Welcome to the Journey -- Growing in Truth, Strength, & Grace Week 1

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Becoming a Christian is the beginning of the greatest adventure of your life. It changes everything. But let’s be honest—it can also be a little overwhelming. You may find yourself thinking, Where do I start? How do I grow in my faith? What if I still struggle?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

That’s why I’m so excited to share this 10-week series with you. Whether you’re a new believer or someone returning to faith after a long time away, these next ten weeks are designed to help you build a strong spiritual foundation, grow closer to God, and navigate common challenges with grace and truth.

Welcome to the new series: Growing in Truth, Strength, & Grace, Week 1: Foundations of Faith. 

What This Series Is All About

The Christian life is not a sprint. It’s a journey—one step at a time, one prayer at a time, one act of trust at a time. The purpose of this series is to help you walk with Jesus daily, not just understand Christian ideas but experience transformation through God’s Word, His presence, and His love.

Each week, you’ll receive:

• A 7-day devotional series to guide your daily quiet time
• A discipleship session for deeper reflection, journaling, or group discussion
• A blog post like this one to inspire and encourage you along the way

The first week is free, printable, and created with love and prayer. The blog posts and Substack newsletter are always free. The devotionals and discipleship sessions from weeks 2-10 will cost $6 each, or the entire bundle (study guide, devotionals, and workbook) will be $40 (a $14 discount). 

Let’s begin with Week 1.

Laying the Foundation: Why It Matters

Every building needs a foundation, and the same is true for your faith. Without a solid foundation, it’s easy to get discouraged or confused when life gets hard, when doubts creep in, or when old habits try to pull you back.

This week, we focus on four key truths that anchor your identity and walk with Christ:

1. You Are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Coming to Jesus isn’t about becoming a slightly better version of yourself. It’s about being made new. You don’t just get a spiritual tune-up—you get a new heart, a new direction, a new purpose.

But let’s be honest: it doesn’t always feel that way, does it? You might still struggle with the same thoughts, habits, or fears. That’s why this truth is so powerful. It’s not based on how you feel. It’s based on what God has done.

He has made you new.

2. God’s Forgiveness Is Complete (1 John 1:9)

So many new believers carry guilt or shame from their past. Sometimes, even after we accept Christ, we still feel unworthy or wonder if God can really forgive everything.

The good news? He already has.

1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Not just some of it. All of it.

You don’t have to keep punishing yourself for things Jesus already paid for.

3. You Can Talk to God (Romans 8:26)

Prayer can feel intimidating. What do I say? Am I doing it right? What if I don’t feel anything?

The truth is, prayer is simply talking to your Heavenly Father. Romans 8:26 reminds us that even when we don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit helps us pray. God isn’t looking for perfect words—He’s looking for an open heart.

Start small and be honest. Just talk to Him like you would to a loving parent or a close friend. You don’t have to impress God. He already loves you.

4. It’s Okay to Struggle (Romans 7:21–25, Mark 9:24)

Many new Christians are surprised to discover that life doesn’t suddenly become easy after they come to faith. In fact, sometimes the battle intensifies.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

The Apostle Paul himself admitted to struggling with sin and weakness. And in Mark 9, a man cried out to Jesus, "I believe; help my unbelief!" That’s one of the most honest prayers in Scripture.

God isn’t shocked by your doubts. He meets you in them.

This Week’s Devotional Series

Each day this week, you can read a short devotional to deepen your understanding of these truths. These devotionals are written to encourage you, challenge you gently, and remind you that you are not alone.

Topics include:

• Identity in Christ
• Letting go of guilt
• Beginning a prayer life
• Trusting God with your doubts

Feel free to read them first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or just before bed. The important thing is to show up, open your heart, and let God speak.

This Week’s Discipleship Session (Personal Study Guide)

For a deeper experience, I’ve also created a print-friendly / digital discipleship guide for Week 1. It includes:

• Reflection questions for journaling
• Scripture readings and study prompts
• Space for prayer and personal response

Download the free study guide here (from Dropbox). 

