Sarah Holman's Blog, page 10

Enchanted Day

We 
Scott and I took another day adventure. I'm finding so much inspiration at the Texas State Parks. In fact, look for some cool posts coming soon on the subject. However, today is photos for your enjoyment. 
I knew Enchanted Rock was a popular park and there was little shade. Scott and I live two hours away from this park and so its relatively close. We decided we wanted to hit this park before Texas warmed up anymore. 
We got there and started on the most popular hike: The Summit Hike. Yeah, I caught Scott with his eyes closed a lot that day

We paused on our way up to eat our lunch because I have a bad habit of skipping breakfast. 

The view from the top was amazing!

We enjoyed a couple of the other trails as well
I love spring in Texas
My adventurous husband
On our way home, we went a few minutes out of our way to visit Lyndon Baines Johnson State Park, even though a large part of it was already closed.
They have a historic farm we want to come back and see.
They had a few cool wooden bridges 
We ended by the day by going to Carino's near our house. I had my favorite dish there: Jalapeno Ravioli! Oh, and I ate a lot of their awesome salad and bread. 
Have you been on any adventures lately?  

The Love Note: A Book Review

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. 

Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | Paperback | Audiobook

Age Appropriate For:16 and up (romance and some mentions of pregnancy out of wed-lock)

Best for Ages:16 and up

Description:  Focused on a career in medicine and not on romance, Willa Duvall is thrown slightly off course during the summer of 1865 when she discovers a never-opened love letter in a crack of her old writing desk. Compelled to find the passionate soul who penned it and the person who never received it, she takes a job as a nurse at the seaside estate of Crestwicke Manor.

Everyone at Crestwicke has feelings--mostly negative ones--about the man who wrote the letter, but he seems to have disappeared. With plenty of enticing clues but few answers, Willa's search becomes even more complicated when she misplaces the letter and it passes from person to person in the house, each finding a thrilling or disheartening message in its words.

Laced with mysteries large and small, this romantic Victorian-era tale of love lost, love deferred, and love found is sure to delight.

Politano has become a favorite author. Her books are so beautifully written, that you almost feel they are worthy of being memorized. They also have so much depth to them that they make you feel you’ve been on a spiritual journey yourself. The Love Note is no exception.

I love how there is always a bit of a mystery to be solved in each of Politano’s books, in this one, the whole story revolves around who wrote a love note. As you go on a journey with Willa, you get to piece together a long-ago love story, as well as see how the love note affects others as it changes hands. I adored getting to see how the words impacted each person.

I also just soaked up how as the story unfolded, you also got to see Willa learn more about different aspects of love, both in the romantic sense as well as platonic love for others, and God’s love.

As always, I really appreciate the historical details and perspective that Politano brings. Willa wants to be a doctor and help others in a time when the doors to medical school were closed to women. I loved that the author shows how hard that would have been, without giving us a screaming feminist who yells about the injustice to women the whole book. Instead, she gave us something even more powerful: a brilliant, deeply caring woman whom it saddens you to see blocked from a profession she would have excelled at.

One of the other things I love is the realism. There are some characters in the story that don’t learn their lesson by the end of the book. Not everything works out how I would have planned it. Yet, there are some amazingly beautiful moments of grace, forgiveness, and love that brought me near tears. I just wanted the story to keep going.

I wasn’t sure at first how to feel about the ending. At first, I was a little frustrated by it, but then I realized it really fit the characters very well. I ended up feeling very stratified and loving it, even if I would have thought of writing it differently.

I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction, beautifully written books, and family mysteries. 

Original Content Only: Four Lessons I Learned from Burnout

 

A little over a year ago, I noticed my newsletter was losing readers fast. I wanted to find out why and do better. So I took a survey. The number one reason people weren't liking my newsletter at the time was  they felt they were getting information that was already on the blog or social media. They wanted original content. This led me to radically change my newsletter as well as examine all my social media outlets.

I made the switch. I created original content for Instagram, Facebook, and my newsletter. My blog suffered and became little used (even though it is one of my favorite outlets). I spent time creating fun graphics for Instagram, spent more time making my newsletter original, and creating unique Facebook posts. 

It worked. People were loving it and engaged. 

And I burned out. 

I wasn't prepared to make that radical change. I quickly became exhausted trying to learn what people wanted in each space and creating that kind of content. I wanted to give my readers what they wanted. I really did, but within two months, I had gone silent across all my social media accounts because I had burned out. 

I learned some valuable lessons that I wanted to share with you. 

