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FROM THE PUBLISHER linda evans shepherd
As coronavirus spreads across our communities for a third wave, it seems that our personal and religious freedoms have vanished. We’re told to stay away
from church and even family gatherings. Friends and loved ones are suddenly ill, some fighting for their lives. We fear that the holiday blues are off to a crushing start and life will never return to normal. When we look around at all that’s wrong in our world, it’s hard to remember that we have a Savior. So, let me say it again, we have a Savior!
He’s the light I always turn to when I’m hurting or feeling confused. “Lord, what is happening?” I sometimes cry. His answer is always the same, “Look at me.” When I hear His call to turn my inner eyes to His, I see the One who died for my sins, who suffered on my behalf. I also see the One who gives me courage and strength to face even this. He’s the reason why my heart recovers with peace, why I can still praise God for all that He’s done for me.
Now is not the time to panic or sink into a deep depression. Instead, look to Him! “Help me, Lord, help me, show me what to do. Let me be a light that shines in the darkness.” I’ve been praying this prayer for three years and the Lord answered with a new ministry purpose and vision.
You may have heard the buzz about it. But it’s here! Make way for the launch of the Arise Esther Movement! My friends and I are ready to launch our first Arise Esther Virtual Conference, which will be this coming February 24–26, 2021. We will have keynotes, recording artists, and workshop leaders like Stormie Omartian, Babbie Mason, Carol Kent and Pam Farrel. Over 50 Christian women leaders, teachers, and speakers will encourage you, equip you, enable you to build community through small group discussion, and train you so that you can fulfill your purpose to make a difference. Our workshops will cover five tracts, including the spiritual growth tract, the writing and speaking tract, the marriage and family tract, the ministry tract, and the social and community tract. There we will encourage and train you, and we will also cover topics like depression, anxiety, racism, and suicide, as we show you how to find healing so that you can help others find healing. Plus, we have so much more to tell you! Check out our conference website: www.AriseEstherConference. Each registrant will receive a gift and other fun swag. Also, check out our new ministry website www.AriseEsther.com. There you can learn about our Arise Esther Podcast and our all-new bible studies and training courses at Arise U and follow us on our social media. See you in February!
love,
Linda Evans Shepherd is a Revell author and the founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
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AUTHORS FEATURES
Editorial Staff
PUBLISHER..................................................... Linda Evans Shepherd EDITOR/ART DIRECTOR....................... Amber Weigand-Buckley LAYOUT EDITOR......................................... Tom Young COPY EDITORS........................................... Jodi Harris & Tom Young
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CHARLENE QUINT MICHELLE S. LAZUREK Prepared for Such a Time as This
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DR. SABRINA BLACK KAREN PORTER Repentence & Restitution Racial Reconciliation,
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LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD PAM FARREL A Prayer When You Feel Defeated
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JULIE LAVENDER XOCHITL E. DIXON Love Them Little, Love Them Big
Arise to Contentment All Stirred Up
Have A Marriage Meet-Up
Arise to the Ministry of Magazine Writing
15 GINGER HARRINGTON 22 Holy PENELOPE CARLEVATO in the Moment
Keeping Christmas Traditions
ADVERTISING............................................... Linda Evans Shepherd
16 LINDA GILDEN & LINDA GOLDFARB 24 Leader DR. SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH or Follower?
CONTRIBUTORS........................................ Penelope Carlevato, Saundra Dalton-Smith, Xochitl E. Dixon, Pam Farrel, Mary Kaarto, Michelle Lazurek, Edie Melson, Karen Porter, Rhonda Rhea, Cynthia L. Simmons, Jennifer Taylor, Heather Van Allen and Karen Whiting
19 CAROL MCLEOD 26 Storm EDIE MELSON Proof
Right to the Heart Board Members
23 KARISA MOORE 34 Turn RHONDA RHEA the Page of Suicide
Linda Evans Shepherd (President), Dianne Butts, Sharon Norris Elliott, Karen Porter, Rhonda Rhea, Carole Whang Schutter and Joy A. Schneider
Information
Leading Hearts magazine for Christian Women is published bimonthly by Right to the Heart Ministries 2020. ISSN 2380-5455 ADVERTISING | Display rates are available at leadinghearts.com. By accepting an advertisement, Leading Hearts does not endorse any advertiser or product. We reserve the right to reject advertisements not consistent with the magazines objectives. MANUSCRIPTS | Writers guidelines are available at leadinghearts.com. Leading Hearts | PO Box 6421, Longmont, CO 80501 email: lindareply@gmail.com fax inquiries: (303) 678-0260 MEMBER | 2014-2020 Evangelical Press Association Award of Merit Winner — Christian Ministry Digital Publication Photos courtesy of: Canva, Merge PR, Unsplash (Finn, Taisiia Stupak) Copyright ©2020 Right to the Heart Ministries. All rights reserved. Copyrighted material reprinted with permission. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
7 Tips to Beat the Covid Christmas Blues God’s Saying He Needs You Right Now
20 JENNIFER KENNEDY DEAN 32 Treasured MARY KAARTO
Prayers for the Laid Off at Christmas Less Plunder, More Wonder
25 YVONNE ORTEGA Six Ways to Comfort the Bereaved PAGES 27 MICHELLE LAZUREK 3 FROM PUBLISHER The Day THE I Kissed My Religious Spirit Goodbye
Don’t Despair, It’s Time to Arise!
29 SUSAN B. MEAD 7 FROM THE EDITOR Exposed
Are You a Negative Nellie?
30 PENELOPE CARLEVATO 15 For CYNTHIA L. SIMMONS Such a Time as This The Big Question
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PAM FARREL MUSIC REVIEWS Other-Centered Adventure
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ELLIE HOLCOMB Stories of the Seasons
PAGES 29 LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD Praying Past a Difficult Year
30 BOOKS CHRISTIAN 10 TO BOOK READ BUZZ 31 AWSA KARENMEMBERSHIP WHITING 18
How to Plan During Uncertain Times
28 CHERI KEAGGY 36 AAWSA HealingMEMBERSHIP Journey 39 CONTRIBUTORS 31
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FROM THE EDITOR amber weigand-buckley
are you a negative nellie? During the months of COVID quarantine, I’ve found myself fighting one long-lasting virus more than any other—the virus of negativity. And it doesn’t matter how much I pray or how many Scriptures I read it doesn’t take much for the symptoms to come creeping back in.
Frequently my British husband tells me, “Stop being a Negative Nellie,” and I don’t even realize I’m being negative at all. But you see, the symptoms of negativity are more surprising than you might think.Do you find yourself struggling with any of the symptoms below on a consistent basis? • Do you spend time fuming at someone’s Facebook post even if you don’t write a reply? • Do you dread when one specific name pops up on your cell phone because you “just know” they are going to “drain you” of your good mood? • When you talk to a friend who just got in a fight with their spouse, are you quick to join the rant and share all the same things about your spouse that make you mad? • Do things that you don’t like about yourself, or “stupid mistakes” keep you feeling like you will never achieve (you fill in the blank)? • And—this is a big one for me—do you find yourself calling yourself “a failure” or other demeaning names when things go wrong, or your home is not at peace.
Negativity is an outflow of TIRED, FRUSTRATED, PROLONGED, DISCOURAGEMENT. It is as infectious as any virus. In fact, I think that the enemy of our soul likes to use it more than any other weapon against us. Why? It’s a Spirit-killer.
