Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 91

Peaceful Travel: Day 20 OBS

Welcome to Day 20 of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  I’m posting a bit later than usual, due to spontaneous Thanksgiving fun:

Black Friday shopping with my 8-year-old daughter last night and again this morning.  I found so many incredible deals, including my first new laptop computer since 2008!
Time with my youngest sister, niece, and baby nephew at my grandma’s house.  Loved having time stand still for family bonding.
A spontaneous date night tonight, since my children are spending the evening with grandparents.  Hooray for us!

I’ll make this post briefer than normal, since many of you are also enjoying your holiday weekends.

Day 20 is about peaceful travel.  I had to remind myself on Wednesday that I wrote a chapter on peaceful travel as I sat in very slow-moving traffic.  Typically I’m not an impatient driver, but that afternoon the temptation to grumble overwhelmed me.  I took some deep breaths, remembered I am an example to my children sitting next to me, and prayed for help.  Instantly, I felt more peaceful.

I recommend this Grit & Grace podcast by Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory for lots of practical tips on peaceful travel.  When you listen to it (or read the transcript), let me know what tips inspire you.  I love the idea of pray-oritizing during travel time!

Questions for you:

Which tips in Day 20 of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms or the Grit & Grace podcast inspire you to have peaceful holiday travel?

On this Thanksgiving weekend, how are you spreading God’s peace among your friends and family?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win!

 

Congratulations to this week’s drawing winner, Lauren Gaskill, who has won a copy of Sarah Mae’s book, Longing for Paris.  Thank you for your comment this week, Lauren!

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

As promised, here is this week’s holiday main dish recipe.  We enjoy this recipe at Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  Such a wonderful sweet-and-sour sauce!  Perfect for a slow-cooker, once the meatballs are browned.

Party Meatballs

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup plain dry breadcrumbs

1 onion, minced

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 egg, beaten

Milk

Mix all ingredients together and moisten with milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until mixture holds together well.  Shape into 1″ balls and fry at medium-high heat in large skillet with 2 tsp. olive oil, watching closely and turning every few minutes until browned on all sides but still pink inside.  Transfer to a plate and wipe out excess oil.

In the skillet, combine the following:

2 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup ketchup (Heinz is preferred)

1 cup water

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Whisk until combined and bring to a simmer.  Add more water if needed–the sauce should be a bit thicker than tomato juice.  Add meatballs into the sauce and turn to coat. Turn heat to low. Simmer 30 minutes with the lid on.  Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over rice for a main dish.

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Fridays I linkup with #FridayFive, #CountingMyBlessings, #GraceAndTruth, and #DancingWithJesus.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

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A Writer’s Thankful Prayer

Today I thank God for all the blessings he gave me as a writer and blogger in 2016.  May this prayer, based on Psalm 118, bless and inspire you!

Today I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

In February you taught me the discipline of writing daily.  My church asked me to write a Lenten series, then made other plans.  But my work was not in vain.  I put the series on my blog instead.  Through this process you taught me how to write Bible studies.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

When the Lenten series finished, I began posting memoir pieces.  Finally, after six years of compiling stories, I finished writing my first book “Heart in A Drawer: My Story as a Child of Divorce.”  At a 2015 writing conference you led me to a small press publisher willing to look at my manuscript.  Right now it’s still in the review queue.  I thank you for this publishing opportunity, Father.  I pray your will be done, Lord.  Grant me patience in this long wait.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

In April I joined an online Bible study for the first time.  Thank you, Lord, for Proverbs 31 Ministries and their community of faith.  Here I learned how online Bible studies work and how to write my own.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

I thank you for the online teachers you sent me, Father.  I learned about platform building through Michael Hyatt.  I learned about blogging through Jeff Goins.  I learned about crafting an email list through Tim Grahl.  I learned about marketing through Sarah Mae.  I learned about book launching from Chandler Bolt and Jeff Walker.  I am learning all kinds of things and connecting with other writers through Compel Training.  Bless and multiply the work of these teachers, Lord.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

Thank you for teaching me about self-publishing.  When I attended a conference session in July, you introduced me to a woman who successfully self-publishes several e-books each year.  You showed me how my dreams can come true through e-books.  Thank you, God, for placing me in this unique time in history when I can cultivate online reader relationships before my books ever go to print.  Your creativity and provision amazes me!

