Category Archives: Deep Thoughts

The Mirror World of Books

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Jennifer Jensen

Books let us escape from current life woes.  They let us explore other worlds and other times. But did you ever think about the things we learn without realizing it, the things we can apply (consciously or not) in our own lives?   Mikey Brooks wrote a great post over at Emblazon about young readers and learning from the “Mirror World” of books, and he very kindly said I could share it with you: The Most Important Thing a Child Should Be Doing When a child reads a book they view it as a type of mirror world—as if by magic they become the main characters, living and breathing in that character’s mind. Gender holds no boundaries when it comes to this mirror world. Whether they are a boy or a girl, when they read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, they become Harry Potter. When they read The Lightning Thief, they are Percy Jackson. … Continue reading →

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The Beauty of a Woman: Bring on Those Wrinkles!

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Jennifer Jensen

I see my mother when I look in the mirror. The line of my jaw, the way my eyelids crease,  the bump on the bridge of my nose. But I especially see her when I’m tired – when my skin is sagging and flat and my brow is wrinkled. I think, ohhh, I look old. And yet when I get to see my mother in person (about twice a year since we’re 2,000 miles apart), I see beauty. Yes, at 79 years and 10 months old, she definitely has wrinkles. And age spots. And she’s not very tall anymore. But she is strong and intelligent and her eyes can sparkle with fun. All my growing up, Mom worked:  at an office job, at home, with the horses and other livestock. I’d try to bury myself in a book after my chores were done and she’d call me out to help … Continue reading →

Posted in Deep Thoughts, Home & Family, TAKE JOY! | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Inseparable Partners: Joy and Gratitude

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Jennifer Jensen

We’ve heard it a million times: “Count your blessings.” Sometimes it’s said with a wry smile – “Count your blessings – things could be worse!” Sometimes it’s given as advice, as if being grateful for what we have will magically take away all our worries. Sometimes we roll our eyes and try not to hit the person who said it just carry on. But sometimes we take it into our hearts and are truly thankful for what we’ve been given.  And with that gratitude comes joy. If someone feels joy without being grateful, isn’t that really just a moment of pleasure? Climbing a mountain on a sunny day, or feeling the wind rush as you ski down a smooth, snowy slope, or warming yourself by a blazing fire – those are very pleasurable sensations, but without gratitude for the sunshine or your body’s physical ability, it isn’t true joy . … Continue reading →

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My New Year’s Word is …

Posted on January 2, 2015 by Jennifer Jensen

I’ve already regaled you with why I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions anymore – are you ready for why I didn’t pick “balance” as my word for 2015? Reason #1: I’m too serious. Seriously! Reason #2: I spend too much time thinking. I’m always thinking of what’s coming up: What I’m cooking for dinner, what errands I need to run, what chores are waiting, what I’m going to blog about or what’s the next scene I’m writing in Shimmer 2. I think of how my children are doing (being a parent to adults is a whole nuther ballgame) and wonder what I can do to help. And wonder if I’m doing too much, poking my nose in where it doesn’t belong anymore. I study scriptures and try to figure out how to apply them in my life, which leads me to thinking about changes and sorting out what to do: … Continue reading →

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The Redemption of Scrooge

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Jennifer Jensen

I can never decide which version (and star) of A Christmas Carol is my favorite: George C Scott, Patrick Stewart, Albert Finney (mostly because of the song “Thank You Very Much,” although only disassociated with the fact that they’re thanking Scrooge for dying), or even, yes, The Muppets.  One of the things I like about the Muppets is that Gonzo narrates it with quotes directly from the book.  Anyway, I love them all and we watch at least one every year. But today I want to share a blog by author and social media guru Kristen Lamb, talking about the meaning of the story, not just the acting and directing.  Why does it speak to us so deeply?  And can you separate the message from its Christian context?  She ponders the power of names, the power of words, and more.  So without further ado . . . heeeeeere’s Kristen: Why … Continue reading →

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