It SEEKS TO KILL and DESTROY the Spirit of Hope, Joy, and Peace that the Father works to grow in us daily so we might be a testimony to His faithfulness in and through all things. Hebrews 12:1 challenges us to strip off “every UNNECESSARY WEIGHT and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us” (AMP). Negativity may not be sinful, but it definitely is “unnecessary weight” that keeps us from testifying the truth of God’s faithfulness. Refuse to carry it. You can turn the channel on negativity with mindfulness to what we let into our thoughts and hearts. When the negative dialogue starts playing in our head, we can catch ourselves. Speaking God’s truth into those moments will break negativity’s hold on us!
When I walk through the door of my home, I’m reminded in Jesus’ name to cast the spirit of negativity off me. I do not want it to come into my house with me. Guide negative conversations
with friends into the truth of God’s good things. There is nothing wrong with guarding your heart against social media or feeds that stir up negative emotions in you. Also, consider Philippians 4:8 when you are posting, too.
love, Amber
I hope this issue of Leading Hearts encourages you to arise to everything God has called you to be and daily strip away everything that the enemy would like to use to hold you back.
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“It’s not always easy to bless others when you aren’t feeling blessed, but definitely worth it because blessing someone else blesses you in return. ”
michelle s. lazurek | michellelazurek.com
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The apostle Paul teaches us what it means to be content. Paul understood what it meant to give up his fame and fortune for an opportunity to dedicate his life to serving God. Well known in town for his zealous killing of Christians, God got a hold of him, and he was never the same. He traded in his infamy and people’s approval for chains, whippings, and jail time. Yet, he shares the biggest lesson with the Philippian Church. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul learned to embrace contentment. So, how do you escape from the claws of discontentment?
Scrolling through my social media feed each day, I have clicked like and commented on many writer friends’ posts who have received contracts for new book projects. As part of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (awsa.com), I consider it a privilege to be among many talented writers and speakers. Some, God has blessed with millions of dollars in book sales, unlimited local and national exposure, and a large platform to reach thousands—if not millions—for Christ. As I wait to hear about some book projects’ possible acceptance, I am genuinely happy for all of my friends who have made it to best-seller status—that is ... most of the time. About 92 percent of the time, I applaud alongside them, cheering them on to greatness. However, about 8 percent of the time, I get a pang of jealousy as I watch other people get blessed with more opportunities, more money, and more prestige. If I’m honest, there’s a small part of me who wishes I could be the one scrawling my name across the bottom of a crisp, newly printed publishing contract.
If you are within the clutches of comparison and envy, praying blessings on all those around you is a great place to start. Here’s what you can do: For one week, pray a prayer of blessing over those of which you are jealous, in the hopes that it will change not only your perspective on the situation, but also your heart:
“Lord, please bless ________. I know he/she is receiving your blessing right now, but please double Your blessing on their lives. Give them a double portion of Your peace, turn their sorrow into joy, and enlarge their territory as You did for Jabez.” On Monday, the words were like eating sour lemons— downright unpleasant. By Wednesday, they came a bit more naturally. By Friday, they tasted sweet like honey, rewarding not only them but me, too. It’s not always easy to bless others when you aren’t feeling blessed, but definitely worth it because blessing someone else blesses you in return. Every time I do it, something within me changes. My character becomes more like Jesus. The words become less bitter and a little sweeter. My thoughts are a bit less angry and a little more peaceful.
I’m embarrassed to admit that, but it’s true. And I’m willing to bet, you’ve felt that way Sometimes the best gifts don’t come under sometimes too. Christmas trees. One of the enormous stumbling blocks to understanding our freedom in Christ is contentment. When we place our value in what we have or what we do rather than being grateful for what God has given us, we tend to ignore what is truly important. without much work on their part.
During this Christmas season, receive the gift of contentment by praying blessings every one you know. Not only will you bless them, but you just might find your life a little extra blessed, too.
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karen porter | karenporter.com
ALL STIRRED UP
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what is to come not going back to the old ways. Develop a survey or conduct interviews to discover how the people you serve have changed in attitudes, activities, and expectations. What techie tools do they use now that they never used before? What part of the isolation has been unsatisfying to them? What kind of interactions do they long for now? Do they desire small groups with intimate connections or large gatherings with big energy or something else entirely? As you learn more about how the people you serve have changed, you will be able to make plans that will serve in new and unexpected ways.
Mix it Up
I love peanut butter. The kind that makes a quick sandwich into an ooey, gooey delight. I also like this creamy childhood favorite on a spoon right out of the jar (but that’s my secret). But folks, there are imposters out there—jars with so many added ingredients and preservatives that they can’t claim the name peanut butter and have to be labeled “peanut spread.” No thanks. Without those highly processed additives and stabilizers, the peanut butter separates (a natural process called syneresis), and we open the jar to find a pool of oil at the top. This more natural peanut butter is delicious, but dealing with the separation can make a mess. The COVID-19 pandemic has separated us more than we want to be apart. Our ministry teams have hunkered down to wait it out, and now most of us have zoom fatigue and a sense of detachment from the team, the ministry, the goals, and the community of a team. What can leaders do to move into the future?
Stir it Up When the peanut butter separates you can mix it with a spoon or fork, but it will make a mess. If you try to reignite the team using the same tools you’ve tried before, you may not succeed. One team member said she felt so isolated from the ministry she wasn’t sure she wanted to go back to work with the team, especially when she heard the same old jargon from the leader. She wanted some fresh new approaches and ideas. Your message to your team should not be going back to normal. Instead use language and challenges for moving forward into a new world of ministry. Build enthusiasm for
When you stir peanut butter in the jar, it never seems to fully incorporate all the parts of the jar. Later when you get to the bottom, you find hard clumps that never fully integrated. The same is true of your team members. Some will never again be able to fully join into the team, and some may even rebel against your leadership style. They will become hard clumps which become harder and harder to deal with over time. As the leader, this return-from-the-pandemic time may be the perfect opportunity to either help a team member become fully engaged with the team or remove them. Your goal should be to encourage and include each team member, but some people may need some gentle nudging. Schedule a meeting or lunch with each team member alone. Talk to the person about his or her life and how the pandemic restrictions have affected finances, relationships, work, home, children, and extended family. Pray with the person and help them set achievable goals. Determine what the person contributes or could contribute to your team and ministry goals. Ask God for discernment about the future of the person’s role on the team.
Turn it Up One hack I discovered about peanut butter that separates is to turn the jar upside down periodically. Maybe your team needs to be turned upside down too. Perhaps you could ask team members to switch jobs for a period of time—they will learn the difficulties their other team members face and develop empathy. Perhaps they will have some fresh new ideas. You could pair team members for jobs instead of asking one to take on a role alone. Give prizes to those team pairs who meet often and come up with a joint plan. Flipping the team over might just be the hack you need for the new world we face. With grit and flexibility, you can lead your team to success in a post-pandemic world. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success,” especially if you add a spoonful of peanut butter.
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“Create a romantic night under the Christmas tree lights, bring a tree or Christmas lights into your bedroom...”
pam farrel | love-wise.com
THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN
Give Your Spouse
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Listen Your spouse will drop hints about the things he or she loves, and you can use these hints to create more romance and sizzle in your relationship. For example, if you listen to Bill and me in a casual lunch conversation, you will find out that he loves football, fishing, cooking, joke-telling, and the Bible. If you listen to me, you will discover I love travel, biking, swimming, tennis, laughing, helping women, and the spa! Then you probably could connect that if I gave Bill a day of ocean fishing or if he gave me a day at the spa, we would be more interested in each other at the end of that day. But it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Kayaking is on both our lists, so we kayak to lunch from our liveaboard boat. We both enjoy walking and biking, so that evening stroll or leisurely cycle together can put us in the mood.
