I'm so excited to tell you about the launch of our Fresh Brewed Faith Conferences

It's been my desire to reach women in cities around the country by connecting women in local churches with each other. It's my heartbeat that churches work together to bring Kingdom-minded women's events to our nation. These regional events encourage women to connect with each other and God. The ultimate goal of Fresh Brewed Faith is to bring a unifying event to your city that'll empower women to live a tenacious faith in Christ.

• Interested in attending a FBF Conference?
• Want to bring FBF to your area?

"I got my first stone!" That was my announcement at a luncheon with some of my favorite women. Patty has a gathering of her older friends at her home to celebrate various occasions and this time it was Billie's birthday.

I was the youngest at the luncheon and I love learning from these seasoned and sage ladies. We discussed spiritual things, home décor, and of course, their grandchildren. Then my big contribution to the conversation: "I got my first stone!"

There was an awkward pause. I couldn't figure out why they were so shy to respond. "Maybe they're unfamiliar with stones and how much better they are than traditional baking sheets," I thought. "Maybe they don't know how much better a pizza crust turns out on a stone?"

My thoughts were interrupted by a brave older woman as she asked "Honey, what kind of stone: kidney or gall?"

I giggled. "I meant the kind you bake with." They chuckled and reminded me the kinds of stones that came to mind during their stage of life had little to do with baking. Yet these Senior Sisters knew their stuff and quickly began to tutor me on the proper use of stones. I love the wisdom of my Sisters who have walked life's path before me, - they have so much to offer.

It reminds me of the treasure I received from Elisabeth Elliot in her book, These Strange Ashes. I found the audio version last month at my favorite used bookstore, listened to it and was mesmerized.

These Strange Ashes chronicles Elisabeth Elliot's first year as a jungle missionary in Ecuador before marrying Jim Elliot, who was later slain (along with four other missionaries) by the feared Auca Indians.

She offers a sensitive look into the mysteries of faith and her observations are those of a bright, strong-minded, humble woman who walks with God and accepts His ways. The best part is that she reads for the audio. There's just something charming about hearing her voice reading her words from her heart. I think it's the best book she's written.

And speaking of the best, - this month, I got to spend an evening with my hero, Joni Eareckson Tada.

I've admired her from afar for decades. The summer before I lost my sight, her book "Joni" was the last book I read with my own eyes, and ever since, I've followed her writing, speaking and appearances. I am a shameless fan.

We were scheduled to appear on the same TV show, and when I met her in the studio, I was dizzy with excitement. Meeting her was priceless to me. We chatted and laughed, and I found her to be so enchanting and wise.

After the show, Joni suggested that all of the guests go out and pray with the studio audience.

"Grab my chair, Jennifer. Let's go." Joni said.

Don't you know I did just as she instructed!

I held on as she rolled toward the audience. I was chanting to myself, "Jennifer is with Joni. Joni is with Jennifer!" Later, I mused how significant it was that, as she had spiritually guided me for years, she was now guiding me physically. Cool.

We arrived in the circle of audience members and her assistant held a microphone in front of her. "Rather than praying, let's all sing 'Amazing Grace' together," she announced.

She led the first verse as we all sang along. There was a reverence that settled over our harmony. Then she paused before leading the second verse and said, "I want Jennifer to sing the 'Through many dangers, toils and snares' verse as we hum quietly."

Her assistant handed me the mike and I began to sing, and uh, panic. I wasn't sure I knew the words.

"Why couldn't she have chosen the 'Ten thousand years' verse?' I know that one." Ahh!

Thankfully, each word came as I prayerfully sang. Then it hit me - we were singing about God's Grace, I was standing next to my hero and I instinctively raised my hand in praise. But I was one of the only guests on the show who could lift my hand to God.

Joni is a quadriplegic due to a teenage diving accident. She can't lift her hand in praise. Two of the other incredible guests, Nick Vujicic and Tony Melendez, don't have arms and hands to lift to God because they were born with out limbs.

I was overwhelmed with the reality of what I have, rather than what I've lost. Again, Joni in her stillness next to me showed me the privilege I possess in the ability to raise my hand to heaven and kneel in gratefulness before God. Thank you, Lord, and thank you, Joni.

As Marcel Proust put it, "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."

So, give these a taste test:

1. Try your next pizza on a stone.

2. These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot

3. Connect with an older sister-in-Christ and get ready for your soul to blossom.

4. Joni Eareckson Tada

5. Watch the re- broadcast of the TBN Show mentioned above this Friday night, November 2.

Well, girls, we are finally checking on the last leg of the table! Do you remember we've been "interviewing" our souls as the Psalmist did in Psalm 42? We are examining our souls as He did by asking, "Why are you in despair, my soul?" We are looking at our lives as if they are tables with four legs.

In the past few months, we've looked at the Spiritual Leg, the Mental Leg and the Emotional Leg. Now, the Physical Leg. (You can keep reading without fear - I am not going to tell you to shed some pounds and join a gym. I saved this leg for last because it's the hardest one for me.)

We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and we need to be wise stewards of our bodies. Never discount the impact of physical wellness on the soul's wellness. Feelings of despair might really be our bodies' signal that we need to meet some basic needs. Your body needs adequate rest, healthy food and moderate exercise.

