Where “Yes" May Lead You

Twenty-seven years ago, God asked me to work with teenagers, and I said "yes."

There's a story that leads up to that moment (which I won't share with you today), but what was most surprising was:

1) I was twenty, so barely out of the teens myself,

2) I never had the desire to work with teens. In fact, I was a little afraid of them, having had not-the-best junior high and high school experience,

3) I had my doubts. I had no "training." I had no clear direction.

Nevertheless, I said "yes," without knowing where that "yes" would lead me.

Soon after, I started a leading a small youth group at my church.

After graduating from college, I was hired as a French teacher at a private junior/senior high school.

Then I got married, became a mom, and spent about the next twelve years or so NOT around teens. I was hanging out with other toddler moms, chatting it up about nap schedules and cloth diapers.

And I forgot about my "yes," until I got involved in my teenagers' youth theater company (how this happened is another great story).

What a shock! I never would have imagined that I would be teaching music to teens and directing them in shows. And the best part is that I love it! I love working with teenagers and being a supportive adult in their lives.

But along with the highs come the lows.

Two years ago, a lovely, spunky eleven-year-old came to audition for Moana Jr. She then went on to be in The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music, making many friends along the way. Shortly after her third show, she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and two weeks ago, she lost that battle. This was heart-breaking news for everyone in our company.

Twenty-seven years ago, I wouldn't have pictured myself in a bedroom, strumming a guitar through tears, leading a small group of girls in singing Christmas carols, witnessing the final moments of their friend's time on earth. I couldn't have imagined our time afterwards in the foyer, crying and holding each other for comfort. And I never would have known that in working with this young girl, I would be asked to sing songs with her friends at her memorial service.

Her service is tomorrow. I feel nervous and anxious. I put my two-year-old to bed, then lay next to her for a few extra moments just to pray. I ask God for peace. And I hear this song in my head.

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine...

And that's all God is asking from me when I say "yes."

In Memory of Ed

My friend Ed died on December 12th. I went to visit him yesterday, and the receptionist told me that he was no longer with us. I had a birthday card with a big '95' on it. It was to be his birthday on January 23rd.

I was hardly surprised by the news. I had visited him after Thanksgiving and I could see how tired he had grown. He had been a widower for nearly a decade; his heart, both physically and emotionally, was wearing out. He needed rest. It was as if his soul was trapped in a cage and was longing to be free.

And now he is. He is with his Creator. 

Death, as natural as it is, always seems unnatural to me. I'm not grieving over Ed's death, and yet, I feel somber and restless. People die and leave their broken bodies behind, but there is so much more to people–to us–than bodies. My friend is gone, but not really.

In memory of Ed, I am sharing with you a bit of his story. On his 92nd birthday, he came to my house for beef stew and carrot cake (his request) and I took some time to interview him about his service in the Air Corps during World War 2. His memory was impressive. He knew every date, every location, and every airplane in his stories. And it all sounded like an epic movie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Edward Marnell turned 18 on January 23rd, 1942, he wasted no time. Twelve days later, he was enlisted as Private Marnell with the Air Corps.

Ed likes to laugh about how quickly he rose in the ranks. Within weeks, he was trained as a mechanic, then sent to aviation school for a 30-day crash course on the B-25 bomber. Two days after graduation, he became acting crew chief. He boasts that while he was the acting crew chief, his plane was always ready for a mission, even if this 3-men crew had to work all night to make it so.

About a year later, Ed received his overseas shipping orders. His officer wanted him for a crew chief, but only sergeants could be crew chiefs. The solution? Ed became Sergeant Marnell and had his stripes sewn on.

Ed was then sent to Alameda, California, to leave on a transporter with 5,000 other soldiers. He remembers watching the fog roll into San Francisco as his ship sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was so beautiful that Ed told himself, "If I get out of this mess, I'm going to settle in California." None of the soldiers knew their destination, and they wouldn't know until they were well on their way. Finally, they were told that they were headed to Brisbane, Australia, and they were going to have to sail dangerously close to Japan to get there. When a Japanese fishing boat spotted the transporter, there was a skirmish in which 2 pilots were lost.

