Double-up Week - posted 1/18/2010

Spiritbuilding author and editor, Warren Berkley doubles up on us all this week. Not only has he put together a great new book compiling articles from a number of super writers, BEHIND THE PREACHER’S DOOR, but he has become a grandfather for the NINTH time. Joctan E. Berkley was born January 16 and weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. Congratulations to Mom and Dad. Someone told Warren a few years ago, “May your tribe increase,” and Berkley took it serious. Good Work Warren! You can congratulate brother Berkley at the FC lectures Feb. 1-4 where you can find him and his new book project as well.

Announcing a New E-newsletter - posted 11/7/2009

Spiritbuilding author, Lonnie Cruse has started a weekly newsletter for women titled Encouraged Together. The premise of the newsletter is based on Romans 1:12, “That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” The newsletter will contain articles for encouragement, a prayer list, a list for suggested good books to read, and links to great places. You can join by clicking the link on Lonnie's Spiritbuilding author page. Here at Spiritbuilding we’re proud of all our authors' efforts to be Spiritbuilders in their own special way. God bless, Lonnie.

Book Signing at Starbucks - posted 10/29/2009

It took awhile to get some pictures of the event, but last August 2nd, Spiritbuilding author, Craig DeHut, was once again doing a book signing at Starbucks. Craig wrote us...

This second signing was such a great experience, because I was able to sit down and talk with other Diabetics about my book, our experiences, and what kinds of challenges we've faced. One woman brought in her nine-year-daughter, who had only been diagnosed this last year. It was such a blessing to actually be able to put myself in her shoes and talk with them about her disease. It really made me stop and consider something of God's purpose in allowing us to experience hardships. The purpose of our hardships goes well beyond ourselves. God may have allowed me to contract this disease and work through these difficult times so that I could one day write my thoughts down and share them with this little girl; encouraging her to stick with it and persevere. What if my disease was never about me at all, but about the people that I would encourage through my experiences? It's good to consider what God could be doing for me because of my hardships, it's even more exciting to think of what God could be doing for other people because of my hardships.

Spiritbuilding is proud to partner with authors like Craig who shares his experience with Juvenile Diabetes. He joins Juli Liske (autism) and Sheree McMillan (spouse with depression) to add t our growing list of Spiritbuilders.

Academic Success - posted 9/28/2009

Those who wrestle with autism in a loved one or student know the challenges that come with that job and how very little reward is often seen for all the effort involved. Juli and Gordan Liske challenged the accepted paradigm with their own son, Ben, a few years ago and with faith and hard work they set the medical profession back on their heels and absolutely turned life around for their son. From a diagnosis of severe retardation and autism, Ben is now beyond his years in ability and knowledge (and was already, several years ago when I met him, mac). They chronicle their efforts in their book, IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE, to be found at Spiritbuilding.com. Juli Liske send us a recent update of Ben’s academic progress and we thought we’d share it with you….

Student Spotlight: Ben Liske
Written by Barb Bafundo

In living the Currey Ingram mission of providing students a personalized education, we welcome back Ben Liske, a fourth grader from the Lower School, to a daily 8th grade algebra class. Last year Ben attended pre-algebra tutorials in the Middle School a couple days each week. He has a gift for math, which has become his passion. During class he stands among the shadows of the 8th grade students physically, but he matches them skill for skill mathematically. Ben has earned the respect of his Middle School peers. Ben will receive high school credit for his algebra class this year and we anticipate that he will attend geometry class, typically for 9th graders, as a 5th grader next year. We are so fortunate to be in a school environment that celebrates all students' strengths, enabling them to advance their skill set.

Written by Chris Wysocki and Shannon Polk

Ben Liske is a fourth grader in our Lower School who has been attending Algebra I class in the Middle School with Mrs. Bafundo’s 8th grade each morning. Student Council Vice-President, Chris Wysocki, caught up with Ben for an interview.

Chris: What’s it like being in an 8th grade math class?

Ben: It’s great being in a math class that goes with the pace I move with.

Chris: What’s it like being with kids who are a few years older than you?

Ben: It is kind of weird but they are all nice.

Chris: What do you think of Mrs. Bafundo?

