Encouraging Deep Roots

-


 When I started my website a few years ago I was trying to come up with a name that would encompass what I wanted to do. However, every name that I researched was already taken. At the time, my blog was called Hearts in Service but that domain was already taken. So after thinking about it I settled on "Words of Encouragement for a Discouraged World" which was part of one of my book titles.

However, the problem with that particular name is that it was a mouthful to say and hard for people to remember when trying to search for it. It also sounded a bit grandiose to me! 

The past few weeks I've been thinking, praying and evaluating things and have given my site a "tweak." When I reflected on what my desire in ministry really is, my heart is to see people put down roots in the truth of God's word and grow spiritually. And that's my desire for myself as well. 

I'm thankful for this past month because as I've worked on staying focused and honing in on what my purpose is, God has been giving me some clarity. And He's given me some really cool opportunities and open doors that I never would have expected.

I've purchased a new domain and applied it to my current website. The new name is Encouraging Deep Roots and the domain is https://encouragingdeeproots.com. That's so much easier to remember and type. I even put together my own logo which is above. I told my husband that it actually is helping me to have a more narrowed focus in my writing. 

The website needs a bit of work, but for now I'm happy with the name and focus. And the opportunities I mentioned include a friend asking if he could translate one of my books into another language for distribution in a different country. WHAT????!!!!! That was totally not expected. 

Another was being asked back to be a weekend retreat speaker in October. This past year I taught 6 sessions on the Epistle of James at a retreat center and I'm looking forward to doing this again with a different book. I may also have a possibility of teaching an online class as well. 

I'm thankful for the doors that God is opening for me, especially because they aren't ones that I even expected. That's always an amazing sign to me that He is in it.

I'm looking forward to seeing how this all works out as I continue to step out in faith and follow where the Lord leads.

Comments

  1. AngelaJanuary 29, 2024 at 7:03 AM

    Yes, that IS an easier name to remember [and avoids the negative word 'discouraged'] Blessings in your ongoing journey! [Terri , you seem SO busy all of a sudden, I know the change of diet etc has boosted your energy levels- but do take time to pause!!]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriJanuary 29, 2024 at 7:24 AM

      Thanks Angela. It's a different kind of busy in that I'm not running around "doing" outside activity. It's been more of a sitting, spending time in the Word and writing. I would say most days that is what I'm doing besides the 2-3 zoom meetings I have each week. So I'm busy, but not feeling over the top with it because I'm staying connected to the word which is what my desire was this year. I think it's because I'm not spreading myself out with multiple, different type of activities but more focused things.

      Delete
  2. ElizabethdJanuary 29, 2024 at 7:44 AM

    It's a much more attractive name, Terri. You do work so hard and your posts are always so encouraging.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love your comments and encouragement! I can't always respond back but do read each comment.

Popular posts from this blog

Choosing Not to Kick the Cat

-
Image
The choices we make can either be good or bad. So many don't realize that even our attitudes and feelings are a choice. We have a choice each day to make that day one in which we will react to our circumstances or choose not to react. I can choose to let someone else's bad day ruin mine, or I can choose to not take on someone else's attitude. When Dan and I were first married we worked for a sales organization. I still remember listening to a motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar who was talking about this topic. He gave the scenario of a man being a work and having a boss that was berating him all day long. The man then came home and snapped at his wife. His wife, in turn, yelled at their son for a small infraction because she was upset. The son was now hurt by his mom and pushed his little sister. She, being the youngest, turns around and kicks the cat! Zig talked about making a different choice by not allowing others bad behaviors and moods cause you to respond in the
Read more

Oh What to Do; I'm Sixty-Two!

-
Image
Today is my sixty-second birthday and it's hard to believe I've achieved that....um....seasoned age! My first thought this morning was one of not being sure that I like it. However,  as I thought I about it, I decided to take joy in the fact that I've reached an older age. Because age comes with benefits. Benefit #1 - I'm a bit wiser.   When I look back at some of the decisions I made when I was younger, I cringe. With age has come the ability to slow down and think things through before I make major upheavals in my life. I've also discovered that getting worked up about certain things is just an absolute waste of emotional energy. Benefit #2 - I'm enjoying my life.   As I've aged I've learned all kinds of skills and hobbies and can honestly say that I'm never, ever bored. I love all the different things I'm able to do and it's fun! Benefit #3 - I've learned to appreciate my relationships. With age I've learned to work on developing a
Read more

Eating to Live

-
Image
  Despite the unexpected busyness and interruptions, I have been plugging away at my weight loss as well as writing the plant-based, whole food cookbook. Recipe testing fell by the wayside the past two weeks, but I've still gotten a good chunk of the book done. I also got on the scale this morning for another one pound loss which makes a total of 61 lbs. since I started this journey back in July. It's second nature at this point and I have so much more energy and feel healthy. The only negative is that because I've lost so much weight I'm seeing some sagging, crepe-papery skin happening. Yuck. Some of that is age and I need to figure out some toning exercises. It's definitely a life-style change, but a positive one which I'm so thankful I started on. The pictures above are a small selection of meals I've eaten the past two months and many of those will be included in the book.  This will be a printable e-book as I find that will be the easiest and most cost
Read more