missiegurl

[missiegurl]

Chandler

I won't ever forget the first time I saw him- he was a big baby and he lay there in the little bassinet and I stared at him through the glass. He was beautiful- he looked like so many babies I had seen before- just perfect. He was about 2 weeks old when his parents drove him all the way from Alabama to Tennessee and he stayed with us for almost 3 weeks. Every day, I would hurry home from work to hold him and rock him and love on him. I would sing Jesus, loves Chandler this I know....and he would just stare at me with those beautiful blue eyes. He listened and I just knew that he knew -I was singing the truth. Time went by and he moved away to Arkansas to live with his grandmother and her family and I barely saw him at all for almost 2 years. Then all of the sudden things changed- his family moved to Tennessee and lived with us for almost a full 2 years!! I got to see him every day. It was a special time but I kept noticing that he didn't talk. He wouldn't say anything- he would point and he would look at me like why can't you just know. He even made a sound or two but he didn't talk. It was during that time in his life he was diagnosed with Autism. I didn't know much about it at all but I knew that it was the reason my sweet beautiful angel didn't speak. But....we communicated. I taught him a few words in sign language and he learned them and used them. I wrote labels on all the things I could in the house and begged his momma to work with him while I was at work. But she was very busy with his little brother and her own life situations so he was not learning. He would listen so closely when I would speak to him. He would laugh at his Paw-paw and you could see he wanted to talk but nothing would come out. Things changed again for his family and they moved away- this part of the story I want to just leave out-- let's just say it was a tough tough time in his life. A time that he can't have back that was stolen and a time that I wish beyond everything that he didn't have to go through. Then- God intervened and found a way for me and my Chandler to be together again. We were all nervous and scared and unsure but I will never forget the day I got that call from a social worker to come get the guys- I had not seen them in almost a year and yet- when I drove up and got out of the car-- he came to me as if I saw him right the day before. Chandler and his two sweet brothers moved into our home just over 2 years ago. There will be stories coming about the beautiful lives of the other sweet babies but this one...it is about my Chandler. Within the first three days Chandler could say 4 words, almost sentences- not clearly but clearly enough....I hungry. I happy. I Chanler. I me. We worked hard over the days and weeks ahead- Chandler was a year behind in school and had never been- so I knew we had to push. We read story after story, we sang, we talked- NON-Stop and we loved!! Chandler grew to a point where people could know his words and he learned what EVERYTHING was- he never asked but I just told him. Chandler- that is a chair, that is a lamp, that is the sky, those are stars. Every piece of furniture I owned had a written sign-my house looked like I was having a yard sale for aliens who didn't know anything we had on earth- everywhere we went we spelled and learned and learned...the pandemic could not have come at a better time because I was working from home and could spend every day with him. It was magical watching him learn and learn and learn. Then....last night....this simple little thing happened - the thing that caused me to want to write again and to share this simple story with you. Last night Chandler said in a strong almost perfectly clear voice- "Ma Ma- I show you safety." What Chandler? Show me safety? "Yes, I show you safety so you cross the road," I said, Baby, I don't understand. Chandler in his sweet voice- "I be right back"-- He went to our designated art area in the room and pulled out a paper and 3 colors and sat down....and in a minute he brought me this-- shown above-

this beautiful piece of art.

Safety! I can't believe that two years ago- there were no words...there was no understanding for him, there was almost nothing. But today- This. I am so thankful that Chandler and his brothers are safe and have the blessing of a great school and a great church- and a family that loves them beyond measure. It is my constant prayer that wherever life leads him- he will still be safe and learn and learn and learn.

