Judy Gann

The Legacy of Reading

2010-09-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

I feel old.

No, it's not because I celebrate one of those milestone birthdays next week. Well, maybe a little...

I substituted most of the summer in the library were I worked as a children's librarian for twenty years. After ten years it was a joy to be back in familiar surroundings with memories in every nook and cranny.

But I didn't expect the reaction of so many library patrons. At least once a day a parent approached the children's desk with one or more children in tow. They'd look at me and say, "You're back! You probably don't remember me but I came to your storytime when I was a child. Do you still have Lucy (storytime puppet)? This is my daughter. I bring her to the library every week. I want her to enjoy reading like I do."

Excitement simmered beneath my feeling about aging and the swiftness of passing years. This was why I became a children's librarian: to see a love of reading passed from one generation to another. These parents are giving their children a gift that will last a lifetime. When children are read to at a young age, they become lifelong readers and experience greater success at school.

I've enjoyed seeing the legacy of reading passed down in my own family. My niece and nephew didn't stand a chance--both their mother and aunt are librarians. They used to joke about their aunt who always gave books to them for Christmas and birthdays. However, I have a treasured photo of my nephew reading to his two-week-old son. My niece is imparting a love of reading and books to her preschool students.

We pass on many treasures to the children in our lives. What are you doing today to pass on the legacy of reading?

My Dad, My Cheerleader

2010-06-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

It was one of the most difficult years of my life. Because of health issues I took a one-year leave of absence from work and moved home to stay with my parents. Bedridden much of the time, I had no assurance that I would be able to return to work at the end of the year.

My dad made me his "project" for the year. I'd received a "Notable Employee" Award shortly before my leave. My dad nailed the award plaque to the wall at eye-level from my bed--to remind me of my goal to return to work and my independent life. Both of us celebrated when I finally walked to the end of the street and back. He and my mom fixed special foods to tempt my non-existent appetite. On the toughest, darkest days and nights, Dad sang his "Shipmates" song to me. Twenty years later, I still hear him singing the "don't give up the ship" line during difficult times.

Thanks in large part to my dad's dedication and cheerleading efforts, I returned to my life in Washington. I'll always be grateful for that year and the amazing gift my dad gave to me. Our relationship, always a strong one, grew even deeper. It was worth every bit of pain I endured.

My dad's cheerleading didn't stop there. He's supported me every step of the way in my writing journey. When The God of All Comfort released, Dad went to the local bookstore and purchased multiple copies to give to family and friends. He made sure the bookstore continued to carry his daughter's book. We talk on the phone once or twice a week. Dad always asks, "How are the books coming? How are the sales?" I'm amazed at how much he's learned about the publishing business!

This is the first Father's Day in awhile that I'm not with my dad. So, Dad, Happy Father's Day across the miles. I love you, I miss you, and I'm so thankful you are my dad.

(The photo was taken at the Tourmalaine Surfer Park Memorial, Pacific Beach in San Diego. My dad, who surfed into his early 80's, is one of the honorees on the plaque.)

"The Borrowed Book" Blog Interview

2010-04-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 13, I'm visiting "The Borrowed Book" to talk about living with chronic illness, writing, and The God of All Comfort.

Stop by to learn the title of my favorite novel, my biggest obstacles to writing, and a hint about a new direction for my next book project.

Tribute to Early Childhood Educators

2009-10-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I taught a seminar and an afternoon workshop at the Association of Christian Schools International's Pacific Northwest Early Education Conference. I enjoyed interacting with these early childhood teachers before, during, and after my classes, getting a glimpse of their lives as busy preschool teachers.

Spending the day with these hardworking educators reminded me of the awesome responsibility that is thrust into their hands--nurturing and educating impressionable young children who are at the most critical time of their lives in terms of brain development. These educators must lay the foundation for success in school. All the while wiping runny noses, settling the squabbles of egocentric young children, and communicating with three-year-olds whose verbal skills are limited, at best.

