For the past seven years we’ve been doing life here together at (in)courage.
And we’ve learned so much from you all. We’ve heard your stories and your heartaches, your celebrations and disappointments. And over and over again we’ve heard that you spend time here for the same reason we do — because (in)courage is a place where you will always find yourself among friends.
We love that after seven years online this continues to be a community where women can feel safe, loved, and welcome just the way they are.
That kind of feedback has shaped our new logo and tagline and today we’re delighted to share how it’s shaped the new look to the (in)courage website.
You may have noticed we’ve done some rearranging. If you’re reading in an email you’ll want to click here to come to the site in person today to see all the changes.
We continue to want our virtual space to reflect the women who gather here. So today, we hope you’ll enjoy the new design and the ways we trust it encourages and welcomes you to connect with the God who gathers us here as well as with His daughters who all call this space home.
Some things to note:
New home page: makes it easy to connect, subscribe, and discover what’s going on in the community.
Fresh design: with plenty of white space, hand drawn elements, and room to breathe.
Shop: a curated (in)courage store with all our favorites in one place.
A place to connect: in our new community forum. Here is the space where conversations can continue beyond the blog post. It’s the best of what we loved about (in)couragers (the online community groups we’ve hosted in the past) — it’s a space to connect more deeply with other women walking through similar stories. It’s free and easy to register.
How to Create Your “Connect” Account and Access Our Community Forum:
- Click the “Connect” button in the navigation.
- Then click “Create an account.”
- Enter your information to set up a profile. (Please note: *if you’ve guest posted or registered for (in)RL in the past you may have an account already. If you can’t remember your password, just ask for a new one and you should be all set).
- Upload a photo if one doesn’t show up automatically.
- Connect your social media accounts if you want to.
- Click “Register” and you’re all set.
Once you’re a member of our “Connect” community you’ll have a place to ask for prayer and connect with other (in)courage readers. And in the future it will also be where we host our book club discussion groups.
Our editorial and marketing manager, Crystal Stine, walks you through the process in a step-by-step video over here:
Everything you love about (in)courage is still the same. Everything you’ve taught us about fresh ways to connect should be reflected in this new space.
And it’s thanks to a team you don’t often get to see. Because behind this ministry for women is an amazing team of talented guys who worked really hard to make this redesign happen (feel free to send them a little love in the comments today too).
Thank you for continuing to be friends who make this a place of faith, connection, and friendship.
We’d love to hear how long you’ve been part of the (in)courage community. And if you have a story about how you have found yourself among friends here, we’d love to hear it in the comments today!
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lisa-Jo and (in)courage crew,
Wow…you’ve had a make over and you look fabulous 🙂 I’ve been a faithful follower for at least 5+ years. I immediately loved the honesty and sincerity about this cozy place (if you can call cyber spaces cozy?). I love the friendships I’ve developed with women here – who lift me up when I’m feeling down and rejoice with me when joy fills my heart. I’ll be signing up for Connect – not because of a facelift, but because of the honest and real women I have found here. Here’s to another 7 years!!
Blessings,
Bev
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Bev! Your friendship to this community and constant kind words here in the comments is an encouragement to us all! We’re so grateful for your voice and love that you think of this space as “cozy” because that’s always been how we think of it too. Much love to you, friend!
kris camealy says
How fun and lovely this is, Lisa-Jo. (In)Courage is where I met so many wonderful friends 6 years ago(!!!) and I feel like many of us have grown up together here. One of my favorite online neighborhoods just got some new landscaping and a fresh coat of paint–I love it.
Thanks for always holding this door open, friend.
XO
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there Kris! Yes, so many of us have met and connected and grown up together here. We’re so grateful for you and your leadership and how you speak into the lives of so many women. Thankful for your voice and your ministry.
Sarah says
The font is too small and too light.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks for the feedback, Sarah. Here’s hoping you are still able to enjoy the new features and the encouragement here.
Peggy Watkins says
Actually, I was thinking the same thing about the font size. I know you’ve probably researched and found it to be right for your website. I noticed that the font size in the comments section is slightly larger than in the blog and more readable for me. Suggestion to your followers: on some computers, one can enlarge the font size to one’s liking. Lisa-Jo, perhaps someone on staff could tell us how. Above all, I do appreciate this site.
Michele Morin says
I’ve stumbled into blogging and reading on-line beauty in the past two years, and what an encouragement it has been to “meet” so many women — so different, and yet so much the same in heart. This site has been the embodiment of C.S. Lewis’s wonderful words about friendship: “What, you, too? I thought I was the only one!”
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Oh I love that, Michele. Yes, we think of it as a place to find yourself among friends too!
