Jen Hatmaker, Interrupted, Rekindle Your Fire, and More Ambiguity!

I love getting the mail....

LOVE LOVE LOVE it...not the bills so much, but the rest is very exciting to me.  

Humor me...it just is.  

 My children love when the mail comes too.  

We live in an old house with a mail slot in the door, so when the mailman comes; 

IT. IS. A. BIG. DEAL!  

They race to retrieve it and see if there is anything there for them.

After they have looked through it, taken what's theirs; 

they put it in the very appropriately identified mail holder labeled JOY.  

They are perfectly trained and obedient when it comes to how to handle our precious mail.  

If a package arrives, LOOK OUT....it is an all out celebration....

complete with wide eyes and excited screams....mine, not theirs.

So imagine our my excitement, when this was delivered yesterday.

   I couldn't imagine what it could be....what book had I ordered that I had forgotten about?  

The books for their summer reading had all been delivered and most of them already read.  

Then I opened it, and SISTER....that's when wide eyed screaming began.

 I had responded to this invitation from Jen Hatmaker about a week ago, at the urging of one of my friends; but I had not received a reply.
I assumed I wasn't chosen.   

Ok, EFs... I have a thing for you and it is time sensitive. I have been DYING to talk about this, and today is the day! I will post the whole thing below that is going on Facebook in 3 hours, but I want my EFs to have first dibs. I am launching a blog tour with my FAVORITE BOOK I'VE EVER WRITTEN. I got to revise and expand it, and it is getting re-released in a few weeks. All the details are below, but if you are a blogger, website manager, or newsletter writer, this is for YOU. I only have 250 spots and then they are gone, gone, gone. I open this up to the world at 5:00pm, so you have three hours to jump on it before everyone else. Read below: I have the best news and I want YOU to be a part of it! I am often asked: “Which of your books should I buy?” And every single time I reply: “That’s easy: INTERRUPTED: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity.” Most of you read 7, but Interrupted is the book of my heart . It is the prequel, in fact, because without Interrupted there would never have been a 7. I believe it includes the most pressing spiritual issues of our generation, the ones we struggle through and end up feeling alone and crazy if we don’t find the right companions, the right language, the right tribe. It tells of the season when Jesus won me over from stale, predictable religion and captured my heart for the poor, the misunderstood, the outcast, and my neighbor. I realized Jesus was Good News but I was not and sometimes church wasn’t. I’m going to tell you waaaaaay more, but I get to invite you into something special: I got to edit and expand Interrupted (because I’ve learned so much even since), and it is getting a second life in the world this summer! I cannot tell you how grateful and thrilled I am. I so want you to have this book in your hands. More than any other book I’ve written. And some of you are about to. Do you have a blog? A newsletter? Do you manage a site? We are giving a free digital download AND hard copy of the new version of Interrupted to the first 250 influencers that respond to this all-call by July 15 that meet a couple of simple criteria. I’m thinking of you as my Launch Team and will have special correspondence just for you. It’s easy: you get Interrupted for free and tell your readers what you thought of it. You can keep the hard copy or use it as a giveaway on your blog. Criteria: 1. Your site is current, meaning you’ve posted or provided content at least 4 times a month for the last six months.  2. You commit to post your review (and book giveaway if you want!) before August 31st. We have 250 copies of Interrupted to give away by next Tuesday the 15th, and then they are gone. To get your copy, please simply email: Interrupted@Tyndale.com ...with your name, blog or website address, email address, and U.S. mailing address to and we will send you not only the digital and hard copy of Interrupted, but a few other goodies you can use for your blog or website if you want them! I cannot wait for the moment when you read a sentence in Interrupted and think, “Oh my gosh. ME TOO.” I want to join my heart with yours and nail down once and for all that we are not alone and we are not crazy and God is doing a new, beautiful thing in our generation, like he has done in every one before us, and it is our turn and for heaven’s sake, I don’t want to blink and miss it. Join me. (Don't have a blog or website? I still want you to read this! Preorder, for the win!Even those of you who have read it...I added and edited so very much. XO, EFs...) Copyright © 2014 Jen Hatmaker, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail because you signed up for updates from Jen Hatmaker. So, hi! Now I'm in your inbox and that is fun for everyone. You'll get all my blogs and other fun things. SPECIAL THINGS. Aren't you glad you signed up? XO times a million....Jen Our mailing address is: Jen Hatmaker PO Box 00000 Buda, TX 78610

But then I received the book and a letter....

 When I was reading the enclosed letter, the second sentence baffled me..."As I trust you know from an email to you,".....Email?  What email?

I realized I had never received the email she mentions.  

So I went and searched for it, and there it was....in my SPAM!  

I couldn't begin to tell you how insulted I was, for Jen, that SPAM had claimed her email. 

