My guest this morning is a local author, Renee Jensen. Renee has written and published two children’s books. Her Christmas story, The Twinkling Tree, is available this holiday season. I’m excited to introduce you to Renee and her books.
Renee, tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Renee Jensen. I am married and have two children, Rachael and Ryan, and four grandsons. I’m a small-town country girl and love to bike ride, walk, and be with my family.
What is your book, The Twinkling Tree, about?
My book is about a pine tree that was cut down and taken to a house to be a Christmas tree. At first the tree did not want to go, but then as he was beautifully decorated and adorned with presents beneath his branches, he became full of pride, thinking Christmas was all about him. He noticed a small table beside him with a stable and nativity scene on it and wondered about its meaning. On Christmas morning, the boy ran to the stable first instead of to the tree, and then he realized Christmas is really all about Jesus. There is a discussion guide at the end with questions about the story, questions that relate to the kids’ lives, and then supporting Bible verses.
What is the inspiration behind your book?
The inspiration for my story is, I asked my niece if they had their Christmas tree up yet, and she told me no, that her mom didn’t want a tree because she didn’t want it to be distracting and take away from the real focus of Christmas: Jesus’ birth. I thought that was pretty radical, but it got me thinking of how sometimes we do tend to put a lot of focus on the things of Christmas rather than celebrating the birth of Jesus, and some children not raised with Christian values don’t even know what Christmas is all about. I wanted to share the message of Jesus with children and also bring an awareness even to the parents, as sometimes all the hype about Christmas skews or buries its true meaning.
I truly believe that each book title and story line was inspired by the Holy Spirit. He gave me the thoughts and the words, and I am trying to be obedient with what He has given me to share His message of truth and salvation with the world.
Do you have a day job?
I am a former court reporter of 16 years and currently have been homeschooling my son for 12 years.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is a devotional by Sarah Young called Jesus Always. I love that she writes it as if Jesus is talking to me personally, and it highlights that Jesus is a God of love, gentleness, and mercy. I have only read one other book in my lifetime for fun when I was down recuperating from foot surgery. Otherwise, I don’t feel I have the time to read, except for my Bible and devotional.
Do you have any other books published?
I have another book that I published called The Blessed Bunny, An Easter Story, also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Both books are for purchase in hard cover, soft cover, and ebook formats.
Do you have any more books planned for the future?
My next hope as an author is that I will be able to get my other two books published: The Thankful Turkey, A Thanksgiving Story; and The Praise Pumpkin, A Harvest Story. My goal is that Jesus will be exalted all around the world through my books. That is a big goal, but I have an even bigger God Who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all that I can ask, think, or imagine! All praise be to Jesus!
Renee, thank you for being my guest today.
Inspirational Author 