You will find...

What are you looking for this Christmas season?

 

Peace?

 

Health?

 

Rest?

 

The blessings of family time?

 

C.S. Lewis left timely advice for all of us during this season.

 

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite and discover how to find what you seek.

 

I’m so happy to be posting and linking up with my Friday’s Fave Five friends as we revisit the blessings of the week.

 

My favorites:

 

1. A great semester. You haven’t heard much from me because I’ve been steeped in books, studying my way through my first full semester toward a Ph.D. This semester has deepened my life in so many ways—intellectually, spiritually, relationally. And the carryover into my classroom has been invaluable. I’m so thankful I have the opportunity to undertake this study!

 

2. Family time. Thanksgiving was great, but a couple of our boys weren't with us. At Christmas we plan to have the whole family (minus one granddaughter from India—see #3) under one roof. Just cannot wait for this!

 

3. Anticipation. We are awaiting the unraveling of some red tape that will bring our granddaughter home to Kentucky from India. This waiting is SO hard. As soon as the proper documents come through, my son and his sweet wife will be traveling, and it can’t come soon enough. It has been a long journey and the days near the end seem so much longer. You can read (and see a sweet picture) on my daughter-in-law’s blog here.

 

4. A new year! This one has been great, but we’re looking ahead. Things under our roof have contracted a bit. This was the first Christmas that our card was signed with only two names, as all the boys are out on their own. Things are changing, and it’s with hope and excitement that we look ahead to a new year. Who knows what the Lord will send our way?

 

5. A quote, as promised. How to find what you seek this season?

 

“Look for Christ and you will find Him. And with Him, everything else.” (C.S. Lewis)

 

When He is what we seek, when we find our rest and fulfillment in Him…then, we can rest.

 

Praying Christmas rest for you this week,

Impossible to Possible

Monday March 25, 2014 

He’s the God who makes the impossible possible. 


He brought light from darkness.
He brings life from death.


And the more I read the Bible, the more convinced I am that He’s the God of the unexpected.

The King of Kings and the Prince of Peace has a genealogy that includes not only a king who sinned, but a Gentile woman and a harlot. Tucked inside those names are stories of hope—hope for those born in the wrong place, to the wrong group. 

He includes David and Ruth and Rahab, reminding us that our inclusion in this family is dependent on God—not on our birth, our status, or our performance. No matter where we begin, He finds us and grafts us in. We are adopted into the royal bloodline, related forever to the King of Kings.

What greater picture of the hope of the Gospel? Foreigners, outcasts, aliens, He welcomes home. How can we do less? 

This post is both written in celebration and in anticipation. In celebration of little ones come home. My dear friend, Missy Roepnack and her sweet husband and family of four have just welcomed two more to the family—Aaron and Haven, two children from China with dwarfism and special needs. The story is one of open hearts, open arms, and lives lived ever for His glory, and you can read it here. With a total of six children now, it’s bound to be quite the busy house, but once Missy posts the homecoming pictures, you’ll see the joy. I just have to share one quote from Missy, who never misses an opportunity to point to the gospel. As she wrote of waiting for her children, she said:

“I do want to remind you all that there is a God who is making all things new, and that He is waiting for you. I would have missed EVERYTHING if I had missed Jesus.” 

That’s certainly worth celebrating. 
And the anticipation? 

The Groves family is waiting for adoption news that we think may come soon. And when we can share a name and a face, you will see it here! My son and his sweet wife are adopting a little girl from India and things are moving ahead. They’ve made great strides in their fundraising, they’ve filled out countless forms, waited for over a year, and we can’t wait to share what God is doing when we can. Pray for us, with us, as we wait. And then, one day, you will see a homecoming post right here! You can hear their heart for adoption in this video.



Those of you who are fans of a good story and have a love for international adoption, I’d love for you to check out Pearl, my novel. (Proceeds from the sale go to my future granddaughter’s adoption fund.)

Until that little one is here, we’re depending on the One who makes the impossible possible. 

He IS hope—the One who opened His arms wide to make us—the undeserving—His own.

Even when the road is rocky, He’s always there—the One who makes possible the impossible. 


I'm linking up with Laura, Michelle, and Jen today.

A life rich with gratitude

Friday February 21, 2014 
 

We’re closing in on March…it’s not far away!
 (I couldn’t resist a spring-y photo.)

That’s one thing to show a bit of gratitude for. 

What makes life rich? 

Stay tuned for my fifth favorite to find out…

Linking up with my FFF friends again this Friday to recount the blessings of the week.

