Java with Jennifer Journal

June 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

My favorite Henry James quote is, "Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."

Well, my "summer afternoons" have been full this month. The long, lazy days of summer have afforded some time for reading, writing, playing, cleaning, organizing and traveling!   We ended June by attending ICRS in St. Louis where my Dr. Phil and I got to visit with my publisher and reconnect with lots of friends in the publishing world. We had dinner with our pals from Harvest House, I signed books and had interviews. It always inspires me to see how God is working in Christian books and music. We also went to a Cardinals Game (fb video: last sixty seconds), and the St. Louis Science Center, and capped it off with a pie from pi with dear friends.  Man, lots of fun...lots of walking too!

 

I've just got to tell you about the most amazing shoes!  I promised myself if I stayed on my treadmill for four weeks, I would get new tennis shoes.  They are Reebok Women's EasyTone Inspire Walking Shoe.  They supposedly tone and strengthen legs and help you burn more calories.  They feel like you're walking on cushy sand because they have balance pods under the forefoot and heel. But they aren't the big obnoxious pods that look like you're walking on huge, white, inflated marshmallows!  All I know is they are amazingly comfortable and I love them.  I guess, like Cinderella, I'm proof that a pair of shoes can change a girl's life (and thighs!)

My reading for this month?  I'm halfway through The Age of Lincoln by Orville Vernon Burton. The book focuses on the five decades related to Lincoln's presidency, beginning with the 1840's through Secession, the Civil War and Reconstruction. It is striking how Lincoln--the mighty, humble leader--identified with "the hopeless sinners, not the smugly saved."  According to Burton, Lincoln's "religious fatalism transmuted into a clear belief that God was working out a plan for human history, and that he himself was an instrument in that plan."  I am fascinated with Lincoln's quiet and steady leadership.  Also, the author profiles other notables from that era, like Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry David Thoreau.  It really is an interesting, accessible read so far.  You should give it a taste test!

So, give these things a taste test:
 
1. Read a good book from one of the authors I saw at ICRS.  They really are tops.

2. The Age of Lincoln by Orville Vernon Burton

3. Reebok Women's EasyTone Inspire Walking Shoe

May 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

This summer, we're hoping to head to the beach.  But before we arrive, I will have already spent quite a bit of time underwater because of the book I'm enjoying this month.  Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea is a classic science fiction novel published in 1870 by French writer Jules Verne.  The novel is set in the mid-nineteenth century where a French professor and his two companions, who are trapped aboard a fantastic submarine as prisoners of Captain Nemo, come face to face with exotic ocean creatures and strange sights hidden from the world.   

 

I laughed, was mesmerized and even learned a thing or two from this brilliant man and his pen.  I admit, I did get lost in the classifying sometimes, but I loved reading about all the different underwater cultures the Nautilus encountered. Several years ago, I loved reading The Mysterious Island, the sequel to Twenty Thousand Leagues, so I dived into the sea adventures out of order!  But again, I was charmed by Verne's characters.  They are gentle, wise and intriguing. Give this book a taste test-but I warn you, the classification lists can go on and on.  Just skim those and keep reading!

 

The chocolate I've munched on while reading this month (and, I admit, most months) is from the Candy House in Springfield, Missouri.  They have the creamiest dark chocolates! My favorites are the dark chocolate dipped caramels, dark chocolate dipped toffee and dark chocolate dipped orange peels.  Yep, if you dipped a twig or wood chips in dark chocolate, I would probably eat them!

 

I took a whole pound of those yummy chocolates with me to a writing retreat this month.  The location was Rest Inn Rivendell in Branson, Missouri.  It is a stunning retreat home owned by my artsy author friend, Alicia Britt Chole.   Because she's a writer, every room has a unique desk.  The one in "The Scroll," the room where I stayed, is rumored to have once belonged to President Grant.  Each morning, I sat at a lovely distressed pine table in a leather chair, sipping toasted almond coffee in a beautiful pottery mug.   It truly is such a restful haven.

