Jesus Calling Magazine by Thomas Nelson

W I N T E R

THE

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MAGAZINE

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0KRISTIN

CHENOWETH

Finds Joy in Faith, Family (and Furry Friends!)

Tammie Jo Shults

The Woman with Nerves of Steel

EMILY LEY

When Less Is More at Christmas

Hope for When Holidays Hurt

THE

Dear R eader

New from Sarah Young

MAGA ZINE

W I N T E R

AS WE APPROACH this holiday season of

2 0 1 9

Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, I want

Laura Minchew SVP & Publisher

to take this opportunity to greet you—and to tell you how thankful I am for you.

Jesus Calling: Gray Leathersoft Edition

Same great Jesus Calling content in a style that men will appreciate

try to take time every day to write in it—jotting down a few things for which I’m especially grateful. This practice helps me keep a positive, thankful focus. I hope

that you also may experience a grateful focus, with your heart open to God, so that you can see the many blessings He scatters alongside your path each day.

The holidays can be stressful and rather frantic for us. But I encourage you to

Jesus Calling Family Devotional

100 Devotions from Jesus Calling so families can read, talk, pray together

love that God gave us at Christmas—Jesus. Through knowing Him as your Savior, you find that the storyline of your life has an indescribably happy ending!

during this holiday season, but all year long. I am praying for you—that you may find more and more joy in Jesus, our glorious Redeemer!

WISHING YOU A BOUNTIFULLY BLESSED THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASON!

Jesus Calling Kids: Girls Edition

Jesus Always: Botanical Edition

Jesus Always devotional with a beautiful cloth floral cover

CONTENTS

A sweet and sparkly girls design with same devotions as Jesus Calling for Kids

Cover Photo by Michael Larsen

carve out some quiet moments during this season to reflect on the amazing Gift of

My hope is that you will become increasingly aware of God’s glory, not only

Candace Waggoner Senior Operations Manager

The Jesus Calling Magazine is not responsible for problems with vendors or their products or services.

of topics. No matter what is happening in my life, I make

it a top priority to pray for readers. I consider this a God-given responsibility and

Throughout my many years as a Christian, I have kept a “Thanks Book.” I

Barbara Moser Senior Graphic Designer

Published quarterly by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214

have become longer, covering a wide range

and glorious Joy!

Beth Murphy Senior Marketing Director

Designer Michelle Lenger

my books. Over the years, these prayers

bring many readers who are not yet Christians into His kingdom of inexpressible

Laura Neutzling Managing Editor The Jesus Calling Magazine

ChurchSource Team

have prayed daily for people who are reading

a wonderful privilege. One of my most heartfelt daily prayers is that the Lord will

Mandy Wilson Marketing Director Jesus Calling Social Media

Amy Kerr Copy Editor The Jesus Calling Magazine

Ever since the publication of Jesus Calling, I

Jeremy Cowart

Michael Aulisio VP, Marketing Editor in Chief, The Jesus Calling Magazine Linda Tozer Marketing Manager

4 6 10 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 27 28 30

Doing Good: Cooking Up Joy with Chef Brett Swayn Flying High with Tammie Jo Shults Cover Story: Kristin Chenoweth’s Season of Joy Music Spotlight with Texas Musician Aaron Watson Rodeo’s Anthony Lucia Remembers Gifts from His Father Liz Marie’s Cozy Christmas Gift Guide Max Lucado’s Happy Today Journaling Tips Annie Downs Finds Brave in the Wait Hope for When Holidays Hurt Emily Ley Finds Less Is More at the Holidays Dr. Emerson Eggerichs: Marriage Survival Through the Holidays Kid's Fun Page sponsored by RootedFamily.com Holiday Games & Puzzles

THE

Dear R eader

New from Sarah Young

MAGA ZINE

W I N T E R

AS WE APPROACH this holiday season of

2 0 1 9

Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas, I want

Laura Minchew SVP & Publisher

to take this opportunity to greet you—and to tell you how thankful I am for you.

Jesus Calling: Gray Leathersoft Edition

Same great Jesus Calling content in a style that men will appreciate

try to take time every day to write in it—jotting down a few things for which I’m especially grateful. This practice helps me keep a positive, thankful focus. I hope

that you also may experience a grateful focus, with your heart open to God, so that you can see the many blessings He scatters alongside your path each day.

The holidays can be stressful and rather frantic for us. But I encourage you to

Jesus Calling Family Devotional

100 Devotions from Jesus Calling so families can read, talk, pray together

love that God gave us at Christmas—Jesus. Through knowing Him as your Savior, you find that the storyline of your life has an indescribably happy ending!

during this holiday season, but all year long. I am praying for you—that you may find more and more joy in Jesus, our glorious Redeemer!

WISHING YOU A BOUNTIFULLY BLESSED THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS SEASON!

Jesus Calling Kids: Girls Edition

Jesus Always: Botanical Edition

Jesus Always devotional with a beautiful cloth floral cover

CONTENTS

A sweet and sparkly girls design with same devotions as Jesus Calling for Kids

Cover Photo by Michael Larsen

carve out some quiet moments during this season to reflect on the amazing Gift of

My hope is that you will become increasingly aware of God’s glory, not only

Candace Waggoner Senior Operations Manager

The Jesus Calling Magazine is not responsible for problems with vendors or their products or services.

of topics. No matter what is happening in my life, I make

it a top priority to pray for readers. I consider this a God-given responsibility and

Throughout my many years as a Christian, I have kept a “Thanks Book.” I

Barbara Moser Senior Graphic Designer

Published quarterly by Thomas Nelson, Inc., P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214

have become longer, covering a wide range

and glorious Joy!

Beth Murphy Senior Marketing Director

Designer Michelle Lenger

my books. Over the years, these prayers

bring many readers who are not yet Christians into His kingdom of inexpressible

Laura Neutzling Managing Editor The Jesus Calling Magazine

ChurchSource Team

have prayed daily for people who are reading

a wonderful privilege. One of my most heartfelt daily prayers is that the Lord will

Mandy Wilson Marketing Director Jesus Calling Social Media

Amy Kerr Copy Editor The Jesus Calling Magazine

Ever since the publication of Jesus Calling, I

Jeremy Cowart

Michael Aulisio VP, Marketing Editor in Chief, The Jesus Calling Magazine Linda Tozer Marketing Manager

4 6 10 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 27 28 30

D O I N G

COOKING UP JOY NASHVILLE CHEF BRETT SWAYN BRINGS HOPE TO THE HOMELESS spent 10–14 hours a day practicing and writing songs. His drive to “make it” and prove his worth permeated everything he did. With emptiness still at his core, Brett found himself in a marriage he says happened for the wrong reasons. “I inwardly imploded. I lost all my family. I lost all my clothes down to my toothbrush. I lost my career. I lost my friends. I was a very wounded individual.” As life spun out of control, he woke up one morning gripped with the need to read a Bible. He was amazed this 2000-year-old text could speak so clearly to his current situation. “I started reading where it promised forgiveness, mercy, healing, and restoration,” Brett recalls. “For seven months, I wept before that book, praying. It’s all I did. [And] when you find out God is real, you want to do what He says.”

Sarah Young visiting Brett at the Cookery.

