Tag Archives: faith

“Tending My Garden: A Celebration of Love, Life and Blessings” is the Perfect Blend of Poetry and Photography

June 27, 2017 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Poetry speaks to the heart, rhyming words that cut right to what is most important in life and first time author Jacqueline Miller Brown has captured that spirit in her book “Tending My Garden.” Her faith and trust in God’s love is abundantly clear in each poem whether she speaks of family love or the trials of life.

Utica, MS (USA), June 25th, 2017 — Poetry speaks to the heart, rhyming words that cut right to what is most important in life and first time author Jacqueline Miller Brown has captured that spirit in her book “Tending My Garden.” Her faith and trust in God’s love is abundantly clear in each poem whether she speaks of family love or the trials of life. Readers will find solace and joy in this beautifully appointed book in which each chapter is punctuated with the exquisite garden photography of her husband of 46 years, John Brown.

“I have been writing poetry since elementary school,” said Jacqueline Miller Brown. “Poetry comes naturally to me and I find it is the easiest way for me to convey the many blessing that God has provided throughout my life. I started by writing poems as a way to celebrate family and friends during their special moments in life. Poetry became a vehicle to acknowledge special events and made for personalized treasures that people looked forward to receiving.”

Open “Tending My Garden” at random and you’ll find a loving tribute to life and love and God that is meant to encourage the reader. Brown’s hope is that through her poetry, people will appreciate the little things in life and see that there is beauty all around, even in the midst of a world troubled and divided.

“I hope readers will be inspired, motivated, consoled and encouraged by my poems,” said Brown. “I believe that if we take the time to notice God’s gifts around us and see the beauty that God has blessed us with, that the world will be a much more loving place.”

“Tending My Garden” touches on the apparent and sometimes-hidden celebrations that we experience as a part of faith, family, relationships, coming of age, and the circle of life. Each chapter, eloquently illustrated with a single, photographed flower, helps us realize how fortunate we are and how our heavenly Father positively touches our lives every day.

John Brown, Jacqueline’s husband, is an avid photographer and finds great joy in capturing the beauty of a single bud. The photos throughout “Tending My Garden” have been taken by John and each image is so clear you can almost smell its beauty.

“I love flowers and for years my husband has enjoyed taking photos of our garden,” said Brown. “I saw this book as a wonderful opportunity to combine both our love of God and our individual gifts of poetry and photography. I am hoping “Tending My Garden” will be a global message that speaks to people from all walks of life and perhaps will even bring some people to want to learn more about the love of God.”

“Tending My Garden” is now available at Halo Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other outlets in paperback for $13.95.

* Halo Publishing

* Amazon

* Barnes and Noble

About Jacqueline Miller Brown:
Jacqueline Miller Brown enjoys inspiring others through her writing. Her poetry, articles, and word puzzles have been featured in various publications, including articles in the Vicksburg Post. Brown served as the women’s editor for the newspaper magazine The Voice in Decatur, Illinois, and she was an educator for many years, teaching English and reading courses throughout Mississippi and Illinois. Brown and her husband of forty-six years, John, currently reside in Utica, Mississippi. They have been blessed with two children and three grandchildren.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Entertainment

Christian Novel “The Yoke” Explores Deception, Faith, and Love

December 18, 2016 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Barnabas Mitchell wasn’t always a Christian. In fact, he had a lot of doubts about his faith. As an attorney, faith in the facts and how to present them for the benefit of his clients took precedence in his life.

Carbondale, IL (USA), December 18th, 2016 — Barnabas Mitchell wasn’t always a Christian. In fact, he had a lot of doubts about his faith. As an attorney, faith in the facts and how to present them for the benefit of his clients took precedence in his life. However, all of that came into question when he met Stephanie Schultz.

“Writing this story has been a many year endeavor,” said author Darrell Dunham. “In fact, the original version that I wrote five years ago bears little resemblance to the finished product. As I spent time with the characters and chronicled Barnabas’ journey to turn his life over to God, the story took on a life of its own. Originally the book was based on some of my own experiences questioning my faith and making the decision to put my life in God’s hands. I wanted to create a story that others who are questioning their faith could relate to. In fact, many of the arguments for resisting God that Barnabas shares were direct quotes from my own discussions with others of faith.”

