Even God-sized Dreams can change

Moving to a wide-open space to call home been one of those one-day dreams for when circumstances seemed right, the land was located in the right place, and the house suited our needs and wants.

Well, one day happened.

In June, we moved 8.3 miles away onto 33 acres. Around here, we call that moving to the country. Now I run errands in town.

Our house is all on one level, which I love. The kitchen is many times bigger and brighter and the open layout of the living, dining room fits our lifestyle, and the laundry room is bigger but still close to the kitchen. There are windows with views, wide open spaces to roam, and woods and creeks to explore.

Months before we moved in, I stood on the front porch looking out to where my boy could run free, where my husband could let his dreams take root, and where we could all five adventure together, I knew the dream had changed.

Dreams can change, you know. {Tweet that.}

I say that because I’ve been hesitant to believe that.

Join me at the God-sized Dreams website, where I'm sharing more about what moving taught me about dreaming.
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I Love You Just Because {review & giveaway}

“Three very different bear cubs liver together in one place,

Each chosen for these parents by God of love and grace.

And when the cubs ask why they’re loved, their parents often say,

‘We love you just because you are God’s gifts for whom we prayed.’”

“I Love You Just Because” by Donna Keith is a book about a bear family, but those opening lines reminded me of my own family. We are a family of five put together through adoption.

While I was reading the book to my 6-year-old son and then sitting by my 9-year-old girl when she read it, they each talked about which bear they are like in the story. I loved the sweet conversation about how God put us together to be a family. We talk about that regularly, but I love any book that prompts more of that.

ABOUT THE BOOK :: Through cute illustrations by Alison Edgson and rhyming text, “I Love You Just Because” will help little ones understand their parents' love for them doesn't have to be earned. With the same friendly bear family from Donna Keith's first two books — “I Love You All the Same” and “I Love You Even When” — the sweet story of this book will remind you that family members love each other ... just because.

This 20-page board book is for children 4 to 8 years old and was published by Thomas Nelson on June 7, 2016.

Learn more about this book and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Donna Keith on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY :: One of you can win your own copy of “I Love You Just Because,” thanks to FlyBy Promotions. This giveaway is open through Sunday, Aug. 7 to U.S. and Canadian residents. Use the Rafflecopter widget for multiple ways to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My kids have a copy of this cute book that we reviewed and there’s a copy for one of you, thanks to FlyBy Promotions/Propeller Consulting. I received this book in exchange for a review, but these thoughts are our own.

Reading & applying Bible together {a review & giveaway}

I had a complete meltdown this past weekend. I argued with my husband in front of my kids and then cried when we had a family pow wow to regroup. My husband prayed over us all and I cried some more. As much as I wish the ugliness didn’t happen, I hope my kids takeaway one truth: We all need Jesus.

Even Mom. Perhaps especially Mom.

And that’s why I love resources that help families focus on this truth. We live in a society that is saturating our kids’ minds (and our adult minds!) with so many things that don’t matter in the big picture. It takes intentional effort to come together and focus on what matters.

The new “ESV Family Devotional Bible” from Crossway helps do that. With devotionals sprinkled throughout the family-friendly Bible, there are topics and questions that are relevant to the truths that matter. It’s all set up in way that you could read the Bible together in a year. But even if you’re less organized about it, this Bible will spark conversations that are worth having.

That’s certainly a better way to remind your kids we all need Jesus – and it may even ward off any forthcoming meltdowns and arguments!

ABOUT THE BOOK :: The “ESV Family Devotional Bible” is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories — guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading.

This hardcover Bible with 1408 pages was published by Crossway (April 29, 2016). Learn more at Crossway’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

GIVEAWAY :: And there’s a copy for one of you! Use the Rafflecopter widget below for different ways to enter. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents through Monday, May 23. A winner will be randomly selected the following day.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Let's be adventurers!

For months, Greg and I knew we were going to Nashville on April 24. He bought me Rend Collective concert tickets for Christmas and I secured my mother-in-law to watch the kids. We planned to have a date day leading up to the concert.

And then Sunday morning came and we still had no idea how we were going to spend our day. I thought about how I was so glad the date was marked off on our calendars because we wouldn’t have gone otherwise. We had a busy weekend and there is a lot happening in our daily life.

But marking off the date reserved it for us.

About an hour into our trip – just as we were getting ready to eat lunch – Greg said, “This has been a good day so far.”

Y’all know we don’t get away by ourselves much when he said that after the first hour in the car. Yes, our conversations were good and we finally had a loose plan for our day. Obviously, we needed that kind of day, and it had just begun.

After lunch, we headed to Nashville’s flea market, where we shopped a little, browsed a lot, and talked about all kinds of things. I kept seeing quotes about adventure on wooden signs and pillows and wall art …

“Oh darling, let’s be adventures together.”

“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” ― A.A. Milne in “Winnie the Pooh”

And here we were, two people who met in college and are now somehow in our late 30s, adventuring through the day – and life – together. I had just written in Greg’s birthday card two days earlier how I was looking forward to whatever adventures come next.

Our Rend Collective tickets got us into a pre-concert event with the band, whose members answered questions and shared some of their stories. They were funny and spoke truth my heart needed to hear – and the concert hadn’t even started.

Urban Rescue opened for Rend Collective. I especially loved its song “Wild Heart.”

“Into the great unknown

No matter where You go

We'll follow You, we'll follow You

After Your wild heart

We want to be where You are

We'll follow You, follow You …”

{Hear the whole thing here.} 

Then Rend Collective took the stage – and shot out confetti during its first song. That’s joy, y’all. And it kept coming. There were bubbles and dancing (okay, so, not really by me, at least not on the outside) and clapping and singing and praising.

