future flowers, whispered war-cries is released!

 

Hello Friend!

I'm excited to say that on this cloudy, rainy, reminiscing-kind of New Year's Eve, a poetry book was born.

(future flowers, whispered war-cries is available on Amazon! Yay!)

a war is waging, and a King is coming.
thus, these poems sing.
they utter war-cries of faith for the one thick in battle.
they whisper teardrops of hope for the aching soul.
and they overflow in dancing, giggling worship because of love.
in stories and colors, emotions and beauties,
they’re an anthology drawing together to testify of the King
through heartfelt moments and
genuine truth
and in free verse and rhyme and behind-the-scenes stories.
an arsenal of indie artists are featured within their pages,
and laughingly, these more than eighty poems sing of joys to come
(like a poem with giraffes).
may every word
stir one’s heart to live for that Kingdom.

(ahh - I hope you so enjoy the poems!!!)

The word that comes to mind now is rest.

There's so much that goes into a book. I had many a night in early December that I lay awake pondering two book releases in one month and had no idea how God would do that.

And even at that moment, He already knew the ending. I just needed to trust and press on, believing.

I think that about 2022 too. At the beginning of the year, He knew every tough situation, every tearful moment, and He had a good plan for them. I sure am glad He doesn't tell us everything at once, 'cause that would have been too much for me... but throughout 12 months, He was faithful every step of the way.

To go further than just 2022... in 2020, I had many of the poems in future flowers, whispered war-cries drafted in a document. In one accidental moment, my water bottle attempted and succeeded to drown my laptop.

In that moment, all the poems were gone. Sure, I could scramble to find most in assorted journals and papers, but there were stories and moments gone, washed like when a wave visits the shore and steals every last shell. (so yes, as I drink water and write here today, my bottle is on the far side of my desk...)

But God.

He knew the ending even then. And amazingly, He restored those poems I'd nearly given up hope for.

So then and now, I hear Him whisper:

rest. trust and press on, believing.

As one of my favorite poems urges,

oh, dear heart of mine, so restlessly  

striving to patiently wait,

breathe.

do you believe in your Father,

will He not bring forth a shower?

 

 

Dear Friend, rest comes from trust. The poems are a war-cry to fight, to press on, to run for a prize, to sink our shovels deep into soil because there's a treasure, and we are going to find it.

But somehow, there's rest in that too. There's rest because we know the prize is so worth it, and He gives us His strength in our weakness, so we press on but find the sweetest love and rest in that.

Whatever 2023 has, let's trust. Let's run towards the prize. Let's believe. And let's rest because God's got this.

(and let's go read some poetry!!)

The finished book has 85 poems in it! Comment below with a number, and I'll share the title + a fun fact about the poem! Maybe it'll be your new favorite. *wink*

 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and rehid. Then out of his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

- Matthew 13:44

~♥~ 

Future Flowers, Whispered War-Cries || featuring Treasure Happy

 

Hello Friend!

"future flowers, whispered war-cries" releases TOMORROW. What a fun ride it's been of trusting the Lord to do something nearly impossible.

Here's a picture of that:

I just got the first proof copy in the mail today.

*laughs* Basically, when you prep a book to publish, it's vital to order a copy to make sure everything works and looks good... and then you submit it (which can take several hours to publish).

So yeah. As I type here, I'm uploading the final copy and ready to click publish!

It's late. I have no idea exactly when the book will be available to order.

But it's good. Every step has been God coming through and being faithful, so whenever tomorrow it releases (or if it's a day late...), I'm celebrating!

Keep your eyes open, because a new poetry book will be available to purchase any time now!

As we wait, here's a poem + beautiful illustration by a young artist!

Someone once told me that value is ascribed by the price someone is willing to pay.

Then he asked, "how much did God pay to rescue you?"

The answer: He gave up His own Son.

That is how valuable I am.

It blows me away. God ascribes value to this girl, and He says I was worth the death of His Son to be saved. That's the theme of this poem.

The last stanza is my favorite. May it remind you that our purpose is found in Jesus, and that's the most incredible, beautiful, and firm foundation we can build our lives upon!

