Reframing Prayer: From Monologue to Dialogue

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Most of us treat prayer like a voicemail we’re leaving for a very busy person: we talk fast, hit the highlights, and hang up, hoping someone actually listens to the recording. We’ve been taught that prayer is something we do—a discipline to master or a box to check off a spiritual to-do list. But when the words run dry, and the checklist guilt sets in, prayer starts to feel less like a lifeline and more like a heavy lift.

What if we stopped trying to find the right words and started listening for them instead? The secret to a vibrant prayer life isn’t discovering a secret technique; it’s shifting the entire framework from a monologue to a dialogue. As we often say in Refining Ministry, it’s about moving past the mechanics and into the intimacy.

“It is not about mastering a technique. It’s about deepening your intimate relationship with God and finding a new level of conversing with Him.”

If you’ve ever felt “wordless,” or if your spiritual life feels more like a textbook study than a living relationship, it’s time to reframe the conversation. It’s time to Sit, Soak, and Saturate.

Here are three invitations to help you stop performing and start conversing.

1. The Invitation to Echo: The Bible is your prayer book. When you find yourself wordless or feeling like your prayers are flat, look to the authors of Scripture as your personal tutors.

How to do it: Don’t just read the words; inhabit them. Add your name.
The Echo: Let David’s raw cries in the Psalms become your cries. Let Paul’s infectious joy in his epistles become your joy.
The Result: Scripture navigates the conversation for you, providing the vocabulary for your heart’s deepest needs.

This may be the perfect avenue when you feel you cannot muster the words. Let God’s Word provide.

2. The Invitation to Converse: We often treat the Bible like a textbook to be studied rather than a conversation to be joined. Let your time in God’s Word open a door to having a conversation with Him.

The Cycle: God speaks through the Scripture. Breathe in His truth and exhale your prayer based on the Holy Spirit’s prompting.
Turn the Verse into a Response:
- Does it touch a wound? Turn it into a petition for healing.
- Does it show God’s glory? Turn it into an act of worship.
- Does it call for action? Ask for the strength to bring it to fruition.

Remember, the subject matter does not have to be only about you. Think about your friends, family, acquaintances, and the world itself. The realm is broad. Let the Bible direct your thoughts and prayer topics.

3. The Invitation to Focus: Let the Word define the topic. Scripture acts as a diagnostic tool, bringing to the surface what needs to be discussed with the Father. It prevents “squirrely” or distracted prayers by giving you a clear anchor.

When the Word reveals…	Turn your prayer toward…
Heavy Weights	Health, finances, or relationship struggles.
Recurring Sin	Confession and the power to “shake it.”
God’s Promises	Bold requests and spiritual battles.
His Character	Thankfulness and intentional adoration.

One of the primary habits we carry out through Refining Ministry is studying one chapter a week. Then, as we study the chapter in-depth throughout the week, the Holy Spirit usually brings one verse to light. It is this verse that directs our focus and opens the door to a conversation with God. We let this verse deepen our spiritual walk and become a part of our daily lives before rushing to the next chapter.

Christians often feel guilty for not doing all things every day: reading the daily devotional, having private Bible reading, spending time in prayer, etc. God doesn’t expect us to check all the boxes every day. He doesn’t want to be a checklist-He wants to be in a relationship with you. Walking hand in hand, doing life together.

SIT-SOAK-SATURATE your life one verse and one prayer at a time.

March 27, 2026 0

The Bible: An Invitation to Pray

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

As we reflect on our relationship with the Lord, we might ask, ‘How do I grow? How do I get closer to the heart of God?’ And we all know the common response, don’t we? Read your Bible and pray.

It’s a good answer. It’s a true answer. But if we are honest with ourselves… sometimes those two things feel like chores on a to-do list. We read the Word, then we close the book. Then we move to prayer, and sometimes… we stall.

Have you ever sat down to pray and felt—just for a second—a sense of ‘spiritual writer’s block’?

Have you ever felt like your prayers were repetitive, or dull, or wondered if you were doing it wrong? Maybe they feel like short-circuit prayers.

Have you ever felt like you were speaking into the air, reaching for words that just wouldn’t come?

What else comes to mind?

What if I told you that you don’t have to find the words? What if the words are already waiting for you? How would you feel if we said, “There is a sure way to pray in step with God?”

