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Today I am honored to feature my long time friend Mary Geisen and her newly released book, The Advent Narrative:The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living. I am excited for you to read her post today, but even more so for you to get your own copy of her book, just in time for Advent Season.
I had the opportunity to read Mary’s book and write an endorsement which you will also find in the book.
The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living invites you to step onto the stage and into living the most wonderful story there ever was. Mary Geisen beautifully unfolds the truth of Scripture that we are an Advent people. We may have wandered in the wilderness for a season, but now we have a pivotal role in completing the fulfillment of God’s story here on earth.
The Advent Narrative will stir hope in your heart and awaken your mind to the invitation that Advent living is for you. Mary artfully communicates the heart of God and awakens our awareness of Him. She issues a call: Step into God’s story to live and walk in His plan daily. Your invitation awaits, step into The Advent Narrative today.
Debbie Kitterman, founder, Dare 2 Hear Ministries; international speaker; podcaster, pastor; blogger, Dare2Hear.com; Dare2Hear The Podcast; D2Htraining.com; author, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for Others, The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement, and Releasing God’s Heart Through Hearing His Voice.
You will find Mary’s Post: Becoming Advent People in a Busy World below.
Sign-up today and plan to join me for my
Dream Workshop: December 5, 2020
10am-12noon Pacific Time Zone ( 12noon-2PM MT :: 1-3PM ET).
Are there hidden messages in your dreams?
Could the bizarre dream really be significant?
How do I figure out what my dreams mean?
Is there a significance to reoccurring dreams and nightmares?
During the Dream Workshop we will dive into these questions and more. The dreams, visions, and even pictures we receive can be significant messages from God. But how do we go about “figuring out” what they mean? First, we need to understand our language with God. Utilizing her newly released book, Pastor Debbie will teach on these questions and more. She will walk you through exactly how to go about figuring out what people and symbols mean in your dreams, which is one of the steps for determining the message in dreams, visions, and pictures and what they can mean.
I will also be hosting a dream workshop via zoom on Saturday December 5, 2020 from 10am-12noon Pacific Time Zone ( 12noon-2PM MT :: 1-3PM ET).
Details below. To register for the dream workshop click here or on the image below!
Dream Workshop: December 5, 2020
Details: The Dream Workshop will be held via zoom on Saturday December 5 from 10am-12noon Pacific Time Zone ( 12noon-2PM MT :: 1-3PM ET).
Cost: $29 (regularly $49) Or $79.99 for the ALL-IN Package ($109.99 value) details below.
Registration closes Friday Dec. 4 by 5pm Pacific Time.
We also have an I’m ALL IN – Dream Workshop Package: You will get: Access to the live dream workshop zoom teaching($29), a copy of the recorded workshop($29), a signed copy of the book, Symbolism Reference Guide & Dream Journal ($12.99 + priority shipping/handling cost), plus a private 1:1 ~ 20-minute mini Coaching/Mentoring Session ($30) with Debbie to get hands on interpretation of your personal dream.
The ALL in package Cost is:$79.99 (a $109.99 value~includes priority shipping of your book). You can purchase it in our store by clicking here.
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Becoming Advent People in a Busy World
by: Mary Geisen
Hurry up! Slow down! Follow me. Shop here. Buy this. Conflicting messages come at us non-stop. If we focus on what everyone is saying and turn toward the world, we forget the reason we are here, to begin with. The world continues to shout louder, our hearts beat faster, and any thoughts of slowing down are quickly erased.
As a child, I lived life at a slower pace. Summers seemed to last forever just like school days. Time moved exactly as it should, and I never concerned myself with what was happening beyond my neighborhood. I lived relatively stress-free knowing I was safe, loved, and cared for.
The reality is that our world is busy and when it speaks most of us stand at attention as if its truth is what we need. What if instead, we turn to God’s upside-down kingdom for our truth? What if our hearts beat in rhythm with peace, love, and hope? How can we become Advent people in our busy world?