Download the Week 1 discipleship workbook & devotional PDFs from my Gumroad shop for free!

You can use this content as a personal retreat guide or even share it with a small group or prayer partner. While it's written for individuals, it adapts well for group use.

Practical Ways to Grow This Week

Want to take what you're learning and apply it? Here are three simple action steps:

1. Memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Keep it on a sticky note, in your phone, or written in your journal.

2. Write one prayer each day – Don’t worry about the wording. Just write from the heart.

3. Reflect once a day – Use this prompt: "God, today I learned... and I want to trust You with..."

Spiritual growth doesn’t come from big leaps, but from consistent small steps.

You Are Not Alone

Starting your walk with Jesus can feel uncertain, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. God walks with you. And I’m walking with you too.

If you have questions, need prayer, or just want to share what God is doing in your life, I would love to hear from you. You can comment below, send me an email, or connect through the contact page.

This is just the beginning of the journey. Let’s build a strong foundation in Christ—together.

God bless,

Coming Next Week: Week 2: Building a Relationship with God – Discover how to grow closer to Jesus day by day, even when life is busy or messy.

Stay tuned, and may God bless you as you walk forward in faith. 

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, digital Bibles, etc., head over to our Resources page and our Christian Books That Shaped My Faith Page!  

Roses in the Desert Substack Newsletter

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Roses in the Desert Gumroad Shop

You'll also find me on Gumroad, where I sell digitals and printables for Bible study & more! 

Roses in the Desert's also on Zazzle!

What is Advent Waiting?

How much time do you spend waiting each day? Have you ever kept a record of waiting? Probably not! Waiting is not easy for humans—we want to get things done and move on right now. 

If you’re like most people, you hate to wait. Think of standing in line at the airport. You’re getting ready to go through security, where it’s necessary to remove your shoes, belt, take out your electronic devices, wondering if you’ll get through without an issue! The entire process seems to take forever, though it usually takes minutes—it still feels like you’re wasting time! 

Waiting can seem like a form of torture. Yet, waiting on God is a crucial part of the Christian experience. This includes the waiting time we enter during the season of Advent. 

If you’re not sure what Advent’s all about, check out this post from last year. It explains what this season is, how it’s practiced, and more. Today’s post deals with waiting during this season. What is Advent waiting, and what’s it all about? 

Why Does God Make Us Wait? 

God has made waiting a “thing” since ancient times. You can find many instances of waiting in the Bible, including when Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) waited for a son (Genesis 11-25). Moses had to wait for the right moment to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 2-3). Ruth left her own country to follow her mother-in-law to a place, where she had to wait for a husband (the Book of Ruth). David waited to become king (I Samuel). These are only a few of the many examples of waiting in the Bible. 

In these examples, we see a pattern: God uses the time of waiting to prepare each person for the work He’s called them to do. Waiting is often a time of training, growth, and deepening faith. It’s not a passive, idle period. Instead, this is an active time, when God tests, teaches, and humbles His people, equipping them for what lies ahead. 

Christians experience seasons of waiting all through their lives. These periods are opportunities to build trust and faith in God and His promises, knowing that His timing is always perfect.  

Advent Waiting is an Active Time

During Advent, we wait for the birth of the Messiah, our Lord, Jesus Christ, and for the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. Advent is celebrated for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. It’s a time of hopeful longing and waiting with expectation. We wait with eager anticipation for God’s promise to be fulfilled in the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

During the Advent season, we wait with longing expectation for celebrating God’s love for us. He sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins and to fix our broken relationship with Him. This time of waiting isn’t an empty time. Instead, it’s a time of watchful expectation—a time of hope that God’s promise is fulfilled.  

But what exactly does it mean to wait during Advent? 

