https://photos.app.goo.gl/8AFy3o6mk7QisKwA8
This flyer describes the Christmas Dinner at the Park where Jordan found a warm dinner to celebrate Christmas for himself and his disabled neighbor. For the past ten years Jordan has handed out hot baked potatoes to his homeless neighbors in the morning before church each Sunday. That was until his concussion on 9-11-19. This Christmas, instead, Jordan was served Christmas dinner by the homeless community. Jordan is resilient with his love for Jesus, who had no place offered to him when he needed it. Jordan is a person who realizes the value of being able to live and not be judged like so many of the people who have nobody, and nowhere to call home. Jordan’s concussion has changed his life forever, but he continues to want to share his life and hope, and to find ways to help children who have suffered abuse and abandonment.
I’ve just finished reading the first children’s book that Jordan wrote: “Pieces of Cakes.” It is an animated and engaging format to present the idea that we each are different from one another, but can work together to make a new and interesting whole. I’m looking forward to reading the next two of his children’s books (“We’re Going to Make It, After All!”, and “New York City on New Years Eve”. Since his concussion Jordan has not been able to read or write, so I’m reading each of his books with gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about my friend.
I am so grateful to Jewel Adams for helping Jordan develop as an author, so he has had the opportunity to extend positivity and hope to children and their families. I look forward to reading his other two children’s books, and will let you know my experience with them. Seeing someone act with so much kindness makes me even more aware of how essential kindness is for each of us to give and to receive. Thanks for all you do, Jewel.
Ruth, Jordan’s visiting angel
This flyer describes the Christmas Dinner at the Park where Jordan found a warm dinner to celebrate Christmas for himself and his disabled neighbor. For the past ten years Jordan has handed out hot baked potatoes to his homeless neighbors in the morning before church each Sunday. That was until his concussion on 9-11-19. This Christmas, instead, Jordan was served Christmas dinner by the homeless community. Jordan is resilient with his love for Jesus, who had no place offered to him when he needed it. Jordan is a person who realizes the value of being able to live and not be judged like so many of the people who have nobody, and nowhere to call home. Jordan’s concussion has changed his life forever, but he continues to want to share his life and hope, and to find ways to help children who have suffered abuse and abandonment.
I’ve just finished reading the first children’s book that Jordan wrote: “Pieces of Cakes.” It is an animated and engaging format to present the idea that we each are different from one another, but can work together to make a new and interesting whole. I’m looking forward to reading the next two of his children’s books (“We’re Going to Make It, After All!”, and “New York City on New Years Eve”. Since his concussion Jordan has not been able to read or write, so I’m reading each of his books with gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about my friend.
I am so grateful to Jewel Adams for helping Jordan develop as an author, so he has had the opportunity to extend positivity and hope to children and their families. I look forward to reading his other two children’s books, and will let you know my experience with them. Seeing someone act with so much kindness makes me even more aware of how essential kindness is for each of us to give and to receive. Thanks for all you do, Jewel.
Ruth, Jordan’s visiting angel
Happy New Year 2022, with a piece of cake!
ReplyDeleteIn “Pieces of Cakes” Jordan gently introduces the value of differences and the potential for the differences to come together to make something even more exciting. It is written for young children and makes important truths simple and appealing. This book is an old-fashioned approach to delivering a timeless and important message: our differences contribute to creating a greater whole.
I was really interested to read this book and see how appealing it is for young people. As a parent and grandparent myself, I can see how useful this book is for opening up discussions about the importance of differences and working together. Maybe even while making a cake together!
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jordan for six years as a friend. Most recently I’ve been able to help him as his visiting angel, helping support him as he deals with the life-altering effects from his concussion on 9-11-2019. I have come to see his vulnerability that I have never seen before.
His days are different now, filled with daily physical therapy and concussion specialists. Everything is different now, but his resilience inside holds. Just like many of his books are so different from one another, but speak to the truth of the heart. Jordan has proven to so many lives that being an author doesn't change your life, if just allows your voice to be heard. I recommend this book to all parents and children.
I’d like to offer special thanks to Jewel Adams, who has helped Jordan develop his voice as an author, and through this has made many other options for outreach possible.
In particular, she has established this blog (Jordans-light.blogspot.com) especially for the many people reading his books, and the LGBTQ members of the LDS Church where they can offer each other support on their journey
If it weren’t for Jewel and the many supporters in Broken Wings Ministries, this blog would never have been so successful for the LGBTQ members of the LDS Church throughout the world. This is cause for celebration and new beginnings.
