About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Been looking forward to this book! Always seeking community, new ways to reach out and implement “My door is always open for you”.

    • I love to entertain our family and friends, and would love a chance to read this book and put an awesome spin on “opening our doors”!

  2. The title of this book is just perfect. God opens the door to us, freeing us to fling the door wide to others. Thanks to Jen and the (in)courage team for your hospitable hearts.

  3. Jen,
    Congratulations!! Happy Launch Day!! Praying your book will soar and encourage others to ignore the dust, and the Legos, and the Barbie shoes on the floor and Just Open The Door! Can’t wait for my copy to arrive. Pondering doing a Bible study in our neighborhood since there’s a lot of new people moving in….now to find those hours to fit it in….but Hospitality IS important. Just look to Jesus.
    Way to go….Blessings,
    Bev xx

  4. What a fantastic book idea. I know I have the gift of hospitality but I still stress when I host, feeling that the house could always be cleaner especially. Would love a heart change and to learn how to overcome my insecurities!

  5. I’m looking forward to reading this one as we’re opening a new door on a new street and praying to welcome a new community alongside those forever friends!

  6. This year I have felt a personal challenge, nudging, from the Lord to walk out hospitality in my home but I’m terrified. Literally. Paralyzed with fear of ALL. THE. THINGS. My heart longs to love on people in this way but I’m scared and where do I begin. Then I started seeing stories of this book on instagram and the timing feels more than coincidental. To say I would love to win this would bean understatement. It feels like God is leading me into this season … whether I “think I can” or not.

  7. God has recently been speaking to my heart about this very topic, and this book looks like an answer to prayer! So excited to read and share with others!

  8. This title really grabbed me because so many times, I really don’t want to open the door!!!

  9. I can’t wait to enjoy this book and ease my own trepidations about opening my door to others without judgment! Thank you!

  10. So I kind of want to paint my door that same color above (before seeing this even!)
    We believe in opening our doors to our neighbors, and sometimes strangers (i.e. workers), with open hearts and minds. We learn so much when we listen and love on those that cross our paths each day.
    We have hosted many a “sloppy” dinner party with a few or many. My husband loves to have the crowds, and I love to talk to people one on one. Our marriage and children are very open to “new characters” that walk into our lives. We have lived in 4 houses, one apartment, and one townhouse—each were hospitable to others…family and friends matter. We thank God for his examples in the Bible of such love.

  11. Congratulations Jen on the release of your book!!! Your wisdom shared will help many focus on the Kingdom, instead of the condition of their kitchen. Looking forward to the Becoming Conference with you next weekend:)

  12. I am definitely looking forward to reading this book. As an introvert who has a penchant for perfection before inviting people over, I know it will be refreshing and I will learn how to Just Open the Door!

  13. Looking forward to reading this book! I want to be more willing to Just Open the Door to others just as Jesus Opened the door for me! Thank you for the chance to win!

  14. I come from two different cultures where from my mom, Native American, you share everything especially your home.
    When I married my husband who is Caucasian, there are boundaries and expectations. You just don’t drop in.
    I like to think my home is a place where people would feel welcome anytime.

  15. We recently moved and are now the “new people” after almost 20 years in one place. Would love to get to know those in our new community better. Looking forward to this book to help me be willing to “open the door” before things are perfect as that may never happen. LOL!

  16. Opening the door has led to many great friendships in my life. What a beautiful title and great idea for a new book. Can’t wait to read!

  17. Blessings, Jen, on this day: Launch Day!
    I’ve enjoyed each Launch Day email, boosting my hospitality confidence, and realizing how silly some hold-backs truly are!
    Thank you for your kindnesses in writing and love shown.

  18. I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I need this! Have been enjoying the excerpts. I have a heart to practice more hospitality but as an introvert, a perfectionist, and a woman who works full time I struggle. Need to let go of all that and learn to focus on what’s important and just do it. Thanks!