 

When, four months ago, God sparked the idea to include warrior creators in this bookish adventure, I dreamed of having young artists who illustrated the poems.

And Treasure was that artist.

I read her this butterfly-themed poem aloud, gave her suggestions, and she took it away! There's something extra beautiful in the simplicity of hand-drawn flowers, a smiling sun, and clouds that look like shapes ("sometimes you see a cloud that just looks like a person," she told me!)

I'm inspired because God uses young warrior creators. I mean, I'm blown away every time I realize He chooses to use me, and His heart of love (that He says, "I ascribe value to this person) is amazing. (yet sometimes I wonder if He has an extra soft spot for little people, like how parents soften when grandbabies are born *wink* ♥) So meet the lovely Treasure:

bio:

Treasure Happy is a young artist who happily lives life with Jesus. She has a constant smile as she dances ballet, does flips around the house, dreams of being a painter, serves everyone around her, and loves math. She loves spending time with her siblings and creating in the kitchen, and if you find her at the barn, she’s cuddling her cat, Poppy.

God, however, because he is so rich in mercy, out of his deep love for us, even though we were dead in our offenses, gave us new life with the Messiah—it is by God’s gracious mercy and kindness that you have been saved...to display in the coming ages the extraordinary riches of his grace expressed in the kindness he has shown us through Messiah Jesus... as a freely-given gift...

- Ephesians 2:4-8

~♥~ 

Future Flowers, Whispered War-Cries || featuring Caroline Rutledge

 

Hello Friend!

I hope your Christmas weekend was blessed! *hugs* I savor the traditions, having all the siblings + their families home, and so much rest and laughter. ♥ And I'm sad that carols are done until next year; I enjoyed the joyful reminders to worship, thus I may be singing them all year long yet. *wink*

But. With future flowers, whispered war-cries releasing in four days, here's some little fun stuff for you!

Kindle pre-order opened! Click the link below to claim your copy! 

Want a sneak peek into the book?

Read on to see both a lovely interpretation of a poem in art form by the artist Caroline Rutledge and the poem itself!

When God sparked the idea to have illustrators join this project, Caroline was one of the first to pop to mind. Not only is she a dear friend + sister in Jesus, but she also illustrated The Torch Keepers! And she jumped on board! What an honor to have her illustrate three poems in the anthology. This girl is beautiful in so many ways, and I thank the Lord for her! 

bio:

Caroline is a beauty-creator to the core, and her fingers thrive when holding a pencil, paintbrush, or doing latte art. She spreads color and enlivens every bare chalkboard, wants to turn empty walls into vibrant murals, and her school papers were lined with the happiest doodles. Her goal is to make things that remind her of the beautiful splendor of creation. She also loves her family like crazy and fills her room with plants.

Instagram: @ruthie_anne

What was your favorite childhood game? Where would you travel to if you searched the world? And what was your favorite part of Christmas this year? Let's chat below!

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:11-12

 

~♥~

A New Book Publication this New Year's Eve?!

 

What if I told you I have a brand-new book release for you on New Year's Eve?

That would be crazy! Two books in one month?! *covers face*

But God seems to delight in doing impossible things. So He gave me a book, and I'm ready to slip it into your hands in EIGHT DAYS.

And here's the title...

future flowers, whispered war-cries:

poetry of a Kingdom

Oh guys, I can't say how special this book is to me.

It's an anthology of poems from over so many years... poems I cried through, laughed through, that shaped who I am. They're stuffed full of rich colors and joys and war-cries and stories and truths.

They all point to the fact that God is faithful. His Kingdom is coming. And this girl will be found waiting.

Simply put, they're war-cries. It's been my dream to have these poems in print, to grab them as a reminder of Truth, as a reminder of His faithfulness and an urge to travel on, even when everything fights against me.

AND there's bonus features:

Incredible artists collaborated to illustrate multiple of the poems!

A "behind the poems" section has stories, encouragements, and fun facts of what inspired the poems!

Are you as excited as I am?!

