Sarah Geringer's Blog, page 94

Too Much Mary, Not Enough Martha

In my daily life right now, I’m good with the Mary part and not so great with the Martha part.

My spiritual life is pretty great, but my house is a disaster, as usual.

Most women tell me the Mary part is hard for them.  They struggle to find closeness with God, time to pray, and time to read his word.  But for me, the Mary part in Luke 10 has always been a breeze. 

The schedule of my life is similar to many other working moms.  I’m working 35 hours a week, then another 15 to 20 as a writer.  Each week I shuttle my kids to sports practices, church classes, and various activities.  Grocery shopping, clothes shopping, and cooking fill up most of the other hours.

The Mary part:  Early morning Bible study, praying in the car on my commute, reading Christian books, listening to Christian music, having daily faith conversations with friends and family, church every week.  Not hard for me—part of my daily rhythm.

Can I confess my junk to you?  On my desk right now, where I’m typing, there are several 8” high piles of paper, books, and whatnot.  I have to move a stack to the side so my mouse has room to work!  Stacks of unsorted papers reside on my laundry room counters, kitchen counter, dining room table, and my bedroom.  Dirty dishes cover the counters.  Clean laundry sits in the dryer and in a basket in my bedroom.  The floor is in a desperate state of disrepair.

Why is my Mary part working and my Martha part broken?

Because I don’t have a system in place.

For my Mary part, every morning as soon as I get up I open my One Year Bible.

Every time I’m alone in the car, I pray or listen to Christian music.

Every day after lunch I have a faith conversation with coworkers.

Every afternoon I read a Christian book in the afternoons while I decompress.

Every night I pray before I go to bed.

The “every time” system is in place in my faith life.  When I get to those times of day, I automatically connect to faith.

My “system” for sorting papers?  Wait until they are so out-of-control I can’t stand myself anymore, then spend three hours sorting, irritated and self-condemning.  The organization lasts for a week or two, then papers begin piling up again and my discouragement and apathy multiply.

My “system” for cleaning the house?  Wait until the weekend, when we really need time to relax as a family, and attack with Martha-like verve, exhausting myself.

A better system:  Set a timer for 5:00 p.m.  That’s my reminder to sort papers for 15 minutes EVERY day while something simmers on the stove.

That’s also my reminder to ask one child to vacuum.  Another to put laundry away.  Another to help with the dishes. EVERY day, delegate tasks.

Today, I’m making a promise to myself.  I will inject some Martha into my daily rhythms.  I will set the timer for 5:00 p.m.  I will begin conquering my junk with 15 minutes of paper sorting.  It may take a week to see a real difference, but I’m going to chip away at this lifelong struggle every day.  And in those same 15 minutes with the help of my children, the laundry, dishes, and floor will be under control.

With a little Martha today, my Mary will be more peaceful.

My new book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms speaks about ways to put systems in place to increase peace in busy December.  Today is the last day it sells for only $0.99!  Check it out here.

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Finding Peace in Christmas Present

It’s mid-October and the Christmas advertising is already in daily rotation.  I have seen Christmas decor at Target and Kohl’s on my recent shopping trips.  I’m trying to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and peak color in Missouri this month, and put the snowflakes and Christmas cookies to the side for now.

I have succumbed to the pull of Christmas this year, especially since I’ve been writing about Christmas since July.  But I know my Christmas morning will more peaceful if I plan in advance, even in October.

The following is an excerpt from Day 21 of my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, all about planning ahead for a peaceful holiday.

This year I have made a promise to myself to conquer procrastination with planning.  Procrastination is a familiar, toxic companion of mine.  It destroys my peace by upsetting me right before big events.  But if I tackle one regular task and one holiday task daily, I can wipe out December procrastination.

This promise means I won’t get all my outdoor light displays up and the Christmas tree decorated on the same day, or maybe even the same weekend.  Looks like it’s time for me to adjust my expectations again.  I hope this plan will give me cleaner rooms with beautiful décor.  Usually I have one or the other, but not both.  This year my promise should help me stay on task.

I am searching for make-ahead recipes which freeze well, especially cookie dough.  My peace will multiply if I only need to thaw dough out, slice or roll, and bake in busy December since I did all the prep and cleanup in November.

I plan to create a customized shopping guide before Black Friday begins.  I will dedicate a page in my planner for gift ideas.  I will mark gifts off as they are purchased so I don’t stress out about last-minute shopping, or make the mistake of buying too much.

