Messiah

Tonight was the first night of Handel's Messiah...it went a lot better than I was expecting and I was able to see my old orchestra teacher from 4th grade!!!!!

Created

"The same person who created the minuscule amoebas and the majestic mountains, the delicate purple orchid and the deep blue ocean, the sun that shines by day and the stars that glow by night. The very same all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful God, used His special touch to create you." ~Andrea Stephens



This is an amazing, beautiful, eye-opening quote. But, I couldn't just read it....my college experience has taught me to 'unpack' it....so I did.

Biology: The minuscule amoebas....right now we are studying cells. Something so small, yet so complex. A lipid membrane to regulate the entrance and exciting of ions. Enzymes that rely on each other to carry out life processes. They all work together as a team...a cell....an amoeba...the cells in a delicate purple orchid, holding it together, sustaining it, carrying out the process of photosynthesis to created oxygen for us! For you and for me!!!

Chemistry: they hydrogen bonding of the water molecules in the deep blue ocean. (or even in a small lake, allowing the ice to form on top of the lake for the fish underneath to have water, not ice)

Philosophy: Currently, we are discussing the problem of evil, basing it on the characteristics of God, he is.....all-wise, all-knowing, and all-powerful.



The next time you read something, stop and unpack it. You have a brain for a reason. What you learn in your education should be taken out into the world. Use it! Think, use that amazing brain (full of neurons that are firing as I type, sending messages around my body without me consciously thinking)


Fun fact: Soap is made of lipids. The hydrophobic (afraid of water) side is what bonds to all the dirt and grim on your body. The other part of the lipid is hydrophilic (water loving) causing the lipid along with the connected dirt to follow the path of the water, off your body, and down the drain!!!

Star Tipping

Last night I went to a hunted corn maize….talk about exciting. It was our floor date with 2nd VD. We had to go into the maize 5 at a time, although we all ended up together. Some of the people would follow us around and jump out from behind stuff (the typical haunted corn maize). Although at the end of the night, everyone agreed it wasn’t that exciting. It still was a ton of fun, and I was able to get to know a lot more people! After we went to stake n’ shake for a midnight snack! Again, just hanging out and meeting people was a lot of fun! Then, when we got back to the dorm, we went star tipping…..funnest thing ever! You spin around 20 times looking at the stars (really the sky because when you spin around you can’t tell the difference), then you have a friend standing on the opposite side of the commons lawn, holding a flashlight. Your goal is to run to the flashlight…sounds simple right? WRONG! Your whole body leans one way and you eventually fall over! Funnest thing to do, funnest thing to watch! So, try it out sometime!

College

It has been about a month since I have been here at Calvin....and I have learned so much!!!!

The main thing I have learned is that just Christianity is not enough. You need to know what you believe and be able to explain. So often I have lived my life with lukewarm Christianity...I have never been challenged in my beliefs. Tonight, in a seminar we talked about "Holy Worldliness"...two words we do not usually associate together. As Christians we have the reputation of hating the world...why not break the reputation? Why are we content to be luke-warm? Kristin Vander Giessen-Reitsma wrote, "Our call is to 'test the spirits' (1 John 4:1) not to hide from them. In order to do that, we need to grow up-that is, recognize our personal limitations, but also learn how to be able to witness sinfulness without changing our minds about what's good and pleasing to God."

I am no longer content with my walk with God...I long for a deeper, more real relationship....one where I find my place in the world.....the WORLD....not just a 'Christian bubble'. The World is Awesome........





So, the world is awesome...God created it...I can't wait for a new day!!!!

Battle of the Bye

Tomorrow is Chaos Day!!! All the dorms compete in games against each other. So, this afternoon was Battle of the Bye! To compete each dorm had to carry a person on a mattress....six people carrying the mattress and one person on top. The guys carry it down, and switch with the girls who carry it back.

I was able to be one of the girls carrying the mattress. It was so crazy. We were running and we were in 3rd place....1st place dropped their mattress, so we ran hard...and WON!!!!! So, now we have a Bye to the next round! Go RVD!!!!


The boys getting ready to run!


Us girls in a huddle, discussing our plan to win!


The mattress


Our mascot....BIG RED!


RUN!!!!!!!!

Update

Here is a copy of an email that I sent out, updating everyone on my life:

Hello Everyone,


First of all, thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I really appreciate it.



Second, I wanted to give you an update. It is somewhat long so you can just skip parts or skim!!!



My orientation went great. Here at Calvin the whole orientation program is called Quest. Wednesday

night, my parents were kicked out at 6:30, and that is where all the fun began! We stated out with an

opening session….basically a bunch of loud music, crazy leaders, and some funny videos. That night I

had a meeting with my floor of the dorm (a floor meeting).



Thursday, my group participated in Streetfest, Calvin’s way of introducing students to Service-learning

(or volunteering). Grand Rapids is divided into several areas called neighborhoods which work together

for the community. So, we went and pulled weeds in a playground and picked up trash. That night, our

group took an outing to Reeds Lake where we had ice cream, made tie dye shirts, and played games.



Friday, my group listened to lectures to learn more about Reformed Liberal Arts. We also participated

in The Great Ball Challenge, a scavenger hunt around campus in which we needed to find an object

and take a picture with it, everyone in our group, and a giant beach ball. It was a lot of fun; although,

I regret to inform you that we did not win. I also had to take a test to see if I could test out of the

computer class….it is a pass fail grade in which “will be returned to you within a few business days”

….so I’m still waiting.



Saturday, the theme was Agents of Renewal. My group watched some drama presentations to make

us think about tough questions. After, we had an amazing group discussion. In the afternoon, in order

to familiarize us with the FEN doctrine (Calvin’s Anti-racism doctrine) we looked at a variety of art.

That night we had our final group meetings and a closing session. Then we all gathered around the

Seminary Pond for reflections. We lit candles and placed them along with a sticky note of our fears

in a plastic cup and put them on the Pond. It was so beautiful!! Finally, we were able to “Dance the

Night Away”…and I actually danced (which you might get a bit worried about)…I learned how to

ballroom dance and swing dance (but don’t worry, it was with a girl)!



So, that brings me to today, Sunday. It has been such a crazy past few days. I’m looking forward to

some rest (and hopefully finishing cleaning my room) today as well as getting into a normal routine.



I want to end with my quote of the day, which I found very fitting. “God is at work in the world, and

He wants you to join Him. This assignment is called your mission. God wants you to have both a

ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world.” (Rick Warren)



Thanks again for your prayers and support,

Kendra

College

Wow....this summer has gone by so quickly...I have so much to say and so little time. In 6 days, I am going to be starting school again. This time with no mother to do my laundry and no siblings to pick on and no father to buy me coffee. I have so many mixed feelings about college. Right now my biggest problem is packing...i know it needs to be done, but it is so difficult. So.....this is my very short update for now, I'm off to do more packing!

Home?

Wednesday night, I attended a Bible study. We had an awesome time sitting around a camp fire, discuessing Isaiah 59, and singing. My cousin then brought everyone home (it is such a fun carpool), and we finally made it to his house. By this time I had to go the bathroom, but we were in the middle of a really good conversation. I finally made it home and to my dismay, I was locked out of the house. After consider my break in options, I gave up and rang the doorbell...waking up my grandma....but atleast I made it into the house!!!!!

Service Weekend

So, this weekend was service weekend at my grandparents church. A group of young people got together on Friday night. We went to a beach and sang and had Bible study. Then we had a sleepover and did another Bible study.

Sat morning, we started out by having a car wash. We were able to make $200. Then, we sorted clothes at a mission. After, we helped prepare food for a Hispanic outreach program. We closed the night by having an open cafe.

It was an awesome weekend, and provided a time to grow closer to God and discover what true service is!

Update 2

Wow…what an eventful summer! The last weeks have been filled with late nights with friends, early mornings at work, laughs, coffee, and smiles.

On Thursday and Friday, I went to Calvin College for my orientation. It actually was a lot of fun. Everyone was excited to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. I was able to connect with lots of my childhood friends…which was exciting. And of course a few awkward moments of me remembering people but them not remembering me!

The past few days have been a bit depressing just figuring out the financial side of college. Today, my day was made when I discovered that after two years of sitting in a box, the shop did indeed have a paper cutter!!! Totally made my day!!!!

Tuesday, I visited my great-grandma…we had such an awesome conversation that I was hesitant to leave! It is such an awesome experience just sitting with my grandma, talking. Not many people are able to do that!

Well, that is my short update for now….so until later!

Update

Wow, where to begin? The past two weeks have been a crazy flurry of activities. I was able to graduate from high school. As the class valedictorian, I had to give a speech. Through it God taught me a lot! I spoke about surrendering your life to God and how surrender demands patience, perseverance, and pliability. I had to arrive at school at 8:50 and graduation was at 10:00. As I was preparing, I asked God to take care of my nerves. Normally, I don’t get nervous for public speaking until the person before me goes and then throughout my speech….but God had bigger things in store for me. I was not nervous at all…even throughout my speech!!! So, by surrendering my nerves to God, he showed me the practicality about what I was speaking on! Wow! What an amazing God!!!

