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 again — 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 and based on the stories I’m receiving every day from early readers who have already finished, I’m certain you will be too.
Some of you feel like friends, since we’ve been journeying for nearly 10 years together in our attempt to balance beauty and bedlam. You’ve witnessed my heart for everyday, imperfect hospitality (especially if you follow me on Instagram), and you know that it’s woven into the fabric of who I am. But you may have thought, “She can do that, but I’m not good at it,” or even, “Hospitality just isn’t my gift.”
I understand that 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. But what if you knew that opening your front door had the power to radically change the world? To make an impact and leave a legacy with everyday invitations?
Just Open the Door is for every woman in every life stage. Join me in experiencing how one invitation can truly change a generation.
Sweet friend, somewhere along the way we’ve allowed the idea of social entertaining to hijack the true heart of hospitality. Just Open the Door is your personal yes-you-can guide to offering the life-changing gift of invitation.
Every time we choose open-door living — whether in our homes or by taking hospitality on the road — we create a launching pad for so much joy. For me, it’s never perfect . . . but then neither am I.
This book isn’t just for those who are good at meal plans or pretty tablescapes. It’s for every woman who has ever desired more community in her life; whose heart aches for connection but isn’t sure where to start. It’s for introverts and extroverts, for those who love parties as well as those who dread them.
I don’t offer that sentiment lightly. I believe this message matters and I want you to be the first friends to read it.
I’ve been privileged to watch generations impacted by those who opened their door, so I know it’s life changing. And it starts with just one invitation.
Won’t you join me? Order your copy today! from your favorite online retailer.
P.S. – Don’t worry if you’re still a bit nervous to learn about life-changing, generation-impacting hospitality. Just like here on my blog, I’ve included decades worth of my own personal stories that highlight friendships and flops alongside beauty and bedlam, along with practical tips, simple home decor, and meal ideas. There’s plenty of encouragement on how to use what you already have on hand to take that first step, too, because you know I’m all about being creative, purposeful, and frugal. Order now by clicking here.
Jen, thank you for such a great read! Your chapters on hospitality in the hard moments as well as worship were truly outstanding! You put into words many things my husband and I sensed, but couldn’t articulate. So glad to have read your book! We have had great discussion as I was reading.
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Jen Reply:
April 11th, 2018 at 9:28 pm
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I am thrilled to hear this and the ongoing conversations it sparked. 🙂
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Hello-
I preordered your book through Amazon and sent the order number, but haven’t received the “freebies” that were offered. I now have my book, but still not the freebees. How do I get them?
thank you.
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Jen Reply:
April 17th, 2018 at 9:41 pm
I would suggest checking your spam. Once you submit the order number at Justopenthedoor.com, they send it within in a few minutes. Most people who haven’t received it found it in spam. If you don’t find it, we will definitely help you out.
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I listened to you talking with Laurie on the Passionate Penny Pincher the other day and was so inspired by you both. That conversation felt hospitable in itself and I was sad when it was over. Immediately after, I bought the book, it arrived today! Loving it so far! I was excited to order a butter dish from Dayspring and be able to get it free as well. I can’t wait to open my doors again and let my desire to have a “perfect” space before that happens, disappear. Thanks for the encouragement.
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Jen Reply:
April 23rd, 2018 at 5:44 pm
You are so welcome!! Thanks so much. 🙂
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Dear Jen
I just finished reading your new book. What a blessing. My husbabd and I Pastor a church on the West side of Baltimore city. We are planning on doing a message based on Tim Chester’s book that you mentioned. This book was a wonderful example full of ideas to intentionally pursue hospitality that produces opportunities for authentic community.
While we minister in the city we live in the country and enjoy having friends over to enjoy our place, however this book has also inspired me to be intentional and determined to open the door of our home and our hearts and watch the Lord do amazing things in us and through genuine hospitality both spontaneous and planned.
Thank for opening your door in this book.
Andrea
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Jen Reply:
September 19th, 2018 at 6:07 pm
Thank you so much for sharing, Andrea. I am honored to have journeyed it with you through my words and I know the message your husband prepares will be eye opening. Love it!!
I’m not sure if your church does women’s bible studies, but after I wrote this book, I dove deeper into the theology of hospitality. Lifeway’s newest bible study, “Just Open the Door: a study of biblical hospitality” released and it’s a 7 week bible study book and videos which is perfect for groups (although works well stand alone too). My desire was to create authentic community and allow women to really share on a deeper level on the topic and from some of the earlier churches that are doing that, it seems to be meeting that need.Thought I’d let you know since I didn’t mention it in the book. (Although, some of the books do have a small sample at the back.)
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Jen,
I am in love with this study and we have been praying as the church leadership for just this kind of study. However, our church is a bilingual congregation English and Spanish. Is there a Spanish version either available or in the works? I would hope that it is or will be.
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Jen Reply:
September 20th, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Jennie. I wish I could tell you that it will be offered in Spanish, but it’s not. Life way does offer these other studies though in both languages. https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/espanol/estudios-biblicos
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