Besides this incident and a few occasional storms at sea, Ed's time on the ship was uneventful. There were no planes to work on, so he spent his days playing cards, watching schools of flying fish and porpoises race in the waves, and taking his shift on watch in the crow's nest. When given a choice of shifts, he chose midnight to 4am. Most people thought he was crazy but he knew something they didn't: the freshly-baked goods came out of the galley at 4am.

The soldiers finally arrived in Australia, and they boarded a train and another ship to get to New Guinea. Along the way, they were constantly watching for the Japanese, with good reason. The Japanese had bombed the airfield in New Guinea just before the soldiers arrived.

19th Bomb Squad, Engineering Department, New Guinea, August 19th, 1943
Ed is in the third row, eighth from the right

Ed was then assigned to a B-26, which meant he couldn't be crew chief after all. But he kept his sergeant status and worked with the men on New Guinea until he broke his femur and spent nine months in a West Virginian hospital.

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Ed with my daughter in 2013

Ed also told us about the cockatoo that swore like a sailor and hopped from shoulder to shoulder at meals, looking for hand-outs. About how the men would chill the rare keg of beer by flying it up 20,000 feet in an airplane. About the memorable two-egg breakfast after six months of nothing but pancakes. About soldiers risking their own lives to save their brothers with nothing but basic radios and navigation equipment, their quick thinking, and their own bare hands. And Ed, who finally did settle in California and met a beautiful young lady named Jean, became a husband, a father, and a grandfather. When he wasn't talking about World War 2, he talked about Jean. I am honored to have been a small part of his 95 years.

Introducing… Wenyu!

Of all my blogger friends, Wenyu Zhang is the one I've met most recently. I still remember my first conversation with him. It was a Sunday, and we were standing in the hall after our morning church service. I started with the usual questions like, "Are you new to the area?" but he quickly skipped over the small talk and jumped right into culture, faith, and his desire to minister to immigrant Chinese Christians in the area. His enthusiasm and passion were contagious!

I soon learned that Wenyu is enthusiastic and passionate about all things in life, but most especially about his family, cooking, travel, and art. And his wife and daughter share the same enthusiasm! Whenever I am with the Zhang family, I find myself drawn into fun or thought-provoking conversations.

Which is why I was super-excited when Wenyu started a blog last October! Wander, Savor, Marvel is the perfect blend of all that Wenyu enjoys the most: if features photos from trips his family took, and includes recipes of new foods that they tried on their voyages. The blog is still in its infancy, but it's worth checking out. The photos will take your breath away (or make your mouth water!)

And now, without further ado, the interview. Meet my friend Wenyu!

1) Tell us a little about you and your family.
I was born and raised in mainland China, moved to the States for graduate school in my early twenties, and have lived here ever since. I am a chemist by trade, and like cooking, traveling, watching movies, and playing a little volleyball in my spare time.

I met a wonderful woman back in college, and have been married to her for more than 12 years. We have a 9-year-old daughter who is very sweet and enjoys everything we do together as a family.

2) What do you love most about traveling and exploring?
There is always something unexpected and exciting about a new place we go to, even if it's just the hill 5 miles from where we live. We like to dig a little deeper into the places we go to–geological features, local history, how people live their lives differently, etc. I came to realize that my perception and understanding of the world I live in are so limited. It is always eye-opening and humbling.

3) What do you love most about cooking?
Cooking relaxes me, and yields something that I can enjoy together with my family. My wife is an amazing cook, which means 1) I don't have to cook very often so it's really not a chore, and 2) even if I mess up, she will be able to use her magic to either fix it or whip up something quickly, so no pressure for me! With that stress-free mentality I get to enjoy the luxury of playing with some new materials or methods and try something on the complicated side. This satisfies my chemist side as well, since cooking essentially is a process of conducting chemical transformations on foods, and you get to eat the product of these reactions!

Lately, cooking has allowed me to spend some quality time with my daughter, as she is not only the #1 fan of Daddy's food, but also old enough and interested enough to be a really good helper.

Also, cooking is part of a culture. We are fascinated by the variety of cuisine there is, and how each vividly reflects people's life in different paces. We are adventurous and curious eaters who are open to that wide variety of food, and always try to replicate it in our kitchen.

4) What have you learned about God in your travels?
I learn so much. The wonder of God's creation unfolds through our travels. When it comes to nature, I marvel at His power that shaped that planet for us to live on, with the astonishingly wide array of geological and biological environments. Then there is history and culture, which directly points to the wisdom He has bestowed upon the human race. Finally, our inherent desire to discover and appreciate beauty enriches our lives, which is also a gift from God.

5) What have you learned about being a husband and father through your travels?
Traveling really helps me cherish my family. When we travel, we spend time with each other 24/7, and I find great joy in it. It reminds me that I need to mindfully prioritize family time on my to-do list. Sometimes, I even plan separate trips with just my wife or just my daughter. Each of these trips is a precious and unique memory.

Our destinations as well as the topic during our travels help us think about what our family value is. Since I usually get to make the travel plans, I have the privilege to set the tone for the family. God has been using the travels to remind me that joy instead of pleasure is worth pursuing.

Any fun tips for other amateur photographers, explorers, chefs, and bloggers?
Involving the entire family makes everything more fun and meaningful. If you want to make the most out of your hobbies, you may want to position them as family activities instead of just hobbies. Then maybe share the joy with people around you; it will multiply.

And there is always room to be creative, which can make these activities even more fun. Recently our family started something called "one-word" photography. We try to find unusual scenes during our travels, capture them in photos, and then use our imagination to give each of them a one-word title. The first photo was taken at the train station in Nottingham, UK, where the exterior of its parking structure was decorated with vertical panels of various colors. We called the photo "keys" as it looked like the keyboard on a piano.

Wenyu, thank you so much for taking the time to share about yourself! And again, feel free to check out his blog, Wander, Savor, Marvel. I can't wait to see more of Wenyu's photos, recipes, and writings!

Introducing… Dorcas!

Many years ago, I was a lonely ten-year-old whose family had just moved from New York to California. I soon met my first friend, a joyful, spunky, enthusiastic girl named Dorcas. She was a year younger than me and we had much in common– Chinese parents who were devoted Christians, a home in the suburbs, weekends spent at piano lessons and church gatherings.

A few years passed, and as life changes came our way, it seemed that Dorcas and I no longer had as much in common. Sadly, Dorcas's father passed away from liver failure when she was only 14-years-old. Dorcas went on to attend Stanford University, then married her college sweetheart, who was an engineer/entrepreneur and the cofounder and CEO of d.light, the maker of solar-powered, rechargeable, LED lanterns (check them out at www.dlight.com). Now Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, she and her husband lived internationally before settling back in California to raise their two children.

Somewhere along the way, Dorcas and I reconnected on Facebook, and that was when I discovered that Dorcas was an amazing writer! With a humble, honest, beautiful, clear voice, Dorcas shared on her blog about her faith, her life as wife and mom, and her time being a Chinese-American living in China. As I read about her unique and sometimes challenging life experiences, I found myself laughing, sighing, and sympathizing with her, and our lives once again shared a commonality– one that went beyond our young, junior high, suburban lives. Now, with her talent for writing about culture, Christian faith, and the world of small-business start-ups, she is a regular contributor for Inc.com, Christianity Today, The Well, and Asian American Women on Leadership. 

Then, almost a year ago, Dorcas made an exciting announcement! A publisher was interested in her book proposal, and she had signed a contract to write a book on start-ups and family life! And all while expecting her second child! Knowing that she was one busy mama, I hesitated to ask her for an interview, but I also knew that she had such wisdom and insights to share. So I contacted her, and she kindly found the time to answer a few questions for me. Read on (and find out where you can pick up a copy of her book!)

1) Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I have also had the privilege of living in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kenya. My husband, Ned, and I are college sweethearts who have been married for more than twelve years. We have two adorable boys who have the wonderfully unusual combination of being part Chinese, part Turkish, and part Jewish.

For the first decade of my professional career, I worked in the nonprofit sector, supporting a number of different programs and policies to empower underserved communities. But I always loved writing and found excuses to write in my jobs, whether it was writing reports, proposals, or newsletters. When my first son was born five years ago, it seemed like as good a time as any to try pursuing writing full-time. It’s been a wild, unpredictable ride, and I have loved it.

2) What passions drive you in your writing?

I firmly believe that powerful stories can transform us on a very deep level. I am especially passionate about telling true stories that delve into the messiness of human existence—the awful, the beautiful, and the profound. It is from these stories that I think we can learn the most about who we are, what connects us as fellow human beings, and how God is redeeming each of us day by day.

3) What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned as a wife?

Being a wife has taught me the importance of prioritizing my husband’s flourishing, even when it has been costly for me. Ned has a vocational calling that is extremely demanding, and the entire family has had to sacrifice significantly to support him. 

It has been far too easy for me to grow resentful of these sacrifices without acknowledging that Ned’s flourishing is directly linked to my own. As he has grown in his leadership through his business, he has become a more mature and supportive husband and father. He sees what I have given up for him and is that much more willing to sacrifice for me. Ned has been the greatest supporter of my writing career, even though it’s probably one of the least stable careers I could pursue.

4) What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned as a mother?

In a single word: grace. Grace for myself, as I see all my flaws and imperfections emerging through the daily toil of managing sleep deprivation, tantrums, and adorable little people who have a mind of their own. I have learned far more about my limitations than my abilities after becoming a mom, which has pushed me to be more humble and to be more willing to ask for help. 

Grace for my sons, of course, who are trying to find their own way and establish their own identities in this world. Grace for my husband, who is a fantastic dad, even though his time with the family is limited. 

And grace for all the other moms out there, who are juggling kids and housework and vocation and community service and more. None of us are doing it perfectly, but we’re all trying our best, and we deserve to be acknowledged for our efforts.

5) What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned as a daughter of the King?

Like many kids of Asian immigrant parents, I’ve struggled for years with striving, achievement, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Over the past decade or so, God has been slowly unraveling the false idea that I am only as good or valuable as what I can accomplish. He has been teaching me that my worth is in my identity as his beloved—just as the worth of every other individual is as his beloved as well. 

While this is a lesson that I am still very much in the middle of learning, in recent years I have felt far greater freedom to take risks, to try new things, and to be (somewhat) okay with failing. My life is so much richer when I am less burdened by the need to prove myself or earn others’ approval. I can instead lean into the unpredictable adventure that God has me and my family on.

6)  What is the best way for readers to get a hold of your book?

As of November 7, my first book, entitled Start, Love, Repeat: How to Stay in Love with Your Entrepreneur in a Crazy Start-up World (Hachette Center Street), will be available wherever books are sold! You can get the hardcover version, e-book, or audio book through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online retailers. Hopefully you’ll also be able to find it in your local bookstore.

As you can imagine, this book was inspired by my real-life experience. My hope is that this will be a helpful, practical guidebook for couples that are struggling to balance marriage and family with growing a business. And it’ll also tell you a lot more about the life lessons I’ve learned as the wife of an entrepreneur.

To read an excerpt from Dorcas's book, or to read Dorcas's other published works, visit her website, www.chengtozun.com. And thank you so much, Dorcas, for taking the time to answer my questions! Congratulations on your new publishing venture!

Introducing… Kim!

I know this isn't a cooking blog, but those of you who know me know that I enjoy being in the kitchen and I especially love making food for other people.

So when my friend Kim Chew started a new recipe blog, I knew I had to feature her! Just reading her recipes and seeing her photos make my stomach growl! And what I love the most about Kim and her blog is that it is not just about cooking delicious, healthy, home-cooked meal; it is also about sharing your heart and Jesus's love with people.

But first, a little history: I met Kim several years ago through our church. I knew that her husband was a dentist, that her kids were really involved in missions and serving, and that she had a heart for mentoring young moms.

