Eight Things I Learned in March

Oh, March, where did you go? You went by so fast. Before you’re completely gone, I do want to document what you taught me.

1. “The West Wing” characters have Twitter accounts. And they’re funny and relevant.

I happened upon President Bartlet’s Twitter account when someone else I follow retweeted one of this tweets about March Madness. When I clicked on it, I discovered Josh Lyman, Sam Seaborn, and Donna Moss. And I’m really glad about that for several reasons – most importantly because I already miss them even though Greg and I just finished binge watching the show earlier this week.

You’re welcome.

2. Picking out paint colors makes me indecisive, and I’m usually decisive. 

But I managed to pick out colors for the kitchen, living spaces and hallways, and three bedrooms in the house we bought last week. We aren’t moving right away because we are doing some cosmetic improvements and having a fourth bedroom added on.

(Also, could Joanna Gaines please come to Kentucky? Speaking of her, my daughter and I are in love with “Fixer Upper.” Yes, I’m a little late to the bandwagon, I know.)

3. We’re moving to the country. Well, you know, 10 minutes from town, where we live now.

So we bought a new house that sits on 33 acres. Living on some land has been a long-time dream for Greg and I’ve slowly gotten on board. This house and land fit us and we’re excited for our next adventure there.

(Read more about that – and how I learned dreams can change.)

4. When changes are on the horizon, I hesitate and then embrace change in multiple areas of my life at once.

Moving is the change theme right now. In addition to moving our family to a different house, I’m also working with a professional to move my blog to WordPress and redesign my online space too. Plus I got a haircut this month.

5. I can cheer for Austin Peay State University.

The background on this one is we’re hardcore Murray State fans and APSU is our rival. It’s also the school where my sister went on a soccer scholarship and ended up meeting her husband, who played basketball there. We always rooted for them, and it’s easier to do in soccer than basketball. But we still always preferred Murray State to do better.

Well, Murray State had a rough year, at least by its usual standards, and was eliminated earlier than we liked in the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Austin Peay barely made the tournament and then ended up winning four games in four days to earn the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Yes, we cheered for the Governors. (They ended up losing to overall No. 1 Kansas.)

6. Murray State’s two previous coaches made it to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen – and that’s why I love March Madness.

If you’re a college basketball fan, you probably saw Steve Prohm dance – literally – after his Iowa State team advanced and then heard about Billy Kennedy’s Aggies erase a double-digit lead in less than a minute. With Murray State and Kentucky out, these have been my teams.

These two coaches are perfect examples of why I love sports. They’re the good guys. Kennedy gave the glory to God after Texas A&M stunned Northern Iowa. He’s living with Parkinson’s disease, but believes in building a team and leading men.

(And here’s another article about Coach Billy Kennedy from a local writer.)

And, yes, I wish these two teams were still playing because I feel like I don’t have any rooting interest.

7. Sometimes the kids who have been arguing just need to put on their bathing suits and do a science experiment in the bathtub. 

A friend let us borrow “Bathtub Science” and I earned some cool points by letting them put on their bathing suits and make colors with food coloring and water in the bathtub. And all the mamas said, “Whatever works!”

8. I was excited to caucus at the beginning of the month and now get stressed out thinking about the presidential election.  

Kentucky Republicans had a caucus (Thanks, Rand Paul!) for the first time ever. I went in with high hopes for Marco Rubio, but that all quickly went down hill. Now I’m keeping up with the presidential primaries from a distance and hoping what seems to be happening isn’t actually happening.

How was your March?
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I'm linking up with Emily Freeman, like I do at the end of every month. 

