Last summer, my husband and I bought new kayaks to enjoy with our wild boys. I grew up spending my summers on Lake Keowee so I knew this would be a great idea! Plus, our little ones love being outside so they would definitely love the kayaks!

The pictures above are from one of our first trips kayaking as a family. By the pictures, you would think we had a wonderful time together. Family bonding, precious moments sitting by the lake, peaceful naps while riding on water. It looks precious….some people might even be jealous of how awesome my family was that day….but in reality….I have to confess.

CONFESSION TIME: That day was miserable and that moment only lasted a moment…long enough to take a cute photo and then back to the car. I hate to be negative because God blessed me with that day, but that day was just no good. The day I had imagined was nowhere near what it turned out to be. For the most part, Carson cried the whole time because he wanted to be in the water swimming and not on the water in a kayak. Asher didn’t want to sit still and within an hour he was tired and even more cranky.  Dad wanted to fish and enjoy a quiet peaceful day (ha ha he’s funny), and mom aka me…I just wanted to go home/run away. I had envisioned this day to be perfect. In my mind, I thought we would  go to the lake, unload the kayaks, and enjoy a smooth ride with our little boys loving every minute of it. They would be so happy and think we were the best parents ever! I could see it as a clear as a movie scene in my mind…but guess what? This isn’t the movies…this is real life. So all in all…it was a bad day.

But I definitely didn’t let Facebook know that.

I mustered up a smile and tickled my son long enough to make him laugh, captured a silent selfie of my sleeping son on the ride back to the dock, and even took a quick pic of Asher staring at the lake like a little angel (secretly pouting because he didn’t get his way).

Each picture looked perfect…but only I knew the truth. They were all fake.

Facebook fakes are all too common these days. And I’ll admit…at times, my photos are just as fake as others. For instance, this picture perfect day….wasn’t so perfect but no one wants to see pictures of my crying kids and grumpy husband.

When you scroll through Facebook or Instagram it’s easy to look at someone else’s pictures and envy what they have or where they get to go on vacation, but in reality you’re only getting a glimpse (most often fake) of what their life really looks like.

A photo of a family enjoying a beautiful day at the lake could really be a family struggling to make the best of a terrible no good day.

That picture of your friend’s brand new car……doesn’t show the $500 car payment that goes with it…or the parent that is working 2 jobs just to make ends meet and give their best to their kids.

The happy couple with a sappy quote underneath about how much they love each other…….. maybe they seem perfect by the picture but in reality they are barely making it. Or in most cases – they’ve only been together 2 months. Pictures never show the true story.

#selfie….the perfect selfie shows a beautiful young girl with perfect hair and makeup…no flaws and a perfect smile……but it doesn’t show her insecurity, broken heart, and depression she hides on the inside….it also doesn’t show the filters and 50 different pictures she took just to get the perfect selfie…

People always say “a picture says a 1000 words.” But in reality no one really knows what each picture hides.  What do your pictures say? Are they always truthful? What story lies behind each picture?

Next time you scroll through social media and like every picture that looks perfect…consider what that picture truly says. Do you know the truth? Or are you looking at a bunch of fake realities?

Either way, don’t let yourself get lost in the fake world we call social media. It’s easy to get jealous and envy those around us who have more, look better, and seem happier. But the world you’re looking at never shows the whole story.

The Bible tells us first of all not to covet…which means not to yearn for or desire what someone else has. In the Old Testament it says that we shouldn’t covet someone’s donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor. I doubt anyone of you would desire someone’s donkey but consider to the times. In today’s age, it might say “don’t covet someone’s wealth, huge house, and brand new Jeep (insert favorite vehicle here). If you’re constantly desiring what someone else has you’ll never be content with the blessings right in front of you.

¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17)

Second, not everyone is as perfect as they “post” they are.

Third, I challenge you to stop comparing your life to others and start celebrating who God made you to be! “You are beautiful and you are enough!” Empowered Jesus Girl 2018

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Kayla Rampey

Last Thursday, I had the privilege to go to “A Woman’s Call to the War Room” Luncheon with some of the ladies from Grace in the Wilderness Ministries. At the conference, Karen Abercrombie aka Mrs. Clara from War Room, shared her testimony and challenged us to remember our purpose and pray for each other.  Prayer is our FIGHT SONG. Don’t give up on the tool that God blessed you with? Pray for each other, pray for strength, and pray for direction every day.

