magnificent obsession

refreshed

2012-02-11T18:35:00.000-08:00

I become bored rapidly if I do the same things day after day. I'll switch and change around with my goals. One week I strive to read as many books as possible, the next I'm all about running 20 miles or such in that week. If I tried to run 20 miles every week, I'd surely become sick of running and not complete my goal.

My relationship with Christ is developing into a extra part of my day, a little extra part of my life, not all my life. What happened to the times where I was so encouraged by those around me? Why don't I want to get up in the morning and talk to Jesus, to read His word?

It's because it's my fault. I don't realize how great God really is, and how much love He has for me. It's not His fault, because He's not giving me an 'on fire' feeling or the desire to get spend time with Him. I should WANT to spend time with Him, I'm blessed to be able to serve Jesus in the small ways I can.

"Behold, these are but the outskirts of God's ways,
and how small a whisper do we hear of Him!
Who can understand the thunder of His power?"

{JOB 26:14}

"God's steadfast love endures forever."

{PSALM 136:12}

“It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about Himself.”
{JOHN PIPER}

"The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness;
He will quiet you with His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing."

{ZEPHANIAH 3:17}

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
{MATTHEW 19:26}

If you're like me and have grown up in a Christian family, those verses can become just plain blah. You read them over and over, and they loose their meaning. I'm beginning to look at God's word in a diverse, more searching way. Letting all those words sink into me makes me all excited about Jesus all over again.

-- Kendra

birthdays galore

2012-02-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

I've always loved ice cream and never been a big fan of birthday cake, so I had the biggest bowl of ice cream for my birthday. It was almost melted because of the candles, but that's okay. Guess what? I got away with putting an extra candle on the ~~cake~~ ice cream. Nobody noticed until I had already blown them out. That means I'm sixteen now, not fifteen, right?

Anna was normal and made herself a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese icing. I told her that in this picture (above) she looked like somebody just gave her an engagement ring. She got really mad.

ps // this is why I'm praying about getting a new camera.

bad quality pictures are not my favorite.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to eat on your birthday? I had ravioli and salad. yum.

douceur de vivre

2012-02-06T13:25:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

// sweet things in life //

- smiles

- french phrases

- presents

- birthday wishes

- hugs

- lunatic horses

- blue skies

- songs like you lead

- early morning talks with Jesus

- sketching willow trees

- reading to Nehemiah

- mint ice cream

- four mile runs without listening to my mp3 player

- posts like this

- singing in my room at the top of my lungs

- watching football (or not really) with friends

- my sister's laugh

- cameras

- movie nights

- listening to the radio

Birthday Post- By Anna-Faith

2012-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

If Kendra would have her dream birthday I'm pretty sure this would be close to it.
Oh, And please post happy birthday comments on this post and her facebook page.

Okay, so she'll wake up and start her day with some delicious Cinnamon Rolls & Hot Chocolate.

Then she would read her Bible.

Cause, she loves Jesus so much.

Then she would take a five mile run on the beach.

She would be surprised to see that she was running two times faster than most of the time.

Then, you knowing how to drive go to the book store and when you get there you see your favorite band Tenth Ave North.

You talk to them for a while then you browse through the book store and you find out that all the books are free.

Then you go and meet your friends, Hannah, Bonnie, and Rachel at Chick fil a.

Then you go with them to see the Hunger games movie.

Then you go to Shelbyville horse park and go trail riding.

Your are so tired, so you go home and see that your room look's like this.

And when you look around you see that on the desk that there are ticket for tomorrow's trip to Africa.

*********************************************************************

Kendra: I hope you have a great birthday and a great birthday every year.

I see that every year you are getting a lot closer in your walk with God.

I wish you so many good years,

oxoxoxoxoxoxo,

Your sis Anna

fifteen.

2012-02-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I turn fifteen. In some ways I feel as if I should be at least thirty by now, in others I feel like I'm still five. But I'm not going into how much I can't believe I'm fifteen and such in this post. I'm going to reflect on the fifteen years I've been blessed with already, and what I hope to accomplish in the next year.

I don't remember much of my early childhood, but the things I do remember are vivid. I remember sitting on the roof of the chicken coop (which I was not allowed to do), gazing at the sunset. I remember jumping on the bed (again I was not supposed to do this) and writing poems. I remember catching spiders in our backyard and bringing fireflies in my room (probably wasn't supposed to do this either). I remember drawing pictures of Daniel and the lion's den on my parents bed, and I remember how much I enjoyed reading the Boxcar Children series. I remember talking to Jesus as if He were my friend, I remember imagining scary creatures in my backyard and killing them off.

see a picture of how I looked at age seven here. (i'm the one with the short hair hugging my brother. ps also look extremely fat in the picture.)

When I was eight we moved to Jordan. I remember being so excited to get on a plane and go somewhere different that I didn't even think about leaving my friends and family behind. I wondered why everyone was crying at the airport. After all, it was going to be fun moving to a different country! Little did I know how much I would miss my grandparents and friends later on. In Jordan I spent time trying to figure out how to let my brother and his friends let me play soccer with them, how to keep Anna out of my stuff, and how to play pranks on my family. Once I dressed up like a poor beggar, smeared dirt on my face and walked into our house crying and asking for food. My mom gave me a watermelon and didn't even realize it was me until I walked out of the house laughing my head off. I was a joker.

(the plants are extremely confused. so am i. it's february. it's not supposed to be 60 degrees outside.)

Then I turned nine and we left for Sudan. The days there were long and hot, but I had such a good time I didn't care. I met some amazing friends (hey, who cares if hardly any of them were from America?) and we had a good time swimming in the Nile. No, there were not crocodiles floating around in the river. It was dusty in Sudan but the people were the nicest I've ever met.

pictures of me in sudan here and here. i'm the one on the left in the first picture and the one with the blue headband in the 2nd.

When we moved back to the states I was excited to see my grandparents and live on a plot of land with grass and trees. It was strange seeing white people and seeing so much bare skin. I was used to the women wearing floor length shirts and at least wearing a head covering. At eleven years old I became sort of a tomboy. I didn't care a thing about fashion, boys, or even how I looked (not that I care now, haha). But, you get the point. I ran around outside and didn't care what others thought of me. To be honest, I really didn't even care what God thought of me. Oh sure, He loved me, and I loved Him, but I didn't do much to please Him.

how I looked at age eleven and age twelve (i know, i look nothing like myself in the first picture. it's creepy).

The year I was thirteen dad announced we were moving back overseas, this time to Egypt. I tried to act excited about it, just as I had before, but deep down inside I didn't want to leave my friends. I didn't want to leave the beautiful country side or the clear creek. But I cheerfully helped pack up, telling myself I did like adventures after all. All of us (except mom and the baby, they were coming a few weeks later) headed to Egypt in August. The house wasn't what we had expected. It needed repairs (bad), and lots of cleaning. So I set to work, while dad was gone most of the day trying to buy a car, buy food, ect. I stayed at home unpacking, cleaning, watching the other kids and taking care of them. The water we had was too salty for me too drink, even though I tried to filter it over and over with our filter. One morning about a week since we had arrived in Egypt I woke up with a fever. My stomach hurt too, and I felt that way for about a week.

Then mom came, bringing Nehemiah (surprise! he had begun walking) along. I felt relieved and we were sure I was going to get better in a few days. But then I came down with a cough, and I felt bad for weeks. Mom took me to doctors, and I still didn't feel better. That's when I started reading more and writing more. I filled myself with words, I traveled to different lands in my head where people seemed to have much harder problems than me, but they were solved easily.

Books couldn't fill me up. I read all the ones I had brought with me at least once. I couldn't always write. My hand grew tired and the internet went out at least everyday. I went outside in the yard one night and just cried. I felt sorry for myself, sorry that I was sick for all these weeks, sorry that I was a teenage girl with no one my age to talk to. Feeling sorry for myself didn't help me, it just made me feel worse. I asked God to lead me to Him. I asked Him to show me who He really was. Then I remembered two songs I had listened to back in the states. One was "Lead Me to the Cross" and "By Your Side". I thought over these lyrics and prayed. I asked Jesus to really become my best friend. I really started reading my Bible. No, I didn't suddenly become well, but we eventually went back home to America. Things just didn't go as planned in Egypt, and dad felt God wanted him to return home.

I've learned so much in my fourteenth year. I've learned that life is not about me, that being a woman doesn't mean I have to like fashion or lipstick, and most important, I've discovered more about Jesus. I hope to become like Him more and more in my fifteenth year. I'm sure that I'll have ups and downs this year, but I'm excited.

And maybe now people won't say, "wow! I thought you were so much older than fourteen! I mean you're so tall and mature and blabla!". Maybe now they'll be like, "Oh, fifteen. You seem like you're exactly fifteen years old."

our tennessee trip

2012-01-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

Early this month my grandmas announced a shocking yet wonderful plan -- they were going to take eight of us, without my parents, to a huge hotel with an indoor waterpark in Tennessee. We all had a marvelous time and we survived.

We arrived Tuesday afternoon and since nobody goes on vacation (expect other home schoolers and retired people) in the middle of the week in January we had the hotel, water park, restaurants, and smoky mountains all to ourselves. Basically.

(excuse the bad picture quality. my camera takes awful pictures inside)

We played in the waterpark for hours on end. The little kids stuck to the wave pool and the water play ground, while we older ones dared each other to go down the largest slide. We finally got Heidi to go down it, but she was so scared she never tried it again. But the rest of us loved every moment of it. Except for when I about broke my neck and got whiplash, anyways, that's a different story.

