Monday, May 5, 2008

Never an Unpublished Thought...

...is what my wife Dianna claims she is going to put on my tombstone (you'll have to ask her when).

Blogs can be pretentious and self-serving, but the beauty is, if you find this one that way, you can ignore it forever. If you have any interest in my writing or my family, perhaps you'll indulge me once on a while. If you don't know me, you'll find more than you'd ever need at http://www.jerryjenkins.com/, http://www.jenkins-entertainment.com/, or http://www.christianwritersguild.com/

My bride of 37 years and I head to Olathe, Kansas, this weekend to visit son Chad, his wife Christa (whom he met on EHarmony.com), and their 10-month-old son Isaac -- our fourth grandchild. [Here we are with him when he was obviously a newborn. At right is a more recent shot.] He will be dedicated at their church Sunday, or rather the family will affirm its dedication to raising him, as the Bible says, in 'the nurture and admonition of the Lord.'






Then it's on to Chicago where I serve on the board of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Then I speak at commencement at Huntington (Indiana) University. And the following weekend we join a large Moody group for a trip to Israel and Jordan. This will be our third trip to Israel but our first to Jordan. As I wrote extensively about the rock city of Petra in the Left Behind series, based entirely on videos and reference guides, I can't wait to see the real thing.

I'm most excited about the release of my latest novel from Tyndale House, July 22. It's called Riven, from the lyric of Rock of Ages, referring to Christ's riven side, and is the novel I've always wanted to write. The story has been rattling in my brain for decades. It's about a present-day condemned man who chooses crucifixion as his method of execution. You can see the cover on amazon.com.







39 comments:

Paulette Harris said...

Wow! I am the first to post. As a new blogger myself, I fought doing this, especially when I am in the zone of working on one of my novels. I found it to be more fun that I thought.

Great blog Mr. Jenkins, the baby is wayyy tooo cute for his own good.
I enjoyed hearing from you and seeing the pictures. I can't wait for your next book.

Sincerely in Christ Jesus,
Paulette Harris
www.pauletteharris.biz
comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com

Margaret McSweeney said...

Hi Jerry,

Congratulations on your new novel! I look forward to reading it. Your conference in Colorado was inspirational. Thanks for all that you do through the Christian Writer's Guild to encourage and instruct. Please give my best to Diana and wish her a happy Mother's Day.

Also, if you have a chance, please visit my blog, http://www.margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com


God Bless,
Margaret McSweeney

The Real Deal said...

Welcome to blogging, Jerry. Good luck with consistently posting...something I struggle with. And check mine out when you get the chance: http://roadtovalinor.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I loved my copy of your book "Writing for the Soul" - especially the part of your journey when you wrote on a kitchen chair, using it for you typewriter while you sat on the couch. Nice office idea.

I suppose your 'cave' is much better these days.

So I'm dropping by to say 'hello' from a blogger/podcast host at www.pamkumpe.blogspot.com

Howdy from East Texas, your pray & play friend,

Norm said...

Welcome to the blogosphere Jerry. I too will look forward to your novel.

With everything else you have going on, it will be interesting to see how often you have a chance to post. I find posting daily to be a challenge, but also therapeutic.

Looking forward to you thoughts on blog!

Norm

Anonymous said...

Jerry:

I Love this idea of a blog for you. You've always been very accessible and anxious to contribute to the lives of others; I think this will be another step in that same direction.

Often my wife and I have said, "I wonder what Jerry and Dianna are up to these days." Now we can know!

I hope you'll be able to make regular entries while in Israel with lots of pictures. That way, we can journey along with you.

With all the anti-American sentiment out there, here's an international travel tip you may want to use: "Wear sandals, carry a copy of the Koran and don't ask how the Mets are doing."

Hope you have a great time.

Joe Buonassissi

Audra Krell said...

Hi Jerry, I am sitting at a Lifework 2.0 conference in Franklin, Tennessee, presented by Randy Elrod. He is known as the Blogfather to many. His blog(www.randyelrod.com) is worth checking out as you enter this new exciting world! Loved the conference in January - looking forward to next year. I will link you to my blog,would you do the same for me? My blog is Krellfish.typepad.com.
Blessings in your travels.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you on blogger, Jerry. I look forward to hearing what's going on with you and yours. Missing Colorado Springs....Vicki

Anonymous said...

Hi Jerry...welcome to the Blogging world :) Its kinda wild and wacky but can also be a little addictive. Here is my latest post. you may enjoy it even although our eschatological views are different(I am glad it is a non-essential) This is a letter written to the church today from a man in the midst of the tribulation.....Frank http://scottishwarriors.wordpress.com/

Anonymous said...

