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Krista Hewlett, Founder
I am excited to introduce you to the women who contribute their gifts and voices to Our Story Magazine!
I am in awe and thrilled with the welcomed eagerness from women to be a part of Our Story. It is my humble honor to amplify their offering for kingdom purposes—each gift and voice unique and beautiful. My heart has overflowed again and again with gratitude and wonder as He continually surprises me in this unknown journey.
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For so long, my heart has grieved over the empty seats at the King’s table. In seeking His heart for creative ways to pull together my skills, experience serving women, and desire to honor Him as an offering—He said, “Daughter, you have all you need. Go. Do it now.” His faithful direction is never too far from our reach.
And so we have Our Story Magazine.
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Our Story Magazine inspires women to lean in and listen to one another as we hear the Father beckon each tender heart to step out where He may be calling.
We believe many of God’s daughters feel alone and yearn to feel seen by you and me—for who they authentically are. And if women serving women is key to moving forward in our relationships, families, churches, and communities, then loving each other well must begin with truly seeing one another.
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We understand that no matter the season on our calendars, women are in various seasons of life and grace. She may be a young professional at work and play, looking for harmony in all life throws her way. She may be a young mom, nurturing family and home, desperately seeking inspiration for the weeks ahead. Or maybe she sees an empty nest for a number of reasons, and life is moving too fast or too slow, and she is unsure what her next step should be.
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We offer hope-filled stories, articles, reflective journaling prompts, and more in every issue to remind us of the indescribable goodness of God and that we belong to Him. We want women to be encouraged that, as we seek ways to step out in faith and live as He desires, He is not surprised by our questions and only desires that we rest in His plan and purpose for each of us.
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We hope a welcomed comfort is evident in the pages of every issue of Our Story, like the understanding embrace of a friend. We pray women find hope for their hurting hearts and that they are inspired to live free and trust God in every season of life and grace. And we always include inspiration for growth and fun!
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Our writers and creatives are from different countries, cultures, and generations who share a love of Jesus and a desire for each woman to feel truly seen.
Much love,
Meet the writers and creatives for the Autumn 2023 Issue of Our Story, followed by a note about our Autumn Issue from the editors.
I love hiking in autumn, viewing a tapestry of warm-colored leaves and enjoying a cool breeze. I also love evenings spent gathering around a firepit with friends and family.
As I read this issue, I imagined quietly walking through an amber field, visiting a sentimental riverbank, and enjoying the brightness of a pumpkin patch. I could almost taste the hot apple cider and feel the texture of my favorite long sweater. I envisioned getting lost in conversation at the table and finding rest in solitude. I enjoyed learning about seeds, an olive grove, and composting. My faith perspective was broadened reading about the biblical feasts, and I was encouraged by insights shared about God’s bountiful promises and His never-ending love.
We at Our Story are grateful for you, and we pray that His grace warms your soul as you bask in autumn’s breathtaking beauty!
Loral Pepoon
From Editor & Contributing Writer, Loral Pepoon
From the Founder & Editor in Chief, Krista Hewlett
Sometimes, we need a break from the noise and chaos of the world. We seek places where we can relax and savor the beauty of nature, the sound of our breath, and the rhythm of our heartbeat. We long for safety where we can be ourselves without any expectations or judgments—a space where we feel secure but not lonely.
I am grateful for this stillness I find in autumn. There’s something therapeutic and settling about nature’s vibrancy giving way to a quiet harvest.
Like our cover photo from Faith, the cornfield is evidence of great work accomplished, and while there’s still much to be done, we can pause in this safe space of solitude—and even surrender. We can look to the path ahead with a blessed assurance in our hearts that circumstances do change. The way has been laid for us and awaits as we savor this season.
And while we may not always see the reward of a harvest, and whether crops are bountiful or fruit withers on the vine, there are always seeds left behind. Seeds are a promise—a continual cycle of potential for new opportunities of change, growth, and grace— signs of hope and an assurance that we can pause, press on, or start anew.
We pray that you experience a quiet harvest this season. We hope this issue helps you find stillness in surrender and offers ways to embrace change, growth, and grace as blessings from God. For He is fully alive, altogether creative, and has a purpose for you in this season.
Much love,
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Krista Angela Hewlett
Founder | Editor in Chief | Publisher