Mrs. Abercrombie said that she prayed for 13 years to be a part of something bigger, to act in a movie that would make a difference, to have her chance at the big screen.  At many times she felt like God wasn’t listening or didn’t hear her prayers. Then one day, out of nowhere, God answered her prayers. 13 years later, she walked into the very church where one day the auditions would be held for “War Room.” She has no idea God had a plan for her life, but it was all in His timing. Later, she walked into her audition as Mrs. Clara and walked out with the leading role. God answered her prayer in His timing and used her talents to share His message around the world. God is working even when we cannot see what’s going on. Mrs. Abercrombie said she was an ex party girl that God never gave up on. Don’t give up on God because you are too impatient to see his plan fulfilled.

Mrs. Abercrombie started her walk with the Lord by going to something like Released Time. She didn’t have a supportive Christian family, and she wasn’t made to go to church every Sunday. Instead, she learned about God in a small Bible class. I encourage you to check out Released Time or FCA at your school or other local Bible studies. Can’t find one you like? Consider starting one with your friends. Reading the Bible can be challenging alone, but it’s always nice to be able to read and reflect with your friends. The YouVersion Bible App also offers a ton of Bible Studies and devotionals for all stages of life. Look it up and see what God has in store for your life!

Remember, you can’t get closer to anyone without spending time with them! Spend time with the Lord today and watch your whole life start to change.

“For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Deuteronomy 30:16

“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

May the Lord Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

Praying for you always girls!

Kayla Rampey

“Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” -Author Unknown

My dad used to tell me all the time that “if you lay with dogs, you’ll get fleas.” I guess this was his version of “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” He always had a wise saying that I ignored as a teen but completely understand as an adult. Laugh now, but one day you’ll be saying the same things about your parents’ crazy sayings.

As I  look back, I can honestly say that my friends had a lot to do with who I became. In high school, I wasn’t the most popular person but I wasn’t the least popular person either. I actually received the “friendliest” award in 8^th grade. (my husband still thinks that is hilarious for some reason) I guess you could say I got along with about anyone for the most part. I didn’t like confrontation, I definitely wasn’t a fighter, and to be honest…I wasn’t a huge fan of school in the first place. So I figured it was best to just be myself and make the most of it. I did get along with about everyone, but I always had a close group of friends that seemed to stay by my side throughout the years.

Every year I made different friends, kept the faithful few, and grew as a person. Some of the friends I chose were great influences. They were Christians, always had a meek/humble attitude, and never cursed or did anything bad. However, there were a few that were the opposite if you know what I mean. In the end, I made the decision who I became, but my friends were a major influence in some of the decisions I made.

Every decision you make, even when it comes to choosing your friends, can change your whole future and you as a person.

At one point, I dated a guy that loved to skateboard and played in a band. I’ll never forget the day he came to my house to pick me up with a mohawk! I literally thought my dad was going to lock me in my room and never let me go anywhere with him. He was a good guy but day by day, my friends and I saw ourselves changing. We liked guys in bands and loved the music they listened to, so well…we started to wear darker clothes, pick up skateboarding (sort of), and dress the part of a skateboarder. Our style changed, our language changed because of the music we listened to, and we became different people. Luckily that phase didn’t last forever.

Every year, it seemed as though one or more things would change about who we were. But it never failed, if you looked back at my group of friends at any given time, I was just like them and they were just like me. I became who I was hanging around and they became more like me.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t always the best thing.

I want to challenge you to evaluate who you hang out with. Are they leading you closer to God? Or are they pulling you further away from Him?

Are they encouraging you or bringing you down? Listen to them talk, are they always negative or gossiping about others? Or are they encouraging you and bringing you up when you’re having a bad day?

Whether you realize it or not, you are who you hang around.

In the book,” Divine Direction” by Craig Groeschel (great book if you need a good easy read), Craig says, We’re connected now more than ever, yet we feel lonelier than we ever have before.”

Why is this?

On social media the average person has thousands of friends and followers, but very few real friends. We spend hours working and going to school with hundreds of people, but we never really spend more than 5 minutes at a time with one person. Life is busy, texts are easier, and social media keeps up with everyone so no one really has to “connect” with anyone. We are living in an anti-social world with millions of lonely people.

Craig mentions that you should have 3 types of friends in your life to help you become a better person.

