9 Years of Of My Blogging Summed Up Here…

This week, the Good Morning Girls completed the final chapters of the book of Luke.  Now we are on an extended break.  Our reading this week was heavy yet full of hope, as we looked more deeply at the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Because He Lives – I can face tomorrow!

That is what this blog is all about.

Jesus – the King of Kings.  

He died for you and me – to take away our sins. And He loves us and He desires to walk intimately with you.

In August of 2008, I began my blog here at WomenLivingWell.org. The future was unknown.  I did not know how to make a Youtube, or how to put words on an image and I did not have a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram account.  Good Morning Girls was a ministry in my church that I had begun in real life but it did not exist on-line.  And I had zero blogging friends and definitely no publishers, conferences or television shows – ringing my phone line.

I was a wife and a homeschool mom – two “titles” that I no longer carry.  And there is pain and heartache there, as I wholeheartedly loved my husband and enjoyed the life of being a homeschooler.  But I have found that my identity is NOT in my titles of being a wife or a homeschool mom or…a blogger – it’s in Jesus.

I am a daughter of the King!

My kids have grown and changed so much during this time.  Here’s my kid’s first day of homeschooling – they were in pre-school and kindergarten.  This was August of 2009:

And here they are now – 8 years later.  This was their first day of “brick and mortar” school this past August.

They have done so well with the transition – both of them are straight A students, with lots of friends and attend a discipleship group at our church.

So, I had never dreamed of being a writer and still find it awkward to say I am one. I am more of a talker and an external processor and perhaps a cheerleader at heart.

Blogging came as a simple act of faith. I could not have imagined what was about to happen, as I put my fingers to my keyboard and began to write about God’s Word and my personal –walk with the King.

I believed that the world wide web was a good place to take the gospel. That there was a lot of darkness here, so I wanted to be one voice – one light – just one girl in Ohio, writing from her bathroom.  Yes – my blog began in my bathroom because at the time, the only place I could get away from my kids to study God’s Word and write –was my bathroom. Lol!  Some of you might remember my cartoon character in a bubble bath – that’s because I was writing from my bathroom.  Later, I was told it was inappropriate by a few readers.  Live and learn and roll with the punches – that’s what you do in ministry right?  So down went that header.

Here’s my first video ever posted (it’s a little embarrassing but here it is)…and yes – it’s from my bathroom:

My very first blog posts, from 2008, are no longer available – they were lost when I moved from one blogging platform to another.  But I was here writing and I was alone – writing my heart out to whoever stumbled across my little corner of the world.

Through this ministry – God has changed my life.  The emails I’ve received both good and bad – have changed me.  My new friends in the blogging community, have changed me.  The difficult road I have walked in my personal life during this time – has changed me.

But most of all – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords has changed me.

He has opened my eyes to the needs, hurts and beauty of my generation.

He has opened my eyes to the powerful truths of of His word and how alive and active his Word really is – through all seasons of life!

He has opened my eyes to what the word “grace” really means and how there are no cookie cutter Christians. God has woven all of our stories differently and all of our puzzles are different.  But his principles in His Word apply the same, to us all.

So I began this blog with this prayer: “here I am Lord, use me”.

I made this video below a few years ago about how Women Living Well began.

Has God laid a ministry on your heart?

Have you surrendered your life to God, saying “use me?”

Oh, it’s scary to say those words – but let me testify – it’s so exciting too!  I am reminded of Noah building the ark for days on end. Others walked by and wondered what in the world he was doing! (and trust me I have had plenty of people say “you do what? You blog? Why?”)

In Genesis 6:9 the Bible says “Noah walked with God”.

This is what Noah was doing – walking with the King!

And this is what happens when you walk with the King. The King might ask you do to something outside of your comfort zone!  Luckily, He didn’t ask me to build an ark.

Is the King asking you to do something big or small today? Be brave – do it!  Take risks! Follow the King of Kings.  You can trust Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Through all my mountains and valleys, God has never left me alone.  He truly walks with me and many times – carried me.

Friends, if you are a believer – then the King of Kings – already walks with you.

The question is – who is at the lead?  Are you living surrendered and letting Him lead or are you trying to run ahead of Him or taking detours independent of Him?

Don’t take detours, don’t turn around and go backwards, don’t get 5 steps ahead of Him – walk in step with Jesus.

Walk with the King.

That’s it.  That sums up my 9 years of blogging here.

And that’s my final word of exhortation until we meet again here on-line.

You don’t need me to be here for that.  You need your Bible and you need a church family to worship, fellowship and serve in.

The King – is pulling me in closer right now – it’s time for just me and Him to be alone and walk together.  I’m not sure where he’s leading me.  I look forward to one day sharing my journey with you all.  I pray that this will be a time of comfort and that I come back, filled up to overflowing and refreshed and ready for many more years of ministry with you all.

Until we meet again here on-line or in heaven…I love you girls more than you you will ever know.

Keep walking with the King.

 

 

 

**The website and all the past archives will remain open and available during this time.  If you are looking for a past Bible Study to go through – you can find all the links on the GMG Resources page.  If you are not sure where to start – I recommend the book of Ecclesiastes. If you are looking for a Bible Study Journal – they will remain available out on Amazon as well.  All of my videos are still up on Youtube and I may post updates from time to time on my social media.  God bless you all – I miss you already!

 

 

This post contains an affiliate link.

 

125 Comments

  1. Courtney I have appreciated your heart over the years. This has been a wonderful place of accountability for me. Even though I wasn’t in a group I didn’t want to fall behind! I pray that God draws your heart closer to His at this time, that as you lean on Him He would heal your heart and take you deeper in love with Him. It’s always good when we listen to His direction. Continue to walk with the King and thank you.

