Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

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Write this Down! with Dot Bowen episodes

  • Episode 243: A Faith That Matters

    What does it really mean to live with bold faith? In this conversation, Dot and Cara look at the story of Peter in Acts 4 and talk about what changed in him after he denied Christ and then witnessed the resurrection. They unpack why bold faith isn’t about personality or volume—it’s about living out what you believe and being willing to share the good news about your rescued life when those around you get curious. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join in the 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 Acts 4:10-13 (0:09)
    • Peter became incredibly bold after denying Christ and the resurrection (2:16)
    • People are intimidated to get into conversations about God and Scripture (6:09)
    • If God’s rescued you and saved you, you’ve got a story to tell (8:37) 
    • Wherever your little “world” is, that’s where and how God wants to use you  (13:47)
    • Those around you will see the fruit of how you are living (17:30)
    • Bold faith is telling others about the one who rescued you (21:00)
    • Some people in your life really want to hear about what God has done for you  (24:00)


    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: Acts 4:10-13 (ESV)
    "Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

    27 min
  • Episode 242: Dating Without Regrets

    Dating is complicated at any age, but what does it look like to date in a way that honors Christ? In this conversation, Dot and Cara talk about what it means to pursue relationships with integrity, purity, and trust in God’s timing. From navigating red flags to letting go of the pressure to figure it all out, they remind us that we are defined by our relationship status with God, and no one else! Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible and settle in with us as we talk all about dating 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 1 Timothy 4:12 (0:08)
    • Dating in today’s culture is difficult (2:00)
    • You have to navigate between judging too harshly and giving too much grace (6:02)
    • Whether you’re 16, 26, 36, or 66 these principles still apply  (10:36) 
    • Christlike dating looks like giving God the last word (16:23)
    • Christlike dating looks like not letting dating define you (17:05)
    • Dating is not about fulfilling your needs (20:21)
    • Cara has helped Dot see the lies that single people often believe (23:15)


    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: 1 Timothy 4:12 (NASB1995) 
    Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example [
    a]of those who believe.

    26 min
  • Episode 241: Discerning God’s Voice in the Noise

    How do we know if it’s the Holy Spirit speaking or just our own thoughts? In today’s conversation, Dot and Cara unpack a common question believers wrestle with: discerning God’s voice. Looking at John 14:16–18, they explore the role of the Holy Spirit and the peace that comes from obedience even when we’re unsure. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join the conversation as Dot and Cara remind us that hearing from God is rooted in an ongoing relationship, not perfection.

    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 14:16-18 (0:10)
    • How do I know if it’s the Holy Spirit or just my own thoughts? (1:07)
    • How do you discern God’s voice? (3:46)
    • It’s okay to act on what the Spirit is telling you imperfectly (5:45) 
    • Always ask God, “is this true?” (9:30)
    • God, if you want me to say something to them, have them bring it up. (12:04)
    • Sometimes it’s not what’s wrong or right, but what is the wise thing to do? (16:54)
    • Just start the conversation: “God, this is what I think you’re telling me to do...” (20:17)


    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 14:16-18 (NASB1995) “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

    Check out the book, Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton: https://amzn.to/4q6XPLn

    Andy Stanley’s book, The Best Question Ever: https://amzn.to/4hesGli

    22 min
  • Episode 240: You Can Do It All… But Should You?

    How do you balance ambition and career with trusting God and finding contentment? In this honest conversation, Dot and Cara unpack Paul’s words in Philippians and the misunderstood concept of “doing all things through Christ.” They explore what it looks like to be driven and ambitious while keeping your heart’s true motivation in check. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and join the 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 Philippians 4:11-13 (0:14)
    • How do I balance ambition and career with trusting God and being content? (2:35)
    • Jesus was purposeful in his mission, but also made time for people and prayer (4:47)
    • No one ever ends their race wishing they had worked more (7:32) 
    • Not every open door is a door that God has opened (9:42)
    • We have to check our hearts, are you serving God or money? (14:28)
    • Pray and ask God to help you keep pure motives and a pure mindset (16:33)
    • We need to be very careful of our motives (19:05)


    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: Philippians 4:11-13 (NASB1995) 
    “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

    20 min
  • Episode 239: Truth Worth Dying For

    Today Dot and Cara pause to reflect on the days following Charlie Kirk’s assassination and what God might be saying to each of us at this moment. Anchored in 2 Timothy 4:6–8, they talk about Charlie’s memorial service, Erika’s bold example of faith, and keeping their “why” nearby as our culture feels increasingly hostile to truth. This conversation is an invitation to examine your heart, hold tight to Scripture, and move forward by trusting the power of the Holy Spirit. Grab your Bible, journal, a warm drink, and settle in 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 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (0:14)
    • At every moment in history when evil looks like it has won, it hasn’t (5:50)
    • Persecution made the early Church explode with growth (8:06)
    • Ask God, what are you teaching me through this event? (12:05) 
    • Don’t be apologetic for the Truth (13:00)
    • Man can’t manufacture that kind of peace (14:40)
    • Pray that the seeds that have been planted will take root and grow (17:02)
    • Keep your ‘why’ nearby (21:09)