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

This summer you planted the seeds for a book on Christmas peace.  You provided childcare for several weekends while I wrote the book.  You helped me rise without an alarm at 4:00 a.m. to write for two hours before going to work.  You showed me all things are possible through you, Jesus. You are faithful to me, and you are shaping me to be faithful in my work.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me 75 beta readers for my first book.  Bless and keep them in your care.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

Thank you, Lord, for introducing me to the concept of linkups when I prayed for a way to reach new readers.  Thank you for the generous ladies willing to host these linkups.  Now I am connected with other Christian women bloggers and I’m gaining a wider audience.  You are awesome, Lord!

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

Thank you, Jesus, for my local newspaper who agreed to interview me and promote my book.  They were so gracious!  Bless them for their willingness to promote a Christian author.  Bless the readers in my community who are searching for Christmas peace.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

I thank you, Father, for my new blogging friends who agreed to interview on my blog.  I pray you will bless the work of Micah Maddox, Jill Hoven, Nicole Kauffman, Sarah Behan, Sandy Kreps, and Ruth Chou Simons.  I pray you will lead me to more writers who will interview in the future.

I give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.

As I look to 2017, I trust you will give me many more reasons to thank and praise you in my writing career, Father.  Help me ask, seek, and knock in a way that pleases you while I’m waiting to write full-time.  Give me the energy, time, and vision to write seven more Bible studies in 2017.  Help me trust in your plan, your provision, and your guidance.  I want everything I do to be for your glory alone!

Let those who fear the Lord say:  His faithful love endures forever.

Amen!  

If you are a blogger, how can you thank God for all the blessings he’s given you in your writing this year?

How can God’s work in my writing journey inspire something new in yours?

 

 

Did you enjoy this post?  Please share it on social media!

I plan to link this post up with #LiveFreeThursday and #FridayFive.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

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Days 18 & 19 OBS Peace in the Marketplace/Parties

Today we are covering two days of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study. The study for Day 18, Peace in the Marketplace, is in video format.  Visit the YouTube link below the quote card.  Enjoy!

YouTube Link

Day 19 is about promoting peace at parties.  I recently picked up a book at a library sale titled The Lost Art of Listening.  In our fast-paced culture, few take time to closely listen.  I believe we can spread peace easily by serving as listeners, especially at parties.  Here are 10 habits of a good listener, based on what I found in this book:

A good listener exists for the other person for a few moments. They suspend their own memories, desires, and judgments for the sake of the other.
A good listener is often silent, but never passive. The listener is processing information and thinking of ways to encourage or exhort.
A good listener is willing to give up defensiveness, criticism, and impatience. To promote peace, good listeners lay down their weapons.
A good listener acknowledges what another says, and thereby reduces friction. You can dispel misunderstanding by simply saying, “I heard you say this…did I hear you correctly?”
A good listener is confident enough to relinquish control. Listening is hard because you may not like what you hear.  But this is the only way relationship is fostered.
A good listener gives up the need to get credit for listening. Give the gift of understanding, but realize not everyone will return it.  Have a servant attitude.
A good listener lets the speaker go first, then gently but firmly asks the speaker to listen to their side. Listening well requires a lack of selfishness.
A good listener doesn’t automatically give advice or placate feelings. Sometimes people just want to be heard. Give them space to speak.
A good listener is not isolated and unfeeling, but unreactive. Good listeners don’t let the speaker’s negativity or anger unsettle them.  They think through their words carefully before speaking, as to not create more trouble.
A good listener acknowledges when someone else has a good point, even if they don’t agree. Isn’t this timely advice for speaking about touchy subjects, like politics, with family members (if you dare)?

The bottom line is this:  Listening well gives us an in-road to sharing faith with others. 

When others feel valued, affirmed, and loved because we hear and appreciate their words, they will be more willing to listen to our side.  I have found that even unchurched or unbelieving people have listened to me share stories of faith because I listened first.  Try listening this Thanksgiving as practice for December parties and gatherings, and let me know how it goes!

Questions for you:

 

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

 

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Sarah Mae’s book, Longing for Paris, which will help you develop peaceful habits.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 25.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday main dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Wednesdays I linkup with #CoffeeForYourHeart and #SmallWonder.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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Peace at Church: Day 17 OBS

Welcome to Day 17 of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  Today I have a special interview with my new friend Sarah Behan.  Sarah is a follower of Jesus Christ in the green islands of New Zealand. She is married to Tim, a carpenter, and has two little ones: Josiah {3.5} and Rosalie {2}.

