Faith Archives - Living Above the Noise

The Freedom That Comes From Discovering God’s Value For You

Gain the Confidence To Step Into Your Life With Intention and Trust.

Titus 2 Foundation

Hi there!

If you’ve followed this series, I’ve spent a few posts laying the basic foundation and structure of Titus 2:3-5.

We started learning how to live above the noise. Then we moved on to marriage and loving your husband — parenting and loving your children — and what it takes to be a keeper at home – a homemaker.

But there’s part of the foundation I’d like to set — let’s call it the cornerstone of your life as a woman.

And how important it is for you to discover and embrace your unique identity and value as the woman you are.

God created you not only spiritual but as a flesh and blood human – and He knows you need to live it out daily.

He knows you’ll do that best if you’re healthy and whole and living for Him – while using your personality, strengths, and skills to fulfill your calling as a wife, mom, homemaker, daughter, sister, and friend. And any of the other roles you fulfill in life – you are needed!

But most important is that you’re not going to find your identity and value where you might expect. At least not where the world tells you to find it!

Are You of Value?

You know, from the time we’re young we wonder about our worth. You see it when your kids ask you “Watch me!” or “Hey, look at this!” or “Look what I colored” what seems like a hundred times a day!

So to understand themselves and their world, they really want to know if they’re valued. That they’re worth something? It’s called reinforcement. They’re learning they’re of value — and they are capable.

Now, try hard to remember this when you wake up in the morning — and I’m guessing there are mornings you wake up and wonder if what you’re doing is worth anything.

Is this work you’ll do today valued by anyone?

It might be caring for your home — it could be the curriculum you chose for your homeschool — it could be keeping the fridge stocked and making great meals — or trying to lose weight — or like I am, starting a podcast.

And you wonder – “Is what I’m doing worth it? Am I worth it?

Does God Love Me? Am I Good Enough?

At these times – and they will happen often in your life – it can be really helpful to go back to the very beginning as a Christian…like those children in the early years, confirming that what they’re doing is worthy.

Go back to when you first professed faith in Christ.

You somehow knew you weren’t worthy to go before God – you knew you were a sinner – and you knew you needed to repent.

But then you learned about our amazing God Who loves you so much that He sent his son to die for you.

And you began to see your potential, your worth to Him. You were cared for enough that Jesus suffered for you – to give you a chance at new life!

But then we move forward into life — our roles change and the menial tasks enter in, we discover it’s not all sunshine and roses.

And we sin and complain and forget.

It’s not all the feels of amazing worth — and if we don’t keep our gaze on God, we become like those children again — asking someone to “watch me” or “look what I did… do you like it?”

I’m pretty are that’s why Social media is so popular, don’t you?

Is Self-Care Okay For A Christian?

I’m sure you’ve heard it in Christian circles — that “self-care” should be avoided because, as believers, we’re supposed to serve and consider others before ourselves. And, we might feel a bit guilty if we focus on ourselves. I get it.

The idea of God “valuing us” might sound like reverse worship. And we have no intention of that!

What I’m sharing here is not taking the focus off of God — but allowing Scripture to sink in to show you just how much God loves YOU.

Our goal in life is to look to God and surrender to His design.

And I believe when you see your VALUE from God’s eyes — you can move into the life He’s given you with confidence. Which also helps you live above the noise of the world around you.

I was talking with my pastor the other night – about the idea that the more you know of God, the more you need to tell others. And this is exactly how I feel.

The more I know of God, of what He’s done in my life, the more amazed I am that he loves me. And the more I want you to see that for yourself.

So let’s move onto just how much he values you – and why – and to what purpose!

It’s way bigger than you can imagine!

God Uses You and Your Unique Personality

So let’s look at a few foundational scriptures to see what God says about your value and if you’re worth it — God is clear in His Word about His care and love for you.

He’s also clear about what He wants in return from you — how He wants your devotion and for you to work out your salvation.

He wants you to advance his kingdom — and He does that by using you and your unique personality. And knowing how much God values His creation — that’s you! — will make a huge difference in how you approach your day.

And when you have confidence in your unique design, you can better use your gifts and talents for those around you.
Your husband, children, and friends. Everyone benefits when you get a proper perspective of your value — your design — but you’ve got to start by knowing God’s plan!

I say “Amen” to that!

As you listen, think deeply about where your identity lies – about what you look for in life. Truly.

And think about how you’re allowing God to use you — and your uniqueness — to do His work.

I want you to see this because for years I struggled not knowing I needed a better perspective on who I was and how God created me for His purposes. I spent so much time creating my own purpose.

Resist the Temptation — What Does God Value In You?

You know as well as I do — we live in a world that has us spinning faster every day. There’s more noise online, every day, everywhere.

