Susan Aken: Unshakable Unbreakable Joy
1. How long have you been writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing my thoughts and for years kept them mostly private. I began collecting and keeping my writing when I was in college in the early seventies. The first time I shared openly was when I self-published a book of poetry in 1997. Before that I mainly shared with individuals. I’ve continued to share through self-publishing, my blog, online devotions, and in recent years for Wholly Loved Ministries through articles, devotions, and contributions to Bible studies and devotional books.
2. When did you first begin writing study content?
The first time I contributed to a Bible study was when Jennifer Slattery of Wholly Loved Ministries asked me to write for the study, Becoming His Princess, published in 2018. Earlier I wrote a few studies over the years for personal use in studies I led.
3. What do you enjoy most about writing Bible studies?
What I enjoy most is writing a Bible study causes me to go deeper into Scripture and learn for myself first. I have to learn and grow myself before I can offer it to someone else.
4. What do you find most challenging about writing Bible studies?
Most challenging is knowing I can’t write truth if I’m not living it or seeking to live it myself. So, it often involves personal reflection and repentance. In terms of the mechanics, writing meaningful questions is the most difficult.
5. What would you say to someone wanting to get into Bible study writing?
Begin by studying the Bible for yourself. Read daily. Journal and write down your thoughts. Be willing to go deeper and use study aids to learn background and context. Read commentaries. Over all pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you and show you what to write. Consider writing a study for a group of friends and doing it together. See what works and ask for suggestions on making it better.
6. What fears or insecurities did you have to work through in order to embrace the call to write?
The biggest insecurity I continually face is the question, “Who am I to write for God?” I see all my weaknesses, failings, and sins and often feel like I’m not living up to what I’m writing. I have to continually remind myself or be reminded by those close to me that none of us are worthy and no one lives up to truth perfectly. We write what we aspire to become. The key is to be moving in the right direction.
7. What are some ways you remain motivated to write?
The biggest motivation for me is when someone tells me my writing helped them or they give me any kind of positive feedback. Not in terms of praising me but when I know it encouraged or helped them in some way.
Also, God’s call is the most powerful motivation. He always brings me back to writing. He opens doors and gives me the words. At one time when I felt like no one was listening or reading even though I wrote regularly, I prayed about it and asked God if this is what I was supposed to do. I felt He spoke to my heart to say, “If I’m the only one you’re writing for, will you write just for me?” So, I try to remember I mainly write for an audience of one—the One that truly matters.
I have also learned that having an editor or mentor is a great motivator. Jennifer Slattery has done so much to keep me motivated and growing as a writer. I’ve moved from dreading editing to appreciating it as essential.
Unshakable Unbreakable Joy: A 10-Week Bible study:
Joy. We all want it, and in Christ, we can all have it. Regardless of our circumstances, our blessings or challenges, we can have unshakable unbreakable joy in Christ. And this joy begins by understanding what true biblical joy is, where it comes from, and how we can best cultivate this precious spiritual gift.
We can experience unshakable, unbreakable joy no matter the situation because true biblical joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Joy is a gift God gives us come to know Him better and deepen our intimacy with Him. This study helps women experience the abiding joy of an ever-deepening relationship with Christ and reliance on His grace.
A ten-week study with:
- Weekly video sessions
- Group discussion questions
- Take-home lessons
Promo video link: https://vimeo.com/495012636
Buy it on Amazon HERE.
Find it on the Wholly Loved Website HERE.
An Oklahoma native who has lived in Nebraska since 1987, Susan has been in public education for over thirty years. She and her husband have one son and a daughter-in-law. She is a contributing writer to Wholly Loved Ministries. Besides writing she has a passion for sharing Jesus through special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, photography, movies, walking in nature, and a nice cup of tea.
Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook
