Newsletter

November 2024 (Noviembre 2024 )

Please enjoy my first-ever bi-lingual newsletter! (¡Por favor, disfrute de mi primer boletín bilingüe!)

Gratitude (La Gratitud)

1 John 2:3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

(Y podemos estar seguros de que lo conocemos si obedecemos Sus mandamientos.)

This Friday, I have the privilege of joining some outstanding local authors at the GE Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for an author open house as well as a meet and greet. I am so excited. I hope you will consider stopping in and bringing friends. I would love to see you, catch up on what you've been reading lately, and encourage you to Christmas shop for author-signed books from my friends. They are incredibly talented and so welcoming. 

(Este viernes, tengo el privilegio de unirme a algunos autores locales sobresalientes en la Biblioteca Pública Bloomer de GE Bleskacek Family Memorial de 2:00 p.m. a 5:00 p.m. para una casa de puertas abiertas de autor y reunirme y saludar. Estoy muy emocionada. Espero que consideren detenerse y traer amigos. Me encantaría verte, ponerte al día con lo que has estado leyendo últimamente, y animarte a comprar libros de mis amigos firmados por el autor en Navidad. Son increíblemente talentosos y muy acogedores.)

Lord, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I am eternally grateful for the support of friends, family, and community. Help us not only to obey your commands, but to experience deep gratitude for they way they can protect and shape our lives into a living testimony if we follow closely after you. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

(Señor, gracias por esta maravillosa oportunidad. Estoy eternamente agradecido por el apoyo de amigos, familia y comunidad. Ayúdanos no solo a obedecer tus mandamientos, sino a experimentar una profunda gratitud por la manera en que ellos pueden proteger y moldear nuestras vidas en un testimonio vivo si seguimos de cerca a ti. Oramos en el poderoso nombre de Jesús. Amén.)

October 2024

Pray

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The divisive, polarizing, hate-filled attack on our sanity around election time is nearly unavoidable. I am deeply grateful for the rare brave souls with integrity  who are willing  to enter that contemptuous world to fight for truth and Godly principles on small scales and large ones. I am also thankful that it is not my calling, but I also can't avoid a stirring in my soul to do something. I have successfully avoided the topic for so long that I began to believe there was nothing I could do.

If you can relate, don't give up, there's hope. I have found one thing I can do. I can pray. A faithful, wise, wonderful sister-in-Christ has invited me to join a local Prayer Hub. We gather corporately for one hour each month to pray for global, national, state, and local leadership, government, educators, ministry, families, revival, and our own personal petitions, and individually as often as we can. It is powerful, and it is the only thing I feel complete integrity doing in the realm of government. The prayers are pre-scripted so there's no pressure to have the right words, but there is flexibility to share your heart if you feel led to. Let me know if you'd like more information to lead a hub of your own or get plugged into one that's up and running.

Fall has arrived! Save the date! The GE Bleskacek Family Memorial Bloomer Public Library will have an Author Open House from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15th. I will share more details in the November newsletter.

Fruity Update: Bentley Blueberry is in the works and could be out before Christmas, Lord willing.

Lord, only you know the right leaders for the right times in the right places, and only you have total authority. Help us to seek your face and trust you completely.

Thank you my brothers and sisters in Christ so very much for your continued support!

~May the Father bless you today and always as you seek him and follow Jesus by the power of his Holy Spirit alive in you.

July 2024

Goodness

1 Peter 2:9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests,[a] a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.-NLT

God's goodness is evident around every corner. Even in the darkness of tragedy, he is the light that leads us through. He's not just the destination. He is with us every step.

The month of May came and went as I finished my first year back to college by the grace of God, the support of family and friends, and a commitment to surrender.

June flew by as we worked with an incredible local team to lead a powerful week of Vacation Bible School where we were reminded how to dive into friendship with God.

