Jean Boonstra

Jean Boonstra is the creator, head writer, and executive producer of the Bible-based audio adventure series Discovery Mountain and its associated evangelistic programs. She is the author of several books, including eight in the Adventist Girl series. She believes in using technology to share the Good News, and is always on the look-out for new ways to share. Jean enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Articles by Jean Boonstra

Licking the Bowl Clean

4/29/2016

Blog

By Jean Boonstra

Several years ago while at another ministry, it was suggested that I write a couple of television scripts and a booklet about parenting. It seemed logical, I suppose, since I was then in the weeds of parenting a four-year-old and a six-year-old. A preschooler and a first-grader. I was at the stage of parenting where my world revolved around filling sippy cups, driving kids on field trips and tackling endless mountains of laundry. I agreed to the project but it never felt right. I may have been snowed in by the duties of parenting, but that didn’t mean I had a clue about what I was doing.

Constantine

4/22/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

In ancient Rome, the color purple was derived from Murex seashells and was, therefore, the most expensive dye available. This inky coloring was reserved for the cloth that would be stitched into clothes for the emperor and senators. And senators had limited access. They were allowed to wear some purple clothing, but if anyone dressed completely in purple, it was considered treason. Treason was punishable by death.

Castaway

4/14/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

The three men were stranded on Fanadik Island for three days, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The small boat they were traveling on was swamped by a large wave and they swam for two miles in the darkness of night to reach the shores of the Micronesian Island that's about 3,000 miles southwest of Honolulu.

Adventures in Lystra

4/8/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

It all started in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas, at the invitation of the local leaders, stood up in the synagogue to speak a few words of encouragement. The people liked what they heard and the next week they shared again. "On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God." (Acts 13:44) When several of the leading Jews saw their popularity, they became jealous and contradicted and reviled the men. The persecution built until the two disciples left the city, shaking the dust off of their feet.

Mister Dr Pepper

4/1/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

I am a fan of Dr Pepper and not because I drink the bubbly brown beverage. My maiden name is Pepper. As kids my brother, sister and I promised each other we’d pursue PhDs. We were deeply disappointed that neither our dad or uncle had pursued theirs—didn’t they want to be Dr. Pepper? We would make up for their lack of commitment to what was clearly their calling and make things right in our generation.

Betrayal

3/25/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

For some reason parents just don't want to name their children after the man who betrayed Jesus.

Judas was a common name back in Jesus’ day. It is the Greek form of Judah and the literal meaning is “Praise Yahweh.” The New Testament names seven different Judas’. Once a good name to give a son, the events leading up to the crucifixion changed the name forever.

Snowy Almost Spring

3/18/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

We woke up to a frosty blanket of snow. My first thoughts were not of Spring tulips, but a blanket, a warm cup of tea and a good book. A quiet day of reading in a blanket cocoon and homemade soup for supper feels just about right. Unfortunately, if I want homemade soup for dinner, I'll have to unspin the cocoon to make it, so I've decided on a recipe that will make the effort worth the break in hibernation.

No Shortcuts

3/11/2016

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By Jean Boonstra

One January morning, soon after we had relocated to Bonita, California, I took my usual morning walk. Walking that morning was exhilarating—the air was cool and gently breezy, and the sun bright and warm. I crested the hill in our neighborhood and in the ambitiousness that can come with the downward side of a hill, I spontaneously crossed the street instead of turning left towards home.