All {in} the family,
All {in} the family,  

I love this picture:

(l-r, Annie, Holley, me & Jessica)

Maybe we're all smiles because we're barefoot and relaxed, but mostly it captures a moment in time when our smiles could only anticipate good times to come.   We didn't know then what we'd eventually learn as the weekend unfolded:  we don't just love each other, we like each other.  A lot.

I don't think Holley and Stephanie simply imagined God-sized dreams for (in)courage, I think God gave them the vision for the site.  Twenty-seven different authors, personalities, writing styles and stages of life, penning thought, struggle, victory, challenge and encouragement…and somehow there's a consistently sweet harmony that sings to the hearts of women.

{A beautiful gift from DaySpring for the author team, in celebration of our year anniversary.  A few words that mean so much!  Photo credit:  Nester}

It's humbling and wonderful to share in this collaboration among so many talented writers (I still can't believe I have this privilege!).  And best of all, with the debut of our re-design, (in)courage has opened its doors to invite guest posters!

It's taken a while to pull this post together because I've been waiting on pictures and it's just daggum hard to process such a fantastic weekend.  Here's my best attempt to tell you what I REALLY think about some pretty amazing women 🙂 ~ 

Annie.  

I like Annie because she rode bikes on the beach with me to Mexico.  From the first time I met her at She Speaks a few years ago, my first impression has proved true:  she's changing the world because she loves others with her Whole Person.  And her daddy makes some killer trail mix.  

Arianne.  I like Ari because she doesn't just listen with her ears, she hears with her hart.  Arianne used to intimidate me because she's one of "those" writers–the kind that spins words so beautifully you don't read them, you feel them.  She's intentioned, kind and affirming.  I love to hug her.

Dawn.  I like Dawn because she always has "supplies" when I need them. Twice now.  I also met her at She Speaks, but just prior to our meeting, we bonded over George Clooney.  Ask her, it's true.  With gorgeous piercing blue eyes, she is a wonderful photographer and generously shares what she knows.  Plus, anyone who manages a home with eight children amazes me.

Emily.  I like Emily because her yummy chocolate eyes express what she's thinking.  Mischievousness, concern, empathy or joy, you don't have to wonder.  Another She Speaks friend, being with Emily always leaves me wanting more of her.  Her first book will be released next year and I can't WAIT to read it!  Her writing voice dances.

Holley.  I like Holley because she knows how to draw you into conversation deep and wide.  Her concern for others and ability to see the Big Picture challenges me to do the same.  She's a dreamer but not the kind who floats aimlessly with her head in the clouds.  Her dreams come true.  She buoys me.

Jen.  I like Jen because she's unexpectedly direct (which I suppose sorta matches her beautifully intense eyes).  She's quick to encourage you to see the other side of an issue, firmly but gently.  I don't know how she masters both.  She also impresses me with her blog savvy and I wish I knew as much as she does.

Jessica.  I like Jessica because she loves early mornings and sunrises as much as me.  She's almost young enough to be my daughter but it doesn't seem like it.  She's determined and disciplined and I don't know many women who accomplish all she does.  Plus, I *heart* her freckles.

Lisa.  I like Lisa because she's turned a passion into vocation and generously shares what she has with others.  She has an enviable sense of style.  She also has this way of making you feel like like you're the most important person in the world when she's engaged in conversation.  She's a pure creative.

Mary.  I like Mary because she's unafraid to introduce something new into a discussion, and does so without offense or threat.  She's smart and funny and open, and my spirit is lifted when I'm around her.  I like the premise of her blog, giving up perfection, because it's a struggle all women can relate to.  

Nester.  I like Nester because she has two names and both of them make me smile.  She's unassuming and quick to laugh and she's another one who always leaves me wanting more.  I wish she was an in-town friend so maybe some of her design savvy could rub off on me…plus, my sister-in-law has a mad crush on her.

Sarah.  I like Sarah because we (along with Holley) shared an amazing moment:  reclining on beach chairs while watching shooting stars fly over the ocean…talking about life, friendship, the Church and more–it was magical.  She writes transparently with heart and soul…and appreciates a killer pinot noir.

Stephanie.  I like Stephanie because she's got the stinkingest, darlingest business card I've ever seen and I totally wanna steal it for my own.  She's a marketing gal to the core–and if you don't know, that's my professional background–and she's someone I want to talk SHOP with but it never seems to happen!  She's surprisingly goofy, but in a second, can speak straight to your soul.