writing

Songs of Hope

February 17, 2021 by Kristin 1 Comment

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
– Psalm 68:5-6 NIV

I want those who feel lonely to find rest in my home and companionship in our family. God’s ways as a father and defender were present as He built our family through three adoptions, but I don’t want us welcoming others in to stop there.

In the ESV translation of Psalm 68, verse 6 reads “God settle the solitary in a home …” This is about belonging. In other words, we are not meant to do this life alone.

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I contributed a devotional about Psalm 68 to “Songs of Hope (Vol. 2)“, which was compiled by fellow writers Keri Snyder & Sarah Frazier. This devotional spends 31 days in the Psalms.

We all need to sing some songs of hope, don’t we? Regardless of the disappointments and interruptions we face, we can still cling to hope. Of course, we want some rest from the weary, overwhelming parts of life. But so often we all seek the wrong answers.

“Songs of Hope” offers encouraging truth to bring hope to your weary soul. The devotional is a digital product so you receive the PDF immediately and can read it on any device. The purchase also comes with a 31-day reading plan and printable verse card. Right now, it’s on sale for $7 but will return to the usual $10 price soon. (Buy here!)

There’s also a first volume of this devotional book by the same name.

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In my contribution, I talk about how God built a sanctuary for me at our house in the country and how I want to share that with others. I end the devotional with these questions and a prayer:

Where in your life can you invite others in with you?
What places and peoples are places of refuge from loneliness for you?
How has God been your father and defender?

Father God, let my home be a sanctuary where I draw nearer to you and a place where others can settle in. Set those who are lonely in meaningful relationships so we can go forth with singing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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These links are affiliate links, so I will earn a small amount from your purchase, but I’m sharing this product because I’m proud to be a small part of this project that will encourage many.

Bringing Home More Than Groceries

September 8, 2020 by Kristin 20 Comments

Y’all, meet “Bringing Home More Than Groceries.” I’m breathing a deep sigh of relief that today is here and this is ready for you. I’m also a little nervous as I bare more of my soul to the world. Of course, I want to celebrate too!

After years of writing and thinking about this book that has morphed from one thing into something else, I finished it while people were socially distant from each other. Talk about irony. But those months at home with a smaller-than-usual community have convinced me more than ever of the importance of this message. I believe in it, and I’m grateful for your support along the way.

Join me in the grocery store, around tables with friends, and on her beloved porch where she loves to gather people. When I grocery shop, I bring home more than bags filled with cheese, fruit, eggs, and ice cream. There are life lessons, preparations for meals that create meaningful connections, and glimpses of my children as they become who they’re created to be.

Sometimes hospitality is flinging the doors to your home and life wide open for others to enter. Other times it means accepting invitations elsewhere because God has something for you there. Like everything in life, hospitality has seasons. What we do, what we eat, what’s on sale at the grocery, where we go, who comes with us all vary depending on circumstances and seasons – and through it all hospitality is love in action.

Of course, I couldn’t write a book about hospitality with some help from my friends! In “Bringing Home More Than Groceries: Stories About Gathering & Nourishing People,” you’ll also hear stories of hospitality and community from twenty-one of my real-life friends. Come on into the grocery store, in the kitchen, and on the porch where we learn how hospitality heals, nourishes, celebrates, and supports.

I have a beautiful new landing page for this book, thanks to Mandy Roberson Media. Mandy, Traci, and Amy did a wonderful job bringing together what I saw in my head to paper and the screen. On the book page, you can find a sample chapter, hospitality resources, endorsements, and a playlist. You can buy the book on Amazon ($11.99 paperback; $6.99 Kindle) or from me directly ($10 paperback for local purchase plus $5 if shipped).

Giveaway!

And what’s a celebration without a gift? That’s right! I have a stack of goodies for one of you. Just look at what you’ll win!

Your own copy of “Bringing Home More Than Groceries”
$25 Walmart card
Paperback copy of “Practice Hospitality,” a devotional by Christen Price
Anchored Women meal planner PDF from Kayse Pratt
Package of 50 paper plates
48 plastic forks and 48 plastic spoons
Ghirardelli brownie mix
Pioneer Woman set of three mini spatulas
Two regular-sized spatulas
Travel hand sanitizer
Two vinyl tablecloths

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents between now and Monday, Sept. 14. I will randomly choose a winner the following day. Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter to win.

Enter More Than Groceries giveaway here!

I hope you are encouraged by these stories about hospitality, about love in action. And I hope you’ll swing your own doors and heart open to others, accept invitations from others, and recognized we truly are better together.

Currently

August 10, 2020 by Kristin Leave a Comment

I’m missing some of what used to be, even though I love getting glimpses of God’s goodness and faithfulness in this season. As my real-life circle has gotten smaller in this social-distancing season, I’ve shown up less here too. I didn’t really plan on that, but I’m grateful for the togetherness that’s happened in my home, on my porch, and in my pool — especially when everything looks different.

With that said, I thought it would be a go time to do a catch-up post of what I’m currently doing and enjoying. So, with that in mind, here are some peeks into what’s happening around here with recommendations for you included.

I’m currently …

Reading “The Killing Tide” by Dani Pettrey. I’ve loved the other series I’ve read by her, so I was happy to start a new one. Now I’m awaiting the second in the Coastal Guardians series that should arrive in my mailbox today.

Oh, and, I recently quit a book! I loved the premise of “Resistance Women,” but the pace was too slow for me. I read about half of this book, and I wasn’t excited to pick it up, so I moved on.

Listening to “Chris Tomlin & Friends” on repeat. I love the whole album (which is available for free streaming with Amazon Prime!) so much. In recent weeks, I’ve also had Needtobreathe’s songs available from its upcoming “Out of Body” album playing frequently. They’re so good and I’m excited to hear the rest.

Celebrating 18 years of marriage! We even got to go on a date last week!

Preparing to launch my second self-published book into the world! I’ll have more details soon, but be sure you’re signed up for my emails, where I’ll give a sneak peek soon. But mark your calendars for Sept. 1.

Eating well at home. We’ve especially loved grilling chicken with this marinade. We’ve learned I cut big chicken breasts once vertically and once horizontally for smaller portions that Greg grills perfectly. An easy but delicious Key Lime Cheesecake Bars from the Pioneer Woman is another summer favorite. Tip: Leave out the key lime juice for a regular cheesecake that pairs with whatever toppings you like best. I personally love caramel syrup and Heath bits. You’re welcome.

Recharging with my phone plugged in not beside my bed. I love it that it’s not been the last thing I look at and think about before I go to sleep and hasn’t been the first thing I look at in the morning. My mind and soul are better this way and I’m remembering new habits are developed with small steps.

How are you? I’d love to have a peek in your currently.