  2. Praying for you and your family! We will miss you very much. I’m already looking forward to your return one day soon. You’ve have created a legacy and because of you I SOAP daily! Thanks again dear friend.

  3. Oh my!! Tears rolling down my cheeks! I will continue to pray for you and your family. I pray we ‘meet’ again soon. It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later!! Hugs to you, Courtney!

  4. Courtney,
    You will be missed more than you know! Yours was the first Christian women’s blog I found. May you be richly blessed wherever life takes you, for you are a blessing to so many.

    In His love,
    Lucia

  5. I will be praying for you Courtney! I can’t even imagine what your going through..my heart is broken for you and your family…You seem to be such a sweet soul and so kind, devoted to the Lord and your family and your ministry. I admire you and you inspire me. I hope and pray that you’ll return to the blog one day, but I pray and hope even more that you find complete happiness for you and your children and your walk with the Lord never falters. Blessings to you dear friend. Thank you for the bible study and inspiration 🙂

  6. Courtney you are such an inspiration in so many ways. And especially at this time. What a huge step of faith and trust and I will be praying for you during this time of quiet and closeness with God.

    Many blessings to you. Thank you so much for helping me when I began my blogging journey and for all the love and support you’ve bestowed since.

    “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you; may the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” Numbers 6:24-25

    ❤ Jana

  7. As a young, super busy homeschooling Mom, what you said about your identity is not in your titles..that really stood out to me. I get so wrapped up in my title as mother, wife, teacher etc that I forget who I really am! Thank you so much for all of the encouraging posts, especially the marriage ones because those were such a blessing to me. I hope you will not be gone from the blogging world for too long.

  8. I understand this and love you dearly but this does break my heart a little. However I would never want you to do what God doesnt want you too– just sad to see you go. When *I* first discovered the blogging world and began my own -still baby- blog, you were someone whose posts I always followed, and who always wrote Biblical yet GRACE-FILLED, read not judgemental, posts (as opposed to the other catty ‘christian’ mom blogs I found); and to a young adult in the christian community THAT SPOKE VOLUMES and encouraged me more than you know!!! Thank you for sticking by the stuff!! My beart breaks for all you’ve walked through this past while, but look at that gorgeous, God-sized smile you wore through it all!!!!!! If that doesnt speak of the grace and goodness of God?? I dont know what does!!!
    (((((great big hugs from a little sister)))) I love you and hope God blesses whatever new adventure He has you on!!!
    Xo Katie

  9. Love and Blessings to you Courtney from around the world!!!
    A day will come when a generation of women outside of yours will stand up and say that thanks to your faithful outworking of God’s love and teaching, they are where they are and they stood up and did it for themselves too. Thank you for being faithful!

  10. I wish you the best, God bless you and keep you. I will miss you and will be waiting for your return. Walk with the King!

  11. You will be dearly missed! Your Bible studies were some of the first ones seven years ago that introduced me to verse-by-verse study that I needed so badly right after my 2nd child was born. I’m grateful for you and for your ministry here and am writing this through tears as I think of all you’ve been through and are going through. Thankful for your witness and testimony! Will be praying for you 🙂

  12. I can’t even express how much your ministry has meant to me. An online friend (we met through SparkPeopke, a health/fitness website) asked me to join a Bible study with her. I had believed that God was mad at me and I stayed far from Him, far from church or Christians, feeling I’d messed up. But this friend’s gesture and getting into the Word brought me back. My husband is now a believer–praise God! And my daughter loves God. It took me coming back to fellowship and getting into God’s Word. Thank you so much for all you’ve done. Your studies have helped me so much. I’ve also gotten a friend who was far from God to join me (starting with your study of Proverbs) and is thriving as a result of being in the Word. I’m part of an amazing church and have been part of a small group. God is so good. And it started with an invitation to join a Good Morning Girls study. I will miss you!! I feel like I’ve gotten to know you from your blogs and videos. Praying for healing and restoration in your life and family. I understand you needing to take care of yourself and be alone with God. Because it’s all about Him. It’s not what we do, but about our relationship with Him. Thank you for obeying God’s call to use you and your gifts for His glory and to change so many lives.

  13. Oh Courtney. How I’ll miss you and this beautiful ministry. I’ve been leading my group since 2011 and I feel like I’m losing a friend. And that’s what makes it more sad!! I feel like I know you, yet we’ve never met. Just wish we were friends in real life. 🙂

    Praying for you.

    Follow Jesus no matter the cost.

    His
    Shari

  14. You’ve been a dear friend and encourager, and you don’t even know me personally. Thank you for pouring into me. Enjoy your journey with the Lord, I know he has exciting things to teach you!

  15. Courtney,

    You are a God send! Thank you for all you have done for me and my spiritual walk.

    I feel the holy spirit telling me that God will show you his plans for you in this time alone with him. There is hope and unexpected opportunities just around the corner.

    I will continue to use your blog to dig deeper into his word and to remind me to pray for you daily.

    Keep walking with the King Courtney, I will surely see you in heaven, but I hope to hear from you before then too.

    God bless you,

    Phoebe C.

  16. Lots of love and prayers. Your book and GMG have helped and changed me. I appreciate you so much and will miss your online presence. I know it’s what you have to do and I am just so glad you obeyed God in the past and continue to do so. ???? Til we meet again.

  17. Love you Courtney and love your heart for walking with the King! You will always have a special place in my heart for you were an answer to my prayer for how to study the Bible. I’ve learned so much through your studies! I’m getting ready to do an in-depth study of the book of John with a program our Pastor’s dad wrote. He has written study guides for the entire New Testament! There’s a study guide for each book in the NT that breaks down each chapter into portions to study. I’m very excited about it! I continue to meet with my daughter at her house every other Friday for our Bible study together. We are doing a study called “Open Your Bible”. Love digging into God’s word with her! We do our study together while my grandson is napping, and then when he wakes up I take them out to lunch. I look forward to that time so much!

