Stage of Life

As we grow through the Journey of life, Friendships change!  

Im thankful for friends that I can just pick up exactly where we left off, even months later.

I have lots of Close friends in a dating relationship right now, which is very exciting to be apart of their journey. 

 But I am extremely grateful for girls in my life that are in the stage of life that I am in. 

 

 I am thankful for:

• Godly Girls 
• Accountability
• Friends who Encourage me
• Conversations about Christ
• How can I grow deeper in my Walk with Christ
• Quality time with Friends
• Random Adventures- Sprinkles Ice Cream on a Friday night
• Dinners with Girls
• Conversations about where we are in this Stage of Life
• Being REAL with one of another
• Laughing, Crying, Praying
• The reminder that I am never alone
•  God is at Work
• Believing, Expecting, and Trusting God with My Journey

Co-Workers and Friends with Kids

• Incredible Co-Workers that can relate to the dating World
• Love their Constant Encouragement
•  Knowing what to say
• the list goes on and on....

Through this Stage of Life I've learned so much about myself.

I thank God for teaching and molding me through this Stage.

Having Joy through the Journey

Jenn

 

                         Power of Prayer

Recently I ran into a friend that for 2 years we prayed hard, faithfully, and trusting God with one of her deepest desires. I can still remember the day she told me her "Miracle" had been answered. It was a hard journey for her but in the end it was the biggest blessing she has ever received. 

Sometimes I get impatient or frustrated when I don't see my " miracle" being answered. It's hard to understand it, but God is faithfully! He reminds me on hard days of other peoples stories and all the prayers he has answered me. So if you are feeling frustrated with your request not being answered cling to The Lord, read his word, be still in his presence, and just worship him!

He's got the perfect plan for you, you just have to trust, dig in and watch the Lord work!  

        Believing, Expecting, and Trusting,

                         Jenn 

The Question

Over the last few months God has been asking me the question Jenn, do you trust me? Well I started Really diving into the Word studying about faith, trust, obedience, and being still in front of The Lord.  During this time I've been learning about myself which has not been easy. God has been beyond faithful to put amazing women in my life to cheer me on. Over the last few weeks God has shown me that he has my best in his hands. I just have to let go and follow him. Recently one of my prayer warriors sent me a book! The title intrigued me so I wrapped up the book and started this one.

This book gave me questions to sit back and reflect on! I journaled so many thought I had from reading this book and saw different stories from the bible come alive! My prayer life has increased and I'm beyond excited to see God work in my life. Recently God showed me something that I prayed for a very long time for web he closed the door. I just didn't understand why God said no,until the other day. I've been in totally awe and  thankful that God has written my story. He's just asking me to trust him! 

Keep trusting in him,

Jenn

Healthy Cooking

New Recipe - Check

Tonight I turned by oven on 350 and placed the spaghetti squash to cook for and 1 hour and a half.  When there was 20 minutes left I got out the jar of Sprouts spaghetti sauce, tossed in fresh mushrooms, garlic powder, and a little pepper. 

Then I stirred it and waited for the  oven timer to ding.  I then cut the spaghetti squash in half and scraped out the seeds. 

Next. I smashed up the spaghetti squash in a large bowl splashing some fat free butter spray and pepper!

I poured the sauce and mushrooms on top of the squash!!  

It tasted DELISH!!

Excited about lunch tomorrow,

Jenn

                    A Sweet Reminder

                       My Aha moment 

Have you ever read a verse over and over? Have you ever felt a huge hit on the head as your reading a scripture? One of my favorite verses in Ps 37:4 Delight in The Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart! Well this morning I read Psalms 37:3 Trust in The Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

How many times does God send us reminders in his Word by telling us to Trust him. If I'm truly honest sometimes I say I'm trusting God, but then I try to take control. But The Lord is teaching me everyday about letting Go of my Control and trusting God. If we read deeper and dig in Ps 37:7 Be still before The Lord and wait patiently for him.

Today I was reminded to be Patient, Cling to God's Word, to keep trusting, and spend time with God!!!

         Remember what ever you are going through you are not alone!

Just keep trusting,

Jenn

          

Another Good Read...

