Lately

whew. where has September gone? I'm having the most terrible luck with trying to find time to blog. so many things have been happening and so much homework has needed to be done! keep an eye out for some upcoming posts about my love for October, some goals, and some fall favorites! for now, I'll give you a glimpse into what's been happening in my life via my iPhone! How about you? What have you been up to lately?

on our way to the red sox vs. orioles game last weekend! 

at the game! by the way, the red sox won :)

last saturday we explored Baltimore. it was a lovely day.

the national aquarium from the USS Constellation. we didn't go that day, but
it's on the list for next time!

panoramic of inner harbor. i was so pleasantly surprised by Baltimore.

since we had gone to the black & white gala at school together for the last three years,
we dressed up the night it was going on and went to Cheesecake Factory at the inner
harbor for dinner. This boy has successfully made me the happiest person alive.
I am so incredibly blessed to have him in my life. 

first apple cider of the season. i love fall so much. so so much.

the other night I started to get really stressed out over homework and just life in general,
so I stopped to breathe and paint this. such a lovely reminder. 

something I've been learning is that time for rest is absolutely needed. I didn't have to work
on Thursday afternoon, so I took the time I don't normally have to myself to relax and
watch doctor who. which is actually a marvelous show.

the first signs of fall are starting on campus! 

yesterday, Asa came up and we went to Six Flags in New Jersey. two of my favorite
things, roller coasters and this guy. it was a wonderful day. 

today I woke up with a horrid migraine (it happens) so I relaxed for the day. This afternoon
I enjoyed hot chocolate with peppermint mocha. If you haven't tried this combination,
you absolutely must. it is delicious.

xoxo.

The Way Life Should Be // Old Orchard Beach

Today I am joining in with Bailey over at Brave Love for the blog-tember challenge! I wish I had been able to join in on this series sooner, but I'm excited to join in now! Today is day 18 of the challenge which is

Tell a tale of traveling, a city or country you've been to or a favorite vacation.

Now, I'm not going to tell you about my trips to Greece (those will come), but rather I'm going to take you to somewhere that has been constant in my life since I was a little girl. My families favorite vacation spot: Old Orchard Beach, Maine. (OOB, for short)

OOB is this serene little beach in southern Maine, it's quite touristy down by the pier but my family vacations further up the beach where it's much more calm. Whenever it's decided that we're heading to OOB, an excitement builds in my soul. It's my favorite place and I feel so at peace when I am there. We've been going to this beautiful little spot for my whole life, and my mom has been going there even long before I was born. It is one of the most meaningful places to me. If you've never been to southern Maine, I greatly encourage you to go.

Here are some pictures of me throughout the years at Old Orchard Beach.

Sarah (my sister) and I when we were younglings at Old Orchard Beach

2008

2010

2011. Maybe my favorite picture from OOB ever.

In 2012, my family wasn't going to be able to make it up to OOB for a vacation... so some of my
pretty awesome friends and I took a day trip up in August of that year. One of my most fond memories. 

My 21st Birthday, 2013

Our most recent trip, August 2014

UVF

The first time I stepped onto the campus of Valley Forge Christian College I was a fourteen year old high school freshman with no real reason to be at a college visit. I don't remember what my reasoning was for wanting to go... but it was probably just to get the couple days off of school. I never expected that God could call me that year to attend that very school when I was so young and had all four years of high school left, but that's exactly what happened. I'll never forget that first year of breakaway... I remember the exact room I stayed in, who I stayed with, the messages and the very spot I knelt in the chapel when God ever so gently whispered to me "you belong here". The campus was very different then... Cardone Hall was not yet built, the anvil was still the old bookstore, and beisel annex was a girls dorm, among other differences between now and then. It was one of my favorite trips, and it became an annual occurrence for me. Each year of high school, I attended the November breakaway with my youth group, and every year I stayed in Beisel Annex with Julie Serbin (now Lund). I made connections early by coming every year, which made my transition in as a freshman in 2010 much easier. It was always Valley Forge, there was a point my senior year that I considered going somewhere else, but God corrected that pretty quick. I applied and was quickly accepted in April of 2010 and thus began planning the next four years of my life. 

That was four and a half years ago. Turns out Valley Forge would take more than four years for me to get through, which is fine. I sit here in the anvil as a super senior at the school that God called me to go to almost eight years ago. Although there have been many points throughout my time here that I considered leaving and that my journey through these hallways and buildings has been extremely difficult... I never stopped believing that God had me here for a reason, and that's exactly what has kept me here this long. I have trusted in God and His call He placed on my life that November day in 2006. I've learned such valuable life lessons, met some pretty incredible people, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. Even though my time at Valley Forge is soon coming to a close, I would not change one thing from the last four years... my experience here has been incredible, challenging, stretching, and fulfilling. 