And it’s really hard to truly stop and resist the temptation to get on the fast track with everyone else.

This got me thinking – wanting more isn’t only a first-world problem like we might imagine.

All the way back to the Egyptian culture we see their desire for beauty and power. The women were as vain as we are today! They designed alluring clothes, jewelry and makeup — did you know they’re recognized as the first to use cosmetics and perfumes?

Fast forward to New Testament times, the women of that era were also finding value in costly jewelry, elaborate hairstyles, and clothing — and God used them to remind us that the “gentle and quiet spirit within us” is what He’s more concerned with.

“Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” 1 Timothy 2:9-10

I find it interesting that in our present day, this biblical topic isn’t being discussed. Maybe it’s time we did!

Maybe it’s time we each look at the true value of a woman, Your true value given by God. What He considers imperishable and precious.

Of course, we like to feel pretty — but I’ll ask a tough question ⤵️

Are you tempted to find your value decided by a culture full of vanity, marketing, and temptations to get you to buy and do and want more in life?

I’m reminding you, giving you the courage! Be who you were created to be — not by the world’s ideas or your friends or what’s most popular on Pinterest.

Take time to discover what’s best for you and for your family.
Set your focus on God’s design for you.

That’s why I believe discovering your value before God is so foundational to Living Above the Noise!

—> If you’d like a week of encouragement in your inbox, reminding you how you were created by a loving God to do good work — grab my 7-day Devotional on this very topic.

You’ll be added to my not-often-enough newsletter for more motivation as you choose to live above the noise.

Questions to Ask

These questions will help set the groundwork for your Titus 2 focus — reclaiming family life – you know… marriage, parenting, and home care!

What caused you to be and use your unique personality the way you are today?
What might God want you to shift in your priorities and how you use your time?
Pay attention to where your focus is OR what’s undergirding it — is there ego or pride at play rather than humility in submission?

I Needed A Perspective Change!

I’ll share a time when I needed to evaluate who I was — one of those opportunities that shifted my focus and perspective.

A long time ago, when my ten kids were still at home, and we’d be out shopping or at church, others would comment, “How do you do it? You must be a saint!”

It always caught me off guard. I wonder why? :)

I wondered and thought about it after I’d heard it — too many times to count — at first thinking that maybe I was special or something. But I knew I was no saint!

All I can guess is that they thought I was following the creation mandate to be fruitful and fill the earth! Or that I had mainly qualities that kept me patient. My kids and I are laughing at that!

Just to let you know — filling the earth was the last thing on my mind!

Saint or Selfish?

After some introspection, I realized what was at the core of my mom-of-many status….I was selfish!

I loved having babies and every time one of them would turn 15 months old or so, I’d pine for another. It was my flesh not wanting to be without something I loved. I wanted more!

And I don’t believe that qualifies as “saint” status!

What I needed was to connect my selfishness with a lack of trust in God’s plan for my life. Was I in control — or God?

Of course, God used my love for babies to create a whole lot of amazing individuals in the world! And He used them to grow me in ways I never would have grown otherwise….but I think you get my point.

Things on the inside aren’t always what they appear to be on the outside!

So, all that to say — it takes some deep thought to see where your heart really lies! To see what you’re using to create your value in life.

And to understand that God wants you to discover your value to Him and in Him!

A New View of God

I share a lot of scripture here — my prayer is for you to see in them – a new view of God you might not have seen before!

In our book and Bible study culture, we can get so focused on learning about God, His Word, and His love for creation — which is obviously those are very important —

But we can easily miss the connection between that amazing Truth and what God has to say about us – about how He feels about His own creation!

We get so busy learning and doing, learning and doing, that we miss our vital role in His plan.

I was raised Catholic and in that era, we were taught more about fearing God than anything else. We were taught to be good — and as a child, that’s mostly what I took away from it.

Here’s a caveat – Don’t just tell your kids to obey because God’s watching! Teach them of His love along with why God wants them to obey!

I didn’t do so well at this in my early years of parenting and being a new Christian.

Aren’t we so glad God is a God of mercy and grace?

There is a side of God you may have forgotten.
He loves YOU.
He cares for YOU.
He has plans to use YOU on this earth.
His love for YOU transcends your love for Him.
That means it goes way beyond anything you can imagine!

God’s View of Us!

Do you remember when you were young, how you thought and wondered about yourself?

I think we all remember looking in the mirror and wondering — “Are we cute enough, thin enough, smart enough – or are my ears too big?” (Interesting thought isn’t it — the idea of enough?)
Or we’d see through the eyes of our friends — “Do they like us? Are we popular? Did they avoid us yesterday?”
Or we’d remember that “thing” we did or the “way” we acted out. And it would replay in our heads, over and over.

We start believing there’s no other way to feel about ourselves or to make progress in life — but to see ourselves through our own or another’s eyes.

But there is a better way!

Romans 5:8 says,

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

And this next verse is foundational for that one.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Pay attention to them.

We usually pay attention to what God did, but look at why He did it!

Now read them again.

Do you hear it? —> It’s because of His great LOVE.

We often think of God’s power and sacrifice — but it can be easy to miss that we are the object of His LOVE
We are the recipients of His grace & mercy! You are! Notice it says “while we were yet sinners” and “we shall not perish.” You don’t have to get it all right. That’s MERCY and GRACE at work.

So… what do these verses say about YOU?
Do they say there is a qualification for God’s love?
That you have to measure up?
Or be perfect, or cute enough or smart enough – or have the right sized ears?

No!

He simply says He loves you, even if you did the unimaginable.

No qualification. God offers His Son for you. That’s it!

His only requirement is that you believe.

Sit At Jesus’ Feet

Picture God’s focus on you and His love for you in these verses. It’s an amazing love someone must have in order to sacrifice for another person — especially for someone who’s wronged them.

And – if you have children, you know what it feels like to love them deeply — even when they ignore or hurt you. God wants you to realize His love for YOU is that unconditional!

The best part is that when you begin to see and believe these truths, it becomes your goal to abide in Christ!

In his book, Kingdom Woman, Tony Evans paints a great picture of living for Christ.

“The very things Martha was doing for Jesus distracted her from Jesus…she had become so involved in them that she excluded herself from time with Christ…..in your personal life as a kingdom woman, it is essential to note that in the good things of life, you should try not to lose the important things.“

We were called to be like Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet, yet we still have the jobs of Martha to be busy about — being a keeper at home — managing our life — and loving our family well — but to do that well, we’ve got to make time to sit at Jesus’ feet.

You’ve got to stop here and there in your day – even if it’s for a minute to whisper a prayer for sanity or for wisdom or direction — to ask him to help you take your thoughts captive, to discover what’s truly in your heart.

Sure there will be days when you hit the ground running and fall in bed without a minute to spare. But, think again.

Can you whisper that prayer while you’re brushing your teeth or your hair?
How about when you’re waiting in line for take out.
How about we make it our goal to talk with God any moment we can?
Maybe put a post-it note in a few places to help you remember?

Purpose & Passion

Okay…so we’ve determined that God loves us a great, great deal.

But…do you have days where you wonder what your purpose is?

It seems the whole world is talking about “finding your purpose” and “discovering your passion” — and it seems to make sense, right?

But then you wake to another day of feeding the kids, helping with their schoolwork, and running another load of laundry. I’m sure it makes you want to stake your claim in front of Netflix for whatever series has caught your attention this month — complete with chocolate!

And you wonder how passion and purpose measure up with what you read in the Bible?

But there are answers, really, there are!

God tells you throughout His word that He loves and values you, He desires a relationship with you, and He protects you. Plus a lot more!

And believe it or not, that truly is enough to get you through the day
— IF you let it seep into your soul
— IF you allow your thoughts to gain control over the nagging feeling you get when people you know seem so. much. more. in charge of their life.

Social media is so good at that, isn’t it?

That’s why it’s so important to take even five minutes to read God’s word. To let your mind slip away from what’s right in front of you — to a place of comfort and foundation in God.

Because, you know, it’s the only foundation that matters.

God tells us, everything else is sinking sand.

From there, you’ll gain that confidence we talked about earlier. And your passion and purpose will flow out of it!

Birds & Hair

So let’s look at another verse.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
And not one of them is forgotten before God.
Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Luke 12:6-7

In Bible times, a sparrow was used for sacrifices in the temple and was of such little value they cost less than a half-penny each. Even at that price, the sparrow isn’t forgotten by God!

Now – add in the amazing fact that every hair on your head is counted by God.

The Bible talking about hair might seem insignificant, but if you have kids, you loved those velvet locks at the back of your baby’s neck. But then remember the disappointment when that annoying bald spot started to appear as they’d turn their head back and forth and rub it off on their beds? Yah, such a bummer!

And then there’s discouragement you feel when the post-pregnancy hair loss happens you know, at around four months— then you know that every hair is a really. big. deal!

In a way this verse says that God understands. He notices every hair (or lack thereof) on our head!

So sparrows aren’t forgotten. Hair is numbered. And even better?

The last line of the verse says we can be certain that we have more value than many sparrows. I’m guessing you’re glad of that 😉 but…get this detail — if He notices when a lowly sparrow or a single hair falls to the ground, how much more does He notice your life and what occurs in your day?

It’s important to realize how great God’s love and devotion is to all of His creation. From the smallest creation and event — all the way to you!

You & Your Work Are Worth It!