In honor of these educators, I'd like to share this humorous, but probably all too true, list that was printed in our conference brochure. I don't know the author, but he or she must be a preschool teacher:

Top Ten Things You Never Want to Hear from a Parent:

10. Vincent just swallowed the house key. Let me know if you find it.

9. I just potty trained Isabella yesterday.

8. My daughter imitates you very well.

7. Anthony had Cap'n Crunch and waffles with lots of syrup for breakfast this morning.

6. Kayla can't part from her new ferret, so it's in her backpack.

5. My best friend's quadruplets are here from Alaska. Can I take them on the pumpkin patch field trip?

4. I gave Sophia a makeover this morning. Can you freshen up her lip gloss before school pictures are taken?

3. David's five-year-old cousin is already doing long division. When do you teach the four-year-olds to multiply?

2. My kid's famous! Did you see her on Supernanny last night?

1. Jordan's goldfish died this morning. Maybe you could explain that to him.

Thank you, early childhood educators! I hope I've brought a little humor into your hectic day.

A Different Dream for My Child, Part 2

2009-09-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to day two of my visit with Jolene Philo, the author of A Different Dream For My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically and Chronically Ill Children.

If you would like a free copy of Jolene's book, please leave a comment below. I'll draw the name of the winner on Tuesday, September 22.

Welcome back, Jolene! Yesterday we talked about the needs of the parents of chronically ill children. What about the rest of the family--siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins? How are they changed? What support do they need?
One of the moms I interviewed for A Different Dream made an interesting observation. She said their daughter Beth's struggle with cancer was hardest on the grandparents. The grandparents often felt like helpless onlookers, getting health updates secondhand, while the parents always knew what was happening and were involved in the treatment plan. I think that sense of helplessness afflicts all extended family members.

Siblings, grandparents, and other family members need to be reassured of how important their presence is to the parents. Encouraging extended family members to fill a more hands-on role--serving as head of a family prayer chain or official photographer, updating the Caring Bridge web site for example--will also make them feel more like they're doing something real.

One of the difficult realities of life is that not all children survive their illness. What if the unthinkable happens and a child dies? How can those parents work through their grief and recover?
Parents must avoid isolating themselves. They have to let people in, tell them how they feel, and keep sharing as they walk through the long journey of grief recovery. Certainly, if the parents are part of a church family, they should ask the pastor to help them find grief counseling. Compassionate Friends is a national organization for parents who have lost children. It has support groups all over the country. Hospice is another organization designed to help grieving families. The resources page at Different Dream provides links to a number of organizations and some excellent books.

It's hard to approach of parents of a seriously ill child. It's doubly difficult to know what to say to parents who have lost a child. How do we approach them? What should and shouldn't we say and do?
Never say, "I know how you feel," unless you have lost a child in similar circumstances. Instead ask how you can pray for the family and make specific offers of help, like those we discussed yesterday. (See Sept. 14 blog post for suggestions for specific ways you can help.)

Also, be sure to use the child's name when talking to grieving parents. Perhaps because we feel using a name will be too painful for the family, we shy away from using it. But every parent I spoke to said they loved to hear their child's name. They loved to hear others tell stories about their children. So, tell your stories if you have them, even if you cry while you do it.

Finally, periodically send notes or cards to the family for at least a year, especially on the child's birthday and on the anniversary of the death. Tell them how you are praying for them and share your memories of their child. Parents need to be encouraged and remembered for months and years after the funeral.

If you could choose one statement of comfort or encouragement that readers come away with after reading A Different Dream for My Child, what would it be?
I want parents to know that no matter how deep their suffering and loss is, they are not alone. They don't need to succumb to hopelessness because God understands exactlyhow they feel. His Son died on the cross, so He knows the pain of separation caused by the loss of a dearly beloved child. He is with them, and He cares about them, especially when they feel most abandoned. They can trust Him to lead them through this hard time, until they find purpose and meaning in the different dream God has for their child.

Jolene, thank you for stopping by for a visit. Jolene is giving away a free copy of A Different Dream for My Child. Please leave a comment below. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, September 22.

About the author:
Jolene Philo has been a teacher for 25 years and has published numerous articles on parenting a special needs child and preparing children for a hospital stay. She is a regular contributor to a regional monthly women's magazine, has spoken to MOPS groups, and is a commentator for Iowa Public Radio's "Iowa Voices." She and her husband have two children and live in Boone, Iowa.

