Two K's For Christ

Join Us When It's All New!

2011-08-18T11:03:00.001-07:00

The Word ~

2011-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Matthew 10

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

35 For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[b]

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

He knows the true heart ~

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

Blessings to our family and friends . . .

My prayer for all of us this New Year is that God would bless us and bring us closer to Him.
May His love and light shine through all of us for those who do not yet know Him.
May we all be more disciplined and determined to share Christ with the hurting and lost.
May the things of this world not blind us for the mission before us.
May we be broken for Him who has called us out of the darkness.
May our deeds for Christ be immense and influential so that He can reign wherever we walk.
Christ knows the true heart of us all, let's make it count!

Happy New Year!

Happy For FALL ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2010-10-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm ALWAYS happy when Fall is here!!

With the weather becoming cool and crisp, especially in the mornings, the leaves changing and falling from the trees, bright orange pumpkins sitting in the pumpkin patches on almost every street corner, and the smell of the Mulled Harvest candle burning on my table are just a few of the wonderful things I love about Fall!
And the football! Can't forget about the football! :)

Fall can be a time of refreshment, a season of renewing the spirit and soul.
I thought I would dedicate this post to all of my friends and loved ones who might be dealing with a difficult season, or just coming out of one. I don't know about you, but
daily I encounter someone or someone they know, that needs prayer.

For my family and friends . . . may God bless you in this season of your life, whatever it may be. Just remember how much he loves you!!

Psalm 103: 1~5
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

He longs to bring you close to His side and to love you no matter where you are at. I know for some of you it has been a long journey, but today, I pray you will find your contentment in Him.

Blessings, Kim

Twenty Years and Counting . . .

2010-07-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Me and My Schnookies . . .

Twenty Years . . . I love you sweetie!

Our day was everything I had ever dreamed of and more!

It was beautiful, fun, full of laughter and blessed by God.

My handsome Groom: Dan

Me, The Bride

My Groom and all his men!

(Who had white socks?)

His Bride and all her Gals!

Groom trying to get up the nerve!

Groom's Best Man and Brother playing a trick on the Bride.

Groom was behind it the whole time!

Our Pastor even got a good chuckle from it. He was relieved when he realized

that I didn't have any tricks up my sleeve.

Then came the messy part . . . here I thought His promise was good.

"Oh no honey, I won't smash it in your face, not today!"

The look on his face says it all!

And so, it got a little messy!

Payback was fun!

And then we laughed at our ourselves.

The happy couple . . .

Happy Anniversary Honey! I would do it all over again, I love you!

Here's to another Fifty plus!!!

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

For those who have served and still serving today, may God bless our Brother's and Sister's who have stood in the place for our freedom everyday without fail.

Thanks to all of you! Happy Fourth of July everyone!

This is from Theology for Dummies:

“In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me: I will not be afraid. What can man do to me.” Psalm 118:5-6

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, we should take time to reflect on its true meaning and upon the intent of our Founding Fathers. Those who have always experienced freedom can easily take it for granted. Those who have suffered under political or religious oppression, often have a much greater appreciation for the rights and privileges that Americans enjoy. Please read the following snippet from our history. I have provided a summary of one of the events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is a condensation of work done by Dr. Paul Barkey in his book, “On This Day.” I hope it prepares your heart for a deeper appreciation for all that God has provided us through the sacrifice of others. May God receive the glory for the greatness of America.

July 3, 1776~

On July 3, 1776 the first vote was cast by the colonies to approve the Declaration of Independence. Nine colonies were in favor with Pennsylvania and South Carolina opposed and New York abstaining. Delaware was divided with one delegate on each side of the issue. A third delegate from Delaware, Caesar Rodney, supported the Declaration but he was not in Philadelphia for the vote. A rider was sent to get Rodney. He made the journey in record time arriving at 1:00 PM just in time to vote. Rodney was so exhausted from the journey that he could hardly speak. However, he mustered the energy to state, “As I believe the voice of my constituents and of all sensible and honest men is in favor of independence, my own judgment concurs with them. I vote for independence.” With Delaware’s vote, Pennsylvania and South Carolina also voted for independence making it unanimous with New York continuing to abstain. Samuel Adams summarized the events of that day by saying, “We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and…from the rising to the setting of the sun, may His kingdom come.”