My personal favorite part was driving to the top of the mountains and gazing out at the scenery. Even if it was freezing, the site was breathtaking. I felt so much more in awe of God and His creation then.

I have the most good looking family on earth. Just try arguing with me. While on top of the mountain, we realized that we had locked the keys inside of the van. Yikes. Of course, knowing grandmas, there was a bit of fretting going on until Max announced that dad had kept a spare key over one of the tires. (You might've mentioned that a bit sooner, Max.) We all drove down gratefully thanking God He allowed us to arrive safely at the hotel. You just can't take everything for granted.

(it's anna's birthday. wish her a happy one, will you?)

Do you like going on trips? Ever been to Tennessee?

giveaway // $20 gift card to amazon

2012-01-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

I promised all my readers that I would host a giveaway soon and the time has come. I was too lazy (okay, I just don't want to spend five hundred hours on the computer) to ask anyone to sponsor the giveaway with a prize, instead I'm giving away an amazon gift card. Now, if you're a reader and a music lover like me, you're probably jumping up and down in excitement. Hopefully.

I'll quit my talking then and get on to the rules, since I know that's what you want.

For those of you who have never entered a giveaway, there will only be one winner. I will choose the winner randomly out of all the entries. I'll explain how you can enter in just a minute.
This giveaway is open internationally.
Winner will be drawn February 25th and will be announced later that week. I will contact the winner by leaving a comment on their blog (if you don't have a blog leave your email or some other way for me to contact you). If the winner does not respond in one week, I will choose another.

Is that clear? Alright. To enter, you can do one or all of the below choices, but for each entry, please leave a comment on this post. The comments are basically your entries for the giveaway, since I'm choosing a random comment number (using random.org) from this post.

ways to enter:

Let me know in a comment how God is working in your life and/or let me know if there are any changes you'd like to see to magnificent obsession.
Follow this blog via google friend connect through my sidebar.
Like the blog page on facebook through my sidebar.
Mention this giveaway or my blog on your blog.
Put the blog button (below) on your blog sidebar.

This is a thank you to all my readers, I'm so thankful for everyone of you who cares about me and leaves encouraging little notes on my posts. I really do wish I could give you all something, but instead I think I'll just leave a comment on all of your blogs (two hundred and three comments, I can do that).

Love in Christ, Kendra (the little blogger who is not so little anymore thanks to all of you and Jesus who allowed this to happen).

laughter

2012-01-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

all pictures via pinterest

"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries the bones." PROVERBS 17:22

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'” PSALM 126:2

good enough

2012-01-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

"Well, God couldn't really love me anyway, because I've messed up too many times."

"God couldn't love me, because I forgot to spend time with Him this morning. I feel like such a jerk. I'll never be able to serve God if I can't even remember to read the Bible everyday."

I struggle with these thoughts. I think that what I do is what makes God love me.

What we do doesn't effect God's choices. We have no power over God. No matter what we do, God will always love us. He may not always be proud of us and sometimes we may make Him angry, but He will always love us.

So these thoughts, these lies I believe that I have to be good enough to deserve God's love must disappear. I can never be good enough on my own, no matter how hard I try. It is only through Christ that I can be saved, only through Him anyone can be saved.

Sure, we can spend time with Jesus and read the Bible. It makes God smile, it brings us closer to Him, it refreshes us. But it's not what saves us. I can never be good enough on my own. I am good enough, but only because Christ is in me.

What do you struggle with?

a normal day

2012-01-24T06:12:00.000-08:00

It's funny how other human lives seem so interesting. I wonder what each person does everyday, what time they get up at, what time they go to bed, what they eat, how much school they do. I decided to take pictures of today's events and write about them, so others can see and when I'm older I can go back to see what I did.

I get up at six to read Bible and spend time with my best friend, then (honestly) I fall back to sleep. I love waking up when the sunlight is streaming through the windows, not when it's pitch black and there's rain falling. But I still manage to become the early bird of the family.

I get breakfast on the table, which was apple bread I had made earlier. Everyone comes pouring downstairs asking each other how they sleep and telling weird dreams. We all have weird dreams, so it's like a tradition to tell them at the breakfast table.

Next we do chores. Since we have a family of ten, we have more work, but when everyone pitches in it goes quicker.

I read to Nehemiah and Henry (who are the cutest kiddos on earth) while the others finish up the morning jobs.

I do history and literature, they're probably my favorite school subjects.

Next I do the dreaded: Algebra. I hurry to get it done, but before long the hour is up and mom is calling me out to the car. I have a chiropractor appointment, my neck has been hurting.

It's cloudy outside and there's a slow dreary rain falling as we drive. We make the best of it by talking about our trip to Tennessee while we sing along with the radio.

At the chiropractor everything goes well, except it turns out I had some whiplash in my neck from riding one of the slides at a waterpark on our trip. I fell sore on the way home, but it isn't anything too serious.

When we come home I eat some leftover baked potato, then I read and play with Nehemiah. After putting Nehemiah down for his nap, I start school again.

Geography, science, consumers math, and art fill up my time for a few hours until I jump up and decide to run with dad.

The run is refreshing, it's warm outside and the weather has cleared up. When I return home Anna is baking apple crumble, the other kids and mom have left for the YMCA, and Nehemiah is dumping the monopoly game out everywhere.

I pour all of the monopoly cash and cards into the box and pull Nehemiah into the living room, where we host our own "concert" and dance with each other.

(Yep, we listen to Christmas music in January. We're awesome.)

Mom and the others soon return and my parents decide that they're going out for a 'date' and I stay home to watch the kids. We eat dinner then watch Stuart Little 2, after putting the extremely tired Henry and Nehemiah to bed.

When dad and mom return we pull out the monopoly game, only to find the pieces are scattered and we must sort them all out again.

I get ready for bed, make some tea and pull out a book.

After a few chapters I get out my laptop, answer a few emails, then write this post.

What does your day look like? What is you favorite time of the day?

love,

Kendra

ps: I wrote this post yesterday, so it's really yesterdays' events.

step by step

2012-01-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

I sit here, discouraged. Because it seems like I haven't done enough, like I'm not brave or passionate enough to be a real Christian. Why am I not like them? You know, the amazing missionaries who faced lions, did not deny their faith, and went to the dirty slums in Africa to share His love? Why am I not like Paul, who seemed so on fire for Christ?

Then I realize that Christianity isn't a feeling and for me, it hasn't been one huge moment where I knew everything and felt 'on fire' for Jesus. There's been times where I've felt full of God's love, but there's been times when I haven't. I've got to start somewhere and though it seems I'm moving slow, I'm still moving forward.

Paul probably didn't feel God's power or love while he was in prison. But he had faith. Even when he could not see, even when he couldn't feel, he had to trust that God was there and keep persevering.

A couple of months ago I was angry at God, angry because I didn't feel or have any desire to spend time with Him. I was angry and hurt because I thought God was supposed to be there by my side, never leaving me. I didn't understand that He was still there, despite the fact that I didn't "feel" Him. After that I got to reading in Psalms and while I was listening to times at 11pm at night, I literally burst into tears. I had blamed God, been angry at Him, when really it was my fault. And He still loves me.

So this is where I'm at now. Just being amazed by how God could love someone like me. I know it probably sounds cheesy when I keep going on like this, but I really can't explain it in words. I'm realizing that life is short. It could end any moment now. There are many people around me who I need to be pouring myself into. I need to remind myself that life isn't about me. It's not about what I want or how I feel. It's about giving all the glory to God and doing that by pouring myself into the many people around me.

I want to become a selfless woman. Even if I can't fly on an airplane to Africa right now, I can still pour myself into my younger siblings and teach them what God has taught me. I can still learn to trust God. It's going to be a slow process, slow yet steady. Jesus, bring me closer to You. I need You, I can do nothing on my own.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." HEBREWS 12:1

love,
Kendra

postscript: I got the camera back.
postscript number two: we just got back from a fantastic trip in Tennessee. more pictures comin' soon.

lies post #2

2012-01-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

lie // I miss our kittens. (We gave them away a couple of months ago. They invaded the house and did some disastrous things. Even if they were cute, they got annoying...)

lie // My sister has absolutely no teeth.

lie // I have been ever faithful with doing my algebra. Why, I did five tests this morning and seven lessons yesterday.

lie // I have been extremely bored in the past week. We have not done anything.

lie // I'm so glad winter is here. I hated summer.

lie // we had a few birds outside our window yesterday.

lie // I dislike the new design and name. What about you?

lie // I love it when people use improper grammar.

truth // this verse really stuck out to me today. what about you?

"And do everything in love." 1ST CORINTHIANS 16:14

real love.

2012-01-13T04:23:00.000-08:00

via pinterest

Love is underestimated these days. I love pizza. I love that couch. or I love that store.

But really. What is love? What is true love?

Everyone wants it, in some way. To have the best friend that will stick with you no matter what, to have the sweet boyfriend to cuddle with, to have the perfect family, to have all people look up to you and love you. Everyone wants love, in some way. To be noticed, to be cherished.

But it seems like, in our culture, you must do something to be loved. You must be fun to be around to have a best friend, you must be pretty to have a boyfriend, you must make cookies everyday to have a family that loves you, you must have something to offer so that in return, they can 'love' you back.

