I don’t think it’s just me, because I recognize the familiar look on the faces of other moms, too.

Disappointment.
Frustration.
A longing for something different.
 
We have a problem, you and I, and that problem is we’ve given in to the lies that more activity equals more memories.
 
Here's what I've come to realize, friends:
In my pursuit of a memorable Christmas, I miss out on a meaningful Christmas.
 
A season wrought with intention.
Activities chosen (or declined) with purpose in mind.
Relationships nurtured through the rare gift of unrushed time.
This is starting to sound like a Whoville rhyme...
 
Okay, off topic, but here’s the point:
My children don’t need to see four different Santas, no matter how fun that might seem. And maybe I don’t need to spend time and money I don’t have putting together goodie bags for my daughter’s class when a bag of wrapped candies will do. And, perhaps, I don’t need to serve at all five of my church’s Christmas services, but instead give my very best at one or two.
 
There’s that rhyming again. For Grinch’s sake. I digress.
As much as I (obviously) struggle with it, there is power in focus.


What would a meaningful Christmas look like for you?
 
Maybe it’s forgoing your church’s widely-attended ladies event for brunch with just your besties.
 
Maybe it’s trading your delicately decorated, 7-foot pine for a table-top version so you don’t have to spend the season fussing at your curious toddler.
 
Maybe it’s taking a meal to one neighbor who lives alone instead of dishing out soup to the masses.
 
Please hear this: I’m not saying any of these things are wrong.
If you’re sitting there arguing in your head, BUT I LOVE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF MINGLING WITH 200 OF MY CLOSEST LADY PALS, then by all means, GO. FOR. IT!
 
I’m simply asking this: What is going to be most meaningful for you and your family this Christmas?
 
When you're struggling to figure out whether you should go to that work Christmas party, or travel to Minnesota to see your great Aunt Anne, slow down and ask yourself these questions:

• Who do I want to give my BEST to this Christmas?
• Does this deepen our values and our connection with each other?
• What will bring me/us the most fulfillment?
• How will this impact me ten years from now?

 

​2. Write thank you notes. 
​Thank people for gifts.
Thank people for showing up. 
Thank people for who they are.

Think of any excuse to thank people and just do it.

A verbal “thank you” is one thing, but taking the time to express that gratitude on pen and paper is another. Call me old fashioned, but few things brighten my day more than a card in the mail. Am I right?
 

 
​5. Celebrate 
Give thanks daily, celebrate often.
 
Closed on the new home? Celebrate!
Dad got a raise at work? Celebrate!
Prayer answered? Celebrate!
 
Go out to dinner, grab ice cream, or plan a special outing- and celebrate! Don't take for granted another year, another miracle, ​another breath even.

At my house we have a tradition called “chocolate milk cheers.” It’s when we stop to acknowledge something really cool God has done, like when he provided a new job for me last year. It happens sporadically throughout the year, but always on New Years Eve when we dump out our jar of notes of great things that happened over the past 12 months, then clink glasses. My kids love it.
 
Sometimes we even commemorate big answers to prayer by hanging something representative on our gallery wall. I call it our “wall of thanks.” When life gets really hard I look at that wall and remember all I have to be grateful for.
Remembering is a big part of being grateful. We can learn a lot from our friends, the Israelites, who left memorial spots all through the desert. When they returned to those spots they would remember the many ways God had provided, be filled with faith, and give thanks. Celebrations leave a mark on the minds of our children. 

_________________________

I love the words of the Apostle Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
 
Let us not miss that these three things are not independent of each other—joy, prayer, and giving thanks. They go hand-in-hand. When we nurture one, we nurture all.
 
