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Notes from Jennifer
It's Not Too Late to Register
The Women in Christian Media dinner event is this Thursday in Nashville. If you're interested in attending, you still have time to register.
For more information, use this link.
Hope to see you there!
~Jennifer
Lines are Shorter Than You Think
It only took twenty minutes to vote today thanks to all who voted early.
Have you voted yet?
And the Winner Is....
If you read last week's posts you know I was giving out a free copy of Matthew Paul Turner's newest book, Churched. The rules were that you had to leave a comment by 5:00 PM on Friday.
Today I went to an online number generator and randomly selected a winner. If you left this comment, the book is yours:
Chris wrote:
Give it to Susan! The book club thing sounds fun.
Which leaves me in sort of a dilemma....
So Chris, either email your address to jennifer at jenniferschuchmann.com or send me an email telling me that you want me to send it to Susan.
For the rest of you, the link to buy your own copy is here.
~Jennifer
Hannah Montana at Night
Here's the proof:
And with his friend Will, a real joker.
Hope you had as much fun giving it out as you did taking it in (chocolate that is...).
~Jennifer
Hannah Montana, John McCain, and Fred Flinstone Walked into a School...
Last night at 10:30 on the way home from the middle school dance my son said, "Can you wake me up five minutes early so that I can find a costume to wear to school?"
My thought: Five minutes? Are you kidding me? That just begs for a tardy slip.
What I said: "Let's think of some ideas tonight so we can have a plan for the morning."
"So what do you think I should be?"
At this moment every mom of a young teen boy knows that whatever you say is going to be wrong. This is just a conversation starter to buy him time to think of an idea that is socially acceptable amongst his peer group, a costume that has the right amount of "I'm just playing along, I am too cool to really dress up for Halloween."
What I should have said: "Hmm. Let's see. How about a robot, a cowboy, or a monkey, you have that brown sweater you never wear..."
But because I find joy in life by annoying him,
What I said: "Why don't you be Hannah Montana?"
And then paused before bursting out into laughter at the thought. But my pause was long enough for him to respond, "That's a great idea! You're the best mom in the whole world. I am so glad you picked me up from the dance instead of Dad!"
Uhm, really? From the boy who is embarrassed when I bring the team ice pops after cross country practice because someone might see me? From the boy who doesn't want me to get out of the car to pick him up because that's embarrassing? From the boy that will look at me across a crowded room or field and then go the opposite way because his friends might think he has a mother? That's what it takes to get appreciation? Telling him to wear a Hannah Montana costume?
I would have passed out, but since my 13-year-old, varsity cross country running, basketball playing, former football defensive man-boy can't drive, I didn't have that option.
A stop at our local 24-hour Walmart, a few $3 and $5 clothing items and here is my son daughter Hannah, with whom I am well pleased? Or perhaps a little scared?
Fortunately, he is all boy. And though he wouldn't like me saying it, he's at least a little like his mother—sarcastic and opportunistic like when it comes to making social commentary on all things Hannah Montana (and annoying the twelve-year-old girls at his school).
I have to admit that when he pushed the button on the "headset mic" and sang along to the music, it was pretty funny—mostly because he didn't know any of the words. I took a few pictures while I was up at school, mostly to reassure myself that my kid wasn't the only weird one.
It was great to see one other cross country team member dressed as a girl even if she was a stone age one. I also saw another scary costume, a John McCain look-a-like by a boy who has essentially the same build and neck tic. But even though he was coaxed, he didn't want to call anyone "my friend." Perhaps he's not such a maverick.
Can you guess this one?
Stuffed animal?
Can't be. He moves, running to his mama when he's afraid.
Maybe a view from the front will help...
But the most creative costumes didn't come from the students or the animals, they came from the teachers.
Mrs. Carder our language arts teacher is wearing a family heirloom that has been handed down through peace-loving women in her family for generations.
Mrs. Humphrey our science teacher apparently let the dry ice experiments go to her head.
But the best costume in the whole school had to go to Mr. Frederic who is confined to a wheel chair....
