Jacci Turner's Blog: Welcome to Goodreads!
May 26, 2025
Spiritual Practice: Taking a Pause
Hello dear friends,
You’re probably wondering where I’ve been. Truthfully, since the election, I’m having trouble writing new blogs, so I thought I’d take a pause and focus on things that give me great joy.
Here is what I’ve been up to in the meantime.
I’m leading two retreats this year and would love to have you join me.
Tumbled People: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Your Faith will be held at Mercy Center in Auburn, August 29th-31st. You don’t have to have read the book to attend. Last year, when we did this retreat, it filled up, and people said it was “life changing’. Register Here.
The Come Away With Me: Press Pause Retreat will be in Virginia City, September 12th-14th. It also filled up quickly last year. This is a lightly guided retreat, a chance for renewing your connection with God, yourself, and others in a beautiful environment. Let me know if you’d like more information.
Book News
First: Wind Catcher, the sequel to Tree Singer, is out! You can find it on Amazon and hopefully other online retailers too. Here’s the link.
For those who haven’t read Tree Singer, it’s a Young Adult Fantasy, but loved by all ages. It follows Mayten, a young tree singer in training, who has to go on a quest to find out what is killing the forest. Recently, it was listed as #1 in Children’s Fantasy books!
Check out my recent interview on these books!
Here’s the book description for Wind Catcher:
Danger stirs beneath the island calm.
Sixteen-year-old Mayten Singer enjoys training young tree singers in the Forest Clan. When the king calls upon her for a new quest, however, her life is thrown into chaos.
Again.
Charged with selecting worthy candidates for the island’s future ruler, Mayten embarks on a journey that tests her wisdom, resolve, and connection to the natural world, uncovering a creeping darkness that threatens the Sun Clan, spreading shadows where once there was light. With the aid of a young Wind Catcher, Mayten must summon courage and strength to find a cure for the darkness before those closest to her die.
Also in Book News:
The audio for the WHOLE Finding Home Series is available soon. Any day. All five books: Bending Willow, Stretching Willow, Finding Willow, Willow’s Ride, and Willow’s Roundup. Great for kids aged 8 and up. So get ready to make your summer road trips more fun!
Also, Snapped is on Audible for kids aged 11 and up. These are great readers, fun, wholesome, heartfelt books. Find them both here(along with Tree Singer and Cracker).
Want a signed copy? You can ask me for one, and I can mail it, or you can come to Reno’s Barnes & Noble, July 5th, 1-4 pm. I’d love to see you.
Thanks for all the love and support. If you’d like to get a quarterly newsletter, let me know. I have one for spiritually focused news and one for book news. Jacci
Photo at top by M Venter on Pexels.com
March 21, 2025
Spiritual Practice: Hospice Theology
I heard the term Hospice Theology on one of my favorite podcasts, Liminal Living. The idea is that the current way of Christianity (the white, colonizing, puritanical, nationalistic) needs to die. But it need not be a violent death, but rather, a hospice death. A death we all recognize together, hold hands around, and gently sing on its way. When I worked in hospice, we’d call that a “good death.”
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You might be trying to tread water. Trying to keep your head above the waves that slam into you every day from structures that are being torn down by our current administration. Me too. We do what we can, we march, we pray, we write letters, and make phone calls. We faithfully try to put some good into the world every day. So far, it’s not enough.
Perhaps, this tearing down is an opportunity for old faith structures to die a hospice death. Perhaps it is time to let things go and figure out how to prepare ourselves for the rebuilding – not that any of us know what that looks like. It’s good not to know, to let the spirit lead the rebuilding.
Phyllis Tickle, in her book The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why, suggests if we look at history, God throws a garage sale every five hundred years to shake off the manmade calcification of the church as well as all other structures. She says we are in the middle of a garage sale right now.
How can we cooperate with God in this time of shaking? I’d suggest these things:
We have no idea what the rebuilding will look like, but we can question, listen, gather, and practice silence to keep our minds and hearts open.
What is helping you during this difficult time?
March 7, 2025
Spiritual Practice: Turning Fear to Trust
Right now people are feeling terrified, discouraged, and overwhelmed.
How do we deal with what is happening in our nation?
How do we live as contemplative activists in this time of helpless overwhelm?
I had a fantastic and deep conversation about this very thing with Tom Rundel on his Liminal Living Podcast. Please join us as we work together to find grounding and hope.
Let us now how you are thriving despite, or at least keeping your head above water.
Photo of swimmer by aboodi vesakaran on Pexels.comJanuary 28, 2025
Spiritual Practice: Social Action
Many of us are feeling like it’s time for social action. We want to walk in the steps of Jesus, caring for the people he cared about, such as the marginalized. You probably heard the words of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and the kind way she boldly spoke truth to power.