Gift giving in a marriage is a cultivated art. When we took a romantic walk recently, I asked Bill about our most memorable Christmas gifts over our 41 years. Interestingly, our first Christmas gifts were meaningful. Bill labored for hours on a handcrafted oak jewelry box. I still use it, but what gave it extra meaning is he worked in my grandfather’s shop and listened to Grandpa’s stories, and heeded my Papa’s advice. Bill forged a relationship with me and my beloved Grandpa as he crafted this lovely personal gift. Similarly, Bill said the hand-sewn, collared, button-down, pinstriped shirt I designed, complete with the persona neck tag. “Sewn with Love by Pam” still has meaning today because it too was a labor of love, unique and one of a kind. In our book, The First Five Years, we explain how to create a memorable romantic encounter using the acrostic for LOVE:
L.isten O.bserve V.ary E.xtract
One way to give these little loves for Christmas is to get 12 greeting cards and preplan 12 dates, once a month, to live out these “little loves” together. Observe II enjoy Sherlock Holmes (TV show and books), so I adapted Sherlock’s keen detective skills to observe my mate better. In 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband, I encourage wives to observe what will bless and ignite their spouse: • What raises stress in your partner—then make a plan to lower it • What lifts the spirit—then make a plan to repeat it • What calms the atmosphere—then recreate it What things are collectible—then add to it • When he or she sighs or purrs—then repeat it • What makes him/her ask for more—then expand it • What draws him/her to you—then protect it A tender observation creates a statement of value. One year for Christmas, all our sons were young adults, so I said, “All I want for Christmas is words that make me cry happy tears”. Bill asked each of our then young adult sons to write a thank
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The photo was placed into a beautiful new china hutch. Each son, not knowing what the others wrote, said someplace in their letter to me our family motto: “Thank you, Mom, for teaching me that those who honor God, God honors” (1 Samuel 2:30) The baton of faith was passed securely—and yes, I cried happy tears.
No holds barred! Hands down through the goalposts out of the ballpark nothing but net checkered flag gold medal got my heart winner!
Vary
Extract
you letter to me, then he placed the letter on a photo of each doing his favorite sport. That Christmas, Bill had each son read his letter out loud.
In our book, Red Hot Monogamy, we give over 200 Red Hot Romantic ideas. One of the easiest ways to vary the experience is to keep the five senses in mind. Add new sounds/music, add new smells, textures, or tastes. Create a romantic night under the Christmas tree lights or bring a tree or Christmas lights into your bedroom and buy new cozy sheets or a Christmas-themed comforter.
To extract love, take an old idea and give it a new spin. Personalize it, shake it up, add to it. One year, Bill scanned the covers of all the books we have written and made a series of greeting cards with personal love messages. He used the book titles as a part of a pun, like “It has been ‘Pure Pleasure’ being married to you.
One of our favorite Christmas gifts to one Every hour all day, he gave me a card with a another was a PJ day where we spent one day, new message and a little gift. ALL day during the Christmas season, in bed One Christmas, I took a photo of my husband and made together! a magazine cover: World’s Best Lover. I included article Every man appreciates it when you compliment his skills as a lover. One Christmas season, after a romantic encounter, I climbed out of bed to pen this poem that I gave my husband:
teasers like “Pastor Wows Wife,” “Great Husband is also Great Father.” This hung on Bill’s side of the bathroom sink for over a decade until we sold that home. Now it is inside a photo album of our “Romantic Moments.”
You’re the Winner! No contest!
No matter what it is, the greatest gift you can give your spouse every day is one thats wrapped in LOVE.
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THE BIG QUESTION
Q: The pandemic has created chaos for our women’s ministry. No one can agree on how we should meet. What should we do? Wow. Look how much unity Paul advocated. This goes way beyond petty issues like what to serve for a church dinner or who gets to use the fellowship hall on Thursday nights. I believe he’s referring to doctrine. In the Early Church, Augustine taught unity in essential doctrines and freedom in the unimportant issues. Meaning, you agree on huge issues like the deity of Christ and the Virgin Birth. Shrug off less critical topics. Second, look at Philippians 2:5.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NAS) . cynthia l. simmons | clsimmons.com
Your question reminds me of the passage Paul wrote to the Philippian church: “I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2 NASB). He wanted them to work together instead of creating chaos by pulling in different directions. While writing those words, Paul sat in a Roman prison, which means the news about these ladies traveled a long way. In that era, getting from one place to the other wasn’t easy, but the issue at stake was vital. Notice, Paul entreated both ladies—saying it twice even though God doesn’t waste words. He pressed them to “live in harmony” utilizing the verb phroneo, which involves thinking. In this context, it means allowing the Lord to influence your thoughts. Let’s look at several other verses to fill in the picture.
The phrase “have this attitude” is the imperative verb form of phroneo. In other words, this verse commands us to think like Jesus. What an assignment! Of course, Jesus “looked out for the interests of others” and became a man to die for our sins. In essence, Jesus prioritized our needs over His, and that’s an excellent lesson for anyone. Sit down and listen to the reasons why people hold strong views about the meeting. Maybe they have an elderly relative in their home, or perhaps they have their medical concerns. I heard one lady say she almost fainted while wearing a mask because she didn’t get enough oxygen. She hated them.
Thinking like Christ means honoring both types of people and finding a way for them both to win. How you are going to meet is less important than Christ and sharing the truth. In summary, Make the Lord and His word your focus as you draw your ladies into fellowship. Paul wanted to hear that the Philippians were
“standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” “Make my joy complete by being of the same (Philippians 1:27 NASB). mind, maintaining the same love, united in So like Esther, let’s arise together” to accomplish God’s work spirit, intent on one purpose” (NASB). for his kingdom! First, let’s consider Philippians 2:2. Paul used the noun form of phroneo, which scholars translated “mind”:
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ARISE TO THE MINISTRY OF
Magazine Writing
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doing in someone else’s writing or speaking journey, we can get excited about what He’s doing in our lives and through our mutually encouraging relationships. 3. Accept your responsibility to serve people. When we acknowledge that the coveted platform publishers desire consists of the people God loves, we can love and serve the people He places within our sphere of influence. 4. Honor the shared goal God has given His disciples. When we realize that we need readers and our fellow Christian communicators (Acts 2:21-25) as we grow spiritually (verse 42), we can work together as God adds to our “number daily those who were being saved” (verse 47). xochitl e. dixon | xedixon.com
5. Come alongside fellow Christian communicators in ministry.
I arrived at my first Christian writer’s When we share knowledge and conference in 2010, repeating a simple resources while intentionally and prayer. Lord, please show me the next step You want me to prayerfully encouraging fellow Christian take and give me the courage to follow Your lead. communicators, we become a part of the During that conference, God connected me with authors, work God is doing in and through their lives. editors, and speakers who prayed for me offered wise counsel, invested in my training, and encouraged me. Working alongside these fellow Christian communicators shaved years off my learning process. It provided muchneeded support when my writing journey didn’t align with my goals, meet industry standards, or fit into my everchanging five-year plans. Through these genuine relationships, God adjusted my vision of success and revealed five ways to live as a Christ-centered influencer.
How can we develop relationships necessary to nurture our growth as Christ-centered influencers?
1. Contact one to three people who share your target audience. 2. Communicate through prayer meetings or groups to stay connected while working separately. 3. Commit to offering mutual support with book launches, reviews, and promotional events.
