In the last year alone, God has made one thing clear to my husband and I, and that is: our first mission field is our home.

A few months back, my husband and I took a leap of faith that completely took me out of my comfort zone…and to be honest…I’m still trying to get used to the change.

In July of 2017, my husband and I resigned as the Youth Ministers at Crosswell First Baptist Church. I can honestly say it was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. When my husband came to me with this decision, we prayed for months for direction and peace, but in the end, we both decided it was best for us to leave Crosswell and to focus on our first mission field, our home.

In 2013, God entrusted us with a precious little boy named Carson. A few years later in 2015, Asher was born. Both of our boys are healthy, happy, wild, and crazy. As our boys are getting older, we’ve realized more and more how important the home is. Our first mission field is our home and may we never forget that. Every day, we are to raise our children in a home that loves the Lord and desires to change this world with His message.

To the teenagers reading this blog, you may not understand this now, but one day you’ll realize how important the home truly is. For now, I ask that you pray for your home every day. Pray for your parents as they guide you in this world and your siblings (even if you don’t get along) that share your home with each day.

Crosswell will always be my family and even though we are no longer worshipping in the same building, we are still members of the same church.

These last few weeks, looking for a new church has made me realize one thing, the word “church” has lost its meaning. The “church” is not the building that you worship in each week, it’s the people of God.

YOU are the church! A while back I wrote these words, “

“It’s not about how you worship, It’s about Who you worship.”

In the last month, my family and I have had to take a step back and search for a new “home.” When I was born, my parents took me to Elljean Baptist Church where most of my family went. My great grandfather built the church and I loved growing up there with my family and friends. After a life detour without church, I met my now husband and we decided to go back to church. Without a thought in mind, we visited my home church, Elljean and his home church, New Beginnings, off and on for almost a year. In fact, when we first got married we were still going to “my church” On Sunday mornings and “his church” on Sunday evenings. It was a hard decision for us to make, but we eventually started going to Elljean full time. When Dustin was called into the ministry, we took a leap of faith and moved to Griffin Baptist Church where we worked with the Youth. About 2 years later, we moved to Crosswell First Baptist Church. Each step was paved by God Himself and clear as to where we needed to go.

As we walked out of Crosswell for our last service about a month ago, we realized that this was the first time we had no idea which direction to go. To be honest, there are churches on every corner in Pickens County and the decision on where to go can be overwhelming. I’ve never been without a church and I’ve never really had to look for one. There are HUGE churches with basketball courts and bowling alleys, tiny churches with less than 10 members, home churches where you meet in someone’s basement, biker churches, cowboy churches, loud churches, silent churches, churches with steeples, warehouse churches, country music churches, contemporary churches, traditional churches, pew jumping churches….and those are just a few of the many options out there. I’ve never been in the shoes of a “homeless” person but in that instance, I felt as though I was “homeless.” Homeless without a church.

Then God reminded me, YOU ARE THE CHURCH. The building you worship in is just a building… The way you worship, the clothes you wear, the “style” you consider your worship service…none of that matters if you are standing on the Word of God.

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”                            1 Corinthians 12:27

We’ve had hundreds of invites to different churches, but as a family we’ve realized that we don’t want to choose a church based on who goes there, we want to choose a church that we know God is directing us to. No matter where we go, we are still a member of the same church and the building we worship in is just a building.

It disturbs me to see the “rivalry” between tiny churches, big churches, contemporary churches, traditional churches, etc. It’s almost as though small churches get angry because the big churches are “taking” their members. Then big churches get ridiculed when they add on because they are outgrowing their walls. No one should ever be upset when another church grows. Instead, we should all rejoice and continue to pray for one another always. It’s time we, as a body of believers, stand up for who we are. It’s time we stand up for the church and start working together to glorify God and spread the good news to those who need it most.

No matter what church building you go to, always remember that we are all members of the same team. If we work together, we could change this world!

As a member of one team, the CHURCH, what will you do differently this school year to bring others closer to Christ? Will you recruit new team members or just sit on the bench?

