Oh wow, I did not expect this… but I am grinning ear to ear! Thank you!

Today we announced JenniFriends… the Group with the Inside Scoop, and it has been such a fun day… because of so many of you! I am overwhelmed with how many of you became JenniFriends!

Now in case you’re just jumping in, JenniFriends is a group of friends who want to help me share the message God has given me. JenniFriends will partner with me, be a sounding board for new projects, and help get the word about new books and Bible studies. JenniFriends will also get special perks (because I like to keep things fun!) And my personal favorite, JenniFriends are invited to join a private Facebook group.

If you’re a JenniFriend, I cannot wait to get to know you more. And if you’re not a JenniFriend yet, it’s not too late! Hop on over to the JenniFriends page and sign up!

Today I told my JenniFriends that Ecclesiastes 4 really captures the spirit and purpose of JenniFriends. But, I also think the verse is a perfect reminder for all of us today.

“It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.” (4:9-12)

I love that first verse that says, “It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.” Isn’t it easy to try to do things on our own? What is it about us that is sometimes determined to not ask for help and plow on through? Maybe it’s because we think we’ll be a bother to those around us if we ask for help, or maybe we have a stubborn streak! (I know I do!)

I know I sometimes have a hard time admitting I need help. But, when I think about helping other people, I never see it as a bother or  inconvenience. In fact, I love helping my sisters.

I wonder if that’s the same for you – maybe you try to ‘go it alone’ too. Sometimes when we “go it alone” we miss letting other people encourage us.

I created JenniFriends because I need buddies who will help me with the message God has given me, and I bet you need buddies to help you, too. Verse 12 says, “With a friend you can face the worst.”

Admitting we need help doesn’t show weakness. Instead, asking for help actually shows great strength! My challenge to myself this week has been to let others know when I need help and to give them the gift of helping.

Question: What about you? How can you let others help you? How can you gift someone else with the opportunity to encourage you?