I ran across this book on a shelf, and it intrigued me! I truly learned a lesson from each chapter. I felt so refreshed by reading Sheila's book! I could not put down this book! It's a very easy read. If you are a Woman who tries to do it all and feels weary or tired this is a Great read. 

                            Loving to read,

                                Jenn

Crazy or Dedicated

Today, I went to the Rangers game against the Angels.  

Did I mention the forecast said it would start raining around noon?  Well, the game started and the sprinkling started, which means we spent most of the game putting our rain jackets on and off.  Then, it stopped raining and got really HOT!  We watched the rest of the game without rain.  Then, the 9th inning came and it

 BECAME A DOWNPOUR..

With most fans leaving, what did we do, but on our Rain Jackets, got the umbrellas out- 

AND STOOD for the whole inning-

THANK YOU JOE NATHAN for getting the outs we needed for this GLORIOUS WIN!! 

OH, if you know me we got a TON of Taco Bueno coupons and Pluckers so I was very EXCITED about FREE MEALS.

Now if you know me, I've had some Good Shoe stories lately... Well, I rolled my jeans up and off we go  walking through the ball park there were puddles of water, and my shoe came off....  Of course it was soaked, but still my shoe came off and we all started laughing....

Honestly, CRAZY or DEDICATED I loved getting to be at the RANGERS Ballpark. 

Its so great getting to just get away and watch the Rangers play...

Let's Go RANGERS,

Jenn

You'll get Through this by Max Lucado

                   You'll get through this 

                         By Max Lucado

This morning I was headed to church, until I found out I had a nail in my tire so off to Firestone I went. My plan was to go to church, then go sit on a patio to read this book until time to meet a friend for the Rangers game. Well I read this book very quickly, I couldn't put it down. Thank you Max Lucado for writing this book, it spoke to me in a mighty way! I not only wrote in my journal but highlighted lots of sentences in the book.

I cannot tell you how refreshed I feel from reading this book. 

I was challenged to rely on this verse for the week 

Hebrews 12:1 

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

No matter what you are dealing with God is at work! I've learned life is sooo good but at times we have trials and messes that we don't understand, but through this God wants to draw us closer to him.

Just keep trusting The Lord,

He has not forgotten you or the prayer you are diligently praying. 

He's got you in the palm of his hand!!

           Thankful for his promises,

              Jenn

Ps sorry if this is not centered I blogged from my phone!  

 

The Perfectionist

 

If you know me well, then you know I strive for perfection.  I will work on a lesson or activity, make fifty changes till its perfect.  Last week in my classroom I kept making changes till I got it to fit me....Or if I am baking a new dessert I will make it so many times till I get it Perfected...

 

As I started praying about this upcoming school year, I wanted a new journal.  Well, one of my precious friends had gotten me a gift a few months ago a beautiful journal.

The outside cover reads:

"She didn't have to be perfect because she was... 

PERFECTLY LOVED! 1 John 4:8"

 

Seriously, how powerful is this statement!

Thank you Jesus for reminding me of  this statement every morning as I start a new day! 

This morning as I was Journaling I looked down to read this quote:

"The goal isn't perfection its simply to be in a relationship with Jesus each day!!" 

I'm so thankful that God isn't about me being Perfect but walking with him every day and molding me through life lessons!

Striving to be more like Christ,

Jenn

A New School Year 

Calls for.....

Drum roll Please....

New Books....

Fun Facts for all my Teacher friends who shop at Barnes and Noble:

1. If you sign up for the educator card which is free you can get a discount every time you purchase books.

2. The New Back to school books have not been officially been put out on the shelves. The sweet lady said in the next couple of weeks.

3. The books I bought today were on sale and I got the discounted price!!

I love a Good Bargain...

If you have not heard I have the privilege of opening a brand new school this Year!

I'm thrilled to be teaching 1st Grade!

I have lots I want to blog about but I will be pretty busy getting ready for the school year!  

We get to start unpacking boxes next week, for those of you who might not have anything to do come help me unpack:)))!

Bring on 2012-13 School Year,

Jenn

A Loss for Words

How often do we Wake up and Face the Day with Just another day?

Today I woke up excited to hang with one of my best friends and work on school stuff.

