Behind The Butter

All The Single Ladies

This is an online class available via The Influence Network for $10. Y’all will be able to see me via web cam but I won’t be able to see you, so feel free to wear your jammies or have a glass of wine. There will be time at the end for moderated Q&A, but if you know you’ll be attending you can email your questions now to jenna {at} eatliverun.com with subject line “Influence Class”. I’m teaching this because I’ve gotten a TON of emails from you guys over the past few years on this subject and while I am no means a professional {or..um..Oprah}, I love ministering to women on this subject.

You can sign up for the class here! Spots are limited, so sign up now. The class will be from 9-10pm EST. All you need is a computer and a good internet connection. I also recommend a bible, notebook and pen!

{update: class is now sold out!}

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  • Edmund Yeo
    April 18, 2013 at 2:25 am

    Hi Jenna,

    Are there still any seats? I have a friend of mine who is interested in it. 🙂

    Edmund

  • Anne
    April 18, 2013 at 4:24 am

    As someone who moved around a bit before settling in California, I would love love love to hear about how you established yourself and your sense of community and connections each time. This is so neat!

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    April 18, 2013 at 5:01 am

    Nice Oprah comment. Feel free to talk in an Oprah voice. “Let’s meet Deeexxxttterrrrrr!!”

  • Amy Walters, aDESIGNdock
    April 18, 2013 at 5:29 am

    Intriguing. Might just have to sign up for this one! Thank you, Jenna ; )

  • Emily
    April 18, 2013 at 5:33 am

    Why do your posts always seem to be the right things at the right time

  • Rachel Cooks
    April 18, 2013 at 5:50 am

    How awesome! I think it’s so great that you’re doing this!

  • Heather Kneisler
    April 18, 2013 at 6:00 am

    I love that you are doing this! After being on the dating scene for a few years, it was so refreshing when my now husband and I had a relationship with intention. I’m sure this will bless many, many women.

  • Sarah
    April 18, 2013 at 6:05 am

    Perhaps it would be good to mention that the Influence Network is a Christian Faith-Based organization, and that you will be leading the discussion from this perspective? Your readers shouldn’t have to read to the last sentence of your post, when you mention bringing a bible, to realize that it won’t be a secular event. Being upfront about it would be better.

    Thanks! Have fun.

    • Sam
      April 18, 2013 at 8:41 am

      I have to agree with Sarah.

      I have to be honest and say that I love your recipes, but as someone who is religion-less, I feel more and more disconnected from your blog. I guess I just feel as though this is becoming less about food, and more about Christianity. It’s incredibly hard for me to relate.

      However, this is YOUR blog and I would never tell someone what they should or should not write, because it’s your space, and only yours.

      Best of luck!

      • Megan @ MegGoesNomNom
        April 18, 2013 at 8:23 pm

        I agree with Sam.

      • Miss Kim @ behgopa
        April 19, 2013 at 5:49 pm

        Yeah, it is her blog and she can write whatever she pleases. But I can understand your point. On a personal note, I am Christian too….so her posts about faith and such is more inspiring to me than anything…BUT if a blog that I was following were to keep posting about, say…Buddhism or something (a religion that I don’t follow), it would turn me away too.

    • Kate
      April 18, 2013 at 10:04 am

      Also agree, this could be surprising for some.

      • Miss A
        April 18, 2013 at 10:17 am

        I am starting to feel the same way. I came to the blog for recipes and fun adventure of Jennas life but now its starting to become more of a Christianity and promoting other things. Well, its her blog but for some readers, its just not connecting.

        • Ella
          April 18, 2013 at 12:02 pm

          I dunno… lots of people have lifestyle blogs in which they infuse other things they are passionate about that shape their worldview, such as politics, or meditation, or environmentalism. This is Jenna’s version of that. I can’t help but wonder if she were a Buddhist and were doing a seminar from that perspective, if people would care so much.

          • Breck
            April 18, 2013 at 1:22 pm

            You might be right, but, even so, a lot of these newer posts don’t really seem to fall in line with what Jenna set forth as her “mission statement” when ELR transitioned from more of a daily healthy living blog to her current food blogging format. In fact, in that post (http://www.eatliverun.com/the-new-elr-dont-leave-me-please/) she specifically stated that there would be NO company advertising aside from Foodbuzz. Obviously, things change, and Jenna has to make a living, but it seems like some of these practices are a little dishonest (i.e. not being super forthcoming about when Jenna will be profiting off of something she writes about or promotes). I have no problem when personal blogs monetize their sites (everyone’s gotta eat), but I think you do owe it to your readers to state it in very plain English.

