{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Kelly Fordyce Martindale, Author","home_page_url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com","description":"Kelly Fordyce Martindale, Author","author":{"name":"Kelly Fordyce Martindale, Author"},"items":[{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/grieving-the-future-that-never-was","html_content":"

Birthdays can be some of the hardest days after a loss because they remind us not only of who someone was, but of everything that never got to be.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/grieving-the-future-that-never-was","title":"Grieving the Future that Never Was","summary":"Birthdays can be some of the hardest days after a loss because they remind us not only of who someone was, but of everything that never got to be.","date_modified":"2026-07-01T19:17:17Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/grieving-a-good-thing","html_content":"

I knew the day would come. Every mother knows it will.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/grieving-a-good-thing","title":"Grieving a Good Thing","summary":"I knew the day would come. Every mother knows it will.","date_modified":"2026-06-24T18:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-people-who-stayed","html_content":"

Relationships may change or even end after loss. Whether the loss was the death of a loved one, marriage, health, career, or another deeply cherished dream, many people shared the same story. They didn’t expect friends t...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-people-who-stayed","title":"The People Who Stayed","summary":"Relationships may change or even end after loss. Whether the loss was the death of a loved one, marriage, health, career, or another deeply cherished dream, many people shared the same story. They didn’t expect friends t...","date_modified":"2026-06-17T23:31:20Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-friends-disappear","html_content":"

One of the most painful losses after a major life event is often one nobody talks about. It's the loss of friendships.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-friends-disappear","title":"When Friends Disappear","summary":"One of the most painful losses after a major life event is often one nobody talks about. It's the loss of friendships.","date_modified":"2026-06-11T17:13:02Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-grief-lives-next-door","html_content":"

In small communities, we often celebrate life together. We show up for graduations, weddings, new babies, football games, and ribbon cuttings. We wave at each other in grocery store aisles and recognize familiar trucks p...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-grief-lives-next-door","title":"When Grief Lives Next Door","summary":"In small communities, we often celebrate life together. We show up for graduations, weddings, new babies, football games, and ribbon cuttings. We wave at each other in grocery store aisles and recognize familiar trucks p...","date_modified":"2026-05-30T15:03:18Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/it%E2%80%99s-exhausting-carrying-what-no-one-sees","html_content":"

I’ve had four mattresses in three years and still haven’t rested deeply. And there not cheap mattresses.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/it%E2%80%99s-exhausting-carrying-what-no-one-sees","title":"It’s Exhausting Carrying What No One Sees","summary":"I’ve had four mattresses in three years and still haven’t rested deeply. And there not cheap mattresses.","date_modified":"2026-05-13T18:46:52Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-your-loss-shows-up-in-your-parenting-andor-grandparenting","html_content":"

There are days I think I’m doing okay.\nAnd then something small happens.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-your-loss-shows-up-in-your-parenting-andor-grandparenting","title":"When Your Loss Shows Up in Your Parenting and/or Grandparenting","summary":"There are days I think I’m doing okay.\nAnd then something small happens.","date_modified":"2026-05-01T20:59:43Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/what-is-your-deep-loss","html_content":"

Have you ever asked yourself this question honestly?\nWhat is my deep loss?

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/what-is-your-deep-loss","title":"What Is Your Deep Loss?","summary":"Have you ever asked yourself this question honestly?\nWhat is my deep loss?","date_modified":"2026-04-23T16:05:07Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/consider-who-holds-you","html_content":"

Politics, religion, familial problems, even the weather; each steal my peace. Our world seems in a state of precariousness that I’ve not experienced before. For that, I’m thankful for the blessing.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/consider-who-holds-you","title":"Consider Who Holds You","summary":"Politics, religion, familial problems, even the weather; each steal my peace. Our world seems in a state of precariousness that I’ve not experienced before. For that, I’m thankful for the blessing.","date_modified":"2026-04-02T01:30:20Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/beyond-the-forecast-who-changes-the-weather","html_content":"