No matter what I'm doing as a creative, I need to make sure I never lose sight of my passion. This may be basic, but I was spending so much time creating content for social media, that I lost writing. Yes, there are still days (like today) I spend most of my time on blog posts and social media content creation. But I want to make sure that I'm spending more time on the reason for those posts - my writing. 

One of the things that caused my burnout was my inability to make cute little videos that are so popular right now.  I learned that while it's good to try new things, it's also okay to admit it's not for me. I will never be a TikTok star or make viral Instagram Reels. I'm just not good in front of a camera. I'm a writer, not a performer. That's okay. Trying to be something I wasn't burned me out quickly. I want to keep learning new skills and new ways to connect with my readers. However, I don't have to do things I'm bad at.

I'm very big on pushing myself to work when I don't feel like it. I have to be. If I didn't, I would write one day a week, edit a chapter once a month, and make zero progress. But sometimes, I push myself at the wrong times. I've learned that just as important as pushing myself to keep creating is using my creative rhythms to the best advantage. This means that on days like today, I write blog posts and create social media content because I was inspired to do so. The rest of this week, I'm working on editing and writing.

From my readers, I learned I needed to make original content for each outlet. But just as important, I learned the content I create always needs to be what I'm passionate about. I'll never be passionate about creating short videos for entertainment purposes. I don't even watch much of that kind of content. I'm passionate about writing, books, my family, and mentoring young women. I need to keep focused on those things.

What are some lessons you've learned from times of creative burnout?

Have They Forgotten?

 

My mom is a very wise woman. She has told me from the time I was little that relationships are never stagnant. They are either growing or dying. The longer I live, the more I realize she's right. There is sadly almost never any middle ground when it comes to relationships. You grow together or you grow apart.

One of the only sad parts of getting married was the relationship loss. One of my dearest and closest friendships didn't make the transition from my single life into my married life. It's easy to think I could tell you why that is, but I only see one side of the story. What I can tell you is that it isn't an easy time for relationships. Even within my family (who were all really amazing and stayed my dear friends) there was an adjustment period.

Now that I've been on both sides of the equation, I feel like I have a better perspective. Do married people forget their single friends? Do single people not want to be around married people? Have they just forgotten you in the transition? While each situation is different here are some things that are almost always true.

For Singles:

~ Remember, you are a valuable friend. Sometimes it's easy to assume that because someone is getting married you mean less to them. At least for me, my friendship with others meant almost more to me after I got married. You are still wanted and needed.

~ Assume your married friends will be pretty quiet for a bit, especially if they lived with their parents and siblings before they married. The first three months, while wonderful, is full of adjustments.

~ Give your friend the gift of understanding priorities have changed. Just because you aren't as high on the proverbial list, doesn't mean you aren't on the list.

~ Don't be afraid of reaching out. Just because they have a lot going on, doesn't mean that you will be a bother. 

~ Don't fall for the lie that they don't understand you anymore. Yes, marriage changes the priorities and perspectives of people, but that doesn't me they forget what it's like to be single. 

~ It is okay to say you aren't comfortable with a topic of conversation. My sister had a couple of friends who started sharing details of their new lives she was uncomfortable with. It was not only wise for her, but for her friends to tell them the truth.

~ Take time to examine your own heart before accusing. As sinful humans, we can quickly assume the worst motivations of others and justify our actions. Sadly, I've seen jealousy, envy, and assumptions drive wedges between friends, oftentimes without people realizing that was the route cause.

For Engaged Ladies or Newlyweds:

~ Let your single friends know they are a priority by communicating not only that fact, but what they can expect from you in the next few months. Remember it's okay to take time to find your new normal and time to focus on your spouse, don't let others make you feel guilty for that.

~ Set a time for yourself to enjoy you spouse and find a new rhythm. After that time, make it a priority to reach back out to your friends, starting with your single friends.

~ Don't be afraid to remind a single friend who seems upset by the new normal about your changing priorities. 

~ If a single friend doesn't respond right away, give it some time and try again. Sometimes, they need some space to adjust, but also to know that you aren't going to give up right away.

~ Make sure you ask your single friend about their life. Sometimes, as a newlywed, we can talk a lot about our new and exciting lives. You can even tell your friend "If I talk too much about my husband, just let me know."

For both, remember the following:

~ Give grace to each other.

~ Don't assume you know the motivations of others.

~ If there is an offense, discuss it ASAP, don't let it fester and destroy the friendship.

~ Remind yourself of how amazing your friend is.

A Very Bookish Easter is coming!

 

I'm so excited about this collection! Easter is my favorite holiday and I've wanted to do this collection since the first A Very Bookish collection. 