WALK INTO THE COOKERY restaurant in Nashville, and you’ll see locals and tourists enjoying comfort food with an Australian flair, brought to life by chef Brett Swayn. But there’s something different behind this cozy café. Each member of the kitchen staff has experienced homelessness and is transitioning toward a new life. Brett is the executive director of Lambscroft Ministries, from which The Cookery was born. The concept of a culinary school and a working café that facilitates new beginnings for homeless men came from Brett’s personal experience with homelessness. Brett was born in Perth, Western Australia in 1967. He left the country in 1991 to chase his dream of becoming a professional musician. He played at a ski resort in Austria and then moved to his ultimate destination: America. “Growing up in a broken family, there were so many things happening on the inside you don’t have words for,” says Brett. “When music entered my life and gave me color, I ran after it with everything I had.” Pursuing music became all-consuming, as Brett

When you ﬁnd“out God is real, you want to do what He says.

Brett set off with his only possessions—a Bible, traveling papers, and a one-way ticket to Nashville, Tennessee. As he stepped off the Greyhound bus, Brett described his situation to a homeless man, who recommended a mission where Brett could get food and a place to sleep at no charge. He lived in the mission for 4 months and decided to give back by cooking—something he had always liked. This cycle of cooking, daily Bible studies, and attending church as much as possible defined his days. “My heart is beginning to turn. I’m beginning to see God amongst the poor,” he remembers. “Before that moment, I just wanted to get out of my situation. But over time, I developed a heart for the broken.” Before long, Brett found himself cooking beside a 4

volunteer who worked for the Fleming’s Steakhouse chain and eventually offered Brett a job as an entrylevel prep cook. Brett quickly moved into more responsibility, and eventually the company was flying him across the country to open new Fleming’s locations. He became the 2nd chef in charge at the Nashville restaurant, yet he made time in his busy schedule to feed the poor multiple times a week. He’d even open Fleming’s to feed them on Christmas and New Year’s. The more Brett served, the more he wanted to do more for the poor. Then his close friend, Terry Kemper, had an idea. What if we could help meet the basic needs of the poor and teach them what Fleming’s taught Brett? Brett left Fleming’s so that he and Terry could

The Cookery’s Spinach Dip CUT THE RECIPE IN HALF FOR A SMALLER GATHERING

INGREDIENTS: 2 Tablespoons butter ½ cup onion, diced 2 Tablespoons garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon white pepper 2 Tablespoon black pepper 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons chicken base 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon hot sauce 2 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice 5 cups heavy cream 3 cups half & half ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated ¾ lb. Parmesan cheese, shredded 1 lb. cream cheese 2 lbs. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed

begin construction on the nonprofit restaurant, which opened its doors in 2013 and is now celebrating 6 years of changing lives. “We’ve had men come because they need a deeper touch from the Lord. We’ve had some with mental illness, some that have had a financial failure and they’ve just given up. Some have been broken by relationships or through other failures. Whichever come, we take them in, and we give them the joy of the Lord. And every one of them knows that He is in the house.” To listen to Brett’s full story on the Jesus Calling Podcast, visit www.jesuscalling.com/podcast

DIRECTIONS:

SERVES 25–30 PARTY GUESTS

One of The Cookery’s most popular dishes! This creamy, tangy dip is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.

G O O D

1. On medium heat, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan. 2. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. 3. Add the spices, the hot sauce, and the lemon juice. Stir to combine. 4. Add heavy cream and half ‘n half, mixing until incorporated. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat. 6. Add cheeses. Stir until fully mixed. 7. Add spinach and mix together. 8. Pour into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until cool. 9. Serve with crackers, veggies, or tortilla chips.

Redbud P 5 hotograph y

tography

Redbud Pho

D O I N G

Sarah Young visiting Brett at the Cookery.

When you ﬁnd“out God is real, you want to do what He says.

The Cookery’s Spinach Dip CUT THE RECIPE IN HALF FOR A SMALLER GATHERING

DIRECTIONS:

SERVES 25–30 PARTY GUESTS

One of The Cookery’s most popular dishes! This creamy, tangy dip is sure to be a hit at any holiday party.

G O O D

Redbud P 5 hotograph y

tography

Redbud Pho

The Girl Who Believed She Could Fly

Pilot Tammie Jo Shults Overcomes the Odds with Nerves of Steel by Amy Kerr

Imagine this: you’re a commercial airline pilot in the cockpit of a Boeing 737. It’s a beautiful Tuesday morning, about 11:00 AM. Minutes ago, you took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and climbed up to cruising altitude. There’s nothing but clear skies ahead to Dallas. Then something slams into the side of the plane so hard, you’re convinced you hit another aircraft. what caused the chaos: the left engine has exploded. And it’s your job to balance this aircraft using the laws of physics and your own brain power to bring nearly 150 souls from 38,000 feet safely to the ground with one engine intact.

The plane rolls violently on its left side. You and your co-pilot grasp for the controls, trying to steady the plane as it shudders and bucks you around the cockpit. It’s impossible to focus your eyes. Oxygen masks drop from the ceiling, and smoke fills the room as a deafening roar rips across your eardrums and sends your instruments into a frenzy. Your crew informs you a window has blown and a passenger has been critically injured. With a quick glance, you see

It is the stuff of nightmares. For Captain Tammie Jo Shults on April 17, 2018, this 6

horrific dream was very, very real. That day she saw her training in flight and her faith come into laser focus. The years she’d spent in military drills, the countless hours teaching out-of-control flight lessons, and a lifetime believing she could “do all things through God” steeled her nerves and helped her bring 148 passengers and crew back safely to their families. But if she’d never persevered through countless hurdles before that day, Tammie Jo wouldn’t have been sitting in the very cockpit where she was able to take control of a perilous situation.

T H E

O D D S

Tammie Jo tucked that dream away, realizing she wanted to serve her country as a military pilot, just like the pilots she watched over the ranch.

I had grown “up in a family where there were no lines drawn between what I did and my brother did. Tammie Jo’s high school sponsored a career day, and a Marine colonel hosted an interest session on campus. Tammie Jo decided to join the meeting to see what she could do to qualify for pilot school and remembers, “The colonel said, ‘This is Career Day, not Hobby Day. You need to go find something girls can do.’ I had grown up in a family where there were no lines drawn between what I did and my brother did. And I was shocked there were those lines in the ‘real world.’” But Tammie Jo didn’t let the colonel’s disdain stop her—she decided to talk to an Air Force recruiter instead. But once again, she was met with, “No.” Multiple visits, multiple recruiters, multiple branches of the military, and the answer was the same: “If you have a brother, we’re interested. But we don’t need girls.” Finally she found a Navy recruiter who let her take the ASVAB, the military entrance exam. She passed with flying colors. But even after she entered the Navy, the hurdles weren’t over. “After getting my wings and going back to instruct for a great skipper, he had a change of command, and I had a new skipper come on board. At that point, I was getting ready to teach the advanced stages in T-2s [the Navy’s training aircraft], like gunnery pattern. [And the new skipper] said, ‘No girls are going to fly guns in my squadron.’ It was a very public shaming, and I was sent to teach out-of-control flight instead. “It was one of those things where it wasn’t fair. But sometimes we just have to take what’s not fair and work around it. I realized, I’m assigned to fly out-ofcontrol flight, so I will do it the best I can. “And my mom encouraged me on this. She said,

Photo Credit: Tammie Jo Shults

Photo by Caravan

O V E R C O M I N G

As a kid on a ranch in New Mexico, Tammie Jo had a front-row seat to some of the greatest air shows around. “Our place was probably 30 miles from Holloman Air Force Base, and we had a three-story hay barn,” Tammie Jo explains. “[Air Force pilots] would practice air combat maneuvering, and they needed a ground reference point, so they used our big hay barn. That would be our daily air show while we were mucking out stalls or stock trailers. “I would see that and think, That looks fantastic—not only cleaner than what I’m doing, but it just looks really exciting. But thinking about something and seeing it from a distance, never having met anyone who did that, it still seemed pretty out of reach.” 7

The Girl Who Believed She Could Fly

Pilot Tammie Jo Shults Overcomes the Odds with Nerves of Steel by Amy Kerr

It is the stuff of nightmares. For Captain Tammie Jo Shults on April 17, 2018, this 6

T H E

O D D S

Tammie Jo tucked that dream away, realizing she wanted to serve her country as a military pilot, just like the pilots she watched over the ranch.