    You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go into your prayer closet. God bless you as you continue to walk with the King! <3

  18. Courtney,
    You have been instrumental in teaching me how to truly study the Bible. I’ve never felt closer “walking with the King” than during my first GMG study of the Book of Numbers no less! It moved me closer and more in sync with God than I’ve ever felt before. My Bible study time with Him was so precious. Thank you so much for your devotion and passion to teaching others. I will be praying for God’s rich blessings on you during this time of healing and growth.

  19. I pray peace & blessing for you Courtney, I know we only got to visit a couple times in Williamsburg but I found you to be a beautiful person in every way. I know the Lord will continue to have His hands on your life & look forward to your next adventure.

  20. Courtney,
    I have enjoyed your Bible studies over the last several years when it was difficult for me to join a regular Bible study because of homeschooling. It has given me accountability, encouragement, and has kept me in the Word. Thank you for all you have done. It has been a blessing to Walk with you and the King! Love and hugs to you. Looking forward to any updates and wishing you the very best.

  21. So sad to see you go, but I know this will be a time of refreshing and healing for you and that’s what is important. I have really enjoyed your encouraging videos. God bless this next chapter in your life. And keep walking with The King????

  22. Courtney,
    I have never commented on your blog but I have followed you for years. I remember the header and I thought it was super cute : )

    You have been a blessing to so many and the Lord has used you. You are a faithful servant of God and will be missed.
    I always marveled at your devotion to your family and how you encouraged us all to take hold of this ministry that the Lord gave us (parenting and marriage).
    I grieved with you when you told us about your family crisis and it still breaks my heart. I will continue to pray for you and your family as the Lord brings you to my mind.

    You will be greatly missed but I know you need time….
    Blessings to you and your sweet children. How beautiful they have grown up to be.
    You are a wonderful momma.
    Kim

  23. I am going to miss you . Thanks for being obedient to God and sharing what you know. I have grown in God’s word through this blog.
    All the best , praying for you .

  24. Oh my word – I remember that first header!! And I remember when you changed it…I remember so many of these things, when Good Morning Girls started…watching your kids grow up, and they’re so big now! My prayers are with you, my heart is with you, and I know God is leading you through this flood and fire and when you come out on the other side you will have an even greater testimony for Him! Love you sister!!

  25. I have been involved in leadership in mega churches and led Bible studies for years…. 2016 I was looking for something else for myself and discovered Good Morning Girls. It has really been a blessing, a real life changing experience going through my Bible a chapter at a time, highlighting. I bought a new Bible and my goal is to have a fully highlighted BiblE one day. I have decided to go through the studies available and when I get done, I will continue one chapter at a time on my own. This has been a great time of growth and reflection, and a new excitement in my walk with the King of Kings.
    I am grieving the loss of your blog, Courtney and I pray you will be back to continue your ministry. You have been awesome! I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know you and this wonderful Bible study through your ministry.
    I pray you will keep in touch, will be praying for you and thinking of you and your family……most of all thanking God for you!! ❤️

  26. Sweet Courtney, I will miss the accountability of this group and your videos, but I totally understand what you are doing and I wish you well. I have the 2 Samuel Journal to start after Easter, I will be thinking of you as I try to do it on my own using all that you have taught me. Thank you and God bless this season of your life.

  27. You have been such an inspiration. Thank you for all you have done. I have been Christian almost 30 years, and found a totally new way to read Bible, when I found your ministry. It has been so life-changing, and it has given me this peace; everything seems to change quickly, and the whole world is often scary… but the Word will never change and it has became my refuge . I am so thankful that I found your Bible studies, and have gone through many of them in the past 1,5 years. Reading your message today was also encouraging as I have felt that maybe it is time me to step up as well, to share what has became more real to me. Praying direction for that all. Praying direction for you as well. Blessings, and may God help you to rest during this time.

  28. Dear Courtney, it’s hard to string words to say! But i love you but i know God loves you more and He will care for you.
    I have learnt a lot from you. Seeing your email drop gives me joy. I hope right into it before anyone else.. Thank you for being faithful thus far. Your ​family and you are tucked in His hands. This whole community will continue to uphold you in Prayers.

    GMG Nigeria is doing well at the moment. The ladies participate and join some friends over. Testimonies have been shared and to all be the glory.
    But since we started newly we have other studies undone. We will press on because it has truly blessed me and kept me accountable ????

    Hugs and blessings to you from Nigeria

  29. Courtney, you will indeed be missed but I hope the break helps you to come to terms with the upheaval in your life (and your family’s) and that your soul is filled and nourished with love while you are away. I wish you well, and send my grateful thanks for all the work that you have put in to WLW – I’ve been following you for almost six years now.

  30. Dearest Courtney
    I miss you already????
    Because of you I have found my path,my God,my direction.I have learned so so much from you and feel like I’ve known you for years.I cried like a baby when you shared your heartbreaking news earlier this year.How could something so wrong happen to someone so right and kind? Take care of yourself,find your peace and I’m praying always for you and your family.With love to you my friend x

  31. I have never read your blog until today …I’m writing this with tears rolling down my eyes.

    I too held my position as wife and home school mom with pride and felt I’d lost everything when both those titles were gone.

    Today as I slowly pick up my pieces through faith and get back to blogging on my page every word you just wrote I feel you wrote for me to read.

    Thank you …..