Yabba Dabba Doo!
Happy Halloween to You!
~Jennifer
P.S. As I write this you only have about two hours to enter the drawing for a free copy of Churched. I'll only include those who left comments by 5:00 pacific time. (Since I didn't add a time zone in my previous post, you east coasters get a bit longer).
Book Me for Your TV Show!
Several months ago, my publicist asked me for a DVD of my television appearances so she could use it to show producers who might be interested in having me on to talk about the book. However, at the time I had only been on two shows, couldn't find the DVDs and had no idea how to edit them into something that would be helpful.
Then I met Josh.
Josh is one of the kindest people I know and the funniest. I liked him from the moment I met him and the more I got to know about him the more I liked him. One day while he was at my house I mentioned that I had a few tapes (my collection of appearances is growing) and needed someone to edit them. Josh, a former television host with mad camera and editing skills, was way overqualified for the job, but he offered anyway.
I told him I was in no hurry, that if I had it in time for the next book release (March of 2009), that would be fine. Josh is a former country music DJ and is currently between gigs. (Say a prayer for him, he's up for a big one.) And he is also starting his own business so I knew he had a lot going on for the next few months.
But last night he surprised me twice. First, he had finished the video. Second, it was better than I had even dreamed it could be.
See for yourself.
Best of all, my publicist loved it!
Thanks Josh, for all of your hard work and creativity...
But most of all for your friendship.
~Jennifer
Why You Should Get Churched (and get it here for free!)
My friend Matthew Paul Turner released Churched: One Kid's Journey Towards God Despite a Holy Mess, his newest book a few weeks ago. You've got to read it. Turner and his publisher have given me a free copy to give to one to a lucky reader of this blog. If you're interested in getting a copy, (and the only reason you wouldn't be is...well there isn't a reason because even if you own it you'll want to share it), please leave a comment below and I'll randomly pick one person after 5:00 on Friday to award the book to.
First a few disclaimers:
- Matthew is a good friend of mine. That means I feel more liberty than usual to really critique his book.
- I am listed in the book as endorsing it. That's because despite #1 above, I really, really liked it. In fact, I still remember where I was sitting when he read the first excerpt to me over the phone and how I laughed out loud and thought about it for days. I also fondly remember getting a copy of the manuscript via email and staying up much later than I should have to read it and then resisting every urge I had to email it to all of my friends. (I didn't.)
- In reciprocity for being able to give away a free copy of Matthew's book Churched I am supposed to review it (good or bad) on my blog. But I am not going to. So many people have already reviewed it that frankly, I am not sure I have anything original to say in review. In fact, I'd rather encourage you to go to his blog and read the reviews that have been done by others or go to Amazon and read the reviews there. (And while you're there, why not just buy a copy?)
Instead of adding to the extensive list of positive reviews, I am going to tell you why I think this book is important, not only for Christians to read, but also for Christians and non-Christians to read together.
Top Ten Reasons Why Churched is an Important Book:
10) While on one hand this book could be considered a critique of fundamentalism, it doesn't read that way. It is told from the voice of Matthew as a child, his fears and his fantasies, and so instead of a tone it draws you into the world he experienced and allows you to make your own judgment. Why can't all critiques do that?
9) We are all characters in his story. Somewhere in this book you will find yourself at your worst and at your best. The book holds a mirror up to our actions and as we see ourself in it forces us to decide who we really want to be.
8) The book will encourages examination and discussion about how our religious upbringing influences our current spiritual life. Sometimes it is good, sometimes, not so good.
7) Matthew has lots of great stories that lend themselves to questions like, "Has that ever happened to you?" or "What would you have done in that situation." This makes it perfect for use in a book club or reading group where there are mixed religious backgrounds.
6) Since the voice is that of a child I found myself not arguing about what was right and wrong, rather stepping back and going, "Oh, so that's how that's perceived." This easily opens up dialog for what works and what doesn't work inside the church. Imagine if we could do that with our political beliefs?
5) The book is a study on how humor—real laugh out loud humor—can be combined with a tenderness that makes you hurt. As someone who can easily put up defenses, Turner uses his humor like a spear, penetrating past the outside layers to make me feel something on the inside.
4) Despite Turner's obvious wounds, inflicted not only by well-meaning pastor and teachers, but also his parents, Turner isn't bitter. Matthew's writing resonates with hope that gives other wounded spirits a way to love and forgive those who've hurt them in the name of God.
3) Churched gives you permission to not only look at your past, but to share it with others. That's why I think this book is especially helpful when read with a group. (Rumor has it Turner is developing a study guide to help with this, check his blog for more information.)
2) While you may not have experienced the Barbie burnings or Satan boxing matches at your church, his outlandish (but true) stories help you to examine your own outlandish (but true) church experiences and perhaps even make sense of them.
And the number one reason why I think this book is important,
1) Turner models a safe way of talking about the good and bad of his own story, what it means to be Churched, and what needs to change. There is no finger-pointing and no recipe of easy answers. Only an invitation to think about your own journey.
With a list of how important I think a book like this is, I run the risk of making it sound boring, I promise you it isn't. It is a collection of stories that once you start reading you enjoy in just a few hours. But since so many others have commented on how funny the book is and quoted excerpts, I didn't want you to overlook the potential for a book like this to start a conversation with someone who had a different upbringing than you.
Leave a comment below telling me why you deserve to win Churched, but in the meantime just go ahead and buy a copybecause after you read it, I promise you'll want to share it with someone you know.
~Jennifer
Urgency at This Year's Catalyst
Once again, Catalyst was amazing, but perhaps for different reasons than other years.
In the past, I've written about the spectacle of Catalyst—the over the top way they have of doing things. And as you can see from the picture they did it again this year. This was the balloon drop. For what? For fun. When they talked about politics, (the elephant in the room) they brought—literally brought—an elephant in the room. And also a donkey just to keep things fair. For someone who is much more interested in information than in fun, Catalyst has a way of showing me the importance of both. But what I appreciated is that this year the fun wasn't out of control, instead it supported the other things that were going on.
Worship was once again led by folks like Steve Fee and Aaron Keyes. One of my favorite worship leaders of all time—Eddie Kirkland also had mainstage time this year. And there were new folks too, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and the Daraja Children's Choir most notably. Of course the whole point of going is because it is the best leadership conference anywhere—secular or Christian. This year is no exception, with speakers like Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Seth Godin, Craig Groeschel, and some new names like Steven Furtick and Matt Chandler.
But this year there was something more.
I'm not sure I can even put it into words, but talking to others I know they felt it too. Since I am a writer and putting things into words is my job, I have to at least try, so here are a few words that best describe my Catalyst experience this year.
Urgency - Dave Ramsey spoke of it when he talked about his "zero-tolerance gossip policy." To quote Dave (from memory) "If I catch you gossiping, depending on how long you've been there I might warn you once, but then I am going to set you free. We've got important work to do." Though he said this in the context of his company not being distracted by idle gossip, the "we've got important work to do" part resonated with me and continues to echo in my mind. We do have important work to do don't we? So why do we waste so much time? Especially those of us who are leaders?
Character - As leaders, we have to have our own house in order if we want to lead others. During the opening session, Andy said, "The boldest thing some of you can do as a leader is to go back to the airport and fly home right now." There were people at Catalyst who used Andy's words as a needed wake-up call and drastically changed their plans.
His message especially resonated with those of us who attended the Deadly Viper Character Assassins the night before. I have to say, I didn't really get it when the book of the same name written by Mike Foster and Jud Whilite came out the year before, but after hearing them speak I finally understood what they are trying to do. Essentially they're communicating about character using some goofy-Chuck-Norrisy language to help guys get it. I know, I know if you're into that sort of thing it's not goofy. And fortunately their event wasn't either.
They spoke on being too busy and how it hurts us as leaders. Foster was amazingly authentic when he described a phone call from his wife who called because Mike had missed their daughter's conference at school and the daughter wanted to know "Why hasn't Daddy met my teacher and seen my desk?"