My April newsletter is going out tomorrow! In it will be a fun giveaway opportunity just for subscribers, so subscribe now. Plus I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

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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Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

The Middle Matters {an Easter post}

“My corrupt soul wanted to run, fast and hard, away from the hurt that swirled on all sides. I knew in my mind that I was born again – destined for a new, eternal, no-tears-in-heaven kind of life. I knew my salvation was a direct gift from the blood and sacrifice of the spotless, uncorrupted, unstained, untainted blood of the Lamb of God; but in the darkness of night, I couldn’t help but wonder how that knowledge was supposed to help me in the present moment. I could concoct a whole host of scenarios in which the afterlife would be the most amazing, fulfilling, Guinness Book of World Records worthy, mind-blowing, God-honoring experiences where I (Lord willing) would be reunited with lost loved ones. But what about life on this side of the veil, the one we’re all living right now?”

{Megan Nilsen in "A Beautiful Exchange"}

I’ve met people and seen circumstances that make me wonder how I’m supposed to reconcile this life with the eternal life that’s coming. Why wouldn’t someone choose hope when it was right in front of them? Maybe they couldn’t see out of their own despair. Maybe they had been burned by hope before.

I get it because sometimes I feel stuck in the middle.

With Easter coming in a few days, this middle place has been on my mind, but, more importantly, so has hope.

Sometimes we skip over what happened leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and what his death was like because we want to get to the glorious end. We know he rose again and lives forever. But it wasn’t pretty getting there. There was blood and meanness and weakness and physical pain. But there also was endurance and hope.

After being whipped and insulted, Jesus hung on a cross in the middle of two criminals. He died in the middle of day.

The middle matters.

Even his resurrection comes in the middle of the story. While the stone being rolled away is certainly the highlight, it’s not the end.

The middle matters.

How we got to where we are matters, but God doesn’t want us to stay there because the best is yet to come.

The middle matters because of the future we are promised. {Tweet that.} That future includes an inheritance we share with Christ because are adopted into God’s family. We are children of God, made new (2 Corinthians 5:17) and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12).

Maybe you love where you are and who you’re with, like I do. But maybe you’re waiting for whatever you’re dreaming of next, longing for circumstances to change. I’ve been there too.

Tears and pain and endurance and hope are probably part of your middle too. I know they have been mine. Maybe you see God moving. Or maybe you believe God is moving but you’re waiting for evidence.

Wherever you are, this is the middle of the whole story. This is the week to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrate his resurrection because that’s why the middle matters. The redemption and resurrection and celebration only are possible because of the hurt and betrayal and pain that happened first.
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This is the last post in the Meet Me in the Middle Project. Britta LaFont challenged me during Lent to slow down and notice the pieces of life I bypass in a rush. Find all the details about the Meet Me in the Middle Project here. {You can read all my preview posts about the middle, if you're new here.}

#ThreeWordWednesday friends, I'd love for you join in Meet Me in the Middle by linking up there and here, but the weekly #ThreeWordWednesday link up is open as usual even if you're not participating in this Lenten project. I'm always so glad y'all are here.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

One half of one year

Believe it or not, this girl is half a year old! It’s hard to believe how much our lives have changed for the better these past six months yet how much we know we are meant to be a family. It’s crazy to think last year at this time we didn’t even know about her!

Rachel loves avocados, bananas, canned peaches, and mandarin oranges. She adores her brother and sister.

She wants to go places and scoots across our hardwood floors. She sits up like a pro and often goes from sitting up to laying on her belly.

She sleeps on her belly and often for 8-10 hours at night. She doesn’t have a nap schedule (hello, third child!) but still takes several short naps throughout the days.

She smiles, especially when people talk to her and when she sits in high chairs and the front of the grocery cart.

She doesn’t have any teeth yet, but I can tell they’re coming! There’s much drool and some irritated gums.

In her fifth month, she had RSV, enjoyed the swing outside for the first time, and received her passport in the mail.

I told you, she’s got places to go.

Rachel girl, these first six months of your life have been filled with such joy. I’m excited to see what God does in our family from here and how you get to be part of it. I have no doubt you’ll find adventure and joy wherever you go.
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Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.

"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'.

Surprise! God's got a plan ...

It's time for Five Minute Friday with Kate Motaung and other writer friends. The prompt is revealed on Thursday night and then there's a flash mob of writing. Just write. Just write whatever comes in those five minutes. 

This week's prompt is SURPRISE. 

