Author: jenilyn357

Embracing Change

Published on by jenilyn357

As this school year launches forward, we have the opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we really want to go.  If COVID 19 hasn’t taught us a gazillion lessons, we may be completely unteachable!  I am learning that I don’t always get to choose where I go in life or even who travels with me. Do you? Yet, we obviously and thankfully can choose how we respond. That is more important than any of our other choices. I want to think about what we ultimately want for our kids in 2020-21 and beyond.  We want them to succeed in learning, growing, and making meaningful memories while becoming even more kind, capable people.  We all want to move forward, not backward. We know that some lessons were hard-won, and we don’t want to lose ground.

So, we worry, push, complain, and sometimes make decisions rooted in fear.

Be encouraged!  Do you realize that our children already have it in their DNA to excel at something?  We each have a purpose for being here in this world.  Pay attention to what your child loves.  As we go into this next season, I want to tune in more to what my kids are doing and saying. I am searching for clues and looking for ways to help build on their natural inclinations, rather than trying to fit them into a box I created. Yes, even homeschool moms can revert to boxes when we are tired, worry, or fearful!

One of my favorite children’s books, Charlie the Tramp, illustrates this in a fun way.  Charlie was born into a beaver’s family, following a long line of industrious beavers.  Yet, for a time, Charlie decides that being a beaver is hard work and so he would rather be a tramp. Oh, the dismay of his family!  Papa Beaver recounts the successful and happy past. Grandpa is shocked and withdraws his financial support.  Poor Mama is convinced that Charlie doesn’t really mean it.  Yet, he happily assures her, “Oh yes, I do want to be a tramp!” 

In this delightful tale, we readily recognize the struggle we sometimes have with our own young people. In the end, given a little time and room to grow, Charlie ends up doing what all good beavers do. He surprised everyone with quality work that very much resembled his father and grandfather’s ponds.  One night he is awakened with the tickling of a distant sound. Trickling water. He must stop that sound. Since it’s a beaver’s DNA to stop the sound of running water, Charlie couldn’t do anything else but build a dam to pool this water and form a beautiful pond. I admit, this simplistic story doesn’t account for the variations or twists and turns in our lives. But it does bring a whimsical smile as we instinctively know that our little “beavers” may one day up and walk away from convention.  Yet assuredly…

we may still find them later fulfilling their God-given destiny, even if it’s with a personal flair that is all their own.

Let’s try to focus on the positives this fall season and the things that social distancing and COVID 19 cannot take away.  Many of you have children who are at home following along with a virtual school program, or you have jumped into homeschooling like your neighbor, sister, or friend. Not your first choice.  It’s okay. This is just a season.  Relax and find the good in it, even if you have to dig deep. Give your kids room to grow even when it’s uncomfortable or hard.  Link arms with an optimistic person who has time to listen and care.  Reach out and don’t go it alone!  You may find an unexpected gift in this opportunity.  I know many courageous families who are navigating this time with wisdom and joy.

This is an invitation…come join our journey.  I would love to connect!

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June Update

Published on by jenilyn357

Hello! Thank you for checking in on us! If it seems like you haven’t heard from us for awhile…its cause we are busy working! I’m so glad for the warmer weather as it lifts my spirits and encourages me so much! Traveling and just everyday life seems a ton easier since the cold is gone. We’ve had several meetings and we’re so thankful to be able to attend “brick and mortar” church again. Thank God for the internet, but there is nothing like corporate worship to strengthen my heart! Pure joy!

As our travels are increasing, we are spending less time with our home church. We want our Ridgeview family to know that our hearts and prayers are always with you! Your encouragement and support are life-giving and truly a treasure to our family. Honestly, ALL of our ministry partners are priceless treasures!!

The Ridgeview women’s ministry has been especially helpful to me in these last several weeks as I’ve been able to follow along with a Bible study they are sharing to combat anxiety. Maybe you have always struggled with anxiety or perhaps it’s just showed it’s ugly self in the last few months with current events. Either way, many of us battle the different effects and the “what ifs” in our lives. I encourage you, grab a friend, and talk about it. Or message me and I’d be happy to pray for you.

We have a couple projects that we are working on. You will hear more about that in the days ahead. Sadly, we are still not traveling overseas at this point and we have not chosen a date for our next trip to Southeast Asia. But again, “Thank God,” for the internet. We’ve been able to stay in communication with leaders and the college students connected with our Homes of Hope. We recently enjoyed a wonderful time of talking with home leaders who are learning English because of a college student who was able to translate for us. Bam attended high school in a place she could learn English well and now when she is free from college classes she returns to help in one of the Homes! It is such a relief and joy to know that all of our 800+ children and leaders are safe and healthy. Some of our students will begin their school year next week, and others will go back in August. Please help us pray for their continued strength and safety from sickness.

We are still actively doing Zoom meetings for those not yet comfortable with getting together in person. For those who are ready, we are sharing all we can about the rescue work God has us involved in. Compassionate Hope is an incredible ministry with many unique features that help you feel connected to those you support. One of the most obvious and yet easily overlooked advantages is that you have the opportunity to personally know someone who has seen and touched these precious, rescued souls. Since Daniel and I have both traveled to the homes, and we’ve spent time with many of the children, we can share honestly about what we’ve seen and heard. Friends, we have seen the darkness and heartbreak. But we have also seen the power of love and God’s redemption! And that is why we keep trusting and serving with our whole hearts.

So the thing I want you to know and remember, dear friend, is this…

God sees, hears, and responds to the cries of these precious children. God works through HIS people. We are working to do our part. We invite you to join us to do your part. What can you do? I would love to hear your thoughts! Message me and let’s talk….

Let’s Talk

For those who may not realize this, we are depending on donations to make our work possible. Every dollar counts and enables us to pay our bills and travel expenses. Please consider joining our team of supporters. You may donate online by clicking here:

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Adding a BLOG to the mix…

Published on by jenilyn357

The funny thing about starting my new website…once I launched my space, the urgency to share my thoughts was lifted. Then early this morning while drifting in and out of sleep, I had several ideas that finally urged me to write again.

My life seems to be feast or famine. Either a ton of ideas or a blank page and more appointments than energy or everything is all closed up. But somewhere, in the middle of it all, is the space where God speaks to me. This is the place God always leads me to. The God space. Perfect peace and confidence. The tension of, “What I want and what I actually have,” is real. Let me be clear, I am not talking about material things. I am talking about those things that make life worth living. Such as, I want creativity ~ but I also want to have a neatly organized office. I want adventure ~ but I might have to peek out my door. I want energy and laughter, with peace and quiet. I want a connection with people, but it could be hard and messy. You get the idea.

The thing I really want is to be content with where I am without being passive and missing out. So, sometimes I snuggle with a good book, and sometimes it’s me that’s writing instead. Sometimes I hike where there’s a gorgeous view while other times I hide away at home alone. I am always reaching out to new people and inviting them into friendship yet, I still like to spend time with just my favorite peeps too. I am always asking, “God, where do you want me right now? Who should I be with and what should I be doing?” I want a fruitful life of bringing glory to my Creator!

Circling back to the title. I certainly don’t want to bore any of my friends reading this. So I ask, whether it’s a paragraph, season or life, have you ever tried to sum anything up and give it a title? Not easy! At least not easy for me. Just the thought of a blog title could stop me from writing! Funny, but not funny. So here I am, taking a risk…about to plunge into an update on “stuff.” Check it out…I will call it June Updates. Yep. Really. It may not be too exciting, but it will give you an idea of what’s going on with the Phillips family. Much love to each of you reading this and thanks for visiting!