Tracesoffaith

The Beauty of Motherhood – A Blog Tour Post

April 3, 2023

Motherhood has broken me open. I didn't know broken, fragile pieces could be so beautiful, but that's how I see myself now. Not an outer beauty, but an inner one that has allowed motherhood to soften me, to shape me. I didn't know this kind of brokenness would teach me how to really live. It would teach me to walk by faith, not by sight. Because sometimes, I cannot see the outcome, but I trust it to be good.

“Take these broken wings and learn to fly.”

Paul McCartney ("Blackbird")

I see much of me in her. Our teenage daughter who wants to know everything. Who finds her value in knowledge and studies. I long to be the bridge between perfection and broken humanity. Perhaps that's a bridge a person has to build on their own, using each stone hurled her way, one by one. We identify life by milestones, those transition points that take us from here to there. In this case, I'm thinking of the seismic occurrences that, broke our family (and society) collectively open, and our new selves emerged. We could not stay the same.

mean girls, pandemics, adults who hurt, middle school, jaded history, cell phones, technology, quarantine, death, broken education, me culture, violence, church power struggles

So we take this fragile journey together. I pray, asking God to keep my heart soft, asking him to do the same for her. I'm a broken vessel of vulnerability, pouring out beauty so my daughter can see it. Feel it all around her. I beg the Holy Spirit to give me discernment in talking about all the things she already knows about in life, even those parts I wish she didn't know yet. Someday, not all that far from now, may our daughter look back and know she had honest parents. Loving and true.

I'm broken open, before my daughter. The world is too volatile for her to understand it as safe. Isn't this a wonderful space for faith to enter in? To build our trust in God? What a beautiful privilege to lead my daughter into the holy of holies. That space where we encounter God, not because we go to church or don't cuss or believe how some Christians expect us to believe, but because he is, always and forever, the way, the truth, and the life. Broken open before our Savior, so his light can shine forth. Asking him to teach us to fly, even with broken wings.

This post is a part of the blog tour for The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years. With scripture, stories, prayers, and practices, The Beauty of Motherhood provides mothers with refreshment and the reminder that they are not alone as they mother. Order your copy at Amazon, or Bookshop. The Beauty of Motherhood is out now!

I met the authors, Kimberly Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis at a virtual writer's conference with Collegeville Institute. I so wish it could have been in person, to meet these wonderful ladies face to face. Next time.
Most Clicked Posts of 2022

December 29, 2022

It's kind of fun to look back on the year, and see what articles showed up the most from Interest searches and Pinterest pins. The articles on this list continuously find their way to readers. They're the material you want to read. They touch on topics near and dear to my heart as well. Although none of these were written in 2022, here are the articles with the most clicks this year:

1. For the Woman Whose Husband Doesn't Go to Church (Anymore)

This is a follow up post to another one on this list (#4), which speaks to women who sit in church pews alone on Sunday mornings. There are any number of reasons for this, and I want them to always know they're welcome too. I read a tweet this year about a church who invited a group of single ladies to light the advent candle one week in December. I loved this! We should be intentional about remember the family of God doesn't look like a nuclear family of dad, mom, and two kids. And it shouldn't.

2. Reflections on Holy Week

I have several of these scripture reflections posts now. Looking specifically at the Easter story or the Christmas story, I write reflections on the Bible verses that offer us details about the events that happened. This one on Holy Week is a good way to remember what Jesus did each day of the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

3. Explaining to a Child Why We Go to Church

I picture Saturday conversations that go something like this, "Can't we just stay home from church tomorrow, maybe watch it virtually?" Then, Mom or Dad do a quick internet search for help in talking to their child about the importance of church in our lives. The numbers for this post are high on the weekends.

4. For the Woman Who Goes to Church Alone

As I mentioned in the description for my #1 post, women who sit alone at church have my heart. They also have an invitation to sit with me any time. My mom went to church without her husband, and it left me aware of those women around me who bravely do the same thing.

5. Five Ways James Encourages Us to Have an Active Faith

As a bible teacher, it always does my heart good to see my blog posts about Scripture do well. This one on James shows up on search engines regularly. He has a lot to teach us about a practical faith.

6. For My Daughter's Future Husband, I Pray

Barely a teenager, we don't know for sure that our daughter will get married, of course, but covering the "maybes" in life with prayer seems like a great idea. If she does find her husband-to-be someday, I have high hopes he'll be a godly man who lets God shape him.

7. Top 5 Bits of Advice I'd Give a 19-Year old Girl

I wrote this one a few years ago now, but the advice still holds. Someday, I should expand on the idea, offering advice for 29, 39 and 49 year olds. Maybe next year, when I actually turn 49.