What does it look like to become Advent People?
Five years ago, I entered a wilderness season that feels like it is still lingering. If you know me, the story goes like this. I retired from teaching, walked out the door, and entered a season of caregiving for my dad. As hard as it was it also was one of the best gifts God has ever given me.
During many seasons of uncertainty or big challenges, we have the choice of remaining aware or fighting what we don’t want to face. It was during my time of wilderness living that I chose to learn all God wanted to teach me. He took a favorite season on the church calendar–Advent–and showed me how living in hope, joy, and expectancy for the arrival of Jesus was a lifelong endeavor, not just the four weeks leading to Christmas.
I am the person who has trouble letting go of the familiar and comfortable. I hold on tight believing that is best. When I began to loosen my grip and explore what Advent people do, I found there was more peace on the other side.
“This life of mine looks like holding on tight, waiting for the next right thing, and believing in the One who loved me enough to write me into HIS story. But what I am learning is how the grace of God prepares us for each new day, and in this time of in-between, you and I have the blessing of living daily as an Advent person—one who is expectant, hope-filled, and ready to receive the gifts of God.” The Advent Narrative
How does God call us to be Advent People?
God starts at the beginning. He begins our story the day we are born and lovingly writes out each word, sentence, and chapter as we live our lives. He prepares the way for us to choose a life following Jesus and it begins with a simple “yes”. Our lives begin again when we choose to follow God and become His son/daughter.
“It doesn’t seem right to thank Adam and Eve for walking straight into the enemy’s plan, but then again, this was the beginning of the story. The evolution of the world. The journey into the first Advent that leads us into the foundation for becoming an Advent people.”
The Advent Narrative
The first Advent was a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of the Messiah. John the Baptist spoke of the One to come and shouted, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3, Matt. 3:3). The people were hesitant and uncertain and often questioned if this was the Messiah after His arrival. The beauty of Advent is that we can live an Advent life daily as we surrender and prepare our hearts to follow Jesus. Advent is the time between the birth of Jesus and when He comes again in all His glory. Every “yes” brings us closer to God. Every choice we make leads us in hope and peace. This is Advent living and this is what it means to become Advent people.
“The intertwining of stories is God’s way of creating a world in which challenges and joy exist side by side. It is the place where hope enters and leaves a trail of belief that there is more to come in the middle of our messiness. And each time we begin a new chapter of our own stories, the turn of the page leads us closer to God when we say “yes” to the next baby step of surrendering it all.”
Living the Advent Life
In this busy world that is always vying for our attention, we can rest assured that God continues to write the best stories. He is intentional in choosing us over and over and never stops loving the person we are at that very moment.
Living an Advent life allows us to carry joy and sorrow, hope and despair, and strength and weakness at the same time. It is an invitation to dive deeper into living our best lives and draw closer to Jesus.
Will you accept the invitation to dive deeper into the story God has written for you? How will you live an Advent life with hope and expectancy when life becomes challenging?
Mary Geisen is the author of Brave Faith: A 31 Day Devotional Journey. She is a blogger, a speaker, a lover of coffee and deep, soul-filled conversations. Her greatest joys are her roles as a mom, mother-in-love, and Mimi. As a writer and follower of Jesus, God has led her through wilderness seasons, taught her how to walk in brave faith, and has drawn her into closer relationship with Him. Mary wants to live in a way that others are empowered to walk in brave faith through their own in-between, middle seasons of life.
More about the Advent Narrative Book:
Advent is rushed. One glance at the calendar clearly displays Advent as a four-week season reaching its climax on Christmas. But what if Advent is not just four weeks long? What if instead, Advent is a lifetime of living?
