Truly, Madly, Deeply

by Karen Kingsbury

  * * *

  LUKE BAXTER: Luke is a lawyer, married to Reagan Baxter, a blogger. The couple has three children: Tommy, 18; Malin, 12; and Johnny, 8. Luke met Reagan in college. They experienced a major separation early on, after getting pregnant with Tommy while they were dating. Eventually Luke and Reagan married, though they could not have more children. Malin and Johnny are both adopted. They live in Indianapolis, about forty minutes from Bloomington.

  KAREN KINGSBURY

  Were you surprised to learn about sex trafficking being just as bad in the United States as overseas? How have you helped your family, friends and loved ones avoid this situation? What are some things you would tell young people?

  There is a “no kissing in public” rule in Thailand and other countries. Do you think a rule like that is helpful? Why or why not?

  Tell about someone you know who has battled cancer. How did they get through the treatment process? Share ways you know to help someone going through a health battle.

  Have you ever visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City? Would you want to visit? Why or why not? If you have visited the site, what was most memorable?

  Were you alive when 9/11 happened? If so, share your experience of that day. What struck you the most about the attacks?

  Tommy told his parents he wanted to be a police officer. Do you have any law enforcement members in your life? If so, share about their lives, their jobs and their struggles.

  Reagan was deeply afraid when Tommy made his announcement about wanting to be a cop. Would you be afraid if someone you loved joined law enforcement? How would you handle that?

  Did you agree with Reagan or Luke, when it came to their reaction to Tommy’s announcement about wanting to be a police officer? Explain your answer.

  Annalee and Tommy had agreed not to have sex until marriage. Some couples even agree to not kiss before being engaged or married. What are your thoughts about this? Explain.

  When Tommy and Annalee witnessed the car accident while out getting coffee, Tommy ran toward the fiery wreck. Do you run toward danger or away from it? Give an example.

  Annalee didn’t for a minute think she would have cancer. Do you know someone young who has suffered a cancer or health crisis? Did people rally around them? How did the situation affect you?

  The faith of Annalee and her family helped her handle treatment for her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. How has faith helped you through a tough time?

  Tommy and his mom often watched the show Cops together. Have you seen Cops or a show like it? Has that affected how you see the role of police officers?

  At the dance studio, Luke and Reagan were held up at gunpoint by two masked robbers. Has something like this happened to you or someone you love? Tell about that time.

  Has a police officer ever helped you or someone you love? Share that experience.

  Luke took Reagan dancing because they’d had tension in their relationship. If you are married, how do you work through disagreements? Give an example.

  As Annalee’s treatment began, her hair started falling out. She held a ceremony of sorts at her home to be active, rather than passive, in that process. What did you think about that time for Annalee? What part was most memorable?

  Officer Raul hoped that the teen he arrested for drug possession would turn his life around. Maybe even be a police officer. What can you do to help troubled teens in your area? If you’re already doing something—or if you know of something that is working—share about that.

  What did you think about Reagan’s father’s final minutes during the terrorist attacks of 9/11? Imagine you are in his place. How would you have handled a situation like that? Share about a time when you experienced a tragedy or terrible event. What helped you get through that?

  Tommy brings sandwiches to the police officers on Christmas Eve. Do you and your family do something for police officers and firefighters at Christmastime or any time? Talk about how you show your appreciation to first responders.

  What did you learn about fear while reading Truly, Madly, Deeply? Share about your greatest fears. How do you manage those fears?

  YOU WERE SEEN MOVEMENT

  I’m thrilled to report that the You Were Seen movement is sweeping the nation and even the world, especially in light of the recent Coronavirus pandemic.

  I started the You Seen Movement as a way of truly seeing people. “This is a movement of gratitude and generosity,” I tell people when they ask about You Were Seen. “We have a chance to acknowledge someone every time we leave the house.”

  The movement centers around the “You Were Seen” cards. A card (a little bigger than a business card) can be given to food servers, baristas, medical personnel, delivery drivers, cashiers, and anyone in the service sector. Anyone you choose to thank. You simply take a moment to look into the eyes of a stranger, thank them, and hand them a You Were Seen Card.

  Jesus says they will know we are Christians by our love, by the way we treat people. You Were Seen is a non-denominational way to truly love the people you interact with every day.

  The movement also encourages generosity. Where appropriate, people in this movement leave generous tips. One man wrote to me and said, “I gave the woman behind the counter a You Were Seen card and a fifty percent tip as I grabbed takeout the other day. I looked her in the eyes and said, ‘Thank you for what you do. You matter. And today you were seen!’ The woman had tears in her eyes as she took the card and the tip. It was the highlight of my week.”

  People say the “You Were Seen” cards give them purpose. Every encounter with a stranger is a chance to show the love of God to a hurting world. It’s also a chance to fulfil our God-given calling—to share the love of Jesus to all the world.

  Often we save money for an oversees mission trip. Then we spend the other fifty-one weeks of the year walking past people without really seeing them. But there are people in our own cities who desperately need hope and encouragement, faith and recognition. They need to be seen. By leaving a “You Were Seen” card and a better-than-average tip, you might change someone’s life.

  Always when you leave a Seen card, you will let a stranger know that their hard work was seen in that moment. They were noticed! What better way to spread love? The “You Were Seen” card will then direct people to the website—www.YouWereSeen.com. At the website, people will be encouraged and reminded that God sees them every day. Always. He knows what they are going through.

