God can’t heal what we hide. So many women feel heavy, anxious, or spiritually tired because they’re carrying hidden pain, private thoughts, or unconfessed sin.

In this final week of Strengthened in the Secret Place, we’re talking about what happens when we stop hiding and bring our secrets into God’s light.

In this week’s video, you’ll learn how God brings freedom to our secret thoughts, secret wounds, secret agreements, and secret sins — and how confession opens the door to peace, healing, and restored fellowship with Him.

Join me for Week 4’s video —then pull out your journals and begin!

 

{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}

Week 4 – Bringing Secrets Into the Light

5 Practical Ways to Bring Secrets into the Light

1. Secret Thoughts.

Write down anxious or negative thoughts, then replace each one with a verse of truth (Philippians 4:8).

2. Secret Wounds.

Write a letter you’ll never send and pour out the pain, the “what I wish I could say,” then pray over it and release it to God. Also, notice your triggers when the wound still gets pressed and bring that pattern to God in prayer for renewal.

3. Secret Agreements (Lies We’ve Believed).

Write a list of lies you’ve quietly agreed with (like I’m not enough). Then, tear it up and rewrite the truth God says about you. Speak those truths out loud in prayer, even if your feelings lag behind.

4. Secret Sins.

Take 10 minutes of quiet to ask the Spirit, “Search me and know me” (Psalm 139:23 – 24). Write down anything He reveals and confess it to God. If needed, seek accountability with a trusted believer to walk in freedom.

5. Secret Overflow (A Life That Shines).

Light a candle each evening in your home and pray for His love to shine through you. Do one hidden act of kindness this week— without recognition—as a way of practicing overflow that comes from the secret place with Him (Matthew 6:4).

Now – let’s get started!

Week 4 – Challenge

Seek out a place of solitude to get alone with God.  Stop your work, turn off your phone, the television, music and computer.  Be still.  Practice the presence of God. 

Go outside or find a place in your home, where you can be alone and simply rest and be at peace.  Practice the presence of God.

Rest is a need – not a want.  Rest is not optional or something we wait to do when we are retired.  Rest is a blessing from the Lord, and it requires humility to admit we need it.

I’ll be running a bubble bath and probably taking a much-needed nap this week.  Soul care is self-care. So, enjoy it!

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan

This Week’s Verses of the Day:

(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shot them.)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook

Join us EVERY weekday morning ANYTIME after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.

***Unlike my other Bible Studies, this series will only have MONDAY blog posts.  For daily encouragement during this challenge follow me out on –> facebook .  I’ll be there every day cheering you on!

Let’s begin! It’s time to slow down and catch up with God. Light your candle, give thanks to the Lord, then open God’s Word and drink deeply from the living well.

Keep walking with the King,

Don’t miss this week’s NEW video below:

 

ALL of the videos AND the Journal will remain available after this study ends.
You can find the journal on Amazon HERE.
If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price >> GO HERE

Soon we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus – Peace, Be Still
is a simple 31-day Christmas Prayer Journal
created to help you do just that.

You can find it on Amazon HERE!
Or get the printable version
at half price on Etsy HERE!

We begin December 1st!

This post contains an affiliate link.

The post 🤫💡 Bringing Secrets Into the Light (Week 4 – Strengthened in the Secret Place) appeared first on Women Living Well.

       

Comments

• Really, really good, Courtney. Thank you for pouring into us ... by Rebecca

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If December feels busy before it even begins…
you are not alone.

The weight of the season often starts before the calendar even turns!

Between Thanksgiving preparations, then Christmas decorations, cookie baking, meal planning, holiday shopping, volunteering, school schedules, end of the year work deadlines, and the unspoken pressure to make EVERYTHING PERFECT, many women find their hearts already tired before December even begins.

The anticipation of family gatherings and friendship gatherings and all the “shoulds” can leave little room for rest and reflection.

Recognizing this fatigue is the FIRST STEP toward

slowing down,
making space for what truly matters,
and finding peace amid the busyness.

“There was no room for them in the inn.”
(Luke 2:7)

I don’t want to come to the end of this season and realize
I made room for everything… BUT Jesus!

So this December, I want to invite you…
to slow down with me just 5–10 minutes a day.

Peace, Be Still is a simple
31-day Christmas Prayer Journal
created to help you do just that.

You can find it on Amazon HERE!
Or get the printable version
at half price on Etsy HERE!

Each day in December,
we’ll reflect on one of the four names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6

Each Day Includes:
one Scripture verse
a short reflection
a question to help you apply it
a space to write your prayer.

“For unto us a Child is born… and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)

Simple.
Doable.
Heart-changing.

Order your copy of Peace, Be Still on Amazon today and get ready to begin on December 1st.

This isn’t about adding one more thing to your list.

This is about returning to the ONE THING that matters most.

Let’s make room for Jesus this Christmas.

Keep walking with the King,

Courtney

“For unto us a Child is born… and His name shall be called Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6

You can find it PEACE, BE STILL
on  Amazon HERE!
Or get the printable version
at half price on Etsy HERE!