In “The Yoke” readers will be captivated by the story of Barnabas and his nemesis Bill Cushman, who appears to have everything going for him, but who is truly an evil entity with an agenda that will challenge and frustrate our main character. However, at the core, “The Yoke” is the love story of Barnabas and Stephanie and Barnabas and God.

The word “yoke” was originally associated with oxen or work animals and represented a connection between the animal and the farmer. In this book by Dunham, the yoke refers to a number of the relationships Barnabas has in his life; with Bill Cushman, with Stephanie and ultimately with God.

“I reference my favorite scripture as part of the epilogue,” said Dunham.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“This is one unexpected ride,” said Lisa Umina, founder and publisher of Halo Publishing International. “If you were expecting a milquetoast story because of the fact that it is a Christmas novel, you are in for a surprise. Highly entertaining and so well written, I encourage those who are people of faith or who are questioning their faith and looking for a good story to pick up “The Yoke”.”

“The Yoke” is now available at Halo Publishing, Amazon. It is available in paperback for $15.95.

* Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612445004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481657302&sr=8-1&key

About Darrell Dunham:
Darrell Dunham practices law in southern Illinois. He has been a Christian for more than thirty-five years. He and his wife, Betsy, have five children and six grandchildren. He wrote this book because he believes that there should be more Christian literature written for the benefit of young adults who are looking for encouragement in their faith journey.

Entertainment

Is Believing Enough or Do You Need Hope and Oxygen, Too?

September 27, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Surviving divorce, raising children and starting over is something Katie Kelley Detmer understands all too well.

San Antonio, TX (USA), September 25, 2015 — Katie Kelley Detmer is an emerging author and speaker looking to touch those around her with a message of faith, family and hope. Detmer always wanted to write, but it wasn’t until after her divorce, the loss of her parents and being a mother of three children that she gained the courage to share her personal story of love, struggles, faith, hope and courage.

In her debut novel Hope & Oxygen, Detmer touches readers and shares her motto of: “It is never as bad as it seems and even though it may be hard, it’s never impossible.” Detmer’s book is geared to women and single mothers, however, fathers will be able to connect to many of the personal journeys Detmer shares such as learning even if something seems dark, impossible, you just need to take the first five minutes…the first step and keep going. Detmer talks about how single parents, wives and husbands need to focus on the first few days, weeks or months and not focus on fives years out from the goal.

“My book covers the seven-year journey I took in getting back into the work force and the dating scene after my divorce as a single mother of three children. It wasn’t easy raising my kids on my own. I had to learn how to balance my life while making sure I kept my focus on myself, my kids and what I wanted to achieve at work,” shared Detmer. “My journey had many ups and downs. I made mistakes, and sometimes people in my life were not honest with me, and I had to protect my kids from it all the best I could.”

Hope & Oxygen is a true story and starts with Katie Kelley Detmer’s earliest memories of a chaotic event that she survived without a blemish. Well, sort of. Detmer’s life has been a series of unexpected events and obstacles that she has had to hurdle. From getting divorced to dating a man sometime after who was trouble but seemed wonderful at the time, and later watching her children go through challenges, including her son being told he wouldn’t be a football player; miraculously, Detmer has always landed on her feet.

“My book isn’t about my ex-husband or why my marriage failed but rather a story about starting over with three kids and traveling down that unchartered path that so many woman travel. I didn’t want this to be a negative or dark book but rather a book of hope laced with plenty of humor even though at the time it may not have seemed funny” said Detmer. “Sharing the trials and tribulations about ‘that guy’ I dated after my divorce was critical to my book as so many woman I have met over the years have ‘that story’. Things don’t always end well in relationships, including marriages. Yes, sometimes an ex can be awful and painful, but my story isn’t about those things. It’s about picking yourself up, dusting off the bad memories and starting over. I want readers to know that things aren’t always that bad and with hope and oxygen, all things are possible.”

Hope & Oxygen takes readers full cycle throughout Detmer’s journey and the tiny opportunities that come along to keep her moving forward through it all.

“Everyone can tell you it is impossible, but it’s not. We do need companionship, be it family, friends or a special person in our lives,” commented Halo Publisher Lisa M. Unima. “I believe it was faith and the importance of her children that helped get Katie through it all. Women email her to share their stories, and that truly shows the inspiration Hope & Oxygen gives readers.”

You can purchase Hope & Oxygen through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon and B&N.

Biography:
Katie Kelley Detmer is the proud mother of three children. She grew up in New England, went to college in Boulder, Colorado and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is an outside enthusiast and has traveled the world cultivating lifelong friendships and memories.

