Sunday, July 25, 2010

Summer Travels

Ah, traveling. It's what some peoples' summer is all about. Some people like to use summer as a time to relax and just enjoy the things we miss during the school year. My family is in the middle. We don't travel much, but we try to get in a good vacation and a little get-away somewhere among the long hot months.

These next few weeks are my travel weeks. Tonight, my younger sister Lizzy and I pack our bags full of basketball shorts, grubby T-shirts, lots of socks, a pair of sneakers, and an air mattress. What are we doing? YOUTH MISSION TRIP!

It happens every year. Some of you may even remember me going last year. Well this year, our church recently bought a new building! It's the perfect thing for our church, a real God thing. However, because it was so important to purchase the building, there hasn't been a lot of funding toward the youth mission trip.

So instead of packing it in a car and driving 6 or 8 hours, my youth group is doing the stay-cation version of a mission trip. We're packing our bags, same as usual, and meeting at the church for a lock-in. But this year we'll stay at the church. We're going to work on the building, work at our local food pantry, do some work on a farm, help at a battered woman's shelter, and stuff like that, all in our community. This idea came together really at the last minute. Another God thing for sure.

The day after the mission trip, my family and my "brothers'" family are leaving for Sanibel, Florida! Vacation time! WooT WooT! It's gonna be pretty awesome. Lizzy and I have been saving our pennies for this vacation for months. I'm super excited :D

The only downside to all this awesome is the blogging factor. *tragic sigh, violins play* I don't expect to be blogging very much, if even at all, until we get back from Sanibel on August 10th (Happy Birthday, Cavender XD). I might post once or twice, but I'm not sure what the computer and internet situations will be in Sanibel.

So, until the 10th, adios, sayonara, arrivederci, au revoir, fare thee well, GOODBYE! :D Prayers, especially for this youth mission week, would be greatly appreciated. Let's hope we can really make a difference in peoples' lives for Christ.

~Kendra

Saturday, July 24, 2010

To Pierce or Not to Pierce? Biblical View

Wow! The feedback on To Pierce or Not to Pierce was great! Y'all are so awesome :) Thanks for giving me your opinions. It's helping me make my decision.

There was one particular comment I want to address specifically. One person wisely suggested that I turn to Bible for the answer (always the best place to start). A few verses this person suggested:

Leviticus 19:28
"Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD."

Deuteronomy 14:1
"You are the children of the LORD your God. Do not cut yourselves or shave the front of your heads for the dead."

Genesis 35
"And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Lots of information there! I have trouble knowing where to start XD

First, I'd like to point out a pattern in the verses (well, one of them): They come primarily from the Old Testament. Why is that? Well, it's because back then, there were TONS of rules to follow to make Christians "clean". It's unbelievable! If you read those early books of the Bible, it's staggering to see the lists of rules the Israelites were expected to follow. You might even say it was impossible. Why would God give people so many rules that were so difficult to follow?

I think one of the biggest reasons is simply because it's impossible. God wanted the Israelites to realize how impossible it was to be perfect, how much they needed God and his forgiveness.

For years and years and YEARS it went on like that. People tried to follow all the rules (even the ones about clipping your beard, braiding your hair, and piercing your ears) all the time. Then something cool happened:

Jesus came.

Jesus wiped away all the rules but two:

Love God.
Love your neighbors.

(If you follow those two commandments, the other Ten Commandments kind of naturally follow anyway.)

This is one reason why Jesus made people so angry.

WHAT??? This trouble-maker says we don't have to wash our hands before every meal. HOW DARE HE?

Etc.

See, when Jesus came, HE was the perfect sacrifice! By dying for our sins, he took away the burden of trying to be perfect. We don't have to follow all the Old Testament rules to be good Christians. Jesus took care of that burden for us :) It's all good.

There is one verse from the New Testament:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

I really like this verse. But I don't think it means that piercing your ears is wrong. Piercing ears does not dishonor God. It's simple a fun way to show your personality. To show who you are, how God made you, a way to express yourself! We should always honor God with our bodies, but I see that as more what you physically do. Honor God by opening the door for people. Honor God by not reacting in sudden violence. Honor God by using your hands for His glory. Things like that :)

The Bible is the best place to look for answers. It's our instruction manual, our map for life, God speaking to us! But it's also really important to make sure you understand all the details behind the text.

