Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Two Incredible Blessings

Six months after Brad's passing, another family in San Antonio was struck by tragedy in the loss of their wife/mother. For those of you who have closely followed our blog, you may remember a post in September 2009 about the Sullivan family. Sara Sullivan, the wife of Brady, went to be with Jesus on September 22nd, just 2 weeks after giving birth to her first child, Chloe. Their blog information was sent to me through a number of sources asking for prayers and it was at that time I began to follow their story.

In May of last year, God put it on my heart to contact Brady through email. It was at that time that Brady and I began to correspond, offering emotional support to one another. Being that we shared such similar circumstances, it was especially comforting to connect with someone who really understood the challenges, the emotions, and the blessings that come as a result of trials in life. Brady's friendship very quickly became an important source of comfort for me. Being able to speak openly with him about all aspects of loss and knowing that he understood completely was so cathartic and healing.

I believe there is extraordinary strength in first developing a strong friendship that later turns into a relationship. I can truly see God's hand in this. Over the last several months, Brady and I have begun dating. I looked back this week to a personal journal entry from August that read "I am falling for my friend Brady." I had then followed that entry with a list of all the things that I had become so attracted to in him.

Here is that list:
-he is a loving, attentive father
-he has a precious baby
-he is a passionate follower of Christ
-he is stable, predictable, loyal & dependable
-he is very family-oriented
-he is super-handsome :)
-he is patient
-he has order to his life
-he is outgoing, smart, driven, a good provider, & a hard-worker
-he is a strong communicator
-he is an amazing friend
-he has strong integrity & is a man of his word
-he is organized
-he is confident & cute!
-he is others-focused
-he has a kind, warm spirit
-he is a planner
-he is a leader
-he likes me for who I am

Over the last few months, as the kids and I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend lots of time with Brady & Chloe, our connection has grown stronger. God has given me two very special gifts in my life and I am look forward to what the future holds for our two families. His faithfulness is unwavering and He continues to bless me beyond imagination.




Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass … Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:4,7



To read more about The Sullivan Family go to www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com

40 comments:

McFarland Family said...

I am so happy for you and your family!

Leigh Leigh said...

Oh, Jenny! I got all teary ready this post. I am so happy that you are so happy, and I pray that God continues to shower blessings all over you and your precious family.

Anonymous said...

Tears of joy flowed as I read the post! Blessings to you, my dear! Prayers continue for you and your precious family. God is faithful to those that love him and put him first. You have always been such an inspiration of a true Christian woman who truly believes that God directs our path. Love to you! Kim E.

Tracey said...

I'm so happy for y'all and your families. God's plan is amazing! This reminds me of another blogger's amazing story.

http://paigeknudsen.blogspot.com/2009/12/hope.html

http://paigeknudsen.blogspot.com/2010/03/little-story-for-caroline-elizabeth.html

http://pearlsandgrace.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-beautiful-paige-knudsen.html

LeroyLime said...

I've soooo been waiting for this post!! Can't wait to meet you Jenny, you are such an incredible woman of Christ. I've got tears in my eyes as I read you lovely words, am so happy for you, all 5 of you!! :)

Jennifer said...

Wow, God can do amazing things! I have been reading both of your stories for a while now and it never fails to amaze me what He has up His sleeve.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, after our last round table discussion at my home, I knew that you were headed for something magnificient. Amazing how God can turn our sorrows into our fortune. I am blessed to be your friend and love your latest post. I know God has blessed both of your families with a beautiful love.
Tina

Anonymous said...

Jenny - I have been waiting for this post ever since I followed you into the Chick-Fil-A parking lot! My daughter just yelled from upstairs, "Jenny finally posted about Brady!" We are so happy for both of your families, and we are thankful to God for His faithfulness.

Kelly

Stacey said...

You don't know me but I'm close friends with Leigh Pye and through her I have been reading your blog, and oddly enough..I also followed Brady's shortly after his wife passed. I am so happy for you all! My precious 3 year old nephew has been battling stage 4 cancer, and I've learned one very important lesson through this horrendous year...God always brings a rainbow after a storm. Enjoy your rainbow!

Lisa said...

YAY! You sounded so happy on the phone when we talked a few weeks ago...I am overjoyed for you, Brady and the kids. You truly are blessed. Praying for you guys!

Lynda said...

Oh Jenny...so happy for you! I'm happy for all of you. I follow Brady's blog as well, and I LOVE that such wonderful people found each other. :)

Nellie said...

This post made me smile. Happy for all of you!

Linda said...

I am so happy for you and Brady. I have been following his blog since seeing it here on yours. As Laura Parker always said, "God is good...ALL the time." Wishing all of you God's blessings and much happiness!

erin thomas said...

Praise! So happy for you. So thankful for God's provision for both of you...and the kiddos! Glad to catch up on the last couple of months. Thankful things are going well for you. Encouraged by your faithfulness to the Lord and His faithfulness to you. Love ya, friend!

Anonymous said...

Jenny, Your lives are blessed beyond measure, all 5 of you. What a journey you have been on the past few years, and to see your list of reasons you adore that sweet man, melts my heart for you and your sweet children! God is Great, and will continue to bless your relationship with this wonderful man who knows exactly where your heart has been. Congratulations and happy, happy 2011 to all 5 of you!

