About Notebook & Penguin

Where faith meets the page, and every blank journal is an invitation to grow closer to God.

WELCOME TO NOTEBOOK & PENGUIN

Hi, I’m Jess – a single mom, certified life coach, and a hot-mess-saved-by-grace Christian in progress, learning to trust God one messy day at a time!

As a single mom, I know firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, especially when you’re carefully trying to balance everything so that it doesn’t come crashing down around you!

I’ve been there – missing Bible readings, rushing through prayers, spending more time on my to-do list than just taking a little time to connect with God in a meaningful way – and of course feeling guilty about it all!

But here’s what I’ve learned along the way: God doesn’t need perfect quiet times. He wants to be with you in the mess – He wants your real heart (remember Mary and Martha?).

That’s why I created Notebook & Penguin – to help you (and me!) stay on track with your spiritual journey in a way that feels authentic and manageable.

Jess Headshot Photo

Why Journaling Matters to Me

I truly believe that, as a Christian, keeping a journal is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. It’s more than just putting pen to paper – it’s a moment to slow down, breathe, and reflect deeply in a world that never seems to pause. Journaling helps you untangle your thoughts, put life in perspective, and most importantly, connect with God in a way that goes beyond a quick scripture reading or a hurried prayer. It turns quiet time into a real conversation with yourself and with Him.

As an introvert and a (ridiculous) overthinker, writing and journaling helped me get through some tough times I never saw coming – like navigating divorce, single parenthood, and the feeling “out of place” in a world of picture-perfect faith. My journal is where I pour out my heart on the hardest days, wrestle with myself (and sometimes with God), turn my pain into prayers, and spot God’s faithfulness even in the middle of the mess.

My hope? To help you find that same peace, no perfection required!

My Heart for You

If you’ve ever felt like:

  • You’re overwhelmed by the chaos of daily life and wonder if God still sees you in the middle of it all.
  • Your mind is constantly racing, and by the time your head hits the pillow, you realize you haven’t connected with God, even though you wanted to, all because your day felt like a blur of tasks and thoughts.
  • You feel stuck in cycles of fear, doubt, anxiety, shame, or the nagging sense that you’re just not doing enough.
  • You crave a faith and relationship with God that feels real and alive, not just a checklist of verses or a set of rules that have to be followed.
  • You wish your quiet time wasn’t another box to tick, but something that sparks joy, creativity, and a deep sense of intimacy with God.

Take a deep breath; you’re definitely not alone!

What to Expect Here

Every month I publish a new Bible reading and writing plan for that month (find the link to this month’s plan in the menu!). Each month will have a different topic to explore and if you follow along and write them down as you reflect on them, you will have 365 scriptures written down in your journal by next year this time!

These reading plans are free and I hope they will help you to carve out time each day to just sit and reflect on God’s Word.

Each week, I also send out a newsletter focusing on the topic covered in the reading plan for that week. I will also include links to Bible studies, devotionals or anything interesting I come across that I think you might enjoy.

Along with these you will also find:

  • Daily devotionals and scriptures: Check out our quick “Verse Of The Day“ page for a short and sweet bible verse, reflection and prayer to help you start your day right. Or dive deeper with a longer devotional that includes journaling prompts to help you explore each scripture more deeply.  
  • Journaling Tools: Bible-based prompts, reflective exercises, and resources to help you grow.
  • Thoughtfully Designed Goodies for Your Faith Journey: Beautiful resources that bring truth to life, from journals to wall art, to mugs for your morning quiet time – because God’s word shouldn’t just be heard; it should be held, seen, and lived.
  • Encouragement for Inspired Living: Tips on bringing faith into everyday moments, from morning routines to finding God in the ordinary.
  • Bible Studies that dig deeper into different topics.
  • Real Talk for Real Faith: Honest conversations about struggling, healing, and finding hope in Christ.

Let’s Do This Together

I believe that your story matters, and that God isn’t finished with any of us yet! So thank you for letting me be part of your journey! Now, grab a pen – your story’s next chapter starts here!

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