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Coffee Shop Devos with Tessa Emily Hall

Julie: It’s my pleasure to share an interview with Tessa Emily Hall today. She speaks my language, a heart for teen girls. I hope you enjoy learning more about her and her new release, Coffee Shop Devos!

Teen girls today face a lot of challenges. What are some of the struggles they face?

The teen years present a unique set of challenges for girls. It’s a transition period when teens discover who they are, face life-changing decisions and temptations, and leave their childhood behind as they face their future. The Internet and social media have presented a whole new set of temptations and struggles.

Cyber bullying has become the norm. Instagram has made it even more challenging for teen girls to avoid the comparison trap. I believe there is one underlying factor behind most of the struggles teen girls face—and that is the longing they have for affection. Just like every human being, teens yearn to be understood and accepted, and sometimes they’ll go through great lengths in effort to attain this. Girls will often fall for the lie that their number of likes and followers on social media defines their worth.

In Coffee Shop Devos, I hope to bring light to the truth that this desire for acceptance and intimacy has been placed inside of each of us for a reason. Why? So we can discover that Christ is the only One who is big enough to fill this emptiness. Not only does He satisfy, but He walks with us in our struggles. This is why I categorized Coffee Shop Devos by the teen girls’ daily needs—so they can see that He meets them where they are and is the answer to their heart’s every longing.

What advice can you give to teens about how to step away from busyness and take time to be quiet and hear God’s voice?

If we only understood how productive our time with Him is, then I believe we would never be tempted to skip out on it!

We make it a priority to spend time with our loved ones, don’t we? It’s how we get to know each other and grow in that relationship. Similarly, if we want to receive the depths of Christ’s love for us, experience to the fullness the life He has called us to live, and hear His voice, then we should make it a priority to strengthen our relationship with Him as well. It’s that simple and far too valuable to neglect.

If teens are struggling to make the time, then I’d advise that they analyze their daily schedules. Is there something they can cut back on–such as TV or social media time? Could they wake up fifteen minutes earlier than usual, or perhaps listen to the Bible on audio during their ride to school? Even the smallest amount of time spent with Him can make a big difference! As our relationship with God is strengthened, then we’ll begin to discern His voice and live the life He’s called us to live. But it’s only when we break away from the noise of the world, quiet down, and carve out a space to meet with God, that we will hear His whisper above the other noises vying for our attention.

What is your hope for those who pick up Coffee Shop Devos?

My hope is that girls will come to know Jesus on a deeper level of friendship. The reason I categorized the devotions into the teen girls’ daily needs is so they can realize that Christ is the answer to our heart’s every longing. He is the One we’re searching for, and it’s only through this intimate relationship with Him that we will truly receive the peace, hope, joy, and love that we crave.

Just like how a good cup of coffee gives us the strength and energy for the day’s demands, our time with Jesus rejuvenates us spiritually and prepares us for the day ahead. So, I hope that, after girls read a daily devotion, they’ll be thirsty for more of Jesus and compelled to develop a daily habit of spending time with Him–an addiction that’s far more powerful than even their favorite daily Frappuccino drink from Starbucks. 😉

There’s something special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend–engaging in a meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?

Coffee Shop Devos offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you’ll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage–regular or decaf–to enjoy while you read. And don’t forget to share your journey with your friends! #CoffeeShopDevos

Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated–almost as though you’ve shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.

 

Links:

 

Author Bio:

 

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books to show teens they’re not alone. Her first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House September 2018. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent for Cyle Young at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PURSUE Magazine. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: www.tessaemilyhall.com.

 

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