Mrs. Jeff Baker...

"Love NEVER Fails!"

 - 1 Cor 13:8 (Amp)

     22 years ago today, I began a Love Journey that has been the best of times and the worst of times; and through it all, I have learned that "Love NEVER Fails!"  It was a wet, winter Wednesday morning in Utah when I became Mrs. Jeff Baker, and I will never forget the warmth that overtook me as I dedicated my heart to my Handsome Prince Charming!  I was able to be married in His Mother's wedding gown, at the same location where my Parent's and Grandparents were married - SUCH a joy!!  We were married at 8:10 am and left directly after the ceremony for our Honeymoon Suite; then enjoyed our Reception three days later - Best Plan Ever!!

02/14/1990 - SLC, UT

     I have now been Mrs. Jeff Baker for more than half my life, and I can honestly say that I am honored to carry the name of Such a Valor Man of God!!  It hasn't always been easy, but it has certainly been worth it!  As I pause to reflect the many years I have been a wife, I am humbled by the Many lessons I have learned - generally the hard way.  I have learned the heartache of distractions, the value of Forgiveness, the mercy of Grace, the joy of Restoration, and the peace of Renewal!!  I have not always cherished this title, nor have I always brought honor and respect through my choices.  I have, however, grown in confidence as a Daughter of God which has enabled me to Honor the Wife that I am!  

     Along the way, I have discovered several resources that have SO blessed me as a wife.  Two of my favorites are:  "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian, and  "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman.  We have gained wisdom and understanding about what God says for Husbands and Wives, and through the love and support of our Pastors, Drs. Tom and Maureen Anderson, we have developed a Kingdom Marriage!!

     Today, I want to encourage you that no matter where you are at in your relationship, God desires you to know His Love!  He is faithful to fulfill that which we commit our hearts to, and He is able to breathe life into our marriages!!  I can now relate to the Shulamite Girl in Song of Solomon as she declares, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth - for your love is better than wine!"  What a blessing it is to love and be loved with Such passion!  I LOVE that He's Still the One!!

     This Valentine's Day, I invite you to join us as we begin the "Love Language Challenge"!!  We have learned the value of working our commitment, and investing in our marriage; and so it is with great anticipation that we step into a 5 Week Journey of sowing Love into one another!  May your marriage be Richly Blessed, and may you know the Joy of Being Deeply Loved!  I am Grateful to Celebrate God's Very Best for me, and continue to thank Him for the opportunity of being Mrs. Jeff Baker!!

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Baker
Celebrating 22 Years Together!

     

Love Language Week

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he"

Proverbs 23:7

About a month ago, Jeff & I began an amazing journey together, unified in our desire for greater depth and direction as parents. Little did we know at the time, the impact "Train Up A Parent" would have on our family!

Earlier this year, as a family, we began defining our Mission and Purpose. This powerful inquiry led us to passionately stand for Leadership Education as a lifestyle. Based on the principles of "A Thomas Jefferson Education", we boldly stepped into a journey of faith. We began seeking inspiration on what it means to "train up a child in the way they should go". Could it be that to train a child is to FIRST train the parent? And if so, how and where to begin - especially considering our season in life? This led us to the place where Jeff & I are beginning to understand what Godly Character is and how to instill this vital teaching into our hearts AND the hearts of our children.

I have come to know the truth of Proverbs 23:7 over the past couple of years in ways I could not have anticipated. What was in my heart defining my thoughts and therefore actions? What had I instilled in my children that would define their thoughts and actions? Had I instilled Godly Character? An uncomfortable inquiry has led me to a renewed sense of intention and purpose as a daughter of God and a mother!

Knowing that God is a God of Restoration and Healing, and realizing that it's never too late to align with Him; I am excited to parent today for what we want tomorrow. This perspective has been extremely profound for me! Godly Characteristics are instilled with love, patience, and consistency; and determine the level of success each of us will enjoy. What better place to focus my heart? This has been a time of "internal housekeeping" - identifying the habits and beliefs that exemplify Godly Character and dismissing everything else. I am finding this process requires daily alignment. I am also finding great joy in this journey!

We have gained several new tools to implement as a family which are producing results of greater peace, unity, and connection! I'll share more of these another time. As for this week, we are going to focus on Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages. Identifying each others primary Love Languages will assist us in communicating our love more effectively; which is certainly our intention. I am looking forward to rewarding Michelle and Anthony's ability to identify and apply each Love Language in various ways. I hope that by the end of this week we can be a multi-lingual family! I plan to introduce one Love Language each day and discuss it as part of our morning family devotion. It is my desire that these discussions will produce actions full of love!

I am SO grateful for my amazing family! I feel SO blessed to be a wife and mother surrounded by my greatest teachers! I am especially grateful for the wisdom and understanding of How to Train Up this parent such that I might Inspire my Children's Very Best!