) Going to a big city.
{A total of 6 things on this list will be accomplished withing the past 3 days as of tomorrow!}
I L.O.V.E. cities :) I don't know if I would want to live there forever, but I love visiting!

Just to name a few.

A video that I just watched {literally...I just watched} from my girl Mandisa! We love her!

Here are some notes that I have sent your way the past 2 days:

Jesus is so good. Trust me PT's. You might not believe it. {BUT} It is fact.

It is so beautiful outside right now! How are you PT's? Our Jesus is so good.

I heard this on K~LOVE a few minutes ago. I wanted to share it w/ ya.
Worship with me!

Well, September is coming to a close. This is our last blog of  September.

What has God done in September in your life?

What are you anticipating for Him to do these last months in 2011?

Think about that-- I will too.

Tomorrow we are headed to KC. We will be going to the JDRF {Juvenile

Diabetes Research Foundation} walk for my nephew, Austin. Also, we will be celebrating my neice, Jamisyn's 1st birthday! It should be a great weekend! KC here we come!

You are loved.

<3, Emilee Kaye

P.S. Happy National Coffee Day!

I sadly didn't have any though :(

 

Favorite Things: objects.

Hey there Treasures!
I am starting a series of blogs on favorite things. Today it is going to be on objects.
Example: 1. My Cell Phone! It is a Samsung Intensity and I especially love my keyboard.

This is for real now. :) GO!

1. Coffee Cups!
They are cozy and most times decorative to your desk, table, or counter.

2. Books!
Books make any space comfortable and fun. {to me anyway :)}
Plus, I LOVE to read. {As if you didn't already know that!}

3. Notebooks!
Notebooks. Empty Pages.
They are cute and are full of possibilities. Joy :)

4. My Laptop.
Sweet Kendan Lee Andrew. {Yes, indeed. I named my laptop.}
He has stored precious pictures... and upon these keys I typed my first blog.
The newness of this Chirtmas gift still hasn't wore off.

5. Flowers!
Real flowers.  They are gorgeous. They brighten spaces.
They are beautiful.

6. Pottery.
Enough Said, my friend.

7. Candles.
and candle holders! They are gorgeous; they make a space feel like home.
Plus, MOST of them smell amazing. Especially Sea Island Cotton.

8. Rings!
and my Kenyan Necklace. :)

9. Scrapbooks.
They are sweet to look at and hold to many memories to count.

10. {Cuddly} Pillows.
As in hotel pillows. They are so comfortable...So very comfortable.
BTW I get to experience cuddly pillows this weekend! We are goin' to KC!
Woohoo! We are going for the JDRF {Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation} walk
for my nephew and having my neices 1st Birthday party!! 

That concludes my first list.
Ya know after I finish this I will probably think of at least ten more. All well. I can always come
back and edit this :)
Have a great night all!

Hawaii Five-O awaits....
See ya!

Only by my Jesus,
Emilee.

My Future Picture Frame.

Psalm 90:1 says this, ''Lord you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.''

Dwelling place.

This is from a journal I wrote November 29, 2010
Anything written {in these fancy parentheses} is a sidenote written by me today.

I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. ~Psalm 4:8

''. . . . . . . . . . . .''

God loves you. The Creator of the Everything {of the everything? hehe. :) } in existence loves you.
You will sleep in peace and dwell in safety. I love the word dwell. I have a picture in my head of a multiple of things, but the main one is someone falling into this soft dream-like bed {and you thought that I had stopped blogging about comfy pillows/beds! } that you never want to get out of. Have you found out that I'm crazy yet!? {Moving on.....} God wants you to witness and work for Him, but He also wants you to be still and know and have peace. {I know, terrible grammar. Hey, I didn't know someone else would read it! :) } There is a time for everything- indeed. So tonight (or today) fall into that picture in your head and work and dwell for the glory of God! Your the righteousness of Him, {His beloved, holy sons and daughters.} because He chose YOU!

Then here is where I signed my name all fancy-like. ;)

dwell

verb, dwelt or dwelled, dwell·ing, noun

1. to live or stay as a permanent resident; reside.

2. to live or continue in a given condition or state: to dwell in happiness.

3. to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing (often followed by on  or upon ): to dwell on a particular point in an argument.

4. (of a moving tool or machine part) to be motionless for a certain interval during operation.

{For Your Information: Dwell in Swahili is kukaa...}

Another image that I see of dwell is the title of a Beth Moore study.

''A Womans Heart: God's Dwelling Place''

My friend, linger, emphasize, and talk about the One who was here before the mountains came into existence. We think Mt. Everest is big. Think about its Creator.

''Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.'' ~Psalm 90:2

Stay as a permanent resident in God's love. It isn't temporary or just when ya feel like it's there. He is lovin' you all day long.

((Yes, for those of you that have followed me since the beginning {So, it has only been since March} I have shared it before, but it fitted perfectly :) ))

Can't you just picture our theme verse on a picture frame?

''Lord you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.''

I can picture like 4 or 5 generations standing against the wall of whatever family gathering they were having.

OR, it could be a wall in someone's house with different pictures through the years.

It is so true. He brings us from the evident trials and the small things that you wrestle with quietly.

BUT if this picture frame or wall exists, I promise I didn't ''steal'' the idea. I came up with it tonight. Haha :D

You, Jesus. You are our dwelling place forever ago and forever to come.. Thank-you..

Proclaim this to Jesus ya'll- with a sincere heart.

Hebrews 10:22 NIV

²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Goodnight!  
<3, Emilee

 P.S.  I have my own very special ''Blog Of Note'' to share with you!
It is written by my friend, Jael.. I think you will be blessed by reading it..
If you want to read click here: The Boeschlings.
One reason I wanted to share that blog specifically today was because in both of our last posts we both had Hebrews 1:3 in our blogs. How awesome is that? Completely different topics...Both significant.