That's not true love. True love, real love, is giving yourself to a person when they have nothing in return.

Real love is giving all of yourself to spend time with people who don't have anything to offer. Who might not even accept you. Who might hate you, despite the fact of what you did for them. Real love is talking to someone who says they love you, but constantly runs from you at the same time.

Real love is what Jesus has shown us. He loves us, even when we turn from Him, even when we don't love Him in return. He loves us, even when we have simply nothing to offer. Why? I'm not sure. Maybe I'll never know why.

I want to really love. To stop joking around and be a real person. To be joyful, even when perhaps things aren't going well. To be passionate. That's who I want to be. I'm still trying to get there, but that's who I want to be.

Real love. Why is it so hard to find?

via pinterest

boys are not cute.

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

I've heard it too much. The whispers, the giggles, the silly talking. "Don't you think he's cute?" "I know! But isn't he cuter?"

For goodness sake. I'm sick of it.

First of all, please say guys or young men. Second of all, young men are not cute. At least I hope they aren't. Cute is for babies, cute is for pretty pink dresses. Not for young men.

um, really. Even the dictionary is clear. If young men are anything, they're handsome or attractive. But talking about how attractive they look is plain silly. Perhaps, focus on how they act, please?

Boys are not ~~pretty~~ cute.

Thank you very much.

our faults

2012-01-06T08:26:00.000-08:00

The 'online world' can sometimes be very deceiving. We as humans can be deceiving in general. Through the internet we can be a kind, sweet, smart, pretty, creative person. We can look perfect. It's easy to hide our faults through the online world.

When I write I love creating my characters. I love making up their interests, their family, their talents, and their faults. To me, a person is not a person without faults. They must have some flaws that they are striving to fix. No, I'm not saying one should go around bragging on their imperfections -- but their imperfections should be known. They should not be hidden.

I have problems. I have flaws. I get frustrated easily. I'm a bad speller (I have to look up words on google all the time). I don't always think before I speak, I can sometimes be a smart-aleck. I eat too much sometimes. I get bored of doing "normal" good things. I say I'll do something, but I don't always do it. I can look nice on the outside, but the inside is what really counts.

Those are some of my (many) imperfections. I'm not proud of them, but I'm working on them. I'm tired of hearing about a person's hobbies, which are basically talents. What are some of your flaws?

-- Kendra

ps: my sister accidentally left our camera at a party ... hopefully we'll get it back, but for now I'm using all my "leftover" pictures. enjoy. :)

sheer joy

2012-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Our friends the Akins brought their little boy, named Elijah (Eli), from China this week. They've been waiting for two years to bring him home and the Akins are good friends of ours, so we were all excited. I was nervous and eager enough to meet Eli when we went to the airport, and I can't imagine how excited the Akin children were!

We waited for over thirty minutes, and when we finally did see the Akin's parents and Elijah, everyone started cheering (or in some cases, crying).

Eli was so cheerful and happy, though it did take him a moment to warm up. Afterwards he was running around smiling and greeting everyone! It was such a great experience, and I'm really happy for the Akins. It makes me want to adopt a kid of my own. Of course, I think I'll have to save up for awhile if I want to do that. ;)

Do you know anyone who adopted any children? Does your family have adopted children, or are even you an adopted child?

to my best friend

2011-12-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jesus, please fill me with your love this year. Help me to be on fire for you. Help me to live for you, and for others -- not for myself.

I'm really small compared to you. You're strong enough to fill me with your love, while I'm not. I'm nothing without you. Jesus, I want you to take over my life this year, and for the rest of my life.

Fill me with you this year. Pick me up when I'm weak, break me down when I'm filled with pride. Fill me with your love this year. I know I'm only taking about this year right now and that's because my mind can't think about all the years to come. I have to focus on the moment. So please, walk with me through this year.

Jesus, you'll always stay by my side. You'll always be there for me, you'll always try to help me keep going. I really don't understand that and I don't think I ever will. But that's okay, because it doesn't change anything.

You're beautiful, Jesus. You make everything glorious. I love you for that, and you love me too, but not because I loved you first. I didn't even care about you at first. But you still loved me. You're beautiful, Jesus. Satisfy me this year as I strive to walk with you.

"You're more than all this world can give. You're beautiful, Your love is all I need to live. You're beautiful, You're more than all this world can give. Satisfy me Lord, I'm begging You, help me to see, You'll all I want, You'll all I need. Satisfy me, Lord." TENTH AVENUE NORTH - Satisfy

thoughts on 2012

2011-12-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

"Oh, last month we were in Florida." "We moved two months ago. We haven't been on the farm that long at all." "We went to North Carolina last week." "We had kittens like, what, three months ago?" "Dad was sick and in the hospital about two months ago." "We saw Tenth Avenue North in concert last week."

Kendra. Um, we moved five months ago. And we saw Tenth Avenue North in concert four months ago.

Woah. Wait a second. Where has time gone? This year has simply flown by.

I'm not going to allow 2012 to go by as fast. All right, I'll admit it -- winter can fly by if it wishes. But spring? No. I shall not allow it to go by as fast. And summer? No, summer shall not be allowed to ever end at all.

But, in honor of 2012, I'm going to write down my resolutions for this year. For 2011, some of mine were working on running, working on math, being nicer to siblings, reading a ton, and reading the whole Bible in one year. I'm proud to say I've done all of those things this year. But, I couldn't do them without God's help, especially the Bible reading part and the being nicer to siblings part. Took lots of praying and time, folks.

that's my list. what's yours?

Christmas memories -- beware long post

2011-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

I love sitting around the living room with my family as I watch them open gifts. Seeing the surprised delight on their faces makes me smile too. Sometimes I wish I had a better camera to capture their reactions, but I'm happy with what God's given me.

I felt even more blessed this Christmas season, perhaps it is because last year we were over in Egypt, without extended family. Really, has it been a whole year since we were overseas? It seems impossible.

Yes, she looks unhappy -- but believe me, it was because the present was wrapped much too good, making it hard to open.

How was your Christmas?

listening to -- you're here -- francesca battistelli

go tell it on the mountain

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

During all the excitement while spending time with family, opening gifts, and singing carols let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas.

Jesus was born over 2 thousand years ago, and He is still with us now. Have a very merry Christmas as you celebrate His coming!

merry Christmas from the green land of Kentucky

2011-12-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, fellow friends! We are having a lovely Christmas enjoying the snow, the runny noses, the coughs, the freezing sleet, and hot chocolate.

Uhh. Just kiddin'. It's over fifty degrees here, we haven't had any snow, the grass is green, and I'm wearing a t-shirt. I'm afraid it's not going to be a white Christmas here and we seldom have a white Christmas anyhow.

I'm quite happy with the warm weather, even if it doesn't really feel that Christmas-y. Blah, who wants runny noses and snow tracked through the house anyways? Not me!

In all, I'm thankful the sun is shining over the grassy hills and that I was able to run outside without freezing to death (gahhh, I greatly dislike treadmills).

are you having a white Christmas, or a ~~brown~~ *cough* green one?

blessed

2011-12-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been trying to be more thankful. Sitting back and writing a post on all the things I have helps me more than I realize. During this Christmas season we can get caught up in what we want and what we need that we forget how much we already do have. Why, wasn't it just a month ago we were so thankful? What has happened now?

0.01 // I'm thankful for my friends. God has put so many fun, amazing people in my life.

0.02 // Family. This week we went to our grandparents' house and we celebrated Christmas early. My cousins from Florida all came up, we had a blast. I got to use my aunt's Canon. More pictures coming soon!

0.03 // Books. I've been reading sooo much. I seriously need to update my book page. It's bad how many books I read.

I got two new books for Christmas, and I'm excited to read them. I've also borrowed about 20 books from the library so I have to read them first. Anybody read any good books recently?

0.04 // Music. If I didn't have music I would die. Okay, maybe not die, but whoever came up with the idea to invent music was extremely smart. Right now I'm into Newsboys and TobyMac. Of course I'll never ever abandon good ol' Tenth Avenue North.

0.05 // Animals. Our calf is getting way too big. He's already being separated from his mom. Goodness, wasn't it just yesterday he was born? I named him Chestnut, since we live on Chestnut Grove. We always name our cows after cities. Samuel and I each had a calf last year, mine was named Frankfurt and his Buckner. Cities names make good cow names.

See? Chestnut is getting much too big.

0.06 - God. I'm still getting over the fact how He could care about us, much less even love us and want to be my friend. I guess I won't ever understand how He could love us so much.

That about sums everything up. I feel so thankful right now, thankful for a warm room, a computer to type on, a working brain and healthy body. A Christmas tree to look at, a nice couch to sit on, glasses to read with, Christmas cards to enjoy, a family to laugh with. I am so blessed.

postscript - did I mention my friends are kinda weird too?

signs that you are a runner

2011-12-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

1. if you feel awful because you didn't run one day.

2. if you don't have one 'slow' song on your mp3 player.

3. if you love pain.

4. if all the shirts you own are free t-shirts from running 5k races.

5. if you talk to yourself all the time.

6. when you see someone running you want to ask them a million questions like, "What's your fastest mile?" or "How far is the longest you've ever run?".

7. if you have to get a shower everyday.

8. when walking isn't exercise.

9. if you stink all the time.

10. if you're a more confident, persevering person.

11. if your socks all have holes in them.