Being well-rested sure makes a difference in the way we look at life, doesn't it? This is true for toddlers and teenagers, but it's also true no matter what decade of life you are in.

When you're tired, you're prone to cry easier, lose your temper faster, forget things sooner, drop things more often and experience the fog of fatigue settling over your mental processes. I'm saying "you," but really, that's my autobiography. Ha!

If the physical leg of your table gets too weak and tired, the whole table feels shaky. So before you assume the worst about your situation, make sure you're getting enough rest. You might simply be exhausted.

The kind and amount of food we eat matters too. You can memorize the food pyramid and count calories if you'd like, but poor eating habits are not usually due to a lack of knowledge. We eat poorly due to lack of discipline and desire. (I know that hurts.) I'm trying to keep my hands out of a stash of chocolate while I type this! The sad list goes on and on - too much sugar, not enough water, too many bad carbs, not enough fruits and veggies. Yeah, yeah, yeah. My friend, we know what it takes. We just need for it to take!

We can't discount the impact our diet has on our balance and stability.

The way I deal with this is to eat frequently. I try to keep my portions small, the size of the palm of my hand. I don't drink my calories; I eat them. That means I do the eight glasses of water a day (which keeps the dark chocolate option always open). You know what works for you, and if you don't, figure it out. You need your body to serve you because you've got a lot of life to live!

And lastly, to be attentive to your Physical Leg, you can't neglect exercise. Well, actually, I am living proof that you can neglect exercise. A better way to phrase that is to say we shouldn't neglect exercise. Research shows that during exercise, the pituitary gland can release five times as many mood-boosting beta-endorphins as it does during rest. That makes sense because I always enjoy such a nice feeling of wellness after the elliptical! I just wish I felt that way before - I would be much more motivated.

An Arabian proverb says, "He who has health has hope and he who has hope has everything." So exercise some discipline to move more. I do it by associating something I love with something I don't love - books with exercise. My goal is to listen to my favorite books only when I am on the treadmill. That really motivates me to get on!

If you interview your soul and answer honestly, you can discern if this leg is giving you the support you need to be balanced and unshakable. So take a brisk walk, drink a glass of water, grab a carrot stick, lay down for a spell, and think about it.

"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." - Mark Twain

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

- Jennifer

Question: I have recently seen and heard of your appearances on many Christian shows. Some of the programs have shown themselves to not be too theologically sound.

Are you attempting to show Truth by being there or do you not have any qualms about these questionable theologies? I know the Light needs to shine through the darkness and was wondering if that was your purpose. Thanks for considering this question! You're a real gem and I'm proud to have had the opportunity to hear you at Women of Faith.

Blessings, Tamara

Answer: What a great question! Thanks for asking it because it gives me a chance to clarify my passion and purpose in ministry.

I never shy away from appearing on a secular TV show or a religious one with questionable theology. In fact, I love going there. God loves people and I want to go where they are and show them His Love and Character. For me, to accept an invitation is not the same as accepting their theology or lack thereof. But it is to say that I, and God, accept and love people no matter where they are on life's journey.

In ministry, I have plenty of opportunities to share "Light with Light," but I pray for more and more opportunities to share "Light" with those who walk in darkness. The message of Christ is culturally relevant and has changed my life and I want those who need to hear it most to have an opportunity. And last thing, - what is most important is that I never water down or shy away from speaking the Truth in love, no matter who the audience is.

And now, the beans are officially spilled!

 

1. Pray that God would grant wisdom as LifeWay and I are in the midst of discussing my next Bible study.

2. Please pray for strength and protection for Phil, Clayton, Connor and the fabulous women that work with the ministry.

3. I really feel passionate about the message of Self Talk, Soul Talk and ask you to pray that God will continue to get it into the hands of those who need it most.

Thanks for being a faithful friend...

- Jennifer

 

Each month we give away something from the JenniferRothschild.com Store. All you have to do is click on the link below to let us know you were here. Your name will automatically be added to a random drawing to win.

This month's winner is Joanne from Bayonne, NJ. (joannepolera@...)

Joanne wins an audio book of Lessons I Learned in the Dark autographed by Jennifer!

Congratulations! Joanne, please email us your mailing address.

1. Buy One Autographed Self Talk, Soul Talk book, and get $3.00 off. (23% savings) When you check out, use the coupon code of "threeoff" (one word, all lowercase).

2. Buy Two or More Autographed Self Talk, Soul Talk books and get $4.00 off each book. (31% savings) See the Special Offers link at Jennifer's Store - no coupon code required.

3. Buy One or More Self Talk, Soul Talk books from a brick-and-mortar store in your town and get a $10.00 gift certificate by email to use on almost anything at the JenniferRothschild.com Store. (Limited to the first 200 responses.) Simply fax or mail a copy of your receipt to us, along with your name and email address.

Here is our contact information:
Jennifer Rothschild Ministries
4319 S. National Ave.
Suite 303
Springfield, MO 65810
Fax : 866-360-2611
Email: JR@jenniferrothschild.com
Store: www.jenniferrothschild.com/store

• Read an excerpt from the book
• Read the Press Kit
• Read interviews from women who talk to themselves like: Lisa Whelchel, Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg and others.

I hope you'll consider being one of my faith-walkin' Sole Sisters. I covet your prayers and appreciate so much the things you do to spread the word about my message.

Here are just a few of the small things you can do to make a big impact:

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