Anonymous said...

I am so incredibly happy for you! You have shown such grace and faithfulness through adversity. You're a true example to Christianity and I'm proud to know you. I pray 2011 will bring you and Brady many blessings for your families. Hugs!
:)Christina

da momma said...

oh girl
i love you and God is SO GOOD!

Anonymous said...

Jenny -
OH MY GOSH! I have tears in my eyes.. I follow both your and Brady's blog and am thrilled for you both. God bless!

Erin said...

How exciting for all your families! Beautiful photos as always! :)

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
I am so happy for you. I knew Brad in High School from Brig and I followed your blog for quite a while when he was sick. You have been such a blessing to me as I have followed you through your grief and heartache. I haven't checked your blog out lately but am so glad I thought about you today. I am thankful that God is blessing your family and pray for more blessings to come.
Much Love,
Melissa Chapman

Jravella said...

Jenny,

Ginger and I are so happy for you and Brady and we rejoice with you knowing God's plans had a plan for all 5 of you. We have prayed for you for over a year and it was such a blessing to finally meet you this past week.

We look forward to spending time together as families.

God bless,
JI'm n Ginger

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
You don't know me but I was in the AFC with Brad. I've been following your post since he got suck. I've continued following your blog because you are such a woman of God! Through your blog I've been reading Brady's blog.
Let me tell you this blog post made me cry with tears of joy! God has truly blessed you and Brady! I will continue to pray for yalls happiness. God bless!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny,

You and I do not know one another but I have been following your blog (and Brady's) for quite some time. I am extremely happy for all 5 of you and wish nothing but the best in the future. God's plan is always amazing.

Take care,

Brandy

Anonymous said...

Jenny - I want to apologize...in my last post there was a word "suck' that was supposed to be 'sick' (stupid smart phone) sorry...

D M Dunn said...

Jenny, Brady is a dear friend of mine and I've been following your blog since he told me about you in the fall. I just can't wait to meet you since my husband and I have been praying for you and your children. May God hold you all close and shower His grace and mercy on you. Debbie Dunn

Unknown said...

I've followed your story for quite a while now (I'm a friend of the Starr's). When I started reading the Sullivan's blog, I thought it would be so cool for you two to become friends. This is such an amazing gift from God. I got all goose-bumpy and teary-eyed just reading your blog today. I'm going to keep on praying for you guys!

Anonymous said...

I have followed both blogs and am thrilled to see the plans God has brought forth in your lives. Though we never really understand why some have to go too early, God knew all along that there would be new joy and love for you all. After the rain comes the sunshine. Blessings to you all in whatever final plan God has in store.

Bob King said...

Hey Jenny, just got word of the fantastic news.

Congratulations!!!!

McFarland Family said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! How wxciting for both your families!!! GOD is sooooo GREAT!!!!!

Michelle said...

You and Brady and both of your children deserve all the happiness in the world. It is amazing to see God's plan unfold like this. Congratulations to you both!!!!

Meghan said...

So happy for your family and for the Sullivans! Praying for God's blessings to be poured upon this union!!! Congrats!

Abbie said...

You are a woman of God whose faithfulness has stood firm through ALL times. You have an inner joy that can only be explained by the love you have for Jesus. The light of Jesus shines so brightly through you. May you continue to feel His joy, peace and love in the days and years to come. Love you friend!

Anonymous said...

So very happy for you guys!

Renia Flaishans said...

I just came over to your blog from the post that Brady posted:)
I wanted to tell you that I am SO happy for both of you (and the kids)! I cant wait to read more about where this amazing story leads to.

Renea

Montgomery said...

from friends of the sweet Sullivans...now you have to update your blog with your news of your engagement!!

Jana said...

Jenny, I had been following Brady's blog since before Sarah's passing. I have been reading your blog tonight and it is incredible to read your story. It reminded me of my sister's writings on her blog.My sister's husband passed away in October 2008. Tana and Warren had 3 children. Warren was a youth pastor and loved the Lord with his whole heart. I am so happy for you finding love again. Thanks for sharing...

Camille, Blake, Pierce and baby Asher said...

Girl I step away from the computer for a couple of weeks... and this is what I get... a big AMEN.... I can't wait to hear more... although I just read his post and know another blessing... congrats friend... email me soon and tell me everything... wish I could be there in houston to hug your neck.

Kim Ikehara said...

Hi Jenny!

We are friends of Brady (we lived next door to them in Japan), and I am so happy for all of you! God is SO good!

Sincerely,

the Ikeharas

Unknown said...

Jenny,
My daughter Tamara & I met you in Friendswood at the Haddad's info night for military ministry. we are both so happy for you and Brady and your children. It was a pleasure to meet you that night and to have our suspicions confirmed;) I ask God's blessings on all of you as you unite 5 tender hearts into one beautiful family! You all deserve a lifetime of happiness!

Angel said...

Hey there... I'm just nobody who has loved your blog for so long. I just suddenly thought tonight that it had been forever since I stopped by.... Look what's happened. Wow. I am so elated for you. I am amazed at this beauty from ashes. What a testimony to see that something so amazing can happen despite the darkness and pain. I look forward to watching your family develop. Angel