Dear Dad..

     Dear Dad (aka my name for God),
Thank You for everything You've done for me. It still amazes me that You've done this much, yet I don't deserve any of it. You're too good for me and yet You still love and adore me.

Thank You for filling the hole. The hole that was left by past fathers who left me in heartbreak.. and You stayed with me...even when I didn't know it. Your embraces that I feel are more nurturing than any father can give me. You've made sure to give me more hugs than the others did.. which isn't saying a lot but it's so awesome and generous of you.

Thank You for Your answers at all the right times. They've led to the best testimonies because of Your creative way of doing things that only You would do. Waiting for the responses have been hard sometimes but they become so overwhelmingly joyful and worth the wait when I receive them.

Thank You for showing me that I'm not alone. I focused on the wrong target.. relationships (boyfriend/ girlfriend that is). I made it harder on myself to withstand the "single life" but You made it easier.. I'm more patient for that perfect one that You have already made and know. By not being with an earthly boy.. I've only strengthened my relationship with You.

Every day is my Father's day. So this letter can be for any day..

Oh and Dad.. thanks for being the best Daddy anyone could ask for! I'm so lucky to say that I am Your daughter. I just wish I would have known your greatness when I was a child.. cause everyone would have definitely been paying attention to us at the Daddy Daughter Dances ;)

                                                                                               Your Daughter,
                                                                                                        Karlye

What I Could Have Been...

     Back home for the holidays! I've been missing the good ol' Douglasville for a while. Missing my friends and family and especially the lack of cop sirens and ambulances in the streets like in the city. But last night wasn't too enjoyable even though I was with some old friends.... I was able to truly be the "outside looking in" on a lifestyle that I was part of.. and it was embarrassing to watch.
     As I arrived at the establishment, the first thing I hear is live country music, even though it was good, it's hard to get into something that I can't really stand hearing ever! The mixture of hunter camouflage Bass Pro Shop hats was enough for me to forget my longing to go home. Then,  more people started arriving. More familiar faces. More bad memories. As they showed up, I could easily tell that none of them were at a normal state with their glassy, blood-shot eyes and their beer at hand.
     If this were a few years ago, I would have been okay with this scene... would have laughed at their stupidity and joined along to get a dose of that "liquid courage." But now, being that I have moved on.. it was rather embarrassing knowing that I looked up to them because they were "cool" to me. Yeah... I used to be dumb.
     As I sat there, no smile on my face, or laughter in my eyes, I thought about all those times I shared with them....and also knowing that majority of them didn't know who I was because every time I encountered their drunken presence, they were too intoxicated to meet me properly and remember me the next morning.
     With all this being typed, it gives me a chance to reflect more on the situation.. in a more positive way.
      I am just so glad that God took control. I don't have to look up to any being.. just The Almighty One.. and that's pretty ballin. I get to feel productive each day. I get to cry tears of love and joy while I worship instead of hate and pity that I can't fit in with everyone else. I get to feel comfortable and sure that my God is going to be there for me no matter what instead of unsure and worried that my "friends" will forget to take me home... or they aren't physically or mentally capable of doing so. I get to have God's love wrapped around me instead of a stranger who's dark thoughts become actions when alcohol is involved.

     I love who I am.

     It's just so great to know that I took the right path when I did. I'm just so thankful and undeserving of God's love, yet He gives it to me anyway... I've never been happier than I am right now. Looking for human satisfaction will never suffice. It doesn't matter. Humans partake in sin just as much as I do if not more, in some cases. Don't look for acceptance because God has already found you and accepted you for who you are, the clothes you wear, the color of your hair, and even the weird make up you wear. We are loved. And I'm so glad I chose to love Him back instead of choosing what I could have been...  

The End is Near

     Well... the fall semester is coming to an end. I have just about survived my first half of my first year of the college chapter in my life. It's been fun, hard, stressful, hysterical, momentous, moving, powerful, scary, disastrous, awesome, spiritual, earthly, etc. It's so crazy to look back and just know that not even an entire year ago, I was safe in high school, only worrying about the gas in my car so I can go to all of the places I need to go for my own leisure. I miss that. 

     This end also marks a beginning of a new time, a new semester. Things will be changing....