8. Thoughts about Ash Wednesday (From a Protestant)

I've got a handful of articles on liturgical calendar services, like Ash Wednesday. My page views go up quite a bit during Advent and Lent, which points to our increased interest in the church calendar, and the rhythm it can give our lives. I'll keep writing articles like this one for sure!

9. Tabitha Was Kind (a Medi-Share post)

I've written a handful of articles for Medi-Share, a healthcare partnership program. This article tells the story of the beloved Tabitha we read about in Acts 9.

1o. Bible Studies, Devotionals, and Living by Faith Books for Teen Girls (Oh My!)

I'm often asked for book recommendations, and that includes books for teens. Many of these resources are ones we used in our house with our daughter, so they are tried and true. Really, any resource that helps your daughter become familiar with her Bible is a win in my book.
You’re Joking Me – A Book Review

December 12, 2022

Q: What do you get when you have a funny, talented seventh grader who tells good jokes?

A: Possibly, a book deal.

I gave a hearty clap when I saw William Daniel's mom announce that he'd signed a book deal with Revell Publishing. The world could use a lot more laughter! You're Joking Me: Jokes for Kids by a Kid released in November, and since then, I've seen the author doing television interviews, in news articles, and on a variety of podcasts, including this article in Newsweek! His goal: to stop inappropriate humor.

The jokes inside this book, they're truly funny. Of the more than 450 puns, riddles, one-liners, and knock-knock jokes, here are a few examples:

Q: Why did medieval people rarely see the sun?

A: Because it was the dark ages and there were any knights

Knock knock.

Who's there?

Neil.

Neil who?

Neil a little closer and I'll tell you.

Here's more about the young author:

"William Daniel is a middle schooler, a WWII enthusiast, and a competitive gymnast. He builds model airplanes and wants to be a pilot someday. He has an older sister, Maris, and a twin sister, Calyn, and is the younger by four minutes. As you can imagine, he enjoys making people laugh, which he does for family, friends, and at school. William lives in Colorado with his family and dog, Riley."

What a family-friendly resource. From my subbing days, I'm envisioning this book in a classroom setting too. Kids can take turns reading the jokes out loud. I've got an extra copy of this book, and I plan on passing it along to one of my favorite third-grade teachers. I also think it looks rather nice under my daughter's tree, don't you? It's pocket-sized, so just right for a stocking stuffer. After the gift-opening session, your family could entertain yourselves with a joke or two.
Bible Review – Explorer Bible for Kids

December 5, 2022
I remember the search for my daughter's first "Big Girl Bible." We'd decided to give it to her a few years before she could actually read it. I wanted her to have a Bible that was just like the ones she saw adults using, beyond her story Bibles, which we also used regularly.

"This is God's holy word," I told her. "We handle it with care and respect."

The careful attention to detail and learning resources in the Christian Standard Bible's Explorer Bible for Kids, quite simply, blows me away. I had to read up on some of the sidebar material immediately as I flipped through it. My personal favorite is the Olive Compass, Leathertouch. Here's a link to look inside.

Here are some key features you'll find inside:
- Introductions to each book of the Bible
- Highlights of 79 Bible characters, including fun facts and insights
- 115 facts and images from today, and how they connect to the Bible
- A look at archaeological finds and how they help us understand scripture
- A glossary and concordance
- QR codes that lead to online videos and activities
- Charts that show where Bible events fall into world history
- A dictionary that defines some of the bigger words found in the Bible
Here's a video introducing the Bible.

I've used the CSB translation for years, and really appreciate it. Did you know you can look up translation reading levels? That might be a good tool for deciding which Bible you'd like to select for your child. The CSB lands right in the middle, about 7th grade reading level, so it will grow with your child as their reading level develops. Taken from the website, csbbible.com:

"The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a highly trustworthy, faithful translation that is proven to be an optimal blend of accuracy and readability. It’s as literal to the original as possible without sacrificing clarity."

I've got a couple ways for you to get your hands (or the hands of your favorite young reader) on this NEW Bible. Blessed Freebie is giving away a copy! Enter here by December 17th for a chance to win. Lifeway Stores is offering blog readers a 50% off coupon, good for one copy of this particular Bible from their website, lifeway.com*.

*Here's some more fine print on this deal: ENJOY 50% OFF RETAIL PRICE FOR UP TO (1) OF EACH SKU OF THE EXPLORER BIBLE FOR KIDS. VALID THROUGH 12/31/22, CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, LIMIT 1 COUPON PER PERSON.
Bible Review – Egermeier’s Interactive Story Bible

November 29, 2022

Let me start by telling you how thrilling it is to hold a Bible that's also incorporated the technology of our day. In the debate over electronic Bibles versus print Bibles, this kids' story Bible from Warner Christian Resources offers both. Win-win.