1) a friend to challenge you and bring out your best

2) a friend to help you find strength in God and to grow in your faith

3) a friend to tell you the honest truth, especially when you don’t want to hear it

Do you have friends like this? If not, pray for God to show you someone to connect with. At the same time, choose the type of friend you can be to others around you.

Each friend has their own purpose, and each friend can help you become a better follower of Christ with a life to be proud of.

Evaluating your friends can be tough. Sometimes when you really think about, some of your friends may be leading you down a dark path. Will you continue to follow them? Try to shine the Light and change their direction? Or just turn away and put Christ first in your life?

Decisions can be hard, but each decision you make can change your entire future. Stay focused on God, stay in prayer, and trust God to lead you in the way HE wants you to go.

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:12

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:1-6

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

If you’re running low on energy and feel like nothing has gone right today… take a few moments to cry out to the Lord. And then listen for any prompting He places in your spirit.
Because God stands in our yesterday, today and tomorrow, He sees all. And He knows the perfect way to prepare our hearts for every situation ~ Lysa T

Facebook reminded me of this beautiful promise above. No matter where you stand in life, God is with you always. He knows our past, present, and future and loves us through it all.

Hold strong to His promises and lean on Him for your strength each day.

Be comforted in knowing that you are never alone.

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace each day!

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.

On this same day, I sat in class surrounded by friends and peers that had no idea what was going just a few States away. My teacher ran in and out of the classroom checking his phone and searching for the remote to turn on the television. As the doors slammed up and down the hallway of the school, we knew something was wrong. Then I heard it, the word that would become unusually common to me from that day on, “terrorist.” Until that day, I don’t think I had even heard or thought about that word. All I knew is that it wasn’t good and that life was about to change. Teachers were frightened and locking down the classrooms, allowing us to use phones and contact our parents, and turning on the news in each room. Some were in tears as they came to our classrooms checking on the other teachers.

It was terrifying to be on the outside, not knowing what was going to happen next, but can you imagine being on the inside? The World Trade Center was packed with everyday employees, talking about the weather, drinking their coffee, and getting ready for a normal day at work. They had no idea what was coming their way. Then it hit. A plane crashed into their building and shook the whole foundation. The power would have flickered, and depending on where you were inside the building you may or may not have known exactly what was going on. The building beside them was so close that they could hear the first crash. They had no idea that another plane was heading their way. Coworkers would have been scrambling everywhere screaming in terror and trying to figure out what they needed to do. If they went down the thousands of stairs they could’ve ran into more damaging conditions, crowded staircases, and even risk getting trampled on their way down. In the meantime, they were left not knowing if another hit was coming or if they were going to be able to make it out alive. Minute by minute, the intensity and fear would’ve increased and caused panic on every floor. People began to fear the worst and started calling out to their family members saying their goodbyes. Videos and photos from the scene show people jumping from the building in fear. They knew the outcome was not going to be good and they had no idea what to do. I cannot imagine what they went through in those hours, the thoughts that went through their heads, or the tears that went down their faces. It would’ve been terrifying.

But there I sat, safe without harm in my boring band class. I had no idea what was going on or why everyone was panicking, but I did know it was bad. As I looked around, teachers went from panic to prayer and terror to tears.

It was all we could do. When we realized that this was a terrorist attack and could be the first of many more, the United States hit their knees and prayed.

It took fear, panic, and thousands of lives for the US to realize we needed God’s help. For a few months after the attack, churches were packed with new visitors trying to find hope for this Nation. Every news channel featured a different prayer service for the lost victims and their families. Leaders proclaimed the Gospel and prayed publicly for God’s help.

Years later…where has the panic gone? Where are the prayers? Why are the churches declining each week?

Today, 16 years later, we need to remember how quickly life can change and how desperately we always need God. It shouldn’t take panic to promote prayer. Prayer should be a consistent motion that we always rely on and use as a constant communication with our Heavenly Father.

May we never forget the panic, the prayer, and people who lost their lives on 9/11/01. For many of your reading this blog, you weren’t even born when this tragedy struck or maybe you were too young to understand the depths of what was going on.

It was a tragic day in this Nation that started a battle we still face today. Today, we need to remember to pray. Pray for this nation, pray for each other, and pray for the enemies that are against us.