Dr. Phil Collins suggests that when we separate Bible reading and prayer, we miss a spark. But when we combine them—when we pray the Scriptures—our Bible reading becomes a conversation, and our prayer becomes an echo of God’s own voice.

Think of it this way: To pray the Scriptures is to anchor your heart to a specific text and let it navigate your conversation with the Father. You aren’t just reading history; you are breathing in His words and breathing them back out as your own.”

The Bible offers Prayer Invitations:

The Invitation to Echo: The Bible is a prayer book. From the raw, honest cries of the Psalms to the perfect structure of the Lord’s Prayer, these are your ‘tutors.’ When you don’t have the words, use theirs. Let David’s cry be your cry. Let Paul’s joy be your joy. This is the simplest way to let Scripture navigate your conversation with the LORD.

The Invitation to Converse: When reading a story or a parable, we often look for the lesson or main takeaway. Another thing we can add is looking for a person. Often, this is where you can make a connection. If a verse touches a wound, turn that thought into a petition. If a verse shows you God’s glory, turn it into worship. If a verse calls you to action, ask for the LORD to help you bring it to fruition. Let it be a cycle—He speaks, you respond.

The Invitation to Focus: God’s Word can help identify what to talk to Him about. Time reading and digesting Scripture is an opportunity to let the Bible work through you and direct your prayers. The passage may bring to light a specific weight on your heart for yourself, others, or the world. (health, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, finances, spiritual battles, and emotional matters.) It might shed a brighter light on an annoying sin you can’t seem to shake. God’s Word can ignite a spirit of thankfulness and a need to worship. When you let Scripture define the topic as you discover His promises, this is the perfect breeding ground for your prayer.

These three invitations are open doors to help us with our prayer life. They present ways to push through, not knowing what to say or feeling like our prayers are flat. Scripture allows us to echo God’s Words, invites us to spend time talking to the LORD, and directs our focus so our prayers aren’t squirrely.

Let God’s Word be your prayer guide.

March 25, 2026 1

PRAYER RETREAT: June 26-28, 2026

PRAYER IS… | An Intimate Weekend of Prayer Renewal

June 26–28, 2026 • Medicine Park, OK

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James4:8a

Escape to Medicine Park, Oklahoma, for a weekend dedicated to deepening your conversation with the Lord. Whether you are looking to refresh your spirit or completely redefine your prayer life, this is your invitation to encounter Him in renewed, creative ways alongside a community of women. Expect a weekend filled with:

Deep Connection: Growth in your relationship with the Father.
Creative Worship: Encountering Scripture and prayer in new formats.
Joyful Community: Plenty of fun and laughter.

Registration is open!

Individual: $210 (includes 4 meals)
“Better Together” Discount: $400 for two attendees when booked/paid together.
Space is limited. This small-group setting ensures a personalized, deep experience where every voice is heard and every soul is seen.

All-Inclusive Registration: $210 Registration

Your retreat experience includes:

Two nights of peaceful lodging in the Wichita Mountains. (2-4 to a room)
Four meals on-site.
All retreat materials and creative resources.

Note: Due to limited space, full payment is required to secure your spot. Registration is non-refundable after May 15th, but is fully transferable.

Meals: We will gather around the table for four shared meals:

Friday: Dinner
Saturday: Breakfast & Dinner (Lunch on your own)
Sunday: Breakfast

Bottled water and coffee are provided throughout the weekend. Refrigerator space is cozy, so please bring a small cooler for any personal perishables.

Packing List: Pack light, dress comfortably (casual is the rule), and don’t forget:

A Physical Bible (Let’s turn real pages together!)
A Small Gift: Something with spiritual or prayerful significance to you. (Think meaningful, not costly! Wrapping is optional.)
Personal Favorites: Your go-to snacks, specialty tea, or that specific coffee creamer you love. Snacks are not provided, but encouraged to bring and share.

Registration is open! Please use the QR code below to register:

Let’s refresh, relate, and redefine—together.

Questions? Send us an email: refiningjourney@gmail.com

March 12, 2026 0

The Toxic Inside: When the Contamination is You.

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

What comes to mind when you hear the words contaminated, filthiness, defilement, pollution, and toxic? For me, I immediately feel a call to action: find the Lysol, mask, gloves, solution, etc. Honestly, another initial response might be to find an escape route from the area under siege from the awful state.

But what if the thing contaminated is ME! Not exactly an item where I can separate from or run away from. What can I do? How can I cleanse myself? Where is the root cause? And the list continues as I ponder the solution.