She loves God and growing in her relationship with Him. She loves making her house a home, creating a quiet but rich life for her children, watching TV series and creating memories with her husband, and writing out all the thoughts that run through her head on her blog, The Life of This Mother. Oh, and she loves tea and all things floral.

Q: How have you found peace in your faith journey? Share part of your story with us.

My parents separated on Christmas Day when I was 15-years-old. It absolutely devastated my life and changed the direction of my young heart. Because of the circumstances, I felt deeply betrayed by my father yet also, because of her own pain, deeply hurt by my mother.

For the next four years, I struggled to cope with the revelations, experiences, and the pain I felt. I thought I had been a Christian since a child as my faith had always been so strong, but now God felt so far away. The emotions and hurt were much more real and ruling over me that I willingly followed what I thought I needed to make it all go away.

I had boyfriends, gave myself away, used boys – all in the hope of feeling good about myself, but also protecting myself from being hurt by another man by being “in control” of my body and the relationships. I went from disaster to disaster.

At eighteen, I remember thinking very distinctly that, if I did not change, I would end up on the streets or dead. It sounds rather dramatic now, but at the time, it felt very real. I was sick of myself. I hated who I was.

I knew who God wanted me to be – who He had made me to be – but I couldn’t help myself. I broke down on my knees and begged God to save me because I could not save myself. Though emotional and mental peace were a long time coming, I knew very quickly that I had eternal peace. I read over and over that I was now a new creation, and I held on to this when I doubted that I could change.

The entire chapter of Romans 8 was something I held on to for years, as well as Psalm 40. Both were precious words to me from the Lord as He delivered me from a life of darkness to one of life.

Just under three years after I fully committed my life to Jesus, God brought me a new level peace: I was married to a wonderful man whom God has used to heal me in many ways. My heart is so forever thankful for how kind God is to me even though it hasn’t been any easy journey.

 

Q: This week we are discussing peace in our surroundings as busy moms. How do you plan to bring peace to your home this Christmas?

Christmas is a big deal for me, but not in a typical way. It’s important not only because of the reason – our precious Saviour – but because it is another sign of God’s grace to me. For many years after my parents’ separation, Christmas was very painful and hard. I would have to travel on Christmas Day several hours to spend it with one parent then to the other. There was never stability and it was always a reminder of that fateful Christmas Day that had ruined my life.

But then, God gave me a new family. I remember sitting under my first little Christmas tree of our married life. It was night, he had gone to bed, and I sat watching the flickering lights. I felt like a child again. I cried with happiness.

Now, as a mother, Christmas is sharing the Good News that saved me with our little children. Because of where I have come from, I am so conscious of what I desire our children never to experience. Relationships are far more important to me than all the hullabaloo. I love decorating the house and setting up the tree. And I love giving gifts {it’s my primary love language!}. But, loving my husband and nurturing my children is how I seek peace in our Christmas. Everything else is secondary.

 

Q: Please tell us how New Zealanders share peace with one another at Christmas.

In NZ, it’s summer! So for many families, it is Christmas at the beach or camping or having a family get-together at a bach {that’s a holiday home in Kiwi talk!}. We love BBQ’s and salads and pavlovas {meringue cake with lots of cream and strawberries on top}. New Zealanders are fairly relaxed as a whole, so most people take things easy. Even if there is lots to do, we have a “She’ll be ‘right” attitude. As a child, I loved spending the day at the beach and eating yummy food and drinking lots of Appletiser.

 

Q: How do you experience peace at church?

Belonging to the Anglican Church, there are traditional services we celebrate. We have the Carols Service {where all we sing are Christmas hymns and listen to readings of the birth of Jesus}, a Midnight Service, and then the Christmas Day service. I love the reverent attitude of the Anglican Church and how, for hundreds of years, we have done the same thing each year to celebrate Jesus. It always directs my heart to Him. I feel secure as I am guided through the Word by our minister, and I love seeing my church family on such a joyous day. Christmas Day is the reason we attend church in the first place! Also, celebrating Communion always sets my heart at peace, reminding me of what really matters.