July is here, and so is the next book in the Fruit of the Spirit series. Presley Pear Gathers Goodness, and she is one of my favorites. Her message is important to us in fellowship. As we live and work beside other believers to bless others and make an impact in the world around us, we experience unity as diverse parts of one body under one head, that is Christ. This is an important part of what God intended for his church. When we truly participate in HIStory, it fills our souls to overflowing.

This life is whisper in the wind. Lord, help us to spend all that we are, all that we have, and all that we know to advance the gospel of Christ.


Thank you so much for your continued support!

May God bless you today and always!

April 2024

Blessings

Ephesians 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." NLT


If you haven't heard the song Counting My Blessings, (apologies in advance for any advertisements that accompany this music link) I hope you'll consider listening to the entire thing.

My favorite lyric of the song is

"The  more  I  look  in  the  details,  the  more  of  your  goodness  I  find." 

I praise God and I thank each of you for your support and prayers. Life has been a whirlwind since the last newsletter. Our missions trip to Jamaica was indescribable. We were able to provide so many supplies for children and families, pray with faithful new friends, serve in many ways, learn about another culture and ourselves, and share God's word!


The event at Jim Falls United Methodist was wonderful. What an incredible blessing to see so many beautiful souls show up and share their stories. This was my first experience as a keynote speaker. I gained some practical ideas to improve this skill, but more than anything, I walked away humbled by the grace and unity I encountered.


The big VBS order arrived yesterday so watch for banners to go up this spring near the Cornell Elementary and on the old train trestle. 


The gratitude growing in my heart is undeniable. My family is doing well. I am excited to have one year of college for Psychology officially under my belt by May 10th and I am looking forward to enjoying some Grandma time this summer! 


May God bless you today and always!

March 2024

Purpose

Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God Most High,[a] to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. NLT

Wait! Is that true? Who fulfills God's purpose for me? I had to read Psalm 57:2 in several translations and consider commentaries before I could wrap my mind around it. God fulfils his purpose for me. For years, I had the privilege of facilitating parenting classes. I was always learning alongside the other parents and joked that I needed to take the course over and over again while they only needed it once. I know now, that there is no perfect formula for parenting because only God is the perfect parent. That said, one thing I observed year after year is that we all have at least a slight lean in one direction or another. The course focused on striking a perfect balance between relationship and rules. For the parents who were naturally affectionate and relational with their children, we worked on setting healthy boundaries. For those who were naturally more strict (myself included) we worked on relationship building. There was some merit to it I suppose, but the one thing I will likely be working on until my dying breath, is surrender. Our children belong to God first. Our lives belong to God first. Our work, our dreams, our passions, our gifting, and our purpose all belong to God. The truth of Psalm 57:2 is freeing. Sometimes we cooperate with God, and sometimes we fight him, but ultimately he will fulfill his purpose for us. It's not on our shoulders.

May God bless you today and always!

February 2024

Kindness

Romans 145:17

The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. NLT

Peter has arrived! I am very excited about this new title. So often we (and our kiddos) know right from wrong, have good intentions, and even want to be kind, but certain circumstances make it harder to choose wisely. Peter will face the choice to protect his prized possession or make a friend’s day. 

As we move over half way through this series, I am imagining the “Fruit of the Spirit Measuring Meters” growing in homes! In case you have not checked them out, each book has an activity at the end which becomes a visual lesson reminder. If know someone who has started theirs, please consider sharing a photo. I’d love to see!

May God bless you today and always!

January 2024

Celebrate

Romans 12:10

Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. NLT

I am so excited for everyone who has shared parts and pieces of their writing experience with me since I started this journey. Family members, old friends, and new acquaintances are writing! Each of us has a story to tell, a gift to share, and a way of reaching out. Not everyone writes. Some read, some lead, some vlog, some clean, some babysit, some hug, some make coffee, some listen; whatever your gift is, use it for the glory of God and to love one another. No one gift is better than any other, but the fact that we are all different is powerful. Together, we can reach a hurting world.

