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Study Guide for Jenny’s Book, “Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight”

People have been asking for a study guide to go along with the book I wrote, “Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight”. You can now download a study guide, for free! Here it is: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/ef7f87c434d28ee74501f1d1e/files/SingleAndContentStudyGuide2016_06.pdf.

To purchase the book, or find out more about it, go to www.SingleAndContent.com.

“Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight” is now in full color print, including pictures from around the world! Check it out at http://www.createspace.com/5910715. For more information about the book visit www.SingleAndContent.com. Book written and photographed by Jenny Hershberger (www.JHersh.com).

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.

Psalm 37:24

It’s Fair Time

Have you ever been to Burton’s fairgrounds on the eve of The Great Geauga County Fair? Vendors have flocked to set up displays. 4H-ers lead their bewildered critters to stalls. Farmers and gardeners are depositing colorful and fragrant produce. Artists gingerly carry masterpieces to designated barns. Meanwhile, vehicles, large and small, with and without trailers, are circling the grounds desperately looking for avenues and parking spots to quickly execute their business; avoiding pedestrians as they go. People conscientiously make their deposits as efficiently as possible, keeping the flow of traffic moving steadily.

Preparing for the fair is streamlined chaos. Delicate and perishable items must be submitted at the last minute to remain in prime condition. No one comes early and no one comes late. Baked goods arrive fresh out of the oven. Cut flowers are swiftly plunged into their official vases of fresh water. Livestock are calmed with gentle brushing and soothing speech. Young and old are excited to be on the brink of reliving this annual tradition, anticipating long days and late nights at the fair.

This is The Great Geauga County Fair. A piece of living history that has been repeated for nearly 200 years. Generations of Geauga Countians and their neighbors have descended upon these grounds to compete, show off, teach, learn, give, eat, sell, buy, see . . . experience some homespun, community fun, on a grand and gorgeous scale.

Once the madness of mass preparation has subsided, the smooth spectating mode is engaged. Visitors arrive early on Thursday morning, the first day of The Great Geauga County Fair, greeted by friendly and faithful volunteers taking their admission tickets. Substantial footwear steps on familiar ground with children in little red wagons trailing behind. (Children 18 years and younger are admitted for free on Thursday, affectionately labeled “Youth Day”. From that day forward, there is a continuous stream of visitors. Friday is Senior Citizen and Veterans’ Day, inviting all veterans and people 65 years and older to walk into the fair for free.)

After admittance to The Great Geauga County Fair, one can commence indulgence. Sample decadent sweets and savories like cotton candy, elephant ears, steak on a stick and italian sausage. Stuff giveaway bags with advertising freebies like rulers, fans, frisbees, etc. Enjoy carnival rides until your head is feeling dizzy.

When you have had your fill of the thoroughfare’s vending, mosey on over to the tranquility of the barns. Observe the detailed patchwork quilts. Smell the roses. Pet the sheep. Taste the honey.

Intermittently, find distraction in the pockets of entertainment throughout the fairgrounds. Listen to a variety of live music. Watch weaving, milking and dog retrieving demonstrations. Rest a spell in one of the grandstands for hot air balloon launches, fire department competitions, horse races and shows of various sorts. There is something to intrigue everyone.

You could go to the fair everyday and not get bored. From the heat of the day to the cool of the night, there is plenty to see and do. It is a great way to wear kids out! The Great Geauga County Fair only happens once a year, so savor it and store up memories for years to come.

When evening arrives, on the final day of the fair, vendors and exhibitors begin their packing up and heading home. A tired silence sweeps the grounds. Stray papers meander at the slightest breeze, like tumbleweed in a forlorn landscape. One by one, livestock stalls are emptied, barns are shut and brilliant flashing lights are turned off, not to be seen again... until next year.

