Java with Jennifer Journal

April 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

I'm just gonna say--April was an excellent month with two Fresh Grounded Faith events!  The first was in New Orleans.  Lisa Whelchel spoke from her new book, Friendship for Grown-Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way, and showed an old clip from Facts of Life when she kissed George Clooney!  (Okay, her message was really very spiritual, but the clip was very fun!)  Alicia Williamson Garcia led in praise and sang the classic she became known for when she was in Truth, "There is a Hope."  Every woman was on her feet by the end of that song.  Sally-Ann Roberts also joined us.  She's an anchor for Louisiana's highest rated news show, and she also happens to be GMA's Robin Roberts' big sis!  I loved her message, but what I really loved was her heart.  After one woman gushed about Sally-Ann's jacket, she took it off and gave it to her.  Yes, you read that right.  Now that preached!

 

Michael O'Brien and Abby Rike were in New Orleans, and they were also in Woodbridge, Virginia the very next weekend.  Abby was a contestant on The Biggest Loser: Season 8, and when she spilled the beans about losing her family in a car wreck, we were all captured by God's grace.  She'll be with me in the fall at FGF's--you've got to hear her story.  And, oh girl, Michael has his new CD!  Be Still My Soul is the title, and it is transporting!  It's poetic, classical, interesting and lyrically deep, with luscious strings, and his wife and kids sing on it.  I would not steer you wrong on this: I am getting it for everyone I love.  (Don't tell my mom or mom-in-Law...Mother's Day, you know!)  

 

The best part of the events is that, as far as we know, about 20 women found new life in Christ, and hundreds got a fresh start with Him.  Yee haw, and thank you, Lord!

 

The book I enjoyed immensely this month was The Great Divorce, by my favorite dead author, C.S. Lewis.  It was first published in 1945 and it only has 80 pages.  But, for a little book, it's big with thought.  The story opens as Lewis finds himself in Hell boarding a bus bound for Heaven.   The premise of the story is that anyone who wants to stay in Heaven can-if he's willing to lose himself.  It's a thought-provoking meditation upon good and evil, grace and judgment.  The characters were so vivid and interesting.  They represented all the reasons we settle for Hell when God offers us Heaven. 

 

The most poignant idea of the book for me was that no one and nothing keeps us in Hell except ourselves. Lewis wrote: "If we insist on keeping Hell (or even earth) we shall not see Heaven: If we accept Heaven we shall not be able to retain even the smallest and most intimate souvenirs

of Hell."  It's a fascinating allegory which really made me ponder.  Now, don't grab it thinking you are about to read an 80 page gospel track replete with Scripture and the plan of salvation!  In fact, you may find it controversial.  My dear friend Lisa didn't really like it.  I'd be curious about your opinion.  Give it a taste test and let me know!

 

A meaningful highlight of April which I will always treasure was visiting the Capitol.  My assistant Angela and I were given a tour, and since the House was not in session, we got to walk onto the House Floor!  I stood behind the lectern where members stand to argue their bills, and I sat in the chair where members of the Supreme Court sit during the State of the Union address!  It was moving.  I loved everything about our tour, but the reminder that the face of Moses is prominently displayed and stares into the face of our president when he addresses the House, was striking and lovely.  Though there are several influential law-makers and philosophers displayed, Moses is the most prominent, and it is the law he received from God upon which our great nation's laws were founded.  God bless and preserve America.

 

 

 

So, give these things a taste test:

1.  Friendship for Grown Ups: What I Missed and Learned Along the Way by Lisa Whelchel

2.  Be Still my Soul by Michael O'Brien

3.  The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

4.  A visit to our nation's Capitol

April 2010 Fresh Grounded Thoughts

What God Has Been Teaching Me Lately

Like a Cow at a New Gate 

 

The farmer recounted how his cows behaved when he put up a new gate: "Mooo, that's not been here before...Must turn around."  He described how they shift, shake their heads and moo.  Some turn and wander away.  Some stand before it paralyzed. 