Hope & Oxygen by Katie Kelley Detmer, publisher Halo Publishing, Int., ISBN: 9781612443690; Price: $14.95

Entertainment

New Book Encourages Couples to Celebrates Life Even When One of Them Has a Terminal Illness

August 29, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

The personal narrative of Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer, by Kasey Crawford Kellem is a remarkable memoir that shares her personal struggle, unconditional love for her husband Craig, and their losing battle against prostate cancer.

Cleveland, OH (USA), August 27th, 2015 — There’s more than one way to tell a sad story, but sharing a true story of love, hope, faith and the loss of a loved one to cancer can be painful, difficult and heart wrenching, as well as uplifting and encouraging. The personal narrative of Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer, by Kasey Crawford Kellem is a remarkable memoir that shares her personal struggle, unconditional love for her husband Craig, and their losing battle against prostate cancer.

“We loved, laughed and lived to the very end,” shared Kasey. “We didn’t give up on life just because of a grim outcome. Craig’s life touched many people from family, close friends and strangers who followed our journey through social media.”

In the memoir, Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer readers experience some of the uplifting events and ways Kasey and Craig celebrated, danced and enjoyed life. “You have a choice in this world and we chose to believe,” said Kasey, and believe they did. With a cancer diagnosis hanging over their heads, Kasey and Craig paid it forward by encouraging others also battling cancer and hardships to find the joy in life around them. Kasey and friend, Harry, even started a trend based off the concept of a Flash Mob to help uplift not only Craig, but family, friends, co-workers and complete strangers with what they dubbed a Love Mob.

Kasey is a big believer, teacher and role model of being resilient. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and having lost her mother eleven years ago, she knows how to overcome challenges. “My mom used to say, ‘If this is the worst that can happen to you, then you’re lucky,’” said Kasey. “Craig also had a motto: ‘This too shall pass.’ Because we believed and celebrated life, laughed, dreamed and were surrounded by loving people, we were able to get through the hard times.”

In Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer readers will relate to the love and devotion Kasey and her husband Craig experienced as they believed and celebrated to the very end. Much of the memoir draws upon memories and social media posts Kasey shared on Facebook throughout their journey with cancer. “When I sat down to write after Craig passed, it was very raw and fresh to me the experiences we went through. I found going through my timeline and being able to reflect was very cathartic and therapeutic. I wasn’t able to process what was happening to us at the time. I was on autopilot. I couldn’t let myself get emotional. I had to be a rock for my husband. But now, I was able to see what happened and how we made it through to the end. Writing this memoir has helped me process everything. I’m not bitter. I don’t play the ‘What if’ game. We lived…we believed,” shared Kasey.

Kasey Crawford Kellem’s raw honesty reveals every emotion she faced and the various thoughts that raced through her mind after her husband Craig was given his death sentence. Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer is not exactly happy. It’s not that kind of book. However, it will linger long and hard in the minds of readers and show life is worth living no matter the outcome. But it’s not a cancer book either…because cancer books suck.

“In the midst of a cancer diagnosis, most patients and family members find it difficult to retain the information they hear. Having a loved one live with a terminal diagnosis for an extended period of time is fast replacing sudden and unexpected death as a norm,” said Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina. “In this emotional rendition of Kasey and Craig’s battle with cancer, Kasey encourages people fighting this dreaded disease to never lose hope, to keep believing and to celebrate life to the every end.”

You can purchase Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon, B&N and local bookstores.

Biography:
Kasey Crawford Kellem, a school counselor, has devoted her life to helping others facing adversity overcome their challenges and be resilient. She earned a bachelor and master’s degree in special education and an educational specialist degree in counseling. Kasey is the author of five Mind Over Matter children’s books: Believe; Love; Relax; Laugh; and Dream. She is a recent widow, stepmother, sister, daughter and friend to many.

Don’t Stop Believing: Our Journey with Cancer by Kasey Crawford Kellem, publisher Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN: 978-1-61244-379-9; Price: $14.95

Entertainment

Successful Businessman Shares Personal Journey to Self-Discovery and Faith

March 31, 2015 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Greg Grandchamp is not trying to sell you on his religion, in fact, calling himself a Christian had no impact on his life until he grew in his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and realized how many people were what he now calls, “Cardboard Christians.”

Colorado Springs, CO (USA), March 31st, 2015 — Greg Grandchamp is not trying to sell you on his religion, in fact, calling himself a Christian had no impact on his life until he grew in his own personal relationship with Jesus Christ and realized how many people (himself included) were what he now calls, “Cardboard Christians.” Wanting to change this stereotype in his own life, and in others, he set out to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. His goal, to stimulate awareness and increase the understanding of what being a Christian is really about, and help others enhance their own faith and restore their sense of connection to true Christianity.

“To the world, it is as if we are trying to build our numbers and that isn’t what Christianity is about. It is a life commitment and Jesus should be our center or life is meaningless,” says Grandchamp. “I want people to understand Christianity isn’t about following rules, rituals and guidelines either. It’s not about a nice person being nicer. It’s about acting like a Christian and being able to share your faith… a testimony of Christ.”

Grandchamp’s debut novel, In Pursuit of Truth (published by Halo Publishing, Int.) is about how Christianity today is often viewed by others as judgmental, hypercritical and condemnatory.

“People feel very uncomfortable talking about Christ. They don’t want friends to feel pushed. I want people to feel at ease to talk about Jesus Christ and his role in our lives,” states Grandchamp, “There is no middle ground if Jesus Christ is who he says he is—then that, changes everything! You can’t be blasé. You have to accept or reject him. It’s your choice, but you need to know both sides first.”

Too often people are turned off by what they see in religion. Many feel religious practices are bound by rules and regulations. Grandchamp asks readers to ponder and answer the question, “Who is Jesus Christ?” for themselves.

“Greg, in his book ‘In Pursuit of Truth,’ tries to dispel false assumptions of religion and show true Christianity is nothing more—and nothing less—than a relationship with Jesus Christ. He really reaches out to the reader to deepen their relationship with Christ. There is and can be a harmony between spirituality and everyday life. So many are understandably fearful of getting out of their comfort zone and taking those barrier-busting leaps of faith,” says Halo Publisher Lisa M. Umina.

You can purchase “In Pursuit of Truth” through Halo Publishing, Amazon and B&N.
Cost $11.95 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1-61244-339-3
Available in both print and eBook.

Biography:
Greg Grandchamp lives in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife of 30 years. He and Norma have four adult children and five grandkids, who they adore. Greg and his wife love to RV in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Greg is a senior executive in the mortgage industry and brings his faith into his business world. He is an accomplished public speaker and trainer, but mostly loves teaching the Bible in a way that touches hearts. For more information, visit http://www.halopublishing.com

Entertainment

Overcoming Fear Simply a Matter of “Faith”

July 17, 2013 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Author Elizabeth Kail Arnita says everyone has fears to face and her newest book Be Brave Bettina offers a lesson in how to overcome them.

Houston, TX (USA), July 17th, 2013 — Author Elizabeth Kail Arnita says everyone has fears to face and her newest book Be Brave Bettina offers a lesson in how to overcome them. Her character, Bettina, is a caterpillar afraid to become a butterfly. The transformation is a long and seemingly impossible journey.

“Through the encouragement of her new friends, Bettina faces and overcomes the fear that once threatened to keep her from becoming who she was made to be,” Arnita said. “I have firsthand experience with facing a paralyzing fear while struggling to overcome shyness and insecurity,” she said. “But by facing the fear and recognizing that the ‘what ifs’ exist, I have been able to move forward.”

Published through Halo Publishing International, Be Brave Bettina is a story that will help readers recognize that everyone has some level of self doubt, but that each of us also has an inner strength,” said Publisher Lisa Umina.

Arnita said Bettina reflects her reliance on God in all circumstances. “He is always there to offer love and guidance on our journey.” “Be Brave Bettina gives an example of how God will never leave us or forsake us, especially when we are going through difficult times.”

Born and raised near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the author is the youngest of 12 children. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh where she met her husband, Shadi. They have four children, reside in McMurray, Pennsylvania and are members of the Bible Chapel. Elizabeth and Shadi founded and manage a non-profit organization that funds and supports children who experience the cruel and harsh reality of poverty. Welcome the Children is assisting youngsters in Kenya and Panama where more than 500 students are given an opportunity to better themselves through nourishment provided for their body, mind and spirit, Arnita explained. Proceeds from Be Brave Bettina and the author’s first book, Baby Come Home, support the efforts of Welcome the Children.