Photo Credit: Tammie Jo Shults

Photo by Caravan

O V E R C O M I N G

Photo Credit: Tammie Jo Shults

‘Take it to the Lord, because it’s really hard to have the wrong attitude when you’ve laid it before the Lord and then you pray for them. ’ I found it was good for me to lay it before the Lord and ask, Is this something I can live with and still get where I need to go? It’s not having a lack of emotion. It’s just keeping them in perspective.” No doubt the years Captain Shults spent in outof-control flight honed her skills and prepared her for many challenging days in her career, especially the day she flew Southwest Flight #1380. But she’s also passionate about sharpening other areas of her life, like her faith. She does this by spending her mornings with God. “I need that one-on-one with the Lord before I face the day. I don’t always have time in the morning to have a full-blown Bible study. And Sarah [Young] has made that such a warm and engaging time with the Lord.” And Tammie Jo shows the warmth and love she gets from spending time with God each morning. Even amid a chaotic flight, Tammie Jo extended empathy to her passengers.

Even still, she waves off any notion that she’s a hero—instead, she points to the flight attendants who endured bruised ribs and strained backs to help passengers with oxygen and assure them they would land safely. She credits passengers who risked their lives to try to save Jennifer Riordan, a fellow passenger who tragically lost her life when her window was shattered. When asked how she’d define a hero, Tammie Jo says, “A hero is someone who takes the time to see and the effort to act on behalf of someone else. It doesn’t require a title, equipment, or superpowers. Just [choosing to be] attentive to someone besides yourself and willing to act.” There were many times Captain Shults was willing to act, even when she was up against unfair circumstances. But her willingness to act time and again led her to use calm and diligence in harrowing circumstances, and allowed her to show God’s glory through it all.

“ have to Hope doesn't change our circumstances to change us. “I thought, As much as it’s startling for us up here with control of things and seeing what’s going on, [there’s] got to be mind-numbing fright in the back where you have no knowledge of what’s going on. “So I pushed my P.A. button [and told the passengers], 'We’re not going down. We’re going into Philly.' Because I wanted them to know that the cockpit was still in control of the airplane. That element of hope had such a change on people and their actions and their reactions. We didn’t change our circumstances. Hope doesn’t have to change our circumstances to change us.” After 17 harrowing minutes and praying the whole way, Tammie Jo guided the plane to touch down safely at Philadelphia International Airport.

To hear Tammie Jo telling her story on the Jesus Calling Podcast, airing November 7. Go to jesuscalling.com/podcast to listen.

Readers of all ages can

learn more about Tammie

Jo’s story in her new book, Nerves of Steel, now

available for adults and

on sale for young readers November 12.

Photo Credit: Tammie Jo Shults

To hear Tammie Jo telling her story on the Jesus Calling Podcast, airing November 7. Go to jesuscalling.com/podcast to listen.

Readers of all ages can

learn more about Tammie

Jo’s story in her new book, Nerves of Steel, now

available for adults and

on sale for young readers November 12.

C O V E R

s we approach the holiday season, we hear

S T O R Y

like Barbra Streisand, Lesley Gore, Linda Ronstadt, Dinah Washington and Dolly Parton. She and Parton duet on “I Will Always Love You,” and the album also includes guest appearances by Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, and Reba McEntire. Chenoweth also is releasing Angels Among Us, a CD/DVD she recorded with the famed Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, which airs on PBS during December. “I grew up watching the Choir on television, so this was a bucket list item for me. It was everything I hoped it would be and is now in my top three most memorable performances.”

the word joy just about everywhere we turn. But for Kristin Chenoweth, joy isn’t an emotion that’s confined to one time of year. The petite actress and singer has been blessed with an extremely busy life and career, but no matter how hectic things get, her faith keeps her grounded and provides a source of purpose and joy throughout every season.

“ times when There have been I go, ‘I don’t want to do it anymore.’ But God keeps saying, ‘You are doing what I want you to do.’ The busy entertainer can also be seen on the Hallmark Channel this holiday season in the original movie A Christmas Love Story, which debuts on November 30th and stars Scott Wolf, Kevin Quinn and Keith Robinson. Chenoweth plays a New York City youth choir director who must write the title song for the Christmas Eve show, but finds herself distracted when a gifted boy (Quinn) joins her choir unbeknownst to his widowed father Greg (Wolf). Chenoweth is excited about her Christmas projects as they celebrate a time of year when faith and family are firmly intertwined. “We have a huge family because I five aunts and so many cousins. Everybody has so many kids and we’re all close,” says Chenoweth,

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel

Finding Joy in Faith, Family (and a Furr y Friend!) by Deborah Evans Price

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel

KRI STIN CHENOWETH

“When I was younger, I thought I was supposed to be a performer because I enjoy that,” Chenoweth shares. “This business has brought such joy, but also hardship. There have been times when I go, ‘I don’t want to do it anymore.’ But God keeps saying, ‘You are doing what I want you to do.’” Armed with an abundance of talent and that strong aﬃrmation on her calling, Chenoweth has become one of America’s most accomplished entertainers. She’s both a Tony and Emmy Award winner and is known for such roles on Broadway as Glinda in Wicked and Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She’s appeared on television in The West Wing, The Good Wife, and Glee and starred in numerous films, among them Four Christmases, Deck the Halls, and The Pink Panther. Chenoweth is also an acclaimed recording artist and has two new projects out this fall. Her album For the Girls is a salute to her favorite hits by icons

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel 11

C O V E R

s we approach the holiday season, we hear

S T O R Y

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel

Finding Joy in Faith, Family (and a Furr y Friend!) by Deborah Evans Price

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel

KRI STIN CHENOWETH

Photo courtesy Hallmark Channel 11

Chenoweth’s faith has buoyed her during challenging times, including an accident seven years ago on the set of The Good Wife. Equipment fell on her, resulting in a skull fracture, rib and neck injuries, cracked teeth, and hairline fractures in her nose. In hindsight, she feels like God used the accident to help her slow down and refocus her priorities. “It really drew me closer to God, and it got me back to myself,” she says. “I guess God was trying to get my attention because I was so busy and just going all the time.” These days, she has a reminder of God’s sovereignty each time she looks at a gift her mother gave her. “I have it hanging on my door in New York. It’s a little pillow and it says, ‘Good morning, this is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. I will not need your help. Thank you.’ I look at it all the time because I forget,” she admits candidly.

Jesus Calling“seems to hit me right when I need it…and it means everything to me.