12. if you drink five gallons of water every day.

disclaimer - I did not take any of the pictures in this post, and the idea for this post came from Lucia.

this week

2011-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

beware: this post turned out strangely weird. I'd advice you to read it only if you have a weird brain.

When I was younger I used to count every day until Christmas and for me it couldn't come soon enough. Now I'm wondering how in the world there are only nine days until Christmas.

My days this week have been filled with school, school, school -- but today I am proud to say I have it all finished until after winter break.

I set up a board and put a few of my favorite pictures and things on it. Yes, that's Han Solo's head and Peter's head in the left corner. And Jason from Tenth Avenue North on the top right handed corner. I love putting random heads on there.

By the way, that does say anniversary, but no, I'm not married. I've known my friend Hannah for a year now, so she sent me an anniversary card. She's a weirdo. Sorry, Hans. (yeah, I do call her Hans . . . )

Sometimes I wish I was still a two year old, coloring and drawing pictures. I remember how I used to actually enjoy school, and now it just seems like work.

Algebra stinks.

This week I've also been reading a ton in my spare time, and editing my novel. I'm almost done with it, which is really exciting for me!

I like to wear mismatched socks.

It's been really cold outside too.

I want it to be summer again.

Our chickens annoy me. They poop everywhere.

I love drawing and writing and reading.

And this post is going nowhere. I need to get off so I can go fill my mind with algebra. Yaaayyy.

ps: God is awesome. the end.

"The steadfast love of our Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness." LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23

wordless sister photo shoot // part II

2011-12-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

*ahem*

perhaps this post wasn't so wordless -- but no one answered my question last time, so which picture is your favorite? ;)

sister photo shoot // part l

2011-12-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

Over the past few months I've taken quite a few pictures of two of my sisters, Anna and Heidi. I never got around to posting them with NaNoWriMo, though I did post some from Heidi's photo shoot here.

So, without further ado –– I present my gorgeous sisters. ;)

Heidi and I were lucky to have the harvesting going on while we did her pictures, so I got some cool ones with the harvest trucks. (Not exactly sure what this piece of equipment is called . . .)

Doesn't Anna have the prettiest hair? She's always complaining about how hard it is to brush, however.

Mom likes the above shot of Heidi . . . hehe.

Ah, I have a crazy sister. But I'm not much different.

(yes, the boots don't match with the dress and I hate wearing short black dresses but I found them in an old bag of clothes so I thought I'd put them to use. I quickly changed though. I was freezzzing.)

And I have no idea what they were saying that made me laugh so hard . . .

Anna sure loves that cowboy hat.

Which picture was your favorite?

on name changes + 300th post

2011-12-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

(entering photo here)

(entering photo at yours truly)

First off I want to thank all of you amazing readers. I don't think I would've still continued blogging if it hadn't been for the encouragement my family and friends gave me. I also want to thank all of you fantastic readers for your support, even if I don't know most of you! You don't know how awesome it is to hear someone start talking about my photography or my blog, and I don't even know them. To thank you guys, I'm planning on hosting a giveaway in the next couple of months, since I am almost at 200 followers. Woah - two hundred? That's just crazy. For me, at least. I started out with two followers, Mrs. Marlow and myself. I follow my own blog, yes, I am a nut-head.

I've been thinking on changing my name again. I've changed it twice since I've started blogging, which probably isn't so great, but I'd really like a more . . . spiritual name. "Ismikendra" (my old name) didn't really make much sense, it was Arabic for "my name is Kendra". And now it's imagine, and though I like the name, I'm thinking of something more meaningful.

Perhaps streams of mercy? Or revive? magnificent obsession? I'm still considering the thought. Please, if you have any ideas, or if you really don't want me to change my name, let me know.

Thanks a million, and have a very merry Christmas.

-- kendra

listening to - go tell it on the mountain // tenth ave.

how to be a missionary

2011-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

So basically, if you've signed up to be a follower of Jesus, you're already a missionary. Surprised you, eh?
If you're really truly a Christian, you'll want to share the gospel. So that makes you a missionary, if you share the good news.

You're probably sitting there with your mouth open thinking, "Uhh, Kendra. I'm not even an adult. You're telling me to sell my things - like I'm gonna get any cash from that - and hop on a plane? Nice. I'm getting off this blog like right now."

No, no, no. You're getting it all wrong. You can be a missionary right where you are. Amazing, right?
You probably see other people besides your family each day. Well, hopefully you do. You probably see strangers everyday, don't you?

I normally carry around a couple of gospel tracts in my pockets. You know, the ones that have "Are You A Good Person?" or something of the sort written on the front of them. They come in handy at the most needed times.

For instance, I was at Wendy's a few weeks ago, watching my siblings while drinking a chocolate frosty. I was having quite a lovely time until God whispered in my ear.

"Kendra, go over and give that girl sitting at the table next to you a Bible tract."

My straw dropped into my frosty. I eyed the girl. She was about my age, just sitting at the table next to me, staring into space.

"Okay God, I can't do that. Mom is sitting right here with me, and there are other people watching. I can't just go over to her and give her a gospel tract. That would be so totally embarrassing." I went back to sipping my chocolate frosty. It didn't taste so good anymore.

"Kendra, you know what I said. Go over and give her a gospel tract."

"Alright, alright." I dug in my pockets and pulled out a tract, hurriedly told mom I was going to the bathroom, and on my way to the bathroom stopped by the table where the girl was.

"Hey," I said, standing there awkwardly.

She looked up, her blonde hair in her eyes. She was pretty and looked younger than I thought, even if she did only have on a big t-shirt and jeans.

"Here," I said, handing her the tract, "It's for you."

She looked at it for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you. Do you happen to have a pen? I'm trying to apply for a job and it's taking the desk people forever to find a pen."

I dug around in my pockets again. I do keep lots of stuff in my pockets. Despite the fact that I had a pocket knife and Tylenol in there, I didn't have a pen. "I'm sorry, I don't have one."

"Oh, that's alright."

"You have a good day."

"You too."

I prayed for that girl when I got into the car. I prayed she'd get a job, for whatever reason she wanted one. It was a weekday and I wondered what she was doing out of school. I haven't been to Wendy's for awhile, but when I go back, I'll be sure to look for her.

There are so many ways you can share Christ here in America. If you're shy, you can stick gospel tracks in coke cans at walmart. If you're bold, you can go with a group of friends and knock on people's doors, asking if you can pray for them. I did that once, and it was an awesome experience. You can even share the good news through the internet! It's amazing how many ways there are.

So, get out of your comfort zone and be creative. You're sharing the best news in the world, right? It shouldn't be hard. Maybe a little scary, but make yourself be excited for it.

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. MATTHEW 28:19

just grin

2011-12-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

Smile. 'Cause God's in control. Smile, because you're alive.

Be joyful. Even if life can get you down in the dumps, be thankful. You've got a life. You've got some years to spend on this earth. You have today. How are you gonna spend it?

Laugh. Share love somehow today.

Give someone a hug. If you can manage, pick them up and spin them around. Works great with little kids, especially two year old boys.

Pick up a chicken and give it a hug too. Even if it's the mean evil hen named Carpathia that leads all the other chickens into trouble.

Okay, if you don't have a chicken, it probably won't work. Just hug a chicken sandwich or chicken leg instead. ahem.

Give somebody a present.

Do the dishes for your mom. Pick up your sisters clothes on the floor. Make your brother's bed.

Send somebody a note letting them know you care about them, or just say hello.

And don't forget to tell Jesus how much you love Him today.

Go, live your life. You only get one, after all.

love, Kendra

listening to -- Do Everything

christmas wish - list

2011-12-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

Normally I don't have a huge list of things that I want for Christmas (I'm more of the person who enjoys making things for everyone), but I thought I'd give it a try this year.

Nikon D3000 camera -- I'm starting to get into photography more, and it would be nice to have a camera of my own. Perhaps I could also start a small business by taking pictures for families and such.

Guitar lessons -- I'd really really like to learn how to play. I love listening to music, how cool would it be to make up my own songs?

Books -- Ahem. Those are always on my Christmas lists. ;) I'll list a couple of ones I'd really like.

Left Behind the Kids Series (I have the first few already)

Red Rock Mysteries (already have three of them too)

Bonnets & Bugles Series

Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee

The River of Time Series

iPod -- Yes, my mp3 player apparently decided to break. These things are great when I'm running though, so I'd love to have another.

A Dress -- surprisingly, I really don't have a 'nice' dress to claim as my own. And since I'm horrible at choosing things I like, I'm not going to go through a huge list and try to find a dress that fits my taste. But, I gotta admit, you could just give me a cool Narnia dress.

Yep, like that.

A dog -- I've always wanted a dog.Yeah, of all the animals we have we don't happen to have a dog. I don't want a chicken, or a horse, or a cat, I want a dog. And it has to be a golden retriever. I can dream, right?

Okay, time to move on to the less important stuff. Things that I want that don't cost hundreds of bucks. I like anything from Vision Forum, but just don't get me a doll baby or anything, Mom.

I don't own *any* jewelry, and I thought this necklace looked cool.

I also have been writing letters to friends more, and I normally just use plain paper, which is just too uncool.

Anyhow. I should probably stop rambling and go write on my story. Before Hannah begs me to know what happens next.

Thank you for all your nice comments on the last post. I simply felt that something had to be said, and I hope it was said correctly.

–– Kendra

empty

2011-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

note - am very sorry if this post comes across to you as harsh or cruel. sometimes I can be a bit hard with my views, and I apologize for that.