 

Both mornings we were there, a rumbling thunderstorm woke us up.  The lake was misty gray and peaceful.  In the afternoons, I sat out on the covered front porch in a rocker and wrote while it rained.  All I could hear were birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze, as the home is surrounded by woods.  And, just so you know I do eat some food other than dark chocolate, there's a quaint grocery store right near the home where we stocked up on amazingly fresh produce. I had blackberries the size of ping pong balls every morning, and we ate avocados at every meal. The best part is it was shared with a great friend.

 

So, give these things a taste test:

 

1. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

 

2. Candy House, Joplin and Springfield, Missouri

 

3.  Rest Inn Rivendell, Branson, Missouri

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

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?

February 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

February was the perfect month to read Washington Square by Henry James since the book was short like the month and dealt with love-or at least what appeared to be love.  Published in 1881, Washington Square is one of James most famous and most accessible novels.  If you've never read anything by James,

I would definitely give this book a taste test. 

 

The story takes place in the neighborhood in which Henry James was born.  Most of the novel's drama occurs during the early 1840's in a Manhattan home between a haughty physician, his homely daughter, a meddling aunt and a gold-digging suitor. The character study is fascinating.  I won't give away what happens at the end of the novel, but it was surprising!  I didn't expect the doctor's daughter (the heroine) to make the choices she did.  Henry James is masterful; no wonder his work endures!  I will definitely reread this book...maybe next February!

 

You know what else I did this past month?  I ate way too many Dark Chocolate Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!  Oh man, have you tried them yet?  They are just like the original but drenched in dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate.  And, I'm thinking they are kind of healthy--don't peanuts have protein?

 

I traveled to Arkansas for a music conference and to Cincinnati for a FCA Women for Christ luncheon this month.  But Valentine's Day was the highlight since my Dr. Phil gave me a gift certificate for wheel-thrown pottery lessons!  I can't wait to start.  I'll show you the results of my artistic endeavor next month.  (I guess he knew he didn't need to give me anymore chocolate because of all the Reese's wrappers on my desk!)  Hey, I know--I'll make a bowl at pottery lessons and fill it with lots of chocolate! 

 

So, give these things a Taste Test:

1.  Washington Square by Henry James

2.  Reese's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

3.  Wheel-thrown pottery lessons

What Johnny and Chachi Taught Me About Marriage

In honor of Valentines Day, I've got some marriage tips for all my friends. Dr. Phil and I laughed our heads off.

January 2010 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

This Java is a little late because I was stuck in ice-laden North Carolina with a dead computer battery!  We were there for the Greenville Fresh Grounded Faith event and had a warm, wonderful night on Friday despite the sleet and snow.  Lisa Whelchel spoke about being connected with God and each other.  She was so effective.  The women just loved her, and as her friend, I was so proud of the way God used her to encourage us all.  By the way, her new book is called Friendship for Grown-Ups, and it will be out in May.  I got to give it a sneak peak, and you will really like this inside glimpse into her world and how to enjoy friendships as adults. 

 

The big surprise of the weekend was spending it with Abby Rike.  She was on last season's The Biggest Loser.  What an adorable, funny, quirky, warm and wise woman!  She treated us with a surprise appearance on Friday night.  We sat at the bistro table on stage and talked about losing her husband, 5-year-old daughter and newborn son in a car wreck.  She helped each of us face our grief as she exposed her own and inspired us all to find our comfort in God rather than food.   

 

I look forward to her, along with Lisa, joining us for more Fresh Grounded Faith events this year. They both know what it's like to be in a pit and feel God pull them out. 

 

"I waited patiently for the Lord;

He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit;

He set my feet on a rock.

He put a new song in my mouth."

 

Those poetic expressions of Psalm 40 are the basis for Beth Moore's compelling book, Get Out of That Pit.  That's the book I read this month.  Actually, it felt less like reading and more like being coached!  Beth helped me understand what it's like to be in a pit, how we get there, and how to get out.  She really does give straight talk--immersed in scripture and a southern accent--and she makes you feel like a friend.

