Kimberly

David, Patty, Jennifer, Kimberly (around 1982)

Kimberly and Jennifer (around 1979)

David, Patty, Jennifer, Kimberly (around 1988)

Kimberly came to visit me at college (1998)

     I have two older sisters and one younger brother.  We are each three years apart.  Kimberly and I are the middle children.  We grew up with our bedrooms right next door to each other and we shared many experiences together.  We both loved Christmas time and enjoyed decorating the tree together.  On Christmas morning, we both eagerly anticipated that seventh bong of the grandfather clock when we could race to our stockings and open them up.  Mine always had an apple in the toe and Kimberly's always had an orange.  Santa knew our favorites.  We both practiced our musical instruments diligently each day in our family's music room.  Sometimes we played piano duets (or trios with David).  We watched Disney movies and favorite TV shows together of "Little House on the Prairie," "Avonlea," "Perfect Strangers," "Full House," and "Cosby Show."  We lay on our tummies together on the living room floor and watched the fish swim around in our awesome fish tank that was an eight foot tall cylinder.  And, we sometimes played games on our computer together (Kimberly was always so good at technology).  Good memories of childhood.  

     I always admired Kimberly's abilities as a student.  I struggled in school (especially math and science) and Kimberly thrived in all subject areas.  I will forever be grateful for the time Kimberly spent helping me learn my Spanish the summer of 1997.  For two and a half months, I attended my Spanish classes from 8 to 3 at U of M in Morris and then came home and Kimberly was my tutor in the afternoons and evenings.  She was an excellent teacher.  She was so patient with me.  She knew how to build upon what I had mastered to help me move forward in my skills.  I look back on that time together very fondly.

    I have also always admired Kimberly's ability on the cello.  She has a very musical touch.  It is inspiring to listen to her play.  She can read music AND play by ear.  Sometimes Kimberly plays her cello during worship time at her church and she has to make up her own part.  A person would never guess she is making it up as she goes!  I have enjoyed playing string quartet music together when my siblings and I get together.  We are the "Iverson String Quartet," but have only performed a couple of times.  Kimberly majored in Music Education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

    My siblings and I grew up being fascinated by other cultures.  

After graduation Patty lived in Japan, I traveled with Up With People, David moved to the mountains of Tennessee, and Kimberly?  She did a two year mission trip to Papua, New Guinea and later a two year mission trip to Thailand!  She was very adventurous and I have always admired that.  In Papua, New Guinea she was a teacher for the missionary children there.  She sent home to us postcards made of bark, and shoulder bags called Bilums made of colorful yarn.  She told stories of talking in a language called Pigeon that seemed to be a mishmash of English baby talk and other languages.  Her photographs were fascinating.  Later, in Thailand, she studied the music of different people groups.  She was doing a project to complete her degree in Ethnomusicology.  Again, her photographs were amazing.  She gave me a doll wearing a beautiful blue Thai outfit, playing a traditional Thai musical instrument.  Kimberly always did understand my love of dolls.  

     I've mentioned Kimberly's photographs a couple times.  Kimberly is very good at taking pictures.  At times when I would never think to take a picture, she has already taken ten!  She knows how to frame the subject and use the best lighting.  My grandpa and my dad were both great photographers and I think she takes after them.  She inspires me to take more pictures!

    In 2010 Kimberly married her husband, David.  They had a lovely wedding on the campus of St. Olaf in Northfield and then settled down to live in Northfield.  They now have two darling children named Kit and Tia.  I have enjoyed watching Kimberly become a devoted mother.  Her children simply adore her.  Once when Kimberly had to be away from home for a few hours and my mom was babysitting, Mom said to Kit, "Pretty soon your mom will be home and then..."  Kit interrupted and said, "And then the kids will be happy!"  So cute!  Both children are smiley and loving and smart.  Kimberly and David are doing a great job with them.                

