Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 83

My new book is priced at $1.99 this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only $1.99 now!

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

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If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday, #heartencouragement, #thoughtprovokingthursday, #chasingcommunity, and #heartsforhome. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links.

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Published on March 16, 2017 04:24

Trading Peace for Anxiety

When was the last time a real threat triggered your anxiety?

Yesterday I faced a tense situation at work. I had to keep my emotions in check to remain professional. Yet my anxiety churned inside and I had a hard time keeping myself under control. I was edgy, quiet, and humorless. I’m sure my smiles looked forced.

After the situation was resolved, my pent-up anxiety leaked out in weird ways. I felt inexplicably grouchy for almost an hour. I got a little snappy, and I withdrew into a small project where I could block everything out. During this hour of leaky anxiety, I didn’t really feel in control of myself. My emotions were overriding my normal calm, composed demeanor in ways I didn’t understand, but I couldn’t stop.

Later in the day, I remembered something I heard on a recent Grit-N-Grace Girls podcast. When your system is flooded with adrenaline, your body needs about 45 minutes to process it. That’s why I felt so tense even after the situation was resolved. My body was at war with my mind, screaming, “This adrenaline has to be processed one way or another!” The fight-or-flight chemical residue leaked out in my negative behavior.

I need to grant myself grace in anxious moments.

I’m not beating myself up for how I acted yesterday. I will apologize to those who I snapped at, and I know they will be understanding. I can grant myself grace because God created my body to respond to anxiety triggers. A quick burst of adrenaline-fueled energy will allow me to take cover or fight. That’s okay because God wants me to protect myself.

And I’m thankful I remembered to shoot up some arrow prayers. I prayed that God would reign over the situation and take control. Prayer helped me carve out a peaceful space inside the tension.

When was the last time a perceived threat triggered your anxiety?

If I’m being honest, perceived threats trigger my anxiety more often than real threats. I worry about money. I worry about my children’s futures. I worry about health. I don’t have good reason to worry, but I worry all the same.

In January I wrote a post about our looming tax bill for this year. I worried how we will pay it without going into major debt, and I committed the matter to regular prayer. We normally pay several thousand dollars in taxes, and this year I expected the normal amount to triple. Yesterday morning my husband handed me the final word from the accountant. All combined, we will pay only $102.00 in taxes this year!

I give God all the credit. He heard my anxious prayers, saying, “I’ve got this.” I don’t remember ever having a tax bill that small in the past 20 years. Though I expected our 2017 tax bill to equal my yearly salary, God said, “No problem.”

Prayer nips anxiety in the bud.

After I wrote Christmas Peace for Busy Moms last year, I chose one of the memory verses as my theme verse for 2017. Since January I’ve been repeating Isaiah 26:3 aloud daily:

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Because I am keeping God’s Word at the top of my mind every day, choosing peace is easier than it used to be. Remembering to pray in tense moments is more natural now. Trusting God to handle too-big situations is becoming my new normal. I thank God for infusing my life with peace when I dwell in His presence. I’m learning to bear the fruit of peace by abiding in Him.

Questions for you:

How can daily time with God grant you peace to face your anxieties?

Which memory verse helps you conquer anxiety?

My new book is priced at $1.99 this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only $1.99 now!

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

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If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

This post will be linked up at #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #tellhisstory, #messymarriage, and #teaandwordtuesday. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links.

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Published on March 14, 2017 04:23

Review: You Are Free

You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are[image error] by Rebekah Lyons

I’ve always loved the calm, refreshing contrast of cobalt blue on white. The cover’s pretty design drew me in like the pattern of my Blue Willow dishes. Inside this book I found a treasure of truth.

This book is unique because it reads like a memoir, one of my favorite genres. In each chapter, Rebekah unfolds her life story bit by bit. As an adolescent, she desperately tried to fit in. She was a striving people-pleaser, floating between social groups for attention. Rebekah struggled with a family history of mental illness and her own panic disorder. As a new mom, she faced the unexpected challenge of a special needs child.

I’m glad she shares her struggles so honestly. Anyone who has panic attacks will find her story especially encouraging. Even though I don’t struggle with that issue, I found hope in her writing. I related to her stories of people-pleasing and constant striving, and I was encouraged by her personal journey of healing through God’s unconditional love.

