Jennette Black

Jennette is known to be an eternal optimist! She is one beautiful woman who operates within the realm of HOPE. "Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12 AMP She causes all to marvel as we learn to understand the depth of her sparkle. Life has not always been easy, but by the hand of God, this babe, once lost in the woods, emerged to shine and inspire others to control their minds. "Think about whatever is lovely, pure and good".  Jennette Noack Black was born on December 07, 1948, in Vancouver, Washington. Her parents, Gene and Marjorie, met while dancing and got married in 1946. Her father worked in construction and drove big rigs while her mom worked as a waitress and at a telephone company switchboard. At the age of 12, Jennette, the eldest of four, asked her mom how she tolerated her father’s drunken temper. In 1962 her two brothers Lynn Alan and Jerry Mert and her little sister Debra Ann were gently ushered through a divorce. Two years later Marjorie married Wesley, a strict but kind man who was respected. While living in Vancouver, Marjorie always insisted that her kids attend the local Lutheran Church. As a good student, with great attendance, at the age 20, Jennette earned a scholarship to a beauty school in Vancouver.  Her Aunt Virginia offered Jennette a job at her upscale Salon in Spokane, Washington.  Jennette was off on her very first of many grand adventures. At the radiant age of 74, Jennette continues supporting herself as a ‘Beauty Operator.  At the Spokane salon, her effervescent sparkle attracted a ski instructor. As they dated, her love of the sport blossomed into a dream of living in a place outside of Washington's rainy weather. 

At the age of 22, she convinced her friend Caroline to move to Aspen, Colorado. Within three days, they both were shocked to discover that they could not afford Colorado.  God stepped in with a divine appointment that these two young and vulenrable women meet two Christian gentlemen. They offered the girls their office to make calls to locate an apartment and jobs.  Jennette and Caroline soon learned that the jobs they found would not provide adequate income for housing. These saintly men sent by God were aware of their desperation. They never attempted to harm, only help. They invited the girls to their home in Denver for a Thanksgiving with their families. While in Denver the girls attended the local non-denominational Mega Church. They shared an apartment and Jennette took odd jobs and worked hard to sustain her dream as she went through a couple of room mates. For a time she dated a guy named Jim exclusively. Jim had scars from a previous relationship and he was needy, possessive and insecure. Our Father delights in our dreams, and He is ever present to gently modify them. Jennette later learned that her mother never approved of Jim. Working in a Denver salon, Jennette had a client named Jan who wanted Jennette to meet her son Randy. Jennette had reservations about dating a spoiled rich kid and dismissed her offer. As God's providence was ever at work, one Sunday a storm blew in that prevented Jennette and her girlfriend from attending the Mega Church. They chose to shift gears and attend a smaller neighborhood church that her client had suggested.  Jennette recalls "it just felt like I was home the moment we walked in." Jennette, who reads everything, was amazed to read down the list of pew sitters.  The "Ritual of Friendship Pad" included the name Randy Black. Her client's son was sitting in the same pew. She looked down to catch a glimpse, and Randy caught her eye! The visiting girls giggled and after service Randy asked them to lunch. The girls politely declined. Randy was not easily discouraged and so he soon calls with another invite. Jennette impressed a wounded Randy with her response. "I cannot accept a date with you until I am officially released from my relationship with Jim."  Remembering with a smile "we played tennis, went for coffee, laughed and talked about everything. Randy was a total gentlement and he worked in the family business." Their intentional casual dating of just 3 months resulted in a wedding on Novemebr 15, 1974 at "Faith Presbyterian Church" in Aurora, Colorado.

Randy had two kids from his previous marriage and in 1976 they brought Rebecca into the world and in 1980, Adam was born. Eventually the family built a large home on five acres with an indoor swimming pool in Parker, Colorado. The family remained very involved in church activiies and developed strong relationships in Colorado. Randy and Jennette chose to travel to tropical locations as they bothing enjoyed diving.  After the kids grew up Randy shared his lifelong dream to live aboard a sail boat. After much prayer and research, the couple listed their big house for sale and in 2008 flew to Capetown, South Africa to have a custom 50 foot catamaran built. We arrived in October of 2008 and watched the construction. Within a month on the water their dream boat began falling apart. Once again God modified their dreams and prepared the couple for what was coming.  They returned to Colorado and in 2009 chose to rent while their family home was up for sale. They lived 6 months in Colorado and then rented in Georgetown, Texas for 6 months. God knew what was to be and in 2012 they bought a home in Sun City, Texas. They found a church, but missed the deep connections in Colorado. In 2014 Jennette attended a Women's Bible Study. Cheryl Jagst was co-leading and invited the women over to her house. Ever walking in His grace, Jennette was the only woman who showed up that day. It was a day the Lord knew was important. They got to know one another more intimately while crafting jewelery.  Cheryl, was a neighbor who only lived a few houses down in Sun City.  Today they marvel as they look back and see God's hand in their relationship. Cheryl invited Jennette and Randy over for Easter in March of 2016. Randy's appetitie was greatly diminished. In April 2016 his doctor announced that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. "Behold, I am always with you." Matthew 28:20  No matter what, we are challenged to look for the good in every situation. Randy's name is written in the Book of Life, and this became their basis for continued hope.

Courageously, the couple decided not to tell the kids until after their daughters 40th birthday party. After his diagnosis, Randy's health deteriorated rapidly and he never drove a car, or played golf again. In May of 2016, our merciful God took Randy home before he was ever bedridden. Susan, a friend from church visited during those final six weeks of Randy's life on earth. Their church administered communion in their home and Jennette tenderly reflects on God's Amazing Grace, which was Randy's favorite song. 

In August of 2016 Jennette pulled up her big girl pants and chose to fly to Greece with friends from Colorado. "God gave me His strength to make travel plans. Because Randy had always made all the arrangements for us, it was now my time to step out of my comfort zone and trust Him. This trip was exactly what the adventurous spirit in me needed! I came home feeling  empowered and entirely thankful for all God has done for me." Jennette first came to Lakeside with Cheryl in 2018. In Sun City she is involved in Bible Studies, she kayaks, enjoys daily walks and still works as a hair stylist. While visiting at Lakeside, she enjoys the worship and fellowship at Abundant Life Church in San Antonio Tlyacapan.  Today Jennette thrilled to visit the malecon in Jocotopec and afterwards treated me to a great meal at Vida Bella in San Juan Cosala.  Pictured above with the Heffa at a NEW restaurant in Ajijic. Poncho's son will manage this newest lakeview cafe. "Hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption." Psalm 130:7 NKJ