A Night to Remember at Fables Books
 
Goshen First Fridays was buzzing a little louder this month—and not just from the usual festivities. It was the official launch of my children’s book, Remmy's Sticky Situation, and the turnout at Fables Books in downtown Goshen, Indiana, was nothing short of incredible. My talented illustrator, Jasmine Wall, joined me for the event, and together we got to meet so many wonderful families who were just as excited about Remmy's mischievous adventure as we were.

Why Forgiveness Isn't Just for Adults

Remmy’s Sticky Situation is a fun story for children about friendship, forgiveness, a bit of STEM and some social-emotional learning. All wrapped up in a sweet little mystery.
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But let’s be honest. Forgiveness is a BIG deal. It isn’t just something adults need to figure out — kids need it too. They need to learn early on that it’s okay to mess up, to own it, and to ask for forgiveness. And they also need to see what happens when we extend grace to others. Remmy's Sticky Situation (launching May 2) shows just that — a playful but powerful reminder that even children can experience the deep peace that comes from doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

This past weekend, I rewatched Voyage of the Dawn Treader, part of C.S. Lewis’ beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. One line struck me in a fresh, soul-deep way—spoken not from a pulpit or page of Scripture, but from the mouth of Prince Caspian:
 
“I’ve spent too long wanting what was taken from me and not what was given. I was given a kingdom.”
 
In this season of Easter, those words echo louder than ever. How many of us, like Caspian, find ourselves holding tightly to what we've lost? A dream, a loved one, a simpler time, or a sense of certainty. Loss can quietly become our lens. It clouds our gratitude and dims our joy.

Here I am, at 60, doing something I’ve always wanted to do. Yes … it’s taken me a long time to get here. I mean, I wrote my first story about a bunny who had a wicked stepmom at the age of 8. So, my dream has been 52 years in the making.
 
Sitting at my desk earlier this week, I couldn't help but pause and soak in the scene — creating the timeline for my mid-grade novel Almost a Ghost and catching a glimpse of my storyboard for Remmy’s Sticky Situation. Is it weird to admit that I’ve always wanted to make storyboards for my own stories? Yep. I'm that kind of nerd. I am excited and humbled at the same time. God is so good.

Did I ever have doubts I would have the opportunity to do this? You bet. Because we don't always get what we want, wouldn't you agree? But, as corny as it may sound, I also believed that if I didn't get my shot at being an author here on Earth, there was always Heaven. Although I admit, I still whined to God about it at times.