At Kimberly's lovely wedding (2010)

The Iverson String Quartet (Thanksgiving 2012)

Kimberly's beautiful family (2014)

Kimberly with daughter, Tia (visiting Walnut Grove in 2014)



LuAnn

Jennifer and LuAnn on a Maple Grove shopping trip

     I have a friend named LuAnn.  She was one of my first friends in Becker.  When I left my friends at my small Christian school in southern Minnesota, I prayed that God would provide me with friends in my new public school in central Minnesota.  And, just as he has proven himself faithful over and over again, God was faithful to provide such friends.  LuAnn's third grade classroom was next door to my third grade classroom back in 2003.  
     Each day after school, we had great conversations about the joys and struggles of teaching, our busy everyday lives, and our ever- growing faith in God.  After that one year at the Intermediate School, I moved across the parking lot to the Primary School to teach second grade.  I have been there ever since.  I miss seeing my friend at school, but we stay caught up through phone conversations, walks, and fun outings together.
    For quite a few years LuAnn and I attended the Women of Faith conference together in Minneapolis.  We listened to fabulous speakers and worshipped with talented musicians.  It was always an inspirational time and I'm so glad I got to share that experience with a good friend.  We don't attend the conference any more, but we often exchange books by Christian authors with each other and talk about how we see God at work in our lives.            

Jennifer and LuAnn at Women of Faith

     LuAnn and I like to take shopping trips together.  Craft stores are our favorites because we both love creating art.  We enjoy shopping for other things too.  One time we were on the lookout for lemon decorations for LuAnn's kitchen.  That was fun!  Another time we were searching for the perfect presents for our husbands.  We once bought matching denim skirts from Eddie Bauer.  Who can resist a good sale?  Our latest adventure brought us to the world of Whole Foods.    

     We also both enjoy walking.  We can often be seen walking the school hallways in the afternoons or evenings.  The positive endorphins are good for our brains.  But, the best part is getting to spend time together in conversation.  LuAnn always encourages me.  We never run out of things to talk about!

     LuAnn has a beautiful family.  Some of my favorite memories of her kids include Angela's 12th birthday party at the Mall of America, listening to them play piano, pool parties and horse rides (when my nephews were visiting).  LuAnn and Dan have a beautiful, welcoming home.  

The Kaspers

     LuAnn inspires me to be the best me I can be.  Faith, Family, and Friends... that is what is most important to her.  When I find myself losing sight of priorities in life, LuAnn inspires me to step back and remember that Faith, Family, and Friends are what it's all about.  When I start to worry about the future, LuAnn reminds me that God is in control and wants His best for me.  So, if I lose my job (for example) then God must be using that opportunity to bring me to something better.  Nothing happens by accident.  God has His children in the palm of His hand.  I'm thankful God gave me LuAnn for a friend.  

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:

http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html       

Pauline

Pauline and Jen in North Dakota (1999)

     Pauline and I met in college and were roommates our junior and senior years.  I have wonderful memories of those days.  Laughter, talks, prayers, baking, friends, and fun!  Pauline was an excellent student and was also very involved in campus ministry.  She knew she wanted to be a pastor someday.  We had good theological discussions and I enjoyed reading her papers.  I knew she'd be an excellent pastor some day... and she is!  

     Pauline grew up as a missionary kid in Cameroon and Senegal, Africa.  I was always fascinated by the stories she told.  One time she got to be the guest speaker at a convention for ELCA Missionaries.  She spoke about the ups and downs of being a missionary kid.  I was so proud of my friend!  I have always enjoyed visiting with her parents when they were home from the mission field too.  Their home base was near Minot, North Dakota.  I have fond memories of sitting on a hay bale with Pauline looking over their pretty farm with the creek nearby and rolling hills all around us.  No place does sunsets as beautifully as North Dakota.  

     The summers in-between college, Pauline enjoyed working at Camp of The Cross on beautiful Lake Sakakwea near Garrison, North Dakota.  I visited her many times and even volunteered there a few times.  Pauline was the perfect camp counselor - loud and crazy, joyful and fun... and really good at rope tricks!  The kids loved her!  After college, Pauline worked at camp full time.  Camp is where she met her husband, Larry.  They were made for each other!    

 Graduating in 2000

Henna! 

