1. Can you tell us one thing what you learned while writing Journaling with Jesus?
While writing Journaling with Jesus, I learned to listen even closer to the Holy Spirit, trusting His leading to help me finish the book. I had actually started the book in 2008 but life got in the way. People kept asking me,"Carol, when are you going to finish the book?" When I sat down to finish the book, I read what I had written, including the outline. As I began to pick up where I had left off, that still, small voice led me in a different direction.
While writing Journaling with Jesus, I learned to listen even closer to the Holy Spirit, trusting His leading to help me finish the book. I had actually started the book in 2008 but life got in the way. People kept asking me,"Carol, when are you going to finish the book?" When I sat down to finish the book, I read what I had written, including the outline. As I began to pick up where I had left off, that still, small voice led me in a different direction.
2..How does your faith play into your writing?
Since November 2005, I have been writing a weekly faith-based column--approximately 515 words per week--that runs in 12 secular newspapers. I have learned to pray before I write. I invite the Holy Spirit in, trusting God to give me the words and to reach the people He wants me to reach, in the ways He knows best. I don't write until I pray. And while I may have an idea before I sit down to write, God sometimes directs me to write something else.
Since November 2005, I have been writing a weekly faith-based column--approximately 515 words per week--that runs in 12 secular newspapers. I have learned to pray before I write. I invite the Holy Spirit in, trusting God to give me the words and to reach the people He wants me to reach, in the ways He knows best. I don't write until I pray. And while I may have an idea before I sit down to write, God sometimes directs me to write something else.
3. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The number one thing I hope that readers will take away from Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God is that He wants a personal relationship with each of us. To develop any relationship, it requires quality time. Through giving Him the first fruits of your day by reading scripture and writing in a prayer journal, you will begin to have a more intimate relationship with Him. When this happens, a change begins to take place within you. Material things become less important. You will begin to desire more of Him in your life. As you spend time with Him, seeking His guidance and will for your life, you begin to trust Him more. Keeping a prayer journal has helped me to heal from past hurts, figure out who I am in Christ, and helped me to grow spiritually. I have learned that when you surrender your life to Him, the real adventure begins.
The number one thing I hope that readers will take away from Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God is that He wants a personal relationship with each of us. To develop any relationship, it requires quality time. Through giving Him the first fruits of your day by reading scripture and writing in a prayer journal, you will begin to have a more intimate relationship with Him. When this happens, a change begins to take place within you. Material things become less important. You will begin to desire more of Him in your life. As you spend time with Him, seeking His guidance and will for your life, you begin to trust Him more. Keeping a prayer journal has helped me to heal from past hurts, figure out who I am in Christ, and helped me to grow spiritually. I have learned that when you surrender your life to Him, the real adventure begins.
4. What is your favorite Bible verse?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6
5.If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for?
This is easy! If I were granted one wish, I would wish to meet Jesus face-to-face. I know I will someday but I can only imagine for now what it will be like.
This is easy! If I were granted one wish, I would wish to meet Jesus face-to-face. I know I will someday but I can only imagine for now what it will be like.
6.What is your favoeite book? Other than the Bible
Jesus Calling, a daily devotional by Sarah Young. If you have not used this devotional, I highly recommend it. The devotional is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader.
Jesus Calling, a daily devotional by Sarah Young. If you have not used this devotional, I highly recommend it. The devotional is written as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader.
7. Do you have a website or blog where readers can get your books?
My blog is http://www.carolaround.com/ and my book website is http://www.journalingwithjesus.com/. I just recently released a companion workbook called "The 40-Day Challenge." All of my books--I have four--can also be purchased through amazon.com
My blog is http://www.carolaround.com/ and my book website is http://www.journalingwithjesus.com/. I just recently released a companion workbook called "The 40-Day Challenge." All of my books--I have four--can also be purchased through amazon.com
Leave a comment for Carol and let her know
"Are you as close to God as you would like to be?" <*\\\\><
|
Excellent interview, Mary! I keep a prayer journal as Carol does. By writing in that journal I remember things more than if I don't write them down. Her book sounds wonderful, and the only she recommended for devotions. I'm going to check that one out too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletesounds like a great help book for people looking to get closer to Christ. thanks Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview with Carol. At the present time I don't Journal. I once had a prayer journal and wrote in it faithfully. A co-worker gave it to me when my husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I wrote in it from when he was first diagnosed until his death and after. It was a difficult time. I have since remarried and life is good. My desire is to draw ever closer to God.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile because my favorite Bible verses are, Proverbs 3:5-6. I quoted these scriptures to myself and out loud through my life's journey and they will be with me always.
Thanks Mary and Carol.
Blessings!
Judy
Judy, you are the WINNER, I will get your book in the mail right away! I think that you will enjoy this book very much!
DeleteCongrats!
Thanks Mary! I will be looking for it in the mail!
Deletevery nice review Mary.I have several verses on my heart,thanks for this review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful review,my heart is touched,thanks for allowing me to comment on your blog.
ReplyDeleteIts really nice to see reviews like this thanks,and my God bless you.
ReplyDeleteWould really like to win this book as I want to start prayer journaling and hoping this gives the instructions to start
ReplyDeleteThis would be a very good book to read and learn from.
ReplyDeleteThis would be something that I need. I have never done a prayer journal.
ReplyDeleteI recall more when I write things down in the journal than when I don't. Her book seems amazing, and it's the only one she suggested reading for devotions. I'll have a look at that one as well. Appreciate you sharing.
ReplyDeleteOnline deals at South Bend Clutches