Write this Down! with Dot Bowen
Religion & Spirituality
About
Bible teacher, author and founder of Cup of Joy Ministries, Dot Bowen, teaches listeners what it truly looks like to know, love and follow Jesus. Each week, Dot invites you to sit down with her and her daughter, Cara, to have an authentic conversation about Biblical Scripture and God’s Truth. Their honest and thought provoking conversations are full of wit and wisdom which will have you diving deeper into God’s Word. Whether Dot is teaching, speaking or simply grabbing coffee with a dear friend, she can often be heard saying with excitement, “Write this Down!” Her heart for the listener is to take the things she asks you to write down before the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes to His Truth and love. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free.” By the end of each episode, you’ll find yourself grabbing a pencil so that you can Write this Down! with Dot Bowen.
Episodes
- Episode 268: Who Made Me the Judge?
Dot and Cara discuss Matthew 7:1-5, focusing on judgment, humility, and seeking God. They differentiate between judging actions and judging hearts.
- Episode 267: Ask, Knock, and Trust the One Who Answers
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss persistent prayer and unanswered prayers. They explore Matthew 7:7-11 and trusting God even when prayers are not answered as expected.
- Episode 266: Finding Peace When the What-Ifs Take Over
This episode of "Write this Down! with Dot Bowen" discusses finding peace amidst anxious thoughts and "what if" scenarios. Dot and Cara reflect on Matthew 6:25-34, exploring how to maintain faith when life feels overwhelming.
- Episode 265: You Can't Do This on Your Own (And That's the Point)
In this episode, Dot Bowen and Cara discuss the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. They explore its teachings on how to live and the importance of the Holy Spirit in Christian life.
- Episode 264: Jesus Said Pay Attention to the Fruit, So Let's Talk About That
In this episode, Dot Bowen and Cara discuss Jesus' principle of knowing people by their fruit, as found in Matthew 7. They explore what the fruit of the spirit looks like and how to apply this teaching to relationships and the voices one f…
- Episode 263: Faith, Doubt, and a God Who Shows Up Anyway
This episode discusses faith and doubt, examining the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20. It explores how Jesus met Thomas in his doubt and the ongoing significance of the resurrection.
- Episode 262: The Name that Changes Everything - Part 2
This episode explores the names of God and what they reveal about His character. Dot and Cara discuss believing in these names and the refuge they offer.
- Episode 261: The Name that Changes Everything - Part 1
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss the names of God, beginning with "I AM" as revealed in Exodus 3. They explain the significance of biblical names and how understanding God's names can deepen one's relationship with Him. This episode emphasizes t…
- Episode 260: Feelings Make Terrible Leaders
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss the influence of feelings on decision-making. They explore how emotions relate to thoughts and choices, emphasizing the importance of aligning feelings with truth as guided by faith.
- Episode 259: What If You Don’t Need to Know?
This episode of "Write this Down! with Dot Bowen" discusses the desire for knowledge and control. Dot and Cara use Genesis 3 to explain how this desire can move individuals away from faith and reliance on God.
- Episode 258: I Wanted Direction, He Gave Me Presence
Cara shares her recent experience with prayer and fasting. She explains how her search for answers through fasting led to a deeper intimacy with God.
- Episode 257: God, I Can’t Do This
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss themes of weakness, surrender, and relying on God's strength. They reference Paul's "thorn in the flesh" and share personal stories of grief and forgiveness to illustrate these concepts.
- Episode 256: Releasing What You Can’t Control
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss how control fuels fear and exhaustion. They explore taking responsibility while learning to trust God and release outcomes, referencing Matthew 6.
- Episode 255: The Destructive Nature of Gossip
In this episode, Dot and Cara discuss the destructive nature of gossip. They examine gossip through the lens of Romans 1, exploring what it is, how it harms, and how understanding its seriousness can bring freedom.
- Episode 254: The Comparison Trap
This episode of Write this Down! with Dot Bowen, titled "The Comparison Trap," features Dot and Cara discussing John 21:20-23. They explore how comparison can be a form of bondage and how true freedom comes from security in one's identity.