To learn more about the Arnitas’ mission, visit http://www.welcomethechildren.org. To reach the author, e-mail her at e.arnita@welcomethechildren.org or call (724) 969-0891. To order copies of Be Brave Bettina, visit http://www.halopublishing.com.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
AP #726 / P.O. Box 60326
Houston, TX 77205-0326 – USA
877-705-9647
lisa@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Art, Entertainment, Media, Religion, Society

Anecdotes And A Philosphy Of Life From A Family Of Sixteen

June 6, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

Is there an uneasiness that tugs at you from your interior? What is the meaning and purpose of life? Do you want to live in the world without being of the world? How can one achieve true happiness and fulfillment? These are questions addressed in BETTER BY THE DOZEN, PLUS TWO, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen, written by James and Kathleen Littleton, parents in the process of raising fourteen living children.

This unique and inspiring book unmasks many of the fundamental errors of our time, with the authors offering a concrete hierarchy of values or priorities to live by in the midst of what they describe as a seriously disordered modern dominant culture. It is designed to be an appealing and interesting read for anyone and everyone intended to move the reader to serious reflection on the state of his or her life, and to hopefully come away with some helpful resolutions of a spiritual and/or practical nature.

The Littletons offer experience and insights into subjects including faith, family, living by a hierarchy of values, marriage, motherhood, openness to life, miscarriage, formation of children, service, dealing with difficulties of life, and the importance of having a sense of humor

***Links to Publication: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/littleton or

http://www.amazon.com/BETTER-THE-DOZEN-PLUS-TWO/dp/tags-on-product/1430323981

About the Authors:
James Littleton, Catholic revert, speaker, spiritual guide, radio guest, contributor toCatholic.net and Catholiclane.com; co-author, with his wife Kathleen, of Better by the Dozen, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen andauthor of soon to be published Healed through Cancer and Other Adversities. Jim and his wife, Kathleen are parents of nineteen children, fourteen living on earth, ages twenty-six to six, and five living in heaven. He is available as a speaker or retreat or workshop presenter on a wide range of Healing, Faith and Family topics. His guest appearances on television and radio programs include: EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa, November 11, 2009; EWTN’s Bookmark with Doug Keck, May 9, 2010; Light of the East, host Fr Thomas Loya; The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio; Kresta in the Afternoon on Ave Maria Radio; The Doctor Is In with Coleen Mast on Ave Maria Radio; and Speak Now with Susan Konig on Sirius Satellite Radio the Catholic Channel; Radio Maria, Lost and Found, with Traci Matheu. He has been featured in numerous articles including Zenit, Lifesite News, Immaculate Heart Messenger Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and many more.

James can be reached with questions, comments, interview or speaking engagement requests at jamesmlittleton@gmail.com.

BOOK CONTENTS
1. How We Came to Be a Family
2. How We Came to Live our Faith
3. Hierarchy of Values
4. Marriage
5. Motherhood
6. Openness to Life
7. Miscarriage
8. Formation of Children
9. Called to Service
10. On the Cross
11. Importance of Having a Sense of Humor

Praise for Better by the Dozen, Plus Two:

“Here’s a family you won’t forget. And reading about them will brighten your day and deepen your faith. I was blessed in meeting them because their three oldest girls attended or attend Ave Maria University —and we’re hoping the 11 younger siblings will follow in their footsteps! You’ll find 16 reasons for being joyfully counter-cultural.”
Fr. Joseph D. Fessio, S.J.
Editor, Ignatius Press and Theologian in Residence, Ave Maria University

“In Better by the Dozen, Plus Two James and Kathleen Littleton have written a truly profound book that may change your family forever. Through Scripture, Catechism, family anecdotes, and simple “how to” practical advice, this work will challenge and inspire all families both large and small. Throughout the book one thing is clear; the Littleton family perseveres and thrives because of God’s Sacramental Grace. Read this book and be encouraged. Read this book and be awed. Read this book and learn how you, too, can raise a family firmly rooted in Faith and Love for Christ and His Church.”
Mark and Elizabeth Matthews
Authors of Precious Treasure, the Story of Patrick and A Place for Me

“For those looking to invite God not just to their wedding, but also into their marriage, this is a must read. The Littleton ‘s personal journey in striving to be open to God’s will, and then to live his will, offers the inspiration and tools to accomplish this in our own lives.”
Kris Cortes
Co-founder, Virtue in Action and Our Faith in Action

Praise Posted on Amazon.com:

Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011I read this book at least once a year. I am now in my fourth reading since purchasing it. You will fall in love with this large, Irish Catholic family, as I have. Jim and Kathleen Littleton are devout Catholics who have not been afraid to make radical choices when it comes to living a Christ-centered life or raising a family in such a way that goes completely against the grain of the dominant culture. They have been such an inspiration to me. In fact, after my husband read this book, he decided to become a Catholic! The Littletons have 14 living children. In this book, they will share with you what they are convinced are God’s Hierarchy of Values, namely, God, Spouse, Children, Work, and then Service Work/Apostolate. They also discuss Marriage, Motherhood, Openness to Life, Formation of Children, Service, Cross-Carrying, and the necessity of possessing a sense of humor. Whenever I become discouraged as a parent, I know that it’s time to take this book off of the shelf and read it again. It is the only Catholic book on parenting and devotion that I continue to read over and over again. I eagerly await their next book, and hope that one day, there will be one. 5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011 By Tara ( Alamogordo, NM)

Jim and Kathleen are a beautiful example of understanding, living, and teaching the Catholic faith. I felt like I wanted to be adopted by them! 5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating, October 12, 2007 By Suzanne Earl St. Joseph, pray for us! ( Illinois )

This book is proof that current cultural wisdom is wrong and that the Catholic teaching on openness to life is right. Who knows better, you or God? The Littletons are an excellent example of the generosity God is asking for. One important lesson pointed out by James and Kathleen Littleton is that the world looks at children as a burden which actually belittles the contribution that children bring. They are not just empty stomachs and brains demanding to be fed and sent to college. They are persons who contribute to the family from the day they are brought into it–and more and more as they mature. This book was like a pleasant stroll through a different world in which values were properly prioritized. I only wish there were more anecdotes about the children’s interaction with each other and the hostile world. I loved the one about two older kids saving 10 seats in a theater during the previews while the younger ones waited in the lobby so they didn’t have to look at all the junk in the previews. A good gift for your teenaged sons and daughters. A mandatory gift for Pre-Cana classes. Good idea for Engaged- and Marriage Encounter Weekend attendees. Five Stars Countercultural May 21, 2012 By Jeffery R. King.

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Entertainment

Child’s Birth Inspires Book about Unbounded Love

December 7, 2011 flashnewsrelease Leave a comment

Inspired by the birth of her adopted son, Caleb, author Melissa Ivey Staehli wrote I Love You to the Moon, a new children’s book about unbounded love.

Houston, TX (USA), Tuesday – December 06, 2011 — Inspired by the birth of her adopted son, Caleb, author Melissa Ivey Staehli wrote I Love You to the Moon, a new children’s book about unbounded love.

“I am so thankful and blessed that Caleb’s birth mother chose life for him. The love I have for my son is what inspires me to write,” Staehli said.

A simple, poetic lullaby, I Love You to the Moon is a book that any loved one can read to a young child to let them know how much they are loved.

“Born out of a mother’s love for her child, this book will bless both the reader and child,” said Halo International Publisher Lisa Umina. “Sharing unbounded love with a child benefits our world forever.”

A native of the Akron, Ohio area, author Melissa Staehli grew up being close to her brother and four cousins, children of her mother’s twin. She attended Chapel Hill Christian elementary school where her husband, Jared, also was educated as a child. “Acquainted only” according to the writer, throughout school, the couple reconnected in their early twenties and married in 1993. Jared earns a living as a videographer/editor/producer and Melissa was employed as a nail technician when Caleb miraculously arrived in their lives.

“His birth mother generously decided to let a family adopt him,” Staehli explained, “and we had already started the adoption process through Korea, never knowing that a domestic adoption was meant to be.”

Staehli had written several poems over the years, including “one about God giving me a baby boy,” she said. I Love You to the Moon is basically another personal poem, one inspired by her faith in God and true love for her child, she said.

Staehli is available for book signings, readings and hopes to share her book throughout the community. She hopes to remind people “that we all should be thankful everyday of the year, because we have so many blessings.”

The author is working on her second book, Charlie’s Gingerbread House, also to be published by Halo Publishing International.

To reach author Melissa Staehli, call 330-322-6357 or e-mail melissa@joyfulbooks.com. To learn more about the book, or to order, please visit: http://www.ILoveYouToTheMoon.com or http://www.halopublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
AP #726 / P.O. Box 60326
Houston, TX 77205-0326
877-705-9647
lisa@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com