Among the songs, the band members shared about how the Great Commission was given to us all – not just the outgoing people who like to speak in front of a crowd. We are all called to go and share the stories of what God has done in our lives, but we’re made for family too. The name of Rend Collective’s latest album is “As A Family We Go” – and it echoes what God is teaching me in my own life.

As a family we go to soccer practice for one kid and horse riding lessons for another.

As a family we go to church and friends’ houses.

As a family we go to the kitchen table, our new land, and to the Bible.

As a family we go to whatever else God has for us.

As we go through life together, I’m realizing I have things to learn from my kids while I’m trying to teach them. I need to be more like my boy, who embraces life and is free to run. My big girl is always observing and has more hobbies than anyone I know. My baby girl embodies joy.

During the concert, while I thought about my people, Rend Collective led worship in a way that united adventurers. And that stirred my heart to embrace what God is doing right here – in my family and through our adventures.

So, darlings, let’s be adventurers together. Who’s in? {Tweet that.}
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An InLinkz Link-up

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Dreams Can Change

When we moved 6 ½ years ago into our current house that sits right in the middle of town, I thought we’d live here forever. We live next door to Greg’s grandma, across the street from the park, and just around a couple corners from my best friend. We can walk to our favorite parade-watching spot and get most anywhere we ever go in 10 minutes.

Inside, the laundry room is right off the kitchen, there are four bedrooms which fit our family perfectly, and there’s extra space in the play room/office on the second floor and the basement living room to spread out.{It's a really great house. And it's for sale.}

But Greg has long dreamed of living on more land, where we are boxed in with neighbors (even great ones!). Adventure feels a little restricted here. We have a lake house and my mother-in-law lives on hundreds of acres, so as we spent time at those places, Greg’s dream started becoming my dream.

In recent years, it’s been one of those one-day dreams for when circumstances seemed right, the land was located in the right place, and the house suited our needs and wants.

Well, one day happened. 

Several weeks ago, we looked at 33 acres that intrigued Greg but the outing came with a disclaimer to me: “I don’t think we’ll like the house.” Greg is a real estate attorney and entrepreneur, so we’re often looking at property. I figured that’s what we were doing that Saturday morning in February.

But then we loved the house.

And the land.

And the location.

Standing there on the front porch looking out to where my boy could run free, where my husband could let his dreams take root, and where we could all five adventure together, I knew the dream had changed.

Dreams can change, you know. {Tweet that.}

I say that because I’ve been hesitant to believe that.

Sometimes dreams change so God can usher us into a deeper relationship with him. {Tweet that.} Sometimes they change so we can meet a new friend or find a new passion. Sometimes they change for reasons we never know.

But change isn’t always bad.

Again, I say that because I’ve been hesitant to believe that.

We closed on our new dream five days ago. We went out to the property, which is 10 minutes from where we currently live, two times Easter weekend. There wasn’t a single piece of furniture on the off-white carpet that is going to be removed soon, but the house was full of hope. I could see my people in the kitchen and believe that’s where we are supposed to be. The layout suits our lifestyle of doing life together.

We’re having some renovations done, but the four-wheeler has already taken my husband and big kids on treks through the woods. I have no doubt much adventure awaits because that’s the beauty of accepting dreams can change.
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Two books that encouraged me to slow down, learn about God-sized Dreams, and embrace change are "Girl Meets Change" by Kristen Strong, "You're Made for a God-sized Dream" by Holley Gerth, and "Breaking Busy" by Alli Worthingon. 
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An InLinkz Link-up

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"Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, or follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin'.

On why you should have Slugs & Bugs' new CD in your home

My kids sometimes bust out on the Ten Commandments in silly voices.

I barely notice, really. But this is Randall Goodgame’s influence on my family.

Goodgame is the creative singer/songwriter behind Slugs & Bugs music. And he’s managed to sing scripture in a way that seeps into kids’ hearts once again with “Sing the Bible Vol. 2.” Oh, who am I kidding, this album helps me learn and remember scripture too.

I may have left it playing one morning when the kids weren’t even in the minivan with me. Now that’s a true testimony to how good this music is. Yes, it’s music aimed at children, but it’s so good even adults want to listen. {Tweet that.}

So, yeah, Randall Goodgame has my kids reciting the Ten Commandments in funny voices and saying things like “Honor your parents, Clarence.” But he also has the word of God dwelling in their minds.

Here’s the song list and the corresponding scriptures …

1. Do You Not Know – Isaiah 40:28-31
2. Let Your Light Shine – Matthew 5:14, 16
3. The Ten Commandments
4. The Love Of Christ – Ephesians 3:16-21
5. Masterpiece – Ephesians 2:8-10
6. Whoever Sows – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
7. Hear, O Israel – Deuteronomy 6:4, 6-7
8. Stars – Philippians 2:14-16
9. Raisins – Song of Solomon 2:5
10. Above Yourselves – Philippians 2:3
11. In All Things – 1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:28, John 16:33
12. Do Not Worry – Matthew 6:25-26, 28-33
13. You Forgave Me – Psalm 32:1-5
14. By His Wounds – Isaiah 53:5-6

My kids would probably tell you the Ten Commandments song was their favorite, but they also laugh about raisins and recognize truth about things working together for the good and not worrying about tomorrow.

Some of my favorites: “Let Your Light Shine” is an anthem of why our good deeds matter. “The Love of Christ” is a fun, upbeat song that makes includes a gospel choir. “Hear, O Israel” proclaims God’s presence in our everyday lives and makes me want to clap my hands.