 

Q: Are you attending any Christmas parties? We would love to hear how you plan to share God’s peace at parties.

On Christmas Day, after church, my family comes to our house to celebrate. We have lunch {typically a roast chicken with salad and other bits and pieces}, dessert, then we open presents. On Boxing Day, we celebrate with my husband’s family {his father and two other brothers are ministers, so they are busy working on Christmas!}. His family is bigger so it’s a big day, with lots of laughter, love and lots of nieces and nephews. Both days are very special to me: one is a form of redemption in bringing my own family together through God’s grace; the other is a special gift from God to me, a family that have God-loving marriages and who have loved me as the youngest in-law. It is very healing and has brought so much peace and joy to my life. God really is good.

 

Sarah Behan’s Links

Blog: www.thelifeofthismother.com

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/behansarahanne

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeofthismother

Questions for you:

What part of Sarah’s story inspires you?

How do you receive greater peace from Advent or Christmas church services?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Sarah Mae’s book, Longing for Paris, which will help you develop a peaceful attitude.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 25.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday main dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?

Please use a button below to share on social media!

On Tuesdays I linkup with #TellHisStory, #TestimonyTuesday, and #RaRaLinkup.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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A Fresh Batch of Book Reviews

Four book reviews today!  A Christmas devotional, a book to help you hear Jesus’ voice, a Scripture memorization help, and a memoir.  Enjoy!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: A Countdown to Christmas by Ace Collins

Each day in December, read a history of Christmas carols and movies along with a brief devotional.  Each day includes a recipe or a craft.  I’m looking forward to testing the recipes for lime foot scrub and sugarplum cookies this year.

This Christmas devotional is unique due to its historical accounts.  I learned new and encouraging stories about familiar hymns and carols.  I also enjoyed the author’s lighthearted voice.  If you’re looking for a light, cheerful Christmas devotional, this one is a good pick.

Jesus Today: Experience Hope in His Presence by Sarah Young

This book has 150 readings with a short devotion and several Bible verses.  The author expertly weaves Bible verses into the text, so the book really is God’s word to us.  She writes in contemporary language which is peaceful and encouraging.  The book is appropriate for older children, teens, and adults.

Flipping through the pages, I heard Jesus speaking loud and clear to me.  On Day 33, he said, “I will fight for you; you need only to be still…I am working on your behalf; so be still, and know that I am God.”  On Day 45, he said, “No matter what you are experiencing or how alone you feel, trust that I am with you–well aware of your circumstances.”  On Day 66, he said, “The challenge before you is to stop focusing on your problems and limitation–and to believe that the way ahead really is an open road, in spite of how it looks.”  This book is truly speaking to me in a current situation, and I plan to incorporate it into my daily Bible study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

31 Verses to Write on Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs has a signature engaging, humorous style.  Her style drew me to this book on scripture memorization.  Liz polled her readers for their favorite Bible verses and chose 31 verses to break down for memorization.  She breaks down verses bit by bit, providing a mixture of historical context, personal stories, and devotional encouragement.  She asks thoughtful questions to help the verse sink deep into your heart.  What I really like about this book are her practical tips for memorization, such as “Choose the best time of day when your mind is the sharpest,” “Set an alarm to remind you to review your verse,” and “Say the verse aloud.”

I grew up memorizing scripture as a Lutheran school girl, and I still recall many verses from my childhood.  What this book did for me is breathe new life into verses that seem so familiar, like “Be still and know that I am God” from Psalm 46 and the famous promise of Romans 8:28.  I believe that scripture memorization is important for me and for my children.  As I use the techniques in this book, I can hide God’s word more effectively in my heart and be a better teacher to my children.

I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Waterbrook Multnomah.

All the Pretty Things by Edie Wadsworth

I enjoy reading and writing memoir, and I was drawn to this story of a difficult childhood.  Edie Wadsworth grew up poor in the Appalachian Mountains, yet eventually rose to great success as a medical doctor, then left her career to stay at home with her family and write full-time.  I couldn’t wait to read her story of transformation.

Her experiences with poverty, dysfunctional family members, alcoholism, and sexual abuse certainly had the power to hold her down and keep her trapped in destructive cycles.  But God spoke to her in church and through coaches and friends, and her heart was drawn to him at a young age.  She sought perfection in her quest for self-worth, and made some poor relationship choices.  But she conquered over her fears and hangups with faith in God’s provision and promises.  Even after her life stabilized, she suffered a terrible loss through a house fire.  God strengthened her faith again through that difficult trial, and her faith shines through on every page.

