Wednesday, June 22, 2011

My Books

I currently have written two books: "Learning Lessons From Furry Friends," and "The Prodigal Pup." Both are children's books, and here is the update on what's happening with them.

"Learning Lessons From Furry Friends" is a children's book based on all the TRUE stories surrounding my family's experiences raising puppies and kittens. I have tied in a spiritual lesson to each chapter of the book, and the overall purpose is to reveal to the children the love of their Savior through the animals that He gave us.

This book has now been accepted by TEACH Services, Inc. for their LEVEL 4 (top level) publishing package!! They're actually a self-publisher (one of the best, in my opinion), so instead of them buying the book from me, and then paying me royalties when it sells; I pay them to do all the work and distribution of my book, and then I receive the main proceeds.

"The Prodigal Pup" is another children's story that I wrote based on a TRUE short story I heard from a pastor about a little stray puppy he and his family cared for while they were missionaries in Cambodia. The plan of salvation is illustrated in this book through the eyes of a stubborn mongrel who loved to roll in the village sewer drainage puddle.

I emailed a copy of my book to the pastor to see what he thought of it. His reply was that he loved my idea, but he would need to analyze the story further to be sure it was accurate. I immediately began to worry that I had completely messed up the facts, and perhaps he wouldn't like it after all. My worry increased when I didn't hear from him for about a month.

However, I just received an email from him that I must share with you:
"Dear Sarah, I want to apologize for being slow, so very slow, to answer your email.  It wasn't fair to you to just let it sit here. Sometimes life is so full I seem to not be able to focus on what could have taken a short time and been a quick blessing to you. I'm sorry. There's no good excuse.

Anyway, that aside, you have written a really special and fun story and it needs to be sent to a publisher! The story is accurate and refreshed from a special perspective. . . .

May God bless your use of it!
Thank you for your patience.
For Jesus' joy,
Pastor S."

I am so happy!! He has made no changes whatsoever to the story that I wrote!! I can't thank him, or my Heavenly Father Who has given me a love for writing enough!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Paint Pictures

One thing I really enjoy doing is painting on my computer. Windows 7's Paint program is awesome! It allows you to use oil or watercolor paints, colored pencils, calligraphy pens, crayons, etc. I usually combine all those options into one picture, and here's what I've come up with:

Sea shells along the sandy seashore.   

A puppy--my favorite of God's creatures!

A beautiful summer day on the farm.

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

New Post of Old Poems

Hey everyone! I decided that, until I have some new poetry or prose completed (coming soon!), I will post some of my old work. So, here are some poems I wrote awhile back.


Here's a fitting one for this time of year!
A Spring Day

The sun's coming up
On a morning in Spring;
I open my eyes
And hear the birds sing.

Outside on the lawn
Under green, shady bowers,
I inhale the sweet smell
Of the first April flowers.

I love the cool morn
And the bright afternoon;
In the vast blue sky
Is the faint, distant moon.

The seasons God gives,
And the blessings they bring,
Tell of His love
In the wonders of Spring.

This one I wrote for my wonderful mother on Mother's Day, year 2007:
Thank You Mom

Moms were made for many things:
To care for and to please us.
They pray and guide us all the way,
And give us love from Jesus.

God made moms in different ways:
For playing, working, caring.
He made some soft and gentle,
And others brave and daring.

I'll tell you all about my mom:
God made her exactly right!
He made her soft but brave,
And filled her with heavenly light.

Last of all I thank you Mom--
I'm glad you’re not like some!
We could not ask for more from you!
Just thanks for being our Mom.

I wrote this poem from Psalm 23, and it's one of my favorites!
 The Good Shepherd

The Lord is my good Shepherd;
He gives all I need:
He leads me by still waters;
In green pastures I will feed.

As I pass through troubles
And no way out I see,
The Lord of life is by my side--
His staff and rod cheer me.

I have a place in heaven;
With food my table is spread.
My cup is running over
And His oil anoints my head.

His goodness and mercy
Shall always follow me,
And I will live with Jesus
Through all eternity!

  
This poem was one that Young Disciple magazine published:
C-H-A-R-A-C-T-E-R
C is for Christ-like: doing your part;

H is for happy: God's joy in your heart.

A for no anger: let love take it's place;

R is for radiant: a smile on your face.

A is for angel: be sweet and don't fight;

C is for courage: to stand for what's right.

T is for truthful: be honest in all;

E is for eager: to answer God's call.

R is for righteous: living for Him;
Give Him your heart
And let Him come in!

Well, that's some samples of the poetry I like to write! Later I will post some of my stories and essays, and artwork and photos. Just keep checking back for more!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Welcome!

Hello everyone! I'm glad you've decided to check out my blog! There isn't much here right now, but keep checking back periodically, as new post will appear--school writing assignments, updates on the status of the books I want to publish, pictures of my pets, my latest stories, poems, and lots more! You won't want to miss anything! So, please be patient, and get ready to be INSPIRED!!