But what I didn't know was Kim's amazing behind-the-scenes skills, namely in the kitchen. She is constantly hosting youth groups and fundraisers in her home (last night she put on a missions trip fundraiser and served 60 people!) She teaches cooking classes in her kitchen. She has moms over for dinner and teaching. I experienced her amazing hospitality first-hand when she hosted our band for a houseshow in her backyard a few summers ago. Everything was so beautifully organized and everyone felt at home right away!

Despite her busy schedule, Kim was able to find time to answer a few questions for me. Read on to learn more about Kim and her experience with cooking and hosting!


1) How and when did you develop your love of cooking?
My mom always cooked dinner and taught me some basic dishes–fried rice, spaghetti sauce, and stir-fry dishes. When I graduated from University of Texas, I moved to Los Angeles and roomed with my cousin Denise. She taught me how to make a pie crust from scratch and that was when I realized "home made" is so much better than store bought. When I married Steve, we traveled and I developed an international palate. Now, whenever I eat something I like, I try to make it at home.

2) What is your favorite dish to eat? To make?  

I have 4 favorites: Beef Wellington, paella, Moroccan beef stew and Chinese shrimp with lobster sauce AND I can make all 4. I like to make paella and gumbo. I love dishes where each bite is a little different and I like to cook dishes that have my meat and veggies together–just simplifies things.

3)  What is your philosophy on hospitality?  

My home is God's home. We need to care for it and use it for His glory. One of my love languages is "gifts", so when I cook, I get to give. We have always used dinner at our house as a way to get to know people. We'd have missionaries over, to bring the world to the kids. We'd prep the kids with a little history of the missionaries and their country, and give them some questions they could ask. It's helped my extroverts and introverts learn how to start and carry a conversation with strangers. We have been blessed with so much, I am happy to share it.

4) How do food and hospitality go hand in hand?
In a Chinese home, when someone comes in, the first thing you offer them is something to drink. Then you ask it they are hungry, and no matter what they say, you break out something to eat. When people eat together, we share stories and talk about life. There is something about having a table in front of you, that makes people feel safe, it's kind of like a safety barrier. People open up and talk more when you are enjoying an experience together.

5) What have you witnessed in your cooking-and-eating sessions? (and what do you call these sessions?)

I don't have a name for my cooking/eating sessions yet, but if I had to choose, I'd call it Dinner Together. All the people I cook with, want to learn. The first thing I've noticed is that knife skills are an important skill in cooking. A sharp knife, and the right knife can make a job easier. The second thing I've noticed is that people are surprised how easy things are to make. People talk and get to know each other when they work alongside each other. People enjoy making things, because it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

6) What are some tips you can share for people who would like to practice more hospitality in their homes?
1. Don't worry about the food. Most people come to your house for the company, not the food. You can order pizzas, toss a bagged salads, and serve ice cream for dessert.

2. It's not about how clean or tidy or beautiful your home is either. Let your kids set and decorate the table, make place cards, gather leaves or flowers and set the table.  

3. Spontaneous meals are really fun, call a friend and ask them to bring their leftovers over and share your leftovers or do potlucks.  

4. Entertaining doesn't have to be a meal - we've had great times sharing dessert and games or eating popcorn and watching a movie.  

5. You don't even have to entertain in your home! You can invite people to a park or a pool or a favorite restaurant.   

6. My sister-in-law gave me a great idea. She has 2 menus that she serves to guests.  One is Mexican food and one is Chinese food.  This way, she already knows the grocery list, the quantity and how to cook the food.  

7. Allow guests to bring something: drinks, dessert, an appetizer or a salad.

8. Have fun. If cooking isn't your think, don't cook. If decorating the table is your thing, do that. If you are worried about what to talk about, get a list of ice breaker/getting to know you questions off the internet, print them on cards and put them on people's plates before they come.  

9.  Keep kids at the same table as adults and make it fun for them. Wikisticks, lacing cards, small puzzles, coloring books, paint with water books can be played with after the meal is over. Think how fun it would be for a kid to find a toy at their place setting!


