Today’s post is extra special and a little off topic from my usual posts. When I was sixteen, I met THE most handsome seventeen year old guy that I had EVER seen. The night I met him, I told my mom that I wanted to marry him. (Mom can confirm :) ) I was smitten from the very beginning. I’m sure how handsome he was had a little something to do with it. That smile and blond hair….he was dreamy. But what attracted me to him the most was that he seemed different from the other guys. The way he carried himself, interacted with others, and respected others drew me in. He was confident, but not arrogant. He was funny, but not loud and obnoxious. He had this kindness and gentleness in his eyes. As we started dating, he began pursuing my heart in a way that sent me the message that this was for real.
I’ll never forget that Barn Dance where we were each on a date with someone else. We never talked or danced together that night. But as I was leaving, I saw him sitting at a picnic table, and his kind eyes were locked on ME….and right then I knew, that somehow, someway, he would find a way to get us together. My heart wanted to be with him, but I couldn’t see how that was going to work out. But he did. And that’s all I needed to know.
During the five and a half years that we dated, I noticed my heart would hurt at the thought of things not working out with him. I noticed when we were apart, in two different cities for awhile, that my heart would literally hurt because I just missed his so much. It was during these dating years, that I started really writing in my journals because it was my way of surrendering this thing that I wanted so badly to the Lord. Because I was so afraid that I was going to mess something up. So I wrote and wrote and prayed and prayed that God would let Brian and I be together if it was His will. Now it’s amazing when I think about how not only did God KNOW back then, when we first met, that we were each other’s perfect match, but that He also saw our marriage and our three little boys that would come later. Boggles my mind.
5 1/2 years of dating, 12 years of marriage later….Brian turns 35 today. He is still as handsome as ever. :) What I love about Brian is that he makes me feel so loved. I love that he has loved me all these years as I have stumbled and tripped along this path of growing with Jesus. I love that he listens to my ideas, dreams, and announcements of….”I think I want to dance; I want to have a baby; I want to dance; I don’t want to dance; I think I want to teach; I just want to be a mom……on and on and on….” He always knows just what to say. And God has used his answers to guide me on my way. I’ll never forget the time I told him I had been thinking that I might want to try to write a devotional book for dancers. In my head, I was thinking of all of the obstacles, like the fact that I had not gone to college. I tentatively told him this little desire of my heart….and he said something like, “You can totally do it!” I love that he was the one who encouraged me to start a blog, he was the one who bought me my purple iPad to encourage me to do God’s work, and he is now my “blog manager.”
I love that he is my husband, best friend, and team mate in raising our three boys. His parents, grandparents, and family’s influence on his life is undeniable too. I’m so thankful for how they all helped raise him up to be a man after God’s own heart. This might be my longest post yet, sorry! I want to finish with what Brian’s family loves about him……
- Sherrie & Steve – Brian was the first grandchild and everyone and their brother was at the hospital including his dad’s high school football coach! Let’s just say Brian set the bar super high. I remember Mom (Grandmommy) saying “there must be something wrong with him because he doesn’t cry!” Here is what we appreciate about him the most: Being a great husband to Sarah and wonderful dad to Camp, Cooper, and Colt; He instills the joy of reading to his family; we can call him if we have an accounting, tax, or computer question; He is always willing to help anyone; most of all He lives for the Lord and loves his family. You can write his name by Proverbs 10:9: “A man of integrity walks securely”.
- Haley, Molly, Stephen, and Michelle – We love you cousin Brian!
- John – What I love about Brian is his consistency, friendship, kindness, and humor. He’s never changed who he is and is always true to himself, his family, and his faith.
- Kate – What I love about Brian is the way that he loves his family – his wife, his sons, and his extended family. I so appreciate the way that he welcomed me into the family, and it has been a privilege to watch Brian (& Sarah) parent and love their kids so well. He is a great role model!
- Grandmother – I love everything about Brian, what is there not to love about him?
- Papaw – I love Brian’s dimples and great smile as well as his love for his family and friends and life in general. He is very intelligent and considerate of others, what a blessing to have him for a grandson!
- Aunt Sallie – What I love about Brian is that he is so sweet and quiet mannered…I just love that about him and he is always such a gentleman!
- Brenda – What I love about Brian is that he has been a great example to me of what a Godly husband and dad should look like. I’ve watched him love Sarah and the boys for years in hopes that one day I might find someone with these same qualities as my big brother. (and she did…..see below)
- Drew – I am most thankful for Brian for the way he has loved, respected and encouraged Brenda. He has been a perfect big brother to her and she loves him dearly. I am incredibly thankful for how he has welcomed me into the family, and the example he provides of being a loving husband and father.
