Oswald Chambers writes about learning to sing on ordinary days, in ordinary ways.
Since reading that, it’s become a thought I’ve gone back to many times throughout each day. When things are chaotic, the house is a mess, and it feels like my patience was used up few hours ago, those words come back to me – learn to sing on ordinary days, in ordinary ways.
As a stay-at-home mom, my life can start to feel a bit small and repetitive sometimes, but I hang on to the beautiful truth that as I am faithful in the little things, as I follow Jesus on the ordinary days, when there’s nothing especially dramatic or triumphant happening, I know He is teaching me to “sing”, no matter what circumstances are surrounding me.
I’m trying to live an ordinary life that is becoming extraordinary as I strive to serve Jesus in all that I do.
My husband, Ben, and I have been married for 15 years, and it keeps getting better all the time! I love his mischievous grin, his calm, wise words, and his heart for Jesus. He makes me laugh as much as when I first met him.
We have three sweet, energetic kids – Anika (14) and Kaylia (8), and Everett (3). Yes, that is a wide span in age, in a culture where everybody has babies exactly two years apart. Part of our family’s story is how we learned that sometimes things don’t happen exactly the way you planned, like having babies!
Writing is my way of thinking and processing things, and I love to share my words and pictures as I try to find beauty and simplicity in the world around me.
I tend to write about what I’m learning as a parent, as a keeper of my home, and as a follower of Jesus. I follow my family around with a camera, I take pictures of tree bark and snow drifts, and I try to slow down to soak it all in. I want to learn how to pay attention to the truly important things, to strip away the busyness and noise, to go slowly so we won’t miss the good stuff in this beautiful life.
I enjoy blogging, but it would get kind of lonely if no one read it, so I’m very thankful for each and every one of you who joins me here! Thanks for stopping by!
Ordinary Days 
Just wanted to let you know I am really enjoying following your blog!
Hi, I have just come across your blog. Blessings with moving back to ” the race”. I have just started a ministry, have 1 grown up daughter(a gift from her dad to me) and 8 other little ones I was blessed to have myself ( also with my beautiful husband). I will also be starting a blog in the next few days and you and Ann Voskamp are a wonderful inspiration. Warm greetings and blessings fom South Africa. Gerlinde
Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging comment, Gerlinde! I wish you all the best as you begin your blogging adventure! I would love to check it out once you have it up and running. Blessings to you, too!
Just came across ur blog. Love it. Used to attend red rocks bible camp as a teen. I miss it!
You should come back for a visit! Red Rock is one of those places that means so much to so many different people. I’m glad you stopped by my blog!
Beautiful post. The sad and sometimes terrifying truth is that one day our kids will know pain too. We can prepare them — and witness to our friends — by being real and letting them see that we hurt too. And that we still have hope.
Thanks for your comment. You are right – it is a witness to everyone around when we can show God’s strength in our weakness. Hope is such a great gift to pass on to our children!
Looks like I misspoke in my last comment. Thought you lived in Florida – actually, I prefer the northern photos.
Your mother told me about your writing/blog, so I asked to read it. Kendra, your writing blesses me! You have found joy in Godās wonderful world, in the love of your life, your husband, and each of your children. Keep writing! You have much to share with othersā¦
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! I appreciate them. š