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Touching Base With God

Michele Chynoweth’s story sounds a lot like Job’s when you hear it. Due to addiction, she lost her marriage, her business, her kids (or so it felt), and her health. But also, like Job’s story, God brought Michele out of that dark season and gave her so much more than she could’ve hoped for. She’s now a bestselling, award-winning author of several modern-day Bible stories — contemporary suspense novels — that reimagine stories of the Old Testament, including her latest book, “The Wise Man,” based on the story of Solomon.

Today, Michele gets honest about her daily spiritual habits.

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It is morning. I sit in my morning room or step outside to my back patio. I live in a house with woods behind it, and my husband has hung a few bird feeders. I love watching the birds and gazing at the trees throughout the seasons (we see all four here in Maryland). Before my day takes off in all its busyness, I try to take a half-hour to do my readings, write in my journal, and do a little prayer and meditation. When I don't, the day usually doesn't go as well as when I do.

My sponsor gave me a “Daily Kairos” journal. Each day, it guides me in writing down a Bible verse that comes to mind, three things I'm grateful for, a prayer on my heart, and an intention for the day. During this time, I read from two devotionals, “Daily Reflections” and “Courage to Change,” meditate on a thought from each and write in my journal. When I do this, I feel like I am at least touching base with God, asking him to guide me through the day to do his will. I believe when I start the day with humility, acceptance, and gratitude for what I already have, I won't be anxious or depressed about what I don't have. I can stay in the day, be peaceful, and make space for all the good God has in store for me. And this is the only way creativity and imagination can occur.

—Michele Chynoweth, award-winning novelist, as told to Rapt Interviews

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