Book Cover Reveal! And Baking.

Find the Hope to Light your way, even in the darkness.

How are the holidays already upon us? It feels like just last week I was in West Virginia speaking with church leaders and abuse survivors, and suddenly here I am, half-way through November, writing up a grocery list for Thanksgiving dinner and getting the house ready for guests.

My trip to West Virginia went really well. Thank you to everyone who prayed! It was a blur of activity with much laughter and some tears.

First, I spoke with the Youth Group at Covenant Church in Shepherdstown. I taught the kids about various abuser red flags, when to talk to a trusted adult, how to use social media safely, and how to protect themselves and their friends. I’m planning to record a video of the presentation as well so you all can use it to equip the teens in your lives.

Then I gave a presentation to law enforcement regarding a case I’ve been working on for nearly three years. It’s confidential, but I’m hoping that at some point an arrest will be made, and then I’ll be able to tell you more about my work there.

Then I spoke at a conference for abuse survivors hosted by Fellowship Bible Church. We had around 80 women, many of whom had traveled in from different states to attend, so this was a spectacular outreach opportunity and ministry to the surrounding community.

I felt like my words were very well received and even though we were discussing tough topics, everyone seemed positive and upbeat. Questions during the Q&A at the end ranged from, “How do I know if I should report abuse?” to “Can God forgive someone who commits suicide?” So, I was able to address a lot of trauma and hopefully encourage some ladies to get the help they need to break free and heal. Please continue to pray for them as I’m sure many went home with hope, as well as a lot of things to process.

As the event drew to a close, I was getting quite tired. I’d spoken off and on throughout the day, and all the topics were intense. I can’t remember why, but during the Q&A, I mentioned a story about Moses, and how the people of God were bickering. Unfortunately, “bickering” came out as “bitchering,” which quite surprised me and everyone else. Thankfully, they all laughed! So, our conference ended on an unexpectedly humorous note, and I think it was a laugh we all needed.

When I got home to Texas, I had several emails waiting from my wonderful publisher to discuss releasing Defiant Joy in February, and book marketing plans. Among the emails was the cover art for Defiant Joy. Check it out!

The artists at Multnomah did such a spectacular job. Throughout Defiant Joy I use the imagery of strands of gold, or threads of Heaven, which God weaves throughout our lives. No matter how dark or dreary our circumstances may be, these little sparkles of happiness remind us that there’s a far greater joy stored up for us in Eternity.

I also discuss the metaphorical meaning of water in the Bible, and how it symbolizes both the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon us (such as in baptism) and the purifying wrath of God that washes evil away (such as in Noah’s Flood). I also talk about how, in Revelation, John describes a sea that is as still as glass, because we are at peace with God and Jesus has calmed every storm.

The artists took all this imagery and worked it into this beautiful cover. I’m so overwhelmed and proud of how it came out, and so grateful to them for pouring so much time and thoughtfulness into it.

But, now I’ve got to get back to my housecleaning and Thanksgiving planning. My mom-in-law is making the turkey and stuffing, so the girls and I will be baking lots of pies and cookies. Between us though, the dish I’m looking forward to most is my baked potato casserole. It’s diced white potatoes with onions, butter, sour cream, and bacon, topped with extra sharp cheddar cheese. If we cooked nothing else, but we had that, I’d be completely happy!

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Thanks again for your prayers and kind notes.

Love,

Jenn