My husband checks the weather app on his phone multiple times a day. Most days, it’s the first thing he studies. That app seems to have control over how he plans his entire day or dreads tomorrow.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/beyond-the-forecast-who-changes-the-weather","title":"Beyond the Forecast: Who Changes the Weather?","summary":"My husband checks the weather app on his phone multiple times a day. Most days, it’s the first thing he studies. That app seems to have control over how he plans his entire day or dreads tomorrow.","date_modified":"2026-02-25T18:52:18Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/writers-who-get-paid-build-systems-not-just-stories","html_content":"

For years, I believed that if my writing was good enough, the money would eventually follow. I assumed that strong words, consistent effort, and a willing heart were the main ingredients for a sustainable writing life. A...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/writers-who-get-paid-build-systems-not-just-stories","title":"Writers Who Get Paid Build Systems, Not Just Stories","summary":"For years, I believed that if my writing was good enough, the money would eventually follow. I assumed that strong words, consistent effort, and a willing heart were the main ingredients for a sustainable writing life. A...","date_modified":"2026-01-22T22:44:14Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-you%E2%80%99re-tired-of-being-brave","html_content":"

I’ve been brave for so long that I don’t remember choosing it.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/when-you%E2%80%99re-tired-of-being-brave","title":"When You’re Tired of Being Brave","summary":"I’ve been brave for so long that I don’t remember choosing it.","date_modified":"2026-01-16T21:06:12Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/restoration-may-tary-but-its-never-late","html_content":"

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” Psalm 27:10, NLT

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/restoration-may-tary-but-its-never-late","title":"Restoration May Tary But It's Never Late","summary":"“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” Psalm 27:10, NLT","date_modified":"2025-12-17T19:55:22Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/small-steps-big-hope-the-power-of-shrinking-your-goal","html_content":"

Some years, I’ve set goals so big they swallowed me whole. Eat healthier. Declutter every room. Write more. Rest more. Strengthen relationships. Fix everything by Valentine’s Day.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/small-steps-big-hope-the-power-of-shrinking-your-goal","title":"Small Steps, Big Hope: The Power of Shrinking Your Goal","summary":"Some years, I’ve set goals so big they swallowed me whole. Eat healthier. Declutter every room. Write more. Rest more. Strengthen relationships. Fix everything by Valentine’s Day.","date_modified":"2025-12-11T20:20:22Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-call","html_content":"

On September 10, a mom from our church received a call from inside Evergreen High School where her two sons attend. Desperate, the freshman son called telling her there was someone shooting in the school. “Don’t hang up,...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-call","title":"The Call","summary":"On September 10, a mom from our church received a call from inside Evergreen High School where her two sons attend. Desperate, the freshman son called telling her there was someone shooting in the school. “Don’t hang up,...","date_modified":"2025-10-09T21:33:19Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/something-worse-than-death","html_content":"

Both of my parents are facing imminent death due to age and disease. I’m surprised at the strong emotions I’m experiencing, especially since losing my 9-yr-old daughter and my 23-yr-old son. One brother has died and of c...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/something-worse-than-death","title":"Something Worse Than Death","summary":"Both of my parents are facing imminent death due to age and disease. I’m surprised at the strong emotions I’m experiencing, especially since losing my 9-yr-old daughter and my 23-yr-old son. One brother has died and of c...","date_modified":"2025-09-20T19:53:06Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/finding-peace-in-my-happy-place","html_content":"

My nine-year-old daughter, Alisha, is buried at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, 812 miles from my home in Frederick. When you drive through the entry gates of Dry Creek, there is a plaque that reads:

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/finding-peace-in-my-happy-place","title":"Finding Peace In My Happy Place","summary":"My nine-year-old daughter, Alisha, is buried at Dry Creek Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, 812 miles from my home in Frederick. When you drive through the entry gates of Dry Creek, there is a plaque that reads:","date_modified":"2020-11-11T21:02:37Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/take-a-knee","html_content":"

Take a knee has many definitions but first, for me, it conjures up the picture of athletes choosing not to stand for the National Anthem.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/take-a-knee","title":"Take a Knee","summary":"Take a knee has many definitions but first, for me, it conjures up the picture of athletes choosing not to stand for the National Anthem.","date_modified":"2020-09-10T00:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/21-billion-messages-wont-steal-my-confidence","html_content":"

It’s difficult to communicate with you all this month without mentioning the “virus.” It’s impacting everything we do and most all we think about. I don’t think that’s healthy and yet, we are fighting for out health.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/21-billion-messages-wont-steal-my-confidence","title":"2.1 Billion Messages Won't Steal My Confidence","summary":"It’s difficult to communicate with you all this month without mentioning the “virus.” It’s impacting everything we do and most all we think about. I don’t think that’s healthy and yet, we are fighting for out health.","date_modified":"2020-03-31T19:54:57Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/reach-out-for-rescue","html_content":"

It’s nearly three in the morning and because of medication, I cannot sleep. I’m too tired to get out of bed and do something a bit productive like work but not tired enough to drift off to la la land.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/reach-out-for-rescue","title":"Reach Out for Rescue","summary":"It’s nearly three in the morning and because of medication, I cannot sleep. I’m too tired to get out of bed and do something a bit productive like work but not tired enough to drift off to la la land.","date_modified":"2019-08-07T23:01:37Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/a-mothers-take-on-mothers-day","html_content":"

A Mother’s Take on Mother’s Day: Honoring my mom and my step-mom

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/a-mothers-take-on-mothers-day","title":"A Mothers Take on Mother's Day","summary":"A Mother’s Take on Mother’s Day: Honoring my mom and my step-mom","date_modified":"2019-04-24T23:22:07Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/vegetable-gardens-harvest-time","html_content":"

Remember when you picked the plot of land for your garden? You chose the perfect location that would get plenty of sunlight and water with good drainage. You may have even built a fence around it and perhaps hung shiny, ...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/vegetable-gardens-harvest-time","title":"Vegetable Gardens & Harvest Time","summary":"Remember when you picked the plot of land for your garden? You chose the perfect location that would get plenty of sunlight and water with good drainage. You may have even built a fence around it and perhaps hung shiny, ...","date_modified":"2019-03-07T18:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/security-and-identity-theft-or-perhaps-protection","html_content":"

Upon telling my 5-yr-old granddaughter, ZoeAnn, that I needed to call my sister, she responded in wonder, “You’re a grandma and a sister?!” The amazement showed all over her face as the realization set in that I was mor...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/security-and-identity-theft-or-perhaps-protection","title":"Security and Identity: Theft or Perhaps Protection","summary":" Upon telling my 5-yr-old granddaughter, ZoeAnn, that I needed to call my sister, she responded in wonder, “You’re a grandma and a sister?!” The amazement showed all over her face as the realization set in that I was mor...","date_modified":"2019-03-05T00:39:06Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/realizing-its-all-for-a-much-larger-purpose","html_content":"

My children and grandchildren keep me lovingly bound to this earth and this time. But I also have two children who died in 1990 and 2002 who draw me heavenward, missing them so deeply that sometimes I wish I were there a...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/realizing-its-all-for-a-much-larger-purpose","title":"Realizing It's All for a Much Larger Purpose","summary":"My children and grandchildren keep me lovingly bound to this earth and this time. But I also have two children who died in 1990 and 2002 who draw me heavenward, missing them so deeply that sometimes I wish I were there a...","date_modified":"2019-02-28T03:47:46Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/stepping-back-into-my-power","html_content":"

Listening to the band play the Fight Song by Rachel Platten, my heart beat faster and my breathing increased. After the song, Jim Burgen repeated some of the lyrics, which I’ve heard dozens of times: “My powers turned on...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/stepping-back-into-my-power","title":"Stepping Back into My Power","summary":"Listening to the band play the Fight Song by Rachel Platten, my heart beat faster and my breathing increased. After the song, Jim Burgen repeated some of the lyrics, which I’ve heard dozens of times: “My powers turned on...","date_modified":"2019-02-23T00:21:40Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/structured-yet-flexible","html_content":"