I scroll down the blogger dashboard, checking the few blogs I follow. I read the posts by the most popular bloggers. My eyes glance at their gorgeous pictures taken with expensive cameras, then I close the page. Their words should leave me inspired, should leave me feeling refreshed. Shouldn't they?

Yet I only feel empty as I close the page and go on to open my novel to write on. Everyone seems to be posting inspirational posts, posts on how life is so lovely and how we should think of the little things.

Not that I have anything against that. But all those bloggers . . . they seem so unreal. I'm sorry, but that's how it comes across to me. What are your interests? Are you always so serious, always meditating on things?

What did you do today? Anything go wrong? How did God work through that? What do you want for Christmas? What are your favorite movies? Favorite books? What's a pet peeve of yours?

Blogging used to be a community when I started out. People 'knew' each other, commented on each other's blogs. It seemed like everyone was a big happy family.

What happened? What went wrong? I'm not sure. Somehow a few people got ahead of all the rest, grew up before the others, I suppose. Those people got popular, leaving all the little bloggers with ten followers in the dust.

Maybe this whole post was a total mistake. Maybe I shouldn't have written it at all. But I, for one, am not afraid to show who I really am. I'm not afraid to tell others that I do have sparring fights with my brother, that I host 'concerts' with my sister and tickle my baby brother to death. I'm not afraid to post a few imperfect pictures, to leave a few spelling mistakes in my posts.

I really want to be me. The real me. I want to show my interests on this blog, tell my thoughts on certain things, share my everyday doings.

And, for your entertainment, I shall be quite kind and give you a few outtakes of pictures I took.

Yes, my camera doesn't do bokeh unless my finger is in the middle of it. Which leaves me to have to crop it out.

Yes, my life is filled with imperfect things. I forgot the r in "striving" yesterday when I did my blog header. O__o

Back to the point.

I'm not trying to point fingers at anybody, as I'm sure some of my posts are simply boring when I am trying to be inspirational. I'm just trying to make a point, which some people might get, but let me know your thoughts on this.

my story // week 3

2011-12-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

This week has been filled with school, youth-group, finding random places on the map (or maybe not so random . . .) shooting guns and fighting with brothers. Not real fighting, but I did get my first bloody nose today from us playing war. It hurt, but it was worth the look on my younger siblings faces. They were terrified, to say the least. I've finished NaNoWriMo, but I'm still writing like crazy. I can't stop. I've been reading in my spare time, cooking in my spare time, running in my spare time.

I wondered what I should write about this week. Perhaps what I've been writing about? Perhaps the books that I love? Then I remembered a few nights ago, during prayer time, that I didn't pray aloud. I didn't ask for anything. I simply sat there, while my family prayed, my head in my knees. I thanked God for every single thing I could think of. I told him he was amazing. He is. I thanked him silently for as many things as I could think of. Sometimes I just need that. It's good to pray that for people, good to ask God for them to stop being sick and such. But really, how many times to we sit back and thank God for those people? Like, really thank him. He's incredible, astonishing, breathtaking, daunting, majestic, magnificent, wondrous. End of story.

how to write a novel (in 30 days)

2011-12-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I was requested to do a tutorial post on writing, so here it is. This is mostly for doing National Novel Writing Month, but it will work for any sort of writing. My tips aren't the best in the world, but they've worked for me, so I thought I'd share them.

001 // get a notebook and jot down ideas

I don't know what I'd do without my writing notebook. It helps a ton. Without it I'd forget too many ideas. Yesterday during science I was studying the planets and I came up with the idea about having nine daughters of the Sun all have names of the planets and be sort of like the planets, and they had to save our Galaxy. I wrote that down in my book. Yes, I think of weird things during science.

002 // write down crazy ideas

I know I sort of already touched this topic in the above paragraph, but writing down ideas that seem plain dumb or silly also help. It adds a funny side to your story, and even if you don't end up keeping in there, it will give you something amusing to write about. I, for one, did not make any of my characters dream about McDonalds, but I still wrote it down. Now I sort of wish I had written about McDonalds –– it would've been fun! Never hesitate to jot down an idea because it seems too silly.

003 // look at pretty things

In other words, look at things that inspire you, things that you like. Buy a notebook that is something a little more of your taste, go outside for a walk or a run and soak everything in. Pinterest is a great site to find inspiring images, but be careful, there are some bad things. I'd advice you do stay on people's boards you trust.

004 // listen to music

This helps me a lot. I used to think I'd fail at NaNo without music, until my mp3 player broke. I've learned to go without it, but whenever I get the chance to use the radio I do. It seems like I have to have noise while I write, or it seems to quiet and dead. Other people are just the opposite. Figure out what works best for you.

005 // buy or borrow some writing books

(please ignore the fact that I look like a dork)

I bought three good writing books over the past year, and the one I loved most was Spilling Ink. If you want to write, I'd totally recommend buying it. It gave me so many ideas, and helped me in writing a ton. The other books I bought were Reach For The Stars and Writing Magic. Both were good.

006 // use a laptop

If you don't have one, and you really want to get into writing, I'd suggest buying one. Once you learn how to type it's so much easier than writing your books on notebook paper. And I used to use a regular personal desk computer until my mom gave me this old laptop, and I'd way rather go with the laptop. Even if the keys do fall off and it deletes parts of my writing and takes forever to load. It's so much more comfortable sitting on the couch than at a chair, and having the computer on my lap.

007 // read, read, read, and read.

If you're not a reader, it's going to be hard to want to write anything. My guess is you already like to read though, if you're reading this. Reading gives me ideas. When I was writing my Civil War Novel during NaNo, I read all kinds of Civil War books. Some were just facts, others were about real people who lived in the Civil War. Now that I'm writing fantasy, I've been reading fantasy. Reading gives me ideas. (wait. I just said that.)

008 // know your characters

To have a good story, your characters simply must be real to you. My characters seem like my best friends. My friend Hannah and I have read so many books, and anytime we meet someone with a name from a certain character we like, we freak out. It's crazy, but it's also fun. The characters in my fantasy stories all seem so real to be. They're my friends, I know them. I did a couple of character interviews on my tumblr and it really helped. Finding pictures of people that look like your characters, or drawing them, also helps. I have a whole art journal of pictures I've drawn of characters.

009 // find your style

It took me awhile to find my writing style. Actually, I'm still trying to find it. I've decided I defiantly like fantasy, but historical fiction is second on the list. Try writing a short story in first person, second person, or third person to see which works best for you. I personally write better in first and third, but whichever works for you. Find out if you're the sort of person who gets right to the point, or if you love spending time describing every little detail. Everyone has a different style, and it's up to you to find yours. I personally think mine is probably fantasy, written in first or maybe third person, with lots of action, a little romance, and a lot of humor.

////

I hope this post helped all of you aspiring writers –– and good luck! (By the way, I'm not an expert at anything. Just sharing my piece of mind, that's all.)

I can't believe I just did this.

2011-11-29T14:14:00.000-08:00

I finished National Novel Writing Month yesterday. I wrote over 50,000 words this month. I still can't believe I did it. I know I was going to at least try it this month, but then when I got to week three and more than 10 thousand words got deleted I almost told myself I couldn't do it. But I did, and may all the glory go to God.

The first week was easy, I wrote like the wind. The second was harder, I got tired in the morning since I had to get up early, but I never thought seriously about quitting. Week three was the hardest, since that's when the document decided to be nasty and delete my novel. Thankfully I had most of it backed up. Week four was mostly just catching up, and getting excited because I was almost through. It really was an amazing experience, and I know I'll be doing it next year, if the Lord wills. I had so much fun, it's going to be hard not to do it every month!

Did you do NaNoWriMo this month? Are you still doing it? If you are, keep it up! Hang in there.

-- kendra

listening to - deck the halls // tenth avenue north

ps: a real post coming soon + new design

grateful thoughts

2011-11-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

We have so many things to be thankful for here in the United States. We take too much for granted. I think back on when we used to live in Sudan, as missionaries. We didn't own half of the nice things as we have here, but we were gloriously happy. Take today off, and just sit back and relax, meditate on all the marvelous things God has given us. He deserves every bit of the glory.

Things I am grateful for ––

american freedom // bible // cool weather // daddies // eating // frisbee // growth spurts // health // ice-cream // jesus // kindred spirits // libraries // memories // national novel writing month (I'm almost caught up) + narnia // owl city // peaches // quiet time alone // runs // simple moments // tenth avenue north // un-perfect moments // vision // water // the x in algebra // yahweh // zucchini

update on my novel

2011-11-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

~~I feel sooooo stupid. I just basically lost my entire novel. All. that. work. Gone.~~

Or maybe not.

Alright. I guess I should explain some. I was heading to my grandparents house for thanksgiving where there is no internet, so I copied the whole document from google docs online to a notepad on my computer, so I can still write without the internet. Well, guess what happened? I only copied two chapters. And then when I finally get the internet working, I realize that for some crazy reason there are only two chapters left in my google document online. So I lost all that work except for a few pages.

The good thing about it is I've been backing up my novel every week (should do it every day, I know, I know) and so I have all of last week's writing saved in a different document. Whew. I was at almost 40 thousand (thanks for correcting me, Hannah -- I said 40 words before) words though yesterday. Last week I was at 31,000 words. That's what I'm stuck with now. I was planning to back up my novel tonight. Oh, the joys of writing. But hey, I'm glad the whole thing wasn't deleted.