Peter Pomegranate is almost ready for publication. Author friends and I are working on putting together a mini bookstore and applying to have a vendor booth at OneFest this summer. I am excited to have a few new leads on more places to have physical copies of my books available for sale. More to come on that in February. Thank you for staying tuned, and for your support.

I had the privilege of meeting another author recently. Kristi Bauer has a perfect, timely resource. Her February Bible Writing Plan will help incorporate scripture into your daily journaling.

May God bless you today and always!

November 2023

Grati-Toss

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

So often as a Christian, I wonder what God's will is for my life. Every fork in the road feels like an opportunity to choose his will or... be wrong? I don't think that's quite right, but what is right? The verse above offers some clarity. As I read and reread it, I am overwhelmed with the wisdom. Even the little words are so important. I'm glad the verse does not read "give thanks for all circumstances" I can't imagine. But to give thanks in all circumstances speaks to a deep sustaining gratitude that transcends the tangible and draws us into the heart of God.

This opportunity that has come up, to take the word of God to children in a foreign land, to experience another culture with part of my family and good friends in Christ, it's indescribable. All I can say is that I'm grateful. We're hoping and praying and working to make every step of the process an opportunity for sharing Jesus.

With the help of the Lake Holcombe School and my dear mother-in-law, we were able to create a little game for the Fall Fest Fundraiser called Grati-Toss. Teams will get a chance to write three things they're most grateful for and then play a bean bag toss game. It's such a small thing, but counting our blessings, making time to give thanks, and slowing down to enjoy what God has given us is one small thing we can do in this season.

May God bless you today and always!

October 2023

Praise

1 Peter 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation.

God's plans are so much better than our own. I dreaded the rain forecast for Fall Fest in Hayward, didn't sell very many books, and  heard the foot traffic was way down from previous years. Just my luck, right? Well, none of that mattered when I met Oliver. A young family stopped at my booth when they saw the Oliver Orange book displayed alongside the others. The mom picked it up, held it close, and looked at her husband. "We have to have this for him." Her husband took out his wallet. 

I began to explain the other books in the series and the Kid-Mandments like a good salesperson, but I perceived quickly that faith is not an active part of their journey right now. I could be off, but the reason for the purchase was simply having a son named Oliver who loves the color orange. I was happy to sell them the book, of course, but a little disappointed at first. I mean, if I'm right and they're not interested in the faithful message, what the point? 

Later that day, with some time to think due to being stranded by a flat tire, the Holy Spirit nudged me. Each time Oliver's family reads that book, it's possible they may be experiencing the only biblical context in their home. What a privilege to be part of that!

If even one person is ever encouraged in their faith because of any of the work God has let me participate in, it's all worth it.

Between homework and praising God for my new granddaughter, (she's amazing by the way) I finally got time to work on the next book in the series. Penny Plum is now available on Amazon! KDP did increase their printing costs again, so the online price is $12.77, BUT I have Facebook Pay, Square, and I just got VENMO so if you'd like to get books right from me, they're just $10 each. 

Speaking of praise, my friend Dawn and I are starting two new adventures together! We're praising God for the opportunities, and I'm asking for prayer that God's will be done in all of it.

Be sure to let me know on the contact page if you want more info on any of this, signed books - and the best way to get them to you, or have comments anytime.

Thank you all for your support. 

Lastly, just a huge shout-out to my friends in Menomonie for welcoming new authors with open arms. Rhonda at Options and Ann at Dragon Tale Books. You are a blessing to me.

May God bless you today and always!

September 2023

Change

It's hard to tell fall is just around the corner with this WARM weather. I'm not complaining. I love the warmth. That said, I can't wait to celebrate Fall Fest with all of you in Hayward! As the leaves begin to change up north, I will have the great honor and privilege of selling books alongside authors Darren Kirby, David Tindell, and others who have been an incredibly welcoming crew of experienced friends in this field. Seeing their work challenges me to grow as an author.

