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.

You don’t need a full memoir to make an eternal impact.

In the Tiny Testimony Book Workshop, you’ll prayerfully choose the part of your story God is leading you to share, create a simple 6-chapter outline, and begin writing a short book that brings hope and healing to others—without overwhelm.

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.

Expert Edition - Harness the Power of Prewriting and Brainstorming

Ever stare at a blank page, wondering where to start? You’re not alone! Before the words start flowing, the real magic happens in the pre-writing and brainstorming phase. In this episode, we’re diving into powerful strategies to spark creativity, organize your thoughts, and build a strong foundation for your writing—without the overwhelm.

I’ll walk you through practical techniques like journaling, free-writing, mind mapping, and the “book sketch” method to help you move from scattered ideas to a clear, inspired vision. Whether you’re writing a book, blog, or devotional, these tools will bring clarity, confidence, and consistency to your writing process.

stephanie@butterfly-beginnings.com : Email me with the subject "transformation tale" to receive your copy of the transformation tale with a pre-filled example.

https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemillercoach/ : DM me "transformation tale" to get your copy!

https://www.butterfly-beginnings.com/freebie grab the guide to stop self-sabotaging your writing life!

About the Author

Stephanie Miller is a multi-published author, speaker, and certified Spiritual Growth Coach and Writing Coach with a heart for inspiring Christian women to reach their full potential. She regularly teaches workshops, speaks at events and has been featured on over 50 podcasts (and counting). Previous published works include The Butterfly Blueprint and several multi-author books. Through her coaching, she has helped many aspiring writers overcome their fears and develop their craft while also growing in their faith.

Stephanie enjoys indulging her creative side with painting watercolor and staying active by chasing her three young children around. She and her family live outside of Nashville, Tennessee, along with their two mini-goldendoodles. Connect with her at www.butterfly-beginnings.com, stephanie@butterfly-beginnings.com, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook @stephaniemillercoach.