I plan to wrap gifts as I buy them.  Rather than using wrapping paper and tape, I will use tissue paper to cover the gifts with an attached gift receipt, then drop them into one designated gift bag per person.  If I need more than one gift bag per person, I can easily adjust it later.  I want to spend less time wrapping this year and more time enjoying peace with my family.

This year I plan to delegate more tasks to my children.  They are able to help more at their current ages than in years past.  They can do one task while I’m doing another.  For example, I need to start asking them to put away clean dishes while I cook dinner every night, and vacuum on a regular basis.  Teamwork will create a more peaceful December for all of us.

I’m thinking about cutting out peace-buster projects.  What is your peace-busting project that needs to go?  Christmas cards?  Light displays?  Cleaning up after a live tree?  I’m thinking through what can go this year so I can experience more peace.  If I miss it too much, I can always add it back in next year.

Questions for reflection:

How can a little Christmas planning now pay off in peace later?

In what ways can you conquer any pockets of Christmas procrastination?

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Finding Peace in Christmas Past

 

It’s 12:05 a.m., December 25, 2011.  I promised myself I wouldn’t stay up this late, but I am here anyway.  Tomorrow I’ll be so tired and unable to fake a smile in front of everyone come afternoon.  But I must get one thing under control before I go to bed.

I arrange all the kids’ presents neatly on their Thomas the Train table.  I just finished wrapping the last one.  The green Peanuts paper is for the boys, the Snoopy-covered red is for my little girl.  They make a pretty picture on the table.  I consider snapping a photo, proof of hard work and commitment in this season of emotional chaos, but I am too tired to grab my camera.  I simply sit on the steps for a moment to let my thoughts settle.

As I admire this red-and-green gift sculpture, I review our blessings.  We are blessed to afford these gifts; we have survived the recession, and with God’s help we have made it through six months as a single-income family, since my job ended.  Yes, it took dozens of coupons and every Black Friday deal to make it happen, but we did it.  This pile of gifts is proof.

I can’t fix the distance and undercurrent of hostility in our marriage.  I’m trying so hard, but I can’t do it all by myself.  I am worried about where we are headed.  But I can’t afford worry on Christmas morning.  I stuff it inside.

I can’t control the wildly unpredictable nature of Christmas celebrations with our extended family.  The mood swings, the outbursts, the snarky comments, the cold shoulders.   I will face some of this tomorrow—no, wait, I mean later today.

This is the part of Christmas I hate, the part I’ve endured for the past 29 years—almost three decades—as a child of a divorced home.  You’d think I’d be used to it by now.  But my heart won’t stop hoping for a perfect, pain-free Christmas.

All I can do is create a safe haven for the five of us in the morning.  An hour or two where no one can hurt us.  No one can criticize us.  No one can tell us we’re wrong.

This is where we can cautiously find joy in our own family, in our children.  D and I can soak up their joy and let it seep into our own broken places.  That’s my hope.  That’s what I’m counting on.  These gifts are joy factories, I pray.

Lord, help me!  Help me create good memories for the kids.  Help me give them what we didn’t have at Christmas.

And I close my eyes against the tears and seek a few hours of sleep.

If I could sit down with that mama-me of five years ago, I would tell her I love her.  I love that she’s trying so hard.  I love that she hasn’t given up on pursuing peace at Christmas, even when it seems everything conspires against her.

I don’t turn away from her brokenness, from her pursuit of perfection.  I would tell her I understand.  I know she’s trying to fill up the past with a perfect present.  I know it won’t work.  But I want to say, “I’m glad you want something different, something better.  That takes a lot more effort than repeating the same cycles you already know.  Your desire is good.”

I would tell her it’s going to get worse before it gets better.  Much worse.  But it will get better, much better, if she is patient.  If she perseveres and clings to her faith.  God is the only one who can pull her through.

I would tell the past me that God will help her find Christmas peace in her messy, mixed-up life if she seeks him with her whole heart.

I would say Christmas peace is possible, but it’s only possible with Jesus.  I can’t manufacture it, can’t wrap it up pretty and set it on a table.  I have to humble myself to find it.  Meet him crying and broken on the steps after midnight, willing to hand over my quest for control and perfection.  Willing to submit to his plan and his ways.

Then I would place my hand on her forehead and pray a blessing of peace over her.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May he make his face shine upon you.

and be gracious unto you.

May the Lord look upon you with favor

and give you

his

peace.

My new book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, helps moms find peace in busy December.  See this page for more information.

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3 Christmas Devotionals Every Busy Mom Needs

Busy December brings so much pressure to us moms.  Decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking, and cleaning can overwhelm, especially when we place so much pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, all year long.

