Karen Kingsbury - Even Now

Books by Karen Kingsbury

The Redemption Series

Redemption

Remember

Return

Rejoice

Reunion

The Firstborn Series

Fame

Forgiven

Found (summer 2006)

Family (fall 2006)

Forever (spring 2007)

One Tuesday Morning

Beyond Tuesday Morning

A Time to Dance

A Time to Embrace

Where Yesterday Lives

When Joy Came to Stay

On Every Side

Oceans Apart

A Thousand Tomorrows

The Forever Faithful Series

Waiting for Morning

Moment of Weakness

Halfway to Forever

Childrens Books

Let Me Hold You Longer

The Red Gloves Series

Gideons Gift

Maggies Miracle

Sarahs Song

Hannahs Hope

The Treasury of Miracles Series

A Treasury of Christmas Miracles

A Treasury of Miracles for Women

A Treasury of Miracles for Teens

A Treasury of Miracles for Friends

A Treasury of Adoption Miracles

K AREN

K INGSBURY

EVEN

NOW

Even Now

ePub Format

Copyright 2005 by Karen Kingsbury

This title is also available as a Zondervan audio product.

Visit www.zondervan.com/audiopages for more information.

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Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

ISBN-10: 0-310-29625-0

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Cover Photo Digital Vision

D onald, my best friend, my prince charming. The years have flown past, and Im amazed that were into our eighteenth year of marriage. I remember our honeymoon and how youd look at me every few hours and say, It took so long to get here; I cant believe were finally married! Thatll teach us to hurry time. With you, Donald, the dance is a beautiful one, sometimes slow, sometimes tapped out at a frantic pace. But I wish the music would go on forever, because every day is better than the last. Can you feel it? How were entering this new phase of life with teenagers? Stay close by and keep praying! I think were going to need each other more in the coming years than ever. I love being your wife.

Kelsey, my precious daughter. I had a sudden disconnect the other day when I took you to get your drivers permit. I glanced at the little girl beside me, half-expecting to see a ponytailed sixth grader. Because this is supposed to go on forever, right? The part where I drive you places and we hold deep, meaningful conversations about your friendships and your faith? But instead, there you sat, a willowy young woman with the future shining in your eyes. Has anyone ever been more excited to get behind the wheel of a car? Hmmm. Every minute matters, honey. Im grateful for the relationship weve shared and the one that will take us into this next stage of your life. Dont ever forget youre a one-in-a-million girl, Kels. I love you. Shine for Jesus!

Tyler, my oldest son. This has been an amazing year for you, my Broadway boy! A lead part in a professional local theater company? I stand back in awe at how God has brought you from that precocious kindergartner walking around the house in an Annie wig singing Tomorrow at the top of your lungs, to the self-possessed young man, serious about shaping your voice and your acting skills so that you can be an even brighter light for the Lord. Your song is still the soundtrack of our lives, Ty. I love you. Keep singing for Him!

Sean, my smiley boy. Everyone who sees you or gets to know you says the same thing: That kid is always so happy! Youve been home more than four years now, but it feels like youve been here since the beginning. I love your smile and your energy, the way you listen at devotions every morning. Youve blossomed in so many ways. God has big plans for you, Sean. Keep trying your best and reaching for the stars! I love you, honey.

Josh, my soccer star. When it comes to picking teams, everyone wants you, and youre the first to explain the reason: God made me an athlete. The same is true for your brothers, but I have a feeling Jesus will use your athleticism in a very special way. I marvel at your confidence, the easy way you have of excelling in everything from art to keeping your room clean. But the reason Im most glad youre on our team is because of your desire to please the Lord. Everyone else might be asleep, but there you are, a flashlight under the covers, reading your Bible. Keep your determination, Josh. I love you. Keep first place for God and all the rest will come.

EJ, my determined chosen child. Long ago, God couldve led us to any of a million little boys who needed a family. But He chose you, and we quickly did the same. You are living proof of how love and determination, boundaries and praise can change someone for Jesus. You have no quit in you, EJ, and I stand in awe at that. I love when you think no ones watching and suddenly you launch into a silly song or dance. My heart delights in knowing that your talents are more than running faster than anyone at school. You make us laugh, and one day I pray God uses you to bring a smile to the faces of many people. I love you. Keep smiling when no ones looking.

Austin, my miracle boy. You will always be my little Isaac, the child we were given and then nearly lost. But sweet boy, you are simply growing up too fast, coming to me more often than before with sweatpants that hit above your ankle. I thank God that youre still a towhead, still adorable with that toothless grin of yours. Yesterday I found a dinosaur on my bathroom floor and I realized youd been in there an hour earlier. I went to move it, but then I stopped myself and let it stay. My days of dinosaurs on the bathroom floor are numbered. I love watching you run and gun on the basketball court, love hearing the other coaches ask, Hey, that blond kid whos a head taller than the other boys, is he really in first grade? Im so proud of your hustle and the way you listen to your daddy. Hes the best coach of all, honey. Now and in the years to come whether the sport is basketball, baseball, or walking with God. Im so glad youre healthy and strong. I love you.

And to God Almighty, who has for now blessed me with these.

N o book comes together without the help of many people. A thanks to my great friends at Zondervan Publishing, including my greatest supporters: Bruce Ryskamp, Doug Lockhart, Sue Brower, Chris Ornsdorff, Karen Campbell, my friends in England, and everyone who has helped make my place at Zondervan so enjoyable. These books are touching and changing lives, and you play a significant part in that. Im honored to be working with you. A special thanks to my amazing editor, Karen Ball. You continue to challenge me and help me bring glory to God with the gift Hes given me. Dont ever stop!