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Truly Yours, Jen

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This Year Will be Different – Only It’s Not

It’s Not About the Shiny Stuff

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Hi there! I’m Jen, and I am so glad you are here. I write about faith, family, parenting, friendship, forgiveness, and my own struggles and joys in life (with a few recipes and decorating tips thrown in for fun). I hope my writing is like reading a letter from a friend, and that it brings you encouragement. Life is messy. We are all a little messy. Thankfully, God loves us through it all. Thank you for being here!
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I am creating my guest line-up for the 4th season

I am creating my guest line-up for the 4th season of the Return to Jesus Podcast and am looking for guests to speak with me about living from a place of abundance and gratitude!

🙋‍♀️Comment or DM if you think you would be a good fit!

👯Know someone who would make an incredible guest? Tag them below!

#podcast #podcastguest #faith #returntojesus #abundance

But seriously….what is she doing? 😂

But seriously….what is she doing? 😂

You are infinitely loved. And never alone. #faith

You are infinitely loved. And never alone. #faith #fyp #love #encouragement #grace

Never mess with a hungry cat 😂 #cats #cats_of_ins

Never mess with a hungry cat 😂

#cats #cats_of_instagram #fyp #cat #hungrycat

Zilly does not like Amelia packing for college. N

Zilly does not like Amelia packing for college.
Not one bit.

Or maybe she is trying to go with her?

Good idea, Zilly!
Can I fit in a bag, too? 🤔

#college #momlife #catinstagram #missyoualready❤️

Hey friend, I think you’re going to feel like you

Hey friend,

I think you’re going to feel like you’re sitting in on a coffee date with this week’s guest.

I had the joy of talking with my friend Jeanette Tapley about what peace actually looks like in the middle of everyday life. Not a perfectly quiet life or a life without challenges, but a life that’s full of motherhood, work, transitions, financial pressures, and all the beautiful, messy moments in between.

Jeanette shares how she’s learned to find peace through movement, her gym community, and creating intentional rhythms that keep her connected to Jesus. We also talk honestly about launching kids into adulthood, resisting the temptation to compare our lives to everyone else’s, and learning that contentment isn’t something we stumble into. It’s something God grows in us as we trust Him one day at a time.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing about Jeanette’s simple practice of reading her Bible before unlocking her phone each morning. It’s such a practical reminder that what we turn to first often shapes the rest of our day.

Here are two takeaways I hope you’ll hold onto:

✨ Peace isn’t about having everything under control. It’s about staying rooted in God’s presence through every season, whether you’re building, grieving, celebrating, or simply showing up for another ordinary day.

✨ Contentment grows when comparison loses its voice. As we focus on God’s faithfulness instead of someone else’s story, we begin to notice the gifts He’s already placed in our own lives.

This conversation reminded me that peace isn’t something we finally arrive at. It’s something we practice, protect, and return to every single day. I hope it encourages you to slow down, open your Bible, and trust that God is faithfully meeting you exactly where you are.

Truly Yours,

Jen

#fyp #faith #parenting #encouragement #notalone

Hey friend, Have you ever found yourself craving

Hey friend,

Have you ever found yourself craving peace but feeling like your mind just won’t slow down?

If you’ve been carrying anxiety, stress, or the weight of uncertainty, I think this conversation is going to be such a gift.

This week I’m joined by Kelli Becerra, a licensed therapist, author, and someone who beautifully blends biblical truth with practical mental health tools. Together we talk about what peace really looks like, not as the absence of hard things, but as a deep trust in God’s presence even when life feels uncertain.

Kelli shares practical ways to manage anxiety, how surrender plays a role in experiencing God’s peace, and why faith and emotional wellness don’t have to exist in separate conversations. I loved how honest and hope-filled this discussion felt, reminding us that we can bring every anxious thought to Jesus while also using the tools He’s given us to care for our minds.

Here are two takeaways I hope stay with you:

Peace isn’t found by controlling every outcome. It grows as we surrender what we can’t carry and trust God with what comes next.

God often meets us through simple, practical rhythms. Healthy habits, honest prayer, and caring for our mental health can all become ways we experience His peace more deeply.

Whether anxiety has been part of your story for years or you’re simply walking through a stressful season, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to face it alone. Jesus offers peace that meets us right where we are, and sometimes He provides that peace through both spiritual practices and practical wisdom.

I’m so thankful you’re here, and I pray this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that God’s peace is always available.

Truly Yours,

Jen

#fyp #anxiety #mentalhealth #faith #encouragement

Hey friend, Have you ever found yourself craving

Hey friend,

Have you ever found yourself craving peace but feeling like your mind just won’t slow down?

If you’ve been carrying anxiety, stress, or the weight of uncertainty, I think this conversation is going to be such a gift.

This week I’m joined by Kelli Becerra, a licensed therapist, author, and someone who beautifully blends biblical truth with practical mental health tools. Together we talk about what peace really looks like, not as the absence of hard things, but as a deep trust in God’s presence even when life feels uncertain.

