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!!!!