This post contains an affiliate link.

The post 🎄❤️ When Your Heart Feels Tired Before December Even Begins appeared first on Women Living Well.

       

Comments

• I am excited to be doing “Peace, Be Still” in December. Our ... by jennifer hensley
• Looking forward to this study and concentrating upon the real ... by Wendy
• I am so excited about this study! I just ordered my study book! ... by Liz Everist

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• Embracing the Peace of Jesus this Christmas

 

Have you ever prayed for God to take something away… but He said no?

In this week’s video from the Strengthened in the Secret Place series, I’m sharing the powerful words my pastor spoke that rattled me for days — and how God used them to teach me the importance of guarding my heart when life doesn’t go as planned.

If you’ve been walking through a hard season, wondering why God hasn’t removed the thorn in your life, this message will encourage you to see His love and purpose even in the “no.”

Join me for Week 3’s video —then pull out your journals and begin!

 

{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}

Week 3 – STANDING GUARD

8 Practical Ways to Stand Guard

1. Guard your heart.
Each morning, pray: “Lord, keep my heart tender toward You and firm against sin.”

2. Guard your mind.
Limit what news, social media, or entertainment you allow in. Replace at least 15 minutes of scrolling with Scripture reading or meditation.

3. Guard your words.
Before speaking, pause and ask, “Will this build up or tear down?” Try keeping a “watch your words” verse (like Ephesians 4:29) in your kitchen or car as a reminder.

4. Guard your peace.
When stress rises, step away for a few minutes, breathe deeply, and pray Philippians 4:6–7. Even folding laundry or washing dishes can become a calming rhythm of prayer when you invite God’s peace in.

5. Guard your gratitude.
Keep a “gratitude jar” or notebook on your counter. Each day, write one thing you’re thankful for. At the end of the week, read through them again and give thanks.

6. Check the gate.
Ask yourself at the end of the day: “What did I let into my heart and mind today? Did it draw me closer to God or further away?” This daily checkup builds awareness.

7. Set holy boundaries.
Create one boundary this week that guards your heart or peace (example: no phone the first 30 minutes of your day, or not engaging gossip at work). Practice saying no to unnecessary noise, drama, or busyness that disturbs peace

8. Pray on the armor.
Each morning, put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6) in prayer, piece by piece, as a way of actively standing guard.

Now – let’s get started!

Week 3 – Challenge

Go pick a bouquet of flowers from your garden or a nearby field or buy yourself a small bouquet.  Each time you see the flowers, be reminded of God’s love and presence with you.  Our creator God is listening to your prayers.

I will be purchasing a small bouquet from my grocery store and placing it in a vase, in my kitchen.

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan

This Week’s Verses of the Day:

(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shot them.)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Printable Bible Bookmark

Signature GMG SOAK Bible Study Method

Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook

Join us EVERY weekday morning ANYTIME after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.

***Unlike my other Bible Studies, this series will only have MONDAY blog posts.  For daily encouragement during this challenge follow me out on –> facebook .  I’ll be there every day cheering you on!

Let’s begin! It’s time to slow down and catch up with God. Light your candle, give thanks to the Lord, then open God’s Word and drink deeply from the living well.

Keep walking with the King,

Don’t miss this week’s NEW video below:

 

I’m so glad you are joining us!
You can use any notebook you have
or if you want the journal, it is available
exclusively on Amazon.

If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price >> GO HERE

This post contains an affiliate link.

The post 🍂 📖 STANDING GUARD (Week 3 – Strengthened in the Secret Place) appeared first on Women Living Well.

       

Comments

• Wow, there is so much here. I am a day behind because i work ... by Kimberly

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• 🤫💡 Bringing Secrets Into the Light (Week 4 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)
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Welcome back to Week 2!

When life feels hard and nothing is going as planned, our natural desire is for comfort—but God’s desire is to make us strong and mature.

In this week’s video from the Strengthened in the Secret Place series, we’ll look at how to find joy and strength in the middle of disappointment and delay.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why is this so hard?” this message is for you!

Join me for Week 2’s video as we discuss how God uses trials to deepen our roots, build steadfast faith, and produce lasting joy that cannot be shaken —then pull out your journals and begin!

 

{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}

Week 2 – ROOTED AND UNSHAKEN

Nehemiah 8:10 says the joy of the Lord is our strength…and so then wouldn’t it be like the enemy to try to steal our joy!  When he steals our joy – he steals our strength!

And so there will be days when our strength runs low and we feel like quitting but that’s not the end! That is our cue to run to God because his strength never ends.

So let’s get started! In this week’s study you ‘ll look at 8 practical ways to be Rooted & Unshaken in your home!

