Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 88

January 10, 2017

Ends Today: FREE copy of Newness of Life

 


My new Bible study, Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition is FREE through 11:59 p.m. PST, Jan. 10!

Order HERE on Amazon!

An online Bible study will accompany the book in my Facebook group from January 9 through February 3, 2017. 


You are invited to join in on the discussion!  Read on for a free preview, study guide info, and giveaway announcements.


Excerpt of Chapter 2: 



My time to be born is not only about me.  It’s about affecting others for good in the time I’m here.


Of course, none of us knows when our time to die will arrive.  Only God knows, and He doesn’t reveal it so I will work hard for his kingdom as long as I’m here.


My favorite movie as a teen was Dead Poets’ Society.  The movie’s theme is carpe diem, which means “seize the day” in Latin.  As a teen I decided to live intentionally, making every day count for something.  My deep desire then was to have my life count, to leave fingerprints on every aspect of my life.


To be someone people didn’t forget.


Perhaps because I often felt forgotten, like Joseph in prison.


In my time to be born, God never forgot me.  My name is written on the palms of his hands (Is. 49:16 NLT).  My days were written in his book before I was born (Ps. 139: 16). My name is written in his book of life (Rev. 21:27).  He has never forgotten me and never will, and He has plans for me which are good and trustworthy (Jer. 29:11).  He has plans for me to help others in the world and in the great body of believers.  He will hold me in His hand until that unknown day when it is my time to die.


I trust He chose me for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).  A tumultuous time of constant change, when each day brings new challenges.  A speedy age when it feels hard to keep up.  A season of pressure on every side.  Yet each day is gift-wrapped with a deep well of abiding peace, joy, and love inside God’s presence.


Newness of life is available to me each day as I spend time with God.  New insight, new perspective, new hope.  When I come to him willing to listen, follow, and receive instruction, I walk away with more wisdom and more peace.  My doubts and fears fade as I place my trust in him, no matter how awkward I feel in this time to which I was born.



Study Guides

Here are links to free resources that will help you in the online Bible study or your personal study of Newness of Life:


Newness of Life Worksheets


Online Bible Study Reading Plan



Giveaways

Giveaways will be announced on Fridays.  If you comment on my blog or in my Facebook group, you’ll be entered to win prizes on Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27.  All comments will be entered to win the grand prize on Feb. 3.


This week’s winner will receive a copy of Edie Wadsworth’s book All the Pretty Things and a magnet set of these beauties:








My new book will help you apply Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 so you can understand God’s plan in your current season.


“There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV


No matter what season you are in, God is teaching you valuable lessons to grow your faith and trust in Him.  We will discover what God is saying through the different times and activities we traverse.


I look forward to hearing how God is working in your current life season.  I hope you will join in the fun and discussion on the online Bible study.


My book is FREE for a limited time:  download it now !

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!
Please spread the word about Newness of Life on social media, using the buttons below to share this post!

This post will be linked up at #mommymoments, #mondaymusings, #momentsofhope, #soulsurvival, #smallwonder, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, and #tuestalk. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.



 


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Published on January 10, 2017 03:00

January 9, 2017

FREE Book: Newness of Life

 


My new Bible study, Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition is FREE now through January 10!

Order HERE on Amazon!

An online Bible study will accompany the book in my Facebook group from January 9 through February 3, 2017. 


You are invited to join in on the discussion!  Read on for a free preview, study guide info, and giveaway announcements.


Chapter 1 Preview



What is your favorite season?


I am blessed to live in a temperate climate, where I experience all four seasons.  Spring’s floral parade.  Summer’s green bounty.  Autumn’s glorious color.  Winter’s stark beauty.


Of all the seasons, fall is my favorite.  I’m an October baby and I love all things pumpkin.  I adore cozy sweaters, crisp mornings, and bonfires.  The scent of drying leaves captivates me as I walk through our wooded property.


As I write this book, December is drawing to a close and January soon approaches.  I am saying goodbye to this beloved season of lights, decor, cookies, concerts, and family time.  I am greeting the new year with hope, anticipation, and gratitude.


What feelings are swirling in your current season of life?


