This episode was originally recorded inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Darkness has an Expiration Date
“Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever...The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” - Isaiah 9:1a-2 NLT
We hope this episode encourages and inspires.
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members of Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode was teachings we did to begin our Virtual Writing Retreat in August. However, we wanted to share these with you.
Today's topic is: Staying on Mission
People may be very persuasive to try to get us to do what they want us to do. That's why we need to spend time w/ God alone and hear from Him. He will let us know what our purpose is and which steps to take next.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires.
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this month's Expert Interview.
This episode is an interview with Thomas Umstattd on how to grow your author platform with podcasting.
Today's topic is: How To Grow Your Platform With Podcasting
We are thrilled to have Thomas Umstattd. He has helped authors for over a decade as a literary agent, marketing director, and radio show host. He started his first podcast in 2007 and currently hosts the Novel Marketing and the Christian Publishing Show.
Shownotes:
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in building and growing your author platform.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode was teachings we did to begin our Virtual Writing Retreat in August. However, we wanted to share these with you.
Today's topic is: Preparing Our Hearts to Write
Many times, we feel like a jar of dirty water after it’s been shaken. We need time to settle and become still before the Lord.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires.
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode was originally recorded inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: God Uses Underdogs and Our Weakness for His Glory
God uses underdogs. He's in that process of using our weaknesses for His strength and glory.
We are blessed when we realize and embrace our places of weaknesses and brokenness where we need God.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires.
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members of Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this month's Expert Interview.
This episode is an interview with Saundra Dalton-Smith, a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and author.
Today's topic is: PR on a Budget for Authors
We are thrilled to have Saundra Dalton-Smith, an international wellness expert featured in numerous media outlets including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and as a guest on Dr. Oz show. She is the author of numerous books including her new book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including ground-breaking insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life.
Shownotes:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Free assessment: RestQuiz.com
Be Your Own Publicist course: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publicist
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in promoting your books.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode was originally recorded inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: A Higher Calling
Are we willing to leave behind the world’s idea of success in order to pursue a higher calling?
Could we possibly chase after earthly success after seeing Jesus work a miracle like this in our own lives?
May we all be gloriously ruined and undone in the presence of Jesus like Peter was that day.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires.
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Marketing Minute.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: Book Marketing Case Study
I wanted to share this encouraging book marketing case study with you. I think too often we as authors give up too soon.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Marketing Minute.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: Do You Believe in Your Book?
In order to have the courage to market and sell your book(s), you have to 100% believe in your book.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Mentoring Moment.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: Little Tweaks, Big Results
Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest impact, right?
I think we often assume that to change our lives we need to do something BIG.
But we don’t.
Implementing small habits consistently over time is what truly changes our lives.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
There are times we are dealing with writers’ block. We are stuck and nothing flows, right?
We have free training for you on how to conquer writer's block as a Christian writer.
In this training, you will learn 5 practical tips to break through writers' block.
Download our PDF with our best tips here: http://www.trainingauthors.com/breakthrough/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this month's Expert Interview.
This episode is an interview with Lindsey Hartz, a marketing consultant and book launch strategist for authors and publishers.
Today's topic is: Launch a Bestselling Book Without Losing Your Mind
We are thrilled to have Lindsey Hartz, owner of the Hartz Agency, a boutique marketing firm dedicated to creating strategic marketing campaigns that help your words transform lives.
Shownotes:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Website: https://www.hartzagency.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindseyHartzCreative/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsey.hartz.creative/
Sign up here for free training: https://www.hartzagency.com/insider
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in launching your bestselling books.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Marketing Minute.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: A Simple Any Time Book Promotion
Sometimes we can overcomplicate things as authors. Right?
Yes, you can plan for months for your book launch with a book launch team and podcast interview tour.
But, you don’t always need to go big.
Sometimes you can keep things simple and easy with a 99 cent promotion for your Kindle eBook.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Mentoring Moment.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: A Silent Productivity Killer
As writers, we all have silent productivity killers that can sabotage our success.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
There are times we are dealing with writers’ block. We are stuck and nothing flows, right?
We have free training for you on how to conquer writer's block as a Christian writer.
In this training, you will learn 5 practical tips to break through writers' block.
Download our PDF with our best tips here: http://www.trainingauthors.com/breakthrough/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Welcome to this week’s Marketing Minute.
This episode has a short training with action steps that you can apply right away to help you as a writer (or to help you market your book).
Today's topic is: Author Giveaways That Work
One way to build buzz about your book is to host a giveaway or contest. You can use them anytime to promote your book, not just during a book launch.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you.