Photo Credit: Michael Larsen

Chenoweth cherishes her relationships with all her family, but her most important relationship is with her Heavenly Father. She spends time each day in the Word, and Jesus Calling has long been part of her devotion time. “Jesus Calling seems to hit me right when I need it. [It was given to me] by one of my queens, and it means everything to me,” she says, referencing her friend, actress Rita Wilson, who gave Chenoweth her first copy of Jesus Calling. Chenoweth says she also has the Jesus Calling app on her phone, which is so convenient with her frequent travel. Chenoweth says she talks to God throughout the day, but her most focused devotions usually take place at night. “My whole life I was told, ‘Start your day out with your meditation and prayer,’ but mine comes at night,” says Chenoweth. “I’m able to look through my day and say, ‘This happened. This wasn’t good. This was good,’ or ‘I could have handled that better. Thank you, God, for intervening there.’ Today I got to go on a long walk with my dog, and I was thinking about my talk with God last night, so it spills over into the next day.”

One of the things in Chenoweth’s life that always puts a smile on her face is her dog Thunder, named after Oklahoma City’s basketball team. “We have full on conversations, me and Thunder. She looks at me, and that brings me joy and makes me feel good. I rescued her as a pup, and I had [had her DNA analyzed] because I wanted to know what kind of a dog she was. She is a mini-poodle, cocker spaniel, and—wait for it—Norwegian Elk Hound!” she says with a laugh. 12

“I say all the time, ‘Girl, own your Norwegian Elk Hound! Own that!” In addition to faith, family and her furry friend, one of Chenoweth’s major sources of joy is mentoring aspiring entertainers. She supports Artists Striving to End Poverty [ASTEP], an organization launched by Mary-Mitchell Campbell. “She goes to India, lives there, and teaches girls music,” Chenoweth says. “Years later I see them going to college because she gave them the opportunity, so I know there are more angels out there doing what we’re supposed to be doing.” Chenoweth is one of those angels making a difference. This year she held the fifth annual Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp in her hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In honor of her contributions to the community, in 2012 the Broken

Arrow Performing Arts Center named the Kristin Chenoweth Theatre in her honor. “When you have your name on a building, you have a decision to make: Are you just going to let that name be there, or are you going to do something with it? This is what I’ve chosen to do, and actually in the joy department, this is my greatest joy,” she smiles. “It feeds my soul. Some of these kids might never do music, and that’s okay. But the fact that they are together and bonding is the thing that makes me so proud. This will be my greatest legacy. It will be the thing that I’m most proud of in this life.” Photo courtesy of Kristin Chenoweth

who was adopted as a baby and grew up in a loving Oklahoma family. “But there’s always this [feeling of], Oh, I hope everything goes good. I hope the turkey is good. Sometimes I will go into a room by myself and I will say, Okay, God, help me remember what this is really about, this whole season.” One of the most special moments during her family celebration is when they go around the room and each person shares what they are most grateful for during the past year. “My dad is not a crier, but every year he gets choked up. And I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you how much I look forward to watching this moment with him,” she says. “I think that it’s as important to say what you are grateful for as it is important to ask [for] what you need.”

“ This is my greatest joy–it feeds my soul”

Learn more about Kristin on her upcoming episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, airing November 21.

Joy4

KRISTIN’S TOP  When I make other people LAUGH  Seeing kids I mentor do GOOD THINGS

 Listening to SANDI Patty, DOLLY Parton, ADELE and REBA McEntire  Random acts of KINDNESS  Going to the MALL in different towns (especially the FOOD COURT!)  When someone says, “When I was really down, your music brought me up.” That makes me feel like I’m FULFILLING MY PURPOSE.

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Jesus Calling“seems to hit me right when I need it…and it means everything to me.

Photo Credit: Michael Larsen

“ This is my greatest joy–it feeds my soul”

Learn more about Kristin on her upcoming episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, airing November 21.

Joy4

KRISTIN’S TOP  When I make other people LAUGH  Seeing kids I mentor do GOOD THINGS

MOMENTS Photo

courte

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mark C

hannel

S P O T L I G H T

THE GIFTS MY FATHER GAVE ME

Celebrating Christmas the Cowboy Way

The Lucia Family’s Legacy of Love

COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER AARON WATSON is a good ol’ breath of fresh air—a unique combination of tough cowboy in touch with his softer side (after all, he does write romantic anthems). Aaron’s rise to recording success in the country world didn’t happen overnight. “I’m not chasing after hits. I’m just chasing after my heart,” says the energetic West Texas native. “I never stop working and trying to become a better writer, a better singer, or a better artist. I want to make music that has meaning—music that makes a difference in someone’s life.” The down-to-earth family man seems to be doing just that. For the past 17 years, Aaron has recorded a dozen albums and performed more than 2,500 shows throughout the United States and Europe, delivering his honest, “love-your-neighbor,” everyman brand of country, all while attending to needs at home. “I’ve always considered myself an anti-rock star,” he says with a shrug. “People like me because I’m just like them.” But most of us didn’t just garner a number-one-selling album, one that he celebrated by jumping around in his home kitchen and squealing like a kid next to his wife, Kimberly, who was scrambling eggs. That home is also where they recorded An Aaron Watson Family Christmas, an album that found the couple and their children huddled in Kimberly’s closet-turnedsound-booth during a 105-degree summer day to lay down their vocals. “We made the best memories,” he says with a smile. “Of all the projects I’ve ever made, this might be the

Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

by Celeste Winstead

one I’m most excited about. It turned out to be something that was just magical.” That magic finds Kimberly lending her soft tones to the The Watson Family classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” son Jake shining on “Rudolph,” and son Jack and daughter Jolee Kate offering a sweet rendition of the Charlie Brown Christmas song “Christmas Time Is Here.” Jack even recites Luke 2 just as Linus did in the original movie. “I think it’s important to make Jesus the sole focus of Christmas,” says the man of faith. “That’s what it’s all about.” You can ﬁnd An Aaron Watson Family Christmas at your favorite music retailer or streaming provider.

Watch Aaron’s story on Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith! Visit jesuscalling.com/media/video

AND

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Faithbox presents The Jesus Calling Christmas Box Box includes, Jesus Calling for Christmas, An Aaron Watson Family Christmas CD, Christmas ornament, and more. Boxes will be ready to ship in early November. 14 learn more at: thejesuscallingbox.com

WHEN YOU’RE A KID, it’s hard to appreciate the lessons your parents are teaching you. They often involve the words no, not until you ﬁnish your chores, and time to get up! But after a few decades pass and you look at your childhood with fresh eyes and a little empathy, you begin to appreciate how hard your parents worked to give you good values and a strong faith. For professional rodeo announcer and trick roper Anthony Lucia, growing up on a cattle ranch in Garner, Texas, meant learning to work hard soon after he learned to walk. From the time he was little, Anthony remembers early wake-up calls, working till the sun went down, and pitching in with the family entertainment business. And on show days, the Lucias would drive hundreds of miles to meet with press and perform for crowds. There were times young Anthony chafed under his father’s rigid schedule, but as he grew older, he began to appreciate his father’s discipline. “Dad was hard on us, but he loved us. He taught us so much like, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ and, ‘Whenever you have a problem, deal with it. When you have a question, go to God.’ He taught me a love for God, and he didn’t do that by telling me. He did it by example.” Anthony’s father Tommy was a well-known rodeo clown and gifted at training all kinds of animals—his best-known act starred a monkey named Whiplash, who rode a border collie and herded sheep. But Anthony most admired his dad’s relationship with his trick horses. “These horses had physical handicaps, and they were going to be put down. My dad, thanks be to God, was able to save them. And because he had such a way with animals, he was able to train them to

do amazing things that, at first thought, these horses with a deformity wouldn’t be able to do.” Along the way, Anthony learned how to trick rope. At age 10, he began to garner attention with his talents. And by 15, not only was he performing in rodeo—he was up before the sun to promote the show on local TV stations, teaching morning anchors how to trick rope. “My dad told me, ‘If you’re going to do something, try to be the best. Don’t just settle for mediocrity,’” says Anthony. “That’s translated into every aspect of my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”

