Keep Going With Nika Maples

Writer, write even when it is difficult. Even if you’re facing difficult circumstances and challenges in your life right now. Write. There will never be a moment in life when there isn’t some kind of challenge to overcome. And there will never be a moment when it’s easier to write than it is to make an excuse. But you have been called to rise up and share your testimony with those who are looking for it. Your story is needed. So write even when it is difficult. And allow your weakness to be made perfect in the One who is calling you to a greater purpose. Join Nika in this episode as she sits down with Beth Bubik to discuss her journey to authorship, how her faith helped her discover the worth within waiting, and how letting go of perfection was the key to finding success. This interview is sure to be an inspiration for anyone being called to authorship but struggle to know that their story is worth telling!    About Beth: B

You can overcome any obstacle to write your book! When you trust in the Lord’s strength rather than your own, you can overcome any obstacle standing in your way. No matter how big, no matter how messy, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. The Lord is always with us to help us overcome. And that’s just what Abigail Brown has discovered along her journey of living with dystonia. Since the age of three, Abigail has lived with a disability that has made the most simple tasks almost impossible. But her biggest obstacles were no match for the Lord’s calling on her life to share her story with others. Persevering through physical limitations, negative self-talk, and overwhelming doubt, Abigail was determined to share the love of Jesus and spread hope through the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey. Join Nika as she sits down with Abigail to hear her incredible testimony of strength, resilience, hope, and a Savior whose power is always made perfect in weakness. May this episode inspire you to see the Lo

Write your book as an offering to the Lord and let His glory shine through you! As authors, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to tell our stories. But taking the focus off ourselves and our own abilities creates space for the Spirit to move through our efforts. Giving Him room to move takes the pressure off of us to make it “perfect.” Writer, it’s not about what you can do but what He can do through you. Instead of hiding from the Lord’s calling because of our shortcomings, let us use our gifts to honor Him. Join me in this episode as I sit down with Nina Landis to chat about writing as an offering to God and how we can use our books to not only touch the lives of others but bring Jesus His greatest reward!   About Nina: Nina Landis is a worship leader, pastor, and mother of four who always knew she was meant to write a book but spent most of her life resisting it. She found herself stuck in a cycle of fear, overwhelm, and resistance that stopped her from leaning into the Lord’s calling on

It’s gonna go fast, so why not enjoy the journey? When you’re just getting started with your content, the going will likely feel slow and, often, even stationary.  It may be difficult to imagine the process going quickly and making it to the other side. But, one day, you’ll look back and realize just how far you really did go. You may look back ten years from now and marvel at where you started and where you ended up. The journey the Lord takes us on is full of wonder and surprise. And it always goes faster than we think. So let’s enjoy it right where it is now and consider all the difficult moments as pure joy.   Join Nika in this episode as she continues her series, “What I Wish I Could Tell Myself,” where she reviews and critiques her very first videos from ten years ago! Listen in as she points out what went well, what could have been better, and how to use her critiques for your own content and media channels. Not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful tips on how to create impactful media, y

It gets better. Starting a media channel to support your writing journey may feel scary, daunting, and overwhelming. And you may feel like the work you’re putting in isn’t making a difference. But, friend, it truly is. The work you’re doing now is giving God room to move in your life and in your ministry. It’s laying the foundation for bigger, better things and greater blessings. The work will get better. And the challenge of it all gets easier. Have faith, writer. Trust the journey and the One who set you on your path.   In this episode, Nika’s continuing her series, “What I Wish I Could Tell Myself,” where she reviews and critiques her very first videos from ten years ago! Listen in as she points out what went well, what could have been better, and how to use her critiques for your own content and media channels. Not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful tips on how to create impactful media, you’ll also be blessed by an important message that resonates even today. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed

He will meet you where you are and show you the way forward. In all of your content planning, creating, and brainstorming, He will be there. He will give you the insight you need to teach and lead others. He will give you the words to say and the confidence to speak. He will show you how to convey your message in your content and reach the right people. All you need to do is give Him your “yes” and choose to follow. Will you let Him lead you? In this episode, Nika’s continuing her series, “What I Wish I Could Tell Myself,” where she reviews and critiques her very first videos from ten years ago! Listen in as she points out what went well, what could have been better, and how to use her critiques for your own content and media channels. Not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful tips on how to create impactful media, you’ll also be blessed by an important message that resonates even today. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the moving pieces to getting started, then this is an episode you won’t want t

Make it easy. Don’t worry about all of the moving pieces or the details of how it’s going to work. Instead, focus on the lesson and the message you are being led to share with others. Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. Instead, think about how you can make it as easy and as simple for yourself as possible. The rest will come later as you slowly begin to build your channel and your income. Simply start where you’re at with what you have and then worry about adding in the extras later. Just don’t keep waiting to share the message you’re being called to share! In this episode, Nika’s continuing her new series, “What I Wish I Could Tell Myself,” where she reviews and critiques her very first videos from ten years ago! Listen in as she points out what went well, what could have been better, and how to use her critiques for your own content creation. Not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful tips on how to create impactful media, you’ll also be blessed by an important message that resonates even

Keep your content short and simple. As a new creator, it’s easy to believe that your content needs to be complicated to be valuable. But the truth is, the more complicated the content is, the more distracting it becomes. And when you’re just starting out, it’s okay to keep things simple and make your message short and sweet. The true value lies in the power of the message you are being called to share. Not in the actual content itself. So come join Nika in this episode as she continues her series, “What I Wish I Could Tell Myself,” and be encouraged through her insights and critiques of the very first videos she ever published. Not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful tips on how to create impactful media, you’ll also be blessed by an important message that resonates even today. If you’ve been feeling stressed about creating your own content, this is an episode that is sure to help!   Timestamp:   0:00 - Intro 0:31 - What I Wish I Could Tell Myself 1:49 - Reviewing an Old Video 4:40 - My Criti

Just start somewhere. It doesn’t need to be perfect. And it doesn’t have to have all the bells and whistles. Just start right as you are where you are. In this brand new series, Nika’s taking a look at some of the very first videos she  put out to the world and sharing some helpful insights as to what she’d tell herself all these years later.  Join her in this episode as she reviews the very first video she ever recorded ten years ago! And not only will you get to hear Nika’s helpful critiques on creating impactful media, you’ll also be blessed by an important message that resonates even today. If you’re considering starting a media channel to promote your writing career, then this episode will help you get started without worrying about the what-if’s and how-to’s!   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 0:31 - Starting a Media Channel 1:28 - A New Series 2:29 - Reviewing an Old Video 8:57 - What Went Well 10:47 - What to Improve 13:05 - Suggested Tools 14:15 - Final Thoughts 15:25 - Outro   Grab the

Bill Gothard was a notable Christian minister, speaker, and writer who developed a Bible-based teaching program in the 1970’s. He took his platform right around the same time that American culture was experiencing major changes in freedom and expression. Though Bill never married or had children, he founded a curriculum and organization called the “Institute in Basic Life Principles.” This curriculum centered heavily around character building skills for children and on living a godly lifestyle. Bill’s curriculum and teachings seemed Biblically sound and, honestly, pretty great! So what happened? How did it all start to go so wrong? Join Nika in this episode as she discusses the life, work, and downfall of Bill Gothard and what important lessons we can learn from it all so we can avoid making the same mistakes. What are your thoughts about this situation and how have you responded? Let me know in the comments below!   Timestamp:   0:00 - Intro 1:03 - An Overview of Bill’s Life and Work  2:19 -

Robert Morris became an evangelist at the young age of 19. He started a family at about the same time and continued serving the Lord throughout the years.  Robert also wrote many books, touching the hearts and minds of thousands of Christians. In the year 2000, he started Gateway Church in Southlake, TX, which has become the home of over 100,000 members. It seemed like Robert was helping so many individuals grow in their faith and walk with Christ, so what happened? How did it all start to go so wrong? Join me in this video as I share my own perspective of Robert Morris’s story, how we can respond in grace, and the lessons we can learn from his missteps. What are your thoughts about this situation and how have you responded? Let me know in the comments below!     Timestamp:   0:00 - Intro 1:05 - A Personal Perspective 5:44 - The Meaning of Authorship 7:28 - A Brief Overview of the Rise and Fall of Robert Morris 9:45 - The Qualifications of Having a Platform 13:00 - The Qualifications of