            The other thing that is kind of bothersome is that Jenna hasn’t come out and really discussed this transition. Maybe she’s taking the stance that if you don’t like it, you can leave, which I do respect, but I kind of wish she would address some of the questions and suggestions people have had about the increasingly Christian tilt that the blog is taking. Jenna, I love so many of your recipes and enjoy your random musings on life, but I do feel uncomfortable a lot of the time reading here.

          • jenna
            April 18, 2013 at 2:53 pm

            Breck,

            I wrote that blog post you referenced almost three years ago now (crazy!) and all I can say is that things do change…and I do think I addressed that change many times over the past three years in various posts. I’m so sorry that you now feel uncomfortable reading my blog, and would be truly sad to lose you as a reader, but perhaps that’s best? There are plenty of wonderful food blogs out there that might suit your needs better.

          • mt
            April 30, 2013 at 11:00 am

            Best thing you’ve ever written right there!

          • Breck
            April 18, 2013 at 1:27 pm

            Edited to add: I actually just looked at the About page, and I guess it’s fairly clear about the Christian thing. Still though, I think being forward about when you make money off of something is the only way to operate personal blogs with integrity, so hopefully Jenna can come up with a better system.

          • Sarah
            April 18, 2013 at 2:30 pm

            To reiterate my point from above – if Jenna chooses to take her blog in this direciton, that’s her choice, but she needs to be more upfront about it with posts like this. As a single gal, I ALMOST signed up for this, until I realized it was faith-based (I am a secular Jew).
            Jenna, you really need to modify this post to be upfront about that from the beginning. It feels like you either a.) trying to trick your readers into signing up or b.) assuming that all of your readers have your same beliefs already – neither of which is a good approach.

          • jenna
            April 18, 2013 at 2:51 pm

            Sarah, we would have been happy to have you sign up for the class!

  • Lynn
    April 18, 2013 at 6:25 am

    Sounds a wee bit condescending but color me intrigued! 😀

  • Erika
    April 18, 2013 at 6:50 am

    I signed up for this class shortly after it was made available online! I am incredibly excited for it 🙂

  • Makenzie Ann
    April 18, 2013 at 8:01 am

    Oh wow. This is an answer to my prayers!!

  • Lindsay
    April 18, 2013 at 9:26 am

    What happened to your amazing recipes?! Please bring those back, I miss them! (I wouldn’t exactly count mango guac among the “amazing” recipes)

    • Heather
      April 18, 2013 at 11:27 am

      I second this. Honestly, I’m kind of disappointed in the direction the blog is going. I understand it’s your space and you can write whatever you want, but as a long time reader, I miss the quality recipes (not sponsored) and focus that it once had. It was really starting to have potential to be a top “foodie” blog for me, but it’s feeling really scattered lately.

      Obviously, it’s your blog and you can write what you want, but considering you built your brand and business around a certain thing (food and recipe development), shifting gears over and over again, can kind of leave the reader’s head spinning. Just my two cents, though! Bring back the carbs…

      • Live Love Yum
        April 19, 2013 at 6:06 am

        Lol…and yet she she does write only recipes – everyone complains and wants more non – food posts…she can’t win!! Why not stop reading so much? There’s so much like to life and if you were truly living, you wouldn’t care washy she wrote…

        • Live Love Yum
          April 19, 2013 at 6:07 am

          *life to live & * what she writes…

        • Lindsay
          April 19, 2013 at 9:26 am

          I’ve never asked for anything other than the food recipes! She had the best recipes for awhile. I felt like I was starring at least one of her recipes each week to make later. (firepot soup is still my all time favorite!) And now all we get are mango guacamole and broccoli with pasta. Sigh.

  • lauren
    April 18, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    Can ladies looking to meet other ladies for dating join in on the seminar? Or is it only for straight people?

    • Ashley
      April 18, 2013 at 11:32 pm

      Yes, I was also wondering if same sex dating would be part of this? With religious tilt, one can never be sure until it’s stated.

