Today is the last day to pre-order a signed copy of my new book. It releases where books are sold on Sept. 20.
Today I wanted to share about the free resources that come along with the book. These will be great for home discipleship or for use in Sunday School to accompany the book.
Years ago I saw an ad in the church bulletin for a discipleship group that was reading through the Bible in a year.
It was 2008, we were thinking about having children and I thought to myself, “I better learn the Bible before I become a mom!”
At that time I couldn’t tell you where most characters were in what book of the Bible much less the redemptive thread that ran from Genesis to Revelation.
So, I bought the green Bible, showed up to class and that led to my daily Bible reading practice. The love I developed for God’s word changed the trajectory of my life from that point.
Learning and falling in love with the Bible would eventually lead to a career change and the writing/illustrating of a children’s book, but before that I just gained confidence to say “Yes!” to things God was calling me to that I wouldn’t have had the courage to do before.
I learned to hear His voice by reading scripture and gained courage from seeing how faithful He was throughout history.
I began writing a faith blog that led to a women’s and children’s ministry that led to homeschooling my preschoolers, to then teaching preschool at a church school, to teaching biblically based art full time and writing a book about Psalm 119, the Psalm about loving God’s word!
I would have never guessed in 1,000 years when I opened that green Bible it would lead to my life taking all of those turns, but that’s what God’s word can do!
Has learning the truth been transformational for you, too! It’s something wonderful to reflect on for sure.
That’s why I want to read it, share it, and hope you’ll fall in love with it, too, and do the same.
I wrote “Adventure to Joy” one morning after reading my Bible. It was so powerful to me I wanted a yard sign so everyone could read it! I googled and my search came up empty. Then I began searching for a children’s book about the Psalm and there were not many appealing choices.
I decided I should write and illustrate one. I hope that this book will spark a love for God’s word in the hearts of your children. It releases widely on 9/20, but if you want a signed copy, pre-order before 9/6.
Pre-Order your signed copy by clicking here.
I’ve been busy working on free resources to go along with “Adventure to Joy!” I just completed six lesson plans (for Sunday school or biblical integrated lessons) and a printable of 10 fun facts about Psalm 119 that can springboard spiritual conversations or additional lesson ideas. Scripture memory verse cards that you can cut out are also included with these lessons.
The hardcover proof of the book arrived today and it looks great! The official release date is September 20, but to receive a signed copy, pre-orders are due before Sept. 6. You can order your copy below.
As I’ve been writing this book and studying the text in depth, I’ve realized that the Psalmist isn’t so much trying to persuade us to love God’s word but instead he can’t keep quiet about telling us how much he’s come to love it. His enthusiasm is contagious! I heard a preacher say last week that God has done so much for us we shouldn’t be able to stay quiet. An authentic sharing of our faith comes from the overflow of a life of loving Him.
I hope and pray that this book will give kids an age appropriate understanding of Psalm 119 and the illustrations will remind them that God’s way is the best way.
Emily encourages readers to practice reading, reflecting, and rejoicing in God’s word and shares the tools to inspire them to dig into the Bible on their own!
“I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” Psalm 119:15-16
![[object Object]](https://emilypeytoncook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/to-joy-4.png)
When I stay home for an extended period of time [like this pandemic limbo we’re in], I start looking at rooms in our home as blank canvases.
Pinterest boards are started, then once overflowing, broken down into smaller niches so I can see what I’m really leaning towards more heavily color and style wise.
I’ve used The Nester’s methods a lot during this season taking pieces I already have and using them in another space.
This Summer I’ve been cleaning out unneeded items upstairs and making a girls hangout room for my tween to have a space for her friends and my littlest girl to have a Barbie hangout. It’s worked out nicely using furnishings and decor we already had on hand.
I moved the office to a corner of what will be our media room. Now I need comfortable seating for that room. I’m considering moving our family room furniture upstairs and revamping our den in mid-century boho.
Mid-Century Modern was popular when my Grandparents were starting their families. My Grandmother, like me, redecorated a lot so she didn’t hang on to those pieces. (I inherited her traditional pieces which work so well in our formal rooms).
So, now I’m on the hunt for some vintage or reproduction pieces to start my own collection.
What sparked my interest in Mid-Century is three fold. One, after teaching through the famous artists last year at school I realized I was drawn most to the art and colors of that period. Two, I think the times we are living in make me long for the nostalgia of that time and my family who lived in it. (Plus I watched a lot of “Jetsons” and “Brady Bunch” as a kid). Three, we are living in the future that designers of that era designed towards and I want my family room to reflect that as well as my artistic spirit and love of color.
Once afraid of committing to such a bold change of style, I’m becoming less fearful to make the change since I know it’s what I like and not a trend. I also love that you can mix in traditional elements with mid-century for an eclectic feel.
