About a week ago, the mom of the family that I live with turned 37. She was able to get this great house on Table Rock Lake through their TimeShare, and got to keep it 3 days, 2 nights. How cool, right? Well, she (and I) (and girls in general) LOVE to talk. She happens to be one of the greatest conversation topic starters I know. After we had tossed around different topics, one of the ladies there shared about a little message she used to speak on with a small women's ministry that traveled and spoke in different areas. (At least, that's the way I understood it.) I had her repeat the verses she based it off of twice, but to my despair, I still can't remember them. Oh well, I guess I can use it as an excuse to get together with her! ;-)
It went something along the lines of understanding that God has created and designed us all for different purposes, and some verse in the Bible does some crazy comparison to which she has came up with finding an item to describe who you are.
Ex. Cindy is a book, because she loves to write, (books!), and she is full of information, and knowledgeable, etc...
Which leads me to explaining the title of this blog post. I've thought about sharing it with whoever reads this silly thing for awhile, and now I am!
I am a stethoscope. Aside from the obvious reason of it being a medical instrument, and that I wear it around my neck (which is technically a no-no), one of the reasons I thought of was that I really like to get to the heart of a person. I love learning about who they are in the Lord, what passions they have, how they're going to change the world. What kind of mom they are, wife they are, sister, daughter, leader... I can hear skipped beats during conversation and immediately want to console and treat the root of the problem. Then, Melinda, (the mom of the family I live with...), chimed in and mentioned that I ask frequently, "How are you?", which is true I do. And I typically receive the classical, "I'm good, how are you?", when I truly want to know what the other person's life is currently like. Granted, some people find that intrusive, but others see my heart and understand I truly care.
Then, blessed Cindy, (who doesn't know me at all), said that when she thought stethoscope, she thought about how they are sensitive. They pick up on every little noise, and they know how to keep distance from loud things. Things that would cause too harmful a vibration. How cool is that? I just love it! I'm a stethoscope. I'm sure I could find many things that I could describe myself in, but this one is definitely a top for me.
What about you? What would you be? Don't think too hard or it won't work!
xoxo,
Kayla
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
I'm interceding for you, Haiti
Yesterday I started my last first day of Nursing school. What a milestone, huh? In less than four months, I will hopefully be beginning to work as a graduate nurse. Then, after I take my boards (NCLEX) I will be able to officially write RN after my name. Like this:
Kayla Aiken, RN
I mean, that is just really cool to me. I'll have just turned 21, and hopefully will no longer have braces in my mouth.
Let me talk to you about something more meaningful:
I didn't purposely wait another week to update my blog for it to be on the 2 week anniversary of the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti's world and those diligently working in the country. Even as I type the name Haiti, I am brought to tears. I'll only say it once, (b/c I could go on and on about it), but I LOVE that country. I LOVE those people.
Last week, especially toward the end of the week, I was just so emotional. Because I can't go to aid the country right now, I felt like being involved and staying caught up in the news was the best thing I could do. Truth is, it didn't do anything but cause me depression. Awareness is key to move hearts of people to pray, give, go... I already prayed, continue to pray, already gave, but I just couldn't go. It has bothered me to know that I have skills to help those that are hurting, and I feel like I'm hoarding my gift, because I can't actually reach them... This might sound weird, but the truth is my 'spiritual' gift (if you may) is healing. When I see people hurting, I seriously break down. It's bittersweet. Bitter because I can't always help them, and sweet because I know God is the one who feels that for the broken, and I am the vessel being used by Him.
Saying all of this, (it's such a scattered post), the disaster in Haiti has reignited my fire for prayer. I was having a sincere struggle understanding the purpose of praying and feeling it never went above the clouds, but it was all because I thought I had to plead a case and pray hard enough, say scripture verses in my prayer, and remind God of all His prior answers to prayer. False. Truth?: Just give it to Him, and if I feel it continually on my heart, intercede. If you pray the way I described above, it's exhausting. At least it was for me. When I thought about praying, I shut down because I was too tired to come up with reasons why God should answer my prayer. Now, I know better. God doesn't need that info. Whatever your passions are for, God's the one who has given them to you. He knows the facts. He hasn't forgotten promises in the scripture, He hasn't forgotten the past. And, He's in the future. Keep interceding. I'm interceding for you, Haiti.