Jenny Hershberger is the author and photographer of the book “Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight”. www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

http://www.middlefieldpost.com/PDF/MP/MP082014fair.pdf

Geauga Fair Entries

I knew I would be on the mailing list to receive the “The Great Geauga County Fair” book, because I had entered my peach pie in the fair last year. My mind, anticipating the catalog’s arrival, had already been sorting out what vegetables, jars of canned fruit and flowers I would enter in the upcoming exhibits. I walked to my mailbox. Opened it. Spotted the prized booklet for fair-entry veterans and eagerly thumbed through it before I even returned to my front door.

Sitting down at the kitchen table, writing utensil in hand, page by page, I hungrily investigated categories and classes of fair exhibit opportunities. Gently, I folded the corners of paper that held even the remotest of my interest. Daydreaming about blue ribbons, weighing the entry options and considering what garden items would be ready just in time for the fair, I made my choices and completed The Great Geauga County Fair Entry Form.

There are so many wonderful things you can do as a fair participant. Years of experience have yet to teach me that I can not manage all I would like to. I just want to try everything. If you have any hobby, you will find a niche in the fair. The list of possibilities is long and detailed, allowing everyone to share their talents and prowess for timing and preparation.

After submitting an ambitious Fair Entry Form, an individual considers how he or she will masterfully orchestrate the delivery of all entries at the right time and to the right place; with rules and regulations followed to the letter, so not to be disqualified. Once the entries are safely in the hands of The Great Geauga County Fair, left to be examined with other entries, there is a sigh of relief. An insatiable curiosity immediately follows. “How will my entry compare? Will I get a blue ribbon?”

As an onlooker, the exhibits may not change much from year to year. As an exhibitor, showing off one’s skills, the beloved fair remains fresh every year. Going to The Great Geauga County Fair is wonderful fun. Who does not indulge, at least a little, in the rich cuisine served through brightly lit trailered windows? Or strolls the fairway taking in the noisy bustle of crowd and vendors? As a visitor, the sights and sounds of the fair are dependable. As a participant, contributing one’s talents for display, a level of uncertainty and suspense is added to the experience.

Oh, the suspense. For me, it really is like Christmas morning. As a kid, especially, I could hardly wait to see if my baked good, painting, vegetables . . . wore a ribbon. Before I even crossed the threshold of those beautiful old buildings, my eyes began to scan the shelves or walls for confirmation. What joy would leap into my young heart when I spotted a ribbon attached to a paper tag with my name on it. A little bit of pride and pleasure crept in too. On the occasions that others were blessed to experience that joy, and not me, I was simply prodded to press on with a better plan for next year.

To participate as an exhibitor one must submit their entry form by early August. Keep that in mind for next year. If you would like to peruse a fair book, you can pick one up at the office in the fairgrounds or visit the www.GeaugaFair.com to view the electronic version of the book.

Jenny Hershberger is the author and photographer of the book “Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight”. www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

#great geauga county fair #fair entry #produce

Good Things in Small Packages

Troy Township is located in southern Geauga County. There, the population is too sparse to justify having its own post office and zip code. The internet servicing companies may be completely unaware of its existence. Some people who live in Geauga County have never heard of Troy. But . . . we all know that good things come in small, quiet, unassuming packages.

In general, the residents of Troy Township are content to keep this corner of rural paradise under wraps. We do not want to let too many people know about our hidden gem of living space, for fear of it getting big enough to have its own zip code (I do not think any of us would mind internet service). However, when you have been blessed with a really good thing, you should not keep it to yourself, you should share it.

Therefore, once a year, Troy Township hosts their annual community festival. They invite their neighbors and friends to join in the hip hip hoorahs of Troy Homecoming. Homecoming started in 1911, took a little hiatus and returned with great force in 2011 to celebrate the township’s bicentennial.

Traditionally, the populace of Troy would gather together to be entertained by local musicians, dancers, baton twirlers and the likes. They would play pick up games of baseball, volleyball and horseshoes. Ladies would enter their best recipe in the pie baking contest and try their hand at the husband calling contest. Men shimmied up a greased pole for the twenty dollar bill at the top and later played tug of war. All weekend long, there would be something going on. Horse races, balloon launches, parachuting and more.

Some traditions have faded out, while new ones, such as the Talent Show and the 5K Road Apple Run, are making a splash. Kids continue to run and play, here there and everywhere. Only pausing in one place long enough to decorate their bikes to ride in Sunday’s parade down Route 422. Other folks sit in the cool shade of the community center grounds, having good conversation with the neighbors they have known for a lifetime.

Troy Homecoming is a charming scene indeed. It embodies dedicated and giving people. Behind the scenes, volunteers spend months diligently planning for this free event. Sponsors donate their funds and professional services to provide operational success. Hardworking teams ensure that the weekend runs smoothly. Each year, new recruits add their talents, time and energy to this endeared, wholesome observance. All are serious about their commitments, expecting nothing in return. As good country folk do.

While some festivities are driven for the purpose of raising money or gaining notoriety, Troy Homecoming has kept its sights on simplicity and authenticity. The leaders of this fine affair have their community in mind as they plan from year to year. “How can we improve?” They have asked themselves, time and again. Little by little, slow and steady, they are building this beautiful base for fellowship. I heard one woman say, “Troy Homecoming felt like it used to when we were kids.” It brings back happy memories, to play and participate.

In a disconnected world, run by electronics, Troy Homecoming reminds us of better days. Where people are friends in real life, and not on a computer or phone screen. Where sports are played outside under the big blue sky and not in front of a television. Where we get to hear truly talented musicians, not masked by synthesizers. The joyous activities of the weekend bring family, friends, neighbors and strangers together.

Troy Homecoming volunteers, you have served your community well.

Jenny Hershberger is the author and photographer of the book “Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight”. www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

#small town #festival #old fashioned homecoming #tradition

Talking to Strangers

We are taught, from the get go, to avoid talking to strangers because they are dangerous. And they can be. So let me start off by saying, "It can be dangerous to talk to strangers. I am not recommending it."

Ok, now what I really want to say . . . I have learned a great deal about the world and its contents, made long lasting friends, been compelled to make life altering decisions, experienced things I would not otherwise have ever heard of, by talking to strangers.

Often, I have stated that traveling is the best education. This is largely due to the fact that I ask questions and say hello to friendly faces. The earth is small, yet so very big. We could spend lifetimeS exploring and there is more to discover. Striking up a conversation with an individual has the potential of opening doors exponentially.

My mind is boggled, considering what I have gained through numerous encounters over the years. Having set my eyes upon geological wonders that I did not know existed. Tasted culinary delights made by the hands of a foreigner. Challenged by philosophical perspectives. Inspired by historical obscurities. Variety is the spice of life. There is so much to learn and I am hungry for more.

I love talking to strangers.

Jenny Hershberger is the author and photographer of the book "Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight". www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

#talk to strangers #travel

"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." James 2:22

Photo by Jenny Hershberger, author and photographer of the book "Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight". www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

#faith vs works #faith and actions #faith made complete #james 2:22

Photo by Jenny Hershberger, author and photographer of the book "Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight". www.JHersh.com / www.SingleAndContent.com

Let me just say that you are an awesome person! It takes courage to write what you did in today's society. And what you speak is literally gospel truth. I am inspired by your journey and wish that I could have had the sense enough in my younger years to hold fast and resist a few of the pitfalls you listed in your book. You are such a rare treasure in this world!

-Ty from Ohio, Regarding the Book "Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight" by Jenny Hershberger (www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com).

Scrutinize the Message, or Be Misled

Are you actively listening to what is being said in your church? Are you scrutinizing the message and comparing content to what the Bible says? We are told “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God (1 John 4:1-3a).” Do not accept someone’s statement without proving their statement with Truth.

