Jennifer Nicole Brinkley

To my loving trainer from the Road

Jennifer was my trainer at the Road Adventure. That description is only a small word to describe what she was to me. She met me at my lowest place, helped me through and loved me. I went on to become a trainer myself and learned so much from her! She is one of the only people who has truly helped my soul to heal. I remember after the Road weekend was over, she gave me a small frame with the message "the Lord is always with you wherever you go..." I still have it...right by my kitchen sink. It reminds me of the truth in the statement...and it reminds me of Jennifer's love and sacrifice of time that she gave to me all those years ago. I am so sad she's gone...but she will be my next door neighbor in heaven. I hope she knew how much she truly touched my life. Love to the family,
Tiffany Mattocks Turner

Tiffany Turner

August 17, 2009

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Elizabeth Brinkley (Sister)

August 16, 2009

Untitled

Just like a beautiful,
long-stemmed rose,
Her precious memory
grows and grows,
Touching the hearts
of all of those she loved.
And like the fragrance
of that same rose,
Her love, so sweet,
still flows and flows,
Filling our lives with a warmth
that shows she’s still there.
So like a forever-blooming rose,
The beauty she shared
eternally glows,
For deep in our hearts,
each of us knows she lives

Elizabeth Brinkley (Sister)

August 16, 2009

Untitled

Mother, please don’t mourn for me;

I’m still here, though you don’t see.

I’m right by your side each night and day

And within your heart I long to stay.



My body is gone but I’m always near

I’m everything you feel, see or hear.

My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart

As long as you keep me alive in your heart.



I’ll never wander out of your sight.

I’m the brightest stat on a summer night.

I’ll never be beyond your reach.

I’m the warm, moist sand when you’re at the beach.



I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around

And the pure, white snow that blankets the ground.

I’m the beautiful flowers of which you are so fond.

The clear, cool water in a quiet pond.



I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring;

The first warm raindrop that April will bring.

I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,

And you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.



When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,

You can talk to me through the Lord above you.

I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,

And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.



I’m the hot, salty tears that flow when you weep

And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.

I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.

Just look for me, Mommy, I’m everyplace!



Author Unknown

Elizabeth Brinkley (Sister)

August 16, 2009

To All Parents
by Edgar Guest
"I'll lend you for a little time a child of Mine," He said.
"For you to love the while she lives
And mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty two or three,
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for Me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And shall her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?

I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.

Elizabeth Brinkley (Sister)

August 16, 2009