Unpacking Jere: A Different Kind of Growth Project
Personal Growth, Faith & Life, Reflection Jere Van Patten Personal Growth, Faith & Life, Reflection Jere Van Patten

Unpacking Jere: A Different Kind of Growth Project

Who am I without the titles, accomplishments, responsibilities, and roles I've spent a lifetime building? That question launched a six-month journey of self-discovery, healing, and honest reflection. In this post, I share why I've begun asking harder questions, examining old patterns, and learning that growth isn't always about finding new answers—sometimes it's about becoming honest enough to face yourself.

Read More
What’s at the Top of Your Heart?

What’s at the Top of Your Heart?

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time struggling with the Lord in prayer—over my health, my work, my relationships, and the uncertainty that seems to follow all of us from time to time. This week, I’m reflecting on faith, Gethsemane, lost sheep, prodigal sons, and the reminder that God doesn’t wait for us to have everything figured out before He comes looking for us. Sometimes what's at the top of our heart is exactly what we need to bring to Him.

Read More
THRIVING: A Six-Month Check-In

THRIVING: A Six-Month Check-In

Six months ago, I declared 2026 my Year of THRIVING. I was ready for abundance, opportunity, momentum, and a holy "watch this" moment from God. This essay explores what happened when my expectations collided with reality—and the surprising discovery that maybe God was changing me more than He was changing my circumstances.

In this six-month check-in, I'm not a millionaire, bestselling author, keynote speaker, or Broadway star. My back still hurts. The credit cards still exist. And yet... somehow, I'm thriving more than I was before. I reflect on marriage, family, teaching, faith, writing, and the surprising realization that maybe the life I've been looking for isn't somewhere else.

Maybe thriving isn't found in finally arriving. Maybe it's found in fully showing up where I already am.

Read More
Everything Ends. That’s Why It Matters.

Everything Ends. That’s Why It Matters.

Children grow up. Shows close. Seasons change. Entire chapters of our lives quietly become stories we tell.

As I've revisited memories of my mom, watched my children grow older, and reflected on the fleeting nature of the moments we love most, I've come to a simple realization: the ending isn't the enemy. The ending is what makes today matter.

A reflection on grief, gratitude, theatre, family, and the privilege of being here for the middle.

Read More