Sarah Geringer's new book of devotionals encourages women to 'focus on peace, not perfection'

As a working mother of three busy children, Sarah Geringer of Jackson knows what it means to make sure her family's needs are met each day.

By extension, she also knows just how much more taxing the process can be during the winter holiday season, when wrapping gifts, cooking lavish meals and attending holiday events are added to an already hectic mix.

That, more than anything, is why Geringer decided to write an e-book titled "Christmas Peace for Busy Moms." In it, she leads readers through a series of devotionals to help them cope with the many demands on their time. The book is available on her website, sarahgeringer.com.

This is what the budding author had to say about the book and her hopes for the future.

__Flourish: Why did you decide to write the book?__

Sarah Geringer poses for a photo at her Jackson home. (Ben Matthews ~ photos@semissourian.com)

__Geringer:__ I love Bible studies, and when I became a mom, I joined the Bible study at my church. I met other women there who could mentor me and help me build up my faith.

Sarah Geringer wrote an e-book titled "Christmas Peace for Busy Moms." In it, she leads readers through a series of devotionals to help them cope with the many demands on their time. Submitted

__Flourish: Tell me about yourself -- what led you to becoming an author?__

__Geringer:__ I've always loved art and writing and anything creative. People have said I have good insight, and when I was leading Bible studies, I felt like I could exercise my leadership skills and also learn about the issues that are important to women -- what issues they struggle with and where they're looking for guidance.

__Flourish: How long did it take to write "Christmas Peace"?__

__Geringer:__ I got the idea this summer, and it took me a few weeks. I had to sacrifice a few weekends. The book is less than 100 pages. I wanted it to be that way because busy moms don't have a lot of time to read every day. Each day's reading should take less than 15 minutes and there are 25 days -- 25 studies.

__Flourish: Why the holiday theme?__

__Geringer:__ I feel like I spent many years as a mom trying to create a perfect Christmas for family, and I understood the pressure that that moms feel to be everything to their families. I thought it was time to focus on the peace we can find in the season, not just for ourselves, but for other people. Focus on peace, not perfection.

__Flourish: That sounds true of life in general...__

__Geringer:__ This is a very Christmas season-focused book, but there are spiritual truths that can carry into other areas, such as creating order in everyday scenarios. (In the book) I talk about preparing your evening so you have a peaceful morning. I also talk about practical ways to bring peace to people in your circles, whether that's your extended family or the marketplace or the workplace, because I believe we have a responsibility to share peace in this stressed-out, busy world.

__Flourish: Is this your first book?__

Sarah Geringer poses for a photo at her Jackson home. (Ben Matthews ~ photos@semissourian.com)

__Geringer:__ I have written a memoir that's currently under review with a small-press publisher in St. Louis. It's called "Heart in a Drawer: My Story as a Child of Divorce."

__Flourish: With your Christmas-season book, what's in it for you?__

__Geringer:__ I see myself starting a ministry, not necessarily for my own gain. I have a heart for helping other women. I'm going to have an online Bible study that ties in with the book. It will be on my blog at sarahgeringer.com, and that's where readers will be able to interact, sharing tips and ideas and ways they are experiencing peace and sharing peace. Then, I have plans to write seven more e-books with online Bible studies in 2017.

__Flourish: What's next after the e-books?__

__Geringer:__ I think my dream is to write full time, speak at conferences and maybe publish in the traditional market, where I can reach a large (segment) of Christian women. I'm focused right now on building up my readership.

Sarah Geringer poses for a photo at her Jackson home. (Ben Matthews ~ photos@semissourian.com)

__Flourish: What do you like to do when you're not writing?__

__Geringer:__ I like to bake. I love sweets. I like to garden and I can't live without reading at least two hours a day.