A Joyful Heart

This morning while listening to some of my favorite Christmas music by
Jars of Clay, I reflected on the lyrics,
"What can I give to Him? I'll give Him my heart."
As I continued to meditate on this, my prayer was,
"Lord, I'll give you a joyful heart."

That may seem like stating the obvious and don't get me wrong--
I love the holidays; sharing gifts, the decorations, music and even
shopping! Over the years, I have tried to teach my children that
Jesus really is the "reason for the season" and purpose each year
to keep priorities intact . However, for many years now there has
been one recurring theme that at times can be a hindrance to my joy.
I am referring to a yearly absence of child support during the holidays!
Many of you are aware that I still receive back child support payments
due to all of the years of delinquency. Yet, it seems that no matter how
consistent payments may be throughout the year, when November rolls
around the cycle begins. I am a big believer in gratitude and affirm that
there is always something for which I can be grateful. Because of that,
I wrestled with the issue of sharing my struggle, but finally decided there
are probably others with similar trials during the holidays. As I continue
to pray for my Heavenly Father to meet my needs, I ask that you also
would keep me in your prayers. In the meantime, I will choose to have
a joyful heart!
If you are struggling, I want to encourage you to lay down your burdens
and offer the Giver of all gifts, your heart this blessed season.

Friends in Hard Places

Over the weekend I was honored to meet two new friends. One meeting was a brief encounter, as my friend Anita and I offered to pray for Sherri during a book signing. Sherri, if you are reading, please know that I will continue to pray for you and your children. The other situation provided opportunity to visit more and get to know Jenny. Both of these ladies are walking through extremely difficult circumstances--hurting and missing their children. My heart goes out to you and others who may be facing similar struggles.
Another friend is overwhelmed by unresolved issues at work and still another facing the challenges of being a recent widow. We live in a world of hurting people; many who would feel hopeless were it not for the grace of the Lord. If you are currently in a hard place, reflect on Psalm 27 and may God the Father, give you peace.

The Lord is my light and salvation--whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold
my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

Inspired by the Maxwells

I have known the Maxwell family for over ten years.

Our children went to church camp and attended youth group together.

Over the years, I have shared fellowship in their home on many occasions.

After battling a rare form of cancer since last December, Joe went home to
be with the Lord, this past Thursday. I attended a memorial for Kathleen and

her three children Austin, Mallory, and Price yesterday. The mood in the room
was one of complete peace. Those of us attending wanted to comfort Kathleen

and the family, yet they inspired us with their grace.

Before attending the funeral today, I spent some time on their blog which
recorded their journey battling Joe's illness. It was obvious they had treasured
every precious moment with Joe to say their goodbyes. When I arrived at the
funeral twenty minutes early, I was stunned by the overflow of the parking lot
and a church full to capacity. As one of Joe's final requests, the service began
with a time of worship. Hearing the many voices harmonize "It is Well,"

brought tears to my eyes. However, by far the most touching part of the

service was hearing Austin, the oldest son speak so lovingly of his father. His
tribute to his father was seasoned with humor and family anecdotes. The
service was, as all funerals should be in my opinion; a celebration of life.
If you are in need of a healthy dose of inspiration, check out their story:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/joemaxwell

Thanks for your support!

I wanted to thank everyone who came to the book signing and church display this weekend.
I really appreciate your support. Most of you know my books are available online, but this
was my first weekend to promote the book locally. I sold 50 books!
The whole weekend was very exciting--I had some great friends helping me out and I met
some new ones. I am always touched by the transparency of those who are willing to
share their own struggles. God is so faithful to heal our hearts when we come to Him.
I'd love to hear from some of you...!

Book news!

Woo Hoo! My children's books "When Daddy Went Away..." and "No More Hitting!" are now available for purchase online and "After...Happily Ever After" for parents will be shortly. Parents, the children's versions are meant to be used as resources at your discretion. The books are specifically targeted for children of families who have been victims of domestic violence or are dealing with issues of abandonment resulting from divorce. Dr. Lisa Watts, Psy. D. has included a foreword in each book stressing the importance of communication and specifically story-telling with your children.

Ideally, parents would share the appropriate book with their child after first reading "After...". You will be inspired by the courageous women who are transparent regarding their own struggles. The book concludes with a list of resources related to various issues introduced in previous chapters; practical tips ranging from child support, grief counseling, garage sales, house loans, college scholarships and more!

I will be sending out postcards to local family and friends for upcoming book signings.
For any prospective new friends, let me hear from you!

Finding Contentment as a Single Parent: Available in September

What do you do when "happily ever after" isn't ever after?
Perhaps you repeated your wedding vows and meant them
only to be abandoned by your spouse. Maybe your spouse has
committed repeated infidelities or you are the victim of physical abuse.

As a Christian, how do you recover from the abandonment
and sense of loss resulting from a shattered marriage?
How do you teach your children the virtues of marriage when
their parents' union ended in divorce?

The book is not an endorsement for divorce nor a license
to remain bitter. Rather it is meant to be a source of hope for those
who presently feel hopeless and an exercise in forgiveness.
The gift of contentment is available to you!