What are you thankful for?

Here are my favorites of the week:

1. Some downtime with my husband. We’ve staked out some time just for us, and we're both looking forward it. I’m so thankful for my partner in life and love.

2. Unexpected flowers. My Valentine’s Day roses appeared at home, so I was surprised to receive another bouquet on Tuesday. This one was from a sweet friend who just wanted to say thanks for our friendship. They’re a cheerful addition to my school room.

3. A writers conference. I’m so excited to go and get inspired, to meet new people and renew old friendships. Can’t wait.

4. The blessing of adoption. Things are happening (both on the scene and behind the scenes) on the adoption front. Last week I mentioned a dear family on the way to China to get their two children. They faced quite a challenge this week, but what a blessing to see the Lord’s faithfulness to them! And even in our own long wait for our India belle, little movements forward mean a lot. So thankful…and still praying.

5. A quote: 

“In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) 

Lately I’ve been impressed with how much of life we spend in the mirror. So often, I think it’s all about me. It’s only when see all the little blessings (that are really so large) and I look up and acknowledge those source of blessings that I realize how rich I am. 

Wishing you a life rich with gratitude this week,

Returning to my Source

Friday  January 24, 2014
 

Ever wish you could go back to the beginning?  

Find newness, rediscover joy? 

My #5 today, a quote reminds me how to get there… 

I’m joining Friday’s Fave Five again today to recount the blessings of the week. Won’t you take a moment to count yours, too? 

My favorites this week:

1. An opportunity for my son. My youngest, a college senior, is on his way to Sochi to work on the Olympics broadcast. I’ve ever-so-excited for him, and a wee bit concerned, as any mom would be, I think. What an opportunity! He’ll be there for three weeks, so if any of you would like to join me in prayer, I’d sure appreciate it. Praying for safety and an great experience. 

2. Faithfulness! God’s, that is. When my son and daughter-in-law embarked on the adoption adventure, the funding seemed an insurmountable barrier. But God had other ideas, and He has helped them get closer and closer…and now it all seems so real and so possible. All the paperwork is now in India (all six pounds of their dossier), and they’re waiting for a referral. That can take up to a year, but it could happen at any time. I’m asking for sooner rather than later—but our times are in His hands. 

3. Fun with students. This was Winter Court week, and the kids (and teachers) have been dressing up along with the themes of each day. Tuesday was Teacher Clone Day, and yes, I had one (minus the red hair). We planned our outfits—it was fun!

4. Working on another web home. I’m working with the greatest designer on a web landing page and personal blog. I’ll still be posting here, too, though. She’s the best! And if you want to check out deals on the latest Christian fiction for your Nook or Kindle, she runs The Vessel Project. It’s a great thing! 

*Bonus: My hubby is planning a little getaway for the two of us. I can’t wait!

*Bonus #2: We saw The Book Thief last weekend. What a poignant, thought-provoking movie.

5. This quote:

”The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source.” (A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy)

Deep calleth unto deep…isn’t that lovely?

But the best part to me is that “the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source.”

I know I do.

Thankful for the longing,

There's no such thing as...

Monday November 18, 2013

…an easy adoption.

Think about it.

The Father adopted us into His family, but His Son endured the cross to make a way.

In the spirit of that adoption—with a sense of the open arms and unconditional love the Father shows us—couples pray and hope and save and wait…and wait…and wait.

I’m sure you know someone who is, somehow, connected to adoption.

There could be a couple at church who is waiting for a newborn. Maybe it’s a family planning to adopt a child they’ve fostered. Or a family whose yet-to-be-matched child is waiting across the sea.

Adoption—especially international adoption—is a long, drawn-out process, full of twists and turns, with question marks all along the path. Those who are walking that road need encouragement.

And we can help or hurt, even unintentionally.

Do you know someone who’s adopting?
Here’s a list of things from a real-life waiting mom to think about:

What NOT to Do:

1. Please don’t ignore the fact that waiting is hard. This journey can feel very isolating. Don’t be afraid to ask us things or to bring up the adoption.

2. Comparison can be hard on us. Every adoption story is different. Most waiting moms are trying hard to avoid comparing their lives and expectations with other adoptive families, so help us. Comments like, “The Browns were matched with their child in a week…Jane and Joe brought their child home in 6 months…Amy and Todd raised their funds really quickly” make us second-guess ourselves. We love to talk about the process, but comparisons aren’t helpful.