Ready, set, go ... 

I’m hard to surprise – probably because I ask a lot of questions. Part of me likes surprises, but much of me likes a plan.

Yet God has managed to surprise me with almost every detail of my life.

I live in a town I thought would be in my past after college graduation – and love it so much I consider it home after more than a dozen years.

I thought I would be a big-city newspaper reporter, but I worked in a small-town newsroom before I became a momma and now I stay at home with them – sort of. I do some work-type things on the side, between mothering moments.

I have three kids – which was what I thought would happen. BUT they didn’t come like I expected. God surprised me with three adoption stories I wouldn’t rewrite, even though there are some hard chapters.

God has surprised me with community when I least expected it and given me dreams and hopes I didn’t realize I’d ever have. And even this prompt 13 hours after I wrote this on Facebook: May your day be full of fresh views & sweet surprises.

God has surprised me with all the details of my life. But he’s not been surprised for a moment. {Tweet that.}

He knit me together in my mother’s womb and gave me an extroverted personality with introverted tendencies. He started writing my story long before I acknowledged him as the author.

I’m seeking him as the author of it all now, but I’m guessing there are still going to be some surprises around the bend.

And stop. 
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I'm linking up at Kate Motaung's place with other Five Minute Friday friends. Come join us. 

Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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 organizing the dreams God gives

I’m a Type A person who finds great pleasure in getting things done. I like a clean house. I like to start and finish projects. I like to mark items off a to-do list and make plans because, really, if it’s on my calendar it’s going to get accomplished.

I used to think I wasn’t a dreamer, considering myself too practical for that. Then God used Holley Gerth and many of the ladies who write for this website to show me He’s the Dream Giver. He’s given me gifts and personality traits to use for his glory – and when all that merges it truly is a dream come true.

God-sized dreaming is about far more than the end result, though. {Tweet that.} It’s really about the process of making choices about how we will spend our time, surrendering the details and timeline to God, and connecting with people. Too often I’ve tried to do it my way, but God is working on me.

My dreams are about mothering and writing. I share our family’s adoption story because it’s my faith journey. I share about our everyday life so other moms know they aren’t alone. I believe stories have power – so I tell them and write them.

But real life doesn’t always allow me to write whenever I’m inspired. Sometimes I have to email myself an idea so I don’t forget it while I’m feeding the baby or doing laundry or grocery shopping. Other days the baby takes a longer-than-expected nap so I get extra time to work on whatever project is in front of me. God surprised me with a lake house management job a few years ago that I love because it combines my love for details, planning and hospitality.

Regardless of what the day looks like, I’m thankful for my iPhone that allows me to carry much information and many ideas while connecting to people anywhere.

{Read more at God-sized Dreams, where I’m sharing specific ways I organize information and connect with people.}
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Subscribe to get new posts in your inbox and a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

Place of Transformation {and a recipe}

I don’t bake much, but one favorite recipe around here that does happen is Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. The recipe comes courtesy my high school boyfriend’s mom.

It always amazes me I can take mushy, seemingly-no-good bananas and turn them into deliciousness.

Don’t believe me? Try it yourself.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
From Jane Garcia

1 cup margarine softened
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 ripe bananas that I puree in a food processor
Chocolate chips

Cream margarine, sugar and eggs till light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time. Add dry ingredients and blend well. Then pour in the pureed bananas and mix until well blended. Stir in however many chocolate chips you want and pour into two greased and floured loaf pans and bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

I’ve also discovered the bread freezes well.

I’m reminded how The Middle is a place of transformation. {Tweet that.} It's in the middle where one thing becomes another, something is changed from the inside out with effort and time, and sometimes it takes some heat to do the job.

I’m talking about banana bread, but I’m also talking about my own heart. Food and faith are intertwined in celebration and the ordinary moments that make life sweet.
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I’m excited to join Britta Lafont for her Meet Me in the Middle Project during Lent, when I’m going to slow down and notice the pieces of life I bypass in a rush. Find all the details about the Meet Me in the Middle Project here or reference Britta's introductory post.