Then, I got to tutor a sweet boy, who I am laughing with and the moment your heart sinks of my mom calling me Crying.

The news of an Amazing Woman and her mother were killed in a car wreck on Thurs afternoon.

I have known the Roy's for 33 years, Bro Kevin was my youth minister and now is the Education pastor at my home church.  I can remember going to  Bro Kevin and Tana's house at a very young age.  I got to meet their sweet daughter Brittany after they brought her home from the hospital.

 My mom was Brian's 2nd grade teacher!  

We have been very blessed by this family! 

Bro. Kevin and Tana have always been apart of my life and have taken time for me through the good and tough times in my life. 

 In fact, I had the privilege of babysitting their precious children Brittany and Brian.  

When I was in college Tana and my Pop worked in the same office, so I would stop by to see my Pop and always stick my head in Tana's office just to chat.  She would stop what she was doing just to visit, she new how to make you feel so special.  

Tana was so genuine and wanted to know the latest in my life.
Every time I go home I am greeted by sweet Tana with her beautiful smile and embraced with  a hug. 

She would always compliment me on either how great I looked or how she loved my outfit.

Tana, truly has impacted my life in so many ways.  I am a blessed woman who will miss walking into Denman Avenue to see her sweet smile and our chats.  I always dreamed of having Tana play at my wedding bc she had such a passion for playing the piano.  She was incredibly talented.

I'm very thankful that I will see sweet Tana in Heaven one day.

But I am reminded that we do not know what tomorrow holds, and how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus.  If you have questions about your salvation I would love to chat with you.

Also I am reminded to love more, cherish each day, and encourage others daily. 

I know that God is at work even when I am at a loss for words.  

Please pray for the Roy family as their hearts are just broken, and for others who have lost family members this week.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit

God Bless,

Jenn 

I want Crazy

 

Most of you know that I love Music

all kinds....

I'm known for having a dance party in the car, 

or after being in the car for hours having a dance party in the parking lot of the hotel,

or at the Rangers game in between innings..

or the list could go on,,,

I love songs that are upbeat and might listen to them over and over.

WEll,, a couple of weeks I stumbled upon this song by Hunter Hayes.. 

I want Crazy.

Now let me clarify my definition of Crazy is being silly, having a great time, 

and most importantly making Memories!

Life is hard, challenging at times and sometimes the Ride of Your life!

So I pray that I end up with a guy who understands and wants MY KIND OF CRAZY!!

 

Loving the Crazy of Life,

Jenn

The Organization of a TEACHER

The organization of a Teacher 

is Key for Success!

How do you go about to be organized?

Well here are some items to chew on:

Item 1

Calendar

• Do you have a Calendar month by month on your desk?
• Do you set up the calendar on your email?
• Do you get a month by month planner that you can carry around with you everywhere you go?

I put all of my calendar events in my phone and in a monthly planner I carry with me. 

 For example, I type in workshops, field trips,  special events at school, ARDS, SITS, and etc.  

Item 2

Papers for the Week

• After you run your copies for the week where do you file them?
• Do you place them in a file folder hanger?
• Do you place them in your top filing cabinet drawer?
• Do you place them in individual color file folders by your teacher area? 
• Do you file them by the day of the week ? 
• Do you file by the subject? 

For me, I file in a file folder hanger using the day of the week. In the extra spots I put extra copies of math/ela/science just in case I am absent.
Also, as I file for the week I put the copies in the order as I will teach for that day.  

                                               Item 3

                                 Turning in Student Work

• When students complete their work where do they place it?
• Do they turn it into a tray?
• Do you have different trays with each subject area?
• Do you collect all papers together?

 I collect all papers and clip them together.  I place them in a red tray to grade after school.  As students are working in Daily 5 they place their activity from their station in the tray so I can assess their work!

Item 4

                                            Graded Work

• After you assess students work what do you do with it?
• Do you file in a mailbox for students to come get their work?
• Do you place the work in their homework folder? 

After many years of teaching I have tried this many different ways you have to do what is best for you!!

Item 5

Pencils

• Where do you place sharpened pencils?
• What do students do with broken pencils?
• How many pencils do you give your students? 
• Do your students have a certain place to put their pencil? 

