I just googled synonyms for evangelism because I know some people hate the word. Sermonizing, propoganda, brainwashing...yikes...I guess I'll stick to evangelism. I know this topic isn't the most comfortable, but here we go.... Recently, I came across a post that resonated with me so deeply that I put it by my sink and so I could pray it every morning. In his open letter to his (and my) denomination, the author began by confronting himself to love Jesus more deeply and tell others Read More
Guest Post: “A Letter to My 20-Year-Old Self” by Clint Clifton
I asked my good friend, Clint Clifton, to share his thoughts on the blog today. He is busy planting churches all around DC, military bases, and his community. I was curious what he would say if he could talk to his 20-year-old self, so I asked him to write this blog post. My family has been doing ministry with the Garmans for more than a decade. We’ve been through the best of times and the worst of times both corporately and personally. Our friendship and partnership in the Gospel has been an Read More
I Am a Heart Mom
I wrote this poem a few years ago and thought I'd repost it for American Heart Month. I was brought to tears today thinking about how well our heart baby is doing. I'm just so thankful for all that God has taught us. To read the whole story of my journey as a heart mom, check out my new book HERE. I am a heart mom. I have felt, at a twenty-week ultrasound, floorboards cracking and giving way under my jumping, celebrating feet as the words Congratulations, it's a girl were chased away all Read More
Dear Church Planter: Four Things Your Wife Wants You To Know
Last weekend, my husband and I had the opportunity to talk to a room of church planters and their wives. I was able to read the following letter to the men in the room who were starting a church from scratch. If some of this resonates with any of you wives out there, I pray you would find the right time and place to communicate with your husband in a spirit of graciousness. Dear Church Planter, If you’d be willing to listen, please allow me to share with you Four Things Your Wife Wants You to Read More
My First Interview
Writing this book has been quite the journey and my husband has been by my side every step of the way. This weekend he interviewed me about why I wrote the book, what I hope people gain from reading it, and what I've learned in the process. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrWxz-mefu4 Read More
When a Girl from Michigan Moves to Africa
I've come to the conclusion that I don't blog enough to be a blogger. Thankfully, I know a lot of wise, talented writers who have agreed to guest blog for me. Our first guest blogger of 2016 is Trisha Dickinson. Trisha and I met in college because our boyfriends (Colby and Josh) were childhood friends. When Trisha and her husband moved to Senegal as missionaries, I began to follow their blog. Reading about their lives consistently challenges me to follow Christ with more abandon. Today I Read More
Top 10 Lessons Learned in 2015
I came across this blog title last year and made a note to copy it. It's one of my traditions at the end of a year to read my journal from that year. It's always an insightful activity...to remember what I struggled with...to reflect on what God has taught me... After going through my journal from 2015, a few themes stood out. Here are the Top 10 Lessons from 2015: 1. I am weak. I haven't blogged a ton this past year. Of course, it has something to do with having four kids and being Read More
2015 Year in Review
2015 was a full year for the Garmans. Looking back on it, our family has been able to do more and experience more than any year I can remember! Our cup has truly overflowed... Haley (11 yrs. old) is enjoying being homeschooled this year and continues to improve her violin playing (and some beginner's piano). She even finished off the year giving beginner's violin lessons to some younger girls in her homeschool community. Haley has her sights set on someday traveling the world with Read More
Just a Post About Anger
Aisle Two was not the place to be this morning. Today at WalMart, I heard a Dad completely lose his temper with his toddler. In the next aisle over, another shopper and I made eye contact, both thinking the same thing. "Holy cow..." After feeling sorry for the kid and some remorse for the father who was clearly at his end, I couldn't help but think, "But for the grace of God, there go I..." Growing up, the last thing anyone would have described me as was angry. I was a gregarious, Read More
What it Feels Like to Write a Book
I have been working tirelessly on the final edits on a book about our journey with Gracie, and I’m not sure what to think... Recently as I was getting ready to send this manuscript to an agent, I had insomnia four nights in a row. I couldn’t understand why, but finally came up with an analogy that expressed how I was feeling. It was as though I had invited a bunch of people over to my house because I wanted to feed them a nice, home cooked Italian meal…and then...hours before the guests Read More
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“Remember He is the artist and you are only the picture. You can’t see it. So quietly submit to be painted” -CS Lewis