This book marks the beginning of your chance to choose a life that is lived outward rather than inward—an invitational life where you can prepare your heart to receive the joy and hope that comes with knowing Jesus. A life that will keep you focused on Christ as you clear out what weighs you down to make room for the One who lifts you up. Available now on Amazon. https://amzn.to/3f2EgzA
Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I would absolutely be honored if you would display this badge, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
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Check out the newest #Podcast from @Dare2Hear Episode 85: Dreaming in a Time of Dragons ~ Guest: G. Claire Click To Tweet
Episode #85 ~ Dreaming in a Time of Dragons ~ Guest: G. Claire
I love to read a good fiction book, but I have never had the opportunity to interview a fiction author on my podcast. This book is not written as a preachy gospel message, but it does indeed have a strong spiritual message throughout. It is the perfect book to purchase for the pre-believer or believer.
“Dreaming in Times of Dragons” discusses topics like forgiveness, restoration and identity. Not only that but it incorporates hearing from God and following your God given purpose, destiny and dreams. G. Claire not only wrote, a beautiful book she illustrated a few pictures for the inside as well as the cover design. This book is for anyone who loves a good story filled with adventure, intrigue, courage, bravery, kingdoms, good vs evil and of course dragons! This book encourages the reader to follow “The Way” and listen to the “One true Voice” as they discover their true identity.
You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://amzn.to/36o5vSW
You can connect with G. Claire here:
Website: https://gclaire.com/
Instagram: G. Claire @GClaireCreates
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/GClaireCreates/
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Listen at your favorite podcast provider, click here for options. OR watch it On Youtube by clicking here.
Would you please consider subscribing to my podcast on the platform of your choice, sharing it on your social media with friends and if you like what you hear, would you leave a review so others can know what you think.
For those who like to watch and not just listen, I will also be posting new episodes on my YouTube Channel. You can find it by clicking here.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday. Next week Episode #005: The Prophetic Isn’t Weird
Can I ask a HUGE Favor?
Would you Please Listen & LEAVE A REVIEW ON iTunes…
It know it may seem like a lot to ask, because it takes time. However, if you can leave an honest review after listening, it would really be a HUGE blessing. Each review helps the podcast rank higher and get more eyes. If you’re interested, here’s how you do it:
- Go to the iTunes podcast page for my show – CLICK HERE
- Click on the blue button that says “View in iTunes.” (If you are prompted to launch iTunes, you’ll need to do so)
- Listen to Episode 1 How to Hear the Voice of God
- Click on the “Subscribe” button
- Click on “Ratings & Reviews” tab (if on your computer) or “Reviews” (on your phone)
- Under the title “Customer Reviews” click “Write a Review”
- Leave a simple and honest review then click “Submit” and you’re done!
Thanks again for helping spread the news about the podcast!
With Much love and Appreciation,
Debbie
Debbie Kitterman is a natural born encourager who is on fire for God. She is passionate about equipping individuals, so they can go deeper in the relationship with God, reach their God-potential and claim their Kingdom inheritance. Debbie is a wife, mother, author, pastor, speaker and the founder of “Dare 2 Hear,” a ministry that trains individuals to hear the voice of God. She travels to churches internationally and is the founder and teacher of d2htraining.com, an online course designed to equip the believer in releasing God’s heart. Her writing and teachings inspire faith and build bridges for people to believe and expect the impossible. She is also an ordained Foursquare pastor, currently serving with her husband, John, as senior pastor of Restoration Church in Lacey, Washington. Learn more at: www.debbiekitterman.com
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YouVersion 7-Day Devotional
I am blessed and honored to have a 7-day devotional on the YouVersion Bible App. YAY!!! It is a great way to kick start the 7- days before my on-line Bible Study starts next week. I would be so blessed if you would check it out and share it with your friends. You can find it here: Be The Gift Someone Needs Today!
Have you had the opportunity to read my new book “The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Words of God for others.” ? This book is about learning to hear the voice of God in our own life so we can respond to those God bumps and little nudges He gives us on a daily basis. God is calling us to be agents of encouragement and to be the gift the worlds needs today.
We live in a time, where those around us are in desperate need of a real encounter with Jesus and in need of encouragement. We are called to encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). My book will teach you how to step out and do just that.
