I told some people on Sunday that every time I teach Stepping into the Story, I take Stepping into the Story, but some of the times are more intense than others. This time seems to be one of the more intense ones. However, last year’s revelations were intense in a really unpleasant way, and this year’s so far have been rather more validating than otherwise. I haven’t yet decided how much of that I plan to process publicly, but some of the stuff I’ve been putting down here already probably feeds into it, indirectly. If you want to get caught up in case I really start baring my soul, here’s what we’ve gathered and scattered here so far this year.
Notes on Pilgrimage and Bible Stories
The year began snowily. In spite of how, since 2020, there is no real such thing as a snow day from church, we had a snow day from church.
Paid subscribers got a transcript of the talk I gave on home on the opening night of Winter Solace, a discussion of inerrancy—or is it infallibility?—and the wrath of God. You know. Light topics like that.
Then I did actually lighten things up by sharing my first-person Bible fiction narrative I wrote during one of my own workshops at Winter Solace. This process always surprises, and usually delights, me.
Writing About Writing
Have you ever accidentally plagiarized someone? Has someone ever plagiarized you?
Art Spotlight
My doodles last month were mostly winter and chaos, but I’m also taking a gouache class on Domestika, and if I ever finish my final project, I’ll tell you a story about my process.
I also plan to add new things to the Jenn Store very soon, so stay tuned…and if there’s anything there right now that you were thinking of buying, you may want to snap it up, because I’m probably going to swap some things out.
That’s a Jenn Story
Finally, we can’t forget the Jenn stories. Especially this one.
Jenn Recommends
Usually during my set-aside time with God in the mornings, I just use my Bible and journal, but for the last little while I’ve been reading commentaries. As ever, there have been one or two things with which I might quibble theologically, but for the most part both are very readable and very sound and one of them happens to be by my friend and former Pilgrimage “adjunct” instructor, Dr Wendy Widder. This one is really excellent.
The other is by a British pastor and I only found out about it because my parents generously gave me their copy. I love the book of Job, so I’m willing to read almost anything about it.
I also recommend that gouache class I mentioned.
Now it’s February, Black History Month, Love Month, and the beginning of Lent. However you celebrate (ideally all of them in some way), may you have a lovely one.
Travel well,
Jenn 🐪
Looking forward to reading these round up pieces!