Now in the “summer” phase of life, I often feel as if I’m running in high gear, even sometimes in survival mode, like I do when tending my garden in mid-July.  My three children are old enough to manage themselves yet still need much attention.  They are growing like weeds, seemingly overnight!  We will enter the exciting and challenging teen years in a few months.


My husband and I are both working hard.  We are blessed with much, not mired in debt the way we used to be, but extra dollars are hard to come by.  This season is financially challenging and I feel way behind on saving for the future.


Our schedules are packed with activities on evenings and weekends.  Much effort is required to maintain connections simply in our own home, much less with extended family and friends.


And pursuing my dream to write is requiring much time, energy, and effort.  Yet I’ve put my dreams on hold so long, I can’t push them back down any longer.  Even if I must write in the early mornings before work and log extra time on the weekends, writing fulfills me like nothing else.


As challenging as this season feels, I love this season with our children still at home.  I seek wisdom from those who have faced this summer season before, so I can face what’s ahead with faith.


In this book I will share about past life seasons I’ve experienced, in the hope you will be encouraged to face your next season with faith.



Study Guides

Here are links to free resources that will help you in the online Bible study or your personal study of Newness of Life:


Newness of Life Worksheets


Online Bible Study Reading Plan



Giveaways

Giveaways will be announced on Fridays.  If you comment on my blog or in my Facebook group, you’ll be entered to win prizes on Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27.  All comments will be entered to win the grand prize on Feb. 3.


This week’s winner will receive a copy of Edie Wadsworth’s book All the Pretty Things and a magnet set of these beauties:








My new book will help you apply Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 so you can understand God’s plan in your current season.


“There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV


No matter what season you are in, God is teaching you valuable lessons to grow your faith and trust in Him.  We will discover what God is saying through the different times and activities we traverse.


I look forward to hearing how God is working in your current life season.  I hope you will join in the fun and discussion on the online Bible study.


My book is FREE only through Jan. 10–download it now!

Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!
Please spread the word about Newness of Life on social media, using the buttons below to share this post!

This post will be linked up at #mommymoments, #mondaymusings, #momentsofhope, #inspirememonday, #soulsurvival, #smallwonder, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, and #tuestalk. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.



 


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Published on January 09, 2017 03:00

January 6, 2017

Almost Time for Newness of Life

 


My new Bible study, Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition, will debut January 8, 2017 in e-book format.


Preorder HERE on Amazon!

An online Bible study will accompany the book in my Facebook group from January 9 through February 3, 2017. 


You are invited to join in on the discussion!


I have several sneak peeks to announce today.  Here are examples of the quote cards I’ve been creating from nature photos I took last spring:



I love using nature photos to illustrate my blog posts.  Another quote card:



Here are some reviews from my launch team:


Speaking as one going through a major period of tragic loss and life transition, I found Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition to offer hope and needed insight.  Geringer invites the reader into her own journey and helps us make connections with our own lives.  She faithfully and gently introduces Scripture and helps one listen for God’s voice and leading.  An excellent resource for both personal and group studies. Ken H., Georgia

 


The author masterfully uses events, stories, and accounts of her life as she weaves her way through Scripture; providing numerous opportunities for the reader stop, reflect, and apply the message of the Bible to their life.  This is a great book for anyone looking for insight, discipline, and focus in their spiritual life.  The outflow of the application questions causes one to pause and determine what steps God is looking for them to take in order to continue on the journey to full spiritual maturity.  I highly encourage followers of Christ to work their way through this book in order to continue striving for the Kingdom focus that is critically necessary in our day and time.
Alan Balmer,  Author of The 100 Day Vocabulary Word Devotional (releases Jan. 2017), the 40 Day Lent Vocabulary Word Devotional (releases Feb. 2017), and Tips And Advice To Get A Job And Advance Your Career (releases Mar. 2017)


Here are free resources that will help you in the online Bible study or your personal study:


Newness of Life Worksheets


Online Bible Study Reading Plan


 


Giveaways will be announced on Fridays.  If you comment on my blog or in my Facebook group, you’ll be entered to win prizes on Jan. 13, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27.  All comments will be entered to win the grand prize on Feb. 3.  The January winners will receive a magnet set of these beauties, to inspire newness of life:




 


 


 


 


 


My new book will help you apply Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 so you can understand God’s plan in your current season.


“There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV


No matter what season you are in, God is teaching you valuable lessons to grow your faith and trust in Him.  We will discover what God is saying through the different times and activities we traverse.


Want to read the book intro?  Visit this link.


I look forward to hearing how God is working in your current life season.  I hope you will join in the fun and discussion on the online Bible study.



Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

 


Please spread the word about Newness of Life on social media, using the buttons below to share this post!


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



 


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Published on January 06, 2017 03:36

January 5, 2017

Trusting God in My Current Season

 


I’ve just written a book, Newness of Life, all about life’s seasons, and trusting in God’s timing.


The season in which I find myself is the season of planting.  I’m planting seeds in my writing career, wondering when it will be time to reap a harvest.


And I’m wondering if 2017 is the year God tells me: Go all in.


Go all in, like the widow who gave her last dime to God’s kingdom work (Mark 12).


Go all in, like the merchant who sold everything he had to buy a field where a priceless treasure was buried (Matthew 13).


Go all in, like Peter walked on the water to follow Jesus (Matthew 14).


My doubts swirl like tornado clouds, stirring the waters when I try to step out.  Will I lose everything familiar?  Will I fall in failure?  Will I drown in the unknown?


Suzie Eller says on her blog today:


I don’t want to live in the boat! I want my faith story to be that when Jesus said, “Come,” that I climbed out of the boat.


Yes, I want my current season to be a season of trusting.  A season I can reflect upon and see how my faith grew strong, believing that God will accomplish what seems impossible in my life.  A season of responding well to God’s call and God’s timing.


I know my season of planting won’t be easy.  It is full of uncertainty, possible mistakes, and perhaps a few disappointments.  Suzie says:


Yes, we will be aware of every weakness. Yes, we will feel the wind. Yes, we see the water splashing around our shins, or maybe our neck, but we will be in the deep with Jesus.


When God tells me to go all in, I want to say, “I’m going all in because You’re beside me, Lord.”


Why would you give your last dime to God if you are dirt-poor?  Why would you sell everything you own for a single pearl?  Why would you step out on waves when a storm is blowing?


Because you believe the God who created the heavens, the Savior who gave you eternal life, and the Spirit who guides you is trustworthy.


I trust in God’s timing in my current season because I believe in who he is:



Transcendent
Powerful
Mighty to save
All-knowing
All-sufficient

Do you know God this way?  Discover more about him, his timing, and his working in your life in Newness of Life.



Join the Facebook online Bible study group for the Newness of Life study Jan. 9 – Feb. 3, 2017.  You’ll benefit from the daily questions and the fellowship of other readers.  Request to join today!


Download the free resources for Newness of Life in my Freebies page.



Please vote 17 on this link: Click HERE! so I can make my publishing dream come true. God set me free from my fear of abandonment, and I want the world to know!

Please share on social media, using the buttons below.  Thank you in advance!


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




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Published on January 05, 2017 04:26

January 4, 2017

How I’m Finding Newness of Life

 


When I was studying art in college, I had to learn a new way of looking at the world.  I had to look for shapes in between spaces, study bone structure and muscle attachments, and learn a new language of shadow and light.


An artist must be sensitive to sights a normal person doesn’t notice.  Multiple colors within a single leaf.  The way light looks in the morning as opposed to dusk, and how it looks in winter as opposed to spring.  Your art is only as good as your ability to notice nuances.


In her new book Fear Fighting, Kelly Balarie mentions the story of a woman with tetrachromatic vision.  Her genetic mutation allows her to see the world as if she were looking through a kaleidoscope of color, seeing one hundred times more color than the average person.  She sees the colors hidden from our natural sight every day–right in front of us, yet unnoticed.  


Perhaps in my art training, I trained my eye to see a bit like a tetrachromat may see the world.  In a spiritual sense, I also want to see my world through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, grasping uncommon insight into how God is working in my life.


Kelly writes,


with the Spirit, we are kind of tetrachromatic.  Suddenly we get eyes to see and ears to hear with vividness that we never understood before (Matt. 13:16). The spectrum of possibility opens up, variances of new hope set in, and filters of truth hit the tones of our life just right.  We step back for a moment and suddenly we see things don’t look so much broken as they are a work in progress.”


I want to see my dark places through Spirit eyes.  The places I write about in Chapter 14, Loving and Hating of my new book, Newness of Life:


My grudges.  My tendency to criticize.  My hypersensitivity.  My excuses.  My indulgences.


I want to see those dark places as smaller and less powerful than I used to consider.  I want to see God’s power as mightier and stronger than I ever noticed before.


This year I want the Spirit to show me new opportunities in technicolor, what I mention in Chapter 1, Life’s Seasons:


New financial situations.  New writing projects.  New parenting challenges.  New age threshold (turning 40 this year).


I want to look at the world through Spirit eyes, seeing all the ways God is working everything together for my good.  On Thanksgiving, I posted how God has worked in my writing career this year, and I can see how he’s newly unfolding chapters even today, as I self-publish Newness of Life next week.


In 2017 I want to look at the whole world like I did when I made my creation, Purple Haze, as an art student 17 years ago.  I want to weave colorful elements of my spiritual life together in a harmonious tapestry.  I want to receive blessings like leaves falling in the sky, raise my eyes to the heavens, and perform a song of praise in God’s presence.  I want to find newness of life in all of my situations to come.




I wrote much more about how Kelly’s book spoke to my fear of abandonment.  Visit this link to read my post.


Please vote 17 on the Fear Fighting Blogger Contest page so I can make my publishing dream come true.

In my new book, Newness of Life, I discuss how I faced fears and took hold of seasons of change.  Pre-order your copy today on Amazon.




Please share on social media, using the buttons below.  Thank you in advance!


This post will be linked up at #coffeeforyourheart and #wisewomanlinkup. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.




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Published on January 04, 2017 04:29

January 3, 2017

How I’m Fighting Fear in 2017

 


I was honored to serve on Kelly Balarie’s launch team for her new book, Fear Fighting.  It is on sale today!  Go to fearfightingbook.com to purchase.


Kelly’s book is a powerful, rich, bold account of how God helped her fight fear and lessons you can take into your own battle against fear.


My 12 favorite parts of this book:



Definition of a fear fighter, page 16
Kelly uses a contemporary God-voice in scripture-based prayers.  So fresh and relevant!  Example on page 22.
Her story about seeing the world through Spirit-led tetrachromatic eyes, page 33
What she wants to tell the little girl inside about fighting fear, page 55
Five ways to fight the enemy, and ten things the enemy wants you to believe, page 71
Creating a prayer vase, page 85
What God does with your feelings, page 89
Hope vs. worry:  the stop, drop, and roll technique, page 101
How the Holy Spirit works in you, page 134
The Holy Spirit as a love dispenser, page 152
What God says about your past, page 157
Reprogramming and redirecting, page 161

This is how I will apply Kelly’s teaching to my fears in 2017:



Say sayonara to my fears about finances, since we face a big tax bill in April.  God will provide!
Bid adieu to fears about raising my first teenage child in a darkening culture, since God holds us all in his righteous right hand.
Kiss fear goodbye as I continue to self-publish Bible studies.  I don’t know if they will provide a decent income, and I don’t know if I will secure a contract with a major publisher this year.  God is faithful, and I’m trusting in His perfect timing.
I will create a prayer vase to record my prayers, and unfold them at the end of 2017 to be wowed by God’s steadfast commitment to me.
I will renew my relationship with the Holy Spirit, praying specifically that He will alleviate my fears.
I will offer up my past to my heavenly Father, allowing him to sift and search me for any unforgiveness and residual fears.
I will place my trust in him as I travel to writer’s conferences, not fearing what is to come but trusting God will open new doors of blessing!

I wrote much more about how Kelly’s book spoke to my fear of abandonment.  Visit this link to read my post.


Please vote 17 on the Fear Fighting Blogger Contest page so I can make my publishing dream come true.

In my new book, Newness of Life, I discuss how I faced fears and took hold of seasons of change.  Pre-order your copy today on Amazon.




Please share on social media, using the buttons below.  Thank you in advance!


This post will be linked up at #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, and #tuestalk. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.  These ladies bless me and I’m sure they will bless you also!




Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and a 2017 Peaceful Garden printable calendar!
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Published on January 03, 2017 08:10

January 2, 2017

Perfect Love Casts Out Fear


I used to be haunted by a recurring dream.  Running and stumbling in a desert valley at dusk, alone and weary.  Desperate to find a hiding place before night settled, but not knowing where to turn.  Someone or something was hunting me.  Something fierce and deadly.   I knew it, but I couldn’t see it.  My faceless enemy pursued me and I had to keep running as fast as I could, panting and whimpering all the way.


Fear was my hunter.  The fear of abandonment, in particular.  Fear gripped me the day my daddy left when I was four, huddled on my bed and crying, laying the first bricks of protection for the walls in my heart.  That fear held on tight for thirty-three more Aprils.


Fear gripped me when my daddy married the woman who broke up the marriage.  I thought, What will happen now, since Daddy and Mommy would never get back together?


Fear gripped me when my mommy got involved in work and ministries and I felt lonelier than ever.  I thought, What if I am forgettable?


Fear gripped me when I asked my daddy to take us back home one night when we stayed at his house.  I thought, What if he hates me for who I am?


Fear gripped me when my sister and I stayed home in the summers.  I thought, What if I can’t defend myself against an intruder? 


Fear gripped me when my daddy tried to teach me a lesson and it horribly backfired, pushing me further into fear’s grip.  I thought, What if I’m left alone in an unfamiliar place?


Fear gripped me when my mommy remarried and my parents’ marriage had to be annulled.  I thought, What if I am worthless?


Fear gripped me when boys began showing interest, and I couldn’t handle their advances.  I thought, What if they hurt me and I never heal?


Fear gripped me as I considered throwing everything away in the darkest nights of my teenage years.  I thought, What if no one will miss me?


Fear still gripped me as a wife and mother of three, during fifteen rocky years of marriage.  What if he doesn’t come home one night?  What if he cheats?  What if he shatters my heart?  What if he abandons us, just like my father?


In April 2015 my worst fear came to life in front of my eyes.  My husband packed his bags and told our children goodbye, telling me he was moving out.  I was that little four-year-old girl again, huddled on my bed and crying.


But in the middle of the night, a peace stole over me like I had never known.  In my darkest valley, when I finally saw the face of my haunting fear, I also saw the face of perfect Love.


Perfect love casts out fear.  1 John 4:18 NRSV


Love Himself sat with me in that April bedroom in 1982, collecting my tears.


Love Himself held me in the palm of his hand at both of my parents’ remarriages.


Love Himself stood guard at the door when I was home alone.


Love Himself whispered truth to me when I faced rejection, loneliness, and despair.


Love Himself held me close when I faced an uncertain future in April 2015.


Love Himself gave me the strength to stand up to fear and stand up for my marriage.  I set boundary stones and said, “This far and no further.”  Prayer was my food.  Tears were my drink.  I was standing in the valley of the shadow of death on our marriage, yet I felt empowered.  Uplifted.  Unafraid.


Love Himself restored our marriage at the end of May.  Love Himself captured my tears in little blue bottles and set them on a special windowsill in heaven, just like the one in my kitchen. Psalm 56:8


Love Himself gave me newness of life.  He planted seeds in those bottles, and new life is growing from those tears.  New life which will help others trapped in the fear of abandonment.  New life to set free those who grieve and mourn.  New life to strengthen the hearts of those who seek Him.


That fearful dream no longer haunts me.  I am free because Love Himself walked through the valley with me.  He reached for me with his nail-pierced hands and lifted me up to a high place, where the shadow of death no longer falls.



In her new book Fear Fighting, Kelly Balarie shares these wonderful truths which apply to my story and yours:


The truth is, God is ready to hit us with unfathomable new perspectives—ones that redefine our past, present, and problems if we will only stop, receive, and consider.


God often lets us go through pain so we will press in to His love.


I want to run back to me, that seven-year-old girl, grab hold of her shoulders, look into her sullen and scared eyes, and tell her, “Sweet one, please know:  you are seen, so seen.  Put on your cape again; keep hope.  Super God is giving you power.  Just believe, grab hold, and fly where He flies.  By His might, you’re bound to end up okay.”


Her book is a powerful, rich, bold story about how God wants to help you overcome your fears.  The Holy Spirit is your helper who will break the chains which bind you.  Kelly’s prayers and helpful insights will speak straight to your fearful heart and set you free from anxiety.


Order your copy of Fear Fighting today.  Visit fearfightingbook.com for more info, and check out Kelly’s blog at purposefulfaith.com.


If you liked this post, I humbly ask for your vote in the Fear Fighting Bloggers Contest.  Vote 17 in 2017! Your vote can help this writer’s dream come true!



Also, if you are looking for newness of life in 2017, please check out my newest e-book Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition.  This book is a study of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and you will gain perspective on God’s timing in your current life season.


 


Please share on social media, using the buttons below.  Thank you in advance!


This post will be linked up at #mommymoments, #smallwonder, #soulsurvival, #mondaymusings, #inspirememonday, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, #momentsofhope, #tellhisstory, #testimonytuesday, #raralinkup, #tuestalk, #coffeeforyourheart, #wisewomanlinkup, #livefreethursday, #heartencouragement, #thoughtprovokingthursday, #chasingcommunity, #dancewithjesus, #faithnfriends, #freshmarketfriday, #graceandtruth, and #fridayfive. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.




Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and a 2017 Peaceful Garden printable calendar!
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Published on January 02, 2017 06:00

Free Preview of Newness of Life


Looking for a new Bible study for the new year?  I am thrilled to share my new book with the world!  Newness of Life: Trusting God in Times of Transition, will be on sale January 8 as an e-book on Amazon.  As a thank-you for reading my blog, I’m offering you a free preview today.  Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 1: Life’s Seasons.



For everything there is a season. 


Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT


What is your favorite season?


I am blessed to live in a temperate climate, where I experience all four seasons.  Spring’s floral parade.  Summer’s green bounty.  Autumn’s glorious color.  Winter’s stark beauty.


Of all the seasons, fall is my favorite.  I’m an October baby and I love all things pumpkin.  I adore cozy sweaters, crisp mornings, and bonfires.  The scent of drying leaves captivates me as I walk through our wooded property.


As I write this book, December is drawing to a close and January soon approaches.  I am saying goodbye to this beloved season of lights, decor, cookies, concerts, and family time.  I am greeting the new year with hope, anticipation, and gratitude.


What feelings are swirling in your current season of life?


Years ago I listened to the late Jean Lush on a Focus on the Family broadcast.  Her intelligence and wit drew me in.  Thanks to the availability of used books online, I ordered several of her titles and drank from the wells of her godly wisdom.  Her book Emotional Phases of a Woman’s Life taught me much about the physical and emotional season I am in.


Now in the “summer” phase of life, I often feel as if I’m running in high gear, even sometimes in survival mode, like I do when tending my garden in mid-July.  My three children are old enough to manage themselves yet still need much attention.  They are growing like weeds, seemingly overnight!  We will enter the exciting and challenging teen years in a few months.


My husband and I are both working hard.  We are blessed with much, not mired in debt the way we used to be, but extra dollars are hard to come by.  This season is financially challenging and I feel way behind on saving for the future.


Our schedules are packed with activities on evenings and weekends.  Much effort is required to maintain connections simply in our own home, much less with extended family and friends.


And pursuing my dream to write is requiring much time, energy, and effort.  Yet I’ve put my dreams on hold so long, I can’t push them back down any longer.  Even if I must write in the early mornings before work and log extra time on the weekends, writing fulfills me like nothing else.


As challenging as this season feels, I love this season with our children still at home.  I seek wisdom from those who have faced this summer season before, so I can face what’s ahead with faith.


In this book I will share about past seasons I’ve experienced, in the hope you will be encouraged to face your next season with faith.