Here are the three boards I’m using for inspiration:
Mid-Century Colorful:
Mid-Century Neutral
Traditional Colorful
Joy bird
Fabric Inspo
Amazon Finds
Do you have a period of art or design that you are drawn to?
One year ago today as I launched this blog I wrote these words in this post encouraging you and me both to set half year goals.
So, this year, my June goal is to show up for you and write one post every Tuesday and send out one newsletter per month. I’ll also share three instagram posts each week…that tie back in with the weekly blog topic. I hope you’ll engage and interact with me there so we can build a little community of encouragement over this next year.
June 1, 2020
Today in God’s Providence, I walked into our local library for the first time as a two time published author to read a the first indoor Storytime since the pandemic began.
I signed books and met sweet families. My kids, who once upon a time never missed a library Story-time, got to help me get set up at the event.
Today as I type there have been 95 posts written, monthly newsletters sent, 2 children’s books launched, and one devotional on the gospel of John on its way to to being completed.
That’s the power of a goal with faith in God backing it up. I honestly didn’t think I’d stick with one post per week yet God had bigger plans than that and gave me the creative energy to see these projects through.
I’d say once again, if you told me a year ago I’d be sitting here today writing this to you, I’d sheepishly grin, bow my head in embarrassment and giggle “yeah right!”
My goal setting process worked. God has been answering my prayers left and right. There has been so much joy in this journey!
What are you dreaming of today? Re-read my post from last year. Make some notes. Pray about it and get to work. I believe in you!
Join me at Agape on Saturday, May 8, 2021 to be the first to hear me read “Goodnight Covington.” Pre-orders will be available for pickup and we will have copies available for purchase.
I can’t wait to see you there! I’d love it if you’d help me spread the word. 🌛🌟💙
Good Morning and Happy Spring!
Fifty-one books will be delivered to classrooms and libraries in Tipton County when “Goodnight Covington” is released in May thanks to blog readers like you! I have loved working with my community to make good news!
I’m super excited about that and about releasing the book!
Why It Matters That You Pre-Order
Today’s the last day to preorder my new book. Thanks to all of you who preordered. It helps me to determine how much inventory to order to ensure there will be enough books available on release days in our local bookstore and my site. I’m trying to keep this one sold exclusively local to help our local retailers. Order Here.
I’ve learned so much this year as I’ve donned the hats of author, illustrator, graphic designer, agent, publisher, marketing guru, and book distributor.
It takes a lot to self publish, but it’s been something fun and happy to focus on.
Thank you again, to all of you who have ordered so far. If you’d like to join the crowd and ensure that your book is ready to ship on release day, order today. Love ya! 💛🌛🌟
There are 18 scenes from Covington in the book. Can you guess which ones? Name your favorite place or landmark in Covington and share a memory in the comments. ⬇️
I’ll start with the Ruffin. I remember seeing “Peter Pan” at the Ruffin when I was a little girl and being amazed!
The building was so charming and I would be mesmerized by the shapes and lights on the walls before the show started. It was fun to see my friends from school at the play and wave to them from across the aisle. Sweet memories. 💜 You share yours. Preorder here before 3/30 to ensure you get a signed copy on release day.
My friend Lori used to challenge me with the statement, you never know what will happen on the other side of “yes” when you give a “Yes!” to God.
My first “yes” during that season was to homeschool Jonah during his PreK year. I prayed so hard about this. I had a passion for early literacy and wanted to be the one to teach him to read.
Days after I made that decision, I was called to a meeting with my Pastor’s wife about her vision for a new program she wanted to start called “Arise to Read” that emphasized helping 2nd graders master their sight words by mobilizing volunteers from churches to assist. I knew right then I wanted to volunteer. “Yes!” Sign me up!
A couple of years later we had a community meeting about getting an Arise to Read program in our local elementary school. For a little bit I was discouraged because it didn’t look like we had the support to make it happen, but my home church FUMC stepped up and stepped in and Arise to Read made its way into CIAA.
For 2 years I volunteered alongside the kindest people to help the students with their reading. I got the biggest blessing meeting them and spending time with them each week. God used their sweet spirits to lead me in a new direction.
One year later I heard there was an opening for a teacher at our preschool. I jumped at the opportunity. By then, all of my kids were in school, I’d helped them with early literacy and I wanted to help more kids.
The “Yes snowball” kept rolling. I taught pre-k for 2 years and then the art teacher position opened up. I said “Yes” to an interview, then “Yes!” to the job and now I’m assured this will be my career…unless God asks of me another “Yes.”
The question I ask myself is would I have had the ability to write and illustrate books for kids if I didn’t first say “yes” to homeschooling which led to volunteering which led to teaching half days which led to teaching art to pre-k through high school which gave me the space in my day and creative spark to write again?
You never know what’s on the other side of “Yes!” Tonight I’ll be reading my book “Eclectic Emily” at 7:00 for Arise to Read on their Facebook page. I hope you’ll be able to join me!
Create Everyday 