Today, I am hosting one of my sweetest blogging friends, Katie M. Reid. Katie has guest posted for me in the past. I am immensely proud of her of as she officially launched her first book, Made Like Martha, last week. I am honored to have her share a little of what her book is about. In this post she shares story from her book when she encounters Jesus in her living room. After that, scroll down to the bottom to read my personal review of the book.
Before becoming a mom, I was a teacher. I have taught in some capacity ever since, but not full-time. I have professionally taught all levels from preschool through adult education. My favorite two ages to teach are fourth and fifth grade and adults.
In fourth and fifth grade, the kids still think you are brilliant and are worth listening to. They have a new sense of independence with enough caution to keep them from making incredibility ridiculous decisions. Their abstract thinking is developing so they can start to have deeper conversations, and you really get a sense of who that are and will become.
I know it is almost Spring Break, but it’s not too late to talk about New Year’s…is it?
Over the past few years, instead of selecting New Year’s resolutions which are dumped by the end of January, I have joined the growing trend of choosing a One Word focus for the year. Actually, I have found that it is the other way around…the word chooses me. The words become a theme for the LORD to shape and mold me.
Some of my past words have been blessed, yield, and hope. By the end of each year these words have had such deeper meanings. I learned that I was in fact blessed, but I was blessed to be a blessing to others. I learned that I had to yield to the LORD so that my efforts for the kingdom would yield healthier fruit. And I learned that hope is not a wish; it is something that we should actively be anticipating….and “that hope does not disappoint”!
There are a only a few things that help you appreciate #TheSmallLife more than a weekend in bed with a cold. After my first week back in the work force in over six years, I am huddled under the covers snuggling with a box of tissues and the iPAD.
It has been awhile since I have participated in Five Minute Friday. I adore the community of writers who show-up each week to write on the same one-word prompt. It is always so neat to see the different interpretations of the prompt. Consider joining us!
So I am starting out on my grand adventure of #52lattes. It is a journey of sharing my life and learning from others one cup at a time. The idea is that I will give you insight to the intimate conversations that I have over coffee with friends, family, mentors, and even complete strangers. I will try to do this once a week over the course of a year, hence the 52.
This is my 100th post on Coffee With Jen! I can’t believe that it has been one year ago this month that you and I have had our first cup together! I feel that I have grown so much on this journey. You have graciously allowed me to find my voice here. Thank you, friend, for listening to my heart and encouraging me.
I am excited to announce the kick-off for the next Women Living in Faith Bible study on September 11th! We will be meeting from 8:00-10:00 on Thursday evenings to study Beth Moore’s book David, Seeking a Heart Like His. This is open to all women in Northwest Arkansas.
My sweet friend, Jamie Smith, is guest posting today. I met Jamie years ago at a scrapbooking crop night before I even knew what a blog was. We have became friends through our local bloggers’ meet-ups. She is truly a fascinating person!
Ah, Friend, I have missed you dearly! I have been on a hiatus for most of July. Being a teacher, I function best on the school calendar. I NEED MY SUMMER BREAKS! But I have to tell you, this break has just about killed me. To withhold myself from getting behind this screen and letting my fingers dance, is like trying to breathe under water.