I enjoyed the author’s vulnerability and honesty of such sensitive subjects.  Her deep love and affection for family was obvious, despite the many ways they hurt her.  I appreciated that she was honest about her own failures, and treated the reputations of her abusers with care.  She writes with grace, both in her style and in her willingness to forgive.  This inspired me in my own story.  I want to write memoir with that much grace and love.  Although the story moved along slowly at times, it was sprinkled liberally with humor, charm, and joy, so it held my interest.  If you are looking for a true story, balanced between hard truth and generous grace, I recommend this as a worthy read.

I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

 

 

 

Peace in My Home: Day 16 OBS

Welcome to the fourth week of the online Bible study for Christmas Peace for Busy Moms!  I have prayed over you and this study for months, and I’m so excited to meet with you here.

Our theme verse for this week:

 

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Please refer to Day 16 of the book as we discuss Peace in my Home.

 

In today’s study we take our cue from the Proverbs 31 woman, who had such grace and quiet power to shape her home into a peaceful haven.  She was an ideal homemaker, blessing her family through her words and actions, always seeking ways to improve their lives.

Today I want us to focus on the deeper meaning of our perfect-world pin-grabbing and photo sharing.  I want to seek the deeper value of our dusting, sweeping, and washing.  What is the true purpose of all our efforts as moms who literally serve as home-makers?

I like this quote from The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming:

…the homes we make, in all their refuge and comfort, are simply stand-ins for the true home we were made to desire.  Our homemaking is but a way of walking well toward the place our Lord promised to prepare for us (see John 14:3).

Authors Sally & Sarah Clarkson create a beautiful picture of homemaking in The Lifegiving Home.  The book is divided by seasons and offers many ideas for creating a peaceful atmosphere.

I like this peaceful idea for December.  The Clarkson family holds an annual Christmas tea for women.  They offer a lovely menu of soup, quiche, salads, and rich desserts.  Then Sally asks a single question of each woman, a thoughtful, reflective question.  The discussion promotes honesty and fellowship.  The Clarksons send each woman home with a tree ornament tied to a theme, like a teacup with this sentiment: “Drink the cup God has given you and accept it as grace.”

I can see myself offering a simplified Christmas tea in my home.  I can ask everyone to bring a dish to simplify the process.  Choosing questions from Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, I can foster a peaceful discussion.  I want to create peaceful memories with friends and family in my home, and a Christmas tea party may be the door to undiscovered peace.

Questions for you:

Look up John 14:1-3.  How do you gain peace from this verse, knowing what Jesus is preparing for you now?

Skim Proverbs 31:10-31.  What verse inspires you for peacemaking in your home?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Sarah Mae’s book, Longing for Paris, which will help you develop a peaceful attitude.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 25.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday main dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Did you experience greater peace from this post?

Please use a button below to share on social media!

On Mondays I linkup with #MommyMoments, #MondayMusings, and #MomentsofHope.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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Peace in My Workplace: Day 15 OBS

 

Welcome to the Friday Fun edition of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  Today we’ll have a devotion, giveaway announcement, and appetizer recipe swap.  Let’s get started!

Please refer to Day 15 of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms for the following discussion.

Recently I’ve experienced a few work situations which threaten to destroy my peace.  Even though I can’t control these situations, I can control my attitude and focus.  Here are the steps I’m taking:

I use physical action to release tension. During a frustrating moment, I literally feel adrenaline coursing through my body.  It doesn’t dissipate by sitting still.  So I take a short walk around the building to release negative energy.  At the end of my walk I visit the bathroom and cup my hands over my face, creating a dark space that blocks everything out for a moment and focuses my attention on deep breathing.  These techniques restore my physical peace.
I set scripture in front of me. At my job, it’s perfectly acceptable to pull up biblegateway.com for a moment and search for verses on peace.  Simply reading these verses gives me peaceful perspective and sets my heart right.
I shoot up arrow prayers. In the moments I’m tempted to obliterate peace by lashing out, I simply pray, “Lord, help me!”  This reminds me God is present with me in my challenges and cares how I handle them.  I have also asked coworkers to pray for me.  This helps me not feel so alone and unprepared when tense moments arise.