Recently, several attendees at a meeting were discussing the benefits of electronic calendars and reminders and such. They said that if it isn’t on the calendar, it won’t happen but everything on the calendar usually doe...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/structured-yet-flexible","title":"Structured Yet Flexible","summary":"Recently, several attendees at a meeting were discussing the benefits of electronic calendars and reminders and such. They said that if it isn’t on the calendar, it won’t happen but everything on the calendar usually doe...","date_modified":"2019-02-23T00:13:50Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/i%E2%80%99m-friends-with-the-girl-who-caused-my-daughter%E2%80%99s-death","html_content":"

August 2, 1990 will forever be the most tragic day of my life. On that day, my entire world changed forever. It changed so significantly, that NOTHING has been the same since.

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/i%E2%80%99m-friends-with-the-girl-who-caused-my-daughter%E2%80%99s-death","title":"I’m Friends with the Girl Who Caused My Daughter’s Death","summary":"August 2, 1990 will forever be the most tragic day of my life. On that day, my entire world changed forever. It changed so significantly, that NOTHING has been the same since.","date_modified":"2019-02-05T01:00:00Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/dont-do-life-alone","html_content":"

I know you get exasperated as much as I do about the holiday season. It’s very stressful trying to schedule normal appointments, but add to that the parties, family dinners, and shopping…shopping…shopping!

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/dont-do-life-alone","title":"Don't Do Life Alone","summary":"I know you get exasperated as much as I do about the holiday season. It’s very stressful trying to schedule normal appointments, but add to that the parties, family dinners, and shopping…shopping…shopping! ","date_modified":"2019-01-16T23:25:54Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/rise-of-the-mystics-by-ted-dekker","html_content":"

Rise of the Mystics will change your perspective on EVERYTHING...This novel is powerful: Life and how you view it will change...Even your past will make more sense. Can't get enough of God's message to me via Ted Dekker!

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/rise-of-the-mystics-by-ted-dekker","title":"Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker","summary":"Rise of the Mystics will change your perspective on EVERYTHING...This novel is powerful: Life and how you view it will change...Even your past will make more sense. Can't get enough of God's message to me via Ted Dekker!","date_modified":"2018-09-23T01:55:04Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/me-toobut-why","html_content":"

Why…did beautiful women fear they would be cast out if they didn’t get on the casting couch? Why…did people like Melissa McCarthy take much lower wages when others like her were making 15 times her pay? Why…do citizens s...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/me-toobut-why","title":"#Me Too...But Why?","summary":"Why…did beautiful women fear they would be cast out if they didn’t get on the casting couch? Why…did people like Melissa McCarthy take much lower wages when others like her were making 15 times her pay? Why…do citizens s...","date_modified":"2018-08-12T19:41:07Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-kiss","html_content":"

I still remember my first kiss. Not the feeling of lips on mine but I remember something else…excitement, exhilaration, and fun, yet it brought fear as well. Fear that my parents would “see” the kiss on my face. Know tha...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/the-kiss","title":"The Kiss","summary":"I still remember my first kiss. Not the feeling of lips on mine but I remember something else…excitement, exhilaration, and fun, yet it brought fear as well. Fear that my parents would “see” the kiss on my face. Know tha...","date_modified":"2018-08-02T19:51:30Z"},{"id":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/this-terribly-busy-week-of-mine","html_content":"

Its Monday morning, 5 days till press. I woke up this morning knowing I should exercise first thing. I know this because my spirit tells me nearly every day that I must exercise, and I ignore the urging. I hate to exerci...

","url":"https://kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com/blog%2Fwednesday-letters/f/this-terribly-busy-week-of-mine","title":"This Terribly Busy Week of Mine","summary":"Its Monday morning, 5 days till press. I woke up this morning knowing I should exercise first thing. I know this because my spirit tells me nearly every day that I must exercise, and I ignore the urging. I hate to exerci...","date_modified":"2018-08-02T19:30:03Z"}]}