| Is it just me or do we live in a time when we are more connected online than we are face-to-face? In the West, it seems, our main way of engaging others is found in a hand-held device (or watch) that allows us to send a quick text, email, Voxer, or DM. While technology may allow us to be more efficient with our time, it does little to build depth in our relationships. Regardless of our main mode of communication however, I think we can all agree that there’s something sacred about a personal invitation, when we make time to intentionally share life with others, whether around our tables, in our driveways, in the hallways of our church, or on the swings at a local park. That’s why I’m so grateful to recommend this soon-to-be-released book to you! My friend Leslie Verner wrote a book about connecting with others in our fragmented culture, creating space in our homes for those who differ from us, and living a life marked by hospitality–even as our full days are bursting at the seams. “Just how good is this book, Katie?” I’m so glad you asked! Here’s my review on Goodreads: In this thoughtful, engaging book, author Leslie Verner writes, “Hospitality grips us by the chin and turns our face to notice, serve, and honor humanity inside, outside, and on the wayside.” In Western culture, where individualism and busyness are often valued over community and a quiet(er) calendar, there is little time to notice humanity, let alone serve it. But Leslie, our generous guide, unpacks what it means to create space in our lives so that we might more deeply connect with and care for those around us. With wisdom and a fresh perspective, Leslie weaves personal stories with practical suggestions on how our everyday lives can be an invitation to pay attention to the souls around us. This book is an absolute gift, especially for those who identify as followers of Jesus and are willing to rethink the Red Letters that call us to, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Sounds good, right? Here’s the great news: YOU could win a copy of Leslie’s book and a bag of Fair Trade whole bean coffee! To enter: Go to my Instagram profile @katecarper and follow the prompts. If you are not on IG, you can still enter the contest by sharing your favorite go-to recipe for guests in the comment section of this post. And yep, the more recipes you share in the comments, the more entries you receive! Winner will be announced on Monday 8/12/2019 at 12 PM. Here’s the good news: If you don’t win, please don’t cry. You can still pre-order the book to get the bonuses AND qualify for 1 of 5 gift bundles. For more details on the bonuses and bundles, click here. You MUST pre-order by midnight on Tuesday 8/13/2019 in order to qualify for the pre-order bonuses and be entered to win one of the amazing bundles. Good luck! Hey, I know I’ve been quiet on my blog this month. I’ll share with you my reasons for that in an upcoming email. Stay tuned! In the meantime, I can’t think of a better way to bid farewell to summer than to chill on a beach chair, toes in the sand with Leslie’s book in your hands. Happy reading, friends! |
For the Mom Ready to Discover What Belongs
![When I think back to the early months of motherhood, those bleary-eyed, overwhelming days (nights?) of colic and learning the needs of my first born, I can hardly believe we're here.
The toddler who traipsed around in Huggies and heels, singing made-up tunes and chatting with her hilarious imaginary friend, Lackey, outgrew my heels two years ago. And for the past year, I've been looking up to her--literally.
The longer I parent, the more I discover this gift to be one long, winding road of learning to let go. From the moment she said, "My do it, Mommy," I knew we had begun to leave the days of her tiny hand snuggled in mine.
And while I know these seasons of greater independence are part of her journey, I'm still surprised when they arrive with another milestone at my door, another invitation to release. Some days I ache to hold on just a little longer.
Happy 17th, Sissy.
You're a gift to our home, to your friends, to this aching world.
[ID: A white teen girl with brown hair in 2 braids, wearing black leggings and a black hoodie, is walking in the woods. Sun beams are coming through the trees as she walks away from the camera.]
#Parenting #LettingGo](https://www.katiecarper.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)
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