I know many of you reading aren’t employed outside the home.  I was a work-from-home mom for nine years, and I understand the temptations and frustrations exist whether you work outside your home or inside your home, especially if you have little ones.

When I was a stay-at-home mom, the bathroom was my hiding place.  When my children were little, potty training is the area I struggled with the most.  I think my children were a little slow to catch on because they were so immersed in their own imagination worlds.  Accidents abounded, and my impatience reached a boiling point.  I didn’t want to lash out at my precious children, so I retreated to my bathroom (which I found ironic) for a few moments of deep breathing, arrow prayers, and refocused perspective.

Whatever our work is, we must have a peace-seeking strategy for high-pressure moments.

The Bible tells us our work is not going to be easy but our work matters greatly to the Lord.  I am working as if God himself was in charge, and because I want to please him, I want to be a peacemaker at work.

Questions for you:

How can you use the peace-saving techniques above in your work environment, whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a work-from-home mom, or working outside the home?

How can you serve as an ambassador for the Prince of Peace in your vocation (your current calling for God’s service)?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!  This week’s winner announced below!

Sarah’s Christmas Salad

I used to enjoy a similar salad at The Pasta House Company when I was a teenager.  Since the restaurant has closed in my area, I have made a lightened and more nutritious version of my own.  The red and green colors are so festive, and the sweet homemade dressing tones down the tangy artichokes.

One 14 oz. can artichoke hearts
One 4 oz. jar diced pimientos
Half of one red onion, sliced from root to tip into thin crescent shapes
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (we use Penzey’s 4S, a must-have in our home!)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and more for topping
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
One bag prewashed baby spinach
One bag prewashed, chopped romaine hearts (or prepare your own)
Sliced kalamata or black olives, if desired
Parmesan cheese

Drain artichoke hearts and chop into bite-sized pieces.   Refrigerate until ready to use.  Place jar of pimientos in refrigerator also.

Pour vinegar into microwave-safe bowl (must be large enough to hold dressing and onions together).  Microwave about 1 minute until heated through.  Whisk in about 1/4 cup sugar until dissolved; sample, and add more sugar to taste.  Add seasoned salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; sample, and add more seasoning to taste.  Place sliced onions in dressing mixture and toss to coat.  Cover and let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes; this pickles the onions and removes their sharpness.

Want more holiday recipes?  You may like my festive strawberry drink and my pastrami cheese ball.

CONGRATULATIONS to Christin Baker, winner of Tracie Miles’ book, Your Life Still Counts.  Thank you for commenting this week, Christin!

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

Next Friday we will share holiday main dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Fridays I linkup with #CountingMyBlessings, #FreshMarketFriday, #GraceAndTruth, #FridayFive, and #DanceWithJesus.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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Peace in My Friendships: Day 14 OBS

Welcome to Day 14 of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  Today I have a special interview with my new friend Nicole Kauffman.  Nicole is a blogger, an aspiring author and a follower of Christ.  She lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her amazing, God-seeking husband and family.  She loves to inspire, mentor, read and explore the beauty of God’s creation all around.  Visit her at couragehopelove.com or find her on social media (see links below)!

Q:  How have you found peace with God because of who He is?  Share part of your story with us.

A: My journey to peace with God has been a rollercoaster.  Soon after becoming a Christian, my life was turned upside down and I was forced to grapple with a lot of difficult questions.  With so much suffering, how could God truly care?  Why would he allow such pain in my life?  I went through a time where peace with God was nothing more than a faraway concept.  It was a difficult season in my life and my faith was hanging by a thread.

But even then, God was working. 

He sent people into my life that cared for me in a way that made it impossible to believe God didn’t.  I began to learn of God’s true character and the purpose in suffering.  The biggest thing that changed this mindset for me was in understanding that my time here is not about me.  It’s not about everything going my way, but about my willingness to follow God’s way.  And sometimes, God’s way involves suffering.  But there is joy in suffering in knowing that my life is glorifying my Heavenly Father.

I have peace with God because of who He is.  I know how deeply He loves me and I am confident that through His saving grace I will spend eternity with Him.  And that alone gives me strength and peace no matter my circumstances.  We must cling to that hope in order to live out the peace that transcends all understanding.

