Got encouragement?
Time to give and receive: It’s a linkup!

As we approach the final days before Christmas, I hope you are slowing down, letting go, asking for help, and especially taking time for the important and not just the urgent.

To help you find those sweet and savory spaces of rest, relaxation and encouragement, I have put together a list that includes a variety of resources.

Read on, and enjoy and embrace the gifts I humbly offer to you, from one mom to another.

Be sure to link up an encouraging post of your own at the end, too, whether past or present!

 

Got problems?

The Power of Moms provides solutions, and it’s all about solving the problem, not the person.

 

Are they explosive rather than just plain annoying?

Auntie Em wrote on negotiating “the minefield of holiday stresses and unrealistic expectations, overcommitment and exhaustion,” but then realized she had more to say, because when you mix it all together it can really cause explosions!

 

How do you encourage the encourager?

An especially poignant post on the power of words from Dawn Camp writing at (in)Courage. She writes, “Ironically, writing the words you need to hear, to be read by someone else, heals you.”

 

And from the archives

I have five more for you, just in case you’ve started to climb back up that hill towards Panic Peak. Not that I’ve ever done that. . .

 

Are you raising a praise junkie?

This time of year presents its share of parenting challenges, as kids are beyond excited and parents can be just plain tuckered out. I encourage you to read my post Are you raising a praise junkie? as it contains some great advice on how to encourage your child from the inside out, which will ultimately foster better behavior.

 

Parenting through the difficult phases 

Megan Tietz wrote over at The Simple Mom about parenting through the difficult phases of childhood (there were times I would have said that meant from birth to age 18). Take a few moments to gather some easy to implement, concrete ideas at Megan’s post, When parenting means steering into the skid.

 

When God meets you in your mess

I knew parenting would be an exciting ride. (Little did I know how exciting!) At times, I was and still am taken aback at the extreme highs and lows that encompass the rich rewards and incredible difficulties of being a mom. Brooke McGlothlin has penned a moving piece over at Hope for the Better Mom that speaks to the low moments, to the weary mom in all of us: When God meets you in your mess.

 

Being careful with no

Laura Vanderkam of the blog 168 Hours, you have more time than you think, shares about Being careful with no. I found saying no too quickly was something I would do especially when my patience was just worn thin. Laura offers some good advice as we sail into this busy, busy week, so do stop on over.

 

A peaceful Christmas through embracing imperfection

I love this post, written by The Simple Mom founder Tsh Oxenreider, from the Plan Your Peaceful Christmas series. This particular one, although very short and sweet, comes with permission and encouragement to just let go. Hop on over for a gentle reminder and a side of joy: Plan Your Peaceful Christmas: Task 6 (Embrace Imperfection)

 

I pray that you find just what you need here today.

As I share hard won wisdom here, I, too, am reminded to live by it.

This week, especially, I am not yet where I hoped or needed to be. I do not have it all together. My list of to-do’s is still way too long for the time remaining before Christmas, so I read what these moms have written, and remember to just let go. I hope you do too!

 

Questions: How are you taking a break this season? What does giving and receiving encouragement look like to you?


Sharing with NOBH, Better Mom, Finding Heaven, PYHO

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Comments

  1. Thanks for the shout-out Kim, and for the great holiday help! I am avoiding Panic Peak pretty well this year– somehow all the craziness of the past month is making that a bit easier.
    Auntie Em recently posted…Little Ways to Stay Close to God Throughout Your DayMy Profile

    • You are so very welcome, Melinda! I just loved that post! Glad to hear you are avoiding Panic Peak, too.

      I think we have finally learned our lesson about over-committing and trying to do too much (that took waaaay too long …). For the first time I can ever remember, our gifts are purchased and mostly wrapped, and we have time to enjoy the season. What a relief and an enormous treat to look forward to this last week before Christmas with joy instead of dread!

  2. Hi Kim,
    Thanks for hosting the new link-up ! :)
    I agree with encourage the encourager. When I write, I write for God and for me. I write what I need to hear and need reminding of. And however God chooses to use it to encourage others is a bonus.

    Blessings,
    Laura
    Laura Rath recently posted…My Top Ten Scripture Verses of 2012My Profile

    • You are welcome, and well said, Laura. Isn’t it funny how we are ministered to through our own writing? Talk about conviction! Have you ever posted something you just couldn’t NOT write, and wondered if anyone was going to be reading it? Then someone lets you know it hit home with them. :-) Always a great reminder to listen to those promptings! Thanks so much for adding to the encouragement.

  3. Dear Kim,
    Thanks for hosting and sharing encouragement, as always…in case I don’t blog next week, wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas. SO fun to see you on the Dream Team with Holley :)
    Dolly recently posted…Alphabet of Thanks Series: "F"aithfully PresentMy Profile

    • It is so fun to realize how many gals I know on Holley’s team, including you! Woot, woot!
      Thanks so much for joining in and sharing encouragement. I just wish we could know how many lives are touched, but I guess that’s where we walk in faith. :-) A very joyful and blessed Christmas to you and yours as well, Dolly. I am truly blessed to know you!

  4. Great posts, Kim – something for everyone! Hope you’re enjoying this last week and have a wonderful time with your family!
    Hugs from VA,
    Susan
    Susan Stilwell recently posted…A Monday Pause ~ ShineMy Profile

    • Hi Susan! It’s good to see you “out and about”! I am enjoying the calm before the wild and fun chaos that is my family. They will start arriving in force on Friday. Have a joyful and restful week!

  5. Thanks for all the great links.

    Fondly,
    Glenda
    Glenda Childers recently posted…A Decembered GriefMy Profile

  6. I am savoring this sweet encouragement for the soul! Thank you, Kim, and may God continue to bless you – – as you bless so many others! :)

  7. My dad just left and I almost propelled myself into a frenzy to get done all that I need to do. But, thankfully, God called me close first, and now I have much better perspective. I love how you are always encouraging us and giving us practical information at the same time.
    Jen Ferguson recently posted…the dual themed post and the Soli Deo Gloria PartyMy Profile

    • I smiled at the thought of you, race shoes on and feet on the starting blocks, ready to bolt as your dad closes the door behind him. I am so glad you stepped off and chose another path. Your words mean a lot to me, Jen. Thanks so much for letting me know you are encouraged by what I share here. :-)

  8. Thanks for all these great resources–yours and others, Kim. I’ll have to check them out. And I’m so excited to see that you have a link up. I’m a little behind, not knowing that you had one, but I’ll have to slide my latest in there next!

    • Thanks, Beth! Actually, this is my very first linkup. I had been wanting to do one for some time, and this week just seemed to cry out for a veritable buffet of encouragement. I am so grateful and delighted folks have jumped in! Always great to see you here!

  9. Such a beautiful thought- to share encouragement. We could all use some!
    Shell recently posted…Things They Can’t Say: The Dose of RealityMy Profile

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