Sarah’s Steps

“In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps.”

~Proverbs 16:9

Sarah Beth (Lindberg) Malanowski
Author & Speaker

I enjoy writing inspirational books based on scripture, being transparent about my life when I speak, and encouraging people in their walk with God when I lead.

Feel free to Contact Me

Below are some of the steps I have taken in life!  I hope you enjoy hearing the journey God has taken me on!

Minnesota Steps
My first steps began in a small town in Minnesota. I was blessed to grow up there with my Christian parents, as the oldest of five children.  My dad, Ray Lindberg, is the artist for the drawings that you see in my books.  He has been a major inspiration to me ever since I was a little girl. He has been the one to teach me what a woman of God should be like and was there to help me grow in my walk with the Lord. Half of my creativity truly comes from him.

The other half of my creativity definitely comes from my mom, Patty Warner. She was so imaginative and gifted with ideas for us when we were growing up.  Life was filled with talent shows, karaoke nights, fashion shows, treasure hunts, crafts, camping trips, sleepovers, and countless other gifts.  She made life fun and helped me understand God in all His creative nature.

I lived in Minnesota for most of my growing up years.  I graduated High School there, from a small Christian school. During my time there, I was able to enjoy many leadership experiences. Then God called me forward to my next phase in life.  College Days!

New York Steps

From the beginning, these steps were steps of faith.  I left Minnesota with not a single penny to my name, but I knew my Heavenly Father had great plans for me.  He had shown me in many ways I was supposed to go to Nyack College in Nyack, New York.  You can read more about this in my first book called Life’s Compass for Eternal Treasure.

My proudest moment at college! Homecoming Court with Grandpa by my side!

I spent four years in Nyack, NY.  During that time, I was able to experience leadership through Street Evangelism, Resident Assistant of a Girls Dorm, Prayer Coordinator, Student Government President, Class SGA, and many other things. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion. This Degree has enabled me to share the love of God with many people I come in contact with, as I can see where people are coming from and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a real and meaningful way.

One Side Step
My grandfather has always been a big part of my life.  He was there for me from when I was a little girl through my 20s.  I wouldn’t feel right, if I didn’t mention him in this part of the website.  I was his little girl in Minnesota.  Then in New York he came to my side to be my escort for Homecoming.  He was handsome and so proud.  My amazing young grandfather.  I was able to take him to New York City to see the sights and he loved every minute.  Later, he visited me in Delaware.  I always remember every story he told me and how much he smiled.  He was so proud of me.  He danced with me in every kitchen and enjoyed many adventures with me. He was 96 years old when God decided to take him home.  I miss him dearly, but every memory I have is a treasure that my heart holds dearly. He too contributed to who I am today and I dedicated my second book, His Hope for your Destiny to him.

Delaware Steps

After college, I had big plans.  I wanted to stay in New York, but God had already determined my steps.  My new home would become Claymont, Delaware.  A great friend of mine Karen Muntz, from college, took me in. We became roommates, along with her sister Korinne. The three of us had a great time together.  Their family adopted me as their own.  To this very day, I

Steps of faith!

consider them my extended family.  I love them all dearly and go back to visit as often as I can.  Unfortunately, God only allowed me to stay there for a brief moment in time. Unknown to me, God had planned that I would return to Minnesota. I fought a very good fight against this decision, but again God won!  This too can be read about in my book Life’s Compass for Eternal Treasure. God’s wisdom is greater than my understanding and His timing was perfect, so here I was on my way back to Minnesota!

Minnesota Steps ~ One more time!

My beginning steps were steps of reconnection.  It had been almost 6 years since I had lived at home, so now I had an opportunity to reconnect with my siblings.

My brother Bart is active in the Army now! I'm so proud!

I moved in with my Dad and my sister Rachel.  We faced some big challenges when I returned home, but through every challenge our family became stronger.  My Mom and Tim lived across town with my sister Abigail and my brother Bart.  My brother Caleb lived on his own.  It was nice that all of us lived in the same town and were able to reconnect with each other.

It wasn’t too far into the first year that I was home, that we faced a major crisis, my little brother Bart ended up in a major trauma.  Through some poor decisions, his life was turned upside down and he ended up in a rehabilitation center.  He is a living testimony to this day, of God’s faithfulness.  His joy is contagious!  Through the dramatic events of his life, our family really came together and leaned on each other for strength.  We all know we can count on each other.

In fact, later on my family was very supportive through some health issues that I faced.  They were my support system.  I was in and out of the hospital quite a bit in 2006 and 2007.  Doctors

My first nephew, Isaac! I'm the proud aunt of 10 nieces and nephews! I enjoy every moment with them!

were working on answers for me, but everything seemed to lead to more questions than answers.  Through it all my family stood by me and their love made it possible for me to survive one of the most difficult times I’ve ever faced physically.  You can read more about this in my book His Hope for your Destiny .

My time in Minnesota finished well, as I was able to see my sister Rachel get married.  My brother Caleb met the love of his life Stacey and became a father to his son Isaac.  Then Rachel and Dustin had their son Andrew. My sister Abigail went back to school for her Nursing Degree. My brother Bart continues to be a great testimony for young people and a joy to all those whom he met.

Dating Steps

After three years of being told I should consider getting on eHarmony, I finally tried it.  Letting God know I would give it a month.  Well, that’s all it took.  God connected me with Paul.  The man who I have prayed for since I was 9 years old, when my dad first told me to start praying. He showed up during one of the busiest seasons of my life, but that’s God’s sense of humor for you.  I was leading a jail ministry for women, working with 20 plus teenagers in our local high school, working with our local youth group, mentoring 2 teenage moms, marketing my first book, writing my second book, speaking at different places, and breathing in between. There wasn’t a lot of time to fit him in, but God had already set something into motion.  Just when I think I have my life all planned out, God goes ahead and changes it on me!  This leads me to my most recent steps in Florida.

Florida Steps

On March 16th, 2008, I had the privilege of marrying the man my heart only moments before dreamed of.  That day God allowed me to become one with Paul Andrew Malanowski, the one He designed to be my companion.  There is no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with, than the one who makes me smile every morning I wake up and all throughout the day.  My husband is my gift from God, a treasure that I hold dear forever and ever.

We now live in Florida.  Paul and I like to spend time on our patio playing games or talking about the Lord. Sometimes we can be found at the beach just enjoying the fresh air.  We both enjoy the simple things in life and feel tremendously blessed to be living with God as number One in our lives.

Paul is also the one responsible for most of the pictures that you will see on this blog. He has a wonderful eye when it comes to looking through the lens of a camera. Our strengths weave together to create a beautiful tapestry!  One we hope to give you daily through God’s Word!

Currently, I’m working on a new book series called “Who Bamboozled my Brain?“.  I’m very excited at what God has in store for my readers through this series.  It will be a series on training our thought process and finding out what it means to truly have the mind of Christ.  Please come join the discussion on this and let me know what your thoughts are about Who Bamboozled my Brain? I just might use your thoughts in my book series, if I do I’ll send you the book when it comes out.

May God continue to encourage you through the devotionals on this site!

In His Grip of Grace,

Sarah Beth

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