About the Author

Anna works full-time for DaySpring from Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and four kids. Anna is the author of A Moment of Christmas and Pumpkin Spice for Your Soul, and she shares the good stuff of the regular, encouraging you to see the ordinary glory in your everyday.

(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. I want to thank y’all for making me one piece of the (in)courage puzzle…and thank God for making me a unique piece in life’s greater puzzle. I have developed some wonderful bonds with other writers and dreamers through your website. Sometimes I hate my computer, but on most days I love the fellowship and encouragement that it brings me through women like you. Thank you Anna and my other “cyber sisters” in Christ.
    Blessings,
    Bev

  2. Anna, that’s such a cool story of how God brought you two together when you were younger and then again as adults. I think I remember hearing the two of you speak about it at the (in)RL conference on the video. 🙂

  3. It is always neat to see how God validates what He is speaking into and through us! After writing a post on my timeline about God using each of us as ordinary people to do extraordinary things – I received your email and read this entry! Thank you for sharing!

  4. This line – “Isn’t it lovely how God uses ordinary, simple things to do extraordinary work?” It just tugged at my heart – it truly IS lovely!

    ~Peace,
    LuAnne

  5. It was a huge risk for me, the introvert who doesn’t like one-on-one conversations, especially with strangers, to attend the (in)RL group. I took my sister for a little support. Meeting the 3 other women who attended was a wonderful experience; one I will repeat. Jacque Watkins made the day relaxing and homey. Her co-host, Denise Hughes, was quietly encouraging. Through talking with these Godly women and listening to the speakers on the video, I was nudged by God to do more risk-taking with community. Thank you (in)courage, (in)RL,, and especially God who walks with me.

    • Oh Debbie, I am so glad you took a leap out of your comfort zone and went to (in)RL. I can’t think of a more perfect host to make you feel at home than Jacque. I hope you’ve been able to live out those God-nudgings and take more risks with community building, because scary as it is… it’s always worth it.

  6. Aww, you’ve got me tearing up! I am so grateful for your encouragement in my life, from camp until now. You have shown me how to love like Jesus, and have helped me to boldly take little steps of faith. It’s such a gift to (in)courage by your side, to be your friend, to watch our babies grow up together! Keep writing, keep encouraging, keep shining His love, sweet friend. 🙂 xoxo

  7. Each of us hold a piece. Each one matters!

    So true, love how He fits us together and the image on the puzzle – is Him!

    xo,
    Stacey

  8. I love that! Knowing that God is in the internet and in (in)courage… How amazing that he brought the two of you back together to be able to talk and share how many more pieces of the puzzle He’s put together in your lives. This post just brought a big smile to my heart.

    • It has been amazing! And such a blessing. And I just adore (in)courage for allowing this space to be inhabited by Him.

      So, so happy that my words made you smile. THAT makes ME smile big!! =)

  9. I love how you say we are pieces of a puzzle and when we are missing, eyes are drawn to the empty space. That is beautiful, Anna! Thank you for giving such wonderful encouragement today. I stand with you and these other women (sisters) In Courage!

  10. I do not have children and I don’t have a job, but I do love Jesus and reading about other women’s lives through (in)courage, gives me hope that as single lady of 47, that my difficulties as person with a disability makes me not so different and that having Jesus on my side, makes me part of the puzzle, even if (in)courage is not for me, it still incourages me to keep going. To be able to join in with people I may never meet, but who are connected to me as part of the picture that is the body.

    • Oh, Karen, you are most certainly an important part of the incourage puzzle, and of God’s story! The group Anna is talking about is one of many community groups that incourage hosts, including a couple for people with chronic illnesses. Much love to you!

  11. What a delightful story to highlight the glorious puzzle God is putting together. Every now and then he gives us a glimpse of how the pieces fit perfectly, as he did for you, and your friend. Thank you for reminding us that each piece is important. And to your statement about God living on the internet, I say a loud “Amen!” The wealth of information and encouragement available is amazing. Thank you, Anna, for yours today.

  12. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this In Courage group. Through this group I realize that my problems are not all that bad and that others out there are much worse off than me.

    Thank you for allowing me to encourage other women & pray for them. I love being part of this puzzle!