Feb 27

Feb 27 KRISTY: ON HUSBANDS + THERAPY + GIRL SCOUT COOKIES

Kristy Sutton is a mama of SEVEN. Yeah, you read that right, SEVEN: biological mom to 4, adoptive mom to 1, and foster mom to 2. This week she talks real about marriage, the push and pull of spouses and foster care, the importance of therapy for ev.er.y.one., and getting a gym membership for the...hot tub.

• The intro song, The Source, is brought to you by one of the best new worship bands out there, The Evidence. Yes, the frontman is my (talented, brilliant, adorable, Jesus-loving) cousin. No, that's not why I love them.

• Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis {This girl's heart for orphan care and willing heart to follow God anywhere is extraordinary. Kristy may have seven kiddos, but Katie has NINETEEN.}

• Love and Respect by Emmerson Eggerichs {Kristy texted me later: Girl. READ THAT NOW.}

• The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis {THE book for parenting foster + adopted kiddos. If you don't have it, you need it.} Find a TBRI practitioner near you.

• Every foster and adoptive parent should attend an Empowered to Connect Simulcast. It's a two day intro to trauma informed parenting, and it will flat. out. change the way you think about and parent your foster and adopted kiddos. I'm hosting one right here in South Jersey. Otherwise, check this map for the location closest to you.

• Coffee and girl scout cookies, you guys. I choose thin mints and this coffee that benefits orphans.

• I will keep preaching This is Us at you until you watch it. Call the Midwife didn't really capture my attention, but it's definitely a favorite among mamas. I'm not even linking to Good Morning America, because that's just embarrassing.

• Hope Heals: A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine and Jay Wolf {This one's headed onto my to-read list.}

• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers {I didn't realize that there were Christian women on the planet earth who hadn't read this book. It's the story of Hosea in fiction form. It's a good 'un. Just checked, and it's got 4,532 ratings on Amazon and a full 5-stars.}

• Kristy's been listening to "Fear is a Liar" by Zach Williams. I've been listening to "Oceans" by Hillsong (for the past seven years straight). As Kristy said, if you're walking it (and, you know, maybe drownin' just a lil bit), you have the right to listen to it on repeat. Follow the links below, but tread lightly with Oceans. Once you start, you can't stop.