You may think, “I can’t carve out time for myself now, much less in December.”  But I urge you to try something different this year.  Try getting up a half-hour earlier each December morning and spend it reading a Christmas devotional.  Your day will be blessed if you begin at the feet of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  Looking back, I can see the December mornings I started with a Christmas devotional are far more peaceful than the December mornings when I hit the ground running.

I recommend these three Christmas devotionals for busy moms:

The Greatest Gift, by Ann Voskamp

This lovely book unfolds the meaning of the Jesse Tree.  In her signature poetic language, Ann paints quiet, detailed pictures of God’s gift of grace.  The Moments of Reflection offer a welcome pause to busy December.  I love the cut-paper illustrations.  As a bonus you can download these images and print them out for your own Jesse Tree.  This is a must-have Christmas devotional for every Christian mom.  Bonus: her companion book Unwrapping the Greatest Gift is a richly illustrated family devotional, best for families with older children (longer attention spans).

Devotions for Christmas, published by Zondervan

This book is a delight for the senses and the soul.  It’s beautiful—the foil detail on the cover shines against a dark background.  Snowflakes decorate the reading pages, and the days are separated by rich, colorful photos.   Each day has a theme verse, devotion, and prayer.  The daily format is short enough to enjoy in a few minutes, and thought-provoking enough to mull on throughout the day.  This book is an ideal resource for families with older children to discuss over mealtimes or for busy moms to read during quiet time.

Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, by Sarah Geringer (me!)

I’ve written a brand-new e-book just for moms. I wrote it because like many of you, I have been stressed out in December, but we still seek peace in the chaos.  This year I want to hush my Martha side, the one who rushes to prepare but misses out on peace.  I want to open up my Mary side and sit at Jesus’ feet, soaking up scriptures on peace.

In about 15 minutes per day, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms will give you a short devotion and reflection questions to help you find peace in your heart, day, relationships, surroundings, and holiday.  Also, I will host an online Bible study for the book Nov. 1 – Dec. 2 here on my blog.  I hope you will join in on the fellowship and fun, and I would love to hear your feedback on my very first e-book!

 

Questions to consider:

How might Christmas devotions make your day more peaceful?

Which Christmas devotional will you choose this busy December?

How will you carve out time for Christmas devotions, either alone or with your family?

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Book Review: Devotions for Christmas

This book is a delight for the senses and the soul.  It’s beautiful—the foil detail on the cover shines against a dark background.  Snowflakes decorate the reading pages, and the days are separated by rich, colorful photos.   Each day has a theme verse, devotion, and prayer.  The daily format is short enough to enjoy in a few minutes, and thought-provoking enough to mull on throughout the day.  This book is an ideal resource for families with older children to discuss over mealtimes or for adults to read on their December lunch breaks.

Two of my favorite devotions were December 6, An Ordinary Christmas, and December 10, Home for the Holidays.  I liked that every day of December has a devotion, all the way to December 31, which is different from most other Christmas devotionals.   I enjoyed this book very much and will be recommending it to friends and family.  This book promises to be a Christmas treasure in our home for years to come.

Preview of Online Bible Study and Three Reviews

 

Are you planning to join the online Bible study for Christmas Peace for Busy Moms?  It will be held here on the blog Nov.1 – Dec. 2.

This is how it works:  Buy the book for just $0.99 for a limited time.  Then visit the blog and join in a community of other readers to share ideas, inspiration, and encouragement.  Every person who comments each week will be entered to win a prize on Fridays.  Here’s an outline of the first week:

Tues., Nov. 1  Days 1 & 2 in the book, online discussion
Wed., Nov. 2  Day 3 in the book, video teaching and discussion
Thurs., Nov. 3 Days 4 & 5 in the book, online discussion
Fri., Nov. 4  Peace success stories, recipe exchange, and giveaway announcement

Mondays will be recap and catch-up days, with links to books I review which I think you’ll enjoy.

Any questions?  Comment below or visit my Contact page and send me a message.

Here are three more reviews of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms.  Thank you Laura, Kristin, and Tara!

 

Through Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, Sarah Geringer addresses many anxieties and stresses that I often experience during the holidays. I think my favorite chapter is “Week 2: Peace in my Day,” where Sarah suggests ways to develop peaceful habits from morning until night, which will be helpful during any time of year. In addition to pointing out Bible passages that lead to peace, Sarah gives practical and creative suggestions in each chapter that will promote a more organized and less stressful Christmas season. Christmas Peace for Busy Moms is a wonderful tool for individual or group studies. The questions and Bible passages at the end of each day’s reading will lead to insightful self-reflection or group discussions. This is a book you’ll want to add to your list of must-reads this year as you prepare for the busy holiday season. I am looking forward to putting several of Sarah’s ideas into practice in my own life so that I can enjoy a more peaceful Christmas with my family and friends.