[missiegurl]

Jeff’s birthday--

Today is my oldest brother- Jeff’s Birthday- so I wanted to take just a minute to write about Him.   My oldest brother is Jeffery Austin Jenkins.  He is a pretty spectacular person– he is seven years older than me and looks 15 years younger than me!  :-)  My brother Jeff- will not be happy I am writing this about him….he is such a humble person.  I have looked up to him all of my life and I have always thought he was about as close to perfect as anyone I have ever known.  When I was a pretty young child- I remember once asking my mom if Jeff had ever sinned.  it was a sincere question at the time- she made a big deal about it and told me that he must be pretty close to perfect for me to have to ask that question- I still know he is such a Godly righteous man.    Jeff is the kind of brother that doesn’t have to call you everyday for you to know for sure that he is praying about you.  He is the kind of brother that will not push his opinion on you but is one of the best sources for wisdom i have ever known.  Jeff is the kind of brother that I wish every sister in the world could have.  He loves people- he reminds me of my father in so many ways- he is kind and good-hearted, he cares so much about people and wants to really know who they are and what they are dealing with in their lives.  Jeff is a good friend- I have heard on more than one occasion people introduce him as their best friend- and he has friends everywhere.  Jeff loves his family- He is so devoted to Laura-They are dealing with and battling such a hard foe right now-- but their devotion to each other and to God is shining bright in all ways. Laura-my sister-in-love is such a special wonderful person and he takes such good care of her as she does of him.   I love him so much for the simple gesture-of loving her so much.   The two of them share an incredible marriage and I love knowing that God is at the center of that marriage.  Jeff loves his children- I have never known a more devoted father and I witnessed it all of their lives- his love and guidance and patience and care. Jeff loves his sweet grandbabies- he is Pop to them- and just this past week I got to hear about how special he lets them know they are.   Jeff is just a good man- I am so thankful that God gave him to me as my big brother.  But the most important thing you should know about Jeff is this- He loves his God.  I could listen to him preach for hours and hours and the main reason I love it so much- is because he is a man that lives what he preaches- he lives a servant life for our heavenly Father and everyone that knows him knows this about him. If you see him today-- remember to say Happy Birthday.  Jeff, thank you for always being an example to me and for loving me and teaching me to love God more.  p.s.- please don’t be upset at me for writing about you.  :-)  

[missiegurl]

When He Listens

Okay- I know what so many wives say....He never listens to me!  We talk and talk and talk and talk and just to be safe we describe every detail in every story we tell.  When we finally take a breath from our “talking” he doesn’t respond.  Nothing.....not a word.....doesn’t he have anything to comment about all the great and crazy things I just spent my valuable time talking to him about.  I remember this OFTEN from my sweet father.  On those special days when I would get to spend time with him and it felt like I could walk on air.....and so what better thing to do than talk to him....so I did.  Sometimes for literally the entire time we were together I think I filled his ear with every thing I knew and some things I didn’t.  Daddy would be ......listening. :-) I would take a long breath and wait and nothing.....I then would just sull up and pout over the fact that he wasn’t paying attention to the valuable information I was sharing about my and Rita’s club house in the family laundry room or how I saw the biggest bug ever on the porch so I could never go in the house again!  SO VITAL.  I must admit sometimes I would even cry to my mom as soon as I got home from daddy and my adventure and say, “Mom, he NEVER listens”...she would just tell me that he was really busy or that I could always tell her things I wanted to talk about.....as hard as she was trying...it didn’t help.  Later that night when we would in the family room, dad would have a book or a computer in his lap studying and all the sudden he would say- I killed the bug.  What????  he was listening...he was!!  In my time with my dad (years not near enough and time that went by to fast) I can literally remember that happening more than enough times.  Dad would spend his time thinking about things I said and not always respond right away....but when he did I knew he was listening and as I grew up I realized the answers or comments were so very worth the wait. i loved it when he listened. 

