L.O.A.H.

Feeling Alone?

2015-07-16T07:07:00.000-04:00

Left out, left behind, lonely. Why is loneliness on your heart? It's not always about being physically alone, or not having anyone in the room with you. Personally, I've felt the most lonely when in a room full of people. So where is this feeling coming from?
I believe when feelings of loneliness occur, it's an invitation to take a deeper look at ourselves. What's going on inside that is making you feel alone?

Let's get personal.
I've always been a loner. I was shy and completely content to be by myself, do nothing, just chill alone. I really didn't experience feelings of loneliness unless it came to relationships. You look around and see everyone with somebody and now you feel lonely. Or you see people on Facebook taking pictures of road trips with their large group of friends and you're here with your measly group of 3 (I love my 3 best friends by the way) and feel like you're lacking. Stop right there. Is that loneliness or is that envy? Whenever you're feeling lonely, take a moment to see what the root of that feeling is. Am I really feeling alone or am I just jealous of other people? Don't get trapped in a sinful state of mind. Jealousy and envy lead to hatred and all kinds of other problems/sins.

What if you're not lonely because everyone else has somebody? What if you're the one with lots of friends and family but you still feel alone? I've been here too. Feeling like you have no one to talk to. No one would understand what you're going through. No one listens to you. Or, if you told the truth, everyone would go away. Where does that fear come from? Take a moment to examine your heart. Have you been left in the past? Is there a void that needs to be filled and you're trying to fill it with lots of people? God made man to need company and need companionship.

"Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him." (Genesis 2:18 NLT)

Even though this scripture is usually applied to marriage; A man and woman; Adam and Eve, it still applies to us non-attached folks. God didn't make us to be loners. He made us to seek companionship, friendship, fellowship. But don't use people to try to fill a void you have.

A lot of times, when I feel lonely this way it's God tugging at my heart. Telling me that I've been too caught up in myself, my life, other people and I've forgotten about him. Remember, the first relationship Adam had was with God. I encourage you today, if you're lonely, to seek God. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you (from James 4:8).

Whenever you're lonely, take a moment to examine your heart. And think, where have I been? Am I distracted? Am I hiding from God? Why am I hiding? Maybe that thing I did, that relationship I have, that stumble I took...maybe it has taken me away from God. Maybe I'm ashamed of what I've done today. Or maybe I'm ashamed of what I did in the past. Don't allow guilt to keep you from God.

If you look at Genesis Chapter 3, you can see how after Adam was disobedient and sinned, God knew he was hiding and went looking for him. 'Then the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"'(Genesis 3:9 NLT).

God wants you. He wants a relationship with you. Remember that next time you're lonely. Because if the maker and creator of the whole universe wants to spend time with you, who cares how many friends so and so has.

Pray with me:

Dear God,

I know you love me and want a relationship with me. Whenever I feel lonely, help me to look inside my heart and really find out what the cause of it is. And help me to always draw near to you. Thank you for looking for me. I'm so glad you found me. In your son Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

And always remember LOAH girls...

Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!

XO,

Kymberli

Dead Ends - My Testimony [Pt.2]

2015-05-12T08:59:00.001-04:00

This is part 2 of my testimony. The word of God says in Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

I'm telling my testimony so that I can overcome and that you may overcome too! So here we go...