#ThreeWordWednesday friends, I'd love for you join in Meet Me in the Middle by linking up there and here, but the weekly #ThreeWordWednesday link up is open as usual even if you're not participating in this Lenten project. I'm always so glad y'all are here.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

Shazam! Some songs technology helped me discover

I’ve been known to jot down lyrics to a new-to-me song I want to look up later, especially while watching TV shows or movies. Now with technology, I just click on the Shazam app, which “listens” and then tells me what song it is.

Okay, I realize I sound way behind the times starting this post like this is a new technology. BUT I’ve just been appreciating it lately and thought it would be a good time to share.

I probably sound old admitting I recently rewatched “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the sequel. {Um, I just noticed you can buy them as a double feature!} I owned the soundtrack to the first at some point and am tempted to dig through a box of memories to find it. It’s really good, y’all.

Anyway, back to Shazam. I’m going to share the last 13 songs I Shazam-ed. Why 13, you ask? Well, that happens to be how many are on my list since the beginning of the year.

1. “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music :: Since Shazaming this, I've heard it a lot, but I love it anyway. 
2. “Crazy Faith” by John Waller :: This was in “War Room.” Yes, I also Shazam during inspirational movies, apparently. 
3. “Diamonds” by Hawk Nelson :: This song has led to good conversations in the minivan with the kids. 
4. “Possibility Days” by Counting Crows :: I knew this was Adam Duritz and company when I heard it on “Hawaii Five-0,” but I hadn't heard it before. 
5. “Bulletproof Picasso” by Train :: This one is also thanks to “Hawaii Five-0,” but I recognized the band. 
6. “How Marvelous” by Daniel Renstrom :: I'm guessing this was from the radio, and it must not have had the info available. 
7. “It Is Well” by Lauren Daigle :: I love her and this song some the combination is good for my soul. 
8. “Everything Comes Alive” by We Are Messengers :: Again with the radio, I assume. 
9. “Good Good Father” by Zealand Worship :: Sorry, Chris Tomlin, I like this version better.
10. “If We’re Honest” by Francesca Battistelli :: I'm pretty sure my oldest daughter asked me about this song. 
11. “When I’m With You” by Citizen Way :: I saw them in concert this winter and I like so many of their songs but I don't always recognize the band. 
12. “No One’s Aware” by Jack Savoretti :: This is from the “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” soundtrack.
13. “Rock & Roll” by Eric Hutchinson :: More from the sequel to the sisterhood soundtrack.

{Side technology note: Did you know you can stream music for FREE with Amazon Prime? Some of these songs are available there, so following the links!}

Do you use Shazam? If so, what are the last few (or 13 …) songs on your list?

And, hey, it’s Monday, so let’s have some fun with this. If you share in the comments your last Shazams, or at least the last new-to-you songs you’ve discovered some other way, you’ll be entered to win a mix CD from me. 

Let’s be honest – I’m sounding older by the moment. I know there are all kinds of ways to make playlists online to share, but who doesn’t like real mail and a mix CD to listen to while you’re driving around? {Tweet that.} Hey, at least I’m not going to send you a mix tap – because then I’d be really, really old.

So, use the Rafflecopter below for other ways to enter and be sure to log your comment below as an entry to officially count. I’ll choose a winner on Monday, March 21. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This post was inspired by my blogging friend Mary Carver. That's just one of her Shazam-related posts. She's got a couple others here and here.  

Want more insights?Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable.

"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 sharing stories

I'm joining Kate Motaung and many other writers for Five Minute Friday. Each week, there's a prompt and then we write for five minutes. Like a flash mob of writers. 

This week's prompt: SHARE. 

Ready, set, go ... 

Later today I’m going to share with some homeschool students what it’s like to be a writer. My friend who organized the career fair invited me as an author/writer.

As I was jotting down notes yesterday about what I would share, I remembered how being a writer is a broad term. I’m going to share all the many ways one could be a writer – non-fiction author, fiction author, blogger, newspaper reporter, poet, screenwriter, songwriter, technical writer, speech writer.

