The Browning Tribune

Photo by Shanoah Bri Photography I never knew marriage would be this sweet! Hey friends,  It has been over a year since I have blogged. I was afraid of being the girl who blogged about her boyfriend so I held back.  A lot has changed since I last wrote a blog and I thought it was time to write about something that has been on my heart for a while. Before I dive in, I will give you a little life update. I now live in Colorado, I work full time at a middle school while finishing my BA online. I lead high school Young Life and WyldLife now. The best news is that I got MARRIED! This blog is coming to you from Jourdyn BROWNING and I am married ANDY BROWNING on December 28, 2019! I always wanted to get married, but sometimes the thought of being a wife overwhelmed me and did not seem exciting. I also did not expect to get married at twenty-two, but as Thomas Rhett says "when we make plans we hear God laughing." I thought being a good wife meant cooking meals with an ap...

Do they see Jesus when they see me? If you are the slightest bit outdoorsy you have probably at least heard of Patagonia. As a Young Lifer, I love to show off my Patagonia gear. Honestly the location of the Patagonia Outlet played a role when it came time for me to decide where to attend college. While I chose University Montana Western for many reasons, the Patagonia Outlet was definitely one of them. A few of my friends who are not as familiar with the brand have told me that anytime they see Patagonia they think of me. This was so sweet to hear and such a compliment that people associate me with my favorite outdoor brand. It got me thinking I wonder what people think of when they interact with me. I thought about what I want people to see. I thought about the first impression I want to give when I meet a new person. I want to be kind and inviting. I want people to feel comfortable around me. Just looking at me I want people to see a hint that I might enjoy spending time outs...

The Lord does not just think, He knows.  The other day I woke up to the sun coming in the window at 6 a.m. Not being much of a morning person I was not ready to get up, so I laid in bed thinking and praying what was on my heart. Then my mind began to wonder to a place which is very familiar to my brain. I thought about the day a guy might look at me and say I'm beautiful and be ecstatic to be with me. I thought about that for a few minutes and a mix of emotions came over me. I thought "Why hasn't that ever happened to me?" and "When it actually happens it will be beautiful." Then I got out of bed to get ready for the day and looked in the mirror. I felt the Holy Spirit come over me and whisper "You are beautiful." My beauty does not come from what others think of me it comes from my creator.  "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know this full well"  Psalm 139:14 Then a...

It's not about denomination it is about Jesus. Hey friends! It has been a while since I have wrote and I thought it might be time I share what has been on my heart for a while.  While I call myself a Christian, I also know that my belief in Jesus goes beyond the label. Also when asked I do not really identify with a denomination. I have been to Baptist, Evangelical, and Nondenominational churches. I have been to traditional and new age churches. I truly believe no matter the circumstances, it is all about Jesus.  Over the past couple months people in my life have took notice of the way I live my life. Not everyone was a Christ follower, but they opened up to me and wondered why I live the way I do. They took note of the fact that I don't drink because I am not of legal age yet, they noticed the way I interact with people, they noticed my integrity, and more. Some people even talked to me about it. This opened up a conversation about what they believe in their he...

Freedom looks good on me! Sometimes I struggle with the fact that I have never had a real relationship. I begin to wonder what is wrong with me. I see couples all around me, my social media is flooded with  adventurous relationships, and the most discouraging part is that I am never the friend to get hit on. I remember one time I was at dinner with one of my girl friends, when this guy left his number with us and she said to me that he meant for her to have it not me. I have never been the friend to get the digits or the one to get asked on a date. I have never been the girl in the friend group with a boyfriend.  When I think too deep about this it makes me want to cry, but then I remember how lucky I am for the opportunity to enjoy this special time. I get to be independent. As a single girl I get beautiful opportunities I might not have offers coming my way every time I turn around, but I get to discover my worth and who I am on my own. I know when a boy falls for ...

Last April I wrote a letter to myself. A friend of mine had it and mailed it to me when the time was right. I got this letter in the mail a couple weeks ago and it really hit home. It was exactly what I needed and I thought it might encourage you too. ________________________________________________________________________________ Jourdyn!                                                                                                                             April 2, 2017 I know what you have been though. You have had a wild ride. God has shaped you. He has pulled you closer. Those mistakes you made are covered in grace . God's grace wins! Even though times might...