The Blue Thread

“The introduction to any collection of words is secretly my favorite part to not only read, but to write. Coming across a well-worded beginning compares to being welcomed inside your grandmother’s house with delight. As you step across the threshold she welcomes you with her warm hug, ushers you to the kitchen where the poinsettia decorated brownie tin is waiting, and sits across her table while you begin to tell her about your day. There is something so special about those sacred moments, coming home to a place where you belong. As I often venture into nonfiction books, it does not take many pages to identify if the words written will provide a place of comfort and belonging from a kindred spirit. Once I settle in to what the author openly shares about the pages to come, a sigh of relief accompanies a sweet peace as if those words are written directly to me. If you consider yourself a reader, then you absolutely know what I am talking about. Some authors just seem to get you. Rather, some authors offer their heart and their lives for others to connect to their deepest longings, joys, sorrows, and victories and in those precious moments, you can relate. You think to yourself – me too. There are several authors I frequent and revel in their experiences and wisdom as if they were walking beside me and cheering me on. I can honestly say that in every season of my life there has been a book or two that not only imparted hope but also encouraged me in ways that the Lord absolutely used to change the trajectory of my life. Written words have always been something special to me and I pray that as I put to paper the words from my own life, they would maybe be that for someone else. Maybe even you, my friend. I pray that these words, even this introduction, would welcome you in and offer you a seat at my kitchen table. There will be a clingy cat begging for a bite of whatever we are eating, probably fresh baked bread or Pad Thai. Outside the kitchen window, if it’s summer, you will see the zinnias basking in the sun while the hummingbirds dazzle the yard with life. If it’s winter, you will need three layers of clothes because I love to bundle up in a cold home. The windows will most likely be open in any season because fresh air, hot or cold, does the home and soul good. As you read through what I offer you, consider it a time to lay it all out, the good, the bad, and ultimately the harsh realities of this life. As much as I have to say, you have things to say, too. You have a story to be heard and it matters. The Lord already knows it, but that story is meant to be shared for the sake of not only your heart, but the hearts of others. With this long preamble, what I really want to say is welcome. Welcome to this book and welcome to my heart. In full transparency, this book will have two introductions. The one a few pages over was written several years ago and it is all still true. This one, this grandmother-styled hug of words, is current and coming from a much different place but nonetheless has the same objective – to encourage you in the Lord and point to His hope. The working title of this book for many months was much different than the one on the cover. It is funny how the Lord leads us sometimes. I had a plan and so did He. I am sure you are shocked to hear that my plan was not the same as His. So here I am, trusting in His plan while letting mine be transformed into something only He could orchestrate. Isn’t that how life goes? We think we really know what is best and all too frequently we learn that He actually knows better. I won’t give too much away, but I will tell you this: The Lord is so good. Jesus really is ever present for those who come to believe in Him. Without Him, I wouldn’t have these words to write. His authorship of life came first and from His life does mine come. As you move through these pages, I pray that you see Him far above my life and my experiences. We all have testimonies to share but I hope the ones I give to you here will yield new hope, new faith, and new trust in Jesus. He has been the common thread in my life and in the seasons lived during these pages. He has woven these words together in a way that only He could do. His leading through the paths of my life have provided miracles and joy when there was seemingly none to be found. He was life when there was only death. He has sat with me in the depths and in the high places. He has counted my tears and seen my hard-earned joy that He gives. The point of all of it is so simple - Jesus. His love and His embrace have welcomed me home to His heart on this side of heaven. He has sealed me forever to be His beloved as I journey through this land toward my eternal home with Him. The road will always change, the view will ebb and flow, and my heart will always have room to be refined akin to His holiness. Through it all, He is the thread that holds it all together. Welcome to The Blue Thread, I am so glad you’re here.”