Make sure you pre-order your copy for the lowest price the collection will ever be!
When you've pre-ordered, make sure to go sign-up to get your digital pre-order goodies!
Do you want to help promote this collection? Sign up for the Launch Team!

Thrive: A Book Review

 

Find it on: Goodreads| Kindle | Paperback | 

Age Appropriate For:18 and up (frank discussions about sex, masturbation, and struggle for purity).

Best for Ages:18 and up

Description: Tired of feeling sorry for yourself? Sick of answering the same old questions about why you still haven’t found your perfect match?

Despite what many people think, singleness is not a disease. It’s not the lesser option. Singleness is God’s gift to you today.

In Thrive, Lina AbuJamra – who has been single for over 40 years - will show you how you can make a difference with your life right now instead of sitting around waiting for something to happen to you. If you’re ready to figure out what God has to say about singleness instead of relying on your own feelings and conclusions, this book is for you.

Isn’t it time you get excited about your life in Christ and quit falling back into the same old pattern of thinking? Freedom. Joy. Abundance. Hope. All these are yours the moment you embrace all that God has for you right here right now.

Go ahead. It’s okay to smile. Life as a single Christian is good.

I wish I had found this book as a single. Well, I did. A friend recommended it and it was at the top of my to-read list when my best friend declared his love. However, I still really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to all my single friends.

I love Abujamra’s tone in this book. It is both friendly and humble, but also uncompromising and frank. She never sugar-coats anything and doesn’t hesitate to give the readers a kick where they need it most. Yet, she balances all that by being vulnerable and honest about her own shortcomings and sins. Her openness and honesty really gave this book a special perspective.

The format of this book was great. Her goal is to help you thrive as a single Christian. She shares five attitudes to embrace and four obstacles to overcome. She ends with the secret sauce that makes it all work (her words). And then she shares about single Christians who have thrived for Jesus. This format worked so well and made it easy to keep reading.

Some of her discussion on sex, and especially masturbation, wasn’t necessarily a comfortable read and some who aren’t struggling might skip those parts if they wish. However, I think her insights as both someone who has struggled and as a doctor will be helpful to many singles. She was frank, honest, and uncompromising without being crude or giving needless detail.

I especially apricated her discussion of about the church. God really convicted me on my attitude toward the church during my single years and it was encouraging to have someone both acknowledge that it isn’t easy to be a single in the church, but firmly and with humility say we need to stop using that as an excuse not to participate in church life. Her thoughts on the topic were both steeped in scripture and practical advice.

Overall, this book rocketed my top three books I recommend to singles (the other two being Kingdom Single and Living Whole Without a Better Half). I highly recommend it for singles seeking to thrive, married people wanting to relate well to singles, and pastors who might be looking for excellent resources for their single church members. 

It's been Two Years

Just over two years ago, on February 6th, Scott told me he loved me. We decided to take a trip this year to west Texas to see the Big Bend area to celebrate. We love hiking and seeing God's amazing wonders. This trip was pretty amazing. 
We arrived late on the 4th in Alpine, Texas. The next morning (the 5th), we got up early and enjoyed hiking the Skyline Drive Hiking trail and Davis Mountain State Park. 
Yeah, we were happy (and cold)
Us pretending to be cool
The view from one of the overlooks
I mean, how cool is that view?
I just loved this part of the path
We also went to Balmorhea State Park, which is a spring-fed pool. 
It was lovely. 
We slept really well that night with all the hiking and got up on the 6th to do it all again. This time with Big Bend Ranch State Park. 
We started at Fort Leaton, a historic site and the Western entrance to the park.
It was pretty cool inside, all restored
Our first hike of three that day.
We got to see these hoodoos.
Pretty cool rocks.
Second hike of the day and my first time in a canyon like this
It was a narrow and very amazing. 
I mean, look at that?
At the end of the trail.
Just cool rock formations along the road.
We drove to the eastern entrance and got our picture with the sign.
The last hike of the day was to an oasis. It was pretty cool to see tall trees in the middle of the desert.

Another very good night of sleep and getting up early on the 7th to go to Big Bend National Park.  I was super excited about this!
The views were amazing!
First hike of the day! A fun short one to see some of the remnants of a ranch that used to be here. The windmill still provides water to the tress the Nail family planted. 
The Sotol vista was among our favorites!
Our second hike was to a dry waterfall. There is only water coming over it during heavy rains. 
Third hike of the day! Another Oasis! Mule Ears Springs
It was amazing. We had a picnic lunch near the spring.
We drove along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and stopped so many times. It was fun to see the Santa Elana canyon get closer and closer. 
and then we hiked into it!!
We had dinner at the lodge! 
It tasted even better then it looked.

