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
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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...
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...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
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.
Friday, December 2, 2011
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!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
"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 :)
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 :)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
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. :)
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. :)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
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.
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.
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