Be Real

BE REAL

Snap out of the fantasy that the world gets to choose who you get to be. Quit living your life for the approval of man. It's going to leave you broken and empty in the end. You're so confined by how others perceive you, admit it. Acceptance becomes addicting. It's like a drug, you have to quit it. Sounds like a real problem, but there is a solution. Embrace who you are and reject the pollution that invades your mind like an unwelcome guest. Telling you lies that you're inferior to the rest. Your natural beauty is not enough but you can make up for it by buying stuff. A new car, longer hair, a smaller waist will get you there. To that place your heart longs to be where you can be relieved of your misery. But the cold hard truth is that there Is no relief. You won't find it in the things you buy while you're trying to appease the rest of the world and their expectations. You'll be trapped and depressed by your own limitations. If you want true freedom and ultimate purpose I suggest you look to the man who came to serve us. He humbled himself before the rest and for us he faced a brutal death. Jesus was Rejected and hated by man. He wasn't accepted and he didn't fit in. But none of that mattered because He had a bigger purpose, to bring us true freedom although we didn't deserve this. So embrace the freedom that you've been given. Ditch the lies and your disguise. Take off your mask and open your eyes to the world as Christ intended it to be. Where people are genuine, purposeful and free. Be real.

Moments Cherished

For the last four years this beautiful season has been packed with long work days, crammed study sessions, midterms and chaos. It is always such a busy time of year for me and the hardest time to truly enjoy. It isn't usually until my last final is over that I am able to squeeze in all the fun things of fall, winter and then celebrate Christmas, all within about ten days. Since being married, however, my priorities are shifting. I will gladly sacrifice a larger paycheck or a 4.0 GPA in order to spend quality time with my husband, family and friends. I have finally seen the light! The Lord is teaching me the value of time and I don't want to miss any special moments, or beautiful memories from here on out. For this reason, our fall this year has been filled with so many beautiful memories already! I've taken entire days off of studying just to bake, we spent two different nights carving pumpkins and making caramel apples with friends. Most recently erick and I took a couple days off of work to escape it all and soak up the beauty in one of the prettiest fall destinations in California, Julian! Julian is home of the world's best pie, prettiest fall leaves and most breathtaking views. So here's to more sleep and less studying! To more enjoying and less worrying. Here's to cherishing every moment, to stepping away from the rat race of life and enjoying the calm, the quiet and the beautiful.

Me and Daddy

Months before the wedding Erick began sorting through hundreds of hours of video footage from the last 22 years of my life and began putting them all onto CDs as a birthday present for my Dad! In the process, he made this incredible video of my daddy and I which we played for everyone at the wedding. My dad and I sat in the middle of the dance floor, hand in hand, bawling and laughing together that night!

Thank you Erick for all your time and energy making this for us and thank you daddy for giving me a perfect childhood. I love you more than anything!

Our love story (the short version)

I was fourteen years old the day that I met you Erick Sampson. We had just gotten home from a trip to Disneyland with our church, Fallbrook Presbyterian. You sat at one of the barstools in the lobby with a little flirtatious smirk on your face. I remember you introduced yourself to me and complained that you didn’t meet me sooner. When I left you told me how you wished we could’ve hung out all day and gotten to know eachother. I went home and told my mom how I met "the hottest guy ever" and hoped that we’d have another chance to get to know each other very soon. I couldn’t get you out of my head from that moment on. By fifteen, we were no longer acquaintances but friends. I would wait anxiously by my computer to talk to you on AIM since I didn’t have a cell phone yet but I had your number memorized anyways! ;) All my girlfriends had to endure endless stories about my high school crush, how I wished you would notice me and how much I wanted to spend more time with you. By sixteen you were practically one of the family. I would come home and you would be downstairs playing guitars with my dad without me even knowing or my mom would invite you over to dinner. You took me to prom that year and for the first time since the day I met you, you started showing just the slightest interest in me. By seventeen we were best friends. You went off to college at San Diego State but kept in touch with me. We talked on the phone, visited each other and you would come home for my mom’s special meals like gyoza and cashew chicken. After two family vacations together, a second prom, a whole lot of flirting and a few very serious conversations; our journey began. By eighteen, I fell in love with you and I have never looked back! Every year since then my love for you has grown exponentially. You held my hand through some of the most difficult times of my life, you challenged me to grow spiritually daily and and brought more JOY than I could have ever asked for! You have truly made me the person that I am today. Through countless powerful prayers, insightful conversations and belly aching laughs you transformed from my best friend to the love of my life. You became my everything! I was twenty one when you got down on one knee on January 1st, 2012 and changed my whole world forever, making every dream of mine come true at once, when you asked that one simple question…. “Kayla, will you marry me?”. The rest of our love story is unwritten but I know the absolute best is yet to come! From the moment I met you, Erick Sampson, I saw something special in you and over the last seven years I’ve watched you grow and transform in to the man of my dreams! There is not a thing I would change about you.. You are truly the best thing that has ever happened to me and I can not wait to watch the rest of our love story unfold as time passes.. I’ve got a lifetime of love for you!!