  Oh how students love their pencils!  I have given my students 2 sharpen pencils that go in their home when they are not using them.  You might be wondering where is the pencils home, they place it in the top of their desk!
When the pencil breaks they go place it in a can that says "Unsharpened pencils".  Then they grab a new  sharpened pencil.  This has helped me from having pencils just walk away!

Item 6

Organization of Files

•  What do you do with all of your master paper copies of each unit?
• Do you separate your filing cabinet drawer by each subject?
• Do you alphabetize your filing cabinet?
• Do you file in order of the units?
• Do you keep a Big Binder for each subject and place the copies in it?

I love using my Filing Cabinet and everything is always alphabetized!  Here is how I organize mine:

1st Drawer- ELA Reading then Writing and Word Work

2nd Drawer- Math

3rd Drawer- SS/Science

4th Drawer- Themes/Months of the Year/etc

In my desk drawer I keep files from Trainings/etc

Item 7

Communication Log

For Communicating with Parents I set up a binder with numbered tabs for each student.  This way I do not have to get new dividers each year! Under each tab I  put the Student Info sheet that the parents filled out.  Next, I place a Communication Log to go with it.  After I call/email/conference with the parent I jot down notes to remind myself what we discussed.

Also, when I make brag calls or send home certificates I log in the notebook! 

 

Item 8

Conferencing with Students 

Yes, I keep another binder with numbered tabs for each student.  Again so I do not have to change the dividers year after year!  In this binder I keep notes on conferences from reading and writing!  This way I can see how they are growing and target skills we can hit in both reading and writing!

 

Item 9

Guided Reading 

4 Drawer Stand

Next to my Guided reading table I have a 4 drawer stand so I can grab whatever materials I might need for that day!

Whats in the 4 drawer?

 Drawer 1 are markers/pens/pencils/dry erase markers/ little dry erasers/map pencils/glue sticks/scissors

Drawer 2 Flip Charts of different activities to do with students that are laminated and on a ring

Drawer 3 Graphic Organizers

Drawer 4 magnetic letters/small cookie sheets/dry erase boards/cut sentence strips

 

Item 10

Daily 5 Stations

Every station has a HOME in my classroom. I have a designated area with supplies which means students can use whatever they need during their station.  After you model and teach they become great at keeping the supplies very neat.  When I ring the bell for clean up I build in time for clean up!  This has created student ownership of each station!

 

As you begin making decisions about your own classroom if you have any questions.  I am happy to help you!

Happy Friday,

Jenn

My NEW FAVORITE APP

Not only is
 my new Favorite APP FREE

it has no Commercials

You can choose any genre or it will ask you what type of music you are in the mood to listen to...

READY

its called

SONGZA

Thank you to the Roberts clan I can listen to this while working out, driving in the car, or working around the house. 

If you would rather listen to a genre you can click on the top left side the 3 line bars and it will give you more options!

I have enjoyed listening to songs I have not heard in years or car dancing to some of my NEW favorite POP songs!

So what are you waiting for go download 

SONGZA!!

Enjoying the music,

Jenn

The Brand New Teacher

For the brand new teacher who is so Excited to start off their 1st year in the classroom this is for YOU!!

Here are some tidbits as you start thinking about your upcoming School year and Classroom!

Let's start with the classroom:

1.Ask your family/friends/neighbors/facebook friends for the following items

Old magazines- students can cut and add to their journals

games- for rainy day indoor reccess

treasure chest toys- especially kids meal toys are great for prizes

dominoes

playing cards

stationary/colored paper

stickers

envelopes

baby wipes 

bean bags/ comfy pillows- great for reading to self

kids socks- to wipe off their dry erase boards

childrens books-(sometimes kids grow out of books)

I have learned over the years that I have friends who are constantly throwing unused items away and will call me to see if I would like these items.

2.  What will your classroom walls look like? Will you use the paper from school or buy fabric?  I have gone both ways and the past two years I have used fabric!

( Side note- Walmart has really cute fabric)

3. What will you hang above your outside door?  I put a cute piece of fabric with Miss Smith on top with bling on each letter.

4. Layout of your classroom- What will be on each bulletin board?  Will you have a place for student work either inside your classroom or in the hallway? What type of letters and borders will you use?

5. How will you arrange your desks?  Will they be in groups of 3, 4, or 5? Where will your teacher desk be?

6. Will you have different stations in your classroom?  I  highly reccomend reading the book Daily 5! This helps you with implementing a structure were your students are successful, you are using your time more efficiently, and you can focus on guided reading with your kids!

With Daily 5 in my classroom I have incorporated stations around the room but the students can go get their supplies and then head back to their desks or an empty area in the room to work.

7. Classroom Library- You start small and build up- Remember I have been teaching for 12 years.  I started with clear long containers from the Dollar Store and cereal boxes.  

How will you code your books?  I havewritten on the outside of the container on a book of the genre/author/theme with a number on the outside of the container and on each book inside it has the exact number on the top right hand corner.

8. Calendar- I have a calendar on the wall each month I put a holiday/special event/field trip/birthday on the day of that month.

9. Birthday Chart- this is HUGE to keep up with students birthday- How will you celebrate their birthday? Will you give them a birthday certificate or sticker? (Talk with your team on how they implement things!)

10. Tooth Chart/Graph- In the lower grades (K-2) they loose lots of teeth and the kids are so excited!  I have given my students a sticker that says I lost a Tooth!

11. Fun incentives- Kids love pencils, bookmarks, and certificates!  

12. If you have cubbies/backpack hanger will you use a cutout to label their cubby. Will you do a number or their name?

13. Nametags--  You will want to help the specials teachers out on the first day by having nametags on each student!

14. How will you do your lunch count?  Will you do it on stickers for the child to do choice 1, 2, 3, or brought lunch?- I bought the star sticks from the teacher store and let my students put it in their choice each day!

15. Classroom Jobs- What will that consist of?  How often will you change them?

16. Music- Do you have a cd player or an iphone deck- check with your campus library to see what you have access to!

17. What will you put the students extra supplies in?  I have containers that are labeled that I put the extra supplies in and when students need it I get it out!

18. Classroom meeting area- Will you have a special chair you sit in?  Will you have a rug of some sort?  (which Target or Walmart has rugs pretty cheaply)

19. Bulletin Boards around the room- I have a Math wall, Writing, Daily 5, Kids Work, Word Wall, Technology- on my storage cabinets- to show what we are learning

20. What will your classroom rules be?  Last year my class and I made a poster that had our rules/expectations.  Then each child colored a little doll representing them and we laminated it to our poster.  This was a great way to reinforce all year what we created as a Class!

Being a Teacher is a blast- but Yes starting out can be overwhelming- so if you have any questions I would love to help you!

From the Life of a Teacher,

Jenn

 

 

Ocean

 

Calming

Breathtaking

Beautiful

Miles and Miles

Soothing

Washes Away

Smells Fresh

Quiet before it breaks apart

Roars

 

How often are our lives like the ocean?

Everything can be calm one minute , but the next minutes  life happens roaring loud. 

In these moments Christ is speaking to our lives. 

The question is Are we listening?

Are we truly enjoying the beauty of life around us everyday?

Do we get caught up in the day to day of life?

The past 5 months have been a blur in some ways.

Losing my cousin Bill has been devestating, lots of changes in my own life,

 and in the midst I stop bc I see God at work by:

placing people in my life at just the right moment and by hearing others stories.

I'm in AWE.

As I sat at the beach and my body finally just went into relaxation mode

all the distractions were gone

Just God and I.

Its been the first time on a trip I haven't read all the books I brought with me.

I just got alone with God and did alot of Journaling.

So if the hustle and bustle of life has worn you down

Take some time to get alone with God -

it truly is the most healing time 

and he will speak to you in the quiet moment.

Remember you are in the Palm of his hands,

Jenn

                           What's a Girl to do?

Well I left for Lufkin so quickly thinking I had packed everything for Punta Cana..

I went into panic mode when my straightener was not in my bag...

A very quick run to Sally's to purchase a new cheap one.. Let me just say if you need a flat iron this one has become my favorite... It was on sale which was a huge perk!! 

                       A Girl needs her flat iron,

                            Jenn

Music Monday

Well,  I have lots of new fav songs that consist of different genres.

Today, I have to share with you the song that I look forward to a Guy singing 

to me one day!

Not only is it just the sweetest song but it has the lyrics 

Hey Pretty Girl- which every lady needs to hear!!

Moving to the Music,

Jenn

God's Got This(You)

in the Palm of his Hands

This has become my new favorite saying! 

 Sometimes it is so hard to fathom that God has each one of us in the palm of his HANDS.  

I was thinking about this statement last night as I was talking with a friend. 

 Can you imagine God's hands so strong and the palm of his hand?

I have been so blessed to walk with certain friends lately through their trials, 

and even in my own life

God keeps whispering to me

"I've Got this in the Palm of my  Hands"

Just trust me!

BE obedient with me!

Spend time with me!

Pray and Give it to me!

No matter what you are going through in your life whether it be 

Everything is great or you are in the midst of the storm

Remember God has you in the Palm of his hands

he has not forgotten you,

HE is Working in ways you may never SEE!

Keep Believing, Expecting, and Trusting!

I'd love to hear your Story about What God is doing in your life!

Praising God that he's Got this,

Jenn

                 Let's get organized

If you know me well then Organization is a big deal to me! Well last week I decided to reorganize, clean out and redesign my closet including all my clothes, shoes, purses and then the jewelry... I've had a container box with different compartments to store all my bracelets. Over the years students have given me bracelets or friends have for different occasions causing the box to overflow. I started doing some investigating of different ways to organize bracelets which meant a trip to the container store. I found something but decided to just sleep on it the next day I went back and purchased it.. It was even on Sale!! Now I have my bracelets on my bathroom counter on display for friends to see.

If you ever need help reorganizing let me know!! I love it!!

                                Enjoying summer,

                                      JennSmith

Summer, Summer, Summer

 

I love Summer!  

YES, its been an adventure... 

Here we go...

I get out of school on Thursday and drive straight to Lufkin.  

Then on Saturday evening I attended a beautiful wedding of my sweet friend Krystle Walker. I arrive home to sleep for 2 hours wake up at midnight and get in the CAR to drive to Houston.  At 3:00 am, yes you read that right we were in line at the United airlines counter.  Did you know they don't open till around 4:00 am? We hurry thru security to go to our gate!  Oh, and Starbucks was not open....At 5:00 am we are boarding the plane for Charlotte, NC... We jump off the plane quickly to get a Starbuck fix to hurry back to the GATE to HEAD to PUNTA!!!  

Of all the tropical places I have been this was my absolute favorite!

It was truly 7 days of relaxation, spending time with the family, laying on the beach, runs on the beach, and of course meeting new people.  

I did have a girl walk up to me and ask if I was from South Carolina.  All I could do was laugh, and say, GIRL- Im from Texas!  One group of friends I made started calling me Texas, which fits me to the T!

I loved meeting so many new people!  

We watched weddings on the beach everyday!

I held parrots and an iguana on the beach!

For 7 days, I did not check my phone often, I just soaked up a TRUE vacation.

Its not a vacation unless you take a jumping pic!!

More to come...

Jenn

 

5 Years

Reflect

In case you have not heard I am leaving my Current school to go and open a Brand new school in August(same school district).  

As this chapter in my life closes a new ADVENTURE is on the horizon!

Before it does I thought it would be a great time to REFLECT on the last 5 years of teaching!

Here we Go..

• Opening a Brand new School
• Mission Trip to the Amazon in the Fallof 08
• Starting  my  Masters in Education
• Friendships with Co-Workers what an Incredible Journey
• Awarded District Service 5 Year Pen
•  Writing Summer Institute (3 week course)
•   which led to getting a Star for becoming an ALLEN ISD Published Author
•  Turning 30
• Graduating with my Masters(in less than 15months)
• Memories and Amazing Stories about Children
• Moving Classrooms
• Sunshine Co-Chair
• One of my coworkers telling me about her mission trip to Jamaica= the next thing I know I was headed with her to Jamaica to teach teachers.
• Having the Opportunity to teach with Women who have become my BEST FRIENDS.

Can 5 Years change your life ABSOLUTELY?