To order your copy today: You can find it at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, OR your favorite online retailer, Plus, newly added, you can now get a signed copy from me. Click Here to order yours today!
We all have the opportunity to #BeTheGift of encouragement others need today.
A practical guide to what it looks like and how to live a lifestyle of prophetic encouragement.
Are you Ready to #BeTheGift Someone Needs today?
Words have power.
To encourage. To comfort. To strengthen. To heal.
Especially when they come from God.
The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragement shows us how to follow Jesus by loving on and building up His church … one person, and one God-centered word, at a time. Diving deeply into Scripture, Pastor Debbie Kitterman beautifully unpacks the Biblical precedent of prophetic encouragement and teaches you how to hear from God. By doing so, you’ll bravely step into your calling to #BeTheGift others need.
In this stunning six-week study, you will:
- Examine the model of encouragement Jesus established for us.
Define the simple (and Biblical) concept of prophetic encouragement.
Learn to identify and test the voice of God in your life.
Explore activation exercises which strengthen your hearing muscles.
And gain confidence in your calling to build others up
Are you ready for six weeks that will change your life, deepen your relationship with God, and create ripples of encouragement that spread through those around you?
You can visit my store here on the website to order a signed copy.
To Purchase Amazon, click here.
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
d2htrainging.com membership site is open, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Love Mary’s book. I have it on my Kindle and gave the two softcover books away on my blog! Spread the good stuff!
So happy for Mary and proud of her commitment to this book project!
Thank goodness for God and my son, Daniel, who kept me moving forward when I wanted to quit.
I am too Michele. Mary did an excellent job.
You are one of my biggest cheerleaders!
Susan, I do too. I love the way Mary laid it out and brought me into the pages of the play/script of living daily in Advent. Thaks for being here and helping spread the message of Mary’s book.
I love the thought of not just observing Advent, but being an Advent person! But I might have some changes to make.
Hi Lauren! It’s really just living your life with an awareness that God is always with you and because of that you can live with hope and expectancy for when Jesus comes again.
Lauren, I did too. It takes some changes to the way we all think, but it also makes sense to live as an Advent person. Thanks for being here this week.
I love the idea of Advent lasting all year long. How mindblowing it is that Jesus put on flesh and came to live in our neighborhood! I can’t get over it.
It is mind blowing and exciting, isn’t it? It’s good to see you, Jerralea.
Jerralea, I couldn’t agree with you more. It is definitely something that can stretch us but at the same time I think how much our world can change as we all live the advent life daily. Blessings
The idea of slowing down and saying yes to Jesus everyday is golden. Never thought of Advent as lasting more than a month. But yes, advent is every day as we wait for his return.
Amen! God is so good to help us live our best lives in the middle of seasons of waiting and in times when everything is going well.
Hi Theresa! I think the idea of living an Advent life is a mindset change, but it totally makes sense as well. 🙂 I too love the idea of slowing down and saying yes to Jesus every single day is what we are called to do as Christ followers. Blessings and thanks for being here this week.
Mary, I love your thoughts on Advent, especially that it is more than just a Christmas time activity! Thank you for teaching me to be an Advent person in a busy world!!
Hi Donna! I love that our present lives allow for the hope of Jesus daily. We can wait with joyful anticipation for when Jesus comes again.
Donna, I too loved Mary’s thoughts on Advent. It was such a fresh new perspective. Thanks for being here this week.
“He begins our story the day we are born and lovingly writes out each word, sentence, and chapter as we live our lives.” I love this line. Very well said and such a good reminder that even the 2020 story and our part in it is in God’s loving hands. I know that nothing catches Him by surprise, but sometimes it helps to be reminded 🙂
Thank you for hosting a fantastic link-up too!
Jed. Mary has a wonderful way with words and brings to life so beautifully how we can live the advent life daily and not just for a season. Thanks for being here today and linking up.
I need to order Mary’s book!
Elizabeth, you will love it.