Laura C., Missouri

 

After the initial bliss of welcoming our third born child to our family, the reality of a whole new normal began to settle around us, but it looked a little different than I thought… so much more chaotic, overwhelming and often stressful.  Over the months that followed as I have battled guilt and and frustration over nursing difficulties, exhaustion, constantly feeling very overwhelmed at work and at home … and THEN guilt for all of those struggles in balancing life as a wife, full-time working Mommy of three.  Oh and thrown in there, the nagging guilt that I should also (but haven’t been able to) be finding time to be renewed and nourished in my faith so that I can be a better Christ follower, wife, mom, and worker… so many days I come to the end feeling so much anxiety knowing it will all start again in the morning.  Sarah’s book Christmas Peace for Busy Moms came at the perfect time.  It helped me realize how weary and thirsty and in need of peace I am.   Sarah’s honesty of her own journey in finding peace and balance resonated deeply with me, not to mention how amazed I was to read so many shared struggles… Her insight and suggestions of daily (often little yet intentional) things that cumulatively can help restore peace and tranquility to your life are wonderful.  The Prince of Peace is waiting with it in abundance for all who seek it, and the perfect time to dive into His peaceful, loving presence is this Christmas season. (And in my still chaotic and often messy state, my dive has looked more like a belly flop).

Kristin S., Missouri

 

You really can find peace in the midst of anything! What a beautiful read and Bible study in Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. Through the scripture readings and personal stories, Sarah Geringer reminds us to slow down and appreciate everything the Christmas season has to offer. During a time when moms are over-extended and trying to be everything to everyone, it’s nice to be affirmed that we are everything through Jesus Christ. We may provide the peace for others. What a blessing! I looked forward to the time I could spend reading and studying the beautiful words Sarah wrote.

 

Tara W., Missouri

Sneak peek and a review

Hello friends, here’s a sneak peek at the intro of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, my book which launches on Oct. 16.  You can buy an advance copy here now through Oct. 14.  I have another wonderful review to share with you from my dear friend Paula also.  Enjoy!

Sneak Peek:  Introduction

Welcome to Peace

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:7

Christmas peace is possible.

But it is only possible with Jesus.

He is the Prince of Peace, the one who gave us peace as a Christmas gift.

When the angels announced his birth, they first praised God.  Then they sang,

And on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.   Luke 2:14

Peace was God’s gift to the shepherds that night and to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior now.

God knows we need peace.  We are separated from him by sin.  Jesus is God’s peace offering to us, his gift of forgiveness and grace.  We can have peace with God through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.  On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus said to his disciples,

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.     Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.   John 14:27

We need peace in the bustle of busy December.

Like Martha in Luke 10, we are distracted by all the preparations:

decorating our homes
shopping for groceries and gifts
baking and cooking special food
wrapping all the gifts
cleaning all the extra messes

Looking at that list makes my heart race—but I’ve plodded through that list every year I’ve been a mom.

Like Martha, I have been worried and upset about how much work is to be done in preparation for Christmas.  I wanted picture-perfect memories of Christmas with my family.  For many years, my peace got lost in the pursuit of perfection.

By sitting at Jesus’ feet, I found the peace I needed.  You can find this peace too.  In the next 25 days, we will spend 15 minutes together walking through this process of finding peace:

When I set aside time each day for God’s word, I find peace.
When I plan ahead for the next day, I find peace.
When I focus on making memories with my family, I find peace.
When I lower my expectations for a perfect holiday, I find peace.
When I choose to serve others at Christmas, I find peace.
When I reflect on God’s goodness to me in the past year, I find peace.

I invite you on a journey of peace this Christmas.  We will start with finding peace in our own hearts and gradually move outward to sharing peace with others.  Let’s begin together!

Reader review:

What an insight to look inside ourselves. This book will bring out every thought and action to mind we have all gone through as mothers, wives and women of God.  My mind and perspective to not only this holiday season but life as each day unfolds I will recall the teachings and examples so beautifully written in this book. I must say I have listened to speakers, read other books, listened to my pastor, but the connection this book makes with the one who reads it will have such an impact on your life, it cannot be helped.  I do not get up in the morning any longer and rush into my routine without having time with God. He has become like my morning coffee and I thank this compassionate author for that.

