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Jen Bradbury
Apr 19 · 5 min read

What it means to be a Bradbury

I first met Grandpa Elmer when I was 19. After a summer apart from each other, my then boyfriend, Doug, invited me to join him for Perry Pioneer Days - a local festival that included a parade that he and his Grandpa always walked in.

As clowns.

...

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#identity #story #church #marriage #culture of welcome

Jen Bradbury
Apr 21 · 5 min read

Review: The Gift of Hard Things by Mark Yaconelli

Filed in Book Review

The Yaconelli name is a familiar one to those in youth ministry. Mike Yaconelli was one of the founders of Youth Specialties and a legend in the youth ministry world. His son, Mark, is also a recognized figure in the youth ministry world.

One of...

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#story #burnout #joy #marriage #parenting #books

Jen Bradbury
Apr 03 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Rising Strong by Brene Brown

Filed in Recent Reads

Rising Strong

What the book's about: Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution. by Brene Brown is about what it takes to get back up after you fall.    

Why I read this book: I read Rising Strong for a discussion with my...

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#story #death #boundaries #grief #books

Jen Bradbury
Apr 01 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Saying Is Believing by Amanda Drury

Filed in Recent Reads

Saying Is Believing

What the book's about: Saying Is Believing is a research-based book about the necessity of testimony in adolescent spiritual development. It's also a practical guide for how to invite teens to practice giving testimonies in our ministries. ...

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#books #testimonies #Jesus gap #Jesus #faith formation #Community #story #Sticky faith

Jen Bradbury
Apr 16 · 5 min read

The Rwandan Genocide - A different Holocaust

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.

As I've seen news coverage leading up to this day, I've been reminded that the Holocaust isn't the only holocaust that's happened in our world.

Even though the world said, “Never Again” after the Holocaust,...

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#story #Rwanda #genocide

Jen Bradbury
Feb 09 · 5 min read

What's saving my life right now

I typically love winter. 

Lake Louise

I love the holidays and our annual winter ski vacation. 

This year, however, winter has drug for me... And since I live in the Chicago area, I know it's far from over. 

Being pregnant, I can no longer ski....

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#pregnancy #books #gratitude #Prayer #story #Community #hope #grace

Jen Bradbury
Feb 05 · 5 min read

Teaching teens about divorce

The last time I taught about divorce in my youth ministry, the kids from divorced families left in tears.

I didn't set out to make them cry. In fact, I intentionally remember trying to set up our conversation so as not to isolate these vulnerable...

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#grace #story #discussion #student leadership #marriage #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Sep 25 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Speak by Nish Weiseth

Filed in Recent Reads and Recent Reads

Speak

What the book's about: Speak by Nish Weiseth is about embracing, telling, and using your story to change the world. 

Why I read this book: I'm a big fan of Deeper Story, the online storytelling community founded by Nish Weiseth....

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#story #student leadership #books

Jen Bradbury
Jul 18 · 5 min read

Recent Reads: Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle

Filed in Recent Reads and Recent Reads

Walking On Water

What the book's about: Walking on Water is about the intersection of faith and art. It's not a "how-to" manual, but instead, a series of beautiful reflections about encountering God through art and about the divine inspiring art. 

Why...

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#story #writing #Jesus #books

Jen Bradbury
Jul 17 · 5 min read

Wanted: All kinds of stories

On my youth ministry's recent mission trip to Milwaukee through Youth Works Missions, we spent an evening with Life Changers International – a ministry to former gang members in inner city Milwaukee.

During our time with Life Changers, a panel of...

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#story #testimonies #Missions #youth ministry

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Latest Posts

  • What it means to be a Bradbury
  • Review: The Gift of Hard Things by Mark Yaconelli
  • Recent Reads: Rising Strong by Brene Brown
  • Recent Reads: Saying Is Believing by Amanda Drury
  • The Rwandan Genocide - A different Holocaust
  • What's saving my life right now
  • Teaching teens about divorce
  • Recent Reads: Speak by Nish Weiseth
  • Recent Reads: Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Wanted: All kinds of stories

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