Thank you, Kim, for sharing your wisdom! There is so much I can learn from you! Check out her blog, Kim Chew Cooks, for some delicious recipes to try (and a beautiful fall craft to make!)

Introducing… Regina!

I have known Regina Gadad since high school, though only as my classmate's older brother's girlfriend. (Did you get that?) We both played piano and we both ended up attending UC Berkeley, but still we never became friends.

Fast forward about ten years, and I'm attending a MOPs meeting when I see a vaguely familiar face across the table. I glance at her name tag and almost shouted, "Regina!" She gave me a puzzled look. Clearly, she had no idea who I was. But, nevertheless, that was the real beginning of my friendship with Regina.

I have since discovered that Regina is energetic and outgoing. She loves her two children and going on camping adventures with them. She is an amazing pianist and has the gifts of encouragement and hospitality. She also enjoys cooking interesting cuisine because she is Mexican-Chinese and her husband is Indian (yes, her high school sweetheart, my classmate's older brother!) Most of all, she loves to serve at our church and has done so in several capacities; currently she is the teacher for our 4-year-olds class. My daughter was in that class last year and loved Miss Regina!

Then I discovered that Regina is also a writer! She has been blogging since 2012 and loves sharing her thoughts about life and God with her readers. Recently, she has been reviewing books, so if you are an avid reader, check out her blog for some great book recommendations!

I asked Regina the same questions I asked Susan (two posts ago.) Here are Regina's answers:

1) Please tell us about yourself.

I am a homemaker, piano teacher, mom and wife packed within the confines of a 4-foot-10 Mexican/Chinese woman. I graduated from the foster system at age 17, UC Berkeley at 22, and had my firstborn at 29.

2) What passions drive you in your writing?

When I write, I exhale. Writing helps me organize my thoughts and is therapeutic. I better understand myself and situations when I visually lay it all out. In some ways, it is like leaving my mark on this earth. After I pass away, I'd like to think my kin will read my words, maybe take something away from it and have some remembrance of who they've come from.

3) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a wife?

It seems like I have always been married since Vijay and I have been together since we were 16. I am not sure what kind of person I would be if I weren't with someone. That said, it certainly has given me character refinement, realization that only God can be my perfect lover, not to mention financial security so I can pursue hobbies like writing and playing the piano.

4) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a mother?

Motherhood has increased my compassion for life and I have this intense desire to mother and protect all kids that I come in contact with. For example, my family does a lot of camping and yesterday a filthy 6-year-old boy was left at our campsite while his single mom went somewhere for a few hours. I couldn't resist cleaning up his face, making sure he was getting water to drink, shade from the afternoon heat, and food to eat until his mom came back for him. If I see a young child on its own without a parent/guardian I instinctively want to care for them. I just can't stand by and see a child not being loved on.

5) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a daughter of the King?

As a daughter of the King, I desire to glorify Him with my entire being. Being independent at an early age has taught me that He will provide for me–even as I tithe every earned cent from packaging fried chicken, delivering newspapers, cleaning rat cages, babysitting, piano accompanying, and office temping. I am loved immensely. If not by blood family, by my church brothers and sisters. By Jesus who died for me and allow me to have incredible supernatural experiences. I have learned my life matters despite those who oppose my decision to follow Christ. God has used me to bring my husband and children to Christ. Children I have taught. Moms I have come alongside with. And young adults I spent time with in my twenties (before kids). God loves me, I love Him, and there's nothing that can separate this eternal bond. While I am certainly a faulty human, I know Jesus death on the Cross has sealed me with my Creator.


To read more from Regina, check out her blog, Regina's Ramblings. Thank you, Regina, for answering my questions!

Introducing… Susan!

I fortunately have several friends who are writers/bloggers, and oftentimes, when I read what they share, I find myself so encouraged! I love that though we don't live in the same neighborhoods or have the same backgrounds, we still have much in common. They are moms, wives, and daughters of God, seeking to live as shining examples of God's love to their families and their neighbors.

