Kristin

Growing slow right here

May 12, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

This spring felt normal. And normal is welcomed after the grief I walked through in 2019 and the social distancing we experienced in 2020. But normal also means house projects, plans, relationships, and responsibilities are in progress.

I have to remind myself progress is valuable and is where we spend the bulk of our life. Yes, of course, I’d rather the house be cleaned, all the outside property projects be completed, every conversation in my head to become reality, friendships to be secure, and my to-do list be wiped clean. I had a hint of being caught up in 2020, but only because plans and commitments were canceled, people were distanced, and normal pace was slowed. But 2020 also offered some internal healing for me — and I want to hold on.

I was to keep growing slow in my everyday life, regardless of the external circumstances.

“We need a way to recover from hurray sickness. Healing will come from the inside out, in our hearts, where Jesus dwells and where wild things grow. This Jesus actually sees us as we grow good things in our families, friendships, and faith journeys.” — Jennifer Dukes Lee in her new book “Growing Slow”

“Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl” is one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read this year and one I can’t get enough of. I got to read an early copy of the first six chapters as part of the launch team, but I’ve been eager for the actual book to show up in my mailbox (which it did yesterday!) so I could read more. I’ve got quotes and notes in my journal and I have no doubt I will have plenty more to add to them.

Jennifer Dukes Lee writes as if she gets me, because she does. She gets the pressures and expectations that I put on myself and understands there are seasons to grow and change and adapt throughout life. She tells stories and encourages readers as she shares about an entire year on her family’s Iowa farm.

Here in my life in Kentucky, I’m tempted to miss those days from last year, even though in the midst of them I longed for normal. The grass is always the greener, but all grass has to be mowed eventually. I’m just thankful we have grass that grows right where I am. And I’m trying to remember this season of normal is the rhythm of life right now and is bound to change again, so I might as well enjoy it and grow with it.

About the book

Jennifer Dukes Lee offers a path to unhurried living by returning to the rhythm of the land and learning the ancient art of Growing Slow. You can live the great life you want, but it’s not the way you think. It isn’t about chasing that life down, it’s about slowing that life down. Hurry says everything is a task to be attacked. Slow says that you get to decide what’s important, and you get to reprioritize life in a way that lines up with what matters most. Start by building the habit of slow into your life, one act at a time.

This book presents a message of encouragement with practical application and journaling prompts.

“Growing Slow” is a 272-page hardcover book published by Zondervan (May 11, 2021). It’s available most anywhere you buy books, including Amazon.

About the author

Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. She writes books, loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn’t believe in Jesus; now he’s her CEO. Find Jennifer at and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee.

*****

I did receive an advanced PDF copy of the first six chapters, but I paid for my copy of this book and will buy others as gifts. I truly am thankful for this message from one of my favorite authors.

Tale of a teenager with a cell

May 11, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’ve long told Cate, who turned 14 last week, she could get an old-school flip phone when she turned 16. Well, I changed my mind. After much discussion and thought, Greg and I gifted her with a Gabb Wireless phone for her birthday.

When I thought about my concerns about handing my teenage daughter a smartphone, social media is the biggest no-no. I know, ironic, I blog and post on social media. Most days, I love social media. But I’m thankful I didn’t have to navigate middle school, high school, and college with social media.

There were some reasons I wasn’t opposed to thinking about getting a phone for a teenager. I want to teach Cate phone etiquette and give her an opportunity to connect with her friends. I want to be able to contact her if I’m not with her.

All of that’s why Gabb Wireless is the right fit for us right now. Gabb sells one phone that looks like a smartphone, but there are no social media apps or games. Cate can text and call her friends, take pictures, listen to music, set an alarm, and keep a calendar. I like that she can be more connected without being tempted by lots of other options on a more expensive phone.

Cate’s review of the phone: She likes that she can text her friends even if she isn’t connected to the WiFi at home and listen to her favorite songs we loaded on using a mini SD card. She does wish the photo quality was better and would like a notes app.

We have some boundaries in place already. The phone charges in the kitchen, is turned off at night, and isn’t really out when friends are over. Of course, my girl also has been reminded having a phone of any kind is a privilege and not a right.

Meanwhile, I’m constantly re-learning how parenting is full of seasons that require new decisions and adjustments. Having an age requirement to have a phone, even a basic phone, isn’t as important as knowing the child and having witnessed responsibility and good decision making. So, here I am ready to see where motherhood takes me next.

*****

This isn’t a sponsored post and nobody asked me to share my opinions on this product. This is just one mom to others about what is working for us. Of course, if you like the idea of a Gabb Wireless, I can save you $30 when you purchase the phone. Just use 2702936829 as the promo code at check out.

Fourteen

May 6, 2021 by Kristin Leave a Comment

Happy birthday, Cate!

You’re the one who made me a mom. I was reflecting on your life this morning when I woke up too early and remembered how perfect it is to have your birthday sandwiched between my birthday and Mother’s Day. Your life has been a gift to mine since you came into this world three days after I turned 28.

We spent my first Mother’s Day in a hotel waiting for clearance to come home from Indiana as part of the interstate adoption process. Of course, I’m forever grateful to your courageous birth mom who chose life for you and chose us to be your parents. Your life is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.

Now you’re 14.

You love to play basketball, listen to Florida Georgia Line, and read (and re-read) fantasy and dystopian books. I still don’t understand your love of Crocs and distressed jeans, but you don’t understand why I love the 90s songs that I introduce you to. Even so, I loved shopping with you and our best friends last weekend.

You’ve got a great group of friends from school, have become a leader on the basketball court and in the classroom, and enjoy the church move we recently made. You started wearing glasses in March, not long after you were the sole case COVID in our household. It’s been a weird year, but you’ve worn when your mask when necessary and navigated life with such grace. I loved sitting with you at St. Pete Beach for Spring Break and just chit-chatting about life.

Cate, I’m proud of the confidence you’ve developed in who God created you to be. You’re smart, funny, and responsible. I am thankful for the ways you help around the house and set an example for your younger brother and sister. I love sharing this birthday week with you (and Dozer) and, more importantly, all the days our lives. What a joy it is to be your mom.

Happy birthday, Catherine Anna! Your life is truly a gift.

*****

Cate through the years on her birthday: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Baptism. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Of course, you can read more about her birth, adoption story, and early life in my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” too.