Kerry says
I’ve been following (in)courage for 6 years or so. I stumbled upon the site while looking for an online bible study. I’ve been greatly blessed by the site and all who contribute. I feel as if I’ve been in a perpetual state of transition for some time now, but this has been steady, consistent, faithful, and uplifting each and every time I visit. Thank you for the new way to connect with others. The blessings just continue to unfold …
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hi there Kerry. Six years! You’ve been with us from practically the beginning then. We’re so glad that (in)courage could be a consistent in a world of change. One of the prayer requests left in our new community forum was about prayer through a new season of change. It seems like one we can all relate to. Grateful to be on this journey with you.
Crystal Stine says
That made my heart so happy this morning Kerry! We’re so blessed to have you here with us 🙂
Stacey Thacker says
Beautiful. Of course.
Love you girls to the moon and back!
Stacey
Lisa-Jo Baker says
And you know we love you the same right back!
DeniseH says
A sweet oasis in the world where cyber meanness is rampant. Glad to be here with y’all!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
So glad to have you, friend!
Jen U says
This is great! (Tech challenge question… I keep getting a “forbidden” error when I try to upload a photo but i don’t know what rule i am breaking)
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks for letting us know – we’ll be sure to look into it.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Would you mind shooting us an email to incourage@daypring.com and walk us through the error you got so we can troubleshoot the problem? Thanks!
Christy C. says
I was getting that error too. Twice. When I clicked away though, my photo was there and showed up just fine.
Anna Rendell says
Hi Christy – it seems to be an error that our community will receive if you try to set up their account on a smartphone instead of a computer 🙂 Would you please give it a try on a computer (not a mobile device) instead, and see if that resolves the issue for you? Otherwise, go ahead and send your picture to incourage@dayspring.com and we’ll upload it for ya 🙂
Sasha A. Palmer says
Love the fresh look!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Sasha! We have an amazing team who made it happen!
Marina says
Looks lovely!! I know that a redesign is no small job! Congratulations!!
Although I have drifted in and out from the start (and Holley’s site before that!), my heart was most blessed when several of us “empty nesters” met online in a community group to encourage each other through a difficult season of prodigal kids. That group launched friendships that are still going strong!
There are so many other relationships that have come from incourage, but these friendships are the best! Thank you for getting us started!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Marina – the design team did such a great job, didn’t they? And we’ve loved having your encouraging voice in so many different forums where (in)courage has served over the years!
KellyRBaker says
Everything looks great. I’ve been off and on for a few years, but I’m really trying to be more intentional about getting out of my shell online. 🙂 I made an account, but was unable to upload a photo after several tries. Any suggestions?
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there Kelly, love that this is a place that you like to hang out! And thanks for the heads up about the photo issue – we’ll look into that.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Would you mind shooting us an email to incourage@daypring.com and walk us through the problem you ran into so we can troubleshoot it for you? Thanks!
Anna Rendell says
Hi Kelly! It seems to be an error that our community will receive if you try to set up an account on a smartphone instead of a computer. Would you please give it a try on a computer (not a mobile device) instead, and see if that resolves the issue for you? Otherwise, go ahead and send your picture to incourage@dayspring.com and we’ll upload it for you Thanks!
Penny says
Thank-you all for the effort you’ve made in creating such a welcoming place. It’s been more than a few years that I stumbled (was led) here and I’m so grateful that I did. It’s beyond words how inspiring and uplifting this community has been.I hope it continues for a long time to come.
With a heartfelt thank-you and blessings to all,
Penny
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Penny! We’re so glad this is a space where your heart can feel encouraged!
Jacinta says
I love the new look! Every sharing has helped me and ministered to my heart in many more ways than all of you will ever know, so I’m really very thankful for those who serve in this platform. 🙂 Please continue! I look foward to every email!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
We love hearing that Jacinta! Thanks so much!
Rachel Lundy says
How exciting! The new site is beautiful, and the forum is lovely. I like it already!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Rachel! We’ll be sure and pass along your compliments to our designer. And we’re so excited about the community forum too!!
Lyli Dunbar says
Love the new forum! Made my heart smile this morning. 🙂
I’ve been waking up with (in)courage since 2010 or so. Helps me get my morning started with a little sunshine in my inbox.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
“Waking up with (in)courage” — now that just made MY heart smile! Delighted we get to be part of your day, Lyli. And we’re loving the new prayer forum too!
Julie says
I’ve been following incourage for around 1-2 years and have loved it. After returning to the US after living abroad for 4 years, this has felt like a home of sisters of all ages and backgrounds that has helped mend my reverse culture shocked heart. It’s also how I’ve found some of my favorite blogs, and been able to express prayer requests I might not be comfortable to open up about in a bible study or face to face women’s group, but seeing the response comment of a person praying for me, no words can describe how grateful it has had me. you guys have helped me keep my pride in check in high faith times and encouraged me in low faith times. And I’m happy to participate in the new set up. Thank you (and the guys!) for working so hard to set up this safe space where we all have a voice to be heard and to encourage others, without walls.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey Julie! We love hearing this and are so honored we’ve been able to walk through so many experiences with you. Thanks for the kind words about the new site, we’ll be sure and pass them on! Blessings on your day today!
