Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

In a season marked by uncertainty, Dot and Cara refocus today on the truth that Jesus is not up for election—He is King, sovereign over all. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 7:14-15, they discuss the responsibility we have as Christians to both pray and participate in the political process. Dot and Cara remind us that while we seek the best for our country, we ultimately look to God for guidance, peace, and hope beyond any earthly power. Join them in a prayer for our nation and reflect on how, even in times of fear, we can trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness. Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, and let’s pray for our country  together.

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 2 Chronicles 7:14-015 (0:14)
• Jesus is not up for election this year. He is already King and He is sovereign. (6:05)
• Participating in the political process affects the lives our children and grandchildren will lead in this nation. (7:30)
• As a Christian, we have the right and the privilege to pray and also vote. (10:30)
• Praying for our nation reminds us God is in control and calms our fears. (15:40) 
• When evil was rampant in the Old Testament, it was when all the people determined they could decide right from wrong in their own hearts. (18:00)
• If we are looking to a country or a political party to give us the life we have imagined, we are mistaken. (20:30)
• We have rights and responsibilities while we are passing through. (22:00)
• Enter into a conversation with Jesus about what’s going on in our world. (24:00)
• There’s a lot of fear surrounding the election, that’s why you pray. (25:45)
• We don’t know what God is doing, we just know that He’s good. (27:45) 
• Join Dot and Cara in a prayer for our nation. (30:55)

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

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Scripture Verse: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.”

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we can connect with God because it aligns our hearts with His. In this episode, Dot shares practical tips to encourage your prayer life, from setting aside intentional time, to praying Scripture and journaling. She reminds us that prayer is about being honest and real with God, no matter where you are on your journey. Grab your Bible, start by writing down Romans 8:14-16, and join us as we dive into the beauty and power of connecting with God through prayer.

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 8:14-16 (0:14)
• Prayer is powerful, but it’s not a weapon used to manipulate God (3:36)
• Prayer is powerful because we are aligning our will with God’s (6:30)
• We pray as children of God, in the Spirit and in the Truth (9:17)
• Unanswered prayers provide an opportunity for us to say, ‘I’m going to stick with you, God’ (14:08) 
• There’s no wrong way to pray if you are a child of God (16:15)
• Jesus died so that we could enter into the presence of a holy God and talk with him, it’s sad that we don’t (23:30)
• Setting aside specific time to pray can be helpful if you are new to prayer (25:10)
• You can pray the prayers we find in the Bible and personalize them (30:14)
• Journaling our prayers is a way to remind us of what God has done (32:45)
• Praise music is another way to pray. Don’t just listen, take the lyrics and pray them. (35:44)
• It’s okay if you don’t know what to say. Start by sitting there and saying hello. (38:00)

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

Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

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Scripture Verse: Romans 8:14-16 “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”

What does it mean to have faith when we pray? Today Dot and Cara discuss the difference between faith and belief, reminding us that prayer isn’t about treating God like a vending machine, but about aligning our hearts with His will. Rooted in Mark 11:22-24, this conversation unpacks how prayer can change our perspective, deepen our relationship with God, and help us navigate doubt. Whether you feel strong in your prayer life or are still working through uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to keep pressing in. Grab your Bible and join us for a powerful discussion!

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 Mark 11:22-24 (0:14)
• We can’t take this verse out of context and treat God like a vending machine (4:00)
• Faith and belief are not the same thing (5:20)
• If you don’t have a right view of God, your prayer life probably isn’t consistent (12:35)
• Prayer can change our mindset and align our will to His (14:30) 
• Prayer shifts our focus and reminds us we are not God (24:30)
• Jesus intercedes with the Father on our behalf (32:00)
• Jesus prepared for 30 years for a 3 year ministry. We don’t always understand what God is preparing us for. (31:45)
• We can be real with our doubt in prayer. (41:00)

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

Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

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Scripture Verse: Mark 11:22-24 “And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”

Why should we pray? In this episode, Dot and Cara explore the discipline of prayer as a pathway to intimacy with God. They discuss the common barriers to prayer, why Jesus Himself sought prayer time, and how prayer is as simple as turning every thought into conversation with God. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or struggling to make time to pray, this episode will encourage you to keep the conversation with God going. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in with us as we uncover the purpose of prayer.

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 Philippians 4:6 (0:14)
• Prayer is a conversation between you and God (2:50)
• What are some of the reasons we don’t pray? (4:00)
• Prayer helps grow our intimacy with God (7:30)
• Jesus didn’t have to pray, Jesus wanted to pray (10:27)
• Turning all your thoughts into a conversation with God is a pathway to prayer  (15:15)
• Prayer humbles us and reminds us we are not God (21:00) 
• Prayer is probably the most important thing a Jesus follower can do (26:00)
• Waking early allows intimate prayer time with God before the day begins (29:00)
• Prayer is a fruit of obedience (31:45)
• We can talk to God about things we can’t say to anyone else (33:15)
• Prayer will deepen your relationship with God (37:30)

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 

What does it mean to know the heart of God? In today’s episode, Dot and Cara unpack the beauty of Matthew 11:28-29, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. They discuss how understanding God’s heart through His Word shapes how we walk through life’s challenges. Ultimately, God doesn’t just act out of love—He is love, and nothing can stop Him from loving you. Grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, and lean into this encouraging conversation.