Nonetheless I found the email and am ready to get this party started.

So what does all this mean you ask?  It means that I have the honor and privilege of reading Jen's 

"newly designed, revised, updated, printed copy of Interrupted" and encouraging you to read it as well.  I will be posting discussion questions and my personal reflection on the book on my blog, and I am hoping you, my lovely readers, will participate.  Gather a group of friends and order your copy now....I mean right now....don't wait....don't hesitate!
Click the Interrupted icon on the right to save 20%  on her masterpiece through July 31st. 

 Let's do this together.  

Let's rock and roll and figure out what is next....let Jesus ruffle some feathers....set us on fire again....and get our wheels in motion.

And remember this post?  It is connected to this one, because Jen Hatmaker was a key player in RC and lighting a fire.
 For now, I must stick with ambiguity and keeping you intrigued.

DREW AND HER FANCY VOCABULARY

I was driving Drew to her friend's house today, and we were chatting.  Not about anything in particular...just chatting.  Then she told me something that made me kind of sad and a little bit angry. When she was in elementary school, one of the teachers assigned her a project. She researched the project and turned in a very well done and complete assignment.  What the teacher did is what made me angry.  She told Drew that there was no way a student her age could have done a project like that all on her own.  The vocabulary was too advanced for someone her age. She accused her of "stealing" it from the internet.  But because it was good, she would would accept it.  What Drew told me next is what made me sad.  She said for years and years after that, she dumbed down her writing; so she wouldn't be accused of "stealing" from the internet again.  It wasn't until recently that she has embraced her great gift of writing.  I advised Drew to try to stick up for her work in the future and maybe if that ever happens again, she can ask the teacher to show her where she thinks she "stole" it from on the internet.  Then she can assure the teacher that she can give meaning to her work and the vocabulary she used.  Honestly I don't think she should have to defend herself.  If it's her work, it's hers...plain and simple.  Because she has a wide vocabulary, she was ridiculed; and that has impacted her learning for all these years since that day.  Remember before accusing someone of something, maybe ask them about the situation first.  Now there's a thought.  Unfortunately that same teacher is still at our elementary school.  I hope that never occurs with one of my other girls...that teacher might be greeted by a MAMA BEAR!

There Was A Time When I Never Picked Her Up Again....

I'm walking out of the library with Callahan and Elliot, after watching Elli sign the back of her new library card and feeling a little verklempt, when I receive this text from Addison:
"Have you realized that there was a moment you put me down as a child and never picked me up again?"
My heart immediately skipped a beat and sank into my stomach when I read it, and I immediately replied with:
"WHAT? You're making me nervous".... wondering if she is sad that I never picked her up again?  Did she remember that day?  Was her heart broken?  She then replied:
"There was a moment when you put me down and never picked me up again."  UGH...I thought...I don't want to think about this right now...as you approach your senior year...and I am missing my mama so badly and just watched my baby girl sign her library card.
I replied:
"What are you saying?  I don't like that thought."
"Because I was too big."
"I know what it means.  I'm just not really crazy about that idea."
"I'm just saying it's weird."
"Girl...you don't have to tell me that.  Believe me I'm grateful you have grown and are healthy, but it's bittersweet; because time has gone by so fast.  You grew up good, and I'm thankful."
Then her last reply made my knees buckle:
"Keep on holding Elli while you can....(if you can)."
Then I cried.

How's that for ambiguity?

Time to put it out there for all to hear, read, see, whatever.  I, we, us are in the midst of something BIG!  I mean huge....the potential is enormous!  God put this on my heart in the spring of 2013....well it wasn't actually this, but it was close.  Then I discovered He put it on their hearts too...whose hearts?? Theirs, I tell you, theirs.  Me and 3 other people, who are very dear to me, are up to something BIG!  It's slowly being divulged, but I'm not quite ready to make it completely public yet; so this....as you can see....is a tease.  What I can tell you is that:
1.  I am officially unemployed....except for my photography business.  I resigned from my job without really knowing why, but the more I delve into this; the more I think I understand why.
2.  God clearly told me to do this....well not exactly this, but something close to it.
3.  God clearly told them to do this too....well not exactly this, but something close to it.
4.  I think it's going to be big and good and change people's lives....crossing my fingers.
5.  I get goose bumps when I think about it, and I have wept tears of joy several times.  It's almost too much for me to take in....not the thing that's going to be big, but the fact that I heard God's voice so clearly.  Actually the thing that's going to be big has caused me to weep tears of joy as well.
So there you have it....a whole lot of ambiguous information about what I, we, us are up to.
I'll keep you posted....I promise....but for now just pray that this thing is what God wants it be and glorifies Him in every way!!  And remember these 2 letters....RC!

Happy Belated Birthday Drew!

