I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love these pictures. They take me to my knees with gratitude for the gift and responsibility we were given when God called us to adoption. From a place of emptiness and loss, through the work of loving a wounded child and nurturing them back to wholeness, God has redeemed and… Read More
Laura Story “Blessings”: Simple Gift Sunday
I have to admit that I was rushed getting this post, Laura Story “Blessings” together. I was even debating not sharing a Simple Gift Sunday post this weekend, but God reminded me of this song and my heart filled with such incredible gratitude. I found out I’d be filling in for our pastor’s wife (at least part of the time)… Read More
Tenth Avenue North “Worn”: Simple Gift Sunday
I started Marty’s Musings as a way of sharing our adoption story and connecting with other moms who were experiencing heartache in impossible situations. Over the last almost six years of sharing my heart with my readers I have written about my sisters death at the young age of 53; the struggles we faced with our oldest adopted daughter ; the… Read More
Lessons Learned in a Corn Maze
What do you do when you want to find a fun activity for your family? You buy a Groupon, of course! I purchased a buy one get one free groupon for the local corn maze in our area. Thinking I was being smart, I bought two deals which gave me four tickets. That was for us and our younger two…. Read More
Life Changing Words for Adoptive and Foster Moms
I received a surprise email from someone who found my blog through one of the DIY/Crafty blogs I link up with each week. It was from an adult adoptee/former foster child. My heart immediately started beating faster and my thoughts raced. Imagine my surprise when the letter below came to my email address. I can only warn you to… Read More
Five Minute Friday: Stretch
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in. 3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun…. Read More
The Truth Behind Homeschooling
I am probably not your typical homeschooler. When I first began 18 years ago I was way more structured and rigid. I even got my daughter a little school desk for her to sit in. (And apparently, according to my husband, I made her call me Mrs. Walden. Neither she nor I remember that, thank goodness!) The desk lasted all… Read More
52 Lists in 52 Weeks #29
List #29: Blog Memories This blog of mine has evolved quite a bit from its early days in 2008. Here’s a list of posts that give insight into my crazy life! I’d love if you’d join me for a trip down memory lane! Very first blog post. I had no idea what I was getting into! Chick-Fil-A Cow Day #1…. Read More
Camp and God’s Chisel
I haven’t talked much about how my youngest two did at camp for a week. S went to the girls camp and M the boys camp, both Christian, mission oriented camps. Their experiences were radically different. S got in the car after I picked her up and was chatty and keyed up, totally normal teenager stuff. But within the first… Read More