The Power of Prayer

After my parents divorce, my pop and mom took me to a counselor because of everything I had been through with my dad, especially the rejection from a father at an early age. My mother was told by the counselor that I was High at risk for teenage suicide and pregnancy.

What did my mom do?
My mom shared the report with our educational pastor, Bro. Larry. He said, "We will not accept this Report for Our Jennifer." Jesus didn't die on the Cross for her to have that kind of Life. Then they began Praying for me. Mom has fervently prayed and believed God for his Best for my life!
Now, I have to tell you Mom and Pop could have given up on me and let me go down this path and believed what this doctor said, but NO... They prayed and Believed. Now, I write this because I do not know what circumstance you are going through but Give it to the Lord, and he will carry the weight that is on your shoulder.
Cast all your Cares(anxieties) upon the Lord and he will Care for you! 1 Peter 5:7

The Power of Prayer- God hears our prayers and do not give up or become impatient when you do not see it being answered! He will answer your prayers in his timing!

Praying and Believing,
Jenn

Memories

I love being in Lufkin and remembering random events that took place in my life. Today I was driving down Timberland. For many years of my life my PaPa Smith had a Car Dealership called Smith's Auto Sales. I would get to go and spend time with both my Papa and Mama while they worked.

One of my favorite things to do was to help wash the cars, or learn how to change the oil, or just watch and learn about the many details of the car business. I loved learning how motors and watching them re-build engines in their spare time.

My Pa-pa went to Be with the Lord on March 13, 1990 (2 days after my 10th birthday). One of the biggest lessons my Papa taught me was to take time for people. He loved selling cars but he loved meeting new people. In fact, there would be days where people would just come and sit inside the dealership and just visit with a good ole cup of coffee.
My papa was never too busy for me. The minute I walked into the car lot, he stopped what he was doing and we would hug and chat. Then I knew he had to get back to work.

Today, as I was thinking about this is Just like our relationship with the Lord. He wants us not to just take time but to have a true relationship with him. God wants us to take time and tell him about our day and what is on our mind.

They sold it in the 90's but its still there even though its had lots of different owners, its still a Car lot and it looks the same from the outside. Even through the memories there are still Lessons to be Learned!

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Jenn

A Book to Chew On...


Last night as I was chatting with the Brett, Kim, and Ethan Burns, I wanted a project to do while I was in Lufkin. Then I said, "BUT I DO NOT WANT TO READ A BOOK." Over the past few weeks I have been studying very intensely for a certification test. As we were chatting last night Brett jumps up and comes back in the room with the book Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo. When I got home I just wanted to blog. So this morning I woke up extremely early and started reading. In fact it only took me 2 hours to read! This book is a very easy read, and most importantly it captured my attention. I have been thinking about this little boy's amazing story! What a testimony, Colton has been given.

If you have ever doubted Heaven or not a believer or just need a little insight of Heaven, PLEASE make time to read this book. After reading this book, it made me think about how I live my life, especially my prayer life. For the past few months, I have been journaling my prayers but after reading this book, I need to be spending more time praying and just listening to what God is trying to tell me.

Also, this story reminded me to have a True Child Like Faith. Even though its hard as we get older, this is what God truly wants from our lives to live a Child like Faith!

God Bless,
Jenn

Love

Tonight as I was leaving the Burns Casa, the song below was on the radio. I had to share it with you! Here is what I have been thinking alot lately about the Love of Christ and how God loves us unconditionally. I want to be known for someone who shows this kind of love. Just as we see in scripture over and over about Loving others just like Christ loved us. I truly hope you will be blessed by this video. The song is called Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath.

Publish Post

God Bless,
Jenn

Recap from the Weekend
After bible school finished on Friday, I had a wonderful lunch with my sweet friends Karen, Amanda, and her boys at California Pizza Kitchen. Then I headed to Lufkin for wedding festivities of a dear family friend Shane Phillips and his wife Brooke! Their rehearsal dinner was at Manhattan Restaurant in Lufkin. This place was so yummy! I had my camera out to take pictures, well I dropped it on the floor and it broke. So I am sad to report I have no pictures from this wonderful weekend. I got to catch up with dear friends and see their children.

On Saturday, my mom and I went shopping and we ran into lots of friends! Then we went and spent time with one of my mom's dear friends Lesa. We caught up on life and it was so refreshing things we talked about.