 Now I am married and my husband has several characteristic like my father and this listening thing is just like daddy.  He will let me talk for hours and even put a comment in here or there but he always seems to ponder it- to think on it and how he wants to respond to my list of 100 questions for the day.  But late in the evening or even sometimes waking me up at night he will respond and he will give me his thoughts all the “VITAL” things I shared. I love it when he listens.  I am thankful for this....not just because it reminds me of my daddy...it reminds me of my heavenly Father.  I love talking to God- I love tell Him all the things He already most likely knows about my life. I love asking His advice and I love searching for answers with my conversations with HIm.  But then sometimes when I feel I need Him so very much-- silence.....when I feel my needs are “VITAL”...silence- when I so want an answer to the things I am seeking...silence.  This is what I know.  I know that He is listening!  I know that He can hear me and doesn’t even mind my talking to him!  I also know that after some time He will answer me- either through his word or actions that I see working in my life I know that His wisdom is worth the wait- I know that it is in His time.  I love it when I know he listens.  

[missiegurl]

A Freed-Hardeman Christmas... A special Christmas for me!!

~My early Christmas present~ It is almost 9pm and I am sitting in a seat in the very back of Loyd Auditorium on campus— I know that I will be up here yet again another night until 1 a.m. or after- and as I sit here tonight I am crying— not because of sadness or even because I am exhausted beyond belief. I am crying because I sit here watching about 35 of the most loving, caring, talented young people work like crazy….strictly and totally because they want to make a difference in a sweet and silly little Christmas Show…that started about 6 years ago—that has grown into something special and wonderful and very dear to my heart. It is one of those great things that make me still able to find joyI know that each of these “kids” could be doing something else- they could be studying, or going on a date, or just hanging out with their friends but instead- here they are working and laughing and loving and bringing a simplistic joy to the world. The songs are some old, some new, some fun and some sure to bring a tear to your eye- these kids don’t even realize tonight as I sit here almost overwhelmed with emotion that they have already made a difference in my life….spending time with them, offering my encouragement, or a suggestion or two….is a blessing- but so much more so is- watching them laugh together, watching them get to know one another, learning to blend their melodies and harmonies, and watching as they share special memories making mistakes…and come out glowing as they finally hear their fellow performers applause and hoot and holler for them as they achieve perfection— and especially when each night as they leave i listen to them encourage each other. This years show will be wonderful especially because of our wonderful student Director, Jessica Steele and our assistant director, Kara Gott and so so many others— they have worked tirelessly and with no complaining. This show is so special to my heart and I can’t imagine why everyone I know would not want to be a part of it— sit in the audience and watch this beautiful event that takes place tonight at 7 p.m. right here in the Loyd auditorium it would even be worth a long drive. I really really am hoping that you will get to share in this special gift! Most all of you that know me- are well aware of the fact that I love these Freed-Hardeman kids- they never cease to amaze me . I am truly blessed to be part of their lives and ever grateful for my early Christmas present!

[missiegurl]

the adventure- part 2- my sweet buddies...

 “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew18:3.  One of the most exciting parts of my adventure this past Saturday was that I got to do something I love doing- and that is being with 3 of the most adorable young men I know- They do not know all that they bring to my life. Which makes them all the more adorable- they bring light to my world in a way that I think children should.  We got to spend a lot of time together- we took a walk and talked about the sheep....we played on a tractor- we raced each other down the dirt/gravel road- we played a new game for me called-  tackle (my parents would be so disappointed at me playing such a guy game)- we played hangman- we patted the horses and then we did I love love love doing- this may surprise some of you that know how much I don't like bugs- but I love grass.  I love looking at it as it becomes bright green in the spring and summer- I love walking in it barefoot- I love sitting on it- but mostly- I love laying down on it. And we did that- we lay down on the grass and looked up at the clouds and were as still as we could be.  Each thing we did we talked-- we talked about the sheep and how sometimes we are like sheep- we talked about the dirt/gravel road and how God made every rock different and unique like we are.  We talked about the being kind to each other when playing - we talked about the horses and how they were kinda jealous of each other and that led to a great discussion about a kid's avenger's lunch box--and we talked about the grass- and the amazing sky-  It was so wonderful...just to hear their sweet thoughts on every thing-- how innocent they are and how much they love God.  They do not know this but they helped to make my day so so incredible...as they do each time I am with them.  Life is not always super easy and yet children seem to know that we can make it through- that we can see the good in others- that we can find Him everywhere-anywhere.  I know why God wanted us to become as little children-- and I want that too- I want that love for Him that is so strong and so pure.  I want to know that He is in every part of my world. I want to see Him everywhere with everything I do.  I am thankful for my 3 sweet buddies.   