On the 8th we got up and we drove to El Paso and Frankin Mountain State Park

What a view
We hiked almost straight up to reach those caves
It was worth it.
We got to stay at this amazing house that was filled with old books!!
The 9th we headed home, but we made it to one more state park on our way.

It was pretty cool to see Sanddunes in a landlocked area.
We enjoyed ourselves
Mexican food is a must. Our last act of vacation was to stop in Fredricksburg on our way home to get awesome food. 
Well, I hope you enjoyed this look at our trip. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

One of the things I love about Valentine's Day? Book deals!

Want to win paperbacks? Through the 15th enter to win Rache Rassano's Once Upon a Duchy series HEREFrom th 15-20th You could win a copy of Rebekah Jones' Pride and Prejudice retelling HEREAnd for the last part of the month, you could win a copy of Kellyn Roth's book At Her Finger Tips HERE

Aren't these great deals? Two sweet clean romance novels and my book for singles. Click on the titles below to get the links. Something sweet, Someone SweetFanny's Hope ChestRomance's Rest
Oh, and don't forget to enter the Fanny's Hope Chest Prize Pack!
Enter HERE

I love so many of Michaela Bush's books and most of them are free right now. Check them out HERE.

Five Fun Valentine's Day Ideas for Any Stage of Life

 

Have chocolate dipping fun with friends. Now, don't panic if you're an introvert. This doesn't mean you need to invite your whole church or several friends. But invite a couple of friends or a couple you know and make chocolate-dipped strawberries and such together. This can be fun and festive no matter your relationship status.

Read by candlelight. Sadly, I'm not allowed to light candles in my apartment. However, I've been blessed with some awesome electric candles. Candles set such a relaxing mood or a romantic one. If you're going to read by candlelight, you need a lot of candles (real or electric). Try it. It might not be something you do every day, but it is fun.

Write notes telling people what they mean to you. You don't have to buy Valentine's Day cards or even give them on the 14th, but this is a good reminder to express our feelings and appreciation for the people around us. 

Make a heart-shaped something. My mom gave me a heart-shaped pan I plan to use and it should be a lot of fun. You might make a heart-shaped pizza or cookies. This can even be a group project or something fun to do as a couple. Even if you just make something for yourself, it can be a simple but fun activity. 

Reflect on God's love for you. Even though this is a largely secular holiday, we can use it as a reminder to pause and reflect on the best love we've been given. All the love we ever show, even romantic love, should flow out of the love God has given to us. You can do this by remembering in your heart, reading a passage or story in scripture that reflects God's love for you, or talking about it with a friend or family member. 

What are your Valentine's Day Plans?

Savoring Singleness: A Book Review

 

Find it on: Goodreads | Kindle | Hardback | 

Age Appropriate For: 16 and up (See content notes below)

Best for Ages: 18 and up 

Description:  

Why savoring single? Because you were meant to enjoy it!

Finding purpose, knowing love, and experiencing adventure aren’t reserved solely for the married girls! You can enjoy a full and vibrant life even while being single. It’s also a perfect time to partner with what God wants to develop in you through this once-in-a-lifetime part of your journey! Girl, being single is okay. There is a purpose for it, and it won’t last forever. So savor it!

Yes, I'm married and still reading books on singleness because I still have a heart for singles and want to help my single sisters in Christ find amazing resources for living a life for God.

This book was a girl-to-girl book. It felt like you were sitting down with a good friend who was just sharing her heart and what God had taught her. It made the whole book so enjoyable to read.

Black shares everything from lessons she learned, biblical truth, the practical advice. Some of the things seemed rather basic and simplistic, while at other times she was super insightful with her thoughts.

I will say that there was only one thing I took issue with in this book. In a section dealing with sexual purity, she gave a list of practical ways to help you keep yourself on the straight and narrow. Most of it was solid advice not only from a practical standpoint but also for staying above reproach. However, the last item on the list was not even to hang out with guys. Perhaps the author meant something specific rather than general. I think that women can reap a lot of benefits from healthy, non-romantic relationships with their brothers in Christ.

Black deals head-on with so many things in ways that I think will both bless and encourage the single girl's heart. She does it in such a positive and encouraging tone without being fake that I think many will come away blessed.

Content note: There are two chapters that deal with sex and sexual purity. Black covers it for both girls who are virgins and those who are no longer virgins. Being a virgin herself, I'm not sure how helpful those who aren't will find her section talking to them. However, she covers the whole topic with tact, straightforwardness, and a lot of grace.