About the Author

Jen encourages women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives at BeautyandBedlam.com. A popular speaker, worship leader, and author of Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation, Jen lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, and a sofa for anyone...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Oh, there were so many take away moments that I want to live out. I didn’t write down the lady who said this and I can’t remember which one, but she said to know and known, to love and be loved. I want to be known and loved but I also want to know and to love others. I really need to work on that in the flesh more.

  2. Oh I LOVED so much of what you said throughout the videos, Jeni. But I especially loved the Kitchen Sisters idea! THAT one I want to try and live out. I have been on a healthy eating plan with my doc since last November, trying to shed the excess weight i gained in my 20’s due to an eating disorder (BED). I have already lost a stone and gone down 2 dress sizes, but have been lacking motivation these last few weeks. Mostly because I have to do so much cooking in advance and so far, always on my own. But not anymore! No Siree – with YOUR idea, I can totally get moral support, achieve my cook-ahead goals and hopefull get re-inspired. Will let you know how it goes x

  3. This is beautifully written. As I sit and read I think of how much I love to dive into the arms of the women in my little community and my much larger community. They are there and there is so much Life to do with them. I’m going to be intentional today, this day, about picking up the phone and calling 3, to pass on love, encouragement and knowing how Jesus always works, receive blessing in the reaching out. It does take going past the threshold of one’s own life into community to get to those arms that wait in love. But oh, the blessings that wait.

    Thanks for inspiring in such a eloquent way. And I love the Greek, beautiful so beautiful. Great way to start walking out His new Mercies on a Monday.

  4. I was not able to participate this year in RL, but wanted to. I LOVE on-line community! It’s a wonderful way to share His Holy Word and to meet like-minded people who share their hearts and struggles. It makes life REAL.

    I’m there next time (:

    Thanks for sharing your heart!

  5. One thing I love about Community–big, small, in person or on-line is the open & honest sharing of life’s struggles and victories. It is sooo wonderful here at In Courage that women are free and willing to be truly open and honest about their lives.

    This give me a better perspective on my life and allows me to pray for you all out there and not “whine” so much about my small/minute problem.

    Thanks soo much everyone!

  6. “Community is not just about being together, it’s about doing Life together.”

    Oh I LOVE that Jen. Thank you so much for being such an honest voice in this community, such an encourager, such a champion of deep friendships. And I would SO come over for bulk cooking day if we were neighbors!

  7. I don’t have time to write all I hope to take and live in real life, but I have a plan. I want to walk through doors God opens to community. Even if it is my own door, and I walk through to invite someone in.

  8. while I did not get to be part of this weekend, I took what you said about community very serious. I am praying to find my niche and step out of my comfort zone and it seems God is helping me. He has brought bible study to me with a group I have never met because my other group disbanded. I am nervous. What if I don’t fit in, but I am taking hte leap of faith.

  9. I loved this conference!! I love it when I see women connect in real ways. Not just surfy chit-chat. Nothing wrong with it but I love to go deep. Jen I don’t think I have ever heard someone else say that ! I have always felt that. I absolutely love it when women get real with me and share their hearts. One take – away for me is to wait for God. Listen for God and don’t go ahead of God! Let Him guide and direct me. I have a God sized job ahead of me in my church. Don’t feel real adequate for this particular job but I know that my God is adequate. Perfect timing for this conference !! Thanks so much for all the hard work you all put in!!

  10. Maybe this was already asked, but can you tell me where to get one of the “God-Sized Dreams” bracelets shown in the picture?

  11. I can’t tell you how much I have took away from this conference,I would be writing an essay in the comments sections. What I do know without a doubt was that Jesus was in the words spoken crying out to me saying “hey girl this Is what I want for you”. Life isn’t meant to be walked alone, incourage has inspired to try again In friendship, in hope.