Thank You Thank you Thank You Thank You Thank You …
By jenny | March 10, 2010
I mean, I don’t even know where to begin.
Of course there are a dozen small miracles to tell you about and amazing stories of how God has totally taken care of us over the past five days, but it’s hard to find an appropriate starting place. It’s been like five days of Christmas or Oprah’s Favorite Things or five days of perpetual winnings in Bingo or Bunko or Clunko or whatever all those fun games are called that I never win anything in.
I went to the bathroom in the LAX airport this morning and the seat was up and there was a bunch of blue, sparkly, bubbly stuff smiling at me from that toilet bowl and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was the first one to pull down the toilet seat and use it for the day and my germ-a-phobic-bathroom-booty- gun-shy self let out an audible, “YEEES!” because I knew I didn’t have to squat. I knew I was the first one on that pot. And it was the greatest way to start my day ever.
Right now it’s the small things in life that are making us happy and keeping us going.
I want to give some thank yous and quick stories.
To our dear friends Jimmy Mac and Lori in Las Vegas for coming out to the show even though they were tired. For realizing that the reason they were at the show was because they felt like God wanted them there to take care of us when we found out we had lost everything. And for taking Ryan, Annie, and I on a TJ Maxx shopping spree the next morning to replace our most basic essentials like undies, jeans, shoes, and clothes for Annie! They gave each of us a shopping buggy and when Ryan and I came back with about two or three things in it, Jimmy said, “Now it’s none of my business but I’m pretty sure you didn’t bring all your boxers and unmentionables to the gig last night and I don’t see any in that buggy… you people need to go back and fill it up. I don’t want to see you until that buggy is full.” They laughed with us. Loved on our baby. And sent us on the road with, you know… unmentionables.
To the man at the front desk who had no idea what a HELL of a day we had on Friday, but randomly decided to upgrade Ryan and I to the penthouse suite of the Palace Station hotel! We could not help but laugh at the irony. Everything we own has been destroyed today. And back home we have two cars that don’t work, a bunch of hospital bills, the IRS hounding us for self-employment taxes and here we are in a 1600 square foot penthouse with 30 foot long floor to ceiling windows, a guest bathroom, a jacuzzi, doorbell, 60 something inch TV, and a shower with a steamer in it overlooking the Las Vegas strip. If they only knew…
To Lyndi Hagen and her son Josh (oh forgive me, I think that is his name!) for showing up to our Las Vegas hotel the next morning with a HUGE bag full of Mary Kay products, because, as she said, “I don’t care what happens to you, you still have to feel like a girl.” A woman after my own heart. I know that she gave beyond her means. She gave sacrificially from her heart and that meant more to me than anything else. It would be AMAZING if some of you ladies out there would bless her in return by placing your next skin care, make-up order with her. She would be totally surprised and she deserves it. She is a beautiful mom working hard to raise her two sons and at the same time blessing someone above and beyond. If you use Mary Kay or just want to try something out to bless one of my new friends… please, please place your next order with her. Simply order online at: www.marykay.com/lhagen3.
To Jeff and Angie Bevel who were at the Las Vegas show with their daughters and offered to give us some of their own babies’ clothes. She literally went home, washed the clothes, and met us at TJ Maxx the next morning with a huge bag of the most cutest, amazingest, designer baby clothes I have ever seen!!! Seriously, Annie has been styling all week in the best little outfits ever made. And I had to think, this is what Jesus would have done. Not simply given his leftovers. His old clothes that were out of style or dirty or useless… but he would’ve shown us what it meant to give our best. And that’s what they did, literally took their daughter’s cutest outfits and gave them to our baby girl. Thank you for not giving your leftovers, but the very thing you would want to dress your little girl in. On the way out their brother gave us an envelope full of cash.
To Connie and her daughter Jenny in Las Vegas who literally met us off the highway and filled our car with diapers, wipes, clothes, cheerios, and money.
To Yasmin and Katherine from Paso Robles who sent out a facebook request for baby items and came back with an ENTIRE van full of toys, clothes, books, DVD’s, a brand new boppy, baby monitor, medicine, and everything else under the moon. They drove around all morning collecting things for us and then drove another hour to bring us the items and watched Annie while I sorted. Not only did we replace everything Annie needed, but we also made an entire stack of clothes and baby goods for our guitar player Ryan Gregg and his wife who are expecting their first baby girl in June! Katherine, who is in the third grade, was a little bummed the night before because all her friends were able to affords the expensive tickets that included a meet and greet and private concert. Yasmin told me that katherine said in the car, “Mom, this is so cool. This is exactly what we talked about in church. How one person can make a difference. We are able to help them by just asking and collecting things. That is so cool… and I bet all those other kids didn’t get to play with her baby.” This made me smile. Not only did they bless us, but in His own way and timing, God gave this little girl a very special blessing herself. How cool is that.