3. Steer clear of exclamations pointing out the length of our wait: “Wow, you’ve been waiting a long time!” We know this reality all too well. In fact, we’re far more concerned about the child who is waiting halfway around the world.

4. Please don’t share the adoption horror stories you’ve heard. There’s enough uncertainty as it is, and it’s far too easy for us to play the “what if” game in our minds. Try not to give us fuel for the fire.

5. Adoption may not be the Lord’s plan for your family, but please don’t discount our reasons. To a mom who’s bringing a child home from another country, comments on how many children need homes in the US and questioning the cost of adoption comes across as criticism. Likewise, if you adopted internationally, don’t discount another family’s plan to foster or adopt within the US. An orphan is an orphan regardless of borders, and God’s plan for each family is different.

So…how can you help a mom who’s waiting for her child?

What TO Do:

1. Ask us how we’re doing and ask how you can pray specifically. We have days when we feel hopeful and peaceful in the wait, and there are other days we feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and impatient. Just knowing that others recognize how difficult this can be is comforting. Being able to share our heart helps lighten the burden, and thinking through how we need prayer serves as a good reminder that we must rely on God in this journey.

2. Show interest in the adoption process. The adoption is always on our minds, so it’s comforting to hear people show interest in something that’s so dear to our hearts.

3. Speak truth. If you are close to an adopting mom, courageously speak truth in moments when you see doubt or frustration overwhelming her. We know it, but we need to hear it!

4. Please be patient with us. The adoption process is long and filled with tons of paperwork. We may check our phones or email more than usual. It can be easy to get wrapped up in “all things adoption” and neglect important relationships around us. Most of the time we don’t even realize that’s the case. We’ll come out of this adoption fog someday! Try to distract us, in a fun way, from time to time.

5. Pray for us and let us know that you are praying. Please recognize that your encouraging notes and reminders of prayer mean so very much.

No, I’m not an adoptive mom. But I have four sons, and my oldest and his sweet wife are waiting for a daughter from India. Their journey weighs heavy on my heart—after all, this is my granddaughter we’re talking about!

You can get to know them on their blog and in this video.

I’ve published a novel, Pearl, that benefits their adoption fund. It’s truly a “mom tale”—a story of international adoption from a Chinese mother’s perspective.

The Lord put the story in my heart long before my son and his wife spoke of adoption. I’m praying He uses it to help bring my granddaughter home to Kentucky.

Thanks to my sweet daughter-in-law, Kristen, for her input on this post.

Pray with me, will you, for Jonathan, Kristen, and their daughter waiting in India.

And show kindness to a waiting mom today.


I'm linking up with Laura, Michelle, and Jen today.

Photo credit 

Breathe grace.

Friday September 27, 2013

I know most days I just need to breathe.

Slow down and breathe.

Breathing grace? Sounds wonderful.



Stay tuned for #5, a quote, to find out more.

I'm linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story to share my five favorites of the week. Come along as we share Friday's Fave Five.

My favorites this week:

1. Another milestone—a step closer to a granddaughter from India! Our son and his sweet wife have another important appointment coming up. One more thing to check off the list. This is such a long process. They’re in the “matching” stage now, and we’re all just aching to see a picture from India of the little girl the Lord has matched them with.

2. Amazing technology. I’m not one to buy into all the latest and greatest, but a few new things have helped me keep tabs on my elderly mom who’s so far away. I’m thankful for those.

A bonus fave, on the same subject. I'm SO thankful for the technology that allows us to know one another across the country. And I was thrilled this week to read Faith's review of Pearl! I SO appreciate you spreading the word, Faith, and I'm thankful for your kind comments.

3. A great series on the Tudor women. I love these! They’re written by Sandra Byrd, and I’m reading the last of the three now, Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I. They’re fascinating.

4. A husband who leaves me notes. I love getting up and finding my hubby still here, but the next best thing is to find a sweet note…even after 35 years.

5. A quote:

“You can’t breathe out what you haven’t breathed in. Breathe grace.” (LetHopeIn.com)

We want to show grace and be grace, but we have to take it in first.
And there’s only one place to get grace—at the feet of the Father.

A great reminder, isn’t it? It was for me.

Wishing you grace this week,

Living gladly.

Friday September 20, 2013

Living gladly.

Sounds like an admirable goal.

Stay tuned for my #5 to find the source of that gladness.

Glad to be back posting today!

Life is a whirl right now, and I missed two weeks of recounting my blessings.

I’m back, linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story, sharing my five faves from the week.