 

That very gate may be the way to greener pastures and lush surroundings.  That single gate may be what stands between the thirsty cow and a fresh watering hole.  But the cow stares at the gate--half confused, half offended--and seems to think, "Moo, moo...that doesn't belong here.  I'm just gonna turn around and go back, or stand here and stare at it."

 

We often act like cows at new gates.  What we really long for is just on the other side of something new and unfamiliar, but we often forfeit what we really desire because to get there means we have to face what is new and unfamiliar.  It feels entirely too risky.  However, gates are not barriers unless you are unwilling to open them and pass through.   

 

When we stand before new gates in our lives, we often feel confused. "What?  That's not been here before.  That's not the way I have always done it."  So we turn around or stand still.  Some of us just get offended. "What?  The old gate was just fine.  How dare anyone think I need to go through a new gate?  That's not what I am accustomed to.  I am not going to mooooove!"

 

Let's not be like cows at new gates.  Let's be willing to consider new things and confidently approach that which is unfamiliar.  In doing so, we will get to a place of deep satisfaction and nourishment for our souls. 

 

What is the new gate you are facing?  What would your life be like if you were willing to proceed right through it?  Don't see that gate in your life as a barrier; rather, see that gate as an open invitation to something new, better and broader.  That new gate you face will only be a barrier if you are unwilling to open it.  If you act like a cow at a new gate, you will lock yourself in to the place you've always been and keep yourself from the place you long to be. 

 

You know I can't resist writing this bad pun as my last thought:  Just moo, moo, moooooove sister!   

 

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"  (Isaiah 43:19a) 

Well, that's what's been percolating in me lately!

April 2010 Spill the Beans

You Ask It, I'll Answer It

 

Question:

 

Dear Jennifer,

 

I have been reading your book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark, and you say that one should rejoice in their suffering.  All I seem to do is get frustrated and depressed.  I have the same trials day in and day out--people making fun of me or dismissing me because they see I have a disability. I feel that I always have to prove myself to everybody, even though I have become a success.  As you say in your book, I have become very independent, but I feel isolated.  I feel that socially, I have not experienced what others have experienced at my age.  I try to pray, but feel I make little progress.  Your book makes it seem this whole thing has been a pretty smooth ride for you, with a few bumps in the road, in which you are able to conquer most everything.

 

Thank you,

Wendi

 

 

Answer:

Hi Wendi,

 

Thanks for your honest question.  I have a lot of empathy for how you feel.  I have felt that way many times. 

 

The road of faith is full of bumps and lonely places.  Please know that just because you are reading words that communicate the lessons I've learned along my path of faith doesn't mean they were easy lessons.  The book is the polished result of lots of private tears and feeling the harsh rub of life's sandpaper upon my heart. 

 

When I say "rejoice" in our circumstances, I say that only because it is an act of obedience.   And truly, it is the smartest choice we can make.  The alternative just drains the life out of us.  I rarely feel like rejoicing.  I am still on the path of faith, too.  I still feel immense frustration from time to time.  There are days that the blues and isolation get the best of me.  Sister, it's a journey!  But I keep walking by faith and that is my hope for you, too.

 

I don't conquer things "easily" in my life--few people do.  I've learned to let go and watch God be strong in my weakness, and He conquers in and through me.  He can do that for you, too.  Please let Him.

 

We will someday be in Heaven where our faith will be sight, there will be no more tears, and we will know as we are known.  That is worth rejoicing over!  Hang in there sister--do not lose heart. 

 

Bless you,

Jennifer

 
And, now the beans are officially spilled!

April 2010 Prayer Requests from Jennifer

I need your prayers - if you have time, will you please consider praying for me? Here is my prayer list for this month:
  

1.  Each month I'm asking you to remember one of our staff in prayer.  This month is Julie White.  She's the wonderful woman who edits this newsletter!  This April marks her tenth anniversary as a breast cancer survivor.  Please pray for God's grace and provision in her life, protection over her health and that God would pour out His blessing upon her.  

