Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers of All Genres

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: 01:51 - How she get started in Public Relation 08:20 - The mindset shift 12:!9 - Tips for marketing Evangelism on a budget 17:43 - Ways to convert your audience to leads 23:54 - How to effectively put a call to action 25:37 - Sandra talks about freebies 27:41 - Why do authors resist lead magnets 29:35 - In-depth course on how to be a publicist   32:12 - Success in the midst of the pandemic 36:07 - Advice for authors and writers 39:40 - Q&A 46:17 - Prayer 49:03 - Connect with Sandra 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

Feeling overwhelmed by everything it takes to self-publish your book? From ISBNs and editing to printing and launching—most Christian writers get buried in the to-do list before they ever hit publish. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, Shelley Hitz shares the Kingdom Writer's Path—a simple, Spirit-led 5-step self-publishing roadmap that helps you go from idea to impact without the tech confusion or hustle. You'll learn: • What to focus on first (and what can wait) • How to build momentum in just 15 minutes a day • And how to publish with peace, clarity, and confidence If God has called you to write, we'll help you finish. 📍 Learn more about Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com Let's finish what God started together.

If you've ever thought, "This sounds great… but how do I know if it's really right for me?" —This episode is for you. In this behind-the-scenes look, Shelley Hitz shares why Christian Book Academy was built specifically for Christian writers who want to partner with God and follow a simple, spirit-led path to publishing. If you've tried other programs and felt overwhelmed, out of place, or unsupported—there's a reason. Most writing systems aren't designed for how God wired you. But this one is. Inside, you'll hear how writers like Jackie, Tanecia, and Lois finally finished their books after years of starting and stopping and why CBA may be exactly what you've been searching for. Let's finally finish what God started—together. Learn more at ChristianBookAcademy.com

Unseen Servants Unseen Servants and the risk of bitterness  As writers, we can often feel unseen. If we're not careful, we can become discontent and desire the praise and recognition from men & women. Are we able to be faithful and seek our approval and recognition from God alone? Let's take a look at some examples in scripture.  Gehazi, servant to Elisha (2 Kings 5:20-27) Martha (Luke 10:38-42) Older son (Luke 15:25-32) Women supporting Jesus (Luke 8:1-3) Our friend Craig Sampson, when I worked in YFC. This man was one of the best volunteers you could ever ask for. Always faithful with no desire for personal gain and recognition.  Matthew 6:4-6 - "Your Father who sees in secret…" Revelation 2:2-4 - "I know the things you do…" May we learn to be content as unseen servants for the Lord, regardless of any praise or recognition we receive from people.    Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Have you ever bought a writing course or joined a program… and still didn't finish your book? You're not alone—and you're not the problem. In this episode, we're unpacking the real reason so many Christian writers stay stuck—even after investing in programs. If you've felt overwhelmed, burned out, or discouraged by past experiences, this message is for you. You'll hear what makes Christian Book Academy different—and how hundreds of writers are finally finishing and publishing their books with a system that actually fits how God wired them. This isn't about trying harder. It's about having the right support. Because God's not done with your message. Let's take the next step—together. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/

Feeling unqualified to write your book? Like you need more confidence, more clarity, or more credentials before you start? In this episode, we're flipping that belief on its head. You'll hear why not feeling "ready" is often the exact sign God's calling you—and why He equips as you go. We'll share real stories from writers just like you, who stepped out in faith without a plan and saw God meet them on the path. This isn't about striving harder—it's about surrendering sooner. If you've felt the nudge to write but keep hesitating, this episode is your permission slip to take the next step… ready or not. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/

If you've ever started writing your book, felt excited, motivated, even called… and then life happened, momentum vanished, and guilt took over—this episode will breathe fresh hope into your calling. Shelley Hitz shares why starting and stopping is not a sign you've failed, fallen behind, or missed your assignment. Instead, it's a signal that you simply didn't have the right support system in place. You'll hear real stories from Christian writers who stalled for months—or even years—before finally finishing their books with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Shelley unpacks the shift that helped them move from "I'll try again someday" to holding a published book in their hands. You'll learn: Why your past attempts don't disqualify you The hidden reason most writers can't sustain momentum What changes when you stop writing alone How a simple 15‑minute rhythm can transform your writing life The structure and spiritual support that make finishing inevitable If God has placed a message on your heart, it's not too late. Your calling didn't expire just because your progress stalled. Take a step of faith and finally finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy: https://christianbookacademy.com/  

Fulfilling your Ministry "And say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you." ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭ NIV = "complete the ministry" ESV = "fulfill the ministry" The Message = "And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best." "I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house." ‭‭Philemon‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬b-2‬  Most likely Philemon, his wife Apphia, and their son Archippus. All in the same household.  Imagine one person being singled out at the end of this letter to the Colossians church.  Most scholars see Paul's admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement, similar to Paul's exhortations in his epistles to Timothy and Titus. It's interesting to note that Paul had never actually visited the Colossians church in person but we can be sure his written words to them made a tremendous impact and continue to do so today. We are each an Archippus and have a ministry to carry out.  Paul's encouragement to Archippus and his family should encourage all of us to also "complete the ministry" God has given us. Kingdom writer, be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Think you need a long weekend or a perfect schedule to finish your book? Think again. In today's episode, Shelley shares the simple but powerful writing rhythm that's helping Christian Book Academy members finally finish their drafts — even in the middle of real life. If you've been stuck waiting for "someday," this is your permission to stop striving and start showing up — just 15 minutes at a time. Join us at https://christianbookacademy.com/ Take a step of faith and finally finish your book.