  19. God has been telling me to open up the door for awhile now. At first I didn’t understand. I finally figured it out. He meant the door of life. To engage with people, and to live.

  20. What a needed book in a culture which has become so isolated. Praying this book impacts hearts and lives for Jesus! Just open the door!!!

  21. Love this concept…always looking for a great study to bring to my small group ladies.

  22. I am a semi-perfectionist (although much better than I was 10 years ago, thank you Jesus!) and would love to be more spontaneous in asking people in. Hope there’s hope for me in this book!

  23. So excited to see this available. Congratulations on the launch and Thank you for being you!

  24. This study looks so helpful in encouraging women to step outside of their comfort zones into a life of hospitality. Can’t wait to learn more!

  25. Thank you for blessing us with the opportunity to “open more doors.” I am so looking forward to this study!

  26. This sounds like a book I need! Even at 63 I still struggle at feeling comfortable in my house when I have guest.

  27. I have struggled to find a sense of community since I moved to Chicago. I would love to connect with my neighbors.

  28. Congratulations on your new book. I was so excited about “opening my door” that I ordered my copy on March 10!! And I just got an email saying it’s on the way! I love people but I am constantly worried that everything has to be perfect before I invite them to my home. Thank you for sharing your ideas and ministering to those of us who have hurdles that prevent us from doing what God wants us to do….open our doors.

  29. I have waited for this book to launch for what seems like forever. 🙂 I get to speak today to a group of ladies on Hospitality and I can’t wait to share this book with them. Perfect day to talk about hospitality and get to recommend this book.

  30. So looking forward to reading this. This is so needed in our fast paced world today. Have been looking for a home bible study to do with friends this summer. This may very well be it.

  31. Congratulation on launch day!! This book has come out at the perfect time! I am getting several copies for Mother’s Day gifts. Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us, Jen!!!

  32. God gave us an invitation to Come to Him. When we arr weary…we are to Come to Him. When we are celebrating ..we are to come to Him. When we are afraid…we are to come to Him. There is not a time when we are not able to come to Him. Likewise, He wants us to open our door for others to know Him, when we invite them to come in to our lives

  33. Happy Launch Day! Such an exciting time! I hope to be there one day with a launch day of my own! I can’t wait to get a copy!

  34. This book is just what I needed to step out of my tightly sealed comfort box and be encouraged to invite others in. It’s not just about hospitality, it’s about changing the way we view life from a selfish point of view to how God wants us to respond when He has given us opportunities to serve others. This life is not our own- we need to share it and Him with as many people as we can. Thanks Jen for taking the time to put together such a well written book and sharing your “realness” with us!!

  35. So excited about reading your book, Jen!! God has been speaking to my heart personally on the subject of hospitality.
    Want to grow in this!

  36. I love encouragment about hospitality and am looking forward to reading and sharing this book.

  37. The last few years have been rocky and I had lost my desire to have people in my home. After having a stroke last year, I had lots of time to be alone and quiet while healing. I realized how much I missed friends and how I enjoyed their visits! No one seemed to notice dusty disarray or care that I could do just a little each week…we had some wonderful talk and laughs instead. This was a wonderful lesson (reinforced by my devotionals) that all of us just want to be part of conversations and be welcomed and welcoming…Go Jen!

  38. I enjoy opening my doors for other, it makes me feel good inside. I really don’t worry about what my house looks like, I just want everyone to enjoy themselves with what ever I have to offer. Sometimes it may be just drinks such as coffee or what ever they prefer, and sometimes also, with food.

  39. I have been inspired for years by Jens writings, but to go on a deep dive into hospitality with her is so encouraging! This book is reminding me how I can easily make changes in my routines and my great to open our door more!

  40. Happy launch day! This is timely as my family prepares to move – both not backing away before we move and to connect quickly in our new location.

  41. Already enjoyed the preview of the first five chapters. Wonderful book that so many of us could learn from. I have been practicing “intentional” hospitality for some time now, but so want to move towards opening the door to strangers! It is easy to invite our friends, but strangers who may need a friend, definitely need to work on that!
    Congratulations on your book!!!

