"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Merry Christmas
We wish all our family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! The reason for the season is Jesus. Joe is preaching tonight at Westside Baptist Church at 5:30 p.m. We'd love for you to worship with us tonight!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The 29th Year
So, Tuesday was my birthday! I love birthdays! Don't you? As I reflect on the past year I remember precious memories and events in my mind. Mostly what stands out is just how much God has worked on me and in my life this year.
This past year was a hard season. Not one that I would want to relive again, but I would in a heartbeat because it brought me so much heart knowledge.
I have always thought that I was pretty flexible when it came to change. This year brought more change than I could fathom. My identity was reshaped, relationships changed, priorities rearranged, precious friends moved away, Joe went to Africa (that certainly flipped our world upside down), and we changed ministries. Boiled down and printed neatly in that sentence- it doesn't seem like much. The process of those changes that took place were huge.
When I was saved I knew that Christ was a part of my identity. This year God reshaped all of that. People and places that I found part of my identity from were revealed in new light. In each of those situations I had to reevaluate who I was. Who was I without the things I thought made up- me? Every time I prayed I got one simple answer, "You are mine." You see, being a part of my identity wasn't enough. God needed to be my identity. If everything changed and nothing else remained- He would. I am His child and my mission to make Him known won't change. In a world where things change moment by moment God is always the same. My identity has to be built on Him or nothing makes any sense. I don't have to be afraid to trust my UNKNOWN future to a KNOWN God.
I've always known that God was to be number one in my life. This year some of the closest relationships I've ever had changed. It was more difficult then I could explain. It was through this experience that I realized that other people had been playing at the same level as my husband for the number two spot. Realizing that just rocked me. I knew that he should be number two, but I didn't always let him have that spot.
Friends moved away, need I say more? Okay, I will. The process is hard. We love and miss them. It's still weird not to see them in places we expect to. More than anything we were blessed by their obedience to follow God's leading in each of their lives. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Africa. You hear stories of people being called to faraway places and all the excitement that must ensue. I never imagined for a moment that God would be calling me to one of those places. He did this year. For the most part it still doesn't seem real. As God works and moves mountains we just sit in awe. I have always heard about being in the center of God's will. The peace that comes with that is all encompassing. Knowing, living, and receiving the blessings that come are emotional. As the days tick down and slip into each other we can't be more excited for what He has for us.
Joe and I love teaching people about Jesus. This year we left children's ministry after four years to do youth ministry. It wasn't that it was hard for us to do- it was just different. It was uncharted territory for us. We worried about how the transition would go all the way around. We worried with the days ticking down until Africa we wouldn't be able to do enough or give everything we wanted to. Obviously, we were a little us focused and not enough Him focused. He is sovereign and He knows what He is doing. He has a plan for our kids as well as us. We knew that if God was calling us to youth for this season He would bless it and He has. We're loving learning about our kids and sharing Jesus with them.
As I sit here and type this one word comes to mind, grateful. This year brought a lot of heartache, but the heartache was good. God reminded me who I am, who He is, where Joe should be, and is really preparing our family for what is ahead. I love how He has fortified our family unit. It's neat to see His hand moving in our lives. I'm excited for my twenty-ninth year. I hope that God changes me as much this year as He did last year. I want to be more like Him. I want there to be less of me and more of Him. Most importantly God is with me every step of the way.
This past year was a hard season. Not one that I would want to relive again, but I would in a heartbeat because it brought me so much heart knowledge.
I have always thought that I was pretty flexible when it came to change. This year brought more change than I could fathom. My identity was reshaped, relationships changed, priorities rearranged, precious friends moved away, Joe went to Africa (that certainly flipped our world upside down), and we changed ministries. Boiled down and printed neatly in that sentence- it doesn't seem like much. The process of those changes that took place were huge.
When I was saved I knew that Christ was a part of my identity. This year God reshaped all of that. People and places that I found part of my identity from were revealed in new light. In each of those situations I had to reevaluate who I was. Who was I without the things I thought made up- me? Every time I prayed I got one simple answer, "You are mine." You see, being a part of my identity wasn't enough. God needed to be my identity. If everything changed and nothing else remained- He would. I am His child and my mission to make Him known won't change. In a world where things change moment by moment God is always the same. My identity has to be built on Him or nothing makes any sense. I don't have to be afraid to trust my UNKNOWN future to a KNOWN God.
I've always known that God was to be number one in my life. This year some of the closest relationships I've ever had changed. It was more difficult then I could explain. It was through this experience that I realized that other people had been playing at the same level as my husband for the number two spot. Realizing that just rocked me. I knew that he should be number two, but I didn't always let him have that spot.
Friends moved away, need I say more? Okay, I will. The process is hard. We love and miss them. It's still weird not to see them in places we expect to. More than anything we were blessed by their obedience to follow God's leading in each of their lives. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Africa. You hear stories of people being called to faraway places and all the excitement that must ensue. I never imagined for a moment that God would be calling me to one of those places. He did this year. For the most part it still doesn't seem real. As God works and moves mountains we just sit in awe. I have always heard about being in the center of God's will. The peace that comes with that is all encompassing. Knowing, living, and receiving the blessings that come are emotional. As the days tick down and slip into each other we can't be more excited for what He has for us.
Joe and I love teaching people about Jesus. This year we left children's ministry after four years to do youth ministry. It wasn't that it was hard for us to do- it was just different. It was uncharted territory for us. We worried about how the transition would go all the way around. We worried with the days ticking down until Africa we wouldn't be able to do enough or give everything we wanted to. Obviously, we were a little us focused and not enough Him focused. He is sovereign and He knows what He is doing. He has a plan for our kids as well as us. We knew that if God was calling us to youth for this season He would bless it and He has. We're loving learning about our kids and sharing Jesus with them.
As I sit here and type this one word comes to mind, grateful. This year brought a lot of heartache, but the heartache was good. God reminded me who I am, who He is, where Joe should be, and is really preparing our family for what is ahead. I love how He has fortified our family unit. It's neat to see His hand moving in our lives. I'm excited for my twenty-ninth year. I hope that God changes me as much this year as He did last year. I want to be more like Him. I want there to be less of me and more of Him. Most importantly God is with me every step of the way.
For I , the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'
Isaiah 41:13
Isaiah 41:13
From a grateful heart,
Jennis
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Provision
Today started like any other day. Coffee brewing, reviewing a new math lesson for Kendall, and scrounging for breakfast supplies. Joe left to go to work on a message and visit some people in the hospital.
Before I sat down to do school I went to the computer to check my email. There sitting in my inbox was an email from some friends of ours.
"You know that we have been among your fans over the last several years as we watch your growth and your dedication as Christians. Now, seeing you choose to go to the mission field is just the capstone of that growth process - what an incredible journey! Yes, we will continue praying for all three of you. We know that is vital. However, we also know for the trip to even be possible, you will need the support of friends, of family, and of local churches. We have determined to be a part of providing that support. Rather than trying to keep up with sending monthly checks, we have decided to simply make a one-time donation. We trust the Lord will continue to guide, to bless, to strengthen and to protect you all as you step through the process of preparing for the trip and for all you will encounter while you are there."
I just sat there and cried into my coffee cup. Scary dinosaur face and all. God is so good. I'm not sure why I'm continually amazed at His goodness and provision, but I am. He is infinitely good- more than I can fathom. It's all for His glory and a testimony to His goodness.
It's with tears of joy that I am writing today to proclaim of God's goodness. My wife called to share this with me and I just balled, 6'1" and 275 pounds of a man's man. I just shed tears because of the willingness of this dear couple to partner and extend God's kingdom work. God has shown me once again that He is above all and through this adventure, more stories will come, faith will be strengthened, and hearts changed. Praise God for who He is. - Joe
It's with tears of joy that I am writing today to proclaim of God's goodness. My wife called to share this with me and I just balled, 6'1" and 275 pounds of a man's man. I just shed tears because of the willingness of this dear couple to partner and extend God's kingdom work. God has shown me once again that He is above all and through this adventure, more stories will come, faith will be strengthened, and hearts changed. Praise God for who He is. - Joe
This adventure has just begun. Right now we are a little over 10% of our goal. We'll arrive in Africa in 230 days! We are so excited for all that God has for us through this trip, and are blessed that you all are partnering with us for His work. Thank you will never fully suffice.