- Episode 253: Who Am I, Really? (Part 2)
In this episode, Dot and Cara discuss the practical implications of spiritual adoption in daily life. They explore how understanding one's identity as a child of God can reshape prayer, trust, forgiveness, and navigating challenges, refere…
- Episode 252: Who Am I, Really? (Part 1)
Dot and Cara discuss spiritual adoption and identity, exploring what it means to be a child of God according to Scripture. They differentiate between being created by God and being a child of God, examining how this understanding brings se…
- Episode 251: Living Faithfully
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss living faithfully, exploring the parable of the talents and how to be faithful with what God has given. They consider how to live with trust, surrender, and stewardship, and reflect on applying these principles t…
- Episode 250: Coming Back to the Father’s Heart
This episode of "Write this Down!" with Dot Bowen features a discussion between Dot and Cara about Luke 15. They analyze the parable of the prodigal son, specifically the older brother, and draw insights from Tim Keller's book, "The Prodig…
- Episode 249: The Father Who Runs Toward Us
In this episode, Dot and Cara discuss the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15. They explore its connection to the Christmas story and themes of grace and the extravagant love of God.
- Episode 248: God’s Timing is Never Late
In this episode, Dot and Cara discuss the concepts of chronos and kairos time, referencing Galatians 4:4-5. The conversation explores trusting in God's timing and not fearing wasted time, singleness, or aging.
- Episode 247: When Giving Thanks Feels Hard
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss gratitude as a daily spiritual discipline, referencing 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. They explain how giving thanks can help in difficult seasons by protecting hearts from bitterness and remembering God’s goodness.
- Episode 246: Confession — The Path Back to Closeness
This episode discusses confession, distinguishing it from repentance, and exploring its significance as a spiritual practice. It covers how confession can restore closeness with God and bring about unity.
- Episode 245: When Fasting Satisfies Your Hunger for God
This episode of Write this Down! with Dot Bowen explores the spiritual practice of fasting, connecting it to prayer and its role in drawing closer to God. Dot and Cara discuss Matthew 4:1-4, examining how fasting can remove distractions an…
- Episode 244: Resting in What God Has Done
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss Sabbath as an invitation to trust, delight, and remember God. They explore rest as resistance to self-trust, delighting in God’s gifts, and how a 24-hour rhythm can shape the other six days.
- Episode 243: A Faith That Matters
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss what it means to live with bold faith, focusing on Peter's transformation in Acts 4 after he denied Christ and witnessed the resurrection. They explore how bold faith involves living out beliefs and sharing one's…
- Episode 242: Dating Without Regrets
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss how to approach dating with integrity, purity, and trust in God's timing. They explore navigating relationships in a way that honors Christ and emphasizes that personal identity is rooted in one's relationship wi…
- Episode 241: Discerning God’s Voice in the Noise
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss how to discern God's voice, focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit as described in John 14:16-18. They emphasize the importance of an ongoing relationship with God for guidance.
- Episode 240: You Can Do It All… But Should You?
Dot and Cara discuss balancing ambition and career with faith and contentment. They analyze Paul's words in Philippians, particularly Philippians 4:11-13, and the concept of "doing all things through Christ," emphasizing checking one's mot…
- Episode 239: Truth Worth Dying For
Dot Bowen and Cara reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, discussing his memorial service and Erika's faith. They examine 2 Timothy 4:6-8, considering cultural hostility to truth and the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Episode 238: Faith for the Anxious Heart
This episode of "Write this Down! with Dot Bowen" features a discussion between Dot and Cara on managing fear and anxiety as a believer. They explore how "what ifs" can fuel worry and how faith can help in trusting God with present and fut…
- Episode 237: Navigating Relationships with Unbelievers
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss navigating relationships with unbelievers, focusing on how to maintain faith while staying connected to loved ones who do not share the same beliefs. They explore topics such as close friendships, marriage to a n…
- Episode 236: God, don’t let me miss You...
