Faith Archives - Living Above the Noise

Discover the Beauty and JOY of Christmas

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!

My Struggle to Find Focus — Biblical Truth for a Writer & Business Owner

By livingabovethenoise

I’ll be honest with you — I’ve been struggling with my writing lately. I’ve wondered if my content is relevant to your needs. Am I only adding to all the noise on this crazy internet! Should I write more? Less. Should I quit?!

Times Change –

A lot has changed since I began writing ten years ago! Back then, writing a blog was the way to go. We shared our hearts and lives when the mood struck.

Now I write alongside my Life Coaching practice. And online business gurus tell us to post religiously, send newsletters weekly, add to that daily Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram — basically invade every bit of your world!

I find it pretty annoying when businesses won’t stay out of my inbox for more than a few days — and I’m guessing you do too!

I’m tired of being told I need some amazing, incredible, easy, or fast — trick, gadget, schedule, book, or course — in order to be a better person, writer, mom, wife, plus be instantly wealthy. I’m sure you get my drift!

So I won’t add to the racket. I’ll be writing the way you and I like it!

Ahhhh…. 😊

With 600 million blogs and 1.9 billion websites out there — really! 😯 — it’s hard for a writer or business owner to make sure readers can find them.

All the “to-dos” and “shoulds” of online business marketing make my “follow-the-rules” personality a bit crazy! And I want to get off the crazy train!

But then…
➡️ I remember how much I enjoy making friends on the internet.
➡️ Helping you live above the noise and realize your value before God motivates me to press on.
➡️ I know you can love your family well and actually enjoy being a wife, mom, and professional! And I want to help you do just that!

Biblical Truth for a Writer –

While sorting through my conflicting thoughts, praying, reading, and seeking counsel, I read the book of Titus. I was again reminded that I am the “older woman” Paul speaks of. (Now, I’m not completely thrilled to have earned this title 😊 but it’s where I am in life!) And because of my age and experience, I have a clear calling to meet the Titus 2 commands.

According to Scripture, older women are to encourage / teach / train younger women to:

– Love their husbands — Love isn’t always easy and we need ideas and help to do this well.
– Love their children — It can be really hard being a momma!
– Manage / keep their homes — It’s a tough job but it has to be done.

All of this so “that the Word of God may not be dishonored.”

So I’m accepting God’s call for this journey.

I’ll use my gift of writing — my decades spent journaling to capture and chew on thoughts and ideas — to help “younger” women (that’s you!) love the life they’ve been given. And that includes all the emotional and spiritual digging-in-the-dirt details of how that actually looks in real life.

If you’re an “older” women, I want this to be a place you feel comfortable having conversations about life in middle age: menopause, empty nest, relationships in marriage after the kids are gone, finding purpose, and more. This season of life can be quite unsettling to navigate. We all need friends to help smooth the bumps in the road.

Miscellany –

You’ll find me in your inbox once or twice a month.
I’ll occasionally link to a few products I think you’ll find useful. But only things I use and value and hopefully create soon.
But mostly — I’m offering you some hard-won wisdom and discernment in the realm of wife-dom, mothering, personal, spiritual, and business life, along with home management and care.
Schedule a Discovery Call to find out how Life Coaching can help you navigate life and decisions.

Please reach out if you have something you’d like to get a conversation started on. I’d love to hear from you! Honestly, this online world can be lonely.

Another thing, please share my posts with women you care about. I’m sure they need encouragement, too!

Thanks for your time.
Blessings and prayers as you seek to live above the noise!

PS – Check out a few of my favorite finds below!

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Titus 2:3-5

Encouragement from Emily Freeman!
If you haven’t discovered her podcasts, you’re in for a treat.
She’s calm and balanced and just what I need to center me in God’s will! Enjoy!

How To Organize A Brain Dump
Are you tired of holding your whole to-do list in your head!?
Well, here’s a great post on brainstorming I think you’ll find helpful.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Finding Love in a Storm

By livingabovethenoise

I sit, watching the storm blow in, and I can’t help but remember my childhood at the lake.

Sitting on the oversized, padded porch swing tucked under my grandparents’ cottage, my cousins and I would swing and laugh and plan the next excursion of our summer vacation. We’d gather there in storms just like the one today, feeling oh, so safe amidst the pounding rain and the thundering bellow of the clouds.

And I realize something.

There is nothing so wonderful, or calming, and as peaceful as feeling safe — of knowing we are loved.

Those days at the cottage were my favorite memories of childhood. I often wonder why.

I imagine it’s because we gathered as families, loved by parents and grandparents who cared about giving us simple gifts like this — our yearly family vacation.

Possibly it was in this lovely space away from home, we had no cares in the world. Both adults and children left the hustle of work and chores to get away and breathe.

But one thing remains. A sense of peace. Of security. Of love.

God Give the Gift of a Storm

The quiet of the rain softly pattering on the roof. The mist brushes our cheeks as we swing on the porch. The slow rumble of the thunder echoes its way across the sky.

And we have peace. Peace amidst the storm.

I pause and ponder for the first time in what feels like months. And I realize how very important it is to give one another that sense of peace and love. That feeling of being wrapped in a parent’s arms in the storm, knowing we are safe. And loved.

Seek out your children or grandchildren today. Let them know they are loved and safe with you. Let them know you will be by their side. No. Matter. What.

Of course, remember this doesn’t limit us only to children needing safety and love. Our spouses need that same affirmation. And friends. Even enemies.

If that makes you nervous, go to God, the source of all Love and Peace. Ask Him how to love while seeking nothing in return.

He’s the expert! His love never fails.

What’s Happened to Christmas?

Have You Thrown Away Childish Wonder?

Hustle and Hurry OR Mystery and Beauty?

Quiet Time – It’s Good for the Soul

Add a Bit of Magic to the Season!

Find JOY This Christmas

Those who make idols will become like them.

Psalm 115:8

“Where we look determines what we worship,

and what we worship determines what we become.”

The Quest Called Life

Motives & Desires

A Promise

Times Change –

Biblical Truth for a Writer –

Miscellany –

God Give the Gift of a Storm

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8