Jessica Hansen
About the Author

A gal chasing after God's own heart. Born and raised a farmers daughter. Keeping on with my hubs, our 3 boys, and 1 little lady. I'm quiet by nature, create to keep me courageous, and usually find God in between all the details of life.

(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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Comments

  1. Love this! Thank you so much for sharing your heart with all of us today. And for the reminder to “step all the way in.”

    • Thanks for stopping by, Marty! It’s hard to go all in!! But such a treasure awaits us when we do! Have a great Friday!! (wahoo- I love weekends!!) ~Jess

  2. Yes, we are created to be together, Jess. I love what happens when we open the doors and invite each other in! I’m so glad to see you here at encourage, friend!

  3. Jess, I love this so much. You really spoke straight to my heart and gave words to what has been on my mind so much lately. Yes, there is so much more than the places and the lists. So much. And I just want to be real and be loved. We all do, don’t we? Thank you, my friend.

    • Love what you said, Abby! So much more than places and lists. Let’s keep trying to be about people!!!

    • Reading this post, I was thinking how many times my friends and I don’t get together, because we are just so darn exhausted! But I really do think friendship is a lot like excercise in that way. It might feel like we don’t have the energy, but if we invest the time — if we allow ourselves to be real and be loved like Abby said — we will actually come away feeling more energized. Thanks for your words today, Jess!

  4. Jess,
    This fast-paced go go world has me down sometimes. I just want to sit and talk-get to know really know people. If I ask “how are you doing”? I want a deep rooted answer not just some fake ok. I want to carry your burden for you and
    maybe encourage you along the way!
    Blessings 🙂

    • I feel that more than not. As an introvert, I hate small talk 🙂 But sometimes I stay in the quiet too much and don’t risk the noise to invite others in. But oh so good when we do!! Cheering you on as you step forward to live in community. We really are better together, aren’t we!? Thanks for reading!

  5. I like this very much ! am new to your writing, just signed up at ur web site ! I find it hard to “step all the way in ” some days Iam excited about doing this and joining in with my wonderful group of ladies from church. other days I cling to my solitary life! I need to put God first and then learn to “follow” him to other’s. thank you for your beautiful words, u have given me a lot to think about ! God Bless You and Your’s !!

    • Hello and welcome!! Let me cheer you on…step in, step in! I find more than not, once I invite others in, they were unsure themselves about reaching out. We’ve got to join in with each other, not leave one another out. I keep learning this myself. God leads us and gives us the strength to add more relationaly to our plate. I trust that plan. Lets follow together 🙂

      • Thank you Jess, God surely does give us the strength when we most need it ! I have a appt. tomorrow to work in the Technical Arts Dept. in my church. This is a really big step for me !!! so wish me luck and say a prayer!! Thanks for the great welcome 🙂

  6. Jessica, you have captured something so real to all of us. I’ve been drawn to this same topic myself lately! We go through the motions and so often miss real connection. Thank you for your insight!

    • Thank you for reading and I love that these words connected with you. Community is a way of life that I’ve been trying to walk with Him and those He sets in front of me. So hard some days. Life in my home gets crazy with my 4 kids and sometimes I can only hide in it 🙂 But I don’t want to miss the real connecting with the real parts of life…even if it’s crazy and messy most days! Blessings to you! Gather and give thanks with your community today!