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't … Continue reading In which I introduce you to loneliness’ friends, and how I get them to leave
Author: merckaylin
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 wanted … Continue 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. The … Continue 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? What … Continue 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 pregnant … Continue 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 a … Continue 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 was … Continue reading (A) Typical Woman – Book Review
A Journey Back in Song
We are leaving the UAE in 3 days. For almost 3 years, this country has been our home. Father brought us here, brought me here, to continue remaking me after Christ. He has used so much - people, conversations, trials, disappointment, joy, temptation, the birth of our son - to reveal my heart, to feed … Continue reading A Journey Back in Song
What We Gained from Losing a Bike
Today we are starting to sell/get rid of all our things, getting ready for our move next month. So yesterday, we went around the house saying goodbye to the things we love. At first it seemed like a funny thing we were doing. The girls were very amused by the exercise. “Bye, couch…!” Giggles. “Mom, … Continue reading What We Gained from Losing a Bike
Better Than Dipping My Toes
I have never liked January (if this is your birthday month, sorry!), and I am not sure exactly why. I don’t like January probably in the same way I don’t like Mondays and that I am not a morning person. And probably why I love Thursdays and my favorite time of day is dusk. To … Continue reading Better Than Dipping My Toes