As we wind up, my hope is that the next time you question your value — you’ll run it through the filter of God‘s word.

I believe you’ll discover that in God’s eyes, you are worth it — even if you’re not living up to what you consider your potential or someone else’s idea of your potential.

And the best part? When you know God’s immense love, you’ll stand taller and look more keenly to Him to determine your worth and work and value.

And, for those times when you wonder if your work is worth the time spent or if the money or energy is spent in the best ways — filter them through God’s word.

I hope you’re convinced it’s where you’ll find the wisdom to discern it’s value to God.

Is it doing good in your family life? Or in the world?
Is it advancing the Kingdom?
Just like the women throughout history, you’re going to need discernment!

Maybe even more important — with the voices of the world in our pocket every hour of every day — it’s much harder to escape into our own backyard, so to speak.

So the need is pressing for you to filter what you hear.

Remember — the culture will convince you that what you do for yourself, what you like, what makes you feel good, and what it says is best for you — is most valuable.

BUT like the example of Martha, those things might not be God’s best — and they can take away from the things God says are extremely valuable.

Take Aways

Here’s an idea for how to apply what you heard here:

Jot down how you can see how God values you — and how He created you. Write it out in your own words based on the verses here.

List out a few things you know you can do with your gifts and talents to serve Him. It might be something simple like telling your child they did a great job today or texting a note of encouragement to someone you love.

Best of all, it will help you get a glimpse of how God and His word are your framework and foundation for worth and worthiness in all of life!

And because your family is your most important responsibility this side of heaven, you’ll be able to pass that worth onto your husband and kids!

I pray this post will build your confidence to live above the noise — so you can do great work right where God has you!

Maybe it will cause you to think twice when you clean out your hairbrush! :)

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The Who, What, and Why Behind “Living Above the Noise”

By livingabovethenoise

“Who” I Write For –

If you’re a woman who feels drawn to family, I believe you’ll find community and encouragement here.

You who have the quest to raise kids who can stand on their own, set apart from the lure of the world.

You who hope your kids will live up to the high calling of God to advance His kingdom for the short time they’re here on this ball called Earth. And I’m guessing you might want that for yourself, too!

You who often feel alone in your desire to simply love your husband, love your children, and care for your home. Of course, you want to care for your body and soul, but you want to be responsible for the roles God has given you.
You know in your soul you‘re meant for more than what the world has to offer – success, wealth, beauty, or status.

It’s sad those goals aren’t valued or accepted in our culture anymore.

You can listen to this post on the podcast here. ⤵️

Why I Write for You

I’m here to encourage you to become all God wants you to be!

I was blessed to live in a time when it was more normal to want to be a wife and mom. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s when moms often stayed home.

My mom was cutting edge in working part-time as a substitute teacher — but honestly, as a kid, I felt lost when she started working and I came home to an empty house. I don’t think I’ve ever realized that before, but I think that’s probably why I decided to stay home with my kids.

This is for the woman who knows in her soul that she’s meant for more than what the world has to offer – success, wealth, beauty, or status.

Are you that woman?

If so, I know life isn’t easy in a world that’s going in what seems like the opposite direction as you are – and following your heart and doing your job alone is even harder.

If you’re like me, you’re looking for answers and desiring a better life than what you see in the world around you.
Perhaps you’re tired and don’t feel the value of motherhood. Or is it that you can’t seem to get your kids to listen to you?
You might be wondering how in the world you’re going to make it through another day.
And you wonder how your kids will turn out.

Believe me, I understand! While I’m not chasing toddlers anymore, I get a refresher when my grands stop by! It was 20 years ago when I had a toddler and a full passel of kids at home.

I don’t remember every day-to-day detail but that’s not why I’m here.

You can learn a lot from others online who are sharing from the middle of family life.

But I feel called to write from the other side of parenting.

The side where we’ve lived through the tough stuff – and watched our kids grow into and now live as adults.

I offer perspective on things to help with your roles – and things that can hurt as a wife, mom, and homemaker.

I’m even more motivated to write as I watch my kids adjust to adult life.

The transition to married life and then again to changes that take place when they become “mom.”

I’m reminded first-hand how tiring and taxing mommy-ing is. How it changes who you are in magical – yet what also can feel like soul-sucking ways.

The “What” of Living Above the Noise

It’s the foundation for all we’ll be discussing here – faith, family, home, and more.

In Titus 2:3-5, Paul instructs “older women to encourage young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

In this verse, Paul reveals that family must be pretty important to God. And I believe it’s such an important framework for Christian women to pay attention to.

So… because you’ve chosen a path that most women in our day don’t seem to want or even care about, you need to remember that cultural opinion doesn’t make it any less important!

In fact, when you see it according to God’s design, it’s one of the most important jobs in the world.

