Friday, March 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Jenny!

Yesterday was this pretty girl's birthday, and I am so thankful for her life! God was gracious to bless me with a sister so close in age. Although we are different as night and day, we have always been close. Jenny is probably the smartest, most talented, and most well-rounded, person that I know (and I'm not just being biased). She's a dynamite athlete. Seriously, the girl can pick up any sport and excel. When she was young, she played Little League with the boys, and she set all kinds of records during her softball days. Her athletic talent is always something I've admired since I was the girl who was scared to even play T-ball (yes, laugh). When she was 13, Jen taught herself to play the guitar, and she is currently working on mastering the piano. God has gifted her in leading others in worship. In addition to this, the girl's got brains. She can study for one night and completely ace an Organic Chemistry test. She's blown through a Biomedical Science major with practically straight A's (as a college athlete for 2 of her school years). Jenny never meets a stranger. Everyone that meets her instantly loves her. She makes friends faster than I've ever seen. While I have always been so proud of my sister and, clearly, LOVE to brag on her, all these things I have mentioned mean nothing if I don't also brag about her love for the Lord. I am continually encouraged by Jenny's walk with Christ. She truly KNOWS and LOVES Jesus Christ in the most intimate, personal, and passionate way. She's the real deal. The theme of Jenny's life is "Love God--Love people," and she truly lives this out. Jen is a "champion of the underdog," and she has truly shown me what it means to minister to "the least of these" both spiritually and physically. Through Christ, she has overcome a period of intense bondage in her own spiritual life, and she is using her own trials to reach others with the Gospel. I am blessed by her passion, sincerity, and faithfulness. I could go on, but I think I've made my point. I am so proud of my sister, and I am so thankful for her 22 years with me on this earth! So, Happy Birthday to YOU, Jenny (just a day late)!