Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

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Write this Down! with Dot Bowen episodes

  • Episode 203: Finding God in the Fallout

    Dot and Cara continue unpacking Genesis 3 in this second episode of our four-part series. This week, they dive into God’s questions to Adam and Eve: “Where are you?” and “Who told you that?” Together, they explore the power of asking ourselves these questions and discuss God’s end goal - restoring His relationship with Adam and Eve. If you’ve ever wrestled with lies that lead you away from God’s presence, grab your coffee and your journal and join us!

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Genesis 3:6-11 (0:13)
    • We, like Adam and Eve, try to hide from God in the most ridiculous places (6:15)
    • From Genesis 3 onwards, God and Satan are at war for humanity (18:00)
    • What is the significance of God asking, “Where are you?” (20:00)
    • “Who told you that?” is a hard question for us to answer (32:00)
    • If it’s leading you away from God, it’s not truth (36:00)
    • The problem is not necessarily the lie you heard, it’s that you’re believing it (39:00)
    • Satan’s intent is to come between you and God (45:00)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Genesis 3:6-11 “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.


    And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

    46 min
  • Episode 202: When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn

    Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee as we dive into Genesis 3! This week, Dot and Cara explore the origins of sin and reveal how the Enemy weaves doubt and confusion through half-truths and lies. Together, they discuss the subtle ways Satan erodes our trust in God and how we can stand firm in His truth. If you’re wrestling with questions about God’s goodness or seeking to draw closer to Him this year, this episode is for you!

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Genesis 3:1-5 (0:13)
    • This is Dot’s favorite chapter in the Bible (2:00)
    • When Satan entered the world, everything changed (4:08)
    • Acknowledging our sin is critical to getting on the path of forgiveness (10:45)
    • There’s a difference between condemnation and conviction (14:15)
    • Satan sets us up by getting us to focus on what we do not have (16:00)
    • Satan twists half-truths together with lies to deceive (24:00)
    • Satan is not really after us - he is at war with God (27:00)
    • God desires to restore our fellowship with Him as it was in the garden (30:20)
    • Satan is the master manipulator and he gets Eve to doubt God’s goodness (40:10)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 


    Scripture Verse: Genesis 3:1-5 “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You[a] shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
    49 min
  • Episode 201: Starting Fresh With One Word

    Happy New Year! In this episode, Dot and Cara talk about the concept of choosing a word of the year—a practice they never thought they’d embrace. They share personal stories about how their words for 2024 shaped their faith journeys. This conversation shows how a simple word, rooted in Scripture and prayer, can draw us closer to God and guide us through the year. Grab your Bible, and settle in as Dot and Cara encourage you to pray about your word for 2025.

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Psalm 19:14 (0:13)
    • The words Dot and Cara chose last year and how that played out (4:28)
    • Dot’s word for 2025  (11:08)
    • Cara’s process for choosing her word this year (16:05)
    • Dot almost chose the same word (19:19)
    • Pray and ask God if there’s something He wants you to hold onto this year? (23:44)
    • Cara’s word would pop up and remind her of the Lord’s presence with her  (25:16)
    • Let us know if you choose a word, we’d love to know what it is! (27:02)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Psalm 19:14 
    “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

    29 min
  • Episode 200: The Assurance of Things Hoped For

    This final episode of 2024 is a deeply personal conversation as Dot and Cara reflect on a year marked by challenges, growth, and their fight to hold on to hope. We’re looking at Romans 4:18-25 to be reminded of Abraham’s unwavering faith, even when circumstances seemed impossible and to renew our conviction to place our hope not in outcomes, but in God Himself. If you're feeling weary or uncertain, pull up a chair and join us—because Jesus is Emmanuel, our hope in every season.