A Different Dream for My Child, Part 1

2009-09-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

I met author Jolene Philo at the 2008 ACFW Conference. It was one of those divine appointments at the banquet table the last night of the conference. We quickly connected over our mutual passion for ministering to the chronically ill and their families. She told me about the book she was writing for parents of children with chronic illness. Now, a year later, Jolene's book A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically and Chronically Ill Children was published this month by Discovery House Publishers.

Jolene's son was hospitalized many times as he battled a life-threatening birth defect. In A Different Dream for My Child, Jolene shares her own often heart-wrenching journey as a parent of a special needs child, and also includes the experiences of other parents. Written in a devotional format, comfort, encouragement, and hope permeate each devotional. Practical tips are interspersed throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to parents of chronically ill children as well as to those who desire to assist parents in this difficult situation. This book will touch your heart. Warning: you may need a tissue or two while reading it.

I'm pleased to welcome Jolene Philo as my guest for the next two days. If you would like a free copy of A Different Dream for My Child, please leave a comment. I'll draw the name of the winner on Tuesday, September 22.

Welcome, Jolene! Why did you write a book on the topic of serious childhood illness and the needs of parents of seriously ill children?
In 1982, our son was born with a serious birth defect. Immediately he was flown 700 miles away for life-saving surgery. He spent almost three weeks in neonatal intensive care. In the next five years he had a total of seven surgeries and countless medical procedures. Because of the distances involved, we were uprooted from our family and other support systems. Even though our son recovered and our faith grew through the experience, I've never forgotten how isolated and alone we felt. I couldn't find any books that offered the guidance and comfort I needed. For years I waited for someone to write a book for parents in similar circumstances, but no one did. Finally, I realized maybe God wanted me to write it.

When a child has a serious illness or condition, the focus in on the child, but the parents must need support, too. What kind of support do they need?
They need logistical, financial, emotional, and most of all spiritual support. The health care community is pretty good at helping parents negotiate the first two, but the last two require more resources than they can offer. My book and website, Different Dream for My Child. provide parental support. But, neither are substitutes for the presence of family, friends, and church family. Parents need someone to sit beside them while they cry, someone to support them so they can support their sick children.

The outward changes of the lives of parents of very sick children are visible. But what internal changes do the parents experience? How does this affect them spiritually and emotionally?
Our culture promotes the belief that we can control every aspect of life. When a child becomes seriously ill, the illusion comes crashing down and parents begin asking questions. Why is this happening to us? How could a loving God allow children to suffer? Parents need to know that their questions and feelings are normal. They need permission to question God and express their doubts. They need to know other parents have been where they are and how they survived. Otherwise, it's very easy to blame God, to doubt the existence of a loving God, and to lose faith.

Friends and family often want to do something for the parents of a seriously ill child, but don't know what to do or how to approach the parents. What suggestions do you have for them?
When offering help, be specific. Instead of saying, "Let me know what I can do to help," say, "I'll mow your lawn while your child's ill," or"I'll organize meals three times a week." At Different Dream for My Child, I've posted a three part blog series with suggestions of things to do for parents of sick children. The list isn't inclusive, but it's a great place to get ideas.

Thank you, Jolene! I know the Lord will use your book to minister to many hurting parents.

Please come back tomorrow when I'll continue this discussion with Jolene. We'll talk about how to support other family members, including siblings of the ill child, and how to support parents when the unthinkable happens and their child dies.

About the Author:
Jolene Philo has been a teacher for 25 years and has published numerous articles on parenting a special needs child and preparing children for a hospital stay. She is a regular contributor to a regional monthly women's magazine, has spoken to MOPS groups, and is a commentator for Iowa Public Radio's "Iowa Voices." She and her husband have two children and live in Boone, Iowa. For more information about Jolene Philo and her book A Different Dream for My Child, visit her web site at Different Dream for My Child

Children's Book Week: Revisit Childhood Favorites

2009-05-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite pastimes is to roam used bookstores in search of treasured books from my childhood. Like hearing an "oldie" song on the radio and returning in my mind to when I regularly heard that song, these books from my childhood evoke the place and emotions of when I first read the stories.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey was the first book I checked out from the public library. I remember holding my breath while Policeman Michael and the other brave officers halted traffic on the busy Boston streets so Mrs. Mallard and her brood of ducklings could waddle safely across the intersection.

I grew up in a large city. I empathized with The Little House (by Virginia Burton) when the encroaching city threatened to choke it, and cheered at the happy resolution.

