Building Harmony During the Holidays

 Spiritually and Emotionally Preparing for the Season

The holiday season can bring a flurry of joy, tradition, and togetherness. But as wonderful as the holidays are, they can also bring stress, busyness, and sometimes even loneliness. For women in midlife, these feelings can be especially pronounced. In this season, how can we create harmony between our spiritual and emotional lives, allowing us to move through the holidays with peace and balance?

Let’s explore some meaningful ways to cultivate a sense of harmony—of inner calm and wholeness—that helps us stay centered and connected to what matters most.

Embracing Spiritual Harmony in a Busy Season

Spiritual harmony means creating time and space for God amid the season’s busyness. With so many obligations, it’s easy to let spiritual practices slip, but it’s precisely in these moments that we most need them.

• Start each day with grounding: Dedicate even a few quiet moments in the morning to meditate or pray. Centering yourself in prayer, scripture, or reflection helps you face the day with a peaceful mind and open heart.
• Reclaim sacred spaces in your day: Whether it’s your commute or a break between tasks, look for moments to reconnect spiritually. Read a Bible verse, offer gratitude, or say a quiet prayer for patience and peace.
• Hold space for peace with family traditions: Keeping certain traditions can bring a comforting rhythm to the holidays, helping you feel spiritually centered. As you honor these traditions, reflect on their deeper meaning to bring even greater harmony to the season.

Cultivating Emotional Harmony in Relationships

The holiday season often brings gatherings with family and friends, which can be joyful yet complex. Maintaining harmony in relationships can feel challenging, especially in midlife, when family dynamics may have changed or expectations have shifted.

• Set healthy boundaries: Emotional harmony comes from knowing your own limits. Saying "no" to additional gatherings or tasks doesn’t make you selfish; it allows you to protect your energy and stay present where it matters.
• Embrace open-hearted listening: One of the greatest gifts we can give loved ones is the gift of our full attention. Listening without judgment creates connection and trust, helping you foster deeper, harmonious relationships during the season.
• Practice self-compassion: This time of year, we often try to do everything perfectly, which only adds to stress. Allow yourself the grace to step back and release perfectionism. Harmony starts within, so nurture yourself with the same kindness you give others.

Reflecting on Harmony Through Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for creating harmony because it shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s abundant. When we look around with a heart of gratitude, we find more peace and joy, even in the midst of holiday demands.

• Create a gratitude ritual: Each day, list three things for which you’re thankful. Focusing on blessings rather than burdens brings emotional and spiritual balance.
• Thankfulness in action: Expressing gratitude aloud—to family, friends, or even yourself—creates a positive atmosphere that nurtures harmony. A heartfelt “thank you” at the dinner table, for instance, can shift the tone toward appreciation.
• Reflect on past seasons: Think about previous holiday memories that brought joy or peace. Reflecting on these moments of harmony can inspire you to recreate a similar spirit this year.

Moving Forward with a Spirit of Harmony

When the holiday season feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause, reflect, and breathe. Know that harmony doesn’t require perfection; it’s about staying aligned with your faith, cherishing your loved ones, and caring for your emotional well-being. This season, let’s walk forward in harmony, inviting God’s presence into each moment and fostering an atmosphere of peace and love wherever we go.

40 Day Freedom Challenge

Do you want to improve your relationship with those you love?  Are you searching for a deeper spiritual connection?

The 40 Day Freedom Challenge aims to help you do just that and more. Based on time-tested Biblical Principles this book lays out a forty-day plan to guide you toward greater health, obtain purpose-filled wealth, and improve your interpersonal relationships and embrace a solid path to more meaningful spiritual development.

If you’re ready to get your life back on God’s path, buy your copy of The 40 Day Freedom Challenge this March!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Shea Vitartas has worn many hats in his career. Since earning his MBA from Pepperdine University, he co-founded the myQrew mobile app, founded WorldCanvas.com and mbabookeepers.com. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he found a passion for helping others to achieve greatness in their business lives and, most recently, in their personal lives.