    And I’ll be looking with anticipation for your return ❤

  32. Thank you so much Courtney.. Your ministry helped me in so many ways..
    God bless you and your family. You and your family are in my prayers!! I’ll miss you! ????????

  33. Heartbroken for you and your kiddos….I know God is the Redeemer and Healer of all hurts, but honestly – it sucks that you have been put into this situation. I pray that in your time away, that you will be renewed and strengthened and healed more than you can ask, think or imagine. I think I can safely say all who have read your book or benefited from this blog, want the very best for you.

  34. God’s blessings to you and your family while you are on your break. I wanted you to know that your blog was the impetus for my big breakthrough in my Christian walk, when God gently confronted me about changes I needed to make in my life. Thank you for That! Karla

  35. Dear Courtney,
    I can’t thank you enough for your obedience to start this blog and Bible studies. Yours was the first Christian woman’s blog I encountered. I have done many of the studies and have grown so much in my walk with the Lord through this. My heart breaks for you as you and your family find your way through this trial. I know that you seek God and He leads you. I know how hard it is to accept the things that we cannot change sometimes. But as you well know…God can! I pray for joy, peace and blessings to fall upon you and your sweet family. Thank you so much for all you have done for women all over the world through this blog! Your treasures are surely stacked high in Heaven waiting on you! And thank you for keeping all of the resources open and accessible here to all who are seeking. Love and hugs, Anita

  36. Courtney, thank you for your faithfulness to Him all these years. I will miss your blogs but know that it is important to get away with Him. Sometimes we just need to sit at His feet! Jesus went away to be with the Father too. Only He knows what is best for you.
    You have been such an encouragement to women and to me. Praying for you during this time. Hugs!

  37. I’m just so thankful for you and your ministry. I will miss you and I am sad but I understand you need time away. You have been through a lot and need to heal. Your faith during this hard time is a great testament to your children and the many others whose lives you’ve touched. God continues to bring you to my mind at random times during the day and I pray. Much love and thanks.

  38. Hi Courtney I will miss you but I pray that you will find God’s heart for you. I only found you half way through 1 Samuel and then I completed Luke today. I found the Soak method so easy to do and will keep on with it. I’m going to look for Ecclesiastes on Amazon and keep on walking with the King! Thank you so much for your help. Any time you are back online I will be ready love Elizabeth in Belfast xxx

  39. I have leaky eyes while I try to write this. Courtney, may God continue to lift you up. You are an amazing woman of God. I pray that God will always bless you and your family in whatever life decisions you make. You are so missed already. I has been such a wonderful journey with you over the years. You will truly be missed. You have been an inspiration to me and taught me so much. I hope to see you on line again.

  40. Courtney.
    I have journeyed with for a little over a year and am greatful for your accountability. I was not in a “group” but felt a part of one because of the sisterhood here among “friends”. Where you are in you life I have been. Death, divorce, disease. I called it my 3-D experience. I as well stepped down from ministry of 6 years and had to heal my mind, body, and soul. It takes a lot of courage to listen when God says “well done but step down” . It’s been 5 years and my life has had radical, incredible only by God changes. And it took a lot of time “walking with my King” to get where I am. You will be blessed. And this will be a time of restoration and you will have a whole new testimony when you look back it will make perfect sense!

  41. What a beautiful post. I’ve been following you for many years and will miss your online presence. May God bless you greatly for your faithfulness!

  42. Oh Courtney, what strength I drew from your studies in Gods Word. My husband passed away last June and now my granddaughter , who is 17 is battling cancer .
    I too happened upon your studies by accident, but what a blessing they have been.
    God truly has his hand on you and as you walk with the King through this journey , just know you have sisters in Christ lifting you up in prayer.

  43. Earlier this year I used your Ecclesiastes’s bible study material with my bible study group. I did not use the videos, but periodically, I followed your blog. I am 64, and the oldest in our study is 94! So, Courtney, God has used you to reach women of all ages! Thank-you for all your hard work, and your faithfulness during a very difficult time in your life. The rest of the Chapters of your life are yet to be written, but you are walking with the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, so it’s bound to be exciting! May God bless you and keep you….may He make his face to shine upon you, and give you peace. ????

  44. My sister and I mean that. You have become a part of my world and many others you have encouraged so many and walked out the Word of God. Thank you for being a surrendered life for others. Until we meet again blessings in Jesus Name!

  45. Sweet Sister, you have been such a blessing to us all and I can’t thank you enough for leading us all closer to Jesus. I really do miss you already, but I’m also encouraged by your example to rest when needed. THANK YOU for ALL you do, for the Godly example that you set, for taking the high road over and over again with such grace that you can’t help but see the Lord’s love shining through, and for drawing us in closer to God’s Word. You are an angel on Earth and we’re all very grateful for you. I look forward to meeting up with you on here again – when you’re ready – and I’ll be praying for you and your precious family every day. God Bless you, Courtney!!

  46. Thank you for your Godly and encouragement to us through the years. I will miss your blogs and videos. You have ministered to me so much. I pray that God continues to use you mightily for His glory.

  47. Dear Courtney,
    I am scared for my journey without your support, but I find strength in your conviction! Thank you for keeping your items available as my life NEEDS God and your past blogs. May the Lord comfort you and your family at this time. Thank you for all you have done! -Angela

  48. Have you thought of suggesting that people do First5 as they head to 2 Samuel next week? I use your books but their daily reading on my phone. This would mean people could still carry on with 2 Samuel; and try out First5 – then they can decide what to do longer term.

    1. hi Anne, thank you for suggesting First5. I have downloaded the App to my iPad and I am following their study of 2 Samuel also using Courtney’s Journal. I’ll see where it leads until Courtney comes back.