This week’s blessings:

1. A quick moment to write this post. I have been so very busy with teaching—both high school and college—this past two weeks, that I’ve barely posted at all. I’ve missed it and felt compelled to get back to the computer. Glad to have this moment. I keep telling myself, “This is for a season.”

2. Teaching college. It is just awesome. I am really loving it. As I posted on Facebook the other day, my high school teaching enriches my college teaching and vice versa. Blessings all around!

3. Support for our India belle. My son Jonathan and his sweet wife Kristen are being featured this week on Give 1 Save 1 – Asia. The concept is for those who read to give a dollar to help bring a child home. Those dollars add up, and every little bit helps. There’s a nice post and their adoption video posted over there—so click on over and get to know them!

4. Some good deals. My college boy did some shopping on me before he left this fall, and he got a great coupon that could be used in September. I just used it during a great sale, and I came home with some much-needed new clothes! I don’t shop much, so when I do, I make up for lost time…

5. A quote:

“The greatest honor we can give almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of His love.” (Julian of Norwich)

This made me think. Do I live gladly? And is the source of my gladness the knowledge of His love?

Wishing you real gladness this week,

For the love of books

Friday September 6, 2013

If you know me, that title didn’t surprise you in the least.

I’ll have more to say on that when you get to Fave #5.

I’m linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the blessings of our week.

Won’t you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. Being back at grocery shopping! I know, who enjoys grocery shopping? But I had a little minor foot surgery in early August and my sweet husband offered to do the shopping so I could keep my foot up on Saturdays…and get some things done on the computer. Last Saturday, I was back full force at Publix, and I found I had missed it. While my foot was propped, I made lists for my hubby and he did well, but you just see stuff and remember stuff and catch bargains when you do the shopping. Glad to be back at it. (In related news, glad to be back in my own shoes! I’ve gone two days now without the boot thing without any problems. So glad.)

2. Creativity. I do think it’s a blessing and a bane. I am thankful for it, but sometimes I get so many ideas that I just don’t have time to follow through on. That’s when it’s frustrating. But “to everything a season,” I keep telling myself.

3. BIG adoption news! My son and daughter-in-law’s paperwork is now all official and is in India, awaiting a match. There’s no telling when we’ll hear, but it’s still very exciting. Praying for the little one who’s already matched to them in the Father’s heart.

4. Students. I think of a precious former student who has grown so dear, even more in the last year. And of a current one who has trusted me with what she’s facing. I’m blessed to be a part of their lives!

5. A quote:

“I love movies, but through this book, I was made aware of a whole new kind of movie: my imagination. I watched a movie that no one had ever seen before because it was mine.” (A student)

One of my students wrote that last week, and I just couldn’t resist sharing. I know just how she feels, and it’s such a joy to share that feeling…and to share the love of books.

Wishing you the love of books this week,

Treasure

Friday August 30, 2013

What kind of treasure?

The paradoxical kind!

Stay tuned for my quote today, Fave #5.

I’m linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the blessings of our week. Won’t you join us?

My favorites this week:

1. First week of college teaching. It’s so nice to see what a difference a few years makes. My students are from all different kinds of places with different preparation (I’m still figuring that out), but they’ve all expressed a desire to improve their skills. That’s so nice. I have some very motivated high school students too, but let’s face it, the maturity level is just different. Sometimes I feel like I have a split personality—my morning (high school) personality and my late afternoon (college) personality. It’s also interesting how both of those teaching experiences enrich the other. Blessed to be doing both.

2. Sweet words from friends and family—about Pearl. Friends and family are reading their newly-acquired copies of Pearl, and it’s so nice to hear their reactions.

3. The difference a year brings. If you don’t know what last year held for us (or even if you do), check out Tuesday’s post, A Summer Redeemed. This summer, after such an incredibly hard road, my son shed his brace and cane and walked out of the church with his bride. This time last year we had just taken him back to Kentucky and settled him back in his apartment and classroom. He juggled teaching and physical therapy, fighting pain and fatigue. Our afternoon conversations this year are so different! He’s feeling so great, and of course, is as happy as can be living with his sweet wife. We’re so thankful for what God has done and continues to do.

4. Watching students write—voraciously! In my high school creative writing class, sometimes our free-writing time is over and they don’t want to stop. Or they bring in what they’ve written at home, even though that’s not a requirement. It makes for great afternoons.