[missiegurl]

the adventure- part 1 "Sheep"

Over the next few days I want to share some thoughts from one of my greatest adventures--- tonight-- Sheep--

My Sheep hear my voice and they follow me-  John 10:27.  Today for the first time in my life- thanks to my best friend- I got to go see in person real live sheep- up close and in person or  "in sheep" :-)  I need to say that this was kind of a big deal for me.  My friends sister- has dogs (boarder collies) that she has trained to herd these sheep and she actually today did an incredible simple demonstration of this for us.  It was one of the neatest things I have ever seen.  It was mostly because I am so facinated with the continual Biblical refrence to sheep and the way they are (we are) that I was excited.  But seeing them in person was so incredible- I got very close to some of them and they were so beautiful  and individual but they followed one another so closely- when one of the sheep went one way the others followed right along with them.  And yes, this beautiful little dog had the ability to make the sheep go in the direction they were told-even though some of the sheep were much bigger than she was- and all of this is done with very few words and a whistle by the trainer- she knows BIG time what she is doing and she trains the dogs and yet is so also in control of the sheep- she takes care of them and guides them both.....I got to thinking on the way home from my adventure- that we are like sheep.  I had heard it all of my life but wow- who knew it is real.  We too follow each other- we see one person doing something and then it is all the rage....the latest trend.....we also chose to some times allow something that we might be bigger than to control us-- we allow things to move us in one direction or another and we just go...sometimes without even thinking it through.  But the reality is that we also have a someone in control... a being that knows what they are doing and can guide us in a great direction so that we are not lost or alone.  What a cool thing to just be up close to these sheep and to see how similar we can be to them in our life.  We just have to know that without fail we must depend on the one who knows the right things for us to do and the right place for us to go. 

[missiegurl]

Have a conversation.....

Have a conversation..... tonight- do everything you can to have a conversation.... let the conversation be worthwhile and happy and full.  Let it be something that is honest and serious and deep and yet fun and peaceful and joyful.  Have the kind of conversation that can be life changing...one that can make you feel GREAT from the inside out.  I share this with you today because I did it and want you to do it too.  Yesterday, I was kinda having a down day-- I don't know why-- but at the end of my night- I spend a long time in a great great conversation... it changed my heart- it changed my "stinkin- thinkin"- it made me feel- well, amazing.  The conversation started with me-- sitting outside on my front porch in a rocking chair... all alone with just me and my Father.  I talked to Him- I cried out to Him-- I begged Him for strength and for a greater faith.  I told Him there was no way I could make it through without Him.  I told Him that I knew He knew all of my secrets but that I wanted Him to hear them from me-so I confessed to Him.  Then I told Him I loved Him.  I loved Him so much that I wanted to be better and do better because of Him.  I told Him that there was nothing and no one that mattered more to me....and I meant it.  I also told Him that I would fail Him again.... but that I wanted to try, to try hard to show Him how much it meant that He had given me life-- and not just life but a GREAT LIFE.  Then I took out my Bible and I read this passage-- read it- I know it is probably in  your memory but read it-- For God so loved the world that He gave His ONLY son- so that whoever believes in Him would not be lost but have eternal life. -- Wow.  It was something I needed to see.... it means something- it means He really really loves me.  -- Have a conversation.  

