As a Christian children’s writer, I strive to show children truths from the Bible along with ways children can apply these truths in their own lives.

Some of my stories in Christian children’s magazines have focused on showing children how to make peace with their siblings after a disagreement, or providing readers with an example of forgiving as God has forgiven them, or helping children see that their acts of kindness echo on in the lives of others.

In Manny the Lamb, the children’s picture book that Rick Lancaster and I co-authored, we tell the story of Manny, a lovable lamb who wanders away from the flock, and Jessie, the faithful shepherd who rescues him. Through the book, readers experience the extent of God’s love for us when we wander.

The Bible provides me with hope, inspiration, and guidance. I prefer a Study Bible, as the comments at the bottom of the pages give me a fuller understanding of the historical and cultural aspects of the scriptures.

I also benefit from belonging to a Bible study group at church. The comments of other members provide me with additional insights into the meaning of the Bible passages.

I enjoy reading fiction as well as non-fiction — for both children and adults.

Some favorite books that have inspired me include the following:

Favorite Recent Children’s Books —

First I Say a Prayer (Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts) by Crystal Bowman

What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do With a Chance? by Kobi Yamada

What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

Favorite Middle-Grade Books —

How to (Almost) Ruin Your Summer by Taryn Souders

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Almost Home by Joan Bauer

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Favorite Adult Non-Fiction Books —

Live These Words by Lucinda Secrest McDowell

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Be the Gift by Ann Voskamp

Quiet Moments in The Villages by Doris Hoover

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

A Pocketful of Promises for Women, published by David C. Cook

A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie

Christian Acts of Kindness by The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Favorite Adult Fiction Books —

A Forever Home Series by Dan Walsh, includes Rescuing Finley, Finding Riley, and Saving Parker

The Restoration Series by Dan Walsh, includes The Dance, The Promise, The Desire, The Legacy

The Discovery by Dan Walsh

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh

The Mitford Series by Jan Karon