Speaking of growing, I have welcomed some new insight from a unique perspective about Foothold. It was very hard to hear and even more difficult to heed, but after much prayer and consideration, I have accepted two things.

1. It is a powerful story with great potential.

2. Now, is not the time to publish it.

As I explained the situation to my friend, Bobbi Graffunder, she said, "Most authors eventually have some work that remains unpublished for a time or forever."

Psalm 119:116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live;

    do not let my hopes be dashed. 

I was experiencing something I can only call grief for nearly a week as I put it to rest. The Holy Spirit has given me direction day after day to start with the word and trust the process. 

A note to each of you who contributed to Foothold: Thank you for your time, talent, and encouragement. You have taught me things that are growing me as an author. I am forever grateful. I do not know what God's ultimate plan is for that work, but I trust him and appreciate your grace.

Today, I can honestly say, I am beyond excited about an entirely new project with a similar purpose. I can't wait to tell you all about it as God leads me through the story He is about to unfold.

Lord willing, the next title in the Growing Garden Series, Penny Plum, will be available this month. I will share a link in the October newsletter. Feel free to get in touch if you want to preorder a signed and discounted copy directly from me.

Special thanks to my new friends at Options for Women in Menomonie for letting me join the Family Fun Fest. I wish I'd had more time to promote with you, but it was a lovely event and a blessing to get to meet some of your team!

August 2023

Stages

Book 3 in the Growing Garden Series: Warren Watermelon Points to Peace is available on Amazon or from me! I have essentially finished the initial writing portion of the rest of this children's series on the fruit of the Spirit. The good Lord had taken the lead, and the upcoming books have a much more powerful potential for ministry, hope, healing, and spiritual growth than I could have imagined. I am deeply grateful for the way God has guided me through this stage. This particular title will walk children through an example of how to acknowledge and face their fears through prayer.

Thanks to some incredible, diligent friends, we have a new draft in the next stage of...

Foothold - The Generational Battle of Addiction

 The order of events has been adjusted to focus on, and appeal more directly to, an audience of parents raising teenagers in the 21st Century. The subtitle above is a work-in-progress as well as the synopsis below. I'm including a first draft for your input.

A mother of four, Darby naively anticipates a season of sunshine after her firstborn goes off to live happily ever after. Sudden losses in Darby’s life send her deep into a dark pit of grief. Just as she begins to emerge, Darby is caught up in the tornado of parenting drug-addicted teens. Her past has the power to drag her down in shame or build her up in strength. In this innovative novel, generations of potential chain breakers walk through decisions that give subtle advantages to two masters. One is the *"thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy." The other is Jesus who said, *“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” *John 10:10

For those who follow my blog, I have decided, in this stage of life, not to blog on the first Wednesday of the month because I put out the Newsletter around that time, but don't worry, I'll be back at it the following week. Thank you for walking this journey with me. You bless my whole heart.

-Jen

July 2023


Learning

Thank you. The fact that you take time to read my newsletter means more than I could ever explain. I'd love to know what you're learning these days. Tell me about it. I'm learning to value input from the people who truly seek to help me do the best work I can do. You are some of those people!

First update; a huge shout-out and thanks to Bobbi Graffunder for encouraging me to try fiction, and for her guidance in this process! My latest project, a fiction novel entitled Foothold, is in the editing stage. This means some (of you) incredible people are reading the first draft, giving me input, and helping me prepare it for publication. I hope to have it out late this fall, but I can't make any promises because I have SO MUCH to learn about writing fiction! 

Speaking of trying new things... I have also decided to... wait for it...

Go back to school! I have been accepted to UWGB for Psychology starting this fall. Practicing Marriage and Family Therapy has been a lifelong dream for me. This is a very tangible step in that process. I hear it is a LONG road to MFT licensure. If life and God allow, I'll stick with it, and maybe even be able to practice by my 50th birthday! I believe with all my heart that school is a step in deepening, improving, and expanding my writing journey. Writing may look a little different for a while, but it is my first love in ministry and I have no plans of giving it up.