 

2.  Many of you have prayed for my next Bible study, and I want to say a huge thank you. LifeWay has scheduled to release it June 2011.  I can't share the working title with you yet, but I will as soon as I can.  God is granting creativity and energy.  Thank you, Lord!  Please pray for that to continue and for protection against the schemes of the enemy who would like to sideline this message.

3.  Pray for our new sisters in Christ who have come to faith this past month at Fresh Grounded Faith conferences.  Pray they will be immersed in God's grace and in His Word, and that He would bring sisters into their lives to connect them with church and Bible study.

 

That's enough for now!  I do not take your prayers for granted.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Dance of Light

I love it when someone is able to help others gain understanding. I think this unique artist, JD Lewis, has done just that.  Though he is now blind due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, this acrylic painting he created along his journey into darkness remains as an interesting illustration of the many stages of sight loss.  He captures the “dance of light” that occurs when he tries to focus.  I of course can’t see his painting, but based on his description, it sounds like he painted exactly what goes on in my eyes too.  RP is funny like that; as it diminishes sight, it throws colors and flashes across my visual field.  It’s kind of like a fireworks show underneath my eye lids! Though the flashes of light and color are sometimes annoying, and have become less and less frequent over they years, they are at least better than total blackness.  I hope you take a good look at Lewis’ painting.  I hope it may clue you in to what one who is losing their sight actually sees.  It’s sad, fascinating and…well, it’s just life!  Until God makes “all things new” this is a colorful reminder that someday we will all trade in the “corruptible” for the “incorruptible!” Just thinking about his painting reminds me the fireworks I long to see are the heavenly ones that will welcome me home to the place where I will dance with “The Light”.  Bring it on Lord!!

 

 

Painting title and description: Blind Spots, ‘A Visual Simulation Of Retinitis Pigmentosa'

 

“This acrylic painting, created in the early 1980's, while retaining 8-10 degrees of central vision, simulates one of many RP visual experiences through my life. In this illustration, I depict the scenario of "focusing on a person's eye" within a dimly lit restaurant. The colorful, wildly moving, ever changing, blotches and pinpoints of light, may be the way my brain is perceiving those areas of lost vision. This unique visual perception has been a part of my life since my earliest memories. In fact, at any time, with no effort, I can increase the number, color intensity and activity level by simply focusing my attention on them. Today, the ever familiar "dance of light" remains, while the tiny island of central vision has long disappeared.”

Watch Out for the Negative White Rapper

Knock, knock.  The thud at my front door soon after the school bus arrived wasn’t unusual or alarming.  I simply assumed it was one of Connor’s friends from the neighborhood with a kick ball and an invitation to play.  When I swung the door open though, I realized it wasn’t one of the neighborhood boys.  It was a male voice and with caricature like swagger, he schmoozed “Well, hello Miss America!”  I instinctively rolled my eyes.  “Oh, Please!” I thought, “I’m 46, no make-up, standing right before you with sweats on and not falling for that empty flattery.”

“What do you need, Sir?” I asked with as much firmness as possible. 

He began to fall into a pitch he had clearly given millions of times before.  I really have no idea what he was selling because he hadn’t finished his first sentence before something very unusual came over me.  I interrupted him and began this chant like response that stopped him mid sentence.

“If you’re selling, I’m not buying; if you’re asking, I’m not giving; if you’re hoping, you’ll be disappointed because I’m not interested.”  With that pithy pronouncement, I tried to close the door.  As the door swung toward him, He said; “Ma’am, you’re like a negative white rapper!”  I laughed at his remark and then told him Miss America respected his time and appreciated him for respecting my wishes.