I visited a popular denomination’s local church a while back. One of its characteristics, that bothered me, was that they dwelled on sin. It is ESSENTIAL to acknowledge that we are sinful creatures. The Bible says to confess one to another, and this is good. But as we were reading the list of things we do/did wrong I thought to myself, “I am no longer guilty of some of these things”. I felt like a liar saying that I am guilty of all of those things (I certainly continue to struggle with some of those things).

The truth is, I have repented of many of those things and God through Jesus Christ has set me free of those sins and has washed me clean of them. To continue to hash them out or remain in the guilt of them is profaning the healing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. I am not suggesting that I am perfect. When I make a mistake, I need to repent. Repenting is acknowledging the brevity of a sin and turning away from it and doing it no more. I am not capable of doing this on my own strength/effort. Jesus has forgiven me of my sins (and does not hold them against me any longer) and has sent His Holy Spirit to teach/help me become free of my sins.

May I be blunt? (If not, do not read further.) I think the church I attended that night is dead. The people are lovely, friendly, warm and wonderful. I liked them ALL! However, I did not observe any evidence, through conversation and the service, that the Holy Spirit was present. I did not hear Truth spoken with conviction and authority. I think to remain in that church (and those like it), as a source of guidance, would be a grave mistake. I can be awfully bold when I write. But I say this because I do not want anyone to be missing out on the depth of love and freedom that God has to offer.

Consider this, penance vs repentance. Penance is “an act of self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow for sin.” Repentance is “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment (to change or modify for the better) of one's life”. Perhaps I am splitting hairs with semantics? But I honestly do not think so. It really comes down to a heart issue and whether or not your heart trusts the saving power of the Rescuer of your soul. Are you letting go of your sinful past and clinging to life saving forgiveness through Jesus Christ? Or are you remaining in the stinking, mucky ditch of our natural sinful state?

I want to encourage you to really consider who is teaching you and what they are teaching you. I think it would be better not go to church at all than to be inundated with half truths. I have discovered that half of the truth can be more damaging then blatant falsehoods. Why drink a glass of water with a spoonful of mud mixed in when you can drink pure, living water?

Do not take my word for any of this. Read the Bible and see what it has to say. “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:4-6).”

Jenny Hershberger is an author (www.SingleAndContent.com) and photographer (www.JHersh.com) who likes to travel (www.BeyondRoadSigns.com).

More Children Than One With a Husband

Not being a mom has been one of the major life struggles that I have had to contend with. When I was in my early twenties, just seeing an infant made me weep for one. Literally weep. The desire for having a baby was painfully engrained in my heart.

As I have grown older and the possibility of bearing children becomes less likely, my level of desperation intensified. During a season in my life, I was nearly inconsolable. When you are there, ask God to help. Ask for Him to give you understanding. He answers, in His beautiful, kind, gentle way. It will not be your way. It will be His way. The trick is to yield to His way and let go of your way. His way is always better, even if you do not think so.

Like many women, I prayed, intently, to be married and have children. Jesus said “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:13-14).” This is what the Bible says. I did not understand why I did not have any children, after asking in His name. I told God that I did not understand and that I wanted to understand.

Later, I read Isaiah 54 . . .

“‘Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,’ says the Lord.

“‘Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities (Isaiah 54:1-3).”

Before reading that, I had not considered myself a mother. I do not have biological or adopted children. But Isaiah 54:1 was telling me that I have more children than a woman who has plenty of children. So much so, in verse 2, that my DESCENDANTS will dispossess nations and settle (perhaps fill?) cities. What a revelation! Hearing this was certainly a pivotal point in my life. Slowly, but surely, I became more aware that God had indeed fulfilled my petition for children. This passage continues to remind me that God has answered my prayer. Not in my way, but in HIS way.

