U R More

U R More

Our Gifts (Part 1)

We are all givers and receivers.  This coming season of gift-giving is upon us – and there will be lots of fun boxes with bows – yet today I’m focused on a different kind of gift that comes in a different kind of packaging.

Each one of us has gifts to give.  Whether it is musical talent or cooking or mothering or business or an expertise that you have honed, it is meant to be cultivated and given.  Many of us have gifts that get squelched by fear of failure or hard times.  Don’t let hard times squelch the giving of your time, talents, and treasures.  When times are hard, give.  Cultivate your gifts even when you don’t see the outcome.

When I was in graduate school, my professor told me I was someone who not only wanted to write, but HAD to write.  It’s true.  I HAD to write GIRL PERFECT and I HAD to write BEAUTIFUL LIES.

The message of this new book stirred in my soul for eight years, since I first taught it to a handful of girls in an upstairs game room.  I couldn’t rest until it was delivered.  I worked two years on the book proposal alone, and my computers are filled with draft after draft of my attempts to weave meaning from my experiences, offering truth that sets women free.

Then one day, my gift became a gift:  BEAUTIFUL LIES and the 40-day Study that goes with it hit the shelves.  Nothing in the world changed, but I did.

All we can do is trust that each of us has gifts that the world needs us to give, and sometimes we will never know the way they moved the receiver.

Do you have a dream?  Do NOT let hard times squelch it.  Do NOT give up.  Keep believing.  Pray BIG prayers.  Persevere.  Use your gifts to get there.  Not just what you have, but the precious gifts others give you – the gifts of their service, prayers, connections, friendships & favors.  I believe your gifts point to your destiny, and your destiny is worth fighting for.  Don’t you?

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About the Author: Jennifer

Jennifer Strickland is a wife, mom, TEDx speaker, and former professional model. She is the author of Girl Perfect, More Beautiful Than You Know, and Beautiful Lies, among other books and Bible studies that teach women their worth in God’s eyes. Since leaving the modeling industry, she founded URMore.org, a non-profit ministry that provides resources to hurting women and girls. Her favorite moments are found working on the family ranch with her husband, who she calls “the Cowboy”; in her kitchen, concocting a new version of her famous spaghetti; or spending time with their three precious children.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

At the age of 18, I was recovering from an eating disorder, cutting, and suicide when I read Jennifer Strickland’s book Girl Perfect and it changed my life. At the age of 33, as I travel the world reaching youth for the gospel, this is the only book I recommend to girls who are struggling. The Lord has truly anointed Jennifer’s words through her story, not only to address the struggles of today’s generation of girls, but also to walk them through the healing necessary for victory.

Christina Boudreau

Jennifer is a captivating speaker. She keeps the listener hanging in wonder of what’s coming next! Her presentation is not only absorbing, it reveals the truth of God’s power to heal a wounded spirit.

Barbara Brown

Barbara Brown, Former Stonecroft Ministries Regional Representative, San Diego, CA

“The ‘P’ word [perfection] may be the heaviest burden women bear. All the misguided things we do to attain it can keep us away from what we need most – the unconditional love of God the Father. The Girl Perfect Study Guide gives you a map to the wholeness you were created for.”

Nancy Ortberg

Nancy Ortberg, author and former teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church

“The Girl Perfect Study Guide shatters the lies girls and women believe and points to the ultimate truth, which really does set us free. I am confident that this study will help thousands discover a beauty, purpose, and worth that truly lasts. Thank you Jen for exposing the ‘perfect life’ and inviting girls to experience God’s ‘perfect love.'”

Allie Marie Smith

Allie Marie Smith, Founder of Wonderfully Made

One of the best testaments to what Jennifer is doing for the young girls and women of today is a comment from my eleven-year-old granddaughter: “Grammy, I want to read this book and hear her again. She’s good and I learned a lot.” This is exactly what I experienced from a grown-up perspective when I was introduced to Jennifer Strickland’s amazing story. Read it and see if you don’t get the real story from an icon model and a powerful speaker of truth.”

Thelma Wells

Thelma Wells, D.D. (Hon), President of Woman of God Ministries
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