Several months after Gretchen, our founder, was married, she set out to start an online women’s ministry with the vision of reaching women worldwide. Having no idea where to start, she began right where she was with what she had: a small amount of money in savings, a prayer journal, and a big dream stirring deep within her soul to encourage women to love Jesus deeply.
Through a series of God-ordained circumstances, the very first Give Me Jesus Journal was launched May 2014, the original quiet time journal for women. The initial batch of journals sold out within an hour, and in that moment, God defined the vision and mission of Well-Watered Women: to equip women to be rooted deeply in God's Word.
Over the following years, women from all over the world have purchased from the Well-Watered Shop and joined this online community. The Well-Watered Team has expanded as well in order to better equip women with these gospel-centered resources. What began as a small seed, God has grown into a mighty oak tree—a planting for His glory (Isaiah 61:3).
In Him, we find true life, and because of the cross, we can be well-watered women who drink deeply from His Word and live the abundant life. We are grateful that you are joining us on this journey and pray that this blog, the shop, and every tool we produce is a match that lights a consuming fire in your heart to know Jesus more and more.
Founder/CEO
President/CFO
creative director
COO
Shop Manager
Theology Editor
Social Media Community Manager
Fulfillment Specialist
Fulfillment Specialist
Content Director
Content Editor
Marketing Director
graphic designer
A verse I cling to:
Isaiah 53:5 has become a verse I go back to often in my walk with the Lord! It sums up the beauty of the Gospel and is a faithful reminder of who I am in Christ because of the cross! “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Founder/CEO
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
The best way to describe what my time with Jesus looks like each day is “my not-so-quiet time.” With a little boy at home, I’ve had to learn to be flexible with what my time with Jesus looks like. Instead of craving perfection, I am learning to crave the perfect One. Most days I aim to wake up around 6:30 to spend time alone and put the “Word before world” before my little boy wakes up. However, on the days where he is already awake, I start my day asking the Lord for strength and reading one verse from my Bible before I get him to give me the right perspective. Around 2 p.m. I’ll make another pot of (decaf) coffee, set aside my to-do list (which normally is hard), and dig into the Word. And one thing is certain, I NEVER regret spending time with Jesus!
One thing most people don’t know about me:
I love to travel! I’ve been to eight different countries and dream of traveling the world some day with my family! When I was younger I wanted to be an overseas missionary, and still love traveling to different cultures to behold God’s creation, love His people, and experience the glory of the Gospel across the globe! One more thing I feel I should include: I am 5’ 10”. Most people don’t know how tall I am, and are surprised when they meet me in person!
My favorite drink is:
A cinnamon dolce latte!
A verse I cling to:
The Holy Spirit constantly uses Romans 8:28–29 to shift my perspective throughout the day. God is intricately working every detail, big or small, for my eternal good and His glory. Everything He allows in my life is for my sanctification and to conform me to the image of His Son, and that is a great source of comfort and encouragement for me.
President/CFO
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
My quiet time looks different every day at this stage of my life. Some days, I wake up before my kids to spend time in the Word. Some days, I’m able to study Scripture during nap time. And other days, I don’t have an opportunity to read God’s Word until my kids are in bed. As any mom with young kids knows, no day is ever completely predictable, and I am grateful for a God who welcomes us to come to His Word at any time of day. I love to work through a book of the Bible verse by verse with my Give Me Jesus Journal.
One thing most people don’t know about me:
I love 80s music and one of my favorite things to do is turn on a good playlist while I clean or have dance parties with my boys :)
My favorite drink is:
Cherry Coke!
A verse I cling to:
Psalm 145:16 is tattooed on my wrist and forever written in my heart: “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” This verse reminds me that God alone is the One who can satisfy my soul, and by living with open hands I am able to receive freely all that He has graciously offered.
Creative Director
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
I’m almost always still in pajamas with messy hair, sipping from my cup of coffee, and curled up on the couch under a blanket with my pup next to me. I usually listen to music, read and journal, and dig into the Word one verse at a time. I’ve made it a priority to start my day with the Lord before beginning to work since I work from home, and it sets the tone for my entire day!
One thing most people don’t know about me:
I actually studied Social Work in college and only took two graphic design classes. I felt called to ministry at a young age, so I never imagined doing design full-time! Now I get to create every single day in a ministry that equips women around the world. I love how our plans may change, but the Lord allows everything to come together for His glory and our good.
My favorite drink is:
Half & half tea from Chick-fil-A. No ice. ;)
A verse I cling to:
My type A, planner personality finds so much rest and assurance in Lamentations 3:22-23. I have a tendency to try to plan and control things far into the future, and this passage reminds me to dwell in the present, where the Lord has promised to sustain me with mercies for today.
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
With 3 young kids at home, my quiet time routine changes sometimes daily. I’ve had to become more flexible and not allow the lack of a “perfect” environment hinder me from studying Scripture and meeting with the Lord daily. I do seek to be disciplined in waking early and studying the Word at my desk, because it means fewer distractions. But somedays, my 5 year old is sitting next to me “reading” her Bible (and asking lots of questions) or doing crafts while my other 2 nap.
One thing most people don’t know about me:
Growing up, I never dreamed of being a stay at home mom. In fact, it’s the last thing I wanted to be as an adult. I saw myself with a busy career and 1 or maybe 2 kids. The Lord totally changed my heart and desires. Being a mom to our 3 little girls is the hardest job but biggest blessing in my life, and I’m so thankful to spend my days at home (or at the shipping warehouse) with them.
My favorite drink is:
Starbucks blonde roast or cold brew
COO
A verse I cling to:
A verse that I keep close to my heart in Romans 10:9–13. It feeds my doubting heart truth when I need a reminder of how faithful my God is.
Shop Manager
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
I like to get up around 6:30 each morning to have time with the Lord and study His Word before taking on the day and my two energetic little girls! There is a comfy chair in my bedroom that I love to sit in (with the space heater running on colder mornings of course!), but unfortunately my husband doesn’t wake up until later, so I’m stuck using my phone flashlight to read by! I use my Give Me Jesus Journal to guide my time, and I am usually going through a study or studying a book of the Bible verse by verse.
One thing most people don’t know about me:
Our team thinks I’m strange because my girls and I don’t go downstairs until everyone is dressed and ready for the day, which I know is a bit odd. My other claim to fame is I performed and toured in China with the Redcoat Band as a member of the Georgette Danceline.
My favorite drink is:
Salted Caramel Creamer with a splash of coffee
A verse I cling to:
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose (Galatians 2:20-21). The reality that Christ lives in me fills me with hope! Hope that might look as simple as obedience and delight in the most un-glamorous places. His presence in my personal life energizes me for good works, compels me to live by grace and not my own attempts at self-righteousness, and empowers me to receive what the Lord gives. His love comforts me in pain and simplicity. Thank you, Father, for Christ.
Theology and Content Editor
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
This season where my kids are sleeping through the night, I greet the Lord early every morning on the back porch with coffee and Scripture. I'm studying a theme through the Bible, and I read until I come upon the next instance of that theme. I'll write that verse or set of verses down and pray through it, piecing together how each new insight fits. About this time, the light peeks into the dark world, and I walk into the backyard to audibly pray to the Lord as the sun rises. Speaking with Him in this way and in this setting, about His Word and my cares—it truly transforms me.
One thing most people don’t know about me:
Every friend group I've made post-college gasps when my athleticism is revealed. They can't seem to fit my background playing sports with my calm and creative personality. I laugh, telling them that's how Ben and I spent our dating years while I worked for Intramurals all through college and that I can't wait for my kids to be old enough to play with me.
My favorite drink is:
Water! You will never see me without my water bottle!
A verse I cling to:
Fear can quickly overtake me, so I cling to this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." It reminds me that the Holy Spirit lives in me and in Him I have power over fear. I can step out in faith, without fear. I can love others, without fear. I can live for God, without fear.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
What my quiet time really looks like each day:
I'll admit it: I am not a morning person. So, I am grateful to work from home so I don’t have to rush out the door and can spend time with Jesus right away. I sit in my favorite comfy, orange chair and will read scripture and a devotion, reflect/journal and spend time in prayer. I am always so grateful for the quiet moments with the Lord before tackling the day ahead.
One thing most people don’t know about me:
I love being outside in nature and seeing wildlife, so for a brief moment I thought I wanted to be a park ranger.
My favorite drink is:
Blanco Americano from Moka
Social Media Community Manager
I constantly flip to Philippians 1:6 through different seasons of my life and it brings me so much joy to remember God’s faithfulness and on-going work in my heart and life. It can be easy for me to feel stuck in my life or stagnant in my faith but this verse reminds me that God never leaves His work unfinished! “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
My quiet time usually looks like me stumbling toward a big armchair in my living room first thing in the morning and trying not to spill my cup of coffee on the way. My eyes are usually a little sleepy and my hair is always a little messy. I’m thankful to be in a season where I don’t have a lot of distractions in the morning and I’m working hard not to take that for granted. I try to read at least one chapter every day from whatever book of the Bible that I am currently going through, then I journal and pray in my Give Me Jesus journal!
Most people don’t know that I studied Political Science in college! For a long time, I thought that I would work in law or politics but toward the end of college, God called me to ministry and I haven’t looked back! I still enjoy politics but I am thankful for the way that God rerouted my plans.
It’s a toss up between Diet Coke and coffee. I basically just switch back and forth between those two all day, every day.
