dancingthroughchaos

‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.’

Jim Elliot

Dancing Through Chaos describes the choice I try to consistently make in a fairly nomadic life that is not as neat and tidy as some, and definitely not as predictable as I would sometimes wish.  It can look chaotic, but I’m learning to dance within this space rather than fight it.  Mostly.

For the last few years I’ve been living wherever I hang my proverbial hat, currently between the UK and South Africa. 

I’m a  writer, speaker, imperfect follower of Jesus, wife, and mother of four grown-and-flown children, and a thousand other things besides.

My passions are for authenticity, integrity and justice.  I love to ‘see the lights come on’ for people when they grasp truth that makes a daily difference.

These days, I have more time and write for a number of magazines as well as working on book projects.

For twelve years I had a monthly column for a local newspaper.   I’ve also written a series of four  devotionals around the themes of the sea, the city, the countryside and the mountains – each with six weeks of material.  Contact me if you’d like to order a copy (details below).

MY BOOKS:

Spiritual Feasting (Instant Apostle  May 2020), explores Psalm 23:5, asking how it’s possible to take our assigned place at God’s table and ‘feast’ even when life serves us a bitter or sour ‘menu’.  It’s written for those who ‘recognise that Jesus never promised a trouble-free life, but want to experience the reality of living life to the full with Him.’  With Biblical and contemporary examples of those who’ve done just that, it’s a book that will challenge assumptions and comfort zones while encouraging you to pursue authentic intimacy with the Host of the banquet.  ‘Taster questions’ alongside each chapter give an opportunity to dig in to the nourishment of the sections more fully – ideal for small groups or an individual reader.  Published by Instant Apostle, it’s available through good bookshops and on-line; you can find it here: https://instantapostle.com/books/spiritual-feasting/

Polished Arrows (Instant Apostle May 2024), is based on Isaiah 49:2, it unpacks the arrowsmith’s art of taking an unpromising stick and crafting it into a lethal weapon; a powerful illustration of the journey of faith and discipleship. God, both Master craftsman and skilled archer, shapes us for His purposes so we can be fired with impact into our culture and contexts. Are we willing to be arrows in His hands? Each chapter of Polished Arrows closes with ‘Target questions’ followed by a biblical example of the process described in the text. Great for personal or small group use. Available from good book shops, on line and here: https://instantapostle.com/books/polished-arrows/

In a very different genre, The Magnificent Moustache and other stories was published in the summer of 2022. This collection of six humorous tales is pitched for middle grade: 7-11 year olds. Anyone who finds a whole book daunting, can have the satisfaction of completing a story at one sitting. Message me about author visits (details below), for a variety of creative writing sessions for Key Stage 2 pupils based on these giggle-making stories in primary schools. Available from all good bookshops, online or direct from The Conrad Press, here: https://theconradpress.com/product/the-magnificent-moustache-and-other-stories/

Charlie Peach’s Pumpkins and other stories, is the second collection of six humorous tales for 7-11 year-olds, full of ‘quirky characters and another abundance of welcome nonsense’, illustrated again by the wonderful Amanda Young. I have six more creative lessons for Key Stage 2 children from these stories. Available in good book shops, online or here: https://theconradpress.com/our-books/charlie-peachs-pumpkins-and-other-stories/

AWAY FROM THE WRTTEN WORD:

Relaxing for me means reading, watching movies, walking (preferably through green fields, and next to a river), laughing, exploring or a good wallow in the bath. Pet dislikes include liver, sprouts, maths challenges and finding places for the first time.

Contact me for school bookings or signed copies: jenniferhsanders64@gmail.com

You can find me on Facebook at Jenny Sanders – writer https://www.facebook.com/dancingthroughchaos

On Instagram at jennysanderswriter: https://www.instagram.com/jennysanderswriter/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jenny-Sanders/author/B0892XFB2S?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1720882825&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48527907.Jenny_Sanders?from_search=true&from_srp=true

‘The aim of the person of faith is not to be as comfortable as possible but to live as deeply and thoroughly as possible – to deal with the reality of life,  discover truth, create beauty,  act out of love.’

Eugene Peterson