My family and I are still visiting local churches and praying for God’s direction each step of the way, but we are certain that God has a plan for us. In the last few weeks alone, we have seen a change in our spirits and a renewal of our family. This journey has reminded me that sometimes God has to take you out into the wilderness, with nowhere to go, to show you exactly where you need to be.

Trust in Him always and He will show you the way!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

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This is worship…They are the church…be the church…

“Remember your past but Rejoice in who God made you.”

In 2006, I graduated from Pickens High School not having a clue what was about to happen in my life. I was young, carefree, and ready to take on the world.

What I didn’t want to accept is that God had other plans for my life.

I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life but I knew I needed to go to school first, so I started Tri County Tech in the Fall of 2006 majoring in Early Childhood Education. For the next few years I changed my major every other month, moved from one college to another, and never found stability in anything I set my mind on.

God was not going to let me go easy.

It was a confusing and overwhelming time in my life. From 2006 – 2010 I ran from God. I still struggled my first year of marriage trying to choose between God’s plan and making up my own way in life. It sounds like an easy decision and should have been obvious, but it’s not always as easy as you may think. Every day you are faced with a choice you must make on your own: to follow God or follow this world. When you wake up you can dress to impress and fit-in with all the styles, no matter how provocative they may be, or you can choose God and dress in a manner that would please Him and not cause someone else to lust. I’m not saying you must wear dresses to your ankles and cover your head with a bag, but come on ladies…you know what I’m talking about. Be respectful.

As I look back on the poor decisions I made, friendships and relationships that were broken, and situations that could have ended up much worse than they did…I consider myself blessed. Blessed to be a part of God’s plan, blessed by His Grace. Years later I have a beautiful family, work in an office where my boss starts the day in prayer and devotion every morning and prays over his patients each week, and I am privileged to  work with you girls as you grow in God’s plan for your life!

In today’s world, if you don’t listen to your parents or your boss the first time they tell you to do something, they might give you a second chance to change your mind, but not always. Would they give you years to do what they told you to do in the first place?

What if the next time your dad or mom tells you to clean your room, you respond, “Nah, not today. I’ll do it in maybe 5-7 years.” I don’t think that would work too well for you. (and definitely don’t tell them I told you to do that – purely for an example)

This is only one of the reasons why I consider myself blessed by His Grace. Grace is getting what you don’t deserve. Mercy is not getting what you do deserve. God gave me grace when He was patient with me and never gave up on me despite my rebellion. Today, I am who I am because of His Grace. Though I remember my past mistakes, I can rejoice knowing that He made me clean. He welcomed me to His family and He is all that matters. I will always be grateful for His Amazing Grace!

There are days that I’m reminded of my past and brought to tears by who I used to be. Embarrassed and ashamed, my heart breaks thinking of the pain I caused my family.

But then I remember…

I am a child of God, a daughter of the One True King! Sunday, my family and I went to 5point in Easley and the Pastor said, “Remember your past but Rejoice in who God made you.”

I honestly did not plan on writing this blog today. I started my blog with a completely different topic in mind. I even had a cute picture and title picked out for it and everything…but apparently someone needs to hear this. I don’t know who, but I do know that you are not defined by your past. Don’t let your past mistakes hold you back from who God created you to be. It’s time to move forward, hear His Word, and Rejoice in knowing that God can make you clean. Rejoice in knowing that you can be a child of God.

Today’s scripture came from Acts 10 and 11 where Peter went against culture and spoke with 3 gentiles, men that were not Jewish, and eventually saved and baptized them. The people wondered why Peter was with the gentiles, the gossiped about him talking to sinners, and they even questioned him about wanting to baptize these people, but his response was simple, “And I remembered the word of the lord how He used to say, “John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, if God gave to them the same gift He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that could stand in God’s way?” Acts 11:16-17

God loves you just as He loves the rest of His children. There will be regrets in your life big or small that you won’t be able to forget and words that you can never take back, but you must always remember…

His love surpasses them all and no matter what you’ve done or how bad you think your past may be…God is always there. His Grace is too hard to explain in words, but I can promise His love will never fail you.

When you wake up in the morning, claim yourself as a child of God, a daughter of the One True King. Look in the mirror and see yourself as more than just a series of past mistakes, but a masterpiece created by God Himself.