That afternoon at 2:00, I had my graduation party. One of the highlights was when a friend turned to me and said, ‘look here comes the rest of the class.’ I chuckled and turned around, but sure enough…most of my class had just entered! They had formed a ‘caravan’ and were trying to go to as many grad parties as they could….it was neat because it showed the unity in my class.

Then on Sunday, I did my profession of faith. It was really neat because my dad ‘personalized’ the form. He talked about the day I was baptized and how he and mom showed their faith, but now I’m standing up and stating my own faith. Then I was able to give my testimony. I shared about growing up in a Christian home and the importance of my parent’s witness. Then my dad sang a song, and I played the violin with him. The song was Majesty (Here I Am).



That Sunday afternoon, I left with some friends for Canada. And yes, I talked for four hours straight…it was a lot of fun! (for me at least)

I started work on Monday and I began my social life on Wednesday. On Wednesday, I went to a Bible study with my cousin. We read from Genesis and talked about the fall. We discussed the curse that God gave, and we also talked about the roles of men and women. It was a very interesting discussion! It was neat because it was not surface level but we really dug into the meaning of the Bible.

On Thursday, I had my violin lessons…I think I’m really going to enjoy my teacher!

Friday, my cousin and I purchased soccer flags to place on our cars. Go Netherlands! (Say the two people who didn’t realize the world cup was every 4 years!)
On Saturday, my other cousins came over…an experience in itself!

So, as you can tell, my life has been non-stop craziness! But I love spending the summer with my grandparents! I believe you really don’t know your grandparents until you live with them and see ‘inside’ their daily lives. That is all my exciting news for now!

My Sister

This past week, God has opened my eyes in many ways. Today, i want to focus on my sister. Starting on sunday, she gave me a gift. This process of gift giving has continued every day this week...i have woken up, gone into the bathroom to get ready, and she 'sneeks' into my room and places a gift, wrapped with card and everything in my room. She writes cute little cards that explain why she has given me the gift as well. So, my gift have included:

- Sunday: So i won't loose my purse when i eat or do anything: A purse hanger
- Monday: Something you can never have too much of in a closet: pant hangers
- Tuesday: To help keep me organized: a dry erase board that is a calender
- Wednesday: Something else that goes in a closet: shirt hangers
- Thursday: Something to help my hands after carrying all my heavy books: a manicure set

These gifts have inspired me so much! The week isn't over, but i can't wait to wake up in the morning to see what my next gift is! My sister has an amazing gift of writing cards and giving gifts! If you ever need any gift ideas...talk to her! I'm going to miss her when i'm off at college. I'm so thankful that we are able to spend the whole summer together....hanging out at our grandparents...driving my grandma's suv...shopping...going to her soccer games (actually, reading along the sidelines for me! lol).

She is my clothes coordinator, shoe picker, jewelry vetoer, advice giving, story telling, awesome sister! Sometimes we stay up so late just talking, laughing, and teasing each other....till we are told to quiet down.

So, thanks Bre...you are an amazing sister and i love you so much!!!

My Brother's Genius

After my post about friends, my brother inspired me about what true friends should be like. As he said, "I would like to know more about your personality and more about yourself."

Wow, why can't i think like him?

Friends

Today, as I was doing my devotions (I get daily emails from Proverbs 31 ministries), they talked about friendship. I was struck by how bad of a friend I am. I often use people for my own benefit. Proverbs 27:17 states, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I started to reflect on my own life...am i a friend who sharpens others? So often i focus on myself and have my own pity parties. When my siblings tell me about a rough time they have had, I often reply with "If that is the only thing i had to worry about, my life would be good." Wow, how selfish is that? Earlier, I got upset at a friend for not listening to my story...when really they were the one who was having a difficult time. It is so easy for me to cut people off and interrupt them. I do care about what they think....i just don't think about when i'm talking!


This song by Sanctus Real talks about a marriage, but i believe it can apply to friendship as well (with some minor changes!)



So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone


So, my prayer tonight is that i will become a better friend...listen when people talk...not blow off my siblings. Now the difficult thing is putting this into practice!

Funny Story

Yesterday, I learned that a family member would not be able to attend my graduation because they do not have the proper paperwork to enter the country. Apparently, my 93 year old great-grandmother is a threat to national security!

My Brother

(This is one of my brother's favorite songs!)


