Meet Jennifer
Hi friend,
So glad you dropped by.
Oh, … did you hear that sound? Yeah, … that’s the sound of my knees knocking. Because I’m about to let you in on a big secret: I’m a mess most of the time. I’m broken.There, I said it.
Are you still there?
You are?
Oh, … so you understand? Bless your heart. I knew we could be friends! How I’d love to reach through the screen and shake your hand … maybe even hug you?
So yeah, I’m a mess all right.
Or, maybe the secret was already out.
I’m Jennifer Dukes Lee — the girl whose spiritual journey looks more like a stumble than a faith walk. As I limp down this path, I’m the one with toilet paper stuck to her shoe. And I am changed, day by day. I’ve wrestled with God. And now, I walk with a spiritual limp.
The only way I know how to find my life, is to lay it all down. To Get Down With Jesus. Because the Only Way Up is Down.
Sort of like roots on trees … or in farmfields. They hold us steady, keep us grounded.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love this surprise life – the one that landed us here on the farm.
We’re putting down roots – roots that give us strength. Our roots are in family, crops, a legacy of generations, words rooted in the Word… Root of David.
Those roots help us make sense of things when things get crazy. Like my husband – my favorite farmer ever! – always says: “God’s Got It.”
***
Along this journey, I love to tell the story. (‘Twill be my theme in glory!).
These days, I tell the story here, in this place, four days a week through words and photos. You’ll find me around the The High Calling network, where I serve as a Contributing Editor. And I am a regular contributor for FaithRadioNet.com.
I teach journalism at Dordt College, a small Christian college in northwest Iowa. I’m a former news reporter for The Des Moines Register and Omaha World-Herald.
I left the metropolitan news scene in 2002 to move to the Lee family farm in northwest Iowa. Here, we’re raising two girls and acres of crops.
But I’m not done writing. I enjoy using my reporting skills to chase after the biggest story in history: the redemptive story of Christ. That’s front-page news.
Along the journey, it’s a joy to walk with you. I’m so glad you’re here.
Shall we take this narrow path together, you and I?
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Here are some posts that reflect the heart of this place:
These Boots Are Made For … (Part of the God-Incidences series)
Blindfolded (A Video Message from Me to You)
The Paradoxical Adoration of Misfits and Wretches
I’m a Two-Bit Dud … and Smiling Ear to Ear
Occasionally, you might see a “Y” pop up here and there. Why the Ys? Here’s why.
When the World Says “No Way” We Say “Yahweh”
JENNIFER @ GETTING DOWN WITH JESUS
This is beautiful. I learned something new… what the letters YHVH stand for… such deep meaning in His name. A beautiful story, the work He does in our lives, the stories he writes…as He has written in yours, left with a Y-shaped scar. I can now speak “YHVH” to any scars, problems! I’m touched by this post. In fact, I love your blog and the entries that I’ve read (Ladybug Tree, the Life-Work of Spring, etc). Wonderful to meet you, and thank you for stopping by my blog today!
Hi Jennifer,
I feel like I already know you — because I know Linda and adore her, and so do you, so we have a woman’s heart in common. Right now, both our hearts ache to ease hers, and I so enjoyed reading what you’ve written about the vigil at Payton’s bedside, and your church the next morning in ICU, “whereever two or more are gathered”… I will continue to send prayers to your family. Never dreamt this would be the way I’d make a new friend… God bless you for putting tender words to feelings other can only grapple, wretch and moan with.
Jennifer -
I know your parents and am just heartbroken by the news. Through your blog post, there are prayers warriors in Sioux Rapids and the surrounding communities that are lifting your entire family up in prayer. Please give your parents a hug for me and know that there are many whom you can’t see that are supporting you. May your family feel God’s arms around you.
How refreshing! I have spent the past 30 years teaching and learning the Bible, Jewish history, Hebrew Language and Culture and Archeology. Most of all I am learning how to walk out this amazing path. Daily after 4 children, 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren) I feel like my learning journey is just beginning. I have been a part of starting three Bible Colleges, founded Jubilee College and Graduate School for Jewish/Christian Studies. I am learning Hebrew and how to be a good great-grandmother. I have written a book called Women Restored and run a Christian school for K-12. Now, all this said, your blog is one of the most refreshing things I have read in a long time. I am convinced, at almost 69, that our journey begins new every day. We can approach it with intense wonder and expectation or with dread and discouragement for our past failures. Thank you for writing this blog. I truly hope we can stay connected. I look forward to all your postings. Blessings
Jimmilea
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I have some friends who went to Dordt. I’ve come to wish I had studied journalism, but alas God had other plans for me:) I have enjoyed reading about your messes, because I have many of my own. Blessings to you!
And when the world says no way, we say Yes we can In JESUS CHRIST according to His will & Holy Word. Yes for Yeshua! Our Lord & Saviour & Best Friend! Amen?!