Becky Keife says
I’ve been enjoying the authentic encouragement offered here for the last six years. I found my way here from Lisa Leonard’s blog after a friend gifted me one of her gorgeous necklaces. I was new to the idea of online community but when I came to (in)courage I remember thinking, Wow, there are other women out there who are like me–they think deeply and feel deeply and long for Jesus to be an intimate part of their daily lives, not just a Christian accessory to the good-girl package. I haven’t stopped coming back. 🙂 Since then I’ve made friends through an (in)courage community group for writers, (in)RL event, and have been blessed contribute to the sisterhood conversation as a guest writer. Congrats, (in)courage on this lovely new website! Can’t wait to see many of you at the MeetUp next month in Ontario, CA! xoxo
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Wow Becky – amazing that we’ve all been doing life together for so long. What a gift!! We’re so blessed to have your voice in this community. Thank you for all the many ways you’ve served the women who gather here at (in)courage!
Beth Williams says
Lisa-Jo,
Love the new look. It was a bit difficult to sign in, but after making a new account it all worked out. Great changes! Prayers for everyone and thanks for all you do.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there Beth – so glad you got the account to work! And so glad you have you with us on this journey.
Jas says
Lisa-Jo with the new users – does this mean we don’t need our disquis profile anymore to use the site? Also I had trouble loading a pic to my profile it just said Error Forbidden. Thanks in advance
Anna Rendell says
Hi Jas,
Yes – the new system will no longer use Disqus. As for the new account, it seems to be an error you receive if you try to set up an account on a smartphone instead of a computer. Would you please give it a try on a computer (not a mobile device) instead, and see if that resolves the issue? Otherwise, go ahead and send your picture and name to incourage@dayspring.com and we’ll upload it for ya Thank you for being a part of the (in)courage community!
Mindy says
This truly is a breath of fresh air amidst the harried pace of life.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
We love that it feels that way, thanks Mindy!
Sunflower124 says
Love the new site. Love all the encouraging word. There is something for all of us. I can not upload a picture.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there – so glad you love it like we do. Will you email us at incourage@dayspring.com and let us know the trouble you ran into uploading the photo so we can troubleshoot it for you. Thanks!
Teri Lynne Underwood says
(in)courage will always be one of my favorite places! Watching this sweet community grow and thrive has been such a fun thing over the years. I’ve wept with friends here, laughed about life here, and learned much wisdom here. These pages are like a favorite friend’s home — the decor and furnishings may change with time but the sense of belonging is unchangeable. xoxo, Teri Lynne
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Oh and over the years you’ve been one of those friends who makes us always feel at home – no matter where we are. So grateful for you Teri Lynne!
Jenny says
Lisa-Jo, Its BEAUTIFUL! Such a bright, cozy, friendly space to get to know other gals walking out this life together. Thankful for the way the (in)courage team shares words, but more importantly extends friendship. It really is a place of hope!
Jen
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Jenny! Our design team are some pretty special guys!
Ana Brooks says
I have been a part of the (in)courage community for about a year now? I have asked for prayer, from the deep places in my heart, and have been met with nothing but understanding and empathy,
Lisa-Jo Baker says
We’re so glad to hear that. It’s always our honor to pray together.
Sue Donaldson says
Looks beautiful and spacious and easy to navigate. Any change is a challenge (hard work) and commitment and this one is totally fun and worth it all. Blessings on your continuing to persevere and encourage for the sake of Jesus. (:
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Sue! I know our design team will be so pleased to hear that! Thanks for the lovely encouragement.
Christy C. says
Love the new blog design! I have been an (in)courage reader for a few years now (don’t remember exactly how long.) As someone else said, I wake up every day looking forward to the newest blog post. I share so many on social media because they speak to me on a deep level. Thank you for all you do to keep this site going and providing us with friendship and encouragement in our daily Christian walk. I pray God’s blessings for all who make up the (in)courage team.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks for walking with us for so long, Christy. We never take for granted the amazing gift of being able to do life with so many remarkable women all in such different stages of life. Thanks for the encouragement and the friendship!
Jas says
My mother put me on to incourage and since I read the first post I have been hooked since then! It really is a place for me to come and here Gods word through the posts and connect with other women on everyday issues with the spin of Jesus intertwined in the posts, messages and comments. I have found support here when I have needed it from people all around the world and even though we have never met, take the time to pray and may reply to a comment I made, it touches my heart the love that is present in this community. I catch up and read the posts every night (that’s when the new ones are posted with the time difference) and that is my time with God every night. Although I was saved when I was 12 I haven’t really lived a consistent God fearing life and incourage has allowed me to reconnect with God, become saved again and prompted me to make my life “good soil and not a bed of rocks” so my relationship with God can grow and become stronger. It is early days but I feel more connected with God then I have in years.
