Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

In Part 2 of our forgiveness series, Cara and Dot explore the power of forgiveness by looking at Matthew 18:22-23. They discuss how anger and entitlement signal a lack of forgiveness and share ways to check your heart. Don’t miss Dot's compelling story at the end of the show highlighting the beauty of forgiveness. Grab your Bible and 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 Matthew 18:22-23  (0:14)
• Recap of last week’s episode (2:28)
• Anger and a sense of entitlement are symptoms of a lack of forgiveness (9:29)
• How can you check your heart to know if you’ve truly forgiven? (13:36)
• Anger subtly turns into bitterness if left unchecked (17:00)
• Demanding something from someone who does not see it is a symptom of unforgiveness (21:56)
• More symptoms of a lack of forgiveness (26:42)
• Forgiveness brings freedom (33:20)
• Dot shares a family story involving her parents’ deep forgiveness (39:02)
• God says forgive because He has a better plan for your life (45:58)

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

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Scripture Verse: Matthew 18:22-23 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.”

Today, Cara and Dot are kicking off a 3-part series on forgiveness. In this first conversation, they discuss the cost of forgiveness, the release it brings, and why it's a command for Christ followers. They explain why understanding forgiveness is crucial for followers of Jesus, as our salvation hinges on the fact that we have been forgiven. Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we dig into forgiveness, which has the power to change your life!

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 7:41-50  (0:14)
• Forgiveness has the power to change your life (3:58)
• As a follower of Jesus, you have to understand forgiveness because our salvation rests on the idea that we have been forgiven (5:45)
• Forgiveness is costly and it is commanded for Christ followers  (7:46)
• It is the release of the offender by the offended party (11:48)
• We can’t forgive others until we understand how much we’ve been forgiven (16:25)
• Being forgiven doesn’t mean you have no consequences (19:20)
• Forgiveness requires one person, relationship requires two (25:50)
• You have no excuse not to forgive (33:26)
• Forgiveness is a spiritual journey that requires the aid of the Spirit of God (39:00)

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: Luke 7:41-50  (NIV)

“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

In this episode, Dot and Cara explore how God uses our circumstances to conform us to the image of Jesus. They discuss the instinct to run from pain and how trials reveal areas where we are not yet Christlike. They highlight the importance of being honest with God, diligently applying Scripture, and trusting that God never wastes time or our experiences. When we face difficult seasons, we can rest in the truth that God works all things together for His glory and our good. Pull up a chair and join us for this heartfelt 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 Romans 8: 28-30  (0:14)
• When pain comes, our first reaction is to run (1:58)
• God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of Jesus, through all our circumstances (6:12)
• Our circumstances reveal the areas of our lives where we are not yet Christlike (8:01)
• God uses seasons of our lives to prepare us for what He is going to do  (15:25)
• Resting and trusting the Lord is “enough” - we don’t have to strive (20:18)
• How can God use a season of depression? (22:42)
• Be honest with God while you wait (27:14)
• Search Scripture for Truth and be diligent to apply it daily (30:11)
• God doesn’t waste time and He doesn’t waste circumstances (33:53)

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 8: 28-30 (NIV)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

Today Dot and Cara unpack a seeming contradiction: why are we told not to fear over and over in Scripture, but then commanded to “Fear the Lord”? By looking at the heart of what Jesus meant in Matthew 10:28, Dot explains the difference between these instructions and offers the beautiful encouragement that increasing our fear of the Lord will actually decrease our fear of man and of our circumstances. Settle in with a cup of coffee and join us for this quick 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 10:28  (0:14)
• Throughout Scripture, we are told not to fear over and over, but we are told to fear the Lord - how is that different? (2:01)
• “Fear of the Lord” means to reverence God (3:04)
• Fear is the opposite of peace - at its root is worry in our lives (4:10)
• Jesus instructs us not to be afraid of man (5:05)
• “Fear of the Lord” means an awareness of the holiness and the power of God (7:00)
• As we become more aware (in awe) of our Father in heaven, we will lose our fear of anything else (11:00)

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: Matthew 10:28

“And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Today we’re exploring the role of angels in Scripture, prompted by the question: do all angels have wings? We walk through the created purpose of angels and share examples of the different forms they take at different times throughout the Bible. Cara and Dot also reflect on the key difference between angels and humans. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this 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 Hebrews 1:14  (0:14)
• Do all angels have wings? What do they look like? (1:31)
• Angels are spiritual creatures, but they can take on physical form (2:51)
• Culture tends to depict angels as peaceful, sweet beings (5:15)
• Angels will have whatever form God tells them to have (9:45)
• Angels are lower in rank than humans, God sent Jesus to die and redeem humans (12:45)