Rebekah speaks of many ways to be set free from bondage by drawing closer to God. One special distinction about her story is the descriptions of her intimate conversations with God and her close reliance on the Holy Spirit. She recounted several times when God spoke to her in dreams, and I found her revelations poignant, thought-provoking, and similar to my own spiritual journey. Her voice is fresh, warm, and inviting.

This was one of my favorite quotes from the book:

Freedom is for everyone who wants it–the lost, the wounded, and those weary from all the striving. It’s for those who gave up trying years ago. It’s for professional Christians hiding secrets. It’s for the angry and the hurt, for those both brilliant and burnt by the Christian song and dance.

If you are looking for freedom which can be found only in Christ Jesus, this book is for you!

Best news of all, you can sign up here for Faith Gateway’s online study of this book. Beginning soon, you’ll have access to six videos delivered weekly via email. I just completed a similar online study of Ann Voskamp’s The Broken Way, and I loved it so much I was happy to sign up again. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of You Are Free from the BookLook Bloggers Program in exchange for my honest review.

My new book is priced at $1.99 this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only $1.99 now!

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

* indicates required
First Name *

Email Address *

If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

This post will be linked up at #momentsofhope, #mondaymusings, #mommymoments, #modestmommondays, #theartofhomemakingmondays, #livingproverbs31, #goodmorningmondays, #dreamtogether, #soulsurvival, and #glimpsesofhisbeauty. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links.

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Published on March 13, 2017 03:24

Five Minute Friday: Abandon

This poem was written in five unedited minutes on the prompt “Abandon” for Five Minute Friday.

Far too long

I’ve sat on this branch

waiting for the perfect time to jump.

Too breezy today, I’d say.

Too high.

Too far.

Now you’re prodding me

to take flight.

You nudge me further out,

whispering your promise:

I will never abandon you.

So I tiptoe slowly

wind whipping

dead leaves rustling

branch swaying.

I watch a hawk glide

with effortless glory

over the pond.

It’s my time.

So I release my grip

and strength enters my wings.

I’m flying now!

I lean into the wind current

and abandon my fears

because you promised

to catch me if I fall

to uphold me with your strength

to show me new vistas.

I look to the east

and see the sun streaming bright

through grey clouds.

Questions for you:

How does God’s promise never to abandon you inspire you to let go of fear?

What do you need to abandon to soar to greater heights for God’s glory?

I invite you to buy my brand-new book for only 99 cents this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only 99 cents now!

Brand-new Lenten devotional only 99 cents today! #fruitfullifebook

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

* indicates required
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If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #fmf, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, and #graceandtruth. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 10, 2017 04:11

Nothing Can Steal My Joy

Years ago, I faced a difficult work situation which regularly brought me to tears. I tried hard to finish out my contract with strength and faith, but the trials often got to me. I looked for ways to cope.

On the way to my weekly meetings, I popped in Mandisa’s True Beauty CD. Hearing her up-tempo rendition of “Nothin’s Gonna Steal My Joy” always boosted my spirits. In the song’s bridge, Mandisa’s powerful soprano soars to mountain heights. Her mighty high note brought me right to the feet of God’s throne.

At God’s feet I remembered His sovereignty, might, and power. When I focused on God’s transcendence over my difficult situation, I found pockets of joy and thankfulness not available on the surface. They came from deep reservoirs of faith and Bible study.

Joy comes from a life of obedience, as today’s verse states. Walking closely with God and steeping myself daily in His Word leads me on the straight path of obedience, which I find delightful.

Those trying years are now past. I’ve faced even more significant trials since, and I’m facing a few right now. But I’ve learned the secret to coping with my trials: intently seeking joy every day. Joy is independent of my circumstances. It’s tied directly to who God is, and He never changes. My joy is tied to the promises made for me in God’s word right now, and tied to the future He is storing up for me in heaven.

New trials are the dark backdrop for making joy sparkle.

I find joy in the little things, like morning birdsong and blossoming spring branches. I find joy in the larger things, like winning a recent writing contest and chasing my dreams. In my walk with God, new reasons for joy pop up daily, like the bright daffodils opening each day in my woods. Nothing can take that joy away from me, because it’s hidden in God’s presence.

I don’t know what kind of hard situation you’re facing today. But I do know the Holy Spirit will grant you the fruit of joy if you draw close to Him.

Questions for you:

In which area do you need joy the most?

How can joy-seeking lift your spirits?

I invite you to buy my brand-new book for only 99 cents this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only 99 cents now!