Ben: She is fun and really nice. I love being in that class.

Chris: When did you first take an interest in math?

Ben: When I was in kindergarten I always said, “Why can’t we do harder math like multiplication?” I guess it started there.

Chris: What do you do on the weekends when you’re not in math class?

Ben: I like to play the Wii, and I just got the game Animal Crossing.

We are very excited to have Ben on our floor each morning!

A Fruitful Company - posted 8/31/2009

Well, if there is no other breaking news at Spiritbuilding, there is at least the continuing cycle of bringing new life into the world that we celebrate here.

Mac and Lorna McMurray became grandparents August 4^th when Willow Grace McMurray entered the world in Nashville, TN. She arrived 19 inches long and 7.6 lbs. in weight and kicking and screaming all the way. Parents, Forrest and Terri are doing great and keeping busy.

In the pictures attached Willow is getting manhandled at two weeks old. She is in the hands of her Great Grandfather and her proud Grand Dad.

A Pre-Event Announcement - posted 7/13/2009

On Sunday, Aug. 2, from 2pm - 4pm Spiritbuilding author, Craig Dehut, will be at the Starbucks on Scottsville Rd. in Bowling Green, KY, signing copies of his book, MY LITTLE SOLDIER, Craig’s personal account of his struggle with Juvenile Diabetes. Maria Jones, the store manager there at Starbucks, says she is excited about allowing Dehut this opportunity to come and for the interest that it should generate for both his book and Starbucks.

The author has contacted several radio and television stations, as well as Bowling Green's local newspaper in order to garner some interest. His info can also be accessed using the Facebook group that was specifically created for the book to spread the word about the event. If you have access to a Facebook account, you can view the event invitation here (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=99235898961).

If you’re in the Bowling Green area on August second, drop by Starbucks on Scottsville Rd for a frap and a rap (with Craig). If you can’t make it, check back here later when we’ll try to report on the turn out and share some pics of Craig’s event.

A Warm Welcome to Michaela - posted 7/2/2009

Having trouble getting info on the Spiritbuilding, Open Hearts Helping Hands, or Evangelism Update Websites? We hope not, but if you are it may be completely understandable since our excellent webgal, Alayne Hunt, is a grandmother AGAIN! Little Michaela Jane McKee was born Monday, June 29 and weighed in at just 6 pounds (19 inches long) to proud parents Heather and Matt. There was a bit of a struggle at first that was cured by an emergency C-section, but Michaela and Mom are doing great now. Ummmm, the verdict is still out on Dad, but by this writing he has changed his first diaper and we think he may pull through.

Spiritbuilding could not do what it does without Alayne’s efforts so we’re all trying to be patient with her “goo goo widdle snookums” phase this week. :-) She’ll be back up to speed quickly, but for now there’s no hurry. Drop her a note of congratulations (as if she had anything to do with it) if you wish at Alayne@Spiritbuilding.com.

Congratulations Laynee.

Book Signing at Starbucks - posted 6/15/2009

In the Spiritbuilding News 2 weeks ago was Spiritbuilding author Craig Dehut. On Sunday, May 17th, Craig was at the Starbucks on Campbell Lane in Bowling Green, KY, from about 2 till 5. Craig has worked with Starbucks for almost four years now and has been at this particular location since last summer. When the store manager, Robert Peach, heard about Dehut's new book, Her Little Soldier, he invited him to have a signing there.

Craig says, "Because of Starbuck's relaxed environment, it was really easy to just sit and talk with people about the book, sign (and draw in) their books, and just let people know about how God has helped me in these various parts of my life." He also adds, "You'll notice a reoccuring face in the pictures: the beautiful young lady sitting next to me is Karen Huggins, She and I have recently become engaged and are planning to be married in January of next year! I met her last year and she has been incredibly supportive through all of this. I have just been so blessed to see God working through something that I've done and I'm excited to be able to do things like this!"