Raising the next generation for His glory. How can that be of no consequence!? So we’re going to be discussing that. How to stand firm and sometimes alone in your beliefs and values.

And for that reason, I don’t want you to have to go it alone!

I’ve been blessed to have older women in my life who taught me and challenged me and even reproved me. Sometimes I didn’t like it, but it was all for good!

I can’t imagine not having them in my life.

So “how” can I help you?

If you’re still with me, I think you want to be known as the woman who loves her home, and creates a life of love and faith and health within your four walls.

You want to build a healthy marriage and you want to grow capable, intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working adults.

If that’s you, then you’re in the right place!

Let’s begin with my journey

Who am I? Why should you listen to me? And why I do what I do?

I’ve been on my journey as a Christian for over 30 years.

And it’s taken me places I wondered about, worried about, was confused about – but all along the way, I stand amazed that God has been so very patient.

That He’s grown our family into what it is today. Into 7 new families! Each seeking to pattern their lives after God’s word and faith in Christ.

And it never ceases to amaze me — especially with all I’ve done to potentially mess things up!

Follow me and you’ll hear some of those mess-ups — and how God cares so deeply for you and your kids that He can redeem even the most sinful or selfish heart.

Yes, He can!

I’ll share lessons, thoughts, tips, and helpful tricks I’ve picked up in over 40 years of parenting my 10 kids.

I’ll talk a lot about thinking. About taking time to process and learn from your mistakes. About reading God’s word to discover who He created you uniquely to be — and how to then use it in your own family in a more personal way than just patterning what another family is doing.

I love helping people see their own value rather than conforming to the world’s ideas of value.

My goal is to never be prescriptive [relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method]. That’s the last thing I want to do to you! I’ll offer ideas and tips we used in our family, but not with the intent that you’ll only get results if you try them.

Some of us have had enough of rules and shoulds. Been there, done that!

You and I want — and need — to feel the freedom to use our God-given gifts and personality to obey Him and discover what works for us and for our own family.

The Benefit of Retrospect!

In my years of discovery, I can tell you that the times I stepped back and waited for some level of wisdom or discernment to come — I called it “biding my time” — those were the times I grew the most!

I’d also swing to the extreme of that when I seemed to be “always learning. ” I can be the poster child for the verse, “Always learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth!” 2 Timothy 3:7

But through all those years of growth, without knowing it, I was learning that my independence (I’ve often called myself a rebel – but now I more politely call myself an “independent thinker”) well, those years were getting me much further than those around me who were following the crowd.

I love retrospect! Without it, we can’t see what God was up to and why He allows things in our lives.

To be honest, I’d rather be 40 again — but one thing being the older woman offers me is retrospect.

I can see where, why, and how God brought me here. I can better understand how patient He’s been with my failures and the amazing fruit of my obedience.

It all works together as Paul says in Romans 8:28, “And we know – that in all things – God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“

But one thing to remember! The “good” in that verse doesn’t mean “easy.”

There is no guarantee in this life as a wife and mom. No guarantee that all will be “happily ever after.” Or that your kids will all become successful (by the world’s standards or by your own.).

The only guarantee comes from God who says that as we love Him and trust in His Son’s work on the cross, we will live in eternity with Him.

Everything else is based simply on the level of trust you have in God’s word and His promises for your obedience to Him. And of course, His perfect plan for your life.

“Why” Am I here for you

You already know Titus 2 is why I’m here. I’ve blogged for 12 years, but in our fast-paced world, it’s becoming easier for you to listen than read.

And because I love a good podcast – rich with meaty topics and delving into a plethora of discussions on why, how, and when we do things as a wife, mom, and homemaker — I decided to add my voice to the mix.

Honestly, Living Above the Noise is why I keep putting off taking it seriously. Because I don’t want to add to all the noise online — but you can help me here!

With your help, with your ideas, thoughts, and questions, I think we can make this a place to grow and escape above the noise! You can help me by commenting on my posts, following my podcast, and leaving a review.

I’d really appreciate it!

What Is “Living Above the Noise?“

Recently, I had a friend say she didn’t know what “living above the noise” meant. To be honest, I was surprised. I’ve used this term for years. In case you’re like my friend — I’ll share about what’s at the core of actually Living Above the Noise!

My favorite time of day is when I grab my coffee, sit on our hammock swing on my back porch and just relax for a few minutes without any distraction.

I think, I ponder, I wonder, I ask myself questions. I ask God questions. Before I get into my Bible reading — before I get into my book reading — before I get into the work of my day.

That’s my daily practice. Do you have a daily practice?

Like the Birds

On a recent morning, I looked up and at the very top of one of our tallest pine trees there sat three birds, chirping to one another, overlooking their lake view.