[missiegurl]

a special day

Well here it is...the ending of a special day in our family. A day that is kinda hard to believe is actually here...my baby brother is 50 years old.  Now I know this will surprise some but he is actually older than me by 4 years... even though he looks so so much younger than me.  I know that everyone knows Dale Jenkins-- out of all the people in my world- I get that the most-- oh your Dale's sister!!!!  He is very very famous in my little world at FH and just about everywhere else I go.  I am glad that he is famous- I am glad that he is so well known because he is well known for such greatness.  A greatness that I can't really explain at all-- people just love him.  They love his kindness, they love his good heart, they love his humor, they love his love for God and for others....and yes, they love love love his preaching!!!    Philip Dale Jenkins (flip dale-to my mom) and just plain Dale to me..... was born today 50 years ago....I can't believe he is 50 years old and yet it seems that he has been around "taking care" of his little sister for at least that long!!  :)  I know that many people reading this know all about the Dale accolades of wonderfulness but I need a minute or two....  This guy- this hero to so many- this incredible wonderful preacher that so many know and love-- I need to tell you about him.  There have been in my life some great men-- I have been surrounded by them most all of my life.... and I have also been through some very difficult things in my world.... and this guy-- that you all think you know and adore-- well, I need to tell you that he is everything you believe  him to be but more-- He is the first person I go to when I am hurting...even when he doesn't know what I am hurting about he knows I am there coming to him and will eventually tell him all the gory details...  He has been with me through my most painful and difficult decisions and held my hand through every heart ache I have ever had.  He has been the rock in my life that I never deserved and yet forced me into strength that I didn't know I had.  He has been my constant encourager-- when I lost my mother- I didn't want to live for awhile- but He kept at me- he kept me wanting to be more like her- He kept me wanting to see the good in the bad..... and when we lost my dad- I felt the tables had turned- he had lost his rock and yet as I stood there saying good bye to my father- I looked into my little brothers eyes and saw him there.  He is so much like Jerry Jenkins that I can't even begin to say.....I guess I would go as far as to say that he is as much like him as I am like her..... and that is lot!!!  Something I know he will understand more than anyone.  We also have shared some very happy moments together and there is no one I would rather share those moments with than Dale and Melanie.....The times when Dale would make a chocolate pie on stage during church and I would be the ONLY one in favor of that idea.... The time when we would drive to Huntsville just for a hamburger.... or just for the memory of going to get a hamburger.... :)  Thank you for sharing decisions with me that I know  you could make without my input and thank you for giving so much of yourself to me.  I can't ever do without the times of meeting you in Howenwald for a 3 hour Sonic drink!!!!   Thank you for not judging me and for always always caring for your entire family.....  There is no way that I can ever be able to say Thank you enough for all that you are....  the impact you have on my life everyday is  stronger than I can ever explain.  Dale, there will never be a way for me to ever pay you back for all that you have done and been in my life-- but I want so much to spend the next 50 trying to do so.  I love you.  Happy 50th.  

[missiegurl]

words...

Last night's lesson has had me thinking all night about the wonderful and amazing gift we have of words!!  I am (as most of you already know) not very intelligent- but sometimes very simple and very sincere words can mean so very much to someone.  I want my words to be good and kind and loving- I want my words to reflect who my family is.  I want my words to reflect my Father's (both earthly and heavenly) love for the lost.  So often words have been the cause of stress for me-- the cause of hurt and pain- so much stronger then any physical pain I have gone through but it seems that for every painful thing there is someone who knows how to say the right thing- to say something as simple as- you look pretty today or you are really great at your job.  Even just one word can trigger a thought that makes someone else smile because they know the secret.  Today I want my words to be honest and caring and I want to make someone else feel the joy that others words have brought to me.  I love the wonderful gift of words!  