~Kendra

Friday, July 23, 2010

To Pierce or Not to Pierce

That is the question. I'm searching the depths of this cosmic world for the answer.

AKA, my internet buddies XD

As of now, this is what my ears look like:
Plain. Unimpaled. Virgin. Unscathed. Whole.

See also "unpierced".

Thus we come to the deep, philosophical question I'm struggling with: Should I pierce them or not?

So far I've left them untouched because I don't think piercing them is worth it. It's girly, I'm not. It involves jewelry, something I don't even wear. It would be a hassle, and if I don't even care, why bother? It's just something extra to keep track of and remember (and clean twice daily for four-to-six-weeks).

My 13-year-old sister Lizzy votes to pierce them. Actually, she votes "PLEEEEEASE DO IT! DOITDOITDOIT, JUST DOIT." I vote "Ehhhh....I dunno."

I sort of feel like I might as well, to open up the option of earrings if I ever wanted them. If I end up hating the hassle, I can always just keep some plain studs in and forget about it. Or let the wholes grow over. But then again, if I'm going to end up not caring/hating it, why do it in the first place?

So you see my dilemma. Assistance would be greatly appreciated XD What are you thoughts? Do you have pierced ears? Do you like them? Do you have "virgin ears"? (XD) Do you like them? Pros of ear-piercing, cons of ear-piercing...Share your thoughts! I've been debating this for months...

~Kendra

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Biltmore!

Last week, my family and I went to Biltmore house. It's the largest private residence in all of the United States! It's so amazing! It's HUGE and absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Ahead of it's time, too. Even thought it was built around the 1890s, even the servants had electricity and running water! Wow! Unfortunately, pictures weren't allowed inside :(

Not only was Biltmore beautiful, but so was all of downtown Ashville! Even the clouds were amazing that day. It was a great trip.

Captions on the bottom; click to enlarge.

On the way to Ashville...Double chins. Ya gotta love us, right? XD

Don't make fun of me. The hotel room was awesome, okay? :P

The Batman Building! Er, I mean, the Jackson Building XD

I don't remember what this building was called, but it's so cool from this angle, isn't it?

There's this little tribute to folk dancers. There were three statues of ordinary people dancing. I wanted a picture with this awesome little girl :)

Shopping girls, haha XD

BILTMORE! :OOOOOOOOOO That thing has 250 rooms, and every one of them is stunning.

There are gargoyles, if you can see any. That just about made my day XD



Yes, it's what you think. "~Ember~" written in ketchup with a toothpick. Yeahh...she stalks me, what can I say?

We got caught in the rain. *sob* LOL JK, I loved it XD

Clouds. You knew I wasn't gonna let it go without some storm pictures, right? :)

Eeee, how awesome are those???

A favorite of mine.

Lizzy's camera-crazy. I'm getting more and more used to it. We passed the long drive to Ashville by playing models, haha! Note the freakish Elf Ear...lol...

Lizzy: "Take your hair down!"
Me: "Nah."
Lizzy: "Kendra, please."
Me: "No."
Lizzy: "Pleaseeeeeeeeee!"
Me: "Nooooooooooo--"
Lizzy: "KENDRA."
Me: "Kayfine."

My beautiful sister, Lizzy!

My turn to wield the camera! >:D

I looooooooooooooooooove this picture!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was an awesome trip :D

~Kendra

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Pool Faith

Hey! Well, so far, there are some AWESOME family stories!!! Y'all, this is EXACTLY what I had in mind! You guys are freaking amazing! :D I laughed out loud. Your families are pretty awesome XD

For any sad souls who don't know what I'm talking about, I'm having a crazy family stories contest. Read this post for details!

Today the sermon was cool. Our pastor compared the different styles of faith, to the way we play in the pool!

Are you the kind of person who jumps right in?
Or are you one of those people who steps in one step at a time?
Or maybe you're someone who just sits on the edge and dangles their feet in the water?

That's how it is with faith and God. Some people just want to dive right in! They want all of God, more of God, they're so excited!

Some people are more slow-moving. They don't take things all at once, they like to ease in and explore God little by little. They're more cautious.