Today is a monumental day in the history of this school that I have grown to love so much. Today is the day that we became the University of Valley Forge! Chapel was unlike any other and the celebrations continue with class cancellations and cake and new shirts and contests and all kinds of fun things. This change is huge for my beloved school, and I feel incredibly blessed to be part of such a day. 

No longer am I the fourteen year old high school freshman who daydreams of life attending Valley Forge Christian College... now I'm the almost twenty-two year old university senior who is daydreaming about life after I graduate with the first class to ever graduate from the University of Valley Forge. I'm so grateful today that God pursues us and that His plan is so perfect for us. I'm so grateful that He called me to this place and I'm so grateful that I followed Him here. 

Thank you for four amazing years VFCC! Here's to an amazing final year at UVF! 

please enjoy these pictures throughout my Valley Forge Journey...

breakaway 2008, Valley Forge National Park

my freshman year roommates. Labrina, Bitsy, and Myself. (L-R)

even though we didn't stay roommates all our years, we had to take
a picture on their graduation day. love these two.

Asa and I freshman year. little did I know when this picture was
taken how much he would end up meaning to me.

Asa and I senior year. This guy has seen every side of me and stood by me
every step of the journey. I'm so grateful for him in my life. 

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year, Part 1

Senior Year, Part 2

VFCC

UVF

xoxo

Lately

Well, I'm about a week and a half into my super senior year at VFCC... which by the way if you haven't heard... we are officially becoming The University of Valley Forge on September 16th! There is a buzz of excitement for the new transition about campus, good things are happening here my friends.... good things. 

As for me, moving back to Pennsylvania has been a much different experience this year. The purpose of this post is to update and explain some things. Bear with me. 

Academically

Classes are in full swing. Homework is starting to pick up, but its good because it keeps me busy. I'm loving all of my classes so far. I have all ministry and Bible classes this semester, which is my favorite because these kind of classes challenge me more than the others and they more fully prepare me for ministry. I'm working on getting back into the swing of doing homework and keeping myself motivated... it's working well so far. 

Socially

This has been the most challenging aspect of this year so far. Which if you know me, probably surprises you. A good chunk of my friends graduated in May and for some reason, I didn't make very many friends in the classes below me. Pretty much kicking myself for that now... I still have a few here, so I've been trying to spend time with them when I can. Otherwise, I've just been chilling in my room, working on homework, and watching some TV shows. I don't mind it usually, it's nice to have the peace and quiet. It's better than sitting in the anvil where people forget about indoor voices and I can hear them currently over my headphones and music. Also I'm currently being stared down for sitting in someones "spot". Oh well... it is what it is. This last weekend I escaped Maryland to see Asa for the weekend and we went to DC and got frozen yogurt and went to target too many times... getting away from campus and being able to relax and just have fun with him was extremely refreshing. I'm becoming more of an introvert I'm realizing... and I actually kind of like it. 

Spiritually

God is teaching me to lean on Him. I'm learning more so now than ever that He is my source of strength and hope. Through Him, I can do anything but without Him, I can do nothing. He keeps me going throughout the day and I'm learning to lean on Him in everything. Don't just rejoice when things are going well, yet rejoice always when things are good or bad. He is my rock and my salvation and through Him I am made whole. 

God is also my source of joy. He is so good and we have such a wonderful Savior in Him. He is so full of love and joy and it fills my heart with gladness. :)

General

In general, things are going well. I'm keeping my head high and trudging through. I have been getting a lot more sleep and keeping myself rested... so that's been good. I've been already working ahead in my work and starting on assignments. I'm glad to be here and I know that God has me here for a reason. 

So here's to senior year... may it continue to get better as it goes. :) 

Here's some pictures for you to enjoy :) 

My dorm room. it's so cozy.

Frozen yogurt is yummy!

The Capital. It was my first time. Lovely.

My favorite place in the city. the lawn by the Washington Monument
facing the Lincoln Memorial.

My best friend. 

Peach green tea lemonade. taste bud explosion. 

Beautiful sunset in Maryland

The lovely VFCC campus. soon to be University of Valley Forge

Semester Goals

I'm back from my small hiatus! The last two weeks have been sort of crazy with getting everything ready for school and what not, but I'm super excited to be all moved into my dorm room and have all of my things pretty much organized for the semester. To bear my soul a little bit... being back at campus for my 9th semester has been pretty strange. Having the "super senior" status isn't something I really ever planned on happening in my life and it's already something that has been very difficult to adjust to in so many different areas... still working on it. Something that I think will help me with this, is setting some goals for my semester. So without further ado... here are my semester goals! 

1. Embrace Super-Senior Status

Yes, this is my fifth year at Valley Forge, but hey... I still made it this far. Something I've been trying to keep in my head is that it is better to graduate late than to never graduate. The fact that I got this far in college is something that a lot of people don't accomplish and it's something that over the last four years, there were a few times I didn't know if I would accomplish! I need to focus on the fact that I'm doing it and work hard to finish strong.