God, Haiti needs help. May we all be empowered by the Spirit to be the vessel You've designed us to be. Bring hope. Amen
Kayla Aiken, RN
I mean, that is just really cool to me. I'll have just turned 21, and hopefully will no longer have braces in my mouth.
Let me talk to you about something more meaningful:
I didn't purposely wait another week to update my blog for it to be on the 2 week anniversary of the 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti's world and those diligently working in the country. Even as I type the name Haiti, I am brought to tears. I'll only say it once, (b/c I could go on and on about it), but I LOVE that country. I LOVE those people.
Last week, especially toward the end of the week, I was just so emotional. Because I can't go to aid the country right now, I felt like being involved and staying caught up in the news was the best thing I could do. Truth is, it didn't do anything but cause me depression. Awareness is key to move hearts of people to pray, give, go... I already prayed, continue to pray, already gave, but I just couldn't go. It has bothered me to know that I have skills to help those that are hurting, and I feel like I'm hoarding my gift, because I can't actually reach them... This might sound weird, but the truth is my 'spiritual' gift (if you may) is healing. When I see people hurting, I seriously break down. It's bittersweet. Bitter because I can't always help them, and sweet because I know God is the one who feels that for the broken, and I am the vessel being used by Him.
Saying all of this, (it's such a scattered post), the disaster in Haiti has reignited my fire for prayer. I was having a sincere struggle understanding the purpose of praying and feeling it never went above the clouds, but it was all because I thought I had to plead a case and pray hard enough, say scripture verses in my prayer, and remind God of all His prior answers to prayer. False. Truth?: Just give it to Him, and if I feel it continually on my heart, intercede. If you pray the way I described above, it's exhausting. At least it was for me. When I thought about praying, I shut down because I was too tired to come up with reasons why God should answer my prayer. Now, I know better. God doesn't need that info. Whatever your passions are for, God's the one who has given them to you. He knows the facts. He hasn't forgotten promises in the scripture, He hasn't forgotten the past. And, He's in the future. Keep interceding. I'm interceding for you, Haiti.
God, Haiti needs help. May we all be empowered by the Spirit to be the vessel You've designed us to be. Bring hope. Amen
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
He is not shaken, nor surprised...
12, January, 2010-One week ago, the country of Haiti shook violently and mercilessly while it was the pawn in the hand of a ravaging earthquake. The whole world knew minutes after the tragedy occurred, and began to respond quickly. The running line you saw most news articles beginning their story with was these words, "homes, hospitals, businesses, everything is flattened..." Many people are dead. The Red Cross currently estimating 70,000 but very likely more. It's been 7 days. Medical opinion speaks that the likelihood of finding anymore alive is virtually zero. Yet many are still missing loved ones. Which places the death poll possibly even higher.
In the midst of simply searching for survivors, panic, grief, pain, injuries, chaos, and sadness have no doubt prevailed through the cities. As a sister in Christ, I grieve with them. As a daughter of the Most High King, I am called to intercede on their behalf. Haiti was already a desperate nation. They were already starving. They already struggled to find clean water. They were already desperate for work to support families. They were already needing a desperate refreshing from the Lord.
Praise You, God, for organizations that have been established in Haiti for an extended period of time. Thank You, Lord, for the Convoy of Hope, Samaritans Purse, Messengers International, World Vision, Compassion International, and many more who have invested so much to help the nation. The country of Haiti has needed the attention it is receiving now a long time ago. The awareness of the crucial state Haiti lies in. Hunger is prevailing. Disease is bombarding the weak and immune-suppressed. AIDs is transmitted in Haiti and is killing God's children. There WILL, no doubt, come a point where we will have to say this: "What you did in the heat of the moment was astonishing. Now, what will you continue to do? This is vital to not just recovery, but growth."
I've followed Haiti for a little over a year now. In October of 08, I had the privilege through to begin sponsoring a baby girl age 9. Through a monthly contribution, it has been made possible for little Cheline to go to receive a hot meal everyday while receiving an education, as well as help for her entire family. She is involved in church and loves to play with babydolls and sing at church. Although I am a thousand miles away, she is in a sense my first daughter. And I love her.