Brand-new Lenten devotional only 99 cents today! #fruitfullifebook

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

* indicates required
First Name *

Email Address *

If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday, #heartencouragement, #thoughtprovokingthursday, #chasingcommunity, and #heartsforhome. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 09, 2017 04:33

Love, Not Apathy

Somewhere inside, is your heart closed off in apathy?

Even though I want to love the way Jesus loved, openly and freely, I confess my heart is closed off in a specific area.

I have an enemy. All of us face attacks from Satan, and I’m no different. But I have a real, live enemy who seethes hatred in every interaction.

Not openly, of course. That wouldn’t be civilized. Hatred delivered in a passive-aggressive way. Snarky comments. Slanted looks. Irritation and exasperation over the tiniest disagreements.

Why is this person so angry with me? Because I stood up to them and wouldn’t accept their condescension. I confronted in the way Jesus suggests, and they wouldn’t accept it. This person has been trying to get even with me ever since.

In our culture where hatred, division, and snark runs rampant, how are we to show love?

In our daily lives with difficult people, how can we put love into action?

My self-protective reflex wants to draw back in apathy. To build up layers and layers of callus, an emotional shield against further hurt. After yet another hateful spew, all I want to do is withdraw.

But Jesus’ words shake me out of my apathy: Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you.

With a difficult person, follow Jesus’ example for love in action.

So I fight the temptation toward apathy with prayer. I pray for insight into this person’s difficult situation, because “hurt people hurt people.” I pray blessing on them. I also pray that God would speak to their heart and transform them with His grace and love. I pray that I would remain calm and peaceful when attacked–that I would model Jesus’ meekness (strength subdued). I pray that Jesus will help me turn the other cheek and help me disengage from fruitless battles.

I show love in the only acceptable way in this situation. I give genuine compliments when opportunities arise. These kindnesses aren’t received with thanksgiving, but I feel my compliments are small acts of love nevertheless.

There’s only so much I can do in this hard situation. Yet even in my limitations, I want to love like God does. He never gives up on me. He never loses faith in me. He is always hopeful I will come around to his ways and his truth. He endures with me through every circumstance.

Because God has done so much for me, I want to love others with the same love He gives me. Even if they continue to reject and despise me, my attitude and acts of love are my testimony of Jesus to them.

Questions for you:

What difficult person or situation tempts you toward apathy?

In what way can you show this difficult person Jesus’ love?

I invite you to buy my brand-new book for only 99 cents this week! The Fruitful Life[image error] is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only 99 cents now!

Brand-new Lenten devotional only 99 cents today! #fruitfullifebook

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

* indicates required
First Name *

Email Address *

If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #coffeeforyourheart, #wisewomanlinkup, #gracemoments, #sittingamongfriends, #womenwithintention, #writerwednesday, and #encouragingwordwednesday. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 08, 2017 04:33

A Fresh Batch of Book Reviews #8

Hello! I’ve got three excellent books to share with you today.

First, I invite you to buy my brand-new book for only 99 cents this week! The Fruitful Life: Addressing Common Sins and Growing in Faith is a study on the fruits of the spirit, perfect for this Lenten season. Please hop over to Amazon and download it for only 99 cents now!

Brand-new Lenten devotional only 99 cents today! #fruitfullifebook

Two free resources for this book await you if you sign up for my email list below. I’ve created a 40-Day Study Guide and 40 Days of Prayer so you can have a more fruitful season. Sign up here to gain access to these free resources, plus lots of other exclusive content!

* indicates required
First Name *

Email Address *

If you want even more out of this book, join my Facebook group now . You’ll discuss this book in community with other readers. They are an encouraging, inspiring group! As a group member, you’ll have chances for giveaways not listed here on the blog. Request to join today.

All right, friends. Here are the three great books I promised for you: a memoir, a devotional, and a children’s chapter book.

This Life I Live by Rory Feek

I love reading memoir, and this is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read. Only vaguely familiar with Rory and Joey’s music, I was intrigued by this book because the story of love and loss gripped me. Once I opened the book, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.

What hooked me is Rory’s writing voice. His humility is in perfect balance with his gut-level honesty. He doesn’t write to sensationalize or gain attention. He writes to share his struggles and sins so others may be affirmed, blessed, and transformed by the same God who saved him. I am captured by his descriptions of a hard-scrabble upbringing, poor relational choices, vivid stories of repentance, and his deep love for his wife Joey. He paints an honest picture of marriage, not denying the disagreements and struggles. Rory writes with sensitivity and keen observation, in a voice that reminds me of the salt-of-the-earth people in my community.