  • Anna
    April 18, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    What an unusual venture… I feel like your blog is really moving away from food.

    • Lisa
      April 18, 2013 at 4:36 pm

      I agree. I’m reading less and less…disappointing but entirely your decision. I loved the food! 🙂 You are a fabulous cook!! 🙂

  • Clare Sand
    April 18, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    Bring back the recipes. That’s what I come here for.

  • Duffy
    April 18, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    I looked at this and the first thought that popped into my head was “oh dear lord.”

    I get that this is your thing, and I do respect it, but I gotta say you’re kind of losing me as a regular reader. I don’t mean to sound bitchy here, but I used to come here almost every day and say “I want to cook this!” and now there’s just less and less of that.

    • jenna
      April 18, 2013 at 2:54 pm

      Duffy,

      I’m so sorry to lose you as a reader! Thank you for being honest and I really hope you find a better blog to suit your personality and needs.

      • Duffy
        April 18, 2013 at 5:42 pm

        Thanks, Jenna. I think you have an immense talent, and I’ve been with you through a lot of good stuff and some really horrible stuff. And I know you’re doing what feels right to you, so I don’t want to beg you not to go in that direction or anything.

        But again – you have an incredible talent. Don’t forget about it, ok? Please don’t forget what makes you so incredible to so many people, regardless of religion.

  • Aaryn
    April 18, 2013 at 1:18 pm

    Excited!

  • Lauren
    April 18, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Hi Jenna – you seem very excited about this opportunity, and I think it’s absolutely great that you’re chasing your dreams. However, I have to respectfully echo some of the other commentators who’ve expressed consternation over the new direction of your blog. In this particular case, I guess I’m a little confused about what “ministering to single ladies” means. I don’t think single ladies really require “ministering,” and the phrase is slightly off-putting. (I’m sure that wasn’t your intent, but still). For a little context, I met the love of my life and am engaged to be married this fall. But I don’t really remember feeling aimless or less-than when I was single…and I think it’s problematic that so many women feel compelled to land a husband just to feel worthy or better connected to the world. The fact is, people get married every day. It’s beautiful, but it’s not revolutionary. And I’m not sure how one is ‘qualified’ to dispense relationship advice when every relationship is different, and it’s not even being done on a person-to-person (or face-to-face) level. I get the point of sharing anecdotes, but what is applicable in one relationship is definitely not always applicable in another.

    Regardless, I wish you all the best with your seminar and just hope that perhaps you’ll put some thought into the opinions expressed by your readers.

    • jenna
      April 18, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Lauren,

      Thank you for sharing! I do love ministering to women about relationships. It’s a passion of mine that I rarely share on this blog. I completely agree with you about it being so problematic that young girls feel compelled to land a husband just to feel worthy and that is exactly something I’m going to talk about on Monday night! How sad is that? But yes, also so true. You brought up a great point — thank you!

      • Lauren
        April 18, 2013 at 3:23 pm

        Thanks for your response, Jenna. I really appreciate that you interact with your readers – and that’s awesome that you’re planning to address the point about not letting marriage/dating dictate your self-worth. I stand corrected!

  • Penny
    April 18, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    Hi Jenna,

    Ive been a reader for a while, and you’ve just lost me on this one. I am both a christian and have been married for 7 years, and dated (based on your blog) tons more guys than you before I met my husband. And despite that, I could not possibly imagine myself being qualified to dispense dating or relationship advice to anyone. And I find it difficult to believe that you can, given the nascence of your own relationship; i.e. the fact that it is still relatively young and you are not even married yet. Moreover, providing that sort of advice as an untrained professional (as you admit you are) can actually be damaging to people and their potential relationships, as I have unfortunately had personal experience with. I would caution you to be careful about engaging in this kind of teaching, and be honest with yourself about your qualifications for handling these sorts of subjects.

    • jenna
      April 18, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      Penny,

      The class is meant to just be a fun thing for girls to connect over. I was asked to teach it by a couple friends and felt honored because (clearly!) I am no expert on the subject. I just plan to share my story, which is all I can do. Sometimes it’s just fun to sit back and hear someone share how they met their significant other. It’s not meant to be super heavy or damaging in any way.