 

If you ever find yourself in a pit, be it shallow or deep, seemingly permanent or temporary, you will really benefit from this stirring message of the sheer hope, utter deliverance and complete freedom of God.  I'm glad I gave this excellent "living author" a taste test!  I love Beth and this message was rich.

 

Speaking of rich, oh man, I am pumped about Sara Groves' new project--Fireflies and Songs.  It's an honest musical journey into her heart.  As usual, her lyrics explore the depths and nuances of our human relationships.  What I loved about this CD is she lets us into her life; but then I realize as I listen, "It's my life, too!"  My favorite song is "Twice as Good."  It reminds me of friends who've been loyal and loving, and who have invited me into their lives.  It reminds me of old friends like Lisa, new friends like Abby and makes me celebrate the women we hung out with in North Carolina this past weekend.  

 

Some of my most treasured friends are the awesome FGF team.  To deal with being iced in, we went to Target and bought scarves.  You must check out what happened to the green scarf, though. Maybe she is a new friend?   

 

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Unknown

 

So, give these things a taste test:

 

1.  Get out of That Pit by Beth Moore

2.  Fireflies and Songs by Sara Groves

3.  Come to one of our Fresh Grounded Faith events this year.     

     It's real women dealing with real life and connecting with the real
     God.  I would love to have you join us!

December 2009 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

Oh, what a great way to finish up 2009!  We were in Clearwater, Florida for our last Fresh Grounded Faith conference, and what a great group of women joined us there!  Our awesome Michael O'Brien sang his version of "The Lord's Prayer" which is on his new CD that will be available in March 2010. You must check it out.  It's moving and meditative.  Shelley Jennings was also with us, and her new Quiet Rest: Lullabies for the Children of God CD is so lovely and soothing.  If you enjoy prayerful hymns, you will love her new CD.  We were also honored to have the lovely Lauren Dungy join us.  She's the wife of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts head coach, Tony Dungy.   She shared such an inspiring message that really touched the women there.  She has an unwavering love for God, and it shows in the way she loves her family, community and a world in need.  What a woman of grace.  And our Clearwater FGF was super special to me because my family lives there!  So, we had an early Christmas at Aunt Carol's home, complete with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, dogs and both of my brothers!  How blessed we were.

 

Christmas season was one of the best ever. It had nothing to do with gifts.  It was one of the best ever because of being together and being able to experience true peace.  But...the gifts were fun!  Okay, here's my favorite gift--a commercial size, 60 cup, stainless steel coffee maker!  No, it's not for my daily morning brew.  I received it from Phil because I am endlessly borrowing one from my friend for each party we have.  No more! I've now got one and need to have a party to use it!  So, if you're having a party or just have a coffee drinking problem which involves 60 cups a day, just give me a call--I'll let you borrow it!

 

Speaking of drinking...I tasted the most flavorful cinnamon tea I've ever had.  By Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders, it's called Hot Cinnamon Spice, and it's a blend of Asian black tea, three kinds of cinnamon, orange peels and sweet cloves.   It's so naturally sweet, I don't even add honey.  (That'll save a girl about 30 calories per cup!)

 

Besides being with family, I've spent the month of December with the Bostonians.  Henry James introduced me to them in his book by the same name.  Unlike many other James's novels, The Bostonians is set in America.  Its female characters are feminists working toward women's suffrage, which was growing in New England during the latter half of the nineteenth century.  Though the book has more political themes than is typical with a James novel, the ingenious introduction of a conservative Mississippi lawyer into the distinctly female mix adds sparks, tension and kept me turning the pages (and there were almost 500 of them!)  I think you would enjoy a peek into a fictional interpretation of this historical time in our country.  And, it's quite the study of the female psyche!

 

My friend, take a few moments before you move on in our Java time and think about things you would like to give a "taste test" to this year.  What books would you like to read?  What would you like to try?  Where would you like to travel?  Just make a personal taste test list for yourself.  Remember, if you aim at nothing, that's exactly what you'll hit!