  49. Thank you for walking with the King and being obedient. Thank you for your leadership and changing my morning routine, so I am in God’s Word each day. I will be praying for you and maybe he will lead you back to GMG. May God bless you!

  50. I am thankful that I stumbled across this website a few years ago. I enjoyed your emails popping into my “inbox” I will truly miss them.
    God is good and you helped to always remind me of that.
    Much appreciation. 🙂

  51. You will be sorely missed! God bless you in your time to draw nearer to Him! Just know you have touched many lives through this ministry!
    THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

  52. Thank you Courtney, for who you are, for sharing yourself with us all these years. Much love and hugs to you until we meet again.

  53. You are truly the daughter of our King! Even from the bathroom to today ???? Your posts and studies have brought glory to God. He dies indeed walk with you and my prayer is for an immense healing and renewing of your spirit. I look forward to the day when you emerge from your solitary walk to see what God has done in your life. Love you dear sweet sister in Christ.

  54. Though I have been a Christian since a young teen and attend a church that is remarkable in it’s teaching of God’s word, I never had a thirst to be in God’s word on my own. That is, until I found your blog. Your heart for the Lord spoke to me in a way that made me want to know Him more and gave me the encouragement to seek Him out on a personal level.

    I’m a wife and homeschool mom as well. So on the busy days, I was grateful that I could get my bible out at any time and SOAK in His word with you. Knowing so many others were doing the same study with me, though it was virtual, was precious to me. I felt connected, fed and encouraged like NEVER before.

    Courtney, thank you for your ministry. Thank you for showing me I can do bible study on my own! And, yes, maybe it’s time for me to be bold and step out in a new way as I walk with the KING.

    Prayers and love from Indiana.

  55. Dearest Courtney…this post both made me sad and encouraged me. God led me to you at a really low period in my life and I was searching for something to help me cling to Him. I cannot begin to tell you how much you have meant in my life. You opened up a whole new world to me and it has been such an honour and a privilege to see and be part of the growth in your ministry from those early days. Your authenticity and obedience to God has always been an inspiration to me and I can vouch the same for so many other ladies all over the world in all of the groups I have been privileged to be a part of. Here is one comment I had to share with you from a member of the GMG International group…

    “I applaud Courtney for her courage to be real and her desire to be still before the Father. The need to get away and hear from the Father. May this season be a season of real rest, healing and restoration for her heart. Courtney we appreciate YOU! The Father’s love continue to embrace you warmly as you walk it through with HIM.”

    We all love you and will be keeping you in prayer. May God richly bless you and your family and bring healing, peace and joy to your hearts as you are still and listen to His voice.

    Miss you already!
    <3 Lisa

  56. Know that you are dearly loved and will be missed online. I know I will be praying for you as you take your journey with God offline. Thank you for showing me a new way to read through the Bible (SOAK). My daughter wants me to teach her how to “do the colors” too. Maybe one day we’ll get to meet in person and I can share with you “for real” how your ministry has changed my study habits. (Plus, then I could probably meet up with my mommy friend who knows you and give you both hugs!)

  57. Courtney, thank you for showing me a beautiful way to studying the bible (that helped me to understand). I have learned so much from you and the ladies that post. Thoughts, Prayers and Hugs!
    Lisa

  58. Thank you for all of your hard work leading this ministry. I started my journey with emails from Tyndall, then I stumbled upon your group. I had never read the bible prior to then, and find it such a calming welcome everytime I spend time in the word listening to what the King has to say.

    I to am working on a transition in my life, and am trying to leave it with him to guide me as to what that will look like, may your quiet journey accomplish that for you

  59. Thank you so much and may God continually bless you on your journey. Although you will be missed you are doing what is right. Peace and many blessings to you.

  60. Lisa Maria said it beautifully above. Wish I knew you in person Courtney, for I would hug you and share what you already know, trust in the Lord. The future is bright! The journey unimaginable is beautiful in His grace.
    Don’t know how I found your blog yet long enough ago to remember the cute bath header. What an inspiration you have long been.
    Love, peace and joy to you…enjoy this time of refreshment and renewal
    Dee

  61. Courtney I am so sad for you and your family. This just reminds me that no one is immune to temptation and spurs me on to pray harder for my marriage and my husband.
    I also want to thank you for your ministry and your obedience to God over the years. I found your blog and GMG when my first son was a newborn (7 yrs ago) and the studies (and SOAP method) helped me to establish a habit of daily bible study, despite sleep-deprivation, that I have maintained for yrs now.
    Thank you. And I pray that God will use this sadness to bring you closer to Him, to grow you and for HIs glory ultimately.
    Blessings to you and your family.

  62. Courtney, the Lord led me to you here on line just last year. My heart felt squeezed for you then and I began to read and learn more about you and then about God from you! Will be praying for you and just love you for real! Bless you, Sister!!!

  63. Hello Courtney,
    I thank God for connecting me to your ministry,for me it was timely.You have picked me from the ground and now I can figure out how to move on.I have learnt a lot from you and the other GMG leaders.Thank you so much.You have been so committed to this ministry,I will miss your mails.
    I will continue,with God’s grace.
    Will be praying for you,and GMG as a whole.
    God bless you.
    Love.

  64. Courtney,

    Words cannot express how very much I appreciate this ministry. I found it not by accident. First the encouragement on the blog, gave soooo much joy to my spirit man. You brought us together; Ladies, who I did not know, who were not at the same, age, stage, ethnicity, or part of the country who felt like I did. Someone who told us daily that we could Walk with the King. A lady “Courtney” who inspired and cheered me (yes, it is so very personal) on. I was new at homeschooling, got encouragement there. Ideas on homemaking, family relationships were found all in one place. I have not totally gotten the bible coloring down pat (yet). I am a work in progress, but through your encouragement I will not give up. Your ministry has blessed me. Thank you my Sister as you continue to walk with the King, knowing exactly who you are in him. Looking forward to meeting you.

