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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Some simple truths.

 Its pretty crazy to think if it weren't for ONE decision being made, our entire lives would be different. Have any of you ever thought about this?

Last night...I received quite a few bits of bad, sad, and just wrong news. I could choose to let these things get me down...but I am choosing to look on the bright side of things.


I know my blog is mainly a few things;
-happy
-fun
-yellow
-more yellow
...but today, I want to let you in on some of the more real aspects of my life.
Here we go...

My parents got divorced when I was 9. I was forced to grow up immediately and take care of my baby brother, who was only 3 and had no clue what was happening. This forced me to become more independent.

I had two jobs as soon as I turned 15 and a half... my mom, grandparents or cousin would drive me to work 20 minutes away because I wasn't even old enough to have a license yet. I was working nearly 40 hours a week all throughout high school. It's because of this I learned what hard work means.

I paid for everything on my own. Food, clothes, driving school, doctors appointments, you name it. This made me appreciate the value of a dollar.

I was ripped out of college mid-semester my junior year because my family couldn't afford it. I was embarrassed, mortified, and heart broken. I had to pack my bags, say goodbye to my friends, and leave with a car full of everything I owned. I was going back home...this felt like failure...but through this heartache I realized I had something better for me waiting back home. A real job. One that would help me with my education, one that would lift me up, and encourage me.

I went through a very rough relationship a few years back, there were high's and lows...and when I say low's I mean low's. We both made stupid decisions, heck...we were only children. However, it was through this relationship I found who I really wasn't. It was also through this relationship that I found who I was. I was a better person than I gave myself credit to be...and I realized I was lovable despite my unfortunate past.

I really debated on even sharing this one... but it is truth hour, right?
My mom went on vacation to Hawaii last February, and never came back. I miss her and our relationship every single day. I struggle with my emotions on this topic on a daily basis, but I DO know that every single thing happens for a reason, one way or another...and it is not about me. I do know that through THIS heartache especially, God will bring something amazing. I have that faith in Him.

 I don't share that last one especially with you for any sort of pity, but for any of you to know that us bloggers ALL have "things" going on, even when the surface may seem so clean.
We are all a little broken... but I think that makes us beautiful.

I'm thankful that through my past, things worked out all the way they should.

If I hadn't had to leave college...I wouldn't be marrying the man of my dreams in 18 little days.
If I wasn't the daughter of a divorced couple, I may not have the steady head I do today.
If I hadn't worked so hard in school to support myself, I may have ended up drowning in debt.

I'll never know "what could have been"...but one thing is for sure.
God had a plan for me..

that plan was Caleb.


I am so thankful for this community and what it brings to my life...I can't thank you all enough for coming back to read my rambles on a daily basis. I truly appreciate EVERY single comment you leave, email we exchange, and story that is told. 

This is one of my favorite verses, and I truly believe it.


Have a fabulous day, friends.

32 comments:

  1. Kayla. amazing post. i thank you so much for opening up and sharing your heart and heart ache. you really have been through a lot and you continue to be so happy and bring happiness to others. you are amazing. You are so right. one thing can change everything.

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  2. Thanks for sharing. I can completely relate.

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  3. Girlfriend... this is my favorite post you have ever written. It's real, it's you, it's honest and it's WHY you are the amazing person you are today. I hope you know how highly Jared and I think of you and love you. I love that we are going to be FAMILY forever and ever and I'm truly blessed by our friendship ever day!! You are a light in so many people's lives... don't ever forget that!! MUAH!

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing this. You have turned into an amazing woman through all of this. Isn't it neat how God's plan works?

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  5. Love this post my dear!!! I love when bloggers share the "real" them! :)
    P.S. Am I still a no reply blogger??? I can't fix it! :(

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  6. Thanks for sharing something so close to your heart with us. I've come to learn that this blogland can connect people on so many different levels, through our happy experiences and our tough experiences. Especially, when you can relate to the tough ones. But I think Erin's comment says it all - what sweet additions to your family you will be getting in 18 days! :)

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  7. Thank you for posting this. I would have never imagined how much you have gone through. You are so strong!
    I am ALWAYS thinking about how one decision leads to another and at the time you never realize it. So very true. :)

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  8. I love this post. & I love you too!

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  9. this is such an incredible post. how amazing is it that the difficult times in our lives bring us to such wonderful, beautiful aspects of our lives?