Here is more about the CD from Randall Goodgame himself:

“Almost every day, I pray my kids will grow more aware of God's love for them. Just like you and me, when kids know they are loved, they behave differently. They transform. I've been calling ‘Sing the Bible Vol. 2’ a ‘musical handbook for the Christian home’ because the verses give practical instruction for those transforming people. Of course, without God's love and transforming power, we are left with a bunch of rules we can never fully obey. That's why this CD also highlights Scriptures which bring to mind God's presence and power, his limitless love and his ultimate sacrifice. Taken together, listened to (over and over) in the minivan and in the home, these songs provide raw material for the Lord to use to build strong faith in parents and kids. Oh yeah, and it's really fun and groovy. And there are monsters. And raccoons. And a sharkbug. And raisins.”

Who wouldn’t that for their family? I know we’re glad we’ve let Slugs & Bugs – the music, not the creatures – into our home and hearts.

Head over to the Slugs & Bugs’ website and get your copy. It officially releases March 18, but you can preorder it now. And while you’re there, get the first volume too. (“Sing the Bible Vol. 1” is also available at Amazon.)
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If you've been around here long, you know we love Randall Goodgame and his Slugs & Bugs music. Nobody asked me to review this CD. I got some early copies that I've already gifted because I supported the album's Kickstarter campaign before it was even made. I knew it was going to be good!

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"Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, or follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin'.

On Going Home {a #ThreeWordWednesday post}

People talk about going home for Christmas. For me, home is really about people. I don’t live where I grew up, and I love building my home where I am now. But sometimes home goes with me other places.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is getting together with my childhood friend Bekah who is married to another long-time friend of mine. They have three kids who are close in age to Cate and Ben. Some years we get together with other friends of ours, but sometimes it’s just our two families.

Either way, getting together with her is like coming home – regardless of where we actually are. Last year it was a fancy restaurant with just a table full of adults. This year is was brunch with our two families – party of 10, please.

I also got to spend a few hours with my childhood neighbor-turned-best-friend Katie. We can sit and talk wherever we are like no time has lapsed between visits – this time it was in a brightly colored, noisy arcade. Fun fact: We actually used to work at the amusement park that houses the arcade. Now called The Renaissance Fun Park, we were actually there so my kids and their cousins could burn off some energy. They were in the house for DAYS, thanks to all the rain. And, well, all boy moms everywhere understand that doesn’t work.

So while they played laser tag and arcade games, we talked. We reminisced about when we were employees there in the summers of 1997 and 1998, when it was called The Park at Middletown. We took a selfie in the rain because we had to see what had changed and what had stayed the same.

There are a couple other friends I didn’t get to connect with like I wanted to, but I did get to see more family than usual in Louisville this past weekend. Two aunts, two uncles, my grandpa, a cousin and her husband plus my more immediate parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. I did miss my sister, brother-in-law and their growing family, but they were at home in Buffalo, NY, adjusting to being a family of five with newborn twins.

Walking down memory lane with friends and making new memories is what coming home truly is about for me. The visits don’t always go as planned. I usually want more time before returning to my physical home – which is where my favorites live – but then I get back here and remember it’s where I’m supposed to be.

Here is home too. Sometimes it seems like everything is always changing, but going home and coming home always reminds me of the important foundations that remain the same. Really, life is more about being at home wherever you are than it is actually coming or going home – all while we wait for our eternal home. {Tweet that.}

Who or where is home to you?
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An InLinkz Link-up

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Merry & Bright

This past weekend we’ve had Christmas with Greg’s two brothers and their families, watched the two oldest kids in a Christmas program at church, went to a potluck lunch with a couple of the Guatemala missionaries we served with this summer, and caroled at two local assisted living homes.

It was a fun, Christmasy weekend.

Rachel was wearing a cute “merry & bright” outfit at Gran-Gran’s house. I’m glad we snapped some family pictures before Greg’s brothers and their families arrived because Rachel promptly pooped on the white onesie.

The kids had fun with their cousins – including my three, there are 11 total. The oldest turns 12 in a couple weeks, and the others are 10, 8, 6, 6, 5, 4, 2, 17 months, 5 months, and 3 months. We managed a couple pictures of all the cousins, my favorite of which is above.

By the time Monday came, we were all glad to have a slow morning – well, you know, except Greg, who had to go on to work. The kids and I lounged around, ate a good breakfast, and caught up around the house on our first day of Christmas Break.

Kids aren’t the only ones who rejoice when Christmas Break comes around, y’all. This momma is welcoming the break in our routine.

But we did have to venture out on the rainy first day of break to the grocery. We needed bread, eggs, milk, cheese, and butter. For real, talk about being out of the basics. And we aren’t even expecting snow. (If you don’t live in the South, you may not know what I’m talking about.)

In fact, apparently it could be 70 degrees for Christmas. And rainy. Again, in the South you never know what you’ll get.

Anyway, back to the grocery store, one kid didn’t feel good, another was coughing, and the third was asking a million questions. But we made it – mostly smiling. I filled their bellies at Qdoba before we ventured into the grocery store, so maybe that move paid off. And then we got back to the van in the parking lot and I realized I left one door wide open – like I was inviting someone in, where I had $65 in cash sitting on the passenger front seat. Thankfully, nobody accepted my absent-minded invitation.

We have some plans with friends tonight and tomorrow night. We’re doing Christmas Day here – partially at our house and partially with extended family at Greg’s grandma’s house, which is conveniently next door to us. And then we’re headed to Louisville to hang out with my family.

Sometimes outfits get poop on them. Other times momma forgets to do the most ordinary tasks. Groceries still have to be bought and little bellies fed. Kids are loud, have lots of questions, and share germs.

But it’s still Christmas. So may your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white. (Or rainy. Whatever. Because merry & bright certainly doesn’t mean perfect.)

How are you celebrating Christmas?
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It's the #Christmas edition of #ThreeWordWednesday at @kristinhtaylor's place. Come gather with us! http://bit.ly/1PjKppU {Tweet that.}

An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

We are five, officially.

We are five, officially.

