How to get quiet time with God when life isn’t quiet

Published on by Sara BrunsvoldLeave a comment

“I know I should have quiet time with the Lord every day, but, ugh, LIFE.”

This is something I hear often from both my peers and younger women I walk with in faith.

I get where they’re coming from. As a wife and mother who works outside the home as well as inside it, I absolutely get it.

For the woman who gets up early as it is and goes to bed later than everyone else in the house, the thought of getting up even earlier feels daunting. Those who are already struggling to balance all their responsibilities feel guilty about not making quiet time a regular occurrence but have no idea how to make it happen.

It’s not that they don’t want to honor God by giving Him their time; it’s more so that they don’t know how to make it part of their day. No one in a similar life circumstance has shown them how.

As I have listened to these women tell their stories, what I realized quickly is that they would benefit from a new way to approach quiet time. Continue reading “How to get quiet time with God when life isn’t quiet” →

‘Don’t call me a Millennial’: How to stop stereotyping young people

Published on by Sara Brunsvold3 Comments

“Ugh, I hate that word.”

My twentysomething friend’s nose wrinkled at the mention of the word “Millennial,” as if it reeked of dog breath and gym socks.

“Why don’t you like it?” I asked.

“Because it’s so negative — and it’s not ME. I am none of those things.”

“Those things” include the stereotypical traits of a Millennial: Continue reading “‘Don’t call me a Millennial’: How to stop stereotyping young people” →

Choose love, and stop fighting on Facebook

Published on by Sara Brunsvold2 Comments

Recently I watched a fight unfold on Facebook. Perhaps you can relate: watching people you care about sling arrows at one another, each asserting they are in the right.

Although I was disappointed by their actions, I wasn’t surprised. These are good people, but they’re human, and we humans tend to respond more in flesh than in faith when we are angry.

The world’s voice convinces us that when we are wronged, we have every right to assert ourselves. It tells us we are justified in “throwing shade” at the other person. The world even CHEERS US ON when we do. That makes us feel even more justified, and perhaps vindicated. Continue reading “Choose love, and stop fighting on Facebook” →

12 things they don’t tell you about being a writer

Published on by Sara Brunsvold25 Comments

Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I loved the very thought of such a career and ached to see my creations on bookshelves. My only frame of reference for what a writer’s life looked like, however, was what I saw in movies and television shows.

As I began pursuing a writing career, I soon discovered all the parts that are not pretty enough for the screen.

If I could prepare my younger, starry-eyed self for what a writer’s life really is, here’s what I’d say: Continue reading “12 things they don’t tell you about being a writer” →

If you’re scared, you’re ready

Published on by Sara Brunsvold6 Comments

“Jan. 21, 6 pm, my house. Tacos.”

This is what I texted a few twenty-something single ladies with the heartfelt hope at least one of them would actually show up.

After more than a year of feeling the Lord prod me to do more ministry for twenty-somethings and then proceeding to wonder if He was for-real serious, the day had finally come.

I told the few ladies I knew the date and time, and I told myself to leave the rest up to God.

Easier said than done. No bigger ball of nerves has existed than me on Jan. 21. Even after setting the date, I fretted if I should do this.

ACTUAL fears that plagued me: Continue reading “If you’re scared, you’re ready” →