Like I said before, I struggled with pornography addiction for years. There was one night, after I'd fallen again, that I decided, I need to get my life right. I was tired of feeling this way. So I decided to take the 20 minute trek back to school (I was living off campus at the time) for the student bible study. The whole way there I was repenting and looking for a way out. I felt like I'd hit my lowest point. I got to bible study and tried to find healing. The word convicted me so. But all I felt was guilt and shame. I felt like everyone there could see what I had done and I felt like sooner or later, all of my secret sins were gonna come to the light. I couldn't fully receive the word because I was so focused on my guilt. It was a trick of the enemy. As I was walking toward the T (subway) to go home, I began to cry. All I kept thinking was, WHY DID I LET IT GO THIS FAR? I'M A FAILURE! I DON'T DESERVE TO BE FORGIVEN. I sat down on a bench to wait for my train. As I sat there I kept hearing a voice say... "Just jump in front. It'll be over quickly. Just give it up. You'll die and you'll get what you deserve. You don't have to keep feeling this way." I knew it was the enemy talking to me. I was fully aware. But I felt like giving in. I wanted to let go and end my life. I felt myself giving in and in a last desperate attempt, I gripped the seat i was sitting on with all of my might and I prayed. "Please Jesus please give me the strength. If I let go I'm going to kill myself. Please Jesus, please. Please Jesus, please" About three of my trains had passed before I felt strong enough to get up and get on it. And even then, I waited until it completely stopped before I moved. I couldn't leave any room for suicide because if I gave it an inch, it would take my life.

When I finally got to my apartment I realized that this road I was on was a literal dead end. It was gonna leave me dead and burning in hell. And that was Satan's plan. He was trying to take me out then and there and in my sin. Remember Jesus' words, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) That night, I decided I wanted to live! I fell on my knees and asked for forgiveness. I prayed and cried and repented. After I felt brand new. I felt the comfort of the savior holding me in his arms and telling me he loved me in spite of my sin. In spite of my disobedience. In spite of my failures. I leaned into him and asked him to deliver me from my sinful state. I couldn't live there anymore. I couldn't fight it on my own. I realized I needed Christ to fight my battles. Because his grace is sufficient for me. And his strength is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9) Now it did take a while for me to become completely delivered. I'll be honest, sometimes I fell. But I never stayed down. Instead of wallowing in guilt, I truly repented, did my best to turn from the situation, and continued to seek God. I stayed in my word and prayed daily. There, my relationship with God deepened so much. And the more I leaned into him, the more the desire to satisfy flesh died.
Today I am proud to say I have been delivered!!!! And it was by the grace, love, and power of God Almighty through his son Jesus Christ! For a long time I was ashamed to tell this testimony because I didn't want anyone to look at me differently. To be honest, when I was struggling and heard other people give similar testimonies I did look at them differently. I thought they were crazy for telling people their personal business. But the Lord let me know that there are so many that need to hear this. And I pray that my testimony would encourage you. If you're struggling with pornography, fornication, homosexuality, lying, cheating, stealing, any kind of sin, know that God loves you in spite of that! And all he wants is for you to give it over to him. Deliverance may not come overnight, it might be tough, but it's so good to know that you don't have to go through it alone.

Maybe you're struggling with hurt, depression, or the spirit of suicide. Right now, in the name of Jesus I bind that spirit! I'm calling you out Depression! I'm calling you out Suicide and I declare that you are defeated by the powerful blood of Jesus. At the name of Jesus you must flee! You have no power here! Go back to the pit of hell from whence you came!

LOAH girls, don't forget that God has given you power! Use it! Your struggle does not define you. Your past does not define you. If you feel weak, remember that God's strength is made perfect in your weakness. I encourage you all to take a moment and try to identify those things which are dead ends in your life. It may not be a struggle like mine. It may be relationships. It may be your job. A lot of times a dead end means we've wandered off God's path for us and ended up lost. When you identify that thing, seek God and pray that he will get you out of that dead end situation and bring you where he wants you to be.

Here are some signs you're on a dead end road:
-You've lost the desire to spend time with God
- You feel guilty all the time
-You're in unhealthy relationships
-You're depressed
-You've lost sight of your purpose

**Pray this prayer with me...
Father God, I realize that I have wandered off the path you set for me. I may have even gotten myself into some trouble with sin. But I repent right now and ask you to forgive me of all of my sin. Wash me with the blood of your son Jesus, and give me the strength to turn away from it. Renew my mind so it can be focused on you. Please help me to get off of this dead end road and teach me how to live for you. Father God, I ask you to set my feet on your path and remind me what my purpose is. In Jesus' name. Amen. **

And always remember LOAH girls...

Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!