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 11:28-29 (0:14)
• In this verses, Jesus is contrasting Himself with the Pharisees (1:45)
• God has revealed Himself to us through Jesus (6:50)
• The only way you can know the heart of God is through the Word of God (9:53)
• How you see God affects how you walk through every situation in life (13:20)
• It’s hard for us not to bring God down to our human level (19:25)
• We have to know the heart of God in order to trust Him (21:00) 
• Satan wants to sows seeds of doubt in our hearts about God’s goodness (23:21)
• We do things out of love, God does things because He is love (30:24)
• You can’t keep God from loving you, because that’s who He is (31:20)

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

Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

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What does it really mean to be a child of God? Dot and Cara explore this profound truth through Galatians 2:20, reflecting on the freedom it brings from shame over our past and fear of the future. Join us as we move from head knowledge to a deeper, heart-level understanding of living in this truth. Bring your Bible and coffee, and settle in for a conversation that could shift how you see yourself in Christ.

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 Galatians 2:20 (0:14)
• This verse brought Dot encouragement and freedom in a dark season (1:33)
• Dot she questioned her identity as a young mom (5:07)
• Our identity is that we are children of God (6:36)
• There’s a difference between head knowledge and emotional understanding (11:25)
• From understanding we are children of God, we can move out into our calling  (14:30)
• We are not defined by our past (15:05) 
• People with low self-image are actually struggling with pride (25:12)
• When we begin to understand who God is, saying ‘I am a child of God’ carries weight (29:30)
• There’s a difference between self-knowledge and self-acceptance (36:14)

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

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Scripture Verse: Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Jacob’s life takes a dramatic turn when he wrestles with God in Genesis 32:24-28. In this episode, Dot and Cara unpack this transformative moment, reflecting on God’s ability to use even the most broken people for His purposes. Together, they reflect on how Jacob’s tenacity in never letting go, even in dark places, is a quality we can all learn from. Grab your Bible, a cup of coffee, and lean into the conversation with 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 32:24-28 (0:14)
• Cara struggled to understand God’s choice of Jacob because of his manipulative nature (2:16)
• Dot is encouraged that God can use someone as broken as Jacob (7:08)
• One of Jacob’s  great redeeming qualities is that he never “lets go” (8:53)
• We’ve all had to wrestle with God at some point (17:46)
• Jacob is in a dark place when he wrestles with God (20:45)
• Jacob had a limp as a physical reminder of his wrestling with God (24:03) 
• What’s the quality or characteristic God has given you that He wants you to use for him? (26:16)
• God changes lives. He can make your weaknesses into something new and use you for His glory. (31:10)

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

Watch Write this Down! on YouTube

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Scripture Verse: Genesis 32:24-28 

Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Paul was fiercely committed to his beliefs, even when he was wrong. In this episode, Dot and Cara explore how God transformed Paul’s passion on the road to Damascus and used him in unexpected ways. From his boldness in Romans to his tenderness in 2 Timothy, Paul’s life is a powerful example of living on mission. Settle in with a cup of coffee and join us as we look at the life of Paul!

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 Philippians 3:3-8 (0:14)
• Paul was a go-getter who was determined to stamp out Christianity (2:26)
• That same passion turned toward making disciples once he became a believer (9:00)
• We see through Paul’s writings how he matures and is humbled (12:30)
• Peter was called to spread Gospel to the Jews, Paul was called to the Gentiles  (17:45)
• Why Cara loves Paul’s writing in the book of 2 Timothy (24:47)
• Paul exemplifies the life of a godly man (27:20) 
• Paul never lost sight of his purpose (32:40)

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

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“For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”

Today we’re looking at the life of Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples. Dot shares why Peter’s impulsive nature is endearing to her, while Cara shares why he exasperates her! As they explore Peter's relationship with Jesus, we’re reminded that, regardless of our past or present sins, Jesus welcomes us with open arms. So grab your Bible, turn to Luke 5, and join us as we spend some time with Peter.

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 5:1-6 (0:15)
• Who do you want to hear us talk about next? (1:37)
• Dot identifies with Peter more than any other disciple (2:01)
• Peter often speaks without thinking (5:25)
• Yes, Peter denied Christ, but he also died for him (8:20)
• Peter had such an intimate relationship with Jesus that he felt completely safe around him (14:57)
• Regardless of our sin, Jesus can use us to further His Kingdom (19:57)
• No matter our past or present sin, Jesus always wants us to run to Him (23:34)
• God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to be honest (29:32)

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

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Scripture Verse: Luke 5:1-6
Now it came about that while the multitude were pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret; and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them, and were washing their nets. And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the multitudes from the boat. And when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your bidding I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish; and their nets began to break.

Join us as we dive into the story of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' closest disciples. We’ll explore her transformation from a woman healed of seven demons to a devoted follower who stood by Jesus in his darkest moments, including the crucifixion and resurrection. As we reflect on her intimate relationship with Jesus, we'll consider what it means to remember and hold on to the ways Jesus has rescued us. Grab your Bible, a journal, and a cup of coffee, and let's journey together through her remarkable story.

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

• Start by writing down Luke 8:1-2 (0:14)
• Mary was from Magdalene, a small town not far from the Sea of Galilee (1:45)
• Which Mary are we talking about today? (2:45)
• We can learn gratitude from Mary (5:45)
• Scholars believe this Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume in Luke 7 (8:33)
• Mary never forgot what Jesus rescued her from (10:57)
• When Mary meets Jesus after his resurrection, we learn that things are going to be different now (13:15)
• Jesus is our friend, but as our Savior, that means life looks different. We have His power. (19:50)
• We can all desire to have a posture of gratitude like Mary for the way that Christ rescued us. (22:32)

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

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And it came about soon afterwards, that He began going about from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God; and the twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary also was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.