The salesman and I parted friends. He even called out, “God bless you” as he walked to the next house.  I don’t know if that was a genuine expression of blessing he was sending my way or if it was his way of praying “God, help that terribly unbalanced white woman in that house!” 

I became inspired by my very brief opportunity to poetically express myself with “rap” like rhapsody though.  The encounter with the salesman may have only lasted 60 seconds, but it began in me a new budding rap writing career.  So, for your artistic pleasure, I included below my first full rap song inspired by the dude at the door.  (Yes, when you are a developing rapper, you call people “Dude!”)

 

Here’s my Negative White Rapper debut:

(You have to be very white, and supposedly very negative to do this well.  So, unless you are a pale, grouchy trained professional, do not try this at home. And, I apologize to my friends whose skin is any other color than white. You may not be able to do this rap well.  And if you are remotely positive or optimistic, you too will be left out of this epic anthem of rhythm less rhyme.)

 

I’m a neg’tive white rapper and I’m here to say

If you’re sellin’

I’m not buyin’

So just go away!

I’m a satisfied woman

I don’t need your goods

I don’t want what you’re sellin’

In my neighborhood!

Take your sales pitch and your charming self

And hock your goods to someone else.

I’m a neg’tive white rapper and this is the end of my rap with no rhyme and no rhythm!!  BECAUSE I AM WHITE AND VERY NEGATIVE SO THERE!

Good-bye, so-long, don’t come back soon or I’ll rap this song!

Bye, uh-uh; Bye, uh-uh; Bye, uh-uh … (Repeat until you lose the remainder of your audience.)

So, dude…Watch out for the negative white rapper!  She’s white, blind, hormonal and not afraid to prove she has no rhythm.

March 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

I brewed a cup of my latest favorite tea and sipped it as I wrote this month's Java.  It's Ginger Peach Green Tea by Stash, and it has 100% natural ingredients--green tea, ginger root, peach flavor, and Japanese Matcha.  For a green tea, it's bursting with robust flavor.  It's the flavor of spring!

 

I tucked a few of the tea bags in my suitcase for some serious travels this month.  First, we enjoyed a fantastic Fresh Grounded Faith event in Newark, Delaware.  The women there were absolutely wonderful.  This Southern girl just loved my Yankee sisters!  Speaking of Yankees, Kathy Troccoli was my special guest, offering the perfect girlfriend blend to the weekend.  She is such a woman of grace and authenticity.  I love her music, I love her heart, and I love her accent!  And, I love her friend Ellie Lofaro, who I finally got to meet in person.  You should check her books out, too.  What a woman!

 

After the FGF event, we stayed a couple of days in Philadelphia.  Being a history buff and wildly patriotic (really--I cry at Fourth of July fireworks celebrations more than I cry at weddings), I was totally inspired!  We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Christ Church (and I even sat in the pew where George Washington sat when he worshiped), the home of Betsy Ross, and we toured the cobblestone-laden old city by horse drawn carriage!  It was incredibly meaningful to me.  I was reminded of Ben Franklin's famous quote as we visited such monumental places that were critically important during the early years of our country, "...God governs in the affairs of men."

  

As March began to bump into April, we went to Chattanooga for me to speak at the True Woman '10 Conference sponsored by Revive our Hearts and Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  Nancy is such a woman of passion and truth.  With over 2500 of my new friends, we listened to great teaching by Nancy, Kay Arthur, Mary Kassian (check out her new book Girls Gone Wise) and other great folks.  One of the highlights for me was listening to Keith & Kristyn Getty for three days and worshipping with them.  Have you heard their music?  They brought their band-complete with bagpipes-and everything about their presentation was inspiring and lovely.  Kristyn's voice is haunting, their lyrics are rich with poetic beauty and biblical doctrine, and their songs were accented with Celtic splendor.  As I listened to the CD on the way home, I thought it just might inspire me to get back on the treadmill!  It's good walking-while-talking-with-God music!  (We'll see...I'd rather be on the pottery wheel!  Click here if you want to see my pottery lesson progress.)