I am thankful to be alive today, thankful to have freedom to live and worship like I do, and thankful to be able to pray to my Heavenly Father always.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” Matthew 5:44

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

• Happy Labor Day! Enjoy your day off!

Make sure you check out the September Newsletter at:

Glitter and Grace Teen September Newsletter

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

In the last year alone, God has made one thing clear to my husband and I, and that is: our first mission field is our home.

A few months back, my husband and I took a leap of faith that completely took me out of my comfort zone…and to be honest…I’m still trying to get used to the change.

In July of 2017, my husband and I resigned as the Youth Ministers at Crosswell First Baptist Church. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. When my husband came to me with this decision, we prayed for months for direction and peace, but in the end, we both decided it was best for us to leave Crosswell and to focus on our first mission field, our home.

In 2013, God entrusted us with a precious little boy named Carson. A few years later in 2015, Asher was born. Both of our boys are healthy, happy, wild, and crazy. As our boys are getting older, we’ve realized more and more how important the home is. Our first mission field is our home and may we never forget that. Every day, we are to raise our children in a home that loves the Lord and desires to change this world with His message.

To the teenagers reading this blog, you may not understand this now, but one day you’ll realize how important the home truly is. For now, I ask that you pray for your home every day. Pray for your parents as they guide you in this world and your siblings (even if you don’t get along) that share your home with each day.

Crosswell will always be my family and even though we are no longer worshipping in the same building, we are still members of the same church.

These last few weeks, looking for a new church has made me realize one thing, the word “church” has lost its meaning. The “church” is not the building that you worship in each week, it’s the people of God.

YOU are the church! A while back I wrote these words, “

“It’s not about how you worship, It’s about Who you worship.”

In the last month, my family and I have had to take a step back and search for a new “home.” When I was born, my parents took me to Elljean Baptist Church where most of my family went. My great grandfather built the church and I loved growing up there with my family and friends. After a life detour without church, I met my now husband and we decided to go back to church. Without a thought in mind, we visited my home church, Elljean and his home church, New Beginnings, off and on for almost a year. In fact, when we first got married we were still going to “my church” On Sunday mornings and “his church” on Sunday evenings. It was a hard decision for us to make, but we eventually started going to Elljean full time. When Dustin was called into the ministry, we took a leap of faith and moved to Griffin Baptist Church where we worked with the Youth. About 2 years later, we moved to Crosswell First Baptist Church. Each step was paved by God Himself and clear as to where we needed to go.

As we walked out of Crosswell for our last service about a month ago, we realized that this was the first time we had no idea which direction to go. To be honest, there are churches on every corner in Pickens County and the decision on where to go can be overwhelming. I’ve never been without a church and I’ve never really had to look for one. There are HUGE churches with basketball courts and bowling alleys, tiny churches with less than 10 members, home churches where you meet in someone’s basement, biker churches, cowboy churches, loud churches, silent churches, churches with steeples, warehouse churches, country music churches, contemporary churches, traditional churches, pew jumping churches….and those are just a few of the many options out there. I’ve never been in the shoes of a “homeless” person but in that instance, I felt as though I was “homeless.” Homeless without a church.

Then God reminded me, YOU ARE THE CHURCH. The building you worship in is just a building… The way you worship, the clothes you wear, the “style” you consider your worship service…none of that matters if you are standing on the Word of God.

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”                            1 Corinthians 12:27

We’ve had hundreds of invites to different churches, but as a family we’ve realized that we don’t want to choose a church based on who goes there, we want to choose a church that we know God is directing us to. No matter where we go, we are still a member of the same church and the building we worship in is just a building.

It disturbs me to see the “rivalry” between tiny churches, big churches, contemporary churches, traditional churches, etc. It’s almost as though small churches get angry because the big churches are “taking” their members. Then big churches get ridiculed when they add on because they are outgrowing their walls. No one should ever be upset when another church grows. Instead, we should all rejoice and continue to pray for one another always. It’s time we, as a body of believers, stand up for who we are. It’s time we stand up for the church and start working together to glorify God and spread the good news to those who need it most.

No matter what church building you go to, always remember that we are all members of the same team. If we work together, we could change this world!

As a member of one team, the CHURCH, what will you do differently this school year to bring others closer to Christ? Will you recruit new team members or just sit on the bench?