    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: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NASB1995) 
    “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

    26 min
  • Episode 238: Faith for the Anxious Heart

    Anxiety and fear can easily overwhelm our hearts, leaving us wondering where our faith went when worry takes over. Today, Dot and Cara talk honestly about handling fear as a believer, why “what ifs” never bring peace, and how God’s Word invites us to trust Him with both today and tomorrow. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and lean in 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 Matthew 6:31-34 (0:14)
    • What’s the difference between fear and anxiety?  (3:02)
    • Both of these emotions are a response to “what if?”  (6:07)
    • Anxiety is essentially choosing to  struggle through a potential situation twice (9:31) 
    • How Corrie Ten Boom handled fear during World War II (11:38)
    • What does it look like practically to deal with fear/anxiety as a believer?  (13:52)
    • What we think plays a huge role in what we feel (17:21)
    • How Cara practically uses Scripture to combat fear (19:58)


    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 6:31-34 (NASB1995) 
    “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

    “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

    23 min
  • Episode 237: Navigating Relationships with Unbelievers

    When someone you love doesn’t share your faith, how do you stay faithful to God while staying close to them? Today Dot and Cara unpack 2 Corinthians 6:14 in context, discussing what “bound together” does and doesn’t mean. They get practical about close friendships, marriage to a nonbeliever, and setting wise boundaries. You’ll hear how to be a light without becoming a judge, how to let God be God, and how to participate with God through prayer! Grab your Bible, journal, and 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 2 Corinthians 6:14 (0:14)
    • This verse has been used in judgmental, unloving ways (1:45)
    • How do we balance going to the lost with this command? (4:59)
    • How should we define “close” relationships? (6:31) 
    • When we love something, we naturally share it (11:30)
    • When a believer is married to an unbeliever, they  have different goals (15:50)
    • Walk in such a way that Jesus looks attractive to other people (18:53)
    • Engage in the power of prayer (21:25)


    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: 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NASB1995)
    Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?

    23 min
  • Episode 236: God, don’t let me miss You...

    When your faith feels flat, what does it look like to draw near to God? Today Dot and Cara unpack James 4:8, talking about paying attention to your desire to be near Him, finding simple, life-giving prayers to pray, and choosing discipline and habits over your feelings. Grab your Bible, journal, and a cup of coffee, and be encouraged that God is only a prayer away 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 James 4:8 (0:14)
    • Sometimes our daily walk gets boring (2:45)
    • Pay attention to the tension and think about what you enjoy (6:45)
    • Dot has a habit of praying, “God, don’t let me miss you.” (8:45) 
    • Ask God if there’s anything in your heart or life between you and Him (12:42)
    • Choose discipline over your feelings (14:27)
    • We don’t have to stay close to God, He stays close to you (18:35)
    • God is only a prayer away (20:25)


    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: James 4:8 (NASB1995)
    “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

    23 min
  • Episode 235: Why Should I Read the Bible?

    What does it mean that the Bible is “living and active”? In this conversation, Dot and Cara wrestle with Hebrews 4:12 and explore why Scripture is far more than a book of rules. They share how God’s Word reveals His heart, brings life, and even exposes what’s hidden in our own hearts. Don’t miss Dot’s personal story at the end, a profound reminder of God’s love that will stick with you. Grab your Bible, coffee, (and maybe a tissue today!) and join the 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 4:12 (0:14)
    • What does it mean that the Bible is “alive?” (1:30)
    • Look within Scripture to find God - not yourself (5:30)
    • Reading God’s Word exposes the intentions of our hearts (8:34)
    • Jesus is the Word (10:34) 
    • We go to everyone else for words of advice, we should go to the Word first (13:18)
    • We can read the Bible for decades and still have the Word hit us differently (19:06)
    • We have never audibly heard our heavenly Father say, “I love you,” but we can read it in His Word. (22:38)


    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 4:12 (NASB1995) “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

    Revelation 19:11 (NASB1995) “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”

    25 min
  • Episode 234: Have I done enough?

    How can you be sure of your salvation? In this episode, Dot and Cara tackle one of the most foundational questions of faith: How do I know I’m saved? Together they walk through Scripture, their personal stories, and the role of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that salvation is not earned but received as a gift of grace. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt or wondered if you’ve done “enough,” this conversation will point you back to Christ alone. Grab your Bible, and a cup of coffee, and settle in with us for today’s episode.

    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 Ephesians 2:8-10 (0:14)
    • How do I know I am saved? (1:06)
    • Being secure in your salvation brings confidence (2:52)
    • This question is usually based on not feeling like you’ve done “enough”(7:30)
    • There will be some evidence of life change  (11:00) 
    • The pastor’s words that have stuck with Dot on this subject for years (14:50)


    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: Ephesians 2:8-10 (NASB1995)
    “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

    19 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.