The internet has gone out (oops, now it's back again), and my stomach is sinking. I feel dread, but I'm not crying -- I can't be sad. I can still do this. If I write 3,000 words each day I'll be done before December. I have to read 50,000 words before then. I'll have to rewrite a lot that I've done, but I can't chicken out now. I can do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I'm off to read one more chapter of Bonnets and Bugles, then I'm going to write. Like a crazy person.

Wish me luck, encourage me please. Cause I'm gonna needs loads of it.

thanks, friends. hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving.

-- kendra

my story

2011-11-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

This week has been a bit of a rush, as many weeks are. I’ve been rushing myself each day, with school, noveling, and running. Yesterday I decided to take back a step, and go along to with my younger siblings to a friends' house. None of the children in that family are my age, yet I had so much fun. I didn’t have have fun as in “I did what I wanted and I got what I wanted”, but I sacrificed a bit of my time to play with one of the girls who is about ten. She’s funny, smart, and sweet - usually she plays with my younger sister, but my younger sister was at home with a cold. So instead of sitting on the couch reading, or playing off with the boys (believe me, I’ve got a habit of going off with the boys - it’s a little bit more fun to play light sabers or kickball than to paint each other’s nails), I decided to play with the ten-year-old Shelby.

At first I was bored, we played in her “fort” and moved boards around to set up a house. Then it hit me. This was the same kind of thing I would do five years ago. Have I really changed that much? After that I started to enjoy myself. We chased chickens, looked for dead deer and cow bones (which really was fun, by the way) and then went inside and brushed each other’s hair. And washed each other’s feet. Funny, I know. But it was fun. I had fun just being a little kid all over again.

What is your story from this week?

authentic people >> blog party

2011-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

Most of you who read my blog already 'know' me, but I'm joining up to this blog party and you're supposed to introduce yourself . . . so I'll go ahead and give it a try.

My name is Kendra, and I'm a unique person - like everybody else. Hmm. that didn't quite sound right. Anyhow. I'm the eldest of eight children, I love serving and helping others. I'm a dreamer too -- I love to write. My room is very neat, and I love exploring nature (especially woods. or camping in the woods. even better). Those are just some random things about me. You can read more here.

And here goes the questions.

1 >>> what is the weirdest // geekiest // nerdiest thing about you?

let's see. I'm sort of a 'weird' person, but I do like to chew on my toes. I used to, at least. I have dreams about tornadoes and bombs almost every night.

2 >>> if you could live in a fictional universe from any book, movie, or television show, what would it be?

Easy question. Narnia, of course -- in the Golden Age.

3 >>> little or big, practical or frivolous, what is one of your favorite items in your house?

In my house? Let's see . . . I don't really have a special place in the house. My stuff is kind of mashed everywhere. Which is annoying, because I used to have a smaller room that I shared with only one sibling -- and I kept everything I owned all together. Perhaps my bookshelf?

Outside is where all my special places are. Big favorite is one of our pine trees, another is the barn and a secret door that leads out. I can't explain too much -- younger siblings + family might read this. There's a reason I have secret places. ;)

Oh and I just realized it said 'items' - not place. So, I'd have to say my Bible, my computer, or all my art journals and idea notebooks.

4 >>> do you like animated movies? If so, what is your favorite?

Hmm. Probably Bambi and 101 Dalmatians. Yeah, I know -- I'm strange. But I don't watch animated movies much anymore.

5 >>> favorite thing to drink at starbucks?

Okay, I hate coffee. I haven't even ever been to Starbucks before. O__o

So I'll go with hot chocolate.

6 >>> waffles or pancakes?

Waffles. All the way.

7 >>> have you ever let anyone win a game?

All the time. Hey, it's what happens when you have seven younger siblings.

8 >>> if you could put something in a safe under your bed, what would it be?

A big bag of chocolate and all my money. And all my dvds and stuff I didn't want my younger sibs getting into.

9 >>> have you ever thrown up on someone?

mwahahahaha. I don't think so. I have thrown up on a couple of people in my stories though. (hannah...!!)

10 >>> favorite + least favorite household chore?

Hmm. I can't pick a favorite. I love doing chores, if I'm in the right mood + especially when I'm surprising mom. I love how clean everything looks when I'm done and the surprised look on the persons' face when they say, "You made my bed?!" or "Wow! Who in the world cleaned the kitchen?". The best thing is to clean it all up and then go read, acting like you didn't do anything at all and they just stand there open mouthed, surprised. I like baking, vacuuming, sweeping, doing dishes, wiping down stuff, making beds, cleaning rooms. Though I do love organizing bookshelves too. I think I'd have to say I like that the most. And my least favorite would be . . . teaching kids how to read. Especially children that don't even want to.

(yes -- snow white is another favorite animated movie. except i disliked the ending. i dislike most princess ending stories)

11 >>> think fast . . . first song that pops into you head?

How Great Is Your Love -- Mercyme.

>>>><<<<<

That's all for now, friends. I've got to head back to bed so I can get up early to write.

I'm the kind of person.

2011-11-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

I'm the kind of person who knows she has to get up two hours early each morning to write, but instead gets up three hours early on accident.

I'm the kind of person who starts writing a novel about the Civil War, then goes ahead and starts another one about Narnia.

I'm the kind of person who has interesting points of view.

I'm the kind of person who takes 30 pictures of a friend + only one of the pictures turns out 'acceptable'.

I'm the kind of person who wears her pjs all morning.

I'm the kind of person who has perfect fashion styles.

I'm the kind of person who doubles some parts of a recipe, and quadruples other parts.

I'm the kind of person who has to look up how to spell 'quadruples'.

I'm the kind of person who listens to Narnia Soundtracks and runs around the yard with her headphones on, acting like she's fighting battles in her mind and knocking down Telmarines (yes, I'm fourteen).

I'm the kind of person who can't write a novel without making at least every conversation end up into a fight.

I'm the kind of person who wails inside when she realizes that there are only a few leaves left on the trees.

I'm the kind of person who must take a picture of the last leaf left.

I'm the kind of person who tries to run 3 miles in under 24 minutes for fun.

I'm the kind of person who has about 50 songs on her mp3 player, and half of them are Tenth Avenue North songs.

I'm the kind of person who can write over 50 thousand words in a month, but can't even get 40 problems of algebra right each day.

I'm the kind of person who runs outside in shorts and a t-shirt in 45 degree weather.

I'm the kind of person who never reads the terms of use on anything.

I'm the kind of person who needs to go write on my novel. Because I'm the kind of person who actually decided to go + write a 50,000 word novel in one month.

I'm the kind of person who is a little more than in awe about how God could love someone who is like me.

What kind of person are you?

LISTENING TO ||BELOVED//TENTH AVENUE NORTH

(old picture)

goodbye october

2011-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

hello, November.

I will miss you, October. But I'll see you next year. (Unless I die in a car wreck tomorrow. Sorry, I just had to say that.)

October, I have fond memories of you. Running in the cool refreshing air, raking leaves, going to Florida, playing in the sand, swimming in freezing natural springs, laughing with friends and family. Yes, I think I'll miss you.

October, you are one of my favorite months of the year. Come to think of it, I'm beginning to like all of you months. I used to hate you fall months because you made me think of the evil winter months, but now -- could it really be that bad? I suppose I do still hate the end of February, but I won't think about that right now.

October, you are lovely in Florida.

mwuhahaha. (sorry Samuel, you need to work on your surfing skills)

Thanks for the awesome trip, October. I took many pictures (300+) due to your stunning weather.

Beach, you were lovely too. Thanks for not raining on us, clouds.

Dear readers, I think you've figured out by now that I had a great month. I hope you have too. Next month you won't be seeing much of me, as I will be writing. But I do wish you all a glorious & blessed November. Since this is my last post for awhile, I think I'll make it longer.

While we were in Florida, we went crab hunting. We caught tons! Have you ever been crab hunting?

We made sandcastles on the beach. I didn't get a picture of the result, but I think you get the idea.

There were lots of sweet little shops, and we got some Christmas presents. Shh, don't tell anyone.

My lil' sis is the cutest. Just try and say different.

We went for lots of walks, but managed to eat at the vacation house the entire time. Mmm, home-cooked meals.

We didn't visit many sites, but mainly just relaxed. I ran 7 miles the first day, and then 2 or 3 miles a day for the rest of the week. Maybe I didn't mainly just relax.

We did visit some freshwater springs though. They were freezing! But I was the first to jump in, of course. I didn't tell the others it was cold until they jumped in so I could see their faces.

I got to spend time reading (I read like ten books).

I got to spend time writing in my ideas notebook, and brainstorming for NaNo.

I got to sit on the beach and feel the salty water and sand in between my toes. I couldn't have asked for a better late vacation.

On our way home we met up with some old friends and had breakfast with them.

(entering photo here)
Yesterday I got to hang out with our youth group as we raked leaves in a neighborhood and pray around a school. It was awesome.

Today was just school, then Heidi and I took pictures of each other.

Crazy kiddo.

And I look like a dork, as always. But we had fun.

Goodbye, October. I'll miss you. But I'm terribly excited about November.

postscript -- how many of you are doing NaNoWriMo too? And how do ya'll like the design?

postscript 2 -- entering the picture on the header here

farewell, fellow friends

2011-10-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

And so, I leave, for one week -- to relax at the beach. Just thought I'd let you know, since there are 170 of you (really?!). I'll be back with lots of pictures + words.