My family and I are still visiting local churches and praying for God’s direction each step of the way, but we are certain that God has a plan for us. In the last few weeks alone, we have seen a change in our spirits and a renewal of our family. This journey has reminded me that sometimes God has to take you out into the wilderness, with nowhere to go, to show you exactly where you need to be.

Trust in Him always and He will show you the way!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

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This is worship…They are the church…be the church…

“Remember your past but Rejoice in who God made you.”

In 2006, I graduated from Pickens High School not having a clue what was about to happen in my life. I was young, carefree, and ready to take on the world.

What I didn’t want to accept is that God had other plans for my life.

I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life but I knew I needed to go to school first, so I started Tri County Tech in the Fall of 2006 majoring in Early Childhood Education. For the next few years I changed my major every other month, moved from one college to another, and never found stability in anything I set my mind on.

God was not going to let me go easy.

It was a confusing and overwhelming time in my life. From 2006 – 2010 I ran from God. I still struggled my first year of marriage trying to choose between God’s plan and making up my own way in life. It sounds like an easy decision and should have been obvious, but it’s not always as easy as you may think. Every day you are faced with a choice you must make on your own: to follow God or follow this world. When you wake up you can dress to impress and fit-in with all the styles, no matter how provocative they may be, or you can choose God and dress in a manner that would please Him and not cause someone else to lust. I’m not saying you must wear dresses to your ankles and cover your head with a bag, but come on ladies…you know what I’m talking about. Be respectful.

As I look back on the poor decisions I made, friendships and relationships that were broken, and situations that could have ended up much worse than they did…I consider myself blessed. Blessed to be a part of God’s plan, blessed by His Grace. Years later I have a beautiful family, work in an office where my boss starts the day in prayer and devotion every morning and prays over his patients each week, and I am privileged to  work with you girls as you grow in God’s plan for your life!

In today’s world, if you don’t listen to your parents or your boss the first time they tell you to do something, they might give you a second chance to change your mind, but not always. Would they give you years to do what they told you to do in the first place?

What if the next time your dad or mom tells you to clean your room, you respond, “Nah, not today. I’ll do it in maybe 5-7 years.” I don’t think that would work too well for you. (and definitely don’t tell them I told you to do that – purely for an example)

This is only one of the reasons why I consider myself blessed by His Grace. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. God gave me grace when He was patient with me and never gave up on me despite my rebellion. Today, I am who I am because of His Grace. Though I remember my past mistakes, I can rejoice knowing that He made me clean. He welcomed me to His family and He is all that matters. I will always be grateful for His Amazing Grace!

There are days that I’m reminded of my past and brought to tears by who I used to be. Embarrassed and ashamed, my heart breaks thinking of the pain I caused my family.

But then I remember…

I am a child of God, a daughter of the One True King! Sunday, my family and I went to 5point in Easley and the Pastor said, “Remember your past but Rejoice in who God made you.”

I honestly did not plan on writing this blog today. I started my blog with a completely different topic in mind. I even had a cute picture and title picked out for it and everything…but apparently someone needs to hear this. I don’t know who, but I do know that you are not defined by your past. Don’t let your past mistakes hold you back from who God created you to be. It’s time to move forward, hear His Word, and Rejoice in knowing that God can make you clean. Rejoice in knowing that you can be a child of God.

Today’s scripture came from Acts 10 and 11 where Peter went against culture and spoke with 3 gentiles, men that were not Jewish, and eventually saved and baptized them. The people wondered why Peter was with the gentiles, the gossiped about him talking to sinners, and they even questioned him about wanting to baptize these people, but his response was simple, “And I remembered the word of the lord how He used to say, “John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if God gave to them the same gift He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that could stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:16-17

God loves you just as He loves the rest of His children. There will be regrets in your life big or small that you won’t be able to forget and words that you can never take back, but you must always remember…

His love surpasses them all and no matter what you’ve done or how bad you think your past may be…God is always there. His Grace is too hard to explain in words, but I can promise His love will never fail you.

When you wake up in the morning, claim yourself as a child of God, a daughter of the One True King. Look in the mirror and see yourself as more than just a series of past mistakes, but a masterpiece created by God Himself.

You are beautiful, you are wonderful, and you need to remind yourself daily how special you truly are!

You are a part of His plan and your mission is just beginning!

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

If you have a special prayer need or need to talk to someone, you can always call, text, or email me anytime! I’m always here for you!

Kayla Rampey

KaylaRampey@yahoo.com

864-915-8094