A storyteller by nature, he used his verbal skills to help refine systems and metrics to help others achieve success in their endeavors. That work laid the foundation for his current project the 40 Day Freedom Challenge that aims to guide those seeking deeper meaning and stronger connections with their faith to a life filled with meaning and purpose by following biblical principles.

When not working on his many projects or volunteering his time and expertise to help others succeed, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his family near his home in Los Angeles. To learn more about Shea or any of his projects, visit his website: 40dayfreedomchallenge.com

Fresh Manna with Shawanda Randolph

So, what have you written?

I currently have a blog site where I publish inspirational writings for my readers.  Some are in the form of poetry while most are thoughtful life lessons anyone can use.  While it is a Christian site, the information is quite practical which makes some pieces relatable even for unbelievers.

The same applies to the Fresh Manna posts (words of wisdom/encouragement) shared on social media (Facebook, Twitter). I currently released Fresh Manna: A 40 Day Journey to Your Promise and a New Beginning with God, which is a 40 day devotional/personal growth book.

Where can we buy or see them?

Fresh Manna, A 40 Day Journey is currently available online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million and other online retailers, to include Amazon international platforms. The blog posts are on www.shawandarandolph.com

Readers can follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/randolph_Freshmanna

Give us insight into your main character

Fresh Manna’s main character is the reader.  The book is based on the Israelites’ Exodus Journey as they were released from captivity, discovering their identity in God, learned to live in covenant with Him, and ultimately entering into their Promised Land. Fresh Manna, takes the reader on their personal journey over a course of 40 days. During this time they get to rediscover their identity in God and strengthen/establish their covenant with Him. It challenges the readers to reflect upon their beliefs and seek their promises from God.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I believe writing kind of chose me. I cannot say that I dreamed of becoming a writer although I have always thought of having my personal story written one day.  I truly believed this would have been my first and only book, which I was in the process of writing when I began Fresh Manna. Now, I am realizing there are many other items I will eventually publish. Perhaps, Fresh Manna ignited something I was unaware existed.

Were you good at English?

Funny story. I enjoyed English and writing papers were a breeze for me but I admit, I would always just write last minute and still end up with good grades. Freshman year of college, my professor called me lazy. He had me sit outside of his office and rewrite a paper, after having a long talk with me about my lack of effort.  He was the only one to call me out and challenge me, so I worked harder for him.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely! Currently, I am in seminary school so, we are constantly writing. Last summer, while finishing Fresh Manna, I was also tasked with writing creative pieces for a class. In addition, I had four major papers to write.  I shared with my cousin, that I felt that the “bank” was empty.  I had nothing left to give.  There was no way I could possibly write that much at once on different areas. Learning to take breaks and finding what keeps your inspired is the key to getting through the blocks. I spent some time sitting on the beach and in prayer.  Just me and God on the shore. That’s how it all worked out.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I am actually looking forward to reading reviews from readers.  So far, readers have not shared their thoughts but I highly encouraged them to.  I welcome all reviews. If a reader disagrees with an area of the book or dislikes an area, I would like to know what that is and why rather than simply they disliked it.

I have had positive (verbal) feedback from some people and have encouraged them to share any and all feedback on Amazon if they desire.

Do you Google yourself?

Yes.  So, I have learned to Google myself before publishing my book. This had more to do with understanding employment and internet findings. I was in the military so I was always mindful of what would come up in a Google search.  Now, when I Google my name, it is exciting that my name fills up a page. It is either about my blog, book, or my travel business.  Sometimes, my Air Force career comes up with old interviews or articles.  Pretty awesome.

What are you currently working on?

I currently have two items I started working on but are nowhere near completed.  Both require much more research before turning into actual manuscripts and publishing. One, I can share. It deals with some of the common things we see, do, or hear in church, where these things derived from and how they have been taken out of context.  The purpose is to correct habits and build stronger theological foundations and Biblical principles.  It is a work in progress.

What does literary success look like to you?

Of course, it would be great to sell tons of books. I mean, what author would not want to make money selling their books or have their book on a best sellers list, right?