Book 3 in the Growing Garden Series: Warren Watermelon Points to Peace is in proof stage! This means it should be out by the time my next newsletter comes to you. I will share a link at that time. There's a sneak peek of the cover to the right.

Again, may God bless you today and always. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your time. It is precious and so are you.

-Jen

Around the first Friday of each month, I will share a few notes about my writing journey.

You can enter your email on the contact page to have it sent straight to your inbox!

June 2023


Fruit

Book 2 in the Growing Garden Series: Oliver Orange is now available on Amazon! 

I had the privilege of reading Abby Apple to the HopeKids crew at New Hope Assemblies of God in Cornell on Sunday, June 4th. 

I'm a little behind in getting this newsletter out (partly) because I have begun preparations for the area-wide ecumenical Vacation Bible School that starts June 19th at the Cornell Elementary building! Please pray for a fruitful ministry with the children, families, volunteers, school staff, and communities that will be impacted by VBS.

I'd love your feedback on any collaboration between my writing journey and the VBS adventure. Currently, I am keeping them separate, but I'm open to any ideas on merging these ministries. I am over-the-moon about both of them and deeply invested in their success.

I continue to pray for you, and ask that you please reach out if you have specific prayers I can add to my list. Your support and encouragement keep me going when life gets wild, as it often does.

Special thanks to Joe Rady for the donation of fruit snacks to New Hope. As you can see, the leaders and children clearly enjoyed them. :-)

Also, huge shout out to all who volunteered, donated, and shopped at our annual brat wagon fund-raiser for VBS. It was a huge and fruitful success in more ways than one!

May 2023

Growing

The Growing Garden Series isn't the only thing growing around here! The trials of life seem to provide the greatest opportunities for spiritual growth. My dear mother-in-law had a kitchen fire last month and needed a place to stay. She has been living with us since the beginning of April. Though we have had our challenges, we're learning how to share space until she can have her home back. In the meantime, we were able to work side by side on the next book in our new children's series. Our work relationship is growing. Abby Apple came out just one day early on April 14th! Oliver Orange is in review and should be available on Amazon by next week!  Right now, Oliver's link takes you to a sneak peek inside from my webpage, but I will share the Amazon link as soon as he's published.

In other news, I am over the moon to be specifically promoting The Power of Discovering Your Husband is a Genius and all of my other books at Dylan's Dairy in just over a week on Saturday, May 13th from 1PM - 3PM. Please feel free to invite family and friends of all ages. You can click "going" on their Facebook page  if you're able to join us.

What to Expect


April 2023

Real Life

I was very excited to announce the release of Abby Apple the first book in our Growing Garden Series today, but after reviewing the proof and finding some printing errors, I have to wait! The helpful team at KDP have assured me things will be resolved quickly and we might even meet our April 15th publishing goal, but real life doesn’t always go the way we had hoped.

 

On that note, I was given a green light to share and promote The Power of Discovering Your Husband is a Genius at local event featuring the Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey, but it may be cancelled due to lack of enrollment. It's an incredible class. Kev and I learned it via video series years ago (I wish we could have gone in person - so cool they're offering that right in Cornell) but if it cancels I'm sure another opportunity will come along. I’m trusting because God has a plan.

 

The Town Hall Meeting March 29th at the Cornell school was a success. The panel of guests with lived experience shared their insight. Guests were taught how to administer Narcan in an emergency situation, parents were informed of specific things to watch for with their children, and the team was able to raise awareness of the growing problems around drugs and vaping in schools across the nation. Attendance was impressive with facilitators running across the hall for extra chairs. The Christian fiction I’m currently working on will address similar topics, and I hope to have it ready for release this fall, but only God knows the times and seasons for certain.

Reminders

 

As always, thank you, dear reader, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement. It means more than you will ever know.  This real-life writing journey I’m on is full of ups and downs. I’m thanking God for whatever he has planned in all of it.

