Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Are you in a season where you’re desperate to know what God has for your next step? Today Dot and Cara open Matthew 10:26–31 and talk about what it looks like to trust God’s will when the future feels unclear. With a brand-new studio setup, there’s a fresh energy in the room as they record face-to-face. From wrestling with fear and control to learning how to walk in the light with confidence, this episode invites you to rest in God’s leading. Grab your Bible, your journal, and a cup of coffee, 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 Matthew 10:26-31 (0:14)
• It’s easy to put ourselves in neutral as Christians and not check in with God (1:54)
• God’s will for us is to know Him (5:45)
• Focus on the Lord in your darkness, lean in, listen, and learn (9:28)
• Don’t take to the grave the things God has taught you (14:13) 
• If you want to know God’s will, pray and be patient, then move forward (16:31)
• Don’t let fear of making the wrong move paralyze you (19:28)

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

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Scripture Verse: Matthew 10:26-31 (NASB1995)
“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”

“We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” Today we’re revisiting a conversation on the life-changing impact of perspective. Cara and Dot unpack how seeing life through God’s light can transform us emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. As we step into a new school year and transition from summer to fall, this episode offers fresh encouragement for bringing light into dark places. Grab your coffee and settle in for this uplifting 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 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 (14:04)
• Only the Holy Spirit can tell us what is true (17:13) 
• Choosing a healthy perspective is sometimes moment by moment (20:12)
• If you are being tempted to focus on darkness, it’s ok to put a boundary up (30:35)
• Go to God and pray, “Is what I am seeing real/true?” (33:30)
• We approach things based on our limited perspective and knowledge (36:06)
• There is danger in focusing so much on the dark that our eyes adjust and become comfortable in darkness. (38:30)

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

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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!”

We’re re-airing this listener-favorite today! Dot and Cara explore how King David’s quickness to recognize and address his sins provides an example for our own walk with God. Though known as shepherd, warrior, and king, David’s life was characterized by humility, confession, and repentance. Don’t we all want to be like David- a people after God’s own heart? Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and join us as we revisit what David’s story teaches us about our relationship with our heavenly Father.

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 61:1-4 (0:14)
• Let’s take a look at David’s backstory (4:15)
• We misunderstand true repentance (9:00)
• There is a difference between confession and repentance (13:10)
• We aren’t really concerned about how our sin separates us from God (16:45)
• David knew his place, he knew he wasn’t The King (26:45)
• David’s heart was what was truly attractive about David (27:28)
• Sin creates a breech in our intimacy and fellowship with God (31:48)
• Ask God, is there anything coming between us? (36:02)

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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Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

We’re back with Part 2 of this special conversation, continuing Cara’s powerful journey toward redemption. Hear Cara describe the life-changing moment when she finally got honest with God and His grace became real. This episode beautifully illustrates God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts and the tangible power of prayer. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us again!

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 Micah 7: 7-8 (0:13)
• Jesus changed everything for Cara at this point in her story (3:30)
• Cara was living a double life, stuck in a cycle of rebellion and shame (9:40)
• A dear friend called Cara out (11:28)
• Dot’s learning when to speak, when to act, and when to pray (12:47)
• Cara finally gets honest with the Lord (22:11)
• Pouring out her heart allowed light and God’s grace to come in (24:04)
• Dot gave Cara over to God and focused on trusting the Lord (27:30)
• Cara no longer carries the weight of her sin, she is free because of Jesus (29:59)
• What does Micah 7:7-8 mean to Cara? (32:09)
• Only God can change a child’s heart (38:33)

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 

Due to its popularity, we're re-airing this tender conversation pulling back the curtain on Dot and Cara’s mother-daughter relationship. They openly discuss the lies Satan whispered to Cara as she grew up and how they shaped the choices she made in college. Next week, we’ll share the second half of the story. Grab your coffee and settle in as we revisit this conversation and be encouraged that your story, no matter how imperfect, is never beyond God's grace! 

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’s intimate relationship wasn’t always this way (3:30)
• Dot’s unlikely journey to having Cara, 11 years after her last pregnancy (5:15)
• Cara shares some of her insecurities growing up (11:14)
• Growing up, Cara focused on outward performance as a ‘good’ Christian girl (18:33)
• Looking back maybe there were breadcrumbs Dot could have seen, hinting at what the Enemy was up to in Cara’s heart (21:06)
• Under pressure in college, Cara’s hurt, anger and bitterness started to spill out (34:45)
• Dot knew Cara was hurting, but she didn’t know what was coming (36:18)

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 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.”

