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My Faith

5 Minute Friday — INCLUDE

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Even though it is late Saturday afternoon, I am still going to write my Five-minute-Friday prompt. I really enjoy seeing where each word takes me as I do the writing exercise for five minutes and then “tweak” my thoughts into a post. 
This week the word is INCLUDE.
This is the opposite of exclude. Seems obvious, right?
Have you ever thought of how good it feels to be included? 
And how bad it feels to be excluded?
  • Friendship groups of all types
  • Work cliques
  • Sports teams
  • Social media networking
  • Neighborhood get-togethers
  • The list goes on and on…

Let me give you an example of a powerful offer that is for all people…
Jesus came to give forgiveness and eternal life to anyone who believes.  
ANYONE! Now that is inclusion!
It doesn’t matter your race, your gender, your shoe size, your talents, your intelligence, your “coolness factor.”  You are included in this offer.  
“For God so loved the word that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life!” John 3:16
The offer of everlasting life is for ALL who believe! There are no strings attached. No special qualifications.   The gospel message is for everyone!
As for me, I gladly receive this offer. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sin and for the sin of the world, and I thankfully receive this gift of eternal life.  I am so thankful that I am included!
What about you? What’s keeping you from believing in Him?

My Faith

5 minute Friday — ADAPT

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The first thing that comes to my mind with the word ADAPT is my teaching career.  



Way back when, long, long ago, I graduated from college and became a teacher. After teaching 5 years, I had a baby. I tried teaching AND mommying for a bit, but ended up becoming a stay-at-home for 12 years with my kids. After twelve years as a stay-at-home mom, there was a change in our family’s situation. At that point, for a variety of reasons, I decided to go back to the classroom. 

Once I landed the big job, boy was I in for a surprise. EVERYTHING had changed. 
When I left, I was excited to use a color transparency and a dot matrix printer. When I returned, my old manila file folders that I had kept all of my “great activities” and “useful documents” were laughable.  I HAD SO MUCH TO LEARN!
 I had to ADAPT.  It was necessary. TO SURVIVE!
What was my process?
  • First—I panicked (I’d be lying if I didn’t include this—it happened)
  • But then, I humbled myself, and began to ask questions.
  • I prayed for God’s help and asked other people for help.
  • I tried new things.
  • I made mistakes and experienced frustration. 

But I didn’t give up!
  • I pushed through the quitting points and made it to the other side.

And the things I am doing now in the classroom…are pretty cool. 
Way better than the “back in the day” stuff 🙂 
What’s the point in telling you all of this?
I’m just wondering if anyone out there might be stuck living out of a manila file folder when God wants to “wow” you with a new thing that seems a little “out-of-your-comfort-zone?” 
If so, maybe this small story of my teaching experience will encourage you to ADAPT.

I’ll keep adapting if you will, too! 


P.S. I’d love to hear about how you’ve had to ADAPT in some way.
Mouse's Christmas Gift

Cover reveal — MOUSE’S CHRISTMAS GIFT – my debut picture book coming October 2, 2018

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Tonight I am happy to reveal to you the cover of my debut picture book entitled Mouse’s Christmas Gift, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, which is releasing October 2, 2018. I am beyond excited for this little story to reach the shelves! I thank God for allowing this book to be published. To Him be all glory and praise!  Here it is…

I also am so humbled to be teamed with Dow Phumiruk. She is an amazing artist and has done a beautiful job with the illustrations. You can visit her website at this link:
Book Review and Author Interviews

Book review of GOD MADE MOMMY SPECIAL by Glenys Nellist

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Toddlers will delight in this new book by Glenys Nellist. It is a sturdy board book filled with eye-appealing illustrations and rhyme that sings.  Each word has been carefully selected so that young children can relate to the ideas being presented.

Each page showcases a different mommy and child “animal” while highlighting characteristics about mommies that children find special.

Some of the characteristics/qualities of “Mommy” found in the pages of the book:
–she cuddles
–she sings
–she feeds
–she takes good care of me
–she combs my hair
–she shares so much love
–she teaches me
–she is the leader
–she watches out for me
–she helps me
–she is patient, kind, sweet
–she shares lovely treats
–she loves
–she is kind and lots of fun
The animals:

–sparrow
–monkey
–dolphin
–deer
–owl
–snail
–squirrel
–hamster
 The last page shows a human child and mommy and ties in James 1:17, the verse from Scripture that says, “every good and perfect gift is from God.”  (Mommy is God’s gift to the child)
Glenys did a masterful job of using the animals’ natural traits and blending those into things that young children will find special about their own mommy.  For example, one of my favorite pages was the one in which the Mommy owl teaches her child to soar over trees and rooftops in the night.  
Overall, I loved the book.  Great job, Glenys!  I wish you all the best!

Buy book on Amazon

About the author:

Glenys is the coordinator of Children’s Ministry for the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is Zondervan children’s book author of twelve titles including two popular series: Love Letters from God and Snuggle Time. Glenys is a writer with a passion for God, her family, and children’s ministry.