We have a free gift for you.
These are resources we have personally researched and compiled for our own book marketing efforts over the years and now want to share these resources with you.
In this post, you will get access to 100+ places to promote Christian books.
Just click the link to download the PDF version: http://www.trainingauthors.com/100-places-to-promote-christian-books/
This episode is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you write, independently publish and market your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Saturday Seasons
Everyone loves to talk about the beginning and the ending of a project but not much is typically mentioned about the “messy middle.”
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Kingdom Math
God is our source and everything else is just a resource.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: You Need to Ask
It is important to serve our audience and give it to them but we also need to ask.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Celebrity Culture
We live in a celebrity culture even in the church and ministry.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: What is in Your Hand?
We all have something in our hands. When we release it, God releases His blessings.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Business Meetings with God
Business meetings with God will transform the way you do marketing when you implement them consistently.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Kingdom Driven Marketing with Shae Bynes
This week we are thrilled to have Shae Bynes, CEO of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur with us to talk about Kingdom driven marketing for authors.
Connect with Shae here: https://www.kingdomdrivenentrepreneur.com/
Read her book, Grace Over Grind here: https://amzn.to/2T0VHXJ (and leave her a review!). I recommend the paperback version because it has the journal in the back.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Kingdom Marketing Mindset Series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy group as live videos. However, we wanted to share these teachings with you.
Today's topic is: Foundations of Kingdom Marketing
Introduction to the topic and the new series.
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your book marketing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most important foundational things is to have in place as a Kingdom Writer is a business meeting with God to seek His strategy for marketing your books.
We have free training for you on how to get started!
In this training, you will learn the steps we recommend when having a weekly business meeting with God. The members in Christian Book Academy LOVE it and we want to share it with you too!
Just click the link below to watch my short video and download the PDF:
http://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Finisher series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy Facebook group as live videos and for today, inside our Writing Week Challenge group. However, we wanted to also encourage you in the writing, publishing, and marketing of your books.
Today's topic is: Stand Strong as a Courageous Writer
This is not the end, it’s just the beginning for you and your writing! Join us in Christian Book Academy today and you’ll get a free ticket to our Virtual Writing Retreat this Friday and Saturday, a $199 value included in your membership. Yay!
Join us here: http://christianbookacademy.com
Today we want to encourage you to be a courageous writer….even when you don’t feel like it.
Fear is what we feel, brave is what we do. Amen?
Are you sharing your work with others?
Put yourself out there. Step into the light from the shadows.
It’s time to release your words to the world. Let them fly.
We can get stuck in paralyzing fear. I still get nervous when releasing a new book to the world - filled with doubt and second-guessing
It takes courage to share what you create with the world. When you put your heart and soul into something putting out there to possibly be criticized is tough.
I found that once I started thinking of myself as a writer, my courage grew, and the way others responded to me changed. It's amazing how a subtle shift in attitude can make all the difference.
It is by taking those next steps and moving forward that great things happen.
The world needs your words.
It’s time to press publish!!
One minute reflection: What is God saying to you today?
It is our mission to be used by God to help unlock the gift of writing inside you.
God has more for you. More for your writing.
Inside Christian Book Academy, we work with Christian writers of all genres, like you, to help you conquer your fears in a real community, write words that will outlive you, and publish books that fulfill your calling.
Join us here: http://christianbookacademy.com
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your writing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most common things we see with new writers is that they are confused about how publishing works and the steps required.
Therefore, I drew out a visual Publishing Map to help explain and simplify the process. And the members in our academy for writers LOVE it!
It helps eliminate the overwhelm and shows you the exact steps you need to take next. Therefore, we wanted to share it with you too.
Just click the link below to watch my short video explaining the Publishing Map and be able to download a copy for yourself: http://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Finisher series. We originally recorded these teachings inside our Christian Book Academy Facebook group as live videos and for today's episode, inside our Writing Week Challenge group. However, we wanted to also encourage you in the writing, publishing, and marketing of your books.
Today's topic is: What Could Be Possible When You Publish Your Book
Scriptures:
- “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” - Philippians 1:12
- “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your writing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most common things we see with new writers is that they are confused about how publishing works and the steps required.
Therefore, I drew out a visual Publishing Map to help explain and simplify the process. And the members in our academy for writers LOVE it!
It helps eliminate the overwhelm and shows you the exact steps you need to take next. Therefore, we wanted to share it with you too.
Just click the link below to watch my short video explaining the Publishing Map and be able to download a copy for yourself: http://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com
This episode is part of the Finisher 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 marketing of your books.
Today's topic is: Finding Calm in the Chaos: How to Thrive During Crisis with M&M’s
Scriptures:
- “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.” Psalms 91:2 NLT
- “The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.’” Psalms 91:14-15 NLT
Are you a person that feels deeply? If so, it's easy to let our emotions control how we feel.
I know because this has been me.
For much of my life, my emotions have been in control. But, God is helping me change this slowly over time.
Today we felt led to share a few of the things that we have seen make the biggest difference for us.
God is our refuge and place of safety, Amen?
We need to be proactive during this time. We need to care for our souls.
A few things that have helped us:
1. Movement
Get out for a walk or turn on some music and get up and dance!
When watching our online church service this past weekend, I got up and danced around our dining room during worship. If you would have seen me, you might have thought I went crazy. LOL! But, it helped shift my mood!
I feel a difference when I get out and run. For you, it may be a walk. Just get up and move. It makes a difference.
2. Music
Worship music can shift my mood faster than almost anything else. Turn on a playlist and let it change the atmosphere of your home.
“...be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.” - Ephesians 5:18-19 NLT
If you want a playlist to listen to, here's my worship playlist: https://open.spotify.com/…/2uUmxltudwdO…
3. Managing Your Media
In mid-January, I felt God lead me to take an indefinite break from social media (except my paid groups). I'm a redeemed social media addict so I understand how easy it is to scroll and scroll and scroll. No judgment here. I get it and have been there myself.
I've had so much peace during this time because I haven't been exposed 24/7 to the media. I still check in occasionally, but I don't get caught up in it.
Ask God right now what you need to do to manage the media you consume. News, social media, etc. I highly encourage you to limit your intake in some way.
“We can demolish every deceptive fantasy that opposes God and break through every arrogant attitude that is raised up in defiance of the true knowledge of God. We capture, like prisoners of war, every thought and insist that it bow in obedience to the Anointed One.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 TPT
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” - Proverbs 4:23 NLT
“Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.” - Daniel 6:18 NLT
Are we willing to fast from our “usual entertainment” for a day in order to seek the Lord?
4. Meditation
In February I finally started a consistent habit of meditating for at least 20 minutes a day. And already I can see how it's changing my brain for the better.
I don't recommend jumping in and trying to start with 20 minutes right away.
Start with one minute.
In fact, John Eldredge created a free app called the Pause app that leads you in a one-minute meditation. You can also gradually work up to 3, 5, 10 minutes, but start with one minute every day and see what happens.
Get started here: https://www.pauseapp.com/
Yesterday I could tell something was off in me and so I spent more time in meditation throughout the day.
“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.” - Psalms 119:15 ESV
Meditate = “siyach” in Hebrew. Found over 20 times in the Old Testament. “To muse, study, ponder, consider, put forth thoughts .”
Lectio Divina is a form of prayer that also involves meditating on Scripture. We will be walking you through the steps with scripture in next week’s Celebration Party.
5.Mindfulness
If you have trouble quieting your mind, another form of meditation is mindfulness.
It’s not a weird thing. It simply means being fully present at the moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
I’ve been a worrier and this has helped me.
Definition of mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
I’ve heard someone say it’s like removing the residue in a bathtub.
Currently, the Balance app is offering a one-year subscription for free. I have found it helpful so far. It’s not a Christian app but stays neutral focusing on teaching you breathing and other mindfulness techniques that can help.
Mindfulness can also be achieved through coloring. Yes, coloring!!
There is a lot of research that shows that coloring can actually have the power to change our brains. This is fascinating to me.
That’s why we are launching a new membership called, “Living Colors,” where each month you will receive 4 Scripture coloring pages and 4 prayer journals guiding you through the process of Lectio Divina.
We hope to launch it in the next couple of weeks at www.livingcolorsonline.com so stay tuned!
We hope this episode encourages and inspires you in your writing.
Instrumental music used with permission: “My Loving Kindness” by Tammy Sorenson. Find out more at http://tammysorenson.com
We have a free gift for you.
One of the most common things we see with new writers is that they are confused about how publishing works and the steps required.
Therefore, I drew out a visual Publishing Map to help explain and simplify the process. And the members in our academy for writers LOVE it!
It helps eliminate the overwhelm and shows you the exact steps you need to take next. Therefore, we wanted to share it with you too.
Just click the link below to watch my short video explaining the Publishing Map and be able to download a copy for yourself: http://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
This series is sponsored by Christian Book Academy where we help you give birth to your books. We invite you to join our community of Kingdom Writers here: http://christianbookacademy.com