Snuggled on the sofa with my 15-year-old daughter, we scrolled through her Instagram feed together. 100, 115, 125 “likes” became a theme on each photo and it became clear that she’d found some committed “followers.” “Wow, Abby, your last picture got 139 likes,” our 11-year-old daughter declared in amazement. A check in my spirit occurred and ...
Over the last year I’ve been working behind the scenes on a message that I hope will encourage many women. So here I sit -- typing away with my hands shaking and my heart beating a bit faster than normal. Why? Because I am beyond excited for you to read my upcoming book, Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation. Many of ...
We're celebrating long-time (in)courage contributor Jen Schmidt as she prepares to release her first book, the next to sit on the (in)courage bookshelf of publications! So today, we're giving you a glimpse inside Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation. Enjoy! *** As I think back on where my legacy of hospitality started, ...
I raced around my house like it was the final lap of the Indy 500. "Kids, I want the counters spotless. Grab that laundry from the sofa. Stuff all clothes in your closet." My outside voice bellowed up the stairs. "You better get off your phones right now. Seriously, I need your help this instant or..." Sweat dripped down my shirt and while ...
My new friend pulled me aside and with a smile errupting on her face declared, “I’ve always wondered if blondes really do have more fun. Well, today they sure did." I was shocked by her comment. She'd enjoyed herself? I never would have guessed. That afternoon, I'd opened our home for a small women's gathering. While most of the guests ranged ...
I approached my door and tried to focus. Brown paper bags littered my sidewalk. Bags stuffed with manna. Food, toiletries, diapers, gift cards, and unsigned notes overflowed from grocery bags left for my family. Approaching a year without a paycheck, trying to keep our business afloat, paying our employees first, and avoiding foreclosure on our ...
Ironically enough, I woke that morning with a spring in my step. The exhaustion of mothering our three stair-step babies had settled in, but amidst the chaotic, oatmeal in my hair and juice spilled on my pants, kind of day, a renewed passion stirred in my heart at the thought of taking my overwhelmed state and funneling it into a new ministry ...
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 NIV Like ...
I stumbled down the stairs, willing myself to the downstairs bathroom. I've never understood the draw of the early morning hours and at seventeen years old, those hours were tortuous. Mornings provided predictability. Never a day went by when my parents weren't cozied up on the sofa engrossed in their morning devotional time, but this day ...
In the middle of Aldi’s frozen food aisle, I “did” church. Right in between the tater tots and frozen peas, I almost missed it. I’m so grateful I didn’t. Since I've been studying Scripture on imperfect hospitality, I’ve begged the Holy Spirit to heighten my awareness on the topic. After four decades of following Him, I’m having my own ...