  65. I, like every other person leaving a comment, have been so richly blessed with your on-line gifts to the world that I feel saddened to learn of your sabbatical, but I trust His will be done. I too pray for you and your family, and selfishly look forward to your return. So much of social media is comprised of celebrating anti-Christian sentiment, the need for a diligent and unapologetic Christian presence grows each day. You will be missed.

  66. Oh Courtney….I’m all teared up right now. Yours was THE FIRST Christian blog I started following in 2011. Little did I know how much I was going to need your ministry to help me deal with upcoming trials & tribulations our Lotd was about to put in my path.

    Your blog led me to Sheila Wray Gregoire’s blog…and if that wasn’t Divine Intervention, I don’t know what is. I ‘think’ you know my story..as I’ve shared it several times.. it was such a blessing to meet you IRL at your WLW Conference in ’13! I met Sheila just this past September!

    Serving on your launch team for your book led me to a new friend, Shannon , who once lived in our great State of Ohio but moved to Mexico with their 2 kids, so she could be with her husband, who’d been deported for being an undocumented immigrant. We keep in touch regularly & we have you to thank for our friendship! I met her in 2014 & we had lunch T the Cheesecake Factory in Lyndhurst 🙂

    I will continue to pray for your family during your sabbatical. I hope you can find the peace in your heart that you’re searching for.

    We will all eagerly await your return! We serve an Awesome God! Take Care!

  67. I love you Courtney. I’m so grateful for your heart and transparency. You are an amazing woman. I’m praying for you during this time of healing and refreshment. ❤️

  68. May God bless you, Courtney and your family and keep you in His tender loving care. You have challenged me to become a better mom, wife and disciple of Jesus and i thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  69. God bless you. Thanks for all of your hard work and dedication to make this online ministry a success. You and your family are in my prayers.

  70. Dear Courtney,
    I started following your blog about 3 years ago after a dear friend at church gave me your book to read. I was a mom of 3 little ones, working part time and feeling exhausted. I was starving for a deeper walk with the Lord and accountability to keep me in His word, but was never able to find a bible study that fit my busy schedule of working mom. The Lord put it on my heart to find a bible study online that I could do at home, when I started looking, most of what I found was all “fluff!” None of them dug into the word like you did. I appreciated your desire to draw women to the King through using the word of God. This is what women need and this is what last!
    Praise God I have slowing gotten out of the newborn baby funk (as my youngest is now 3 years old) and my devotional life is stronger then it was before because of your encouragement and faithfulness to leading women to the Lord through His word. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am going to miss reading your Friday wrap-ups and miss the accountability this blog has given me. I went so long struggling with my devotional life that there is a little part of me that is scared to not have you in me “in box” anymore. LOL! But I feel like the Lord is calling me to step out in faith and be faithful to Him without someone “holding my hand” anymore, and maybe it’s time for me to hold the hand of others.
    Thank you again my Dear Sister for your passion, your love, your encouragement and your example of faithfulness to Jesus! Go Walk with the King!

  71. Courtney, beautiful name. I named my first daughter that. I have watched your videos and then got slack as my life picked up and missed your heartache until just a short time ago… I am a homeschooling mom. I have 7 kids and have graduated 3. Next month marks number 4 and I have 2 to go. I came from a “brick and mortar” school and wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. As a woman, Mom and ministers wife sometimes we need time of refreshing. I’m glad that you’re getting this break. I will miss the emails I get stating you’ve posted another gem from God’s word. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. Rest in God’s arms awhile you’ll be refreshed as you drink from HIS well… one day I’ll see you in heaven as we both walk with the King!!

  72. I have grown to love you and your blog. Hugs and prayers are coming your way! Please keep us updated from time to time on how you are doing. I will miss you.

  73. Thank you so much, Courtney, for your faithful service over the years. I have been following your blog for probably 2 1/2 years now, and you have given me direction and guidance that I was desperately longing for. Be blessed, and may He lead you exactly where He wants you for such a time as this.
    Prayers and much love!

  74. I am so grateful to have come across you a a couple years ago through Facebook I believe, when I was in need. I had drifted away in my walk and was craving more. I am a young mother who also owns and operates an in-home child care. Your first video that you shared really made me tear up. I really needed to hear what you had to say about a strong foundation! I too get wrapped up in my title as mother, wife, business owner,teacher, etc that I have forgetten who I really am! Thank you so much for all of the encouraging posts and for teaching me how to SOAK in God’s word.

  75. Will miss your weekly posts – praying for you and your family! Thanks for all you have done for us over the years – you will be missed but we will see you again!

  76. Courtney,
    You have been a blessing to so many. I have been following you for several years. My heart breaks for you and your family and friends! I truly wish you the best and look forward to your return. It’s blessed me more than you know to be a part of your wonderful bible studies!!
    Love you and wish you the best

  77. Dear Courtney,

    3 years ago, as a newly single mom, I moved across the country for a new start. I began to work outside the home for the first time since my children were born. I had to give up home schooling my girls and spend hours away from them, in a new state, without family or friends. In the midst of this, one of my children experienced a crisis which was a nightmare for all of us. I felt alone, exhausted and afraid. I felt as if I had failed as a wife and mother. While searching for comfort and relief, I “discovered” Women Living Well. Although I have read scripture all my life, I had never truly delved into the Bible. I am so grateful that the Lord led me to your site. Truly learning to study scripture and being held accountable for doing so has had a huge impact on my life. It has changed the way I approach my daily life, as did reading your blog and watching your videos. Even though we have never met, you have been a positive and uplifting influence in my life.
    I will always be grateful that you took up this ministry. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers as you also make a new start. Thank you.

