When I penned I Am God's Storyteller in 2019, I learned a big lesson about creating work for children that truly reinforced the message of the book. God has given each of us unique and beautiful gifts with which to share the story of his love for us. My creative partner for that book was Eric … [Read more...] about Companions for the Journey: Update from the Ball Chair for 09/14/20
Books
I’m a Saint in the Making: Book Trailer Premiere!
Today, I'm delighted to invite you to a fancy red carpet premiere! Go ahead and don your fancy dress or suit. Touch up your lipstick and get your best selfie smile worked out. Here's a virtual box of popcorn and some Red Vines (my theater treat of choice!) But seriously, I'm super psyched to give … [Read more...] about I’m a Saint in the Making: Book Trailer Premiere!
Your Gifts Matter: Five Loaves and Two Fish
One beneficial side effect of our sequestration during the pandemic is the fact that I've found more time to read each day. I've been working my way through a few novels with my parents during our daily read-aloud time on Alexa. At the moment, we're mid-way through Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry … [Read more...] about Your Gifts Matter: Five Loaves and Two Fish
Give Your Loved Ones a “Virtual Gathering Gift” this Mother’s Day!
As we flip the calendar to May, many of us are thinking about how we normally celebrate Mother's Day and how this year will be different. The normal masses, brunches, and backyard gatherings will be replaced by zoom calls and facetime chats. To help you celebrate the special women in your life, … [Read more...] about Give Your Loved Ones a “Virtual Gathering Gift” this Mother’s Day!
Join Me for a Read Aloud!
On Tuesday, 4/21 at 11 am ET (8 am PT) I will be reading my children's book "I Am God's Storyteller" with my friends at Paraclete Press. Now, more than ever, it's time for us to share our stories and savor the stories of our loved ones. When creating this book in collaboration with my illustrator … [Read more...] about Join Me for a Read Aloud!
Rhonda Gruenewald and Vocations Ministry: Helping Create a Culture of Vocations
To her family, Rhonda Gruenewald is a devoted wife and mother. For the Church, Rhonda is a woman who has said "yes" to an ever-growing need to find a solution for the worldwide vocation crisis. Rhonda is passionate in her desire to provide parishes and diocese with effective, impactful tools to … [Read more...] about Rhonda Gruenewald and Vocations Ministry: Helping Create a Culture of Vocations
The Lessons We Teach Our Children
I’m working my way through some elective reading, just for fun, in the early morning hours of the day before it’s too scandalous to linger in pajamas with my nose in a book. One of the greatest blessings of life at 56 is the fact that you get to mostly be the boss of what hour of the day PJ-wearing … [Read more...] about The Lessons We Teach Our Children
Writing Updates and More
Hi friends and greetings from Gulfport, Mississippi! I'm sitting in the airport, preparing to fly to Boston to attend this weekend's Grand Opening celebration from the Museum of Prayer. I was combing through my email inbox and realized that I have a laundry list of items to share with you. … [Read more...] about Writing Updates and More
Our Lady of Charity Blog Novena, Day 4
Today, it is my deep honor and pleasure to present the prayers for Day 4 of a blog novena to Nuestra Señora de la Caridad of el Cobre, Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. This little slice of virtual virtue is the gift of Maria Morera Johnson, who is not only a gifted speaker and bestselling author but … [Read more...] about Our Lady of Charity Blog Novena, Day 4
Big Sale for Chime Travelers Books – 40% Off!
This week, in honor of the birthday celebration for Franciscan Media's online shopping store, the publisher of my Chime Travelers series of books is offering some terrific discounts. Among them is the chance to purchase the entire series of five books for 40% off the normal price. To take … [Read more...] about Big Sale for Chime Travelers Books – 40% Off!
Join Me for “Cooking with the Saints” Tomorrow, July 1
I'm excited (and admittedly a bit nervous) to share a fun experience tomorrow on my Instagram stories. I'll be "cooking with the saints"... specifically St. Junipero Serra on his feast day! This culinary craziness is to celebrate the launch of the new book Cooking with the Saints by Alexandra … [Read more...] about Join Me for “Cooking with the Saints” Tomorrow, July 1
Thank You for Supporting Our ACE Giving Campaign!
It's been a busy week, so I apologize for being a bit tardy to thank all of you for supporting our ACE Alliance for Catholic Education Giving Campaign. Our goal for the campaign was to raise sufficient funds to give one copy of I Am God's Storyteller to each of the 179 ACE teachers who will be in … [Read more...] about Thank You for Supporting Our ACE Giving Campaign!
Reminder! Book Signing Tomorrow at Notre Dame Bookstore!
Friends, just a quick reminder that Eric Carlson and I will be signing I Am God's Storyteller tomorrow, Saturday, May 18 from 1:30 pm to 3 pm at the Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore. We'd love to meet you in person, but if you're not in the area you can help us celebrate Eric's graduation and support … [Read more...] about Reminder! Book Signing Tomorrow at Notre Dame Bookstore!
You’re Invited! Book Signing at Notre Dame and Special Giving Campaign for Teachers!
Join us in a special campaign to donate books to 179 Alliance for Catholic Education teachers nationwide. As we celebrate the college graduation of "I Am God's Storyteller" illustrator Eric Carlson, we are hoping to raise $2000 to donate a copy of our book to every ACE teacher nationwide. On … [Read more...] about You’re Invited! Book Signing at Notre Dame and Special Giving Campaign for Teachers!
I Am God’s Storyteller
I Am God's Storyteller I Am God’s Storyteller invites children to use their gifts to shine God’s light and share the Gospel. Offering children examples of noted storytellers in Bible history (Sarah, Moses, Deborah, Esther, David, Isaiah, Mary, John the Baptist, and the Evangelists and early … [Read more...] about I Am God’s Storyteller
Ever Eden Literary Journal: Thoughtful Inspiration for Heart, Mind and Soul
Today, I'm happy to feature an interview with Amy O'Connell, the Founder of the new quarterly literary journal Ever Eden. A mix of all things wonderful, wise and whimsical, Ever Eden promises to be a quarterly boost of inspiration for your mind, heart and soul. To sample the journal, download a … [Read more...] about Ever Eden Literary Journal: Thoughtful Inspiration for Heart, Mind and Soul
