Writing is a transformative practice. Whether you write for yourself in a journal or for others in a blog post or book, writing moves and shapes us. If you’re like me, maybe you fully feel what Flannery O’Connor once wrote: I don't know what I think until I write it down.Flannery O’Connor The words we
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
I wonder if a piece of us believes that God either doesn’t hear, or He doesn’t care. Can we talk about it? How can we tell if God hears our prayers for Ukraine?
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
We need more than positive thinking and self love to cure our problem with self-hate. We need to be fully loved, full healing, and full redemption. We cannot find those things within ourselves.
What is hope*writers all about? Is it for you? A review of the hope*writers membership site, and how its resources are helping people find their voices.
So why talk about morning routine now, rather than the myriad of other ways we can lean into missional living when we are neighborhood-bound for the summer?
What is hope*writers all about? Is it for you? A review of the hope*writers membership site, and how its resources are helping people find their voices.
*Please note: Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Slow down and draw near to the Lord using one of these resources during Advent, which begins Sunday, November 29, 2020. This year I'll be reading through resources 1 and 2 on this list, and last year I
A website and podcast by women for women sharing wisdom to live your life. Grit and Grace for strong women and those who want to be.
Hello! I'm Twyla, and I help you get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with your neighbors so your faith has a ripple-effect.
This episode is part of the Overcomer series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy Facebook group as live videos. However, we wanted to also encourage you in the writing, publishing and
Writing is a transformative practice. Whether you write for yourself in a journal or for others in a blog post or book, writing moves and shapes us. If you’re like me, maybe you fully feel what Flannery O’Connor once wrote: I don't know what I think until I write it down.Flannery O’Connor The words we
What is hope*writers all about? Is it for you? A review of the hope*writers membership site, and how its resources are helping people find their voices.
Writers, do you wish someone would walk you through beta reading one baby step at a time? Done! With this guide, you'll be running beta rounds like a pro!
20 Hand-Picked, Hope-Filled Gifts to Give This Season Finding the right gift for the right person can sometimes be a challenge. The fun and meaningful process of gift-giving can quickly transform into drudgery and indecisiveness with a side of headache. I hope this gift guide of hand-picked, hope-filled gift ideas will inspire you and keep
What is hope*writers all about? Is it for you? A review of the hope*writers membership site, and how its resources are helping people find their voices.
Journey Websites would love to join you on your journey and help you share your story through various web platforms, with custom branding!
What is hope*writers all about? Is it for you? A review of the hope*writers membership site, and how its resources are helping people find their voices.
A walkway with a lake on each side runs from the heart of Georgia Southern University to one of the quieter ends of campus. As a student, I walked this path countless times to get to class, the Lakeside Cafe, and the Henderson Library. Near the middle of the walkway, you’ll find an inscription in its pavement: KNOW GOD. KNOW PEACE. I first walked this path as a non-believer, and its hopeful message seemed to call out to me. During my first year at Georgia Southern, I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. As a believer, I chose to walk this path over other options because my heart treasured its message. If I saw no one else on the path, I would stop just short of the inscription with eyes focused on the truth before me. KNOW GOD. KNOW PEACE. What I was experiencing in knowing God was a night and day difference from not knowing Him. I had experienced a fair amount of suffering in my life. I had known life without purpose. Pain without a path. All-consuming anxiousness. Debilitating despair. Depression that made death look like freedom. Knowing God—having a relationship with my Creator—taught me that all of us are purposefully-made, purpose exists even in our deepest pain, and true life comes through Jesus. He has the power to calm the storms, settle the seas, and stabilize our hearts with peace. (Jesus speaking) ”I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6 “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” –John 10:10 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:27 KNOW GOD. KNOW PEACE. Though it’s been many years since I traveled that walkway, its message is alive in my heart more than ever. Who walked the path before me and wrote those words? Did that person write what was on his or her heart? Did he or she pray for God to use those words to speak to others? I pray God would use the words in this blog series to lead you on a path to peace. We’re going to spend some time in one of my favorite Bible books, Philippians, and contemplate Apostle Paul’s words about anxiety. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:4-7 When we feel anxious, Paul says we should pray. I agree with Paul’s words, but let’s be honest: Praying while anxious is easier said than done! When my anxiety level reaches a certain point, I find it extremely difficult to pray. I know I need God to set my heart at peace, yet I struggle to seek God’s presence and help. What about you? Reflection When a concerning thought replays over and over in your mind, and you don’t have the clarity of mind to pray coherent sentences, how do you pursue prayer? When anxiety holds your heart hostage, you don’t feel like fighting your way out, and you don’t feel like praying, how do you move past your emotions and into prayer? . I’ve often wondered if Paul left out a step before prayer! I’ve developed a simple process to prepare me to pray. It consists of only three steps that can help you gain enough headspace and heart space to engage in a meaningful prayer time. 1—Pick up your Bible and read. Just read! Instead of allowing anxious thoughts to continue circling in your head and anxious feelings to keep building, fill your mind with God’s Word. Pick up your Bible and read. It doesn’t matter where you start reading in your Bible. Do your best to focus on what you’re reading, but it’s okay if it doesn’t make sense or you can’t remember what you just read. Keep reading! Devoting your mind and heart to God through reading His Word is a way of seeking Him. It’s a step closer to Him. 2—Think about the power of God’s Word. After reading for a few minutes, take a brief break to think about the power of God’s Word. God spoke the world into existence, literally! (Genesis 1) “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” –Isaiah 40:8 “And the Word became flesh {Jesus} and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” –John 1:14 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” –Hebrews 4:12 Think about how God’s powerful Word is pouring into your mind and heart. God's Word is more powerful than your anxious thoughts and feelings. 