Q:  This week we are discussing peace in our relationships.  Which relationship in your life brings you the most peace, and why?

A: My relationship with my husband brings me SO much peace in my life and for so many reasons.  My husband is the kind of guy who is always peaceful.  No matter what is going on around him, he rarely ever lets it get to him.  And let’s be real, most of us aren’t like that!  He has shown me how to step back and to truly let things go.

He is also always encouraging me to keep my eyes on Christ.  Together, through life’s ups and downs, we strive to keep our focus on Christ and to remember that our ultimate purpose is for His glory.  When doing this, our relationship fills with peace because no matter what is going on around us, good or bad, we can be assured that God is with us and that He is working.

Finding peace in relationships can be hard.  But if you keep Christ above everything, peace will start to fill the space between you and God will do amazing things!

Q: How are you planning to bring peace to your home during the Christmas season?

A:  This is a GREAT question.  Christmas has become so much about decorating and planning and gifts and while I love all these things, it gets really hard to remember to seek peace.  Even though I can keep my focus on the “reason for the season,” we often aren’t reminded to bring peace to our homes during this time.

In order to bring peace into my home I have to be extremely intentional.  I will have to continue starting my days with alone time with God (which often gets much harder in the whirlwind of December).  I desperately need this if I am to have any bit of peace in my life.

I’ve recently committed to a deeper discipline in studying scripture and in prayer and I definitely notice the days that I don’t spend this time with God.  My husband notices as well! It’s amazing how much a deeper connection with our Savior affects our entire mindset and mood!

Q: If you have any challenging relationships, in what ways are you planning to serve as an ambassador for peace this December?

A:  Bringing peace into challenging relationships is so much about where my heart is.  I spend a lot of time in prayer regarding difficult relationships and I am mostly praying for God to transform me and my attitude.  As hard as it is to admit, I know that Christ calls us to deny ourselves and oftentimes conflict in relationship results from selfishness in our own hearts.  When I want something from someone, whether it’s a word of love or time out of their schedule, and then I don’t receive it, I’m hurt.  And this leads to conflict (even if the conflict remains hidden in my heart).

But I have to be intentional and place these relationships in God’s hands, trusting that His purpose is greater than anything I can imagine at the time.  I have to remember that God calls me to love others no matter the circumstances.  In constantly surrendering these challenging relationships to God, I can offer my heart to love others and in doing so, become an ambassador of peace.

Q:   Do you have any Christmas-related posts?  Please share the links with us!

Because this is my first year blogging, I do not have any Christmas posts yet.  But be on the lookout come December, because there will be!  Here are the links to posts about finding peace which can be very helpful in this Christmas season!

For Those Who Struggle to Find Time to Be Still

Finding Peace in the Valley

For Those Who Long For Deeper Peace

Nicole’s Social Media Links:

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Google +

Linked In

Pinterest

Thank you Nicole for this inspiring interview!

Questions for you:

Which of Nicole’s suggestions will help you keep your mind steadfast and result in greater peace?

Referencing Day 14 in the book, how do you plan to gain Christmas peace from your friendships this year?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Tracie Miles’ book, Your Life Still Counts, which will help you develop peaceful habits.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 18.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday side dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Thursdays I linkup with #LiveFreeThursday and #HeartEncouragement.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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Peace in My Extended Family: Day 13 OBS

Welcome to Day 8 of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  Today’s study is in video format.  Enjoy!

YouTube Link HERE

Find the Grit and Grace episode I mentioned in the video here.

Every December, I carve out time to read my favorite Christmas short story, A Certain Star.  You can probably find it at your local library in a compilation book for author Pearl S. Buck.

This story was written in 1957 at the height of the Cold War—a time of confusion, divided opinions, and misunderstanding, much like our current time.  The father is a nuclear scientist who feels his wife, young adult daughter, and teenaged son are slipping away from him.  At Christmas he takes them to the family farm in the hopes of renewing their bond, and looks for guidance from the North Star he saw in his childhood.

This story stirs me deeply because the family members eventually air their hurts, experience greater understanding, and receive healing and unexpected peace from one another.  It gives me so much to consider in my own situation.

I think this story touches on all my past Christmas wounds.  The wounds from childhood Christmases and the wounds from more recent Christmases.  The familiar brokenness that never seems to heal.  The hurts I’m trying not to focus on this year, as I mention in today’s video.

