This July, join us on the front porch for conversations and connection.

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Prayer

God,

Thank You for the places that have made us feel at home.

Thank You for the tables where we have been welcomed, the conversations that have lingered, and the people who reminded us we belong before we ever believed it ourselves.

As we continue building this community, help us remember that every act of kindness, every story shared, every prayer offered, and every gift faithfully created becomes another brick in the home You are building.

May our lives reflect Your hospitality.

May our creativity point people toward hope.

And may this place always feel like somewhere people can breathe deeply, lay down their burdens, and remember they are never alone.

Amen.

Verse of the Day

Reflection

I've been thinking a lot lately about what we're really building here.

From the outside, it might look like a Marketplace.

Or a magazine.

Or daily prayer emails.

But underneath all of that...

I hope we're building something much simpler... a home.

Not a perfect one.

A welcoming one.

The kind of place where stories are treasured, creativity is celebrated, faith is strengthened, and every person who arrives feels like someone has been expecting them.

Homes aren't built in a day.

They're built one conversation at a time.

One act of encouragement.

One shared prayer.

One open door.

One chair pulled up to the table.

As July begins to draw toward a close, I find myself increasingly excited—not because another month is ending, but because another season is about to begin.

Soon we'll announce the next theme for Gritty Faith Magazine.

Soon creators will begin submitting their stories.

Soon we'll start dreaming about the holidays together.

And every year I'm reminded... beautiful homes are never finished.

They simply keep welcoming what's next.

Encouragement

From the Pages of Gritty Faith

What if the life God is inviting you into isn't wider—but deeper?

In "Going Deeper," by Grace Erickson, you'll be encouraged to move beyond surface-level faith and discover the richness that comes from drawing closer to God. This thoughtful reflection is an invitation to slow down, create space for His presence, and embrace a deeper relationship that transforms every part of your life.

Read it here.

Your invitation to pull up a chair

If you've been watching from the porch wondering whether this community might be for you, consider this your invitation. Creator Membership remains open through July 31, and we'd love to build what's next together.

A Few Dates to Remember

🎨 The Purpose + Grit Creators Membership closes July 31.

If you've been considering joining our community of Christian creators, now is the time. Membership closes on July 31 and won't reopen again until next year.

As a Creator Member, you'll have opportunities to share your books or products with our community through the Purpose + Grit Marketplace, receive an expanded feature in Gritty Faith Magazine, and participate in special opportunities like our annual Creator's Christmas Look Book.

👉 Join as a Creator before the doors close.

📖 Gritty Faith submissions open August 1.

Have you ever wondered if your story could encourage someone else?

On July 31, we'll reveal the theme for the next edition of Gritty Faith Magazine, and submissions will open August 1 through September 7.

You don't need to be a professional writer—just someone willing to share how God has met you along the way. There is no cost to submit, and every story is thoughtfully considered through our juried review process.

👉 Join the submission interest list today, and we'll send you the theme, submission guidelines, writing tips, and helpful reminders when submissions officially open.