Schmaltz publishes coloring book

Rural New Rockford resident Jackie Schmaltz has published a new way to stay savvy.

Recently, she published her first coloring book, entitled "Scripture Coloring Book: Stress Relief for Women."

The book is designed to support mothers with relaxation, family relationships and faith in God, said Schmaltz, who operates her own small business with a similar purpose.

Both her business, Savvy Living with Jackie, and her coloring book were inspired by her drive to ensure people can live a happy, thriving and healthy life – what Schmaltz calls "savvy living."

"Savvy living is about showing people how to build a life they are happy and thriving in, making better choices for themselves, focusing on key areas like family, relationships, health, purpose, finances, faith, and balancing it all," explained Schmaltz. "When any one of these areas is lacking, it has a domino effect on everything else."

When asked how her new coloring book relates to her business, she added, "It's a tool that supports relaxation, family relationships, and faith formation; all key elements of savvy living."

The entire project, from idea to publish date, took six weeks to complete, she said, and has a total of 36 different designs.

"I went with 36 designs because I wanted it to be like a monthly devotional," said Schmaltz. "Each design has an accompanying journal page for reflecting on the image and scripture, sort of Lectio-Divina style."

The book includes all kinds of different designs, from simple graphics and scenic designs to more elaborate patterns and florals. Schmaltz said the simpler designs were added for kids after she experienced how her own children were interested in the coloring book.

The designs also incorporate passages from scripture, as Schmaltz believes that faith is integral to living a "savvy life."

"Faith and celebrating God is at the heart of living a purpose-filled, savvy life," said Schmaltz. "When we're anchored in faith, we can get through so much of what life throws at us with grace and ease. Life is just better with God in it and any way I can promote that to the world is a win."

Schmaltz said she really enjoyed spending some extra time in her Bible looking for scriptures, but that her favorite part was sitting with her daughters as they tested the author's proof.

"Watching them compliment each other on their beautiful work and engaging in conversation about the images we were working on and what the scriptures meant will be what I think of every time I see the book," said Schmaltz.

Those interested in Schmaltz's new coloring book can purchase one on Amazon. Schmaltz has also published a journal/notebook and is almost finished designing a unicorn-themed coloring book for her girls.

She has lots of other ideas in the making as well, and those interested in any of her works can visit her Amazon author page at Amazon.com/author/savvyliving. Anyone interested can also keep up to date with Savvy Living with Jackie on her Facebook page (Facebook.com/savvylivingwithJackie).

"I am so excited to see where this goes," said Schmaltz, "and I'm extremely honored to be in a place to help others grow in their faith and prayer life, make family memories, or take some time for rest and relaxation."