Thirteen months ago, the Lord told me very clearly that He made me to serve Haiti. He designed me to help them. Although I am a thousand miles away, Haiti is where my heart lives. I share God's heart and passion for the Haitian people. I desire each one of them to come into an enriching relationship with the same God I serve and am blessed by. I hurt when they hurt. I cry when they cry. I laugh when they laugh. I will walk with them here, and when it is time, I will walk with them where they, (and I, myself), call home; the country of Haiti.
You may have a passion to go to the country to aid in relief, (as I do, also!) but the fact remains that sometimes, even when something is a passion, we have to yield our feelings to our Creator for Him to control. I am learning that this burden I have been under for 7 days (+ one year) is not because God wants me there on the ground at this moment. It is because He has called me into a time of intercession for His people there. Currently a time of intercession for the Haitians, the United Statesmen, the British, the Australians, the Venezuelan's, and many others assisting in the relief, recovery, and sustainability process. If God wanted us on the ground, believe me, we'd be there. For who can stop God? Who can thwart His plans? Who's plans are higher than His?
Stand your ground. Out of major events, comes major faith. Out of major faith, comes amazing works of our God.
God, You are not shaken. You are not taken by surprise. The people of Haiti and those helping need Your rest and comfort to be brought upon them, for they are weary. You are in control, and all things work in accordance to Your end for them. We love you, Lord. We place our worry and fear in You. Amen
P.S. If you have not given your coffee money away, or spared yourself from Kohls, Target, or the local mall to give financially to a reliable organization that has history working with the country of Haiti and is actively aiding right now, I highly encourage you to do so. I gave 10 dollars because it is what I have right now. But effective organizations can make that 10 dollars stretch to 40 dollars and possibly as high as 70 dollars.
I recommend www.convoyofhope.org as they are backed by the Better Business Bureau, and have achieved the highest rating of four stars by Charity Navigator. Do it. Do it for Cheline, and her friends. Do it because you know you can.
In the midst of simply searching for survivors, panic, grief, pain, injuries, chaos, and sadness have no doubt prevailed through the cities. As a sister in Christ, I grieve with them. As a daughter of the Most High King, I am called to intercede on their behalf. Haiti was already a desperate nation. They were already starving. They already struggled to find clean water. They were already desperate for work to support families. They were already needing a desperate refreshing from the Lord.
Praise You, God, for organizations that have been established in Haiti for an extended period of time. Thank You, Lord, for the Convoy of Hope, Samaritans Purse, Messengers International, World Vision, Compassion International, and many more who have invested so much to help the nation. The country of Haiti has needed the attention it is receiving now a long time ago. The awareness of the crucial state Haiti lies in. Hunger is prevailing. Disease is bombarding the weak and immune-suppressed. AIDs is transmitted in Haiti and is killing God's children. There WILL, no doubt, come a point where we will have to say this: "What you did in the heat of the moment was astonishing. Now, what will you continue to do? This is vital to not just recovery, but growth."
I've followed Haiti for a little over a year now. In October of 08, I had the privilege through
Thirteen months ago, the Lord told me very clearly that He made me to serve Haiti. He designed me to help them. Although I am a thousand miles away, Haiti is where my heart lives. I share God's heart and passion for the Haitian people. I desire each one of them to come into an enriching relationship with the same God I serve and am blessed by. I hurt when they hurt. I cry when they cry. I laugh when they laugh. I will walk with them here, and when it is time, I will walk with them where they, (and I, myself), call home; the country of Haiti.
You may have a passion to go to the country to aid in relief, (as I do, also!) but the fact remains that sometimes, even when something is a passion, we have to yield our feelings to our Creator for Him to control. I am learning that this burden I have been under for 7 days (+ one year) is not because God wants me there on the ground at this moment. It is because He has called me into a time of intercession for His people there. Currently a time of intercession for the Haitians, the United Statesmen, the British, the Australians, the Venezuelan's, and many others assisting in the relief, recovery, and sustainability process. If God wanted us on the ground, believe me, we'd be there. For who can stop God? Who can thwart His plans? Who's plans are higher than His?
Stand your ground. Out of major events, comes major faith. Out of major faith, comes amazing works of our God.