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Romans 4:18-25 (0:13)
    • This is our last conversation for 2024 (2:30)
    • When we struggle with hope, it’s because our eyes our fixed on circumstances (7:38)
    • Do you believe the promises God has made? (13:27)
    • If you believe something, but don’t live out that belief, what good is that? (20:01)
    • It’s okay to pray for very specific things (25:27)
    • Faith means holding on to the fact that God will, if it’s best for you (30:00)
    • Hope keeps your heart from becoming bitter and hard (38:00)
    • Either I believe God loves me or I don’t (40:18)
    • He loves me and wants a relationship with me and that is what gives me hope (42:00)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Romans 4:18-25
    “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”

    44 min
  • Episode 199: Perspective Changes Everything: Part 3

    As we wrap up our series on perspective, Dot and Cara share what it means to walk ‘in the light of the living.’ This episode invites us to reflect on how shifting our perspective can reveal the light of Jesus, even when darkness is all around. From practical steps to change your focus, to the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you see the light, Dot reminds us that living in the light is about Jesus, not our circumstances. Grab your Bible and a pen and settle in with us as we learn to live in the light today! 

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Psalm 56:13 (0:13)
    • The Christmas season and end of the year can highlight our lack of peace (2:23)
    • We get so used to the darkness, we don’t believe we can live in the light (7:00)
    • We have to choose to see the light (8:22)
    • Living in the light is about Jesus, not circumstances (10:12)
    • We have to have people around us who can help us see the light (15:14)
    • Your perspective can change moment to moment (23:00)
    • How do we actively change our perspective? (29:00)
    • Your eye is either full of light, or of darkness? What are you looking at? (32:26)
    • Dig deep where the Holy Spirit is and ask for the strength to endure and walk in the light (29:40)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Psalm 56:13 

    “For You have delivered my soul from death, 

    Indeed my feet from stumbling, 

    So that I may walk before God 

    In the light of the living.”

    35 min
  • Episode 198: Perspective Changes Everything (Part 2)

    Welcome to Part 2 of our mini-series on perspective! This week, Cara and Dot dive into Luke 11:34-36 to unpack the real meaning of darkness. They explore how darkness can take the form of lies, doubt, fear, and disbelief, and remind us of the Holy Spirit's role in teaching us what is right. If you haven’t yet, make sure to listen to Part 1 before starting this episode. Grab your Bible and join us as we learn what it means to desire God's light over darkness. 

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Luke 11:34-36 (0:14)
    • What’s the difference between this verse and Matthew’s version of it? (2:45)
    • We’re going to talk about darkness today (5:50)
    • Our eyes adjust to darkness eventually (8:15)
    • Darkness can be lies, doubt, fear, disbelief (11:45)
    • How can we know if we are walking in darkness unaware? (16:11)
    • It is the Holy Spirit’s job to show us what is right (18:46)
    • Was Eve’s desire for something God had said ‘no’ to sin? (21:24)
    • Satan wants our hearts latched onto the darkness (26:36)
    • We live in a world where right seems wrong, and wrong seems right (29:40)
    • it’s the  Holy Spirit’s job to show you what is right and it’s your job to choose it (39:19)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Luke 11: 34-36
    “The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is [
    a]clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.”
    40 min
  • Episode 197: Perspective Changes Everything

    Could changing your perspective change everything? In this episode, Cara and Dot explore the power of perspective and how seeing life through God's light can transform every part of our being—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As we enter a season that can be challenging for many, they offer encouragement on focusing on God’s truth to bring light into dark places. Join them as they dive into the power of shifting from darkness to light, especially in challenging seasons. 

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Matthew 6:22-23 (0:14)
    • There are two ways to look at things; through the lens of light or of darkness (4:09)
    • “We see things not as they are, but as we are.” (5:54)
    • We try to play God instead of going to God and asking Him what is really going on (14:50)
    • Only the Holy Spirit can tell us what is true (17:20) 
    • Choosing a healthy perspective is sometimes moment by moment (20:21)
    • If you are being tempted to focus on darkness, it’s ok to put a boundary up (31:30)
    • Go to God and pray, “Is what I am seeing real/true?” (33:40)
    • We approach things based on our limited perspective and knowledge (36:19)
    • There is danger in focusing so much on the dark that our eyes adjust and become comfortable in darkness. (38:19)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Matthew 6:22-23
    “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

    43 min
  • Episode 196: Hope in Hardship

    Grab your Bible and join Dot and Cara as they explore the life of Jeremiah. Known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah faced imprisonment and hardship because of his obedience to God. His story encourages us to remain faithful, no matter the cost. Don’t miss their discussion at the end about the often misinterpreted Jeremiah 29:11! We hope today’s episode reminds you that there is always hope, even in hardship.

