Living Simply-something I yearn for, yet feel I am lacking. It's summer time and I feel as though I have been working a full-time job this past month. I'm tired, I'm worn out. I need prayer.

I have to admit, this summer has probably been one of my busiest summers ever. It just seems as if every week, something new pops up which then causes other things that need to get done, to be put on the back burner. I really do not like living this way.

A big part of all of this is my doctorate. I pray I make it. I'm extremely worn out from all of the papers that we have had to write. Every time I write a paper, I can't help but think of the many other things I could be doing. But with that said, I know that once I complete this degree, I first off, will be one happy girl, and second, I truly believe that the Lord will continue to use Luke and I in some incredible ways. Did I mention that we plan on having a HUGE party once we graduate?!?! Oh yeah, no doubt!

Another thing that I must admit is that I am feeling overwhelmed. On Sunday July 8th, I am basically leading the church service (speaking) since Kendal, our pastor will not be there. So, I have to find some time to prepare for that. In addition to that, I am speaking at that women's conference in September which has my nerves on edge. And then, I may be speaking at some teacher's conferences this school year. So, I'm feeling so overwhelmed and so inadequate for any of this. Which is why I so need to lean on the Lord. In addition to that, Luke and I have been attending AP training this week (training so that we can teach a college level course to students next year) at UCF and during this training, there have been many times I have felt extremely inadequate for this teaching opportunity. Overall, I'm just overwhelmed and have many feelings of inadequacies.

As I ponder all of this, I can't help but think about Martin Luther King, Jr. I once read a quote that stated that while he was alive, he had so much to do each and everyday, that he could not imagine not spending at least 2 hours with the Lord each day. Gosh, have I failed. As humans, many of us tend to think that when we get really busy, we in turn, have no time to spend with God. King on the other hand, had his priorities straight. I'm sure he felt extremely overwhelmed and worn out at times, but yet, he knew that in order to make it through each day, he would need to spend at least 2 hours with the Lord.

You know, I think this is how I need to begin thinking. Maybe if I start thinking this way, I in turn, will not feel so anxious, overwhelmed, and tired. I do truly believe that the Lord has me involved in each of these things for a reason. I really do. I also really believe that recently, he has begun to show me how he is going to use my education experiences along with my coaching to reach out to others. So, I really believe that the Lord is up to something. I just need to rely on him some more and in turn, give him every emotion that I am feeling. When I do that, I know that his peace which passes all understanding will come upon me.

Well, I'm off to hand off, or better yet, surrender some things to the Lord! Please pray for me!

PS-This past weekend we had our church leadership retreat and what a great time we had! There were about 20 of us there and it was just wonderful to be with everyone. I led my session on life gifts and it seems from the response, that everyone enjoyed it! Thank-you Jesus!!

Can you tell that I have been busy? It's been some time since I've had the chance to sit and write! Luke and I have been enjoying our summer break. While it's been great being out of our teaching positions, we have been busy with many other things.

Yesterday, Luke and I decided at the last minute to go and stay at a Disney resort (that's the best thing about summer-deciding things at the last minute). We have two papers that are due this weekend and we desperately needed some new scenery. While we love our little home, it can be very distracting to sit here and write papers. So, we booked ourselves a room at Saratoga Springs, requested a balcony, and as soon as we entered the room, we started writing! Believe it or not, I was able to write both of my papers in no time! So needless to say, it was great getting out of the house. Gosh, what will we do when we have to write our full dissertation!

One exciting piece of news is that Luke and I realized that once the summer is over, we will have only 7 classes left to take in our doctorate program!! I can't believe it! We are beginning to see the light!! Now, if we can just get through the dissertation, then all will be good. We have already decided that when we graduate, we are going to throw the BIGGEST party ever!! Everyone will be invited! We can't wait!

This past week I had the opportunity to meet with the two ladies who are organizing the women's retreat that I will be speaking at. We met up at the retreat center and it was just really great being able to see the layout and where everything will take place. I must admit, I'm nervous! Please pray for me. I desperately need it!

Also, here's another huge prayer request. The other day our pastor was at our house talking to Luke and I about the church leadership retreat that we are going on this upcoming weekend. First off, he has asked me to lead a session on Life Gifts which relates to discovering who you are as a person. Then, he really asked me a big thing. He asked if I would lead the church service on July 8th since he will be out of town! He wants me to speak on Purpose! YIKES!!!! I said yes, but can I tell you that I am nervous!! Oh, how I need prayer! The introvert in me would much rather hole up and write a book and speak to people that way-but for some odd reason, the Lord seems to be opening up speaking engagements for me. Have no idea what that is about!

I also just received an email from Jim, owner of Total Life Counseling-stating that the president of FACCS-Florida Association of Christian colleges and schools wants Jim to speak at the convention here in Orlando in October and that he would like me to lead a couple of sessions also. Ok, can I say YIKES again? So, this is something else that may take place.

