Katie M. Reid's Blog, page 45

Dear Tightly Wound Woman: Waking Up

Welcome to the summer edition of Letters to the Tightly Wound Woman.

First things first. This “tightly wound” title refers to those of us who are a little uptight on the inside but mostly it’s a label to be plastered on proud because we are women who are tightly wound to His side.

We are women who desire to put Jesus first and stay close to Him. We are women who live the surrendered life—not because it is easy or glamorous, but because deep down we want to live a life that matters for eterni...

Listen Close, Listen Well: It is Over! (Jami Amerine)

I hope you’ve been enjoying the Listen Close, Listen Well series. I am deeply grateful to dear writing friends who’ve shared their words and heart in this space so I can be freed up to love on our little Songbird. Baby #5 started sleeping through the night, so she’s transitioning to big sister’s bedroom—glory!

I’m delighted to invite a fellow member of “Martha’s Fan Club” to the blog (tightly wound women unite!) as we learn to listen better. Jami is one of the most generous friends I know an...

Interview with Annie F. Downs (Author of Looking for Lovely)

Welcome to another installment of the Interview Series. I am thankful to my author friends for taking the time to share their latest literary projects and writing advice as part of this series. May you be encouraged to press on and stay the course as you write and speak for God’s glory.

This past fall I had the honor of driving the lovely Annie F. Downs and her wonderful assistant Aliza to Grace Adventures for a Women’s Retreat where Annie was speaking. It was such a joy to connect with Ann...

Listen Close, Listen Well: Letting Go in Order to “Go” (Martha Reid)

It is quite fitting that my sister-in-law’s words are being featured today for the Listen Close, Listen Well series. At this moment she is on her way to Haiti to love and serve the precious people there. She is living out the very message that was on her heart to share with us. May we be inspired and challenged as we count the cost of following Christ and “go”—no matter where it takes us.

Letting Go in Order to “Go”

By: Martha Reid

We cannot pay a price too high to bring people to Jesus. Jes...

Interview with Shelly Templin (Author of Pushing to the Peak)

It’s time for another installment of the Interview Series. Let’s give a warm welcome to Shelly Templin, author of Pushing to the Peak.

Shelly D. Templin is an author, speaker, and blogger that shares a message of hope – with humor. She has three daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. Shelly lives in Texas with her husband, Jack, of 29 years and their two dogs. Connect with Shelly on her website and Facebook.

Interview with Author Shelly Templin

1. What was the hardest part about wri...

Listen Close, Listen Well: Put On Your Listening Ears (Karina Allen)

Welcome back to the Listen Close, Listen Well series. My beautiful friend, Karina, is our special guest today as she discusses the importance of listening.

Put On Your Listening Ears

By: Karina Allen

I struggle with something.It’s called “spiritual earwax”. Many of you have no idea what this could be. For others, you know exactly what it is. It’s simple. It’s where I don’t hear so well and therefore, my actions don’t quite line up. It’s so frustrating! I think about the Apostle Paul writing...

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend Carol Kent’s Speak Up Conference

I wasn’t planning on attending a writer’s conference this year, but sometimes God parts the Red Sea when least expected. A huge thank you to my hubby for encouraging me to go and holding down the fort with all five kids while I attended the Speak Up Conference again this year.

What a treat to be around like-minded speakers and writers, as we spent three days learning together in Grand Rapids.

I have been to three other writing conferences, but Speak Up is unique in its “coming home” atmosphe...

Ugly on the Inside

Lately I have been on edge. It’s like I’m tightly wound or something.

I feel like I could snap at the littlest thing. Unfortunately, my little ones have been hearing frustration pounce from my voice frequently, like a lion about to attack its prey. I don’t like how I’ve been talking or acting.

Why do I do what I don’t want to do?

I could come up with some compelling reasons for my short-fused speech:

Sleep deprivation A busy, bustling household A full summer schedule Control issues Sin

Let...

The Dreamer’s Prayer of Freedom

It’s easy to take our freedom for granted. So today we are pausing to remember and celebrate the gift of freedom that has been bestowed upon us.

Let’s be good stewards of the gifts that God has given and follow His lead, not acting independently of Him.

Dear God:

Thank You for the freedom that You have given us. Too often we live chained to insecurities, hurts, and fears. Would You help us move forward today? You hold the keys to set us free from that which holds us back.

You have given us t...

Interview with Kelli Stuart (Author of Like a River from Its Course)

I hope you are enjoying summer! What’s your favorite way to unwind during this season? I prefer sitting outside in the afternoon with a good book, sipping on ice tea with lemon.

I’m thrilled to feature a fiction book this time around for the Interview Series. Meet the lovely Kelli Stuart and learn more about her fascinating novel.

Kelli Stuart is a writer and a storyteller at heart. A graduate of Baylor University with a degree in English Professional Writing, and a minor in the Russian lan...