Thank you for being a part of our journey!
In His Amazing Love,
Joe and Jenn Hennis
"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
(in)mercy
I am inviting you to take a trip with me. We're going to leave the country and you won't be needing your passport. Today, I'm bringing you to Kenya with me.
We're going to The Mercy House.
If you have followed my blog or know me in person you know how much I love the ministry of The Mercy House Kenya. I fell in love with what God was doing there. I also fell in love with 12 teen moms and their sweet babies. Today, like me, you can meet them without ever leaving your house.
In March of 2010 Kristen Welch from We are THAT family traveled to Kenya, Africa with Compassion International to write about poverty and help get sponsors for children there. While she was there they visited the world's largest slum. Through her tears she asked God how He could allow so much human suffering? She felt in her heart that He asked her the very same thing! What was she doing? Two weeks after she returned home she found this article on CNN about girls having backstreet abortions in that very same slum. Through that trip she felt God calling her and her family to start a maternity home. The Mercy House Kenya was born. In Kristen’s words, "We are just a simple family who said yes when God asked."
You can say yes today, and be a part of that. You can join with them and change the lives of your sisters in Christ in Africa.
When (in)courage asked some bloggers to help spread the word of a God-sized project for The Mercy House Kenya I signed up! The project is called (in)mercy. There are 5 phases to this project.
Four months, five projects! Just in time for Christmas!
Today, is the start for phase 1! We are raising money to get The Mercy House a new van! With 12 moms, 12 babies, and all of the Mercy House staff there a ton of errands and running around. Another vehicle would mean always having one at Mercy House and another available to run errands and go to doctors appointments. Plus it would mean being able to safely transport the moms and their babies! How awesome is that?!
We're asking you to participate with us!
Here's how you can help:
Give- Click here and donate toward a van for 12 mamas and their babies.
Share- Would you share with your community about this ministry?
Rally- Would you ask people to join you in advocating for Mercy House Kenya?
Together we can make a difference!
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8
Kenya photos courtesy of Bess Brownlee.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Green Peppers
My friend and I were talking about stuffed pepper recipes the other day while waiting in line at the grocery store. Later, when I was enabling my electronic hoarding addiction a.k.a. Pinterest I came across a recipe that looked too good to pass up! I pinned this and followed that to the original recipe here. The only thing I changed was I added a cup of beef bullion when I was sauteing the onions and mushrooms. Since it was the first time I made them I really have to clue if it changed the flavor that much, but in the end they were REALLY delicious. My husband was a little bit suspicious of them and had me buy him bread so he could have a real philly cheesesteak. He ate one and loved them!
In case you are wondering I ate them like apples. They
were delicious (and extinct in my house)! ;o)
Hope you're having a great start to your week!
In His Amazing Love,
Jennis
Saturday, September 7, 2013
In the beginning...
Friday, (9/7) was a new milestone in our adventure with God. We had our final interview with Overland Missions for our three month Advanced Missions Training in Zambia, Africa.
I knew Joe's interview was at eleven that morning and I was on my way to work. All that kept running through my mind was this prayer, "God, You know. If this is where you want us, and we believe it is, this will all work out the way you want it to. I don't need anything more than I need You!" The weeks leading up to this interview were similar to waiting for Christmas like three year olds. We would look at each other and say, "Man, I wish the interview was tomorrow!!"
About two hours after I started working Joe showed up with a cheshire cat grin on his face. My five year old ran up to me and exclaimed, "WE'RE GOING TO AFRICA!!!!!" Emotions ran wild! There was a lot of hugging and high-fiving!