We at Spiritbuilding are also excited for Craig, and for Karen, for his book recounting his personal battle with Juvenile Diabetes, and with their impending plans. Plans are in the works for another book signing, possibly at the other Starbucks location in town, as well as the hopes of some signings at other book stores in the area. At Spiritbuilding, we happen to believe in the power of good reading material partnered with great coffee, so you go Craig! Get out there and sell those books. :-)

New Addition to Our Family - posted 6/9/2009

Many of you may have already heard it through the grapevine, but the Spiritbuilding family grew a little bit on June 7th at 11:54 pm. Katherine (Kate) Rose Helvey was welcomed into the world by way of parents, Jonathan and Rebecca Helvey. Kate is just over 3 weeks early and is considered a preemie...but a large preemie. 6 lbs, 12 oz and 20 inches long (she is still tiny to them). Mom and Dad made it through the stressful moment with flying colors.

From all the staff here at Spiritbuilding we want to wish Jonathon, Becky, and big sis Clara (photo right) huge congratulations and to Kate, a warm welcome into a loving Christian family. Rebecca is author and illustrator of two fabulous children's books about two of her own dogs, GRETA'S PURPOSE and RUDY'S PATH.

Spiritbuilding's Newest Authors - posted 5/28/2009

Spiritbuilding is pleased to welcome two new authors to our midst: Craig Dehut and Sheree McMillen.

Craig Dehut was born in Salem, Oregon. He is one of six children, with four older brothers and one younger sister. His parents, Bruce and Linda, currently live in Louisville, Kentucky, where his father works as an evangelist.

Craig was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes at the age of ten, but with the help of his parents, numerous friends, and wonderful doctors, Craig's journey has taught him that trials aren’t given to punish us, but to make us better.

Craig was homeschooled through high school and graduated in 2002. He attended the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated with a Fine Arts Degree in Video Production in 2007. After a brief stint in Tampa, Florida, Craig now lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and enjoys being closer to home.

Sheree McMillen is a native of NE Arkansas and currently resides in Conway, AR, with her husband Bart and their three children, Todd, Jenna, and Allie. Along with being a wife and mother, Sheree is the owner of a sign and wall art/design business, Super Sign Design. She is also passionate about several other topics which she incorporates in her life.

She is an advocate of total wellness – mind, body, and spirit, so taking care of herself is a priority along with being an active member of Hwy 65 Church of Christ. She has always been a dog lover and owner of which she is now taking to a new level. She is currently training Sandy, their German Shepherd, to be a therapy dog so at the appropriate time the two of them can work as a team on visits to schools, hospitals, libraries, etc. Sheree also enjoys several hobbies which she approaches with the same enthusiasm and energy which are: writing, painting, reading, sewing, and exercising.

Dateline Nashville, TN - posted 4/2/2009

Want a great way to bring souls to Christ who cannot otherwise attend services because of their child's disability? Consider this. The majority of families dealing with autism do not attend services because of the difficulties surrounding regular attendance combined with a lack of understanding and preparation of the teachers. Now that can all be changed.

During the month of April, The Brown Center in Nashville, TN, is offering free teacher training to area daycares and preschools to help with early identification and classroom behavior management of autism. Spiritbuilding author, Juli Liske has also done teacher training for the Franklin congregation here in the Nashville area and would be willing to do more teacher trainings for churches who 1) have a need, 2) will cover travel costs, and 3) have individuals in the congregation who are willing to make a tax deductible donation to The Brown Center (since it will take her away from her work there).

We at Spiritbuilding are proud to be associated with Juli & Gordon Liske, THE BROWN CENTER, and all the servant hearted people working there that reach out to families struggling with autistic disorders. If the above offer is something that you or your congregation can profit from please contact THE BROWN CENTER as soon as possible. You can reach them at: juli.liske@thebrowncenter.org or visit their website: www.TheBrownCenter.org.

Spiritbuilding Travels to Florida College Lectures - posted 23/2/2009

Spiritbuilding was pleased to be represented in the Publisher’s area again this year at the Florida College Lectures in Temple Terrace, Florida. We were especially pleased in February by the 70 degree weather every day and the need to turn on the air conditioner both in the building and in the car. Gotta love it. Quite a number of folks stopped by our room in the Dicus Building to say hello as well as to purchase Bible study materials. Of course some just came by to check on the new look of their materials, like Spiritbuilding author Ken Weliever, author of TRANSITIONS, A Study for Twenty-Somethings, and THE FAMILY BIBLE STUDY CURRICULUM. Teasing aside, it’s always a pleasure to see Ken and we were happy to have the first two quarters of his material on display.