My roommate is moving out and commuting, so I either A: will be a loner or B: will have to meet someone new while also living with them. It can be fun but also irritating. Also, my schedule is going to be totally different next semester with more days off than on, which leaves more space for tons of activities!.... or just for more hours at work. 

     I feel that I am ready for this new step in college. More friends to meet, more surroundings I get to accommodate to, and more money to do things that I feel like doing..( not really gas worries since I'm part of the "no car" club on campus ). I'm just waiting for the guy to shoot the little gun and say "GO!"

     Or am I? I have a whole month of chilling! A whole month of no homework, no checking class sites for announcements, no writing extra credit essays, NOTHING! Just enjoying the sparkling lights of Christmas and the crazy strobe lights of the New Year. Oh yes... 

                                                                                    The new chapter will be great. 

Start Something That Matters

     So for the past couple of weeks I have been reading "Start Something That Matters" by TOMS Chief Shoe Giver, Blake Mycoskie. To say the least, it was an awesome read!! I was able to learn the great yet struggling beginning of TOMS and how they prosper now. What we, as the buyers, see are just awesome shoes that seem pretty easy to make, and we don't ever think of the hard work that goes behind the scenes... kind of like we see Santa but don't really think of all the hard work those poor little elves go through to put those smiles on our faces Christmas morning. 

     Even though learning about TOMS history was rather interesting, my favorite part was the rest of the book... how Blake talked about so many other small and large businesses and how they were able to succeed. It was great seeing that he wasn't just wanting to show his own earnings and lessons, but so many others. Also, it wasn't at all about us helping by joining TOMS or just by giving to charities but BEING those charities. The main goal was, as the title says, to start something that matters. I loved it! 

     By reading this pretty ballin step-by-step to making a difference, you can get all the information and thoughts that you need to start your very own business whether it be non or for-profit. Anyone can make a difference, Blake is just trying to pry that want out of us. 

     We can all help.. individually or even as a group!

     

     " A leader can create a company, but a community makes a movement." - Blake Mycoskie. 

     I encourage all who are reading this post to go and get this book now!! Even those who aren't reading this should read my mind from miles away and know that they should get this! I mean come on.. if you're wanting to start up a small movement, why not read the thoughts of a leader who has produced one of the biggest movements of all! 

Carpe Diem!

"Congratulations! You Are Part of the Books for Bloggers Program!...."

     So last night, I was on the computer, thinking about writing an essay that was due today..(I finished it don't worry) and I decided that checking my email would be more important.. and it was.
     As I heard the sweet ol' voice say to me, "You've got mail," I quickly clicked on the envelope that survived holding twelve emails without tearing. I went down the list of the usual mail... (so and so tagged you on Facebook, look at the deals on Hot Topic, Oh look Groupon has another great deal, someone is following you on Pinterest..) and so on.. until I came across an email that was from TOMS. I usually receive emails from TOMS headquarters because I signed up that I wanted notifications from them because I love them so I thought it was just a heads up about the new stock of TOMS that were in.. but I was wrong..
     It was a congratulatory email that was sent to me stating that I had won a spot in the Books For Bloggers Program for TOMS!! What is this? Well I'll tell you of course: It's a program for bloggers (duh) and what happens is TOMS will send me two copies of Blake's "Start Something That Matters" book for free! Then, I have to obviously read this marvelous book and then blog about it. After blogging about it's awesomeness that I will reveal to the world, I also have to advertise it on Amazon to get the word out.
     But wait.. what will you do with the other copy Karlye? Glad you asked you curious reader.... With the second copy, I will be hosting a contest on Twitter and/or Facebook, and whoever wins this contest that I conjure up myself will win the second copy for free.
     I'm just so stoked to have this opportunity to spread the word about starting something that matters. I think this book is going to inspire more and more people to give rather than receive. Also, the fact that I'm kind of working with TOMS is such a reward and a blessing. I never thought I would get the position but God proved me wrong.
     Okay.. I'm done bragging about my awesome accomplishment now :)