God, You are not shaken. You are not taken by surprise. The people of Haiti and those helping need Your rest and comfort to be brought upon them, for they are weary. You are in control, and all things work in accordance to Your end for them. We love you, Lord. We place our worry and fear in You. Amen
P.S. If you have not given your coffee money away, or spared yourself from Kohls, Target, or the local mall to give financially to a reliable organization that has history working with the country of Haiti and is actively aiding right now, I highly encourage you to do so. I gave 10 dollars because it is what I have right now. But effective organizations can make that 10 dollars stretch to 40 dollars and possibly as high as 70 dollars.
I recommend www.convoyofhope.org as they are backed by the Better Business Bureau, and have achieved the highest rating of four stars by Charity Navigator. Do it. Do it for Cheline, and her friends. Do it because you know you can.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Prayer for Haiti
I am praying, and currently am rather speechless aside from prayers. I would like to be more informative with this blog update, but right now, I just want to pray. And I need you to join me in praying.
God, You are not taken by surprise at this tragic situation that has rocked the country of Haiti, and drawn the hearts of the entire world. We know that ALL things happen for a reason. Your Word says that You protect those who serve You. I am asking You right now to protect every single soul that is in the country of Haiti and city of Port-au-Prince even moreso. Put a hedge of protection around every single individual. Bring quick, intelligible, effective aid to those who are injured and remove any hindering forces from their way. God, protect those that are bringing aid right now as I type this blog. There will be incredible unrest, anxiety, and fear ravaging the country. But, Your strength and protection I pray to be upon relief organizations and medical teams as they begin to flood the country. Provide all the necessities as needed.
I ask Lord, that You would shower Your peace upon the nation. That Your Name would be proclaimed in the midst of tragedy, and that those who follow You will rely on You and not turn away. I ask on behalf of those who do not yet know You, that You would lavish Your mercies and grace upon them. That You would pour forth Your peace upon them, too. God, You are so big. So capable. So strong. Let all the nations witness this. Let the whole world be moved by the tragedy in Haiti. Let this be a time for those to rise up and chase the vision You've laid in their hearts. You know You have me.
Amen
God, You are not taken by surprise at this tragic situation that has rocked the country of Haiti, and drawn the hearts of the entire world. We know that ALL things happen for a reason. Your Word says that You protect those who serve You. I am asking You right now to protect every single soul that is in the country of Haiti and city of Port-au-Prince even moreso. Put a hedge of protection around every single individual. Bring quick, intelligible, effective aid to those who are injured and remove any hindering forces from their way. God, protect those that are bringing aid right now as I type this blog. There will be incredible unrest, anxiety, and fear ravaging the country. But, Your strength and protection I pray to be upon relief organizations and medical teams as they begin to flood the country. Provide all the necessities as needed.
I ask Lord, that You would shower Your peace upon the nation. That Your Name would be proclaimed in the midst of tragedy, and that those who follow You will rely on You and not turn away. I ask on behalf of those who do not yet know You, that You would lavish Your mercies and grace upon them. That You would pour forth Your peace upon them, too. God, You are so big. So capable. So strong. Let all the nations witness this. Let the whole world be moved by the tragedy in Haiti. Let this be a time for those to rise up and chase the vision You've laid in their hearts. You know You have me.
Amen
Monday, January 11, 2010
Fasting Day #1
A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine updated her twitter status with a link that lead me to a site from Jentezen Franklin. For a long time, he has encouraged others to join with him in a fast at the beginning of the year to simply start out right. I have never fasted from really anything before. To be honest, that fact is quite embarrassing, but if I never start, that's way worse.
My life the past 2 weeks have been crazy. I'm just sayin'. One particular day while at home, I decided to literally POUR myself into the Word of the Lord. And that one particular day was the worst day of my winter break from school. Two things. One: Sometimes I don't know when to just let things go. and Two: Satan hates that I want to give more of myself to the Lord.
Yesterday should have been the first day of the fast, but I just couldn't decide what to fast. Food wasn't really an option because of some problems I have with my blood sugar dropping, and that I am on a specific diet program so cutting out soda's and sweets are already something I do. So I knew it needed to be something that I spend a majority of my time with. My friend that I'm doing this with text me and let me know that she decided to fast facebook. Immediately I was convicted with the thought that I, too, spend an unruly amount of time on the popular site. I knew almost instantly that I needed to fast this. Thanks to Lindsay, the Lord used her to help me find where my priorities lie. Because I didn't begin yesterday, I began today.