But most of us don’t have that kind of platform. So, how do we participate in social action?
When I’m overwhelmed by the enormity of hard things going on in the world (fires, floods, wars…) I remind myself of the three questions of Nadia Bolz-Weber:
What is MINE to care about? Because we can’t care about everything but if we all care about something then everything will be cared about.
What is MINE to do? Because we can’t do everything but if we do something then everything will get done.
What is MINE to say? Or not to say
What is MINE to do today? Because today is all we have.
These questions help us narrow our field of social action into a doable thing.
Today, I might send a thank you card to Bishop Budde.
Today, I might ask the Walmart cashier how she is doing.
Today, I might say to my friend from another country, “I don’t need to know your legal status, but if you’re ever afraid, please come to my house and I will help you.
Today, I might check on an LGBTQIA+ friend to see how they are doing.
Today, I will ask God to keep my eyes open for opportunities to act.
Social action is a marathon, not a sprint. We need to take care of ourselves, or we will burn out. Even Jesus took time away to pray.
These things are best done in community. I’d encourage you to find some kind of community that shares similar concerns for accountability, care, and mutual support. We will need our communities more and more as the days go on.
Let me know how you are doing and what social action you might be feeling called to do.
January 4, 2025
Spiritual Practice: Embracing Hygge
Enjoy, and Happy New year!
Jacci
Would you like to join me on a journey to warmth, connection, and cozy bliss?
As the colder months settle in, many feel a natural pull inward. The call to slow down, savor simple moments, and seek out a sense of comfort and connection feels so strong to me. If that resonates with you, let me introduce you to hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a Danish concept that perfectly embodies these desires.
At its heart, hygge is about creating a sense of warmth, intimacy, and well-being. It’s the glow of candlelight, the laughter shared with loved ones over a home-cooked meal, or the peace found in wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with a good book. It’s not just about external comforts; it’s a mindset. I love embracing it as a commitment to cherishing the beauty of the present moment.
This can feel counterintuitive in the hustle-driven culture we often find ourselves in. The world may shout, “Now is the time to kick into high gear – let’s huuuuusssstle!” But what if we paused instead? Nature gives us the perfect example—trees shed their leaves, animals slow down or hibernate, and the world around us grows quiet, preparing for renewal. This is our opportunity to rest, reflect, and refresh so we can bloom brighter in the seasons ahead.
What Does Hygge Look Like in Your Life?Imagine your ideal cozy moment – what does it include? Perhaps it’s:
A mug of tea warming your hands while journaling your intentions for the day.The soft glow of twinkle lights illuminating your evening.Time spent laughing and sharing stories with friends, wrapped in the warmth of love and belonging.A quiet moment of gratitude before the fireplace, soaking in the stillness.
Questions to Spark Your Hygge JourneyHow can I infuse more warmth, coziness, and connection into my daily life?What small comforts make me feel the most at ease?Who would I love to invite into my hygge moments?What sensory delights (candles, soft music, aromatherapy, textures) bring me joy?How can embracing a hygge mindset help me navigate life’s stresses with grace?I’d love for us to explore this concept together in the Red Threads Collective. Let’s share ideas, favorite practices, and creative ways to bring more hygge into our lives and businesses. Whether it’s gathering virtually for a cozy chat or inspiring each other to create our own hygge havens, this is an invitation to embrace more joy and connection.
By giving ourselves permission to slow down and align with Nature’s rhythm, we create space for what truly matters. Rest allows us to dream; reflection brings clarity; and refreshment fuels the next chapter of our journey. Hygge isn’t about escapism—it’s about anchoring ourselves in the present so we can live with more intention and ease.
Here’s how you can join the fun:
Share your favorite cozy ritual in the comments! How do you create warmth and connection in your life?Let’s co-create! Would you like to participate in a Hygge-inspired virtual gathering or workshop? Share your thoughts, and I’ll bring the tea and candles!Not a member yet? Come join the Red Threads Collective, where intentional living meets sisterhood. Together, we’ll spark creativity, cultivate joy, and inspire one another to thrive.What hygge-inspired ritual will you try in the coming week?
(Share it in the comments below!)
Let’s create a beautiful, cozy ripple together.
Embracing Hygge
Enjoy, and Happy New year!
Jacci
Would you like to join me on a journey to warmth, connection, and cozy bliss?
As the colder months settle in, many feel a natural pull inward. The call to slow down, savor simple moments, and seek out a sense of comfort and connection feels so strong to me. If that resonates with you, let me introduce you to hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a Danish concept that perfectly embodies these desires.
