adoption

The Loneliest Job In America: Being the Pastor’s Wife — The Light Breaks Through

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Pastor’s wives often have unrealistic expectations placed on them, leading to even more loneliness.

The Loneliest Job In America: Being the Pastor’s Wife — The Light Breaks Through

I stumbled across this post by Pastor Keith Haney by accident but as Gibbs tells us on NCIS “There’s no such thing as and accident!” My wife and I got a few real laughs reading it together because it is such a real struggle. It reminds me of an evening many years ago in the church we attended. The service was drawing to a close and the pastor gave an altar call but no one came. So he extended the call a second time saying, “I just feel someone really needs a touch from God tonight.” Then to everyone’s surprise the lone person who walked up to the altar was his wife. As the ladies gathered around to pray for her she suddenly collapsed and an ambulance was called. Panic set in as the emergency workers carted poor Brenda off to the hospital. Once there they hooked her up to an IV and did an intensive exam, only to discover that she had simply fainted from exhaustion! This is a true story and one that taught us all the value of our pastor’s wife. She had been running so hard to keep up with all of our expectations that she needed that altar call more than any of us. I am happy to report that she received much more support, understanding and admiration once she returned home. Please never take that sweet lady who God has called in your church to be the pastor’s wife!

Merry’s Heart

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Not my normal post today but then we have had some exciting things happening in our family this year and I wanted to share a bit on my blog today. We have been blessed with daughter-in-law Deb Caligirui who added her own special Cagan seasoning to our Yankee family. It has been amazing as we have watched her and our son raising four adoptive children in addition to our second oldest grandson. It seems as if they are always off to some new adventure together (as if home schooling them all wasn’t an adventure in itself!)

With the graduation from High school of their oldest and the youngest out of diapers Deb found time to go back over some manuscripts which she had begun a long time ago. Today I am excited to introduce to you Merry’s Heart from Keystone Heart Books . While Merry’s Heart is set near Amish country this is a modern day love story which deals with all the craziness and challenges of today. From adoption, singleness and teaching to the complexity of trying to figure out 21st century relationships Deb doesn’t shy away from the real life problems we all face. If you think you’ve got this story line figured out from the beginning you better hold on for the wild ride ahead to her heart warming conclusion.

Meeting Dad

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As a father  shows compassion to His children so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13 ESV

Back in 1966 when I was 15 I met my dad outside a family courtroom. That day he came to contest my mom’s plan for my adoption by my step father. I really had no idea what was happening as mom went into the judge’s chambers and I was left standing in the hall. Seated by the doorway was a vaguely familiar looking man with his wife and I wondered what he was doing there. Then mom came out looking a bit grim and it was my turn to talk to the judge. I went in alone more curious than afraid wondering what he wanted with me.

“Do you like your father?” The judge asked.

“I don’t know. ” I answered truthfully. I don’t know who my father is.

“Then how would you like the chance to find out ” the judge asked. “How would you like to visit with him one weekend a month?”

This morning as I was reading this verse, I remembered that one day God had also shown up to claim me as His own. I had done nothing to deserve His love forgiveness and compassion but He chose me. Because of the precious blood of Jesus He granted me and anyone in this world who is willing the amazing wonderful and unearned privilege to meet our Heavenly Father and to be included in His family forever!