Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Awesome Upcoming Events

Hello Dear Friends,

It's been a few days since I have blogged, so I thought tonight might be a good time to share some news and thoughts with you.

Well, I have a new children's book coming out before Christmas. The title is My Misguided Wish List. My illustrator has already called it a tear-jerker, and it is, but there's some fun in it too. You know me. I always include some kind of important life lesson in each book I write. I think I'm getting a reputation for that. I think that's important. I'm a firm believe it having fun while you're learning. I'm also developing a reputation for writing fun, wacky, warped books with highly visual art that children love. This is kind of a title I have put on myself, but I write children's books for all ages. Does that sound crazy to you? Maybe, but it's true. Many older folks purchase my children's books and not always to give away. Sometimes they just buy them for themselves, . At least that's what they tell me.

I want to tell you that if you live within an hour's drive of me in Amory, MS and you operate/own a daycare or preschool, you might want to contact me. I have a fabulous offer for you that you'll find hard to turn down. Would it mean anything if I told you that you that can invite me in for an author visit and save HUNDREDS of dollars right now? That should get somebody's attention and it's all TRUE. So, what are you waiting for? You have nothing to lose by sending me a FB message, text or e-mail. Let's chat.

This coming Saturday, Shawn Brannon, personal trainer and the CEO of B Train Fitness, is hosting a GINORMOUS event. It's called the BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH for KIDS and I promise you don't want to miss it. I know it says it's for kids. But, it's for little kids, big kids, young kids, older kids and kids in-between. You're bound to fit into one of those categories. 

There will be some over-the-top fun activities, SPECIAL guests, a book signing, drawings for prizes and a whole lot more. You know you don't want to miss this slap-dab good time with us.

Meet us at B Train in Amory, MS Saturday, August 16th. From 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. we'll have the best time we've had in a long time. Did I mention the photo booth and boy, oh, boy, the Stache Dash will be something else. Seems Shawn has thought of just about everything. Come spend the entire two hours with us and soak up everything that will be offered that day. 

Be sure and stop by my book table. I want to meet you and sign a book for you. Special discount prices will apply for this special event. Educators, I have a special brochure for you. If you teach in any school system, let me know you teach. I want to connect with you.

Well, I have showered you with information tonight. I hope you have a great night's sleep and wake up refreshed to start a brand new day bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Until next time,

Pat

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Mission Opportunities

Dear Friends, 

I hope today finds you happy and healthy. I want to share something pretty unique and wonderful  with you today.

Six years ago my church started a yearly project that was labeled FAITH WORKS.  This 2 1/2 day project each year is all about going out into the town and community and helping others. Sadly, most of those years I have not been able to participate like many others. However, many from our church and other willing participants do much good for many families during this season of our church. As my pastor was talking Sunday night about the many good things the Lord had led our church family to do, this poem from my poetry book-Walk Softly (You're Steppin' On My Heart!), popped into my mind. I'd love to share it with you now. It seems appropriate to me for the situation. 

                                   AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You see a ragged person on the corner,
Someone who clearly needs a helping hand,
Clothed in tattered shirt and jeans with patches, 
Do you pass on by or do all that you can?

Matted hair that cries for some attention,
Aerated shoes that shouldn't be,
Eyes that yearn for someone just to notice,
And offer their assistance willingly. 

Lips that look like food has been a stranger,
A heart that needs to feel that someone cares,
Ears that ache to hear somebody loves them,
A helping hand today is far too rare.

The "Good Book" says that Jesus is our Pattern,
Willing vessels are too scarce; it's true.
The question that forever keeps me mindful is
"In times like these, what would Jesus do?"

Jesus would encourage with His kind words;
The love within His heart He'd scatter 'round.
A weary mind, uncertain of tomorrow,
Downtrodden spirits, He'd pick off the ground.

He'd say,"Every child's a child of mine, so feed him,
Replace the clothes that time has worn away,
Provide the needed clothing for his cleansing,
Don't put off later what he needs today."

Meeting every need would be His mission;
When least expected, we're put to the test. 
If Jesus can do all these things and wants to,
Then who are we to do less than our best?
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I hope you enjoy my poem and that the Lord uses it to encourage you to step out and do for others too. 

Until the next time,

Pat