When I was a child, my mother said she knew what I was up to because she had eyes in the back of her head. That really got my attention and kind of creeped me out for some time. After offering to brush her hair to investigate, I'm sure she hid her laughter as I cautiously peered at the back of her head. To my great relief, I didn't find a hidden pair of real eyes looking back at me, like some classic episode of The Twilight Zone.

But what I learned after stepping into her shoes, some decades later, was that she really wasn't telling a fib or joking. She could see me through hindsight, because she was once in my little shoes. She remembered herself as a child, and because of that, she could predict my actions and thoughts to a relatively high degree. Which brings me to where we all are now. Can you hear The Twilight Zone's iconic theme music and see Rod Serling asking the question, "What new perspective should we have moving forward as we look back on all we learned in 2020?"

The theme going into last year, for many of faith, was to ask God for clear 20/20 vision. It was what what we thought we wanted, you know, vision for our lives. But with a global pandemic, restrictions, isolation, job losses, cancelled plans, health concerns, racial injustice, protesting, rioting, mask wearing mandates, loss of loved ones, closed down businesses, political differences and a stressful election, it seemed like the theme for many was summed up in the words of our fellow countryman, George Floyd . . .  "I can't breathe!"

If you're reading this post, you survived the past year, but now, 2021 is here and is starting off on a rather upsetting note. So now I ask, "What new perspective should we have moving forward as we look back on all we learned in 2020?" I believe God had a lot to show us in 2020, in response to the request of many who prayed for clear vision,  but did we want to see it? ​​

In a prayer meeting last Saturday, I was asked in advance to pray for wisdom. As I sat down, beforehand, to research and reread the many verses on wisdom, I felt Wisdom was to be the theme for going into 2021, because our very survival and growth depends on it. Consider these verses . . .

Ephesians 5: 15-17 (NIV) says, Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

James 1:4-6 (NIV) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 

James 3:17 (NIV) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
​
If you don't already journal, I encourage you to write what challenges you faced in 2020, and then write down the unexpected lessons and blessings that came out of those difficult days. ​I also want to encourage you to ask God for Wisdom this year and trust that He will give it to you. 

Instead of living in The Twilight Zone, move into the good plans God has for those who love Him!  Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

With love,

​Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)

​Three days after Hanukkah of 2020, the Christmas Star will appear on December 21st (the darkest time of the year, the Winter Solstice, the first day of winter). Think about how much the world is in need of light right now. At the beginning of 2020, many were praying for 20/20 vision and just look at all that has happened this year (the good, the bad and the ugly). What things have been revealed to you through the all the difficulties?

The God of Israel, is not only very real, but He is communicating with us through events happening in the sky that line up with Holy Days that He gave the Jewish people. With today's technology, these facts are being confirmed for the world to see. 

​Jupiter and Saturn will form rare "Christmas Star" on December 21st, the winter solstice. In the video below, it simply explains the great conjunction, but to go deeper, much deeper, watch the second video in this post.

Psalm 19:1-2 says
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 

​​There is so much that God is revealing to mankind. If you've never seen The Star of Bethlehem by Rick Larson, please watch and share. We've watched the last part several times to let the magnitude sink in of how God designed the stars to confirm the Word of God.

A dear friend of ours, Mike Spidle, saw The Star of Bethlehem and was so moved by God, he researched what was happening in the skies and wrote a book about all the blood moons and special events that would be occurring in the sky and how they lined up with Jewish Holy Days.

​He wroteThe Sign of The Son back in 2013 and everything was spot on! In February of 2021, there will be a very significant sign in the sky for all of mankind to see. Mike believes the sign of the Son would be a symbol that everyone associates with Christ . . .  a cross. 

With the New Year of 2021 approaching, why not invest in spending time in God's Word daily. If you would like to find a Bible with a 365 day reading plan, try Tyndale's The One Year Bible. 

Hope you all have a joyful New Year and use what God showed you this year to move forward in the truth of His great love. 

​
​Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

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(P.S. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can check out
​ The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake for free.) ​

​
​Thanks for stopping by! 
​
​Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

​Please share, subscribe and comment below.

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Back in October of 2001, I attended my very first Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrator's conference in Birmingham, Alabama. At that time, I was a newlywed living in Atlanta, and everyone was still reeling from the shock of 911, grieving the loss of our fellow countrymen and concerned for those dealing with the tedious aftermath and recovery process. 

At the conference, I had the privilege of listening to Jane Kurtz, one of the distinguished speakers. Jane, a highly acclaimed author of children's books, spoke about how life's challenges are often the source for our storytelling. The Golden Kite Award Book, River Friendly River Wild, published by Simon & Schuster, was a great example of how something beautiful and inspirational can come out of a traumatic event. River Friendly River Wild was based off of Jane's real life experience during the Red River flood of 1997. With all that was going on with 911, I found the timing of her story to be a source of comfort.