Advent is a season of watchful expectation. It’s not a passive waiting, but an active time of reflecting on the significance of God’s love for us manifested in the birth of His Son. This waiting isn’t empty or meaningless—it’s filled with purpose.  We wait with hope, looking forward to Jesus bringing His light to a dark world. 

Advent Practices That Ease Waiting & Prepare Us 

As I mentioned earlier, we humans like to do something—keep moving forward—we hate waiting with nothing to do! But in His wisdom, God has provided ways for us to use waiting times for growth, reflection, and spiritual preparation.  

Here are a few practices that can help us make the most of this season of waiting and expectation: 

Prayer: Advent is the perfect time to spend focused time in prayer. Reflect and meditate on the promises of Christ and the significance of His birth. You can use Advent prayers, or create your own, and remember that prayer is a two-way conversation—listen to God as well as speak to Him.  

Advent journal: an Advent journal can be a powerful tool for deepening your spiritual journey. It encourages you to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Advent. Journaling helps you internalize the significance of this season, offering space for personal insights and growth. 

Read scriptures: Advent is also a wonderful time to read and reflect on the prophecies of Isaiah about the coming of Christ. Reading and studying the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth and meditating on their meaning is also helpful. 

Advent wreath: using an Advent wreath during this time is also meaningful. It’s an outward focus on what’s happening as we prepare during the season of Advent. The wreath and candles visually and spiritually mark the days leading up to Christmas. Light a candle on each Sunday in Advent and read specific scriptures in preparation of Christmas. 

Attend church: many churches have special Advent services that focus on preparing our hearts for the birth of Christ. Being with other believers during this time can encourage and strengthen your own faith journey. 

Deepen Your Advent Journey with From Darkness into Light Journal

One of the most powerful tools you can use to reflect and prepare your heart is a dedicated Advent journal. This year, consider using the From Darkness into Light Advent Journal to guide your daily reflections and spiritual growth during this special time. 

The journal is designed to help you slow down and focus on the true meaning of the season. With its 139 pages, it offers a day-by-day journey from the first Sunday in Advent through to December 31st. You’ll find Scripture readings, reflection questions, prayer request pages, and more. Each day’s entry provides: 

Scripture Readings: throughtfully chosen passages to center your heart on the significance of Christ’s coming bringing light into a dark world. 

Reflection Questions: prompts to help you engage deeply with the Scripture and its application to your life. 

Prayer requests: a space to write down your personal prayers and reflections, bringing you closer to God in conversation. 

Extra note pages: lined and dot-grid pages where you can jot down insights, creative thoughts, or whatever is on your heart. 

The journal also includes a reflection section at the end of the month, offering five thoughtful questions to help you reflect on your Advent journey. You can buy your copy of From Darkness into Light at my Gumroad shop! 

Gumroad is an online sales platform that allows creatives to sell copies of their digital products. It’s safe to use this platform, and it makes it easy for you to receive your copy of the journal! After you pay, you’ll receive a link to download your printable/digital Advent journal! 

I also offer other materials, such as Bible studies and more on Gumroad! 

Concluding Thoughts

Advent waiting is not passive. It’s an active, intentional waiting that fosters spiritual growth and draws us nearer to the heart of God. 

The goal of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. While waiting can often be uncomfortable, the practices of prayer, journaling, scripture reading, and worship help us make the most of this season. 

By actively engaging in these practices, we can grow closer to God and more deeply understand the true meaning of Christmas—the light of Christ entering the world. 

God bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc., head over to our Resources page!  

Why Should We Read the Bible?

As a Christian or a new believer, reading the Bible is instrumental to learning about faith, hope, and redemption through Christ. Sure, you can listen to plenty of sermons and learn about God and Jesus Christ; however, the real work is done when you read the Bible, pray, and spend time with God. These activities go hand-in-hand with attending church and being with fellow believers. 

In the last post, we discussed what the Bible is. So, today, we’ll talk about why reading the Bible is important to our spiritual lives. 

Isn’t the Bible Archaic Literature? 

