About the Author

Jen encourages women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives at BeautyandBedlam.com. A popular speaker, worship leader, and author of Just Open the Door: How One Invitation Can Change a Generation, Jen lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, and a sofa for anyone...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. I am astounded at how our Father uses us for such purpose, and how there is purpose out of every bit of our story.

    (and for a bit of a play on words, though God designed it this way – even *Laura Story’s* name and that song reflect this truth and remind us…)

    That song has touched me in so many ways, especially as I learn to appreciate the *Now* in my life – savoring it and learning not to rush ahead to *Then*, even if I’ve been given a vision for later on. *This* is important. And we are given an invitation to pay attention.

    Rich blessings as you savor His purposes for all of this, Jennifer…

  2. Thank you for this! I love this song, the words touch a special place in my heart. It has taken me a long time to understand that the trials of life can bring blessings. Its so hard to see in the midst of the storm isn’t it? But as the waters clear and settle, I look back on the journey I have been on and see just what I have been blessed with! I couldn’t imagine that my story would be able to encourage others to trust God but I’m seeing it happen and that is well worth having gone through different things. Thank you for sharing this story!

    • In the midst of the storm, it’s so hard to see past those clouds, isn’t it, but now that I’ve been through enough of them, I am SO reminded that He covers me every time.

  3. I love this song. It goes straight to my heart and the journey we have been on with my dad’s cancer. It is so true, that often our trials are blessings in disguise. He really uses all that we give to Him for His glory and our benefit.

  4. AMAZING! Thanks for sharing that! I received this at the very second a heavy rain started this morning!

  5. Thank you for sharing these beautiful words. It is not until we walk this part of our journey, and we all must do so, do we truely understand x

  6. I am amazed at how God uses various situations to grow & strengthen us. Sometimes we get “blessings” out of hurt and anguish!

    We should treasure each and every day with the ones we love as no one knows the nubmer of days alloted to us!

  7. Oh my! How very, very precious! What an incredible testimony to His Faithfulness and to her Love. Thank you! The Lord has me focused on learned the power of spoken blessings this year, too. It is so powerful. This has renewed my intent to be one who speaks blessings.

    • I want my children to remember back and distinctively remember those tangible blessings. Not just evening prayers etc, but that visual of my touching their head and speaking words of blessing into their lives. It’s so powerful!

  8. I have this song button on my blog….it expresses so much so well and so did you. Thank you for sharing that email…a true testimony to listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in sharing what He puts on ours hearts with those that need to hear it.

  9. One of my daughter’s & my favorite songs! This is beautiful, Jen – what a wonderful gift for family & friends to have this email. Let it remind us to say what’s important, tell others what we believe, visit our family and make the most of the moments we’re given. Blessings to you!

  10. This is so true.

    Even though I knew my daughter was dying, I think about the last thing we said to each other. And like I tell my son now…one day, it will be our last together.

    It is always something to be cognizant of.

  11. I have absolutely loved that song ever since I heard it. It speaks to me everytime. I have definintely had some of my own trials, and I love these lines:
    What if a thousand sleepless nights
    Are what it takes to know You’re near
    What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

    It helps me to know that there are a reason for these trials. I may not know it or understand it, but there is a reason!
    Thank you for sharing the email as well. What a gift for her family to have this rememberance of her!
    Bernice
    Trying so hard to be myself

  12. What a beautiful example! I love Laura Story’s song Blessings. It’s one of my very favorite. Thanks for sharing the wonderful example of a Godly woman.

  13. OH how wonderful the whole story it just touches your flesh ,God knows exactly when ,who and what to send your way to let you know he is here with us ,this is VERY POWERFUL just what I needed for the trail I’ve been going through ,GOD put you in front of me and put someone else in front of you so we could all be ministried too ,thank you .MY flesh is sorry for this families loss but she is dancing in his glory now ,I am blessed for coming across your site GOD lead me I am sure And May you HAVE MANY BLESSING POUR DOWN UPON YOU thanks

  14. The passing of a Godly saint has caused encouragement to be spread abroad. I live in Papua New Guinea and was totally blessed as I read your article. Now i must admit i have not listen to the song and we cannot get youtube here but first chance i get i will find someone who has it and listen with new ears because of what you posted.

  15. That song has been a reminder to me that God’s blessings don’t always look like I want them to look since the day I heard it. My husband left the church he was serving at as a full time pastor 3 years ago. We know it was what God wanted him to do. No hard feelings, etc. But… it’s been a long 3 yrs. He’s currently working bi-vocationally and has 2 other jobs. And yet, so many amazing things have happened during these 3 years. Blessings, lots of blessings, but ones that I probably would not have planned or chosen.