Here are some unique features I liked in the new Egermeier's Interactive Story Bible:

It's a hardcover Bible that's not too thick (coming in at 611 pages).

The pages inside are illustrated with four-color drawings from artist, Mark Harmon.

It includes 312 stories told chronologically, and they include the scripture references.

The stories are well-written by author, Elsie E. Egermeier, and appropriate for kids of all ages (reading level is grades 2-3).

The follow up questions at end of each story can help with further discussion.

The "Helpful Bible Information" section in the back is an excellent tool for parents to use in helping their kids learn about scripture. Things like maps, a Temple drawing, and a chart listing Great Prayers of the Bible. I learned a few things myself!

The QR codes! They take you to videos that tell you more about the Bible itself, and particular stories using drawn illustrations.

There's a touch of nostalgia in this story Bible as well, with the older generation remembering the classic Egermeier's Bible Story Book, first published in 1922. In total, there have been more than 6 million copies of this beloved Bible sold.

Outside the city gates, the wise men saw the same bright star they had seen in the east country. It seemed to lead them. Surely, God was helping them find Jesus. (Egermeier's Interactive Story Bible page 374)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Interested in getting this Bible for a Christmas present (or two)? Enter to win one of three giveaway copies here. Winners will be drawn on December 28, 2022. You can also purchase some Bibles at 30% off during November and December by using the code: BLOG30.
Not All Who Wander Podcast Interviews

October 25, 2022

In an effort to make my interviews and writing easy to access, I've started individual pages for those podcast interviews done for a particular book. This page lists the interviews I had for my first book, Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost or around articles produced during that time. Feel free to reach out if you're interested in having me on your podcast, YouTube, or radio show.

Here is a list of my interviews:

Can I Say That At Church (with Seth Price)

The Stories Between Us (with Shawn and Maile Smucker)

The B.A.R. Podcast (with Dawain Atkinson)

The Why Behind The What (with Nathan Albert)

Spark My Muse (with Lisa Colon DeLay)

Two Christians & A Jew: What is Torah? (with Meir Simchah, Jennifer Brown Jones, Frank Taylor)

Gravity Leadership Podcast (with Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe)

Apprentice2Jesus (with Daniel Thompson)

Pod Have Mercy (with Jackson Davey)

Light Vision Podcast (with Eric Fisher)

Armchair Theology a discussion of Ruth (with Ross Furio and Clay Farrington)

Happy & Holy Podcast (with Kate Boyd)

Time Eternal Podcast (with Nicole Roccas)

1Geek411 YouTube Book Club (with Chris, Cameron & Shaneen)

1Geek411 (twitch) & 1Geek411 (Youtube) Interview (with Chris, Cameron, Shaneen & Emma)

think radio talk show & my first time using Twitch

Kevin Barhydt YouTube Channel

A Priest & A Rabbi LIVE radio show (with Father Christian Anderson and Rabbi Matthew Durbin)

Facebook Live version

Jason Scott Montoya YouTube discussion (with James Rowell and Greg Goodrich)

Halfway There Podcast (with Eric Nivens)

Rooted by the Stream (with Dr. Pam Morrison)

Resist & Restore podcast (with Jonny Rashid)

A Few Minutes (with Matt Rhodes)

The Motherhood Metamorphosis (with Brittany Meng)

Resist and Restore (with Jonny Rashid)
Shaky Ground Interviews

October 25, 2022

Since my second book, Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out, released July 2022, I've been doing several interviews to discuss the book itself, and those spiritual practices that can help us keep our feet on the solid ground of Jesus Christ. If you'd like to speak with me about Shaky Ground or anything book or church-related on your show, please reach out via email at tdhnow at gmail dot com.

Here's the list of podcast episodes:

In Conversation With… (with Kevin Barhydt)

Stories of Hope in Hard Times (with Tamara K Anderson)

Apologetics (with SJ Thomason)

YouTube Interview (with Sovann Penn)

Share Life book discussion (with Jason Montoya)

A Few Minutes With… (with Rev. Matt Rhodes)

Spark My Muse (with Lisa Colon DeLay)

Halfway There (with Eric Nivens)

Rooted by the Stream (Dr. Pam Morrison)

Untangled Faith Podcast (Amy Fritz)
A Book Review – If Mama Ain’t Happy

October 16, 2022

I've got a small list of books I often give as bridal and baby gifts, and I'll be adding If Mama Ain't Happy: Why Minding Healthy Boundaries is Good for Your Whole Family, to the rotation. This book is well-written and practical. I was new to the writing of Rachel Norman, founder of "A Mother Farm From Home," but I've found her online after reading this book.