Adoption is a funny process. You spend all this time waiting and then gathering paperwork and then usually waiting some more. And then you bring a child into your home, go about everyday life, and then months later (usually, although where you live determines how many months ...) the adoption is actually finalized.

Our adoption finalization hearing yesterday was less than 10 minutes long and that involved a quick photo shoot with the judge and attorney. That’s a quick end to what has been a much longer process.

If you’ve been around here long, you know our story. Basically, we've wanted to adopt for a third time since the beginning of 2012, but we just couldn’t make it work.

Did you catch that? WE COULDN’T MAKE IT WORK. Well, of course we couldn’t. But we tried anyway, for two years. We met with agencies and updated our home study multiple times. We had hope and then it would be dashed for reasons beyond our control.

And then we stopped pursing adoption. (Read: We stopped trying to make it work.)

We lived our life. We converted the nursery into a guest room.

Then God surprised us and he made this happen, rather quickly too. The basic timeline for Rachel’s adoption looks like this:

May 2015 – We met Rachel’s birth mom, Stacy, through a local friend.

June 15, 2015 – We met with our social worker for our home visit as part of the home study, for which I’d already gathered many papers and documents.

Summer 2015 – I took Stacy to prenatal apportionments and readied our house for a newborn. (Goodbye, guest room! But no worries out-of-town friends, we have sleeping options so still come visit us!)

Sept. 19, 2015 – Rachel was born.

Oct. 23, 2015 – Social worker came back for a post-placement visit.

Dec. 10, 2015 – The adoption was finalized.

To God be the glory for making us a family. This isn’t the story I expected, but it’s better than I could have written.
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And just for fun ... you can look back on Ben's adoption finalization from 2010 and Cate's from 2007. God worked it out so the same attorney and judge were involved each time. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Thanksgiving in Buffalo {a recap for #ThreeWordWednesday}

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Buffalo, NY, where my sister Cassie and her family live. And there wasn’t any snow, for those of you thinking we’re crazy to head into lake-effect weather for a holiday.

We actually had a couple days in the 50s, and then it was in the mid-30s the day we went to Niagara Falls and then three-fifths of my family ice skated outside.

It took us 15 hours – 764 miles and four stops – to get there. The big kids watched three movies – “Despicable Me 2,” “Matilda,” and “How To Train Your Dragon” – and Rachel dozed off between feelings. Grandmom was also with us.

In addition to Niagara Falls and ice skating, we had a big Thanksgiving meal with Cassie & Zac’s friends, ate wings (I managed one handed while feeding Rachel!), saw some friends who used to go to church with us in Kentucky, hung out with our almost-2-year-old nephew Lochlan, and played euchre.

On the way back, the big kids watched the same three movies plus “Princess and the Frog” and Rachel slept more. Thanks to less traffic in Ohio, we were able to shave off almost an hour on the way home.

Speaking of Rachel sleeping, she managed her BEST TWO NIGHTS up to that point while we were there and continued her six- and seven-hour stretches when we got home. She’s the best 10-week-old, ever, really.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that doesn’t have traditions for us. We’ve traveled often for it – Branson, Mo. … in 2011 and 2013; Charleston, S.C. in 2012 – and spent 2009 at home with our baby boy. Our favorite tradition is an annual meal with our friends. I say that like we only eat once annually with them, and that’s not true, but sharing in the holiday together has been special. And we did that last month this year.

This Thanksgiving was good. I coughed and blew my nose way more often than I wanted to. We spent two entire days in the mini van. But we made memories with people we love.

Buffalo didn’t have any snow, and my sister didn’t have her babies like I was hoping either. She’s 37 weeks pregnant with twins. I’m greatly anticipating their arrival, the updates about them across the miles, and visits with them this summer.

Until then, I’ve got Thanksgiving memories tucked away. Meanwhile, giving thanks is a concept I want to embrace more tightly regardless of the date on the calendar. {Tweet that.}

How was YOUR Thanksgiving?
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An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

"My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving."

{Colossians 2:6-7 in The Message}

I had multiple ideas for a post this week, but, honestly, all the thoughts aren't coming out into words. But these verses? They're speaking right to me and I hope they do you too.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!
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An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Love had a plan for us

“When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.

And I realize just how beautiful You are,

and how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us, oh,

oh, how He loves us,

how He loves us all.”

{Listen here}

We were singing that song in church and I was holding my sleeping Rachel. Cate was on my right side and Ben was not too far down on my left next to Gran-Gran. Greg sat on the other side of Cate. There I was, in the middle of a row of chairs at church in the middle of the family God created.

Our college friend Amber had been sitting in our row too, but by this moment she had already gone to take of the nursery kids. Behind me sat a couple who has loved my family so well and taught me about how the Bible applies to real life; my best friend and her family with whom so much of my life is intertwined; and other dear friends who have been part of my everyday life the past six years in a way that has changed me for the better. This is community.

Tears welled in my eyes because God did this for me. He gave me these people and orchestrated a story of family that extends beyond my house. This journey has looked nothing like I planned when I stopped taking birth control in December 2004.

Cate’s adoption and then Ben’s adoption followed a hard season of infertility. {Here’s a summary.} And then there was a hard adoption season we didn’t expect. We waited for this third child, not knowing if she was going to come. We believed we were supposed to have a third child but we had met so many closed doors I doubted I was hearing God right.

I heard other people’s stories of heartache as they waited to conceive or adopt. I have waited and was waiting, but I wondered if I was being greedy. I regularly wondered: Was it wrong to desire a third child whom I believed God said he would give when I knew so many other women waiting to become a mom for the first time?

I wrestled with it. But I’ve settled on this: God knows what he’s doing and it’s not my job to control the outcome. {Tweet that.} He gave us our third child, in surprise fashion but in accordance with his faithfulness. And that same God is working in my friends’ lives as they wait and learn and trust and believe.