Today I was able to spend quite a bit of time with my brother. The more time I spend with him, the prouder I am of the person he has become. School is difficult, and he doesn't have many friends. But, he is able to light up our family. He knows just what to say to cheer me up. And sometimes, in his honesty, it is hard not to laugh. So, i'm going to write down a few of his funny comments:

• My brother to me: "Kendra, what size shirt is that...extra-large....medium?" "Um, no bud, its a small" "Oh, i thought it looked like an extra large"
• My mom was typing on the computer and my brother was trying to talk to her. My mom when working on certain things needs her complete concentration focused on that. So, she kindly asked my brother to stop talking for a bit. To which he replied, "it's ok...you can't multi-task as good as Kendra!"
• According to him: "Your breath smells like you have been born." (this one i'm still trying to figure out)

In the past few years, I have grown a lot closer to him (and my sister). Part of the reason has been my license. The fun drives into school in the morning....all of us singing at the top of our lungs...hitting the wrong notes....driving with the windows down....stopping for our morning coffee....and laughing and joking all along the way (well, besides the few odd mornings when one of us is studying and all in a dither!)

I know many of the problems that i face are small compared to what my brother will experience. I thank God for his amazing attitude and view of the world, and I praise God for his encouraging spirit.

Grad

Tonight, as I sat and worked and listened to music...I listened to "Graduation Song" by Vitamin C. All of the sudden, I was about to cry. That song is me! In less than three weeks, I will be the one walking across the stage to receive my diploma. All the hard years, the funny moments, the good and bad times....it has all come to this. For all my life, I have known school life and the comfort of mom and dad. As I sit and think, I look to the past and all the awesome times i have had, and all the neat friends I have made along the way. But, I also look to the future and all the possibilities God has for me! So, I continue to sit on this cross roads, half looking forward...half looking behind. One day, I'm excited to leave for college....the next day i just want to stay in the comfort of my home. I know that i must move on....but it is hard with so many conflicting feelings!

So, I'm enjoying the presence of my family...thinking of all the work i must do to prepare for college....trying to think of the work i must accomplish in the present....and praying that God can bring me through this roller coaster of emotions!

Renewal

Our church is starting a renewal program. A couple is going to help up and become an accountability partner. It is so exciting to think of what God has the capability to do! The only sad part is that i'm going away to college. So, i wouldn't be around when the church undergoes this. Thankfully the lady offered to mentor me through he program....thank goodness for cell phones! So, come the fall...as i start off on a new life, i will also be undergoing a new spiritual journey as well. And i'm looking forward to it!

Homework?

So, I sit here attempting to work on my homework, but it can be so hard. My English assignment is to compare and contrast the book and movie versions of The Painted Vail....which is much easier said than done! I have so many thoughts running through my head, but i have a hard time putting them on paper (or the computer).

But, as i sit here trying to work, I'm listening to Your Name by Paul Baloche. This song has become such a prayer to me! After attending one of his concerts, the words mean even more to me.

Your Name by Paul Baloche

As morning dawns and evening fades
You inspire songs of praise
That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save
But Your Name

Jesus, in Your Name we pray
Come and fill our hearts today
Lord, give us strength to live for You and glorify Your Name

Your Name is a strong and mighty tower
Your Name is a shelter like no other
Your Name, let the nations sing it louder
'Cause nothing has the power to save but Your Name


As i go on through this day, I let this song play in the background of my mind. The words are so simple and powerful, but it is so hard to truly turn everything over to God. When life gets busy...when i want to control my life instead of letting the all-powerful God lead and guide me....which i become so rapped up in earthy things and fail to listen to God's voice. I pray that God will fill my heart and give me strength to live for Him!

Track

My sister is in track and i have never been to one of her meets....that all changed today. After waiting for three hours, i was able to watch her run for 30 seconds! But, it was a lot of fun. A friend and i discussed the joys of dorm life and what we should pack. The biggest issue for me is all the clothes i have....how will i be able to bring them all? how do i decide which clothes to bring? Then of course how far in advance should you stock up on shampoo, soap, and detergent without people asking to use your stuff! I guess time will solve these questions!

Beginning

I have always thought it would be cool to start a blog. Now, with the excitement of going off to college and attempting to keep everyone updated...I figured this would be a perfect time to start. Basically, my blog is going to be a compilation of my life experiences in college (and throughout the summer). I love to tell stories and although reading them is different than actually hearing them....reading them is also better than nothing. So, hears to starting a new chapter in my life! Thanks for joining me on this journey!!!!