I always thought when I left this school it would be because I was married and had a family, but I know Gods got a PLAN in this new Journey. 

So the new question is

What does the next 5 Years of Teaching Hold?

Excited to be a LoneStar,

Jenn

I Wanna

(This blog goes out to my parents)

I wanna be like my parents who have put God first and foremost in their life. 

I wanna be more like my parents, they truly go above and beyond for everyone they come in contact with!

I wanna show constant love and grace to everyone I meet.

My parents truly led by example. They will drive to watch a ballgame of my moms former students.

I wanna be like my parents who will not only pray with me but text or call me through anything going on in my life.

I wanna be like my Pop who I can call at 11:30 pm then again at midnight when I hear a noise that I don't know how to fix and he patiently walks me through it.

I wanna make a difference and leave a legacy....

I wanna be like my parents who will just go sit with friends in the hospital while their child is sick.

I wanna be like my parents who go the extra mile!

             I'm truly grateful that I've learned so much from my parents. My prayer is that I would influence others that they would want to glorify God by my example!

                            Blessings

                              Jenn

This I know....

Over the past few weeks some of my most precious friends have gone through loss of loved ones and big trials in their lives. I don't always know what to say except that I let the Holy Spirit guide me. Today these are the words that came to my heart!

This I know

Gods got you in the palm of his hands

This I know 

when our hearts are breaking God will pick up the pieces

This I know you are not alone in this journey The Lord is with you along w your precious family and friends

This I know when we are weak he is strong

This I know you are dealing w lots of emotions but God is adding this to your testimony

This I know most of all

You are loved

Even when we don't understand or feel so broken I'm thankful God is at work!

                           This I know,

                           JennSmith

Bucket List

This year My New Years Resolutions was to go on more adventures.

I started off the New Year in Disney World!

 Well in March I went to Rangers Spring Training with great friends. 

 Every year in April our Singles group takes a trip to Boston where we Partner with Hope Fellowship and different churches.  We go throughout the city passing out granola bars, gum, or water bottles w a card.  This is a great tool of servant evangelism.  Then on Monday the team goes to the Boston Marathon and passes out gum.   

Ive always heard about how AWESOME this particular marathon is, so I decided this year I would take the days off to go and serve the city of Boston.  I truly did not know what God had in store for our team, the people of Boston or, my self.  I know this happened in April and every night before bed I begin typing about this trip or I just stare at my computer!  This trip has really impacted my life.
I saw God move in a mighty way!
God reminded me that he is at work in my life, and shared with me some answers of things that have been so heavy on my heart!
I watched as people walked down the street with so much pain in their eyes as they were hurting. 
I cannot begin to tell you how each person on our team encouraged me, or a new friendship was formed, and most importantly I learned from each one of them!  I was blessed! 
May has been quite busy but I was able to go to Lufkin during Mother's Day and hang out with not only my mom, Big Mama, but my Alabama and Livingston family.  Also, I was so excited to find out one of my sweet college friends would be in Lufkin, so I met her family at the zoo!  I am so grateful that the Lord places people no matter what stage of life they are into my life! 
Wedding season has started back up!
School is winding down!
Summer is a coming....
So I hope to catch up on blogging soon!
Until then...

Love
and 
Enjoy each step of the Journey,
Jenn

The Journey of Life

                         The Journey of Life

Life is hard

Life is fragile

Life is full of emotions

Life is a journey

But through this we are made more aware:

God has a plan

God hurts when we hurt

God will carry us through all our emotions

Even though we don't understand Gods adding to your testimony! 

Step up to the plate 

Trusting him

Knock this time in your life out of the park showing that Gods got this!!!

This is written for all of those hurting today, experiencing their 1st Mother's Day without loved ones!

A Birthday Blessing

A New Tradition

Today, as I was driving to Lufkin I was praying asking that the Lord lead me to do something special on my birthday.  As I continued to pray the Lord laid different women who have played a huge impact in my life on my heart to go and bless.

 

Let me just say walking into their offices or homes and surprising them with flowers or a Sonic Drink melted my heart.  It brought me so much joy knowing that these women have been through some pretty big trials and  needed just a sweet bit of encouragment. 