Fulfillment Specialist
Ephesians 3:20-21 This verse is a constant reminder that even in my most trusting and faithful moments, God still breaks the mold of who we think He is and what He is capable of doing. He is far greater than we could ever imagine! “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
I enjoy ending my day in the world. I sit on my bed and reflect on the day I had— how I experienced the Lord’s grace and how I saw Him moving in the lives around me. I love spending that time in His Word and in prayer, knowing my struggles from the day, situationally and emotionally, and being able to pray for strength, wisdom, and improvements for the days to come.
I have a heart for travel! I’ve visited six countries so far and I hope to visit many more. In fact, a couple of years back I almost moved to Vienna to become an au pair for a family.
I’m mostly a water girl but if I splurge it’s usually a raspberry lemonade.
Content Director
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:11
I’m not a morning person so I usually wake up shortly before my sons. I keep a few special books near my favorite chair in case one of my boys joins me before I’m finished. When I’m not doing inter generational Bible study through my church, I use the Give Me Jesus journal. I like using the Be Still & Know portion to memorize a Psalm and usually use Drink Deeply from the Well section to study themes across Scripture. Even if I’m cut short, I always try to end by considering what the passage says about God and how that should change my life.
I know the full names of the band members of most popular 90s alternative bands or early 2000s punk and emo. If only I could reclaim that portion of my brain.
Earl Grey tea with almond milk or kombucha.
Fulfillment Specialist
I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
This has been THE year for this particular verse! If 2020 has taught me anything, its that I must hold loosely to my plans and cling tightly to Him! And if He is before me - then He is leading. There’s no safer place to be than in His shadow!
Location changes, but always the daily reading from New Morning Mercies (by Paul David Tripp), the Scripture that goes along with that, daily journaling, and prayer time (that may or may not be written down). And then most days I read from a biography or some other non fiction book that has to do with my spiritual walk. Maybe just a few minutes or a whole chapter. One thing is always true though - I have to fight to stay focused and in the moment! I’ve learned to keep a sticky note by my side so that when random thoughts about the day pop up, I can jot them down quickly and get back to the Word!
I struggle with insecurity and always have! This year, as a reminder to myself of who I am and Who made me, I got the words ‘imago Dei’ tattooed on my arm (latin for image of God). A much needed reminder for me everyday and a good conversation starter with others!
COLD: Coke Zero
HOT: London Fog
Copy Editor + Ministry Assistant
I preach Colossians 1:17 to myself constantly – “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” My control-loving, perfection-seeking self is prone to the false narrative that these things will bring me security, when in reality all that leads me to is a state of constant worry about the future and anxiety that I will be exposed as falling short. This verse reminds me that in Him all things hold together – not in Abbey! Praise the Lord that He is in control and I’m not! I find so much comfort in the fact that I can trust Him with my life because He goes before me and because He has already achieved the impossible-for-me task of holding it all together. I can rest because He is both doing and has already done the work. I love that there is so much freedom found in the gospel!
Even though I wouldn’t claim to be a morning person, I’ve learned from experience that if I don’t start my day in the Word other less important distractions will find their way to the forefront so I try to be disciplined about waking up and meeting with God first thing. I sit in my favorite chair in the living room or at my kitchen table with a big cup of coffee and read a chapter or two from whatever study I’m working on. I process best by writing, so I always have my journal next to me either taking notes, making observations, or writing out my prayers. I always end my time reflecting on what the passage has taught me about God’s character which is my little way of remembering that the Bible really is one big story all about Him.
My whole family has an obsession with the TV show Jeopardy! Despite being spread out in all different households throughout the city, my three siblings and I will frequently tune in from our own living rooms, keep score, and compete against each other through text message. Pretty much every family gathering includes a Jeopardy! or Trivial Pursuit tournament of some sort! I love learning random new facts and stowing them away for future trivia use.
A hazelnut latte from Starbucks.
Marketing Director
Isaiah 55:12, "For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace..." I love this verse because of the reminder that no matter how difficult or discouraging my circumstances may feel, God has promised to cover me with his joy and perfect peace.
My most sacred and special time with the Lord is usually at the end of my day, before I crawl into bed. I find it helpful to write down verses or key words from a passage of Scripture before processing what I've learned through journaling my prayers to the Lord. I always end my prayer journaling with the words "As You Wish, Let it Be" as an active act of surrender to the Lord and a reminder that all of my life is in his hands.
I wanted to be an astronaut when I was in Kindergarten — I quickly realized there's too much math involved.
Vanilla iced coffee or Coke!
We are spread across 6 different states in the southeast.
We have more than 25 kids among our team.
Whitney and Gretchen have been friends since 5th grade.
Rachael & Gretchen met through Instagram in 2015 before Rachael joined the team the following year.