One of my favorite series was the "Betsy Tacy" books by Maud Hart Lovelace. These delightful books are based on the author's childhood in Mankato, Minnesota in the early 1900's. I longed to live in this simpler time with Betsy and Tacy as my friends. I'll never forget the thrill of doing a book signing in "Tacy's" house (restored by the Betsy-Tacy Society) a few years ago.

The March sisters in Little Women by Louise May Alcott became my make-believe sisters. When Beth died I cried as though I'd lost a member of my own family.

Each year children's authors supply us with a banquet table of new titles. I celebrate these books and their authors during Children's Book Week. But there's something special about these childhood "oldies" that tug at my heart...

What about you? What were some of your favorite childhood books?

Libraries: A Haven in Tough Times

2009-04-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last week while shopping I ran into Justine, the branch supervisor for a small library. This library is located in one of the most proverty-stricken and crime-ridden areas of our county. Justine held a box containing a bright green sports ball in her hands. She doesn't have young children at home so I was curious about her purchase.

"Oh," she replied off-handedly. "We (the library staff) are having a party for a young boy who regularly visits the library. His family's just been evicted from their home."

Can you picture the joy on this boy's face as he celebrated his birthday at the library? A brief respite from the realities of homelessness--a far too familiar situation for children these days.

This "library birthday party" symbolizes what is happening in libraries throughout the U.S. in our current economic climate: libraries reaching out to their communities in new ways. Over the last several years libraries have evolved from their traditional role of serving solely as repositories for books and other materials. But in recent months libraries are stepping out even further and taking creative, proactive roles in assisting their customers during these tough economic times. Librarians are designing job service areas in the library, providing access to computers and the Internet (yes, we've had these awhile but are noticing a tremendous increase in usage), and sponsoring free job and financial seminars as well as a myriad of other free services and programs for people of all ages.

In addition, libraries are purchasing additional materials on topics such as careers, budgeting, how-to books, and fiction books for when we want a break from daily stress and struggles. It's no secret that when the economy is down, library use and "circulation" (number of materials borrowed from the library), skyrockets. As I watch librarians meeting new demands on their time and resources, I've never been prouder of my profession and the role of libraries in our communities.

This week libraries throughout the United States are celebrating National Library Week. Visit your local library and, at the risk of sounding self-serving, thank the staff for their service to your community. Yes, chocolate works, too. :-)

A friend made a wonderful comment when I told her about the boy's birthday party at the library: "That little boy will remember the library as a magical place for his whole life." Wise words.

What about you? What does the library mean to you and your family? Has the library been a "magical place" in your life?

Book Review: Freedom's Pen

2009-03-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Freedom's Pen
by Wendy Lawton
Moody Publishers, 2009

There are many excellent biography series for middle-grade readers. But none portrays the childhood of extraordinary women of faith with the depth of Wendy Lawton's biographical fiction series, "Daughters of Faith." Previous books in this "real girls who made a difference" series include accounts of the childhoods of Harriet Tubman, Mary Chilton, and Pocahontas--all women whose faith deepened in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Freedom's Pen, the latest "Daughters of Faith" title, chronicles the childhood of little-known African-American poet Phillis Wheatley.

After slave traders rip her from her family in Africa, seven-year-old Phillis survives a harrowing voyage to America. After landing in Boston, she is sold to the Wheatley family. Through it all, Phillis maintains her deep love of language and words.

Susannah Wheatley, Phillis' mistress, recognizes her unique gifts and helps Phillis realize her dreams of reading and writing. Some of the other household slaves resent her "special" treatment and place in the Wheatley household, leaving Phillis caught between two worlds. But as her faith in God grows, Phillis' poetry sings of the faithfulness of God as well as her passionate belief in freedom for all. By age twelve, Phillis, her fame growing, captures the attention of George Washington and other Patroits. Freedom's Pen closes with Phillis receiving her own desired emancipation.

Freedom's Pen reflects Ms. Lawton's trademark meticulous research and attention to detail, coupled with vibrant storytelling that will appeal to its middle-grade audience as well as teens and adults. Freedom's Pen resonates with messages of hope, perseverance, courage, and freedom that stay with the reader long after the last page is read.