If you've been spinning your wheels trying to decide which book to write first… this episode is for you. In just 5 minutes, you'll walk through a simple but powerful process to: ✅ Narrow down your book ideas ✅ Choose the breakthrough you're ready to write about ✅ Find the clarity and confidence to move forward This is the same process we teach inside our Book Writing Lab workshop — and it's helped so many Christian writers finally get unstuck and finish their books. You don't need to write your entire life story. You just need to start with one message you've lived. 🎯 Ready for even more clarity? Join us in the Book Writing Lab: https://bookwritinglab.com

Still waiting for clarity? Maybe it's waiting on you. If you've been spinning your wheels trying to choose the perfect book idea, here's the truth: it's not about finding the flawless starting point. It's about obeying the nudge God already gave you and moving forward in faith. If you're stuck in overthinking mode, paralyzed by the fear of choosing wrong — this is your invitation to start simple, start small, and start now. Join us inside Christian Book Academy and take the next faithful step toward finishing your book at https://ChristianBookAcademy.com  

Most Christian writers think "longer = better." But the data — and reader behavior — tell a completely different story. In this episode, I'll show you why shorter books not only get finished but also sell. You'll see the Amazon strategy behind it, how readers behave, and what's working inside Christian Book Academy right now. Want help finally finishing and publishing your book? Join us inside https://ChristianBookAcademy.com

Persistent Pests "Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!" ‭‭Song of Songs‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭ These little foxes aren't yet fully grown. Nobody would think a cuddly little fox would be dangerous to have around. They love nothing better than to eat the young grapes before they come out fully. Thus, they wreak havoc on the vines of our walk with the Lord.  Let's mention 5 of the "little foxes" or persistent pests that ruin some of our fruitful writing before it's fully ripened… 1.) Sensitiveness or easily offended. It can be a small chip on our shoulder but flare up if we're not given the respect we desire. It can stifle our creativity in writing and dry up the flow of the Spirit. Pray that we can have the mind and humility of Christ. 2.) Laziness. Too lazy to dig into the Word. Too lazy to spend time in prayer. This also leaks into our writing. The Kingdom Writer cannot afford to compromise in these areas if we expect eternal impact. There's a cost to those things and also a great reward.  3.) Living in regret. The most powerful 3 words in history were uttered by Jesus while hanging on the cross, "It is finished!" Regret sucks the life out of us and keeps us from moving forward in all that God has for us.  4.) Distraction. Causes us to go down rabbit trails. Social media is the major distraction of our day. One writer calls it "nuggets of nothingness." Before we know it, we've wasted 1-2 hours with nothing to show for it.  5.) Busyness. We fill up our days and weeks with good things. But somehow we fail to set aside scheduled writing blocks. Or when we do, it can easily be cancelled and replaced by something else. It's not treated as a priority. The only way to handle these "little foxes" is to kill them. If we don't, our sweetest, most fruitful writing, like vine-ripened grapes, will not materialize. Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Compassion Makes a Difference When does compassion matter most? It's when it's least deserved. Jesus showed us what it means to have compassion and what difference it makes in the world and for eternity. This is your friendly reminder to be more intentional about viewing the world with a compassionate heart. It makes a difference. Dak Frederick is an Author Success Coach and has spent hundreds of hours helping writers reach their goals. His clients describe him as patient, humble, and deeply invested in their success. Beyond writing, Dak is a singer and musician who enjoys playing the piano and guitar. He's been joyfully married for almost fourteen years and is a proud father to two girls. Dak is a Retired U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant. He holds a Master's in Counseling from Liberty University, a Bachelor's in Communication from Ashford University, as well as Digital Marketing Certificates from eCornell University. You can connect with him at: www.empoweredtopublish.com Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Dying to Ourselves How would you answer this question if God asked you… "If I should hand you a silver platter with one item, what would you like?" Perhaps the best answer: "Give me your will for my life, O God, with this, there is nothing more." S.D. Gordon relates a similar experience, "I sometimes thought, what if God were to say to me: 'I want to give you something as special as a love-gift; an extra because I love you: what would you like to have?' Do you know what I thought I would say? 'Dear God, you choose. I choose what You choose.' An example of me asking Shelley where she would like to eat. Sometimes she responds, "You choose, I have decision fatigue." 😂 "He walked away, about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood." - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭ Christ died in Gethsemane before He ever died on the cross. Have you been to Gethsemane?  As you and I die to ourselves, our own plans, our own agenda, our own ideas of how our books will turn out, we allow our Father's will to take place. The Kingdom writer is willing to die long before they take their last breath. Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Ambassadors for Christ What does being an ambassador for Christ involve? Debra L. Butterfield shows the comparison between a US ambassador and an ambassador for Christ. She outlines the purpose and duties to give us a bigger picture of our work for the Lord. God has given us each a unique message to share with the world as His ambassadors. Bio: Debra L. Butterfield is the author of eleven books, a freelance editor, former editorial director of CrossRiver Media Group, and a former copywriter for Focus on the Family. https://www.themotivationaleditor.com/   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Clinging John 20:11-23 Luke 8:2  Jesus' words to Mary, "Do not cling to me," were not a rebuke; rather, they were a comfort that He would be around for a little while longer. Mary's response to Jesus offers us an opportunity to consider whether we really love Jesus. Are His death and resurrection just historical facts to us? Or, like Mary, do we love Him enough to cling to Him and then fulfill the tasks He has given us? Isn't it beautiful that the very first person to whom Jesus chooses to appear is not Pilate, not the chief priest, nor Peter or one of the other men, but to a weeping woman with a shady past? And isn't it exquisite that His first words are not a proclamation of power but a simple, pastoral, and playful question: 'Why are you crying?' Mary Magdalene has been referred to as the first apostle to the apostles.  Imagine yourself in that room. How do you feel as Jesus appears? He breaks through locked doors to be with us. He commissions us as His apostles as if we'd never let Him down. He breathes on us and says, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' Closing prayer:  Holy Spirit, breathing deeply now, I receive You joyfully. I relinquish my sense of inadequacy and receive again Your commission to go out through these locked doors, to proclaim that You live, to make disciples, and even to forgive their sins in Your name. 
Amen.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.

Called When did you first feel the nudge to write? Since then, have you ever asked yourself these questions… Am I really called to write? Did I hear God wrong? There are so many other gifted writers out there already. Why should I even bother? God does not limit His message to a select few. We each offer something unique because we are created uniquely in His image. Four Things that confirm our calling to write: 1.) We have a story to share with others. "Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭66‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬ 2.) The words we write are a light that shines for Christ. "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ 3.) The words we write can outlive us and impact those who come behind us. "Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord." ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭18‬ ‭NLT‬ 4.) There will simply never be enough books written that seek to magnify Jesus. The market cannot be too flooded or saturated with books that lift up Jesus. "Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written." - John‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book, we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.  

Expert Edition - Five Clear Indicators it's Time to Quit and Start Fresh Knowing when it's time to quit a venture can be tough to determine. In this episode I'll share how to know when it's time to say goodbye to a season via 5 clear indicators. If you're contemplating a pivotal shift or quitting something to start something new, this episode is for you. My freebie is the Next Steps Chapter & Journaling Guide Paid offer: My book, Empty Nest Awakening; Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose   About the Author Ruthie Gray is a wife, Gigi, and author, and hosts retreats for empty nest entrepreneurs to determine their next steps in business. Her hobbies include Florida beach walks, RV-ing with hubby, and singing '70's tunes in the pool. Ruthie hosts her own podcast, is the author of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose, and contributor for the compilation, This Reimagined Empty Nest. Connect with her on Instagram or her website at ruthiegray.com   Website: ruthiegray.com Newsletter download: The Peaceful Mom Collection Instagram: ruthie_gray_author Podcast Recording: 5 Clear Indicators it's Time to Quit and Start Fresh  

Forever Friends A forever friend is someone who is a close and important part of your life, and with whom you share a deep connection.   Characteristics of a forever friend: - Unconditional acceptance: They accept you for who you are, and don't judge you  - Support: They help you through difficult times, and encourage you to love yourself & others.    - Communication: You share your thoughts and feelings with each other  - Conflict resolution: You work together to resolve conflicts and talk about sensitive topics.  Isaiah 41:8-10 V. 8 referenced in James 2:23 John 15:13-16 Implications of this for us as Kingdom Writers David & Jonathan's Forever Friendship 1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 2 Samuel 1:25-26  The Robe  Jonathan gave David his robe to symbolize that he was giving David the right to succeed him to the throne.  The Sword  Jonathan gave David his sword to symbolize that he was entrusting David with his authority and means of defense.  The Bow  Jonathan gave David his bow to symbolize that he recognized David's role as a warrior chosen by God.  The Belt  Jonathan gave David his belt to symbolize that he was equipping David for the challenges ahead.  Jonathan's actions also showed that he loved David as his own soul. He took the initiative to establish a foundation for their relationship.   Resources: If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you.  1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing. Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.   2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes If over the last year, you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally, feel confident that you will actually finish your book. Get started now for just $27 3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally, ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book. Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST) Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.