Pretty interesting, I'll be checking back here for updates. The new book looks incredibly interesting, too. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one.
halieus.wordpress.com

Athol Dickson said...

Congratulations on your new blog, Jerry (or maybe condolences--these things take SO much time...maybe even more than extremely cute grandbabies). I look forward to reading RIVEN. The premise is fascinating!
- Athol

Anonymous said...

Many congrats are in order- New Blog, New Grandson, New Book! Congratulations and I pray the Lord continues to speak to you, as you continue to walk in obedience to the call!

God Bless!

Sincerely,
Kennisha Hill

Unknown said...

Hello Jerry,

Your grandbaby is beautiful and so is your wife. : )

I am thrilled that you have started this blog. Your book 'Writing For The Soul' has greatly encouraged my writing.

I love Christian Writer's Guild and am now working on assignment 5.

I am currently reading 'The Jesus Chronicles: John's Story' and oh how I love it. I aspire to create and write as you write.

Blessings From Your Sister in Christ
Bobbi Hunter
http://www.ehow.com/members/writetruth.html

Jules Blair Lane said...

Welcome to the blogosphere Mr. Jenkins! And congrats on that "newish" grand baby!

I've recently moved to CO and hope to make it to one of your conferences in the future.

Blair
www.jblairlane.com

mentorman said...

...hey, neighbors to the south a bit

...welcome to blogland

...sometimes a bit like Disneyland

...glad you are in here to add your voice to the blogscape

...safe journeys!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on another grandchild... and welcome to the blogosphere! Can't wait to read past chapter 3 in Riven. You've given me new inspiration for a novel I've had 'cooking' for two years now.
Yours in Christ,
- Art

Unknown said...

Thank you for the notice of your new blog. It will be great to keep up with your writing achievements and the family. I wish you and Diana the best as you continue to make a career out of giving testimony to the power of Jesus Christ to change lives. May He fill you with Himself as you continue to write and influence the world for Him.

Your Friend,

Carl

Jana said...

I look forward to keeping up with your blog. I'm sure it will be interesting, always!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jerry...I see that you will be in Olathe on the weekend. Give me a call when you get into town and we can have coffee while we discuss young Mary from Port Glasgow:) My home town of Greenock is the next town down. Mary came from Port Glasgow. Mary was an Irvingite who was connected to John Nelson Derby and supposeldy uttered, in tongues, the word "rapture." Interesting origin for the pre-trib rapture :) Anyway , I moved from Greenock,Scotland to Overland Park,KS many moons ago. From your mid or post trib brother :)......Frank

LisaKD said...

Hello Mr. Jenkins,

I never got to meet you at the Christian Writer's Conference. That was a truly great experience for me. Thank you for all that you are doing to educate and encourage those of us who are trying to learn the craft.

Congratulations on your new grandchild. Coincidentally, I have a daughter, son-in-law and twin grandchildren in Olathe, Kansas and visit often. Enjoy your time there.

May the Lord continue to show you His favor and establish the work of your hands.

In Christ,
Lisa Dye

Mike Tison said...

Jerry B. J. (that's what my son calls you) Congrats! I'm Glad to see you decided to join the new computer revolution and become one of the many dedicated blog-men.

Have fun and don't forget to do your real work. ;-)

P.S. The varsity baseball team that I coach in Michigan is 11-3 (they are playing small ball really well this year.)

The Gatekeeper said...

Welcome to the blogosphere, Mr. J. It's such a sweet and personal way to keep your fans informed. How do you find the time? In any case, congrats on the new grandbaby and the other baby (novel). Looking forward to reading it. Although I'm busy going through my lessons from the Christian Writers Guild, I'm sure I'll find the time to read. Take care and many blessings on your journeys.

TrueCrimeFanatic said...

Awww! I want a new one, too (baby AND book, LOL). Congratulations on your blog. Sadly, we are going to a funeral in Los Angeles this/next week. I have a DVD of photos I'd like to drop off at Dallas's office if I have a moment. Some are terrific, from the Christian Writer's Conference. Use them how you like. I have a preview on one of my blogs (marketing, marketing, marketing)... let me try to find it and I'll send a link. My illness lingers and my husband re-enlisted, sadly, I never did get to write the review of the conference, but I did give out tons of literature. Love you, your family life, your work, and your happiness is contagious, thank you, and thank You, Lord. Teraisa

Lori said...

Hi Jerry! I had the honor of meeting you in Olathe a few weeks ago. You know, the conference you were late to? LOL! Ok, I just had to bring that up (everybody's a comedian) but I just wanted to let you know that I was so inspired by "Writing for the Soul" that I've began writing again. Thank you so much! As soon as I can afford to take the writer's course, I definitely am! I loved your blog. I think it's amazing that you are who you are and yet you remain so real. Your family, friends and all of us fans are so blessed because of you! Can't wait for Riven!
Many blessings to you,
Lori Bledsoe

God's girl said...