Many new Christians and non-believers ask this question, and it’s a good one. Yes, parts of the Bible were written between 4,000 and 2,000 years ago. This was during a time of great change and upheaval for humans. Writing was invented during this time, and it played a significant role in recording history and accounts that had only existed in oral form up to this time. But how could the Bible, being so old, still be relevant to our 21st-century lives? 

The Bible speaks to us of people and events from ages ago. But that doesn’t make the Bible old and obsolete. Consider we humans--human nature hasn’t changed much in the ensuing millennia. What’s more, God never changes. All through the Scriptures, He shows us His characteristics, His plan for our redemption, His love for us, and all that He has done for us. Remember, the Bible is like a love letter from God to each of us. This love letter never changes, and what it teaches us about God remains true through the ages. 

One Example of Human Nature 

In the Bible, we learn about the great patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, along with Jesus Christ. Consider the lives of the patriarchs. In these stories, we find relatable examples of mistakes that could be taken directly out of our own lives. 

For instance, consider Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 16, we read about how they tried to make God’s promise of a son come true on their own. Sarai gave her maid, Hagar, to Abram as a wife. She was to act as a surrogate mother on behalf of Sarai. The resulting children would belong to Abram and Sarai. What could go wrong? To find out, read what happened in Genesis 16. 

In spite of the problems that ensued, God still promised Abram and Sarai that they would bear a son. And they did. God’s promise was fulfilled in His own time, in spite of their actions. Doesn’t this sound like a story right out of our modern lives? 

What happens when we try to fulfill God’s promises on our own? The result is usually less than pleasant and may bring chaos and harm. So, we haven’t changed much since the time Abram and Sarai lived.  

This is only one example from the Bible of how humans acted much the same as we do today. From these examples, we can learn to be obedient, knowing God will fulfill His promises in His time. Doing our “own thing” only causes problems. So, we still have a lot to learn and the Bible has a lot to teach each of us. 

The Bible is the living, breathing Word of God, and its teachings are as applicable today as they were thousands of years ago. 

God and the Bible Act as Anchors in Our Lives

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…

Hebrews 6:19a NKJV

God and the Bible are anchors in our everyday lives, including the good times and the bad. But why are they said to be anchors? 

The Bible is filled with allegories, metaphors, similes, types, parables, and analogies. These are used as teaching tools and to create a picture to help us understand what the Bible tells us. Equating God and the Bible to an anchor may not make much sense at first. So, why is this imagery used? 

To understand this metaphor, let’s consider a large cruise ship. These ships are enormous, with some of them carrying thousands of people. Now, think about the anchors required for these ships—they’re gigantic! A cruise ship anchor is typically between 10-20 feet long, 15-20 feet wide and may weigh between 10 to 20 tons (20,000 to 40,000 pounds). Moreover, most cruise ships carry two anchors (port and starboard) at the front of the ship. 

These massive anchors hold the ship in place and keep it stable when docking. Both anchors are also attached to chains (one chain attached to each anchor). The larger the ship, the larger the anchors and chains need to be. 

So, how does a ship’s anchor relate to God and the Bible? God is our Sovereign, the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He provides hope and a stable foundation. The Bible is a spiritual anchor that keeps us grounded and connected to God. With the foundation of God and the Bible, we can weather all the challenges that life has to offer. Circumstances or situations do not move us—our belief and faith remain intact in good times and bad. 

No matter what we’re going through, if we’re anchored to God through the Bible, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we can get through it. 

The Bible is Our Spiritual Nourishment

…as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.

I Peter 2:2 NKJV

The Bible is also the source of our spiritual nourishment. God’s Word is pure spiritual milk for our souls. The Word has been given to us so that we can be raised on its spiritual food. As we become more nourished (from reading the Bible), we become spiritually stronger and closer to God. 

