A Taxi in Spandau: When God Arranges the Way Home Before You Ask

A Devotional by Ashley Martin

Key Scripture

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." —Psalm 32:8 NIV.​

I was twenty-two years old, studying abroad in Berlin, and I had done the one thing every study abroad advisor warns you against. I lost track of time. It was my first time out of the country, and I was in awe of the entire experience.

I had spent the evening away from my group, having dinner with a family friend, and the conversation was so good that I never once checked the clock. By the time I said my goodbyes, I had missed the last bus back to my dorm. Our housing was in a suburb a little outside the city, and buses stopped running at eight. This was also long before anyone I knew carried a cell phone. I was alone, it was dark, and I had no way to call for help.

So I did the only thing I knew to do. I stopped and prayed.

My gut, a prompting I'v...

Drawing from His Love

A Devotional by Melody Crosby Hale

Key Scripture

John 4:14 NIV, “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  

Life has a way of draining us dry unless we’ve learned what well to draw from.  

It was too painful to be around others because of the stares, the whispers, and the disapproving gestures. So, she went alone to draw water from the well in the hottest part of the day to avoid people.  But He (Jesus) was already there waiting for her, and He asked her for a drink of water.  

She knew she had a questionable reputation, and she couldn't understand why He was asking her for a drink of water unless, of course, He wanted something from her.  

She couldn’t see that He was holding space for her and had just invited himself into her world to taste what was in her cup. She couldn’t see past her pain.⁣ 

Instead, she noted to Him that He did not hav...

Regular is Enough in God’s Kingdom

A Devotional by Annie Weber

 KEY SCRIPTURE

"And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer." Acts 12:13 ESV

DEVOTIONAL

“I’m not like a regular mom; I’m a cool mom” is a memorable line from the 2004 movie Mean Girls. In the movie, we learn from Mrs. George, played by Amy Poehler, that being regular is unacceptable in motherhood. However, the Bible’s portrayal of regular people is quite extreme compared to the movie's message. Rhoda is a prime example of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. 

Rhoda gets a cameo in the Bible right when the early church is in full panic mode. After the crucifixion of Jesus, many cynics thought the Jesus “problem” was solved after His death. They thought they had achieved success and officially canceled Jesus. However, three days later, the ultimate plot twist occurred. Contrary to their plan, the number of Christ followers multipl...

The Accuser Has Been Defeated 

A Devotional by Mary Skyler 

KEY SCRIPTURE 

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 8:1 (NIV)

DEVOTIONAL 

She sits quietly in Sunday school, surrounded by people who seem to have it all together. Or so she thinks. She keeps her mouth shut, careful not to reveal too much, because surely if people really knew her story—the mistakes, the wounds, the shame—they would see her as disqualified.

Maybe that woman is you.

Maybe you know the voice that whispers: “Who do you think you are? You will never be enough. You’ve done too much. Too much has been done to you.”

But that voice does not come from your Father.

Romans 8:1 reminds us that for those in Christ, condemnation no longer has authority. When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” He proclaimed that sin’s debt had been fully paid. The accuser’s case against you was permanently dismantled at the cross.

This does not mean we are beyond conviction. The Holy Spi...

As you work on growing your business, writing, or speaking career, there are numerous ways that you can invest in yourself. And one of the best ways to accelerate your growth is by intentionally giving back. Supporting other like-minded creatives is not just about networking; it's about understanding that what you do for others matters. And that type of backing will also be a massive benefit for you. 

Here are eighteen intentional ways you can support other writers, speakers, podcasters, and business leaders

1. Join Called Creatives: This is at the top of the list because one of the best ways to connect with like-minded creatives is to be where they are. Engaging in a community benefits your business and career, but it's also a great way to know who is running the same race as you. 

Mutual interests are narrowed down even further through specific training, mastermind groups, and paying attention to the faces you see on the monthly group coaching calls. You also have access to a job ...

Have you ever picked up a book and wondered if you could do something like that? Even if you've never wanted to write a book, there may be other valuable reasons to work on a manuscript. Books can be something other than academic, informational, or entertaining to have an impact. The reason you start working on a book project may be simpler and more practical than you think. 

Read on for 35 reasons why YOU should write a book.

1. You should write a book to leave a legacy: What kind of impact do you want to leave behind? This reason is at the top because it should be a big motivation for any project you pursue. A book is a powerful way to show others who you are and something tangible to leave behind for your family. 
2. You should write a book to share your message: Is there a message burning in your heart that you need to communicate? A book allows you to share and expand on the burning words in your heart. As discussed in the legacy portion, writing a book helps you convey your belief...

There is nothing quite like the feeling of putting words to paper as a book forms from our fingertips. But there is also something not quite right about the exhaustion and malaise we may experience after writing. 

Did you know that writing professionally can be considered a potentially dangerous career? Because of the sedentary nature, writing without balance can be physically and mentally challenging. But there are ways to make sure writing remains physically, mentally and emotionally fulfilling for you.

Read on for writer health and wellness tips that you can start doing today!

Self-assess: What does your usual writing rhythm or routine look like? When you crank out all your words, how does your body feel at the end? Are you more fatigued than usual or experiencing discomfort in certain parts of your body?

Knowing your mental or physical areas of struggle will help you implement the best strategy for your writing health and wellness. 

Create anchor routines: Instead of feeling ...

Coaching isn’t what it used to be. 

Years ago, the mention of the word coach would immediately bring to mind the guy in a polo shirt on the sidelines, a hand on one hip–clipboard in the other, with a whistle hanging from his mouth. For some, this visual brings back positive childhood memories, while for others, it triggers more painful athletic experiences.  

Coaches used to only relate to the playing field, but over the years, this career field has expanded to include so many areas of our life. An athletic coach helps their players grow internally and physically to perform well on the court or field by their mentorship, accountability and training. So it makes sense that we would need coaches for other important aspects of life such as writing, speaking, starting businesses, and even, managing general life to help position and mentor us in these areas, as well. 

In the creator content spaces such as writing, speaking, and podcasting, there are multiple ways a coach can be helpful t...

Do you need a way to level up your writing and podcasting productivity? There are many systems and software to choose from, but one of the best writing tools you can implement is Canva.

It's no secret that Canva has been a game changer for graphics and design. Their user-friendly interface has allowed people from all walks of life and skill levels to create content for social media, video, conferences, classrooms, and so much more. If you can drop and drag, you can use Canva.

But what does that have to do with writing, speaking, or podcasting? Canva is a tool that can significantly benefit your creative career. Here are eleven ways (out of the many) that Canva can make your passion project more successful.

1. Creating Lead Magnets: Are you trying to build your email list but need a creative way to attract subscribers? Canva can help you make an attractive lead magnet to draw in your target audience. What you create does not have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It can be as si...

7 Benefits of Publishing your book with Called Creatives Publishing

 Do you have a book burning inside of you that you are ready to get out to the world? Then the time is now for you to move forward with that dream. Publishing your message will open up doors for you in multiple areas, increasing your platform reach and influence. It is a great way to get booked to speak, receive invitations for podcasts and provide an alternate stream of income.

Publishing your book is also a valuable form of legacy building. But did you know that even with a high percentage of people wanting to write a book, only 2% actually do? Despite the obstacles that may try to stand in your way, you can be among that 2%. 

Engaging in the publishing process may seem daunting but it is more than doable. Time to shake off imposter-syndrome and believe in your ability to finish what's in your heart to start. You've got the goods to bring that dream to life. And Called Creatives has the perfect way to make it ha...