Jennifer K.

Today, Jennifer speaks to us about her love of plants, her involvement in nonprofits, and her return to the church.

Jennifer K.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “[B]ut just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Praying effectually and hosting prayer nights within my community.

Profession: I am a community volunteer and serve on the board of directors for a Nashville non-profit called Poverty and the Arts.

A one sentence bio of yourself: A writer and blogger who refuses to be silent about the glory of her God.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I grew up going to church and in a religious school, so I was “churched,” but I truly encountered God after my father passed away in 2015, and I returned to my faith I had abandoned over a decade prior. When I returned to church to help cope with a number of challenges I was facing at that time in my life, I immediately felt at home and safe when I entered what is now my home church. I truly felt God with me on that day, and every day since.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? The mentoring of older Christian women in my church and in the greater Nashville/Franklin community has been a huge factor in this season of my spiritual growth.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I am one of those people who always has a stack of books I’m slowly working through, and some of those include Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons and Into the Deep by Lauren Gaskill. The book I’m most actively reading is the one my life group is studying: The Journey by Adam Hamilton. It is really teaching me about details of Jesus’ birth story that I had never known, and giving me new appreciation for the gift that was Christ’s life as we approach Advent and the Christmas season.

Top three essentials: Coffee, a Bible, and a journal.

How did God speak to you recently? A couple months ago, I felt God place on my heart the desire to host a night of prayer and Bible study. I’m very anxious about opening up my home and hosting events, but it was a distinct call to do just that. More recently, I felt the push to connect with my community online and offline to start gauging interest in such an event.

Hobby: I’m a total plant lady. I have a huge container garden of herbs and vegetables in the summer, and a house full of houseplants, year-round!

“I’m a total plant lady.”

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Develop a network of like-minded, Christian women who you can reach out to for prayer, discernment, and support. Unfollow social media accounts that spur desires within you that do not align with your faith and values. Pray as often as you are able.

Favorite person in scripture? Thomas.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? No matter how far we’ve run, no matter how big our mistakes– God is waiting for us to call out to him.

How do you leave your mark on your community? Through my support of local non-profits, and my involvement in church and faith groups.

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

A dream you have? I dream of publishing a book.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: I host an annual egg hunt before Easter for my nephews on our family farm.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why wasps?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Homelessness.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Pray, read scripture, and make my daily post on Instagram.

What is on your nightstand? Mini midnight Milky Ways, a Paddywax candle, a notebook, and a pen.

Define Christianity in a sentence: To believe that God sent his only Son to Earth, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to die for our salvation.

For more Jennifer:

IG: @jenniferpkonyn

Blog: www.jenuineliving.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO