New plan coming soon

Several years ago, I began my own little project on social media where I posted a favorite moment of the day.  (Wow, I really like giving myself projects and challenges!)  It was a big hit and I kept every record, for an entire year, of the post I wrote and the comments I received.  I have read it many times since then and I love looking back at what was going on in our lives at the time and reliving each favorite moment.

Last year, I guess, or maybe even two years ago, as I was reliving my memories, I began to write Bible verses I was reminded of or short "lessons" I had learned from that favorite moment.  It has turned into a sort of daily devotional book for myself.  It has caused me to dive deeper into God's word to find the exact verse or story that I was thinking about.  In a nutshell, it helps me get back to what's really important - a relationship with God and being a Godly example to my children and others.

I say all that to say this:  in December, I will begin sharing those favorite moments and the daily devotionals with all of you on this blog for the entire year.  My plan is to actually publish it one day just so I will have it all together in one place when I need it.  There were days that I forgot to write a favorite moment so I may still throw in a children's story or two but I will mainly use this blog for the purpose of spreading the good news to others.  It will also allow me to focus on my children's book promotion and book signings without feeling the pressure of having to write for the blog (although the pressure is self-imposed and I will still have to write since I don't have a devotion for every favorite moment just yet).

I hope you all will share this journey with me and share it with others.  I never set out to have a record number of readers on this blog but I am very flattered that my posts average about 15 views.  That may not seem like much to the big time bloggers out there but it makes this little southern girl's heart smile!  I just wanted somewhere for all my stories, poems, thoughts, and dreams to go instead of on napkins, post-its, notebooks, and church bulletins!

If I don't post until December, I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Take a bath!

Dear child, will you please take a bath?

You could make a bubble beard, fluffy and white,
and pretend you're St. Nick on your Christmas Eve flight. 

Dear child, will you please brush your teeth?

Your teeth look so nice when they are shiny and clean
like you could be on the cover of a magazine! 

Dear child, will you please comb your hair?

I know it may hurt to get the tangles out
but you'll look so refined when you're walking about.

Dear child, will you please go to sleep?

For a great day at school, you need your rest.
So dream big and tomorrow, just be your best!

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles
(for all those who have this nightly struggle)

Here's what I'm thinking...

As if I don't have enough going on, my brain is trying to add more for me to do.  I had a little driving to do today while taking my oldest to a consultation for upcoming wisdom teeth surgery and a thought I've had before crept back into my mind.  I want to write a Spanish book - like, a textbook.

I use personal stories and photos in class to teach vocabulary because I'm not real fond of what's out there in textbooks.  So, I thought this afternoon about drawing or creating my own characters, based on my family, of course, and making lessons out of it.  I'm sure I'll do it...eventually.

So now I'm working on promoting my newest children's book and scheduling local book signings, writing the next book for the series, still working on my daily devotional book I started several years ago, and trying to write a blog post everyday.  Whew!  Now, I've added Spanish textbook to my list.   Not to mention I have 3 kids, a husband, a messy house, a kitten, a dog, and I have to feed all these people and animals!  My oldest is a senior so there's senior portraits, cap and gown, invitations, college applications, ACT exams, AP exams...AAAAHHHHHH!  I'm struggling financially so I worry about that constantly, even though God tells me not to worry.  I barely get any sleep, and the sleep I do get is not restful.  But through all this, I feel God telling me to "just write".  I know he will help me through and will continue to give me the inspiration and motivation I need.  Right now, I guess the 5-6 hours of sleep are enough.  He does provide me with art sales when I'm absolutely out of money and need gas in the car.  I have faith this will all be okay.

Having said all that, here's how you can help.  Buy my book!  Or buy both books (different publishers, different websites - sorry).  Buy some art!  Makes great, handmade, thoughtful Christmas gifts.  Share this page and the links with your friends.  Pray for me.  Really.  This one's free and I need all the prayers I can get!  Let me know if you can help set up a book signing in your area at a small bookstore or children's boutique.  My idea is to go on a nationwide book tour this summer with my family - seeing parts of the country we've never seen, visiting old friends, and promoting my book along the way.

Head on over to this website to purchase my newest children's book:
https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781631859601

Head to this website to publish my first ever children's book that I also illustrated:
http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products/SKU-0037244017/I-am-a-Positive-Child.aspx

Head to my Etsy site to purchase art and gifts:
www.jencdesigns.etsy.com


I ask my students in my Dream Builders class, "What are you doing today to help you build your dream?"  Well, this is my step for today towards building mine!  Thanks for reading and I hope to have a poem or story for you soon.

Thank you, veterans

Thank you, veterans, far and near,
for all you've done throughout the year.

Whether you serve today or served before,
we're forever grateful for your dutiful tour.

Each day we awaken in this free land
is given by God but protected by your hand.

Veterans young and old, you serve us well.
We will never forget the ones that fell.

Fighting for freedom and peace on Earth,
sometimes missing your own child's birth.

You sacrifice self in so many ways
and we proudly celebrate you on this day.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles
Original artwork copyright 2014 Archer Charles

Let me explain

Okay, let me explain.  I have been busy, had a few days of sickness, and I've been working hard on some art pieces for my church's holiday bazaar.

However, there is some great news!  My new children's book is ready for all of you to order!  It is currently available (see the link below) directly from the publisher.  I will have copies in a few weeks and will begin a series of local book signings in December. 

What can you do?  Order my book!  Bring it to the signings to get autographed!  Give it to someone as a Christmas gift! 

https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781631859601

And I'm already working on the next book in the series so for those of you with little boys, that book is in the works!

Have a blessed night and I hope to be creating more stories and poems for you soon!