Courage Dear Heart by Rebecca Reynolds – this was by far my favorite book this year. It met me right where I was. It is one of those books I want go back and reread. It is incredibly well written…but what I love the most about it is the heart with which Rebecca wrote. SheContinue reading “My favorite reads of 2019”
Author Archives: merckaylin
Do-It-Yourself Reading challenge (and a few tips to improve your reading life)
(Más abajo hay un audio con este blog en español en caso de que no puedas leer en inglés). I have loved reading ever since I am a little girl. Books are my favorite gift to receive and to give away. But I have found that my reading life has had ebbs and flows throughContinue reading “Do-It-Yourself Reading challenge (and a few tips to improve your reading life)”
Advent
Christmas was magical until my grandpa died when I was 14. Up until that point Christmas had been the highlight of every year. But something seemed to die when he died. Several years another tragic death hit us. After that, Christmases were never the same. It was more a season of ache than joy. AllContinue reading “Advent”
In which I introduce you to loneliness’ friends, and how I get them to leave
Loneliness always brings along a few friends. I would know. The first time I remember encountering Loneliness I was 20. I had left my home in the Dominican Republic to go to university in the US. Those first months were especially hard: I didn’t live on campus but a 20 minute drive away. I couldn’tContinue reading “In which I introduce you to loneliness’ friends, and how I get them to leave”
Loving our Kids Through Transition
“Mom, I really miss my friends.” We’d moved to the Middle East a few months before, and my oldest – then 3. 8 years old – was really struggling with leaving our old life behind. Her downcast look made my heart sink. “Oh sweetheart, I know. I miss my friends so much too…” I wantedContinue reading “Loving our Kids Through Transition”
On Women and Preaching, a guest post
Thankful to be hosting my husband, Ethan Merck, on here today. In the discussion about women preaching from the front on Sunday – the current surge of concerned discussion – I want to acknowledge that many women I know have been hurt and disadvantaged by people applying principles in ways that go beyond Scripture. TheContinue reading “On Women and Preaching, a guest post”
On Friendship
I loved Autumn Kern’s & Lauren Washer’s thoughts recently on doing life in community, with friends who are walking with you and know the real you, not the one online. If you haven’t read those posts, go find them. Beautiful and true. But what if you are like me, starting all over finding community? WhatContinue reading “On Friendship”
Suffering Hidden
Well, hello, blog old friend! Except for two recent blog posts recently, it’s been a long time since I last wrote here, and I have missed you! The last two years were a blur for me. 2017 and 2018 felt like one long year with lots of changes and transitions. In 2017 I was pregnantContinue reading “Suffering Hidden”
Why My Kids Are God’s Grace In This Season
Have you ever gone through a pretty significant transition as a family and found yourself thinking, “Man! Doing this with kids is HARD?” Yeah? Well, it has actually never crossed my mind. I love every minute of going through transition with our kids. Like when I come home dead tired after getting lost in aContinue reading “Why My Kids Are God’s Grace In This Season”
(A) Typical Woman – Book Review
Have you ever thought, “I’m not a typical woman?” I have. I remember many years ago, not “getting” what was so great about being a woman. Somehow my idea of womanhood was tied to doing things with my hands like baking and crafts. But I didn’t think I was good at those things. I wasContinue reading “(A) Typical Woman – Book Review”