And finally to Scott and Happy Saunders who went through their closets and picked out their coolest clothes so that we could have stage clothes. Their goal was to try and get clothes that “looked like our style.” I got my first ever (and probably last!) pair of Kenneth Cole boots. An Abercrombie coat. Things I would have never been able to afford. Happy said that there were a million reasons she could think of to keep these incredible wardrobe pieces, but she knew she was called to give us her best. Again, I am just simply amazed. Scott gave the guys a private gift that was above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. When he found out that we didn’t even need what he felt called to give us, he said, “You know what, God has still told me to. I think he just wants you to know that you are going to be taken care of above and beyond what you could ever need or ask for.”
There have been, literally, a hundred other people step in the gap. This is just the beginning of the thank you’s…
Wherever you find yourself today, remember that people are good. God is faithful.
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27 Comments
Jonfun on March 11, 2010 at 12:48 am.
Jenny, I happened to catch you talking to Coppelia on Air1 radio the other night & was taken by what you all are going through.
I myself had fire take away my families house. No one was hurt when it happened but it just sucks the life, energy, & soul right out of you for that moment. Your totally shocked, totally withdrawn.
Its very hard to start taking steps forward but you all are very blessed have many supportive people who have heard your music, follow your careers, & know what kind of testament it is to step up to help people in a time of need.
I had people I had not talked to for years offer, like you said last night, the clothes off there back. God is great & always pull through people who are in his graces. Keep your head held high my friends. God bless you & I'll do anything to help, pray…purchase some more music or what ever merchandise is available. Take care & try to enjoy the tour. God bless!
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”- 1 Peter 3:15
Leslie Lamb on March 11, 2010 at 1:04 am.
How He loves…through others and in so many ways. What a beautiful story of beauty from ashes…most literally.
Hannah on March 11, 2010 at 1:52 am.
Praise God that He gives, takes away, and then gives again…just because He can!
Chrissy D'Amato on March 11, 2010 at 2:00 am.
Thanks you so much Jenny for being so sweet yesterday at your concert in Bakersfield! You totally made my little Alison's day by taking her to meet Annie
It was so awesome to have that experience for Alison and for us too! It made her night completely to see your baby, she's such the little mommy 
You guys rock and are in our prayers as you recover from your tragic bus fire! What an encouragement to hear of all the help you have had! Our God is so good and truly faithful, especially to those who continue His service, despite interruptions 
Thanks again!
Stacey on March 11, 2010 at 2:32 am.
"Ask and you shall receive…" Who is like our GOD? There is no GOD like our GOD!!! If you can believe it I am at a loss of words to even describe what my heart is feeling right now!! Words can not express the awesomeness of God!!! There are no people in the world like the family of GOD!!! We are rejoicing with you Jen and can not wait for more updates as the Lord gives you beyond what you could ever ask or think!!! HE IS FAITHFUL!!!!!!
Jessica on March 11, 2010 at 2:58 am.
do you still need more clothes for Annie or do you have enough. I would be happy to pick up a few things for you guys and bring them to the show in March. <3 you all and thank you for being such a blessing to your fans. I pray that us as fans can now give back to you guys in this time of need. praying for you guys!! Let me know what you need!!
Jessica
Krystal Celeste on March 11, 2010 at 3:28 am.
That's so awesome Jenny! I'm so happy to hear that y'all are being taken care of so amazingly! God just provided above and beyond what y'all could have imagined. God is so good.
Kay V. on March 11, 2010 at 4:42 am.
God is so good. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us. I am so happy to hear about all this I actually just read Matthew 6:25 the whole passage about not worrying. It's amazing how often I forget that God will provide for us. May He bless those who have blessed you.
you all are in my prayers….
Suzanne on March 11, 2010 at 4:42 am.
Again, not at all surprised.
My friend and I worked with our kids at church tonight (we do music ministry there) and in between groups we played "What Do I Know of Holy" and "Hope Now," those songs are blessings to us and remind us how much we love the Lord and all that He provides, big or small.
You are being prayed over and looked over! Thank you!
Suzanne at:
http://www.mommymovesagain.blogspot.com
Becca on March 11, 2010 at 5:04 am.
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for letting us see how God is truly writing his own story as you live out your life! His is so stinkin' Faithful!
Yasmin on March 11, 2010 at 6:15 am.
I LOVED reading through your blog and seeing everything God has done. He is so faithful. Kathren is still talking about her day with Annie
It is a day she will never forget! She plays your CD constantly. We all really hope to see you guys again! I am excited to hear how God is going to use this all for His glory!
Keith Chilton on March 11, 2010 at 12:07 pm.
God is AMAZING and if my house ever burnt down, I would be ok as well.
Praise to the Holy One whose eye is on the sparrow, and that much more on us.