Photo Credit: Sarah Rempelous

M U S I C

“ me there, ‘If God wants that’s what I’ve got to do,’ Anthony’s career in broadcasting started when his dad made the offhand comment, “As much as you talk, you’d be a good rodeo announcer.” At first, Anthony was put off by his dad’s remark—he’d worked hard to become a champion trick roper, and becoming a rodeo announcer felt like he’d be living in his dad’s shadow. But eventually, Anthony saw his dad was right. His successful stints in rodeo announcing opened the door to TV broadcasting, where today he stars in his very own talk show, Live with Lucia. “It took me a while to set aside my pride in what I’ve worked to build and go, ‘If God wants me there, that’s what I’ve got to do,’” says the RIDE TV host. “I have confidence in how hard I’ve worked to get to where I am and how hard I will continually work to get where I want to be. Even when I’m there, [I’ll] never stop working. That’s the greatest thing I think my dad taught me.” Learn more about Anthony! Watch his interview on Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith at jesuscalling.com/media/video.

Going to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas December 5-14? Anthony will be there—and so will Jesus Calling! Stay tuned to our social media pages to see where to find us at NFR 2019.

S P O T L I G H T

THE GIFTS MY FATHER GAVE ME

Celebrating Christmas the Cowboy Way

The Lucia Family’s Legacy of Love

Photo Credit: Joseph Llanes

by Celeste Winstead

Watch Aaron’s story on Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith! Visit jesuscalling.com/media/video

AND

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

Photo Credit: Sarah Rempelous

M U S I C

Going to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas December 5-14? Anthony will be there—and so will Jesus Calling! Stay tuned to our social media pages to see where to find us at NFR 2019.

1. VELVET PILLOW WITH POM POM TRIM This textured throw pillow in neutral tones will elevate any couch or chair.

A COZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

SUGARBOOANDCO.COM, $100

Gift Guide4

2. KATE SPADE RECIPE BOX This adorable gingham recipe box will hold all your favorite family recipes and inspire you to jot down a few new ones. AMAZON.COM, $30

3. JESUS CALLING BOTANICAL EDITION Everyone's favorite devotional now comes in a beautiful cloth cover, featuring a botanical design and gold stamping.

DIY designer, blogger and Cozy White Cottage author

JESUSCALLING.COM $24.99

Liz Marie Galvan gives us her

4. SMEG STAND MIXER A splurge for the baker who loves all things retro! This stand mixer comes in 7 colors and takes your recipes to brandnew heights.

top recommendations for gifts to make this Christmas especially cozy!

WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM, $460

5. LR HOME JUTE STORAGE BASKET Available in 3 sizes, these baskets are a handy way to keep throw blankets and toys nearby but out of sight. WALMART.COM, $31–$35

6. WOMEN’S CHAIA SLIPPERS Keep your feet feeling cozy in these fur-lined slippers as you putter around the house in the cold winter months. TARGET.COM, $20

7. “FANNY PACK” STYLE BAG Back with a classy makeover, this “fanny pack” style bag is made from cowhide and handcrafted by Amish artisans. FARMHOUSEFROCKS.COM, $54

8. PUMPKIN SPICE CANDLE Along with a delicious scent, this candle supports a company in Indiana working to show God is the true light. ANTIQUECANDLECO.COM, $28 All photos, except 3, courtesy of Liz Marie Galvan 16

1. VELVET PILLOW WITH POM POM TRIM This textured throw pillow in neutral tones will elevate any couch or chair.

A COZY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

SUGARBOOANDCO.COM, $100

Gift Guide4

2. KATE SPADE RECIPE BOX This adorable gingham recipe box will hold all your favorite family recipes and inspire you to jot down a few new ones. AMAZON.COM, $30

3. JESUS CALLING BOTANICAL EDITION Everyone's favorite devotional now comes in a beautiful cloth cover, featuring a botanical design and gold stamping.

DIY designer, blogger and Cozy White Cottage author

JESUSCALLING.COM $24.99

Liz Marie Galvan gives us her

4. SMEG STAND MIXER A splurge for the baker who loves all things retro! This stand mixer comes in 7 colors and takes your recipes to brandnew heights.

top recommendations for gifts to make this Christmas especially cozy!

WILLIAMS-SONOMA.COM, $460

5. LR HOME JUTE STORAGE BASKET Available in 3 sizes, these baskets are a handy way to keep throw blankets and toys nearby but out of sight. WALMART.COM, $31–$35

6. WOMEN’S CHAIA SLIPPERS Keep your feet feeling cozy in these fur-lined slippers as you putter around the house in the cold winter months. TARGET.COM, $20

7. “FANNY PACK” STYLE BAG Back with a classy makeover, this “fanny pack” style bag is made from cowhide and handcrafted by Amish artisans. FARMHOUSEFROCKS.COM, $54

Karen James Photography

Joy in the Journaling (Excerpted from the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith web series with guest Max Lucado)

DAILY PRACTICES like journaling matter. There’s something about recording what we’re learning that enables it to “stick” more deeply within our system. [My] journals come in handy when I want to look back and say, What was going on that year? I know something was bothering me. I’ve gone through the journals on occasion and made a list of all the ways God was answering prayer. You may ask, “So how can we start journaling and stick with it?”

Max's Tips for Journaling 1. Get a journal you can take with you everywhere you go—it doesn’t have to be fancy. 2. Get a pen you like to use. 3. To get started, do what I do: simply write the date and write down what’s happening in your life, what verse you might be learning, or what God is trying to teach you. 4. If you miss a day or two, don’t beat yourself up. But try to do it more often than not. I’ve found it becomes something that’s just a habit.

As a tool to help people start journaling, I developed the Happy Today journal that focuses on how to develop the habit of giving happiness away. The “one another” verses that appear throughout the epistles and throughout the Gospels show us ways we truly can make a difference in people’s lives in a very practical way. Phrases like serve one another, encourage one another, admonish one another—there are over 50 of these in the Bible. These practical nuggets help us learn how to make other people happy. We can discover a happiness that’s not dependent upon circumstances. The kind of happiness described in the Bible is a happiness that’s deeply rooted in what God has done for us and who we are in God, rather than circumstances around us. A passage from Sarah Young’s Jesus Always comes to mind that speaks to this kind of joy. It’s from October 24th: “Lasting Joy can be found only in Me. . . . On days when Joy seems a distant memory, you need to seek My Face more than ever. Don’t let circumstances or feelings weigh 18

you down. Instead, tell yourself the ultimate truth: I am continually with you, holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel and afterward, I will receive you into Glory.” Seek the kind of joy that is independent of any external circumstances. It takes a decision on our part, and that’s not to say that our emotions are not going to come and go and fluctuate. But there is a deeply rooted type of contentment or joy that is discoverable, and it’s really worth the pursuit. And so this idea of keeping a journal of the way we make other people happy or the way God blesses us is simply a way of trying to learn and remember all the wonderful ways that God is good to us. Watch Max’s interview on Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith! Visit jesuscalling.com/ media/video

TRY YOUR HAND AT JOURNALING “Look to the L ORD and His strength; seek His face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV

Date ______________________________

Where did you see God at work in your life today? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

What are you thankful for today? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ __ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ List the concerns you want to give to the Lord today. _________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Look for Max’s Happy Today: A Guided Journal to Genuine Joy wherever books are sold.