 Pauline and Jen

The wedding day of Pauline and Larry in 2003 

     Larry and Pauline were married at a small church near Stanley, North Dakota where Larry's family farm is located.  They had a lovely ceremony on a Sunday morning (as part of the church service).  There was one bridesmaid (me) and a groomsman and a flower girl.  Our friend, Amy, came to provide beautiful flute music too. Afterwards, everyone went to the community center for a festive potluck reception.  It was an exciting, emotional day.

     Larry and Pauline lived at Camp of the Cross for the first few years of their marriage.  They had two happy boys (Joshua and Michael).  I am godmother to both of them!  Pauline began her seminary training, which led them to the Twin Cities for a short time and then on to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota for Pauline's internship.  It was fun having them closer to Becker.  Larry was always very patient with us while we played piano duets, sang hymns, watched Anne of Green Gables, put Henna on our toes and hands, giggled and talked for hours on end, and played with the boys.  But, I think he was glad when Todd came around in 2008, so he could have another man to visit with when we got together!  Todd and Larry never run out of things to talk about!     

Michael's baptism

 I love being godmother to Joshua and Michael

     Pauline and her family now live in Bowdon, North Dakota where Pauline is the pastor for three different churches.  Her boys are in second and fifth grade.  They love school and are involved in music.  Pauline and Larry are fabulous parents!  Larry has built his own shop in town and has a ministry of his own to all the men of the community.  Pauline and her three "boys" just fit right in to life in Bowdon (and are making it better for the other residents).  Todd and I enjoy visiting them when we can.  It is fun to see Joshua and Michael growing older and developing wonderful personalities, just like their parents.  

     Pauline inspires me in so many ways.  She is always ready with an encouraging word and a big smile.  She loves life and loves God.  She is dedicated to serving Him.  She inspires me to live like that too.       

Pastor Pauline of Bowdon, North Dakota (2014)

Joshua with Bob, the cat

Michael with his mom

Our most recent visit (June of 2014)

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:
http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Rebecca

Standpartners at Concordia in 1996

At a Texas Rodeo in 2007

I met Rebecca my freshman year of college (1996).  We were stand partners in the Concordia College Orchestra and became fast friends.  I will forever be grateful to Mr. Hoglum for putting us together.  He was an inspiring conductor and we all loved him.  We had such fun writing quotes from Mr. Hoglum on our music: "dead chickens" and "swoosh!" are two I vividly remember scribbling onto the music.  Rebecca and I had stand partner bracelets and matching Concordia Orchestra sweatshirts. She had a love of languages and taught me how to say, "beautiful music" in Russian.  We laughed a lot.  Rebecca has a wonderful sense of humor.  I remember having a blast on tour together too.  Fun memories!  Rebecca was only at Concordia that one year.  We were going to be roommates sophomore year.  I was so sad to see her go.  
     The Concordia Christmas concert was a major highlight for both Rebecca and me.  Rebecca wrote about her experience:  "[I remember] coming to tears because our Christmas concert was so powerful and sounded so amazing that it overwhelmed me to realize I was a part of such a group."  I remember that feeling too and it was all the more powerful sharing it with a friend.  Neither Rebecca nor I were music majors, so we were both choosing to spend our time in the Orchestra, knowing this may be our once in a lifetime experience with such a fine group.      
     Rebecca had a passion for the violin that inspired me.  She considered being a music major, but fell in love with Latin instead!  She explained it well in an email to me, "I loved music, but poured blood and sweat (yes, my fingers had bled before!) into it to get where I was, and would have to continue that pace in order to keep my edge.  It was part of me and a beautiful hobby, but it didn't come to me as naturally as the Romans and Latin and getting others fired up about it.  Call me weird.  But, all Latin teachers are; I consider it a badge of honor."
    Rebecca's Latin teachers inspired her in her studies and later in her vocation.  She wrote, "I had two teachers that kindled my interest of languages into a bonfire of passion for the language and culture."  These teachers encouraged Rebecca to compete in the Junior Classical League as well.    
    Rebecca taught Latin in Texas for a number of years, but she stays home with her daughters now.  She writes, "Teaching is a very close second to me (after motherhood) as my dream job and most important job in the world.  You have all this time, every day, you spend with the same people, so why not make everyone benefit from that time and when we all go home for the day, let's be able to say, 'I left today better off than I came into it.'  That, and everyone expects Latin teachers to be weird, so I can be myself and no one is surprised!"
    Rebecca went on to write,  "It is so empowering to empower others with a classical education.  It's not just about the Latin itself.  It teaches you how to think logically, expands the vocabulary, promotes perseverance and patience, builds the ability to memorize, teaches you about your own culture and language, your place in the world, a sense of heritage, and the interconnectedness of it all."   
    In 2002 I had the opportunity to visit Rebecca in Colorado and then in 2007 I got to visit her in Texas.  Both were such joyful reunions!  We laughed a ton!  We did sight seeing and played violin duets together and made new memories.  In Texas, I got to meet her daughter, Kaitlyn.  What a doll and she is one smart cookie too!  I haven't met Hunter or Nessa yet, but I look forward to the day when I can!  What a beautiful family!