And I’m going to share why when I was editor of my high school newspaper, I decided I really did want to be a writer. I spent four years in college working toward my print journalism degree. I had jobs where I was paid to write.

It all comes down to this: I believe in sharing stories. {Tweet that.}

Maybe that’s simplifying it all. Being a writer runs deep because it’s part of who God created me to be. Being a writer looks different with each season. But being a writer is a calling.

So that’s what I’m going to share with these students who are learning about subject-verb agreement and how to write persuasive essays. I’m going to share with them that words matter because stories are the essence of life.

And stop.
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Five Minute Friday is open to anyone. Come join us at Kate Motaung's place. 

Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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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Want more insights?Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

Are you tired?

I’ve watched Rachel fall asleep a few times recently.

At first she looks around, mentally fighting the urge the sleep. She seems to think about what she might miss if she closes her eyes. Then her eye lids flutter open and close, but she’s no longer mentally fighting what she knows she wants. Her breathing changes and then her eyes stay closed. Rest comes.

(Let’s not even talk about how she doesn’t really like to be put down in her crib before 9 p.m. Thank God for the swing, which she’s sadly outgrowing, and her pleasant demeanor.)

I know what it’s like to be in the middle of wanting to rest but fighting to slow down and be still.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

{Matt. 11:28-30 The Message}

Having a baby in the house again after six years has reminded me of how God cares for us, his children.

Rachel needs me to do everything for her – make her bottles, feed her, change her diapers, dress her, buckle her in the car seat, carry her from one place to another. At almost 6 months, she’s able to roll around, slowly getting from point A to point B, and manages to feed herself Baby Mum Mum crackers. But she’s still got a lot to learn and needs me.

God is the same with us. He tends to so many details of our lives, gives us opportunities to take care of things as we mature, and is always teaching us. Like a baby learning some independence, a faith journey is a process of maturing. {Tweet that.}

Regardless of our age or how long we’ve walked with God, we’re living in the middle of new life in Christ and our eternal home. In the middle, we are sanctified, but we won’t be perfected until we call heaven home.

The middle can be exhausting, especially when we try to carry all of life’s details ourselves. In Jesus, there is another way. He wants us to walk with him and learn from him – and that often means slowing down and finding real rest. As we do, our steps become more confident, our faith stronger, and our life freer.
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I’m excited to join Britta Lafont for her Meet Me in the Middle Project during Lent, when I’m going to slow down and notice the pieces of life I bypass in a rush. Find all the details about the Meet Me in the Middle Project here or reference Britta's introductory post.

#ThreeWordWednesday friends, I'd love for you join in Meet Me in the Middle by linking up there and here, but the weekly #ThreeWordWednesday link up is open as usual even if you're not participating in this Lenten project. I'm always so glad y'all are here.

An InLinkz Link-up

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This isn't the first time I've written with these verses about the unforced rhythms of grace on my mind. Read other related posts here and here. Obviously, rest is a practice I'm always needing to learn about. 

I'm sharing this post with Dawn Boyer's new Grace Moments link up. Come join us there for more encouragement. 

Want more insights?Subscribe to get new posts and/or a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog in your inbox. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

Gratefulness & Guatemala

I don’t want for a thing. Not a single item.

I’ve been known to spout lectures to my kids about how they need to be grateful and appreciate what we have – every single last thing.

But gratefulness isn’t just about things. Gratefulness is an attitude, a perspective. Yes, all the things are part of it because that’s the kind of world in which we live.

Gratefulness goes far beyond the things and takes root in our hearts. {Tweet that.}

My husband, oldest daughter, and I went to Guatemala last year. {Read more about that here.} We spent a week there, helped build some houses, and distributed wheelchairs, clothing, and food. And that one week spent in a foreign land almost eight months ago has rocked my own world.

While building houses there, the beginning was a concrete slab. The middle involved metal walls, a roof, and a couple windows. The end result was a sturdy, blue-painted house that far surpassed these families’ previous housing.

Yes, the houses were blessings that I’m sure spurred gratefulness in these Guatemalan families. How could they not? But I’m not sure the houses were necessarily the intended result. The hearts of the people – the ones who call Guatemala home and those of us serving – are what ultimately matters.

Sure, those families are better cared for because they have a roof over their heads, but I pray they know the love of Jesus in a new way too. We gave them food, but did they realize we really wanted to give them love that truly nourishes. Absolutely, God cares for our physical needs, but he yearns for our souls. {Tweet that.}

I’m still feeling the effects of that one week. That trip spurred on a couple new friendships and offered a new perspective. In any given moment, I appreciate my life and my things while longing for a simpler, less cluttered lifestyle.

And I understand gratefulness in a new way that I’m praying overflows onto my kids.

“The very thing most parents long to give their kids – a grateful heart – is destroyed in our attempt to simultaneously give them the world. It’s hard to have both because true thankfulness is experienced when we first understand we are missing something. And that’s hard to teach when we are trying to give them everything. When we have everything, we are thankful for nothing. When we have nothing, we are thankful for everything.”

(Kristen Welch in “Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World”)

It’s nearly impossible to live the American dream and long for God’s Kingdom at the same time. But the everlasting kingdom is better than any fleeting dream, so that’s what I want to hold onto here in the middle of it all.
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I’m excited to join Britta Lafont for her Meet Me in the Middle Project during Lent, when I’m going to slow down and notice the pieces of life I bypass in a rush. Find all the details about the Meet Me in the Middle Project here or reference Britta's introductory post.

#ThreeWordWednesday friends, I'd love for you join in Meet Me in the Middle by linking up there and here, but the weekly #ThreeWordWednesday link up is open as usual even if you're not participating in this Lenten project. I'm always so glad y'all are here.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Want more insights? Subscribe to get new posts in your inbox and a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

You're Already Amazing {a review}

I’ve had the privilege of sitting at a table with Holley Gerth. We talked about infertility, adoption, writing, marriage, and faith. We shared how all of those aspects of life work together and become part of our purpose.

That’s what the new “You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You To Be” study is like.

Who wouldn’t want to sit at the table with Holley Gerth? She’s an encourager of women. She wants people to find their place in God’s kingdom. She gracefully dispels the idea women have to be all things to all people and rather encourages women to be who God created them each uniquely to be.

But she doesn’t want figuring that out to mean doing more. She understands the pressures of this world and how they distract us from what matters.

In this study, which is based on her book by the same name published in 2012, she asks questions, offers encouragement based on scripture, and shares real-life stories. I’ve been working through it on my own, but it would be a wonderful study to go through with your closest friends or women in your bigger circle.

There are six sessions – each with a section in the workbook and then a video that’s about 10 minutes long. The sessions are called: Who God Created Us to Be, What’s True No Matter How We Feel, Our Amazing Journey with Jesus, God’s Plan for Our Relationships, God’s Purpose for Our Lives, How We Can Thrive for a Lifetime. There are sections in the workbook to answer specific questions, journal thoughts and prayers, and do other creative exercises.

While some sections of study come directly from her original non-fiction book, you could do the study without having read the book. Likewise, even if you’ve read the original book, you’d still benefit from the study because it offers new information and has the exercises to make practical applications to your own life.

During the second session on emotions and God’s truth, I got a new perspective on one of my favorite passages of scripture (Phil. 4:6-7). Holley writes about the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-17 and how the breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts. In other words, that’s important because “choosing to do what is right in spite of our emotions protects us” (page 54).

Whoa, says the girl who has been known to respond with my emotions when I should have focused on the truth. Like Holley shares in the video for the second session, “emotions are good messengers but bad bosses.”

Then she brought me back to the passage from Philippians I love:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Will guard your hearts and minds. Our emotions matter, but they aren’t always based in truth. Holley does a believe job of teaching why replacing lies with truth matters – in your own life and how your life overflows to others for the glory of God.
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Learn more about "You're Already Amazing" LifeGrowth Guide & DVD at Holley Gerth's website as well as on Amazon {LifeGrowth Guide // "You're Already Amazing"}. I received a free copy of Holley Gerth's "You're Already Amazing" LifeGrowth Guide & DVD for being part of her launch team. The insights here are my own. 