I wondered what they could see from up there. I do know it was a whole lot more than I can see – and it’s a much better view than mine.

Then I realized they were actually above the noise around them. Sure, the truck going by, the lawnmower next door, and my pool pump humming might still reach their ears, but it’s a whole lot quieter up there.

This is one amazing picture of what living above the noise looks like!

We can be down in and among the noise, like I am right now. I can still get my quiet time – but then there are moments like those birds when I can escape a bit.

I can actually rise above the noise of life. And you can, too!

You can purposefully seek to move away from the things that dull your senses. The things that create stress or comparison or fear in your life.

Like those birds — they chose to rise above and rest on the top of that tree. To escape for a bit. And I think they’re safer while they’re up there.

Such a perfect picture of what living above the noise is all about!

Noise, Chatter, & Perspective

As humans, we live with a lot of “noise” in our world. And I’m not just talking about physical noise, like that truck or the mower. You have internal conversations all day long — your fears, expectations, comparisons, and more. These create mental noise.

Then there’s the chatter of the world around us.

The never-ending rampage on the internet to get your attention.
The ads that tempt you to buy. To convince you to take the latest course or follow the “best” system.
Social media begging you to compare your life with everyone else.

That’s a lot of noise!

Well, my goal is to help you quiet that noise!

To help reset your perspective.
To reframe what you hear (and choose to listen to) every day.
To help you focus on what God says about trusting Him to discover your value and purpose in life.

As a Christian woman, your goal is to live surrendered. I’m here to encourage you to give up some things in your life so you can live free — above the noise of the world.

Live surrendered — the way God intended. Live your best life — and remember — it’s the life Jesus died for! That alone will help you silence much of the noise. Or at least learn to live above it!

Think of how ever since 9/11 we hear about our government listening to online chatter to discern what’s safe – what’s not normal – and what’s unsafe.

Well, that’s our job as a Christian. To scout out the “noise” around us to see what fits into God’s plan and His purposes for our life and for our family.

As you listen to the Holy Spirit and learn to filter what you’re hearing through the Spirit, you’ll gain clarity on your value, your unique personality, and how God created you to use it.

You’ll be able to filter the lies the world offers you – and there are a lot of lies! And compare them with the promises of God!

No Comparison Here!

Each one of us is on a different path in life. We have various personalities and giftings to use in beautiful and varied ways. I share my experiences and my life lessons.

But I’m not sharing to cause you to compare or choose the same.

They are here for you to consider. And cause you to think.

We don’t have to perfectly match in our lifestyles — what we do or how we live. How many kids we have. Whether we homeschool or not. If we stay home or work.

But there are lessons we all can learn from each other. Insight we can gain. Perspective that can draw us closer to God if we’ll only listen.

My hope is that these conversations about life and living it – will cause you to consider your life and help you navigate life as a Christian woman.

There will be new topics to think about – and discuss – issues and questions about how to live as a Christian in the world but not of it.

We’re Peculiar People

We Christians are called to be “peculiar people.” And we’re doing this in a world that caters to its own kind of peculiar – yet balks at ours! That’s not an easy task.

When you’re choosing a different than normal lifestyle, even your best friends and fellow church members might question or judge your choices. To be honest, I think we’re all guilty of that! So don’t let it stress you out. Most of us want others to like what we do.

But this is where — knowing yourself, your sins, your desires, your motives, the truth you hold so dearly, and the lessons you know you need in order to follow God’s plan — come in.

It’s where He can use you and your unique personality and talents to do the work He’s given you.

The When, Where, & How

Check out the next posts in this series, as we dip our toes into the waters of Marriage and Parenting.

I’ll share how to build a true foundation for your family by resetting your framework on solid ground.

How You Can Help Me!

The last thing I want is to add to all the noise online – but with your help, with your ideas, thoughts, and questions, I think we can make this a place to grow and escape above the noise!

You can help me create relevant content and get the message out:

All this is to help you start Living Above the Noise and into your life!

Discover the Beauty and JOY of Christmas

By livingabovethenoise

I’m sipping from my “Joy” mug and thinking about this holiday season.

It seems to have jumped out from where it was hiding to say, “You’re it!” Everyone I’ve talked with says the same thing, “How could it be Christmas already?”

I wonder.

• Are we living such a hurried life that we can’t find time to prepare for this sacred holiday?

• Are we so saturated with social media and our online life that we can’t find space to invest in our physical one?

• Are we so carried away by the world’s goods and treasures that we forget the ultimate Treasure?

What’s Happened to Christmas?

What happened to evenings by the fire, family cuddled on the couch reading stories of old? Stories that remind us of God’s love and His precious Gift to us?

Our childhood experiences form our feelings about holidays — they create our love, disdain, or apathy for the holidays.