2. More Jesus Time

Something that unfortunately can tend to get lost in the business of college is the time to spend reading my Bible and praying. Today, I woke up at 7:30 without an alarm and I had my devotional time and it really set the tone for my whole day. This is so important and I need to work better at not letting this slack. 

3. Be Organized 

This is something that has been greatly improved in my life. If you walked into my room anytime in high school and then walked into my room anytime now, you would think the rooms belonged to two different people. I take great joy in my stuff being neat and tidy, and it's something that I'd like to continue throughout this semester! 

4. Work Ahead

No more procrastination for me. This is something I have struggled with basically every semester of my college career and all it does is lead to stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep. My goal is to turn in all my assignments at least 24 hours ahead of time, and never be in the library past 10pm. We'll see. 

5. Be Healthy

It is so difficult to live healthy at college. Eating in the cafeteria and balancing time at the gym with work, classes and homework makes it difficult. This semester, I have to stick to the health goals I set in August and prioritize my time (which really could be another goal) to allow space for the gym, and make healthy choices in the cafeteria. 

6. Keep Time for Hobbies

Painting, Photography, and Adventures. These are all things that bring joy and restoration to my soul, and they are things I want to make sure I have time for this semester. Because if I am only focused on homework 100% of the time... I think I might explode. 

7. Make New Friends

Just because most of my friends either graduated or decided to not come back to the school doesn't give me an excuse to sit in my room all the time. I need to put myself out there and make some new friends, otherwise I might go insane.

Well friends, these are some of my goals for the next few months! What about you? Do you have any goals you're trying to accomplish? 

XOXO

The Liebster Award

I have been nominated for The Liebster award by the lovely Summer over at Coffee with Summer! The Liebster Award is given from blogger to blogger to learn more about each other and discover more blogs. Here’s how it goes:

1. Link back to the person that nominated you for the award.

2. You must write 11 facts about yourself so people can learn more about you.
3. You also have to answer 11 questions given by the nominator.
4. After completing, you should nominate 11 other bloggers but you cannot nominate your nominator.
5. You have to let your nominees know that they’ve been tagged and give them access to the link to find out more about the award.

11 Facts about Me: 

1. I'm one of very few Kaycies in the world who spell their name the same way I do.
2. I am a teensy bit of a coffee addict. 
3. My best friend, Julie, has been my best friend for almost 10 years. 
4. I am heading into my last year at VFCC! (thank goodness!) 
5. I love trying new things.
6. I want to travel the world... it's one of my biggest goals in life.
7. I love the beach. Specifically Old Orchard Beach, Maine... which happens to be where I am heading tomorrow.
8. I've lived in New England my whole life, but I don't like seafood.
9. I am a HUGE sports fan, all Boston sports... of course.
10. I have way more than one favorite color. 
11. I just looked back at this and realized I forgot the 11th fact and now I'm embarrassed. haha

Summer's Questions:

Where are you from? West Springfield, Massachusetts!

How do you take your coffee? Light and Sweet :) (Cream and Sugar)

Fall or summer? FALL. 100%.

When did you start blogging? I have had various blogs over the last 4 years, but nothing consistent and nothing anyone read. I've had Life is a Highway for about 6 months now and I am loving it :) 

Top five favorite clothing stores? oh boy... in no particular order... Old Navy, Forever 21, DSW, Deb, and honestly, Target. haha

What was your favorite childhood show? Dragon Tales :) 

What’s your favorite Disney movie? Lion King. but I do love some Frozen :)

Do you have any piercings? I have my ears pierced! 

What’s your favorite scent? As far as candles and room sprays and the like, anything pumpkin... as far as perfume.... I love Wild Peach Poppies from Bath and Body Works.

Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, other? This has actually recently been up for debate in my life. but I have to say Dunkin Donuts :)

Would you rather live in the city or near the ocean? I love both, so a city right near the ocean would be nice :) haha

My Nominees:

Emily: More than This, More than Me
Kerrin: Huck and Oats
Kaitlyn: Kaitlyn Kelly Faraghan
Betsy: Heavens to Betsy
Charlie: Charlie Jaymes
Leah: My Favorite Adventure
Bailey: Brave Love Blog
Jessica: Seeking Individuality
Fallon: Waves of Grace
Alyssa: Sincerely Alaska
Callie: Through Clouded Glass

My Questions for You:

Where are you from?
Coffee or Tea?
What is your favorite brand of chapstick?
Why do you like blogging?
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
What is your favorite movie?
What is the worst food you've ever had?
What is your favorite season and why?
What is your hidden talent?
Are you an early riser or a night owl?
Who would play you in a movie about your life? 