Shelter by Birdy

Skinny Love

so much to celebrate

In celebration of the commencement of Christmas break we took a trip with my parents up to Mt. Laguna to get in to the Christmas spirit and capture some christmasy pictures for our Christmas card. I was expecting a few patches of snow and when we arrived it was a complete winter wonderland with miles and miles of perfect fresh snow. Erick and I cringed as we stood there all dressed up watching the little kids sled ride! We wanted to be out there with them soooo badly.. but we are planning a second trip and next time we will dress a little warmer and take our sleds along! 

We ended the perfect day with a delicious dinner at BJ's with erick's family in celebration of erick's NEW JOB!! That's right, he is officially an ENGINEER with a real salary and benefits and all that jazz. I can't believe it! I watched him work so hard for the last four and a half years of college and now all of that incredible work has paid off. He's amazing and deserves the absolute best which is exactly what God has provided to him through this incredible job opportunity... and what better way to celebrate than eating a PAZOOKIE!? yum.

Getting my life back

So this blog of mine has been completely neglected and forgotten about, poor thing. But finally for the first time since August I have this amazing thing in my life called spare time! After a hellish and miserable two weeks I finished my very last final of the semester at 130 pm on thursday. This semester was absolutely brutal. Working 35+ hours a week and taking five classes was one of the worst ideas I've had yet.. Wouldn't wish that kind of stress on anyone. With the exception of a few hours playing my piano and the extra ten minutes I would spend in the shower every morning trying to gain composure, there was absolutely NO free time alloted for in my schedule. Every now and then I would cheat and take a day of but man would I pay the next day!! So the combination of school being over and working less has been nothing short of amazing. It's only been four days and I feel like a whole new person. Today was the first day I was able to sleep in because I worked all weekend and it seriously changed my life!! Amazing what a little sleep can do. So needless to say I am so thankful and excited for the next five weeks! I can't wait to cram in all of the fun that I missed the last four months.I can't wait to get my free time, amazing friends and beautiful family back! It's going to be incredible.

Its always the little things

At least once every semester I get to a point in school when I feel like my brain is about to explode. Papers, homework, group projects, presentations and five of the hardest tests of your life all bundled up in a merciless two week time span. It's when I get to the the point of absolute frustration and exhaustion that I let my academic left brain take a load off while I sneak in moments for creativity. They are short, few and far between but they get me through and keep me sane in the midst of what seems like an endless cycle of busyness. Every hour that I work diligently in school or at work makes each moment behind my piano or in front of a canvas that much sweeter. So, here's to the little things in life that keep us sane!

He's got the whole world in his hands

On my list of many things to do today is an interesting task.

"Your assignment is to read and write about the search for extraterrestrial intelligence

(SETI). Specifically, briefly give informed commentary on:

A. Do you think they are out there, somewhere? Why or why not?"

So as I am researching articles proving or disproving that extraterrestrial beings are out there somewhere in an unknown galaxy I came across this. The following is an excerpt from one of my articles about the many different components necessary in any planet to be able to sustain life and I can't help but sit in awe of what an incredible creator we have. If just one of these components were missing or altered life as we know it would be impossible.

"In their book of that title, Rare Earth authors Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee, both of the University of Washington have outlined a short list of conditions needed: Right distance from a

star; habitat for complex life; liquid water near surface; far enough to avoid tidal lock; right mass of star with long enough lifetime and not too much ultraviolet; stable planetary orbits; right

planet mass to maintain atmosphere and ocean with a solid molten core and enough heat for plate tectonics; a Jupiter-like neighbor to clear out comets and asteroids; plate tectonics to build up

land mass, enhance bio-diversity, and enable a magnetic field; not too much, nor too little ocean; a large moon at the right distance to stabilize tilt; a small Mars-like neighbor as possible source

to seed Earth-like planet; maintenance of adequate temperature, composition and pressure for plants and animals; a galaxy with enough heavy elements, not too small, elliptical or irregular;

right position the galaxy; few giant impacts like had 65 million years ago; enough carbon for life, but not enough for runaway greenhouse effect; evolution of oxygen and photosynthesis; and, of

course, biological evolution."

Amazing, right?

He's got the whole world in his hands.

Time to Detox

I have never felt more out of shape and disgusted with my eating habits than I do now. I'm ready for an all natural detox. I saw this on pinterest and I think I might give these smoothies a try. This time of year it is so hard to resist the cakes, brownie and christmas treats that seem to get thrown at you from every direction. Plus, working at starbucks and getting free beverages of ANY kind certainly doesn't help keeping the pounds off. I am tired of feeling sluggish and gross.. ready to get some healthy energy!

Flat Tummy

Rich in digestion supporting ingredients, this smoothie will help prevent bloating and digestive stress that can sabotage your tummy flattening efforts.

• 3/4 c. papaya
• 3/4c. sliced peaches
• 1/2 pear, sliced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger
• 2 mint leaves
• Water to thin

Skin Saver

Antioxidants in berries are known to help to fight wrinkles and other skin ageing signs.  Berries are also a great way to control blood sugar that can sabotage your complexion.  This smoothie also contains Omega 3, to fight inflammation, as well as vitamins E and C, both renown to help the skin.

• 3/4 c blueberries
• 3/4 c pitted cherries
• 5   strawberries
• 1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 2 tsp wheat germ (optional)
• 2 tsp ground flaxseed
• Water, to thin

Peanut Butter Energy Booster

This protein-rich and minerals-filled smoothie will give you long-lasting energy.  Cinnamon will help to control your blood sugar so your energy level won’t crash too quickly.

• 1 big banana
• 1 scoop of natural hemp protein powder
• 2 tsp of natural peanut butter
• 1 handful of fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
• Water, to thin

Bone Lover

This vitamin-rich green smoothie contains calcium, magnesium and other bone building minerals to keep your bone strong and healthy.

• 2 bananas
• 1 handful of Swiss chard leaves, stems removed
• 1 handful of kale leaves
• 1 tsp of green Matcha powder
• 1/2 cup of homemade almond milk

Immune System Booster

Rich in vitamin A, C and zinc, this smoothie can increase the production of white blood cells and antibodies to get your body ready to resist this season’s infections.

• 1/2 c. mango cubes
• 1/2 c. cantaloupe cubes
• 1/2 c. fresh pineapple cubes
• 1/4 c. chopped pumpkin seeds
• Water, to thin

Natural Skin Tanner

Studies have proven that a beta-carotene rich diet can make your complexion glow, and that particular skin tone is usually considered healthier than a regular skin tan. This smoothie can help you get that healthy glow without risking your skin lying under the sun.

• 1/2 cup of cantaloupe cubes
• 1/2 cup of papaya
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup of carrot juice (or water)
• 1 small knob of fresh ginger

Antioxidant Power

Feel the power of this detox foods-rich smoothie.  Very rich in antioxidants, this smoothie will help to support your liver to detox naturally and help your body stay healthy and young longer.

• 1/3 cup of blueberries
• 1/3 cup of raspberries
• 1/3 cup of pomegranate kernels
• 1/4 cup of beet juice (optional)
• 1 banana
• Water to thin 

Another day, Another Song

Turn your eyes from all this way,
I have prove to live a dastardly day I,
hid my face from the Saints and the Angels who sing of Your glory.
What you had in mind,
when we seek we'll find shine show me grace.

A little more than I can give,
a little more than I deserve.
On earth this holiness I can't earn, It's a,
little more than I can give, A little more than I deserve.

For all the sin that lives in me,
it took a nail to set me free still,
what I do I don't wanna do and so goes the story.
What you had in mind,
When we seek we'll find shine show me grace.

A little more than I can give,
a little more than I deserve.
On earth this holiness I can't earn, It's a,
little more than I can give, A little more than I deserve.

With all this motivation,
I still find a hesistation deep in my soul, Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh
Despite all my demanding, I still find you understanding.
Show me grace, Show me grace, is....

A little more than I can give,
a little more than I deserve.
On earth this holiness I can't earn, It's a,
little more than I can give, A little more than I deserve.

A little more by Jennifer Knapp

If I die young

Tonight's project.. Needs a lot of love but we'll get there!

Enough is enough

I've been talking about working out for what seems like YEARS and it just never happens.. I don't have time, a work out partner or I don't have money for an expensive gym membership. My good friend Kailey told me about this gym called crunch which is right down the road from me. We went there last night for a free trial and I absolutely loved it! All the equipment is brand new and as clean as a whistle. We ran 2 miles on the treadmill, then did lots of legs on various machines and finished up with a ton of abs. It felt so good to have someone to work out with, keeping me motivated and accountable and overall it was a super productive work out! I even got a free 10 minute hydromassage... amazing! So Kailey left with a new gym membership and I'm going to join next month, I need to save up a little :)

I would encourage you to join if you live near one of their locations. Its so nice and SO cheap.. It's only $10/month with a $29.00 annual fee. So reasonable!! And for $19.99/month you get unlimited tanning and massages, a nice perk! They offer tons of classes like zumba, yoga and kickboxing which are all included in you $10/month. Kailey and I are going to try zumba once I become a member!! I can't wait!