Love had a plan for us and God has one for you too. {Tweet that.}

All of that got us here. Oh how he loves us. He loved us during the hard days and loves us still when we see some of the plan. Rachel is perfect in our family. She belongs here, just like I belong smack dab in the middle of my people.
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In that picture above, our shirts say "Love had a plan for me," which is a line from my favorite Slugs & Bugs' song. Randall Goodgame recently brought Slugs & Bugs back to the Murray area. Hope That Binds hosted the concert as a fundraiser and, y'all, what a joy to have two of my favorite ministries together in one place celebrating families, adoption and the gospel. {You can see all my pictures from the event here.}

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Team Taylor welcomes Rachel!

My husband and I were wearing matching Team Taylor T-shirts the day our daughter was born. And we didn’t even plan it.

Well, we planned to wear the Team Taylor shirts because we were going to be part of some Hazel Day festivities and they advertise Greg’s business. Our kids were even wearing theirs too. The shirts were actually left over from a 5K race Greg’s law practice helped sponsor a couple years ago.

And, yes, clearly I feel the need to continue to explain why we were matching when Rachel Elizabeth was born on Sept. 19. I explained to people at the hospital. And then I explained on social media.

At first I thought it was a dorky coincidence. But then I saw the beauty in the detail.

Team Taylor. 

We’re so grateful our family grew by one this past weekend. The actual adoption proceedings are underway, but our girl is in our house and already dearly loved.

After having an ultrasound and being monitored for a while Friday afternoon, birth mom Stacy and the doctor made a plan for her to be induced early Wednesday morning. Although she had been sick that morning with a stomach bug, Stacy was disappointed she was sent home Friday after talk of a possible induction because she was ready.

Apparently Rachel was ready too.

Stacy called me Saturday morning at 7:59 a.m. to tell me she was having regular contractions and needed to go to the hospital. Greg and I – along with Cate and Ben – had just pulled into his office driveway in Hazel, a little town just south of Murray. Our family – along with many other Taylors were going to be the grand marshals in the parade – and then we were going to host an activity at his new office.

Turns out, that’s what the other Taylors did.

We hung out at the hospital in matching shirts and greeted our daughter just after she was born at 1:09 p.m. She was 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19 inches.

This adoption is open like our other two, but each experience has been different. We’ve brought home three babies as newborn – two from our local hospital. But each time God shows me something new as he orchestrates these unique bonds between our family, our children, and their birth moms.

I’m going to share more about that, but I’m going to have to spread out these stories or you’re going to be here all day reading!

I stayed at the hospital Saturday night with Rachel and then she was discharged at 25 hours old. Although the kids had met her at the hospital, coming home and having my family of five under the same roof was exactly where I wanted to be – dorky matching shirts included.
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Just last week, I wrote about how Team Taylor isn't going to win any tennis titles. But, hey, we have matching shirts!

If you're new here, I change the birth moms' names when I share stories because some details are meant to be private. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Essence of Joy {lessons from the tennis court}

We went to play tennis Sunday afternoon because the weather was perfect and Greg had been telling the kids we’d go. I was texting with Sarah afterwards and she said, “I didn’t know you played tennis.”

Well, I don’t, actually. I’m really pretty awful.

Greg does. He’s sports guy kind of guy.

The kids don’t really play either. Ben swings the racket like a baseball bat sometimes and a golf club other times. And Cate tries hard and understands the general idea.

We have rackets and bought some new balls after church, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say we play tennis. We laughed and joked around. We gathered all the balls that went in all the wrong directions. We enjoyed the sunshine and each other.

While attempting to get the neon ball back over the net in the right direction, I thought about all the times I didn’t participate in so many other activities throughout the years because I was worried I would do them well enough or someone may laugh at me.

Fear robbed my joy too many times. {Tweet that.}

I don’t like doing things I’m not good at or that have the potential to make me look foolish. It’s part of my Type A, perfectionist personality. But I’m learning – slowly, because I’m a tad stubborn too – to let go of those fears. Take Sunday: Nobody is judging how I play tennis. But I got to hang out with my family and do something they’re interested in doing.

Yes, I thought about taking a book I want to read and camp out beside the tennis courts. But I’m glad I stepped on the court with my favorite people instead.

Team Taylor isn’t going to win any tennis titles, but we had fun anyway. And that’s the essence of joy.
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It's been awhile since I've shared here, but I'm still keeping a #choosingJOY list of moments, people, places, and experiences that make me pause and notice everyday joy around me. Noting these joys has helped transform my perspective.

515. Surprise baby cake and gift from Greg's men's group. 516. Being at the lake for a hot Labor Day. 517. Drone group photo. ... 521. People asking if I will talk with them about adoption. Always, yes. ... 527. Grandparents Day at school – and Mom being willing to come down for it. 528. Friday evening at the lake with Greg’s office staff. 529. Perfect weather for soccer. 530. Baby shower given by church friends! 531. The diaper cake from Marley and Joann. ... 534. Sitting down to watch TV after a PACKED weekend. 535. Colored pens & Precept study.

I'd love for you to join me! Share on social media and use #choosingJOY. Instagram is my favorite place to share.
_____________________ Hey, #ThreeWordWednesday friends, we have some people joining us today from the weekly Works for Me Wednesday link up Mary Carver from Giving Up on Perfect usually hosts. Her blog is getting a redesign, so we're combining our Wednesday link ups. The more the merrier, right? Plus, y'all know I like a good party. Works for me! 

   

An InLinkz Link-up
   
Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Three Word Wednesday :: My Free Time

“I used to believe that if change would stop finding me – and asking me to change with it – I’d be more content. Now I find contentment in knowing that God is using the change to change me for the better. To change my life for the better. The seasons glow and fade into the next, and the kids sprout and mature into new stages. I can embrace all if it, leaning into the natural order and goodness of it. Leaning into that is leaning into hope that God’s familiar promises come with change and transition. I don’t just hold that promise of blessing in my heart. I live it.”