As one of them said, Jenn this is YOUR bday we need to celebrate you-You are not suppose to be giving on your birthday and taking care of others. 

What I am continuing learning is that even though its my birthday I want to show unconditional love and continue to love on others!  I am trying to live for Christ more and more every day. This year has been a hard one on our Family and I am reminded daily that we do not know how many days we have here on earth.  I never want to miss an opportunity to love on someone and make them feel special!

Also, as I face another year of aging I just want to be remembered as someone who Loved, encouraged, and impacted their life towards eternity.  I'm learning this lesson daily!

A Birthday Blessing,

Jenn

Music Monday

 

You Lead

by Jamie Grace

 

I absolutely love this song!  Thank you Lord that you lead us daily!  Enjoy the ride by letting God lead YOU!

 

Thankful and Blessed,

Jenn

Valentine, Oh Valentine

For most of my Single Friends this day feels like a kick in the face.  

A clear reminder that once again they are SINGLE!

But lets look at it from God's eyes!

Everyone of us are his VALENTINES,

His Loves,

His treasures,

His Prize Possessions.

How Precious that his love is not just shown to us on Valentines but everyday of the week.  Even we are at our lowest or highest hes still in love with us.  Gods love grows for his children like we can not even see!

 

As I sit here, I could just hear the Lord singing to be his VERSION of You are my Sunshine.

You are My Valentine, My Sweet Valentine

You make me Happy when skies are Gray,

You'll never know Valentine 

how much I LOVE YOU!

So keep your eyes steady on the Lord!

Sweet Single Friends

Smile Today

Treasure Today

Love Today

Cherish Today

Be Postitive Today

Brighten Someone Elses Day!

Remember YOUR VALENTINE!

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Jenn

Wobbles in Life

For those of you who know me I love nothing more than to have a Good time and to dance!  During our Young Singles Retreat I had one of those embarrassing moments and Prideful lessons. We got on stage to dance to the Wobble. (Side note don't try to wobble in Cowboy boots!) Well, a sweet friend turned to me and said, Jenn, I can go lower than you!  Well, this buddy might be younger than me!   Of course I accepted the challenge as I started to go low, my foot got caught on a bunch of cords, to where I fell backwards! It was  TRULY one of my most Embarrassing moments.  Don't worry I stood back up and finished the Wobble.  So I started thinking about in our walk with the Lord, How many times do we wobble?

What does the word wobble mean?

to tilt shift

change position

move unsteadily

This got me to thinking about how many times I have wobbled with my relationship with the Lord.  For example, walking with the Lord and praying so hard about something to see God closed the door or not being  answering the way I wanted so I might have wobbled to not being so close to the Lord.

When you are having a Wobble moment what do you do?

• Cling to Scripture

He only is my rock and my salvation:  he is my defence;  I shall not be moved."
(Psalm 62:6)

"I WILL love thee, O LORD, my strength.  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
(Psalm 18:1  -  2) 

• Pray! Pray! Pray!
• Have an accountability partner to walk through the Wobble moments in life!
• Journal- So on the flip side you can see how God moves through your WOBBLE moment!
•  Standing on the Promises,
• Jenn   

 

A Journal to Love

My Precious Friend, Meg gave us the Perfect gifts for being in her wedding!  Well, I will only share one product at a time!  She got us a journal from www.papersunday.com.  You can choose from several journal styles online.  Then on the bottom of every page their is a scripture in which they plug your name into.  This has truly made the scriptures come more alive in my life, and I have been soaking up the scripture.  

If you are looking ahead for Gift ideas for a birthday, Mother's Day, Graduation Day and etc, these are truly the perfect gifts.  

Now, I want to journal all the time because I love seeing what scripture I will read as I journal!  

Remember you dont have to journal very long, you are just capturing your feelings and thoughts!  My journal has become my Prayer Journal where I write down my Praises/Blessings and then my prayer requests!

Loving to Journal,

Jenn

Music Monday

I know Im late in posting tonight, its been a busy Monday!  

I love listening to Gary Allan music!  As I drove to Lufkin for my cousin Bills funeral, I played this song alot.  

Im thanking God for the storms that have been placed in my life!  This has made me run to the Lord even faster! 

                                 Happy Monday!

Jenn