1. Recognize writing as a tool for ministry, rather than a core part of your identity.
4. Celebrate each person’s unique strengths by collaborating with one another regularly.
When we stop determining our worth through our resumes, we can accept rejections as signs of redirection from God.
5. Connect with other groups or organizations committed to cooperative ministry.
By developing a sense of stewardship regarding the gifts He’s entrusted to us, our goals and purpose can become others-focused. 2. Value every servant within the Church as a co-worker instead of a competitor.
When we stop worrying about what God is
Just as God grew the Early Church through believers’ fellowship in Acts 2, He can expand our reach and His Kingdom when each of us serves as a Christ-centered influencer. Show us the next step, Lord, and give us the courage to work together as we follow Your lead.
Find out more about our upcoming Arise Esther Conference by going to ariseestherconference. 17.
MUSICREVIEWS BOLD VISION #1
PLANETSHAKERS it’s christmas live
CAROLINE COBB a seed, a sunrise: advent to christmas songs
Acclaimed praise and worship band Planetshakers has released It’s Christmas Live (November 27, 2020), recorded before a crowd at Planetshakers Church before the pandemic quarantine. The 11-track album is a live version of Planetshakers’ first full-length studio Christmas album (2019).
Songwriter/vocalist Caroline Cobb offers something different from the traditional for Christmas. Her third album, A Seed, a Sunrise: Advent to Christmas Songs released November 20, 2020.
It’s Christmas Live, which features a 59-voice choir, puts a Planetshakers praise and worship spin on several Christmas classics as well as a few originals. It’s reminiscent of their high-energy worship sets, but with a jubilant Christmas celebration at the forefront. “Christmas is a great time to remember what Jesus has done,” says Russell Evans, Planetshakers founder and lead pastor. “Despite what we may see around us or how we may feel, Christmas is a time where we can refocus our attention firmly on Jesus. God became man to save humanity.” As you listen to this album, you’ll likely agree with Josh Hunt, session leader: “These songs are full of life and joy.”
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With its soft, soulful lilt, Caroline’s voice stirs the senses as she lyrically unveils the hope in anticipation of Christmas, the celebration of the promised Messiah fulfilled in Jesus. Listening to each poetically crafted original track may bring to mind Isaiah 9 that foretells the “great light” soon to dawn upon the people who have “walked in darkness.” Her lyrics honestly depict the grey pre-Jesus reality. Still, the tone turns and lifts with the joyous story of His arrival. Caroline sees the hope found in advent and Christmas as needed amid the current state of this world in 2020. “My prayer is that these songs will be a needed balm for us, giving voice to both the desperate cry ‘how long, O Lord?’ and to the unwavering hope we have in Jesus.” heather van allen | music reviewer
jenn taylor | music contributor
Ellie Holcolmb
Stories of the Season Many professionals have had to become creative in their efforts to stay connected, productive, and afloat in unprecedented times. When I spoke with “The Broken Beautiful” artist Ellie Holcomb in the spring, she and other Nashville artists were also dealing with the aftermath of the tornado that tore through Music City. But amid a worldwide pandemic and a tornado, God used Ellie’s latest releases to bring truth and hope to their trauma. As a mother of three children, ages one, four, and seven, Ellie wanted to find a way to communicate more biblical truths daily into her children’s lives. “These days with young children are wonderful, but they are very full. I actually find myself at the end of the day, wondering if I really communicated anything that really matters to my kids,” she said. “There are so many things just to take care of their physical needs. Wash your hands before the meal. Do you need to go potty? You gotta go before we go. Be kind. Use a kind tone of voice. We have to share in this family. All of these things definitely matter, but have I communicated things that I really want them to know at the end of the day? A lot of times, the answer is no. We are alive.”
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Find out more about Ellie’s new books and music at ellieholcomb.com
—continued from page 19— Ellie said the family always sings, reads, snuggles, and prays. She decided to write some books and songs to help her kids know what really matters at the end of the day.
“There are so many days that I forget to remember what is true, and I lose my patience and my car keys.” Her desire was to write books that would be “like a campfire for families to gather around at the end of the day to warm our hearts by the love of God’s love for us.” Ellie said that the phrase “Don’t Forget to Remember” came from her younger brother. “Inevitably, we would all be piling in the car on the way to school, and the brother right under me—we’d be 10 minutes on the way to school—and he’d say, ‘Oh no, Mom. I forgot to remember my lunch’ or ‘I forgot to remember my backpack,’” she said. “It became this phrase in our family, ‘Oh, I forgot to remember.’ So, I kinda took that phrase and wrote a book of things of the truth that I often “Forget to Remember” every day.” On March 3, the day the book released, an EF3 tornado ran through the heart of Nashville. Ellie’s husband, Drew, also a musician, was traveling, and she was with their three children when the tornado hit. “I woke up in the middle of the night to our house shaking,” she said. “It was probably the scariest thing that I’ve ever been through. And, in the same breath, we are so grateful for breath in our lungs, and that village is just rising up so strong.”
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“We woke up the next day, and the tornado had gone right behind our house. The devastation was unbelievable. “Literally, just walking down the block to check on our friends, my kids were looking around and seeing the tornado hit the night before. So, I actually ended up that day with many kids at our house because we didn’t have any shattered glass inside. Many of our storm windows were shattered, but we are still very blessed to have a roof over our heads with a couple of holes in it. We tarped it. We had the safest place for the kids who couldn’t be in their homes. I had about 10 children in my house on the day that we were supposed to officially release this book.” Seeing her book in the house, the kids asked to read it and suggested a page about tornadoes. “I said, ‘You know, guys, I kinda did this one page that covers the tornado in it.’ There’s this one spread in the book that says, ‘When you see a rainbow after the rain, don’t forget to remember that God’s love stays the same on glad days and sad days. God’s near, and He can use any storm to make good things grow.’ So they were like, ‘You did write about the tornado!’ I had no idea that we were going to walk through something like that, but it was the sweetest thing because storms can be terrifying and really sad.”
Through reading the book and discussing the aftermath, she was able to ask the kids, “Do you see anything that God’s done that’s been good even though the storm was
scary?” They said, “Well, we’re all over here.” “We’re getting so much time with our friends when we would usually be in school. But here we are with all of our friends. So many strangers are coming to our houses and helping us get all of our stuff out. Then, one of them said, ‘I’ve been hugged by like 10 people who didn’t even know me today.’ I literally could not think of a more beautiful or powerful release day to be reading this book.” The kids were also asked to sing the song the goes with the book. So they listened to the music, and the children ended up writing their own stories of what happened during the tornado. “It’s not what we thought release day was going to look like. However, it’s probably one of the most beautiful ways to think of for this book to be immediately implemented into kids’ lives,” Ellie said.
“I am incredibly grateful that they see firsthand, even in hard times, God is near and we can see Him show up—His light, showing up after a dark night. It wasn’t really what we had written down but God.” As for the future, Ellie believes that as long as she has kids, more stuff for kids will come from her. “I’m just sensitive, like I live in a musical. I’m always singing in my shows, and the way I memorize Scripture is I try to write a melody to it. When I am working on Scripture memory with my little girl and little boy, they can do it so much better with a song,” she said. “I think I will
continue to write stuff for kids. I will continue to make things for kids because that’s sort of the way I am wired, and I am around my kids all the time. I’m constantly creating with them and for them, which is really a gift.” She loves to test out her new material at home also. “It’s like I have a small audience in my home. So, when I am writing the songs, I play it for them once I am finished writing. If I don’t hear them singing it later on that day or week, I’ll revisit it and see if I can make it better. These are essential truths,” she said.
