November 2021 Guest Post Sampler

Every month, I guest post at several popular sites. For your reading convenience, I’m gathering them into a November 2021 guest post sampler. Enjoy these previews of the posts, then click on the “read more” link.

When You Wish You Could Hibernate

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 NLT

An article about hibernation caught my eye this week. It described how several types of animals and even insects hibernate this time of year in my state. The pictures of bears, squirrels and chipmunks curled up in underground dens seemed strangely appealing to me.

You see, I’m coming off a very busy season. From mid-August to mid-October, I launched a book for teen girls. Then as soon as that was over, I started writing book number three, which I will be turning in to the publisher this weekend.

I knew this would be a difficult season, and my predictions were right. Though I’m so grateful for these amazing opportunities, pushing this hard on two big projects has worn me out. As I write this, I’m physically, emotionally and mentally tired. I need all kinds of rest, not just more sleeping hours.

That’s why the photos of hibernating animals appealed to me. In all this busyness, I’ve had moments where running away from the responsibilities and burying my head under the covers sounded amazing, at least for a moment. I think that’s a common feeling when we’re handling a lot of stress and simply trying to keep our heads above water in a busy season.

But I think there’s more than one reason animals hibernate, and we don’t. Animals hibernate to conserve energy during the cold winter, when food is scarce. Hibernation is a blessing from God, a survival tactic that saves species from dying out. It’s an amazing way God shows care for his wild animals. We don’t need that deep winter sleep because God provides more sophisticated shelter and heat for us.

We also don’t need to hibernate because God calls us to be active agents in his kingdom work. Yes, we need periods of rest and refreshment, which Jesus offers us in today’s focus verse. We need times to recharge our batteries after depleting seasons. That’s why I’m taking next week to unwind, relax, read for pleasure and just enjoy life before jumping back into the fray.

It’s good for us to take breaks, but we aren’t intended to hibernate. Jesus told us not to hide our lights under a basket (Matt. 5:15). We are called to rest for certain periods so we’ll be better equipped to shine our light when we are refreshed. But it’s not good for us to hide our heads under the covers as if we are hibernating for months on end, since God has great things planned for each of us, far more than we can see from our hiding places (Eph. 3:20).

When you wish you could hibernate, turn to Jesus for the rest you need. If you need more than just rest, reach out for help like I did years ago (here’s a link to a free counseling call). During my past seasons of depression, I truly wished I could hide under the covers for days on end. What I needed then was a helping hand, and you may too. However, if you just need more ideas for rest and replenishment, here’s a book I highly recommend to you. It has helped me find the different kinds of rest I need to be refreshed, and I’ll be enjoying them next week.

Here’s a prayer to encourage you too:

Father God,

Thank you for promising rest for me.

I need it in busy seasons when I feel so weary.

However, I sometimes want to hide from the world, as if I were hibernating.

Yet I know that’s not your best plan for me.

Help me receive the rest I need for my mind, body, spirit and soul.

May I be refreshed in your presence, Lord.

May I be better prepared to serve others once I experience the rest you offer.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Seeking rest as you prepare for the busy Christmas season? Check out the practical and encouraging tips in my book, Christmas Peace for Busy Moms.

When You Wish You Could Hibernate: Practical encouragement from Matt. 11:28. #devotion #encouragement #hibernate Share on X

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

Hard But Good

Have you done a hard but good thing lately?

I’m doing a hard but good thing this November thanks to the inspiration I’ve gained in the Emotionally Healthy Relationships class at my church…

Keep reading my guest post for Kingdom Edge Magazine HERE.

What hard but good thing might God be calling you to do? #personalgrowth #christianliving #spiritualgrowth Share on X

Self-Care Tips for the Busiest Season of the Year

The end of the year is only seven weeks away. It includes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Now, in mid-November, it’s good for us to pause, take a deep breath and make a self-care plan before the busy season begins.

I have practical tips to share with you on my guest post for Woman 2 Woman Ministries HERE.

Self-Care Tips for the Busiest Season of the Year: Practical tips to encourage you. #devotion #encouragement #selfcare Share on X

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:

Resisting the Pull of Materialism

I know that resisting the pull of materialism is hard, but we can do it when we invite God into the process with us. Here are eight tips plus a prayer to encourage you to have God walk beside you this season:

I have practical tips to share with you on my guest post for Woman 2 Woman Ministries HERE.

Resisting the Pull of Materialism: Eight practical tips plus a prayer to keep you accountable this season. #devotion #encouragement #intentionalliving Share on X

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:

Enjoying Slow Moments in Advent

One of the busiest seasons of the year is now upon us. To cultivate peace in the middle of this season, we need to choose slow moments.

Being mindful in a slow moment helps you connect with God. I’m sharing 5 tips with you to help you enjoy slow moments in Advent…

Keep reading my guest post for Woman 2 Woman Ministries HERE.

Enjoying Slow Moments in Advent: Five tips to help you savor the season with God. #devotion #mindfulness #advent Share on X

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode: