To be honest...

So I was just looking through the past few blog posts and realized it does not show the heartache that has been in my life.  There's been a lot, really, but some is too private to share or it would make others look bad, so this is not the place to vent.  I do that in my prayer journals.  Of course, if I keep up with my past, those journals could be published someday.  Scary!


But I do want to be real with you, as much as I can.  I have been scared, and angry, and WORRIED, and jealous, and stressed to the point that my body ached; for awhile it hurt to even move my neck.  That is crazy.  Right, it's crazy?!  This summer has been good for me.  It's given me time to reflect, and to think about changes I need to make.


Across settings of distress, I have a theme.  I put way too much emotional energy into worrying about things I cannot control.  It could be others' actions, or deadlines, or health, or perceptions, or timing, whatever.  I've decided to take two phrases to heart, and I think I'll type them up to go above my desk.


* If I can't control it, it just doesn't matter.
Not that I don't care, but it doesn't matter because I can't do anything to change it.  So don't worry.  I got this from a talk Ron Schweinberg gave to our district a few months ago, and it has stuck.


* Is it worth it?
Is the time/effort/emotional energy I would put into something worth the benefits it would reap?  If yes, then think about doing it.  If not, just let it go!
It can be really hard for me to say no, especially at my job.  This next school year I'm going to practice that word more.  Many times it's not even in response to a request from a person. I set such high expectations for myself that I just keep working and working in my perfectionistic way, until my life is my job, and I am so exhausted when I'm home that I can't function.  That is going to change!


There are a few loose pieces of paper that are in my Bible, and have been there for years.  When something really hits me hard, I write it on one of those papers.  I went through them this morning and was reminded of some things worth remembering!  When my dad was a pastor he used to call these "gold nuggets."


The more comfort we have, the less faith we have. (from missionaries at an orphanage in Romania)


God says, "You let me worry about ______.  You just be faithful."  (pastor Dave)


If I'm living in a fog, I haven't gone as far as God wanted me to go...sometimes because I haven't repented. (pastor Dave)


Trade these ashes in for beauty - this is a song, but I wrote down to "trade in my complaining words for words of life and beauty."


Worship is supposed to be a sacrifice.  David said, "I will not give my God something that costs me nothing."  (This one made it into my journal recently, just from memory.  I asked God why I like to do foster care and teach special education children, when both take so much out of me emotionally.  I'm thinking it's because for me, both are a form of worshipping God, so they both cost me much emotionally.)


Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again. Psalm 71:20


Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14


Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:30-31


My times are in your hands. Psalm 31:15


I hope at least one of those "nuggets" encouraged you.  Sometimes during trials I feel like I am clinging to Jesus, not loving him really, but just clinging because I need him to get through a rough time.  I want to love him all the time, not just when I  feel that I need him the most.

a book of journals

Back Cover Description


Do you ever wish people would just be real? Do you appreciate the brave souls that openly let you see their everyday frailty, uncertainty, and disappointment alongside their joys and successes?  Author Sara Talbert is as open as a person can get. Meandering yet Anchored is made up of over four years of her personal journal entries. Her work is not glamorous, but exposes the emotional ups and downs of her relationships and the everyday truths and frustrations young women face. Identify with a breakup that broke her heart, the crushes she hung on to for months, the men she ‘almost dated,’ and the disappointment that came crashing down when she once again found herself alone. Or was she alone? Read the story that Sara honestly calls God’s story. See the joy that her heavenly Father brought her throughout her daily trials. A real woman, a real life. She’s truly an open book.


To clear up any confusion…I published my book before I was married, under my maiden name, “Talbert.”


I would love for you to buy the book here.


Reader Reviews

I could not put this book down! It helped me get through one of the toughest times in my life. I have learned a lot about myself through the story Sara shares in this book. Sara is very honest and open about many of the feelings women face. She uses her journey through love and relationships in a way that is glorifying to God. What could be better?! I have recommended this book to many young women who feel they are sometimes alone in their struggles and feelings. It is a great book that those who are single or married at any age can benefit from!  – Ellen Masessa

I appreciated that Sara was not just telling her story as if it was solely hers.  She gave credit where it was due, through explaining how God specifically got her through trials.  She seamlessly weaved in scripture to guide and support her hopes, and her faith.
– Jennifer Young

What is harder than navigating your way through the complicated maze of relationships? Sara shares her personal journey in a way that makes her completely relatable and in a way that also glorifies God! I couldn’t put it down! Even though I was married at the time I read it, it still reminded me of many things that I need to still use in my marriage. I also share it with many young women who are still in the “dating scene”. It was a wonderful book!
– Heather Mohr