 Seriously, If I sold 1000 books but my readers were not impacted by what they read, I would not consider that a success.  For me, it is not the number sold rather the number of readers impacted by what they have read that equates success.  This is also another reason I would love to see reviews.  It is great to see the book is selling but more important to hear how the reader’s journey is coming along.

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About the Author

Shawanda R. Randolph retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. God would use her keen sense of wisdom, insight, and innate leadership skills, to help guide, direct, and influence those around her, especially those in leadership and potential leadership positions. It was her discipline, worth ethic, and problem-solving skills that led both superiors and fellow associates to depend on her counsel. As, a result, many flourished under her advisement and mentorship. Even then, she understood that it was God who gave her the courage and desire to watch others walk their God-given paths in and outside of the military.

Once Shawanda received this revelation, she understood what would be an essential concept to her ministry: Identity. She knew that once people discovered who they were in God, they would be more effective leaders. She learned that people often separated their professional, personal and spiritual lives. However, as God used her life as a model, He showed her that the three were inter-connected. He used everything he called her to be to propel her into the ministry full-time.

Shawanda holds an MBA in Health Care Administration from Wilmington University and currently pursuing a Master’s in Theology and Ministry with Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the proud mother of one very special son.

At “Fresh Manna” she offers prayers, wisdom, and prophetic instruction on some of the most pressing issues in society today. Fresh Manna’s mission is to not only to nourish the soul of the lost, and replenish those who have accepted Jesus into their hearts but build the next generation of God’s leaders.

She recently published Fresh Manna: A 40 Day Journey To Your Promise and New Beginning With God, currently available on shawandarandolph.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and other online retailers.

Confessions of the Heart: Interview with Canaa Lee

Part I:
An up close and personal interview with Canaa Lee author of Confessions of the Heart

What were you like at school?

In high school, I was a social outcast.  I always had my nose in a school book.  I was an overachiever and involved in a plethora of activities: piano lessons, girl scouts, 4-H, leadership events, summer enrichment programs, skating and band.  It was not easy being different.  My brother made fun of me all of the time, and people talked about me in school.  I was shy and stayed to myself.  But that lasted until I went to college.  All of those hurt feelings, low self-esteem, teasing and jokes came out, and it was not nice.  I became conceited, arrogant and prideful.

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Writing a book is not just about developing a piece of literature.  It also includes an attractive tag line, a book cover, marketing strategy, developing themes that draw people into the story.  I definitely was not able to do this without a publishing company.  It was a daunting task to find a reputable publishing company. As a result, I thought I would attempt to self-publish my book.  It initially sounded like a good idea.  I was cover designer, editor, publisher and marketing team.  It quickly turned out to be a lot of work and required a lot of time.  I was getting nowhere fast.  The book did not get a lot of feedback.  I quickly found out that everyone wants to self-publish; it is almost impossible to get discovered.  I had to decide on the right points of the story to highlight; this was one of the most challenging tasks to do.  I decided to take the book down and make some revisions.  The Lord brought me Christian Faith Publishing.  I believed the story is one that is worth telling.  The literary agent agreed with me.  

Now when I write, I think about a cover and opening lines that will catch people’s attention.  These are two important things that are essential when writing.  I learned when getting my new release published that presentation, opening and closing thoughts and visuals are imperative elements to keep in mind during the planning and writing process.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

I find that I have moments of energy and exhaustion.  When I find myself really passionate and inspired by God, then I can sit down, and thoughts and words pour out of my mind and my heart like a rushing river.  In my mid-20s, I struggled with my relationship with Dad and dating, so I was moved to write poetry.  That season has passed, and I cannot write anything that is poetic in nature.  In contrast, there are times in which something stirs up within me and I want to write in it down, but nothing comes out.  In those times, I sleep a lot, and wait several days or weeks for the thoughts to come together in one cohesive, thought-provoking piece of literature.  It really depends on the season I am in my life and the message I want to convey.

Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

As a writer, you must have a balance.  I have been writing since I was in high school.  I have written two math books.  They were not as successful as I would have liked for them to be.   In my past life, mathematics was my passion, the area of my career I spent my all my time and energy.  However, when I surrendered my life to Christ in 2013, I did not intend on writing my new release, “Confessions of the Heart.”  I dedicated and placed this book in the hands of the Lord.  I have seen more success and doors of opportunity available because my ego has been put aside; I have allowed the Lord to guide and to lead me.  When you come to the understanding that success comes from the Lord, and when you don’t acknowledge Him, and then it hurts you as a writer. 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

It is my intentions to be original, and deliver content in a way that both intrigues and sparks curiosity in potential readers.  Too many times we go after what is new and fresh, but not always what people need.   It is my desire to give people a story that is inspiring, motivating, truthful and encouraging.

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

My Dad was a poet and a public speaker.  He was very talented but didn’t know how to share that with me.  As a freshman in high school, I tried to write poetry.  It was not very good at it.  But as I got older and gain some life experiences, the feelings and thoughts of my broken heart began to pour of me.  I would sit down and write; I could find the right words for the stanzas for rhyme.  So it is not that I couldn’t write but it was provoked by the trials and tribulations, and heartache and pain.  Writing became therapeutic for me, and gave me an outlet to express my feelings and emotions in a constructive way.

                                                          What is your book about?

“Confessions of the Heart” is just a snap shot of my thought life in my mid-20s, and immediately after surrendering my life to Christ.  When I experienced a broken relationship with my Dad, it influenced and skewed my thoughts, feelings, and emotions about every other man I got involved with.  It also affected my perception of God.

What did you edit out of this book?

I did not tell about all my relationship struggles or how God used my younger to help explain some things about life to me.  In addition, I did not talk much about my Mom in this book .

What draws you to this genre?

Many times we Christian forget how we used to be, and do not take the time to tell our stories.  This is a perfect opportunity to share my life in such a way that people are drawn to Christ. All the trials and tribulations have allowed to me relate to many different people on many different levels. 

Why do you write?

People are bombarded with much information all the time, and they do not know where to go and what to believe.  I use my gift of writing to give people sound Biblical advice and direction; give people encouragement, inspiration and motivation; to understand and to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is only reason to do anything: to the glory of God.

Want more?  Part 2 is coming! 

Join us February 7th for a LIVE interview with Canaa Lee of Confessions of the Heart. 

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Check out Canaa Lee on social media
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeartOfRepentance

Confessions of the Heart Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/EpistlesOfARepentantHeart/

YouTube Station: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4JNnIfEcg5Cgcrz3tQilw

Confessions of the Heart Website: http://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=confessions-of-the-heart

Spirit Identity

Are you looking for a space where we can all come together, to learn more, spread the good news, love one another, walk in power and identify ourselves as children of the almighty and most loving God? Spirit Identity may be for you. 



Spirit Identity is where we can identify who we are as children of God. We can all walk in Power, Peace and Grace. This space exists for all to comprehend, grow and access the gifts of the Spirit, partake of healing from God, participate in giving with gifts from God, entertained with creative mediums in media, and identification thru products. 

Spirit Identity and its members look to evolve the kingdom of God on earth unlike ever before. Join us, grow with us and become a representative of God. 

Peace be with you.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFO

holyspiritidentity@gmail.com

http://www.spiritidentity.com/

The Healing Power of Music

An unconventional approach to recovery and coping, music therapy is a field of medicine capturing new attention due to its role in helping those who suffer from a host of ailments from PTSD, Cancer, High Blood Pressure, depression, General Anxiety Disorder, and more.

Join us as we discuss ways that you can incorporate music into your day-to-day routine and benefit from the universal language of music.

Abortion Recovery Telemseminar

Start healing from abortion now!

Everyone told you, you would be "fine" after having an abortion, right? So why don't you feel OK? Why can't you stop thinking about it?

Choosing to have an abortion is a real life decision. Abortion is more than just the termination of a pregnancy. It is the ending of a life. Get the steps to healing now. No judgement, just forgiveness.


Whether you decided to terminate your pregnancy due to illness, incest, rape or poor birth control - join us. We welcome you to start your healing process today.


Teleseminar Speaker: Rev. Dr. Angela Chester