 

Everywhere we traveled this month, we were met by friends and family-Karen True and Julie Garner from WomensMinistry.net, Phil's sister Cindi, his parents and even his best friend from high school-now the proud father of 11!  (No, that isn't a typo.)  It's the people in our world who make our lives sweeter than peach tea and more inspired than beautiful Irish harmonies!  Of all the rich experiences I've enjoyed this month, it's the people who have reminded me that life is good until the last drop!

 

So, give these things a taste test:

 

1.  Ginger Peach Green Tea by Stash

2.  Fresh Grounded Faith or a women's event near you

3.  Philadelphia 

4.  Keith & Kristyn Getty's new CD Awaken the Dawn

5.  Notice the people in your life-savor the flavor of their friendship.  Aren't they the sweetest?

March 2010 Fresh Grounded Thoughts

What God Has Been Teaching Me Lately

Wounded Healer

 

Middle age affords some luxuries.  The ability to make honest assessments and new choices is an opulence I am finding in my forties.  I remember when I first felt such a deluxe empowerment.  It began the morning I sat upon the paper-wrapped examining table for my annual exam.  I had sat on that table every January for the past six years, and each time, I felt the same chill and entertained the same thoughts.  "I really don't like this doctor."  Then I would remind myself, "You don't need to like her; you just need to respect her expertise."  I argued back to myself, "She is cold and has no bedside manner."  "She doesn't have to be your best friend, just competent."  And so the conversation would go until it would be interrupted by the phantom doctor I had been talking to myself about. 

 

"Maybe this will be the year she smiles", I thought.  But by the dull, monotone sound of her voice, I realized this wasn't the year for her smile.  She began to drone through her usual questions about new meds I may be on and commenting on weight, blood pressure and such.  "She still hasn't looked up at me," I thought.  I knew she hadn't because her voice was drowning into the rustling papers in her hands!  She was obviously talking down to the floor--probably just staring at her clipboard.  Then the exam began.  I am certain she is a fine doctor, but truly, I have had better interactions with empty cardboard boxes!  (And they're much cheaper.)  She was finished with her exam within minutes.  She asked, "Do you have any questions?" with a tone of voice that suggested, "You better say no," and then ran out of the room before I had finished answering.

 

As I dressed, I thought, "I am 46 years old.  I have gone to this doc for seven years.  I have never liked this doctor. I will never return." I felt strangely empowered as I left the receptionist desk without an appointment for the following year.  But then, the following year arrived and it was time for another doctor.  I found a GP who could give me an annual physical, and when she entered my examining room, she was effusive and warm.  "I like her," I thought.  "She's more interesting than a cardboard box."

 

She asked questions while she made eye contact with me.   I could tell she was not only looking at me, but she was studying me.  Her voice never fell flatly on the ground and was not once swallowed by a clipboard!  She listened, took her time, and even the room didn't feel so frigid!  Then she told me that we were the same age and many of the changes I was experiencing, she was, too.  "I really like her," I thought.

 

When I told her I was having trouble remembering like I used to, she could relate.  When I told her I felt fuzzy-headed and more moody than I used to, she laughed because she was dealing with those things, too.  "There's something that can help with your memory and moods," she said. "It's called...uh, um...it's called...uh, um.... It's a supplement.... You've heard of it.... What is it called?  I forgot what it's called!" she exclaimed.  Then she said, "I'll be right back.  Let me go look it up in the book in my office.  I know what it's called!  I can't believe I can't remember!"  As she walked out to her desk to confirm the name of a supplement, I laughed and thought, "I really like having a doctor who knows what it feels like to be me, but is capable of healing me!"

