about j

janelle nobles

I was born in the middle of a chaotic time in our country's history. My arrival was mixed with the Vietnam war, the Apollo missions, anti-war protests, pro-rights movements, and plenty of civil unrest. I fit right in.

Chattanooga, TN was where I was born and raised. It was not the tourist destination it is today. Downtown was somewhat of a scary place to go. The local attraction was Lake Winnepesaukah (which I still hold dear in my heart). I have one brother whom I terrorized until he grew taller than me.

My childhood was filled with large extended family gatherings - picnics, holidays, picking blackberries in the summer, Easter egg hunts, and birthday parties. I cherish those memories. But there are other memories - dark and secret - that also make up who I am.

My parents divorced when I was 11 about to enter jr. high (I still call it jr. high even though it's now middle school). That was a rough time for me in trying to define who I was.

Rebel. That's how I would describe myself during my high school years. I wasn't the typical rebellious teenager. I was a cheerleader. Somewhat popular. Good grades. Able to wear a mask and go through the motions.

My senior year I dated a Christain guy who was playing the role of church boy, but also leading a double life of partying. God used him though to taunt me (that's what it felt like then). God pursued me like crazy till I finally gave in.

One week before I turned 18 and two weeks before graduating high school I handed my life over to Jesus. I did a complete 180.That was my emergence from the tomb I had been walking around in. I felt completely alive.

That was over 20 years ago. Since then I went on a summer missions trip and met my husband. We married in 1990 and had our first son in 1992. Our second son came along 22 months later, then our third 18 months after that. A girl finally mixed things up three years later. Our quiver seemed full.

We've lived in San Antonio, Austin, and just northeast of Atlanta. I've homeschooled my kids for 12 years (eldest will be graduating this May). And I've wanted to send them to public school at least once a week since the beginning.

My husband and I own our own company, in His image productions. I have written and created a pregnancy calendar for expectant mothers. I also co-created the website parentingdots.com and have spoken at various women's events regarding parenting, self-image, and other topics that only women can sit through (according to my sons).

My goal? To be real. I am a real woman with every day issues - just like you (or like most of you). I'm usually too tired to want sex. I loathe laundry, and I love Starbucks. I always buy more at Walmart than what's on my list (if I remember my list). Through my ups and downs, however, I'm real. I've worn a mask... over it. So, here I am. Real. Honest. True.