Thankful for a Revolutionary Parent

Wayne Smith, celebrating earning his Ph.D., with daughters Kim (left) and Jennifer (right)

Today would have been my father-in-law’s 87th birthday.  Last October, we celebrated his life and legacy (see my post here). 

This week, Jennifer and I spent a “kidless” week in Amarillo, Texas, hiking in Palo Duro Canyon and enjoying the outdoor musical, Texas!  Jennifer stayed a few extra days with her Mom.  Over the past week, I can’t help but be grateful for my wife and her relationship with Jesus Christ.  As readers of my blog understand well, I am strongly shaped by books—and with “Learner” as one of my signature strengths—I seek to learn from many good authors.

Nearly ten years ago, Jennifer and I looked for a study on parenting and ran across George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting: Raising Your Kids to Become Spiritual Champions.  I definitely consider Jennifer a “spiritual champion” and credit much of that to her upbringing by her parents.

Click here to learn more about Revolutionary Parenting

Jennifer Shows How to Win Friends and Influence People

Clockwise from Top Left: With friends Dina Griffin & Josie Alvarez; In Amsterdam; On Spring Break 2020 Camping Trip with Friends (Vicarys & Matneys); With fellow Weber Elementary P.E. Coaches; and posing in bottom left for a Lamesa Press Reporter feature on her volleyball career (high school, college, and coaching)

85 years ago Dale Carnegie wrote what has become a best-seller and life-changing book for many on How to Win Friends and Influence People.  While Jennifer is not quite that old today, I could think of no better example than her life, showing how to win friends and influence people.

Over the years, I’ve watched her develop a wide range of relationships, lead wherever she is—at work, at church, and in the community—and influence people for the better…  Our kids and I are the primary beneficiaries of her gifts and the way she lives.

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Click here for Instaread’s 2016 Summary of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People