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: Hebrews 1:14

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

We’re back with another question from a listener’s child: why does God describe Himself as a jealous God? Isn’t jealousy bad? In this quick Q&A, Dot and Cara walk through the difference between holy intent and selfish motivation together and Dot shares encouragement that we don’t have to know all the answers, just the One who does. Pour yourself a warm drink and join us for this 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 Exodus 20:5  (0:13)
• Why does God describe himself as a jealous God? Isn’t jealousy bad? (1:01)
• Our jealousy is usually because we think we are lacking something (3:04)
• God is jealous for our attention, because it’s what is best for us (4:45)
• God knows that jealousy will destroy us (7:12)
• How do you navigate these kinds of questions with a child? (9:55)
• God’s okay with your questions (11:22)

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 

We’re tackling a fantastic question from a listener’s kid in today’s mini-episode: why did God create Satan? In this conversation Cara and Dot unpack the question behind the question and dive into good vs. evil, the angelic world, and true freedom. Pull up a chair and your cup of coffee 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 Jude verse 6  (0:13)
• Why did God create Satan? (2:34)
• God created Satan, but God did not create evil (3:19)
• Between creation and Gen. 3 there must have been a rebellion in the angelic world (4:30)
• The possibility to choose evil is always present (5:48)
• God created a world where the ability to experience good and evil existed (7:33)
• To truly be able to experience good, you must be aware of what is not good- what is evil (10:18)
• Ultimately, we are responsible for our choices (13:29)

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: Jude 6

“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”

Grab the tissues - today we’re back with Cara's journey towards redemption in the second part of our story. Cara shares the moment when she finally got honest with God and discovered the true meaning of grace. This episode is a testament to God’s unwavering pursuit of our hearts and the power of prayer. Settle in with a cup of coffee 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 Micah 7: 7-8 (0:13)
• After you surrender, performance comes from a place of love (5:50)
• Cara’s pattern of rebellion, then shame (9:00)
• Cara is called out on her double life and pushed toward confession (11:43)
• Dot’s perspective and prayers during this season (12:47)
• The power of a mom’s prayers for her children (15:45)
• Dot’s experience of learning when to speak, when to step in, and when to pray (17:59)
• Cara finally gets honest with the Lord (22:36)
• Pouring out her heart allowed light and the Lord to come in (26:09)
• Giving Cara over to God and focusing on trusting the Lord instead (27:58)
• Cara no longer carries the weight of her sin, she is free because of Jesus (29:59)
• What Micah 7:7-8 means to Cara (31:49)
• God wants good for Cara even more than Dot does (39:45)

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: Micah 7:7-8

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.”

This episode is unlike anything we’ve ever talked about before! Today we’re pulling back the curtain on our mother-daughter relationship. In this tender conversation we talk about the lies the enemy whispered to Cara during her high school years and how that set her up for the choices she made in college. Don’t miss next week when we share the second half of our story- it truly was written by God. We are sharing in the hope that you will be encouraged, so pour yourself a cup of coffee 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! 

• Start by writing down Genesis 3:1-6 (0:15)
• Dot and Cara have not always had this intimate relationship (3:10)
• Dot’s unlikely journey to her pregnancy with Cara (7:05)
• Cara shares some of her insecurities growing up (13:30)
• Dot was parenting older children alongside young Cara, as well as children with very different personalities (20:40)
• The enemy always wants to draw us away from God (22:55)
• During the high school years, Cara was focused on her outward “performance” as a good Christian girl- not her heart (25:30)
• Dot was aware of the hurt, but unaware what the hurt would produce a few years down the road  (35:16)
• God gave Adam and Eve a rule, and then He walked away (38:20)
• Cara went off to college with an unhealthy view of who God is (39:10) 

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 3:1-6

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. 

He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”

Today we’re looking at a beautiful story John records which takes place between Peter and Jesus after the Resurrection. The tenderness of Jesus during this pivotal moment leads to true restoration in Peter’s life and afterwards we see a different Peter in the New Testament. Pour yourself a cup of coffee 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 John 21: 5-10 (0:18)
• Peter’s character throughout the Gospels (5:15)
• Peter’s denial of Jesus (10:00)
• The significance of Jesus calling them ‘Children’ (12:55)
• No matter what we’ve done, turning to Jesus is our best option (18:49)
• Jesus tells Peter not to compare himself to John (22:35)
• Next week we’re talking about Cara and Dot’s relationship (31:30)

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 

Scripture Verse: John 21:5-10

So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved *said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.

So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus *said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”