- Dad/Rick -What I love about Brian is his love and devotion to the Lord and his family…his commitment to work and friends. Brian is the best son a father could ask for. I am so PROUD and blessed! Plus, he is not picky about what bed he sleeps on….haha! (mattress situation at the lake :) )
- Mom – (Beverly) What I love about Brian is that his life has always been God honoring. Whether it was doing well in school, being a sweet big brother, an encouraging husband, a loving dad or the most incredible son ever….Brian honors God in all he does & this Love in his heart blesses us all! The fruits of the Spirit as written in Galatians 5:22-23, are very evident in Brian’s life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These words describe exactly what I love about Brian. Happy Birthday Brian! Love you always, Mom xoxo
- Catherine -I love how Brian loves his boys so well! I love how he gets so much joy from being with them and raising them up to be boys/men that love the Lord as much as him! I love Brian’s humility in everything he has achieved and accomplished with work and even in raising a family! I love that Brian is true to himself…. ie: Star Wars, books, Legos, the list goes on. ;)
- Clay – I love Brian because he let me marry his beautiful younger sister…but seriously, I love that he is such a great father to his boys and a great role model for what I want to be.
- Ronnie – What I LOVE about you is your steady unshakable character, demeanor and faith. Your smile is infectious. Your love for your wife and boys is evident. And your reliance on Jesus is unmistakable. Keep on shining His Light for another 35 years and beyond.
- Kelly – I love Brian, as well as many things about him! Brian has always been kind and caring. I love that those traits have translated into being a very loving, engaged father to his boys. Happy Birthday Brian!!!
- Nancy – What I love about Brian is he is my “4th Boy”…. actually I got to “practice” with him even before Taylor was born…. and have such treasured memories of what a precious baby he was! Content and easy going…. with a smile that lights up your heart…. and dimples to die for! He easily fit into the Hinckley clan of boys and was considered another “brother” by all. I like to think that his time with the Hinckley brothers in some way contributed to his being such an outstanding dad of three sons. I often reflect on the similarities as I see those 3 stair steps of boys in his family…. Camp, Cooper, and Colt. Brian is steadfast… and approaches everything with calm assuredness. I’ve loved seeing how he has been such an avid supporter of Sarah in her dancing and now in her writing…. I love seeing their total enjoyment of just being together…. peaceful and totally content to be quietly close together. I could go on and on…. Brian, all you have done you have done with excellence… son, brother, grandson, cousin, friend, student, team member, professional, husband, son-in-law, father, brother-in-law, coach, lover of his family….You emulate Colossians 3:23… “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as unto the Lord, not to men.” And I love it that it is done with such quiet confidence and humility and steadfast love. Happy, Happy Birthday today… and know you are so loved by all the Hinckleys… and just so you know…. Your smile still lights up my heart, “4th Boy”!!
- Frank – What I love about Brian is that he exemplifies what a husband, father, son, grandson and friend should be. His Christ-like character and gentle spirit is an example for us all. The bond and love that I see in your family is so heartwarming. Your boys are watching, Brian, and they will carry forward the wonderful example you have set for them. Happy Birthday, Brian! Love, Uncle Frank
- Taylor – What I love about Brian is his loyalty and kindness. To me, Brian is like an older brother who is also a best friend. I could not ask for a better cousin. Happy Birthday Brian!!!
- Amanda – What I love about Brian is…His love for his family and witnessing what a great husband and father he is! Happy Birthday, Brian!
- Annie – What I love about Brian is his utmost love and dedication to his family. His love for Sarah and the boys is clear, and he puts them first in all he does. He is a true family man! Such a rare and important quality these days. His boys are sure to be respected men of God because of his love and devotion. Good job Brian!
- Jono – What I love about Brian is how laid back and cool he is.