Week 2 – Challenge

Keep your candle going and add to it – soft music every day in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that helps you focus on the Lord.
My candle and soft music literally change the atmosphere of my home.  While the rest of my home may be messy, my candle keeps on burning and my soft music keeps on playing.  Morning, noon and night they serve me. My candle serves me with a flickering warm light, a pleasant scent, and a reminder to turn to God as my source of strength and help.  My music serves me with a soothing sound.  They don’t make messes, they don’t need managed, they just simply bless me and my family.  I hope it blesses you too.

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan

This Week’s Verses of the Day:

(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shot them.)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Printable Bible Bookmark

Signature GMG SOAK Bible Study Method

Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook

Join us EVERY weekday morning ANYTIME after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.

***Unlike my other Bible Studies, this series will only have MONDAY blog posts.  For daily encouragement during this challenge follow me out on –> facebook .  I’ll be there every day cheering you on!

Let’s begin! It’s time to slow down and catch up with God. Light your candle, give thanks to the Lord, then open God’s Word and drink deeply from the living well.

Keep walking with the King,

Don’t miss this week’s NEW video below:

 

I’m so glad you are joining us!
You can use any notebook you have
or if you want the journal, it is available
exclusively on Amazon.

If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price >> GO HERE

This post contains an affiliate link.

The post 🍂 📖 ROOTED & UNSHAKEN (Week 2 – Strengthened in the Secret Place) appeared first on Women Living Well.

       

Comments

• My heart aches for you as you are having to walk on the health ... by Karla King

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• 🤫💡 Bringing Secrets Into the Light (Week 4 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)
• 🍂 📖 STANDING GUARD (Week 3 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)
• 🕯️ 📖 HIDDEN WITH HIM (Week 1 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)

 

{Cue the Confetti!!!}

It’s time to begin the 16th Annual Making Your Home a Haven Bible Study! 

Join me for Week 1’s video as we discuss your hidden life and how What Happens in Your Hidden Life Shapes Everything You Do —then pull out your journals and begin!

 

{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}

Week 1 – Hidden With Him

As we begin to slow down this week, may we experience a sort of reset — where our minds are reset on the things above rather than the things of this earth.

To be hidden with Christ is to find safety in His shadow, peace in His presence, and strength in the quiet places away from the noise of this world. As we enter our personal secret place, we discover that stillness is not emptiness—it is where God meets us, renews us, and becomes our steady refuge.

So let’s get started! I invite you to commit to giving the Lord 15 minutes a day to follow through on the scripture readings, prayers and challenges in this study. God’s Word is alive and active! He will transform you as you turn to his son Jesus, the one who laid his life down for you on the cross, so you can lay your life down and find rest in Him.

Week 1 – Challenge

Go buy an extra-large candle and light your candle every day in your home.  Each time the glimmer of the candle catches your eye, slow down, pray and give thanks.

I will be starting mine in the morning but you can start yours at dinner time or whenever is convenient for you.  I will be placing mine in the kitchen – the main hub of my home.  Let’s make our homes feel like a warm hug and a sweet haven all month long!

When we do not take the time to tend to our own souls – we have nothing left to give to others. 

So many times I have found myself busy and running on empty and then I snap – in a moment of frustration and weariness I say or do things that I would never do if I was more rested and connected with the Lord.

And so this month – let’s be intentional!

Here is this week’s Bible Reading Plan

This Week’s Verses of the Day:

(Leaders: You can use these images in your groups by using right click and “save as” or screen shot them.)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Printable Bible Bookmark

Signature GMG SOAK Bible Study Method

Don’t Miss the Daily Check-Ins on Facebook

Join us EVERY weekday morning ANYTIME after 7:00amEST on Facebook
to discuss the day’s reading assignment.

***Unlike my other Bible Studies, this series will only have MONDAY blog posts.  For daily encouragement during this challenge follow me out on –> facebook .  I’ll be there every day cheering you on!

Begin your gratitude list now.

Open your journal – or pull out a pen and paper and begin.  As you set your pen to the paper – wait on the Lord.  Seek God and ask him to show you all the ways he has shown himself to you lately.

Give thanks to God for both the big and small blessings in your life.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1)

It’s time to slow down and be strengthened in the secret place as you walk with the King,

Don’t miss this week’s NEW video below:

 

I’m so glad you are joining us!
You can use any notebook you have
or if you want the journal, it is available
exclusively on Amazon.

If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price >> GO HERE

This post contains an affiliate link.

The post 🕯️ 📖 HIDDEN WITH HIM (Week 1 – Strengthened in the Secret Place) appeared first on Women Living Well.

       

Comments

• I am just now starting this study, a couple weeks late! But was ... by Susan G
• In reply to Jane. Hi Jane – I'm sorry this happened 🙁 ... by Courtney
• I don't know what i did wrong I ordered twice and was billed ... by Jane
• My “secret” place is my daughter's chair in my sitting ... by Kimberly
• Thank you Courtney for all you have done through the years. I ... by Susan L

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• 🍂 📖 STANDING GUARD (Week 3 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)
• 🍂 📖 ROOTED & UNSHAKEN (Week 2 – Strengthened in the Secret Place)