This week’s author interview is with Sara Wallace. She is the author of For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs.

 Wallace Sara       For the Love of Discipline cropped photo

  • Question #1—Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what you do in your spare time, etc.

I’m originally from California, where I met my husband at The Master’s University. My dad has been a pastor in northern California for almost thirty years. Now I live in Idaho with my husband and our five little boys. We homeschool and help with our church plant. I’m a homebody. I love to cook for my family, decorate, and organize our home. As the kids get older and we are moving past the baby phase, we are exploring the world of camping and sports. I tag along for the snacks.

 

  • Question #2—Which writers inspire you?

I am the most inspired by Elisabeth Elliot and Charles Spurgeon. They wrote from the heart. They understood how practical our relationship with Christ is – that it doesn’t just get us into heaven, but it impacts the way we look at everything in our lives.

 

  • Question #3—What inspired you to write this book, about this topic?

For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs. With five little boys, ages 8 and under, discipline consumes my life right now. I was desperate to investigate how the hope of the gospel relates to this specific stage. I was not disappointed. The more I studied the more I found that discipline is so much more than surviving the early years of parenthood. It’s about showing our kids the Savior. I wanted to put a book into the hands of moms that would help them trade quick-fixes and behavior modifications for discipline that yields eternal results.

 

  • Question #4—What book are you reading now?

In All Things, a study on the book of Philippians by Melissa Kruger.

 

  • Question #5—Do you have a favorite quote? What is it and why?

I love quotes that instantly reorient my thinking onto the gospel. Here are a few of my favorites:

“For every look you take at yourself, take ten looks at Christ.” —Robert Murray McCheyne

“’Run, John, Run!’ – the law demands, but gives me neither feet nor hands. What better hope the gospel brings – it bids me fly, then gives me wings.” —John Bunyan

“When the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: ‘I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God.” —Martin Luther

 

  • Question #6—What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Writing is a progression. Start with writing for yourself. It should be enjoyable and therapeutic. Then write for close friends and family. Focus on what would be a blessing to them. From there, if your writing is enjoyable to yourself and those closest to you, branch out and see what happens.

 

  • Question #7—How do you deal with writer’s block?

I pray. I know that God has given me the abilities and the opportunities for this, so he will give me the words, too. Sometimes I have to take a break and step away for a little while. That’s hard to do, but it’s better than forcing it. Lots of chocolate also helps.

 

  • Question #8—The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia? Why?

Chronicles of Narnia. As a classroom teacher and now as a mom, this has always been one of my favorite creative ways to help kids understand the gospel. This and “Pilgrim’s Progress.”

 

  • Question #9—What famous person (living or dead) would you like to meet and why?

My favorite famous person that I actually did have the pleasure of meeting was Kristyn Getty. Getty music has been a huge blessing to my family and my church. I love Kristyn’s heart for the gospel and I respect how she juggles motherhood and ministry.

 

  • Question #10—If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

The book I come back to the most often is Psalms. I love how personal it is. The book of Psalms helps me process everything else I read in the Bible. It helps me pray through God’s word and apply it to my life.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

 

 

Related posts:

  1. Author Interview with Timothy Miller
  2. Sara Wallace — Control in Motherhood: When it’s Good, When it’s Bad
  3. Author Interview with Denny Burk
  4. Author Interview with Guy Richard
  5. Author Interview with Kathi Westlund