Gwen Shamblin was a prominent Christian author and leader in the 1980s and 1990s. She led people all over the country in putting Christ first in their lives and especially in their food choices. Through her popular and effective weight loss program, The Weigh Down Workshop, Gwen changed the outlook on diet and fitness. It seemed like Gwen was helping thousands of people in their walk with Christ, so what happened? How did it all start going so wrong? Join Nika in this brand new series, “When Authors Go Wrong”, where she discusses the lives of several Christian authors whose teachings touched the lives of so many and yet whose downfall caused chaos, calamity, and grief in the Christian community. In this episode, Nika shares an overview of the life and work of Gwen Shamblin, including a personal experience of meeting Gwen, where Gwen started going wrong, and what we can learn from her mistakes. If you were a fan of Gwen in the past or just want to learn how to mark and avoid false teachers, this is an episode

Using words that give life instead of death is often challenging and complicated. Especially in the current world we live in and the negativity we are easily surrounded by. But as representatives of Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living. Our words are an indication of what’s happening in our hearts and how Jesus has changed our lives. Choosing to give life through our words, even to those who are unkind, shows others the radical love of Christ.  And that’s the most important thing we could ever do with our words. Join Nika in this episode as she discusses the importance and power of our words, and how we can use them to give life to others even when it’s difficult or feels impossible. If you’d like to start improving your language when speaking with others, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 1:08 - How Powerful Our Words Can Be 3:11 - Our Responsibility as Representatives of Christ 5:08 - Outro   Grab the free Pray and Print publishing guide no

As followers of Christ, we are called to boldness. We are encouraged to be willing to take risks, defend truth, and accept criticism and harsh treatment. But, as humans, we find that calling to be quite easier said than done. So how can we cultivate boldness in our Christian walk and rise up to the challenge? Listen in on this episode for three practical recommendations for how to develop the character trait of boldness and weave it into our work and everyday lives. If you’re allowing fear to hold you back from the message God is nudging you to share, this episode is sure to give you the encouragement you need to overcome and be bold! Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 0:32 - Cultivating Boldness 1:01 - Recommendation #1: Avoid Making Any Decision Out of Fear 2:13 - Recommendation #2: Look for Opportunities to Be Bold 2:53 - Recommendation #3: Accept That Boldness is Just Part of the Job Description 4:56 - Outro Grab the free Pray and Print publishing guide now! Learn all the ins and outs of both traditional and self

Not quite sure how to handle writer’s block when you sit down to work on your project? It’s every author’s greatest obstacle to overcome and biggest roadblock on their path to success. Surprisingly, writer’s block can be one of the biggest blessings in disguise even when it keeps you from moving forward. It’s not always what you think it is! Join Nika in this episode as she reveals writer’s block true identity, provides eight helpful strategies for overcoming writer’s block, and why it’s okay to not know what to write about sometimes. If you’re stuck in your writing journey and just don’t know what to do, this episode is sure to bring you the encouragement you need to keep pushing through! Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 1:02 - Emotion Block 2:12 - Not Knowing What to Write About 3:20 - What Do We Do? 4:08 - Strategy #1 - Switch It Up 5:01 - Strategy #2 - Talk It Out 6:17 - Strategy #3 - Move Your Body 7:05 - Strategy #4 - Write Anything 7:45 - Strategy #5 - Start Anywhere 8:39 - Strategy #6 - Try Your Best to Eli