Discernment ~

2010-06-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday evening Kaylee was playing a Nitendo DS game, one that we thought was very educational. One that she solved math problems, puzzles and other different things through this adventure. Well, this game took a turn that she did not like, in fact, scared her. The visual picture (she asked me not to share it) was enough to make her put it down.

Dan was at work and I was outside watering at the time. She came out and said that her stomach was hurting and I told her to just lay down and I would be in in a minute. (She didn't mention why) So after I came inside, not thinking much about her stomach, she came out of her room and wanted to talk about it. She starts telling me about the Nitendo game and what had happened, and this fear that I've never seen in my daughter's eyes before, made me really pay attention. She was talking so fast and really holding back tears, I felt so bad for her! As you can see we are very careful of what she watches and listens to.

Now, here's the blessing that I was so grateful for. She says, "So, I turned it off and put it in "your" room on your dresser." Now maybe some of you might say, okay . . . so, she got scared. Part of it, yes. But what I told her, is that she had discernment in her time of fear.
I used this God-given teachable moment, to share with her that when we are in a situation that we need the holy spirit to speak to us and we are listening, that we can have discernment and make the right decisions.
For her age, I think this was a good example for her to learn more about fear and discernment, to be reminded of who brings fear to us and who does not. But later it will be something bigger and she will need to know how to deal with the peer pressure that will come in many forms.
Now is the time to talk AND listen to our kids about anything and everything that they can handle regarding these topics, within their appropriate ages. Making God the center of it with prayer and His word. Pray for your children everyday, they need good parents more than ever!

Attached is a video from Vicki Courtney's blog. vickicourtney.com As she says, you might need a tissue.

You can’t protect me…

A Special Graduation Day!

2010-05-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed and honored to have been able to take such an extraordinary biblical class!

For the past 15 months I've been taking a "Women's School of Ministry Leadership" class by
Converge Pac West. The purpose of this class is to become well equipped in a leadership position.
I believe I can say for all of us who took this amazing class, that not only has it provided us how to acquire better leadership skills but has also taught us how to be selfless individuals for God.
To show love and compassion in our communities and win over more souls for His Kingdom.

I loved this class and a little sad to see it end, but more excited to see what He brings in the next chapter! The graduation ceremony was exciting and blessed by the Holy Spirit.

The is Pamela Heim, Founder and Dean and leader of the training program.

A true woman of wisdom!

I'm now a "Women's Ministry Specialist"

and hoping next to take a Seminary Class.

Me and my hubby share a special date now;

we have both graduated on May 22nd!

(don't tell him I posted this, hee hee!)

Piercing!!

2010-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here we come!

This past week Kaylee decided she wanted her ears pierced.

So we gave her a thumbs up and told her that would be a fun thing for her to do.

On Saturday, that was the big plan of the day!

She was soooo excited, that's all she could talk about all week!!

She did get a little nervous when we got there, but got through it fine and without a flinch!

(Silly me forgot the camera in the car so these are after, at home pics.)

She is enjoying it and cannot wait to change them out in 6 weeks!

To My Sweet Kaylee . . .

2010-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

My dearest Kay Kay Coo . . . you always humble me in such sweet ways. Thank you for being a great daughter and a daughter of the King! You bless me with your love and faith, your laughter and jokes. You're so fun and creative! Dad and I love that you took on the tradition of "peanuts", funny how much you LOVE that game.
Continue to know that God has "big" things for your life! I am the blessed one, blessed that God gave you to me, and trusted that I could be the mother to you that He desires. Daily I will seek Gods best for your life and lift you up to Him. He loves you so very much. I pray that your life will be a reflection of God and remember how much I love you . . . infinity!!!!
Thanks for a great day yesterday. Love always and proud to be your Mom!

Misc.....

2010-05-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

These pics have been in archives due to no time to blog. I'll just shoot them out there!
First up . . . Kaylee went to her first Christian Concert,
and so glad we picked this venue for her first!
The Rock and Worship Road Show . . . it was a blast!
If you've ever been to Spirit West Coast, its a short version of it.
About 7 bands played and it was only $10.00 per person, yes, $10.00! Awesome deal!
She loves Francesca Battistelli, so she was looking forward to it and she did not disappoint! Kaylee had a great time!
One of the bands toward the beginning was Family Force Five. I texted my hubby and told him, "I am no longer a teenager!" Could not understand one word of what they were singing!
I loved worshiping with Mercy Me. Boy did he ever lead us into worship! It was a neat experience with the whole arena full of people just worshiping the Lord! Very talented group of people! Fun memory!

Tired girl, but having fun!

Francesca ~ She had just found out she's expecting her fist baby!

But she did not announce it that night we heard it later.

Mercy Me ~ Just AWESOME!!

Sang a couple of their new songs from new album.

Next, I'm so excited . . . I have a TON of growth on my dwarf tangerine tree this year!

I think due to the lack of bees around here last year, there was no pollination going on, so we didn't even have ONE bloom. So, thank you Lord, it will be fun.

Dan and Kaylee planted peas and cucumbers.

They are a lot bigger than this now!

Here they decided strawberries in hanging baskets as well as tomatoes(no pick).

So hopefully we'll have some fun harvesting this year!

So, if you're reading my little blog and you have some planting you've done already and would like to share, please do! Would love to read about it!

God bless you and happy Spring!

Inspiring!

2010-05-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

This came by e-mail this morning. Thought I would share!
Have an awesome day!!!

Ron DiCianni: Painting the Resurrection

Happy Monday And A Friend Giveaway!!

2010-05-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy Monday Everyone!

A friend of mine and fellow blogging buddy, Robynn’s Ravings, is having a contest for three fun gifts shown below.

Go check her blog out even if you don't like contests. She's funny, real and has a ton of smart information for everyone! If you just need a good laugh and don't care about the smart information, well, head on over there!

1. Great Harvest Bread Company ~
2. Chipotle ~
ANDDDDD #3. A DVD of Food Inc.

Have fun and trust me, when I say you'll laugh . . . you will! Or you'll cry!

Here she is: http://www.robynnsravings.blogspot.com

Hi Fly Bye!

2010-05-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's me, Kaylee, yeah, I just wanted to say hi fly bye! Even though I'm not flying it is still fun to say. I love to be a busy butterfly!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Ahhh . . . spring has sprung!

We are busy busy butterflies . . . we'll fly back soon!!

Kim and Kay Kay

Kay Kay's Back!!!

2010-01-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Kay Kay is back! Sorry for the wait, but here I am to tell you what has been going on! I had a Valentine's Day party on the 12th and I will report to you all about it. We decorated cupcakes, played games and had a good time. Also, at the bottom of this post, I have an exclusive recipe for you!

Look at the pretty table my mom set up.

She did a pretty good job, huh?

Yummy pizza! Greasey, yummy pizza!!!!!

Amelia holding her cupcake she decorated herself.

Makala and her cupcake.

Me eating my blur of a cupcake.

Courtney decorating her face instead of a cupcake.

We also made frendship braclets.

Look at mom's beautiful table now!!!!!
Oh, well.

~The End~

That is my story. Now on to that exclusive recipe I promised you. I call it Peanut Butter Chocolate pops! Ahhhh, yes, peanut butter chocolate bliss . . . . . . . frozen!? Oh, well, let's get on with the recipe now, shall we?

First, you need about a cup and a half of chocolate milk. It makes you want to drink the whole container, dosn't it?

Next, the peanut butter.

Time to put one spoonful in each cube thingy.

Messy, messy, messy!

Next, pour the milk in each cube thingy.

All done!

Wrap some foil on that tray, poke some toothpicks in those cube thingys, and pop them in the freezer. Yum!

See ya later!

Kaylee :)

A Fun Storm ~

2010-01-27T09:15:00.000-08:00

When California had the wild and crazy weather last week . . . we got it!

All week . . . rain, rain and more rain, and then we received this for a bonus!

Kaylee was happy because she had been hoping for snow all winter.

We'll let's just say this was good enough for her!