  42. Cant wait to get the book. Did get the free 7 chapter downloads and has really changed my perspective especially with having my daughters friends hang out at our house more.

  43. I liked the statement “Our home is a place where the doors swing wide open.” There is such an element of trust in that statement – trust in our own abilities and trust in those who come into our lives and end us becoming true friends.

  44. Thank you for writing this book. I’ve been feeling led to open my home, but feel pretty intimidated about it. Your daily info has given me courage to START! Which I haven’t been able to do. But I definitely plan to.

  45. I feel like this is a fun book, that is truthful, but yet fun to read. I think it’s going to make hospitality more fun for a lot of people.

  46. Congratulations on your new book. Thanks for sharing with us. I would love a copy of it.

  47. Oh, why does the Lord insist on strewing what He thinks I need along my path right when my heart begins to open up to idea?! This book comes along just when I need it. Will I allow the Holy Spirit to use me? Lord willing! ❤ Can’t wait to read it!

  48. Always wanted an open door policy for my boys and their friends…to know our home is a safe place to come and hang out. Looking forward to Jen’s book!

  49. I can’t wait to buy this book! And it would be even more awesome to win it! My bestie and I were recently thinking of ways to bridge the gap between the 40somethings and 20-30s in our church. This sounds like a great way to start.

  50. How wonderful! This is a message that is so needed. My life was changed in middle School when my Mom received this message. But it can be hard. One terrible incident has made it hard for me to open my home-God never said people wouldn’t hurt us, but we still open the door

  51. Happy book launch! Sounds like a good book. I like the idea of hospitality over entertainment. Thanks for the chance to win.

  52. God has been teaching me so much about hospitality (hosting as opposed to entertaining as Jen describes it in the sneak peak of her book that I got to check out a few weeks ago!), and I would love to continue learning through reading this book!

  53. Happy Launch Day! With our world so “connected” on social media, but sadly disconnected in real life… what a blessing this book will be. How do we work up the courage to open our door to reveal our un-photo shopped selves? Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

  54. God has been speaking to me about “practicing hospitality” lately. Your new book sounds like it will be a huge encouragement to help me put my plans into action. May God continue to bless and inspire you!

  55. Happy Launch Day!! This book has such a beautiful message – would love to get my hands on a copy of the bible study as well!!

  56. I would love to win the leader’s guide! This book is AMAZING. Such a wonderful message. Thank you Jen and (in)courage team!

  57. Happy Launch Day! I am so looking forward to reading what the Lord led you to share. He has been speaking hospitality to my heart and I am believing that this book will be a wonderful tool and inspiration.

  58. Happy Launch day! I’ve really been struggling in this area but I have felt God tugging on me to just open the door. I did the five day email series and it really helped motivate me so I need to get my hands on this book!

  59. This book sounds so good. I have been intrigued since Money Saving Mom has been posting about it.

  60. Thank you for such a generous giveaway! Hospitality has never been my strong point and with living at home again in the midst of more life transitions, it’s a little difficult. This should definitely help me come up with some creative ideas.:)

  61. Happy Launch Day, Jen!!
    I loved this book. I am so glad others will have the chance to read it and learn from it now!!

  62. Happy Launch Day! This is such a good book no matter your station or season in life! Jen’s ideas and practical tips have inspired me to open my heart and open my door!

  63. I have moved often in my life. I have always tried to have an “open door policy” with my neighbors and people that I met within my daily activities when possible. This seemed much easier though, when my sons were younger and I was meeting more people who were in a similar phase of life. We just recently moved and my sons are all grown up now and one is out on his own. It is a lot harder to meet people now. The title… “Just Open The Door…” speaks to me right now. As I empty the boxes and set up my knew home, this is a very timely book. I put it on my wish list and it would be really great to win a copy as our budget is tight due to the expenses of the move. I really would love to read the book and share it with my friends… both old and new… I so want to be a blessing and a safe haven to friends and family and those people God puts in my pathway.