What ways do you nurture gratitude in your family?
​

​The Brave Art of Motherhood: Fight Fear, Gain Confidence, and Find Yourself Again
Releasing October 9th, 2018
​

Rachel Marie Martin, a full-time blogger, speaker, marketer, podcaster, and mom of seven 

(From FindingJoy.Net)
"The Brave Art of Motherhood is a guide to rediscovering yourself. Through stories from my own life - how I got out of poverty, started a business, found happiness - we will work together to break down the patterns of our thinking that have us where we are.  Stuck. Waiting. And instead of just identifying the excuses, we will work on breaking the excuses and anchoring our new mindset."
​

(From FindingJoy.Net):
“If you’ve ever wondered how your life became solely about Legos, soup stains, and the pick line.
If you’ve ever wanted to go after your dreams but tell yourself, ‘If this happens then…”
If you feel lonely.
If you feel stuck in your life story.
If you are daring and want adventure.
If you want to embrace today.
If you’re a mom.”
 
I would add that even if you’re not a mom, but you can relate to any of these statements, then this book is for you! Actually, my only critique of this book is that it should be targeted to a broader market. The insight and principles that Rachel shares are applicable to anyone longing for more out of life than just simply surviving. Identify the habits and excuses holding you back, and step forward into your dreams.
​

​Every one of us have dreams. Maybe it’s to start a business, or maybe it’s to walk on the Great Wall of China. More often than not we spend our lives talking about our dreams, but can’t ever seem to achieve them. But why?
 
In “The Brave Art of Motherhood,” blogger and speaker Rachel Martin tells her honest and provoking story, and generously shares the lessons she’s learned along the way.
 
I spent years feeling lost, and unable to pinpoint why I could never achieve consistency or victory in areas of my life. Rachel’s poignant truth and practical advice helped open my eyes to the excuses and baggage I was holding onto that I was blinded to.
 
I’m not gonna lie—this was an ouch kind of a book. But a much-needed ouch. If you’re ready for change, and not afraid of some work, “The Brave Art of Motherhood” can help you gain the traction you’ve always wanted.
​

1. Rachel’s story.  Honest. Engaging. Inspiring. Rachel's story will restore your hope in the truth that God can make much of our mess—as long as we are willing to embrace change.

1. Step-by-step action. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked away from a book going “Well, that was great… but what do I do now?” This book was not one of those books. “The Brave Art of Motherhood” is a step-by-step guide that will show you the path to rediscovering yourself, your dreams, and your joy.

​

1.  The balance. As a working mom with endless dreams, I’ve heard both sides of the spectrum: it’s either build your life completely around your kids and family because “the time is short” and they’re your ministry, or it’s “don’t neglect your dreams!”, “You can have it all!”, and “Hustle!”

 
“The Brave Art of Motherhood” offers a Biblical answer to the question As a mom, how do I approach pursuing the dreams God has placed in me?
 
One of my favorite quotes, now underlined AND highlighted sums it up perfectly:

"I need you to understand that devoting yourself to your family is a beautiful, wonderful, and expected part of your journey. This isn't about abandoning your life; this is about reclaiming it and being brave enough to live the real you."
​

Y'all, I devoured this book. In two sittings. No lie or exaggeration.

​​No matter who you are on the journey, “The Brave Art of Motherhood” will be a valuable asset to your life and library! This is one of those books that will remain on my shelf to revisit often, and is my new “go-to” birthday gift for all my gal pals.
​

“What have you been up to lately?”
 
I’ve been getting this question a lot. So I thought the blog might be a good space to answer that, and share some fresh vision for the journey ahead.
 
First, I’m going to tell you a little story.
A story about the time that I asked God for a “calm year.”
And he laughed…and laughed…and laughed.
 
Seriously though.
2017 was a year of big change for me.
 
I put in my resignation at my steady job of a dozen years, stepping out on nothing other than a knowing that God was moving me forward into something new.
 
I spent three uncertain months waiting for God to reveal the next step, as I counted down the days to my last paycheck.
 
In usual fashion, God came through. I take that back—in usual fashion, He more than came through.
 
With just four days remaining I got a call. The call. A position that met every one of my expressed needs that I had prayed for months.
 
As incredible as the transition was, it was, nonetheless, change. Change that took an enormous amount of adjustment… and courage.
 
So when fall turned to winter and I got this feeling that more change was on the horizon, I pleaded. Don’t let it be so. Just give us one calm year.
 
I prayed it, even though I already knew the answer.
I prayed it, even through… I didn’t really even want it.
 