I don't know what's going on, but I'm trying really hard not to freak out! Oh please, say a prayer for me. I so desperately need it! So, there are some big things that have recently taken place!

Other than that, life is going well. I am coaching some women and I must say, I am really enjoying it. I have just recently taken on a new client and we actually meet in person and I must say-I loved our first session together. The Lord is really just filling my heart within this ministry. I pray that he would continue to open the doors for me!

Ok, well-I think that is good for now! Hope all of you are doing well! Keep me updated!

Jen

Yea!! School is out!! It will be so nice to have a 2-month break! I desperately need it! This summer will be quite busy for both Luke and I. Just this weekend we have 3 papers due for our doctorate. Two down, one to go! This summer I have a lot of work to do in a variety of areas. First off, Luke and I are taking three classes which are keeping us quite busy. Believe it or not, we only have 7 more classes to go once we are done this summer, and then of course, the dissertation. Can't believe we have gotten this far already! This summer I plan on completing my concept paper (part of my dissertation) and hoping that the school will except it!

In addition to school work, I have planning to do in regards to my AP Literature class that I will be teaching next year. Lot's of reading and training that I will be attending at the end of June. In addition to that, it looks like I will be teaching an 11th grade "Life Purpose/Career study" class next year. So, I need to prepare for that also-I am actually looking forward to doing this class and am hoping that I can incorporate some of my training into the class.

Another goal that I have for the summer is "cleaning-up" one of my past writings and then, sending it out to see what happens. You never know until you try. In addition, I am pondering a new writing that I would really like to see come to fruition-so I am going to be praying and asking the Lord to guide me and show me what it is that I need to specifically write about!

Let's see-I also plan on meeting up with some women who have expressed some kind of interest in Coaching, so that should be fun. In addition to that, I plan on meeting up with the ladies of the church where I will be leading their women's retreat! I plan on putting together those sessions this summer also! YIKES!

Finally, this summer I plan on cleaning out our office room-getting rid of some my books-they are beginning to take over our house! Feel free to come by if you want any free books! I have plenty that I need to get rid of!

And of course, I plan on relaxing and having some fun! Luke and I don't have any definite plans this summer, but we do plan on getting in some rest and relaxation! Much needed after this year. I admit, it's been a weird year. Not really sure if the Lord was trying to teach us a few things-like trusting Him completely. The good news is that Luke and I will definitely be working together at Foundation next year, so we are absolutely thrilled about that!

Oh yeah, Luke sold his truck!! So, we will be down to one car for some time-in order to save on gas and car insurance!

Ok, that's the latest! Hope each of you are doing great!

Jen

Hello! Ok, so today I thought I would finally try to figure out how to use our digital camera since we've had it for like 3 years. Gosh, I never knew I could have so much fun taking pictures and posting them online! Yes, I'm slow when it comes to techonology. Anyway, I thought I would take some pictures of our little humble house since we often get asked for pictures and such. You know, we really love our house. We have put quite a bit of work into this little place and I must say, it looks really good! Everytime someone walks into our house for the first time, no joke, they comment on how cute and cozy it is! Just what we like! My favorite magazine is Cottage Living, so I guess you could say that I like the whole cottage-homey looking kind of house! Anyway, check them out below! Also, I finally gave into myspace! Check it out and there you will find more pictures! Hope all of you are doing well! Oh yeah, you see a picture of our little boys!!

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=190973578

Gosh, I didn't realize how long it has been since I've last written a personal blog. I will say this though-April was an EXTREMELY busy month for both Luke and I. Too busy. In addition to work things that we had to do, we had a lot of doctoral work due, so needless to say, our days were packed.

One piece of good news is that summer is two weeks away!!! I CAN"T WAIT!! I so need a break! At the beginning of June, Luke and I will be heading to Greenville, SC so that I can get my life plan done by one of my fellow Life Purpose Coaches. I am really looking forward to this because I feel as though it will be a good time to get my thoughts out and to once again see what direction I need to head in so that I can fulfill that which the Lord has laid out before me. So, that time in SC will be great!

We are also planning on heading to NC to visit some friends and we may take the time to rent a cabin in NC and just spend some time doing those things that refuel us-Luke biking, me writing. I have actually made it my goal to "clean-up" one of my writing's that I began 7 years ago. Once I clean it up, I am planning on sending it out and seeing if anything happens. I must always remember that Katie Brazelton was rejected 47 times before her book was published, so I'm ready and will just be patient in seeing if the Lord does opens any doors.

In April, I had the opportunity to take part in Level 5 training for Life Purpose Coaching Centers, International. In addition to the training, I had the opportunity to see Katie speak at a conference which was great being that I have been hired on to be the main speaker at a women's retreat here in Orlando in September. So, it was great to see how she led the conference and what she specifically spoke on. It was also great to see so many of the women that I have not seen in over a year! It was a great weekend and I look forward to the day when I can do coaching full-time.