____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Karen James Photography

Joy in the Journaling (Excerpted from the Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith web series with guest Max Lucado)

TRY YOUR HAND AT JOURNALING “Look to the L ORD and His strength; seek His face always.” Psalm 105:4 NIV

Date ______________________________

Look for Max’s Happy Today: A Guided Journal to Genuine Joy wherever books are sold.

F I N D I N G

B r3ave4 finding

in the wait By Amy Kerr

graders in Georgia when she realized God was calling

MORE THAN ANY SEASON, ADVENT HELPS

and speaking, could jump onto the main stage. For

her move to Nashville so that her side gigs, writing

US SLOW DOWN LONG ENOUGH TO THINK

nearly a decade, Annie had been cultivating her love

ABOUT CHRISTMASES NEAR AND LONG AGO.

for teaching others, and this felt like a natural next step in her career.

We remember a young mother in her own season of waiting, her anticipation mingled with fear as she counted the moments until her Son made His entrance into the world. Months before, an angel upended Mary’s life when he announced she would give birth to the Savior. The normal, quiet life she thought she’d have? Gone. It takes guts to be brave right where you are, to keep putting one foot in front of the other when your path changes course. Just ask Annie Downs. When you read her wisdom wrapped in humor or listen to her infectious laugh, it takes two seconds to realize the bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host bubbles over with warmth. You feel the joy she has for teaching others, which she claims is her “one skill set”: entertaining people long enough to learn something. A dozen years ago, Annie was teaching fourth

“All through college, I taught Sunday school at my

local church,” she says. “It’s one of those things you

do because it’s what you love to do. You have no idea it’s building toward something else.”

Like many of us, Annie figured one open door

from God meant a dozen other ones were unlocked

and waiting for her to turn the knob. She kept landing speaking appearances. She snagged a literary agent. But then she came to the next door, jostled the

handle, and realized . . . it was locked.

“In 2009, I signed with a literary agent for my first

book, Perfectly Unique. We pitched it around and got,

like, forty-seven nos. [There was] so much rejection on that book that after a year together, we just decided, ‘This probably isn’t worth anybody’s time. There’s

probably no one left in the publishing world to say no to this.’” 20

That’s when Annie decided to leave the locked door and find an open window. She self-published Perfectly Unique and moved to Scotland in 2011 to work with a college ministry, figuring her days as a writer and speaker were over. Living in Scotland was a life-changing experience, but God didn’t keep the publishing door locked forever. Perfectly Unique began selling—and caught the attention of a major publisher. In 2012, Annie signed her first book deal. “It’s been an incredible journey. The door flew open, but I might have missed a really important part of my life and an important part of my story–one I really value–if the door would have opened any sooner. I’d have never moved to Scotland if I had gotten a book deal in 2009.

B R A V E

“I think there’s just a lot of opportunity to be brave and courageous in the lives we already have.” You can find Annie’s book 100 Days to Brave at your favorite book retailer.

Hear more of Annie’s story on the Jesus Calling Podcast! Visit jesuscalling.com/podcast.

5 WAYS TO BE BRAVE

Today

1. Be present where you are. Put your phone down, and really be with your people. 2. Be generous with your words. Brave people speak love into the lives of others.

“ something All of us want we don’t have, right? You have to ﬁgure out how to trust there is a God who sees you…

3. Say the next yes. You may not feel brave. That’s okay! Just put one foot in front of the other. 4. Work hard. It really does pay off. 5. Believe you are who God says you are. You are loved child of God. And you’ve been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).

“I’m allowed to want what I don’t have and love my life. It can be both. It just takes a little courage to have expectations and to have hope.” After walking (and waiting) through her career, Annie thought long and hard about how to find courage in our most ordinary moments—and discovered an idea for her book, 100 Days to Brave. “Sometimes we think courage is doing the brave thing, which means selling our stuff and moving across the planet. But what would it look like to be brave right where you are, in the world God’s already placed you in? “Younger people working through this go, Okay, I’ve ﬁnished college. I can’t get a job at a corporate job. I have to go somewhere and go far. I mean, God calls people to do corporate stuff a lot. You [can] be brave in a company that needs Godly voices. [You can] be brave in a small town that hasn’t had a lot of new people or new ideas come in. 21

F I N D I N G

B r3ave4 finding

in the wait By Amy Kerr

graders in Georgia when she realized God was calling

MORE THAN ANY SEASON, ADVENT HELPS

and speaking, could jump onto the main stage. For

her move to Nashville so that her side gigs, writing

US SLOW DOWN LONG ENOUGH TO THINK

nearly a decade, Annie had been cultivating her love

ABOUT CHRISTMASES NEAR AND LONG AGO.

for teaching others, and this felt like a natural next step in her career.

“All through college, I taught Sunday school at my

local church,” she says. “It’s one of those things you

do because it’s what you love to do. You have no idea it’s building toward something else.”

Like many of us, Annie figured one open door

from God meant a dozen other ones were unlocked

and waiting for her to turn the knob. She kept landing speaking appearances. She snagged a literary agent. But then she came to the next door, jostled the

handle, and realized . . . it was locked.

“In 2009, I signed with a literary agent for my first

book, Perfectly Unique. We pitched it around and got,

like, forty-seven nos. [There was] so much rejection on that book that after a year together, we just decided, ‘This probably isn’t worth anybody’s time. There’s

probably no one left in the publishing world to say no to this.’” 20

B R A V E

“I think there’s just a lot of opportunity to be brave and courageous in the lives we already have.” You can find Annie’s book 100 Days to Brave at your favorite book retailer.

Hear more of Annie’s story on the Jesus Calling Podcast! Visit jesuscalling.com/podcast.

5 WAYS TO BE BRAVE

Today

1. Be present where you are. Put your phone down, and really be with your people. 2. Be generous with your words. Brave people speak love into the lives of others.

“ something All of us want we don’t have, right? You have to ﬁgure out how to trust there is a God who sees you…

W H E N

FINDING HOPE WHEN HOLIDAYS HURT when all the things go well. This is when the house looks pretty. And all of a sudden, I got to this holiday season where everything just felt off kilter. I had a little meltdown in Target one day. They started playing holiday music, and I’m there in the LEGO aisle having one of those “I can’t do it” [moments]. I had to go home. I sat down with my Bible. I looked at the Christmas

Bo and Steve Stern shared nearly 30 Christmases worthy of a Rockwell painting, filled with laughter, favorite treats, and shared memories. Then Steve was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. He died in 2015. And the holidays never looked the same. A pastor and author, Bo journaled her way through the first Christmas after Steve’s diagnosis, trying to make sense of the new normal she didn’t ask for. Out of her pain came When Holidays Hurt, a memoir for those desperately trying to navigate a season that’s supposed to be happy . . . but sometimes isn’t. We spoke with Bo on the Jesus Calling Podcast, where she shared her family’s journey through ALS and the inspiration behind When Holidays Hurt.

story through fresh eyes, and I realized this was not an easy story. This was an unwed pregnancy. They’re traveling. They’re going to pay taxes. This was not American perfection—this was hard. So every day that season, I read the Christmas story in a different translation and in a different gospel. And I started to [realize], My story still ﬁts inside of this story. I’m not disqualiﬁed just because I cry when I get a Christmas tree. Things don’t have to be relentlessly happy or unbearably sad. They can be both. And letting those things dance together was really important.