Why? Because I’ve realized that I cannot pray for God to do the miraculous in my life without expecting a few waves.
 
And oh, how I want all that God has for me.
 
Two job changes in one year seemed too much to bear, but the answer became clear. This time Craig stepped out, on a different word, but the same faithfulness of a loving Father.
 
The waves came. The boat rocked. And, honestly, it looked as though we would go down.
 
But God.
He knew what He was doing.
 
In the words of the psalmist, “He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:19)
 
What we have experienced since has been nothing short of miraculous.
 
Not only is Craig getting to do what he loves (AV installs), but he’s getting to travel the globe, at times, to do it. (P.S. You can follow him and all his hilarious adventure posts here.)

​So if you’ve ever wondered what Craig was doing in Canada, or doing on a plane again, just know that it is all thanks to the goodness of God. He has provided opportunity above and beyond what we could have ever imagined.
 
We are braver. We are stronger. And we are more certain than ever about the good things God has in store for our family.

So, with all of this great change has come a whole lot of adjusting. And grieving. And learning.
So the short answer to "What have you been up to?" is just that.

As for the kids. Well, they’re growing like weeds. At times I am completely in awe of the amazing individuals they are becoming (other times I am completely tired and pulling out my hair. Because, mom life.)

We had a SUPER FUN seizing the summer-- spent a few weeks at camp, lived at the lake, and ate WAY too much free Racetrac frozen yogurt.

Every day was the same:
1- Open Bible app.
2- Begin that day's plan assignment.
3- Get distracted by notifications.
4- Eventually finish the plan reading. 

I was "checking the list", but rarely walking away with anything I could hold onto and carry throughout the day. Reading my Bible had become routine, instead of intentional. 

I've been reading the Bible since, well, I could read. I knew I needed to shake things up, but I didn't know how. 

So when B&H / Lifeway Publishing offered me the opportunity to review their new CSB Study Bible for Women, I was elated! I immediately jumped on the opportunity and waited for the brown box to arrive on my front porch. 

And it did not disappoint. 

Y'all, I'm not a great photographer, but this Bible is everything a girl wants-- practical, inspirational, informational, and beautiful.

I wanted to make sure to give it a good run before sharing. I've had it nearly two months, and I can honestly say it has rekindled my passion for the Word. 

But enough babbling... let's get down to the nitty-gritty!
​

The CSB Study Bible for Women
(There are several beautiful binding options available. Mine is the light turquoise / sand hardcover version.)
​

This study Bible is written in the Christian Standard Bible translation, which is a revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible. Like most study Bibles, it features a summary at the beginning of each book, and study notes throughout to bring context and practical application to the scripture within. 
​

Women who want to grow in their faith through a deeper understanding of God and His Word.
​

If you want to better understand the Word without needing 16 commentaries and resources on hand, this Bible provides fantastic notes, word studies, character profiles and more created specifically with women in mind. ​The CSB translation is perfect for every day reading, while the study notes really bring out the meaning behind the Scripture.

1. The translation. I really cannot say enough about this! CSB does a great job of sticking to the original meaning, while remaining super comprehensive, at a 7th grade reading level.

​2. Focus. Do you currently read on a mobile device? I did too. But I found myself SO distracted. Notifications and early morning text messages de-railed my quiet time more than I'd like to admit. Going back to a "hard copy" Bible helps me minimize distractions (sans the kids) and really zero in on what God is speaking to me each day. While having the Bible on my phone is still convenient for many situations, I have enjoyed returning to the simplicity of paper.

3. Notes galore. Let's face it: the Bible can be confusing. And if you're like me, maybe you're prone to simply skip over the parts that don't make sense. If that's you, this Bible has everything from timelines to word studies, to maps to cross references to bring context to the verses, and we all know-- context is key!
​

If you're in the market for a new Bible, this one is a terrific option! It's both beautiful and practical and may just be what you need to breathe life back into your quiet time.
​

Purchase the CSB Study Bible for Women at any of the retailers listed here.