Kelli shares practical ways to manage anxiety, how surrender plays a role in experiencing God’s peace, and why faith and emotional wellness don’t have to exist in separate conversations. I loved how honest and hope-filled this discussion felt, reminding us that we can bring every anxious thought to Jesus while also using the tools He’s given us to care for our minds.

Here are two takeaways I hope stay with you:

Peace isn’t found by controlling every outcome. It grows as we surrender what we can’t carry and trust God with what comes next.

God often meets us through simple, practical rhythms. Healthy habits, honest prayer, and caring for our mental health can all become ways we experience His peace more deeply.

Whether anxiety has been part of your story for years or you’re simply walking through a stressful season, I hope this conversation reminds you that you don’t have to face it alone. Jesus offers peace that meets us right where we are, and sometimes He provides that peace through both spiritual practices and practical wisdom.

I’m so thankful you’re here, and I pray this episode leaves you feeling encouraged, equipped, and reminded that God’s peace is always available.

Truly Yours,

Jen

#fyp #anxiety #mentalhealth #faith

Today, I give thanks for God’s creation. For the s

Today, I give thanks for God’s creation. For the sun that rises and sets. For the trees with strong roots that run deep and branches that reach to the skies. For the wildflowers that brighten the land. For the water that brings a unique calm and peace to the soul. Thank You, Lord, for the beauty found outdoors and for the joy it brings us.

#creation #nature #peace #joy #gratitude

Hey friend, Have you ever felt like you’re juggli

Hey friend,

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling a hundred things at once and wondering if peace is even possible in the middle of it all?

This week, I sat down with Sarah Knepper, a teacher, photographer, candle maker, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of three. Sarah has spent more than two decades teaching while also pursuing creative passions and building a small business. What I loved most about our conversation was her reminder that peace isn’t found when life finally slows down. It’s something we can cultivate right in the middle of our busy seasons.

Sarah shares how quiet mornings, time in nature, and simple spiritual rhythms help her stay grounded. We talk about the importance of recognizing small pockets of peace, setting healthy boundaries, and giving ourselves grace when life feels overwhelming. She also offers practical encouragement for anyone who has a dream on their heart but isn’t sure where to begin.

Here are two takeaways I hope you’ll carry with you:

Peace is not the absence of chaos. It’s the ability to find calm, gratitude, and God’s presence in the middle of it.

Big dreams often begin with small steps. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. Follow what brings you joy, lean on your community, and trust God with the next step.

Sarah’s story is a beautiful reminder that every season won’t look the same. Some seasons are for building, some are for surviving, and all of them can hold moments of peace when we intentionally look for them.

I hope this conversation encourages you to take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and keep moving forward in the things God has placed on your heart.

Truly Yours,

Jen

#peace #todo #todolist #present #fyp

He loves me well. He accepts me for who I am, an

He loves me well.

He accepts me for who I am, and doesn’t try to make me something, or someone, I am not.

He loves me well.

He rubs my feet and my back every night, even though his fingers probably hurt and he may be sick of giving me back rubs. We joke that I’m like the cats, pushing my back into his hands. But every night he rubs my back. Without fail.

He loves me well.

He is not clean by nature. His mom told me stories of countless bowls of cereal and curdled milk lined up under his bed. Of clothes almost making their way to hampers, but not quite. I saw it when we first got together and I would visit his room. He is not clean by nature, but since we have been married, he regularly picks up. I don’t ask him to. He just does. His side of the closet reveals his true nature when it comes to cleanliness, but that isn’t how he treats our home. And I know every day this is part of his sacrificial love.

He loves me well.

He puts up with my moods and doesn’t complain. And when I say I am sorry for being grumpy, he usually replies with, “That’s okay. We are all grumpy sometimes.” And gives me a hug.

He loves me well.

He had every reason to leave me before we were married. I hurt him. I treated him poorly. I was the kind of person I would tell my kids to walk away from. But he stayed. He believed I could change and he trusted me when many wouldn’t have. He forgave me for much and doesn’t throw my wrongs in my face. Every day is a clean slate with him. There is no record of wrongs.

He loves me well.

He sees when I need a break and encourages it. He gives me time for myself: He doesn’t make me feel bad for needing time, but sees the value it brings for all of us.

He loves me well.

He is present. He is kind. He is faithful. He is honest. He is funny. He is an incredible father. He is my very best friend. He loves God and his family with all that he has.

He loves me well.
I thank God the kids see his daily examples of love and sacrifice and kindness.
And I thank God we get to walk through life together.

Happy Father’s Day to the man who loves me, and our children, so very well.

#happyfathersday #fathersday #joy #fami

Hey friend, Have you ever felt like you’re juggli

Hey friend,

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling a hundred things at once and wondering if peace is even possible in the middle of it all?

This week, I sat down with Sarah Knepper, a teacher, photographer, candle maker, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of three. Sarah has spent more than two decades teaching while also pursuing creative passions and building a small business. What I loved most about our conversation was her reminder that peace isn’t found when life finally slows down. It’s something we can cultivate right in the middle of our busy seasons.