In addition to helping Spiritbuilding Webgal Alayne Hunt at the booth, the Grand Poobah of Spiritbuilding, Carl McMurray, had also been invited to speak at the lectures in McCarty Auditorium on Communication in Evangelism. He lectured on just a few of the things available now to churches and individuals interested in better communication in foreign evangelism, overseas benevolence, and video conferencing options that are available over the internet. Some of the attendees at that lecture took advantage of the free travel blog offers made at www.EvangelismUpdate.com. If you’d like to check those out just clik your way to that website and scroll down to the travel blogs on China or Belize. The China blogs are shorter than most travel blogs, but that’s because of the reasons explained in those blogs and a run-in with Chinese authorities.

www.EvangelismUpdate.com is a sister site to www.Spiritbuilding.com and we’re glad to be associated with that website.

All things considered, it was a very enjoyable time spent at the lectures. It was good to see many of our authors drop by (One especially, Joanne (and David) Beckley were in-country from S. Africa), lots of friends, and even new friends were made. Thanks to all. Mac

Update on Autism Center - posted 2/25/2009

Here's an update on a facility in Nashville, TN, that is doing some great things for children:

Things are going well at the newly opened Brown Center for Autism. Juli Liske, Founder of the Center and one of our excellent Spiritbuilding authors, is pleased to say their “students are making great progress.” Below are a few candid shots of daily life at the Brown Center.

For more information on the school, visit their website at: http://www.thebrowncenter.org/

The Brown Center for Autism to Open January 2009 - posted 11/14/08

Nashville, TN – November 11, 2008 - Middle Tennessee parents of young children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders will now have another educational and treatment option. The Brown Center for Autism, a non-profit organization, is located in Nashville in the Berry Hill area near the new Vanderbilt 100 Oaks campus. The center is slated to open January 7, 2009.

Juli Liske is the founder and executive director of The Brown Center for Autism. Juli is also a parent of a child with autism and the author of the book In the Eye of the Hurricane: Finding Peace within the Storm of Autism. The Brown Center is a dually charming, as well as state-of-the-art 5,000+ square foot facility, and will serve children ages 18 months through 5 years of age. Ms. Liske’s goal is to give these children the opportunity to realize their highest potential while also educating families in the best practices for early ASD intervention.

The center offers sensory integration, family counseling, educational seminars, a peer model program, and a family program. Liske strongly believes that parents not only should, but must be an integral part of their child’s team. Parents will be required to participate in various areas of theirs child’s treatment.

Needless to say, we at Spiritbuilding are absolutely proud of Juli and Gordon Liske and feel blessed to be the publisher of her ground breaking and heart warming book. This Christian couple’s battle for their own child that has, with God’s blessing, come to be a help for so many others in similar circumstances is a real life tale of heroism. We’re glad to have them on the Spiritbuilding team and hope you will spread the word about their new center in Nashville to anyone who might be helped by the news.

One More Spiritbuilding Family Member - posted 10/29/08

We at Spiritbuilding are always excited when a new family member joins us. Andrew and Julie Roberts have a new baby daughter, Olivia Claire. Olivia was born Friday, October 24, and weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz and was 20 inches long. Both Julie and Olivia are doing great. As you can see from the photo, big sister Erin is enjoying the new arrival to the Roberts’ household as well.

Andrew is one of Spiritbuilding’s team of excellent authors. We are proud to have worked with him on past projects like Night and Day: A Comparative Study of Christianity and Islam, The Purity Pursuit, and soon to be released, The Lion is the Lamb. Andrew is a thorough Bible student and great communicator, as is his wife Julie, we might mention. Congratulations to Andrew, Julie, and Erin Roberts.

Book Signing at TAIR Conference - posted 10/28/08

On October 11, Rebecca Helvey, Spiritbuilding author and illustrator of the children’s books Greta’s Purpose and Rudy’s Path, visited the TAIR Conference (Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading) to promote her books. The Conference was held at the Houston Baptist University in Houston, TX, with approximately 100 educators in attendance.

Rebecca was asked to get up on stage and introduce herself and talk about her books to this group in the audience. During down times of the conference, she promoted the books and sold and signed copies.

Helvey’s two books about a Great Dane and a Chocolate Lab tie together nicely as well as teaching great lessons for children on finding one’s own purpose and making good choices. She has been invited to several book signings in different venues and it is no surprise, given the quality of her text and illustrations. We at Spiritbuilding are proud of Rebecca and excited to have her as part of our team.

Zimbabwe Trip - posted 8/25/08

During the month of September our Grand Poobah of Spiritbuilding Publishing, Carl (Mac) McMurray, will be in Zimbabwe, Africa. It is scheduled to be a month of teaching and encouragement, as well as delivering support, and benevolence. His traveling companions will be Mike Divis (Iowa) and Mac Payne (Georgia) in this effort.

Over the years he has visited the Philippines and Ukraine, but most of his overseas work during the last 12 years has been in Russia so this will be quite a change. He says he is looking forward to it however, because recently some doors have been opening in other parts of Africa and there may be even more kingdom opportunities in this field of labor arising.

Through blizzards, deportation, corrupt officials, and police difficulties God has always watched over and blessed this guy. (It’s uncanny how much trouble he can get into when left alone!) Mac will tell you however, that he is so thankful for that watchful grace and he solicits your prayers…for the brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe who are caught for the moment in the net of political problems. And also for the men as well, as they enter that arena, taking no sides except for the Lord's.

If you get a chance, be sure to visit Mac’s Zimbabwe blog on www.EvangelismUpdate.com for updates on his trip and pictures if he can upload them. And say HI while you are there to let him know you’re reading. The guy whines like a girl when he thinks no one is reading his stuff. :-)

Alayne Hunt, Webgal, Spiritbuilding.com

Zimbabwe photos taken by Joanne Beckley

Wedding Bells - posted 8/7/08

Congratulations go out to our newlyweds, Spiritbuilding author Ed Major and his beautiful new wife, Teresa. The happy couple were married Saturday, July 26, on the sandy beaches of Sand Key, FL. Teresa’s two lovely daughters, Emily and Stefanie, were matrons of honor. Also in attendance were family members and friends to help the couple share this happy day.

Soon after the ceremony the newlyweds headed out to sea on a seven day cruise to the Western Caribbean, which included stops at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Honduras.

Join us in wishing this wonderful couple many happy years of marriage.

Ed Major is the author of IT’S NOT ABOUT ME…, a teaching manual for teachers of Jr. High up through adult levels. He is also available for weekend workshops (after the honeymoon, I’m suspecting).

"Greta's" Book Signing Event - posted 7/23/08

Rebecca Helvey, author and illustrator of the children’s book Greta’s Purpose, appeared for a book signing event, which was sponsored by Purina and Trustmark Bank and held at the Champion Wood Animal Hospital in Spring, Texas, on June 13^th between 4:00pm to 6:00pm.

Along side Rebecca was the main character of her book, Greta, who helped her sign autographs with a large stamp that was made from her very own paw print! Approximately 60-80 people attended the event and snacked on paw shaped cookies and finger foods that were cleverly placed in stylish, doggy dishes.

The event was a success and the animal hospital is anxious to host a future event when Rebecca’s second book to the Greta series, Rudy’s Path, is in print.

Team Kmitta's Newest Addition - posted 6/23/08

We’d like you to meet the newest member of “Team Kmitta.”

Joe and Angie Kmitta are delighted to add “Thomas” to what is already a family large enough to have a starting five on a “round ball” team. (That’s Indiana lingo for “basketball,” for the uninitiated.) Thomas Palmer Kmitta made his debut on May 21, weighing in at 9 lbs 3 ozs, 22 inches long.

Keeping busy working outside the home and being a mom, Angie also finds time to be one of Spiritbuilding’s fine women authors. She is one of ten children born to Royce and Cindy DeBerry. Angie and her mother, Cindy D., are co-authors of BRIDGES AND BARRIERS. Angie has also written great articles for the Women of Gentle Spirit e-zine.

Here at Spiritbuilding we appreciate Christian women who live their values out every day, and not just write about standards for others. That’s one reason why we appreciate Angie and her work at home as well as her teamwork with us. Joe and Angie, congratulations!

Spiritbuilding Author Visits Local Elementary - posted 6/10/08

Spiritbuilding is proud to announce the appearance of one our new authors, Rebecca Helvey, at Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, TX. Upon great reviews of her new book, GRETA’S PURPOSE, Rebecca was invited to come in for a reading for the 4th grade class on May 27, 2008.

Rebecca was accompanied at her reading gig by the star of the new book, Greta, her full-sized, black Great Dane. The book is an account of a Great Dane named Greta who is self-conscious about her size and confused about her purpose. By way of her travels and meeting several other working dogs, Greta finally discovers her purpose and this book helps teach that we all can do the same.

The book is a great read and the fourth grade really appreciated Rebecca’s efforts as well as meeting Greta. Rebecca was even asked to sign numerous flyers that announced the event. Spiritbuilding is very proud to have Rebecca Helvey on our team and we would encourage anyone in her area of Texas to be on the watch. Booksigning events are already being scheduled for Rebecca, including one at Barnes and Nobles Booksellers.

Spiritbuilding's Newest Author - posted 6/10/08

Dennis Tucker is a “Wildcat” from the University of Kentucky, born in Louisville. Growing up as the son of Elvie and Wrinda Tucker he worked on his father’s farm in Butler County and graduated from UK with his Bachelors in Business Administration in 1979 and a Bachelors degree in Accounting in 1980. Later he earned a Masters in Business Administration from Arkansas State U.

After graduating and with two business degrees in order, Dennis decided that it was preaching the gospel that he really wanted to spend his life in. He attended the training program conducted by Kelly Ellis and Steve Wolfgang at Danville, Kentucky. In 1983 he entered a full time intern program at the Northeast church of Christ (now the Glen Springs Rd. congregation) in Gainesville, Florida. After a year working with that congregation Dennis entered into full time work on his own in Indiana.

Tucker has preached in Shoals, IN, Trenton, FL, Wilburton, OK, Flatwood, KY, Tuckerman, AR, Jonesboro, AR, and is currently preaching for the Westside church of Christ in Owensboro, KY. While in Tuckerman, Dennis was able to engage in both radio and television work. He has also participated in evangelism in Russia, and has written for various publications including: Faith & Facts, Truth Magazine, Gospel Truths, and Preceptor.

While preaching in Shoals, Dennis met and married the very gracious Regena Thompson, daughter of Fred and Lavonne Thompson. They have three children, Eli Thompson, Hope Lauren, and Noah Grace (yes, Noah is a girl, Joshua 17:3).

We have read Dennis’ bulletin articles and online articles for years and respect him as a logical thinker and Bible student. He does a thorough research job with all his studies and we commend anything that comes from his pen to you.

New Children's Book Author
While working as the Tour Coordinator for an art museum and later becoming the Director for a non-profit organization, Rebecca worked with docents and volunteers who aided her in educating children and adults on the subject at hand. The volunteers would give only an hour a week but that hour meant a whole lot more to the school children. She instantly saw how the generosity and time of these volunteers benefited the community. This inspired Rebecca to write Greta’s Purpose. She found herself asking “What is my purpose? What am I supposed to do with my time here on earth?” She discovered that she was not the only one asking these same questions. Rebecca used her very large, awkward, Great Dane, Greta as the main character. Greta struggles with who she is and not necessarily fitting the mold of what society often dictates who we should be.