Keep up the faithful work Jenny! These experiences will no doubt leave an impression on your heart for all of your life. Little Annie has a lot of stories to hear when she gets older from her "tested" mother!
By the way, I'm looking forward to seeing you guys soon at Hanover College one week from now!
a911jul on March 11, 2010 at 1:58 pm.
Jenny, I know I've said it before but I love you and the encouragement you bring to my heart every time I hear from you.
It's such an honor for me to know you – even though I don't!
God will continue to provide and prosper you in ways that bring glory to HIS name – and astound the human mind.
I'm praying for you and your crew and your family.
Julie W.
BTW – just found out you're coming to Waukesha this month – I'm so excited!! My daughter and I can't wait to meet you
Pajama Mama on March 11, 2010 at 2:00 pm.
Jenny….I can't think of anything to say except that Father is totally in love with you guys.
Thank you for sharing how He is working on behalf of AR. It encourages all of us. See you in Rome, Ga.
Jeannie
Rebecca on March 11, 2010 at 2:15 pm.
awesome!! love hearing these stories of the Body of Christ coming together and moving in big and small ways! sounds like some great stories for a book or some songs someday……ahem, ahem.
RaVae Erickson on March 11, 2010 at 4:12 pm.
Jenny,
You and the band are going to be in WY (God-willing) on the 15th to do a show. I will be unable to attend due to work and such, but if you need a place to stay before or after the show please let me know! rrvvllww@hotmail.com
RaVae
Anonymous on March 11, 2010 at 8:06 pm.
Hi Jenny,
.
Lyndi is my sister and Josh IS the name of her son
I also would like to help in anyway possible I have a couple of guitars if you need them.
I don't sell Mary Kay , I make and sell candles… even the wickless kind (just in case you are a little hesitant of flame ..) I would be glad to send you what you need. Please let me know.
Sharr
my email is thedragonflycove@gmail.com
Sherry on March 12, 2010 at 2:44 am.
Our God truly is an Awesome God who works in mysterious ways, bringing good things to those who trust and obey. So thankful God is blessing you and your family and the band and that y'all will continue blessing us, the people who get so much from your words and your music and your ministry. Keep God first in your lives and he will continue to bless and amaze.
Phil on March 12, 2010 at 4:10 am.
WOW!! God is so good…. thank you for sharing you story and showing us the power of God to touch people's hearts to help others…
Luciana Mira on March 12, 2010 at 6:41 am.
God be prased! He is so good!
Keith Chilton on March 12, 2010 at 12:10 pm.
I enjoy your testimony, your perspective on life and your witness almost more than the music you play…Although the music is definitely good
EL!SE HAGAN on March 12, 2010 at 3:47 pm.
You guys really seem to have some serious bad luck, especially with vehicles. I suggest you learn to fly…
My family is coming to see you guys with Sanctus Real and Me In Motion next month as part of our spring break. I have a WHOLE BUNCH of stuffed animals and I’m planning on bringing some for Annie, including Dug from Disney Pixar’s UP who talks and says things like, “Hi there” “I have just met you, and I LOOOVE you”, and things like that.
Hope your luck improves.
-EL!SE (AKA the punk kid who wears crazy tutus
)
Scott Saunders on March 12, 2010 at 4:57 pm.
Jenny, I can truly say that it was Happy and I that were blessed to be able to give to you and Ryan. God has brought us so much encouragement in the last few days in our response to being faithful to Him.
We wish you all of the best during the rest of your tour, and hope that one day you guys will return to Paso Robles where we can perhaps see you again, whether from the stage or sharing a meal.
Thank you for sacrificing so much to bless so many people with your songs and talents.
I'll just share one of my favorite quotes:
"If you pray for God to move a mountain and He doesn't, assume that He wants you to climb it instead and see Him transfigured." – Beth Moore
SMiLE ~ JESUS LOVES YOU on March 12, 2010 at 6:22 pm.
Amen!! This is a great message to start my day off with. Thank you for sharing this it really helped me and blessed my life. THANK YOU!
Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!
Josh Wax on March 12, 2010 at 7:53 pm.
sorry to hear about everything that's been going on. I woulda commented sooner, but i've been out of commission for a few days. i actually had weight loss surgery on Tuesday. This is the first day I've even really felt like looking at the computer.
you're all definitely in my prayers. and I thank you all for sticking in there. overcoming these struggles and still coming out doing God's work speaks to me even more than your music ever could. And believe me, your music speaks to me a LOT.
SavedByGrace on March 15, 2010 at 3:28 am.
That is SO crazy. All I have to say is Jeremiah 29:11! Thank God no one was hurt!
Matt on March 16, 2010 at 5:55 am.
You all are in my prayers as you contiune to push forward. Reading your story has been a strong builder to my faith that God will see his Children through anything if we just give it all to him and put our trust in him and not give up when times are tough.
With Love,
Matt
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