Dealing Peacefully with Holiday Stress: Meet Wendy & Charlyn

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[Editor’s Note: This is part 2 of a 2-part interview series talking with Christian women on how they deal with holiday stress. To read part one, click here.]

How do busy leaders keep emotionally grounded during the holidays?

Church leader, active mother, and missionary wife, Wendy said, “I schedule time by myself (hopefully weekly) for hot chocolate and reading a Christmas favorite. If I have the time, I give myself a pedicure. Who cares if no one but my husband sees my toes at that time of year – it makes me feel good!”

How do these wonder women continue to grow spiritually during this busy time of year?

Charlyn, an active business owner and wife of a pastor says she makes appointments with God. “I purpose to be intentional with the days God gives me. I plan my calendar in advance. I ask God to guide my heart as I purposely schedule days or periods of time that are for focusing on God. I guard these times that are scheduled in the midst of the busy Christmas season. Also, I purpose to keep my early morning Bible study consistent no matter what season or how busy I am. This is a bit challenging but God reminds me that I serve HIM, not church programs or other people’s expectations.”

Charlyn also reformats existing meetings. “I support keeping the church calendar simple by celebrating Christ’s birth at the times we are already meeting. This is good for our church members as well!”

Paul said in his letter to the Philippians they should deny anxiety and think about that which is positive:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:6-8 NIV)

That’s advice we should all take to heart. There is no purpose in beating ourselves up about “falling short” during the holidays. Accepting simpler holiday traditions, asking for help, and most importantly–separating from the busyness daily to read our Bible and pray will help each of us find peace during the holidays.

Kelly Stigliano

 

About Kelly Stigliano

Kelly J. Stigliano has been writing and speaking for over 3 decades. She and Jerry have celebrated more than 30 wedding anniversaries together—all proof of God’s redemptive power! Kelly made bad choices for years and shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, hoping to keep others from making the same mistakes. Because no one benefits when we wear masks, she tries to stay transparent. “Everyone has skeletons in their closets, but my closets don’t have doors on them!”

Encouraged? Share this post...

Kelly Stigliano

Kelly J. Stigliano has been writing and speaking for over 3 decades. She and Jerry have celebrated more than 30 wedding anniversaries together—all proof of God’s redemptive power! Kelly made bad choices for years and shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, hoping to keep others from making the same mistakes. Because no one benefits when we wear masks, she tries to stay transparent. “Everyone has skeletons in their closets, but my closets don’t have doors on them!”

To read some articles I’ve had published, hear about God’s story in my life from the “UNSHACKLED!” radio program or the Focus on the Family broadcasts, see my book, Praying for Murder, Receiving Mercy: From At-Risk to At Peace; My Journey from Fear to Freedom or explore the anthologies I’ve contributed to, please visit my website, www.kellystigliano.com.

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