Spiritual Director, Pastor, Author An introvert who loves Jesus and people, facilitating (re)introductions between both parties since at least 1997--mostly through stories. Your story, my story, God's story... Stories are, after all, how we humans learn best. Maybe that's because stories are who we are. Follow along for the stories!
Let's Talk About Body-Surfing Even Though It's February
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Some of my best childhood summer memories involve body surfing in the Atlantic with my grandmother. Body surfing is fun, and also my grandmother was fun. We would rush into the waves, watch for one that looked promising, turn our backs to it while still watching it over our shoulders, and clasp hands. Then, just as it seemed like it was going to crash over our heads, we'd jump, and the wave would carry us, breathless and laughing, back to shore. As I grew up and Grandma grew older, I was more likely to body surf on my own. That was fun, too--usually. Every so often, I'd mis-time the jump or misjudge the wave, surf washing over my head, salt-water getting in my eyes, undertow scraping my knees across the sand as it dragged me backward and I scrambled to stand back up before getting smacked with another one. I have to admit...so far 2023 has felt like I mistimed a jump and haven't yet managed to find my footing before the next wave hits. Christmas and New Year and Paul's brother's funeral and Winter Solace and starting Pilgrimage courses and Central Baptist's annual meeting... But next week I'm headed for a two day personal retreat at a Benedictine guest house near here. I'm looking forward to...well, breathing. And hopefully getting grounded again, with an "above-water" perspective. Because honestly, there are still a lot of really good things going on around here. That's Another Story:
Paul and I are looking forward to our anniversary early next month, and also to a rare, two-consecutive-week vacation in June. It's kind of exciting reviewing our options for that time! I hope you are doing well. I'd love to hear your stories, find out how I can be praying for you, and even, if you're ever in this neck of the woods, see your face. Please stay in touch. I'm glad you're here. Travel well, Jenn 🐪 |
Jennifer A G Layte, c/o Build a Better Us, ATTN: The Pilgrimage, 1779 Kirby Pkwy #106, Memphis, TN 38138 Thank you for your tax deductible gift to keep the Pilgrimage offering hope and healing through Jesus to many online. Checks may be sent to Build a Better Us, memo line: Pilgrimage--at the address above--or you may donate online. |
Jennifer A G Layte
Spiritual Director, Pastor, Author An introvert who loves Jesus and people, facilitating (re)introductions between both parties since at least 1997--mostly through stories. Your story, my story, God's story... Stories are, after all, how we humans learn best. Maybe that's because stories are who we are. Follow along for the stories!
Today is the first day of full-time The Pilgrimage! I have a new Pilgrimage email address! (Hopefully this didn't end up in your spam filter.) I'm now working on Mondays for the first time in about seven years so I can commiserate with all the "Monday" memes! The Listening Post resumes tomorrow! (Considering how late I completed writing this thing and when I'm sending it, for some of you I suppose it might be "today" already.) I hope you're going to join us for one of these. We'll meet from...
If Only They Could All Go Like This Ever since our friend Rebecca and her parents took us to a New Hampshire restaurant run by a British couple who made the most quintessential fish 'n' chips on the planet, Paul and I have a running joke about platonic ideals. This week the platonic ideal of a Pilgrimage sign-up happened, as follows: I posted something on a social medium. (I don't know which one. I don't even know what I posted.) One of my online acquaintances saw said post, noticed that it...
Something New! Nothing new with the programming, but as I try to more appropriately organize the work of the Pilgrimage in 2025 (our 10th anniversary year!) I will be sending out periodic (probably monthly) short-form updates with scheduling options for you. Normally they won't have quite the following level of information. If you would prefer not to get these updates but would still like to receive the every-other-month newsletter, please make sure you manage your subscription via the...