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

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

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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

From Ink to Connection: Bible Reading Tips

Did you know that nearly 90% of American households own a Bible, yet less than 15% of people actually read it daily? (Source: American Bible Society, 2021).

That is a staggering gap. It leads to a question we don’t always want to answer out loud: How many Bibles are in your home right now… and how many are actually being opened?

Let’s be honest—for a long time, my Bible reading felt like “just looking at ink on paper.” Those letters (the typography) were there, but the intimate connection with God that I craved was missing. I was reading words, but I wasn’t hearing a Voice.

If we aren’t careful, Bible reading becomes just another box to check on a “to-do” list. We see the history, but we miss the Heart, His Heart.

It took me years to distinguish the difference between reading words and experiencing the Word. I wrote my latest study, Beyond Scripture Typography, so it doesn’t have to take you years. I want to help you move past the “ink on the page” and into a framework where you feel confident, capable, and connected every time you open your Bible.

CLICK HERE

Tell me in the comments:

What is the biggest thing that keeps you from opening your Bible daily? (No judgment here—we’re in this together!) 👇

February 3, 2026 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Eight

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Proverbs 8:33 (NIV)

Is perception everything? Psychologists would probably say it plays a large part in how we process information, yet it does not mean personal interpretation is always accurate. Remember, it is based on how we perceive. As we process information whether sensory and/or mentally, there are lots of factors that can sway our thinking.

For me, this word tends to be the root of many of my rubs in life. When the vision of any situation is one-sided and then forced upon another individual (who of course has a different point of view) it can ignite a problem. It is not always easy to see a different viewpoint because you do not have the same experiences, surroundings, background, processing mechanisms, etc. as the other person. However, we do have the option of humbling our self-centered thinking and opening our hearts to try and understand a different perception.

Now, let us turn our thoughts to Bible intake. El Shaddai, one attaining greater wisdom, wrote Scripture. He has an all-knowing angle with sincere-unflawed character and love. When we are reading, studying, and digging for meaning, it is normal to interpret based on personal perception. We naturally surrender to our insight or the thoughts of those we surround ourselves with daily. It takes intentionality and time to posture ourselves under the foreign mindset of the Lord.

Thoughts on gaining God’s Perspective:

Humble yourself under His authority every time you encounter His Word.
Rely on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom over your own understanding.
Place your thinking at the feet of the Father and seek His perception.
Take time to truly listen to His voice above all others.
Be open to see, hear, feel, and comprehend on a level beyond earthly life.
Pray, submit, ask, and expect wisdom.
Present yourself to the Lord with reverence, obedience, and gratitude.
Allow the Holy Spirit to revitalize your philosophies, customs, opinions, and beliefs.

Change is not easy and comprehending the Lord’s perception is a challenge because His character is far removed from our own innate being. Present your questions and thoughts to Him. Consider His ways and purposefully seek the perception of our great Father.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

March 25, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Five

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I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17 (NIV)

Framework…And does that mesh with Scripture study? As with anything the mind comprehends, the brain needs structure to organize the incoming information. Once we process context, we mentally filter and decide what is valuable enough to place in our memory bank as we build our schema around the topic.

So, you may be still asking, what does that have to do with God’s Word? Our understanding of the Bible requires a deciphering and configuring system for the vast array of wisdom found in Scripture. It furnishes a structure to consume the words of the Lord and establishes how we can approach, process, and absorb passages. Framework is an important tool to assist in comprehending the individualized message through God’s love story.

There are lots of options available: SOAP, TEXT, SOAK, POWER Inductive method, PRAISE, and the list goes on. If you would like to read more, here is a website highlighting a few: 27 Bible study methods for beginners and groups – The ultimate guide – The Faith Space The purpose behind each is to assist readers in pinpointing the essential knowledge and recognizing the significance for their life. It is not meant to complicate or hinder the process.

Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? Job 11:7 (ESV)

It is a system to enhance your time with God’s Word and permit you to grasp and comprehend Scripture easier. If you choose something too complex, the purpose become a moot point. Although it does take time to develop a muscle memory framework, the deciding factor should be based on the significant difference it can make on your life over time.

Everyone must find a framework to furnish them a way to deepen their understanding of Scripture and open a pathway to better communication with the Lord. The structure should not only simplify how to approach God’s Word, but challenge you in your spiritual growth. God wants us to explore the Bible to gain a greater understanding of His message and to know Him on a deeper level.

If you do not currently have a framework, I encourage you to read over some methods and start with one you feel you would benefit from using. If you do have a system in place, research other approaches and see if there is one new idea you could include periodically to avoid a stagnate engagement with the Bible.

I have been asked many times of what I would recommend. My suggestion is much like what Bible to buy—one that you will truly use. I rely on the AMPS approach presented in chapter five. This is a combination of various proven methods from humbling yourself before the Lord to inductively participating with Scripture. I found this extremely effective when I am working through the Bible chapter by chapter, but it is also relevant to any time when His Word is studied.