So thank you incourage and the incourage community for being here, love the new look!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
What a wonderful testimony, Jas. We feel so honored to have been part of your reconnection with Jesus. Thank you for sharing that beautiful testimony with us.
Shelly Wildman says
I’ve been with you from the very beginning! You’ve all encouraged my heart so many times. This place feels like an online oasis amidst all the fury and negativity out there these days. I truly wish you every good blessing as you move ahead into the next seven years . . . and beyond! May God continue to use (in)Courage for His glory.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Shelly- you’re such a dear friend to so many in this community. Thank you for your consistent encouragement. We’re so grateful for your voice in this space!
Melinda Wilson says
I want to tell the “guys that designed and programmed the magic” – Thank You! You did an outstanding job. You have a gift and ability to use the training that you are perfecting in a job to help us ladies of this world encourage each other. We each have our own story of why we found this website and I will tell you a little of mine. On January 30, 2015, I lost the love of my life suddenly and his name was Jeff. We were married almost 33 years. His occupation – a web designer – just like you! We owned our own company, had multiple servers that hosted hundreds of our customers plus in the last two years of our business, our son at the age of 24 joined us. Due to the sudden and unexpected death of my husband, the brains and heart of our company, we closed the business six months after he went to heaven. As you can guess, mine and my son’s life changed drastically. . . but God provided us a way out and an awesome new job for my son.
Dear ladies, a couple weeks after his death, I started receiving the emails from this site and one of the first ones was “how can we pray for you?” I didn’t know it was a monthly thing at that time but it was the message I needed to help me on the road to healing my heart. After reading the email, I sent a text to my church group that was on a marriage retreat about how God provides just the perfect words in our lives just when we need them. Thank You for giving each of us the encouragement we need each day to walk closer to God.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Well this comment just made our day! You should know that it already got shared with our “guys that designed and programmed the magic” 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to encourage them! We’re so moved by the unique ways God finds us and meets us in our individual needs. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your story – we’re so grateful that (in)courage could be one of the ways God has used to show His love to your family!
Karen says
Is there a way to get the full post in email as before, or will I always have to use data to read in full?
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there Karen, the full posts will be here on the blog.
Nancy says
Since I don’t read this column on my phone or a small screen tablet, it is annoying and way too time-consuming to read it on the full screen of my desk top monitor. It’s like trying to have a conversation with someone who is standing across the street. Sorry to be a naysayer in the face of so much praise. I have enjoyed the columns and the comments. I also found it helpful there were links to other related columns and that I learned a little about the person writing the column. These features also seem to have been omitted.
Anna Rendell says
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for the feedback! We do hope you’ll continue to read and be an important part of the (in)courage community. I wanted to let you know that the specific features you mentioned – the related posts and author bios – are definitely still a part of each post. We’re still working out the kinks and finding our groove, so if they were missing on Wednesday know that they’re coming! 🙂 The author bios should be included at the bottom of each post, and soon there will be related posts and products we think work well with each post included as well.
I do hope that’s helpful to know! Thanks for hanging in there with us.
Angie says
Y’all,
This place will always feel like a warm sunny beach house – a place where friends come to rest, renew their spirit, and talk into way late into the night!
And now the beach house just got some new windows put in with some new chairs and couches and I LOVE it!! 😉
Thanks for all your beautiful work on the design guys!
And love you ladies!
XOXO,
Angie
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Angie! We’re so grateful to be on this journey with you!
Meghan says
Love the fresh, new look! I found this lovely community a couple of years ago when my friend invited me to a book study from Jennifer Dukes Lee’s the Love Idol. The lady heading the study up, also worked for DaySpring I do believe, and we’ve been friends ever since, staying connected even after her move. It has been so neat to see how God has been working in each step in my life. Those steps aren’t always easy, but I can trust Him better than years before because He has shown me His way is best and He really does want what’s best for me! I applaud the workers, writers, designers and everyone who makes (In)Courage.me flow ~ I have met amazing women of God through this journey and can’t praise God enough for allowing real community and writing be a part of some big healing from dark places in my life. It has been a joy getting to know people and their stories. God bless you!!
PS: I hope it’s okay but I had borrowed one of the graphics to link back to here (for the meet-up invite in Nashville -if not I will take it off my blog! Speaking of the meetups, I still need to find the location for the one in September so I can make hotel reservations!)
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Hey there Meghan – what a great way to find us – through a book club. That makes us so happy! And we love that you’re spreading the news about the meetups. You’re so welcome to use our graphics to do that!