Bring on the new music

Have you heard of SPOTIFY? Its a free music downloading program with every song, album and artist you could possibly think of. It links to your facebook and posts all of the music which you are listening to which is sort of annoying but that has been the only complaint that I have had about this program. I've been able to find so many new artists and download their entire albums and listen to them for hours on end. It's amazing. So here are a few good picks that I've discovered recently.

In addition to my discovery of spotify, my passion for new music was sparked by the two live concerts I got to go to last week. My professor is a professional musician and played last weekend at Dizzy's jazz club in dowtown san diego so I went to see his performance (for extra credit of course). Then on thursday Lindsey invited me to see Aloe Blacc with her at the Casbah in San Diego as well. I am now in love with Aloe Blacc... he is amazing!! I posted a couple of his songs here but you should browse through youtube or spotify and check out a few more. His stuff is great and he is quite the entertainer I must say!!

Inspired Moments

In my short 21 years here I have realized quickly that in life there are inevitable cycles. We cycle through seasons, months, and weeks. And in the same way, each day has a cycle of its own. We find ourselves caught up in our daily routine which is full of a lot "have to's" and only a few "want to’s". Currently on my “have to” list are the all consuming tasks of getting my education and working which together consumes more than 50 hours of my week. Then tack on the additional 15 hours a week of homework, allow some time for the necessities like sleeping and eating and just like Houdini my time for “want to’s” seems to vanish before my own eyes. I find myself skimming through my calendar on a daily basis trying to schedule something artistic and relaxing, anything to take my mind off of the “R” word responsibilities… then once I’m two weeks out I just give up and hope to squeeze it in somewhere along the way. It kills the mood of excitement when you have to flip your calendar to the next month to schedule some time to relax. “Ahhh the joys of becoming an adult.” Don’t get me wrong, this is not to be misinterpreted as a pity party about my life. I am astonished by the blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon me and do not take one aspect of my life for granted. My family, my boyfriend, my friends, my job, my classes, the food I eat, the sleep I get… these are all blessings straight from God. BUT I have realized that no matter how much God blesses you with incredible things, you will still have to work to be inspired by the life that you live. It is your life after all, you are in charge of making it extraordinary because no one else is going to do it for you.  You may have to search high and low for moments of inspiration within your day because simply put, life isn’t always as exciting as you expected to be, people aren’t always as kind as you hoped and passion isn’t always as prevalent as you desired. But with the right mindset you can bring excitement to the mundane, find the joy in every person and infuse your believes with an uncontrollable passion that you can’t deny. It all depends on the perspective that you have towards your circumstances and the realization that inspiration doesn’t always come in the form of an epiphany or that light bulb moment when it “just clicks”. Just as the Lord doesn’t hang flashing neon signs over our heads when He wants our attention, He asks us to stop, be still and listen for a still small voice (which seems like a LOT to ask when you’re in the midst of your daily cycle, right?). Inspiration is not always obvious and in your face. It hides in the shadows and if you can't find it then you might just have to BECOME the very inspiration that you are searching for. I have been thinking about this since I started working as a barista The starbucks I work at is a a drive thru and often times I am standing at that window for 8 hours straight. I have had hundreds of encounters with people since I first started working there. Every day, at least once a day I have an encounter with someone who seems to be genuinely rude, stone-faced and unresponsive to my attempts of bringing them a little joy to their day. It drives me crazy. Its moments like these when I feel the LEAST inspired. However, I started an experiment inspired by this cheesy little quote “If you see someone without a smile give them yours." It sounds a little silly but try it! It’s not as easy as it sounds. Looking someone in the eye and smiling after they’ve given you a dirty look, made a rude comment or are on their phone completely ignoring you is not easy. Although this is a miniscule example, I learned through this that in order to represent JOY and encounter inspiration I will have to BECOME it by humbling myself and making the choice, the sacrifice to be kind. Live inspired. Make sacrifices. Abide in Humility. Cultivate change by setting an example to others. I may not think I have the power to “be the change I want to see in the world” but I can start by being THE JOY and THE INSPIRATION that I want to see in others. 

I'm literally the worst blogger in the history of all bloggers that ever lived. I think this might be my first post of the summer which is almost over. Oops. 

New song I learned and decided to cover. The original artist is Priscilla Ahn. She's amazing. Hope you enjoy my take on it.

Song Covers

Hopefully by the end of this summer I will have a complete line up of song covers which I have started but for now I only have one.. enjoy!

summer dream

She's living out my summer dream.. this girl rocks

possibly THE cutest thing ever I've ever seen

you HAVE to see this!!