Rebecca and Hunter

Rebecca with Nessa and Kaitlyn

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project click here:

http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Sister-in-law Julia

David and Julia and I at Cousin Kia's wedding

     I grew up with two older sisters and one younger brother.  One by one we left home to attend college.  David chose St. Olaf and I'm glad he did because that is where he met his wife, Julia.  They actually met in the Men's Chorus!  Julia is an amazing oboe player.  When she plays it sounds like beautiful singing.  So, Julia was the oboist for a piece with the St. Olaf Men's Chorus and that is where the magic began.  I'm so glad God brought them together because I soon found that I not only had a new sister, but a new friend too.  

     Julia always amazes me with her art: making puppets out of pipe cleaners and googly eyes, upcycling old crayons to make new, using magazine clippings and card stock to make cards, creating pop-out paper projects, and recycling Winnie the Pooh wallpaper border by turning cut out pieces into flannel board characters.  Julia was doing Pinterest projects before Pinterest existed.  She is naturally creative and that inspires me.  Her sweet daughter, Anna, often wants to do crafts with her mom (or anyone who visits).  They have a whole bin of craft supplies that are four-year-old friendly!

     Julia is also the kind of artist that Emily P. Freeman talks about in her book, A Million Little Ways.  She describes an artist as: "A person who is brave enough to move toward what makes her come alive."  She describes art as: "What happens when you dare to be who you really are; when what is most alive in you is offered as a gift to others."

     Julia is an artist with her words.  Did you know you can get a degree in Storytelling?  It's true!  Julia has a BA degree in Psychology from St. Olaf and a Master's degree in Storytelling from the University of Tennessee in Johnson City.  I once got to hear Julia perform one of her stories at a Storytelling Concert in Northfield.  It was amazing!  Julia artistically described a time when she was a girl and her barbie doll got stuck in a tree.  As she shared her tale, the audience roared with laughter!  It was a gift to her audience.  I see Julia cultivating this gift for story and language with her daughters.  She tells them stories and they recreate stories together using props.  Her household is rich with literacy activities.  You would be amazed at the vocabulary of David and Julia's four year old daughter, Anna.  Spending her days with stay-at-home-mom Julia has had a wonderful impact on Anna (and sister, Naomi).      

   Julia is an expert at the art of conversation.  A mutual friend recently wrote this on Julia's Facebook page, "I will take advantage of this moment to share with you how very much I appreciate the genuine connection and friendship you always cultivate with everyone you meet. That blesses me more than I can say. You are truly loved, Julia."   

    I so agree with this friend's words.  And, I want to echo them.  Julia knows how to connect with people on a deeper level (when most people are still talking about the weather).  She asks wonderful questions and is able to get even the most reluctant conversationalist to chat away for hours at a time.  One would think that with Julia being such an amazing story teller that she would dominate all conversations, but honestly, it is the opposite.  Julia cares about other people and wants to hear what others have to say.  She is fascinated with their stories and just wants to hear more and more.  It is an art and Julia has mastered it.  She inspires me!      

     Julia is an artist in the ways she makes a difference in the lives of the "Needy."  Talk to Julia for more than a few minutes and you find out she is very passionate about helping others.  She is constantly on the lookout for good deals of supplies to put into Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  She even makes her own gifts to add to the shoeboxes as well.  After visiting Haiti on a mission trip, she spent time brainstorming ideas for how to help the artists there.  Feed My Starving Children is another of Julia's favorite ministries.  She created a fundraiser for them:  A Chocolate Fair!  It was amazing and tons of money was raised.  She inspires me to look for ways I can help others too.      