And so, I decided to share my mom-blogger-friends with you through a series of short interviews! At the end of each interview, there will be a link to their blog. I know that if you are like me, you don't have tons of time to sit and read through tons of blog posts or emails, but maybe today you too will find yourself reading just the very words you need to hear and be encouraged by my friends' words.

To start us off, let me introduce Susan Narjala, whom I met 8 years ago when she came from Oregon to visit her sister, one of my closest friends. We were both pregnant that summer and so commiserated through the California heat together. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Susan and her husband decided to move their family back to India– a big and bold move for their family of four. They were able to come back to the U.S. to visit this past summer, and it was wonderful to see her baby all grown up and to catch up on life. I especially love asking her about daily life in India; someday I hope to visit her there! 

Besides regularly posting on her blog, Susan has had articles published by Relevant magazine, the MOPs blog, Parents.co, Indiaanya.com, and Huffington Post India. Her Indian and American background gives her a wonderful, unique perspective on faith and culture, and her sense of humor shines through all her writing. I can always see Susan's smile and hear her laugh when I read her articles!

1) Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a mom of two precious kidlings who are growing up way faster than I'd like. Been married for 12 years to one strong, dependable man who puts his family before himself. If there's something different about me, it's that I've got one foot in America and one in India. I was born and raised in India, but ever since I can remember, I wanted to live in America. I first came to America as a nervous 20-year-old grad school student to Syracuse University in upstate New York. I later got married and moved to Portland, Oregon, where I had my babies and did the whole stay-at-home-mom thing. Twelve years and 856 loads of laundry later, we decided to move back to India and give up our American Dream. I've now lived in India two years and I love it but I still long for the green parks, the clean roads and Target.

2) What passions drive you in your writing?
WIth my writing, it's like my thoughts have to get on paper or on a screen. I think I started journaling when I was eight and don't think I've ever stopped. I love putting into words what God is teaching me through His Word or through daily, mundane, yet sometimes full of surprises, events.

3) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a wife?

It's a lesson I continue to learn: don't expect my husband to be my God. When I put larger-than-life expectations on my husband, he feels the pressure and I become a pro at nagging. But when I allow God to be my number one priority and get immersed in His love, then my role as a wife and as a partner becomes clearer and more do-able.

4) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a mom?
What shocked me most about mommyhood was just how impatient I could be! I used to think I was pretty zen and that I'd be a fun mom. Then I had babies. And, oh boy! Did they know how to push my buttons, or what? I think the greatest learning curve for me has been in the patience department. I'm learning that when I strive for perfectionism in my parenting, it's a sure fire recipe for falling flat on my face! 

5) What is the greatest lesson you've learned as a daughter of the King?

That no matter what happens in life, I always circle back to Him. And I can. Because He's always there. My greatest lesson is realizing my absolute neediness before God– and knowing that He is willing and able to untiringly fill me up. His grace doesn't dry up. Ever.

Susan, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions! There is SO much more to say, that I wish I had time for a much longer interview! Maybe someday she'll put it all into a book. (I'm hoping she will!) To read more from Susan, visit her blog Alliteration Alley!

Shadow Life

Last Thursday, we received the news that Aunt Leanne, my mother-in-law's youngest sister, had died. They were sudden and unexpected words to hear, the end of a long and tragic story on earth. I find it strange when someone dies, because it only seems like the person has gone away on a long vacation. Maybe that's the echo of our eternal spirit. And I do believe that Aunt Leanne's story is not over.

I loved Aunt Leanne. She was a very colorful and energetic person, a lover of music, art, and nature. She never stopped. I remember the day she came home from hiking and camping in Yosemite, and within a half-hour, was in downtown Chico, attending the local jazz festival. But though she loved singing Christmas carols and all things beautiful and joyful, she never wanted to know Jesus. Though she loved creation, she lived only a shadow life because she never knew the Creator.

I will not be writing for a few days, due to travel and time with family. If you remember, please pray for Leanne's three children, her ex-husband, her parents, and her siblings.