I'm linking up this post at Holley Gerth's place. 

Want more insights? Subscribe to get new posts in your inbox and a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

"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'.

Better Together {a review}

I’m a better mom because I have friends who walk into my messes – especially the heart ones but the crumbs on the floor too – and let me walk into theirs. My friends and I are better together when we make plans together, drop off McDonald’s beverages and chocolate on the hard days, discuss the hard parts of mothering, watch each other’s kids, and reach out to others.

I’ve received meals and grace after we brought our three kids home and after my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly six years ago. I’ve taken meals to people experiencing the same changes – good and hard – in their lives.

I have friends who understand the intense mixture of joy and grief that is adoption. I get to pray for friends who are walking through hard seasons that I understand. Some friends offer book recommendations and study the Bible with me.

Each friendship is different, but each one matters because we’re all better together. {Tweet that.}

“Better Together: Because We're Not Meant to Mom Alone” by Jill Savage with her daughter Anne McClane is a new 256-page book for moms that prompted me to appreciate the community of people in my life. The book offers practical, encouraging insights to why having a tribe of moms to share life with is healthy and helpful.

“Better Together” officially releases today from Moody Publishers, and it’s the kind of book every new mom should have and one that helps those of us who have been here awhile too. There are ideas for co-ops, encouragement if you’re facing hard times in friendship, an informative Mothering Personality Inventory that may explain some of why you mother the way you do, and Biblical truths of what friendship matters in our everyday life and our faith journeys.

Being a mom is hard, but motherhood doesn’t have to be lonely. That theme is woven throughout the book. Themes of embracing imperfection, facing fears, showing and receiving grace, and choosing joy are also found among the pages.

One of my favorite parts of “Better Together” was the Mothering Personality Inventory – which confirmed and explained some things about my personality that weren’t all that surprising: I’m a little more extroverted that introverted. I’m an external processor. I’m an innie organizer – in other words, take stuff to its home, people! I’m usually a structured mom and fairly high-capacity person.

Several of my closest friends are introverts. Some process in their heads before they talk. Some people I love prefer piles over putting stuff away. I have spontaneous friends and others who want to make plans with me. And I know for a fact not all my friends are high-capacity people and prefer a slow pace with one focus at a time.

But that’s all okay.

I love what Anne McClane says in the book:

“As moms, it’s easy to compare ourselves to those around us. We’re drawn to those who have different strengths and talents than we do. Instead of comparing and feeling we don’t measure up, we need to think about how those moms complement our strengths and talents. They fill our gaps, expand our world, and play an important role in our mom tribe.”

Mothering is hard enough without shouldering guilt and making unnecessary comparisons. Let’s embrace our differences and realize we are truly better together.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS :: Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging moms. She is the author of seven books including “Real Moms … Real Jesus” and “No More Perfect Moms.” Jill is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home, an organization that encourages, educates, and equips moms. Jill and her husband, Mark, have five children and make their home in Normal, Illinois.

Anne McClane makes her home in Springfield, Illinois, with her husband, Matt, and their two small children. She blogs about authentic motherhood at EverydaySmallThings.com and enjoyed collaborating with her mom on this book.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK :: The Mothering Personality Inventory along with other resources are available online at www.bettertogetherbook.org. Other resources there include downloads of the Better Together Commitment, conversation starters, and freezer meal printable; a sample chapter from the book; and an email sign up for 7 Days to Better Friendships.
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I received an advanced PDF copy of this book in exchange to reviewing the book and helping promote it as part of the launch team, but these opinions & stories are my own. 

Want more insights? Subscribe to get new posts in your inbox and a monthly newsletter with content not available on the blog. When you subscribe, I'll send you a FREE #choosingJOY printable. 

 "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'.