{Kristen Strong in “Girl Meets Change”}

I thought I’d spend the six or so weeks between my kids going to school and the baby girl we’re adopting being born cleaning, organizing and scrapbooking. At least I thought about how those things would be good use of my free time.

(And by “free time,” I mean time spent at home while kids aren’t home. I can’t remember what boredom is like because there are always chores, errands, books to read, and pictures to scrapbook. Such is the life of a grown-up with hobbies.)

I’m a few weeks into this in-between season. I haven’t cleaned or organized any more than usual, although I did manage to scrapbook twice.

But my free time – I laugh every time I type that – has been well spent. I’ve eaten breakfast with my mother-in-law, taken our birth mom to some doctor’s appointments, worked on lake house management stuff, gotten my hair cut and colored, gone to a couple routine doctor’s appointments of my own, met with Wendy and couple other women who also love Hope That Binds, and lunched with a few women in the midst of their own adoption processes, my mission trip friend Kim, my college friend Amber who graduates in December, and my husband. I’ve written blog posts and read books.

I’m grateful for the way God orchestrated my life so I could have this season – as short as it may be – to take care of some things. Of course, I’m not necessarily taking care of the things I anticipated, but taking care of myself and other people is a worthwhile use of my time.

People have asked me if the baby’s room is ready. I usually say pretty much. The crib is put together and has cute bedding awaiting her. I have some diapers, wipes, burp clothes, blankets and clothes in the closet and drawers. A changing pad has been added back to the dresser that’s been sitting empty for years. I have her name spelled in white, blocked letters above her bed. And my husband and kids touched up some marks on the wall with mint ice cream paint this past weekend.

So, yes, it’s ready. Really, there’s always something else to do – in the baby’s room, in my life, with my calendar, on my to-do list, in my relationships, and around my house. God's goodness does not always come as my perception of productivity. {Tweet that.} Rather his goodness often looks like people and conversations and laughter and prayers.
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Soon you’ll hear more about “Girl Meets Change” by Kristen Strong. It’s been such a wise, encouraging companion for this season of many changes in my life. I’m excited to introduce you soon, but you care preorder it now.

An InLinkz Link-up

I'm also linking up with Mary Carver's Works for Me Wednesday because this in-between season with some extra "free time," really, y'all, I struggle to say that, works for me. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

When song lyrics bring something beautiful

“In your ocean I'm ankle deep

I feel the waves crashin' on my feet

It's like I know where I need to be

But I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure out

Just how much air I’m will need to breathe

When you tide rushes over me …”

{From “Something Beautiful” by Needtobreathe}

After day of riding amusement park rides in the July heat in St. Louis, we took our kids to their first real concert. Four hours of music, courtesy Colony House, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Switchfoot, and Needtobreathe.

We were sweaty and dirty when we plopped down in the lawn of the amphitheater. The sun was still high. My kids were tired. And then my wise husband realized the other side of the lawn was already shaded. So we moved – and found relief and a better view.

Greg brought the kids some pizza during Switchfoot. As Jon Foreman roamed the crowd and sang from his heart, Cate and I recognized more songs than we thought we would. And now I want to watch “Fading West,” because, really, who knew Switchfoot had made a surfing movie? Y’all I have no desire to surf, but, goodness, Greg and I have soft spot for inspiration surf movies.

And then the Needtobreathe took the stage and my heart rejoiced. Their music is so good for my soul. And the fact Greg loves the songs like I do makes the whole thing even better. We saw NTB together in Nashville last fall. The band’s song “Brother” inspired the name for our new lake house.

A Needtobreathe concert isn’t billed as a worship service, but with the band’s lyrics and heart, that’s what it became for me. Scripture is sprinkled throughout the songs along with questions we’ve all asked in our faith journey.

We had been standing, clapping and singing. And then during “Keep Your Eyes Open,” I ended up sitting down because I still had a view of the stage and needed to process life.

“… Just past the circumstance

The first light, a second chance

No child could ever dance the way you do

Tear down the prison walls

Don’t start the curtain call

Your chains will never fall until you do

Cause if you never leave home, never let go

You’ll never make it to the great unknown till you

Keep your eyes open, my love

So show me your fire, show me your heart

You know I’ll never let you fall apart if you

Keep your eyes open, my love …”

{From “Keep Your Eyes Open” by Needtobreathe}

Of course, Ben had to use the bathroom just as the song started, so Greg took him. Cate sat down close to me and I told her how the song is linked to Guatemala for me. I’ve loved that song for a while, but lately it’s been reminding me of Guatemala and how I don’t want to unsee what we experienced there. {I even used it as the song to go with my pictures in a video I’ve shared with people who supported our trip.}

I reflected on what God had done in our lives and hearts since we boarded a plane for Guatemala early on Independence Day. There was something ironic about leaving the country on such a patriotic day, but I quickly learned God wanted to use stepping out of my comfort zone to free my heart more.

I sat there in St. Louis on Saturday night with my favorite people by my side as one of my favorite bands played. In some sense, so much has changed this month. Yet I knew I was exactly where God wanted me.

Other songs stirred gratefulness in my heart. Some melodies reminded me of moments I’ve shared with my family and friends. Needtobreathe is part of the playlist of my life.

Ben had been restless in his tiredness. During “Something Beautiful,” he sat on my lap, stretched out his legs, leaned his head back … and gave into rest. The boy is always going and moving and doing.