5. This quote:

“We cannot seem to escape paradox; I do not think I want to.” (M. L’Engle)

A paradox is a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true. Life is full of them; the gospel is full of them. After all, Christ turned the religious establishment’s way of thinking upside down. His “life from death” seems opposed to common sense, but it’s the truest of true.

And I, like Madeleine L’Engle, revel in those paradoxes. They make life interesting and wonderful and full of treasure hidden in the darkness (Isaiah 45:3).

Wishing you treasure this coming week,

Be kind...

Friday August 23, 2013

Be kind.

Why? To whom?

Stay turned for my fifth fave, a quote, and you’ll find out.



I’m linking up with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we share the top five blessings from the week. Join us!

My favorites this week:

1. My creative writing classes. What a joy this is! I have taught drama for years and loved it, but this was the year to switch over to creative writing. I’ll still be working with drama for our Madrigal Dinner and helping with the musical, but our new (wonderful) drama teacher has the reins of the program. She’s fun and young and energetic and awesome. And I’m loving teaching creative writing. Being with kids who love to read and to write is just so great! Watching their creativity flow is awesome. They inspire me!

2. Progress. Every day brings our grandchild from India a step closer. Here’s the latest update from our kids, Jonathan and Kristen:

“The final draft of our homestudy has been sent to our agency. Pending approval we will then be registered in the online database over in India. At that point we will officially be awaiting a referral! Jon and I are praying that our homestudy review looks good and that sometime next week we will get word that we are actually on the waiting list. Please continue to pray for the Lord's provision as we begin applying for grants in the following months. We still have quite a long way to go concerning finances but God has provided for every step so far.” More info here. 

3. My article! I got a copy of my magazine article in the mail—exciting! It’s in the latest issue of Lifeway’s ParentLife magazine.

 

 

4. Teaching in college. I’m teaching two college classes as an adjunct starting next week. I’m really excited!

5. This quote:

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” (Philo of Alexandria)

This quote is a good reminder for me. It’s easy to get frustrated by people and what they do and say sometimes, and it’s also easy to forget that there’s usually a reason. When I remember that we’re all fighting battles, I’m reminded that there’s more behind that sulk or frown or insult than meets the eye. One remedy I’ve found? A little compassion in the form of a smile or a hug.

Wishing you some kindness this week,


Photo credit

Something bigger

Friday August 16, 2013

The first week of school!

It’s been filled with anticipation, excitement, a touch of regret (at not being able to sleep in), and lots of hugs. A good week.

And what does that have to do with something bigger? By the end of the post, I think you’ll have no question.

I'm linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five, where we recount the week's blessings.

My favorites this week:

1. Graduates. Yes, it is the beginning of the year, but often past graduates use this time to run by and say hello. That has happened a bunch this year. Kicking off the entire week was a special visit by a former student who was always special to me and has grown even more loved. On Sunday, I got to see her four sweet children and wonderful husband. It is simply amazing what the Lord has done with their lives and in their family. They have two girls and then adopted two more Ethiopian children and will be journeying to China to get their fifth child. But most amazing of all is their hearts—made new. (You can visit and see this beautiful family here.)

As the week progressed, more former students dropped by for hugs and conversation and one is teaching right across the hall from me now. What a joy it is to watch a student grow into such a capable, excited, caring young lady!

2. The Kindle version of my novel, Pearl. It’s available on Amazon. Just went up on Wednesday. And there’s a touching review by the aforementioned former student, too!

3. Teaching creative writing. I have always taught Drama and English, and I love them both. I moved into creative writing this year, and I’m already loving it. The first day, three students said they wanted to be professional writers! They are just so creative and so much fun. And you know what else is great? I write when they do, and then I get to share with them.

4. Family and friends. The college boy journeyed back this week, and he went early so he could spend a few nights with his brother and new sister-in-law before college starts. I love how they have each other. Even our West Coast son has family and close family friends way out there, and that’s so nice to know.

5. A quote:

“Do you want to be part of something bigger than just this moment? Do you understand that you’ve been hooked to something vastly bigger than the borders of your own life?” (Paul David Tripp)

A family whose members come from all across the globe—and I was blessed to teach their mama, who’s helping all she can to get the word out about Pearl. A granddaughter waiting in India, and a son and his wife aching to be matched with her and bring her home to Kentucky. Students who return, just to hug or to teach across the hall from you. What blessings!

And the biggest blessing of all? That the experience of knowing and growing with the Saviour takes us beyond ourselves, way past the borders of our own lives.

Wishing something bigger for you this week,


Photo credit

Great Things

Friday August 9, 2013

What’s the key to achieving great things?