      • Penny
        April 18, 2013 at 3:00 pm

        Well of course these things are never SUPPOSED to be damaging. Moreover if its as informal as you say, I guess would question whether its appropriate to call it a class or charging money for it. Just my two cents.

        • Erin
          April 18, 2013 at 4:38 pm

          Hi Jenna,

          I think part of the issue is that you’re framing this as a “here’s how to know when you’ve found Mr. Right” class, not as a “let’s sit and have a real conversation about dating ups and downs” class. There’s a big difference.

          I really don’t believe you meant to come across as such, but offering to help guide people toward their own Mr/Mrs right seems presumptuous when your own relationship is so new and you are so young. I’m not saying that young people in new relationships don’t have anything valid to say about love, but I think monetizing your advice while also bringing Christianity into the mix leaves a bad taste in the mouths of many.

          I do hope that you and your soon-to-be husband have a long, lovely marriage, but I also hope that you can understand why others might find this class distasteful. (Also, I hope you DO open this class to women looking for women, and men looking for men…) I’ll keep reading for your genuineness and your fabulous recipes.

          Take care.

          • jenna
            April 18, 2013 at 6:37 pm

            Erin,

            Understood and the class is absolutely open to everyone. I apologize if I seemed presumptuous, and acknowledge everything you said, but I’m not giving a class on marriage…I’m giving a class on dating. There’s a difference. I’ve dated a lot of different guys so I do feel like I have knowledge to share on that subject. Marriage? I don’t know anything about that…but dating? Yes, I do know things about that so I’ll be sharing my personal story and giving advice I’ve picked up over the past ten years of my dating life.

  • Sarah
    April 18, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    This is an interesting concept – hopefully you will address what I think is one of the KEY elements of getting into a good relationship – ensuring that you are happy enough with yourself as a single person first. Nothing sadder then a man or woman losing themselves in a relationship. I feel this needs to be reiterated again and again to young women (sadly).

    Best of luck with your seminar 🙂

    • jenna
      April 18, 2013 at 3:10 pm

      Sarah,

      I completely agree!!

  • Jin
    April 18, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    Jenna, it’s only natural for you to grow as a person and for your focus to change. I’m an undergraduate student in university and I find myself a ‘different’ person every month! I think that it is great that you are mentoring and empowering other women in their relationships through the words of God. This is your blog, you have all the right and freedom to express what you want to share and if there are people who don’t appreciate it, that is their loss. Like many other readers of ELR, I started reading because of the food and recipe component. However I do think it is quite refreshing and natural that a blog takes an evolution just as a person would over time.

    Best of luck with the seminar and congratulations on your engagement!

  • Crystal
    April 18, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    I am sorry to say that as a loyal reader I will no longer be reading your blog. This “class” is truly bizarre.

  • Kim DeSha
    April 18, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    It’s funny how surprised some people seem to be to find out that you’re a Christian. You’ve mentioned your faith several times over the past year since I’ve been following your blog. And I think you’ve also been clear about when a blog post is being sponsored. Just continue to be you and do what satisfies you. If people are offended, then so be it. You can’t please everybody. You’ll go crazy if you even try. I love your blog and all the different facets of your life that you decide to show.

    • Chelle
      April 18, 2013 at 11:52 pm

      I don’t think any one said they were surprised to find out that Jenna is a Christian, just that they are surprised by what appears to be her hiding that the class has a Christian bent to it.

  • Laura
    April 18, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    I enjoy reading about aspects on your blog, from cooking to wedding planning to your beliefs!

  • C in MD
    April 18, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    I, like a couple others above, an curious as to whether this class will welcome lesbian as well as straight ladies. Jenna, you seem to have skipped over that question and addressed others, but I hope you will come back to it.

    • jenna
      April 18, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      All are welcome to listen in to the class 🙂

  • Sarah
    April 18, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    Wow. I’ve been married for eleven years and have four kids and still don’t think I’m in any position to give marriage or parenting advice. I’m not Christian but that aspect of this post doesn’t bother me – I’m more concerned about someone who has been engaged for five minutes posing as an expert.

    Yes, I know…I’ll just show myself the door to those “other wonderful blogs that may suit my needs better.”