I haven’t gotten to the end yet, and I’m kind of dreading it. I know Joey dies from cancer, and I will cry buckets since I’m already so attached to this book. Yet I look forward to the lessons I’ll learn and the way the end of this book will challenge my faith in new ways, just like the beginning of the book.

I received a free copy of this book from The Press House in exchange for my honest review.

Devotions for Easter by Stacy J. Edwards

The photo doesn’t do justice to this beautiful book–a pretty foil stamp graces the cover. This book has become a part of my afternoon downtime. I open its pages for a brief devotion, written in a warm, friendly voice. Then I take in the lovely photographs and illustrated prayers. Each devotion is Easter-themed and perfect for busy moms. This book will be a go-to resource in my Lenten library for years to come.

Light Up New York by Natalie Grant

If you have a tween-aged girl in your home, she will enjoy this chapter book written by Christian music superstar Natalie Grant. Sisters Mia, Maddie, and Lulu travel to New York with their parents and nanny. The girls experience the delights of the city in winter and try to solve the mystery of the Snow Angel.

A lot of positive elements stood out to me in this cute book. The book is written from Mia’s perspective. She struggles to get along with her sisters. We have a peek into her thoughts, which are so common for children caught up in sibling rivalry. Mia isn’t perfect, so girls will relate to her. Mia’s parents affirm her struggles and encourage her to show forgiveness and grace. Mia prays about her struggles and tries to make better choices.

The story includes acts of compassion and a heart for ministry. It is others-focused. I am happy to share this kind of book with my 8-year-old daughter, because it’s both entertaining and values-driven.

Also, though I have never traveled to New York or had much of a desire to do so, this book makes a trip look fun. It includes vignettes of the exciting sights, sounds, tastes, and activities in this busy city. This story for children actually made me consider adding New York to our vacation bucket list!

I asked my daughter to read this book and review it, because I feel her opinion matters even more than mine. She liked the book and is interested in reading the other three books in the series. She’s willing to donate this book to her school so other girls can enjoy the story as well. Does it get any better than that from an 8-year-old girl?

I received a free copy of this book from the BookLook Bloggers Program in exchange for my honest review.

Questions for you:

Which book looks most interesting to you? What books would recommend I review in future Fresh Batches?

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #momentsofhope, #mondaymusings, #mommymoments, #modestmommondays, #theartofhomemakingmondays, #livingproverbs31, #goodmorningmondays, #dreamtogether, #soulsurvival, and #glimpsesofhisbeauty. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 06, 2017 04:15

Five Minute Friday: Purpose

Writing for five unedited minutes on the prompt Purpose, for katemotaung.com.

I have heard our two-fold purpose as Christians is to glorify God and introduce others to him.

At this point in my life, I want to bear greater fruit for his glory.

I also want to share my fruit with others, so they can taste the sweet life of belief.

Whatever I’m doing, I’m glorifying God, if my heart is in the right place. Whether it’s washing dishes, wiping away my children’s tears, or writing blog posts, I’m giving him glory.

Yet, I am the person given the five talents in Jesus’ parable of the talents. I have not put all those talents to use for good reason…I have been raising my children.

The time has come for me to bear greater fruit for God\’s glory.

By remaining in him this past year, I have learned that God wants me to use what I’ve learned and share it with others. I shouldn’t keep all my fruit to myself anymore.

I want to go share my fruit in the market with others. Others need to hear what life he’s given me by remaining in the vine. Others need to be grafted into Jesus’ life-giving vine. My job is to invite them in.

What are you doing today to bear fruit for his glory? How are you drawing others to Jesus through your fruit?

My book The Fruitful Life will help you address nagging sins and bear more fruit this Lenten season. I look forward to joining you on the blog and in the online Bible study to discuss this book.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #fmf, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, #fridayfive. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 03, 2017 04:32

Thankful In The Wait

I am waiting for God to make a big reveal this week.

The results of a writing contest I entered in early January should be announced in the next 24 hours.

A range of feelings has gripped me in the past eight weeks. First, excitement. Then impatience. Then elation, anxiety, and doubt. Close to the end, a strange mixture of hope, fear, and readiness for it all to be over. I’ve been waiting with a bundle of emotions for the past 52 days.