 

I once read, "Only that in you which is me can hear what I'm saying."  To me, that's empathy.  And that's what I experienced with my new BFF doctor!  I love having a doctor who can give more than sympathy or expertise.  This doctor was able to give empathy.  There's something very attractive and affirming about a physician who can empathize because they know what it's like to be sick, feel pain and age.  Somehow, my doctor's ability to identify with my maladies made me trust her even more.  I knew she understood-I knew she cared. 

 

We have a Great Physician who can offer us far more than sympathy and expertise.  We have a powerful, Great Physician who can give the sweetest gift--empathy.  He knows, He cares and He can heal.  Jesus is our healer, our wounded healer.  "He was despised and forsaken of men.  A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  ..." (Isaiah 53:3)

Our Messiah bore our grief and carried our sorrows.  Jesus was oppressed and afflicted.  He was acquainted with grief.  He knew what it felt like.  And He still does.  He has not forgotten what pain feels like.    

 

Jesus is not the cold, distant physician who won't make eye contact with your questions and suffering.  And He is not the detached physician who hurries out of your pain.  In His humanity, He chose to patiently walk our roads, feel our pain and cry our tears. But in His deity, He is able to carry us over our difficult roads when we are just too weary to walk them alone.  He bears and heals our pain, and He wipes away our tears. 

 

During these final few days of Lent, turn your eyes upon the One who bore and still bears your sorrow.  Worthy is the Lamb.

Well, that's what's been percolating in me lately!

March 2010 Spill the Beans

You Ask It, I'll Answer It

 

Question:

 

Jennifer,

 

I feel like I am on a spiritual high.  That's another way of saying I feel like I am growing closer to God, learning so much and just getting to the point where I am doing things I never had a chance to do, including women's Bible study, being in the leadership position, and taking care of an annual women's event. 

 

My problem is relationships.  While I am happy and willing, so many of the ladies seem discouraging, too busy or just uninterested.  I know God is leading me, yet I cannot change other people, and I am wondering if God may want to use me somewhere outside of my present church.  I keep praying about this situation.

 

Please give me some help.  How do I get to the place where I am not just a "good leader" but a "great leader?"

 

Also, I would like to know how to get the training to become a writer or a speaker.

 

Desperate!!!

Joy

 

 

Answer:

Hi Joy,

 

Wow--good questions!

 

First, leadership can be very lonely.  A leader will develop followers, but that's not the same as friends.  Just don't get the two mixed up.  Women are busy, and until they observe your passion, consistency and unconditional love for them, they may not follow you. 

 

Leaders really don't "change" anyone.  They simply influence and empower their followers to change.  This happens through consistent and visionary servanthood. Jesus modeled ultimate leadership by His servanthood, and genuine leaders love like Him, serve like Him and can often be misunderstood like He was. 

 

So, be willing to be consistent and loving, patient and passionate.  As you do, followers will emerge.  If they don't, that's when you have to really ask, "Am I called to leadership?" and "Am I called to lead right here, right now?"  God will reveal His plan for you and where He wants it to unfold.  Be patient with yourself, with others and with God as you develop your leadership

skills.

 

You asked about speaker training.  I heartily recommend She Speaks, hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.  They do a fabulous job in training women to lead out in ministry.

 

Bless you sister as you follow God and serve others,

Jennifer
 
And, now the beans are officially spilled!

March 2010 Prayer Requests from Jennifer

I need your prayers - if you have time, will you please consider praying for me? Here is my prayer list for this month:
  

1.  FGF-New Orleans is April 9-10.  Pray for renewed hope and new life for women.  One mother-in-law asked me to be praying for her daughter-in Law named Grace who will be attending.  Please pray for Grace's salvation and all the other "Graces" that will attend both in New Orleans and Woodbridge, Virginia in April. 

 

2.  Lots of travel means little time to write.  Please pray for my ability to focus and write in the little "smidgits" of time available during this season. 

 

3.  Please pray for Susan Gear, one of our lovely staff who is battling illness.  We are asking God to restore her health and give her wisdom and rest. 

 

Thanks sisters for praying!