by Kimmie Liette | Mar 7, 2017 | Writings
Our sweet baby boy is almost two months old now (what?!), but before we met him, we were eagerly anticipating his arrival. I’m blessed to be a momma, but also to be Brady Joel’s wife. For without my handsome Brady, Parker would not be.
Parker– spiritual light
Joel– messenger of God
The importance of a name dwells deep into a soul. It’s the essence of who we are. It’s what we are called, everyday by everyone. Words are powerful- God created the magnificent heaven and earth with only his words. In the same way, names are powerful- creating our identity and even our personalities. This I believe. Remember who you are and live it boldly.
Xoxo,
Kimberly Ann
Photo credit: Blaise Clark
by Kimmie Liette | Jul 2, 2016 | Writings |
He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. – Deuteronomy 8:16
Even though my journey hasn’t always been sunshine and sunflowers, the hand of God can not be denied if you knew all of the little stories that make up the big picture of my life.
If you really knew me, you would know that I have experienced bitter heartbreak and shattered dreams. You would also know that my journey never ends there.
The wilderness has taught me to sing through the tears and praise through the pain.
Ann Voskamp says it beautifully, “Lord God, Maker of all, when you give manna moments, may I give you thanks for the mystery. Because the manna that makes no sense- You will make it my sustenance. In all of the “What is it?” moments, turn me to give thanks for who you are.”
Manna literally translates into ” What is it?”
I think about manna often, the “What is it?” of life. The daily miracle that abounded in the midst of the wilderness. This daily miracle provided nourishment in the place of uncertainty and unfamiliarity. Yet in Dueteronomy 8:16, it says, (manna) was given to humble and test them. I’ve found that this humility brings me to my knees, crying out to God. This is the time when I’ve felt closest to Him, when I had nothing else, no one else, but God alone.
It’s in the testing that He’s looking at the heart.
Will you curse Him in the wilderness or will you lift your weary hands in thanksgiving each day because He is faithful?
I’m thankful that I’m not the author of my own story.
I’m thankful that the places where I’ve tried to throw ink on the page, but couldn’t see where it should go, He took my mess and turned it into something much better. When the story started to turn out a way I didn’t want it to go, He saw the lines I couldn’t yet read. He provided the manna to sustain my soul when I was hopelessly wandering in the emptiness of the great unknown. I’m thankful that through the deepest heart breaks and disappointments, He gently led me, held me and sustained me.
He knew the road wouldn’t be easy, but it would be necessary. That it would feel lonely, but that He was all that I needed.
When there was nothing left to cling to, I could see what truly mattered. It was the only thing left standing when all else crumbled around me.
It was You, it is You. it will always be You. The great sustainer, the only one who will never disappoint, who heals shattered lives and makes them stronger. You are the Great I Am, You are peace when fear is knocking. You are the voice saying “don’t give up” when all else is demanding it. You walk me through the wilderness of life, no matter how many times it seems I end up there. Every time it doesn’t exactly get easier, but I do know that the manna will come everyday. I’ve learned that you know the ending, so I take the hand you offer me. I take it and trust that even when the valley is dark, the light always shines in the morning. In the darkness, there’s no need to fear, for You are with me and You go before me. (Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 139:5)
Please hear me, girl:
The world has enough women who know how to do their hair.
It needs women who know how to do hard and holy things.
– Ann Voskamp
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by Kimmie Liette | Jun 2, 2016 | Writings |
Have you ever felt stuck in a season where not a lot was going on?
That’s how I had been feeling and it was ridiculously hard. I kept waiting for what was next and I felt like I was meant to do so much more, but yet I did nothing of importance.
Almost a year ago I quit my job. It was an amazing job, but I just felt as if it was what I needed to do to prepare for the future. My husband also quit his job, took a part time job and started pursuing Real Estate. The transition was rough, but little did we know what exactly we were preparing for.
Kimberly is wearing the ‘Courage’ Key Necklace from The Giving Keys.
I was starting to get depressed because I’ve always been a social butterfly and now I was working from home with no one around. It was boring, lonely and felt like such a waste of time.