“You know how songs get stuck in our heads? I want the truth of God to get stuck in my kids’ heads and hearts, and in my own head and heart, for that matter. It is one of the sweetest things to hear my kids coloring and singing, “I’m gonna rest in the light of Your love.” That and “Wherever I Go” are the ones that are getting stuck in their heads the most right now. They dance the most to “God of All Nations.” We sing a lot from my old record as well.” Ellie’s first book, “Who Sang the First Song?” explores the idea that God sang and created the whole earth into being. Her second book, “Don’t Forget to Remember,” zooms in on creation’s song,” she said. “I love it so much because so much of the book is based on Psalm 19.” Ellie’s books and the accompanying albums may be found at ellieholcomb.com.
Just in time for Christmas, Ellie and husband, Drew are taking their annual Christmas show virtual. “A Neighborly Christmas,” may be purchased through their Facebook pages and viewed through January 6, 2021.
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keeping
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS penelope carlevato | penelopecarlevato.com
Christmas holds many fond memories. When I was a child in the United States, my English mother continued to celebrate Christmas as though we still lived in England. We placed our tree in front of the living room window on Christmas Eve. We spent the evening decorating the tree and the tabletops in the living room. After dinner, my dad read the Christmas story from Luke. It’s a story that never grows old, and my husband and I continue that tradition, even if it’s just the two of us.
“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” —Charles Dickens At midnight, my parents bundled us up, and we went to church for the midnight service. It was the only night of the year when we were allowed to stay up so late. The church was aglow with candlelight and the fragrance of evergreens. It usually snowed, so the roads were often slippery and somewhat scary. We kids loved seeing our breath so frosty while we sang Christmas carols on the way to the service. Christmas morning, we found our stockings, which we hung on the ends of our beds the night before, filled with apples, oranges, nuts, and little treasures. The “real “ presents were under the tree that we opened after breakfast.
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Since my mother kept Christmas very English, less emphasis was placed on Christmas Eve, as everything happens on Christmas Day. We started with a rather large breakfast and then gathered around the Christmas tree as everyone took turns opening presents. Christmas dinner was a grand affair and served early afternoon. My mother would usually invite those who were alone or had no family close by. She made a giant turkey with all the trimmings like roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, Brussel sprouts, mincemeat pies, and plum pudding (Christmas pudding). Our Christmas dinner always included Christmas crackers. They are cardboard rolls wrapped in fancy paper with toys and trinkets inside. Each end has a pull-tab, and when it’s pulled, it makes a firecracker noise. Out pours some small toys and a paper hat. Everyone at the table wears a hat during dinner. For many years, my aunt in England sent us our yearly Christmas crackers in her package. Now they are easily bought in many department and discount stores here in the US. Mother reminded us that if we were home in England for Christmas, at 3:00 pm, we would all gather around the radio and listen to the Queen’s yearly Christmas broadcast. Then we would have our Christmas tea. However, as much as I enjoy reproducing an English Christmas at my home, I find the weeks leading up to Christmas are now more important to me. I began my tradition about 25 years ago. I invite my neighbors and friends to a Christmas tea.
I deliver the invitations the week before Thanksgiving and have the tea the first weekend in December. Despite living in the same neighborhood, we are all busy, so this may be our only time together during the year. In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas. My Christmas tea allows us to catch our breath and savor a time of relaxation.
We can reflect on what Christmas means, a season of hope, although less emphasized in our times, that God will bring peace to our world. While this past year will have changed many of our Christmas celebrations plans, I think traditions are still essential. I won’t be having 20 neighborhood ladies sharing a full Afternoon Christmas tea, but just a few friends gathering around the fireplace with a few Christmas cookies and a pot of Christmas tea. I still get excited when I pull out my Christmas teacups from storage and place them on a tray ready to serve with a few cookies. It will look a lot different, but as winter and the Christmas season settles around us, I can still share the wonder of Christmas. We can always take time to embrace this wonderful and magical season. It’s still a season of remembering what we can do and not focusing on what we can’t do.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). We can still bundle up and get the family to cut down a Christmas tree and relive beautiful memories as we hang the ornaments. We can even bake our favorite Christmas cookies and share them with the neighbors. Our shopping for the perfect gift will be more comfortable as most of us have resorted to online shopping. We can still write Christmas cards and send a letter to our friends in faraway places. We can even celebrate with Christmas crackers. And as this year comes to a close, we can still live out our traditions or memorable moments around the Christmas tree. We will do it differently. We will make intentional moments, knowing this, too, shall pass. 2020 is coming to a close, and 2021 is a new year. We remember that Christmas is part of our heritage and our faith. We recognize that all is calm, and all is bright. Savor the moments and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
“Joy to the world! The Lord is Come!” I have made many versions of shortbread cookies. This recipe is my favorite, as it is so quick and easy. My English friend Veronica shared this with me this past year, and I know you will love it as much as I do. Shortbread is a must for everyone’s Christmas and especially Christmas teas.
Veronica’s Shortbread 1 ½ cup flour One stick butter (I use Irish butter) ¼ cup sugar Preheat oven to 325ºF Combine all three ingredients. You can use a food processor and make two batches. Press the dough down firmly into a 9” pie pan until reasonably smooth. Use a fork and mark around the edge of the dough with the fork tines. Prick around the dough with a fork. Bake at 325ºF for about 40 minutes until light golden brown. While still hot, sprinkle with sugar (red or green is lovely for Christmas) and carefully score into 8 or 12 wedges. Cool on rack.
Find great recipes like this in Penelope’s book: The Art of Afternoon Tea: From the Era of Downton Abbey and the Titanic. Available autographed from penelopecarlevato.com \or by emailing penelopesteatime@gmail.com.
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dr. saundra dalton-smith | ichoosemybestlife.com
7 WAYS TO BEAT THE COVID CHRISTMAS BLUES
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1. Take advantage of the extra time you now have for yourself. Use the time preparing for family gatherings in years past to reflect. Reflection helps you see the intersections in your life where God saw you through difficult circumstances. What testimonies of God’s faithfulness have you experienced? What aspects of your relationship with God would you like to deepen? What is Holy Spirit highlighting when you read God’s Word? 2.Think about small goals you’d like to accomplish. Do you want to get that hall closet cleaned out finally? Maybe you can now complete that DIY or personal project. It’s a great time to make a list of all those little tasks you want to get done. Having the list will help you concentrate on your goals. Plus, it’s wonderful to draw a line through an achieved goal. Don’t see your list as a must-do list but a can-do list. You can do it or not. It’s your choice with no added pressure.
All of the busyness helps keep us mentally engaged and helps combat some of the emotions that arise during the year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put a halt on most of our activities and has left ample room in our schedules for reflection. Time to process some of the hard emotions and disappointments of this year as we have more time alone. Social isolation has made the holidays more challenging, and for some, it may increase their risk of getting the holiday blues. People who already avoided celebrating during this season now have a legitimate reason to avoid others. While there are a few people who can thrive with minimal human contact, most of us need to spend time with others to stay emotionally healthy and happy. Having a lot of free time alone doesn’t have to be a bad thing. There is a lot you can do to ease the discomfort of loneliness and social isolation. Instead of focusing on the challenges and what you cannot do, try to take advantage of the unique possibilities now available. You can learn more about yourself, try out a few new hobbies, or gain a deeper appreciation of Advent and what it means to prepare for the coming of Jesus. You’re free to explore your interests without excessive outside interference and use the time for personal restoration of the depleted areas of your life. This year more than ever, we need to get real about what we need during the holidays. This Christmas we don’t need more gifts we won’t use. What we need are more people we can rejoice with even in the uncertainties of life. What we need this Christmas isn’t a tidier home. What we need are more moments where we invite Jesus into the messiness of our lives. What we need this Christmas isn’t more energy spent running to stores. What we need is more time running into the presence of God. If you experience an emotional disappointment this holiday season, there are many things you can do to lift your mood and make it through this difficult time. Here are a few strategies to boost your spirit and get your New Year off to a great start.
