Sharon Knudson

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Author, Editor, Speaker

Sharon Knudson knows how lost and alone a woman can feel after experiencing the devastation of death or divorce because she has been there herself. When she wrote "Starting from Scratch When You're Single Again," she interviewed 23 women who had gone through divorce or death of a spouse, asking each woman for advice tips and a recipe. The compelling stories resound with the message that you can get through the grief, and not only will you survive; you will thrive! Sharon speaks in a six-state area (MN, WI, ND, SD, IA and IL) and has collaborated on 10 books, published hundreds of articles, and teaches writing courses. She holds BME and MM degrees from Michigan State University. Visit her blog at www.StartingFromScratchBooks.com and her personal website at www.SharonKnudson.com

Favorite Resources

WOMEN'S SHELTER: The Dwelling Place, www.TheDwellingPlaceShelter.org. PREGNANCY CARE: Apple Pregnancy Care Center, www.applepcc.org. MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: Sanctus Marriage Ministries Retreats, www.SanctusMinistries.org. HELPING SINGLE MOMS: Abiding Hope Ministries, www.AbidingHope.com. SILENT RETREATS: Doorway to Discovery Guided Silent Retreat, www.doorwaytodiscovery.org. DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEBSITE: www.WebWomenConnect.com. DEVOTIONAL BOOK: "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers (updated). WRITER'S GUILD: Minnesota Christian Writers Guild, www.MnChristianWriters.org. BEST INSPIRATIONAL BOOK: The Holy Bible.

Content Sharon wrote

Article

Let's Keep it Simple
04/14/11

The Book of Proverbs sheds light on how to live––not only so our lifestyle will please the Lord, but for our own happiness and personal well-being.

Sometimes we think the Bible is hard to understand, but in actuality, there are large portions of Scripture that are written simply and clearly to give us advice on how to live––not only so we’ll please the Lord, but for our own happiness and well-being. Such is the book of Proverbs.

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Friends? Relatives?
03/17/11

You’ve probably heard it said, “You can choose your friends, but not your relatives!”

You’ve probably heard it said, “You can choose your friends, but not your relatives!” Maybe that’s why some families have a difficult time when they gather together. Grudges, feuds, misunderstandings, and long memories are fertile ground for family strife, and yet everyone is expected to show up with a smile.  

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An “R.E.” Prayer
01/13/11

Maybe you’re thinking it’s time to think fresh thoughts and do some spiritual housecleaning. Try this "R.E." prayer for a fresh start.

Maybe you’re thinking it’s time to think fresh thoughts and do some spiritual housecleaning.  Read and reflect on the prayer below—notice that it uses several words beginning with the letters “R” and “E.”  God bless you as you yield your heart and life to Him!

*********

Dear Lord,

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God Changes Things
12/2/10

Sometimes it seems like long-term problems will never go away. I’m apt to tell myself, “Nothing will ever change. My situation is hopeless.”

Ever since I was a child I’ve had a plaque that says, “Prayer changes things” on my bedroom wall. I wonder how many hours I’ve spent lying in bed staring at that motto.

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Praying During Volatile Times
11/25/10

Prolonged prayer takes patience and perseverance. No one likes enduring the wait. We may be tempted to ask God, “Where are You when I need You? Why aren’t You listening to me?”

In these uncertain times, it’s helpful to keep in mind how God has worked in our financial situations in the past.  What keeps me steady is thinking back to when I was burned out from working in a particularly demanding office.  I prayed and prayed for a less stressful job but to no avail.  Finally, my husband suggested I resign altogether and pursue a writing career.

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A Prayerful Imagining
09/23/10

Imagine that Jesus is standing in front of you, looking right into your eyes. His arms are ready to embrace you. He sees how tired and emotionally spent you are, and His calming gentleness beckons you to relax.

You’re reading Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Imagine that Jesus is standing in front of you, looking right into your eyes. His arms are ready to embrace you. He sees how tired and emotionally spent you are, and His calming gentleness beckons you to relax.

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The Miracle of Mentoring
07/1/10

My friend’s request was clever and it caught me off-guard. “Could I borrow you for lunch one day next week?” she asked. “I need someone to talk to...”

My friend’s request was clever and it caught me off-guard. “Could I borrow you for lunch one day next week?” she asked. After further inquiry, I realized that my young Christian friend was asking me to become her spiritual mentor. How could I refuse? “I need someone to talk to,” she confided.

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Simply His. . .
06/16/10

Once in awhile I get the urge to clean my house and sort through closets and drawers. Where did I get all this “stuff?”

Time to simplify! Once in awhile I get the urge to clean my house and sort through closets and drawers. Where did I get all this “stuff?” Recycle it! Throw it out! Send it to Goodwill! It feels great to have a house that is clean and clutter-free.

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The Truth About Provision
04/11/10

What do we do when our spouse abandons us and leaves his obligations behind?

A young woman was abandoned by her husband.  In the process he generously left her several things: the children, the cat, the bills, and the house with a big mortgage.

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Ready, Set, Goals!
03/28/10

Does your life need some adjustments? Think the possibilities through, make conclusions about what is actually do-able, and then prayerfully walk it out.

Lose weight!  Stop smoking!  Join a health club!  But most of our best intentions are forgotten within days.  Then it’s back to that let-down feeling of having failed again.

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