Tip for parents, teachers, & librarians:
Most "regular" biographies for children include sketchy details about the subject's childhood. So, let's say a child comes to the library and asks for a biography on Phillis Wheatley. The historical accuracy of "Daughters of Faith" titles is such that I'll not hesitate to give the child a copy of Freedom's Pen (as I've done with other titles in the series) along with a "regular" biography about Phillis Wheatley. Thanks to Wendy Lawton's account of Phillis Wheatley's childhood, I know this child will leave the library with two books that together provide the complete life story of this courageous poet.

About the author: Wendy Lawton, an award-winning writer, sculptor, and doll designer, founded the Lawton Doll Company in 1979. A devotee of classic Christian literature, Wendy is an active Sunday school teacher and frequent speaker for women's groups. Currently Wendy works as an agent for the Books & Such Literary Agency. For more information about the "Daughters of Faith" series visit Wendy's web site: http://www.wendylawton.com/

"Read Across America" Day!

2009-03-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

If you visit an elementary school today you may see a teacher cooking up a batch of green eggs (hey, I've done it!), a principal on a school roof to honor the achievement of a school reading challenge, or athletes, celebrities, mayors, and business people reading to children. All for the purpose of motivating children to read.

Happy "Read Across America" Day! Today communities throughout the country are celebrating the joys of reading. Sponsored by the National Education Asssociation, "Read Across America" was created to focus awareness on the importance of reading. Now in its eleventh year, "Read Across America" is held on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author, Dr. Seuss. For more information visit http://www.nea.org/grants/13003.htm

Studies show that the number one way to ensure children's success in school is to read aloud to them. When I talk about reading aloud to children, I usually discuss reading to preschoolers. But today, on this special "reading" day, I want to address the importance of reading aloud to children in elementary school--children who are either learning to read or know how to read. Regardless of their ability to read to themselves, children are never too old to enjoy listening to a book read by a parent or other adult. Years ago, thanks to six-year-old Kristin, I learned the importance of reading aloud to school-age children.

Kristin's parents approached me in the children's area of the library and told me they were convinced their first grade daughter knew how to read. Her teacher agreed. But Kristin remained adamant: she couldn't read. At last, with tear-filled eyes, Kristin admitted to her parents, "I can read, but I'm scared. Are you going to stop reading to me now?"

Kristin isn't alone. Many beginning readers share her fear. Parents have read to them from birth. But now that they possess the ability to read to themselves, these young readers are afraid they'll lose the joy of sharing books with their parents. Reading aloud to children helps reinforce the reading skills they're learning in school. Regardless of age, there is a bonding that comes through the sharing of a good story; whether it's weeping over the ending to Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, or giggling at Ramona's escapades in Ramona the Pest by Beverly Clearly. Books also trigger wonderful family discussions.

Below are just a few of the many, many novels that are great read-alouds for school-age children. I chose some titles that may be new to you. Ask your library or bookstore staff for additional recommendations.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Frindle by Andrew Clements
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Stewart
Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

These are a few of my favorites. What novels do you enjoy reading to school-age children?

Happy Reading!

Valentine's Day Blues

2009-02-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

I live up the street from a florist. For weeks large red wooden hearts framed in lights have adorned the flower shop's yard and trees. Pink, red, and white balloons wave in the wind. It's a beautiful sight--especially at night. But, each time I drive or walk by, twinges of loneliness, regret, and yes, envy, prick my single gal's heart when this lovely display comes into view.

Many of us who are single, even temporarily, would like to tear February 14th from the calendar, just jump from February 13th to 15th. From television commercials to grocery stores to card shops, heart-shaped candy boxes, cards, and balloons serve as painful reminders of our lack of a romantic relationship. How do we overcome the "Valentine's Day Blues"?

Remind yourself of God's love for you. This is first, last, and always. My Bible study lesson this week just happened to include a section about God's love for me. As I worked read Bible passages about God's love and answered the study questions, I realized how much I know about God's love in my head, but how little I truly realize the magnitude and significance of His love in my heart, or live it out in my life. Ladies, we are loved by the God of the universe, and there is no greater love on earth or in heaven. One of my favorite "love" verses in the Bible is Jeremiah 31:3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness." His love for us is permanent, steadfast, and will never fail.