3. Focus on positive forward changes. If 2020 has taught us nothing else, it has made it very clear that the only consistent thing is change. Life is full of changes. Some you can control, most you cannot. The way to stay resilient is to continue to make forward progress during times of change. Perhaps you want to exercise more or spend more quality time with your children. Ponder how you might go about making the changes you seek. Think of taking little steps toward your big goals. 4. Pursue an interest. We’ve all got those interests we hope to “get to” someday. Since you’ve got some downtime now, why not go for it? Delve into that subject you’ve been curious about or start the photography class you’ve longed to take. If you’re not sure what you’re interested in, do some research. Start searching the internet, browse some websites, or check out a few books. You’ll most likely find a couple of topics or activities you want to research. 5. Have a virtual dinner party. You’ll have plenty of time to plan and prepare for this event with your loved ones. With the ability to have groceries delivered, you can even schedule a cooking/dinner party where you do a group video call while preparing the meal! You’ll enjoy yourself, and your mood will lift. 6. Renew and refresh your surroundings. Do you feel like rearranging the furniture in a room or two? Maybe you want to paint the walls or make new curtains. Take out some of those pictures in your attic to frame and put on your walls. Re-decorating your surroundings is a beautiful way to go into a new year and banish the holiday blues at the same time. 7. Reconnect with an old friend. There’s something so wonderful about making that call you’ve wanted to make. Hearing your friend’s voice again will bring great joy to your heart. It might be a friend from the old neighborhood, a former college roommate, or a former coworker. Reach out to them, and it will bless you both. Taking some quality time for yourself during this period can lift your mood immensely and ignite your excitement about the year ahead.
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edie melson | ediemelson.com
GOD’S SAYING HE NEEDS
YOU RIGHT NOW
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Now is not the time to second-guess God’s divine calling. Instead we must stand on His promises. He’s recorded them in His Word, and He’s whispered personal promises into every soul. The enemy is working overtime to cultivate weeds of doubt and fear to choke out the vines that God has planted to bear fruit. Satan is seeking to cripple those whom God is calling. So we stand at a crossroad.
We can choose to move forward in God’s power, walking into impossible situations and allowing Him to work. Or we can huddle in fear, feeding our insecurity. Now is the time for boldness and confidence.
God is calling you to action for such a time as this. Ladies, are you ready to step into the spiritual battlefield which surrounds us? Or are you waiting for someone else to take the lead? Esther 4:14 began as a whisper this year and has swelled to a battle cry of God’s people. It’s a scary, exciting, and ministry-empowering verse that still carries as much impact today as it did back then. A call for God’s people to act. 2020 has been a year for the books. It’s been a time of loss for many, but it’s also been a time when even more have found something that was missing in their lives. We’ve discovered what it’s like to live in the midst of the power of God. He’s already accomplished things individually that we never imagined. We’ve been able to master tasks and situations we’d never have tackled if God hadn’t allowed these events to unfold. And now He’s calling on us to allow Him to accomplish even more.
He wants to work through His people to spread His truth. Two stories are being written about this time, and only one of them is true. As women and ministry leaders, we have God’s Spirit within us, and we are a vital part of His plan. He’s set each of us in a unique situation within a community that needs His truth spoken with clarity and love.
Not in ourselves—never that. But it’s time to walk in faith because God is able, and He has chosen to work through us. No matter how inadequate we feel, it’s not our power that’s going to accomplish His purposes. It’s our obedience and willingness to be used by Him. God has issued the call for His people to go forward with Him. Just as He did in the days of the prophet Isaiah when he cried,
“Here I am, send me.” To the days when Jesus called His disciples. To the words recorded for us in Matthew 13:52 (NIV) He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” You see, God chose you for such a time as this. You are His cadre of teachers, His spokeswomen. You have been allowed to live in this momentous time to illuminate the great and mighty things the Lord has done in the past to save His people and the new things He is doing today. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. But His word tells us For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19 NLT)
It’s time for His army of Esthers to arise! Have you accepted God’s commission? Can you choose to rest in His perspective and timing? Will you use God’s Truth to strengthen your personal story and season your conversations and your ministry?
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prayercircle
praying past a
DIFFICULT YEAR linda evans shepherd | lindashepherd.com
We’re not the first generation to face disappointment, which is why I’d like to introduce you to my hero. former slave and
gold rush entrepreneur Clara Brown. Born in 1800, Clara experienced the hardships of slavery, yet her heart remained free in Jesus. But, being a believer didn’t mean God answered every one of her prayers. When Clara married Richard, they were both slaves on the same farm where they raised their family. But when their owner died, her family was forced to face a Kentucky auction block. Clara’s husband and son were sold downriver to work the worst of the plantations, forever lost to Clara. Even worse, Clara’s ten-year-old daughter, Eliza Jane, was sold to a stranger, a mother’s worse nightmare. Clara herself was sold to Mr. Brown, a local plantation owner, to work in his kitchen with a slave named Becky Johnson. When Mr. Brown died, he willed Clara and Becky their freedom. Clara soon joined a wagon train headed for Denver, where she worked as a cook, conquering prejudice as she befriended the cowboys who were headed out to become gold miners. When she got to the Colorado high country, she opened a laundry in Central City. Being a successful businesswoman, Clara even managed to grubstake some of her miner friends, and they all struck it rich. Her riches allowed her to continue her search for her daughter through newspaper ads across the South. When Governor Pitkin invited Clara to become Colorado’s ambassador to Kansas to help the former slaves, Clara didn’t hesitate. She spent what was left of her fortune to feed the hungry and helped stop the black settlers’ rampant starvation.
She even led a delegation of former slaves, via wagon train, to jobs in Colorado.
But her 50-year search for her daughter mounted to nothing. It wasn’t until she was on her deathbed that she finally got the telegram: Eliza Jane was found! It seems Eliza’s best friend, Becky Johnson, had recently migrated to Council Bluff, Iowa. On her first Sunday at the African Methodist Church, Becky told a fellow worshipper Clara’s tragic story. The woman responded, “My mother was named Clara, and I grew up on a Kentucky farm.” Becky had found the missing Eliza Jane!
When Clara got Becky’s telegram, Clara got off her deathbed and took a train to Iowa and was reunited with her daughter at long last. Even though Clara never pretended, she understood the ways of the Lord. She trusted Him all along, despite separation from her family, hardships, war, fires, and floods. It took 50 years, but the Lord led Clara to her heart’s desire— her daughter’s arms. Through it all, Clara’s favorite saying was, “I go where my Jesus send me.” Let’s pray the same:
Dear Lord, this has been a difficult season and year, but like Clara, I will trust You and go wherever you send me. In Jesus’ name. 29.
CHRISTIANBOOKBUZZ BOLD VISION #1
FREEFALL: HOLDING ONTO FAITH WHEN THE UNTHINAKBLE STRIKES
SHADOW OF THE DAGGER anne greene
nonfiction book of the year
christian novel of the year
Freefall was recognized as the Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year at the 2020 Golden Scroll Awards.