  64. Jen,

    Happy Happy launch day!! So proud of you for writing an important book. Many of us are wanting friendships & community. Not sure how to do it. Hosting seems scary. We think our house isn’t clean, big or special enough. Also we feel we can’t decorate or cook great. No big deal. For me it is about time spent with friends. Doing life & just having fun with people. Showing the world God’s love one cup of tea at a time.

    Blessings 🙂

  65. Jen, this hits me in a new way after visiting the Ark Encounter over spring break. There was an exhibit that highlighted the doors in scripture all pointing to the door that is Jesus Christ. “Just opening the door” of my heart and my home is far more meaningful than I ever realized, and I want to get better at it. Thank you for your guest post on Ann Voskamp’s site yesterday, also. I appreciated reading your excerpt. Blessings to you and your family as you keep opening your doors!

  66. Awesome book, Jen!
    I’ve been hearing about it and think it will be a great rand help us all do better with “Opening our doors”, thanks so much for the great introduction and chance to win.
    Hugs,
    Jen

  67. Yes please! Already we try to open the door to our kids friends it would love to feel more at peace about opening the door to our friends and learning Godly hospitality ❤️

  68. Happy, happy launch day! Oh my gosh, this topic is awesome. So many are truly afraid of opening the door – whether it be their physical front door, their car door to walk into church, or the door to their heart. Can’t wait to read this, and WOW, would I love to host(ess) a bible study with this book! Blessings upon blessings to you … Davielle

  69. My mantra for the last year or 2 has been: The difference between entertaining and hospitality = less show and more soul. It’s helped me to open my door…

  70. Happy Launch Day! I can’t wait to read the book! The 5 day email series was so good.

  71. Congratulations, Jen, on the release of this new study. There are so many lonely people that are just waiting for an invite in. Thank you for helping those who are intimidated. When we let someone enter our house we are letting them closer to the real us, removing the airbrush of Sunday “Hi, yes doing great” replies with the hair down, this is me and God is more than enough for both of us. Thank you, Jen!

  72. I used to entertain all the time. We invited so many into our home. Then I had a falling out with a former friend and am so trepidatious about putting myself out there again and opening up my home. I would love to read this book for a little encouragement .

  73. Congratulations on your inspirational, informative, and instructional book, “Just Open the Door!” Looking forward to reading this book. The cover is beautiful and very inviting. Blessings!

  74. This book seems like it will be speaking right to my “Martha” heart! The timing couldn’t be more perfect as God has laid “an open door” on my heart in a season of healing from a mastectomy when the perfect house has not been possible for me. This book will be another step on my journey and a great lesson for my growth group!

  75. This book looks like a great book for a study as well as a personal read. So excited to see how it will effect the church body locally and as a whole.

  76. Congratulations on your launch day! I read the 5 day emails which were wonderful. It has definitely changed my outlook on opening my door to more people in my home. I always thought things had to be “just so” in order to have guests in my house. I will definitely purchase this book and open my door more.

    Thank you!

  77. I am so looking forward to reading this book. I can remember opportunities I missed simply because I was hesitant about my home not being tidy enough or big enough or any other excuse I let get in the way. I an in a season of life now where I want to make the most of every encounter. I even intend to have my book group read it!

  78. That top photo of you, Jen, makes me so happy!! Woohooo!! Thrilled to see this message launch into the world today. Our homes and hearts and generations need it!

  79. I’m so excited about this book! I listened to Jen on the “Mom’s Struggling Well” podcast yesterday and walked away encouraged! Looking forward to pouring over the pages!

  80. Just Open The Door is a wonderful book I would recommend everyone to read. The seed of hospitality was planted in my soul many years ago, but excuses have prevented me from opening my door more frequently. Jen’s book has challenged me to examine my motives and quit making excuses. So many practical examples of how to be purposeful as you rub shoulders and do life with others!