If you Only Knew, by Jamie Ivey
​

In “If You Only Knew”, Jamie Ivey shares the candid, grace-wrapped story of her life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re too far gone for God to make something good out of your life, this story will restore hope in His ability to make all things new and to be free from the lies and shame that have held you bound.
​

Women who desire to walk in the fullness of freedom in Christ
​

Like Jamie, I spent a lot of years feeling like God tolerated me. I had occasional glimpses of His extravagant grace, but never thought it was for me. So I strived to earn His love and pay for the sins I thought He held against me. I was a Christian, but I didn't feel the freedom that I saw in others.

What I’ve learned, and what Jamie so gracefully expresses in “If You Only Knew” is that God’s love, forgiveness and acceptance exceeds everything that we could even imagine. If you’re feeling chained by lies and shame and unable to believe the truth that God is for you, this book is a light that will illuminate the path to freedom.

1. It’s candid. You will love Jamie’s tactful honesty that will help you connect your story to her story and realize God’s love and grace isn’t just for her—it’s for you.

1. It’s an easy read with a powerful message. While reading like a fiction book, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of the love, grace and redemption found in Christ.

​

1. Jamie. You will just love Jamie. By the end of “If I Only Knew”, I felt like I had made a new friend… and didn’t want to put the book down!

​

This highly anticipated release did not disappoint! I love Jamie’s message and her vision to see women walking in the freedom Christ offers. I hope this first book isn’t her last!

Purchase the book on Amazon  |  Follow Jamie on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter 

With Love, Katie G.
​
I scribbled the phrase in black ink for the seventh time, sighed and clasped my hand, stretching it backward.
 
Smiling, I tidied the crisp envelopes into a pile and set them by my purse so they would not be forgotten (like the daily signing of my kids’ agendas).
 
I don’t know when it happened, but at some point stacks of pretty cards on my desk and frequent trips to the post office became the norm.
 
Somewhere in the journey I realized my words held a lot of power. At some point in the throes of motherhood I realized that if I needed someone to cheer me on, then surely others did too.
 
I must admit the words did not come easily, at first. I questioned whether they would be of any value to the person on the receiving end...

Until I started getting responses like, “That verse was just what I needed to hear,” or, “Your card came at just the right time.”
 
Confirmation that these words were hitting on real needs.
 
In that hidden season of motherhood, I realized I could still make a difference, right where I was. The Holy Spirit could and would use me—little, imperfect me--to lift up the people He had placed in my life. To shovel the love of God on them, and push them to be who God created them to be.
 
But He doesn’t just want to use me--He wants to use you, too.

Paul exhorts the church in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 saying, “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left behind…” (The Message)

The coolest part about God is He could do everything without us, but he chooses us to play a part in His story. There are people in our lives that need hope. And while at times I run short on other resources, the hope of Christ is a well we can draw from that never runs dry. 
 
Whether written or spoken, encouragement is a gift that everyone can give.
All it costs is our attention. 

We must be willing to slow down and be with the people He has placed around us; take note of their giftings; hear their stories; sense their pain, their discouragement; and let the Holy Spirit speak to us and through us. But that can’t happen when we’re rushing from one event to the next.
 
Who, in your life, needs the gift of encouragement today?
A struggling mom?
A grieving co-worker?
A discouraged husband?

Who will you slow down for long enough to hear their heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak words of life through you?
 
Somebody needs a word to make them brave enough to push through fear.
Somebody needs a hand to pull them from their pit of despair.
Somebody needs to know that they are not alone, to hear the words, “I’m praying for you. I’m with you.”
Somebody needs to know that someone else believes in them.

Be that somebody.
 
Type a text.
Write a card.
​Open your mouth.
Send an e-mail.
Meet for coffee.
 
You are a vessel to get God’s love, hope, and encouragement into the world.
​

This is an unsponsored review post about "31 Day Create: Discover and Strengthen Your Creativity", by Jenny Randle. All opinions are mine.

If you follow me on social media, you know there are few things I love more than a new book.  And when one of those is highly impactful, I consider it somewhat of a "responsibility" to share about it.

But beyond just sharing a pretty graphic from time to time, I thought it’d be fun to post an occasional blog review of my favorites. And I can't think of a better book to kick it off with than my friend Jenny Randle's latest book-- an interactive devotional to help you rekindle your creativity.

If you're like me and 77% of adults, you probably feel like your creativity has dwindled with age. And you'd be right. But where did we go wrong? And is there any hope to restore the creative genius that once was?

Jenny says, "Yes."
 
Listen, friends: As a person who's been "burned" by many sub-par devotionals, I'm not exaggerating when I say this one exceeded my expectations.

So get your Amazon Wish List ready and read more to learn why this book needs to be on your shelf.

​"31 Day Create: Discover and Strengthen Your Creativity" by Jenny Randle

​A 31 day interactive devotional book aimed to help you discover and strengthen your creativity. Each day features a short message and a creative challenge that will take you about 7-10 minutes to complete.

Hobby or career creatives such as...

• Writers
• Musicians
• Artisans
• Photographers
• Filmmakers
• Graphic Artists
• Website Designers
• Bloggers
• Interior Designers
• and more!

(Psst...With May around the corner, this would make a great gift for a high school graduate!)

Studies show that 77% of adults feel like they’ve lost their creativity. Are you one of them? I was.

​As sons and daughter of the Creator, we were created to create, but many of us find ourselves feeling stifled. Jenny Randle approaches this real-life dilemma from a sound Biblical perspective, offering practical advice and encouragement to help you revive and nurture your God-given creativity in just 15-20 minutes a day for 31 days.
​

​From her story about “Fancy Dude”, to her reference of “sinking like Katy Perry’s left shark in the super bowl”, Jenny is HIL-AR-I-OUS. Be warned that you may bust out laughing uncontrollably at any given page turn.
 
My favorite has to be her failed attempt at a once-in-a-lifetime shot to break into “the voiceover career I didn’t even know I wanted” but instead… “sounded more like a squeaky Bart Simpson who just finished drinking four cups of coffee, then got mauled by bears.” (pg. 152)
​

​I’m the kind of gal that’s motivated by rewards (read: chocolate and naps). This book didn’t feel like work, it felt like a treat. The “challenges” were fun and served as sort of a “brain break” in the middle of my otherwise routine day. 
​

I love encouragement. I love it more when there’s substance to it—meaning it’s rooted in the truth of God's Word.

Imagine my delight to discover that "31 Day Create" is packed with Scripture! From the Biblical foundations of creativity, to overcoming fear and setting healthy boundaries, to walking out your calling, Jenny gives creatives a sound guidebook for the journey.

“You are a proven miracle and a masterpiece… so own it! Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that glorifies God.

You have unique gifts, and the world needs your perspective, passion, and your talent. Embracing your uniqueness, whether it’s your smarts, quirkiness or aspirations, can help you understand your role as a child of God.”
​
–Day  21, page 135​

This book gets 5 out of 5 sticky gold stars from me. As a gal who’s trudged my way through many devotionals over the years, this one was sheer delight from beginning to end. Jenny Randle is playing an integral role in pointing creatives to the freedom God intended for them to walk in.

Make an investment in your creativity-- you can grab this book on Amazon for $17.97

​I’ve always loved warm conversation with a friend over a great cup of coffee. Don’t you?
 
Over the years I’ve probably spent hundreds of hours (and even more dollars) investing in this very necessary quality time.
 
But a couple of years ago I began to recognize a pattern. Each time I met with these friends I talked about the same things. The same problems. The same goals. The same desires…
 
But nothing ever really changed.

Sure, life changed. Houses changed. Even the friends across the table changed-- but I wasn't getting anywhere. I was in a rut, and I knew it. And I was tired of it.
 
I’m pretty sure God was tired of it too. How do I know? He put an idea in my heart one day as I sat, pouring out my frustrations before Him once more.  
 
You need a mentor.
 
I did not love that thought. As an introvert who struggles to make new friends, I battled with the concept of “finding a mentor”. Whatever that meant. 