Stay tuned for my fave #5 today, a quote that will clue you in.

I was all ready for Friday’s Fave Five last week, and then I realized Friday morning that our illustrious host, Susanne of Living to Tell the Story, was vacationing! I posted my five anyway, and I missed you all last week. Join us today as we recount the blessings of the week.

My favorites this week:

1. My big news. What a blessing! My new novel, Pearl, was released last week, and actually, last week’s FFF was all about it. If you want to see a little intro video (yes, I talk, too) and read about the story, click on over. And the biggest blessing is that it will help bring a little girl from India to my son and daughter-in-law’s family in Kentucky!

2. Being back with friends. Yes, it’s back to school time. This has been teacher prep week, and it’s been great to be back with my buddies. They're precious friends.

3. Legacies. There are times being a teacher is tough, of course, but the rewards are tremendous. Today I had a 2004 graduate and a 2010 graduate in my room—two lovely and talented young ladies—and I felt like a proud mama!

4. A summer with my boy. He drives away next week for his last year of college. (I can’t believe that.) And, of course, that means we have no idea where the Lord will have him next summer after he graduates. It’s been great having him here—talking with him, cooking for him. So thankful for this summer with our boy.

5. A quote that seems especially apropos as we teachers scurry around to ready our minds and hearts and classrooms for those students:

“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” (Leonard Bernstein)

It seems there’s always something more to do in the classroom. I have a plan and not quite enough time, so maybe great things are in the offing!

The Kindle version of Pearl will be out next week, if you’re interested.
I’ll post about it, so check back.

Wishing you great things this week,


Photo credit

A Journey Toward Hope

August 5, 2013

That’s what the story of Pearl is—a journey toward hope...and peace.

In the midst of destruction and loss, for one mother the buds of hope begin to surface.



We’re on a journey of hope, too, as our family waits to welcome a child from India.

The purchase of my novel, Pearl, benefits my son and daughter-in-law’s adoption fund.

It’s available here and on Amazon. The Kindle version will be available around August 14th.

Journey with us toward hope!


I'm linking up with Laura, Michelle, and Jen today.

Giving Love Away

Friday August 2, 2013

Giving love away…that’s really what this whole post is about.

I’ve been alluding to a project lately, and today’s the day I get to tell you about it!

My new book—a novel called Pearl—is out.

I’ll be writing more about the story and how it came to be in the coming weeks, but today’s five favorites of the week are all related to Pearl. I'm linking up today with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five and with Lisa-Jo for 5 Minute Friday. The prompt today is Story!

My favorites this week:

1. The story. As I watched images of China’s Sichuan earthquake of 2008, I thought of the moms. A number of schools collapsed that day, and many children were lost. Many Chinese mothers lost their one child that day. Pearl was literally the story that would not let me go; I was compelled to get the tale on paper. I had no idea how I would ever use the story—no, make that, I had no idea who the Lord would use the story…in His time.

2. The child. That would be my grandchild who waits in India. Proceeds from the sale of Pearl will go directly into my son and daughter-in-law’s adoption fund. What a blessing to be able to use the words I’ve penned to help bring her home to Kentucky.

3. The process. When initial feedback on the first three chapters I took to a writers conference was positive, my desire to finish this story was confirmed. My Kindred Heart Writer friends read and proofed and listened and prayed. They cheered me along in the process even before I knew why I was writing Pearl.

4. My family. As always, they’ve been so supportive and excited, all along the way. My youngest son and my husband shot a video introduction to the story this week for me. I’m planning to post that on Monday, so be sure to come back by! I’m so thankful for their help and expertise and creativity—and their willingness to share it with me.

5. A quote:

“God has called us into the joyous ministry of giving His love away to others.” (Don Lessin)

As my son and daughter-in-law open their hearts and homes to this little one, the overflow of His love in their lives spills over on others. This whole process—all the paperwork and minutiae, the waiting and the worrying—it’s all because of love.

Because they are loved by the Father, they’re compelled to share His love…and a little one from India will come to know His love through them. What a blessing!

If you’d like to meet them, visit here. If you'd like to see them talk about their heart for adoption, click here.

And if you’d like to know more about getting a copy of Pearl, you can visit this page or Amazon. The Kindle version will be available in about ten days. If any of you feel inclined to share about Pearl on your blog or Facebook page, we'd be thrilled.

Wishing you love to give away this week,

God sets the lonely in families.

Wednesday July 10, 2013

God sets the lonely in families.