But it also touches on the hope for peace that never died out in my heart.  That hope in Jesus, my Prince of Peace, has been my North Star.  The hope that God will forge a peaceful future for me and my family.

We are all searching for hope and peace at Christmas.  I do not know if I can find it for myself in my extended family, at least not at every family celebration.  But I do know I can give peace even if I don’t receive it, because God has given me peace to share.  That’s where my focus lies this year.

Questions for you:

With this week’s theme verse in mind (see below), in what practical ways can you serve as a peace ambassador in your extended family this Christmas?

Which verse from the Peace Scripture Memory Page is most relevant in your extended family relationships, and why?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Tracie Miles’ book, Your Life Still Counts, which will help you develop peaceful habits.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 18.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday side dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Wednesdays I linkup with #CoffeeForYourHeart and #SmallWonders.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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Peace With My Children: Day 12 OBS

Welcome to Day 12 of the Christmas Peace for Busy Moms online Bible study!  Today we are discussing creating peace with our children.

Yesterday we discussed how date nights create peace in your marriage.  Why not use the date night idea to create peace with your children too?

After reading The 5 Love Languages, a life-changing book I highly recommend, I bought the companion book The 5 Love Languages of Children.  Author Gary Chapman suggests that as you show love for your children in the “language” they best understand, your bond will be strengthened (and your peace will increase). 

I began paying attention to the subtle ways my children showed love to me.  This is how I identified their love languages.  For example, my middle child loves hugs.  My son feels most loved through giving and receiving physical touch.  On a date with my middle son, I make sure to give him plenty of hugs and affectionate rubs on the head.  (I realize this probably won’t last forever, so I’m enjoying it while I can!) This boy also loves Marvel movies (like me!), so we plan on seeing Dr. Strange together soon.

My daughter’s love language is gifts.  She loves shopping with me and making me homemade presents.  This girl will bankrupt me if I’m not careful, so I think the $5 date night would be fun and wise for both of us!  She is also artistic and creative like me, and making crafts or cooking together is just right for both of us.  This year we’re both working on Focus on the Family’s All the Colors Of Christmas Advent Activity Calendar.  It will be a spiritual, creative, and peaceful activity we both enjoy.

My oldest son’s language is quality time/conversation.  This is also my primary love language.  I have noticed his pre-teen attitude (you know what I’m talking about) decreases dramatically when we spend quality time together.  He opens up about things he doesn’t typically share, and I’m so grateful he trusts me with his heart.  A win for both of us in our mutual love language.  The way to this boy’s heart is also through food—believe me, I need to use coupons on dinner dates with him!

By taking my children out on dates now, I am increasing peace in our relationships, and also preparing them for the future.  They will understand the value of one-on-one time with people they love, and have creative ideas for dates with their future spouses.

On almost every date with my children, I also try to casually weave faith-based themes into our conversations.  I want them to feel natural about discussing faith matters, and Christmas is such an easy time to do this.  I don’t necessarily share a Bible story with them; I simply talk about how God is working in my life and how I see God working in theirs. We talk about their love languages and their other gifts and skills, and discuss the possible plans God has for their futures.  This kind of focused attention creates a palpable sense of peace in our relationship.

Questions for you:

How can date nights with your children create peace in your relationship?

How can you use one-on-one time with your children to build up their faith?

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or on my Facebook author page for your chance to win two giveaways!

Your comments this week enter you to win a copy of Tracie Miles’ book, Your Life Still Counts, which will help you develop peaceful habits.  The giveaway for this book will be held Friday, Nov. 18.

Comment on my blog through Dec. 1 and you will be entered to win the grand prize Mom’s Pampering Set, pictured below, to be announced Dec. 2!

This Friday we will share holiday side dish recipes.  Please pull out your favorite recipe and be ready to share with the group!

Our theme verse for this week:

Find the printable Bedside Reminder Card of this verse here.

Did you experience greater peace from this post?  Please share it on social media!

On Tuesdays I linkup with #TestimonyTuesday, #TellHisStory, and #RaRaLinkup.  Please go to my linkup page to visit these wonderful sites!

Subscribe to my mailing list and receive 7 Ways to Find and Share Encouragement (e-book) and an autumn Scripture coloring page!
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