Since sharing our news people keep asking how we feel. Well, after blessed, excited, humbled, grateful, and excited - it feels surreal! We're getting the opportunity to live our God sized dream!
"You have within you a dream placed on your heart by God-a dream perfectly sized and created just for you to step into. It is the beginning of you, the start of you seeing God more fully, the opportunity for you to experience God more completely. He has designed your heart, your passion, your talents, your strengths, your mind, for pursuing a dream that He wants to more fully awaken in you." Jennifer Camp
Thank you all for taking this journey with us! Please continue to pray! We have $16,000 to raise in 8 months! Please pray about your involvement! If God lays it on your heart to support us, let us know. God is in charge of our lives and we know that He will bring all things into completion for His plans are perfect. We want all of you to be apart of this, working together for the kingdom of God. Investments for eternity. We would love to sit down with you if you choose to donate!
There are two ways you can donate!
1. We would love to sit down with you if we can and talk about our vision for our trip! Email us at thisgracelife@gmail.com!
2. You can give at https://www.overlandmissions.com/donate/secure.php. Please remember to put our names (Peter and Jennifer Hennis, Zambia) in the memo line!
Please be in prayer for this season of our lives as God directs us to where we are going! Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and finances!
I knew Joe's interview was at eleven that morning and I was on my way to work. All that kept running through my mind was this prayer, "God, You know. If this is where you want us, and we believe it is, this will all work out the way you want it to. I don't need anything more than I need You!" The weeks leading up to this interview were similar to waiting for Christmas like three year olds. We would look at each other and say, "Man, I wish the interview was tomorrow!!"
About two hours after I started working Joe showed up with a cheshire cat grin on his face. My five year old ran up to me and exclaimed, "WE'RE GOING TO AFRICA!!!!!" Emotions ran wild! There was a lot of hugging and high-fiving!
Since sharing our news people keep asking how we feel. Well, after blessed, excited, humbled, grateful, and excited - it feels surreal! We're getting the opportunity to live our God sized dream!
"You have within you a dream placed on your heart by God-a dream perfectly sized and created just for you to step into. It is the beginning of you, the start of you seeing God more fully, the opportunity for you to experience God more completely. He has designed your heart, your passion, your talents, your strengths, your mind, for pursuing a dream that He wants to more fully awaken in you." Jennifer Camp
Thank you all for taking this journey with us! Please continue to pray! We have $16,000 to raise in 8 months! Please pray about your involvement! If God lays it on your heart to support us, let us know. God is in charge of our lives and we know that He will bring all things into completion for His plans are perfect. We want all of you to be apart of this, working together for the kingdom of God. Investments for eternity. We would love to sit down with you if you choose to donate!
There are two ways you can donate!
1. We would love to sit down with you if we can and talk about our vision for our trip! Email us at thisgracelife@gmail.com!
2. You can give at https://www.overlandmissions.com/donate/secure.php. Please remember to put our names (Peter and Jennifer Hennis, Zambia) in the memo line!
Please be in prayer for this season of our lives as God directs us to where we are going! Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and finances!
In His Amazing Love,
Joe and Jenn
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." Luke 4:18
Source
Source
Friday, August 30, 2013
Hello Charleston!
A few weeks ago our family headed off for South Carolina. We went up to visit some family and relax. Our trip started off a little bumpy...
Our favorite breakfast place is the Lost Dog Cafe.
Our favorite lunch place is Taco Boy! We were there almost everyday! ;)
If we stayed on the island we loved places like the Noisy Oyster (food pictured is from the Noisy Oyster) or Loggerheads.
Plus Kendall got to ride in Papa's golf cart!
We went to a new steakhouse called Burwell's. The food was really good!
The steak with cheese grits... Mmmmmm!
We love the Charleston City Market!
The beach was beautiful! We spent a few days on it before the rain moved in!
We absolutely loved our time away. It was a great time with extended family! South Carolina is one of our favorite places to go. Not to mention all the delicious food!
Hope you all are having a great weekend!
In His Love,
Jennis
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