One thing that really got my attention was that I have to watch what comes out of my mouth! Like when I am having a bad day and I don't think certain prayers are being answered. The Lord is wanting me to trust him more and not let Satan have a hold on those issues. Satan wants to get ahold of my thoughts and plants seeds that are nothing but lies. IF you ever have one of these moments, start quoting scripture and just praise the Lord.

Then on Saturday night the wedding was in Hunington out in the country! The wedding was outside and the bridal party stood under a beautiful oak tree with pretty red balls hanging down on the limbs. I got to sit with all some of the bridal parties children! Also, my Pop was in the wedding and he looked They were so well behaved and just adorable! After the wedding we went back to Shane's parents house for the reception. They had the most delicious sweet treats! It was a wonderful time catching up and seeing the newlywed couple. Also, I enjoyed getting to meet new friends and their children.

After the wedding I went and hung out with an amazing couple, who have a wonderful marriage and are just real! Brett and Kim Burns have truly become a blessing in my life and their son Ethan. IT does not matter what time I get in or what I am doing they make time for me. They encourage and just love on me!

I enjoyed being at home on Sunday to spend the day with my Pop! Also, hearing the message from my home church Bro. Charles who brought a wonderful sermon on Courage. It was for the Father's but it reminded me that I need to continue to Stand Firm and be Courageous in the Lord and to not get content on where I am at with my relationship with the Lord.

I will have to share more later on all the lessons I have been learning through by Walking by Faith! I am attending a bible study starting tomorrow night, Called Chasing the Goose. I look forward to sharing with you what I am learning!

One of my biggest fans is my Big Mama, and she has not been feeling well. So on Sunday afternoon I went to her house to hang out and we had a yummy lunch. It was spicy cornbread with a can of mushroom soup and green chiles. Then we melted sprinkled cheese on top. Yes, I know it was loaded with Carbs but it was yummy! I love cooking with Big Mama!!

Also, please be praying for all the fires that have been started in the East Texas areas. The firefighters are working around the clock and need prayer as they battle these fires!

Enjoying the Journey,
Jenn

Father's Day for all those who are Mourning

On Sunday, we celebrate a Wonderful day, this day it where we honor our Fathers. Today I am writing to those of you who have recently lost your father or grandfather. Every year, I am reminded that I am blessed because I have two earthly fathers. As you might know my dad, died in January of 2000 of a heart attack.

Let me just be real with you! My heart truly does ache for the pain you are feeling and dealing with right now. Anytime you have to go through the death of a loved one, the first year is the hardest, especially dealing with all the firsts, like him not being here for Father's Day.

Let yourself grieve and truly deal with the emotions that are on your heart. Then find ways to Rejoice on this day or just to reflect on all of the wonderful memories you had together.

During this time when your heart aches, give this to the LORD, lay your feelings at his feet and let God be your daddy, and wrap his arms around you like you have never felt before. Sit in his presence.

If you just want to talk about your dad, do it... Your friends will listen and it is so refreshing to tell them your memories.

Is it okay to be SAD on this day? Absolutely! But take time to go to the Lord and tell him about it.

If you need a good cry, just take it! I can not tell you how important it is to let yourself go through all the emotions, the good, bad, and ugly.

Praying for those around me, who have lost their dad or grandfather, or husband this year!
Love
Jenn

Vacation Bible School

I have to admit this has been a Great week! We have wonderful 3 year olds, and have had a great group of workers and teens. Deb, has been an amazing director! I was asked to teach the bible story, and we rotate each day into a different room. I was very nervous about teaching a bible story to 3 year olds. But the Lord has shown me to just get out of his Way and let him speak through me. This has been a great way to get out of my comfort zone!

Our story was on the Resurrection of Christ, teaching children about what sin is and how Jesus can live in our hearts!

Well teaching 3 year olds, is totally different than second graders. I really had to study and look up words that would be meaningful to 3 year olds. I have learned 3 year olds really listen when you give them motions to act out. (Thanks Deb for helping me prepare for story time!) It has been a wonderful way for me to grow.

Our Bible verse for this story has been Lead me in the path of everlasting life. Ps 139:24

I will be sad when it ends tomorrow, but I have made memories that I will cherish by getting to work with such amazing girls!