I am very impressed by Jordan’s modesty in not flaunting any gifts. I know many of the people who live in Jordan’s world do not know about the hidden gifts he gives to help others. One example of Jordan’s outreach to the homeless is no longer possible: Before his concussion, he had a personal ministry of handing out baked potatoes to the homeless every week before church on Sundays for years. I knew this when I first met Jordan. His reality now is that he himself was being served by the homeless this Christmas as he stood in line in the snow with his walker to pick up a Christmas dinner for a disabled neighbor and himself on Christmas Day. That’s the Jordan I know today. Jordan told me it was hard to imagine serving the homeless, and then be served by them. It puts the truth on the table for those of us who are without a place to belong.
Jordan says: “I’ve had so many people want me for a weekend or for a time in their life. I know what it’s like to not have holiday commitments.” Jordan’s book speaks to the heart if you dig deep into the message that we’re all different kinds of cakes brought together with different flavors and textures. Getting to know Jordan, learning more about him every day — what a modest man he is. I can’t wait to read the rest of his children’s books. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has gained a man with a tenacious heart, an honest spirit, and a vulnerable faith as a child. This book is enjoyable for anyone in the family kitchen.
Happy New Year, with a piece of cake!
— Ruth
Thank you very much!
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ReplyDeletehttps://photos.app.goo.gl/8AFy3o6mk7QisKwA8
This flyer describes the Christmas Dinner at the Park where Jordan found a warm dinner to celebrate Christmas for himself and his disabled neighbor. For the past ten years Jordan has handed out hot baked potatoes to his homeless neighbors in the morning before church each Sunday. That was until his concussion on 9-11-19. This Christmas, instead, Jordan was served Christmas dinner by the homeless community. Jordan is resilient with his love for Jesus, who had no place offered to him when he needed it. Jordan is a person who realizes the value of being able to live and not be judged like so many of the people who have nobody, and nowhere to call home. Jordan’s concussion has changed his life forever, but he continues to want to share his life and hope, and to find ways to help children who have suffered abuse and abandonment.
I’ve just finished reading the first children’s book that Jordan wrote: “Pieces of Cakes.” It is an animated and engaging format to present the idea that we each are different from one another, but can work together to make a new and interesting whole. I’m looking forward to reading the next two of his children’s books (“We’re Going to Make It, After All!”, and “New York City on New Years Eve”. Since his concussion Jordan has not been able to read or write, so I’m reading each of his books with gratitude for the opportunity to learn more about my friend.
I am so grateful to Jewel Adams for helping Jordan develop as an author, so he has had the opportunity to extend positivity and hope to children and their families. I look forward to reading his other two children’s books, and will let you know my experience with them. Seeing someone act with so much kindness makes me even more aware of how essential kindness is for each of us to give and to receive. Thanks for all you do, Jewel.
Ruth, Jordan’s visiting angel
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jewel! Happy 10th Anniversary! Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’d like to take just a minute to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this blog and to thank Jewel Adams for all her hard work to create it in the first place, and to keep it flourishing all this time. This blog is an important space for people from many different backgrounds to come together to support each other as LGBTQ people, some who are members of the LDS, and their family and friends. Having a safe place to talk and listen to each other is essential for being healthy and for growing. Many thanks to you, Jewel, and to those who have helped, like the Broken Wings Ministries, for all your hard work making this blog a reality. Being able to support each other is the key. Thank you! I love the fact that Jordan and all the LGBTQ brothers and sisters are celebrating people from all walks of life on Valentine’s Day. We all need positive things to celebrate, like this blog.
Jordan made a point of releasing each of his books on Valentine’s Day, so this is an especially exciting day to say thank you.
New York City on New Years Eve! By Jordan Jantz
This book is written to introduce children and their families to New York City at its most exciting: New Years Eve! It describes many aspects of living in NYC and shows many famous buildings and areas as well. The book has several sections, including beautiful artwork drawn by children, and a large section of pictures of insects, spiders, and flowers for younger children to color.
The book was designed with a lot of attention to visual arts, both in the design of the book and in its focus on visually interesting parts of NYC. It’s beautifully illustrated in an engaging mid-20th century style, and incorporates a lot of interesting fun facts for everyone: Did you know there were 90,000 fire hydrants in NYC?
Other sections of the book show photos of New Years Eve in TImes Square, the celebrations, the entertainers, and the crowds. Jordan also shares some of his background and his enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to supporting the Christmas Box International charity to support abused and abandoned children.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!
