Jennifer Saake

It has come to my attention that the Stroke Of Grace blog, that I thought I had set to private several months ago, is still publicly viewable for some people. Because I do not understand what settings I am missing there, and because I do not want to loose nearly a decade of documentation by simply removing the blog altogether, I am slowly adding the following statement to each of my 500+ posts over there: UPDATE: The following blog post is currently live for historical reference only, accurately representing my thoughts at the time I originally posted. The Stroke of Grace blog was a sorting ground for me, my place for grappling through the kinds of huge questions that cause even the most mentally-able and theologically-trained, to loose sleep. Please read my statement on *sensuality. [The statement is linked within that blog, but is the information I will also post here.]  While there are still many of my own conclusions that I stand behind, I  have dramatically changed...

I am a mess maker!  My bedroom, where I've been "officing" since my husband's entire office got sent to work from their homes more than 15 months ago, was becoming so piled with stacks of notes and open research books that I could no longer safely walk through it. I should have taken some "before" pictures for you. It was truly atrocious. I've spent all morning making some order out of the chaos, organizing an old milk crate as my bedside bookshelf. I'm not done yet, but what I have managed, I want to share both in celebration that I can now easily find my resources, and as documentation of how the puzzle can fit back together next time (hopefully not as soon as next week, but that's very possible) I let it grow so out of control again! Both my Bible study and writing habits are MESSSSSSSSSY! I get so wrapped up in what I am learning, and in turn sharing with my friends, that onlookers might think there is no way I could be learning anything amid...

Over the past few weeks we have had both sets of parents visit from out of state, and our 2nd living miracle baby celebrated high school graduation. (She graduated last year, but you know some virus or something prevented an earlier celebration.) I'm so glad my Daddy finally got to see our new home, as he was the only parent unable to visit sometime within the past 20 months. I'm tired. My bloodwork indicates perhaps my endocrinology visit in a couple of weeks will help us pinpoint more than just the busy past few weeks as the cause. I'm praying that God will show my doctor ways to help me so that I can endure through all the changes (mostly parenting/educational) coming this fall. C. and I continue to snail's-pace crawl toward a finished manuscript of our book. Your ongoing prayers are SO appreciated!  [Update, Late October, 2024:  About a year ago, a family crisis in C.'s life necessitated the end of our writing partnership. After taking most of this year to praye...