At the time, I didn’t know my family was teaching me to love “holy days.” My Polish/German immigrant grandparents brought such richness to the Christmas season. Our family’s Catholic traditions were so rich in formality, wonder, and the presence of holiness I can hardly describe it. I felt such awe at the mystery of the season — the calm and reverent recognition of God sending His Son as a babe in a manger. Maybe it was the visionary in me or my writer’s mind – but the Spirit of Christmas came alive in me!

Think back on your childhood. What happened to instill your feelings about this season today? Is there anything you want to change about how you celebrate? What traditions are you giving your children that will carry into their adulthood? Will they remember these days with love, disdain, or apathy?

Have You Thrown Away Childish Wonder?

I love this quote from my daughter-in-law’s grandma, Gigi. Some people tire of Christmas newsletters, but I cherish each one I receive from Eloise! She’s such a gifted writer — and shares exactly what we can gain from this special season. Listen as she travels back over seven decades in childlike wonder!

“Hopefully most of us will be in Christmas mode. You know, the days we scurry about trying to find deals on everything from bicycles to bathrobes. It is when glitter is fashionable. Children squeal and decorated trees take over our living rooms. I try my best to act like an adult during Christmas but that just never works. I become age six every year and wonder why others don’t do the same. I think when a child becomes an adult and throws away all childish things, they give away too much. Some things we all should hold on to. We need to retain some wild-eyed wonder-ment, the belief in miracles and the spirit of Christmas in our hearts every day.”

Eloise Cunningham

Hustle and Hurry OR Mystery and Beauty?

In the midst of all the hustle, perhaps we need to ask a few questions.

Are we missing out on the beauty and mystery in our quest for the latest decor?
Are we searching for the best cyber-Monday deals and overlooking the real reason we give gifts?
Can we pause the hustle long enough to consider what this holy day truly signifies, the immense beauty and tragedy of it all?

This season is truly a gift. One we don’t want to overlook. Our world and all it has to offer keeps us so busy we often don’t have time to think — and wonder — and worship.

From the time we step out of bed in the morning to falling back into it at night — we don’t catch our breath. Let alone our thoughts. Thoughts God has for us. Thoughts to consider the good gifts and the holy presence of God Himself sent down to us long ago. Gifts given to us not only on Christmas, but each day.

Quiet Time – It’s Good for the Soul

Long ago, when my children were small and finally in bed, I’d take a bit of quiet time each evening before the lights were clicked off. I’d pause to soak up the decorations on our simple tree, the calm, the serenity of it all. I’d ponder the joy and wonderment of the season. A time of excitement, laughter, and surprises that shined from my children’s eyes and rang from their voices.

Something special stirred in those quiet moments before rolling into bed — moments in the ambiance and solitude of twinkling lights and quiet music.

For some, Christmas isn’t a time of wonder and joy. Which makes me so very grateful for my family’s example. Those early days of wonder helped me soak up the season while I was so busy raising my own family.

I’m certain the Joy I felt came from God who loves me. God, who gave me a family rich in heritage and full of tradition. God, who didn’t want me to lose Him in the midst of all the busyness.

A generous God who gave the best and most lovely Gift of all!

Add a Bit of Magic to the Season!

Without children to add their sweet innocence and anticipation for Christmas, I find it gets harder to deck the halls and light the boughs. After a Christmas party this year, where the host’s house was decorated to the brim — I decided to freshen my own spaces with the spirit of Christmas!

Each time I walk through a room, I’m reminded of the magic. The anticipation of Christ’s coming. I’m reminded to pause — and quietly soak in the mystery and beauty of Jesus coming to earth. Reminded to discover Joy in that tiny God Babe, who literally was born for the Cross!

Find JOY This Christmas

Such a simple thing — the printed word “Joy” on a mug.

A small token and reminder — of Joy come down to us.

A reminder to take time each day to enjoy this season. A quiet moment in the morning. A holy moment in the evening before bed. A pause to consider that Baby and what He has done for me. And for you!

Won’t you join me today? And tomorrow?

“Thank you Lord for helping me remember your good Gift.

For allowing me the space and time to reflect on all You’ve done for me.

To share that quiet mystery with those I live life with.

Thank you for this Gift that brought me new life today — and tomorrow.

Amen.”

The Bible is filled with verses on finding Joy in the Lord!

“And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9–10

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’” John 15:10–12

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”Psalm 16:11

May we shout for joy over ^syour salvation, and in the name of our God set up our ^tbanners!

Psalm 20:5

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

More posts to encourage you this Christmas!

What’s This About Christmas and Tiny Tim?

This Is Definitely What Christmas is All About, Charlie Brown!

Best Eggnog Ever! Recipe

Making Personal Idols — How To Avoid Becoming A Slave To Your Habits

By livingabovethenoise

Those who make idols will become like them.