The thing that Rebecca wants her readers, both young and old to carry away with them, is that we all have a purpose. We can all do something and serving others is the best way to obtain that fulfillment. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” I Peter 4:10 Rebecca was raised in New Mexico where churches were far and few between. She believes that her faith in God was strengthened by her time spent there. She watched her parents, Tim and Vicki Stevens work very hard in the kingdom and bring many to Christ. The relationships that were formed and fervor for the Lord has remained with Rebecca all this time. Blessed with the opportunity to attend Florida College, Rebecca gained many wonderful friendships. After graduation, she joined her family in Texas where she graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a degree in Speech Communications. She also met her husband, Jonathan and they were married in 2002. He is Rebecca’s best friend and spiritual leader of their household. They currently live in beautiful East Texas on three acres,enough land for their three dogs (their first children) to run on. Greta - a black Great Dane, Rudy- Chocolate Lab, and Opie - not sure what he is? But he’s cute.

Spiritbuilding would like to welcome a new author to our roll-call in the person of Joyce Jamerson. Joyce’s new book, WILL YOU WIPE MY TEARS, is due out soon with a definite release date of January 2008. The project is an outgrowth of presentations made at various ladies day studies, and to the women at Florida College lectures in 2000, and it is a marvelous addition to the Spiritbuilding line up.

In addition to devoting herself to her family as a mother of four (Randy, Byron, Allen…and Jill), Joyce is the wife of a gospel preacher for 46 years, who has also served as an elder and evangelized overseas. She has traveled overseas with him to Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria, but no road was as difficult as one they traveled together in 1993. Without any warning for the shock, they buried their youngest child and only daughter, Jill. As any parent would be, Joyce was unprepared for the world of grief she faced but through her experiences and study of God’s Word, she is able to share some wisdom about helping those who are sorrowing.

Although Jill remains in their hearts always, as one of their children, and is mentioned in the book since her death was the fo

cus of their grief; Jamerson will tell you that this work is not a memorial to Jill. It was written with the same unselfish intention that has characterized this couple’s work for the Lord for decades. It was written to help others who may face the challenge of overwhelming sorrow.

We are glad to be able share Joyce Jamerson’s strength and work in this project and share her hope that many in the coming years will find encouragement in this tremendous study. Joyce and her husband Frank now reside in Killen, Alabama. They have seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

No, this new arrival was not the page turning type and if you wanted to get picky about it, this new arrival wasn’t precisely AT Spiritbuilding. But, he WAS a new arrival and we’ve all been interested at Spiritbuilding, so that’s really close enough, huh?

Our new arrival was Hunter Anthony Sardinas, born Thursday, October 11, and weighing in at 6 lb, 15 oz. He is the firstborn of Tony and Nicole Sardinas of Indianapolis, IN. Spiritbuilding’s connection is that Nicole is one of our authors, having written a classbook for teenage girls, SNAPSHOTS, and has been approached to continue her efforts. Tony and Nicole have been enthusiastically married 4 years and in fact, some of their wedding pictures were included in the graphics of Nicole’s book. Both these young people are active, faithful Christians and we couldn’t be more happy to rejoice with them at Hunter’s birth.

Another line of interest that Spiritbuilding has in this birth would be the connection through our most excellent webgal, Alayne Hunt. Alayne is Nicole’s mother and can now be formally introduced as “Grandmother” Hunt. She has probably lost as much sleep as mom did over the first couple of weeks as she raced around town buying out the baby dept... I mean hurrying over to help out in any way she could. As things settle down and all the circuits cool from Alayne’s hasty efforts at Spiritbuilding (and all the account mistakes start showing up) please feel free to address your questions and inquiries (especially about Hunter) to “mamaw” Alayne. She’s going to love that!

Congratulations to Tony & Nicole & Hunter Sardinas.

On Friday, August 24^th, Spiritbuilding had a great opportunity to meet and greet the public when one of our authors, Juli Liske, was invited to participate in a local authors book signing event at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Juli’s book, In the Eye of the Hurricane: Finding Peace Within the Storm of Autism, turned out to be the evening’s main attraction, with a steady stream of visitors stopping by to meet the author as well as the heart and soul of the book itself, seven year-old Benjamin.

With today’s staggering autism statistics, which the CDC now estimates to be 1 in every 150 children, and still so very little known about the disorder itself, store patrons were eager to meet and speak with little Benjamin as well as ask for his autograph.

The book chronicles the Liske family’s story from the bleak diagnosis to an amazing triumph and has been a source of hope, help, and strength for families facing the fear and uncertainty of a child’s diagnosis.