For her birthday, which was in February, Drew wanted me to take pictures of her and her friends. She has friends from church, school, soccer, etc. Since they don't all know each other, we decided to do some group shots of the ones who do know each other. These are 2 of her friends she has had the longest....friends since preschool. And although they don't see each other as often as they would like, they acted like they spend every day together. It was very sweet to see. I'm glad she asked for this for her birthday. Another group of friend photos coming soon. 

There is Good!

I can't sleep....I wake up throughout the night with a sadness I can't explain.  I stand in my kitchen and quietly weep while making lunch for my 7 year old.  I can't explain the sadness....it's overwhelming.  The things I read, hear, witness...in the world, in my community, in my circle can sometimes break my heart into pieces.  I find myself wanting to escape, but I delve into the word and remember that there is good.  God brings good....sometimes I have to search for it, but it is there.  Today I'm searching hard.

Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
John 16:31-33

For the Duration

I have a friend, well actually I have a lot of friends, but this friend has been my friend for a very long time.  I met him at the skating rink, in 5th grade, and we were instant friends and have been since then.  His name is Todd, and he and I have been there to support each other since we met.  When we were kids, we hung out a lot.  We went to homecoming together, left surprise Christmas gifts on each other's porches, went on ski trips and beach trips together....along with a group of friends.  As adults, our families have vacationed together, our oldest girls are best friends, we double date, and always wish each other a Happy Birthday.  When Todd and I were in middle school, my parents both worked outside of the home.  I usually had to walk home from school, which was a long way, not 10 miles, barefoot, uphill in the snow kinda long; but a good 2-3 miles kinda long....which is long way for a 12 year old to walk five days a week.  Sometimes I could get a ride from a friend, but usually I just hoofed it.  One day, I got a ride from Todd and his sweet mom Lynn.  I remember meeting her and thinking she was about the sweetest person I had ever met.  Anytime she picked Todd up, and I was around; she would give me a ride home.  Then during football season, Todd would stay after school for practice; but Lynn would still come and pick me up and give me a ride home.  She was a sweetheart.  Sometimes she would take me to the grocery store with her or have me over for tea while she waited for Todd to finish practice, and I loved it.  Throughout our middle school years but especially our first years in high school, our parents became good friends too.  My parents adored Todd, and his adored me.  Then when we were juniors in high school, Lynn died from brain cancer.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  It was Easter morning, and for some reason I was not at my grandparents' house like I usually was; but I was home alone.  I remember crying all day, all week, and thinking how much Todd must miss his mom; because I missed her terribly.  Our senior year, Todd and I hung out a lot.  We both had on and off boyfriends/girlfriends, but we still managed to hang out a lot.  Each football season, there was a game that was dedicated to the moms of the players. Each player's mom would wear his jersey and was honored on the field.  I remember how honored my mom was when Todd asked her to wear his jersey, and I remember how honored I was too.  During college, Todd and I commuted together; and we took a lot of the same classes as freshman and sophomores.  Todd dated one of my closest friends, and they eventually got married right out of college.   NPayne and I got married a few short years later, and both of our families began to grow.  Todd and Joey have 6 children, and we have 5.  Their third child and oldest daughter and Addi are the best of friends and have been since birth.  We have spent a lot of time with them over the years, and even when there is a lapse; there's never doubt about the friendship and its durability.  My parents were always welcoming and inviting to all of my friends, and we spent a lot of time at my house growing up.  When my dad died, most all of my lifelong friends came to his funeral.  A group of my guy friends served as his pall bearers.  Then when my mom died, the same group came to support me and served as pall bearers.  The morning of my mom's funeral, we had a viewing for family and very close friends.  Todd was one of the first ones there.  I told him he didn't have to come so early, because the funeral wasn't for several more hours; but he said...."I'm here for the duration."  And I knew he was.  I am so blessed to have met Todd all those years ago, and I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends....some lifelong friends for over 30 years, some I've met through church in the last 17 years, some I've met through work or other friends in the last few years.  But what I'm most thankful for is that they are here for "the duration".

SUMMER!!

Four more days until summer....woohoo!  The end of school is similar in the beginning of school in that we are all EXHAUSTED, but that's where the similarities end.  When school starts, we have healthy lunches are reading every night, take a bath every night, pick out our clothes the night before.  The kids leave looking cute with neatly brushed hair and fresh smelling breath.  Then....the end of school comes, and we are lucky to remember to wear shoes.  Kids sleep in their clothes, I put cake in their lunchboxes, baths are optional; and I don't even ask if they have brushed their teeth.  FOUR MORE DAYS....I think we can!  I think we can!  I think we can!  Bring on the sleeping late, swimming, unplanned, relaxing summer!!!

DANCE....

Recitals and competitions may be over for a while, 

but there will always be dancing in the House of Payne!