In all honesty, parenting him has been hard since I’ve been home from Guatemala. Like any relationship, it takes two – so some of the parenting struggle has been all me. Life is filtered differently the past few weeks. It’s not Ben’s fault he hasn’t experienced what I did. Plus he’s only 5 and I can’t expect him to fully grasp what God is doing,

Even so, I believe we’ll move past this hard part and be better people for it. Those moments of having him cuddled in were sweet. Something beautiful, indeed. I felt his body give into sleep and was reminded how many times I push against God, knowing full well he knows best.

And then I wanted to stand up again. So I laid down Ben gently on the ground and he slept for the last half of the Needtobreathe concert while I let God continue his work in my heart.

“God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these hallelujahs be multiplied”

{From “Multiplied” by Needtobreathe}

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I'm linking up with the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering. 

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

{Guatemala} What, why, how?

Since we’ve been back, we’ve shared many Guatemala stories with our friends. I’ve sat around the table eating chips and queso with my two best friends and told them what I saw and experienced. Greg shared with his Bible study friends on a Tuesday morning. Cate has offered her own perspective – and told people in the grocery store and at the public pool about her decision to get baptized. We’ve shared pictures and stories … and answered all kinds of questions.

So, let’s gather around this virtual table that is my blog, and let me answer some questions for you …

How did you choose Guatemala?

We knew our neighbors Kim and Stephen Crouch had led trips there so we had them over for dinner in November to learn more. Personally, I was drawn to the fact kids could go and the time change was only an hour.

I also liked the relational element. The Crouches have been going to serve with Bethel Ministries International for seven years and know the missionaries well. BMI serves all throughout the country, hosting teams in different towns. Even though I had just met the Crouches, we have a slew of mutual local and college friends. I had also seen the way people who had traveled with them to Guatemala before stayed involved with the fundraising and planning for future trips.


What did you all do there?

Throughout the week, our team of 13 people plus the four missionaries who live there divided up most days to serve. We also worked with a local pastor and volunteers who knew how to speak the Quechí dialect many of the local people with Mayan roots spoke.

Collectively, we built three houses on concrete slabs, visited 16 families, and distributed 35 wheelchairs. When we visited families, we gave them clothes, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies. We prayed with people and figured out how Bethel could meet other needs, like build a bathroom or secure education and food sponsorships. I may not have understood every word, but I know it was the same Spirit leading people’s hearts. {You can see all my photos here.}


You took your kid to a third-world country?

I did. And, honestly, she's a huge reason Greg and I believed we were supposed to go. After initially talking to the Crouches, I thought we would wait until Ben could go too. But neither Greg nor I could shake the feeling we were supposed to go. I talked to other friends about family mission trips and, although I was intrigued, I kept coming back to this one.

We committed to go in January and in the months after we participated in various fundraisers, which paid for the projects and materials. We paid our own way for the travel and food costs.

Before we left, I talked to Cate about things – like how she may see a woman nursing a child older than a toddler because food options are limited and how she doesn't know the language so walking away from us was never allowed.

I never worried about taking her and didn't regret our decision once we were there. I did have to explain what a man drinking himself to death means. And I thought I was going to have to explain what Rahab did before she was used by God, but she clung to another detail of that morning's devotional.

Cate is 8 but has common sense and is a deep thinker. As a family, we can talk all day long about generosity and continue to serve here in our local community like we do, but Greg and I believed showing her actual poverty would be life-changing.


Was it hot there?

No, actually. Another group from our area went in June – to the coast, where it was hot. We ended up with nearly perfect weather in the mountains.

It was in the 70s most days and got into the 50s in the evenings. We had layers and jackets. It was the rainy season, but we managed to only get rained on one afternoon ... and the guys had just finished putting on the new roof at a house.

It was hotter when we moved south to the beach for our last day in Guatemala. But even then the temperature was pleasant and some clouds kept us from being drenched in sweat.

So, basically, the weather was better on our mission trip than it apparently was at home that week.


Had you been in a mission trip before?

No, I’d never been on a mission trip. Greg had been to the Bahamas with his college campus ministry. To serve together was definitely an aspect of this I looked forward to.


What was your favorite part?

Um, all of it.

Really, though, Cate deciding to get baptized wins for obvious reasons. But the day spent building the second house and exchanging friendship bracelets with Maria, Brenda and Angelica may go down as my favorite.


Do you speak Spanish?

No, not really. I can understand some, but I don't speak it. Please don't tell my high school Spanish teacher. She'll be disappointed those four years didn't amount to more.


Will you go back?

I hope so – and so do Greg and Cate. Honestly, the fact I hope to go back surprises me. Before we went, I figured the trip would meet the need I felt inside to go. And it did. But it also opened doors I didn't know were there. I love what Bethel Ministries does and I loved hearing about a new ministry happening in another part of Guatemala to serve orphans and single moms. Landon Divido, who is working with Bethel as an intern this summer, is preparing to marry his fiancée Amy and then help the ministry his dad started open a rescue center in Poptun, Guatemala. This will help orphans as well as single moms who need childcare so they can work to provide for their families.

These are the kind of ministries I want to be a part of, even from a distance and hopefully one day on the ground again.


What can we do to help?

We spent the week serving in Chichicastenango, Guatemala alongside Bethel Ministries. We saw up close the poverty cycle that paralyzes families. Families often choose between food and education. Many suffer continuously because of the dirt and dust that builds up in their houses, that is, if they have roofs to cover them.

Bethel works with families all over Guatemala to help meet their needs while sharing the gospel. Some of that happens through food and education sponsorships. A monthly $50 food sponsorship feeds a family of 4 for a month. Education sponsorships are $25 for children in primary grades and $50 for those in secondary grades.

We would love for you to join us in serving this part of the world through sponsorships for some of the families and children we've met this week. Through Bethel, 100% of the sponsorship money goes directly to the family. If you're willing to commit to this let us know and we'll get you more information about a specific family or child as well as how you can make your monthly contributions.