Blessings,
Jenn

A Life Lesson While Watching the MAVS Game....

If you know me, you know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Sports!! Well as I was intensely watching the Mavs game last night, when I was hit hard on the head a with this thought that I have been thinking about all day long. So while watching the Mavs game I get fired up, or if I am having a conversation with someone about the Mavs I get so excited... Last night it hit me..

Am I as Fired up for the Lord as I am the Mavs???
This is a very loaded question for me! We all go through high different periods of high, coasting, and low points in our relationship with the Lord. But am I sharing in my conversations with people what God is teaching me and what I'm learning through my journey?? Am I living for Eternity!

Isn't it crazy that the Holy Spirit can grab hold of our heart through watching a Mavs game. What a lesson I needed to be reminded of!
Learning through the Journey,
Jenn

A Day to Remember

Every one has their fairy tale story, and I want to tell you about the one that changed my life. When I was younger my mom sacrificed alot for me. She was a single mom, teacher, and a grad student. My mom never let my needs fail as she balanced life. I never saw her sweat about things. She sacrificed alot for me.
My mom did not date for awhile because she wanted to make life hard on me as she did not want me to get attached to someone and it not work out. Well it just so happened my home church, Denman Avenue had a great singles department for people mom's age. So she started attending the events, and I got to tag along. One night we were at an event and the singles were playing games. I was not the only kid there, and instead of playing with the kids, I walked around to see what the different adults were playing.
Well, Greg asked if I would like to be his teammate, and I could help him. Who knew that he was kind of into my mom.. I did not know that, I was 8 at the time. So they started dating, and I have to tell you, My Pop became the biggest light in our life.
He had never been married and accepted me with open arms. Well the day he proposed to my mom, he asked if he could talk to me in my bedroom. He asked if he could marry my mom... Of course I said yes.. I dont even remember how he proposed to my mom.
Now for those that you that get weepy, you might want to get out your kleenex for this next part. The wedding ceremony was very sweet and sentimental...
I was a junior bridesmaid and in the middle of the ceremony
Pop had written vows to me, and gave me my own ring that represented we were Now a family of 3. It was amazing. Yesterday Pop and mom celebrated their 22nd anniversary!
Pop always says, that we were the best thing that ever happened to him. But Mom and I could not be happier! It has been quite a journey....
Pop has become one of my biggest supporters, and even when I'm having a crazy idea or just not understanding certain situations he listens and just loves me unconditionally...
I inherited a Big Mama who does not believe in calling her grand children -step grand children, in her eyes we are the real deal. I got aunts and an uncle who is Amazing, and my cousins are such a blessing.. The boys(Bill and Kris) always took care of me and gave me great advice and the girls(Courtney, Kristen and Kelli) are like the sisters I never had. Also, my cousins Kris and Bill married wonderful ladies(Shannon Serene, and Shannon Rose) and they have blessed our family with amazing kids(Autumn, Trinity, Ava, and Finn). My great aunts are very active in my life, and pray for me daily.

If you are a single parent out there, thank you for raising your children. I know its hard but keep seeking and trusting the Lord. The Lord will provide and take care of your family.

Happy Anniversary Pop and Mom!
I am beyond blessed~
Jenn

School's Out For Summer.....

I can not believe that this school year is over! It seems like it just started yesterday. Last week as I was cleaning my classroom I found my portfolio I created when I was interviewing for my first teaching job.
Here are some things I noticed:
When I was student teaching the kids were in Kindergarten, now they are in high school..This made me feel so old.
Wow! I have changed alot, with my weight, in fact I showed it to one of my coworkers who was blown away that it was me...
The recommendation letters people wrote for me where the sweetest words I have ever read. Most of the letters came from people I have known for years and just reading their sincere words melted my heart.

I am shocked that I have finished my 9th year of teaching. Can you believe I have been teaching for 9 years?

The famous question I have been asked this week is what does summer hold for me??
Well this summer I will be:

• working in VBS
• Taking 2 bible studies
• Going to Lufkin for a Wedding
• Working out
• spending time with my family and friends
• Catching up with friends
• Taking Care of ME!!
• Summer Workshops
  

I look forward to sharing my summer adventures with you!
Thank you for reading my blog!
Jenn