This episode of "Write this Down! with Dot Bowen" explores how to draw near to God when faith feels stagnant, focusing on James 4:8. Dot and Cara discuss the importance of prayer, discipline, and choosing habits over feelings to maintain a…
- Episode 235: Why Should I Read the Bible?
In this episode, Dot Bowen and Cara discuss why people should read the Bible. They explore how Scripture, particularly Hebrews 4:12, reveals God's heart, brings life, and exposes the intentions of human hearts.
- Episode 234: Have I done enough?
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss the question of salvation, exploring how one can be sure of being saved. They cover the role of the Holy Spirit and the understanding that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned, referencing Ephesians 2:8-10.
- Episode 233: Trusting God When the Future Feels Uncertain
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss trusting God's will during uncertain times, using Matthew 10:26–31 as a reference. They explore themes of overcoming fear and control, and learning to rely on God's guidance.
- Episode 232: Perspective Changes Everything [RE-AIR]
This episode of Write this Down! with Dot Bowen, titled "Perspective Changes Everything," explores the transformative power of perspective. It discusses how a positive outlook can impact emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, espec…
- Episode 231: Understanding True Repentance [RE-AIR]
This episode, re-aired by popular demand, features Dot Bowen and Cara discussing King David's quickness to recognize and address his sins. This discussion highlights how King David’s life was characterized by humility, confession, and repe…
- Episode 230: Coming Home: Dot & Cara's Story - Pt 2 [RE-AIR]
This episode continues Cara's story of redemption, highlighting her experience of faith and God's grace. It includes discussions on prayer and finding freedom through belief.
- Episode 229: Crisis of Faith: Dot & Cara's Story - Pt 1 [RE-AIR]
This re-aired episode features Dot and Cara discussing their mother-daughter relationship. They share Cara's experiences in college, focusing on her crisis of faith and the choices she made.
- Episode 228: What if I’m not good enough for God?
This episode of Write this Down! with Dot Bowen features Dot and Cara discussing the feeling of not being good enough to approach God. They explore Romans 3:10-12, concluding that imperfections do not disqualify individuals from God, empha…
- Episode 227: How Do I Start Reading the Bible?
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss how to begin reading the Bible, addressing intimidation and emphasizing a relational approach to Scripture. They explore reasons why individuals might want to read the Bible and offer practical steps for starting.
- Episode 226: Making Disciples Starts With Relationship
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss what it means to make disciples and how to live that out in everyday lives. They answer listener questions and unpack Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples.”
- Episode 225: When God Writes the Ending
In this episode, Dot and Cara conclude their series on Ruth, examining Ruth chapter 4. They discuss God's redemption, the significance of the characters' choices, and God's work through difficult circumstances.
- Episode 224: Bold Moves and Quiet Trust
Dot and Cara discuss Ruth chapter 3, focusing on Naomi and Ruth’s act of faith at the threshing floor. They explore themes of trusting God's provision and taking steps of faith even when the future is uncertain.
- Episode 223: Finding Grace in the Field
This episode explores Ruth chapter 2, focusing on Ruth's faithfulness and God's timing as Naomi transitions from bitterness to hope. It highlights how God works "behind the scenes" to redeem stories and create new things in lives.
- Episode 222: Walking Through Grief
In this episode, Dot Bowen and Cara discuss grief and its potential to lead to bitterness. They explore how gratitude can be a tool to navigate grief, referencing the book of Ruth.
- Episode 221: What is the Kingdom of God?
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss the concept of "the Kingdom of God" in this episode. They explore its biblical meaning and implications, drawing on Matthew 6:31-34.
- Episode 220: Why is Church Important?
This episode of Write this Down! with Dot Bowen discusses the importance of the Church, reflecting on Hebrews 10:23-25. Dot and Cara explore how the Church impacts faith journeys and address experiences of church hurt.
- Episode 219: Living in the Present
Dot Bowen and Cara discuss managing transitions and finding contentment by focusing on the present. The episode explores themes of longing for the past, controlling the future, and trusting in faith, with references to Philippians 3.