In the midst of it all, I held to my center of thankfulness. I kept recounting the ways God wove all the pieces together in this story. I kept trusting in his timing and his unseen plans for me. I thanked him for everything, and each prayer of thanks was a thread woven into his tapestry.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

In college I took a fiber arts class. I fell in love with the art of weaving. The back-and-forth rhythm of the shuttle through taut threads soothed my stressful days. After many passes back and forth, a beautiful weaving emerged. I am teaching this art to my daughter now with her mini-loom, pictured here.

What I learned in weaving applies to my waiting now.

For a weaving to work, tension is crucial. The piece won’t hold together unless the warp strands are tight. All those tight emotions I felt–anxiety, doubt, fear–produced a healthy kind of stress, which made me be brave and seek votes for the contest. Those tight emotions (such as the fear of letting myself down and letting God down) spurred me to action. If I hadn’t felt some tension, I would have never pushed myself as hard.

Yet the soothing back-and-forth motion of the weft strands were like the thankful prayers I spoke every day on my way to work and every time I walked in the afternoons. Each prayer was a thread:

God, I thank you for introducing me to linkups, which helped me find the contest.
Thank you Lord for my years of writing in journals, which prepared me for blogging.
God, I thank you for other trials this year which have spurred my dream pursuit.

Each thankful prayer settles and soothes my tension.

Thankfulness has grounded me through this two-month wait. It will ground me through the long wait on my journey toward traditional publishing. Even if I win this contest and everything aligns quickly, I know many months and possibly years will pass before I see my books on the shelves of my local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Thankfulness must be my grounding force in this long wait. Recounting God’s faithfulness to me will keep me steady with all the uncertainties, rolling emotions, and healthy tensions to come.

Questions for your reflection:

How has thankfulness grounded you in a season of waiting?

How can recounting God’s faithfulness keep your faith grounded?

My book The Fruitful Life will help you address nagging sins and bear more fruit this Lenten season. I look forward to joining you on the blog and in the online Bible study to discuss this book.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media, using the links below!

This post will be linked up at #livefreethursday, #heartencouragement, #thoughtprovokingthursday, #chasingcommunity, and #heartsforhome. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.

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Published on March 02, 2017 04:23

Thankful in the Wait

I am waiting for God to make a big reveal this week.

The results of a writing contest I entered in early January should be announced in the next 24 hours.

A range of feelings has gripped me in the past eight weeks. First, excitement. Then impatience. Then elation, anxiety, and doubt. Close to the end, a strange mixture of hope, fear, and readiness for it all to be over. I’ve been waiting with a bundle of emotions for the past 52 days.

In the midst of it all, I held to my center of thankfulness. I kept recounting the ways God wove all the pieces together in this story. I kept trusting in his timing and his unseen plans for me. I thanked him for everything, and each prayer of thanks was a thread woven into his tapestry.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

In college I took a fiber arts class. I fell in love with the art of weaving. The back-and-forth rhythm of the shuttle through taut threads soothed my stressful days. After many passes back and forth, a beautiful weaving emerged. I am teaching this art to my daughter now with her mini-loom, pictured here.

What I learned in weaving applies to my waiting now.

For a weaving to work, tension is crucial. The piece won’t hold together unless the warp strands are tight. All those tight emotions I felt–anxiety, doubt, fear–produced a healthy kind of stress, which made me be brave and seek votes for the contest. Those tight emotions (such as the fear of letting myself down and letting God down) spurred me to action. If I hadn’t felt some tension, I would have never pushed myself as hard.

Yet the soothing back-and-forth motion of the weft strands were like the thankful prayers I spoke every day on my way to work and every time I walked in the afternoons. Each prayer was a thread:

God, I thank you for introducing me to linkups, which helped me find the contest.
Thank you Lord for my years of writing in journals, which prepared me for blogging.
God, I thank you for other trials this year which have spurred my dream pursuit.

Each thankful prayer settles and soothes my tension.

Thankfulness has grounded me through this two-month wait. It will ground me through the long wait on my journey toward traditional publishing. Even if I win this contest and everything aligns quickly, I know many months and possibly years will pass before I see my books on the shelves of my local Barnes & Noble bookstore. Thankfulness must be my grounding force in this long wait. Recounting God’s faithfulness to me will keep me steady with all the uncertainties, rolling emotions, and healthy tensions to come.

Questions for your reflection:

How has thankfulness grounded you in a season of waiting?

How can recounting God’s faithfulness keep your faith grounded?

My book The Fruitful Life will help you address nagging sins and bear more fruit this Lenten season. I look forward to joining you on the blog and in the online Bible study to discuss this book.