Don't Worry I Forgive You

     Apologies.... Way easier to think about than putting into action. We hate letting that guard down, showing our vulnerable side and saying that we are wrong. We hate to lose. We hate to submit. We always feel that it causes a weak spot in our being. But the good news is..... it's far from a sign of weakness.
     Today I visited a church to see my best friend sing her heart out for our Lord. It was amazing as always to be able to worship God freely. With her on stage though, was a man who troubled in the past.... troubled in ways that not only changed my judgement towards him but also hurt my heart a little. He was such a big part in my beginning stages of getting to know the Lord that I would have never guessed that he would stoop to such low levels.... and now he's back.
     I was upset to see him. Upset to see him singing for God after what he had done. However I did show courtesy and smile at him cause he of course saw me..( I mean I do have weird hair and wear very noticeable attire that surprises the normal human eyes).
     After the service was over, he seemed to find me. He made eye contact at me and I waved.. but he wanted more. He asked me over to where he was, away from the group of flannel and TOMS that I'm always around (aka best friends). As I went over there, I expected the usual.. "Hey how are you doing?, Wow it's been a while since we've seen each other., How's college?, Anything new?, I see your hair is different... that sort of small talk. I was wrong. He started off the conversation with "I'm sorry."
     I almost cried..the things that he had done I knew about but he didn't know that I knew. So I was shocked. He apologized for everything... he admitted to being in a bad spot and he feels awful that I looked up to him while he was in this dark... so dark... state of mind. He said, "If anything, I should have been the one looking up to you. Not the other way around." It was amazing to hear. I hugged him like the big bear he is and parted ways...
     See? Apologizing is so hard to do, but it's so beneficial to the relationships we make down Life Avenue. It strengthens bonds. It heals wounded hearts. It shows how truly strong someone is spiritually, emotionally and even physically.
     I challenge everyone (even myself) to think about who are people that we never apologized to because we were too worried about "strength". God will automatically put that specific person in your mind cause He's been waiting on you to do this. If not for that person, for Him, our Savior, our Lord. I prayed and the only one to come into my mind was myself. So it can be anyone that you need to re-link broken chains with  an apology. God is love, so show your God towards the friends, the family, and the enemies. Don't worry, they'll forgive you. :)

Till Death Do We Part... (seriously)

     This story is a romantic fairy tale many will enjoy, especially since Halloween is coming up this Monday, for this story is 100% real.
     Once upon a time, there were two college students: Zach and Karlye. They are close friends that just so happen to go to the same college and live about 4.5 minutes from each other. One day, Zach had invited Karlye to attend this well known haunted house with him. It was called, Thirteen Stories, and it was in Kennesaw, Georgia. Karlye gladly accepted, however she is absolutely terrified of haunted houses. She is a huge baby when it comes to anything haunted. Even petty ones made from preteens at a middle school freak her out, but she still wanted to go. She always has a good time with Zach so... why not? All day long, Karlye paced back and forth awaiting 6:30 to come when she and Zach would be departing for her doom. Zach, being the kind friend that he is, warned Karlye of what would be happening at this establishment. He sent her a waiver to put her at ease about getting hurt by being pushed out of a window or cut up by a chainsaw. She greatly appreciated it and obviously felt better about it. Zach also told her the result of this heart-racing evening..... death. Karlye and Zach were both going to die that night.
     What?! Karlye couldn't die tonight! There was so much she wanted to do! She mentioned to Zach that she had wanted to go to the UK before she died.. but there wasn't any time for her to fly out there and enjoy herself then come back! Fortunately, with the new teleporting device she had, she was able to pop there and pop back with plenty of time before 6:30. So she went to the UK, telling Zach about all of the wonderful things in a British accent..(well because the text messages were in the accent while she was there). When she came back, she totally forgot that she should have invited Zach!! So, she told him to go with her and off they teleported!
     So they hung out in the awesome UK.. all romantic style.. then went to the haunted house to die...
                                                                    The End
P.S. True story I have text messages to prove it.

God Gave Me Monday

     So I didn't have time to post a blog about my day yesterday because I was too busy enjoying it. My Monday was absolutely the bees' knees. So here's a detailed list of all of the awesomeness that occurred:

1. I woke up energized (doesn't usually happen as a college student)

2. As I walked outside to my first class, I soaked up the beautiful fall air that surrounded me. It was breath-taking how nature was cooperating with everything. Leaves were twirling as they fell gracefully towards the ground, the winds lightly passed by, stroking their fingers through my hair, the sun was warmly smiling. It was great. 