  78. Thank you for all you have done! I will continue to “catch up” on the studies I have missed. You, most certainly, will be missed. Know you are in my prayers, I can’t wait to see what He unfolds in your life. Hugs n Kisses!

  79. I’ve never commented before but feel I can’t let this chance go by! You have been an inspiration to me more than I can tell and even in this situation! I’ll be praying for you and yours. Those that serve him never will be free from attack but know that the Lord will turn what is meant for evil to much good! Remember Joseph!! You are so loved!!

  80. Miss you already!! I love the Bible studies and I love your insight!! We may have never of met, but I feel kinship…you are my sister! Hurry back and know you are being covered in prayer!!

  81. Courtney,
    I cried as I read this last post.

    I am so grateful to your ministry. Because of the GMGs, I now walk with our King.

    Through your book WLW, God saved my marriage.

    I have you and yours on my prayer board, and there you will always remain.

    With love,
    your sister in Christ.

  82. Thank you for bringing so many women closer to their Father. Forever grateful to you and your hard work. Much love!!!

  83. When I first became a Christian two years ago I really didn’t know where to start. I attended church weekly but I was hungry for God’s word and my church was going to slow for me. I found you online and it opened up a whole other life of bible study. I’ll always cherish my early studies with you as they have been building blocks for me as I continue my walk with the King. Thank you for being a blessing to me.

  84. I just want to thank you for standing for what is right and true, even when it was hard and even when others attacked you for it. Thank you for writing and for your lessons. I really am so very sad to see you stepping away but at the same time I do understand the need.
    I am praying for God’s direction for your heart and mind as well as for you and your family to feel His love all around you. I pray for healing, hope and health in spirit and mind as well as heart. I pray you will know that when the blood of Christ took your sins away and made you free from sin and death, it also provides life daily. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we can do all things. 🙂

  85. Wow just looking at how many women replied to this post shows how much you are admired and loved. I had to scroll for awhile to find the comment section! I am so sorry to hear about your 2 major life changes recently. One thing I know for sure is that God can use any situation, whether good or bad to bring about good. I obviously don’t know all the details of your story or situations but God can and WILL bring about good for you. It may take time but He will. He is faithful to His promises! I found it very funny how you first started writing blogs while in tbe bathroom! That is what I do now too! Lol. Take care and enjoy your time of refreshing and renewing. God bless!

  86. Why am I choking back on tears? I mean…. to say, you are LOVED and greatly appreciated. Hugs from Uganda.

  87. Courtney thank you for walking with the King daily . Truly I have enjoyed seeing your emails come through each week. I am grateful just to come across your blog. The other day I was just telling someone about GMGs, and although I am sad to see you go, I realize that being obedient to God is essential. It’s becoming the very air I breathe. May God continue to bless you, hold you, and give you peace that surpasses all understanding.. Love you my sister. Walk with the King!

  88. I came across your book Women Living Well in a used bookstore last year & loved every bit of it. I loved your writing style, genuine & full of truth, helping me & others to appreciate our roles as women. I am deeply sadden to hear of what you have gone through this past year but I understand your need to take this break & just be with the Lord. I do hope to “see & hear” from you in the future as I am sure you will have even more to share from what the Lord shows you about himself. Thank you for all you have shared in women’s ministry…you have blessed me & many others & our prayers are with you as you continue to walk with the King!

  89. Courtney, I just wanted to thank you for changing the way I studied the Bible. And because of your willingness to put yourself out there so many lives even my small circle have been changed! I will be praying that the Lord refreshes your soul in this time away from blogging. You will be missed. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

  90. Thank you Courtney for what you have done over these last years. I have been involved in GMG for 3 years….found it through some life changing events in my own life and it has truly been an encouragement. I can say that being accountable to others has stretched me and made in grow in a lot of ways. I will miss your sweet smile and encouraging posts as well as your videos. Thankful that you are sensitive to God’s leading in your life. Blessings to you and your children as you continue to journey through life, walking with the King!

  91. Because I heard you in MN at Hearts at Home around 2015, I found your blog. Because I found your blog, I now have a method for reading the Bible that is beneficial and sustainable-doable for life. Because you learned this from your Mama, I learned from you, then I taught my children. Thank you for your faithfulness to God. Thank you for being so genuine, so regular. It is helpful to all of us out here who are also doing life. What a grand treasure, example, legacy you are leaving the two children God gifted you with. May God continue to hold you close and draw you ever deeper into His closeness and love, a depth of relationship not yet known.

  92. Courtney, I have been following Good Morning Girls for the last couple of years. I just wanted to encourage you this morning that you have been well used in walking with the King. You may never know just how many lives you’ve touched by your obedience. I know even in the midst of your troubles, God has spoken to me through your words. Thank you for your faithfulness. May God use all of these comments here to encourage your heart.

  93. Love and miss you Courtney! I feel as though you are truly a friend and mentor! Thank you so much for all your heart and encouragement and diligence you put into your online ministry and your book. Both have blessed me beyond measure! I pray for the Lord’s favor and strength and deep healing in your life. That at you will come out of the fire refined and esquesite and joyful, full of redemption. In Jesus name!!! Xo

  94. Dear Courtney, I have no words to express my sadness at all you have gone through. May God grant you peace and renewed joy with His glorious presence through your healing as you draw ever more nigh to the King.