Jordan has asked me to send this note to you all, wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day! He especially sends special Valentine’s Day greetings to the blog’s creator and moderator, Jewel of the West Adams. Thank you for all your hard work and support!
Jordan wanted to remind you of the Valentine spirit in the Pieces of Cakes book, that focuses on how each one of us brings our differences together to share and make a colorful, loving community.
Thanks to all of you for sharing and supporting everyone here.
Happy Valentine’s Day from Jordan Jantz!
Ruth, Jordan’s Visiting Angel
Thanks for your constant support!
ReplyDelete10th Year Blog Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteThis year is the 10th anniversary of this blog (Out of the Closet, Into the Light) and celebrating this is going to touch so many people: LGBTQ members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, their families, and friends. The blog has opened hearts to let children live their lives in the Spirit. It has opened hearts to help people support each other as we all grow.
Jordan and many LGBTQ members celebrate with their families and their bishops what Jewel Adams and Jordan Jantz have done in putting this blog out in the world to bring peace, love, and kindness to all.
From reading Jordan’s books and this blog I’ve learned a lot more about Jordan than I had known just as his friend. Not just his personal history, but many examples of his personal courage and honesty. His honesty and transparency carry through all parts of his life. Jordan has a strong image in the Pacific Northwest as an LGBTQ man who has devoted his last fifteen years as a member of the LDS Church to helping build acceptance within the Church. Jordan and Jewel want to help the Church become a safe place for all through this blog.
Big thank you to Jewel Adams! Jordan has been very clear that his life never would have been able to touch so many people without her help in starting him writing books and reaching out through the blog. He has said often how grateful he is that Jewel listened to the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Jewel. You have helped him in his work to make children’s lives better.
Since his concussion on 9-11-2019, Jordan has faced many challenges. He sustained a lot of damage from the concussion. In spite of this, he is committed to his ongoing philanthropy: All book proceeds go to Christmas Box International to help abused and abandoned children. Because of the damage from the concussion, Jordan unfortunately may have written his last book. We encourage you to help support his work for abused and abandoned children by purchasing his books. You can find them at Amazon.com and at Barnes and Noble.
Jordan asks that you all will keep him in your prayers. His spiritual family means everything to him and inspires him in life. Thank you for your prayers.
We're Gonna Make It After All!
We’re Gonna Make It After All! is a bright celebration of hope for everyone who has faced challenges in their life, large or small.
Jordan has become an author and children’s philanthropist from his own life experiences. Working through and healing from his own life challenges has given Jordan a lot of insight and compassion, especially for children. Creating these books for children and their families has been healing, and he wants to share that confidence, peace, spirit, hope, and love. All of Jordan’s books are encouraging for anyone who may question their abilities — even when they’re disabled, as Jordan now is.
This beautiful book is illustrated by artwork from many different children in a lot of interesting media. Young friends of Jordan’s from 4 to 18 created works in clay, wood, oils, crayons, and pastels. These pictures express a lot of different emotions and themes, and use lots of color and imagination! My personal favorite is the dinosaur with the spikey tail!
Each of the pieces of art is paired with a poem that fits the art and the emotion it’s conveying. Many of the poems are funny, some poignant, some thoughtful, and all worth reading. In addition to the children’s art and poetry, there are many beautiful photos of flowers and peaceful places. This is a book the whole family will enjoy.
This book demonstrates the many kinds of diversity that people experience in their lives, beginning at very early ages and continuing through our lives. This book celebrates the strength and hope in all of us.
100% of the proceeds from this book go directly to the Christmas Box International. Please support Jordan’s work helping abused and abandoned children by purchasing a copy of this book. Thanks.
Ruth, Jordan’s Visiting Angel
By Invitation, Your Place At the Feast
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I asked Jordan some questions I had about By Invitation. He’s reluctant to talk about his work, but he wants to see healing, especially for children. Knowing what I now know, I realize how much he has lost through his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and how hard he works to overcome these losses. This book tells about the toughest fight of his life: for love, honor, justice, and respect for anyone who is different and hungry — you have your own invitation to the feast.
In the book, the mind of Pixar Animation becomes an uplifting adventure, where the sky is no longer the limit. When opening the door to the feast, the magic begins as Jordan brings animation to the tale of his journey.
This is a story of friendship and courage.The central moment is the dream of the dinner table.
Catch the spark of the golden key as you open your heart to the purpose of what the golden key brings to the legendary truth of the Invitation.
This is a section of highlights from Jordan’s dream in By Invitation.