God already answered prayers in this book. After publishing The Tale of Honey-Water Farm and receiving sweet, amazing encouragement from readers who are soaking in the story, I had only two weeks to finish this book.

And there wasn't a cover.

But God.

He always does that. *wink* He takes an impossible situation with people (like me) who are completely inept... and He is faithful.

In many hours of crammed designing and dreaming and deleting, my cover designer and I finished.

We have a cover. And it's absolutely beautiful, guys.

AND I get to release it on our first day of snow?!

Without further ado, here's the cover we prayed over, labored over, and God supplied!

Presenting...

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.

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future flowers, whispered war-cries:

poetic truth of a Kingdom

coming December 31, 2022

Synopsis

a war is waging, and a King is coming.
thus, these poems sing.
they utter war-cries of faith for the one thick in battle.
they whisper teardrops of hope for the aching soul.
and they overflow in dancing, giggling worship because of love.
in stories and colors, emotions and beauties,
they’re an anthology drawing together to testify to the King
through heartfelt moments and
genuine truth
and in free verse and rhyme and behind-the-scenes stories.
an arsenal of indie artists are featured within their pages,
and laughingly, these more than eighty poems sing of joys to come
(like a poem with giraffes).
may every word
stir one’s heart to live for that Kingdom.

Do you see that snowy-mountain-y goodness on the cover?! Ahh, doesn't it make you wanna bundle up and tramp through the outside snow and celebrate the Christmas goodness that Jesus came, and He changes everything?!

Keep your eyes open for more updates and sneak peeks into the book AND for a release in eight days!

Are you a snow-loving soul, or do you prefer bundling up with a hot mug (or both!)?

What's a favorite poem or poet of yours, or do you rarely read poetry? Let's chat below!

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and rehid. Then out of his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.

Matthew 13:44

~♥~

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm book release!

 

I sit here humbled and blown away to say, "The Tale of Honey-Water Farm is published."

It wasn't me. Yes, I put a lot of work and hours and heart into these stories, but I'm blown away by a truth:

God knows the beginning from the end.

I'm here, just now seeing the end. But He already knew. Way back last year when I first heard of these hilarious, fun-loving characters, He. Knew. It was all Him:

God gave Ms. Debbie characters 6+ ago, and she should have forgotten them. She didn’t.

Other book proposals that didn't stick, and this one shouldn’t have either, but it did.

I can’t come up with story ideas on my own. He poured out inspiration and excitement.

I couldn't find a book title. He answered prayers and gave the perfect name.

 

Every step of the way, God made this story come alive! From chapters He filled with stories to the cover vibrant with farm feels I could never create on my own, God supplied. In the release party, He surrounded me with people who cheered this dream on. In the publication, He was there too.

This isn’t Hosanna or Ms. Debbie’s story; we gave it to God, and He was faithful.

That’s what this release party is about.

For me, it feels like an end, because it's my end of the creating process. But for you, it's a beginning.

Welcome to the world of Honey-Water Farm!!

I think you're gonna love it. *bear hugs*

Ahh! It's available on Kindle and paperback AND arrives before Christmas! *jumps up and down*

So. Ready for the release fun things?

First, the giveaway is over! I'll be picking the winner soon and will message them a congratulations! 

Second: three lovely gals signed up to be part of the book release on their own sites! They featured a fun book character with photos, bios, and more! These girls are a blessing, and I encourage you to hop to their sites and cheer them one, enjoy sneak peeks into the story, and wait for your paperback to arrive in the mail. *wink*

Meet Handsome Hansel the Horse

by Lillian 

https://lilliankeithauthor.wordpress.com

//

Meet Sheila Shear the Sheep
by Alicia

marentettealicia.wordpress.com

//

Meet Nelly the Nanny Goat

by Erika

writtenrest.wordpress.com

And third: the first 15 people to order a paperback win a free gift in the mail!

I've been looking forward to this. ;) Message me with confirmation of your purchase (a screenshot or receipt) + a mailing address!

And that's a wrap!