Celebrate with other single women. Organize a Valentine's Day friendship party for women who are alone. Don't forget to include widows and those whose husbands are deployed in your celebration. Decorate with hearts, balloons, and flowers. Give each woman a valentine treat. Celebrate the blessings of friendship.

Give to others. Recently divorced, a friend of mine gives the single women at work small boxes of Valentine candy and a card. Her gifts remind the women that they are special, as well as help my friend keep her focus off her own loneliness.

Treat yourself. Are you like me? Do you hesitate to purchase flowers for yourself? Flowers have a way of lifting our spirits like nothing else--especially on these dark winter days. Treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers today. Hmm, perhaps I need to stop by that florist at the end of my street.

What about you? What tips do you have for overcoming the "Valentine's Day Blues"?

Treasured Moments

2009-01-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from a trip to San Diego to visit my family.

Along with a heavy suitcase of belated Christmas gifts, I arrived home with a photo album of memories crammed with treasured moments:

A fun "Girls Night" sleepover with my sister, niece, and Lucy, their dog; complete with chick-flick, comfy pillows & blankets, tea, candy, and shortbread cookies

A walk along La Jolla Cove, watching the seals and sea lions frolic on the rocks (photo)

Visiting the new Surfers' Monument at Pacific Beach with my dad (surfed 65 years!) and seeing his name etched on the beautiful plaque

Dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant

Laughing and crying through "Marley & Me" with my dad and his wife

Spending an afternoon with a childhood friend

Moments like these are gifts from God smuggled into the busy activities of daily life; times to be savored as they occur, and remembered long afterward.

I'm a planner. My mind tends to drift to the "next thing" on my list while missing the beauty of what God has for me in the current moment. One of my goals for 2009 is to spend more time in the present: be more spontaneous, less of a worrier, and enjoy each moment the Lord provides. I want my memory photo album overflowing with treasured moments by the end of this year.

Saturday, while working on this blog entry, I received word that a young woman I'd mentored died suddenly. Yesterday my cousin Sally died. These deaths give "treasured moments" new value, don't they? Jeni and Sally's deaths remind me that each day, each fleeting second is a precious gift. There are no guarantees of tomorrow.

What treasured moments are you adding to your photo album today?

Comfort Mug Contest Winner!

2009-01-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who entered the contest for the Comfort Mug filled with comfort items and the copy of my book The God of All Comfort: Devotions of Hope for Those Who Chronically Suffer. I so appreciate your wonderful comments about my new "home" on the Web, as well as your encouraging favorite "comfort" verses from the Bible.

I wish I had a Comfort Mug for each of you. Watch for another contest in the future.

So without further ado...the winner of a Comfort Mug and a copy of my devotional book is:

Joyce G !!

Joyce, I have your contact info. Watch for an e-mail message from me.

Thanks again for your comments, and for welcoming me to the world of blogging.

Beginnings... And A Giveaway

2008-12-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my journal!

I can still see myself: four-years-old, standing at the door of the kindergarten classroom, my little stomach churning with first-day-of-school jitters. Unfortunately, this dread of “firsts” has dogged me into my adult life. From my first day of school as a rookie teacher to my first appointment with an editor at a writers’ conference, beginnings terrify me.

Yet without a beginning we’d never know the joy of new experiences. So, although excitement battles trepidation, today I’m embarking on another new beginning: blogging.

Within the pages of this journal/blog I’ll share musings about life as a writer and librarian, as well as words of encouragement for your walk with the Lord. Other times I’ll don my children’s librarian’s hat and declare “Library Day”— a blog post filled with reviews of children’s books or tips for sharing books with children. Speaking of beginnings, what firsts do you dread? Or, if you are the adventurous sort who loves beginnings, what advice do you have for the more timid of us?

To celebrate the debut of my new Web site and blog, I’m holding a drawing for a free comfort mug, filled with comfort items along with a copy of The God of All Comfort: Devotions of Hope for Those Who Chronically Suffer. To enter the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment. You can share a comforting thought, quote, or favorite Bible verse, or a note about why you could use a comfort mug right now!

The deadline the giveaway is Friday, January 9, 2009, so please be sure to add your comment before then.

One random winner will be chosen, and I'll announce your name here on the blog. The winner will need to send me a snail mail address via my Contact form.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll look forward to reading your comments.