Full disclosure: This year was the first in a while that I read so consistently. The first part of the year I was in my first trimester of pregnancy and I felt like I had no capacity to read or process. I watched lots of Hallmark Christmas movies posted on YouTube. But at some point, … Continue reading Joy-sharing, Vol. 2 – My favorite reads in 2017
Author: merckaylin
Paradox at Christmas
This Christmas, as a global nomad, joy looked like... ... being able to decorate the same house for Christmas two years in row (we've moved a few times the last two years so this was a sweet gift) ...having both sets of grandparents visit us during the holidays ...receiving packages from dear friends with pumpkin spice … Continue reading Paradox at Christmas
Who Said We Have to Grow Up?
When my husband and I were in university we went to the same church. I would mostly gravitate to ladies older than me. My husband (who was then just a friend) would mostly hang out with their kids. I thought he was too goofy; he thought I was too serious. The truth is, I have … Continue reading Who Said We Have to Grow Up?
Joy-sharing: Helpful Resources on Union with Christ (Vol. 1)
Over the past two years I have been reading and learning more about union with Christ. For a recovering perfectionist with strong introspective tendencies, it has been very life-giving to become a serious student of the One who is perfection. Jesus has, by a ridiculous act of grace to a very undeserving sinner, bound His … Continue reading Joy-sharing: Helpful Resources on Union with Christ (Vol. 1)
A Fall Poem
I am delighted by how much Maia loves to write. She loves writing stories, letters, lists... and recently she suggested writing a fall poem. It reflects the two realities she knows about life both in the US and here...especially the last two lines. Everyone here knows that the mall is where you go to eat … Continue reading A Fall Poem
A Truth That Rocks my Nomad Socks Off
It dawned on me this morning that for the past 15 years I have been saying goodbye. I have repeatedly left family, friends, church, country and home. Each time I have left, there has been gain: college education, sweet friends, adventure, a husband, teaching experiences, discipleship opportunities, outreach ministries. But leaving so much also sucks. … Continue reading A Truth That Rocks my Nomad Socks Off
What I am Learning That Matters to Me in Homemaking
It has taken me years to sharpen my sense of style in homemaking. Moving around has helped me to clarify what things I want and love in a house. It has also helped me to appreciate what God gives, even when it isn't my first choice. Tonight, as I talked to my husband about a particular … Continue reading What I am Learning That Matters to Me in Homemaking
15 Ways to Celebrate Fall When You Live Far from It
So, it is October. But we live far from apple orchards, corn mazes, fall leaves, and chilly weather. We won't let that keep us from enjoying fall, though! By celebrating fall here, we are also celebrating the place where God has us for now. We may not be able to jump in the leaves or … Continue reading 15 Ways to Celebrate Fall When You Live Far from It
Swirly – TCK book review
Nothing has brought more tears and sobs than counting the cost of the impact on our kids of our life overseas. My husband and I have had many conversations about this. From the day moving was merely a possibility (and our girls were just 3.5 and 1.5) till now, we regularly assess how our children … Continue reading Swirly – TCK book review
Songs of Encouragement
God has used two songs to ingrain in me what He has been teaching me these past two years. One of them is High and Lifted Up by Zac Hicks. I can't find a youtube video for it! Such a bummer. But here are the lyrics. High and Lifted Up 1. In the wilderness we … Continue reading Songs of Encouragement