Wow! How many people sitting in that room were thinking about their own daughter's desk when he told that story? I thought it was really brave of Mike to share such a personal story with the audience and it was a powerful moment. But after hearing Andy speak the next morning, I couldn't help but think the story would have been more powerful if Jud had told it alone on the stage alone while Mike was flying back home....
I really like Jud. I've shaken hands with him a couple of times and he always seems genuinely interested in the person he is speaking to, even if it is a brief contact. I like that in a pastor. Much of the night was spent with Mike and Jud talking about how they need each other's friendship. They say they're committed to being honest and accountable to each other and they strongly urged every guy in the audience to find a friendship like the one they've found. As an audience, we could see how much it meant that they had each other.
The sad part is they never said HOW men could do this. The Jonathan and David friendship that Mike and Jud have is rare among men, and rarer still among men who are leaders in ministry. I suspect that many men left the theater that night feeling very sad that they'll never have what these two guys have. It is a beautiful thing for Mike and Jud, but for every guy who saw it and longs for it, it had to be depressing to watch.
Passion - Steven Furtick is a rising star. We'll be seeing more of this guy and that's a very good thing. He spoke about what happens between the promise (the time where we feel like God is telling us there is something more for our life) and the payoff (the point when we actually get to live what we think he promised). This is a real journey in every Christian's life, but no one ever addresses what happens in between. So, we give up on the promise, we assume we didn't hear God right. Or we get mad at God because it doesn't seem like he came through with his end of the deal. Or perhaps we even change promises thinking that since the first one didn't work out we should pursue a new one, even if it is of our own making.
But Steven says is that there is a process that happens between the promise and the payoff. He said it can often be painful but it is a sort of training ground for what is to come next. He illustrated his talk with examples from his personal life and by the end of his allotted time we were all so inspired that if someone had bottled the energy and unleashed it outside of the arena we would have singlehandedly eliminated the need for prozac.
Matt Chandler was also passionate in his presentation. I could have listened to both of these guys for much longer than their allotted few minutes, but I bought the DVD's and look forward to sharing them with friends.
Friends - I caught up with some old friends and met some new ones. I sat with Adrienne and Chris this year as well as some of the folks from Watermarke. I ran into a few of the folks from Johnson Ferry including Chris Trent, Thomas Nelson, and my good friend Jonathan Munson. I also got to spend some time talking to Greg Darley and hear the latest about the things that are happening at World Causes and Free Chains. I also got to spend some time talking with my Q buddy, Drew Clyde about all the things he is up to (including the new addition to his family!).
I also met some new people that you should know about:
Anne Jackson was the backstage blogger for Catalyst, but I know of her through my friend Matthew Paul Turner. We only had a few minutes to chat but I am hoping to catch up with her when I am in Nashville next month. Check out her blog. She is a rock star among Christian bloggers.
Brad and Lisa Ruggles hosted a bloggers meet-up. I found out about it at the last minute and they were gracious enough to let me come. These are two of the nicest people you will ever meet. You know how in a couple there is always one person who is more interesting then then other? Not so with the Ruggles. I spent more time talking with Lisa but I'd spend a week with either or both. Interesting and kind people. Check out his and her blogs. You can also get a list of others who were at the meet-up here.
Pete Wilson and some of the Cross Point Staff were at the meet-up also. These Cross Point people are amazing. I've written about Pete before, and Anne Jackson from above is also on their staff. But I spent some time talking to other staff members like Jenni Catron who really impressed me. These are considerate, engaged, and smart leaders who really care about what they're doing and the people they're doing it for. Next time we decide to change churches, I am moving to Nashville so I can join CP.
Jennifer McGee was there and we talked for a bit. When it comes to church, she really ROCKs. (See her blog for an explanation). I also met the infamous Jon Acuff from Stuff Christians Like and was really excited to learn he is here in Atlanta. His blog is one of the consistently funniest Christian blogs on the website. Help celebrate it by giving someone a side-hug.