That’s what His word says, and we’re taking Him at His word.

Our family awaits a special addition—a little girl from India.

We don’t know her name or her circumstances. We don’t even know if she has been born yet, but she—and her birth mom—are in our prayers constantly.

Take a peek into the lives of my oldest son and his sweet wife as they share their hearts about adoption.

And join us in prayer.






Linking up with Beth for Wedded Wednesday.

A vision of the world

Friday May 17, 2013

Spring gives one a new vision of things, doesn't it?

I love that about spring. A new vision of the world...stayed tuned for today's quote.

I'm linking up with Susanne of Living to Tell the Story for Friday's Fave Five today, where we recount our blessings of the week.
My favorites this week:

1. The countdown. Yes, this has to be #1. One more day of classes, then exams. Summer is on its way.

2. Teaching. I know it sounds odd; in one breath, I’m happy summer is here, in another I’m thankful for teaching. As I watch seniors get ready to graduate and try their wings, I’m grateful to have had a small part in their lives. I spoke to upcoming sophomores this week about their summer reading, and the anticipation on their faces piqued mine. And just last night, I heard from a former student who took a bumpy road in high school, but is being so used by God now. (You can read her wonderful testimony here.) Yes, indeed, I’m thankful for my day job.

3. Adoption. My daughter-in-law wrote a beautiful post this past week, and I quoted some of it here. Her heart for their daughter who’s waiting in India is so full. Watching her and my son live out God’s call on their lives is such a blessing.

4. Video. We took tons when the boys were growing up. We’re working on a video for our son’s rehearsal dinner, as we did for the eldest, and it is SO much fun to look back and reminisce. What fun, crazy days those were!

5. A quote:

"Young lovers see a vision of the world redeemed by love. That is the truest thing they ever see, for without it life is death.” (W. Berry)

A vision of the world redeemed by love – that’s what I want to carry with me. When times are hard, the road is bumpy, if we can remember that this life is redeemed by love…well, that’s hope.

Wishing you the truest thing this week,


Photo credit

Sharing the heart of adoption

Thursday May 16, 2013

My oldest son's precious wife recently posted some belated Mother's Day thoughts, and I just have to share.



Her words provide a glimpse into the heart of adoption -- its hopes, its heartcry, its goal:




"Our sweet family is separated from our daughter who is somewhere halfway across the world. My heart aches for her birth mother and whatever decisions and life experiences led her to surrender her daughter.

Why must this world be so broken that families are torn apart? Why are there hundreds of thousands of orphans around the world? When my head begins to swirl with questions I remember that this isn't how things were intended. Although my desire for years has been to bring our daughter home from India the circumstances that led up to this point were not what God originally designed for his creation...

Aside from the fact that my children are already broken by sin, they will also have to endure the brokenness of this world. One of my children already knows this reality too well. All I can think to do today is pray that the Lord can use our family to be a part of the healing process. May we in some small way live out the life giving, sin crushing, hope restoring, joy inducing, powerful reality of the Gospel...

May this adoption journey be a reminder to those looking on that Christ came to restore a broken world."

You can read all of Kristen's post here. Visit them, leave a word of encouragement, pray for them and for their sweet daughter waiting in India.

I'm so blessed by my boys...and by those that love them.
Thankful for such a helpmeet for my son.

Friday Wonder

Friday April 19, 2013


Nature speaks the language of wonder.

Get me out in it, and cares melt away;
everything looks different.

I need more of the carefree wonder that accompanies childhood…and my #5 favorite today, a quote, reminds me of that.

I’m linking up today with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we recount our blessings of the week.

Here are my favorites:

1. A simple dinner out. Nothing fancy, just time with my husband. Love it. Looking forward to movie night tonight, too.

2. Books—here’s to having plenty and watching others enjoy them, too. There’s a pile by my bed and even more stockpiled on my Kindle Fire. It’s nice to have a backlog of books. And watching others? I love teaching a book that kids really like. I had a blissful week where my Honors kids were laughing their way through Cyrano de Bergerac and my regular kids were glued to Lord of the Flies. Love it when THEY love the book!