Covered like a white blanket

Then after we had gone back in, I saw this in the sky . . . there had been some small tornandos spotted during that week, lots of wind but I didn't hear of any actually hitting the ground.

More than just "average".

2010-01-26T13:47:00.000-08:00

Refuse to be average.

Let your heart soar as high as it will.

AW Tozer ~

"Beautiful Sunrise"

2010-01-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

This was the sunrise in front of our home yesterday morning.

So Beautiful!

When the sky is so glorious in beauty like this, I think the King of Kings is going to break

right through to take us home!

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I'am making everything new!"

Revelation 21: 1-5

Remembering those in Haiti today.

2010-01-02T23:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Here are a few pics from the end of 2009 . . .

Happy birthday to me . . ! My sis, being the great cake maker that she is, made me this awesome Chargers cake for my b-day. I requested it and she came through, I loved it!

Thanks Sis!The Chargers have made their way to the playoffs, again!

Let's pray they make it to the Superbowl this year!

Kaylee and a friend baking some Gingerbread Christmas cookies together.

They have known each other since pre-school! They're 11 now!

I made my first Mini Tortes. They were very fun!

For those of you familiar with Pioneer Woman, these are her Apricot Bars.

They were yummy too!

Enough about the baking . . . here is our little Sunshine, she got a Snuggie for Christmas.

She doesn't usually like things on her but she loves to cuddle in the winter, so she absolutely loves her Snuggie!

So now for the New Year!

With a brand new daily devotional and a new year ahead, I'm anxious to see what God has in store. With our goals set individually and as a family, and with God before us, then it's sure to be a great year!

May the Lord Bless you this New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM K & K!

3~2~1~ LEGO!!!

2009-12-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

First Lego League ROBOTICS!!
This was a long day, so I will warn you now . . . this is a long post!

We had a great time at our "First Lego League Robotics Tournament" this weekend.

For the past 6 months, Kaylee and her "All Girls" team from school have been

learning programming, building and teamwork to prepare for this competition!

It's an all day event for our Central Valley kids. Ages 9~15 years old.

There were 85 teams and Robot Sisterhood came in 21st!

This is where they all come together and show what they have learned and what they are able to do with the Lego Robots that they have built and programmed!

It's so encouraging to see these kids in a positive and up-beat environment. The speeches they received from the leaders of the league, reinforced all the positive things we are trying to instill in our children today.

At the awards ceremony at the end of the day were more praise and encouragement!

EVERYONE is a WINNER whether you walk out with a trophy or not!

Here are some pictures from Saturday. Exciting, fun day!

This was the start of the day . . . EARLY!! Even for our Kay Kay!

A quick breakfast, coffee and out the door!

Our fearless leaders!!

Barb and Greg ~ Greg's 5th year coaching!

You can't really read it, too far. In the opening ceremony, they had a banner hanging up that had a list of the "Core Values" that should be followed during the tournament.

They went over each one.

This gentleman with "Elvis hair", is Retro Bill! He was the MC for the entire day and evening. He was wild, bringing lots of excitement to the kids and encouragement. He gave a great speech at the closing ceremony to the kids regarding peer pressure and drugs. Great for our kids to hear!

The girls coach, Greg, works for Lyle's Engineering. Great company and a sponsor as well! They have a neat story behind their business, great ministry!

And . . . He's with the girls again! After round 2, his stress was finally gone!!

There were 8 girls on the team ~ Here they are doing a presentation in front of the judges for their research project they did on public transportation. They did awesome!!

Here they are getting ready for their 1st round with Amy! (Their Robot)

They practiced on a board like this at the coaches home for months before the tournament.

READY . . . Go! Here, Amy was programed to go around on the board to the

red car on the ramp and trigger it to come down the ramp.

Looking at this picture, it worked, the red car is down. Yay!! For the 2nd run,

Amy also went around the board to the black and yellow circle and stopped, which was another successful run! (she is on the otherside of the bridge) Great job programming girls!!

Here was a paper that one of the girls on the team had to write for a "Crash Test Figure".

(A Dummy) . . . his name was Shiney Object.

It was nominated for an award but did not win.

BUT . . . they DID WIN the trophy for the "Judges award"! Very cool!

