Giving thanks...even AFTER the turkey is gone

So, I'm assuming that you've all pretty much finished your thanksgiving. The turkey is gone. I bet most of you had your meal with family. Some of you had it with friends. And that's great. We all had the chance to reflect over what we've received this year and just in life. But I just want to take a moment and ask a question. More specifically, I want you to ask yourself a question. Have you been thankful all year? I mean, really? Well, I just wanted to put a bit of perspective on this holiday season. I was recently reading an article by Charles F. Stanley from InTouch magazine. It was talking about this very topic! Quite frankly, I like the way he put it. Basically, we get so caught up asking God for things that we don't take half as much time to  thank Him for what He's already given us. In fact, sometimes we're so caught up in what  we want that we fail to even be  aware of what God's blessed us with. It's human selfishness, really. We live in such a privileged country (which...by the way, is the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving. So we can give thanks for this country and everything else) that we often forget the core values of life we should be thankful for. The things that we so often take for granted because this country is so used to having it there for them. I know how hard it is to be thankful when there's always those things that we want and feel like are due to us. When, in reality,  nothing is due to us. Because of the fact that Jesus died on the cross for us, we have so much more than we deserve. And really, we shouldn't forget that. People get so caught up in hanging out with family and friends (which isn't bad), that we tend to only be thankful for those things. Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is, have that tankful attitude all year. Think, "What would happen if you wake up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Love y'all and stay thankful! :) ~KJ

Enjoying the roller coaster which is life

Well, I'm going to use a roller coaster as my analogy. I was scrolling pinterest, found it and was all like, "Mmm, Imma use this!" So...I guess I'm using it! Lol.  Maybe you've heard the quote before, "Just close your eyes and enjoy the roller coaster which is life" But regardless, I'm going to use the quote solely for the purpose of painting a picture for you. So, when you first get on that roller coaster, that's pretty much when you're born again. When you first accept Jesus into your heart. That's when the ride begins. The ride of life as a Christian. As the ride continues, that represents your life. There are ups and downs on the roller coaster. Good times and bad times in your life. That seat belt that keeps you safe is kind of like God. He's always there. Always holding you. It's just that sometimes, even though you're safe, you kind of freak out when it's not necessary. You have a choice to enjoy your life. Enjoy that roller coaster. Or, to freak out for no apparent reason. He's right there. He won't let you fall. And weather you choose to embrace the ups and downs or not, the same thing is going to happen at the end. You're going to reach the end of the ride just fine. It's just your choice how you react during the journey. Personally, I'd choose to embrace it. With God holding you all the way, why not?? :) Well, lately I've been sort of enjoying that roller coaster as things sort of change for me and whatnot. So, I want to deeply apologize about not blogging lately but I love you guys so much and I'm hoping to have several more posts out before the end of the year! :D ~KJ

Winter Jam 2014!

Hey guys! Sorry I'm posted this week! There was actually a reason for that. Other than me being sick and miserable for the beginning of the week (still a little sick right now), I wanted to do a recap on The Winter Jam. I went with probably the best group ever. Keeping in mind the fact that I've been to the Winter Jam before, I kind of had a picture of how it was going to go. So, you know, before the show I was getting ready. Pen tattoos, nail polish, hair straightened, you know. After that, my awesomeeeee group picked me up and we were on the way there!!! Of course we had to play with the auto tune app on the way there and sing random songs. So, in line we just talked. And we were in line for like two hours, btw. There were about 15 thousand people there and we were towards the middle of the line. It was literally winding around the venue and down the street. So, they actually had to start the concert later than planned. But even with the delay, we still missed the pre-show...which was sad 'cuz I really wanted to see Everfound. But, one of the members of 'About a Mile' came out and preformed for us while we were waiting, which was nice.  Once we got in, the concert was so full, we had to get a balcony seat. But it was ok. We saw Colton Dixon first. He KILLED IT!!! Seriously, he just insanely good. Then after a short performance from the tour's founders, Newsong, my boy, Trip Lee came out and played. He is literally my favorite rapper by the way so, you can imagine how much of a crazy, screaming fan I was in that moment. One of my best friends I had gone with actually asked me after the performance if I was still alive. :P So then, Disciple came and literally melted face with the rock show they put on with smoke and some crazy lights. Then, Mr. Jeremy Camp came out and of course, was great. Then, we had a fifteen minute intermission. During that time, it was a "run for your life" type moment. We all wantede to get band merch but everything was so spread out. So, sadly, we got back in time to catch Francesca Battistelli's last song. But it was okay. I got a Trip Lee shirt which I'm actually wearing now. Then, Hillsong came. Can I just say that they throw a phenomenal show?? Not only did they have such energy and passion, but they also brought out the heart of worship. Everything was forgotten in that moment. It was just thousands of believers coming together for a moment of worship. And it was powerful. And after-show, it was too late to meet anyone but, I left satisfied with the fun, fellowship and fantastic awesomeness. I'd seriously do it again next year. :) ~KJ