Author Sarah Geringer shares personal experiences that help us realize we are not alone in the hustle bustle materialized world Christmas has become and how we can slow down, incorporate God, scriptures, and using tactics within our lives and families to have peace like we have never known. I know my season will be much more peaceful this year. I am feeling blessed to have read this book from such an amazing author Sarah Geringer.

Paula J., Missouri

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More Reader Reviews!

 

More reviews of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms from my friends Michelle, Becky, and Mel:

 

Christmas and peace. Two words that for most of us do not go together. In Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, Sarah provides insight into her struggles as well as practical ways that she uses to promote peace in her life, whether it is with her family or standing in line at the grocery store. I can tell a lot about an author by the dedication page, and hers reads, “For my family and for God’s glory.” This book shows the depth of her love for her Savior and her willingness to be led and changed by His Word. Come with us. Grab your Bible and maybe a blanket, and let’s spend some time together resting in His peace.

Michelle D., Missouri

 

This is a great study to do during the busy Christmas season to grow your relationship with the Lord. What busy mom doesn’t need the reminder that God wants us to live in peace and promote peace? The practical examples in the book remind us we all have challenges to our peace. The scriptures referenced with the questions at the end of each chapter gave me an opportunity to study God’s word and apply it to my life journey. A lot of the examples in the book applied personally to my life.

I carved out 15 minutes to read each chapter, study the verses, and answer the questions. Those 15 minutes stayed with me all day, as I thought of practical ways I could give and receive peace while giving glory to God. The season of motherhood is a joy, but we sometimes miss the peaceful aspect. The to-do lists, the must-do lists, the do-for-others lists, along with the mundane everyday things push into our valuable time with the Lord. This study helped me focus back on the Lord’s word every day.

Becky G., Ohio

 

Peace?! Who needs peace? I highly recommend Christmas Peace for Busy Moms. It is full of practical and encouraging tips and truths. The author’s concern for other moms, and her real and raw style were so refreshing. Get this e-book, invest 15 minutes a day, and watch how God can transform your Christmas experience!

Mel S., California

What Readers Are Saying about Christmas Peace for Busy Moms

 

About a month ago, I shared advance copies of Christmas Peace for Busy Moms with 75 beta readers.  Here’s what several friends are saying about the book:

 

In her beautifully written devotional, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms, Sarah Geringer reminds us that finding peace in the midst of the busy Christmas season is possible with Jesus, God’s gift to us.  Weaving together insightful scriptures, thought-provoking study questions, and personal stories of a busy family life, Sarah leads us on a spiritual journey to find peace within ourselves, our relationships, our busy schedules, and most importantly our holiday preparations.  Create a meaningful Christmas experience for yourself and your family this year by spending time with Jesus using Christmas Peace for Busy Moms as your guide.

Mary Ann, Missouri

 

I always feel overcommitted and stressed during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, which causes distress and frustration for myself and my family.  This e-book Bible study, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms is an e-book written by Sarah Geringer, an inspiring writer, artist, and mother.  Through 25 days of Bible study, she shares vivid experiences from her life in which she struggled to find and display peace.  She brings to light how God guided her and instilled peace in her heart and home.  Through engaging anecdotes she helps connect busy moms with encouraging words from Scripture.  Her countless suggestions of ways to reduce busyness and anxiety during the holiday season are sure to increase peace for you and your family.  I recommend this book to mothers of all ages who feel like they need more peace and rest during Christmas.  Thank you, Sarah, for your delightful and uplifting words.  I truly enjoyed reading this book and am preparing for more peace for my family this Christmas!

Amy W., Missouri

 

Christmas Peace for Busy Moms is a great addition to your Christmas traditions. Sarah invites you on a journey of peace that can enhance each Christmas season. She delivers practical ideas and provides excellent coverage of all the ways to promote peace during the Christmas season and beyond.  My favorite quote from Sarah’s book is, “you may be the primary peacemaker in any given day to the people who cross your path.” This book is the best Christmas present you can give yourself and all your Christian friends and not-yet-Christian friends. It is a great resource for growth in God’s peace and to lead others to the Prince of Peace, the only source of true peace!

Angie S., Missouri

 

This book will bless you! It reminded me that we, as wives and mothers, have so much power to influence the attitudes and environment in our homes. You will instantly connect with the author through her transparency as she deals with many of the issues we all face today. Her recipe for peace is full of godly wisdom derived from scripture and lots of doable ideas to help make the Christmas season all that it should be WITHOUT sacrificing your peace.

April S., Illinois

 

To order your advance copy for only $0.99 BEFORE it appears in major online retailers on Oct. 16, visit this link.  This link expires on Oct., 14, so don’t delay!

 

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