When Amos & I were first married, we moved a load of small square bales. By the time we were done, I was almost in tears. Amos was chattering away, oblivious to me and I was so hurt by how clearly he seemed to be dismissing me & my pain. Which I told him. To which he looked at me like I was crazy. At which point I held out my hands that were blistered and … [Read more...] about How to Overcome a Calloused Heart
Living Faith
How Prayer Holds Us As We Journey Through Heartache and Loss
Seven years. Seven long years passed after we started praying for a baby. Seven years that led us through a miscarriage, a failed adoption, a successful older child adoption—and then, finally, to the moment when we were matched with a birth mother. We were so excited and so scared and so ready to welcome a baby home for the first time. Our little family--my husband and I, along with our … [Read more...] about How Prayer Holds Us As We Journey Through Heartache and Loss
Introducing Love, Paris (a novel of home & family & love) #giveaway
It's launch day! I am so excited to introduce you to Paris. I first mentioned her many years ago in a post. Oh, yes. Right here on this blog. And now, finally, her story is written and available. Love, Paris launches TODAY. You can get a print copy here: Or an e-copy here: Love, Paris is the second book in my Women of Promise series. (Emma and the Reasons is book 1!) Kathleen … [Read more...] about Introducing Love, Paris (a novel of home & family & love) #giveaway
How to Discover what Romance Really Is
Twelve years ago I would have told you that my husband wasn’t a very romantic guy. Which was okay with me, for the most part. I wanted to marry a guy with substance. One who had a backbone, a heart for the Lord, and a willingness to get his hands dirty working hard. Actually, I kind of judged men by the state of their hands. (It wasn’t an accident that I married a guy with calluses and … [Read more...] about How to Discover what Romance Really Is
3 Ways to Meet God in the Waiting
Every story has a season of waiting and perhaps it shouldn't have surprised me when mine was longer and harder than I expected. I felt the marks of time. I could follow them by counting my nieces and nephews who were born like clockwork. By each Christmas there was a new baby in our family photos, but it was never mine. Waiting can include joy, I found, because I delighted in those babies. … [Read more...] about 3 Ways to Meet God in the Waiting
The God Who Stays Faithful
When I trace the story of God through my life, I find one startling fact: He's never lacked in faithfulness. Through the years that infertility plagued me, I faltered so often. I questioned and accused and fought against the goodness of God. If you trace the story of God through Scripture, you'll find that He remains faithful even when His people are faithless. They forget Him, turn … [Read more...] about The God Who Stays Faithful