Today’s post is going to be a bit different than what I would normally write. I feel like I traditionally share home, fashion, and travel content on here. And every once in a blue moon I’ll get a bit more personal and deep. Today is one of those days! I am finally putting in writing that I am in the beginning stages of writing a 30-day devotional!
Some of you may know that I have a strong Christian faith. I grew up spending most of my education in private Christian schooling, and then finished my high school career in Catholic education. I grew up going to a non-denominational church and spending each Sunday and Wednesday night there. My family helped a lot with Vacation Bible School, I was involved in youth group, and I even served as a mentor to middle school kids when I was in high school.
As it’s happened with many people in my generation, we tend to stop attending church – which is something I’ve fallen guilty of over the years. I think as we get older we’re more aware of our surroundings and perhaps the not-so-Christ-like things that happen behind the church doors. People you grew up seeing at church now have a different side to them and things just get much clearer in that sense.
Now, I will say what I have NOT done is stray from God. Many people as they age tend to steer from religion altogether, but that hasn’t been the case for me. Someone once told me, “Church is like a garage. Just because you don’t have a garage doesn’t mean you don’t have a car. And just because you don’t have a church doesn’t mean you don’t have a relationship with God.” Some people may disagree with that statement, but I believe it to be true! At the end of the day I am open to physically attending a church again, it would just have to be the right one.
Over my life I’ve wondered what God would call me to do. Because honestly, I’m not sure if I had ever felt that feeling. I’ve read countless devotionals over the years, some much more enjoyable than others. One thing I’ve noticed is that I really enjoy devotionals that have a theme of some kind. And I’m not talking about the theme being “hope” or “love” – while those certainly have a place in my life as well.
I’m more thinking of a series of Disney devotionals I read by Albert Thweatt. He has three devotional books under his belt – and 100 days – and I’ve read each one cover-to-cover. I think the idea of using something that is a hobby or Worldly interest of mine, like Disney, and combining that with faith is such a great idea. It keeps people interested. And to be honest, many other devotionals I’ve read feel like I’m reading the same thing over and over again!
Over a year ago I got this idea on my heart and mine to write a devotional that my audience may enjoy, as well as others (hopefully). I got the desire to write The Preppy Devotional (title still pending *wink*). I thought I could write a 30-day devotional, with each day inspired my something different; hydrangeas, sailing, etc. And I’d have each day accompanied by demure watercolor art. The idea is to relate the themes, attributes, or fun facts of each item or thing to the Bible.
I’ve had this idea in my mind for so long, and it is not going away. So that is telling me God wants me to do it, and he won’t let me forget. I’ve been going through a lot in my life as of late, and I’ve felt a pull toward this project. That being said, a few weeks ago I started my research and getting an outline underway.
While this will likely just be a e-book of some kind, I’m still excited to go through this process. I’m posting this here to keep me accountable and committed. I’ve put it out to the world, so now I have to make it happen!
Thanks for being on this journey with me.
xoxo
Jayme
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