3. Old photos. While my son was here a week ago, we spent lots of time looking through old pictures for some they plan to use on tables at the wedding reception this summer. It was great fun. We had an organized list, but we kept getting sidetracked! My son said looked at the piles and boxes of pictures and said, “I wonder if we’ll ever have this. We don’t seem to print anything; they just sit inside the camera.” There’s something about holding a photo in your hand…

4. Support and encouragement. My son and daughter-in-law are watching their adoption fund grow ever so slowly, and some days, it’s easy to get discouraged. Notes of encouragement, prayer, and surprise donations continue to make us all thankful. We know this is in the Lord’s hands and in His time, He’ll make everything come together. “His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”  (Lamentations 3:22-23) My sweet daughter-in-law posted these great words of encouragement by John Piper.

*A little bonus encouragement came from my speaking engagement with a great group of moms last Friday. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. It was great fun. I’d love to do it again!

5. A quote:

"When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up.” (C.S. Lewis)

What things to put away—the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up!

Some days I am far too grown up…and I long for the wonder of childhood. My sustenance then? Little moments of wonder.

Wishing you wonder this week,

Life Wrapped In Risk

Monday March 18, 2013

What are you afraid of?

What do you dread?

I could make an exhaustive list, and most of the subjects of that list would be my family. I’ve felt a mom’s pain at her child’s wounding. I’ve even watched my son take exhausting, faltering steps at the age of 24. I’d do an awful lot to never see my loved ones suffer.

But I know it’s inevitable; we live in a fallen world.

How do we live a life wrapped in risk?

By promise.

I just read devoured Rosaria Champagne Butterfield’s memoir, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, and it has given me so much to ponder. It’s a short read, but it’s dense. I expect a shallow memoir would be easy to gloss over, but this one contains so much I’ve already gone back to reread with a pencil in hand.

Rosaria speaks specifically to living a life wrapped in risk when she writes about motherhood. None of us is promised anything in this life, and a mom’s life can change in an instant.

What gets us through?

Promise.

Butterfield writes poignantly of the loss and gain of adoption and motherhood, neither of which is an easy, rose-filled path:

“When God gives a childless couple a child of any age using the means of his powerful will, he has just moved a mountain in the hearts and families of men. When mountains move, the earth shakes. When you stand as close as we have to real life miracles, you will get roughed up. Mountains are big and we are small. A moving mountain can crush us. Splinters fall from the cross. They travel a long distance and they pierce the skin—maybe even the heart. And wrapped in this risk and danger is God’s embrace and promise to work all things (even evil ones) to the good of those who love him.”

The promise?

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

As Rosaria goes on to point out, this doesn’t make us Pollyannas. We can’t deny the “razor edges of a fallen and broken world.” Our lot is to take the bitter with the sweet. And the difference between the two? Our perspective. Our worldview. Sharing His perspective makes all the difference.

If we never step outside the personal experience we have crafted—the life we want for ourselves— we’ll never get His perspective. When we let go and let God take hold of our lives, we “exceed ourselves as we stretch to Him.”

Will you join me as I stand on the promise … and stretch toward Him?

I'm linking up with Laura, Michelle, and Jen today.

Photo credit

Spring Sunshine

Friday March 15, 2013

What a great week!

It’s been Spring Break for me, and I’ve reveled in sleeping in, writing, reading…I’ve loved it.

I’m linking up today with Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for Friday’s Fave Five, where we recount the favorites of our week.

I’ll have a little trouble narrowing mine down to five this week.

My faves this week:

1. Having the college boy home! It’s been great having him around, and I do love to cook for him. I can tell Dad has really enjoyed the boy, too – good all around.

2. An article to write. I’m excited about an article I’ve been asked to write for a parenting magazine. It’s right up my alley.

3. Some important posts. On Monday, I wrote on something very near and dear to my heart: adoption. It’s nearer and dearer now, as our family is embarking on quite the adventure. My oldest son and sweet daughter-in-law (Aiden’s parents) have been approved for the Waiting Child Program in India. There is plenty of paperwork and there are hurdles ahead (including fundraising), but we are all SO excited. Most of you know I have four sons and one grandson…longing for some pink. And since India devalues its precious little girls so…you can see where this is going. I invite you to visit Jonathan and Kristen on their adoption blog and leave a comment of support and encouragement, if you feel led. Their blog is called Longing for India. Here's a picture of Aiden holding a watercolor of his next sibling's homeland...

4. Steps closer to a project’s completion. I don’t want to say too much, but this project is connected to my writing and Jonathan and Kristen’s adoption fund. More on that later, but I’m excited that we’re closer to seeing it happen.

5. This quote: “Wisdom is oft times nearer when we stoop than when we soar.” (William Wordsworth)

When we stoop to serve, we find treasures we might not suspect—that’s the beauty of it.

Wishing you spring sunshine today,