[missiegurl]

Look Up

I am thankful- ever so thankful for having God giving us the church.  That incredible family that meets together and shares in the common goal of praising and loving God.  Those people whether two or two-thousand that come together and spend time focusing on HIm and allowing the thoughts, prayers, songs and encouraging words to help them to want to do more, to be more.  Yesterday was just a tough day....without whining I will just say it was difficult and leave it at that-- but then I went to spend time with my "Father" and my "family".... and the day changed almost immediately.  Watching people file in and sit together and seeing the young and the young at heart laugh and touch and share it already made me feel so so thankful for this blessing- "the church".  We had a guest speaker last night- and he was awesome- he shared some things about our focus and about our desire to let God be the main part of our lives, about how this earth should reflect heaven.   It was great and I thought about how often I feel overwhelmed or stressed or wounded and how those things happen because I do not have my "Center" where it should be.  But after class- our minister did a short devo and it was actually one of the things he reminded me of that meant so much.  I had heard it before but I just think that someone knew I needed to hear it again.  He said- Sometimes we are so busy with our life here on earth-that we forget to look up to heaven.  WOW- that was my day.  I lost my focus and I didn't look up.  I needed to be reminded of this and I needed to change my heart a bit and remember what He has blessed me with and what I need to try to be what He has created me to be.  Today is a new day- and I started it just a few hours ago with a prayer that God would help me to look up all day.  

[missiegurl]

Touch someone

Someone did touch me for I felt the power going out from Me.  Luke 8:46.  if I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed.  Mark 8: 28.  And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them.  Mark 10: 13.  Look at my hands and my feet.  It is myself! Touch me and see because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have. Luke 24:39.  The power of touch- when I a baby arrives in this world in the one of the first things that happens is that the child is placed in their mothers arms.  Look at child and see how their sweet face lights up when another someone holds them or hugs them. Two friends as they separate from each other embrace for a moment knowing that this good-bye will not be any easier than all the others they have had.  These same two friends (no matter how long they are apart) will grab each other and hug at their next reunion. That great feeling when a little child trust you enough to hug you tightly and let you know you are their best bud for a little while.  A soul in brought to Christ and the first thing we want to do is hug that person and let them know they are part of a great family.  Watch the Bride as she meets her Groom at the alter and their hands connect- the nervousness of the day begins to melt away.  The elderly couple at church still after 50 plus years of marriage reach to hold each others hands as they commune in prayer with their Lord.  As I was thinking about touch- a memory came to mind-- It was about 9 years ago- We (mom, Blake, Drake and I) were in Nashville at the Lads to Leaders convention.  Blake had just gotten up to speak and for some reason I felt suddenly like I was going to faint.  Maybe because I knew how hard he had worked on his lesson, maybe because it was really warm in the room or maybe just those “mom nerves” had kicked in— but I remember thinking this is going to be awful- I am going to pass out and ruin his sermon.  But then the most wonderful thing happened- I felt my mom reach over and hold my hand- not just pat my hand or give it a short squeeze but really truly hold my hand.  I completely felt better- it was like she knew what I was feeling and maybe she did- it had only been around 20 years ago that she sat listening to my L2L speech. The power of touch— there is nothing like it- I know  in the right situation it can mean so much more to someone than we could ever imagine.  That feeling of care that you get when another person thinks enough of you to reach across a table and hold your hand as you pray- or a dear friend knows you are hurting and they wrap you up in a hug that makes you feel safer than you have felt in such a long long time.  It is one of those things that if you have always had you cannot imagine what it is like to suddenly find yourself longing for that feeling that a simple touch can bring.  Today as you are going about your day- think of the power of touch-- that simple gesture of care and love might make a soul trust more, a child feel better, a lonely person feel loved--Touch someone.  

[missiegurl]

~Living Life~

Life all around us is happening every moment- and we are a part of it.  We are making life what it is. We are choosing to be a people who stand up and do the right thing or a people who do not care and live foolishly without thought of life happening around us.  Some days I have felt as though I were not striving to do what I should- as though I were not wanting to serve God with all of my heart.  Some days I wander through life happening and I do nothing....those are the days that as I lay my head to my pillow tears fall.  Because i want to know that every day, even every moment, I am doing something positive for Him.  That I am striving to serve Him in ways that are making life better as it happens.  That others can look to my life and say He is in control.  God has is so good to each of us- He takes us and holds us when we are hurting, He gives us beauty in every way that we have the opportunity to behold and even enjoy.  He gives our strength when we are weak and He gives a love that is beyond our ability to even understand.  God places in us the opportunity to make choices that are great, to make a difference for so many, to be a light in a sometimes very dark world.  And yet, somedays- I walk through life as many do without a thought of the importance of living life!  It is my prayer that as I travel Home- I remember that life is happening all around me and that I am a apart of it.