Then there are some people who only want a very little bit of God. Just enough to keep them headed to Heaven and away from Hell. They don't necessarily want God all up in their business, but he's a good hobby. They just want to feel the cool pool water, but not much else.

The first and second styles are just different, I think, but there's something to watch out for in the third. We don't want to be those people who want "just enough" of God. We should want to dive in, or at least eventually be surrounded by God's power!

After all, when you look around the pool, who's having the most fun? The jumper-inners, or the foot-danglers? XD

~Kendra

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Contest

So. I have a challenge/contest for you. But I also need help. This contest serves three purposes:

Purpose 1: I've never held a contest like this before, so it's a first. W00T!
Purpose 2: Exercise your creativity. You need it. I'm doing you a favor.
Purpose 3: I need this for a story idea.

Who: IF YOU'RE READING THIS YOU MUST DO IT. MWAHAHHAHA. Not really. But please do. It'll only be really fun if a lot of people do it. All you people who read faithfully and never comment, this is your day to comment.

What: A funny family contest. Everyone's family is weird. Some more than others, but we're all weird.

I need your funny stories.

Your little incidents. That one relative and how they always do (you fill in the blank). How you can count on your aunt to start a food fight, or the way your uncle never calls anyone by their real name. Stuff like that.

Tell me, and I'll post some of my favorites, and maybe put it in this story... (if you don't mind, I'll ask you first). I'll also give you credit if my story ever gets anywhere XD

Oh yeah. And an award. I think that's pretty standard for blog contests :D

When: RIGHTNOW. And until, oh, I don't know...til next Saturday. The 24th.

Where: Here. You can post your stories or funny bits as comments, or you can email them to me at livinglovinglaughinglearning@gmail.com.

Why: I covered that already in the little Purposes thing.

How: That's kinda with Where. So scroll up if you missed that.

Please do it. Even if you think you have nothing to offer, try. Oh, and here's the best part:

They don't actually have to be true. You can make them up! Of course, when you get your imagination going, you might decide to keep the ideas for your own stories! That's awesome too, but if you wouldn't mind, tell me anyway just for the contest part. I won't use anything unless it's okay with you.

So yeah. I know this was sudden and really jumbled, but...do it XD I'll know if you didn't. There is a page views thingie and a thingie that tells where you are in the sidebar >:D

~Kendra

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Blogs of Note

And now a tribute to some of my current favorite blogs.

***CAPITALIZED, ASTERISK'D NOTE DESIGNED TO AVOID PROLONGED WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH*** I didn't pick all the blogs that I love. Because that would take a billion years. So I really don't want to wake up with rotten tomatoes plastered to my windows or anything, okay? :D

Sometimes I linked directly to the blog, sometimes I linked to a specific post that I liked. Just so you know.

One Sparkling Star gets some recognition! Sam is awesome. She's hilarious and has a great way with making her posts center around an actual point. She also writes. And has excellent taste in books. And just when I thought she couldn't get any cooler, I found out...she also loves Jace and Alex Pettyfer. A kindred spirit indeed XD

Sara Spelled Without an H. Sara, you crack me up. I am in love with your writing style and ability to point out the funny stuff we all notice but don't think about addressing.

My Life's Graffiti. I love hearing about your college life, Cinderella Natalie :D You're so funny, and you keep your life together very well. I hope I can do that XD

Teen Justice. Actually no. DON'T CLICK ON THAT. Click here. <--That's the beginning. Start there and keep going. I'm not really addicted to many blog-serial-things. But I'm addicted to this. Read it. Reeeeead it. Do it. Do itttttttt. Aaron's pretty awesome.

So yes. That's all for today, folks. In case you have too much time on your hands this summer, I suggest checking those blogs out. Actually for these blogs, I suggest you MAKE a little time this summer... :)

~Kendra

Monday, July 12, 2010

The Weekend

Shopping
Brothers
iPod
Beastly nails
Allergies
Church
Go-karts
Brothers
Sisters
Corn
Spiritual Gifts
Sleep
Laundry
Extra family
Barf-esque face masks
Pictures
Grown Ups
The Matrix
Pizza
Reading
Beastly toe nails
Lasagna

And too much thinking.