Will you also share how your faith has grown through past seasons?  Join in the discussion at the Newness of Life Facebook group.



I hope you enjoyed the free preview.  My book will help you dig deep into Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and apply God’s word to your current season.  It will be available for pre-order later today.


Will you kindly help me spread the word about Newness of Life?


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This post will be linked up at #mommymoments, #smallwonder, #soulsurvival, #mondaymusings, #inspirememonday, #glimpsesofhisbeauty, and #momentsofhope. Visit my linkups page to find links to these wonderful blogs.




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Published on January 02, 2017 03:50

December 30, 2016

Top Posts of 2016

Friends, I’m writing my next book, but I will take a short break to recap my top posts of 2016.  My blogging friend Deb Wolf inspired this post!  I hope you will discover something new in these posts.


I am grateful for all your support, encouragement, and comments in 2016.  This is the year I finally got serious about writing, and I am so thankful! I look forward to interacting more with you in 2017 here on my blog and on my Facebook page.


Let me know which of these 2016 posts you like best….




December 2016:  Prayer for Christmas Joy


This was the most popular post in my series of Christmas prayers.



November 2016:  Peace In My Day: Day 7


I posted a Peaceful Prayer for America on Election Day, and received the most hits ever in one day.  This was the most popular post in my Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study.



October 2016:  Too Much Mary, Not Enough Martha


This post details my plan to get motivated and not contemplate quite so often.



September 2016:  Teachers Plant Seeds


A tribute to the teachers who shaped my writing career.



August 2016:  Drops of Jupiter series


A real-life story of a male-female friendship gone sour.



July 2016:  Sunday Dinner, July 1985


My prize-winning poem from the 2016 All Write Now! poetry contest.



June 2016:  How My Faith Grew After My Parents’ Remarriages


God helped my faith grow after three adjustments to my parents’ remarriages.


One of my childhood drawings, 10 years old

May 2016:  How I Found Joy in Loneliness and Longing


Creativity was a respite in my childhood loneliness.


Photo by Sarah Geringer

April 2016:  How Psalm 51 Helped Me Rebuild Trust


My view of men was skewed, and God healed me through Psalm 51.



March 2016:  Curses and Blessings of a Powerful Memory


God gave me a powerful memory and it has deeply affected my life.



February 2016:  Daily Lenten devotional 2.20.16


This was one of the most popular posts in my Resurrection Garden Lenten devotional.



Since I didn’t post much in January, here’s one of my top posts from 2015: 5 Ways to Manage Work Stress



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Published on December 30, 2016 06:43

December 26, 2016

An Invitation to Newness of Life


Dear friends, I am busy writing this new book to publish on Amazon as an e-book on January 1.  I’m diving into the seasons of life in Ecclesiates: planting and harvesting, tearing and mending, silence and speaking, and much more.


This book is all about seeking trust in God’s timing as you weather life’s inevitable changes.  I will take a break from blogging this week as I write the book, and I hope you will join me for the online Bible study January 9 – February 3.


What life seasons and changes are you facing this year?  Here’s my 2017 list:



Writing seven new Bible studies
Seeking God’s will for work and writing
Attending the She Speaks Conference in July 2017
Supporting my husband as he develops his first subdivision
Watching my oldest son officially enter the teen years
Teaching my middle son about adolescence as he turns 11
Building godly character in my daughter as she turns 9
Reaching the 40-year-old milestone in October
And of course, changes yet unknown

I want to trust God as I enter new territory.  Entering new seasons can be intimidating.  I want to seek God’s truth as I navigate new hills and valleys.


I want to seek out advice from others who have gone through these changes before:  the challenges of raising teenagers, the challenges of adjusting to changes in my middle-aged body, and the challenges of pursuing my dream to write full-time.


I want to help others who are in places I’ve traveled before.  I’ve faced seasons of financial difficulty, relationship problems, and emotional struggles.  In Newness of Life, I will reveal some of those trials in hope that you will gain comfort and strength.


What challenges do you face in your transitions?  How do you want your faith to grow in the process?  Join me for the journey in my new book this January.



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Published on December 26, 2016 07:41