NEWS TO SHARE

When my children were little, my husband and I loved to buy them presents. The truth is, we still do. At Christmas time, on birthdays and during special holidays, it’s hard not to go overboard.

“Look, babe. The boys will love this! Can we get it for them?”

All the gifts are good but there’s always that one gift you hold out especially anticipating their joyous response. Our children don’t know the preparation involved or even how long we’ve been secretly and excitedly holding their special gift just waiting for the right time to give it to them.

I believe our Heavenly Father does the very same thing. Recently, it seems he has been giving me gifts there’s hardly room enough to receive and all the while he was reserving special ones for such a time as this.

Our recent move to Coldstream has indeed been such a gift and to my surprise, that wasn’t the only one. Summer at the Daruk home has been filled with sights and sounds I couldn’t have dreamed up. New relationships, starry nights, laughter, hard-working, happy and oh-so-dirty-boys have surrounded me. There’s been evening fishing trips, bug bites galore, golf-cart rides, and visits with dear friends.

The sound of happy still rings as countless groups enjoy the Goodman offering God turned into Coldstream. Serving as a member of camp staff for four weeks is a beautiful memory, I pray time will never erase. Little bellies and large hearts were filled as the love of Christ poured out.

About the only thing missing from camp life all summer has been the internet but I must say, that was another good gift. Largely without distraction, my family and I have been able to take in this beautiful place and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I have missed writing and I have missed you, but I remain grateful for the unforgettable summer of 2019.

As if this treasure wasn’t enough, like we tend to do in giving our own children gifts, God was holding something else I didn’t know about.

Writing has long been a passion of mine but more importantly, it is a calling. For several years now I’ve sought God’s wisdom and direction on what that’s supposed to look like. Through beautiful relationships both professionally and personally, as He has brought opportunities into my life, I’ve seized them and sought to make the most of them in their various seasons.

Recently, God surprised me with yet another special gift. Through a beautiful series of events, I am excited to announce that my best friend of thirty-five years and I have started our own business called, Rooted & Grounded, LLC.

Simply put, it’s a hometown newspaper.

Known for its quaint town and huge heart, Adairville Kentucky is where Crystal and I grew up, attended school, and met Christ together. With a heavenly thread, God weaved our friendship, sisterhood, and now, our business together.

We believe strongly that words carry a great deal of power. With them, we have the ability to build up or tear down. Our publication will be one of construction - not demolition. We strive to be a newspaper where readers come away feeling encouraged, supported, and equipped to be the change they wish to see in this world.

As Christians, our generation has a great duty. The torch will soon be passed and perhaps it already has been. We must take it. We must step up. We must stand.

We are thrilled about our bi-monthly publication and we’re working hard to get our first issue off to the press! I know that’s the cliff’s notes version, but if you’d like to know more about our new journey, don’t hesitate to reach out! I can’t wait to share it with you!

Just as we so intimately know our children, what they are gifted to do, and what they will love, so our Father knows us. His gifts have blown my socks off and though it’s summer, it sure feels a lot like Christmas in my heart.

Where are you dear one? How has your summer been? Though mine has been one of unexpected blessings, I understand so many have not been. Perhaps yours has been a season of trial and testing. I know those well too.

Please be of good courage and take heart knowing that seasons change. Today, wherever you are and whatever season you are in, will you please run to Christ and cast your cares on him? He cares for you and so do I.

With my whole heart,

Callie