3. I was able to get out of my Chemistry Lab a whole hour early because I strategized with my partner to make the experiments finish faster. I hate that class so it was a blessing. 

4. I got a 10 out of 12 on the previous lab that I had feared that I failed. 

5. There was such a good feeling inside me all of the day. 

6. I received an unexpected call from my future boss, Eric, telling me that I got the job I've wanted forever!!! A spot on the staff of the most amazing store Urban Outfitters. 

7. With that over 60 people liked my "receiving the job" status on Facebook which is always so awesome to see all of the support and love I have around me. 

8. I was supposed to have a quiz in my Spanish class that I didn't study for and it turned out that she had moved it to Wednesday... score!!

9. To finish the day off, I got to share my beliefs religiously with a good pal of mine. I always get so excited about talking about God that I know he was taken aback because I just kept talking and talking about all of the good God has done. 

     So yeah, my day was getting better and better throughout the day. It was very obvious that God was chilling with me all day long. 

     And I know you, as the reader, is probably wondering why do I think everyone should know about my awesome day? It's not to be envious of me (even though the green is probably seeping through), but it's because everyone can have just as good days if not better than this! If one just starts the day off with a smile and a positive mindset, the world gives positive results. Happiness attracts happiness, positive attracts positive when it comes to life. As we live each day, all we think about is the negative of tomorrow. So let's all try to live in the present, accepting any opportunities that come our way and always having high spirits about them. God provides. All you have to do is ask and trust in Him... that He can take the issue into His hands and turn it into the greater good in your life. You might be surprised in what He can do, but I mean if we never became surprised by the Almighty God, there'd be no point. The things He has up His sleeves are endless, beyond the comprehension of our human-like minds. So... SURPRISE!!! God is awesome. 

You Are Who You Are

     Today I had the pleasure of meeting with a good friend of mine, Caitlin, and we discussed many subjects, as we always do. We talked about deeper things, funny things, annoying things, etc. One of the topics that stuck to me and left me thinking about life was when we talked about the "good ol' days" as people call them but in some cases the "lost ol' days." We talked about our thought processes in middle school and even early high school and how it has changed drastically over the years. Both she and I (and I'm sure majority of all society) were followers, desperate to be a part of that "popular" label. In the years of puberty arising, as well as acne sprouting, I felt that I was a leader, that I was a unique individual. When I look back now, I wasn't that at all. Sure, I was a leader in many ways and had a unique personality as do many others, however I was so obsessed with being able to be "cool." This mindset definitely led me into some dark places that weren't as "cool" as they were said to be.
     It wasn't until junior year when I started to find myself. I ventured out in many paths that ended up defining who I am today. I was led to God, who definitely led me to realizing that He was the real cool one, not the Hollister clothes and parties that surrounded my life. With this new spiritual healing, I was also led to my true love, music as well as several different arts and cultures. This also helped me cross paths with some amazing friends and inspirational figures in my life. I am so thankful for everything.
    Why am I giving a testimony you ask? Well, back to the Caitlin and Karlye conversation, it made me think about the new generations coming along, awaiting their new journeys called life. Hearing about certain people and watching them grow worry me. Are the upcoming generations more likely to fall under peer pressure than we were in the past? Are the monsters of bad decisions and negativity going to swallow them all whole? Or am I just not realizing that we were just as bad back then? Either way, I pray and hope that more and more pre-teens and teens will begin to find who they are. Find their true color. Find the clothes that they really like. Find the friends that will really influence them in the right direction and hold them accountable if they slip.
    Am I saying that I am done with finding myself and my journey is over? Heck no! I have so much more to discover about myself and the world around me. I am just hoping that the generations that are entering the middle and high school world will soon find themselves one way or another. Our world is a melting pot of endless amounts of faces, skin colors, personalities, likes, dislikes, shoe sizes, builds, desires, loves, and smiles. So why should we conform to a group? We were all made so uniquely and beautifully. We should shine what we have been given and not what we are envious of. Just accept it. You are who you are.