Jane was inspiring with her transparency, and she invested in me with her encouraging words. She had no way of knowing that I was nervous and felt out of place. Nor did she know that I had just heard another speaker talk of how it took most writers about seven years to get their fist book published, so I was a little overwhelmed. 

At the time, I had a  manuscript for a picture book to help children deal with the death of a loved one. That idea came to me after several sit down talks with my little brother about the loss of our mother to breast cancer in 1989. I could relate to what Jane was saying about using grief and loss in the writing process to help others. Below, she signed the following to me. 

In the fall of 2020, after finally having my first children's book published after all these years, I came across her encouraging words once again, and the timing was perfect. Publishing a book during a global pandemic is in no way ideal, but there is always hope to hang on to and things to learn. Challenges, I believe, are meant to grow us and help us encourage others. I want to thank Jane for the encouragement she gave me all those years ago, and I hope to encourage others in the same way. 

So make some investments today with your words. You never know when they might come back to encourage you! 

Here is the link to River Friendly River Wild by Jane Kurtz.
Here is the link to The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake.

Thanks for stopping by! 
​

​Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thanks for stopping by! Please share, subscribe and comment below.

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To order a copy of The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake you can order from . . .

Amazon.com (Kindle, hardcover and paperback available)
BarnesandNoble.com (hardcover and paperback available)
Walmart.com (paperback only) 
humbleandbold.com (signed paperback and signed hardcover) 

Magic Phil also is a children's book author and has written The Dog That Loves Blue and
The Camel That Loves Red and you can click on his titles to see more. 

Thanks again, Magic Phil! 

​
​Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thanks for stopping by! Please share, subscribe and comment below.

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Got word this morning that my father and my stepmother were safe after Hurricane Sally directly hit their Alabama Gulf Coast location on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan hitting the same spot on the very same date, the 16th of September. Think about that for a minute, two hurricanes hitting the same spot sixteen years apart on the 16th of September. I'm sure we won't forget that date again.

When Hurricane Ivan hit in 2004, they evacuated to Atlanta and were staying with us. I remember clearly as we sat around the dinner table, and my husband prayed in faith that the water wouldn't enter their home. When they returned they found that the water went all the way up to the doors entering their home but did not go in. 

Last night, we prayed again for not only their house, but their safety, as they stayed home. Considering that Hurricane Sally looked to be going further west at first and that it was a lower category number, we weren't too worried for them. However, as we watched the news, our concerns grew, so we prayed again, in faith.  

Again, we learned from a text message, that the water got really close, but didn't enter their home. In fact, a foot of water came into their garage, at 4 a.m. but then receded around 6 a.m. and never gained full entry into the house. Thanking and praising God! 

However, several homes in their neighborhood had water come in, and one caught on fire and burned to the ground. My father reported that lots of trees were broken or down, and that he lost his beautiful grapefruit tree, that produced hundreds of the best tasting grapefruit this past December. He gave away all the plentiful fruit to family, friends and neighbors and loved hearing how much people enjoyed them. It literally was a giving tree, just a little different from Shel Silverstein's children's book version.

As soon as he told me about the grapefruit tree, I remembered that I felt prompted to save the seeds from all the grapefruit that he gave us in late December. That in turn reminded me of the conversation recorded in Luke 17, where the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you."

All I can say right now is we have an uprooted tree and seeds from its fruit that reminded me of a verse about having faith like a seed and a tree being uprooted. I'm just going to sit on that right now and ponder the lesson on faith, while being thankful.  

Update: Later, I mentioned to my husband about how it was strange how that tree produced the most fruit my father had ever seen it produce in all its years. In my spirit, I felt like that was significant. When ever it's our time to exit the stage and go home, I hope we have the greatest season of fruit to share with others before we depart. 

Sincerely, 

Excited and very honored to present The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake​ for its very first story time and book signing at FoxTale Book Shoppe this Saturday. I've heard so many wonderful things about the people who run FoxTale and had the privilage of meeting with them for Bonnie Clark's children's book launch, Catching Thoughts, which is a timely book on how to handle bad thoughts. 

Speaking of bad thoughts, 2020 has had its share, but just like in Bonnie's book, there are many other things to focus on and appreciate. For me, finally seeing this book published after so many years is a big, bright, colorful thought to hold onto and be thankful for, and having my first story time and book signing is another. If you can, support your local bookstores and authors. They appreciate it more than words can express! 

By the way, for those with concerns about safety, FoxTale did an excellent job of providing a safe environment at Bonnie's book launch, and I am sure safety will be a top priority at this event as well. Stay well and focus on the good things!
​

​With love,

Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thanks for stopping by! Please share, subscribe and comment below.

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When I first started taking acting classes, I not only learned about the methods of Strasberg, Adler and Meisner but also remember the great emphasis on finding one's inner child. I would now warn against some of those techniques, because there is a spiritual principle at work. However, I share that to show that many already realize there is a powerful need to reach the childlike part of ourselves. In reality, simply humbling ourselves is the truest way to becoming like a little child. 