  • jenna k
    April 18, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    as a response to a comment or two, and as an almost lifetime single lady, yeah, i’d definitely say there are lots of single ladies who desperately need to be ministered to. myself included. being a twenty-something single girl is sometimes fun, but a lot of times really, really hard and lonely when you see your friends all start to pair off into marriage. there’s no harm in hearing advice from someone who has made it through the murky waters and found her happy ending.

    • Sarah
      April 20, 2013 at 10:29 am

      I hear what you are saying, but my point is that getting engaged isn’t a “happy ending,” it’s just the beginning.

      • jenna k
        April 22, 2013 at 2:05 pm

        getting engaged is a happy ending to dating. obviously it’s the beginning of a more serious relationship/marriage, but it is actually the end of dating.

  • Karen
    April 19, 2013 at 5:32 am

    My sentiments re. this post echo many others: What makes you an expert credentialed to “minister” to women on dating?! The fact that you’ve dated throughout your twenties before meeting your soon to be spouse?! And, I for one find your wording incredibly offensive and condescending: women don’t need to be “taught” or”ministered to” by anyone, esp. by a twenty something year old who has by all accounts lived an incredibly sheltered life and furthermore, lacks any educational/professional credentials in the counseling field. My goodness, Jenna – you hold a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Period. I’ve followed you through all of your absurd phases in the past 4 years, which I’ve chalked up to growing pains, but this venture strikes me as the most bizarre yet. My second criticism of this entry is that this is yet another example of one of your bible toting posts that seems intentionally disguised. Why not just state up front that this is a Christian themed post/offering or better yet, separate these religious entries automatically exclude many of us, by creating a separate tab labeled as such so that interested persons can seek them out? This way the rest of us can enjoy the more fact based/realistic/relatable/food-centric aspects of your personality.

  • Allison
    April 19, 2013 at 5:55 am

    I just read your book while I was on vacation last week, and I got the impression that you were in a relationship with Rob for a few years during/after college and even lived with him at one point. Then you met Adam, and felt a strong connection with him, and ended up moving to Cali. I’m just curious when all of your dating experience occurred. When you were a teenager?

  • Live Love Yum
    April 19, 2013 at 6:12 am

    Would love if you could write a post on this for those of us unable to make that time-frame! I’m sure the post could be a popular site tab that would garner many page views to be worth the trouble 🙂

    • laura
      April 20, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      I second this idea 🙂 That would be fabulous! Unfortunately, I cannot attend the live session. Is there a way you could do a write-up, or do you only want to make it a class that is charged?

  • Callina
    April 19, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Yeesh, lots of harsh words out there. As a longtime reader I do feel like this is just awkward and uncomfortable. If you are so passionate about your religion and will be including more posts with religious themes, I think you should be proud to write about these things–no need to slide subtle hints that might confuse (or lose) readers. Seems like you’ve always tried to be up front with us about other things…but lately I think a lot of us are left wondering. I think you’re just trying to not make a big deal about it…which I get, but…religion is a big deal!

  • Alicia
    April 19, 2013 at 8:29 am

    As a single woman, I love to get advice from friends regarding dating. No one is an expert, and no one is perfect, but that doesn’t mean that people can’t share their experiences and advice. In any case, the class sounds interesting to me, but I won’t be available to attend a live session. Is there any way to buy a recorded version?

  • Stephanie @ Athlete at Heart
    April 19, 2013 at 11:17 am

    It sounds like a wonderful class and I definitely want to join in.

    I just tried to sign up for the class but every time I hit check out it loads a blank page. Hopefully I can figure it out! :-\

  • Rebecca
    April 19, 2013 at 11:29 am

    Wow,
    One only needs to read some of your reader’s comments to realize how much narcissism plays into our culture. I cannot imagine commenting on anyone’s blog ( that I read by my own choice and for free) how offended I am that their beliefs do not mirror MY own. I am astounded by how offended people are that you want to provided support for women who are single.
    I am in the mental health business and find that it is a topic that is greatly needed. I am sure that you are qualified to provide support for those who sign up for your class, and I know you will do it with grace and class.
    Blessings to you!

    • Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes
      April 28, 2013 at 5:27 pm

      Amen to that!! 🙂 Keep it up Jenna – do whatever you feel is right. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to your own blog. You’re an amazing person and Christ shines through you. It’s so encouraging to see.