~Kendra

Saturday, July 10, 2010

My Daybook: Week {Lucky} 13

Date: 7.10.10
Starting time: 7:44pm
Mood: Indifferent.
Outside my window: It's really nice :)
I'm thinking: I'm trying to do this FB status thing.
I'm reading: "Black and White". I borrowed it from Brianna.
I'm listening to: "Going Under" by Evanescence
I'm wearing: Jean shorts and a tank top that looks kind of paint-splattered.
Yesterday, I: Had the last day of VBS and had friends over at the lake.
I'm excited for: I feel like there was something...but I can't remember it now :-/
I'm sad because: Nothing new.
I'm hungry for: Not hungry.
The song stuck inside my head is: "Going Under" 'cause I'm listening to it.
I want: I my allergies to stop bothering me.
I love: This weather.
I loathe: Crane flies.
This week, my goal is: CARPE DIEM!
Ending time: 8:17pm

~Kendra

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Enthusiam & AILD

I’ve been crazy this week. Just really pumped about everything, really WILD. Everything I do recently, I get really into. Like right now, I’m really into this music. Like, I can’t even explain it. I’ve always *liked* music, and even lately liked it more, but right now, I love it. I love it so much.

As I Lay Dying is blasting through my M&M earbuds at a volume that may do permanent damage, and I could not be happier. I love this. I love this so much. It makes me feel better than good, it makes me feel alive (irony ftw) and happy and pumped and wild.

And like I have to be able to do this.

I need to be able to play guitar like that. I need to be able to scream. And you know what?
Right now, I’m convinced that I could.

Maybe I can, maybe I’m fooling myself. But there’s only one way to find out, right? And I intend to find out.

Our selfishness consumes us
Until the whole world is not enough
Forgive the day that I erased your name
For it's the memory of me that will decay.
~ "Forsaken" by As I Lay Dying

I've seen my world change
And then go back to where it came.
~ "I Never Wanted" by As I Lay Dying

~KeNDra

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

When the Logan Girls Go Shopping...

Crazy Kendra + Camera-Happy Lizzy + Shopping = ...

Captions on the bottom.
So, we went to Sam's...

Sock Monkey! :O

A LOT of Sock Monkeys! And other Sock Things.

Sorry, Justin fans. It was too funny XD

Lizzy has this thing for cheeseballs XD

L.O.V.E.

See, I'm allergic to peanuts...XD

Actual pig ears as dog treats. Yeah, that's what Lizzy thought too.

Self-explanitory :D

This pretty much describes our relationship XD :D

"Green" ftl.

No.

Yes!


~Kendra

Monday, July 5, 2010

Identity Crisis

Click to enlarge.
~Kendra...I think.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Hey :)

I am forcing myself to blog. Because I've been neglecting poor little Carpe Diem. But in a way I guess that shows a good thing? That I'm Carpe-ing my Diem and not on the computer as much?

What have I been up to lately. Hmm.

Well, on Tuesday I went to Cassidy's 18th birthday party! We went to a hotel and swam and ate and talked. Then we went to the midnight premier of Eclipse! It was actually very good. It stuck to the book beautifully, and Kristin Stewart only sucked mostly instead of completely XD Edward even had a couple of parts where I didn't hate his guts. And Jacob was awesome.

There was just one thing.

Here.

Yeah. The movie opens with a guy screaming his lungs out. And then there are like four more times with guys shrieking bloody murder. I was like O.O *crumples in the seat*

XD Amanda and Kirsten, the girls I was sitting with, weren't aware of my...issue. It was kind of funny.

Other than that, quite a good movie XD

After the movie, we went back to the hotel and hung out and ate stuff and talked. We went to bed around 4:30 and woke up at 8:30 to go eat continental breakfast. I had a really awesome time, even though there were no blueberry muffins D: Isn't that, like, a hotel-breakfast-standard? Apparently not :'(

Today, Daniel, David, this girl named Alden, her FREAKING AWESOME six-year-old brother named Elijah, and some other people came over and we hung out at the lake all day. I got tanner :D WooT! We also watched "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Great movie XD

So, the past few days have been awesome. Which is good, because the days before that sucked.

I'm beginning to see a pattern. Horrible, great, horrible, great, horrible, great. Whatever happened to days that were in the middle? Hmm. *shrug*

~Kendra