Dear Sweet Blogging Friends,
Today, you're in for a special treat!
My blogging friend Courtnaye Richard is here to talk about her NEW book! It's a book filled with weekly devotionals! One devotional for each week of an entire year. The devotionals are not dated, so can read this book any year!
Courtnaye also wants to give away one signed paperback copy of her book! Read the details about that and find out how you can have a chance to win toward the end of this blog post.
God bless you!
~*~
Interview with Courtnaye Richard about her book, Inside Out with Courtnaye: 52 Week Devotional: Growing from the Inside Out One Week at a Time
Alexis: Congrats on your new book, Courtnaye! Let’s talk about it.
Courtnaye: Thanks so much Alexis and sure thing!
Alexis: Is this your first devotional book?
Courtnaye: Yep! This is my first devotional.
Alexis: Why did you choose to write a total of 52 devotionals? Explain the significance.
Courtnaye: Honestly, it just came out of nowhere! I was about to write on something else, but then the Lord impressed upon my heart to write a weekly devotional book vs. a daily one. I believe the significance that resonated with me was that we’re all busy, right? Well, at least most of us. So I felt led by the Holy Spirit to write short, weekly devotionals. The goal was instead of a daily devotional, a weekly one just gives us an alternative in the busy culture that we’re currently living in. And not that I’m knocking a “daily” devotional (I have many). However, this was just the direction the Lord was leading me.
Alexis: How did you determine your book’s format and layout (one devotional for each week of the year, then each of the selections such as the Study Guide and God’s Word for You, that are listed within each devotional)?
Courtnaye: It was actually my husband’s idea. Of course, I wanted to do something different than other devotionals that I’ve purchased and seen on bookshelves in stores. So, his suggestion was well-received. Moving forward, the determination was really guided by prayer after that. I prayed about the layout and its monthly topics, and began writing them out. I also wanted women to dive in deeper for personal reflection through the study guide, but also provide monthly topics and scriptures that they could not only do personally, but also use it for monthly small group meetings.
Alexis: What does it mean to “grow from the inside out” and how will your book help readers grow in that way?
Courtnaye: Growing from the inside out is all about loving God from the heart and living the life of Christianity in biblical and practical ways. It’s also about allowing Jesus to change you spiritually, personally, mentally, and emotionally. When we take time praying, reading and studying the Word, we grow. We mature. For the readers, I want them to understand that what we do when no one is watching and as we spend devoted time with God, in return, that inward change will eventually be noticed on the outside for others to glean and grow from as well. It’s the inner work that makes a huge difference in our lives, but also in the lives of those whom we influence for Christ.
Alexis: Tell about your life as a blogger. How and why did you start your blog? Why did you give your blog the name, Inside Out with Courtnaye? What do you want your audience to learn from your posts?
Courtnaye: I’ve been blogging since 2011. I absolutely love writing! With that being said, I was looking for a way to reach more women with the gospel and to help them grow spiritually, personally, and vocationally through the gift of writing. It wasn’t until one day, my husband said, “Why don’t you start blogging?” And I was like, “What? What is that, actually?” That started my research! When I learned all about it, that’s when it all began.
I had no idea that the Lord would use a weekly blog to reach thousands of women across the globe for His glory. He did it! I’m still amazed! I named the blog “Inside Out with Courtnaye” because we’re growing together. We’re in this Christian walk together, as sisters. I’m doing it with you. So, what I want my audience to learn from my posts is to let God change them from the inside out (from the heart and lifestyle). Allow Him to change them through the power of prayer, His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly mentorship, and wholesome fellowship. I love the Bible verse found in Philippians 2:13 (NLT) which says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Alexis: Your book title borrows from the name of your blog. Is this like an extension of your blog posts? Why or why not?
Courtnaye: It is actually (chuckling). You know, the Lord inspired me to write each weekly devotional like a blog post. That was His divine instruction. I thought it was for my other book that I’m working on, but I had no idea that He was referring to a brand new project, which is the 52 Week Devotional. Our thoughts and ways are definitely not like His (see Isaiah 55:8). And I’m good with that! Hence, that’s where the title came from. It was derived from my blog in every way!
Alexis: What is the mission of your blog and how does it carry over into the main message of your devotional book?
Courtnaye: I would say that the mission is to grow. Let God change you from the inside out. No holding back. Surrender your life to His way and His will. God knows our hearts. Psalm 4:23 (NIV) says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” And it’s so true! Love and evil stems from it. So allowing the Lord to transform us from the inside out, stems from the heart, followed by Christ-like action. My blog and devotional both blend in perfect harmony right there.
Alexis: Do you have a writing mentor? If so, how did he or she help you become such a good author?
Courtnaye: I’d have to say that my writing mentor is the Holy Spirit. I am truly inspired by the Lord. I actually pray and ask the Holy Spirit to take over my hands as I write. The Bible was God-inspired. Men simply penned it. So when I write my blog or books, I write as I am inspired by the Lord. I literally say, “Lord, you know where your daughters and aspiring daughters are, help me to write what they need to read.” And from there, I trust and lean on Him as I write each post or chapter.
Alexis: If you could sell your devotional book with just one sentence, what would you say?
Courtnaye: Grab it today from www.courtnayerichard.com or www.amazon.com, because it will definitely begin changing your life one week at a time!
Alexis: Now for the fun and quick questions…Coffee or tea?
Courtnaye: Definitely coffee!
Alexis: Bagels or waffles?
Courtnaye: Waffles.
Alexis: Kindle of paperback?
Courtnaye: Paperback (I like my pen and highlighter). ;-)
Alexis: Who is your favorite author?
Courtnaye: Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Alexis: What is your favorite book?
Courtnaye: My favorite book is the The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.
Alexis: What is your favorite season?
Courtnaye: Winter, definitely (boots and blankets)!
Alexis: Thanks for the interview Courtnaye! Would you like to share closing thoughts?
Courtnaye: Absolutely and thank you Alexis! Let God change you from the inside out, sister! Jesus is coming back soon!
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Author Bio:
Courtnaye is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose.
She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose.
Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences. Her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe.
She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
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Blurb for Courtnaye's devotional book:
Behold all things are made new! In this 52-week devotional, get ready to grow in your Christian walk one week at a time with influential blogger, author, mentor, and conference speaker, Courtnaye Richard.
Each week, you will be encouraged, challenged, instructed, and equipped through real life topics and practices such as...
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Blurb for Courtnaye's devotional book:
Each week, you will be encouraged, challenged, instructed, and equipped through real life topics and practices such as...
- Spending focused time with God
- Working well with others in church and at work
- Trusting God even when you can't see
- Controlling your emotions from the inside out
- Setting boundaries in life
- Self-care principles for Christian women
- Pressing through fear in life and endeavors
- And so many more topics
Choose to do it alone or use it for a small group. It's time to grow from the Inside Out, this week and beyond!
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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below:
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