You can also read more about what Light of the World Ministries is doing in Poptun and join in those efforts.

And if you have more questions, feel free to ask me. We're all friends around a table here.
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Other Guatemala-related posts ... 

Mission to Guatemala

God said GO

Building a foundation & threading love

God makes us new

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An InLinkz Link-up

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

Slugs & Bugs is singing more of the Bible!

While in Guatemala, someone from our team read Matthew 6:19-21 during an evening devotional:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

As soon as the verse started, Cate leaned over to me and said, “That’s a song too.”

Honestly, my favorite kind of music speaks truth into our lives. And that’s why I love Slugs & Bugs’ Sing the Bible. The first album has helped my kids learn scriptures – includes those words from Matthew 6 – as the songs are straight from the Bible. You can see a list of verses being considered for the album here.

I’m obviously excited Randall Goodgame has a Kickstarter campaign underway for Sing the Bible Vol. 2 and was happy to throw in my support. Once this project is funded, there will be more good music that speaks truth right into my kids’ lives. Oh, who am I kidding, I like listening too.

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $40,000 by Aug. 17. Take a look at the Kickstarter rewards – there are some fabulous deals! You could stock up on Slugs & Bugs goodies. Hello, early Christmas shopping! Plus have plenty of good music for your own house … or minivan, because, hey, let’s be honest, that’s where most of my Slugs & Bugs listening occurs.
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Nobody asked me to write this post. I just wanted to because I didn't want other families to miss out on this goodness. And, really, I'd recommend all the Slugs & Bugs albums to people. Follow Slugs & Bugs on the web, Facebook and Twitter. You can read some of my previous Slugs & Bugs posts here :: 2011 concert in Murray. 2012 concert in Murray. Sing the Bible Vol. 1 review. 2014 concert in Murray.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."

9 Things I Learned in May

May is my favorite month. And not just because it's my birthday. Although, I have told some people about how I was excited to turn 36 because it's my favorite number {nerd alert, I know!}. And, y'all, by the first week of my favorite month, I knew not much was going to top all the goodness.

But let's back up a little. Here's a list of what's happened in our life since April 22:

Greg opened an office in Hazel. We sold our lake house. We celebrated three birthdays with two parties and then Mother's Day. Ben has his tonsils and adenoids removed. We have another lake house under contract. We met a birth mom and began the adoption process, including the home study documentation. We've had fundraisers for our Guatemala mission trip. Cate had strep throat. Greg moved his main office in Murray.

That doesn't even include normal school stuff, soccer practices and games, church commitments, and hanging out with friends.

So, here I go, talking about adoption, school, TV, celebrations, household chores, and my new favorite drink before May totally escapes me.

Obviously, these things come to you in no particular order ...

1. "One Tree Hill' is a good show. I needed a new show to watch as I fold laundry and walk on the treadmill. This one is working for me. {Here's looking at you, fans of "Gilmore Girls," "Hart of Dixie," "Dawson's Creek," "Felicity" ... if you're behind the times like me! But it doesn't top the crew from Capside or Stars Hollow.}

And, hello, I love the theme song! I'm at the beginning of season three right now, and there's been a lot of good music. Oh, and Greg watches it with me now too.

But, seriously, these kids and their problems aren't in high school. No way.

3. Having an online book club where we discussed a chapter a week forced me to slow down and really soak in the message. And "You're Loved No Matter What: Freeing Your Heart from the Need to Be Perfect" by Holley Gerth was one my soul needed.

3. People really do celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Four friends and I went I celebrate my birthday a couple days late at a local Mexican restaurant we all love. We couldn't figure out why it was crowded on a Tuesday night. And then we realized we'd missed the memo on the holiday. We're cool like that.

4. People like free. In four days at the beginning of May, I offered my ebook for free. I'm so grateful for the hundreds (!!!) of people who downloaded it. {Hey, if you were one of the 1,682 people (!!!) who downloaded "Peace in the Process," I'd really love for you to leave a review once you've finished reading.}

5. We're buying a lake house. We'd been looking since before we closed in April on the sale of our other one that we really didn't even want to sell but needed to because of circumstances beyond our control. But we found another one that we may end up loving more. The property is amazing. And we have plans to make the house even better.

6. I have a third-grader and kindergartner. Okay, well, I didn't just learn this. But this just happened. I mean, it will happen in August. Which counts as now. BECAUSE SCHOOL'S OUT ... FOR THE ... SUMMER! In fact, I wrote about my Summer Not-To-Do List at Circles of Faith this week.

7. We're adopting a baby due in September! Yeah, I know, I just said I was sending my youngest to kindergarten. God's timing is funny ... and perfect. {And I've already written a whole post about this, in case you missed it.}

And, just for fun, you should know I initially connected with the birth mom and learned the lake house owner accepted our offer on the same day, which happened to be Cinco de Mayo. No wonder people celebrate it ...

8. Crystal Light makes a grape-flavored drink that reminds me of grape Kool-Aid. I lived off grape Kool-Aid when I was a kid. I was so excited when my friend Julie offered me this as a drink of choice at her house. She gave me a packet to take home and the item was immediately added to my grocery list.

9. Sorting dirty clothes by people before washing them is more effective than sorting them by color. I realize some of you just cringed. But, seriously, this is making my life easier. Each person has a bin in the laundry room, and then when it's full, I wash that person's clothes. It cuts out the sorting as I'm folding them and the rooting through baskets looking for something.

So, how was your May?
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I'm linking up with Emily Freeman's Facebook page and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood Gathering.

Here are previous Things I Learned posts :: {From 2013} June. July. August. September. October. November. {From 2014} January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. December. {From 2015} January. February. March. April.

Want more insights? "Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family" is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin', or subscribe to receive "Insights in Your Inbox."