In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul is very clear about contamination. The overall message is that this is a state we all find ourselves in. He looks at the condition from an internal and external lens.

The External (Flesh):

Externally, there is pollution all around affecting us. However, this is also our own fleshly actions, words, and habits. Ex: aftereffects of the tongue, “rotten/corrupt words” or digital/social distractions, or toxic complaining. This is where accountability can be applied.

The Internal (Spirit):

This is about our thoughts, motives, and “heart-squirrels.” It is my hot mess area where my mind squirrels onto things outside of God’s goodness, such as pride, envy, or malice. For me, it is the struggle between my heart and my head. It is a constant battle of staying focused, letting God lead, and getting out of the way. This is where the surrender can be applied.

When studying the entire chapter 7 in 2 Corinthians and then reflecting on the application, I began thinking about “finding a solution” for my contamination internally and externally. Let me share three takeaways:

I need cleansing, and I do not possess the independent power to do so. Thank goodness, true cleansing is God’s work. He promises us that we can receive purification through the efficacy of Christ’s blood and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Savior.

I must embrace sanctification. The Holy Spirit lives within me. The Spirit works inwardly to assist in the process of purification. It is about perseverance: staying on the right course and choosing to live under the authority of the Lord daily.

I can strive to do the opposite and find healthier habits. If I determine my “contaminants” and pair them with “opposing” virtues and spiritual disciplines, I can choke out the contaminants. This was an ah-ha moment for me.

Below is an example of embracing an opposing mindset. I pray this perspective helps you begin determining your own contaminants and finding a solution that you can embrace as well:

The Spiritual Decontamination Chart

Contaminant	The Opposing Virtue	The Practical Habit
*Worry*	Faith & Trust	*The Sacred Pause:* 60 seconds of silent gratitude.
*Pride*	Humility	*Anonymous Service:* Help someone without taking credit.
*Bitterness*	Forgiveness	*Prayer for Enemies:* Specifically name them in prayer.
*Lust/Gluttony*	Temperance	*Fasting:* Skip a meal or social media to reset.
*Deceit*	Truthfulness	*Evening Examination:* A 5-minute honesty audit.

Which of these ‘opposing habits’ do you need to lean into this week? Let’s encourage each other in the comments below.

March 7, 2026 0

LET LOVE LEAD!

…For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. ” 2 Corinthians 6:16b NIV

Hi friends! How is 2026 treating you so far? Can you believe we are already approaching March? Between the “winter” weather we’ve been having and the pace of the weeks, I’m honestly not even sure what season we’re in anymore!

For over a decade, February has served as my “six-month” check-in. Every August since 2013, I have been embracing life through a God Word (based on the book One Word). I take the entire month of August to reflect, listen, and give the Lord margin to direct my next 365 days.

Not all of these words have been “warm and fuzzy.” I remember having “Discipline” two years in a row—not exactly what I was hoping for, but exactly what I needed. This year’s word is FOCUS.

Since I began leaning into this word, I’ve realized something uncomfortable: my natural focus is often self-destructive. It’s easy to let my eyes drift toward the heavy things:

Troubles and hardships
Sleepless nights and opposition
Distorted truths and misunderstandings
Sickness, disappointment, and criticism

My focus can quickly become a downward spiral. However, God has been teaching me to shift my gaze. He is showing me how to FOCUS on what matters most—Him—rather than my circumstances.

Lately, through Refining Ministry, we’ve been walking through 1 and 2 Corinthians chapter by chapter. The Apostle Paul has become a masterclass for me in what “FOCUS” actually looks like.

Paul is the ultimate example of standing strong in hardship. His attention never wavered; he remained God’s active ambassador despite every trial. He is truly the poster child for the idea that your character is who you are on your worst day.

Three Simple (But Difficult) Words

A few weeks ago, I was wrestling with my God Word. I wasn’t quite sure how “FOCUS” was refining me to be more like Jesus. Then, the Holy Spirit laid three simple words on my heart:

LET LOVE LEAD.

I’ve quickly found that while the words are simple, the practice is not.

Paul knew how to let love lead. In 2 Corinthians 6 & 7, he reminds us that this kind of living is only possible through the Holy Spirit, through sincere love, and in the power of God. We cannot do it on our own. It brings to mind Jeremiah 31:33—the Lord has given us His Spirit, enabling us to live under His authority rather than our own impulses.

Where is Your Gaze? Are you struggling right now? Do you feel deflated or worthless? Maybe it’s impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel, or the voice of the enemy is overshadowing the truth of your purpose.

LET LOVE LEAD.

God loves you beyond measure. The Spirit of God lives within you. Call upon Him! The Lord’s command is simple: Love Him and Love Others. But He knows it isn’t easy.

Remember: Jesus died on the cross out of sincere love for those who mocked, spat upon, and killed Him. He rose again and defeated it all because of that great LOVE.

My six-month check-in has challenged me to a new standard:

When others despise me—love them anyway.
When people mock me—love them anyway.
When my circumstances are heartbreaking—keep an open heart.
When I am miserable in a situation—stay open to loving in the midst of strife.

Lord, help me focus on letting love lead—not just for the next six months of this “God Word,” but for a lifetime. May it change me completely for Your glory.

February 28, 2026 0

Scripture: From Reading to Rhythm

Have you ever sat down with your Bible, read a chapter, and realized five minutes later that you couldn’t remember a single word?

I’ve been there. For a long time, my personal reading time felt like surfing the waves—moving fast across the surface without ever knowing what was truly swimming underneath. I wanted a deeper connection, but if I’m being honest, I often sat down and thought, “Where do I even start?”

I didn’t need more information; I needed a framework. I longed for a way to reduce the friction of “study” and create a space where Scripture felt less like a textbook and more like a conversation.

Introducing the A.M.P.S. Method

That’s why I created the A.M.P.S. Bible Study Method. A.M.P.S. isn’t just an acronym; it’s a way to “crank up” your engagement with the Word. It’s designed to mirror the way we naturally learn and internalize truth—moving from initial attention to deep, life-altering saturation.

Whether you are a seasoned believer or picking up the Bible for the first time, this method provides the structure to move you from “skimming” to “dwelling.”

The Four Pillars of A.M.P.S.

A – Attention: We begin by pausing and preparing the soil of the heart. We read with purpose, noticing what the Holy Spirit highlights.
M – Meaning: We dive into the “meat”—the history, the original Greek and Hebrew terminology, and the full counsel of Scripture.
P – Perspective of God: This is the bridge to intimacy. We present our confusion and thoughts to the Father and ask for His clarity.
S – Saturation: We don’t just close the book and walk away. We ask for help to live it out, infusing His instructions into our daily lives.

More Than a Notebook: A Daily Ritual

The A.M.P.S. Bible Study Journal was built to be your companion in this process. In a world saturated with digital noise, there is something powerful about a physical space for dialogue and clarity.

A lined journal isn’t merely a notebook; it’s a personal space where your spiritual journey evolves. By using this framework, you remove the “decision fatigue” of study. You no longer have to wonder how to study; you simply step into the rhythm.

Are You Ready to Dive Deeper?

Stop surfing the surface and start exploring the depths. If you’re looking for a Bible study method that honors the original context while speaking directly to your heart, I invite you to start your A.M.P.S. journey today.

Grab your A.M.P.S. Journal

February 13, 2026 0

Can Scripture Shape My Prayers?

Have you ever sat down to pray and found yourself repeating the same three sentences? We’ve all been there. While God honors every sincere word, our prayer lives can sometimes feel like a dry well.

The remedy isn’t necessarily to “try harder,” but to change the source of our language. By letting Scripture guide our prayers, we move from a monologue of our own worries to a dialogue with the Living God. Drawing from insights in 1 Corinthians, here are three steps to help you transform your prayer life from the inside out.

1. Let Scripture Influence Your Prayer Life

Prayer is a dialogue with the Lord. Often, we bring our own agenda and forget the will of God when talking with the Father. Scripture provides the vocabulary, focus, and depth that our natural minds often lack.

As you read, don’t just look for information; look for a bridge to God.

Seek Illumination: Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to “turn the lights on” in the text.
Dig Deeper: Pay attention to the context. Why was Paul writing this to the Corinthians? Use different translations or cross-references to see how one truth connects to another.
The Golden Question: Ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here that should become my prayer?” If you read about God’s faithfulness in a trial, let your prayer be: “Lord, I thank You that You are faithful even when I am anxious.”

2. Read with Intentionality to Pray

It’s easy to read the Bible for study and pray for needs as two separate activities. The power happens when you merge them. Approach every passage ready to “pray it into action.”

For Yourself: If a verse mentions the “wisdom of God,” pray for that wisdom to navigate your specific work conflict or parenting struggle.
For Others: Instead of just praying “Lord, help my friend,” use the text. If you’re reading about the unity of the Body in 1 Corinthians 12, pray that your friend would feel their unique value in their local church.
For the World: Use the promises of God’s Kingdom to intercede for global issues. Pray that God’s will—as revealed in the Word—would be done on earth as it is in heaven.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit to Lead

At the end of the day, praying Scripture is an act of submission to a relationship with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct your conversation with the Lord as you digest Scripture. Allow your Bible reading to spur your prayers.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul reminds us that true power doesn’t come from “persuasive words of wisdom,” but from a “demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” Let this resonate with your prayer life. God is not longing for elaborate wording, but a simple, pure heart coming to Him to talk.

SO WHAT DOES THIS REALLY LOOK LIKE?

Practical Example: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 talks about growing in love. As you are reading this passage, you may feel a tugging at your heart for someone in your life that you may view as a “sandpaper person”. Immediately go to the Lord in prayer and use this verse to begin your conversation.

“Lord God, Your Word says love is patient and kind. I don’t always have this mindset. Transform my heart so I can show this same Christ-like love to (NAME). Help me see them the way you do, your child. Allow my heart to be filled with Your love so I can extend kindness and a patient spirit towards them…”

Moving From Page to Prayer

Learning to pray Scripture isn’t about mastering a new spiritual “skill”—it’s about deepening a relationship. You don’t need to be a scholar to start. All you need is an open Bible and a heart willing to say, “Lord, teach me to pray.”

As you begin to shift your prayers around Scripture, I pray you will find that your conversations with the Lord become more grounded in the Word and your spirit becomes more attuned to the voice of the Father.

February 10, 2026 0

The “staring contest” with your Bible ends today. 📖☕️

Photo by Karolina Grabowska http://www.kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

You know the feeling. You’ve carved out the time. You’ve got your favorite pen ready. You open to a random Psalm or maybe that one book in the Old Testament you haven’t touched in years…

And then you just stare.

Five minutes pass. You read a few verses, but your mind is already drifting to your grocery list or that email you forgot to send. You feel a twinge of guilt, sigh, and close the Book—feeling more disconnected than when you started.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have a “lack of faith” problem. You have a “lack of framework” problem.

I have been there. Just me, my Bible, and a blank notebook…I felt lost. I desired the “deep stuff.” I wanted so badly to hear God’s voice. But instead, I found myself reading the same paragraph three times because I couldn’t seem to get anything out of it.

Interacting with God’s Word is a skill that isn’t readily taught. Why? I have asked myself the same question. I have invested in many books, studies, articles, blogs, etc., trying to find the perfect method. What I have discovered is you don’t really need more words to read–you need tools to help you interact with God’s Word.

The Lord wants us to move past the ink on the page and into a personalized approach that connects with Him. It can be as simple as determining what and how you highlight text that gets you beyond the print. You see, much like a carpenter who needs the right equipment for the project, you need a Bible study framework that gives you confidence for a lifetime to carry out the purpose God has assigned you, and enhances your interaction with His Voice-the Bible.

I wrote Beyond Scripture Typography for this exact reason.

I wanted to create something that wasn’t just a “read-along,” but a “how-to.” It’s a 10-week guide designed to take the guesswork out of your daily walk. It covers:

Bible study tips that actually give your reading a purpose.
A personalized approach (because your walk with God shouldn’t look exactly like mine).
Hands-on experience so you aren’t just watching me study—you’re doing it yourself.

BONUS: You don’t have to do this alone. There is a small group aspect-the main areas are separated into a10-week approach with thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, making group discussion easy. There are even blog postings for every chapter in the book on this blog platform.

Are there 2-3 women in your life who want more depth in their personal Bible study? Invite them to join you.

Here is a blog posting over Chapter 2 you can view and share with others: https://refiningjourney.video.blog/2024/02/05/book-study-beyond-scriptural-typography-chapter-two/

You don’t need a seminary degree to have a deep, vibrant, and exciting relationship with the Word. You just need personalized tools to go beyond the typography. I can’t wait to hear how your “staring contests” turn into “encounters.”

BOOK LINK

February 7, 2026 0

Why “One Size Fits All” may be failing Your Faith?