Sarah shares how quiet mornings, time in nature, and simple spiritual rhythms help her stay grounded. We talk about the importance of recognizing small pockets of peace, setting healthy boundaries, and giving ourselves grace when life feels overwhelming. She also offers practical encouragement for anyone who has a dream on their heart but isn’t sure where to begin.

Here are two takeaways I hope you’ll carry with you:

Peace is not the absence of chaos. It’s the ability to find calm, gratitude, and God’s presence in the middle of it.

Big dreams often begin with small steps. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. Follow what brings you joy, lean on your community, and trust God with the next step.

Sarah’s story is a beautiful reminder that every season won’t look the same. Some seasons are for building, some are for surviving, and all of them can hold moments of peace when we intentionally look for them.

I hope this conversation encourages you to take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and keep moving forward in the things God has placed on your heart.

Truly Yours,

Jen

#peace #todo #todolist #present #fyp

I loved my time with @klavin333. Thanks for being

I loved my time with @klavin333. Thanks for being a guest on the Return to Jesus Podcast, Kristy. So grateful for your heart and the wisdom you shared.

🎧Check out the link in bio

#podcast #faith #returntojesus #fyp #podcastersofinstagram

Hey friend, This conversation with Kristy Lavin

Hey friend,

This conversation with Kristy Lavin felt like sitting down with someone who gently reminds you that healing doesn’t have to be rushed and that Jesus truly meets us in the middle of our struggles.

Kristy is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and someone deeply passionate about the intersection of faith and psychology. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to pursue peace in a world that often feels loud and overwhelming. Kristy shares parts of her own story, including walking through an autoimmune disorder and overcoming struggles with alcohol, and how those experiences brought her back to deeper dependence on Jesus.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Kristy describe Jesus as a psychologically safe healer. Someone who never shamed people for their emotions, questions, or pain, but instead met them with compassion, truth, and love.

Here are two takeaways I hope encourage you today:

💗Vulnerability is often where healing begins. When we stop hiding our struggles and allow trusted people into our story, we create room for connection, growth, and grace.

🙏Peace is built in the small, daily moments. Grounding practices like prayer, slowing down, stepping outside, or simply being still with God can help anchor us when life feels uncertain.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that Jesus cares deeply about our emotional and spiritual well-being. He is gentle with us in our healing, and we don’t have to have it all figured out before coming to Him.

I hope this conversation helps you breathe a little deeper and remember that you are not alone in your journey.

Truly Yours,
Jen

#podcast #fyp #faith #healing #encouragement

You are intimately known. And deeply loved.

You are intimately known.
And deeply loved.

How can I respond in love and grace? What is mine

How can I respond in love and grace?
What is mine to hold,
And what is mine to let go?

You are loved. Always. Forever. Deeply. Profound

You are loved.
Always.
Forever.
Deeply.
Profoundly.
Immeasurably.
Consistently.
Unstoppably.

Loved.

#love #faith #eternally

Tonight, these four will make their way down the g

Tonight, these four will make their way down the grassy football field to receive their diplomas.

Tonight, one chapter will end and another will begin.

For the past seven years, these girls have gathered authentically and faithfully around my dining room table to share and learn and pray with one another.

Each of them brings their unique and precious gifts and talents and beauty into every room they enter.

I am so grateful for the time they have spent gathered around my table.

I have learned so much from them. And could not be more proud.

@amelia.anne.thompson @annaross_pretzel @kristyndunn4 @emmathepretzel I love you all so much. Thank you for sharing your time, your hearts, your wisdom, and your faithfulness with me for all these years.

#proud #graduation #biblestudy #love #faith

This book is for the one who feels exhausted befor

This book is for the one who feels exhausted before even getting out of bed.

This book is for the one who longs to meet with the Lord, but isn’t sure how.

This book is for the one searching for peace in the chaos.

This book is for the one who feels unlovable.

This book is for the one who feels trapped under the heavy weight of shame.

This book is for the one who holds a secret they have never shared.

This book is for the one who has been hurt by the church and isn’t sure what her next steps should be.

This book is for the one searching for deeper connections and more vulnerable relationships.

This book is for the one who wants to make time for herself, but isn’t sure how.

This book is for the one who has just snapped at her children and is riddled with mom guilt.

This book is for the one who is up late at night wondering what to do with her teen or adult child.

This book was years in the making and holds so much of my heart. The stories I share weren’t all easy to share, but I am trusting the Lord and am praying that the words will draw people near to Him.

Friends, we have a God who loves us and longs to meet with us. He extends an invitation to us every moment of every day. God is love and love is calling us to Him.

When I accept the invitation and return to Jesus, I feel His love wrap around me. His grace covers me. I breathe peace deep. I am held. I am His. No matter the storms I face. He never leaves me. And He never will. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.

May His peace cover you today in whatever you face.
May the joy of the Lord flood your spirit as you abide in His Presence.

You are held.
You are never abandoned.
You are loved.

(Your support means so much. If you have already purchased a copy, thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those who have not, check out the link in my bio. I am so grateful!)

#author #bookstagram #faith #returntojesus #fyp peace love grace

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