XO,
Kymberli

Dead Ends - My Testimony [Pt.1]

2015-04-18T11:21:00.001-04:00

Ever feel like you were on a path that leads to nowhere?
If you don't mind, I'd like to take some time to tell a story.
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a Gospel singer. I grew up in church singing in the choir, and on the praise team with my parents in a small storefront church in a bad neighborhood. As I grew up I still held onto that dream. Even when I was in high school and my focus was on boys and not God. I've been hurt many times but my dream was always music. Gospel music. When friends told me I could sing anything, I knew my gift was for God even thought I wasn't fully committed to him. I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and learned a whole lot. Went through a whole lot too. Namely addiction and depression. When I got to campus in the fall of 2009, I was quiet and shy, looking to break out. I had a few friends at the school and in the city so I wasn't completely alone.

I had one friend that had a lot of other friends. So he knew where all the hangouts were happening. He also knew all of the campus gossip. So I went with him from place to place. Sometimes to church. He's the one who introduced me to the other Gospel singers on campus. But that friend liked to party. I went to a couple with him. But one night the party got a little too crazy for me. I was drunk. Almost passed out. My friend was high. And there was a lot of sexually charged activity going on in the room which I was very uncomfortable with. So I tell my friend I'm ready to go and a small group of us leave the party. The subway had closed down for the night. So here we all are walking back to campus. I'm barely able to keep myself steady. And the rest of them were making a whole lot of noise, acting like fools in the middle of the street. So I kept on walking to campus by myself. Not really knowing where I was going. But somehow, I made it home and safely. When i made it to my room, I had sobered up some and I was so distraught. I knew God had kept me safe. I fell to my knees and cried out to him and repented. And I recommitted my life to Christ in that room. After that, I became known as "Saved Girl On Campus". I'd made more friends that has the same Gospel aspirations as me. They told me about the Gospel choir and invited me to the concert. After experiencing that I decided I HAD to join next semester. And i did. But when I came to campus after winter break, I had another thing weighing on me.

I had fallen for a guy back home. He was older, talented, and I was in deep. No guy had really given me much attention. We were in a Gospel group and had been put together as prayer partners. I didn't know him really, but he sent me a Facebook IM one day and then we began communicating regularly. But only on Facebook and via text. I was shy and a very private person. So no one knowing that we were close was fine with me. Plus, I didn't really know how to talk to guys. So when i was having issues with our "relationship" (if that's what you could call it) I wasn't sure how to bring it up so I swept it under the rug. Throughout the whole ordeal I became a mess. We never defined the relationship (DTR) so I was always wondering if he was gonna finally make things official, is he gonna find somebody else, what are we really? But i was too afraid to voice my concerns because of low self-esteem. Around this time, my singing career had started to take off. I was singing with multiple groups and I was getting solos in the Gospel Choir. I had made two new friends that are now my best friends in the world! And they kept trying to tell me to just have that talk with him. But I was too afraid of rejection. One day I got the rejection I was so afraid of. One of my best friends called me one day when I was visiting home for a long weekend. He said "congrats!" I said, "For what?" He told me that the guy I'd been involved with had posted that he was in a relationship on Facebook. I was nervous and excited. Did he finally DTR or did he find someone else? I logged on and my fears had been realized. There was a new update from "In a Relationship" to "In a Relationship with..." I was crushed.
So I texted the guy. "So, you're in a relationship now?"
He responded, "Yes".
"So when were you gonna tell me"
"Well, I was, I mean we're friends, I tell you everything"
"Friends? Oh ok. I thought this was something else"
"Well not just friends, more than friends. I've just been hanging out with her a lot and she thought we should make it official. But it's not like that. You know I love you."