At its heart, hygge is about creating a sense of warmth, intimacy, and well-being. It’s the glow of candlelight, the laughter shared with loved ones over a home-cooked meal, or the peace found in wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with a good book. It’s not just about external comforts; it’s a mindset. I love embracing it as a commitment to cherishing the beauty of the present moment.
This can feel counterintuitive in the hustle-driven culture we often find ourselves in. The world may shout, “Now is the time to kick into high gear – let’s huuuuusssstle!” But what if we paused instead? Nature gives us the perfect example—trees shed their leaves, animals slow down or hibernate, and the world around us grows quiet, preparing for renewal. This is our opportunity to rest, reflect, and refresh so we can bloom brighter in the seasons ahead.
What Does Hygge Look Like in Your Life?Imagine your ideal cozy moment – what does it include? Perhaps it’s:
A mug of tea warming your hands while journaling your intentions for the day.The soft glow of twinkle lights illuminating your evening.Time spent laughing and sharing stories with friends, wrapped in the warmth of love and belonging.A quiet moment of gratitude before the fireplace, soaking in the stillness.Questions to Spark Your Hygge JourneyHow can I infuse more warmth, coziness, and connection into my daily life?What small comforts make me feel the most at ease?Who would I love to invite into my hygge moments?What sensory delights (candles, soft music, aromatherapy, textures) bring me joy?How can embracing a hygge mindset help me navigate life’s stresses with grace?I’d love for us to explore this concept together in the Red Threads Collective. Let’s share ideas, favorite practices, and creative ways to bring more hygge into our lives and businesses. Whether it’s gathering virtually for a cozy chat or inspiring each other to create our own hygge havens, this is an invitation to embrace more joy and connection.
By giving ourselves permission to slow down and align with Nature’s rhythm, we create space for what truly matters. Rest allows us to dream; reflection brings clarity; and refreshment fuels the next chapter of our journey. Hygge isn’t about escapism—it’s about anchoring ourselves in the present so we can live with more intention and ease.
Here’s how you can join the fun:
Share your favorite cozy ritual in the comments! How do you create warmth and connection in your life?Let’s co-create! Would you like to participate in a Hygge-inspired virtual gathering or workshop? Share your thoughts, and I’ll bring the tea and candles!Not a member yet? Come join the Red Threads Collective, where intentional living meets sisterhood. Together, we’ll spark creativity, cultivate joy, and inspire one another to thrive.What hygge-inspired ritual will you try in the coming week?
(Share it in the comments below!)
Let’s create a beautiful, cozy ripple together.
December 18, 2024
Spiritual Practice: Communal Grieving at Christmas
Merry Christmas!!
I’m not Episcopalian, but every year I go to my friend’s Episcopal Church where they celebrate Blue Christmas. Blue Christmas is a time to mourn the losses of the year, because Christmas isn’t fun for everyone. Some have lost loved ones or are estranged from their families. Some are worried about being deported, have relatives in the Middle East, fear their rights to love who they love will be taken away, or worry their health care is in jeopardy.
The list could go on and on. There is a lot to be sad about at Christmas. So, why have a service to acknowledge this pain?
I believe the Swedish proverb that says, “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is a half sorrow.”
Communal grieving shares the pain, so we don’t have to shoulder it alone. Suffering is a universal human experience and ignoring it doesn’t help. But there is something cathartic about acknowledging it and honoring it with a ceremony.
I go to this service to lay my burdens down, so I can turn my heart to focus on the joy of Christmas and the promise of a new year. Christmas is a magical time to remember God becoming flesh so we can understand how God wanted us to live.
I love remembering that Jesus’s birth was not announced to the rich or important, but to lowly shepherds working outside. And Jesus was not born to the “right” people, but to an average couple, from average families, living in a small town. His birth was humble and dependent on the help of others to his traveling parents. His incarnation is for all of us, especially those who suffer. He enfleshed the love of God for all, to all, and we can do the same. That’s what we celebrate.
But first, some of us need to mourn.
How do you deal with difficult feelings during the holidays?
December 2, 2024
Spiritual Practice: Taking Time Off
There are internally motivated people whose motivation comes primarily from within themselves and those who are more externally motivated by responsibilities and deadlines. This blog is for those whose motivation needs no outside driving force and for those whose outside forces are driving them too hard.
It’s okay to rest.
You might think that I, as someone who is mostly retired, would have no trouble taking time off. And you might ask of me, “take time off of what; your one-day-a-week counseling practice?” Your flexible writing life? Taking people on retreats? But honestly, I don’t need a JOB to keep me busy. I LOVE to do things. Am I a workaholic? Maybe, but mostly I love to do creative things that give me joy. So, I must be aware that I can burn myself out doing fun things. Yep, that’s me.
