I am a guest blogger with Christian Children’s Authors. Check out my review of this T.V. series. I watched and re-watched these episodes during the COVID19 Pandemic and LOVED THEM! I can’t wait for season 2. You can get the free app and watch them on your phone, or right now on You Tube you can also watch them. I highly recommend.
You can find out more about The Chosen TV series here
I can’t believe it has been 25 years since college graduation! Time flies!
In honor of 25 years since graduation, a friend of mine (and fellow published author) Layne Ihde and I are teaming up and doing an event for kids and families at Taylor University Homecoming! I can’t wait!
Here is the description of the event:
Layne Ihde ’94 and Mindy (Anderson) Baker ’94 team up for a family-friendly Story Time and Sing-along at Taylor University Homecoming on October 5 at 3p.m. Layne will read his book Pippin, No Lickin’ and sing songs with the kids. Mindy will read her book Mouse’s Christmas Gift and do crafts with the kids. All ages welcome! Both books will be available for purchase before and after the event and can also be purchased on Amazon.com.
Layne’s Bio:
Layne Ihde ’94 writes stories. He has written and published forty songs, releasing three albums and two EPs internationally on independent labels, getting placement on television shows and performing across the country. He also writes sci fi and fantasy short stories and is working on a fantasy novel. He has written five children’s books, the first of which is Pippin No Lickin’ based on the life and fictitious adventures of his favorite pet cat. Layne Ihde lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and their cat, a white tabby named Lizzie. He feels it is the perfect place to foster and incubate his creativity and story writing in all its forms.
Blurb about Layne’s book: (Link to buy on Amazon)
Pippin the cat wouldn’t take a bath. Because he wouldn’t, all kinds of funny (and stinky!) things start happening to him. In hilarious and unforgettable ways, Pippin is challenged with realizing his actions not only affect himself, but others, too. Will his parents and classmates get him to change his mind?
Pippin, No Lickin’ addresses the consequences of personal actions with young readers. This colorful and endearing story establishes with children that parental wisdom is for their own health and safety and helps them develop an understanding of selfishness. Pippin’s adventures even teach colors to very young readers along the way! Parents and children alike will enjoy this introduction to an immediately classic and memorable character in Pippin the cat.
My Bio:
Mindy (Anderson) Baker ‘94 was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from Taylor University. She has served alongside her husband in full-time Christian ministry for over twenty years. Mindy currently resides in Indiana with her husband and three children where she is a high school Spanish teacher. She is passionate about her faith, family, people, travel, books, and living life to the full.
Blurb about my book: ( Link to buy on Amazon)
In Mouse’s Christmas Gift, written by Mindy Baker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, one tiny church mouse must find a way to bring Christmas spirit to his little town when Parson gets sick and the usual Christmas Eve service is cancelled. Mouse never gives up hope as he prepares the nativity set and lights a small candle in the window to signal the villagers. Mouse’s small act of faith sparks a chain reaction of hope and love, demonstrating that even the smallest creature can make a big difference. This adorable book, with a cover adorned with foil and glitter, captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy of doing for others during the holiday season.
Want to have fun playing with play dough and teach your child an important spiritual truth? Check out my latest post with Christian Children’s Authors. Play dough recipe included!
Click to their website to read devotional script and find the recipe:
Need a fun idea for a family ministry outreach?
Idea: Host a “family” gingerbread house building party!
In early December I attended a fantastic event at Harbour Shores Church in Indiana. I was so impressed with how it was organized, and saw great potential for other churches to duplicate the morning with the families in their churches.
Step One– Invite families
Families registered online and decided if they ordered one, two, or more gingerbread house kits. They prepaid for the event.
Step Two– Buy supplies, light refreshments, and prepare the work space
Event organizers made sure to have work space set up in the church gym, and enough gingerbread kits for everyone. In addition to the gingerbread house kits, extra frosting and toppings were provided and laid out at each work station.
Light breakfast food was served as the participants arrived. The menu included fruit, muffins, doughnuts, juice, and coffee.
There was also a station to do a sticker/coloring craft if the participants wanted to do so.
Families mingled, found their work stations, and ate their refreshments.
Step Three– Read a Christmas story and present the gospel
I attended the event and read Mouse’s Christmas Gift. This was a great way to introduce spiritual truth into the event. After the story, I took approximately 10 minutes to present the gospel, using an object lesson.
Step Four — DECORATE the gingerbread houses
After the devotional time, families worked together to decorate their gingerbread houses. So much fun and so many smiles!
The entire event lasted just under 2 hours.