How did readers respond to the book? Some of the saddest stories I heard were long years of disappointment: Christmas still without the spouse they hoped they’d have. Christmas still without the child they hoped to have. Christmas still without enough money to make ends meet. [After they read the book, I see] people get this glimmer of, What if I might be willing to give something out? I might be willing to release a little of my compassion, my grace, my money, my gifts, or my food, and let in someone who’s hurting more than I am. What might happen then? That was really beautiful to watch: people who were in deep seasons of pain began to get a heart for other people in pain, and started to see joy come into

How did your book, When Holidays Hurt, come into the world? The holidays had always been a point of orientation for me. This is when we all come back together. This is

their sorrow. It’s not joy that replaces sorrow, but it’s joy that gives you respite in the middle of unrelenting grief that happens this time of year.

H O L I D A Y S

H U R T

remember Steve with so much love and [were] able to see our future fresh. And that’s one of the things I love to tell people: there is hope on the other side. Again, not that there will be life without pain, but there will be beauty in your pain.

Which resources got you through that tough time? Nighttime was really diﬃcult for me, both before and after Steve died, so I bought the Jesus Calling morning and evening edition. When you’re going through grief, you really don’t have the capacity to read long—at least I didn’t. I started leaning on Jesus Calling during that time, reading one in the morning and one at night. I was amazed how often it spoke directly into my pain, or my fear about the future, or my worry for the day. It is my go-to gift for people who are going through hard times.

What advice would you give someone going through a hard holiday season? I remember times I thought, Even after Steve goes home to be with Jesus, I can’t imagine my life ever looking normal. I’m four years out, and I’m able to give out in vastly different ways than I could two or three years ago. And knowing what you’re able to do and doing that? It’s all God asks. He says, “Do what you can do now, and I’ll meet you with the resources you need to do the next right thing.” I can look back and see His fingerprints all over the landscape. I see where He showed up. You will get to the other side. He will walk you through it and to whatever it is He has next. To hear Bo’s full story, check out her episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast at jesuscalling.com/podcast. And congratulations to Bo and her groom Cliff, who tied the knot over the summer.

…one of the “ things I love to tell people: there is hope on the other side. How do you celebrate holidays and special family moments today? At the holidays, we try to remember good, fun stories—even if they happened during Steve’s illness. He had a call button that was the sound of a doorbell, [and he would ring it as a practical joke]. Now we all have sorts of PTSD surrounding doorbells. [Last year we had] our best Thanksgiving ever. We were with friends and family, and we were able to

You can find When Holidays Hurt at your favorite book retailer.

W H E N

How did your book, When Holidays Hurt, come into the world? The holidays had always been a point of orientation for me. This is when we all come back together. This is

their sorrow. It’s not joy that replaces sorrow, but it’s joy that gives you respite in the middle of unrelenting grief that happens this time of year.

H O L I D A Y S

H U R T

You can find When Holidays Hurt at your favorite book retailer.

T I P S

Less is More

T R E N D S

especially at christmas by Emily Ley Have you ever wondered when life began to be different?

When did we change from happy little girls to frenzied women? Is there a mark on our timelines when we changed from carefree little girls into frazzled grown-up girls?

Ashley Cochrane Photography

Emily Ley Headshot and Family Photo Credit: Ashley Cochrane

Somewhere along the way, we went from thriving to surviving, from being full of joy to full of stress. I believe this change starts to take place as we add commitments and responsibilities to our plates, never stopping to reevaluate or subtract as our plate begins to feel full. And as we rush to keep up with our overfull lives, we paradoxically begin to feel empty. This empty feeling has a lot of names: overwhelmed, stressed, frazzled, frenzied, frantic. Many times, we allow our lives to continue at this pace because we are afraid to acknowledge the way we’re feeling. We feel guilty for feeling anything but happy or grateful. “Who am I to feel overwhelmed and empty when my basic needs are met—and then some?” 24

I know for sure that when I’m living life stretched this thin, I’m missing so much goodness along the way. Slow bedtime conversations with a toddler’s head on the pillow next to mine. The golden rays that filter through an oak tree just before sunset. The taste of crunchy buttered bread dipped into slow-cooked soup, made by the same loving hands who fed me my first bite. Oh, what we miss when we rush through life. This has been the single most revolutionary realization for me: we have a finite amount of focus and a finite amount of space in our brains. You and the woman who existed a hundred years ago— before television and computers and the internet and smartphones and baseball leagues—have the same mental capacity in your head. Her core focuses were different than yours are now, but she had a much smaller pile of things that required her daily thoughts and attention. You have hundreds, if not thousands, more. That space in your head and heart is sacred. Protect it as holy, and allow in only what’s truly significant. This is where you must be brave. This is where it’s easy to get stuck. We can believe the lie that we must do things the way we always have. We can believe we are powerless in our circumstances and therefore powerless against a future as burned-out women. Or we can believe that God made us for more. We can make choices that allow us to be women who have

inner calm and outward joy. You were not created to function at max capacity day after day. You have not been forgotten. You are a daughter of the King, and you have the power to make choices about the way you live your life. You are precious and special and significant. You can opt for a life of less. You can say no to the world constantly telling you to be, do, and have more. You are capable of being full of goodness and joy whether you are four, forty, or ninety-four. So much in the world is out of control. But even if just a little, we can manage what happens within the walls of our hearts and homes. This is holy work.

To hear more of Emily’s story on her episode of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith! Tune in at jesuscalling.com/media/video

EMILY’S TOP 5 TIPS For Less Overwhelm and More Joy at the Holidays

Make a Plan. Decide now which parties, plays, and commitments work for your family’s schedule— and politely decline the rest. Recruit Some Elves. There’s a reason Santa has helpers! Whether you’re baking cookies or decking the halls, many hands make light work. Take Chaos Out of Cleanup. Break out the storage bins and the labels! A little forethought now will make your holiday setup even easier next year. Say Thanks. Don’t forget to thank the people who spread a little magic in your life beyond the holidays like your mail carrier, your child’s teachers, your barista.

You can find Emily’s new book, When Less Becomes More, at your favorite book retailer starting November 12.

Fill Your Tank. We do a lot for loved ones over the holidays. Take a few minutes for whatever relaxes you most. You deserve it!

T I P S

Less is More

T R E N D S

especially at christmas by Emily Ley Have you ever wondered when life began to be different?

When did we change from happy little girls to frenzied women? Is there a mark on our timelines when we changed from carefree little girls into frazzled grown-up girls?

Ashley Cochrane Photography

Emily Ley Headshot and Family Photo Credit: Ashley Cochrane

To hear more of Emily’s story on her episode of Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith! Tune in at jesuscalling.com/media/video

EMILY’S TOP 5 TIPS For Less Overwhelm and More Joy at the Holidays

You can find Emily’s new book, When Less Becomes More, at your favorite book retailer starting November 12.

Fill Your Tank. We do a lot for loved ones over the holidays. Take a few minutes for whatever relaxes you most. You deserve it!

P A S T O R ’ S

C O R N E R

love them. And while of course husbands still need their wives’ love, what they need to feel most from wives during conflict is their respect.

Is the stress of the holiday season leading to some combative situations with your spouse? Then congratulations! You’re normal!