Is your soul weary of this world and you’re wondering how to deal with burnout? Burnout can feel as if a fire has ripped through your soul and stolen your joy. It can leave you feeling hollowed out as you try to just go through the motions. And in those moments, it’s easy to turn to disengagement and check out from the world. But, friend, the key to overcoming burnout is not to withdraw, but to lean in!   Join Nika in this episode as she presents five practical tips for how to deal with burnout and find refreshment for your soul.   Rejoice, for there is hope!   Timestamp:   0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Facing Burnout 2:09 - Disengagement is Not Refreshment 4:17 - Connect with God 6:13 - Practice Gratitude 7:22 - Trust God 8:28 - Prioritize Your Health 9:07 - Find a Community 9:54 - Fight Burnout Effectively 10:18 - Outro   Grab the free Pray and Print publishing guide now! Learn all the ins and outs of both traditional and self-publishing, what you’ll need to get started, and how to set yourse

Are you stuck in setting goals for your writing project? Setting goals doesn’t feel so difficult when we understand the purpose and point of it all. Goals guide us along our journey towards the ultimate destination. Not take us in a completely different direction. But without a direction to go in, we wander aimlessly while search for the path we are meant to walk down. So when we sit down to draw the map, it’s important to first ask four essential questions that will guide us in determining where to go. Join Nika in this episode as she discusses why setting goals is so important, how to set ones that align with your life, and what four essential questions you should always ask before starting!   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 0:32 - Living Life Without Goals 1:30 - The Purpose of Setting Goals 2:11 - Is the Goal Rooted in Becoming More Like Christ? 3:38 - Is the Goal Manageable? 4:58 - Is the Goal Specific? 5:50 - Who Can Hold You Accountable? 7:07 - Conclusion 7:45 - Outro   Grab the free Pray and Print

The power of words is stronger than almost any weapon there is. Our words can either create life or destroy it. And the seeds we plant from the words we use in our lives will be the harvest that we reap up in the end. So if we aren’t careful, we will be reaping a harvest of death and destruction when we were expecting a harvest of abundance. Join Nika in the conversation about the power of words as she adds onto her series of “unpopular opinions” and shares her heart on why choosing our words carefully is so important for not only ourselves but those we interact with as well.   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 1:33 - The Law of Reaping and Sowing 3:21 - The Power of Words 6:00 - Planting Seeds 7:53 - The Heart of the Matter 10:57 - What Bad Seeds Grow 16:42 - Submit Your Words to the Lord 22:33 - The Bag of Seed 25:45 - Outro   Grab the free Pray and Print publishing guide now! Learn all the ins and outs of both traditional and self-publishing, what you’ll need to get started, and how to set yourself up fo

Bible characters are people, too. As a writer and speaker, your vocabulary is critical when trying to connect with your audience.  It determines whether your message lands appropriately or whether it completely misses the mark.  One term that is often misused, especially when referring to Biblical or historical figures, is the word “character.” A “character” is a figment of the author’s imagination; something or someone who is made up or exists only in the imagination. So why would we use that term to describe real people who walked this earth? In this latest installment of Nika’s “Unpopular Opinions” series, Nika dives into the importance of honoring the men and women who sacrificed so much to live for Christ. By the end of this episode, you’ll be re-thinking your own vocabulary in a way that places compassion and respect at the center.   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 0:32 - Pray and Print: Your Guide to Navigating the Christian Publishing Process 1:48 - Sharing an Unpopular Opinion 3:49 - The Def

Is it the Law of Measurement or is it karma? The concept of karma has been a generally accepted truth in the world for quite some time. It has become popularized through the media, music, TV, and more. The idea that “what goes around comes around” or that we get back what we give to others is, in fact, true. However, the concept of karma, rooted in the idea of reincarnation, is simply a counterfeit of God’s truth. The Law of Measurement tells us that what we give, we will receive back. But it doesn’t always mean we will receive it the way we expected. Join Nika as she takes a deep dive into the concept of karma, its origins, the distractions of counterfeit, and the truth of God’s Word! And, if you’ve been feeling called to write your own book, but don’t know where to start, take the “What Type of Book Should I Write?” quiz today!   Timestamp: 0:00 - Intro 1:59 - The Origins of Karma 5:12 - The Distraction of Counterfeit 8:18 - The Law of Measurement 14:21 - An Exercise in Handling Your Own Judgments 16