Shadow of the Dagger was recognized as the Christian Book Market Novel of the Year at the 2020 Golden Scroll Awards.
rhonda robinson
God makes us brave. When we face the pain of irreplaceable loss, He carries us to the shores of a new horizon. As Rhonda learned to praise God through the devastatingly tragic car accident that claimed the life of her son, Dan, she began her healing journey with God. If you have experienced pain or loss in your life, FreeFall: Holding onto Faith When the Unthinkable Strikes will set your feet on solid ground. Author Rhonda Robinson writes with authentic grace that will enable you to embrace the new normal of a new beginning in your life. “God is using even the loss in your life to create a masterpiece of purpose.” ―Sue Detweiler, best-selling author of Women Who Move Mountains: Praying with Confidence, Boldness, and Grace and pastor of Life Bridge Church
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This is the first Anne Greene novel I’ve read. Won’t be the last. Shadow of the Dagger jumps right into tension and never lets up. Vivid details, fascinating characters, and tight writing style push the story forward. Greene immerses the reader in the exotic Turkish culture, history, and ancient traditions, including the confining rules for women. She also portrays the breadth of beautiful countrysides and cityscapes with the intriguing architecture and confusion of mazes and corridors. Good pacing of changing POV scenes. Suspense couples with smoldering yet controlled romance scenes. A complex plot brims with inner and outer conflicts, mistrust and betrayal. Nicole Phillips is a gutsy heroine, full of faith, and I so relate to her directional dyslexia. —Janet Chester Bly, author of The Trails of Reba Cahill Series
abouttime
how to plan during UNCERTAIN TIMES karen whiting | karenwhiting.com
Contingencies, alternative scenarios, adaptive programs, and other terms are being bounced around as ideas to plan anew. It makes us pray and wonder how to prepare for
alternative futures. Yet, many of us have faced uncertainty on a personal level in the past. The Coronavirus brought on a new level of uncertainty. Be adaptable, sometimes changing delivery methods and interpersonal interactions. We must trust God and pray for wisdom. James 4:15 becomes our motto: Instead, you should say, “If it pleases the Lord, we will live and do this or that.” Consider future plans like a “choose your own adventure book” (scenario planning) with a beginning, middle, and ending. You’ll be creating a map of alternative routes. Know the possibilities: • All possible delivery methods available • Person-to-person live and online interaction methods available • Possible live events and cancellation costs plus final date to cancel • Brochures and promotion that include alternative plans and communication links • Be poised to reschedule live events when those doors openl • Make plans to fill needs with new methods when you cannot go where you are needed. • Create projects with no definite time, just ready to book later.
• Design new programs to do from a distance to replace ones done in person. Evaluate what you can control, such as your current situation and money on hand. Consider the best use of those assets. Conduct surveys to know how people will respond to your ideas. Reach out to meeting planners, conference directors, and others who schedule events. Let them know you want to be kept in the loop and will be ready when calendars and venues open up. Provide fresh ideas to meet the new needs of audiences. Let your audiences know you want to meet in person when it’s safe, and ask for them to keep you in mind. Be prepared to book us when things calm down. Send Christmas cards to your contacts in hopes of bookings in the coming year. Use the extra time at home to plan new talks, books, and social media campaigns. It might be a good time to take training to start a new venture, such as developing a podcast, doing FB live, or pitching a column for a newspaper or magazine. With so many online training conferences, it’s easy to learn something new you can apply. It might be time to get some elective surgery or other treatment you put off due to a busy schedule. Network with friends to develop some cross-promotion and possible joint speaking events online or future in-person ones. A newsletter to bless others with free gifts from friends can grow everyone’s email list. Above all, seek God’s will and trust the future to Him. He knew the virus would come far ahead of its arrival. And He knows the plans He has for you.
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mary kaarto | marykaarto.com
PRAYERS FOR THE
LAID OFF AT CHRISTMAS
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4. If such a conversation makes you cringe with discomfort or you feel it would not be well received by the couple, you may consider mailing gift cards from various stores to them (anonymously) and if possible, from different zip codes so they won’t be able to figure out who they were sent by. This is actually quite fun! 5. Should you also be laid off and without extra cash, offer to babysit each other’s kids to give you and your spouse some much-need time to decompress, cry, make love, etc. 6. If you feel comfortable doing so, invite your friends over at some point during the holidays, and remind them the best gift of all is Jesus—and their friendship—and that no gifts be exchanged this year. Doing so would help them feel loved and valued without any expectations or pressure.
With millions of people worldwide laid off from their jobs due to the pandemic, chances
are you may know someone in your own life who is struggling to make ends meet. If you are blessed to still have a job, or a nest egg to fall back on, you may be wondering how you can show them you care. Many years ago, I went through two separate, two-year layoffs (all while as a single mom), so I’m hoping some of the examples will prove helpful to you as we all navigate the Christmas season during the first pandemic of our lives, together.
1. The first and most important thing you can do is continue to pray for the individual and/or their family—and, on a regular basis, let them know you are doing so.
7. Another idea would be—if possible— to help their kids write a letter or draw a Christmas card for their parents to give to them, letting them know they are loved unconditionally just like Jesus loves us unconditionally! 8. Invite your friends to join you and your family to celebrate Christmas by attending a worship service or virtual service together. 9. If either or both father/mother are very proud and you know they will not accept handouts, maybe think of something they could do for you with the understanding that they be paid for their time and services. Suggestions could be helping you update your computer’s software programs, or organizing photos on your desktop. Or, doing the yard, helping paint the house, discover the mysterious car problem and fix it. The possibilities are endless. My brother and sisterin-law paid me quite well to babysit their daughter, which helped give me some level of dignity.
2. If there are children involved, discreetly let the parents know how much it would mean to you if they would “let” you be a blessing to them this Christmas by providing a gift or two for each child (regardless of their ages). Speak to them in lovingkindness and without a condescending tone. Assure them that you do not wish to be repaid in the future.
10. Look for ways to volunteer in your community together with others, and let that time spent together be the gift of a beautiful memory.
3. A suggested conversation may go something along these lines: “We know things aren’t easy for you right now, especially with the pandemic and we’d like to help. It would mean so much to us if you would allow us the privilege of picking up a few gifts for your kids and delivering them to you wrapped, as being “from Santa” or “from you” (depending on the ages of the kids). We know if the situation were reversed, you would do the same for our family, and who knows? What has happened to you, could happen to us next week, so please let us be a blessing to you and your family—no strings attached.”
May God bless you and your families now and in the years to come; but more importantly, may you each, bless Him.
If you or someone you know is laid off, while you are sharing time, prayer and gifts, please remember to share with them the good news of the gospel and God’s free gift of salvation.
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less plunder
MORE WONDER rhonda rhea | rhondarhea.com
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announced to the shoppers … I mean … the shepherds … was the fantastic news of the Savior’s birth. The incredible story from Luke 2:8-11 is for us to enjoy in every little part of our calendar year. “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
“But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David,’” (HCSB). Keeping watch over the sales by the newspaper? Keeping watch over the emall by Internet? Whatever we’re watching, may we remember that it’s all about Jesus our King. Praise God the Father for the history-rocking, eternity-locking birth of the King. Not “Vi”-King. THE King. What a wonder that Christ was born. Can you believe that God came into this world as a less-than-sturdy human with the sole purpose of making way for our eternal salvation?