A couple of friends, who did not know each other, asked me if I would watch their children on a regular basis. I started watching a three year old boy and a three month old baby, twice a week, in January. As my commitment to these families comes to a close (end of school year), I reflect and realize what a treasure this time has been for me. The intellectual acknowledgement of having more children than one with a husband has seeped into my heart and satisfied my hope.

This season has been a very sweet, lovely, blessing to me. God has certainly quenched my longing for motherhood. If, in the future, He does assign me to have children of my own, that would be wonderful. But if I never give birth to biological children, I recognize in a deeper way that God has given me more children than one with a husband (Isaiah 54:1). It has been a DELIGHT to watch these kids grow and learn, and especially to see the way that I have influenced and contributed some cultivation during this tiny window frame of time. I am here (watching the kids) just enough to make it fun, and not so much that it has become work. God is gracious. God really is gracious.

Here I am, singing, bursting into song and shouting for joy. My tent, my domain, my life is not void of children. In addition, my territory is not restricted to one house and one set of children. The world is my oyster, so to speak. There are so many children to love. No holding back.

Jenny Hershberger is an author (www.SingleAndContent.com) and photographer (www.JHersh.com) who likes to travel (www.BeyondRoadSigns.com).

#Isaiah 54 #more children than one with a husband #barren #childless #children are a blessing #adopt

Mission: Love God, Serve Others

A few weeks ago, I met with a client who boldly believes in Jesus. He owns a very successful business that was founded in the 1950s. He told me that it had been put on his heart to develop a mission statement. He excitedly decided upon "Love God and serve others" (abbreviated version). He explained that aiming at this important goal is the recipe for true success.

For the last few months I have been developing a new business plan of my own. One of my questions has been, "God, how do I dedicate my work to You when the task isn't specifically serving You or sharing Your Good News with others?" To a certain extent, I already understood the answer, but my heart has been telling me that their is more to know.

Already, I pray prior to meeting with people or before making a phone call; inviting God to lead the encounter to a place where He will be honored. While traveling, I anticipate opportunity to tell people about God and what Jesus has done for me; hoping others will see His kindness in my life and desire to have a relationship with Him as well. Many times, my prayers and hopes are answered without words and simply through deed.

They will know that we are Christians by our love (John 13:35).

I desire for my life to be dedicated to loving God and serving others. Up to this point in time, I have treated my business as a vehicle of necessity, allowing me the financial stability and flexible schedule to do as I feel led to do. However, I have not really positioned my business, in my mind and heart, to consistently be a vehicle for honoring God. My job has made it possible for me to serve, but it, itself, has not been a consistent tool for serving. It is a tiny little step to implement a profound mission into my work. The distinction is slight and perhaps difficult to detect.

My business may not be as a formal missionary feeding the hungry in the name of Jesus, or some other blatantly obvious service to the Lord. But WHATEVER we do, we should do unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17). Every member of the Body of Christ has a different function, purpose. Who we are and the way we live our lives is what people will see. If God is who He says He is and we relax in His plan, whatever our function is here on earth, we can allow God to powerfully state His goodness. While I have known this, and for a long time, I struggled with purpose outside of the conventional missionary parameters. Silliness.

I am thankful for meeting with my client. His fervor for implementing and sharing his mission statement, to love God and serve others, has spoken to my heart what I already knew in my head. That simple sentence of basic principle is mighty. God graciously spoke to me through this man who manufactures electrical insulation. Over the last few weeks, the concept that I have long known is nestling deeper into my being. Whatever the task . . . “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).’” From this, everything else will naturally fall into place.

Jenny Hershberger is a photographer (www.JHersh.com) and published author (www.SingleAndContent.com) who likes to travel.

#dedicate business to God #mission statement #christian business #love God #serve others

Photo by Jenny Hershberger / www.JHersh.com

#To every thing there is a season #ecclesiates 3

Life is far from ideal, but some how it is all good.

Jenny Hershberger, author and photographer of the book "Single and Content: a Journey from Despair to Delight". www.SingleAndContent.com / www.JHersh.com

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