Ephesians 5:2- Live a life of Love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.  

[missiegurl]

He is mighty

This morning I woke up and went outside to study for a bit-i have been reading from the book of Job a lot over the past few  weeks and thinking so much about his life and his heart- so this morning a verse that really got me was this-- Job 9:19- "If it is a matter of strength; He is mighty..."  Wow- now I know that God doesn't necessarily direct us to things but wow!!  This verse was just exactly what I needed--As people sometimes we go through things we do not and cannot understand.  We feel literally beaten and battered and hurt- the physical wounds that we might face do heal- scars go away and some times no one even knows but....the hurt on the inside is still very much there- it is what causes a real feeling of weakness and fear. Sometimes in the midst of our own selfishness we forget what the cross was about- we forget what we have that is bigger and better than anything-  we cry or feel alone or just feel weak- We need to remember that some times the force that brings us to our knees can be what reminds us to pray- the full and sorrowful heart is sometimes what causes us to seek others to help and care for.  It is so important as we face our trials, our struggles, our fear and our weaknesses that we never forget- we are blessed because we know that "if it is a matter of strength; He is mighty..."   

[missiegurl]

Valentines Day- lover or hater :-)

Ok...I know, I get it, I completely understand-- THIS DAY!!!!!  You either love it, love it, love it or hate it.  I have heard about all weekend and now...here it is-  the day of Love is upon us.  It is funny almost to hear the extremes of people thoughts about this day- those new couples who nervously try to decide how much is to much- before I run her off.  Those couples who have been dating for quite awhile- who try to figure out how on earth they can do better than they did last year and search (even google) ways to show their special someone that they are the best valentine ever!  Those newly engaged couples- who can live on love alone during this special day cause EVERY dime they have- they either spent on a ring or need to save for the future.  :-) Those young married couples- who take time to make that first "married" valentines day a beautiful and wonderful experience.  Those couple who have been doing the married way of life for quite some time who know that everyday is a special day- so this day is kinda just another day to eat chocolate and bask in the glow of being happily married.

 And then...well there are the valentines day haters-- the he broke my heart haters, the men are dumb haters, the why can't he see that i am exactly what he needs and ask me out haters, the I am so anti-valentines day that I am not even coming out of my room-wake me up on the 15th haters.....

This is what I know- I know today is upon us- there will be those who will smile all day and those who drown their sorrow in chocolates they bought for themselves....but here it is.  I know that God loves love-He created it- He speaks of it often throughout His message to us and therefore- I ask that you as you walk through this day--as a lover or a "hater" that you remember HIS great love for you and that you will be thankful to Him for that and that you will never forget His love is the greatest love of all.     John 3:16.  

[missiegurl]

