I’m excited to host a give away of Jess Ronne’s incredible memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight as a Mother’s Day give away.
If you are a mom, especially a special needs mom or mom who’s experienced incredible odds, you’ll want to get Jess’ book. Her story is for anyone who needs encouragement when life doesn’t fit the storybook image. So please enter the giveaway by commenting on this post–but first read Jess’ personal note below! Entries for the give away will close May 5.
From Jess, Author of Sunlight Burning at Midnight
Hi y’all! Thank you Brenda for allowing me to write a guest post to introduce my recently published memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight. For starters, my name is Jess Ronne, and I never really know what to include or not include in these introduction posts as I tend to be an open book with every aspect of my life as you’ll soon discover on my blog www.jessplusthemess.com. I have a firm belief that we only offer true hope to people through our ability to be authentic with one another, and I really strive to live this ideal out in every aspect of my life: writing, parenting, marriage, friendship, and on social media (if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll quickly see what I mean – I don’t have many Pinterest worthy moments in my life – but you’ll get real for sure!).
I recently released my memoir, Sunlight Burning at Midnight which details an eleven year journey starting with the terminal diagnosis of my unborn son, 
continues through a three year cancer battle with my late husband, and culminates with my beautiful, unexpected life today in rural Tennessee living my dream of a simple life with my 8 babies, (5 bios including Lucas, my miracle boy, and 3 adopted), my husband who is my best friend, some chickens, too many cats due to a neuter problem, and a dog. Our family had our 20 seconds of fame in 2015 when I was 7 months pregnant with our 8th child. My husband and I were busy cleaning out one of our rental properties in the morning when we received a call from The Today Show – YES, THE TODAY SHOW. They wondered if they could send a crew to our house around 2 pm for an interview. I was filthy. He was filthy. Our house was filthy. I needed a nap desperately. Of course I said yes and then proceeded to about lose my mind as I quickly cleaned the house, took a shower, put on some makeup and pretended like the whole thing was completely manageable. All in all, it was a great memory for us and the family.
In my spare time, which I don’t have a lot of and which is a lesson God is constantly working on me with as I have a very strong first born tendency to want to accomplish it all right now. Do it all for the Kingdom! Write all the life changing words! And start all the non-profits for all the handicapped children! But realistically I don’t have that kind of time with 8 kids, and He patiently reminds me that my mission field, right here, right now, is raising these kids, and that there will be plenty of time (God willing) to do all the magnificently, big and holy endeavors later on.
I am passionate about my marriage and make every effort to connect with my husband as often as possible. We both learned through our loss (he was a widower) how quickly life can change, and we are diligent about making time to spend together which includes a weekly date night – yes, even with 8 kids. I’m also passionate about advocating for special needs children, and I hope to have more time for this in the future. I love long walks, and it’s usually as I’m putting one foot in front of the other that God speaks the loudest to me. I also love wood fire pizza and make it on a weekly basis because where we live we don’t have any pizza options – yes, we are that rural.
I try to always be thankful, sometimes I get crabby, sometimes I can’t believe God thought I would be a good option for all these kids, usually I feel extremely blessed and wouldn’t change a thing, and I always try to live by my mantra of “Just keep livin!” I think that about covers it. I’d love to connect on Facebook or Instagram if you want to reach out.
Love how raw and real she was as she shared about God’s magnificent calling on her life! Sometimes I forget that my biggest ministry is right in front of me, right in my own home and that’s a high calling from the Lord. It’s tough being a mom, yet it’s the most rewarding job God has given me! I needed this encouragement today, so thank you!
Thank you so much!
If this isn’t his timing, I don’t know what is. Since I spoke the words “I want a divorce” I’ve become familiar with overcoming the odds stacked against a single-working-mom. As I lay awake at 430 a.m., stressing out about moving AGAIN for the 5th time in 3 years, I can’t help but be thankful that His glory and forgiveness are allowing me the opportunity to gain 4 bonus daughters and a manfriend who accepts my daughter as one of his own and has fought an uphill battle since he too spoke those words so many years ago.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Jess’ book. Just keep lovin!
Thank you Polly! Your words actually bring encouragement to me as I walk with others through their own journeys. Thank you for entering and sharing your own story with us!
She sounds like the real deal. Authentic. That is so rare these days!
She is Cindy. Here vulnerability in sharing her story is very encouraging!
Thank you, Cindy! You are the winner of the drawing! I’m excited to give this to you!
I went to school with Jess’ husband Ryan.
Their story is so amazing, heart wrenching, and hopeful.
I follow them on FB and her blog (when I can find the time with 5 littles of my own).
They are such a shining example of keeping it real, but really embracing everything they’ve been through and encouraging each other and others.
May God continue to bless this beautiful family.
Thank you Hope! I’m sure it’s been quite a testimony to see them walk this up close and personal!
Wow! Jess sounds awesome. She expresses some of my thoughts about wanting and feeling called to do things for the kingdom outside of these walls but now I need to stay in. I am here to serve my family. I would love to hear more of her story.
She is amazing, Gaye–I think you would resonate with her story. Thank you for entering!
Jess’ blog and social media pages are a favorite of mine to follow. My twins are close in age to her youngest. We also are living a simple life in the country with our (3) kids, have overcome loss and hardships and just try to do the best we can. A copy of her book would be such a blessing!
Thank you for entering Sarah! Her story is so powerful and encouraging!