The Iversons

Julia with daughter, Anna

Julia with daughter, Naomi

Missionary #1 (Stateside)

Three bridesmaids at the wedding of Missionary #1

     I have a friend who is a missionary.  She isn't the traditional kind of internationally traveling missionary whom whole churches support.  But, she does move around a lot with her family and she has a big impact on the people God puts into her life.  You see, this friend is a military wife.  She and her husband and kids have lived all over the United States and have learned what it means to be a military family.  Their children have known the ups and downs of moving around a lot.  And, on top of all that, they have chosen to do foster care too!  This is definitely a friend who inspires me.  She sounds perfect for my blog series of, "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me."
     I asked this friend to write and tell me what it is like for her and her family to move around so much.  They move locations about every three years.  She appreciates the opportunity they have to experience so many different places and cultures and historical sights right here in their own country.  Her children have also gotten to know a variety of people from many different cultures.  She writes, "They are very accepting of people who look different than they do because they have lived in so many different areas of the country.  At one duty station, all of our neighbors were foreign military, so our kids were friends with neighbors from Greece, Korea, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.  It was a good experience for all of us to share their food, listen to their language, and observe their traditions."
     She went on to write, "Our kids are very resilient - moving every few years and having their friends move is completely normal for them.  Because of this, they are also quick to befriend the new kid at school.  But, it would be nice if they didn't have to be resilient.  It is a huge adjustment for them to start a new school year every 2-3 years and to make new friends."  She went on to explain how the biggest downfall to being a military family is being so far away from grandparents and other family and friends.  She wrote, "A 2-week, intense, pack-it-all-in relationship with family is much different than when you are able to spend time more often.  We have a lot of friends, but most of them are long-distance relationships.  By the time we make good friends at one location, either they or we have to move again."  Imagine their list of Christmas cards each year!
     I asked my friend how being part of the larger military family is like a ministry and her answer inspires me.  She writes, "We make new friends and acquaintances and have new neighbors every few years.  This is a lot of people to befriend, minister to, and show Jesus to!  Instead of going out to find new people to minister to outside of our current circle, God drops us into a new group of people every few years.  We also have friends and neighbors at each duty station who deploy.  We are able to minister to the family at home - meals, babysitting, and encouraging them."  
     Sounds like a wonderful ministry to me!  And, her words remind me that God intentionally puts each one of us where we are in order to have an impact on the people around us.  I believe God chooses the children for my second grade class each year, but my friend's words remind me that he has also placed me around neighbors and acquaintances and co-workers for a reason too.  May I show Jesus' love to them!   
    In addition to the ministry she has with military families, my friend also offers herself and her family to the ministry of foster care.  She writes, "We decided to start doing foster care because we love kids and have a heart for kids who need a little extra love.  Our journey started with the intent to adopt internationally, but we couldn't find a program that would accept us - we wouldn't live in one location long enough to finish the long adoption process.  We stumbled (or rather God guided us!) onto foster care online and the rest is history.  This is exactly where God wanted us to be all along!"  I love that story!  There is no better place to be than in the center of God's will!    
    One of the challenges of combining military life with foster care life is that each time they move to a new state, they have to get re-licensed for foster care!  That makes for lots of paperwork and months of waiting for it to be processed.  Despite all that, over the last couple years, two baby boys have lived with them.  My friend writes, "We consider foster care to be one of our ministries.  When we started, we expected to just love on these kids, but as our year with the boys progressed, we realized their families needed love, too.  They wanted to be good parents, but didn't know how, as they hadn't had good role models.  So, we can take care of the kids in our home - love them and teach them about Jesus - and we can also love on their parents.  That is often very difficult, but we might be the only hands and feet of Jesus that they see."  What inspiring words of wisdom!  As I teach students and communicate with their parents, may I remember these words too.  I'm thankful there are families out there, like my friend's family who are willing to give and love and share..... they are the ones making this world a better place!
    Blog readers, remember to pray for military families.  They sacrifice so much!  And, remember to pray for families opening their homes and their hearts to foster care.  It's not an easy job.  I'm blessed by the friendship of Missionary #1, and inspired by her life and ministry.  May God bless her and her family!       

To find out more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:
http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Karin

Trying on silly hats at my 15th or 16th birthday party 

     I would like to introduce you to Karin.  Karin and I met in sixth grade when we had the same teacher.  As the years passed we enjoyed birthday parties and sleepovers and shopping and all those girly things.  We both loved music and we had the same piano teacher so sometimes we played duets together.  In high school we were in the Carolers together.  Karin had a wonderful alto voice and was very musical.  She was a great student too... top of our class!  We both wrote for the school newspaper.  We both loved kids and enjoyed leading music for VBS together.  Karin was talented, smart, kind, and lots of fun.  I always felt proud to be her friend.    

Singing in Carolers together (1994)

     But, the most important thing I need to tell you about Karin is that she loved Jesus.  She wanted everyone to know Him.  And, so when we were 15 years old Karin asked me to join her Discipleship group with her mentor, Lynn.  We met every Wednesday night before youth group at First Baptist Church in Alexandria.  Each week we talked about Jesus and salvation and God's plan for His children.  Then one week only Karin and I were at Discipleship.  She got out a little pink booklet entitled, "Your Most Important Relationship."  Using that booklet Karin led me to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We prayed together and then that night I went home and prayed to Jesus again all on my own.  I remember the amazing feeling that swept over me.  It was peace and relief and joy all at once.  That experience changed my life forever.  Karin and some friends got together to buy me a Student Bible since all I had was my Good News Bible from third grade.  I was so excited to read my new Bible.  Everything became so real for me and God was so alive.  I would come each week to Discipleship with questions about my faith.  Karin and Lynn would do their best to answer each one.  I am so very grateful to both of them for taking that time for me.  I'm sure Jesus and the angels were dancing for joy as they watched us meeting together!

My Student Bible and the little pink booklet...

     Karin and I met often to have Bible studies or to pray together or quiz each other on our latest memory verse.  Sometimes we even met in the piano practice rooms at school for a quick time of prayer during our lunch break.  Karin wanted everyone to know Jesus personally and even the presents she gave to people reflected that.  I remember one year when she came to school with glass canning jars filled with hot cocoa powder and an envelope full of strips of red paper.  On each piece of paper were encouraging Bible verses.  The idea was to finish up the hot cocoa and then put the verses into the jar and pull out an encouraging verse whenever you needed one.  I still use those red verses as bookmarks for my Bible.  Many of them I have memorized.  I remember a mixed tape that Karin made for me full of awesome Christian songs.  She introduced me to groups like DC Talk and singers like Pam Thum.  We would get together and sing songs together like, "As the Deer" and "All In All."  She was always thinking of ways to encourage her friends in their faith.  She was an inspiration.    

     Karin and I graduated from high school in 1995.  I was headed off to Up With People and she was set to attend college.  Before I left, Karin threw me a surprise going-away party.  It was so very sweet of her.  It was so good to see our friends before we all went our separate ways.  I was so touched that Karin did that for me.  There was even a time of prayer.  I will never forget that.  There were some hard days in Up With People, but knowing I had Christian friends like Karin praying for me back home made it so much easier.  As the Michael W. Smith song states, "Friends are friends forever when the Lord's the Lord of them!"    

Sara, Jennifer, Karin (1995)

     Karin is married now to a wonderful Christian man named Mike and they have four beautiful children.  I attended their worship-filled wedding and have gotten to meet Mike a couple times.  I'm so happy the Lord brought them together.  When I got married, Karin sent me a copy of the book Love and Respect and mentioned that it had had a powerful impact on their marriage.
    Karin and I haven't kept in touch very closely, but I have no doubt that she is sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she meets.  She recently went on a mission trip to Africa.  That was a dream come true for her.  Seeing her photos on Facebook made my heart happy.  Karin continues to inspire me to share Jesus' love with others and to watch God at work all around me.  He is so good!  To Him be the glory!  

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:  
http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html