  81. Congratulations on the launch. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to welcome people into our homes. I look forward to receiving the book.

  82. “For many of us, inviting people into our lives and homes feels more like inviting judgment on our entertaining skills and stress on our already maxed-out schedules.” Hoping to overcome this. Looking forward to getting my book!

  83. Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks. Open the door to let Him and others in to your heart and home.

  84. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! It has moved me to tears several times as I read! Inspiring, relatable, down-to-earth, practical, AND convicting. Jen has put together a very well-written book that gets to the heart of hospitality and community.

  85. We all need this book, especially we introverts who want to be welcoming, but are a little shy!! We want to spread God’s message of love to others and this book enables & encourages us to do just that!!

  86. Happy Launch Day, Jen!

    I’m super excited about this new book! I’m looking forward to reading it and sharing with my community. I personally have had difficulty with just “opening my door.” I’ve somehow learned that I need the Pinterest perfect home in order to invite others into my home. Just last year, a young girl from my church wanted to come by and I remember trying to find an excuse for her not too. It was then that I realized that I’ve gotten on the wrong track. So, I’m excited about this book, and thank you for the free chapter!

  87. How wonderful to give hospitality without the drag out fix up energy consuming of “entertaining.” Looking forward to again welcoming without needing to keep up with the Jones!

  88. This looks fantastic!! I just became the new women’s ministry leader at our church! What a fun way to start things off

  89. Wow! I’ve been praying about starting a small group…feeling as though that is my next step in my journey with Christ. This would be an awesome way to start! I’ve always suffered with social anxiety and have recently been taking baby steps to overcome it. Since joining my church about a year ago it has been a life changing experience.

  90. I have been wanting to get out of my comfort zone recently and do a book study in my home but have been shying away. This book is a confirmation that it’s time to spread my wings and open my doors.❤️

  91. I’m so excited for my pre-order copy of the book to arrive. I’m a pastor’s wife and would LOVE to win the Bible study to share with my church ladies! Thanks for the opportunity!

  92. Happy Launch Day! My husband and I have just recently (almost 1yr) gone into full time ministry. We have the opportunity to have people, especially young people, in our home. I enjoy having people but not always and I usually like it to be on “my” terms. I know God is working on my heart to trust His timing and provision for the open door. It’s not easy. This book sounds wonderful and just what I need to read. Thank You for the great opportunity.

  93. I would love to go through this book with some women in my neighborhood… and tomorrow is my birthday… how fun it would be to win!

  94. The title of the book really grabbed at my heart. I get severe anxiety at the thought of having people over. Meanwhile, my husband and kids would host the world if they could. I am excited to see how reading your book impacts my life.

  95. I’m this odd combination of an introvert who loves to entertain in my home, but I DO worry about things being good enough and judgement and all the insignificant things that distract from the significant! I would love to win a copy of this book!

  96. I have heard so many good things about this book from Money Saving Mom. Can’t wait to read it.

  97. Like everyone else here, I can’t wait to read this book! I’ve recently started opening my door, but I definitely need help. 🙂
    Congrats to Jen Schmidt on the release of her book, and blessings to all!

  98. Excited to read this! Maybe I’ll open the door and host a group of gals and read it together!

  99. Looking forward to reading the book. I have always been a shy introvert, more of a hide behind the door person. Hoping to make some changes.

  100. Hospitality has been on my radar for this year, and I can not wait to read and share your books. Thank you for this opportunity to win this bundle.

  101. I really need this and the study would be of great use with the women of my church. Excited for this new opportunity to learn about hospitality!

  102. What if I did this as a book club book this summer and actually opened MY door instead of holding it at the church? Hmmmmmmm…..may be on to something here. (Besides family, I rarely EVER have people in my home…so this would be a huge stretch for me!)

  103. Would LOVE to win as my life and Ministry is changing for the next season and would love some equipping on how to invite people in, something that i can admit I’m not good at. Any kind of hosting. I can lead and plan but always find myself stressing over the state of my home.