It was the everyday challenges of life that taught Norman the importance of putting some consistent boundaries in place. As a Christian mom, she shares a lot of ideas from the perspective of faith. After having five kids in five years, and living abroad, she knew they would need set daily routines to function in a healthy way. When she heard the words, breast cancer, time slowed down and she realized it wasn't just a good idea to put boundaries in place, it was vital for emotional and mental health with the entire family. Everyone in her world benefited from the healthy changes she made.

So Norman writes from a lot of experience. She's qualified to share what she's learned. We all have to learn boundaries, though, as life throws various challenges our way. Here are the areas where the author instructs us to: Mind Your Own…

Rules – consistent and uniquely your own, known to everyone in the household.

Standards – this is tied more to your values, which comes from a Christian perspective for the author. PS You don't get your standards from TikTok.

Friends – Real life people who you can be real with. This section offered some good boundaries for phones and social media.

Emotions – Think healthy. Feeling with your emotions, and dealing with them in a way that fosters growth as a person.

Daily Care – Focus on rest, overall care of your body, and identifying pick-me-ups that keep you energized.

Responsibilities – Owning where you are in life, and the part you've played (and the role you haven't) in being here. Focus on the things you can change to create better boundaries.

Home – Most of us share a home, so considering the personalities involved, and what you as a mama need to keep things in order.

Life – A good chapter on contentment and finding hope in the future.

This book has valuable advice for a woman in any stage of life, but the reason I think of gifting it for showers in particular, is the benefit of learning this wisdom from someone at the beginning of a journey would be invaluable.

Here are a few quotes I appreciated:

"If we loved all our neighbors as we love ourselves, we would be the most hated women on the block."

"Women who are overcommitted, overburdened, and miserable are not more noble or more spiritual."

"Only you know what simplifying your life will look like for your family."

Again, here's where you can order the book: A Mother Far From Home website

You can also enter to win a copy of If Mama Ain't Happy here. One winner will be selected on October 25, 2022.
The Celebration of Rosh Hashanah – A Guest Post

September 26, 2022

Guest post by Lisa Leshaw

We're all familiar with the greeting 'Happy New Year'. We associate it with January 1st around the world.

There's another time that we wish people a Happy New Year and that's in the Jewish religion on the start of one of its High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah.

In the Jewish calendar, this will mark the New Year 5783. Rosh Hashanah begins on September 25th and ends on the 27th. This inspirational holiday honors the creation of Adam and Eve and celebrates the anniversary of their existence.

Festivities range from the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn), candle-lighting ceremonies, casting away of sins, to trying new things, and eating delicious delicacies like apples and honey, challah bread dipped in honey and delectable fruits, all of which symbolize the promise of a sweet New Year.

Here's a recipe for challah bread.

We pray as a community a sacred prayer during Rosh Hashanah;

Blessed Are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who Brings Forth Bread From the Earth.

Rosh Hashanah leads to the most solemn and holiest of all days in the Jewish culture, Yom Kippur, which is a time of repentance for one's sins.

So if you see a Jewish neighbor or friend in the coming weeks, smile and wish them a Happy New Year. They'll appreciate your gracious good wishes and maybe even invite you in to hear the shofar sound. After all, when we share our tables with friends of different faiths, we build bridges for tomorrow and surely that makes God happy.
NEW Podcast – TracesofFaith with Traci Rhoades

September 6, 2022

Over the years, I've received a lot of feedback on my voice. Not my writing voice, which I've worked hard to develop, but my actual speaking voice. I would do social media videos from time to time, and people would comment on the soothing tone. The encouraging, slow delivery.

My books aren't available as audio books yet. Still, there are lots of ways to hear someone's voice today, and to offer mine, I wanted it to fit with the ministry I'm already doing. I didn't want to add something just for the sake of checking that off the box.

I thought and prayed. I considered what others were already doing. Here's what I've decided to offer:

TracesofFaith with Traci Rhoades is a weekly podcast, delivered every Tuesday. In a short 6-8 minutes, I'll reflect on some aspect of faith living. The first series is going to focus on beginnings. I'll have guest presenters, rather than interviews. If you're interested in partnering with me on this, do reach out. I hope each episode reminds you of your place in the Capital – C Church. May we all be encouraged and learn some new things along the way.

I'll have the podcast available on all podcast outlets, including Spotify. It's my pleasure to connect with you in another way.

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