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Jeremiah 3:11-15 (0:14)
    • God called Jeremiah to speak hard truths to the people he loved (3:29)
    • He is known as the weeping prophet, but he’s not a big downer! (5:05)
    • Although they are warned about judgment/punishment, there is hope (6:50)
    • How do you discern between true prophecy and false comforting words? (10:00) 
    • God is using the Babylonians, not making them ‘his people’ (14:39)
    • Jeremiah’s compassion for others is attractive in a spiritual sense (15:30)
    • Buying land in enemy territory shows how Jeremiah trusted God’s promises. (19:05)
    • Dig deep roots and live faithfully wherever we are, whatever season we’re in, even during hardships (21:42)
    • Jer. 29:11 is a promise about drawing near to God, not about what our future holds. (28:54)
    • In our darkest moments, we can feel that God is near, and that is enough. (33:16)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Jeremiah 3:11-15 
    “And the Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel has proved herself more righteous than treacherous Judah. Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say,

    ‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord;
    ‘I will not look upon you in anger.
    For I am gracious,’ declares the Lord;
    ‘I will not be angry forever.
    ‘Only acknowledge your iniquity, 

    That you have transgressed against the Lord your God 

    And have scattered your favors to the strangers under every green tree,
    And you have not obeyed My voice,’ declares the Lord. 

    ‘Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the Lord; 

    ‘For I am a master to you, 

    And I will take you one from a city and two from a family, 

    And I will bring you to Zion.’ 


    “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

    39 min
  • Episode 195: What Jesus Values Most

    In today’s episode, Dot and Cara dive into the character of Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus. They explore how easy it is to get caught up in doing things for Jesus while missing the opportunity to simply be with Jesus. Martha’s busyness led her to tell Jesus what to do, but Mary chose the better part—sitting at His feet and listening. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or anxious, it might be time to pause and ask, “Am I doing something Jesus hasn’t asked me to do?” Grab your Bible and a cup of coffee, and reflect with us on choosing what truly matters.

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Luke 10:38-42 (0:14)
    • Jesus isn’t picking on Martha in this story, He loves her. (4:30)
    • When Jesus visited someone, he came with a crowd. (6:30)
    • When we’re busy trying to do things for Jesus, it can be hard to hear Jesus. (10:00)
    • Pray, “God, I don’t want to miss you.” (14:54) 
    • Martha was distracted by her service. (16:50)
    • When we feel anxious and overwhelmed, it is usually because we are doing something He has not asked us to do (20:25)
    • Martha repeatedly tells Jesus what to do. (25:00)
    • If you are so busy telling Jesus what you know, you won’t pause to learn what He knows (31:00)
    • You have to spend time at the feet of Jesus to get through this life. (35:00) 


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Luke 10:38-42
    “Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

    41 min
  • Episode 194: Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Uncertain Times

    Pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and join Dot and Cara as they explore the powerful truth of God’s sovereignty. What does it mean for God to be in control, even when we don’t get the outcome we were hoping for? In this conversation, Dot and Cara discuss how we can trust God with the big picture, like elections, leadership, and our personal lives. Wherever you find yourself this week, remember: God is on His throne, and He is in control.

    Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! 


    Episode recap:

    • Start by writing down Daniel 4:31-32 (0:14)
    • The reason Daniel is in Babylon is because Jerusalem has just been conquered (2:50)
    • As believers, we should make a difference no matter who’s in power (6:40)
    • The intersection of free will and God’s sovereignty can trip people up (8:30)
    • We are concerned about candidates, God is concerned about our hearts (10:30) 
    • We put emphasis on outcomes, when a relationship is what God is after (18:00)
    • No matter who is in power, our God is in control (21:55)
    • No matter what happens in the election, you can rejoice (25:37)
    • Jesus is our anchor and he is our only hope (31:15)


    Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at [email protected].


    Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

    Find Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook 



    Scripture Verse: Daniel 4:31-32 “While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.’”

    32 min

About Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

From the publisher's feed

Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word.