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  10. I think this is my favorite post that you have every done. Sometimes those things that happen don't make sense in the moment, but down the road, you can see how the led you to where you are today. It's important to have that long term vision when making big decisions, and it looks like you made some great decisions that led you to Caleb and to God.

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  11. everyone is saying this is their favorite and i just might have to agree. it is such a hard thing to accept God's plan in life, especially when things go not how you want or imagined. you attitude is amazing! you are such a happy and bright girl! love that about you.

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  12. Love that verse, it's hard to believe that in certain moments, but it always proves to be right.

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  13. This is Beautiful. YOU are Beautiful!

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  14. Kayla, you are incredible. While I was reading this post I kept thinking of that quote that everything in life is either a lesson or a blessing. Caleb is definitely that blessing for you...you two are so great together. I really do think that all of the things you have gone through has made you an amazingly strong person. Your (future) husband, your kids, your family, and your friends will all benefit from having you in their lives!

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  15. You are a true gem both inside and out. I love your heart and the way you've dealt with tough situations. They say often it's not the situations that define us, but rather how we deal with those situations. I'm so excited for all that is happening for you and adore you to pieces. Happy Tuesday my love.

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  16. Thank you for sharing so openly about your life. You are such a wonderful girl! I love how you can find the good through what's occured in your life. <3

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  17. Love, love this post. Thanks for being so real. I too, have divorced parents, and had to leave my school of choice and move back home because my family couldn't afford it. Such a great post.

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  18. You are beyond words an amazing person. Your story is one to be proud of, you took on the challenges that life has given you and continue to live life with a smile everyday! You've got a lot to be proud of and yay for only 18 days.

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  19. I am speechless. This is one of the most beautiful posts I've ever read. And I love your honesty. We already know we're practically twins with our attitudes and cheeriness, but reading this makes me love you even more. Your true colors have shined through your whole life and in situations that would more than likely make most crumble. Thank you again for sharing.

    p.s. 18 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  20. Girl you are so brave to share all of this! I love that you are able to keep such an optimistic and happy perspective after everything you have gone through. In my opinion, perseverance and optimism are two of the best traits a person can have, and you definitely have both.

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  21. love how real this is. everything works out for GOOD. so EXCITED for you!!!!!! 18 days!

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  22. Kayla this was so beautifully written. Thanks for sharing your heart friend. I admire you a billion times more after reading this because you seem like such a bright light even in the darkness you've had to face! You deserve so much happiness. :)

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  23. Kayla, this post is amazing! When bad things happen, I always try to find the silver lining, because it can always be worse. And I truly, fully, wholeheartedly believe that God has a plan for everything!

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  24. Awe lovey, this is a great post and one about truth. I love it and you are truly amazing for sharing all that is happened in your life. It only givea me courage to put it all out there one day as you are right all of us are broken in some ways. God has blessed you and I pray he continues to! 18 (now 17) days is soo exciting. You'll be a beautiful bride!!!

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  25. This brought tears to my eyes Kayla!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this. Every up and down we go through shapes us into the person we are today. I'm so happy for all the positive things that life has brought to you! As a blogger, it is easy to forget that others go through so much we never see...we always put the happy, pretty moments on display. So, thanks for always keeping to so real!! The future has so many good things in store for you :)

    -Tiffany
    www.stylesidebar.com

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  26. What an uplifting post. Good for you for staying strong and not letting uncontrollable things define you.

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  27. I love you Kayla! And I am so so proud of you!

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  28. I am so glad you shared this post! Makes me want to do one similar. It makes me feel even closer to you and know you a little better....because one day WE WILL MEET!! :) Love you, boo.

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  29. I'm sorry I'm a little behind on my blog reading, but thank you for sharing such a beautiful post, Kayla. It is incredible how life falls into place, often with a plan much greater than our own. It sounds like you've ended up in a wonderful place :) Excited that your big day is almost here!!

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  30. Hey I know that you don't know me but I blog and I came across your blog and I have been reading it ever since. You are so inspiring. I'm only 17 and I just want to say that you're a great role model and I really love reading your posts.

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  31. Hey I know that you don't know me but I blog and I came across your blog and I have been reading it ever since. You are so inspiring. I'm only 17 and I just want to say that you're a great role model and I really love reading your posts.

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    Replies
    1. Leah, thank you SO much! That means a lot! This comment literally made my day. You are such a sweet girl and I really hope you'll stick around! :)

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Thanks for your comments, I read and respond to every single one of them! :) Excited to get to know you!