And there they were. Those 3 words I'd always wanted to hear. I cried, stopped talking to him for all of 3 days and then, even though it sounds crazy to me now, forgave him and went on like nothing had changed. I made myself the side piece. And now we really had to be secret because people couldn't know. It was a downward spiral. Eventually they broke up, but I still never became his girlfriend. And I thought I was fine because he'd always say, I love you, I want you. But this was a dead end relationship.
After a while, low self-esteem turned into depression. I skipped classes, my grades plummeted. I went from deans list to academic probation. And I can't blame that on him, because I started creating emotional ties with a host of other guys, not just him. I was trying to fill a void. In pursuit of filling that void, I turned to pornography. Until now, I didn't even know where this desire came from. But I now know the seeds of lust had been planted in my heart from a young age. Sneaking with my friends to watch R-rated movies because we thought we were grown, reading erotic novels because all of my friends were. I was trying be be accepted and never realized that it was leading me to this.

***Mini Message: Be careful about what you're allowing to plant seeds in your heart. Everything that you do, watch, listen to will affect you. Instead surround yourself with Godly people and activities. The seeds that will be planted are the fruit of the spirit..Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control (from Gal. 5:22-23 NTL)***

After a while, I became completely addicted to pornography. It was a drug that got me high for all of 5 minutes and then when I came down, i crashed hard. I had so much guilt and shame. I was still known as "Saved Girl On Campus" and I was leading a double life. My depression grew deeper and I ended up with an addiction that plagued me for years. And even now that I've been delivered, it's still a daily struggle. I'm constantly praying for my flesh, my sinful nature to be crucified.

Nothing, no relationship or thing I did, ever worked out and I just came up emptier than before.

But one evening, during my Sophomore year, I went to church so sing with a group. He was there. And something about the service and the message gave me a strength that I'd never had before. I immediately prayed and asked God to forgive me for getting so wrapped up in finding a man that I forgot about him. So that night, when I got home, I called him and ended it. I felt so free! Now to be honest, it wasn't completely easy. For the next week I regretted it, because I didn't want to be alone. I thought about all of the holidays that I'd be alone and (like a crazy person) I even texted him to apologize for ending it. I wrote a song that I was gonna send him. But I thank God for the Holy Ghost that caught me and stopped me from making such a huge mistake!

Dead end relationships are a trick of the enemy to take you off course. From where God is trying to lead you. And in my case, it lead me all the way to drinking, depression and addiction. I'm not saying this relationship alone lead me down this path. But I allowed it to turn my eyes from God and I began to sink. And even after the relationship was over, I still kept on sinking because I had all these other things weighing on me. I still never completely turned back to God. It reminds me of Peter in Matthew 14:24-31(NLT):
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![b]”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Why do we doubt Christ? Why do we take our eyes, our focus, off of him and start worrying about our situations. Where is our faith? Today, if you're struggling with a dead end relationship or situation, I want you to step back and see where you stopped trusting in God. Then go to him and repent and ask him to fix it. I promise he will deliver you from that situation if you want to be delivered. I'm witness to that. Let's pray together:

Lord, God, please forgive me for doubting you. Please forgive me for allowing myself to become distracted by people and things. I realize that the moment I take my eyes off you, I begin to sink. So today I pray that you help me to stay focused on you. Take away the things that distract me. Help me to be strong and give up those things that take my focus from you. And help me to seek you always. Because your word says that if I seek you, I will find you if I search with all of my heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Please show me how to get off of this dead end road and back on the path that you've planned out for me. And I thank you. In your son Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Until next time LOAHgirls...

Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!

XO,

Kymberli

New Music!!!!!

2015-03-24T09:32:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday LOAHgirls!!!
This is one of my favorite posts to do because I love to share some of my favorite worship music with you! And as always, God gets all the glory!

Today's New Music feature is none other than Pastor William McDowell with his new single "Send The Rain"

This single was released about two weeks ago, but I had to listen to it and get it into my spirit before I could share with you all! I can truly say this this song has opened my mind to some things. In the song Pastor McDowell says, "Rain only matters to those who have seed in the ground. If you don't have seed in the ground rain is a nuisance. But if you've been planting some things and you've been praying some things, when the rain comes, you can expect a harvest" This song reminds the believer to trust in God for what they need. To be hungry and thirsty. Keep planting, keep praying. God is getting ready to stir up revival! This song has truly blessed me and I hope it blesses you too.