​Who would I ask?
How would I ask?
Was it even important enough to bother?
 
I prayed: Lord, if this is really you, show me who that person is supposed to be.
 
Oh, the old “God, if this is really you” prayer. We Christians love it because we use it to postpone doing what we already know He’s commanded us to do.
 
Not this time.
 
Almost instantly a friend’s name came to mind. And it made sense. She was a wife and mom, a couple steps ahead of me in the parenting stage; a known respected leader in ministry at our church; and, well, we simply had a lot in common.
 
But how do you ask someone to be your mentor?
I always joke that if my life had a tagline it would be, “Katie Gibson: Being awkward since 1985”, Needless to say I was hesitant to follow through.
 
I allowed fear to cripple me. Just like it had been for years. Just like God wanted me to learn to overcome, with the godly wisdom, encouragement and accountability found in a mentor.
 
I ran from what I knew I was supposed to do.
I ran, like so many who have gone before me. Jonah. Elijah. Peter.
 
But here’s the good news: Even when we run, God chases us down. 

"Coincidentally" ​I ran into that friend in a parking lot. We chatted and began to part ways when she said, “Hey—we should grab coffee sometime soon.”
 
“Yeah!” I sputtered, “I would love that.” She promised she would text as I turned to climb into my car, shaking my head in disbelief.  
 
The next week we met at a quaint breakfast nook. I don’t know at what point I popped the question…
 
Okay, in reality it was just me awkwardly admitting the truth about how I had ran from what I felt God was leading me to do.
 
She laughed then, and she still laughs now, as I ramble on.
When I retell my unspeakably raw moments with my kids;
Or my “arguments” with God;
Or my honest assessments of myself.
 
We don’t always laugh. Sometimes we cry.
When we share about God’s goodness in a situation;
Or expose a broken part of who we are;
Or admit mistakes and the desire to become more than the sum of them.
 
But the laughing and crying doesn’t even begin to cover the half of what this relationship has meant to me.
 
It helped me gain the traction I needed to break out of the same old cycles.
 
I ask hard questions and listen, then apply that wisdom to my life.
More importantly, I allow her to ask hard questions.

​Can I be honest? I haven’t always liked that at times.
 
Like the time it forced me to realize that it was time to leave my comfortable job to pursue my dream career.
 
Or the time I had to shed my apathy about my son’s school problems and go all “Mama Bear” to get him the help he needed and deserved.
 
Or the times I had my own opinions about the way things should be done in the ministry area I was leading in.
 
I could continue, but the bottom line is this: having the accountability and exhortation of a mentor finally gave me the traction I needed to move forward in 2017.

I fought the giants of fear, apathy, and self-doubt.
I grew as a parent, a leader, a wife, and a friend.
I made a bold move into a career that I absolutely love.
Our finances began moving in the right direction for the first time in years.
And I even published my very first book.
 
Can I tell you something else cool? God didn’t just bless me with one amazing mentor, He gave me two. After a couple casual cups of coffee with a new friend, we began meeting more intentionally. She, a more experienced author and a Jesus lover, challenges me to live out my calling bravely.
 
Isn’t that just like God? He always provides over and beyond. Each incredible of these incredible women bring a different set of experiences to the table.
 
Friend, I don’t know where you are in your life, what your dreams are, or where you want to grow. But this I know-- there is someone out there you can learn from.
 
The Bible demonstrates mentorship through the stories of Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, Jesus and the disciples. The wisest man in the Bible, Solomon, exhorts us to acquire wise counsel. Paul urges men and women to share their love for God and life experience with those coming behind them.
 
Don’t neglect this very important part of growth.
Seek God. Pray. Get in the Word  Follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings. Read great books.
But don’t neglect this integral piece to the puzzle.
 
As I wrap up, here are some questions to help you pinpoint who might make a great mentor in your life:

• Who is further along in the journey?
• Whose life do you admire?
• Who is where you want to be in ten years?
• Who is having success in an area you need to grow in?

 
Jot down some names. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps. He will. He always does.
And if it doesn’t work out the first time, that’s okay! Sometimes good things take time.