Tuesday mornings at 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

(ET) (CT) (MT) (PT)

Join us for a 15-minute call as we listen to the reading from Jesus Calling and are led in a time of prayer.

Getting Through the Holidays with a Stronger Marriage? IT’S POSSIBLE! By Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

CALL

425-585-6238 ACCESS CODE: 155-636-905#

Set a reminder on your phone! Send us your prayer request or listen to a previous call at JesusCalling.com/prayer-call

Though the song may tell us Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” and “the happiest season of all,” that’s not quite what your home always reflects during this time, is it? The stress of finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, Christmas parties nearly every other night, your kitchen covered in a haze of flour from constant baking, loading up the car and traveling eight hours— both ways!—and all the extended family around . . . this “happiest season” can really do a number on your marriage, can’t it? Perhaps you and your spouse are finding yourselves on something I call the Crazy Cycle, which says: “Without love, she

reacts without respect. Without respect, he reacts without love.” Why love for her? Why respect for him? you may be asking. Two decades ago, I discovered this “secret” hidden in plain sight right in the very Scriptures I had spent the previous twenty years studying and preaching out of every week. In Ephesians 5:33, Paul wrote, “Each one of you [husbands] must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband” (niv). Paul is not saying husbands are not to respect their wives and wives are not to love their husbands. No, they both need love and respect equally. But when we asked 7,000 husbands and wives, “When in conflict with your spouse, do you feel unloved or disrespected?” 83% of the men said “disrespected,” and 72% of the women said “unloved.” What Paul is getting at in Ephesians 5 is that while, yes, husbands need to always respect their wives, when they’re in conflict, what wives need more is for husbands to reassure they 27

But husbands, remember, to help resolve the conflict with minimal damage, knowing that during these times especially, what your wife wants most is simply to be reassured of your love for her. And wives, you too remember that to stay off the Crazy Cycle with your husband during this busy season, more than anything he wants to know that you still respect him. Maybe this year, the biggest Christmas miracle of all would be getting through it with an even stronger marriage than you had before. The key to doing so is love and respect! Hear more from Emerson! Check out his interview on the Jesus Calling Podcast at jesuscalling.com/podcast.

P A S T O R ’ S

C O R N E R

love them. And while of course husbands still need their wives’ love, what they need to feel most from wives during conflict is their respect.

Is the stress of the holiday season leading to some combative situations with your spouse? Then congratulations! You’re normal!

Tuesday mornings at 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

(ET) (CT) (MT) (PT)

Join us for a 15-minute call as we listen to the reading from Jesus Calling and are led in a time of prayer.

Getting Through the Holidays with a Stronger Marriage? IT’S POSSIBLE! By Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

CALL

425-585-6238 ACCESS CODE: 155-636-905#

Set a reminder on your phone! Send us your prayer request or listen to a previous call at JesusCalling.com/prayer-call

KIDS CORNER by The farmhouse trend shows no signs of slowing down, so this ornament project will look on trend this season. It’s a fun and easy project to do with the kids (though it might get a little eggy!) .

God made you just right—but not ordinary.

Once you’ve opened up the hole, gently use the paper clip to make the hole enough to insert the coffee straw. Once the hole is big enough, insert the straw and blow out the yolk through the opposite end of the egg. Once the shell is empty, place the shell in the vinegar/water bowl to soak while you finish up the remaining dozen. When you have your final set of shells, run them under a faucet to flush out any remaining gunk. Set the shells out to dry overnight, or microwave them for a couple of minutes to dry them out. Step 2 – Decorating: To get the farmhouse look, you will need a steady hand and a good fine-tipped marker. A little bit of practice on paper will go a long way. If you decide to freehand your letter, use a pencil to mark guidelines on height and width of each letter. No matter which method you choose, make sure your hands are free of debris or anything that might stain the porous eggshells. If you’d like to add any embellishments to the ornaments, then do so during this step.

MATERIALS:

Step 3 – Applying Ribbon and Caps: You can find ornament caps and ribbon at your local craft store. On your egg, glue cap to the top with approximately four inches of ribbon. Loop your ribbon ends into one of the holes and then add a dollop of glue. Place the ornament cap on top of the hole and press down for 30 seconds. Set the ornament rightside-up in the egg carton to dry.

1 dozen eggs Have a second dozen on hand in case of breakage 1 thumbtack 1 paperclip 1 plastic coffee straw 1 bowl 1 calligraphy marker (with a thin tip)

He made you perfectly

Extra Ordinary! As the parents of a child with special needs, Craig and Samantha Johnson understand that kids who are a bit diﬀerent from others sometimes need extra reassurance that God has an amazing purpose for them—not just despite their diﬀerences but because of them!

Step 4 – Sealing: Once you have completed your final design, use a thin coat of ModgePodge or a clear finishing spray to seal and complete the project.

You can also use stickers or stencils to decorate! Ribbon, 12 pieces cut to 6 inches in length 1 bowl with a mixture of white vinegar and water

Step 5 – Storing: Don’t forget how fragile your newly made ornaments are. Make sure to store them properly—the original egg carton works great! Tissue goes a long way in keeping the fragile shells intact for many Christmases to come.

INSTRUCTIONS: Step 1 – Egg Blowing: Start with room temperature eggs (that makes it easier to blow out the yolk). Then use your thumbtack to gently tap the shell of the egg on both ends of the eggshell to make a small hole. This is a delicate process.

Ornament Decals from Etsy shop seller @TheWhiteInviteGifts

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VisitVisit JesusCalling.com/media/video Jesus Calling.com/video to see the Johnson’s Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith interview.

God made you just right—but not ordinary.

MATERIALS:

1 dozen eggs Have a second dozen on hand in case of breakage 1 thumbtack 1 paperclip 1 plastic coffee straw 1 bowl 1 calligraphy marker (with a thin tip)

He made you perfectly

Step 4 – Sealing: Once you have completed your final design, use a thin coat of ModgePodge or a clear finishing spray to seal and complete the project.

You can also use stickers or stencils to decorate! Ribbon, 12 pieces cut to 6 inches in length 1 bowl with a mixture of white vinegar and water

Ornament Decals from Etsy shop seller @TheWhiteInviteGifts

Facebook Group: @RootedFamily.com 28

Instagram: @RootedFamily.com

VisitVisit JesusCalling.com/media/video Jesus Calling.com/video to see the Johnson’s Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith interview.

Christmas Games & Puzzles

POP QUIZ:

Joy Love Peace Prayer

Name that Christmas Carol! Test your Christmas knowledge. Look at the drawings to the right. Can you guess which Christmas song or carol is shown? Make a few copies and test your friends and family. Or jazz up a holiday party or family road trip with this fun puzzle game. *Note the answers are listed below (written upside down).

For answers to other puzzles, visit RootedFamily.com/Freebies

PUZZLER ANSWER KEY:

Family Holy Spirit Jesus Always Jesus Calling

1. Angels We Have Heard on High 2. Jingle Bells 3. Do You Hear What I Hear 4. Little Drummer Boy 5. Mary Did You Know? 6. Go Tell It On The Mountain 7. O Christmas Tree 8. We Three Kings of Orient Are

Bible Verse Blessings Christmas Creator Devotional

Christmas Games & Puzzles

POP QUIZ:

Joy Love Peace Prayer

For answers to other puzzles, visit RootedFamily.com/Freebies

PUZZLER ANSWER KEY:

Family Holy Spirit Jesus Always Jesus Calling

Bible Verse Blessings Christmas Creator Devotional

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