Ever felt like you’re not good enough to talk to God? You're not alone. Join Dot and Cara today as they unpack the universal struggle of feeling "not good enough" to approach God. As they consider Romans 3:10-12, they uncover a freeing truth: our imperfections don't disqualify us, in fact, they're exactly why we need Jesus. Tune in and be encouraged to come to God today just as you are.

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 3: 10-12 (0:13)
• Today’s question: I don't feel good enough to be a Christian or even to pray (2:14)
• We are enough to approach God because of Jesus (4:20)
• We can use ‘not enough’ as an excuse to avoid God (6:01)
• Sin creates separation in all of our relationships (10:26)
• Let go of the mindset that you have to ‘feel’ it, just do it (14:54)
• Do I believe what I feel or do I believe what God says? (17:55)
• Don’t what you’ve done remove you from enjoying what Jesus has done for you (20:18) 

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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Romans 3: 10-12 (ESV)  “As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

We’re kicking off our summer mini-episodes with a big question: How do I start reading the Bible? Dot and Cara talk about overcoming intimidation, why your why matters, and how to approach Scripture as a relational conversation with God. Grab your Bible, a pencil, and maybe 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 Timothy 3:16-17 (0:13)
• How do I start reading my Bible? (2:14)
• The Bible teaches us how to best live our lives (4:40)
• Intimidation and shame can keep us from reading the Bible (7:30)
• Having a plan helps (13:36)
• Start in the Gospels (14:25)
• Ask God to show you something about Himself (16:01)
• Meditate on one verse for a while (18:51)
• It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to teach you (21:58)

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: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

What does it actually mean to make disciples—and how do we live that out in our everyday lives? In this episode, Dot and Cara begin answering listener questions by unpacking Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples.” They talk through why relationships are essential, how discipleship happens in the real world, and why it’s not just about knowing God’s Word. Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, working in an office, or serving in ministry, this conversation will encourage you to see your ordinary moments as opportunities to make disciples. Grab a cup of coffee and your Bible, 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 Matthew 28:18-20 (0:13)
• How do I make disciples as a stay at home mom? (2:20)
• What is a disciple? (2:43)
• There’s a difference between discipling and evangelizing. (5:55)
• Discipleship is walking alongside others,while teaching and challenging them. (10:21)
• Dot was wrong about this for most of her life. (12:02)
• There has to be a mutualness to discipleship. (17:00)
• What does this practically look like with others? (19:00)
• Discipleship requires permission for others to speak into your world (23:41)
• The difference in teaching vs. discipleship is paying attention to  the “how.” (27:38)
• How do you know if you are really making disciples? (31:00)

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:  

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)  “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

In the final episode of our series on Ruth, Dot and Cara explore the beautiful ending found in Ruth chapter 4. Reflecting on how God's plans are greater than we imagine, they discuss the significance of Ruth and Naomi’s choices, Boaz's faithfulness, and God's work of redemption. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for this encouraging conversation about the bigger story God is writing in our lives.

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 Ruth 4:13-15 (0:13)
• The end of this story is redemptive for Boaz as well (4:58)
• Boaz acted as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer (7:30)
• God works through difficult life circumstances for His glory (12:03)
• If Ruth and Naomi had not chosen faithfulness, we would not know their story (15:02)
• Jesus is the ultimate kinsman-redeemer (19:45)
• Circumstances may make us bitter, but in Christ we are blessed  (22:26)
• God sees us in our pain and He’s doing something with it (26:08)
• Through our pain and our suffering, God is transforming and redeeming us (30:24)
• Our relationship with Jesus is the blessing, not our circumstances (30:57)

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:  

Ruth 4:13-15 (ESV) “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

Dot and Cara continue their series on Ruth, diving into chapter 3 and exploring Naomi and Ruth’s bold act of faith at the threshing floor. They reflect on how God also calls us to step out in faith, even when we can't see what He is doing and how moving forward in surrender builds our trust in His provision. If you're facing uncertainty or seeking guidance on your next steps, join us today for an encouraging conversation about trusting God's unseen hand. 

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 Ruth 3:1 (0:13)
• As Christ followers, our hope is not in our circumstances (5:00)
• What is going on when Ruth goes into Boaz’s room at night? (7:15)
• Ruth’s action showed her faith in God’s provision for her (12:02)
• Many of us find ourselves in a bitter place (15:09)
• We can choose to look for God at work (17:51)
• We’ll never fully see what’s at stake eternally in our small stories (26:23)
• God uses all of our emotions, even negative ones, to get us to move forward (28:20)
• We can take steps forward if our eyes are on God, not the outcome (32:00)

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:  

Ruth 3:1 (ESV) “Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?”