That is so great you started a blog! Welcome to the blog world-assuming this is your first! :)

I know someone who lives in olathe, Kansas and I never thought I would hear of that city again! How bizzare.

You have a very cute grandbaby!
Lifting a prayer for you and all your travels!
Blessings,
Angela

Unknown said...

Jerry,

Welcome to the world of blogging. If you are as good at blogging as you are about more traditional forms of writing, then you will do just fine.

I will stop by from time to time and see how this venture is going.

Many blessings,

Kevin

http://kjkebblog.blogspot.com

Chanin said...

You definitely have that Proud Grandpa look about you. What a sweet baby! eHarmony starts some wonderful things.

I'm glad to hear you wrote about Petra - and made it real - using videos and reference guides. It makes me a little less afraid to write about places without having been there.

I hope you and Dianna have safe and fruitful trips in the coming weeks, and I'm praying Chad and Christa's church will support them in amazing ways as they raise Isaac in a Christian home.

Chanin

Crystal Beavin said...

Jerry,

Thank you for inviting me to visit your blog. I am new to blogging and I love it. I know you will too.

I just finished reading your book, "Writing for the Soul." I truly loved it! In fact, my sister wants to read it now.

I'm new to writing and your book has motivated me.

Your grandson is adorable! Also, congratulations on your new book. That's awesome!

Crystal
www.crystalbeavin.blogspot.com

VICKI FOURIE said...

welcome! hope you write very often. it will be interesting to read what else goes on in a succesful writer's mind (besides writing stories).

Vicki

Mark P. Collett said...

Great blog Mr. Jenkins, the baby is too cute. Great hearing from you and seeing the pictures. What a handsome family. Family is truly God's gift, written all across the Scriptures. I can't wait for your next book. God is good! Mark P. Collett mpcollett@verizon.net

Kathryn Mackel said...

Welcome to the blogging world!

My widowed sister met her present husband on an eHarmony type site. He's the best guy, a true blessing. It's amazing how things work out. I'm happy for Chad, a bit jealous about all your grandbabies.

Kerri Krueger said...

Hi Mr. Jenkins!
I cannot wait to read your new novel! I am so anxious to get into it.
I just recently read "Writing for the Soul" and found is astounding.

Have a great time on your trip. I'm sure it will be educating as well as exciting.

God Bless,

K. Krueger

cristina said...

welcome to the blogosphere, mr. jenkins....i'm looking forward to checking in on your new blog.

safe travels!

Word Chicks said...

Hi Jerry,

Welcome to the blogosphere!

Julie @ Word Chicks

Annadee said...

Jerry,
I, too, add my congratulations for your new novel. I feel like you are an old friend because you critiqued my first novel--not once, but twice in the "Thick-skinned Critique workshops! The second time around I employed your suggestions and came up with something much, much better. The novel is finished and making the rounds.

As further helpful and useful advice in your book "Writing for the Soul," I found it a dream to put your editing wisdom to work in my final draft.

May God's blessings rain on you and yours the rest of your life. You are the first celebrity I've met who is approachable, honest, and gentle with a warm-hearted spirit.

Dee Smith

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for inviting us into your "world" with this blog! I've long been a fan of yours and after completing both the Apprentice and Journeyman courses with CWG, I'm now one of the first ten to take the inaugural Craftsman course! One of the reasons I was so anxious to complete the course (I was the first one to sign the dotted line :-) was that I knew I'd be able to meet with you and learn from you and others at the residency in Denver this coming November.

Congratulations on the new book, the new baby, and for all the other wonderful things in your life, your wife included. God has blessed you handsomely!

Thanks, also, for all you do for Christian writers at all stages of their careers. I'm excited about the challenges the Craftsman course holds for me--and I'm deep into the first assignment. See you in November!

Blessings,
Deb Harper
www.deborahdeetales.blogspot.com

Jessica Ferguson said...

Looking forward to reading your blog. Hope you don't mind if I link to you. My blogroll is akin to my phone book. :)

Be safe in all your travels. Beautiful grandbaby!
jesss

C.J. Darlington said...

Glad to find your blog, Jerry. Thanks for the update on what's happening in your life. I look forward to checking back again soon. Hope you have a great trip!

Tim said...

Jerry,

I am new to the whole blogging thing but here goes, I love reading your books and cant wait for the next one. Without a doubt, the Holy Spirit is using you in a "Mighty Way."
Keep up the god work!

PastorTimPrice.com/blog/