Music is so very important, not only to me, but to the body of Christ. So I ask that you support our Christian artists by not only listening to the song, but purchasing it. Sew a seed into ministry. #SupportKingdomMusic #PurchaseKingdomMusic

Until next time LOAHgirls...

Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!

XO,

Kymberli

My Top 5 [Things for young Christians to do]

2015-03-13T13:34:00.001-04:00

Does your typical week look like this?

Monday--Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday-- FREEDOM!
Wednesday-- Prayer & Bible Study
Thursday-- Praise & Worship Rehearsal
Friday-- Youth Meeting
Saturday-- AM Dance Rehearsal
Sunday-- Church Service

Maybe your week doesn't look like mine, but it might be some variation of this. I've realized that I spend 5-6 days a week at church. And don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing. Being a member of a Church is a great way to keep you on track with Christ. It gives you a family of people who are like-minded, love you, and will hold you accountable. The bible tells us in Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."(NLT) The church is really an asset to the believer. But what about your free days? Do you just sit at home, take out your bible and study all of the prophesies of Isaiah? Or do you binge on Netflix? That's what I do on lonely Saturday nights(don't judge).

Being a young Christian, we can tend to become hermits. We never go out unless there's a church service. But what really is there to do? All of your unsaved friends are going to parties (and not the kind with pointy hats and birthday cake) and seem like they're having the time of their lives. But you're a Christian. It seems like there's nothing for you to do that you're really allowed to do. So you make some popcorn, and proceed to Netflix to watch Season 7 of Gilmore Girls (oh wait, that's me again).

Don't you find it frustrating? Why does being a Christian sometime feel like a drag? It can seem like a constant regimen of Dos and Don'ts. And if I'm being honest, sometimes it seems like the Don'ts outweigh the Dos. Why is that? In John 10:10 Jesus says "...I came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, til it overflows)"(AMP). A lot of times we think that scripture only applies to our promise of eternal life. But it applies to our lives on earth, right here, right now!

So here is my top 5 list of things us Christian girls can do to get us up off the couch and have some good clean fun!

1. Make Some Christian Friends

Did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason you feel left out is because your friends are in a different place spiritually than you are. You can't feel left out from the club if no one you know is going. There are so many ways to make Christian friends. Try sitting with someone you don't usually usually sit with. Worshiping together really is a great way to bond. Your spirits are open and so you're more open to new connections. Another great tool to meet new people is to go join a youth or young adult group. This gives you an opportunity to fellowship (hang out) with people your own age who are like minded. Before you know it, you'll be making plans to hang out. Which brings me to my next tip.

2. Go Out

Now that you've made Christian friends, don't just hang out at church functions, do something different. Go bowling, or to a movie, do karaoke, go to dinner and just talk. Or, if you're looking for something more active, try a trampoline park. It burns major calories and creates lots of laughs (there's a lot of falling involved). And it's all CLEAN fun! [in the summer try amusement parks/state fairs, or the beach]

3. Go To Church Functions

I know, I know! I said this list was about what to do outside of church, but hear me out. Churches are beginning to realize that their young people are looking for things to do that will be fun, and still glorify God. But sometimes, the people who put these things together miss the mark. It can be difficult for someone who's not that young to put together something for the youth. So why don't you organize something? Put together a mixer with music and food. Have a coffee house with spoken word poetry. Have a pajama party at the church where you watch Christian movies, pop popcorn, play games. What about a bonfire in a park or at a beach. Or, if your Church's youth group is large enough, you can start a Basketball League (or any other sport for that matter) complete with Cheerleaders and everything. Invite other Churches in the area to join and have fun!

4. Go To Concerts

Christian music is one of most unique genres of music out there because there are so many sub-genres: Contemporary Christian (CCM), Gospel, Christian Pop, Christian/Gospel Rap, Christian/Gospel R&B, Christian Rock to name a few. There is a flavor for everyone no matter what your personal preference is. Some of my favorite Christian artists include: Fred Hammond (Gospel), Kari Jobe (CCM), Hillsong..all of them! (CCM), Kierra Sheard (Gospel R&B), Lecrae (Christian Rap)...the list goes on and on. If you're a music lover like me, then try going to a Christian Concert. These and other artists are always on tour, so be sure to check out when they'll be in a city near you. Even check out what's going on locally. There are a lot of indie Christian artists who would love your support. Who knows, you may find a new favorite.