We were hardly past Labor Day when it started: the holiday shopping CRAZY. Earlier every year, isn’t it? Now let me quickly point out that I can tolerate a lot of shopping—a lot. I have an extremely high threshold for that kind of thing. But I noticed a few weeks into last season’s Christmas shopping mania that my stamina had started to wane. I think a lot of it was because instead of “Christmas spirit,” many of the people I ran into had more of a “bliss-less spirit.” No detectable joy to the world. Zero holiday glee. Even less patience. On one of the shopping days last year, for instance, I was pretty sure I got overcharged, but I didn’t say anything. Why? Because, as my daughter pointed out, the salesperson was a very sturdy, very Nordic-looking woman with one large eyebrow and no smile, and I feared her greatly. When I merely cleared my throat, she raised half of the eyebrow threateningly, and I stayed quiet until my near-sprint out of there. I could’ve been missing a “buy one, get 40 free” kind of bargain, and I still wouldn’t have said anything. Sometimes I have to stop to consider if a conflict could kick off my village’s pillaging and/or plundering. We need a Jesus-reminder every single step along the way, all through the season. Have you ever thought about the fact that on that first Christmas, there was no shopping? Weird thought, isn’t it? The good news of great joy the angel
And what a wonder that he came knowing the cost of our salvation would be his very life. No coupon special. No buy one, get one. No sale of this century or any other can compare with the purchase of our eternity by the blood of Jesus. Remembering Christ. That adds the bliss right back into every season. Even the shopping seasons. Probably even shopping in turn-of-the-century Scandinavia.
Find more fa-la-lala funnies like this in Rhonda’s new book, co-authored with Beth Duewel, Fix Her Upper Christmas. Available now wherever books are sold. fix-her-upper.com.
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awsa memberships MEMBERSHIPS FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN COMMUNICATORS The Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) has two levels of membership including: AWSA PROTÉGÉ — For women who feel called to communicate. Membership includes: • • • • •
Newsletters with the latest news and resources. A link to watch “Storytelling for Writers and Speakers” video class. An invitation to attend our live events at our conferences and retreats. Access to AWSA Coaches. Eligibility to join our Protégé Power Call — a weekly live, call-in training with expert teachers.
AWSA PROFESSIONAL – For women who are professional writers, speakers or communicators. Membership includes: • • • • • •
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leadinghearts.com
An online networking and resource loop. Newsletters with all the latest news and resources. A prayer loop. Opportunity to submit to AWSA’s Leading Hearts magazine and Arise Daily e-devotionals. Opportunity to submit books for possible review in Leading Hearts magazine and purchase cover and features for strategic promotion. An invitation to attend our conferences and retreat where you can submit proposals as well as meet editors and fellow professionals who will give you the publishing and speaking insight you need to know to succeed.
intensives & certification
AWSA Mastermind Groups — a mentor group for AWSA professional members only. Meets twice a month via video conferencing. Your Mastermind facilitator will ask you and other attendees four questions: • • • •
What are you working on? What did you learn since we last met? What do you need help with? How can we pray for you?
You will be amazed what you will learn as well as the bonds you will create!
Certified Coaching—For AWSA Professionals ready to coach the next generation. • • • • • • • •
Double, triple your writing and speaking income. Take your income and influence to a radically new level. Remove your roadblocks to your writing and speaking career. Identify and clarify your writing and speaking goals and help others do the same. Get paid for developing clients in leadership, writing and speaking skills. Recognize the scams and pitfalls in the publishing industry with guaranteed ways to avoid them. Identify your God-given dreams and develop a clear action plan to achieve them. Develop camaraderie, community and lifelong friendships, as well as peer-to-peer support in your ministry.
Our Coaching Certification was developed under the guidance of Professor and Life Coach Cynthia Cavanaugh and guest experts. It includes a copy of Your Plan to Achieve Your Professional Speaking and Writing Dreams, a coaching workbook for AWSA-generated clients.
Inner Circle — For AWSA Professionals looking for advanced training. • • •
As a member of the AWSA Inner Circle, you are signed up for monthly online training and group coaching. Inner Circle Members can also watch the replays of the classes. You will be the first in the know, the first to have the ability to sign up for VERY SPECIAL and EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13, NIV
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contributors meet the publisher
LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD @LINDASHEPHERD is publisher of Leading Hearts magazine. She is also a best-selling author, an in-demand speaker, and president of Right to the Heart ministries. She is founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She lives in Colorado with husband, Paul, and son, Jimmy. www.Sheppro.com
meet the editor
AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY @BAREFACEDGIRL is managing editor and art director for Leading Hearts magazine and brand manager for AWSA. She is a writer, speaker and multi-award-winning editor, having spent 23 years in the magazine industry. She is a mentor for AWSA Protege and host for Christian Book Buzz. Amber is owner of #barefacedcreative, providing branding support for authors, speakers, businesses and missionaries. She and her Brit-native husband, Philip, live in Missouri with two of their daughters: Imogen and Penelope. Their oldest, Saffron, is a student at Missouri State. www.barefacedgirl.com
authors
PENELOPE CARLEVATO is the author of The Art of Afternoon Tea: From the Era of Downton Abbey and the Titanic as well as Tea on the Titanic, First Class Etiquette. amd her latest, The Tea Lover’s Journal. www.penelopecarlevato.com SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH is an internal medicine physician, author and speaker. She is the founder of the I Choose My Best Life ministry. www.ichoosemybestlife.com XOCHITL (SO-CHEEL) E. DIXON, author of Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace (2019), has a heart for prayer, loving God, loving people, and nurturing spiritual growth through prayer and the study and application of Scripture. She shares God’s truth and love to the ends of the earth as a writer for Our Daily Bread (odb.org), a ministry devoted to making “the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.” Xochitl thanks God for the ongoing support from her husband, her sons, AJ and Xavier, and her service dog, Callie. www.xedixon.com PAM FARREL and husband, Bill, are relationship specialists, international speakers and best-selling authors. When not traveling, you will find them at home on their live-aboard boat in Southern California. www.love-wise.com MARY KAARTO is a retired award-winning editor and former freelance writer for the Houston Chronicle and many other periodicals and magazines. She is author of the “Prayers for the Laid Off” Series. She is married, has one daughter and spends time enjoying her grandkids. www.marykaarto.com MICHELLE S. LAZUREK is an award-winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife and literary agent. She helps Christians reach their potential, mentors new writers and gives hope to weary leaders. www.michellelazurek.com
EDIE MELSON—author, editor and blogger—is a leading professional within the writing industry, as well as a popular instructor and mentor. www.ediemelson.com KAREN PORTER is an international speaker, the author of six books, and a successful business woman. She is president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, serves on several boards, and coaches aspiring writers and speakers. She and her husband, George, own Bold Vision Books, a Christian publishing company. www.karenporter.com RHONDA RHEA is an author, humor columnist, and TV personality. Her newest release with co-author Kaley Rhea, Off-Script & OverCaffeinated is available on Amazon. www.rhondarhea.com CYNTHIA L. SIMMONS is the mother of five grown children, past president of Christian Authors Guild, radio host, media coach. She writes both fiction and non-fiction and loves history. She ministers to women of all ages but has a special place in her heart for young mothers and homeschool mothers. https://clsimmons.com JENNIFER TAYLOR is a reviewer and profile contributor for Leading Hearts magazine HEATHER VAN ALLEN is a music reviewer and profile contributor for Leading Hearts magazine. KAREN WHITING, international speaker and author of 25 books, writes to help families thrive and desires to help families put God center in their lives. Check out her family book, 52 Weekly Devotions for Busy Families. www.karenwhiting.com
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