Eventually, Brady bought me the cutest puppy and that helped a little having a friend around. It was also annoying because I had to keep cleaning up after him, if you know what I mean. I left Harlow (our puppy) for the first time when we went on vacation to see Brady’s family and I missed him so much.
When we returned from that vacation, we weren’t prepared to face what was about to happen.
Not only did Harlow seem to have grown so much, but our family was about to grow at a much quicker rate then we ever planned.
We got a text asking us if we knew of a home for three sisters, not realizing that this person had a specific home in mind: ours. When they did make that clear, we knew what the answer was. They did not pressure us at all, just thought it would be a good fit. Though it didn’t seem plausible, we said yes and opened our home to three of the most amazing little girls in the world.
With only a two bedroom condo, one car, and a very humble salary, our little home was filled with giggles and tutus.
We may have been in shock for a few weeks or more trying to adjust to this totally new life, but every worry and every need we had was met by an incredible God and those who were obedient to be His hands and feet to our family.
He is the One who makes the impossible things come to pass at the perfect timing. When we said “Yes” to opening our home, we knew that without God it wasn’t going to work. Yet, we took that huge step of faith and He never let us down.
Not only that, but the past seven months before when I was transitioning into being a stay at home wife and had no idea why, God knew the answer was three precious sisters who needed us, and that we needed them.
Never underestimate that transitional period of your life when you feel as if nothing much is going on. You might just be around the corner from the biggest miracle you’ll ever encounter. When that big thing shows up on your front door one day and you see it as impossible, remember that if God calls you to it, He will make a way for it to happen.
I was absolutely terrified when that “yes” left my mouth (actually my thumbs since I was texting). I cried for a week when those girls came into my home because I instantly became a mom of three with no prior experience, and I still get nervous that I am not being the best mom I can be. Yet, no matter how uncertain I might be sometimes, the obedience of saying yes is worth it. I wouldn’t change a thing in the world if it meant not having these girls in our home right now.
I don’t know what the future holds, but today is what matters.
I just need to give my very best today. When tomorrow comes, I simply need to do the same thing.
Be courageous and do whatever it is you know you’re meant to do, even if it totally scares you, because once you say yes, you’ll see the miracles and you’ll look back and know it was so worth it.
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
by Kimmie Liette | Dec 17, 2014 | Writings
I have to tell you: I am in love with this man.
I am 23 years old, and he is 27.
We have been married for a little over 3 years.
(some would say I married young)
As one of my friends reminded me , we met in a parking lot at Southeastern University.
And I’m so glad we did.
Though, when I was a little girl I never dreamed of meeting my husband in such a romantic place.
It just goes to show , you never know where you’ll meet “the one”.
And I would love to hear stories of other crazy places couples met their spouse, so please do share!
I absolutely love being married, but it hasn’t been flawless.
Life is not always easy, but it’s much better with your best friend by your side.
God has blessed me with one who constantly encourages me and adores me for who I am.
I’m so thankful.
And I finally realized something I hadn’t totally understood before…
Marriage is more than the feeling of love.
Love is beautiful, especially if you see everything with a deeper meaning like me.
However, marriage is a little more like being battle buddies, who stand side by side.
They walk through life together during the joyful times and the treacherous times.
Husbands and wives also remember together.
They remember all of the little things and laugh or cry.
Your spouse helps you remember why you feel the way you do, or why you are acting the way you are-
because they know you, they understand you, even when you don’t understand yourself.
You take on life together. Whatever comes your way.
It’s so much better than having to remember on your own, laugh by yourself, or fight battles solo.
I love Brady more than I did on the day that I married him because we’ve grown together and we’ve seen each others greatest strengths and worst weaknesses.
Yet, we still choose to love one another and encourage each other daily.
Love is a commitment. Marriage is forever. And it’s so worth it.
“We are friends for life. When we’re together the years fall away. Isn’t that what matters? To have someone who can remember with you? To have someone who remembers how far you’ve come?”- Judy Blume
