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 ๐ช |
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!
It's time to try something different...and so behold: the Layte annual Christmas letter in digital form! Thanks for reading our news. Thanks for sending us yours. Home and Family In March, Paul and I took the dogs to chilly Portland, Maine, to celebrate our 12th anniversary weekend. I got to introduce Paul to Popham Beach, where my mom's side of the family used to vacation when I was a kid. We're grateful for--and continuing to enjoy!--our life together and are looking forward to the next...
Hi friends! This letter is later than I intended, partly due to both work and vacation travel all crammed into about six weeks (with a side of covid), so let's get right to business, starting with the most time-sensitive item first. Special Guest at the Next Outfitters' Gathering! I really hope you can make our next zoom gathering, which is October 30th at 7PM Eastern. I'm excited to welcome BJ Thompson, Build a Better Us CEO, to our call that night, so that you can learn a little bit more...
Remember Disposable Flashes? On film cameras? No? Well, now you know how old I am. That, however, is not what I'm giving away. It's time for the monthly Jennifer A G Layte/Pilgrimage giveaway! But it feels really weird to do a giveaway during Holy Week, so this one's going to be QUICK. (That is, it's happening "in a flash." I'm not making myself seem younger, am I?) Here's what you need to know: Giveaway Goal - 50 new newsletter subscribers in April Giveaway Prize - One of my hand illustrated...