But -- there is one biggie. I've decided to do National Novel Writing Month. Which means you write 50 thousand words, one entire book, in November. So yep. I'm excited. Scared, nervous, don't know if I can make it (but hey - good thing I'm stubborn) but I have a feeling it's going to be fantastic. The news is I probably won't be blogging much next month. Because you know, I am going to be spending most of my free time on writing. And algebra. *groans, faints, falls over on the couch, dies*

To those of you who did "Spot the Blogger" --- Bethany guessed Megan first + correctly, Eve got Lucia first + correctly, Jessa figured out Bleah first + correctly. Nobody got them all in one comment, but I suppose that is a little much! And to those of you who asked, no I do not mind if you do the same thing on your blog. It was not my original idea, thus I can't tell you not to do the same. Besides, even if I did come up with the idea, I'd love to have others copy the same thing. =)

yeah...that's one of the chicks. adorable, huh?

So, to sum this all up -- I'm leaving for a week, I'll be doing NaNoWriMo (look it up for more info). If you need to contact me about anything just shoot me an email. Be aware, I won't probably respond for a week, depending on when you send the email.

And although I will not be posting on here after November, I will be posting on the Nation Novel Writing Month Blogger blog. Are you doing NaNo this year? If so, what are you going to write about? Leave a comment letting me know.

Farewell, friends!

-- Kendra

LISTENING TO ||YOUR LOVE//BRANDON HEATH

ps -- i've turned comment moderation off, but word verification is on. please be nice.

"spot the blogger"

2011-10-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that a few people have been doing 'spot the blogger' and I thought it would be fun to try. Of course, I'll admit --- I'm not that good at drawing + you might not recognize the bloggers I've drawn. But it's just for fun, right?

So - for those of you who haven't "played" before, look at the pictures below + guess in a comment which bloggers they are. The person who guesses all three of the bloggers I've sketched gets to be the winner (yeah...no prize, sorry. maybe next time.) The bloggers I've drawn aren't too popular, but they still shouldn't be that hard.

Blogger #1

Blogger #2

Blogger #3

Yeah, I know, those weren't very good...that's what happens when you try to draw three pictures in one hour.

But what are you waiting for? Go ahead and comment! And who knows? Maybe next time you'll get your picture 'made' . . .

girls & horses

2011-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

Why is it that young girls want a horse so bad?

I know many girls who are 'obsessed' with horses, and I do admit I like them quite well.

For some, they only like horses for a short amount of time. My cousin used to dream about having a horse, and wanted one badly. Then, after a few years, she forgot about her dreams and got married. Yet others do not forget their dreams.

Perhaps it is their great mysteriousness that draws people to horses. The thought of riding a galloping horse gives one thrills.

Or perhaps it is their friendly bond with humans that draws us to them. Or their horsey smell.

Yet really --- horses are much more than what the books + movies tell. They're work, they're responsibility, they're a pain sometimes. They're stubborn animals. But they were very useful to the pioneers, so we should be thankful that we have these devoted creatures in our world.

I think I shall stick to good old cows though. Milk is too tasty, and so is beef.

(entering photo here)
What are some of your favorite farm animals?

LISTENING TO ||COURAGEOUS//CASTING CROWNS

how He loves us

2011-10-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

(entering photo here)

The other night I was lying in bed, it was late and I couldn't sleep. I looked out at the window and the full moon. I thought, reflected on my life. What is the my purpose for life? Why am I here? I still couldn't sleep, so I grabbed my mp3 player, and turned the song Times. Figuring it would lull me to sleep, I closed my eyes.

A few minutes later I had tears streaming down my face. I rarely ever cry, but the words in the song were just perfect for how I was feeling. I've been asking God to fill me up with his power, wondering why he wasn't listening to me, I've been almost angry at God because he wasn't responding when I wanted. Does he have to listen to me?

"Kendra," God seemed to be saying, "I'm already here. I've already done so much for you."

I shouldn't be complaining or feeling sorry for myself because I don't "feel" God. God is powerful. I'm not the center of the world. The world doesn't revolve around me.

I need to step back and realize how much God has done for me. He made me. Yet I sinned against him. I rebelled against him. He could've left me then. He could've wiped me out with one swift blow. I deserved it. Yet he gave me a second chance. He sent his son, his one and only son to die in my place. I excepted that gift, yet I still am nothing like Christ.

(entering this picture here)

It's all so . . . confusing. I'm still trying to take it all in.

I mean, how? How could God, the maker of the heavens, the holy one, care about me? I'm a horrible sinner. Even if I act nice around my family, sometimes I'm mad and upset at them inside.

As I sat looking out the window the other night, listening to the song, soaking in the words, I was whispering, "How? How could you care about me? How could you, Lord? How?"

How? Why? Why would God die in my place? Why would he want to even have a relationship with me?

Why would be want to be my friend, my heavenly father?

Why?

Because you love me, Lord. Why do you love me? I'm not sure. I certainly don't love you half as much.

I certainly take it for granted. I certainly don't deserve it.

And I certainly won't understand how or why you did it for me, Jesus, my best friend.

(entering photo here)

LISTENING TO ||YOU LOVE ME ANYWAY//SIDEWALK PROPHETS

autumn camping

2011-10-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

We went camping with our granparents & cousins this week in Indiana. It was gorgeous. Brilliant, vibrant colors were everywhere. I think fall came to Indiana before it came here. In Kentucky we just have dull brown leaves.

I took over 100 pictures just in three days. But really, it was worth it.

Sometimes we need a week - or even three days - away from school, your home, and the internet/tv.

In three days I watched kids (we had over ten children under the age of 16 at the little campsite...and three adults to watch them all. four, if you count me. hehe.), rode my bike, took 100 pictures, read 5 books, ate 12 donuts (not really...it was more like 4 but oh well) and kayaked a couple of miles.

I don't mind sleeping in a tent, but when you're stuck in a tent with your mom and two little brothers that both have a cough it can be a little...disturbing. But I survived, thank goodness.

And since it was October -- guess who was at the campsite? Nobody, except for a few older couples who stayed in their oh-so-huge campers.

Ah. I really needed that 3 day break.

Algebra was killing me. And guess what? I get to do another 5 lessons of it next week! yayyyy...but hey, at least after that we're going on a one week trip to Florida.

cool, eh? it's unedited for your information.

You're probably thinking we're a lazy home-schooled family who goes on vacation 2 weeks out of a month. But no, we didn't really have a vacation in the summer (we moved, dad got sick, etc.) and we started school much earlier so we're getting our work paid off.

We also celebrated Papa's and Heidi's birthday at the campsite. What could be more fun than opening your presents around a fire and eating s'mores?

Happy Birthday, you two! [excuse the horrible light quality...]

Nehemiah decided to ~~spill~~ drink the rest of the sprite. There isn't anybody like him.

To those of you who are horse lovers, they did have a spot for horse camping. (No, you don't camp on your horse, you tie them up to a pole and ride them on trails when you're ready.)

Uh...hehe. No wonder there wasn't anybody at the campsite. They probably all left because of us. I mean, who wants to camp next to somebody with 15 bikes in their driveway?

Overall we had a blast, and now we are refreshed and ready to work again - but we're ready for dad to come home (TOMORROW!) and going to Florida.

Ah. Fall camping trips. I will miss you.

All is dark, crickets sound in the distance. Children have stopped their playing, bikes are put away. The moon peaks out from the clouds, shining through the tall, looming trees. Coyotes howl deep into the forest. Laughing around the flicking light of the fire, all is peaceful. Light from the campfire dances off the faces of loved ones, while they tell tales of old. I rest my tired and worn feet on the bare ground. The taste of gooey sweet marshmallows is in my mouth. I smell the burning of the wood and smoke fills the air. I try not to cough as I inhale it in. I look deep into the bright flames of the fire, searching to see if the fire tells any stories, as my family does. It only flickers and makes my eyes sting in response. I can hardly wait to open the flap to my tent, and fall into a dreamless sleep. AUTUMN CAMPFIRE - kendra lynne kiser

postscript - my Petra lost another tooth

LISTENING TO ||BLESSINGS// LAURA STORY

let's celebrate.

2011-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

and now I shall be very prideful and brag a bit.

I have read over 100 books in less than ten months. And not all of those books were very small. Considering the fact that each Left Behind Kids book has 5 books in one, and I read 12 of those books.

I think I have a serious problem with reading. I finished three books today. The thing is, I never read one book a week, or four a month, ect. I'll end up reading 12 books in a week and then not read for 10 weeks.

Strange, eh?

I'm just happy that I read 100. (at least I've recorded 100 . . . who knows how many I actually read). And that we just got home from camping (not that I dislike camping . . . I love it). I'm happy that Dad is comin' home.

YIPPEE.

I just had to type that. Just had to.

LISTENING TO || HOLD ME TOGETHER// ROYAL TAYLOR

*none of the pictures in the post are mine*

over washing dishes

2011-10-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

Why is it that we tend to be happier, friendlier, and more respectful towards friends and other people than our families? Why is it that we're normally not as cheerful around our family than friends?

As the story goes, I was at a friends' house, and my friend asked me to do the dishes. "Why sure!" I exclaimed, grinning. I did those dishes well, and I did them quickly -- singing 'Courageous' while I washed (or loaded the washer, in this case.

When we returned to the house, I did all the barn chores and helped put the kids to bed, ready to get on my laptop and write. Can you guess what happened next?