OMALFTBAWG (Oh My Awesome, Loving, Forgiving, Trustworthy, Beautiful, All-knowing, Wonderful God

     Ahhhhh! That's all I can do to explain my Sunday morning. It was filled with moving worship as well as a ballin sermon. As we praised His name, I looked around the room and all I could see were vulnerable beings giving their all to God...not a care of who is watching them dance around, not a worry about if a way of worship is acceptable, just truly being open to whatever God wants to let them know. As tears of over-powering love filled my eyes, the sermon began. "Hello My Name is God" has been the subject for a couple weeks now, and we have learned the several names that are truly endless that describe God. It was so evident that the words spoken by Pastor Dave were hitting everyone to heart because of the sound in the room. It was silent yet loud with the spirit of the Lord within everyone. No eyes were blinking away. "The way we perceive God is what He is for us." What a wonderful quote. If you view our Lord as nurturing, then He will nurture you. If you view Him as forgiving, then He will forgive you. If you view Him as loving, then He will love you. He is so many wonderful characteristics that our brains can't comprehend because no human on the earth will ever be as beautiful or as powerful as our God. What gets me the most is that there are people out there who don't see this. They don't see the love. They are blind to His beauty. It's so encouraging however to know this because it gives me more of a reason to show the world our glorifying God. Our job is to be serving. It's not about us once we are wrapped in the loving arms of Jehovah, it's about the unknowing people who need our guidance to find God. We live to serve. So let's serve :)

The Clock is Actually Ticking....

     So I'm in my hometown for the weekend. I decided that I would clean the house today because I'm having some super close pals coming over later. After I cleaned, I headed to the mall. Smelling like Clorox wipes, I walked into the one-building teen city known as Arbor Place. As I walked around, depressed empty wallet in hand, I noticed that it wasn't the same mall. I didn't see the usual group of familiar faces that happened to all work at the Chick-Fil-A, or the friends that were always bored so they pretty much lived at the mall. It was weird because I was definitely seeing TONS of teens, but something felt different.....they were all obnoxiously loud, the couples made me want to vomit with their hand holding while holding their food court trays, and they seemed way too young to be walking around by themselves (I mean they have braces!). Then I realized..."I'm growing up." I've arrived to the ages where teens are actually annoying like parents say. The new generation has already come to take over the overpriced stores while I've been gone. As teenagers, we don't feel like these years will ever end. We are at the top of our game, the It Crowd, the top dogs, the "mature" ones. But days keep passing, we keep growing, and our acne is finally starting to pass....we're growing up guys. The clock is actually ticking...

All Night Long

     Last night was my first "all-nighter" with schoolwork. I had to do two super long online assignments for my math class. They were both due by 8 the next morning. As I fried my brain trying to work out each problem, I kept catching myself looking at the reflection of my bed on the computer screen. It would have been easier if I didn't get confused on every problem. My professor doesn't really teach us...well if he does I don't know because I'm not sure if he's speaking English or not during class. My roommate Jennifer, God bless her, try to endure the sleepless night with me because she felt bad. She finally, however, gave in to the soft comfort of her sheets and comforter and went to bed. It was the most awful thing I have ever endured. To make things worse, I was on the verge of tears when my computer decided to be slower than dial up. I'm pretty sure it was mad at me for keeping him up this late as well. I kept apologizing and pleading with this inanimate object to speed up so he and I could both sleep. I finally got done with everything and my brain was done. Done with working, done with numbers, done with life. So with this, you can just imagine how my day has been today...Oh yes, sweatpants and no make up is occurring. What stinks the worse...this won't be a one time thing......

Welcome to the world of a blogger

     So I guess I will use this first ever blog to show how these posts will go. For starters, I live in the city of Atlanta so anything goes in my life. No organized, planned out days will occur without something off of the wall happening. I have many stories to tell, yet not enough people to tell them to which led me here, typing on this computer, hoping someone new will think my life is as interesting as I believe it is. My goal with this blog is to later in life, be able to look back at these posts and be truly satisfied with the life I've lived in the example I've set for others. So...I guess my preface ends here..welcome to the world of a blogger Me.