Hi Y'all, I'm Jen... 

I am…an extrovert, 8 on the enneagram (for those who follow that kind of thing), ESTJ (Myers Briggs for those who follow that kind of thing) and  a Texas girl. I like fried food with butter and lots of salt, and hot summer days in a pool.

I’m in ministry, a wife, a mom, a daughter and wish I could relive the days when all I did was dance. But, alas, I’m older and not a prima ballerina. Truth be told, I was never quite shaped to be one and had bad knees.

11 years ago this annoyingly cocky boy that I had known in high school took me on a date to see Bad News Bears (so romantic) and eat at Taco Bueno (I’m a picky eater and this would be a deal breaker in most cases). Along the way he took this prissy city girl fishing, to far more less than lovely movies, and several more cheap dinners. And somehow, here we are, doing life together as partners. Two kids, two houses, several career moves, a battle with cancer (his) and 11 hunting seasons later, I love him and I love my life.

There are other things I love too…

I love Jesus. I grew up in the church and firmly believe that my relationship with God has pulled me through all of life’s turns. More than loving God, I’m actually one who loves church. I’ve worked in the church on and off for over 15 years now, so, believe me, I get that the church as an institution has some problems. But I’m a United Methodist girl and when John Wesley says “no holiness but social holiness” it speaks to me. We find great holiness and a deeper relationship with God in our relationship with others.

Speaking of others….I love my people. Actually, I just love people in general. Despite having Judgement as part of my Myers Briggs make up, I have worked hard in the years since I had my first child to open my heart to enjoy all types of people. The more different from me…the better. I love to learn about and experience God through others' gifts and talents.  I experience God through the people that God brings into my life and find myself more fulfilled with each new mom, friend, foe and family member that comes. I love to teach and speak about leadership, about God’s word and about parenting. Connection is one of the great joys that I find in each day.

I love being a mom. In the world of ministry, we often get caught up in helping others along their discipleship pathway. I am very aware that at the top of my list is helping my tiny humans on their discipleship journey and truly am thankful for that gift in life.

I write because I’ve never been shy and probably always share too much. I believe God calls us to share our stories and be in community together so here we are, in this online community. Thanks for joining me!