When we started creating our 2024 Compose Prayer Journal, I knew I wanted to spice things up with capsule collections throughout the year. We have our “In the Woods” collection that will be available yearround featuring our Pine, Dusty Rose, Sprout and Lichen. It was inspired by the idea of going deep into the woods to seek a quiet moment with the Lord. Can’t you picture it? Just taking a trail and going further and further in to escape the noise of the world to find yourself completely alone with the Lord.
Every few months you’ll see us collaborate with another author / educator / artist for them to create a limited capsule collection of colors. When thinking of who to kick things off with for this initial November – January collection, we looked no further than Hannah Brencher.
She’s an amazing writer, Advent enthusiast and queen of habits and routines (she even has some courses on it!). I know as we head into the New Year, the thought of making prayer (or anything really) is likely top of mind.
So let me introduce you to Hannah and our HB X VMP Capsule Collection!
Hannah, first tell us a little more about who you are and what you do?
Hi there! I’m so excited to be a part of this collection with VMP! My name is Hannah, and I wear a lot of hats! I’m an author with Zondervan, an online educator, a wife, and a mom! I’m also a fierce advocate for mental health and love digging deeper into the Word of God. I’m a big lover of the Old Testament and Torah– Moses is my guy!
I came to faith at the age of 22, and after walking through severe depression a few years later, I found myself falling in love with the rhythms and disciplines of both faith and daily life. That’s what ultimately led me to find Val Marie Paper!
Tell us how our prayer journals have aided in creating a habit of prayer.
Gosh, I can’t gush enough about these prayer journals. Every Christmas, I give one to each woman in my family because I believe so much in the daily prayer rhythm. There is so much power in having a dedicated space where all your prayers can live– all your worries, doubts, petitions, and gratitude. Because this space exists, it is much easier to consistently fall into that rhythm of prayer. And here’s the thing– the practice does not have to be perfect for it to matter. So much good will flourish in your life from the consistent momentum of showing up.
Will you tell us about your inspiration for the colors you chose?
Well, I love all things neutral. Take one step into my house, and you will find that to be the case. But here’s what draws me to the neutrals– they’re simple yet beautiful and never go out of style. Colors are an essential part of life, but I would like to say that neutrals are reliable for all seasons of life.
We’ve included something we’ve never done before in this collection, a solid black journal! This is so fun for the simple girl or guy who likes a minimal notebook.
Yes! If you step into my office, you will notice MANY black notebooks. I like a pop of color here or there when I’m feeling a little adventurous, but my staple is a black notebook. It reminds me of many of my favorite creative people who wear an all-black uniform to work daily. A lot of them choose to do this so they can preserve that energy they would otherwise spend picking out an outfit and channel it into the creative process itself.
I love that and I think it applies to notebooks as well! I think it’s a nod towards this belief that something can still be profoundly deep, sacred, and spiritual– even if it is simple. That’s prayer at the end of the day. Never discount a black journal– perhaps something intensely creative and beautiful is waiting inside. I can’t wait to see what you fill yours with!
Hannah, where can people find out more about you?
You can find me at @hannahbrencher on social media or writing over at hannahbrencher.com. Be sure to hop over to my website and sign up for the Monday Club to get consistent, weekly encouragement in your inbox every Monday morning!
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