You are beautiful, you are wonderful, and you need to remind yourself daily how special you truly are!

You are a part of His plan and your mission is just beginning!

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

If you have a special prayer need or need to talk to someone, you can always call, text, or email me anytime! I’m always here for you!

Kayla Rampey

KaylaRampey@yahoo.com

864-915-8094

Will I ever be happy again?

Life is full of ups and downs. One day you’re on top of the world living it up with your friends then the next day you may be struggling to get out of bed. This is life. It’s not easy, but we have hope because we know it’s only temporary. This is not our home. Our hope and our home is in Jesus Christ.

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”          Hebrews 13:14

There may be a time in your life when you’ll wonder, “Will I ever be happy again?” When times like this hit, remember how blessed the Lord wants you to be.

The word “blessed” means “happy.” When you read through the scripture below replace the word blessed with happy and you’ll see how God intended for you to be happy. When you put your trust in His hands, you will find true happiness.

“5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. ² He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,

³ “Blessed (happy) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (poor in spirit = not spiritually arrogant)

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

⁵ “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. (gentle = humble, kind)

⁶ “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Happy are those that desire to be like Christ)

⁷ “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

⁸ “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

¹⁰ “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:1-12

Today I challenge you to be blessed. Be happy and show the world our God!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Have you ever heard someone say “God won’t give you more than you can handle?” If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard this saying 100 times, but without the second part of this verse, you can be left completely confused.

Read it again, “God won’t give you more than YOU can handle.” YOU are not meant to handle everything on your own. When YOU try to handle everything on your own you will quickly realize how much you really need God in your life.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the Bible says that God will always give you a way out of your temptation. Sometimes you just have to look for it. Trust in Him and follow His lead.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

No matter how big your struggle may be or how impossible a happy day may seem in your future, remember than God is always by your side. Whatever you are going through, you are never alone.

God won’t give you more than you can handle (with Him by your side) and He will always give you a way out.  Open your eyes…what is God trying to show you?

Trust in Him.

There is always a way out, a light at the end of the dark tunnel, and a better day when you realize that He’s had a plan the whole time.

Look for the way of escape…Trust Him and find true happiness…

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

Empowered Jesus Girls – Empower Others

As hot as it is right now, fall will be here before you know it. In addition to bonfires and football games, we are starting to plan our fall Empowered Jesus Girl Conferences.

This year, we want you to be a HUGE part of the planning. If you would like Empowered Jesus Girl to come to your church, give me a call, text, or email me! I also want your opinions: Did you like the Christian Dance-Fitness class? Who would you like to see at the next conference? Favorite Christian band? Did you like the fashion shows and make overs? Share your favorite memory from Empowered Jesus Girl and help us empower others!

Empowered Jesus Girls – Empower others!

Make a difference in someone’s life by stepping up and starting a movement for Christ!

We look forward to seeing you at the next conference!

Thanks and God Bless!

 “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Kayla Rampey

You can contact me at:

864-915-8094

KaylaRampey@yahoo.com

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

Just the other day a friend of mine said, “if God is real then why does he keep testing my faith, taking me through dark battles, and making my life miserable?”

My response is simple…God is real. God is not a dictator, a ruler that forces you to do certain things in life. God is God and gives you choices, freedom, and direction in life. You get to choose what and who you follow or love.

My husband loves me. (duh) but if he loved me just because I demanded or forced him to love me, then it would not be true love. No one makes him love me. He chooses to love me. Just as I choose to love him and we choose to love and follow Christ. No one forces love, love is a choice.

Imagine it like this:

When you were born God handed you a road map that directed you through life step by step, turn by turn. Looking at the map you can see a straight road leading directly to eternal life. You can see the sun, the happiness, the path that God has given you. It’s pretty simple to follow, but you have to choose to stay on that path.

You can see it all laid out in front of you.

But then, life happens.

Like most road trips, after driving hundreds of miles, you get bored. You look up and see a sign that says “FUN THIS WAY” maybe it’s a sign for an amusement park or attraction or something that is tempting to follow, but whatever it is…you take the turn. Instead of following God’s roadmap for your life…you decide to take a quick detour down a road of “fun.” In your mind, you think “God won’t mind. It’s just a quick detour. I won’t be long…I just want to have some fun on this trip!”

So you turn…you turn away from God’s plan…

After a few years of fun, you realize this road is going nowhere. You haven’t found eternal life, you aren’t happy, you feel like your life is pointless again. You have no purpose and your struggling just to make it through each day. So, you keep driving down the same road…day after day, you are lost.

Then you see another sign of happiness. You look to the left of the road and you see a group of friends that look like they are having a blast. So, you ask them to show you the way. The world directs you to turn. So, you take the turn and join your friends for a while.

Years later, you’re stuck at a crossroad again. You’re bored, your life is pointless and you don’t know why you are so unhappy all the time.

Repeatedly, you take the wrong turn until one day you wake up and ask, “if god is real…where is He?’

The truth is…He’s on the road you started at. He’s still there! He never left your side. You decided to take the wrong turn and you left the path God had planned for you.

To get back to God, to find happiness, YOU and only YOU have to decide to turn back to Him. One right turn is one step back to Him.

Today you can decide to follow Him. Today you can find Christ. Today you can know that God is real!

Take that first step, and follow Him.

“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

I pray that God will direct your steps, send you back to Him, and answer your prayers in His will. It’s easy to take a wrong turn and get lost in your own ways, but turn to Him and I promise you will find peace again.

I know that God is real because even when I took the wrong turn, more than once, I found my way back to Him by simply turning around and turning back to Him.

He never left my side, He never gave up on me, and He gave me peace that only He can provide.

God is real.

May God bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Several times throughout scripture we see where the Bible proclaims that we are “created in the image of Jesus Christ.”

“Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-27

Sunday morning I met with our youth and discussed the meaning of “His Image.”

What comes to your mind when you think of the image of Christ? A man on a cross? A newborn baby in a manger? Maybe even a man in a white robe and sandals?

The truth is, when the Bible talks about us being created in the “image” of Christ its not talk about our physical characteristics.

When I had my 3D/4D ultrasound with my first son, it was obvious that he was going to have the “Rampey nose.” If you look at any of my nieces or my two boys or husband you’ll notice that they have a cute little button nose. Nothing crazy about it – it’s just a physical trait that they all have.

Carson, my 4 year old laughs all the time, and when he does his dimples shine for everyone to see! Blonde hair, blue eyes, and dimples….ladies…watch out! Asher has dimples too but not as defined as Carson’s are. They get them from me. Mine aren’t adorable and cute and precious as Carson and Baby Asher’s are…but they get them from me.

These are physical traits that my children obtained from their genes (parents/family line). What physical traits did you get from your family members? Anything cool? Do you look more like your mom or dad?

Think about it for a minute and then let’s take it deeper. My dad and I are more alike when it comes to our mindset. We are deep thinkers, emotional at times, a little bit of risk takers, adventurers, travelers, sometimes temperamental and impatient (refer to my teen years – prayer can change anyone), hard workers, and overall similar in a lot of ways. A lot of times my dad can look at me and know what I’m thinking because more than likely…he’s thinking it too.

This is kind of “image” the Bible is talking about. When God says we are created in His Image He wants you to know that He created you to be like His Son…have His mindset, set out to reach the same goals, and try to achieve a lifestyle that would be pleasing and similar to His. God didn’t create us as “clones” to Jesus Christ…we all know we are far from that. He created us to be followers of Christ, created in the image of His Son so that we can continue in His footsteps, share the Gospel with a dying world, and make a difference that only He can make.

Is your “image” closer to the image of Christ or the image of this world?

Do you desire to grow closer to Christ by being more like Him or would you rather find your way on your own and achieve your goals in life?

Every day you live you are either moving closer to God or further away from Him…

Which way are you moving?

My challenge for your today is that you’ll take a dry erase marker (with your parents permission)and write on your mirror “LORD, HELP ME LOOK MORE LIKE YOU.”

Every morning when you wake up and get ready for the day, pray that the Lord will help you look more like Him.

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.