Jeff

Today is my oldest brothers Birthday- so I wanted to take just a minute to write about Him.  Often times in my life- I have chosen to write about someone after they passed away and therefore they missed knowing exactly how i felt about them...how much I cared about them and loved them.  So one of the things that I planned to do this year was to make sure that people know that I love them and am thankful for them.  My oldest brother is Jeffery Austin Jenkins.  He is a pretty spectacular person-- he is seven years older than me and looks 15 years younger than me!  :-)  My brother Jeff- will not be happy I am writing this about him....he is such a humble person.  I have looked up to him all of my life and I have always thought he was about as close to perfect as anyone I have ever known.  When I was a pretty young child- I remember once asking my mom if Jeff had ever sinned.  it was a sincere question at the time- she made a big deal about it and told me that he must be pretty close to perfect for me to have to ask that question.  Jeff is the kind of brother that doesn't have to call you everyday for you to know for sure that he is praying about you.  He is the kind of brother that will not push his opinion on you but is one of the best sources for wisdom i have ever known.  Jeff is the kind of brother that I wish every sister in the world could have.  He loves people- he reminds me of my father in so many ways- he is kind and good-hearted, he cares so much about people and wants to really know who they are and what they are dealing with in their lives.  Jeff is a good friend- I have heard on more than one occasion people introduce him as their best friend- and he has friends everywhere.  Jeff loves his family- He is so devoted to Laura- she is such a special wonderful person and he takes such good care of her as she does of him.  I remember one time when I was in college coming home for a visit and Jeff was in town recording the tv program with daddy- we had all gone to lunch and afterwards he called Laura and in the conversation he asked her to make sure she took a nap.  I loved him so much for that simple gesture- The two of them share an incredible marriage and I love knowing that God is at the center of that marriage.  Jeff loves his children- I have never known a more devoted father and I witnessed it all of their lives- his love and guidance and patience and care.  Jeff is just a good man- I am so thankful that God gave him to me as my big brother.  But the most important thing you should know about Jeff is this- He loves his God.  I could listen to him preach for hours and hours and the main reason I love it so much- is because he is a man that lives what he preaches- he lives a servant life for our heavenly Father and everyone that knows him knows this about him.   Jeff, thank you for always being an example to me and for loving me and teaching me to love God more.  p.s.- please don't be upset at me for writing about you.  :-)  

[missiegurl]

Best Steps

I know that most people have a significant other in their lives-- whether it be a spouse or a parent or a roomie or whatever- and I know that the time spent with those wonderful people can be so amazing and start your day off so perfectly- I know that while I do not have that type of person in my life..... some days I miss that feeling of companionship-- but most days I just know that I am so blessed.  Those first steps outside onto my deck each morning are some of the greatest steps I take all day long!  I love walking out and looking at the sky and the amazing handiwork that God has placed everywhere for us to see.  I always think about the song- He knows just what I need- because at the start of my day the thing I need most is to be closest to Him- and I walk out and look around and see Him everywhere.  I love knowing that He is listening as I pour out my heart to Him as- I ask for His guidance as I face a new day.  There is nothing more wonderful then telling Him how grateful I am for grace and forgiveness and for dear people that He has blessed my life with and for the things I have on this journey that make my world so special and of course for His love.  I know you may have a grumpy husband or a few non-morning children or even a dramatic roomie-- but I hope you find some time as you begin your walk each day to spend thanking and loving and sharing with our heavenly Father. I can assure you-- they will be some of the best steps you take.    

[missiegurl]

Great Faith

Tonight I was reading the story of Isaac and his almost misfortunate end.  I had been thinking about how he must have felt when his father bound him and placed him on the altar.  It made me cry tonight to read this chapter in Genesis and to think about Abraham and the faith he had in his Father and then to think about the faith that Isaac had in his father! I wonder if there was more conversation then what we are told- I wonder if Isaac said- whoa- dad, your kidding right?  I wonder if he was angry or just afraid... It just really says so much that he was placed their and we see no reaction.   It is interesting in my work how often I get to see and hear young women and men come up with literally every excuse in the world not to suffer a punishment for a bad decision that might make and yet here is Isaac- a dedicated young man who is bound by his father and laid upon an altar to be sacrificed.  Thinking of those young people I work with everyday-I understand their questioning some- I understand their lack of faith in the system and what it can teach them if they will try to learn.  Then I started thinking about my own life and how often I try to make excuses for not serving God in the way that I should- not trusting him enough that i am willing to do His will and to let Him lead the way in my life all the time.  I know he is and always had been good to me and yet something holds me back on occasion. Maybe I feel like I can just do it without Him-- maybe I feel like I will be ok..Abraham- through faith told Isaac- the Lord will provide- his faith, just amazing.. the truth is- I must learn to have this faith.  I must stop making excuses for not trusting enough for not realizing that God is in control and He will take care of me.