In Defence of Our Hope
One day a week, my husband and I have the privilege of homeschooling the two youngest grandchildren living closest to us. This is great fun for the grandparents and, I think, at least some fun for the kids—when they’re not gagging. (Explanation below.)
When discussing what we would focus on during our days, I had the brilliant idea of including, among other things, something I call ‘expanding our palates.’
As you've probably guessed, it means we taste/eat something new to us every week.
This has been received in very positive ways when we’ve made things like Strawberry Slushies or some other sugary treat. The unusual vegetables don’t fly as well, but the most dramatic thing, so far, was the tasting of raw cocoa.
We knew there was a life lesson to be learned when the youngest of the two ran gagging to spit hers out in the sink—first in the bathroom, and then in the kitchen for the remnants she couldn't easily dispel.
These kids are required to rate each food, and her journal entry that day included the word HORRIBLE, in big capital letters, as well as a few exclamation marks. When I reminded her that the bitter element she’d spewed was the same thing she loves in hot chocolate, she still didn’t change her rating of 0/10.
It is truly amazing what can be done with something as ‘gross’ as unsweetened cocoa powder, and whoever first thought of adding sugar was at least near to genius.
Although that weekly experiment is a lot of laughs, my favourite part of the day is our discussion about Bible events. I no longer refer to these as Bible ‘stories’ because they did happen and are factual. The workbook we’re walking through helps us understand context, proof of them, a detailed explanation of each event, and it teaches us how to give an explanation to others of why we believe what’s written in God’s Word.
Like the bitter cocoa, some of the things in the Bible are more difficult to digest, but as we read and learn more, we’ve clearly seen how it meshes together, and how everything has been written for our ultimate GOOD.
GOD IS SO GOOD!!
As Josh Howerton says, “If there’s something in the Bible you disagree with, you’re wrong!"
That makes me want to learn what’s right even more, and I’m glad when my grandchildren ask a lot of questions, and want to discuss this most important book.
Our ‘theme’ is taken from this verse, and I think we can all agree that at the point in history in which we sit, it’s even more important that we know, and are able to defend, what we believe.
1 Peter 3:15 (NASB1995) - “… sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” (italics mine)
Those of us who have Jesus Christ in our hearts must be ready to tell others about the HOPE that is in us. No matter what comes our way, let us always be willing to share, with gentle kindness, what we know is true.
Blessings be on you and your families as we enter the Christmas season!
Pattie Janzen
NEED PRAYER?
I'd love to pray for you. Please reach out, if you're comfortable with that. Also know that I pray for everyone who reads anything I write, so you're included in those prayers!
None of our lives are squeaky clean and perfect. I'm experiencing a valley right now, but there is POWER in the name of Jesus and in prayer! We need to claim that, as we pray for one another!
WINNER, NEWSLETTER, EVENTS, INTERVIEWS & A SONG!
WINNER:
of the FREE BOOK in November is ... CALLA E. Congratulations!!
NEWS:
Two of my first three novels are now available in printed paperback and e-book formats.
These second editions will be joined very soon by the third and last (so far) in this series.
More than one person has asked me, "Are they much different than the first editions?"
The answer to that is yes and no. The storyline is much the same, but the covers, revisions, added chapters or 'scenes', and thickness of each book are different.
'The GOODNESS' and 'The FORGIVENESS' can by purchased through me directly, or on most Amazon platforms. If everything goes as planned, 'The BELONGING' will be available at the end of November.
FIRST EDITIONS (limited supply) are available from me and at: EKK Handmade Store and Gift Shop
in Yorkton, SK.
To those of you who have read 'You Are Amadeus', a HUGE THANK YOU! And ... some BIG NEWS!
I was blown away to learn that this novel won:
A First place WORD AWARD from the Canadian Word Guild
Category: Best Christian Contemporary Romance 2026!
Truthfully, I feel very humbled by this because, although my name is on the front of the book, I only wrote the story. I was greatly helped with the details.
#1. God gets the glory! He gave me the story!
#2. Shoutouts to:
Shannon Erickson (Cover and Interior designer), Kerry Wilson (Professional Editor), Jennifer Arrington (Beta Reader/Editing), Laurie Breitkreuz (Beta Reader/Editing), Laura Wiley (Beta Reader/Arc Reader/Editing), ALL readers, and many others who've been so supportive of my writing endeavours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
COMING EVENTS:
On NOVEMBER 20th and 21st I will be signing and selling books at the Warman Craft and Bake Sale. This is a sale with many vendors. Yay! Christmas shopping! Hours: Friday: 6 - 9 pm. Saturday: 10 - 3.
Mark your calendars!! This has nothing to do with writing, but I would like to invite you to a Christmas Production I am helping to direct. FREE admission. Cost: your time.
WHERE? Osler Mission Chapel. (You guessed it! In OSLER, SK!)
WHEN? There will be TWO performances. The first, on Saturday, December 12th at 7 PM, and the second on Sunday, December 13th at 10 AM! Be prepared for some excellent acting by kids and adults, and beautiful music. This will be a celebration about the reason for Christmas, and MUCH MORE!
Interview INFO:
The interviews we've been praying about are now over. THANK YOU for praying for me.
My chat with the prolific author, KC Mitchell, was very enjoyable, and is available on YouTube.
Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHYnxuIqr8k
WARNING: this is long, and I'm not very exciting, so my feelings won't be hurt if you don't watch it.
BUT, KC Mitchell is lovely and we found out that we have a lot in common.
The conversation I had with Jennifer Sienes will be available in December. I will provide a link for that shorter chat in my next email.
I recently finished Jennifer's Contemporary Romance novel titled: A Sojourner's Solace.
This is a very pleasant read with a great message!
If you're interested in taking a peek, here's the link for that novel:
Jennifer has written many volumes too, and I was thrilled to 'meet' her!
AND FINALLY ...
Here's a Christmas song that you may even hear at a certain program listed above:
BEHOLD! by Phil Wickham & Anne Wilson
Until next month,
Pattie Janzen
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