  • Pauline
    April 19, 2013 at 4:27 pm

    Jenna, I have been reading your blog for almost four years now. When I first found it, ELR came just at the right time – I had graduated college, had just gone vegetarian, and had no idea how to cook. You were still semi-vegetarian then, and along with HTP and OSG, your blog quickly became a favorite. But as the years went by, the majority of your recipes became meat heavy, and you began to promote a lifestyle filled with expensive things, whether it be food, drink, or clothes. As a church musician and grad student that often barely makes ends meet, most of the things you blog about is just completely out of my budget and hard to identify with, and the conservative Christian spin (I’m a Christian, but very liberal) that this blog has taken on more and more has led me to not be a regular reader anymore.
    That being said, I’m grateful for your blog’s role during the time when I was rather pathetic and helpless in the kitchen and for your beautifully unapologetic enjoyment of food and drink, and wish you the best.

  • Christina
    April 20, 2013 at 5:32 am

    To me, the worst part about this is charging $10 for it. Matthew 10:8- “YOU received free, give free.”

  • Marie
    April 20, 2013 at 8:23 am

    Hey Jenna,
    I think what you’re doing is great! I’m not a Christian, but am a spiritual person. I think it’s really cool that you have the desire to minister to other girls because dating can be so rough and at times you can lose sight of yourself (I know I did!)! I’m a long time reader, and I just want to throw my support your way. Unfortunately, people are always going to judge no matter what you do on this blog! You have definitely ministered to me even though our religious beliefs aren’t the same. I am inspired that you have chosen to showcase your passions regarding dating, spirituality, service work, wine, food, etc. as it allows us the readers to learn more about you. And I’ve learned that you’re pretty neat! Much love!

  • laura
    April 20, 2013 at 3:28 pm

    This seems like such an awesome class I would LOVE to listen in on! Like I iterated above, I have plans the night of the 22nd and won’t be able to attend. Any way you could purchase a taped version, or is it interactive? Also, I am not sure if you will disclose this, but I feel it is such an important part of relationships–dating and marriage–will you discuss intimacy? Have you and Adam decided to wait? Do you believe in birth control, or do you follow the Church’s guidelines that the act of sexual intercourse should only be to welcome a child into this world? I feel intimacy, including sexual intercourse and other forms, are such a vital part of a connection with someone. What are your beliefs on this? Also, do you plan to have your own children as well as adopt? I definitely want to internationally adopt, but want the experience of pregnancy and want my own children, as well. Thanks in advance for hopefully answering this–I know it is extremely personal, but I am wondering your viewpoints on intimacy before marriage. Thanks 🙂

  • Kim
    April 20, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Girl, do your thing. This is an exciting and fun thing. And I have to tell you… I got married last year, and it was one of the busiest times in my life! It’s incredible that you’re able to maintain the blog, launch a new venture with Noonday (which I LOVE), and continue to share life with others. Just wanted to say I think it’s so inspiring to see you follow your dreams and give back to others as a big part of the process. Hope the webinar goes well!

  • Rachel
    April 21, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    Hi Jenna

    I am also a long time reader and have also found myself checking in less and less dr many of the reasons stated above. I am an Atheist and very liberal, and despite what some commenters had suggested, my falling “out of love” with your blog is not because your beliefs don’t align with my own, I always knew you were a Christian and a devoted one, but I think I speak for many of us commenting here that the clear Christian themed direction the blog has taken and away from things people of all faiths (or lack thereof) can relate to will have a consequence for your readership. What brought us here before as your readers seems to be fading. And that is completely ok (of course I, and I’m sure others who’ve expressed this are disappointed and miss the less religious based style) but I do think it’s only fair that your longtime readers provide this honest feedback and that you are aware of the effect and consequences it will have on your readership. Of course it is your blog and your life but I think it’s fair for you to know.

    I think that if your blog had always been a overtly religious blog and then you gradually became increasingly less so and then you disregarded it completely, you would have the same effect on your Christian readers. I wish you only the best Jenna in whatever direction you take. I of course hope you can maintain your original appeal to readers of all faiths and values but understand the choice is yours.

    • MelanieF
      April 25, 2013 at 8:35 am

      I so agree with your comment. I am a very liberal and non-religious person, so these posts don’t speak to me as much. And I do think this blog is changing direction, and I think it’s fine if that’s what you really want and it’s your blog after all, but it would be nice to know that you are in fact changing. I see less and less recipes, which is why I came here for in the first place.