- Mom and Dad (DD & Pawpaw) – What we love about Brian. Dad and I have talked and we want to let Brian know a few things we love about him. Thinking about it, we love EVERYTHING about him. Our love has grown even more over the years because we see what a great dad (but still a kid at heart) and a great husband who supports his “dreaming” wife and listens to all her dreams and her ideas. We love him for encouraging and supporting her in ballet, her writing (fantastic blog manager) and raising three wonderful boys. We love his love for Leggos, trains and playing with his boys so much. He is patient, kind, and wise. We respect him so much, his calmness, good sense, fun. I love how he sends me the Newberg Ranger report. Not too many son in laws would do that for their crazy Ranger fan, mother in law. I am honored. We knew from the first time we met him that he was special and belonged in your life. We are so proud of you Brian, and wish you the best birthday ever!!!(As Cooper would say) Love, Mom and Dad
- Granny – What I love about Brian is that he is such a great husband and father. I love to count him as one of my grandsons. Happy Birthday, Brian!
- Bob & Ally – What I love about Brian is how great of a role model he is for and his boys. Hopefully we’ll get lucky enough to have a few boys of our own someday soon! :) -Bob & Ally
- Scott – I love that he always makes time for his boys and all of their functions & games. Being that it is now 11pm and I’m just leaving the office, I can say that is no small commitment on his part. :)
- Jenn and Ben– What we love about Brian is his love, loyalty, and commitment to his family, but especially those three little boys – he teaches, spiritually guides, plays with, encourages, coaches, and mentors those boys day in and day out and it shows – they look at him with complete love, respect, and adoration. It is so fun to see! He is a great family man. Happy Birthday, Brian!
- Katie – What I love about Brian is how much he loves my sister. He has stood by her side since they were in high school and helped her to pursue her dreams of dancing and now writing. He believes in her, leads her and dreams with her. Happy birthday Brian!
- Reece – I love Brian because….Brian is a conservative Republican, class-act, great husband and father, always makes a point to catch up with me at all the family functions, loves the Rangers, and has great book recommendations. I am still grateful that Brian put together our rehearsal dinner slideshow. Happy Birthday, Brian!
- Kyle – What I love about Brian is his commitment and love for his family!
- Mel – I miss our times playing games at night because he was my competition because Sarah and Kyle don’t try very hard and don’t really care who wins….I love that he likes healthy competition! I love that he is an awesome hubby to my sis. He is meticulous and likes to read and follow directions (I have to rely on him for that). He is also a great uncle to my boys.
- Samuel – Samuel really likes Uncle B being one of the baseball coaches and that he plays Clash of Clans as Cool Daddy.
- Noah – I just really like him. :)
- Caleb – Caleb doesn’t have much to say but he loves Uncle B.
- Luke & Josiah – They love Uncle B because now they have a place to sleep because Brian put together their cribs. :)
- Grandmommy and Granddaddy – We love that we used to take Brian to the country, and he was always soooo good. We love that Brian never cried as a baby.
- Judy – What I love about Brian is…… his smile.
- Ellen – What I love about Brian is the way he values and enjoys his family.
- Karen – What I love about Brian is he always greets me with a such a kind smile!
- Camp – What I love about Daddy is it’s cool to have a Daddy who knows about Star Wars, Legos, and stuff because otherwise we wouldn’t know about that stuff. I love how Daddy knows how to play sports and how to build legos. I love how he takes us to different restaurants and how he always drives us when we go places. I love how he coaches me at baseball and that he bought my new bed.
- Cooper – I love how Daddy gives us new books from the library after he goes to work. I love how he sometimes gives us new xbox games. I love that he married Mommy. He takes us to that place where we build stuff. (Lowe’s) He coaches me at baseball. He’s funny. He goes to work so we can have tickets to games and the rodeo.
- Colt – I love Daddy because he plays games with us. He builds magnatile houses with me. I love how he cuts branches so I can build stuff with it. I love how he gets me animals for Christmas and new books from the library. I love that he built a bunk bed for me.
- Lucky – I love Brian because he gives me the most attention and he always makes sure I have everything I need. He’s the best cat Daddy.
- A few extras from all three boys – We love Daddy because he takes us to Great Wolf Lodge, Kanakuk, and the lake.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN!!!!!
This is so special Sarah; a beautiful tribute for Brian! I quickly had to go get a kleenex as I read through your post. Happy Birthday Brian; hope you have a wonderful 35th birthday today! I know as your Mom, my heart is full. Love you both so much!
What a tribute to a wonderful man. We are all so blessed to have him. Wish him a most Happy Birthday. Love DD
Sarah, I almost wanted to cry while reading this. It was so sweet. I didn’t realize you were so young when you started dating Brian.
Happy birthday Brian. Beautiful post Sarah
Love the Marr/Jenkins family! What a tribute to Brian! I’ve enjoyed your posts Sarah-keep going!
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Annie!