Psalm 115:8

I’ve been on a soul-searching mission in recent years. I’ve entered my “retirement” years having raised and home-educated 10 kids — so I’m feeling the lull in my life purpose.

In that lull, I’ve discovered something pretty important. And it’s nothing new under the sun.

We create idols.

In the nugget-filled book, *Aging With Grace by Betters & Hunt, the verse above popped off the page and I had to write about it.

You see, I’ve been creating idols all my life. I bet you have, too.

The thing is, we’re usually unaware we’re doing it. Most often, we don’t take time to consider what and why and how we’re going about creating our adult life. We focus on creating our home and family. Building our career. Finding our friends. Keeping track of online friends and followers.

Each of these can be a good thing, one that guides us to God’s purpose for our life. But it just might be an idol. A false god we create to help us feel safe — and loved — and important. Do you feel the stab of discomfort when you read those words? Don’t ignore it! That stab can prod you to discover your own idols.

God wants our hearts to be His. Not anyone or anything else’s.

Simply His.

“Where we look determines what we worship,

and what we worship determines what we become.”

AGING WITH GRACE – BETTERS & HUNT

The Quest Called Life

We begin life on a quest. A quest for fun and adventure, fulfillment and comfort, relationships and happiness. We’re told to grab hold of the impossible — find our life in whatever we can create from our talents and initiative.

Of course, none of those is inherently wrong. But without God at the core of any of these endeavors, we’ll miss the mark. We’ll bypass the true Source of each of those quests.

The adventure will get stale — the fulfillment will wane — the relationships will disappoint.

But why?

Because God desires us to worship only Him.
To listen to His words and obey them.
To become exactly what He created us to be.
To come to Him, not just when we’re tired of the culture telling us what’s important, but before we listen to all the voices.

I’ve spent two-thirds of my life raising my family. And I’ve loved most of it. I’m not one of those women who disdained the duties of diapers and training and caring for little people. I actually found it to be an adventure and a challenge!

But all too often, I wanted things just the way I wanted them. I got angry when things didn’t go my way. I forced things into my schedule even when I was burning the candle at both ends. I’m sure my kids felt the pressure. (But then, they also had a lot of fun and adventure with me. You see, there’s good and bad in every story!)

It’s easy to get frustrated by a life spent raising a family — growing a business — searching for the perfect relationship when we don’t understand the depth and value of the life God calls us to.

We don’t realize the importance and impact to each person in our family and for our own life.
We don’t see God’s plan through our endeavors.
We don’t see the value of each and every event, each and every frustration, each and every moment spent living for others.

But God will remind us that He is a patient and loving and kindhearted Father. He knows our frame. He allows time to pass while we learn just how trustworthy He is — and how false the world’s promises are. That’s what grey hair is for!

We can and should praise Him for that!

Motives & Desires

If one point here resonates with you, won’t you take a moment to consider your ways, your motives, your heart’s desires and lay them before the Lord? Let Him bring to mind just what it is you are making an idol.

Then move into the difficult work of casting your cares upon the Father, allowing Him to determine just what it is you’re to keep — and what things you need to let go of.

Yes, it will hurt. But the freedom that comes afterward is amazingly sweet. Your eyes will be opened and you won’t ever want to go back — to the bondage of thinking those things, the opinions of others, your security, or your fame matter.

You will be free to be you!

Just the way God designed you. Worshipping the God who made you for His good work. Living in the calm and strength that can only come from Him.

Nothing, yes, nothing we do can compete with what God has in store.

A Promise

I promise you, as you take time for this, as you pray and release the years or decades worth of deception that have crept into your heart — the idols you’ve been holding onto for comfort and happiness — God will enter in and reveal just what it is you are destined to do while you live on this earth.

Depend on your Father and live in freedom.

I’m on a mission to help you find that kind of freedom. The freedom that comes from giving up lies and leaning into God and His plan for you. Learning how you’re wired and created can really help. Finally, you can see how God created you to do what only you can do well, for His glory and the good of others.

Two tools have really helped me:

The Enneagram — your unique personality understood in light of how you’re designed to worship God and set free through the Gospel.
Christian Life Coaching — having deep conversations with a person who can help you sort through what’s within you waiting to be understood.

These aren’t “ooh-hoo” or new age mysticism as you might think. They are grounded on God’s unique design — you! When you begin with how you’re a created being and then directed toward your Creator, it feels like magic!

I trained with the Professional Christian Coaching Institute and would love to help you discover the freedom I’ve found. Contact me for a free consultation to see if I can help you discover your own idols. More important, find the freedom you can only find in fellowship with God, using the gifts He’s given you!

Contact me if you want to learn more about God, coaching, or idols.

*Disclosure — Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog!