A Long Night

Well we have been home now for a few days and I was bragging on how well Harper was doing until...LAST NIGHT! Wow! He decided to make up for his restful evenings. Erin and I have tried to work out our strategy of who does what and when. Well we were both up and down throughout the entire night. Our little man just could not get settled. Or when he did get settled he decided to fill the ol' diaper. Just when he was cleaned and ready to rest, he was hungry. Erin was able to sleep in a little this morning while I took care of Eliana. Amazingly, Eliana slept through everything last night. Our little girl has proven to be a trooper and a great big sister. Eliana seems to be doing good with the new transition, however, when she saw Harper nursing this afernoon, she decided that she needed to be in mommy's lap. Fortunately, Erin was finishing with Harper and could give her the attention she was needing from her Mom. We certainly still have quite a process ahead of us for our little girl. We feel so blessed and fortunate to have our beautiful daughter and new son. Pray that we have a night with a little more rest. :)

New Jernigan Addition!!!

Erin, Eliana, Cooper (dog) and I would like to introduce the newest Jernigan member. Harper Michael Jernigan was born April 17th at 7:00 pm, weighing in at 8lbs 4oz. and 20 1/2 inches long.

We could not be any more proud and excited. We do appologize for taking so long to get pictures out, but there were several technical difficulties that have prohibited us from getting pictures out before we returned home. We are now getting settled in with much thanks to our friends and family that have helped over the past several days. We are looking forward to being at home now with our incredible daughter, hansome son, and insane dog. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Thank you again to all our friends and family that have helped over the last couple of days and upcoming weeks. We love you all!

Above And Beyond...

As I look around me I am continually blown away with the people God has allowed me to serve with. I see the gifts and talents that God has given these men and women and the many ways that they respond with complete selflessness. I could mention many individuals just from the group of men and women that I have had the tremendous honor and pleasure to serve and work along side of each week through the weekly tasks at the Journey Church. Yet, today one man comes to mind. As many of you know, it takes many of us each week to set up the many elements needed for our weekly service. When just one person is out, that absence is felt by all. Two Sunday's ago, my friend had made it know that unfortunately he would be unable to attend the service that night because he had to catch a plane flight on work related means. Now if this was me (just being honest), I would have used this as my weekend to finally have a break from the tedious Sunday setup tasks. However, when I arrived 2 Sundays ago, he was there to help. When I questioned him, he responded, "I knew you guys would be a few guys down...and hey, that's what it's all about." Although I kept working, those words have stayed with me all week. "Hey, that's what it's all about." The heart that thinks beyond self, thinking of the other. I mean WOW! Well as though that were not enough, as we were breaking down last night I remembered that my friends father had just come in town to visit. Visits are far and few between so I knew how much he longed to be at his home with his family. I tried multiple times, in some manner almost wanting to physically remove him, but he insisted, "You need help tonight and hey, that's what it's all about." DANG! Twice now. The truth is, this heart and attitude is an example of the many that I get to serve with each week and it challenges me daily. I want to say thank you to my friend whom God has used to remind me to continually think of others beyond myself. John Mills you set the bar!

Daddy's Arms

Well as I sit and write this entry, I am praying that I did not catch my daughters illness. This past Tuesday evening, Eliana and I were down visiting my friend Chris Cinnamon and his young son, while my wife Erin hosted a baby shower in our home. I had noticed that Eliana had not been feeling well, but she was still in good spirits. Within moments of sitting down at the table to share an incredible bowl of chili and grilled cheese sandwich, Eliana walked over and exploded all over the carpet and couch. This was a great display of projectile vomit. WOW! I had no idea a little girl her size could manage such volume. Needless to say it was a prolonged evening. The highlight of the evening was me holding Eliana in the shower as she continued to expel any remnants of what remained in her little belly. I tried to comfort her by saying "It's was going to be okay" and "just let it go". For the last several days I have continued to think about how God gives us glimpses of Himself and the relationship he longs to have with us. As I have thought about that moment, my mind has continued to drift back to the evening that I confessed my sin to God and vowed to make Christ the Lord and Savior of my life. That was a moment that in a metaphor, God held me and allowed me to cast all my sin/vomit upon Him. It was as though he were replaying, "Let it go...that's why my Son died for You". My relationship with the Heavenly Father continues to show me the kind of dad I want to be. You see, just has I longed to hold my child at her lowest point, God longs to hold His children in our lowest. The truth is that we are all sick apart from God. Gods arms are open to all of us, may we not fear casting our sin/vomit upon Him.

Polkapalooza 07'

This past New Year's Eve, we were invited to participate in what would later be termed...Polkapalooza 07'. It was an absolute incredible evening of food, meeting new people, music, and fireworks. Some of the highlights of the evening included Guitar Hero on the big screen, various musical performances, and a fireworks display that literally kept us on our toes. Needless to say, one firework came a little too close. Our friends Rita and Kyle Polk have set the bar for what it means to show hospitality and love to those around them. These two completely opened there home so that people from Greenville to Charleston might connect and celebrate the coming of the new year. Kyle and Rita's love and enjoyment of people is just one of the many reasons Erin and I enjoy them so much. Please check out more pictures of Polkapolooa 07' -- here.

Sick Little One

Well as I type, my little girl is standing between me and the computer wanting to know "where Cookie go?" It is amazing how a little girl with a fever still has the energy to request one of her most favorite things in the world-a fury blue monster that loves cookies. If it were up to my daughter she would live on Sesame Street, but until then she has to settle for the Youtube versions. If you would like to see two of her most favorite Sesame Street segments, click on Cookie Monster or Elmo.

New Beginnings

Well today I am stepping foot into the world of blogging. My commitment level to many things says that this will not last more than a few weeks or months. Never the less....I begin. I am not sure exactly what things I will write about. Will it be primarily about myself, my family, my friends, relationship with Christ? I assume it will vary from entry to entry, as it probably should. I welcome you all and look forward to any and all comments. Happy New Year and may you be willing to start the thing you have been putting off. Best wishes to your new beginnings.