5. Volunteer

To some of us, the word volunteer just means working for nothing. But if we would take a moment to realize that there is so much going on in our own backyards, we'd realize that we were called to show God's love everywhere we go. And in doing so, we gain joy in knowing that our good works glorified God. Paul teaches us in Acts 20:35 "I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak. I taught you to remember the words Jesus said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”.(NCV) Working at a soup kitchen, gathering clothing for the needy, raising money for missions is so much more fulfilling than wasting your day watching TV and scrolling through Social Media. Volunteer with a group of friends and you make the experience even more fun and gratifying.

I know being a young Christian can be difficult at times. Sometimes it seems like an existence full of rules and traditions. But don't fret. Just know that any of the sorrow you feel in this life will be worth the great reward you'll receive in heaven.

Until next time LOAHgirls...
Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!
XO,
Kymberli

New Music!!!!!

2015-03-03T09:57:00.001-05:00

Hello all my LOAHgirls!!!! I know I've been away for a couple weeks; a lot going on here. But I wanted to come on with this short post.
I am a worship leader at my local church and I love music. Especially worship music! Here in the U.S., music is released on Tuesdays...so every Tuesday I'm going to feature a new/recent release.

Our first feature is the New Single from Denise Renee

"More of You"

http://www.iamdeniserenee.com

Denise is incredibly gifted and anointed by God to write and sing. This song has literally been on repeat ever since I downloaded it. And I must say, PURE WORSHIP! The song "More of You" encourages the listener to really lean into God and to focus on him. To wait on him and to hear from him. We really need more of God!

Check out "More of You" on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify!

And always remember...

Shine your light! Because it's beautiful, and so are you!

XO,

Kymberli

What It Really Means To Love

2015-02-14T12:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day LOAHgirls!

It's love day and everywhere you look, everywhere you go, you'll see someone showing love today. If you're in a "season of singleness" like me (LOL so churchy) then today might be a little difficult for you. If we're honest with ourselves, days like this can really give room for loneliness to rise up in us. And it's okay to feel lonely sometimes. But don't let Valentine's day rob you of your joy! Because, in case you've forgotten, you have the greatest love of all! And I'm not talking about loving yourself, (but that's important. Do that too!) I'm talking about GOD's love!

"This is real love -- not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sin" 1John 4:10NLT

God's love is real love! Earthly love, the way a husband is supposed to love a wife, is just a reflection of God's true and unconditional love. And as we humans are prone to error, we don't get it right all the time. But God always gets it right. So you may feel lonely sometimes, but never forget that you are not alone! YOU ARE NEVER ALONE! YOU ARE ALWAYS LOVED! No matter what your past or present looks like. No matter where you are, God is always there. Paul said it best in Romans 8:31+39
"[38]And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. [39]No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NLT)

God's love is unconditional, unchanging, and never failing. God wants to love you. He wants to show that love to you daily. Please don't allow your heart to become cold to those who have earthly love. Don't let anger and envy consume you. Open your heart and receive God's love today. Receive His love and watch your entire outlook on life change. Receive His love and watch peace overtake you in your present situation. His love will overcome any feeling of loneliness, hurt, difficulty, and worry. God's love is the greatest love of all! Never forget that!

So to all my single ladies (starts dancing like Beyonce) don't worry about not having Bae. Allow the love of God to fill your heart right now. And to all my LOAHgirls who have already been found by "the one" allow the love that God has shown us through Christ be the basis of your relationship.

I challenge all my LOAHgirls today to show love! Wether it be a spouse/significant other, or your family, or your friends. or a just random stranger..Show love TODAY!

I love you all!
And always remember to shine your light!
Because it's beautiful,
and so are you!
XO,
Kymberli

Are You A LOAHgirl?

