Designing Your Faith: J. Marie Jones on Intentional Journaling & Affirming the Word

Seek Go Create - The Leadership Journey for Christian Entrepreneurs and Faith-Driven Leaders

Ever felt like life’s trials are steering you towards an unexpected purpose? Join us in this episode of *Seek Go Create* as we dive into J. Marie Jones's powerful journey of surrender and transformation. From navigating a pandemic-induced career shift to uplifting others through "Affirm the Word," hear how J. Marie's unwavering faith and intentional journaling can inspire your path to true and lasting peace. Don’t miss her profound insights on embracing God’s call, even amid chaos and uncertainty.

"Intentional journaling is about focusing on God's movement and provision in your life." - J. Marie Jones

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

J. Marie Jones is a dynamic designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Affirm the Word, a literary platform dedicated to helping believers internalize and affirm God's promises in their lives. With a career steeped in design and video production, she blends creativity with faith to inspire and uplift those around her. J. Marie's work emphasizes the power of positive self-talk, intentional journaling, and spiritual surrender. Having navigated significant personal and professional challenges, including a transformative leave of absence during the COVID-19 pandemic, she brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to her mission of guiding others towards true and lasting peace through faith.

Reasons to Listen:

1. **Discover True Intentionality:** Learn how J. Marie Jones applies the concept of intentional journaling to deepen her spiritual practice and experience God's provision in every aspect of life.

2. **Transformation Through Surrender:** Hear J. Marie's compelling journey from financial stress and career uncertainty to miraculous provision and lasting peace, underscoring the power of surrendering to God's will.

3. **Challenges and Triumphs:** Uncover the unique insights of an African American woman navigating leadership in a male-dominated industry, and how her faith guided her through personal and professional challenges, including the poignant struggle of being a preacher's kid.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

### Resources Mentioned:

1. **Website: AffirmTheWord.org**

- This is the official website of J. Marie Jones' literary venture, which includes various resources for believers to internalize and affirm God's word in their lives.

2. **52-Week Prayer Journal for Women**

- A prayer journal developed by J. Marie Jones that includes scripture verses, affirmations, devotionals, and space for personal affirmations, designed to help believers internalize and speak God's word with power and authority.

### Action Steps:

1. **Start Intentional Journaling**

- Begin the practice of intentional journaling for a few minutes each morning. Focus on God's movements, provision, and positive affirmations to start your day on a positive note.

2. **Reframe Negative Self-Talk**

- Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. For instance, change "my anxiety" to "I'm overcoming anxiety" and use scriptures to counter anxious thoughts throughout the day.

3. **Assess and Surround Yourself with Positivity**

- Evaluate what you are saying to yourself and what you are allowing others to say regarding your dreams and desires. Make conscious choices to surround yourself with positive influences and environments that support your growth and purpose.

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

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• 🎙 Coaching with Tim: Elevate your leadership and align your work with your faith. Learn More
• 📚 "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined": A transformative read that will challenge your views on success. Grab Your Copy
• 📝 Faith Driven Leader Quiz: Discover how well you're aligning faith and work with our quick quiz. Take the Quiz

Key Lessons:

1. **Embrace Authenticity and Truth**: J. Marie Jones emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by societal pressures or denominational expectations. Being true to oneself and embracing authenticity in one's faith journey is crucial for spiritual growth and fulfillment.

2. **Surrender to God's Plan**: Both Tim Winders and J. Marie Jones discuss the significance of surrendering personal plans and desires to God's will. This involves trusting that God can use all experiences, even challenging ones, to guide individuals towards their divine purpose.

3. **The Power of Positive Self-Talk and Environment**: J. Marie highlights the necessity of positive self-talk and surrounding oneself with a supportive environment. Reframing thoughts and prioritizing affirmations can significantly impact personal progress and mental well-being.

4. **Intentional Journaling**: The practice of intentional journaling is stressed as a powerful tool to focus on God's movement and provision. J. Marie suggests using scriptures and affirmations to counter negative thoughts, helping to align the mind and spirit with positive truths.

5. **The Importance of Morning Routines**: Setting aside time in the morning for prayer, meditation, and worship can set a positive course for the day. Early morning routines help align the heart with God's will and prepare individuals to face the day with intention and purpose.

Episode Highlights:

00:35 Welcome to Seek, Go, Create

01:16 Meet J. Marie Jones

01:39 Journey into Design and Media

11:54 Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

18:56 Faith and Personal Growth

34:07 Navigating Life Changes During the Pandemic

36:04 A New Approach to Faith and Surrender

37:45 Career Transition and Divine Guidance

41:45 The Importance of Financial Stewardship

54:42 Intentional Journaling vs. Traditional Journaling

58:24 Resources and Support for Aspiring Authors

01:01:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Mentioned in this episode:

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