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me," Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV)

Jesus also said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 (ESV)

Hope you find comfort in knowing that God gifted us all with an instinctive need to find shelter in Him at such a tender age, and no matter how old and tough you are now, you can still humble yourself as a little child and climb inside the fortress he has prepared.

Above, our youngest is looking at one of his favorite Bible stories, that of David and Goliath. While scholars think Moses may have authored Psalm 91, King David certainly held on to these words and was inspired to author many more. 

Child, I hope this encourages you to find the best fortress of all! 
​

​ With love,

Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thanks for stopping by! Please share, subscribe and comment below.

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Wanted to share a format I was not aware of until recently. It's called Readers Theater, and it is a great way to help children actively engage in a story. Dr. Valerie Harrison, author of The Great Fish, was the first person to introduce me to this type of book. Read this article from Scholastic on Readers Theater to learn more.

When I was a child, I struggled with reading but loved pretending. This type of book would have been a great way to introduce a script format to me at an early age and help me better engage with the characters and the story. Your child doesn't need to show an interest in the arts for this format to be helpful, motivating and exciting. Readers Theater offers a different type of reading experience that your child will learn from, remember and cherish.

​Watch the video below and read what Dr. Valerie has to say about The Great Fish and its Reader Theater format. 

​My name is Dr. Valerie Harrison, founder, and CEO of Educationally Yours, LLC. I would like to announce a new Bible Reading Series that contains Bible stories written in Readers Theater format for children ages 6-8 (Grades 1-3). Readers Theater is a performance-based text written in script or play format that is engaging, motivational, and can improve reading performance. The goal of the Bible Readers Theater is to motivate readers beyond the story in order to help them gain a better understanding of God’s character and the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Each story is accompanied by a standards-based instructional guide and appropriate activities that can be used for Christian educational institutions, home schooling, and family devotions. The activities for this series are aligned with Common Core reading standards and can be utilized for instruction and enjoyment.

The first story in the Bible Reading Series is The Great Fish, by Dr. Valerie Harrison and Kim Rhodes. The Great Fish is the story of Jonah and the whale retold in Readers Theater format. Readers will relive this classic Bible story in a vivid expressive way as they read the part of Jonah, a reluctant prophet whose decision to disobey God’s command landed him in the belly of Ithy, the great fish. They will enjoy the character Ithy, servant of the Most High God, as he obeys God’s command to swallow Jonah whole. Learn how Jonah repents and follows God’s command to go to the city of Nineveh. And finally, readers will experience the power and majesty of the Almighty God as they read and discover how God demonstrates His overwhelming love and tender mercy to save the people of Nineveh and give Jonah a second chance. 
The Great Fish, published by Trilogy Publishing is available for purchase at Amazon.com, https://www.educationallyyoursllc.com/,  your local book, or call Trilogy Publishing at 1-800-473-5106.
 
Blessings,
Educationally Yours,

Dr. Valerie Harrison
Educationally Yours, LLC
High-Quality • Personalized • Professional 
Email: educationallyyoursllc@gmail.com
Website: educationallyyoursllc.com

Office/Fax: 678-691-7606

Change a teacher, change the world!

Pleased to announce that a story, close to eighty years in the making, is finally being released and shared with the world.
 
While World War II is changing the world in major ways, a young boy named Roger finds himself in a different kind of fight—a battle within himself—as he tries to muster up the courage to sample a bite of cheesecake. Yes, that’s right, cheesecake. You see, Roger can't understand how cheese, regularly eaten in his favorite grilled sandwiches, could possibly taste good in cake. He is quite disturbed that others not only find this oddity acceptable but also say it’s delicious.
​
The Little Boy Who Wouldn’t Eat Cheesecake inspires picky eaters and young readers, ages 4-9, to try new things and encourages conversation with older family members and friends about foods they didn't like in childhood (or, at least, thought they didn’t like) and what happened when they actually tried the foods for themselves.

​A timely book about a preconceived notion being challenged and overcome
before it’s too late.

Reviews

"Reading this story led us to a special conversation with our Poppa about the art of storytelling and enjoying his stories over and over again just as the characters in The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake. The way the author infused the lesson of trying new things before it's too late is beautifully written. You're sure to enjoy this delightful book!"

--Kid Explorer 
www.kidexplorer.com

"The Little Boy Who Wouldn't Eat Cheesecake is a delightful and colorful story set in the 1940's of a boy who detests the idea of eating cheesecake. He soon discovers it’s okay to try new things. As you read this whimsical tale you will immediately make connections with the characters. Perfect as a read aloud for young children during bedtime or can be treasured as a favorite reader for older children."
​
--Dr. Valerie Harrison,
author of The Great Fish
www.educationallyyoursllc.com

Check out what Arlene from Paperback Mom shared on her blog.

Ebook available now. Paperback and hardcover coming this July.