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May I talk frankly. This time last year, my heart was aching because my three children had flown from the nest. It was a time of pondering my new nest and reorienting. Never in a million years would I have imagined that 2009 would hold journeys to Europe and Asia. This year, my heart is full of new faces. Faces of women from over 22 nationalities. Women who long to know God deeply. One particular petite Japanese woman's voice, spoken in broken English, resonates in my ear every day. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," she whispered into my ear while hugging my neck. "You add strength to my heart. Now I go on. Now I go home and be strong. Thank you, thank you, thank you," she wept. Her tears streamed down my neck. She wouldn't let go and I didn't want her to. Her words infused renewed vigor into my passion for teaching the Word and ministering to women. It has nothing to do with charisma or intellect or educational background or personal flair. No, it has everything to do with God's powerful movement in the crevices of my heart. Her words have become the battle cry of my mission to speak and write God's truth. The (2) videos below offer even more of a glimpse into my heart concerning ministering to women and families.
Personal
Janell has been married to Rob since 1984 and resides in Virginia with their three children and faithful golden retriever. She holds a B.S. Degree in Home Economics/Merchandising from James Madison University (1981) and furthered her postgraduate studies at Old Dominion University (1983) in Distributive Education. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Services/Marriage and Family Specialization, through the Distance Learning Program of Liberty University. As a young woman, Janell held the title of Miss Chesapeake (1980), Miss Portsmouth (1982) and Miss Norfolk (1983), competing in The Miss Virginia Pageant (a Miss America Preliminary) in 1980 and 1983, where she tap-danced her way into the Top Ten.
Janell and Rob's three children:
Brooke, Grant and Candace
(Spring 2009)
(Spring 2009)
Copyright 2008 Janell Rardon Site by Fuerte Design
Seasons of Change
August 2008 brought Janell face-to-face with one more life-changing event . . . the empty nest. Twins Brooke (the adorable brunette on the left) and Grant (the tall, dashing young man in the middle) headed off to college and Candace (2008 Phi Beta Kappa graduate from The University of Virginia) embarked on a world adventure, first to London and then to New Zealand). To top it off, they all left in the course of three weeks! Sighing deeply, Janell says, “This season is another one of those ‘oceans of emotions’ that motherhood brings. But I realize they are doing exactly what their father and I have raised them to do... Leave. Pursue their dreams. Follow their passions.” [Read more about Janell's "Three Tuesdays in August" on her blog.]
Determined to transform her empty nest into a new nest, Janell suspects that she will finally have breathing room and creative space to pursue God’s call with even greater zeal! It is her earnest desire to dig into God’s Word, search for rich treasure, fashion it into strong biblical teaching, and inspire women and families all over the world to be rock-solid followers of God.
and receive your free "Family Heart Checkup"!
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VIDEO: Janell introduces herself on YouTube!
Writing
Janell is the author of Rock Solid Families, a spiritual training manual that summarizes twelve powerful principles spiritually strong families have in common. It is a bright ray of hope in a world where families are fractured, frazzled, and falling apart. She is currently working on other book projects including, From Valley2Vista: Face the Tests of Life with a Triumphant Spirit and The Message of Two Mirrors: A Young Woman's Guide to Understanding Her Spiritual Identity. Janell is also pleased to share that she has a story in the March 2009 release of Chicken Soup for the Twins' Soul. Pick it up at your favorite bookstore today!
Music by Candace Rardon
From My Heart 2 Yours