Thank you for everything, dear reader. I couldn't do this without you all and could do nothing without Jesus. He's awesome. ♥ Thank you, Friend! *more hugs*

Enjoy the story. *more hugs*

Just as all things pertaining to life and godly conduct are now ours as a gift bestowed by (God’s) divine power, on account of our knowing the one who summoned us for the sake of his own honor and renown.

2 Peter 1:3

 

~♥~

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm || meet Rowdy Russell the Raccoon

 

Hello, dear reader,

I'm excited to introduce you to one more Honey-Water Farm friend! This raccoon is adorable, and you could seriously grab him up in a great, big hug.

I grew up in the middle of nowhere on a farm, and we learned that farm animals included more than ducks, horses, sheep, and goats. We had possums and snakes... and raccoons, which happened to be one of my favorites. ;)

And maybe I'm partial because Ms. Debbie illustrated Russell adorably. ;) I hope you enjoy this little introduction to our character friend, Russell.

"Russell had the biggest raccoon smile in the whole wide world. He looked at the Helper who let out a deep laugh.

'Is this for real?' Russell asked."

Meet Russell.

He has a special place on the farm. He's not the funniest or bravest, and you'll find him constantly bumping his nose into a tree or tripping over roots. But arriving in the middle of the story, Russell has a deep love and loyalty to the Helper who invited him to live in Honey-Water Farm.

Russell gets to go on adventures, from a pond tea-party with a lollipop cake to collecting sap in the dark of night to make maple syrup and running into treacherous animals. 

But he also has secret treasures from his life before the farm, and he's not sure if he can give them up, even for the Helper.

When his old life and new life collide, he has to pick what's most important. He must decide if he'll be faithful to the Helper and if that sacrifice is worth it.

I think that's something we all have to decide:

Is Jesus worth it?

The Bible talks about there being a treasure in a field and a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:33-36), and the discoverers were willing to sacrifice everything to gain them. And in my own life, I've had to decide if Jesus was that treasure or if I wanted my life to pursue something else.

And I've watched my friends and siblings make that same decision. I saw my brother give up his most valued possession to follow Jesus faithfully because He asked that of him, but a friend decided that something else was more important and pursued that.

What's crazy is that Jesus loves both those people so, so much and died to offer them complete forgiveness and a future hope!! He lets the rain fall and the sun rise on both the evil and the good out of His great love, mercy, and kindness (Matthew 5:45). He desires us to belong to Him, like the Helper wants Russell's friendship and quality time and to be family.

I'm inspired when I read Russell's story. He's not only an adorable, fuzzy creature (*all the heart eyes*), but his decision to choose faithfulness or not inspires me to declare,

...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15

And to sing,

I have decided to follow Jesus

No turning back. 

I Have Decided

Jesus is worthy of it all, and following Him is the greatest joy in life!

At the end of Russell's story, he gets to experience something more wonderful than he ever imagined! So enjoy his tale, and may it challenge you to decide if Jesus is worthy of it all.

(psst) The Tale of Honey-Water Farm giveaway is still open! Click here to enter!

Or hop over to this link to preorder your own Kindle copy of the book!

So, would you consider raccoons a farm animal or no? And are they fuzzy and cute or rascally and wild? *wink* 

And if you're a Christ-follower, when did you first start following Jesus? Let's chat below!

For it brought me great joy when some brothers came and told me about your faithfulness to the truth, how you are in accordance with the truth living your life. 

3 John 1:3

~♥~

 

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm || GIVEAWAY!

Hello Friend!

My new book "The Tale of Honey-Water Farm" releases in 7 days (December 14)! So methinks it's time to celebrate with a book release giveaway!

This giveaway starts TODAY, and I'll pick a winner on release day! Scroll down to see the fun stuff.

(this was so fun to pick out. Just picture me with two happy sisters walking through a farm store finding the cutest animal gifts to give away. Writing farm books is the best. *grin*)

 

THE PRIZE:

• a proof copy of the book (the official book but a limited, early copy with a watermark)
• a Christmas-y, farmish mug
• chamomile citrus tea
• and an adorable goat ornament (because Nelly the Nanny Goat insisted on butting in here)

HOW TO ENTER:

• Just drop a comment!