  • Lauren
    April 21, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Jenna,

    I love that you are a woman who stays true to who she is and is not afraid to post about your beliefs in a confident way! You go girl! I went to sign up for this class and of course since I’m always last minute its sold out! Do you think you’ll have a summary of the event or an outlet to access the video after the fact? I really don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to have a successful, Christian woman’s perspective. Let me know and keep doing you!

  • Julia
    April 22, 2013 at 4:03 am

    Hi Jenna!

    I was just wondering if you would be offering either a video of your talk, or another web conference on this at any time? I wanted to sign up but there were no more seats!!

    Thanks!
    Julia

    • jenna
      April 22, 2013 at 8:21 am

      Yes! You can purchase the recording of the class via the Influence Network shop to listen to whenever you like!

      • Julia
        April 22, 2013 at 5:42 pm

        thank you so much!!

  • Lauren
    April 22, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    I’ve been so blessed and inspired by the direction your blog is going. All these negative comments made me really, really, sad but I realized after reading them how much ministering through blogs and online interaction is needed in our world. What a better way to reach people than straight to a fan base that trusts you. I’m sure you have changed many lives already through your blog and your book. I think this class will be great and God gave you these experiences in your life so you could share them and relate to others through them! It’s amazing that you have found a way to utilize all these awesome God given talents. I need to and want to learn how to show God’s love to others through my blog, you have done such an awesome job of doing this. If I wasn’t going to be on my honeymoon I would have definitely registered for Influence Conference this year just because you said how great it has been and is. I can only imagine how many others are going this year for the same reason! Keep on being you and showing God’s love through your blog because He wouldn’t want it any other way and THAT is what matters 🙂

    • Corinne
      April 23, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      Lauren, why is your name showing up with the same picture as Lauren and Chrissy unless you are posting positive comments here under multiple names?? Interesting.

      • Loie
        April 23, 2013 at 8:24 pm

        Looks like Lauren and Chrissy are friends who share the same blog. The commenting system must be inputting the profile picture associated with their blog when each girl types in the URL.

        • Chrissy
          April 24, 2013 at 10:58 am

          Yep 🙂 We both share the same blog so we have the same picture icon attached to our website when we comment.

  • Chrissy
    April 23, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Jenna– you are such a talented and gifted writer, photographer, and chef. But you are more than just those things, and I thank you for sharing truly who are you are as a person, including your faith in Christ, and the truth of who you are and what you stand for.

    Our lives are living testimonies to the beautiful and abounding grace that we are given and it is so disheartening to see such valued women turn at their discomfort in reading about your experiences, when a “Christian” label is placed on them. If we didn’t ever feel discomfort, we wouldn’t ever grow.

    People get offended all too easily, and I commend you for standing firm in your identity in Christ.

    Regarding the class you will be leading, that is awesome stuff! Although, I’ve recently left my single lady status behind me (yay!), as I reflect on my season of being single, it has been such an awesome journey seeking closer relationship with Christ, trusting in His perfect timing, and allowing myself to be pursued by a man of God, just as Christ passionately pursues us.

  • Erin
    April 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

    Hi Jenna! I “attended” your class last night and really enjoyed it. I saw what some people commented earlier, and while I understand that they may come to this site for food-only content, it’s absolutely your call to post whatever you’d like to post. One of the gifts (and hard things!) of being a blogger is that you’re the creative director, and you have creative control. Thanks for the class!

  • Stacey I
    April 23, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    Hi Jenna! I think this class is a WONDERFUL idea! Do not let what the others say affect you…This is YOUR blog, therefore you can write whatever is in your heart, whatever is on your mind, and whatever endeavors you are involved in. If people are in any way offended, they can close the page, or look for a different post. I know I will continue to read, and enjoy, ELR :)!!!

  • Chez
    April 27, 2013 at 6:24 pm

    Hey Jenna, I saw a bunch of the comments on here and thought I’d take a minute to encourage you. I used to be a regular reader when I was working full time, but now that I stay home with my two little girls I don’t have time to follow consistently. I think it’s awesome that you are allowing your blog to follow your heart and the call that God had put on your life. Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re a light on a hill, my friend! 🙂

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