They were so very excited.

They were also nominated for the "Teamwork" award!

They did an awesome job and worked very hard!

Each student in the tournament received a Lego Robotics Medal!
Here is Kaylee, proud to wear it!

Proud of all the girls. . . and yes, Kay Kay, mom & dad would be happy to do it again!

Thanks Greg and Barb!!

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AND SHARING SOME OF OUR FALL . . .

2009-12-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here at the Robles home!

We chose to go with a new artificial tree this year and love it!

The past couple of years has been fresh for Kay Kay, but we were all happy for the change back.

No watering, no dead pine needles, no worries for fire . . . just beauty!

I love Christmas trees . . . I have very fond memories from my childhood. My mom knew how to decorate a beautiful tree, still does. She made decorating fun for each Christmas.

My mom and aunt use to decorate them for department stores when I was young. They had a fun time and loved talking about their experiences each year.

We'll, I will continue with some Christmas posts in the weeks to come and also be catching up in the next week on the busy but fun fall we had!

Here is Me, Mom and My Sister for our fall Cambria trip we took in October.

(more on that later.)

Kay Kay ~ Auntie T ~ Saira

At the Avila Barn, Avila Ca.

And also more to come on our visit from my Sister-in-law and her new baby girl, Samantha!!

We had a great visit and so sweet Sammie is!!

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and a fresh new start to the Christmas Season!

Share the Love of Jesus everyone!!

Blessings,

Kim

FALL AND THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!!

2009-10-13T09:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here! Well . . . it was OFFICIAL in September but for our valley

it just hit this past week with the great weather we've been having!

Snow has already fallen in our mountains and the rain is here!

I say bring it ON to this draught land!

I hope the rain falls by the buckets this year. We haven't had a substantial

amount in probably 10 years!

We'll, school and life have been VERY BUSY . . . but we managed to get a trip in to the

Monterey Bay Aquarium. Kaylee's birthday present from Grandma.

Dan took the day off and we had a great time!

The weather was PERFECT! The water, GORGEOUS!

Happy Fall Everyone!!

Finally, its my turn to talk! I have been sooooooooooo busy lately with piano, robotics, science class and soccer. Not metion a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

It was so much fun! Here are some pics from the trip.

Hope you like them!

Love from Kay Kay;)

This was probably my favorite exhibit. I know my mom loved it!

That's my trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Are you ready . . . Are you READY . . . FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

2009-09-11T23:33:00.001-07:00

Welcome to one of my most favorite times of the season . . . FOOTBALL SEASON!!

Thanks to my Dad . . . and my brother Jeff . . . I came to love this game by no choice of my own!

When there is only one T.V. in the home and it seems to be stuck on ONE channel all
afternoon . . . well, you learn to love football.

So every season, from my freshman year in high school till now, (give or take a few seasons) I continued to enjoy football and found my own team to follow. Yes, I love watching the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS!! GO CHARGERS!! This is your year!

Now, for those of you who don't care for San Diego, please take a look at the last few seasons and the great run that they've had. Not too bad . . . and hoping for another good year, maybe to the Superbowl! :)

I love the game and I love my family who seems to support me when my team is at their best or not so best.

From my husband and daughter who put up with the sudden bursts of screams whenever a touch down is made . . . to a call from one of my family members saying "we'll their looking good today!" Sometimes, not good, but that's OK too. It's a joy for me!

I probably just lost all my girlfriends who think I turned in my princess sneaker's for a man's football jacket and cleats!! Don't worry, I'm all girl . . . just lovin me a football game!

This is my Official NFL Jacket my family bought for me about 14 years ago and I do wear it proudly, not as often as I should but I still LOVE IT! It's hot to wear in the valley!

I get to harass my brother with it, he's a Ram's fan :0 And my dad is a 49er's fan :0

This is me trying to do a tough growl! LOL (45 year old woman trying to act tough!!??)

Look at me laughing ;) . . . oh my!!

I have to say I do love their logo!

Fun Times!

OK . . . this is as normal as I get!

So does anybody here like (love) football? If you so, what is your favorite team?

Or do you despise it? Share with me!

