About You

Jennifer is a 40-something mama, wife and writer living in the Midwest who loves Jesus, hot tea and all four seasons. She is also a reformed Type-A, people-pleasing, take-charge kinda gal. Consumed with the world’s perception of her and doing all the “right” things the “right” way, Jennifer learned some hard lessons about the lies of this world.

Her life became driven by stress, hopeless attempts at perfection, and walking on eggshells in an attempt to please everyone around her. As she came to grips with the underlying issue, one that plagued her from childhood, the Lord opened her eyes to her need for Him.

Jennifer shares a message of God’s presence in the midst of adversity and rebellion, His sovereignty in life’s ups and downs, and His sufficiency in our weakness and imperfection.

Get to know her as she talks about leaving her career of sixteen years to embrace her place in the home, cutting loose of everything that identified her for so long. Journey with her on this side of grace.

A handful of Jennifer’s topics are listed below and can be tailored to fit the needs of your audience, typically 20-45 minutes in length. She’s also willing to work with you to customize a message to meet your audience’s need.

Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram and the hashtag #thissideofgrace

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel… (Eph 6:19, NIV)

Speaking Topics

Life with Chronic Illness

When I was a girl I felt pretty invincible. Tree climbing and water-skiing were at the top of my favorite activities. But sometimes life throws us a curve in the road we don’t understand and everything changes. After years of wondering why and asking God to heal me, I understand that the thorn can be a blessing rather than a curse. I’d love to share with you my journey through autoimmunity and how God’s taught me that life isn’t about what I can’t do, but what I can.

The Years the Locusts Have Eaten

Have you ever made an incredibly bad decision? One that you couldn’t reverse even if you tried? I have. And it’s a decision that will remain with me for the rest of my life here on earth. The enemy had his hooks in me good for many years regarding that one wrong decision. But, ladies, redemption is a sweet, sweet thing. Join me as I talk about an unfortunate decision to alter my body through liposuction at a young age and how my Savior returned to me the years the locusts had eaten.

If It Were Up To Me

I don’t know about you, but over the years I’ve often thought that if something were “up to me” the outcome would be one that is much more desirable. If it were up to me to change someone’s mind, redirect the past, lay out that seemingly perfect plan for the future, all would be right with the world. I invite you to journey with me as we talk about why our stories matter and how God uses those wrong choices and unfortunate circumstances to work all things together for His purpose.

Mommy Guilt

Moms, tell me you’ve felt it. The guilt that comes from feeling like we’re not enough to our little ones. Not able to find that balance between raising the next generation and doing all that we do to be the caretakers of our homes. If I had to ask for a show of hands for those of us who have struggled with the guilt we’ve felt over falling short I’d have to raise both arms. I’d love to share my testimony with you about the difference between guilt and conviction and how it changed everything.

When I Disappoint

It’s hard to let our friends and loved ones down. After all, feeling that we’ve been a disappointment to someone is a little hard on the pride. But letting ourselves down can be an even harder burden to bear. Join me as I take you through a period in time where my fears of disappointing others overshadowed my talents and abilities to willfully serve where I was most needed. See how my Father in Heaven taught me the greatest lesson of all. One of grace.