Happy Birthday, Paul!

On June 18, 2008, our only son John Drake gave his daddy a kidney. Yesterday Paul Franklin celebrated his 58th birthday. Our family still rejoices over John's gift of life. Because of his sacrifice, we are able to have some more time with Paul.

I've uploaded a couple pictures. I think you will be able to recognize Paul, but I also want you to meet our son John. He is standing to the left of his daddy and has a little girl beside him.

We haven't stopped giving thanks for the Lord's mercies and faithfulness.

Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother

I am excited to announce that my newest children's book Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother has been released by Guardian Angel Publishing. My friend Kim McDougall made an adorable book trailer for promotional purposes. I thought I would post it here and let my friends enjoy seeing it.

Happy Birthday, Rachel Michelle

Happy birthday to our firstborn - Rachel Michelle Phillips Nolt!
We love you and are so proud of the godly wife and mother you are.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

III John 1:4

Interview

While attending the 2010 Write2Ignite, I made a new friend - Terri Kelly. (That's her in the above picture.) She was teaching a class about writing Christian devotions for children. After I returned home, I contacted Terri and she invited me to take part in an author's interview. You can find the interview here http://devokids.com/category/authors/. While you are there, take a look around at Terri's amazing website. She is helping shape small souls for Jesus.

Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother

Drum roll please.

TA DA......

My fifth children's book Cinderfella and the Furry Godmother has been released today from Guardian Angel Publishing.

Samantha Bell is the illustrator. I met Samantha at a Write2Ignite Conference in North Carolina. Children will love her whimsical art.





I also learned that my next picture book Stilts the Stork will be released in January. K.C. Snider, the artist who illustrated my Christmas picture book Baby Jesus is Missing is the illustrator.

God is sooooo good,
Dixie

Blessed

Paul and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day this year. God has been good to us and given us thankful hearts, but since Paul's kidney transplant on June 12, 2008, we are even more grateful. We realize that each day is sacred and choose to seize the precious moments - every single one - that God grants to us.



This year was Easton Paul's first Thanksgiving and Tristan's second. If you think our hands are full, you should see our hearts. =-)



With an attitude of gratitude,
Dixie

Forward...... March.....

I recently heard about Captain Jeremiah Denton, who returned home on February 11th, 1973, after years of captivity as a P.O.W. in North Vietnam. When the media asked him to comment, he said, "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances."

I was deeply moved by his quote and couldn't help but wonder about those of us who are called to serve in the Lord's Army. When Jesus asks us to take up our Cross or make a sacrifice, I wondered if we shared Captain Denton's attitude - "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our God under difficult circumstances."

Lord, help us to "endure hardness as a good soldier...."

Forward....... March..... Hup, two, three, four....