Here are a few of the reasons I am fasting for 21 days.
1. I am set on seeking God with ALL that I am.
2. I want to restore intimate, consistent, life-changing connection with the Lord.
3. There are people in my life that need the Lord.
4. The coming year there will be many life-altering decisions I will make.
5. I long to be close to the Maker of our universe.
Well, I hope you will join me in doing something to bring yourself closer to God. He is amazing! Follow me while I'm on this journey. God WILL move.
My life the past 2 weeks have been crazy. I'm just sayin'. One particular day while at home, I decided to literally POUR myself into the Word of the Lord. And that one particular day was the worst day of my winter break from school. Two things. One: Sometimes I don't know when to just let things go. and Two: Satan hates that I want to give more of myself to the Lord.
Yesterday should have been the first day of the fast, but I just couldn't decide what to fast. Food wasn't really an option because of some problems I have with my blood sugar dropping, and that I am on a specific diet program so cutting out soda's and sweets are already something I do. So I knew it needed to be something that I spend a majority of my time with. My friend that I'm doing this with text me and let me know that she decided to fast facebook. Immediately I was convicted with the thought that I, too, spend an unruly amount of time on the popular site. I knew almost instantly that I needed to fast this. Thanks to Lindsay, the Lord used her to help me find where my priorities lie. Because I didn't begin yesterday, I began today.
Here are a few of the reasons I am fasting for 21 days.
1. I am set on seeking God with ALL that I am.
2. I want to restore intimate, consistent, life-changing connection with the Lord.
3. There are people in my life that need the Lord.
4. The coming year there will be many life-altering decisions I will make.
5. I long to be close to the Maker of our universe.
Well, I hope you will join me in doing something to bring yourself closer to God. He is amazing! Follow me while I'm on this journey. God WILL move.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Survival
Well, it's officially the new year. 2010. It's gonna feel weird writing "-10" on my dates. I still wrote 08 all last year. It's true. The older you get, the faster time flies.
There are so many things about this year that I have to look forward to. If I don't remind myself how quickly 2009 passed I may very will wish 2010 away. Currently, I'm home sittin in my grandma's house 100 miles from where it feels my life actually is. It's so weird. I don't really remember the transition where "home" no longer became "home-y", but it definitely happened. I've been home since December 19th, which will only be 2 weeks tomorrow, but I have cabin fever like crazy. There is NOTHING to do in this town. Not having a job has made it extra boring. Dang this economy!
I'm in such a horrible mood. Kind of feeling like the Lord is purging me. Anyone ever felt like that? I just want to cry. I'm so emotional. You would think I suffered a personality change. Though being home sometimes does that to me. There's only so much I can take sometimes.
One thing I want to talk about after I really study about it in the Bible is hypocrisy. The questions I want to be able to answer are these: What is it? What are some signs of a hypocrite? What are the consequences to hypocrisy? What effects does it have on those around you?
I'm curious as to what I will find.
Until then....
Kayla
There are so many things about this year that I have to look forward to. If I don't remind myself how quickly 2009 passed I may very will wish 2010 away. Currently, I'm home sittin in my grandma's house 100 miles from where it feels my life actually is. It's so weird. I don't really remember the transition where "home" no longer became "home-y", but it definitely happened. I've been home since December 19th, which will only be 2 weeks tomorrow, but I have cabin fever like crazy. There is NOTHING to do in this town. Not having a job has made it extra boring. Dang this economy!
I'm in such a horrible mood. Kind of feeling like the Lord is purging me. Anyone ever felt like that? I just want to cry. I'm so emotional. You would think I suffered a personality change. Though being home sometimes does that to me. There's only so much I can take sometimes.
One thing I want to talk about after I really study about it in the Bible is hypocrisy. The questions I want to be able to answer are these: What is it? What are some signs of a hypocrite? What are the consequences to hypocrisy? What effects does it have on those around you?
I'm curious as to what I will find.
Until then....
Kayla
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