Waiting On The Lord

So far this year has been quite the whirlwind.  My last semester in college was definitely my most difficult as far as content and to boot, I found out I wouldn't be finished in time unless I took 6 classes all at once.  Needless to say, I took the more sane route and am finishing my degree this summer.  

All that to say, so far my life hasn't slowed down much.  Now, please don't think that I am complaining.  I am more than thankful that I can be married, finish my degree, have no debt and be fully supported by husband through all of this, but it is a VERY busy lifestyle.  So where is the light at the end of the tunnel?  Many people have been asking me what my plans are for a job.  Truthfully, I have no aspirations except for a piece of paper to frame and hang in my office.  To find a job would be such a blessing, but I am so burnt out and am just happy to serve the Lord wherever He puts me whether that be applicable to my degree or otherwise.  For my particular major, Communication Sciences & Disorders, you have to continue onto your Masters.  Right now, in my mind, that is not an option - financially or mentally, and really - I just don't have any desire whatsoever to do that right now.  

So what are my plans you ask?  Or rather, the Lords?  Many of you know that last year I began teaching American Sign Language for home-schoolers in the area.  Well last year, this idea or rather vision came to me a little late - mid August which was a bit too late as far as gaining "clientele" for the following school year.  Although it was discouraging at the time, it was perfect because that little extra really helped us out financially and a smaller class size gave me a good feel for how to better things, change things up, etc...  However this year, the Lord has blessed us out of the park, currently I have 16 students enrolled and I have only been "advertising" for two weeks!  All this to say, the Lord is so good to us.  He know what we can handle and when we can handle it - and let me just say I am SO excited for the next school year and can't wait to fine tune my curriculum, add more activities, etc etc.... 

Just wanted to give you all a little update in case you were wondering.  If not, disregard this long schpeel.  Either way, how good is our Savior?  He cares so infinitely for each one of us, knows our passions, our hearts, our desires.  If I could teach ASL for the rest of my life I would be more than thrilled.  Sign language is a passion of mine, and I feel the Lord has gifted me with it for a purpose.  I am so glad that my life has a purpose and that it is divinely inspired.  God is so good!

Short & Sweet

So Pete & I have been praying a lot about where the Lord would have us once my schooling is over.  We just want to be where the Lord would have us, so if you could, just lift a prayer up our way.  Not that anything huge is happening or that anything is happening, we just want the Lord's blessing in whatever His will is for our lives.  Thanks in advance.

Lyrics to Dwell Upon

I can't wait to get to heaven and hear Jesus sing this song to me.  As beautiful as Kari's vocals are, I can only imagine how much greater our Lord's will be.  This song is for all of His children - it's moving.  Most worship songs are all about our adoration to Jesus and how much we love Him, but I really love this song because it is Jesus singing to us.  We are His beloved & His bride!  What a joy!  Sit under His feet for just a few moments today and rest in Him.

Beloved - Kari Jobe

listen here

You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child

You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your cares down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

Busy Busy Crazy Busy, Don't forget to breathe.