As many of you know, I have partnered up with Total Life Counseling in Orlando. I am their Women's Life Purpose Coach and Life Plan Facilitator. I'm once again looking forward to seeing if the Lord allows any doors to be opened through this partnership. When you get a free moment, feel free to check out my coaching blog and the website of Total Life Counseling:

www.coachjenniferbennett.blogspot.com

www.totallifecounseling.com

Ok, that should do it! Hope each of you are doing great!! Hope to hear from you soon!

Jen

My Little Gem

Gosh, I can't believe another year has passed me by! It's hard to believe that I am actually 32-it seems like it was just yesterday that I was dreaming about what my life would be like in my 30's. This year's birthday was TERRIFIC! Can I just tell you that I have the absolute best Husband!! Luke is a gem and is truly like no other man I know. Let me tell you what I love about him:

1) Luke really knows how to talk with people. He doesn't allow the "stupid" things of this world to get to him. He truly lives out the Biblical truth of "Esteem others higher than yourself".

2) Luke is gentle-He has NEVER been harsh with me. I've seen way too many men/husbands being quite "rough" with their wives over "stupid" things and Luke is just so gentle. He never raises his voice at me and never does anything that others would consider to be harsh.

3) Luke wants the absolute best for me. Once again, he desire for me to pursue those things that I want to pursue-he desire nothing more than to see me happy

4) Luke tells me everyday how beautiful I am.

5) Whenever there is a GREAT looking female on TV, in the mall, etc., he immediately turns away and focuses on me! He doesn't sit there and stare, his attention is immediately back on me.

6) When those little Victoria Secret Commercials come on TV, he looks away. Doesn't watch them. Seen him do this with his own two eyes.

7) Luke ALWAYS helps me with things around the house. We have a small group that meets at our house every Wednesday and you know what this amazing husband of mine does? He cleans the bathrooms, along with the floors. Many other times he does the laundry, cleans the kitchen, etc.

8) Luke makes me dinner many, many times! He gets my water for me and anything else that I may need.

9) Luke likes spending time with me. He always wants to "hang out" with me and do something fun.

10) Luke is a man of God. His heart beats for Jesus and he desires nothing more than to live the life the Lord would have him live.

My husband is a gem and I just feel so blessed to have him as my husband. He is what I always dreamed about and is so much more. Let me tell you what he got me for my birthday.

As many of you know, I am currently taking Level 5 Training with PTPM which will allow me to be an instructor for Pathway to Purpose Ministry. What this means is that I will be able to train women who desire to be life purpose coaches and 2-day life plan facilitators. In order to be certified, you must also take part in Level 4 training which will be held in Hawaii in September. Well, Hawaii is expensive and I really did not plan on attending until a later time. Well, Friday night as Luke and I are out with friends for dinner celebrating my birthday, I open his gift and in my gift bag is a ticket to Hawaii!! I'm going to Hawaii in September!! Unknown to me, he has been communicating with PTPM working out the details.

Again, my husband is quite the gem. Not only did he sweep my off of my feet while we were dating and then proposed to me like nothing I could have ever imagined (flew me to Orlando from Miami, etc.), he has now outdid himself once again.

I can't help but thank the Lord for bringing this incredible man into my life. No other man compares. As I see husbands each day interacting with their wives, all I can do is whisper to my Lord a heartfelt thanks for blessing me with a man who truly loves and cares for me. A man that has truly laid down his life for his wife.

Luke, I will always love you and cherish you! You mean the world to me!

A Heavy Heart

"Around the world each day Christians lose their jobs, their families and their freedom because they follow Jesus. They are beaten, imprisoned and killed for the name of Christ. More Christians have been killed in the 20th century than in all other centuries combined."

Well, here it is a Tuesday night at 8:42 p.m. and I have to admit, my heart is heavy. I've been sitting here trying to prepare for my Senior English class tomorrow. I've been looking over their readings on John Foxe and have been reviewing his writings which were based on martyrs. I have been looking on the web for recent martyr stories and as I find them, my heart just sinks. I feel as though I have failed-I have failed to pray for those people who have truly given up everything in order to share the gospel with those people who do not know Christ. As I read their stories I become ashamed at myself for thinking that things such as my schooling and work conditions and such are of importance. It doesn't compare to those who are truly willing to die in order to share the Gospel with those who know not.

May each of us be diligent in praying for those who have given up the comforts of America in order to reach the lost. I pray that each time you think of how bad things are in your life, or get annoyed by someone pulling out in front of you, or you just get upset over something that doesn't really matter, I pray that you would in turn take a minute to lift up those who have given their all.