  95. Thank you so much, Courtney. You are a true role model on how to walk with the King with amazing grace, class and resilience, through the mountains, valleys, streams, and the every day trials and struggles. I will miss your unique love and passion in spreading His Good News! Prayers and blessings to your and your whole family. Until we meet up again… ♥♥♥

  96. It may be your Friday in life, but Sunday is coming! I’m in a similar place off loss and confusion and needing to learn more from God. Your determination and willingness to step away from your ministry for some time encourages me because I know it wasn’t an easy or painless decision. I Pray for you. Side note: I hope that the uptight church ladies who told you the bathtub logo was inappropriate have lightened up. I mean seriously. (Eye roll)

  97. Courtney,
    What a blessing you have been to me and my spiritual journey. I feel you are a good friend. Thank you for all you have done in the lives of so many women. I will miss you during this sabbatical but I know that when you walk with the King, you are where you’re supposed to be.
    Much love,
    Gina

  98. Thank you for all you have done through your blog and Bible studies. God will hold you close and guide you into his perfect plan!

  99. Courtney, you’ve been a blessing to me all these years. My sincere thanks to you and the work you’ve done. I wish you well and may God continue to pour His blessings on you!

  100. Thank you so much for sharing your blogging journey, Courtney! Women Living Well has been such a blessing to me as a young, busy mom, and I am so thankful for the hard work that you and the other women “behind the scenes” put into this. As a new blogger (just coming up on a year of blogging)- it’s encouraging to see your journey and walk with the Lord and how it has positively impacted your blog and so many women across the globe. I believe God asked me to take a step of faith in being more vulnerable and transparent by starting a blog, and I only pray that it would be encouraging to other women as well. I also totally feel you on the “hurt” that comes with losing a title. I’ve lost the “title” of my full time job, but God has reminded me that I’m more than what I do, and I thank Him for that! My ultimate title as “Child of God” will never be lost thanks to Jesus! God bless you, and please continue the great work that you do!

  101. Courtney,
    Just wanted to thank you for all your work . I have really enjoyed your bible studies. You and everyone else at good morning girls have been such a blessing to me. You made me realize how very important it is to read my bible everyday. My walk with God has growen so much these last 3 years . Thank you so very much for being there to encourage me with my walk with God . You will be missed.. Enjoy your time of rest. I will keep you and your family in my prayers .

  102. Thank you Courtney. Will be praying for you in this time of your journey with God. May you be strengthened and healed in your soul and refreshed in your spirit. You have been an encouragement to me. God bless

  103. Courtney,

    Your Bible studies were the first ones I ever did online. What a beautiful testimony and walk you have!!! To handle your trials with such grace and integrity. Prayers for you as you take time alone to walk with the King. So grateful for your ministry. ♥

  104. Your ministry online has meant so much to so many. May God bless as you continue to Walk with the King. We love you and will be praying for you and your family.

  105. Thank you Courtney…Enjoy your break…and if God leads you down another path…GO!!!
    Walk with the King. Continued prayers for your family. May God Bless you as much as your mininstry has blessed others.

  106. Courtney,
    I just wanted to take a second to thank you for your ministry. I have been a subscriber for years now and I have learned so much from you during that time. I am praying for you during this time and hope to one day be able to read more of your God-inspired truths.
    With love,
    Heather

  107. Thank yoou for the auspiious writeup. It in act wwas a amuseement accoumt
    it. Loook advanced to ffar adsed agreeabble fro you!
    However, hhow ccan wwe communicate? I ould nnot reesist commenting.
    Exceptionally well written! I eeded to thank yyou
    forr tyis excelllent read!! I absolutely lloved evvery bit
    off it. I havfe you book-marked too loopk aat neew tnings yoou http://foxnews.org/

  108. Courtney you have been such a friend to my heart over the last seven years and you don’t even know me! Thank you for your fellowship and encouragement. You are wonderful and so loved by many.

  109. Just thinking of you today and the ministry of this website that God has given you. I so miss your posts, but there are seasons for rest/stepping away/solely spending time with God and family that are very necessary in life. I am praying for you and your family today. I have been thinking of you in the area of your website and facebook as well. A friend and I have opened an online study just for a few weeks this summer—-just facilitating a study that goes with a workbook. I am so clueless with all this, but God is good and I trust that He will lead us in it. Basically, I wanted to say I can’t wait to see what He does in your life and in this website ministry once you are ready to resume it all. Blessings to you!
    A verse that has been standing out to me lately: Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail. But GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion FOREVER.”

  110. Thank you for all the years and hard work you and your team did on putting this ministry together. I’m thankful that you are going to leave the studies, videos, and social media pages up for those who want to continue their own personal studies. May you be refreshed, renewed, and refocused during this Walk with the King. God Bless and good luck on your journey. May you find the answers that you are trying to seek.

  111. Courtney – your bible studies have really helped me to dig deeper into God’s word and to have a closer relationship with Him. Before I came across your website and blogs, I really had no idea how to study the bible. The SOAK method has helped me to reach deeper to gain a better understanding of the bible. Now, instead of just reading to get through the bible, I actually read verse by verse and THINK about what God’s word says. I’ve learned to not only read with my mind, but also with my heart and my spirit. I have gained so much more understanding and knowledge than what I’ve had before. I continue to lift you, your family and your ministry up in prayer. I miss you and I hope to see more of you soon. I pray over your life and for God’s will to be done. Much love!

  112. We started blogging around the same time and I’ve always enjoyed your blog. I’ve taken a few months off of blogging myself and it was even longer than that since I’ve read other blogs. Through this post I just learned about your family. I’m so very sorry. I’m writing this with tears streaming down my face. You’ve encouraged me so much in my marriage over the years and I’m utterly heartbroken for you. I wish I could visit and hug you, and bring you coffee and a fall scented candle. …But I won’t because I’m not a stalker like that. 🙂 I’m praying for you today!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.