-Jen

March 2023

Set Back or Set Up

I had an amazing privilege of walking through the publishing process with my younger brother! His book just came out and it is fantastic. It's available on Amazon and featured at the right. You can click to purchase! I am very proud of Joe. He is a talented writer and a wonderful brother. This has been a dream of his, and I feel so honored he welcomed me to play a tiny part in seeing it come to fruition.

Congratulations, Joe!

Your book is a work of art!


A local event featuring the Art of Marriage ministry allowed me to promote The Power of Discovering Your Husband is a Genius last month! I realize sales are the goal of promotion, but connection is what sticks with me. I sold some books and I pray they bless the readers! Even more importantly, I was able to make some meaningful connections with some of the ladies in attendance. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity!


My next adult project will address substance use and the negative impact it can have on any family. I have been working with the local school and recently received a mini grant from Thrivent to provide prizes for a very important event  put on by Chippewa County's Take a Stand Against Meth initiative addressing the topic.


Town Hall Meeting

March 29, 2023 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Cornell School Library

FREE event featuring education about drugs in our community, Crime Stoppers, Narcan, and more. Explore the Hidden in Plain Sight Room. Hear from a panel of those with lived experience and professionals. Break-out session with interactive games for youth ages 10 and up.


 I am excited to begin preparing for a reading and book signing on the beautiful patio (weather permitting) at Dylan's Dairy in Cornell, WI May 13th from 1-3 p.m.


February 17th, my husband had a very serious incident at work. We spent a tenuous five days at the hospital in Marshfield while relying copiously on the hard work, support, love, and prayers of family and friends to keep things rolling at home. I suppose we have every right to look at that time as a set back, but my husband is an incredible man. I believe he has taken this time to evaluate his work, his priorities, and his life. He has inspired me to do the same. 

When we offer all the pain, all the fear, all the trials, and all the set backs of life to God, I believe, he uses them to set us up for what is now, what is next, and what is eternal.

As always, thank you, dear reader, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement. It means more than you will ever know.

-Jen


February 2023

One Thing Leads to Another

During the Author Open House event last December, at the Bloomer Public Library, I met the amazing author of Hidden Places, Bobbi L Graffunder and made a meaningful connection. I have been working on a novel about teen substance use and Bobbi encouraged me to hone my fiction skills through collaboration by inviting me to a small focus-group based on her book. I am very excited to learn from Bobbi and grateful for her willingness to help. Her book is not only engaging and powerful to read, but the potential impact of her work is immeasurable on the very important topic of unplanned pregnancy. 

In marketing my work, I have reached out to Focus on the Family, Saddleback Church, Sparking Hope, New Hope, and several other local women's ministries to promote The Power of Discovering Your Husband is a Genius with some encouraging leads. Please pray for God's wisdom, provision and grace as I learn the marketing aspect of this work.

I am very excited about the Growing Garden Series for children on the fruit of the spirit. The illustrator and I are hoping to have the first one available for purchase by April 15th!

Additionally, on the subject of teen substance use, I have become involved in advocacy and hope to help our local district participate in vape-free school through partnerships with Prevea, Thrivent, and the school itself. Three educational sessions have been held in the Middle School at Cornell and more advocacy is in the works for next month.

Thank you, dear reader, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement. It means more than you will ever know.

-Jen

January 2023

All of my books are now available at Dragon Tale Books in Menomonie, WI!

HUGE shout out to Rob Bignell for an incredible welcome into the writing community and so many great tips on writing, editing, marketing, and many things I didn't know I needed to know!

Maureen Palmer at Redbery books in Cable, WI

has agreed to talk with me about a possible signing event at her store early summer 2023. Stay tuned!

Director, Stacey K. Brown mentioned that Florence will be starting story time back up at the G E Bleskacek Public Memorial Library in Bloomer, WI this February. I hope to make the cut sometime this spring!