I hope all you ladies choose to accept the award! Can't wait to read your posts! 

xoxo, Kaycie

Please Hold

It's already been a few days since I blogged last, but I wanted to post and let everyone know that over the next ten days or so, I will probably be pretty absent from my blog. My computer is broken and I can't get it fixed until I am back at school next week, so I am sharing my sister's laptop for the remainder of my time at home. My parents surprised Sarah and I with a trip to Maine this weekend (which I am so very excited for) so I won't be blogging then. I might get a post or two up next week, but I have about a hundred things that need to be done before heading back to Pennsylvania next weekend. 

SO, thus begins my temporary hiatus. Look forward to a post sometime the last week of the month about my goals for this coming semester! 

God Bless! 

Do Not Be Anxious

How many people these days struggle with that little thing called anxiety? I know I do... being a college student is not an easy thing and it causes a good amount of stress in my life. What I'm about to write about is something that I need constant reminding of in my own life. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

The very first thing we see in this verse is the command to not be anxious. Now believe me, I know that is a lot easier said than done... but when Paul wrote this, he immediately gave us a way to do that. In EVERYTHING, with prayer and petition, present your requests unto God. When we open up a conversation with God, we are immediately entered into His presence, so this verse is basically telling us to take all of our fears and anxieties straight into the presence of God. Now, notice that I capitalized the word everything a few sentences ago... in this verse the Greek for everything "pas" translates into "all, the whole, or every kind of". This verse is telling us to take literally everything to God. No situation is too big or too small for God. He can handle everything you throw at Him, since He already knows what's going on anyway. Anxiety has no benefits for our lives today... all it does is tear us apart and cause distrust in God and it leaves us feeling empty. Paul offers us prayer as an antidote for anxiety. Take everything to God, and trust that He can take care of it.

Something else that we see in this verse is the word "thanksgiving". Now, it's not talking about the holiday in November when we stuff ourselves to the brim with food and watch parades and football games. It is talking about giving thanks to God for our lives. We are called to give thanks to God in every circumstance in our lives. God has a plan, He knows what’s going on… and we’re called to thank Him and praise Him through it all. So here we see that were are to present our requests to God with a thankful heart. Thank Him for the fact the we even have the capability to go straight to Him with our burdens and with our pains without going through someone else first. Thank Him for the unending blessing He’s already bestowed on you, and thank Him that He hears His children… I mean, how awesome is that? The God of the universe, who could easily ignore us all… hears each and every one of our prayers and cries to Him. 

Verse 7 says "and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The peace of God which transcends all understanding. Think about that! Some other versions (I'm using NIV) use the word "surpasses" and it you look at in the original Greek the word surpasses translates into "I excel, surpass, am superior." God's peace is superior to our anxiety! His peace excels past our fears and is greater than our worries! The Greek for "will guard" is actually a military term meaning "to protect or surround a city". God's peace is like soldiers surrounding the hearts and minds of believers. The last words "in Christ Jesus" are so significant here. Jesus Christ is the only way we are able to have such peace. We must have a personal relationship with Him in order to have this peace. We get anxious and nervous because we are human, we are a fallen people... but through Christ's work on the cross we are saved and IN HIM all fear and anxiety are gone. 

What are you anxious about? What fear are you holding onto? Tonight, I encourage you to bring those things before the throne of Christ and lay them at His feet. Allow God's peace to overwhelm and flood your heart. 

Be Blessed!

xoxo

Family Day

Today has been lovely! My cousins from Connecticut came up to spend the afternoon with us and we enjoyed some sun and pool time! I love my cousins a whole lot and we have so much fun when we all get together! Take a look at a bit of what we've been up to today: 

this is Nicholas. he is 6 and he is adorable.

this is my cousin Matthew. we are only 9 months apart in age and he has been
more like a brother than a cousin our whole lives.
my Nana just wanted a picture of us and I got a nice wet hug instead

my Nana rocking the selfie game. haha 

Nana and her 6 grandbabies. I love this picture.
Clockwise: Matthew (21), Me (21... I'm older :P), Amber (17), Nana (Young & Beautiful),
Katiya (10), Nicholas (6), and Sarah (20). 

Matthew and Nicholas having some high-flying fun in the pool.

seriously, how cute is this kid?

Katiya, Matthew, and Nicholas loving the pool on a hot day. The rest of us
watched from the deck with some coffee. :) 

Words

Today I want to share with you some things I've found on Pinterest that have truly inspired me lately. I hope they do the same for you! You can check out my words board on pinterest to see more! 

This song has been on my heart a lot lately. If we keep our eyes on Christ, nothing will 
hinder us. Here is a link to my favorite version of this song. 

something I sometimes struggle with. focus on the positive, not the negative. 

be you because only you can. if people don't like it... that's not your problem.

mmmmm.

a grateful heart is a happy heart.