Gosh, what do you do when you have so many thoughts/glimpses of what you feel the Lord is calling you to and/or showing you what he wants to accomplish through you? I am just feeling absolutely overwhelmed right now-but it is a good overwhelming feeling.

I really feel as though the Lord is just beginning to show me how he is putting the puzzle pieces of my life together and how he truly is going to use every experience that I have been through in order to make a difference in this world! As I sit here (I should be working on my paper that is due tomorrow) and ponder all of this, I can't help but be excited! So much so, that I just want to jump out and do everything right now!! I wish I could share everything right now, but I feel as though I need to keep quiet until everything is worked out in my mind-which can take a while!! :)

It probably doesn't help that one of my students called me and just got me even more excited about things!! By the way, this student who called me-she is AWESOME!! Gosh, God is going to do some AMAZING things through her life! I just can't wait to see it all!

So anyway, I am just becoming more and more thrilled as I begin to sense and see how God is working in my life. You know what's funny too-I think Luke is starting to see some things too and is getting excited about how God is going to use him!!

Anyway, just had to share and write out!! We will see what happens!

WOW!! That's all I can say after today's church service. As many of you know, today was the day that I was to lead the Sunday service since our pastor was out of town. About a month ago he asked if I would be willing to speak on purpose to the church while he was out. Well, I agreed, but I must admit, I was a nervous wreck!! Always am before I speak to a group of people.

Anyway, it went absolutely wonderful! The Lord really came through and I just thank him so much for that! After the service I had quite a few people come up to me and just tell me how what I said really hit the spot and that I exceeded their expectations. So, Praise God!!! He's amazing and I just thank Him for being by my side the entire time. What was really interesting is that after the service, this girl that I do know somewhat, came up to me and said, "Jen, we have more in common that I thought." And she started to share with me some of her post-seminary experiences that she dealt with that were very similar to mine. It just amazes me how God uses our stories and experiences to then reach out to others.

All in all, it has just been a great day! After church, Luke and I went out to lunch with our friends Adam and Lisa and then after lunch, Luke and I headed to our friends house (Jim and Lynne) to go swimming in their pool. Then of course, we grabbed some yummy Mexican food and went back to their house to watch the movie, Apocalypto (SP?). Let me just warn you, if you have not seen this movie, it is intense! Be ready for some not so nice things that will just tear your heart out!

So, I must say-it's been a great relaxing day (after the church service of course).

Ok, I must go to bed now. I have a coaching call in the morning with a client, we have a service call for our AC in the morning, and I have quite a few phone calls to make in regards to women who are interested in coaching, and last but not least, two papers to work on that are due this weekend!

Goodnight!

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