Friday, December 4, 2015

Sandra Barnes: The Best Way to Enjoy the Holidays

Everyone's Story gives a big welcome to fellow Elk Lake Publishing and YA author Sandra Barnes. I have so much respect for authors who reach out to teens and young adults who are in need of encouragement. In this fast-paced-world that glorifies change by the second, and often brushing aside faith and morals, Sandra Barnes is a strong voice to be read today. Please take the time to read her blurb, her words on the holidays, and reflect on what they all mean for you. Both Sandra and I look forward to hearing from you.




Blurb of PRESENCE OF CYN:


How can you win the race if you’re speeding down the wrong track?


CYNDRAY JOHNSON, a wild and unruly teenager, longs to become a track star but instead races against self-destruction. Falsely accused of a bomb threat traced to her cell phone, she’s expelled from St. Pious Christian Academy, ruining her chances of obtaining the one thing that really matters to her—winning a gold medal in the State Championship.


There’s a Life-Line for the Busy Holiday Season by Sandra Barnes
It’s going to be a great holiday season!
This week, as I perused articles, advertisements, and even social media, the one consistent theme seemed to be how to resist the urge of doing too much of one thing and not doing enough of something else. Lots of advice was dished out on how to not over eat, over spend, over commit, or plain ole over indulge-in-anything-whatsoever. Period.
The tips for the holidays didn’t end there. An even greater charge was inflicted upon those whose pendulum tends to swing to the other end of the spectrum during this season. The advice was for the individuals who just can’t seem to get into gear to do anything. The people like me, I suppose. The ones who get snatched into the ferocious whirlwind of feeling the need to do so much that they end of practically doing absolutely nothing. Just exhausted from the to-do list!

I really don’t like being in that awful place of having so much stuff that’s due that I don’t have enough days to deliver any of it anyway. Truth be told, even the most organized, diligent, well put-together person has been there. Like shopping for people we know and love (and some of them we just know … and like … a little bit) like the co-worker’s name pulled during the secret Santa gift exchange that you had to participate in to be considered a team player; making crafty gifts because it seemed more thoughtful at the time, but the directions outright lied when it said it would be inexpensive and you didn’t have to be crafty; yet you realize that you could’ve potentially saved 50 bucks and 50 hours of labor if you’d just gone to Walmart instead of giving a homemade gift where the recipient had to ask, “what is this?”; and what about scheduling Christmas photos, arriving on time and having to wait hours because the photographer has somehow gotten behind? When it’s finally your family’s turn, you pose with a perfect smile for each shot but have to retake every picture because somebody squinted, wasn’t ready, or was acting goofy, and when the family votes for the picture they want to purchase, you’re outnumbered because everybody (except you, of course) simply adores the photo where your smile happens to be too tight as you were warning them—between clenched teeth—that they had better behave this time.
Yes, the list is endless. And the flood waters can rise so high between decorating, hosting/attending parties, and gift wrapping that one could possibly drown before baking, visiting relatives and friends, writing letters, and sending cards. But wait! There is a life-line.
The advent season has always been one of preparation. For me, this time of year just naturally feels like I’m getting ready for something! When I was younger, the season seemed to be wrapped with hope and joy, excitement and anticipation. Seems those magical feelings that came so easily when I was a child have to be intentionally mustered these days. And quite honestly, I’m okay with that.
It’s a pleasure to put everything on pause in order to reflect upon how spiritually meaningful this season really is. I don’t mind stepping away from life’s hurriedness to honor the birth of Jesus. There’s no guilt or shame or disappointment or regret when overindulging in His presence. See, the joy of Christmas lies in knowing that He came, that He is coming again. Yes, it’s going to be a great holiday season!
Sandra's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Like #Christian #YA? Meet Sandra Barnes @sandra_author on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)
Sandra Barnes @sandra_author: How to overindulge during the Christmas season without guilt. (Tweet This)
Sandra Barnes @sandra_author offers a life-line for the holidays—does it match yours? (Tweet This)
Author's Bio: 
Sandra Barnes has traveled around the world, collecting stories. She loves multiculturalism, and she honors differences in her writing to illustrate the sometimes not-so-obvious similarities of all people. Sandra lives in Southern Maryland with her husband and two teenagers. When she is not writing or traveling with family, she spends considerable time counseling teens and advocating for social justice in mental health.

Places to connect with Sandra:

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Please note:

--I will soon launch a specially designed website that will incorporate Eveyone's Story blog. I hope you will follow me on this new site. When it goes live, I'll make the announcement!


20 comments:

  1. With a deadline the first of January, I'm not even sure what day it is...except someone posted on Facebook that it was 3 weeks til Christmas. But I've made a commitment to start my day of writing with quiet time with God. And part of that commitment is to spend time remembering what this holiday celebrates. Jesus. Next week is our Singing Christmas Tree that I will make time to go hear. And enjoy. So, yes, it's going to be a great holiday season!

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    1. Pat, I hear you! I just noticed on your website last evening your wonderful book cover for your next release--so exciting!! I think it's the best cover yet! With my own debut novel about to release I've been busier than ever (working a day job too) and cannot wrap my mind around that Christmas, let alone winter, is a whisper away. Yet, I am praising my Father left and right for all He has done and will do for me. Without Him I am nothing.

      If you should read this and have a moment (bad joke about time, I know), do share about the Singing Christmas Tree. I cannot imagine.

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    2. "Quiet time with God"... Yes, Patricia, I agree that this is key. I find that He gives me exactly what I NEED to do all that I MUST do. Declaring with you that it will be a great holiday season, and wishing you much success in meeting your January 1st deadline as you also enjoy Christmas time.

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    3. Every year our church choir (and many temorary singers) climb up on a steel structure shaped like a Christmas Tree and sing the most beautiful songs. We usually have a small amount of drama. This is the first year I haven't helped with putting on the lights and greenery, but my knees just wouldn't let me climb the 15 - 20 feet to the top.

      I'll post a photo of the tree on FB tomorrow. And then nex week, I 'll take a picture of it with all the singers in it.

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    4. Pat, sounds like a lovely event and full of the holiday spirit... but makes me a tad nervous for those who do climb up the tree, though I'm sure it must be safe if you've been doing it for years. I'm looking forward to those pics 🎄

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  2. Sandra, my hat is off to you for writing for younger readers. Sounds like you do more than that for them, too. Keep up the good work!

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    1. Sweet words for my guest, Gail. I appreciate them. I appreciate your visit. I appreciate you!

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    2. Thanks for the encouragement, Gail:
      Such a blessing to work with the younger ones. They're always pouring new insight into me--lol!

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  3. I'm back. Just read about the hemorrhaging woman who needed only one little TOUCH for healing. That's what my morning quiet times mean to me--just be there for a spell, refocusing on the origin of all the good God provides us. Helps my perspective!

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    1. And I'm thankful you dropped by again, Gail. This morning I read about His peace soothing us despite a turbelent world, appropriate for me since my husband is ill, I had some internet problems, and my toilet bowl scrubber broke in my hands. One of those days, but I'm clinging to His peace.

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  4. What a GREAT "last straw" picture, Elaine, of that scrubber breaking…hope you husband heals - is it something chronic?

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    1. Oh, not chronic, thanks be to God. Heartfelt thanks, Gail, for your concern and heart. He has a lousy cold/bug of some sort. I'm keeping an eye on him... and God is doing a better job :)

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  5. They always say Advent is a time of expectation, and it is. The expectancy is wonderful. But it's also a time of preparation, as you point out. At least, for adults it is and it can become overwhelming. Good article.

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    1. Nike, I'm glad Sandra's words resonated with you. Thanks for your visit! May you enjoy every day of this most wonderful season.

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    2. Nike, so happy you enjoyed the article! You're certainly right that the preparation in this season can become overwhelming--especially in the natural. I'm learning that spiritual preparation rejuvenates me and offers a bit of peace. Thanks for dropping in.

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  6. Thanks so much for this wonderful reminder, Sandra, and for the sharing, Elaine! This post made me laugh out loud with the oh-so-real examples, and then quieted my heart to take a deep breath by the end. So good to be reminded that it's okay to need to intentionally muster those "special" Christmas feelings. It's worth it, because it is true...He IS come. :)

    A blessed and peaceful Advent season to you all!

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    1. Kiersti, heartfelt thanks for visiting this evening and bringing a good dose of good, sweet cheer. So glad you enjoyed Sandra's feature.

      I hope to see you again, and hopefully on the new, soon to release website/blog.

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    2. Kiersti, so happy this article put a smile on your face and made you laugh out loud. In the midst of all that's happening home and abroad, God still offers us a sense of humor and covers us in peace as we prepare expectantly for His coming. Glad to see you here!

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  7. Heartfelt thanks, Sandra, for being such a lovely guest this week on Everyone's Story. You've certainly helped put us writers--and I'm sure readers--into the right perspective when it comes to celebrating Christmas. Your words have been truly uplifting. I hope you and your family are blessed with the joyous holiday season as you've helped us this week to accept without guilt.

    Blessings to all.

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    1. What a great week! Thanks, Elaine (and your viewers) for allowing me the opportunity to engage. Wishing each of you a guilt-free advent season and many blessings!

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