Have you ever tried a “one-size-fits-all” version of something? Whether it’s a “universal” hat size or a generic meal plan, it rarely produces a five-star experience.

The same is true for our time with God. Many people argue that there is one “right” way to study the Bible. But God made each of us uniquely different—and that includes how we read, digest, and interact with text.

What is your Bible Study “Soul Style”?

We all connect differently. When you understand your “Soul Style,” Bible study stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like an encounter. Look at the options below—which one feels most like YOU?

Style	The Description	The “Vibe”
Option A: The Researcher	You love digging into original Greek/Hebrew roots, cross-references, and historical context.	A desk full of Lexicons and colored highlighters.
Option B: The Reflector	You love dwelling on who God is. You’d rather sit with one verse for an hour than read three chapters.	A peaceful nature scene and a quiet heart.
Option C: The Writer	You process your walk best when the pen hits the paper. If you don’t write it down, it doesn’t “stick.”	A beautiful open journal and a favorite pen.

Tell me in the comments: Are you an A, B, or C? (Or a mix of all three?) 👇

(I’m primarily a Reflector, but I’ve learned to embrace the depth of Researching and the clarity of Writing!)

Think about this: If you are a Researcher by nature, a 2-minute superficial devotional will feel like a tiny snack when your soul actually needs a five-course meal. If you are a Writer, trying to “just read” without a pen in hand will make you feel disconnected and distracted.

One of the biggest reasons we get stuck in our spiritual walk is that we are trying to use someone else’s roadmap. We try to copy a mentor or a friend, and when it doesn’t work for us, we feel like “bad Christians.” The truth? You aren’t a bad Christian. You just haven’t found your framework yet, and the enemy is trying to fight against you!

The Father created you with a specific purpose and a unique soul style. He wants you to find your own niche in connecting with Scripture.

It took me years to move away from the “one-size-fits-all” checklist that left me feeling flat and defeated. I had to learn how to build a method that fits who He made me to be.

In my study, Beyond Scripture Typography, I help you identify YOUR specific framework. I want to give you the discovery tools you need to stop guessing and start growing.

Ready to dive deeper? If you feel a tugging in your heart to find your own “Soul Style,” here is a sneak peek into Chapter 1: Beyond Scripture Typography: Chapter One Preview. It is a pathway to your personalized method of interacting with God’s Word.

Until we meet again…

February 6, 2026 0

When the “Devotional Checklist” Stops Working…

I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17

Have you ever followed a 365-day devotional? I love them!

They are wonderful “icebreakers” for the day. They give me that immediate pickup and a quick moment of encouragement that I might share with a friend later that day, on rare occasions.

My intention is always pure: I plan to grab my Bible later, full of sincere desire. I plan to read the entire chapter surrounding that daily verse. But if I’m being honest? My follow-through is often as limp as a soggy noodle.

The Hidden Guilt of the “Shallow Walk”: For a long time, I carried a hidden guilt. I was checking the box on my daily devotional, but I was just going through the motions. I was “doing” my quiet time, but it wasn’t “doing” anything to me.

Have you ever felt like that?

The root of my frustration was simple: I didn’t know how to study on my own. I would read a chapter of Scripture and—yikes!—immediately forget what I just read. How can that be? This is the living, breathing Word of God! Why wasn’t it sticking?

I had a deep, dark valley that changed everything!

I wanted to go BEYOND the short daily devotional. I wanted to move past empty reading and into what I can finally call “spiritual maturity.”

But that shift didn’t happen in a mountaintop moment. It took a rocky season in a deep valley—one that lasted over half a decade—for God to break my “checklist” habit and teach me how to truly feast on His Word.

So why am I writing this? What is my point? I’m sharing this because I want you to know that God sees your heart. He knows the frustration of the “shallow walk,” and He knows you crave more.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to keep reading the upcoming posts. I want to share more of my story and walk you through the transition from “mere daily moments” to full intimacy with the Lord. It’s about studying His Word with a different perspective and a new intentionality.

Come walk with me.

Dig Deeper: If you want to read more about moving past the “ink on the page,” check out this early post: Exceeding Text Elevation: More than Typography

Let’s Connect: I want to hear from you today. What is one word that describes your current spiritual season? (e.g., “Busy,” “Fulfilling,” “Dry,” “Lonely”) Drop your word in the comments. I’m reading every single one. 👇

February 4, 2026 0