But do remember . . . Jesus is the only true thing to get excited over!

Love Him, Know Him, Live for Him!

Blessings, Kim

P.S. Kaylee will be back over the weekend to add her part for this post. She is having fun at

an overnight campout at our church!

A Healthy Challenge!

2009-08-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to those of you up for a fun challenge!

If you'd like to jump over to my friend Robynn's blog, you'll find a

boat load of healthy info. And also some...other information! She's a fun gal!

http://robynnsravings.blogspot.com/2009/08/30-day-throw-down.html

Back In The Swing...With A Little View Of Our Summer ~

2009-08-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I start a blog and then I STOP! What's with that?

We'll, a little sleep deprivation, family time, VBS, Robotics Class, church camp, some study time, and of course we can't leave out the dreaded Kidney Stone episode to top off the summer!

Not much of a rested summer that I was hoping for!

Anyway, Kay Kay and Mom are back! And happy that those few who do read, asked!
We started school yesterday! Yay! I was hoping to start last week but a couple of set backs, one being, Kaylee and I had colds the past couple of weeks. It's nice to be back on a schedule.

Just a couple of pics from me and a few more from Kay Kay below. She celebrated her birthday on July 29th, she is the big 11 now! Yikes!

Our Kay Kay is 11 NOW!

Family B-Day Time

Our Cool 11 Year Old!

I'm currently taking a class that has required a lot of reading. When I have the time, I love to read! Reading is one of the special bonds between me and Kay Kay, we LOVE reading together. Although, she devours books like I devour chocolate these days, so our reading together has slowed some.

You may have heard of the book I'm reading right now, "The Life You've Always Wanted" by John Ortberg. It's about spiritual disciplines.

One part in the book he talks about "Pseudo-Transformation". It's just a little something I thought was worth sharing. I certainly felt the tug in my heart and believe that God would love to see this action in more Christian's today.

Quote:

"The great danger that arises when we don't experience authentic transformation is that we will settle for what might be called pseudo-transformation. We know that as Christians we are called to "come out and be separate," that our faith and spiritual commitment should make us different somehow. But if we are not marked by greater and greater amounts of love and joy, we will inevitably look for substitute ways of distinguishing ourselves from those who are not Christians. This deep pattern is almost inescapable for religious people: If we do not become changed from the inside-out - if we don't morph - we will be tempted to find external methods to satisfy our need to feel that we're different from those outside the faith. If we cannot be transformed, we will settle for being informed or conformed."

Definition of "Pseudo"
Not actually but having the appearance of; pretend; false or spurious; sham; counterfeit.

He goes on through the book and talks about abundant LOVE and JOY!

He shares, "God is the happiest being in the universe. Joy is his eternal destiny."

So, as Christian's . . . why are we not so happy, full of joy, more loving, less critical, less judgemental? We are not TRANSFORMED people! Yes . . . he also iterates that "Joy is hard to do sometimes. We must make a conscious effort to practice joy. God's intent was that his creation would mirror his joy."

As Christian's, we are called by God to be joyful and loving, especially towards one another. Especially, towards those who have not yet made a commitment to Jesus!

Today. . . are you joyful? Are you mirroring God's joy? His love?

If you are, spread it like a wildfire and help those who have not yet made a choice to become a

Christian, have a reason to want to. If you struggle with joy . . . well it's time for some practice.

Let's MORPH!

Hope you have a joyous day!

Blessings, Kim

Hey! Kay Kay is back! I can't believe school has finally begun! After a long (excuse me, but did I say long? I really meant short!) summer, I realized that shoving a bunch of things in really is possible!

I think that my birthday party was one of the most fun things this summer

I had a slumber party and we ate pizza and Tie-dyed T-shirts. Then, we built our own ice cream sundaes and played on the Wii. We had so much fun that night snuggling in our sleeping bags and eating popcorn while watching Bolt. Here are some fun pics from that night:

Beautiful Birthday Dinner

Hurry up and spin the spinner already!

Us girls being silly

So many colors!

Me, Sage, and Saira ready to watch fireworks

I caught these when my dad took me fishing

The Big One that almost got away!

With love,

Kaylee