“It was Christmas time and I had spent the bulk of the day contemplating my life, thinking with a heart full of gratitude about how far I had come. As I lay my head on my pillow, I closed my tired eyes. And I dreamed.
The Lord appeared at the side of my bed. He held His hand up and I saw the nail print in His palm. He smiled lovingly and took my hand, guiding me from my room into a place unlike anything I had ever imagined. With my hand in the Savior’s, I felt a peace I never had before, Jesus reached into His pocket and pulled out a golden key and gave it to me. He then took my hand and again began to guide me. I trusted the Lord to keep me safe.
With light streaming from a crack beneath a large door, I put my shaking hands out to touch the door. I could tell it was heavy, and I tried to push it open, but I couldn’t.
Then I remembered that I had been given the golden key. The keyhole was so high, I didn’t think I would be able to reach it. Deep inside, I had known the key was important, that it would open a door to knowledge and greater truth. Suddenly the key began to glow, started to turn by itself, and a brilliant, bright light chased away the darkness, colors bursting from the key inside the lock, like rainbows shooting out of the lock. A most magical moment to have that key.
The key turned slowly. With a light push, the door swung open, and the room I entered took me by complete surprise.”
I’ve known Jordan well for the last six years. I am very grateful he has found this deep support in his faith. I’m saddened that he can no longer write books to create funds to save the lives of children through his writing, which has been a passion in his life..
That is why I’m writing this review today. Jordan’s TBI two-and-a-half years ago was very real and profoundly affects his life today. The effects have been devastating. I’m grateful to walk with Jordan as we find his way back home together after this TBI. I’m proud to help him re-learn to live his new, post-concussion life. It’s hard to start over, but Jordan has had to re-start his life over and over and over. We can do this with faith. Baby steps.
Jordan believes that God has provided him with his visiting angel to help him regain his life. I have known Jordan as a friend from before his TBI. Because of Jordan’s faith, he continues with what smaller good deeds are within his reach.
Although Jordan and I have been friends for a long time, I knew few specifics about his earlier life. I did not know he had written books, contributed his proceeds to charities, or participated in numerous ministries. This book is short, but it’s packed with deeply held beliefs about spiritual love and comfort. It expresses his confidence in his relationship with God: the sense of wonder and the certainty of acceptance.
Kindness, peace, and justice for all are some of the important values I share with Jordan. I recommend this book to anyone who questions their destiny.
Jordan’s Visiting Angel, Ruth
Freed from the Closet
ReplyDeleteIt’s astounding to see the love and appreciation of a human being’s life and the miracles that can happen by someone having faith in you as Jordan has.
The posts gathered in this ebook show the diversity of people who respond to the messages of love and acceptance that Jordan shares regularly in his blog: jordans-light.blogpost.com.
Never have so many readers’ lives been engaged in this blog — embracing Jordan’s transparency, redemption, desire for family, and unity with a life sprinkled with love.
He lives his life the same way in front of the public and behind closed doors. As his friend and visiting angel, I just finished this Coronavirus Special Edition of this very special ebook. I am elated that this blog has been successful throughout many communities of diversity, touching so many lives with compassion, understanding, and an enduring spiritual message. This blog celebrates many years of love to at least a half million readers over the past 10 years. Happy 10-Year Anniversary, Jordan and Jewel! Good things start out small.
Jewel, thank you for the many times that you have been so generous by opening doors for Jordan to pass through, and then close behind him and not look back. As Jordan has always said: ‘Some people touch so many lives’. This book shares the truth of it all.
I want to thank all of you who helped make Jordan's philanthropy for abused and abandoned children possible by supporting him in general and by purchasing his books. He donates 100% of the proceeds from his books to The Christmas Box International. Freed from the Closet shares the truth that vulnerability and kindness still walk the streets of Portland Oregon through it all, handing out baked potatoes every now and then.
Reading this book explains Jordan’s many other experiences of truly overcoming, and becoming successful and resilient in mind, body, soul, and spirit through it all. His children’s books are more than just a read — there are even coloring books in New York City on New Years Eve for older children. Jordan captures preschool all the way through 6th grade in some of his other children’s books. I think you will find them engaging, and full of fun and good ideas for the whole family.
I would never have expected someone to express such transparency in all their writings put together. Jordan’s tenacity shows what a miracle could come from darkness to live in the light.
I know that Jordan will always remember his wonderful readers who have carried his devout message of kindness and love to the farthest reaches of the world.
Thanks so much to you, Jewel and Jordan, for transforming lives.
Jordan’s Visiting Angel, Ruth
Thank you!💗
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