3—Think about the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in you. If you are in Christ, the Spirit of God lives in you. Think about the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in you. He guides you in truth, renews your mind and heart, strengthens you, and empowers you to glorify God.1 He is the Helper Jesus talked about when He said, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:25-27). The peace Jesus talked about—the peace you desire—is a fruit of the Holy Spirit living in you. (Galatians 5:22). Close your eyes for a moment, and visualize God’s powerful Word filling your mind and heart and moving in harmony with the powerful Spirit in you to create peace. Next, continue reading your Bible. At some point, God’s Word and His Spirit will settle your mind and heart enough to pray, and you’ll have a greater desire to pray. Go with this God-given desire! You don’t need eloquent words. Just pray. “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:26-28).2 Father God, I praise you because You are powerful. Your Son is powerful. Your Spirit is powerful. Your Word is powerful. {Open your hands, palms up to God.} Father, here’s my anxious mind. Please quiet it. Fill it with Your Truth. Here’s my anxious heart. Please calm it. Fill it with Your peace. I embrace Your instruction and promise in Ephesians 4:4-7: “The Lord is at hand; I do not {need to} be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving {I will make my} requests known to You: ___________________________. {Thank You for caring about me and about my concerns.} And {Your} peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard {my} heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”3 In Jesus’ Powerful Name, Amen. In the next blog: We’ll continue to seek God’s peace by taking a deeper look at Paul’s words. Was this blog helpful to you? Is there a question about anxiety or prayer that you’d like to see on the blog? Comment below! NOTES: Verses are ESV 1John 16:13, Psalm 51:10-11, John 3:5, Romans 12:2, Romans 8:26-28 2 Emphasis added, Romans 8:26-28 3Paraphrase of Ephesians 4:4-7
Pam and I are both writers who are part of a group called Hopewriters. We met in person several years ago at the World Conference for the American Association of Christian Counselors. I sat in on her workshop and listened intently as she shared her story and suggestions on how to help widows navigate grief.
Writing is a transformative practice. Whether you write for yourself in a journal or for others in a blog post or book, writing moves and shapes us. If you’re like me, maybe you fully feel what Flannery O’Connor once wrote: I don't know what I think until I write it down.Flannery O’Connor The words we
Perhaps you’ve been told that faith makes no room for doubt—and if you doubt you are on the outside. And you’re wrestling inside because you believe and you question.
As your personal writing coach, I can offer input, guidance and accountability so you can clear hurdles and move forward with confidence.
This episode is part of the Overcomer series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy Facebook group as live videos. However, we wanted to also encourage you in the writing, publishing and
"Seeing the good can change your life," shares Amanda Glass on Begin Within: A Gratitude Series.
I remember God giving me these words. I could not wrap my brain around how the other person was feeling. My mind could not comprehend why they were making the choices they made. In my heart, God nudged me to ask, “Help Me Understand.” I did not realize at the time the power of these…
Start neighboring the uncomplicated way with this pocket-sized, missional book. Discover how to let the work God is doing inside you have a ripple effect in your neighborhood.
Every night in a journal, I write answers to a few questions. Two of those questions have been especially transformative for me, and I'm hoping they might be for you, too.
Are you thirsty? Are you restless? I was. Especially in the season of infertility. I was trying my HARDEST to read scripture, and to hope in the Lord... but my soul was all over the place. And pretty soon, I found myself in a dry, barren season of the soul. The wilderness. And no one could save me from it. Except, Jesus. You see, something about Jesus, is that He is not afraid to enter wildernesses. He is not afraid of the dry, barren places within us. He's not afraid of our hard questions, or tears.
I'm sorry we couldn't give you the sibling we planned because you would have been such a good big brother.
Missional neighboring is simply this: getting close to Jesus and letting neighbors in close enough to know the things God is working on inside you. It looks like a ripple effect.
Out of Place – Heather’s Story There was nothing atypical about that first day of physical therapy school. But the next three years would be filled with heartbreak, success, failure, an…
Looking for new books to read in 2021? Look no further. Each of these books has been on my radar since 2020 and are ones I think you might like to know about and read. As a book launch team member, I've had the privilege of reading advanced copies of books number 1 and 11
Hello! I'm Twyla, and I help you get close to Jesus and grow deep, missional friendships with your neighbors so your faith has a ripple-effect.
Dreading Mother’s Day? I know Mother’s Day can be a wonderful celebration for all those hard working moms out there, but it can also be a really hard day for many people too. For those who have lost mothers… For those who have absent or broken relationships with their mothers.. For those who ha
When a teen turns into an adult it happens slowly and in small steps but still it's hard on a mama's heart to see her baby grow up.
