This Ordinary Adventure: Settling Down Without Settling [Paperback]

Christine Jeske (Author), Adam Jeske (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 5, 2012

They started out living the dream. They promised themselves and each other that every day would be an amazing day. They even stuck that phrase--"Amazing Days"--on their refrigerator, like Martin Luther pounding his conviction into a door and launching the next great era of the church. "Ready or not," they told the world, "here we come."

They traveled the planet, doing missions and community development work in Latin America, China, Africa. Then they went back home--to the land of shopping malls and manicured lawns. And they wondered what had become of their amazing days.

In Adam and Christine Jeske mine their experience, from riding motorcycles in Africa to dicing celery in Wisconsin, in search of a God who is always present and who is charging every moment with potential. Read along and you'll see your life--your ruts and routines, your frustrations and exhilarations--through different eyes, maybe for the first time. You'll discover the amazing things God is doing in the shadows of even the most ordinary day.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love how Christine and Adam Jeske retell their adventures, together, with honesty, humor, and humble wisdom. This Ordinary Adventure is a rich and engaging story that all of us, regardless of our narratives, dreams and circumstances, can relate to in some way. And that's what makes this book a must read, because Christine and Adam's 'ordinary' story opens our eyes and hearts to all of the possibilities, wonder and beauty that can be found in our own stories. And there's nothing ordinary about that." (Matthew Paul Turner, author, speaker and blogger)

"Adam and Christine Jeske are completely serious that they can have an 'amazing day' regardless of what's thrown at them via background, culture, environment or relationships. The best part is that their invitation to this way of thinking extends to everyone! This Ordinary Adventure is strong stuff for those seeking to experience life in all of its fullness . . . no matter where they happen to be." (Steve Haas, vice president/chief catalyst, World Vision United States)

"Get ready to laugh and cry while being inspired through the Jeskes' global trailblazing.They challenge North Americans not to settle for the mundane but to get off our couches and ride on a faith adventure in our everyday lives. This Ordinary Adventure is a must-read for anyone wanting to get unstuck from the ordinary, and to make courageous faith choices at every life stage." (Tom Lin, vice president, director of missions and director of the Urbana Student Missions Conference, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA)

"As a former missionary who was plagued with the thought I've become everything I made fun of, I found This Ordinary Adventure a delight. Adam and Chrissy unpack in touching and humorous ways that a missional life and an ordinary life is not either/or but rather both/and." (Shayne Moore, activist and author of Global Soccer Mom)

About the Author

Christine Jeske has worked in microfinance in South Africa, taught English in China, served in a remote Nicaraguan village, helped refugees start new lives in the United States and completed an M.B.A. in international economic development. Now back in the U.S., Christine teaches at Eastern University and is working on a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology.

Adam Jeske has worked in microfinance in South Africa, taught English in China, served in a remote Nicaraguan village, helped refugees start new lives in the United States and completed an M.B.A. in international economic development. Now back in the U.S., Adam works as associate director of communications for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (September 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830837876
• ISBN-13: 978-0830837878
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #152,343 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I want more amazing days September 9, 2012

By Katie

Format:Paperback

Impressed by the way I was moved while reading, more times than not, I found a chapter either making me laugh out loud and immediately be urged to read it to my husband or with a joyful tear in my eye. The Jeske's storytelling is not only captivating but encouraging. I found myself torn between reading on or taking out a pen to plan an adventure for the next ordinary adventure in my own life. I'm not one to say who should pick up this book but I could see a great number of people from different walks of life enjoying it. When I think of the types of people I will give it to for Christmas, I consider young moms, grandparents, college students and newlyweds. I am excited to share the joy I found in each page with those I love.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars break out of your rut September 8, 2012

By Jessica Fick

Format:Paperback

Feel trapped on a gerbil wheel of middle-class boredom? Adam and Christine Jeske get it. And they want to help you break out of your rut. Through stories from their own life and solid scriptural examples the Jeskes work through issues like self-acceptance, friendship, parenting and money to help the reader see that life with Jesus is an adventure. Avoiding being preaching, but bringing up questions that I've found myself and friends wrestling with This Ordinary Adventure inspired and reminded me that everyday can be amazing.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A travelogue of this thing called "life" September 8, 2012

By Nathan

Format:Paperback

One could describe the Jeske's book as a travelogue of their spiritual adventures. They weave their story into a narrative of sucking the marrow of life and seeing God in unexpected places--from malaria to common spiders' webs. Every thematic chapter includes not only statements of transformative insight but also the stories of where--and more importantly, from whom--they were learned. We are introduced to a wise, banana-stealing widow, a couple of crazy African motorcyclists, genocide survivors, and more. But the most amazing thing about this cast is that we are shown to all be ordinary--and amazing. By example they provide substantial food for thought in how words like "success," "amazing," and "life" are to be defined. The Jeske's have given us an invitation to come wrestle with life alongside of them and see all that can await in the amazing mundane.