(didn't you want another picture of the cute goat ornament?)

Sharing with friends or posting on your own blog or social media is encouraged but does not give bonus entries; I want this giveaway to simply be a huge thank you to YOU.

This book is a journey Jesus and I got to go on, and I dream that it will be a gift to you wonderful, encouraging blog readers. A gift to cheer you on as you seek Jesus fully and savor childlike joys, as it urges me to.

So drop a comment! Here's some fun questions to pick from!

// What's your favorite hot drink in winter?

// Describe 2022 in a word.

// What's your favorite Christmas tradition?

// Do you have a farm you love?

Let's chat! (I hope you win!) *wink*

Consider the amazing love that the Father has lavished on us, so great as for us to be called children, yes, of God! It’s true! ...

1 John 3:1 

~♥~

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm || meet Doubtful Doreana the Duck

Today on our family farm, there're cool rainclouds filling the pastures with bright puddles. It's a good day to be a duck. ;)

I've always thought ducks were one of the cutest farm animals! We've grown up with them since I can remember, and they are constant splashers. Ducks are one of those animals that can literally laugh (I've woken early to their quacking laughter!), they may show up on a random day with a dozen, tiny ducklings trailing behind, and yet they're maybe the messiest of any farm animal.

(I found them this week swimming in my cow trough leaving feathers and mud everywhere. And yes, they're still my favorite) ;)

Thus, while writing The Tale of Honey-Water Farm, this duck character was one of my favorites, and I think you'll have fun exploring her story!

“Doreana almost squawked like a chicken. ‘A surprise? Then I must get ready!’”

Meet Doreana.

She lives on the Honey-Water Farm with her neighbor, Tuff Tobias the Toad of the Pond Patrol, and loves it! She has a constant smile, can't help but "accidentally" splash everyone, and has skill as an artist (which is quite impressive if you imagine drawing with feathers!).

But she has one huge problem:

Her webbed feet are much too big.

She can’t fly, and she thinks they’re ugly. So Doreana tries to hide her feet with toenail polish, but it makes it worse. (I mean, nail polish on a duck is never a good idea.)

But the Farmer still loves this silly duck, and he has an exciting plan for her. It includes trekking through the swamp, meeting unexpected strangers, getting to have a pond tea party, and eating a banana.

But what I love is her relationship with the Farmer.

In the darkest moment, when she has nowhere else to go, he changes her life. He loved her as a lost duckling unable to fly south for the winter with her family, and he continues to guide her and treasure her as part of his family out of his great kindness. Even with her big, funny feet.

And because of that, she invites everyone to the farm!

Jesus did the same thing for me. He changes everything. He forgave me when I was a sinner and loved me when I was undeserving, and this life with Him is the best! I could dance around like Doreana just to praise Him!

Sometimes I imagine God looking at us and not seeing the people we are today... not the mistakes or awkwardness or distractedness. If we're in Jesus, we have been forgiven! Clean. Those sins are washed away and removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:11-13). And He is a kind, gentle Father. I imagine Him seeing the wonderful person He has created us to be, that man or woman in His image on the day He returns and restores shalom to this broken world.

And like a child with her Daddy, may we listen, learn, lean into His arms, and even now become that person. He doesn't leave us in the mess--He is our Teacher, and conviction is a beautiful thing.

That's what I see in Doreana. The Helper gave her everything she needed. He didn't look at her silliness and disqualify her; he loved her. It drew her to see something more important than big feet, and it changed the lives of a raccoon, rattlesnake, and a fox. (who you'll get to meet soon!)

Thank you, Jesus. ♥

So for all you duck lovers (like me), I hope you laugh through Doreana’s story and enjoy her adventures on Honey-Water Farm! Meet the scary characters she encounters in the swamp and enjoy the tea party for yourself!

The Tale of Honey-Water Farm is now available for preorder for Kindle on Amazon! Click here to claim your own copy!

Therefore, as people chosen by God, set apart and dearly loved, put on your "new clothes"--a heart of mercy and compassion, kindness...

Colossians 3:12

 

~♥~