Engaging Stories with Animal Heroes!

I love family reading times, don’t you? In our current culture, it’s a great way to help build families by instilling good values in our kids. I was excited when I met author Shirley Raye Redmond because she’s writing books that do that.

Are you looking for a great book for your family reading time or to give to another family for theirs? One that will inspire you and your kids? Brave Animal Stories for Kids was recently released. It’s an engaging and entertaining book featuring real-life animal heroes. Even though it’s written for kids—I loved it!

You’ll meet Sherlock, a cocker spaniel who is a real-life dog detective in London, England; Snowman, a plow horse who was destined to slaughter until he was rescued and became a famous horse in jumping competitions; Wojtek a brown bear who, during a battle in WWII, stood upright and carried ammunition and cannon shells to the fighting soldiers; and 47 more intriguing stories. You can find out more by clicking on: https://ShirleyRayeRedmond.com/

Meet the Author

I asked Shirley to share some tidbits of her life with us so that you can “meet” her too. Here they are:

Why do you write for kids?

The Lord has blessed us with a remarkable world to live in, and I want to open children’s eyes to that. I’ve written over two dozen books for young people. Some have been published by Random House and Simon & Schuster. Patriots in Petticoats: Heroines of the American Revolution won was named one of the best children’s books of 2005 by the Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God (Harvest House) won the 2021 Christianity Today Book Award in the Children & Youth category.

When you were a child, how did you answer when asked what you were going to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a writer from the time I was 12—after reading LITTLE WOMEN. I identified with Jo March. I never veered from that choice and had my first published piece in the local newspaper when I was only 16.

What is a little known fact about you?

I’ve written a Nancy Drew mystery under the pseudonym of Carolyn Keene! Many people don’t realize there never was a Carolyn Keene—all the Nancy Drew mysteries have been written by freelance writers! I was an avid Nancy Drew fan when I was a girl, so my agent and I were quite thrilled when I was given this opportunity.

What are your favorite things in life?

Too many to mention, but I do love beaches and I enjoy birdwatching. And I love reading.

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I’m thrilled that authors are writing books to help us build our families! She also writes books for adults. To find out more about Shirley’s books you can go to her website at: https://ShirleyRayeRedmond.com/

May all your trails be blessed!

Rebecca

Take a Moment–for a First Christmas

Between the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, baking, pageants, and family gatherings, often times we forget that there are people who hope they emotionally make it through the holiday. So, I’m urging all of us (me too) to take a moment and give a gift of kindness and tenderness to those who may be experiencing a First Christmas.

Perhaps it’s a first because a family is new to the area. Or maybe it’s a First Christmas after kids left home and they won’t be able to make it. Maybe it’s the first after the loss of their job or even a divorce. Or the First Christmas after the death of a spouse or child.

Whatever the reason, we can be compassionate and share a little kindness to help them through their First Christmas. It’ll only take a moment.

Think of someone who has gone through a crisis this last year. Here are a couple ways to reach out to them:

• Pray for them & drop them a note or an email to let them know.
• Give them a call and pray with them.
• Drop by a plate a cookies and give them a hug.
• Invite them out to lunch.
• Or even invite them to your Christmas dinner so they aren’t alone.
• Let them know that they aren’t forgotten and that you care.

Above all, let’s share Christ’s Joy through our compassion for others this Christmas,

Blessings,

Rebecca

Day 7: Day 7~7 Free Books (see official rules below)

Question: What is the meaning of my horse SkySong’s name?

Day 6: 7 Days~7 Free Books (see official rules below)

Question: Which one of my dogs taught my horse SkySong to scratch its belly?

Day 5: 7 Days~7 Free Books

Question: To whom did I dedicate my book Great Horse Stories: Wisdom and Humor from Our Majestic Friends?

Day 4: 7 Days~7 Books (see official rules below)

Question: What’s the name of my all-time favorite dream horse?

Day 3: 7 Days~7 Free Books (see official rules below)

Question: When a mule foal got kicked in the head by another horse, the impact broke her jaw. I placed her in the back of the car to take her to the vet. During the hour-long drive, I kept my right hand behind the seat on her chest. When she quit breathing, I’d quickly pull over and give her CPR. What’s her name? And yes, by God’s grace, she lived to be in her 30’s!! Can you see the lump on her nose?

Day 2: 7 Days~7 Free Books (see official rules below)

Congratulations to the Winner from Day 1, S. Smith!

Question: What is the name of the mule I talked to while she was in her mother’s womb–and as soon as she heard my voice, she’d squirm around and kick?

In this picture she’s full grown, saying “Thank you” for the grain I gave her. Can you see it stuck to her teeth?

Happy New Year 2024!

I’d hoped to get a Christmas letter out, but on December 13^th my computer said to me…forget it. For real. I’m just now getting back up and running.

During the time my computer was down, I was so tempted to impersonate the Grinch. After all—it was a couple weeks before Christmas and I had so much to do! I didn’t even have access to anyone’s address so I could mail cards.

But a few days before Christmas I breathed a sigh of relief and submitted to a peaceful Christmas. LOL.

That only happened after I recounted God’s blessings:

• I was so blessed that as I tried to fix the computer issues, I didn’t worry about a missile dropping on my home, like what happens in Israel on a regular basis.
• Nor did I have to worry about being kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.
• My refrigerator was so jam-packed with food that I couldn’t squeeze in another thing; unlike most of the world where folks can’t find a crumb to eat.
• When the house got below 75 degrees, I’d grab a log off the tall stack of wood on my porch. The blessings? First, my friends helped me stack firewood and secondly, the wood itself. So many people in the world are unable to heat their homes.
• Willow would sleep with her head on my feet. Oh, the loyalty of a German shepherd warms my heart!
• Of course, when I’d step on the porch to get wood, my horse and mule let me know that they needed a bucket of grain.
• My brother and sister-in-love hosted the Christmas feast and friends joined us.
• New Year’s Eve I sat in my prayer chair, Bible in hand, praying for our nation, Israel, and for our brothers and sisters-in-Christ who are being persecuted and martyred around the globe. Those prayers continue daily. Will you join me in that?

I’ve got a feeling that 2024 is going to be the best year ever!

May the peace of God’s blessings fill your homes in ’24,

Rebecca

Day 1: 7 Days~7 Free Books (see rules below)

One day years ago, I went to town to purchase knobs for my cupboard doors. But I bought a horse instead—for real! What’s the name of that horse?