When Joy Came to Stay

Is contained in

Canonical title

When Joy Came to Stay

Original publication date

2000-10

People/Characters

Maggie Stovall; Ben Stovall; Amanda Joy

Dedication

Donald, who is and has been my very best friend regardless of the storms of life. Thank you for believing in me, loving me, and praying for me as if your life depended on it. Persecution is a promise in the kingdom of God, bu... (show all)t with you by my side the lessons we learned this past year are both vivid and welcomed. My greatest joy is knowing you are by my side, now and forever.
Kelsey, caught somewhere between the oh-so-cute little girl and the tenderly precious young woman whose image grows clearer with each passing season. Whether kicking a soccer ball, mastering a math test, or seeking God's heart on the daily dilemmas of growing up, you are proving yourself to be intensely committed, deeply devoted, sincere, genuine, and true. I am the most blessed mom in the world to have the privilege of calling ou my daughter, my little Norm, my song.
Tyler, tall, strong, and handsome---in the days of becoming, it is clear the type of man you'll be. And yet now, for a short while, you're still a little boy, remembering to pick a dandelion for me on family walks. Kind and compassionate, always ready to share, thinking of others. When I look at you, so often I see your daddy. And on may wonderful moments I see your Father, too. If I could bottle your zest for life, your sincerity, and share them with others, the world would be a different place.
Keep your eyes on the goal, son; God has great plans for you. I love you always.
Austin, no longer making baby steps but running through our house and our hearts. It's marvelous to see the way God has made you focused---gifted with the ability to master an action regardless of the time and energy involved. Even more amazing are the glimpses of a tender heart beneath the toughness---"Daddy, I'm going to kiss your wife . . . ."
Mingled with your three-year-old laughter are words that will ring through the decades. I remain always in awe of the miracle of your life.
And to my loving Lord and Savior, who has, for now, blessed me with these.

First words

The Descent

Weeping may endure for a night,
but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Prologue

Six days had passed since Laura Thompson's job as a mother had officially... (show all) ended.
The wedding had gone off without a hitch, and the last of Laura's four babies was out of the house, ready---like his siblings---to build a life of his own. She would always be their mom, of course, and in time she and Larry would welcome grandbabies and opportunities to visit with their grown children.