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:4 NJKV

When Jesus was tempted in the desert for 40 days, He fasted all during this time and naturally became hungry. But He remembered the scripture above. Satan tried to tempt Christ to turn desert rocks into bread He could eat. Jesus withstood this temptation and told the devil that we can’t live only on bread but that we also need the Word of God. 

This is also a wonderful example of why we need to know the Scriptures. What happens if temptation comes your way? Or how can you discern if someone is using Bible verses incorrectly or misquoting the Bible? The only way is to know the Scriptures; use them like Jesus and the apostles did to refute the evil one and those trying to lead you astray.

God’s word is the spiritual food that we need to live as Christians in this world. We also need the spiritual nourishment the Bible provides to learn about God and how to grow closer to Him. 

The Bible Gives Us Light

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…

2 Peter 1:19 NKJV

Another metaphor often used in the Bible is the word “light.” Light may refer to the natural light provided by the sun, moon, and stars. But it can also mean light coming from a lamp and spiritual light that brings knowledge and understanding (illumination). 

The Bible also uses light as a symbol of goodness, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. All light comes from God, for He is holy. When we read and study the Bible, the Word (the Light) helps us learn the truths of God, who He is, and what He’s teaching us about life in Christ. 

We face uncertain, troubling times. We may live in a place where it feels as if evil has taken over. But when we read the Bible, the Word of God enlightens our lives and souls. We can learn how to avoid stumbling on our Christian walk and follow the Lord’s path. Without the Light of His Word, it’s impossible to see how to proceed on this journey. 

Concluding Thoughts

Why should we read the Bible? Isn’t it obsolete in the 21st century? The answer is that God and the Bible are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. We humans may be more advanced in some ways, but we continue to have the same human nature as our ancestors. 

As we grow in faith, God and the Bible become our anchors and the foundation of our lives. When we know Scripture, we can maintain our faith and hope. Nothing and no one can sway us or make us doubt. 

Finally, the Bible shines a light on our spiritual journey. How can we follow Christ if we can’t see the path? The Scriptures provide us with the light we need to make the journey safely and securely. God, through Christ, also shines a light on our paths. 

If you haven’t started yet, why not consider reading the Bible? You might want to start with the Gospel of John in the New Testament and then go on from there. If you don’t have a Bible, you can find free Bibles available on our resources page. These are available through the apps or websites listed there. Choose a Bible that’s easy to understand and start reading! 

John is a great place to start, as he talks about the Light, Jesus’ life and ministry, and so much more. He was a first-hand witness to Christ’s life and offers some stories not found in the other Gospels. It’s a great place to start your Bible-reading journey. 

God bless,

Journeying with God in the New Year

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evils, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

We’re heading into a new year—2024! It’s hard to believe, yet if you’re a Christian, there’s a sense of hope and anticipation that fills your soul. The new year is a time of renewal, with many of us embarking on a journey of self-reflection, setting goals and aspirations for the year ahead. But for those who believe, it’s also a time of deeper significance. Transitioning into the new year is an opportunity not only to make plans, but to anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth that God, our Father and constant companion, walks with us into each uncharted day. 

Each new day contains God’s faithfulness and direction for our lives. In this blog post, I invite you to pause and reflect on the past year, set intentions for the new year, and to step into 2024 with the assurance of God’s presence. His presence is more than a promise—it’s a living reality that transforms our days and every aspect of our lives. So, go into the coming year not with fear but with the firm belief that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. 

How Did God Help You in 2023?

Today is New Year’s Eve—where has the year gone? It’s been a time when many of us have felt unsettled by the upheaval of modern living. The cost of living for most people around the world has been exorbitant, with many of us paying a lot more for necessities than in past years. We’ve also seen wars continuing or springing up seemingly out of nowhere. Each of us has also had to deal with personal and family issues that have been trying. Where was God in the midst of all this? 

Did you have moments when it seemed you were guided by an unseen hand? Did you experience unexpected provision, possibly at the last minute? Were you or your family touched by grief? Did you have the feeling of reassurance that you were not alone? Review the past year, and you will surely see the constancy of God’s love. 

