Spring and Birds and the Goodness of God
Hi there!
Spring is here in Texas, and it is lovely! We went to Red River, NM, last week for spring break. It was one last foray into the freezing cold, and we loved getting to ski and play in the snow! I enjoy the cold, for sure, but there is something undeniably encouraging about the ground waking up, seeds sprouting, and the sun staying up for longer these days.
I’ve been quieter here than I meant to be. I’ve started several posts, and just haven’t been able to get them across the finish line. I am in that phase of the new book where it is taking all my writing energy, and honestly, there isn’t much of that right now. But the beta reader feedback has been coming in and it’s been very positive, so that keeps me motivated. October feels really far away right now, but the time will go fast, so I’m trying to stay focused. I’ve also been kicking around titles and working on the cover. To say it’s a labor of love is an understatement. There is a reason art is expensive, y’all. I am really grateful to have artistic friends to bounce ideas off of. What would I do without community?
A couple of years ago, I started keeping up with Jackie and Shadow, the eagles of Black Bear, CA. They hatched three precious eaglets a couple of weeks ago, and it has been so sweet to share in the joy of watching the babies in the nest, especially with my son. Unfortunately, a big storm came through last week and one of the babies did not make it through. I am sad, of course, but I have realized how hardened I have become to the frustrations of nature. My son is absolutely devastated about the loss. Trying to explain nature to a child is a lot more of a dance than I thought it would be. I am grateful for his tender heart, and I want so badly to steward this well. It feels important to give him all the answers I can, but of course I don’t know all the answers. When that happens, I am trying to encourage him with the truth as much as I can, and not in a frustrating, platitude way, but in a real way.
The other night, we were discussing the lost eaglet, and the tears were flowing. The Lord reminded me of a song we used to sing at church, Restoration Song. We sang through the song and talked about what it means: that one day Jesus is going to make all things new. All the sad things will pass away, and we will be able to rejoice in that victory, and move forward knowing only joy, forever. It was sweet to talk about the promise of Heaven, and the fact that the day will come when Jesus will bring restoration.
So much of parenting is remembering the Promise, for them and for us, and lifting our gaze. I am so grateful for the promises of God!
New Book Update:
There is not much to report. I am kicking around a title, working on a cover, and working on edits. So right now I’m in the weeds, but it’s a good place to be! This book takes place at the holidays, so I am planning for an October release. I’ll let you know the exact date as soon as I know it.
How Can It Be? Updates:
How Can It Be? is still selling and gradually gaining readership! I’m so grateful for every review!
A local book store, The Plot Twist in Denton, is actually carrying it! *EEEEE!* I went up to sign their copies, and I was overcome with emotion, seeing it there on the shelf. It was a HUGE moment for me. Praise the Lord!
I recorded a podcast, which will drop the last week of March, so be sure to watch for that update on my Facebook and Instagram pages.
The audiobook is taking longer than expected, but I will update when I have that information.
Speaking Update:
I spoke at the Marty B’s Women’s Bible Breakfast last month, and it was a huge encouragement! I met so many women from around the area, and it was a great experience! I’m looking forward to whatever comes next, and trusting the Lord with whatever He has for me. If you have a need for a Christian speaker, feel free to contact me either on social media or on my website.
I hope to be better at keeping up with this space as time goes on. Thanks for reading!
Kelli