Not Made to Fly

   My newest book is in the warehouse at Christian Light Publications and distribution has begun. It should appear in bookstores next week.

   Not Made to Fly is my fourth book of stories for children. The other three are Crayonbox Collection, Esther Starts from Home, and A Chance to be Brave. The forty-one stories in this book were originally published in the Story Mates church papers several years ago. They were collected and printed in book form. The stories in Esther Starts from Home were about two sisters. All of the stories in A Chance to be Brave are about boys. Crayonbox Collection and Not Made to Fly are a mix of stories about boys and girls. They are intended for children ages 5-9, but I've had many adults tell me they like to read them too. 

   Not Made to Fly is the title of one of the stories in this book. The story is built from my own children's failed attempt to use plastic grocery bags for parachutes. 

   My grandchildren get a book for every birthday. Do you have a child or grandchild with a birthday coming up soon? Give a book!

Man Cub

  In June we were delighted to learn that our prayers had been answered and our youngest son and his wife were expecting their second child. Gerald and Kelly were married nine years before their first child, Abigail, was born in 2020. (My post from March 6, 2020, tells how that came about.) They hoped to have a second child as soon as possible but there were multiple roadblocks and disappointments. It took a year longer than they hoped but in June they brought Leroy a Father's Day card with the news tucked inside. In July they let Abigail tell everyone with this picture.

   From July to January is a long time for a little girl to wait. They didn't want to know if the baby was a boy or girl. Things progressed well and a date for the C-section was set for January 31. At 11:30 p.m. on January29, Gerald called and asked us to come and stay with Abi while they go to the hospital. The baby did not want to wait another day. 

    Things were on hold while they waited for Kelly's turn in the OR. At 12:08 p.m. on January 30, the answer to all those years of prayers was in their arms. It was a boy! The minute he was born they sang Happy Birthday to him to announce his name, Samuel Isaac Stauffer. And then it was picture time!

Proud Papa who called him "a man cub"

Big sister meets baby Sam Jan. 31

The whole happy family

Samuel Isaac

asked of God, cause of joy and laughter

We went to the hospital to see this long-awaited grandson on Jan. 31. 

  We already have six great-grandchildren and this may be our last grandchild. Every child is a gift from God who alone is the giver of life. Still, children who are so difficult to obtain as this are living miracles. To Him alone be the praise!