My year has been challenging. Most of it has been spent helping my parents. My Mom’s had some serious health issues. This has meant that much of the year was spent away from my husband, which has been hard for us both. During this time, I also experienced a major drop in income. This was partly brought on by AI taking over writing for small businesses. I’ve also had to deal with Covid (for the first time) and what appears to be symptoms of long Covid. My immunity has gone downhill after being sick last spring—it’s also affected other areas of my health (I have several chronic health conditions). 

While my year may look as if it was hard, that’s only one side of the story. All through these months, I’ve had God’s support in so many ways. I’m no one special, I can tell you that for sure! Yet, God loves me. He has provided for me in ways I never expected. 

For instance, He helped me find some work that has paid for my business services and credit card. I’ve had time to heal from the loss of work (when I was working way too much), gain some confidence back, and prepare for the next year. I have no idea what’s coming in 2024, but I know that God is here (and there in the future) for me, as He has been for many years. 

This verse has gotten me through hard times over the years, and it still has the power to uplift my soul. God is merciful, and His compassion and mercy do not fail. If He has been faithful in the past, I know He will be faithful in the future, too. He has promised us never to leave us or forsake us. 

As you review the past year, consider writing down those times God came through for you. Reflect on those times, and rest assured that God is with you right now and that He will be with you in the future.

 

Seeking God in Prayer and Dwelling in the Word

Prayer is communication with God. It’s an intimate conversation with the One who not only listens but understands the deepest parts of our hearts. Do you pray? Do you listen during prayer time? If not, why not commit to spending more time with God in prayer in the new year? 

Some people believe that prayer is only part of a ritual. True, we pray at church as part of the worship service. In that way, prayer can be a ritual. Yet, prayer is also the time we spend in communication with the Lord. It’s a sacred time when we acknowledge our dependence on God. We also talk with Him and listen to His responses. In other words, prayer is a conversation with God. You can talk with God as you would with a close friend, and He will be there with you. 

God’s Word

Along with conversational prayer, it’s necessary to read God’s Word. The Bible is not only a collection of ancient tests. It’s a living, breathing testament to God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. Reading the Bible is one of the best ways to learn about the Lord. If you can dedicate some time each day in the new year to read the Bible, you’ll find the words penetrate your heart and mind. 

You can choose a Bible reading plan that fits your needs. Try to make it a daily practice to let God’s Word shape your thoughts and actions, anchoring you in a solid foundation as you navigate the new year. 

Community & Fellowship

As you pray and read the Bible, consider spending time with other Christians, too. Community and fellowship can create rich connections that help you on your faith journey. Our Christian walk was never intended to be solitary. Instead, it is meant to be a pilgrimage we take with others. We are meant to support and uplift one another in God’s love. 

It can take time to find the right church and community but don’t give up. Keep trying new churches until you find the one that God leads you to. 

Concluding Thoughts

As the new year approaches, our lives rest with God and His Son, our Lord Jesus. In the midst of your plans, carry the truth that God is with you every minute of the day and night, and He will walk with you into each new, uncharted day in the new year. 

Dedicate some time to prayer (conversation) with God and to reading His Word. You’ll find that you become anchored to a strong foundation, which is the unchanging truth of God’s love and guidance eacy and every day. 

My prayer for you is that your faith and experience with God will grow deeper in this new year. 

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! 

God bless,

Resources

YouVersion App

Do you need a Bible and a reading plan? Be sure to check out the YouVersion app, available on iOS and Android.

I love this app (and have used it for years)—for one thing, it’s free! It also offers free Bibles in English and other languages. The app also provides a wide range of reading plans, guided prayers, and so much more to help you on your faith journey. 

Use the link (above) to head over to the YouVersion website and learn more about this wonderful app! 

God Bless,

PS If you'd like to find apps for prayer, Bible study, etc. head over to our Resources page!