WHEN EMILY ENGELHART STARTED her blogging ministry in 2019, she had no idea where it would lead her. The idea started after she read the Book of Romans. The phrase “more than” stood out to her, and she used that phrase to name her project More Than Ministries. Engelhart had journaled as a child, but she didn’t start writing seriously until she started writing for her blog.
“When you have a lot of passions, you can forget certain ones. I forgot about my writing passion, and God reminded me,” she said.
More Than Ministries started out as a Facebook group where Engelhart shared her thoughts and writings. She knew that she wanted to write a book based on her blog, but she was unsure where to start. While browsing through the books at Blessings Big & Small one day, she got the idea for 30 Days to Change.
Engelhart said that it took about three years to write her book, and now it is available online through Amazon. Physical copies are available at Blessings Big & Small.
30 Days to Change is a 30-day devotional that poses readers with questions that tackle difficult topics including forgiveness, depression, anxiety, and addiction. The book also focuses on living life as a Christian, though Engelhart said that the book can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their beliefs.
Each day has dedicated space for journaling, which can help readers follow along even if they aren’t regular journalists. Engelhart said that each entry only takes a few minutes to complete, and each section is set up so that readers can go back and reflect on their answers if they have problems that occur in the future.
“As you go, the questions get a little more spiritual and theological,” Engelhart said.
The beginning of the book features basic questions as well as an entry that can help readers decide if the book will be useful for them. The early entries focus on common theology, and as the book progresses readers learn more about what Christianity is. The book also features many photos that help make it blog style. All of the photos in the book were taken in South Dakota, with the exception of the cover, which was taken back in California.
Engelhart’s own testimony is at the end of the book and brings the whole project together.
“Every chapter is a significant part of my own story,” she said. “Being perfect is not the point, and it’s not just a one-and-done deal.“
The book is Engelhart’s first big writing project, and she plans to write more books in the future. She also has plans to release a hardcover version of the book.
“It was hard, but worth it,” Engelhart said. “I wouldn’t take back any of the mistakes I made.”
Engelhart said that she hopes her book can be something that her children can find inspiring.
She also shared: “The lessons I have learned throughout this journey of writing my book 30 Days To Change as well as doing ministry work is this: When you surrender your life to Jesus, He will use you to do amazing things in His name for others and for the entire world that you never thought possible. When you walk on the path He has set before you, rather than on the path you have carved out for yourself, you will experience a journey like no other. Life with Jesus is never meant to be a life that is constantly peaceful and full of happiness. Trials will come like they do for every person on earth. But when you choose to walk on God’s path for your life, Jesus is right there, holding your hand and guiding you every step of the way. You are never alone. When you decide to give your life to Jesus, it is the most amazing journey that you have been waiting for. It is there, with each step as you listen to His voice guiding you, that you will finally become who you were created to be and your existence will have a new and beautiful purpose you never imagined. Nothing is impossible for God. No matter who you are or what you have chosen to do with your life thus far, He loves you with an everlasting love that can make you brand new. He has changed me and saved me from who I used to be; and He can do the same for you.” …
- For more information about More Than Ministries, visit morethanministries.com.
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