Mom - "Kendra, do you mind doing the dishes for me?"

"Sure." I answered. I said the same words, but I did not have the same attitude. I got up sulkily, muttering to myself that doing the dishes was not my job and I was tired from riding horses and school earlier - plus I was running a race tomorrow.

As I was doing the dishes, suddenly it hit me. The verse.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the LORD and not for man." COLOSSIANS 3:23

I had to smile the rest of the way through. I love how God reminds me of His word.

join the rebellion -- against perfect blogging

2011-10-04T18:37:00.001-07:00

There's a problem going around with blogging. Almost everyone (at least normal people my age) is blogging about perfect moments in their life. Including me, I'd have to say. What about the bad moments? Sure -- blogging about your new design, 'lovelyness', and fashion are nice -- but what about the imperfect moments?

What about when you yell at your little brother?

What about when you have a bad attitude because you didn't get your way?

What about when you were sick?

What about when everyone wasn't nice to you?

What about when your hair wasn't exactly in place or in order?

What about when you weren't wearing the most fashionable clothes but were wearing a huge sweater?

What about when you totally failed at something?

Did you post about that?
Or did you want everyone to think that you were perfect & never did anything wrong? Were you too afraid to post something like that, because you wouldn't be as popular as the people who only post about perfect moments?
I'm tired of checking blogs and finding that all they posted about was their perfect life. Friends, please. Be honest. Be true. I'm not saying you always have to post about the bad days. But mix it in a little.
Are you going to join the rebellion? Against perfect blogging? Tried of perfect posts?
Let's take a stand. Make a post about the imperfectness similar to mine & add the link to the list below.

Now spread the word.

Even if your post isn't as good as mine or you don't have that many followers you will still help. Really want to spread the word? Here's a button for ya.

Every little link helps. Every post counts. Let's see if we can get every blogger on the block posting real, truthful posts.

>

ps: yes, I agree with some of your comments about 'perfect' posts being more encouraging. but I think there should be a mix of both. ;)

LISTENING TO || PERFECT PEOPLE //NATALIE GRANT [ don't normally listen to her but Emilie gave me the link to this song + i thought it was great for the post]

never fear

2011-09-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous. ISAIAH 41:10

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. ISAIAH 40:11

[looked up pictures of Jesus online and this is what I found . . . I couldn't just put one picture on here.] enjoy.

ps | like the new design? yeah, I know -- it's simple. but all I want is an online journal anyways.

childhood

2011-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

remember when you played outside all day?

remember when you never worried about what was going to happen the next day?

remember when you sat on your front porch licking a red popsicle, not caring a bit if there was a mess on your mouth and all over your shirt?

remember when you wrote little stories & poems that didn't make any sense, but you thought that they were the best in the whole world?

remember when you were excited to get your school done by lunch, and now you're lucky if you get it done at all?

remember when you didn't care what people thought about you?

Sometimes I just want to go back, to when I was 6 years old. Just for a day. But, I'd better appreciate this time now -- before I have a load of kids to take care of or a million other things to worry about.

None of these pictures are mine. If they are yours and you do not wish them on here, please comment telling me so.

LISTENING TO || DO EVERYTHING // STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN

hello.

2011-09-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

hello, blue skies. please stay forever and never leave. ever.

hello, autumn. you are quite nice but I'm tired of rain. please leave. thank-you.

hello firewood. please burn up quickly so summer can come again.

hello barn. I love the way you smell.

hello flower. you smell good too.

hello cows. you don't smell quite as good, sorry.

hello corn. I love the way you sound.

ps - you're fun to play in too.

goodbye sun. visit me again soon please, if you wish.

hello tomorrow. what will you bring? school. running. dear school, please don't be too hard. dear running, please be nice.

love, kendra

how life is being industrious.

2011-09-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

and just when I thought it was going to be nice to get into the routine of things. Speaking at co-ops, babysitting, hanging out with neighbors, working on the farm, not to mention high school alone fill up all my time.

Dad leaves for Saudi Arabia tomorrow. I won't go into the details, since it's not really supposed to be published all over the internet. I'll miss him. He'll be gone a month. And for those of you who argue, my dad is the best dad out there.

the one on the far right with the loonngg hair is me

I put on my first makeup this week. I can't believe I just said that. No, I've never worn makeup before. I'm one of those strange girls. And I only had it put on because the our neighbor begged and begged to give me a 'makeover'. So I let her. Wasn't much really, and I washed it off as soon as I could get the chance.

Petra, on the other hand, l-o-v-ed getting a makeover. My dear Petch, why must you turn to the dark side?

Pictures that your brother took of yourself running. Always lovely . . .

I kidsat this week for our 'old' neighbors, the Boazes. Thomas was a charm as always and we hiked around our old farm. I hadn't been there for about a month, so it was awfully strange. The corn is growing tall and the leaves are already falling. (linking up picture below here)

We had quite a time exploring and even found a large spider.

Attractive, is it not?

Going back to our old farm made me wish we lived there again. Everything seemed so simple then.

When I got tired of school, I could go on a bike ride. I have no where to ride now, but hey -- we have 13 horses on this farm and two large pine trees. What 14 year old girl could be happier?

as for the co-op, it was a little intimidating for Samuel and I to stand in front of fifty people and talk about missions for 30 minutes, but we survived. At least now I know I don't have a serious case for stage fright or anything of the sort.

school isn't so hard. I'm learning many other things besides 'school school'. Example --- making 12 loaves of bread & teaching younger siblings.

my spare time has been filled with blog designing. I love each and every moment of it, I've always wanted to serve others in a way like this, but it's becoming a bit overwhelming. Perhaps I shall make each person pay five dollars per design, and the money go to our family for missions or something of the sort? still pondering that. Speaking of blog designing, how do you like the new design? Giving all my costumers a new look made me have to do mine. Also, what do you think about changing the name of this blog? setting up a poll for that.

I think we've found a church, we're still searching though. I really like this one we've been going to, they meet in a school gym & it's pretty simple. We've already gone to the youth group several times and got to know some of the kids. Some of them which are already looking to be pretty good friends. =)

this weekend is also going to be filled with busy-ness. Except for two days of it, all the girls are going to our grandparents to have some residue time and chill out. Can't wait for that, then we have some friends coming over Friday, and Ellen (she's the one who teaches me horse back riding) might stay a couple of days. Sure, she's seventeen -- but still!

and now this endless post must come to an end. I'm looking forward to a nice couple of days at my grandparents. with nothing to do. That sounds captivating.

listening to || look at all the pretty things // tenth avenue north

how my sisters overpopulate my room

2011-09-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. Actually my three younger sisters do -- Anna, Heidi, & Petra -- leave their stuff out. Everywhere. And I have a problem with it. It looks messy. I can't stand mess.

I can't stand clothes thrown everywhere and baby dolls on the floor. Or hoop skirts and all of Anna's fashion pieces and boxes of total junk lying around.

This is how Anna and Heidi's bed looks. I won't even show you how it looks underneath. It drives me insane. I'm dying in here. mom, can I sleep with Samuel? Plu-ease? His room might smell like sweat, but hey, it's better than pink lip sticky stuff on the floor.

This is how my bed looks. Sure, there's algebra splattered out but at least I was working on that. And I cleaned it up when I was finished.

The only good thing in the room is was the narnia poster, but that had to be taken down due to Anna. She thought it looked junky (hey, what about that pink fluff in your closet? isn't that more junky?). So I, being the kind and perfect sister that I am, took it down joyfully.

not exactly what happened. haha, but I did take it down. You should've seen Anna's face. "Kendra? You're actually taking that down? Really? Aww, thanks so much!"

Of course they're overpopulating everything else with their 'precious things'. Sorta. The last picture is the owner's stuff.

But ya know, they are working on cleaning. Slow process though.

We're getting there.

listening to || house of mirrors // tenth avenue north

ps: Anna wants me to delete this. o__O no way.

vlog #2

2011-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Since vlog #1 was such a hit, my sister Anna and I decided to host another one. We answered the questions from ya'll asked in the comments from the past vlog, thus this video is not as crazy as the other one.

I apologize that the sound isn't the best and that my shorts are a bit shorter than I thought they were. I had been running and my other shorts that are much longer are constantly falling down. I need new clothes. But if the shorts at walmart weren't more like underwear I'd get some.

Anyway, please leave comments with more suggestions for the next vlog -- would you like us to sing a song? give a tour of our room? act out a skit from a movie?

the concert

2011-09-13T04:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to my first ever concert. It was awesome!

Did I mention Francesca Battisteli sang too? Yeah, in my excitement I forgot about her. =P

She had a really loud, clear voice that was amazing. She sounded almost better live. Haha, it was funny when she sang "Free to Be Me" and she came to the lines "I gotta couple dents in my fender, got a couple rips in my jeans" because she had a long skirt on and I'm sure her car doesn't have dents in it. At least not anymore.

Then Tenth Avenue North took the stage. Okay, these guys are pretty crazy. But ya know, in a good way.

Mike, the lead singer, went into the crowd and started preaching. It was really cool! I'm sure there were lots of people who weren't Christians there because it was free and at a fair.

If you want to watch some videos of the concert I'd post them below. Sorry they're not really clear, it sounded wayyy better live, but since my camera isn't anything special, the sound isn't great.

{it was longer than this but I didn't capture the whole time he talked for, to save battery}