Also at the meet-up was photographer Scott Fillmer. You have to check out his blog for some incredible photos from the meet-up as well as from Catalyst. This guy is extremely talented. I thought about asking to post some of his pictures here but it would make the rest of mine look so bad I decided to send you there instead.
There is so much more that you missed out on if you weren't at Catalyst. You might want to check out others who've blogged about the event. Here's a list of bloggers who recorded their insights and experiences. You can also purchase resources, or just come over, I'd love to have an excuse to talk about it more and have someone to watch the DVD's with, especially for the sessions I missed during my book signing.
Better yet, check out future Catalyst conferences. The folks at Catalyst are taking the experience on the road. Look for one day conferences as well as a brand new west coast conference. Find out more here.
In the theme of this year's Catalyst, share your best leadership resources as we're all in this
~Jennifer
Top 10 Things To Do At Catalyst
Catalyst is a next-generation leadership conference held in Atlanta each year. Under no circumstances would I be considered next-generation but I don't let that stop me from attending one of the most creative and fun conferences anywhere. I get so much out of the sessions it takes me a year to unpack it so right now I am getting ready for another fix. If you're coming, I've made a list of things for you to do at this year's event.
Here's a Top Ten List of Things To Do At Catalyst:
10. Get there early especially on Thursday. The opening of the conference is something you won't want to miss. Last year's musical opening was amazing—everything from opera to rock, with a gospel choir, an orchestra, and some kind of sheep horn thrown in for good measure. The year before the Georgia Tech marching band made a surprise entrance. Don't miss the opening, people will be talking about it for years.
9. Observe the range of creativity. Not only is the conference an example of imagination taken to the extreme, the attendees also display an over-the-top ability to create. My favorite place to observe this is the "reserved" signs people bring to help them save seats. They range from handmade sequined signs with blinking Christmas lights (those who prepared ahead) to sheets of paper torn from a legal pad (those who didn't know they needed signs to save seats).
8. Count the number of times Reggie shakes his head at something Larry Donoho says. It's like a drinking game, only it's not.
7. Dress like a girl. It's the only event at the arena where there are waiting lines for the men's room and open stalls in the women's.
6. Buy the CDs and DVDs. You're gonna want to hear the speakers again, so plan now to buy the products. Better yet find someone to split the costs with.
5. Deadly Viper Shindig. Thursday night across from the Gwinnett center. Find out more here.
4. Bring your lunch and picnic outside. The food lines are always long and it's impossible to drive anywhere and get back in time for the next session. Consider bringing your lunch and enjoying the Georgia sunshine on the beautiful lawn that surrounds the arena. Or better yet, during lunch check out #1 below.
3. Meet other bloggers. Terrace Crawford has made a list of those who will be blogging at Catalyst. Not sure I'll have the coordination to blog at the actual conference (for me it's like walking and chewing gum or taking pictures at cross country meets and yelling "go" at the same time—I can't do it). But I will be Twittering. Follow me @schuchmann. I'll be blogging after the event.
2. A Night for Africa. Not technically a part of Catalyst, but in the same building just hours after Catalyst ends, is a fundraiser for the 410 Bridge organization. This group dares to ask what could happen if we focused all our resources on one country. This is an amazing organization that my husband and I have personally supported. If you enjoy Steve Fee at Catalyst his band will be playing, the Daraja children's choir will be singing, and Jeff Foxworthy will be performing and helping to raise funds for this organization. And if you haven't had enough of Lanny Donoho by then, he'll be hosting, not sure how they got him to do it, I guess 410 Bridge has connections. With his energy expended at Catalyst and the lack of sleep by the end of the week, he should be even funnier than usual Friday night.
While it is open to the public, there's a special deal for Catalyst attendees for $10 off, so read your emails for more information. Of course, you could also just hide out in the bathroom after Catalyst and not have to pay to get in again.
1. Free Book! Stop by the Tyndale booth from 11-1 on Thursday. I'll be signing copies of Six Prayers God Always Answers* Results May Vary. If we have enough books, I'll be signing during other breaks too so stop by, say hello, and pick up some reading material for the trip home.
See you there!
~Jennifer