  Get involved in the You Were Seen Movement today. Visit the website to get a pack of ten “You Were Seen” cards and read about this effort that is sweeping the nation.

  Every day should be marked by a miraculous encounter.

  www.YouWereSeen.com

  ONE CHANCE FOUNDATION

  The Kingsbury family is also passionate about seeing orphans all over the world brought home to their forever families. As a result, they created a charity called the One Chance Foundation.

  This foundation was inspired by the memory of Karen’s father, Ted C. Kingsbury. Ted always said, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. We have one chance to love, one chance to truly live!”

  Karen often tells her reader friends, “You have one chance to write the story of your life!”™ Now, with Karen’s One Chance Foundation, readers can join her in the belief that all of us have one chance to make a difference in the lives of orphans.

  In the Bible, James 1:27 says people with pure and faultless religion are those who look after orphans. If you are interested in giving to Karen’s One Chance Foundation and having your dedication printed in one of Karen’s upcoming novels, visit www.KarenKingsbury.com. Below are dedications from Karen’s readers who have contributed to the One Chance Foundation:

  To EK, my cousin, and to all the great police officers serving this country. Thank you. May God bless you and protect you always. – Love KK

  Brenda, Happy Birthday to my best friend! I love you! Amanda

  Happy Birthday, Rebecca Tope Olotu! Your smile makes my day & your passion
for mentoring youths with AspireHub is an inspiration. Much love, Bayo

  In honor of Mom and Dad’s faith legacy. BeckiJo

  Love You and Miss You Mom! Judy J. Knudsen 6/13/38 - 2/21/20 Love, Beverly

  To Scooter - Thank you! – Carol

  Margaret Miller, Enjoy this book! Love, Cherie

  Read & Bikes Caroline ♥ Chris

  Jen van der Vliet Amazing Mama, sister, friend -CB

  In thanksgiving for God’s blessings. Diane Ferreter Weimer

  In honor of my husband, Brian, 30-year law officer! Love, Heidi

  To my loving wife, Donna Waters, my guide, my love, my everything! I’m not me without you. Love, Skip

  Gigi, may your books always be counted amongst your friends and may your best friend always be Jesus!

  To my mom Sandy Jackson. I love you! Joeii

  Evelyn Cripps - Thank you for your support, love in the Lord, and precious friendship! Karen Carlisle

  To the One Chance Foundation - Love, Carol Quick

  Scott - Celebrating 30 amazing years as Mr. & Mrs. Song of Solomon 3:4NIV. ILUSAGBB4E&A+AWLM - Karen

  In honor of my forever sunshine, my Memaw-Lori Loo

  Laurie Jane Wiley is 16! Always Grandma’s girl!

  Darlene Kriwiel - Dear sister & aunt, we miss you!

  My Adoptive blessings, Devin, Jason, Jaime & Jessica

  To my children Laura, Jody, and Joel and their families: I Truly, Madly, Deeply love each of you!

  My Beloved Dan, Our Love Never Had Enough Time. Soon, We’ll Have Forever and A Day LOVE, Marilyn J.

  Mama, love U always! Marsha

  We miss you dad (Red Brummel)! Love, Dave and Marva

  Sophie, Noah, & Sarah-You are my world! Love, Mom

  IHO Bette MacWilliams, My Mother & Best Friend - MBR

  Evan & Caden, you are the most sweet, kind, and loving boys we know. Love you so so much! ~Dad & Mom

  Dedicated to Joy Dugan for loving unconditionally and making sure the sun rises every morning.

  Rick, My Love; Happy 10th Anniversary! Our song’s a book by my favorite author! I love you! Patrica

  In memory of Shirley Spencer

  To my Grandmother, Doris, who taught us about Jesus and KK Books and is now in Heaven with her Lord!

  We love U Carol Ann Moore

  TO MY HERO ROCKY T! Love SALLY W

  Lovely Chris: You are and will always be LOVED and Cherished! Love from, Mom and Dad

  We love you, Lexi Wolfe. Love, Mom, Dad, and Easton

  To Gary, Robin, Eric, Gary II, Tiana, Jaeden & Jordon Bryant, Thank you for being the best family a person could ever ask for. Love Shaudonna

  Happy anniversary to the man I’ve loved truly, madly, deeply for 38 yrs… my beloved, Kurt! Forever yours, Sheila

  Daniel, You’re Truly Loved! - Stephanie

  To LaDonna, who is truly special to me. Love, Tami

  To the One Chance Foundation - Love, Terilynn Knezek

  I love you to God and Back Ashley! May you always have the passion to read! Love, Thomas

  To my AMAZING Mom (Lori)! Love your 1st Born, Tianna

  Dedicated in memory of Frederick H. Corirossi

  To my Hubby, Dave, who cares daily through my health issues and truly lives his vows of “for better or worse!” Love, Jan

  Rebecca & Maria - God blessed Us with beautiful loving daughters! We love you Forever! Mom & Dad (Terilynn and Bob)

  KAREN’S TOP FANS

  To my top fans and most loyal readers listed below, this book is dedicated to you! I asked you to tell me why you were a top fan, and your letters filled my heart. What you wrote to me, I will treasure always. And so you were chosen out of countless thousands of my favorite readers. With each title, you tell other people about my books. And for that reason, each of you are a gift to me from God. May He bless you and yours, and may you—my top fans—continue to share these books with the people you love. Jesus is still healing hearts with the power of story. You are proof!

  Abby Burns

  Abby Douglas

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  Adele Chang

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  Adesayo Priscilla Ajiibade

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th Smith

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