 

So, give these things a taste test:

 

1.  Michael O'Brien's new CD Be Still My Soul

2.  Shelley Jennings Quiet Rest: Lullaby for the Children of God CD

3.  Come to one of our Fresh Grounded Faith events this year.     

     It's real women dealing with real life and connecting with the real
     God.  I would love to have you join us!

4.  Hamilton Beach 60-cup coffee urn

5.  Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea

6.  The Bostonians by Henry James

Merry Christmas from the Rothschild Family

Thank you for being a dear friend in 2009.

This video is a beautiful reminder of why we celebrate Christmas. We are showing it to our boys on Christmas Eve in our living room with only the lights of the Christmas tree twinkling.

Merry Christmas from all of us, to all of you. With love, Jennifer, Phil, Clayton and Connor

November 2009 Taste This!

What I Am In To Lately

 

This month has been full of friends and family and food!  I got to be with my friends Katharyn and Lori as we took a road trip from Athens, Georgia to the mountains of North Carolina.  We had such a great time together.  We stopped at a quaint eatery in Weaverville called Well-Bred Bakery and Café and had the tastiest fare!  I got a carrot cupcake that was much bigger than my appetite and almost as sweet as our friendship.  We talked and laughed and felt understood by each other.  As author Katherine Mansfield put it, "I always felt that the great high privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing."   Mansfield must have had friends like Katharyn and Lori.
 
Mid-month, my parents came for a visit and, wow, what a great time we had!  Their visit began with our Springfield Fresh Grounded Faith Event.  There were 2000 women in attendance and according to the official count, there were 246 rolls of toilet paper used! (Yes, there are people who count such things.)  Truly, the event was a venti size blessing!  Stormie Omartian was so effective--especially when she "spilled the beans" with me and shared such practical and honest lessons from her life.  Her funniest line came as she described her morning routine.  She said it takes her a while to get ready because she has to "find her features!"  Of course, Michael O'Brien dazzled all of us.  God moved; we're grateful.
 
After the conference, my folks helped us set up the Christmas tree. Yes, it's up and my blood pressure and stress level are consequently down!  Since the tree is sparkling in our living room, I turned on the Christmas music.  Sara Groves O Holy Night CD is the one most captivating me this season.  She artfully alters the melodies of several standard carols; I think they are the strength of the collection.  I especially love Angels We Have Heard on High.  She also has a few original tunes that are true to her poetic, contemplative bent.  The whole CD is thoughtful and helps me direct my musings toward the truth of Christmas.  It's like listening to poetry!
 
Instead of listening to a new book this month, I caught up on my Mars Hill Audio Journals.  Mars Hill Audio Journal was started in 1993 by Ken Myers, formerly of NPR.  It's an effort in journalistic cultural apologetics.  It is an "audio magazine" featuring 90 minutes of interesting and thought-provoking conversation with a variety of guests on a broad spectrum of topics including literature, music, politics and community.  It explores the nuances of modern culture and thought that makes the Gospel of Christ seem implausible to non-believers, and it exposes the cultural norms that confuse or weaken the faith of believers.  What I love about Meyers and his guests' approach is that it is less about making arguments for the truth, and more about developing a historical understanding of why even the best arguments for truth are seemingly fruitless in current culture.   I admit, sometimes it is exceptionally "heady," but somehow it always impacts my heart.  We all need the challenge to our heads and hearts, don't we?
 
Clayton came home for Thanksgiving and our beloved friends from Oklahoma, the O'Gwynns, joined us for the annual tradition.  Listen girls, I've got it good.  Deborah O'Gwynn cooks everything and it's all delicious!  All I do is turkey and rolls!  This year though, we did "feast on the Word."  I got the Scripture dishes I've been hoping for just in time for the holiday.  They are so lovely and so meaningful.  I am just grateful the plates didn't bear verses about self control or gluttony because man, did we eat!  I'm full-need to stop typing and get on the elliptical!
   
So, give these things a taste test:
 
1.  Well-Bred Bakery and Café in western North Carolina
2.  Sara Groves O Holy Night Christmas CD
3.  Mars Hill Audio Journal
4.  Scripture dishes