  104. This is the way I want too live; the person I want to be. Thank you for considering me.

  105. I’m trying to decide if God is calling me to retire. This may be my new “calling”!! But I need LOTS of help…such an introvert!

  106. Would love to win a copy! One of my struggles is inviting people into my home, and into my heart.

  107. I have heard so many good reviews of this book…definitely something I need to read and apply!

  108. I’ve been waiting for this book to release since I first heard about it. My husband and I recently moved and I have wanted to invite other couples and ladies to our home, but always find some excuse not to. I am praying this book helps me step out of my comfort zone and open the door to future friends!! And I am also gifting this book to my friend who just moved into a new apartment. I am so excited!!

  109. I can’t wait for my book to arrive. I ordered it yesterday. But what I want to really do is begin an inhome study. Praying I can have the courage to fling the doors open & not worry about if any one will come. I have such a longing to connect with my neighbors & be an encouragement to others! But it’s always that little cloud ⛅️ that satan hangs over my head “rejection”. Praying with God’s help & this study to spur me on. I would love to win!

  110. Congrats on the book. Thank you for the giveaway on this awesome book. I need help in this direction because I am very anti-social person and God is wanting me to be social and talk about the word of God. I hope to read it in the future to help me. Good luck on your book I hope it does great and God bless.

  111. God has been showing me continuously this past year the importance of community in our walk with Him and how I need more of those deep connections in my life. This book and study look like a wonderful way to learn how to practically increase the role of community in my life. Thank you for writing this and for the chance of a giveaway!

  112. I have been struggling to find true community and would love to read this book as a help to empower me to not be afraid to put myself out there and “just open the door”!

  113. I just read a post from Ann Voskamp’s email newsletter where Jen was a guest writer. And it was so good! I very much want to be a hospitable daughter of the King. <3 Such a great idea in this day and age of isolationism and independence–extend an invite!
    Can't wait to read the rest of the book.

  114. Sounds very interesting!
    I hope I win!
    Thank you very much for the opportunity!

  115. I’m hoping this book will be a catalyst to help me overcome those fears of inviting others into my home and life!

  116. So excited to dig into Just Open the Door. Just finished “We Saved You a Seat” with Lisa-Jo. Seats are saved now I need to open the door! Thank you for your ministry!

  117. I really kinda stumbled unto your site! If all our lives could have porches as inviting as the one in video…LOL! Then maybe we wouldn’t have issues opening our doors! Happy Launch Day…I know how truly exciting it must be to have your hard work in print! Praise God, and may it reach many women!

  118. Wow! Yet again I see help re increasing hospitality….me thinks it is a theme or a sign….really difficult for an introverted loner, but hope springs eternal.

  119. We moved to this neighborhood in 2014. The first Christmas I took a few jars of jelly around. No response, so I just gave up. Then last year I thought I’d try again. So I hosted a brunch. Several ladies showed up and most of the others called. Well, this weekend our church is hosting a ladies brunch so I’ve invited my neighbors. Maybe some day we’ll have a block party.!!!

  120. I’ve heard so many good things about this book—can’t wait to read it!

  121. As I’ve ended up having more people in my home, this book intrigues me and I’d love to read it and to win this giveaway!

  122. As my husband plan our vision for our home, this book fits right in. I’d love to read it and do a study on it in our neighborhood!

  123. As my husband plan our vision for our home, this book fits right in! I’d love to read it and do a study on it in our neighborhood!

  124. Congratulations on launching your book! Even though I’m not married yet with my own home, I’ve had a heart for hospitality. Lately I’ve been yearning for more community and opening the door to new friends. So, I hope that I can step out of my introverted side and learn to be a good hostess to make a difference in other’s lives. 🙂

  125. Ive always wanted to entertain in small ways. I live with a chronic illness that leaves me exhausted and in pain. Ive always just thought opening my home wouldn’t be possible for me. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them.