How do I know when I’m burned out? When I was working full time it was easy to notice. I’d feel sad on Sundays about going to work the next day. But since I’m retired, I find myself getting cranky and wanting to board a plane to Hawaii, Mazatlán, or anywhere but here. When I notice this, it’s time to reevaluate. Have you noticed yourself feeling burned out?
[image error]Pexels.com" data-medium-file="https://jacciturner.wordpress.com/wp-..." data-large-file="https://jacciturner.wordpress.com/wp-..." src="https://jacciturner.wordpress.com/wp-..." alt="" class="wp-image-3264" style="width:525px;height:auto" />These feelings cropped up yesterday and I made some decisions. December is here and it will be gone before I know it. I want to slow down and focus on friends, family, and the holiday/advent season. I love to read. I want to read books, watch movies, and relax. I want to help my busy daughter with my grandchildren. So, I’m not going to put any pressure on myself to write anything new during December. I’ll enjoy marketing as needs be, but not if it feels pressured. For me, this will be “taking time off.”
Last weekend I took seventeen people on a retreat called “Come Away With Me: Press Pause.” I was worried I’d left too much free time in the schedule on Saturday. From lunch until dinner, the retreatants could choose to do whatever they wanted: nap, rest, explore Virginia City, whatever. At dinner, I asked if it felt too long. There was a resounding NO from the entire group. They all appreciated the time.
Unplanned time is a gift. And we can give it to ourselves. Whether it’s taking a mental health day from work or saying “no” to a holiday party; think of ways to give yourself time.
What does it mean for you to “take time off?” To focus on things that restore your soul and recover from burnout. In an American culture that keeps us tied to work through our phones and computers, it’s important to find ways to disconnect. It’s time to set boundaries for rest and restoration.
Let me know how you will do it this month.
Photo at the top by Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels.comPhoto of girl by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.comPhoto by Eftodii Aurelia on Pexels.comNovember 11, 2024
Spiritual Practice: Micro-dosing Hope
Well, if you’re on my side of the election, you’ve spent the last week heartbroken, weeping, and in general despair. I was supposed to write this blog last week, but I had no words.
Grieving is very appropriate when the day after the election your young queer friend gets bullied on the playground. Then two trans children in your circle take their lives deciding it’s not worth living in a world where more than half the country agree they don’t have a right to exist.
So, how do we move forward? I’ve read a lot of inspiring meme’s, sermons, and concession speeches this week, but the most helpful thing I read was the term Brene’ Brown used in her short post, “micro-dosing hope.”
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So, let’s look for the small things each day, the things that give us joy, make us smile and know that life is worth the struggle.
We spent our week walking in the uncorrupted beauty of a fall forest, celebrating a grandchild’s birthday, and loving others who are hurting.
That’s all I’ve got this week. Let me know how you’ve seen hope this week.
October 23, 2024
Spiritual Practice: Pausing and Processing
Today I was discouraged as I was trying to upload a book to Ingram Spark, and it was not working. I felt myself sinking into despair. Then a Facebook memory came up reminding me it has been ten years since I was asked to leave a ministry I had given my adult life to, because of my commitment to the LGBTQIA family.
A decade! I decided it was time to pause and process this nodal event. Too often I (dare I say “we”) skim along the surface of life neglecting to pause and process important moments. As I looked back on that time, I journaled about the friends I lost, those I’ve gained, the jobs I’ve had, and the eight books I’ve written. I wrote about the things I’ve learned, the places I’ve gone, and the healing that has happened.
What started as a grumpy morning turned into an exercise in perspective. This thing with Ingram is so small in the grand scope of things. The book will eventually get put up. I will learn how to successfully upload books. It doesn’t really matter.
What matters is how we grow through the hard things. How we love and support each other through life that is packed full of loss and joy. So much loss and so much joy.
I have no bitterness now about being asked to leave. I have many dear friends who never left me. I have a wonderful small group that I think of as my church. I have a broader ministry than the one I had before through writing, spiritual direction training, and leading retreats. My life is rich and deep.
This meme came across my feed today and felt very appropriate. Our detours can be an upgrade!
If you’re interested in more about how I navigated that time in my life, most of it is in my book Tumbled People: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Your Faith.
I’d love to hear about how your detours have become upgrades. And don’t forget to take time to pause and process. We are in a historically important time, and it all feels urgent and intense. But in the grand scope of things, taking a few moments to gain perspective can change your outlook on life and help you move forward.
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