Lately Pete & I have been on the move constantly.  It seems as though we have time for nothing other than work, school, church, studying for school or church, driving, eating, sleeping (sometimes, not nearly enough) and the occasional, but brief nap.  This has taken a toll on us both mentally and physically.  We have both been sick numerous times this winter and seem to just pass it back and forth to one another.  Because of this additive, or rather negative, not only have I fallen behind in my duties of a clean house and yummy meals, but let me tell you - the laundry is sky high.  Although all of these activities (school, church, work) are rewarding in different aspects, it often feels opposingly so.  I often ponder, 'will this craziness will change once I graduate?'  I always assumed that the dust will settle eventually.  Pshh, who am I kidding?  With graduation comes a full time job of some sort that will take up just as much, if not more time than school.  And then babies might get added to the mix? Yikes.  All this to say, if you can identify with me, know that there is an outlet for this bombardment we all seem to get caught up in.  Jesus!  Some of you reading this may roll your eyes.  Some of you may agree whole heartedly.  Some of you have already closed this window.  But listen.  We as humans were created to rely, to need, to love and to be loved.  We wanted to be relied up, and need others whom we can rely upon.  Those that rely on us love us and we in turn love those whom we can rely upon.  Does that make sense?  Let me give an example before you stop reading.  Early on in our marriage, I relied upon my husband for all of my needs: emotional, spiritual, physical, mental - everything.  He was my hero and my problem solver and I loved him so much that I wanted to be everything for him, and have him be everything I need.  But we as humans are imperfect.  Now that's not to say my husband isn't awesome, he is, he is the love of my life and gets me like no one else.  However, no matter how great a person is, that person has needs too. It took me a while to realize that.  Pete can't be everything for me, because I can't be everything for him.  The reason that Christ can meet all of our needs is because He has no needs of His own.  He is completely selfless.  So selfless that He gave up His own life on the cross.  His own physical life.  How many of us would give up our lives?  Maybe for a loved one, or our own child, but for your adversary? Your greatest enemy?  Some people don't believe in Jesus, or that He was a real man who came to this earth, that's another discussion entirely.  But Jesus loves them still, regardless of their acceptance of Him.  Personally I find it hard enough to love people that I care for but disagree with, let alone people that hate me.  My point is, whether or not we choose to love God, He doesn't need our adoration, our love, or commitment to Him.  He desires those things from His children, but He doesn't need them from us.  We are unworthy of what our Heavenly Father provides to us.  He is the reason I live, and the reason I strive.  He is my solid rock my strength, the provider of my energy when I have nothing left to give, my Daddy who loves me unconditionally and the giver of hope when I can't seem to put one foot in front of the other.  If you don't know this Jesus that I speak of, the One who knows the number of hairs on your head, the number of days you will live, and the only One who will never leave you nor forsake you, please take the time to do so.  How?  Read the bible.  Pray.  Ask the Lord for enlightenment and movement in your life.  Find a church that teaches the bible, and a body of believers who seek the kingdom of God and genuinely love one another.  I challenge those of you, as I do myself to put Christ first.  To pursue our bride-groom as He pursues His bride.
With Love,
Kendra

Jesus, Jesus - Beautiful Savior, Faithful One.

Lately Pete and I have been praying a lot about the Lord's will for our life and what that may entail.  We both have a heart for sharing the word of God and taking it forth to wherever the Lord may call us.  I mention this because as my school career comes to a close this August, I am not quite sure where my life will be.  It will be the first time in a long time that I have not had concrete, absolute, root bearing plans for myself.  It's kind of liberating to think about.  So far in the past few years I have felt a peace about finishing school and I know that the Lord has this in His will.  But I can't help but ask, what's next Lord?  For my current career path, I don't have many options with just a bachelor's degree of science.  I can only practice for so long with that.  But to be honest, I don't even have a desire to practice with just a B.S. under my belt.  To compare what that would be like to something more understandable would be the Average Joe reading books about anatomy of humans, how to put on bandages, and learning to write up a prognosises for two years in a classroom with no other experiences, THEN being thrown in the E.R. with high expections to perform with experience and knowledge of any trained Docter.  Okay, maybe not that severe, but pretty close.  The other option is to attend Grad School, and pay lots of money to get that experience needed to provide ethical, experienced and educated theraphy.  My degree of Speech Pathology is a Humanistic Career, changing lives.  I don't feel quite apt for such a task, nor a desire at this moment in time.  Don't get me wrong, I have a desire to change lives, just in a different way - an eternal way.  I know for sure that I would regret not finishing my degree, but I also know in my heart I have no desire to continue on with my education at this point.  I want a break for goodness sake and from where I see it, it's been a long time coming.  So, all this word vomit to say, just pray.  Pray for direction in our life.  Pray that either the Lord will instill me with a desire to continue my education if that is His will, or that He will guide us to whatever else it is we are to do for Him.  I am willing to go wherever the Lord leads, be that easy to say, I know that Lord's will  is the will we want for our marriage and life.  Thank you to all of you who continually support us through prayer, Godly counsel, and friendship.  Love you all. 

                                        Looking to the future,

                                                Kendra

High Above The Earth

Oh how we take for granted our very being - living. These lyrics really resonated with me this morning. How big our God is, and how worthy He is of our praise. If you can, listen to the song playing now and praise Jesus for who He is.

Your mercy falls with the rain
Your powers displayed in the wild ocean
Your presence will always remain
Jesus Your love reaches to the heavens
You are God, high above the earth
           
Angels sing for you,
mountains melt at the sound of Your name
Oceans roar for You, all of creation gives You praise
For You are God high above the earth


Jesus Your all that I need
Here is my life come and take it from me
Jesus you make me complete
With You at my side I can know no boundaries
You are God High above the earth

Hallelujah

Oleander Home Tour - Enjoy.