This has become my choice of framework for the following reasons:

It reminds me to posture my heart, mind, and soul under the authority of the trinity.
I tend to read Scripture with more intentionality and Holy Spirit vision.
This method reminds me to read the text in context and search for the meaning in Biblical times as well as the here and now.
AMPS prompts me to remember the text is living and God’s perspective should be my priority regardless.
The framework has given me a way to stay accountable for my actions.

I would encourage you to find your “skeleton diagram…to build your Bible intake actions and approaches while strengthening your relationship with the Father”. Pray about it and begin searching for your personal plan for Scripture study. It is the next step after determining why you want to engage with God’s Word. Let your desire generate your scaffolding. Once you find your platform, be ready for a new level of understanding with the Father and His Word. It will come with a great reward.

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 16:20 (ESV)

February 25, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Four

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I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)

Chapter four is entitled “Embracing Beyond” but exactly what does that mean? It could simply be an emotion of longing for more with little effort or it might be defined as an action filled with sweat and tears to fight like crazy to get to new heights. Like most things in life, the definition lies within the beholder.

In Ephesians, Paul expresses his thoughts regarding “embracing beyond.” He clearly illustrates the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Paul emphasizes this “beyond” is an action which takes a lot of time building rapport and intimacy with the Lord. He defines it as a lifestyle of gaining the full knowledge of the Lord by embracing a personal relationship.

Pastor Darren Dye of Freedom Fellowship Church in Canyon, Tx recently reiterated Paul’s primary point in Ephesians 1:17 when he made this statement from the pulpit, “When you agree with God’s Word, you invite the living power into your life.” Scripture opens the door to knowing about God, but when you go beyond and align your life with God’s ways, the relationship of knowing Him personally begins to blossom into a transformation of life like no other.

“The Lord wants you to know Him intensely, as He knows you.”

Our one-on-one experience with God is enhanced when we acknowledge and invite His presence. Each personal union with the Lord comes with its own uniqueness, beauty, and thorns. It is a commitment filled with daily habits and ways of the Lord so foreign to our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9) Often it requires us to:

Engage in conversation with God
Ask for spiritual wisdom
Be open to His insight
Invite Him into circumstances
Walk with Him minute by minute
Trust His understanding and timing
Posture ourselves under His influence
And the list goes on…

Under His authority, we must be calculated with our time and ignite our passion for God and His ways through our actions. God reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is up to us to determine our “beyond” and make the most of every opportunity to delight in the Lord with all that we are.

Chapter four is an extension of the Father’s invitation to come and partake in a relationship apart from what the world offers. For me, it was an opportunity to self-reflect on the main barrier holding me back-a gap in my daily conversation with God.

What might it be for you?

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees… Deut. 10:12-13 (NIV)

February 17, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter Two

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)

Have you ever feared something in your life? I know I have and compiling a list might be overwhelming. So, what is fear? It can be an emotion, or an action based on believing something or someone may be dangerous and/or cause pain. From my past experiences, I might add – it can raise your anxiety level because of what you feel is to come. Fear can also be a chance to respond by decelerating or igniting even more fear.

What do you think of when the word fear is spoken? What if I said fear could be a healthy thing?

The Bible often references fear word regarding the Lord.

Job 28:28b “. . .The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 “. . .Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the duty of all mankind.”

I have struggled with “Fear of the Lord” throughout my lifetime especially when I reflect on Proverbs 1:7 which clearly states, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. But as I have pressed into His Word and gained a greater appreciation for Scripture, I have come to realize fear of the Lord begins with accepting the fact that God is the only one who knows everything.

Fearing the Lord displays a healthy relationship with God. It is an action where we surrender to His authority not because we are forced to do so, but because we know He knows best. He expects us to keep an open mind to His advice and embrace His reproof. The Father is very clear about the outcome of those who follow Him and those who do not.

Romans 11:19-22 ESV Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off.

This verse gives us the knowledge of God’s position on following Him. He wants us to seek His wisdom and love His ways by being a lifetime learner. As a helpmate, He provided His very words, the Bible, to give us Godly counsel and instructions yet much like our salvation, the choice is ours.

We must believe Scripture is:

A living document assisting in engaging with God
A source of inspiration to change our perspective and actions
A guide to molding and shaping our lives to do His will
A window to knowing God’s character
Transformational, miraculous, powerful, set apart from all other text
A love story with us

Elevating biblical text necessitates work and a commitment to go BEYOND!

Fear-do you value God enough to understand the fear of the Lord? How deep is your awe and submission to the Father? Does His Word play a significant role in your life? To what lengths are you willing to go to make Scripture engagement a life-changing event in your life?

Chapter two of Beyond Scriptural Typography is entitled Exceeding Reasons. We each must find the exceeding reasons to embrace the fear of the Lord and why we would seek Biblical knowledge. The personal choice does come with the wisdom that “obtaining life-changing engagement skills with God’s Word is a refining process with a time factor attached.”

How will you spend your days ahead?

February 5, 2024 0

Book Study: Beyond Scriptural Typography, Chapter One

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For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

Welcome readers! This post begins a ten weeks study over a newly released book entitled, Beyond Scriptural Typography. It is designed to assist believers in personalizing their interactive framework with the Bible. In the introduction, the book refers to Scripture as “an open invitation to go beyond the charming print and a chance to experience the life-changing power…”. The book offers readers a chance to become better equipped in interacting with God’s Word no matter their level of spiritual maturity.

Pondering Revelations

As you ponder how many Bibles you own, how do you define the Bible? This week’s focal verse is Hebrews 4:12. The verse clearly refers to Scripture as the “word of God”. These words are often found in lyrics like a song by Mercy Me: Word of God speak, Would You pour down like rain, Washing my eyes to see Your majesty. To be still and know that You’re in this place. Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness-Word of God speak. The Bible is an intentional mode of communication established by the Lord to speak to each one of us. It is the very words of God.

We cannot deny the Bible is alive and active, more than print on a page, when we begin using it as a guide to daily living. Chapter one states:

“The potential elevation level of biblical print will always remain flat without action on our part.”

Scripture has transformational power ready and waiting as an invitation to ignite change throughout our lives. However, it is our choice to accept the welcoming welcome, surrender to it’s authority, and determine the depth of our interaction with God’s Word.

The Bible provides the knowledge that God lives among us, loves us, and longs for us to intimately know Him the way He knows us. He has full transparency of all that is within us, good, bad, and ugly, and yet loves us despite of it. The Lord has provided His Voice as spiritual food to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. It is a tool to obtaining intimacy, but we have to be in it’s presence-reading, studying, interacting, listening, relying, praying, and believing on it’s every word to experience the beauty of the relational instrument.

His Voice can ignite change throughout our lives as our reliance grows daily. Matthew 4:4 reminds us that every word from the Father helps us know right from wrong and gives us a roadmap to carry out His plans. As we accept His invitation to partake in Scripture, we have to ponder our actions. To what extreme are we willing to serve and seek? Can we be all in with a willing mind showcasing a wholehearted commitment? What are we willing to do to learn “how to truly read, study, and apply the Bible?”

Chapter One gives you the opportunity to reflect on your Bible intake and Scripture infusion. It presents a challenge to embrace the process of discovering new ways to engage with God’s Words as part of loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. (Deut. 6:5)

“No one innately arrives with the knowledge, skills, and experience to comprehend and digest God’s Word.”

If you envision yourself fully saturated with Scripture, intentionally leaving no room for the enemy to pull you away from God, this book is exactly where the Lord needs you to be. It is an opportunity to foster an individualized method to delight in His Word through defining the Bible’s value for you and obtaining practical methods to experience its active and living power.

Chapter One helps you reveal your current interaction with Scripture, gives you amp opportunities to ponder your unfiltered view and value of the Bible, and identify ways you need God’s Word to be a stronger beacon in your life. The chapter end with Psalm 119:105

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

I look forward to this book study the next ten weeks: a discovery to use God’s Word to navigate life.

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Scriptural-Typography-Genna-Stotts/dp/B0CCCVPVV6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PBOFUJ69LXUX&keywords=beyond+scriptural+typography+genna+stotts&qid=1706479815&sprefix=Beyond+Scriptural%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

January 28, 2024 1

BOOK REVIEW: Find Your Brave

Wagner, H. (2016). Find Your Brave. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press.

SUMMARY: Wagner bases the book upon Acts 27 and Paul’s encounter with a fierce storm while he is prisoner on a ship along with her own personal struggles in life to deliver a survival guide for followers of Christ. Her words are backed by Scripture. There are many ways suggested to approach and endure difficult times. Wagner gives readers practical steps in identifying a storm, how to discover the source of it, and how to handle each element.

The book directly addresses keeping God first and trusting in His power rather than your own. Wagner is very frank about ways to navigate your way through rough waters by discussing certain aspects such as hope, courage, and perseverance. She gives examples of how that is possible and how to grow in the power of the Lord. Wagner even provides Scriptures to speak over your situations in the back of the book along with group discussion questions if using the book in a small group setting.

My $.02: We all face hardship during our lives. I know when the 5 year pit came I was truly unprepared. However, from the experience was birthed Refining and the ministry God has placed in my hands today. I have read of countless others who have been given a struggle to bear witness to the miraculous power, love, and healing of God.

During the storm it is not always easy to know or carry out the survival skills based on biblical truth. Most of the time you are just trying to survive. This book gives readers great insight to the type of storm they are enduring and practical steps to handling life during and after the hardship. It is a good read for anyone but especially encouraging for anyone in the middle of a raging storm. I especially enjoyed the Scriptures given to pray over your situation. The book is worth every penny.

See what others have to say:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/27833541-find-your-brave

August 14, 2020 0