Do you ever feel like the world is a noisy place?  It’s like you step outside (or more like look at your phone) only to be bombarded with shouts and unrealistic expectations of who you should be. Maybe it sounds like, “I’m 30. I should be a mom by now.” Or maybe it’s, “Wow. She looks so good for her age.  I need to start exercising more.”  I think they sound a little different for each of us, but they are there – often much more noticeable than the whispers of the King telling us who we really are and what He expects from us.

the theme

In the first issue of By Design we’ll be unpacking some of the lies that are clouding the way we see ourselves by looking at biblical truths about who we are in Christ. Throughout the journal you’ll find eight devotional entries centered on affirming truths regarding your identity in Christ.  You are worthy.  You are capable.  You are secure.  You are Fathered.  You are made whole in Christ because He gave His life for you.

As you read through each devotional, take your time. Invite Jesus to meet you in that quiet time and ask Him to reveal to you anything He wants to bring to light.  It is our hope that as you read through the very personal stories these devotionals include that you’ll remember we’re all human, and that there are so many situations in which we can connect. Questions at the end of each devotional are designed to stretch you, and to help you dive deeper in your relationship with Christ.

what will be included

In addition to the devotional entries you’ll find articles by guest contributors sharing how they are discovering their true identity and drowning out the shouts of the world.  Andrea Fontana introduces us to her Redefining Beauty Campaign in which she pushes past the superficial stereotypes of being a makeup artist and instead encourages her clients to be comfortable in their own skin. Emily Griffis and Felicia Thornton both share their very personal journeys with infertility and what God has revealed to them about His goodness through their experiences.  Photographer Carly Beard talks honestly about her struggles with comparison, particularly the pressures of social media. The lineup is so good. So relatable.  

our prayer for you

We hope that with each page you feel encouraged, connected and challenged to lean into what God may be trying to say to you. Use the hand lettering practice sheets as an activity to help quiet your soul and invite Him into your space.  There are a couple hand lettered prints sprinkled throughout the pages of the journal – they were designed with the intent of you tearing them out and posting them in places as a reminder of what God’s working on in you currently.  Feel free to reach out to us – to share your testimonies; we want to hear from you! Seek the Father’s heart, challenge your thought processes and connect with others who will uplift and encourage you!

This is our prayer for you as you flip through the pages of the very first issue of By Design:

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

info about pre-ordering

Spring 2020, Issue No. 1 will be available for pre-order beginning Monday, April 13. Those who pre-order will receive an exclusive BONUS devotional and hand-lettered print! If you want to join the list and be notified the moment it goes live, you can do so by clicking the button below!