carolyndube1

Last night, a couple girlfriends and I took a little road trip to the Mall of America to attend the book signing event for Jen Hatmaker’s latest- For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards. Our moment with Jen lasted all of two minutes. And they were glorious. She graciously did a little video shout-out to a good friend who was not able to make it, and we posed for a group shot as if she were one of us. At that moment she was.

The rest of our 8 hour adventure was filled with car ride conversations, giggling over silly selfies while waiting in line, and a dinner spent rehashing every moment while trying to stop the waiter from taking our plates too soon. (We weren’t done with those fries!!!)

Misspelled name, but still, signed with love, for me. — Misspelled name, but still, signed with love, just for me.

This adventure is a reminder that life is so much better done together. Working from my home, my adult interactions can sometimes be narrowed down to conference calls, emails, and Facebook. I sometimes only see other adults when I go to pick up my children from day care. So, when I see my friends, these women who love Jesus, life brightens. Matthew 18:20 tells us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Last night, we had our little group from Austin, MN, enjoying time together. But we were a small, small portion of something much bigger than us. The positive energy buzzing amongst the women (and a few brave husbands) waiting to have their books signed…it was electric. There was no pushing, or complaints about line-waiting dynamics. This was a sisterhood of ladies with a shared love. God was there with us.

Together is better.

Dear friends,

This is a blog. No…too obvious.

This is a community. A place where we can come to be encouraged. To love and be loved. To share the way God’s grace has been poured over us. My goal with this page is to spread joy. And love. And friendship mixed in.

A little about me? I am a 30-something mother of 3 children in rural Minnesota. I am a curriculum specialist for an online university, and have the opportunity to telecommute, giving my kids a small town life. My husband works for the local Assembly of God church, and is studying to become a pastor. I guess that makes me a pastor’s wife in training. I am also working on my EdD in Educational Leadership and Management, a degree I am loving but not always sure about how it will impact my future career path. I love spending quality time with my family and friends. I love my lord, Jesus Christ, and have a desire for others to know His love and grace.

I am glad you’re here. You were wonderfully made.

Love,

Carolyn