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the following statement to each of my 500+ posts over there: UPDATE: The following blog post is currently live for historical reference only, accurately representing my thoughts at the time I originally posted.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...

It seems that the majority of my health issues have an "awareness" day, week, or even this entire month, being observed in May. (Notable exceptions are infertility and pregnancy loss , with organized events in September and October, respectively.) I know there are other issues also being recognized this month, but please allow me to blitz you with a few images tied to my story. I believe these were all created for social media sharing, but if I've mistakenly used your copyrighted image, please forgive me and email me and jsaake AT yahoo DOT com, referencing my May 12, 2021 post, specifying your image details, and I will be happy to remove and replace your art as quickly as possible What about YOU? I would love to hear about the awareness issues you are observing or promoting in May. How may I be praying for you this month?  Credit: Google   ehlers-danlos society   National Stroke Awareness Month Today. May12th.org mecfsClinicianCoalition WPI The Whittemore Peterson Insti...

Is  Mother's Day hard due to infertility, pregnancy loss, infant death, failed adoption? I've been there , I understand. {{{hug}}} After reading the blog version of  my story , please join me at  Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake  on Facebook . In addition to a free PDF download of the entire introduction, prolog, and first chapter of Hannah's Hope  at  hannahshopebook.com/media/HannahHopeChapter1.pd , I just discovered you can listen to a 5-minute free sample of the audio version of Hannah's Hope, a selection taken from the introduction and prolog, at https://www.audible.com/pd/Hannahs-Hope-Audiobook/B074SWRWH8 . I pray that this brief clip will be a soothing balm to your stinging heart today. Big Mother's Day hugs to all: Weeping with those who weep. Rejoicing with those who rejoice. Understanding the mixed emotions for those who are feeling various levels of both joy and grief concerning the day. Praying wisdom and peace for all. I would love to meet yo...

With babies in Heaven as well as the blessing of raising children on earth, Mother's Day is always a mixed bag of extreme emotions for me. Undoubtedly, I am overwhelmingly thankful for my living miracles, likely much more aware of what a gift they are than I would have been had they come easily. Perhaps intensified by "knowing what I am missing" as I watch my earthly children grow, though it has been over 19 years since my 3rd pregnancy loss, my heart is still tender concerning my kids no longer here. Read more  about infertility, miscarriage, and adoption loss, at  JenniferSaake.blogspot.com/2021/04/hannahs.html  and be my guest to read the first chapter of my book, Hannah's Hope , free at   hannahshopebook.com/media/HannahHopeChapter1.pd This will be my first MD in a new church and I already know that there will be a baby dedication ceremony this week, so I'm half holding my breath as I wait to see how the service will unfold. Thankfully, we are a verse-by-ve...