2015-02-09T15:20:00.000-05:00

A LOAHgirl...

Loves God
Loves people
Is committed to following Christ
Is always learning and growing
Is confident
Is smart
Is beautiful
HER LIGHT SHINES BRIGHT!

"You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden" Matthew 5:14 NCV

Are you a LOAHgirl? Anyone can be a LOAHgirl!

The first step is accepting Christ as your savior.
Pray this simple prayer with me:

Lord Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner and am outside of the will of God. But today I repent of my sins and ask God to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for all of my sins, so I can be right made right with God. And I believe that God has raised you from the dead. I accept your gift of grace today. Please wash me with your blood and help me to completely turn from my past. Thank you Jesus for saving me! Amen <3

Your new life in Christ starts today! Right now!

Shine your light for the world to see, because it's beautiful and so are you!

XO,
Kymberli Joye

Freedom From Worry

2015-02-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

It's a snowy day here in Connecticut. Schools and jobs are closed, the streets are quiet. What better time to jump into the word of God?
Today's Scripture focus is Philippians 4:6-7

"[6]Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7]Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."(NLT)

Lately I've been dealing a lot with worry. Especially when I reflect on my life, where I am now and where I'd always thought I'd be. It's funny how we make plans and just expect God to make them happen in our timing. Not realizing that, GOD has his own plan for us and it'll happen in His timing. In Jeremiah 29:11 God tells us, '"11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."'(NLT)

We have to remember that God's plan always supersedes our own. He's God! He knows so much better than us.

But what happens when you've let your emotions take over, you've let fear in and these worries are consuming your thoughts? Remember to pray.

Prayer is the tool God gave each and every one of us to communicate with Him. And please don't think that God doesn't want to hear about your problems. The scripture tells us to pray about everything! Tell God what you need. Guess what? He already knows. {"You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord" Psalm 139:4 NLT} We serve a God that is all knowing! But he hasn't moved on them because he's waiting for you to ask him. God isn't one to jump in where he's not wanted. But he watches and waits until you invite him into your situation. So what are you waiting for? Trust me, you can not handle it on your own, and you don't have to.

And if you've been praying and can't seem to shake this worried feeling, keep on praying, keep on reading your word. Keep seeking God and you will find him. He will give you peace, just like he said in his word.

Let's pray together:

Father God, as you said in you word, I come to you and I pray that you take away all of my worry. Please take away all of my doubt and fear and help me to trust in you. Help me to be content with where I am and with your timing. Lord, give me peace in the midst of this chaos that is trying to take over my mind. And if ever worry tries to overtake me again, help me to always pray and seek you for help. In your son Jesus' name I pray. Amen <3

Today, I am free from worry! I pray that you are free as well!

XO,

Kymberli

Welcome!

2015-02-06T14:12:00.000-05:00

Hello,
My name is Kymberli Joye and I 'd like to welcome you to LOAH! LOAH [low-ah] stands for Light On A Hill and comes from Matthew 5:14

“You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden."

LOAH is a community where you can become inspired to build and deepen your relationship with Christ. Here you'll find tips and advice that you can use in your every day life: at school, work, and in your church. I want to show you how living as a young Christian can be fun and fulfilling! You don't have to feel alone, LOAH is here for you. Together we'll deepen our relationships with Christ and learn how to live our lives as a light!

So shine your light for all to see because it's beautiful, and so are you!
XO,
Kymberli Joye

A little about me:
I'm 23, from Connecticut and I'm like sooo in love with Jesus Christ. He's one cool dude! LOL. I'm a Worship leader at my local church, I'm a songwriter and an aspiring Christian recording artist. And just like any other girl, I'm totally obsessed with all things hair and makeup. (seriously...check my Youtube history)
I've always felt that being young a young Christian, we don't have many outlets to express ourselves. Church is great, and youth groups are great, but what about the days in between? God gave me the vision for LOAHgirl to be a place for young Christian women to connect, start a dialogue, encourage each other and just have fun! I want to inspire this generation to not be afraid of living out loud for Christ in a world where being a Christian isn't all that popular.