Home Sanctuary

A Christmas Sale and a Cute Gift for you!

The Christmas season sneaked up on me once again.

Y'all, I had been lulled into a false sense of security because I got our Christmas tree up BEFORE THANKSGIVING, something that has never, ever happened in our house. (I mean, it's been a policy of mine not to mix holidays, especially because I feel sorry for Thanksgiving always getting lost in the shuffle and all. But with the late Thanksgiving I gave in, JUST THIS ONCE!) I put the tree up--and not just one, but TWO trees!

I hate to admit it, but it felt GREAT. 

"I have so much time," I sang to myself as I rocked gently in my yard swing, dangling my feet and closing my eyes in the late Autumn sun.

To celebrate, I put a sweet sale on my books and posted to Instagram and Facebook. I filled orders and thought about Christmas cookies.

It was lovely, simply lovely.

And then today it hit me: I FORGOT TO POST THE SALE ON MY BLOG.

I FORGOT TO POST THE SALE ON MY BLOG!

MY BLOG!

My dear blog friends, talk about a major brain toot.

I am so sorry I didn't post it here. I would like to blame the "early Christmas tree extravaganza" but honestly that's not fair to the trees.

And so...just for you, here is YOUR VERY OWN Christmas Sale in my shop:

 

 

My favorite thing of all is this Three Book Bundle: Flash, Walking with Henry, and Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends children's book. When you purchase a bundle, you'll receive a darling donkey cookie cutter as a thank you gift from me.

 

 

 

The cookie cutter comes packaged in its own little hoof-stamped gift bag, and the books are tied with twine and a wooden gift tag. All the books are signed and stamped, and can be personalized if you'd like! It would make a fabulous gift for someone you love (or for yourself, I might add.)

I am convinced that no Christmas Cookie collection will be complete without a donkey. For my special Christmas Cookie Cutout recipe, go here.

See how cute????

Photo by Deborah @A Delightful Glow  Cookies by Kris Skiles

 

 

 

There are other items in the store as well: a donkey silhouette necklace, my special "Walk on!" necklace, and some frameable prints with some of my favorite sayings. Each is selected to remind you that you are loved and are special.

 

Be sure and use the code FLASH during checkout to receive a 15% discount on your entire order!

 

Now that I've come to my senses and realize that Christmas is NOT a long way off, and that sitting in swings whilst blissfully humming away is a poor use of my time, I have catapulted full-on into the preparations.

Let the baking commence!!

Let the gifts I've ordered be delivered by UPS, FEDEX, and the US Postal Service!

And, let's all stay tuned....for a re-launch of my online writing that I am planning for 2020. More about that later....:)

With love,

Rachel

Ask the animals and they will teach you. Job 12:7

 

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
⁸ or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
⁹ Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?
¹⁰ In his hand is the life of every creature
    and the breath of all mankind."

Job 12: 7-10

 

I love the words in this passage. Its poetry just speaks to my animal-and-nature-loving soul.

I'm reminded here that the Bible was written by people who spent much of their lives outside, in tune with the seasons, tied to the land, mindful of the animals that both served and fed them. They observed the wildlife and the trees and the skies as easily and naturally as breathing.

Of course the wildness of the earth and its creatures spoke to them of the divine, just like it still speaks to us in modern times.

Perhaps we lack the proximity to nature that our ancestors had. In our neighborhoods, behind our fences, inside our temperature-regulated homes, we rush to work and responsibilities with a quick check of the weather forecast on our smart phones. We are fortunate in many ways to live free from the forces of nature, and yet...It beckons to us.

”Step outside,” it says.

Notice.

Observe.

Listen.

Be still.

Even the gentle eyes of our sweet family dogs and cats implore us to slow down and pay attention. Creatures of God’s hand, they know secrets about life that elude us in our busy suburban rush.

I’ve been blessed with a couple of donkeys who have gifted my life with laughter and exasperation. As I’ve traveled around telling their stories, people have pulled me aside and whispered their own: a dog who shows unconditional love, a kitten who has learned to trust, or a chicken who provides eggs and sustenance. They seem embarrassed, surprised that their pets have revealed something of God to them.

But this is the way of God’s creation. Everything speaks of Him.

And I simply say, “Ask the animals, and they will teach you.”

 

Available for pre-order now

Book Launch Update: ALL Y'ALL are invited!!!

 

 

In my last post, I told you I was putting together a launch team for Walking with Henry and got such a fantastic response. You guys blew me away!

And now I've found out that I can open the launch team up to ANYONE who would like to be a part!

That means:

You don't have to be a blogger.

You don't have to have a big "social media presence."

You can simply sign up be an advance reader, and then share about Walking with Henry.

 

If you'd like to help, then you're just who I am looking for :)

We have created an exclusive launch team Facebook group, in which you’ll have the opportunity to interact with others who are reading the book in advance and help spread the word about Walking with Henry on social media, too.

 

To join the team, fill out the short Launch Team Sign-Up Form here: Team Henry Sign Up. 

From the Sign-Up form you'll be directed to the private Facebook group. It's a two-step process that just takes a couple of minutes.

 

I am looking forward to seeing you there...and Henry is too!

 

Rachel

Walking With Henry - My upcoming book!

 

I was stuck.

Mired in regret, frozen in my faith, I was afraid of the future, and feeling so very alone.

I should have been excited about a new season of life: my kids were grown and doing well. I had accomplished a dream of writing a book. My marriage was solid.

Instead, I found myself unable to move past one huge mistake I'd made that had had devastating consequences. Simultaneously, the faith I'd grown up with didn't seem to answer new questions and doubts that arrived out of the blue.

To make matters worse, after a lifetime of easy conversations with God, I no longer had any words to pray.

 

I didn't know what to do.

 

That's when Henry, the adorable miniature rescue donkey, arrived in my life.

 

Henry was brought in to our farm to be Flash's wing man. Flash was the "star of the show," my original donkey who had been instrumental in so many life lessons, and whose story inspired my book. Now Flash needed a companion...especially after my awful mistake. 

When we picked Henry up from the donkey rescue facility in west Texas, I hoped that somehow he would help fix everything, including the spiritual fog that had me at a standstill.

I knew it was a lot to ask of such a little guy, but I was desperate and obviously not thinking clearly.

However, Henry -- "Henderson Number Ten," is his official name -- came with his own ideas.

He was not about to be anybody's wing man. He wanted to be the top banana, the boss, the lord of the pasture.

And Flash? Well, he was none to pleased with having his well-ordered life upset by a diminutive know-it-all.

Worst of all, it seemed that neither one of them was interested in helping me with any of my other problems.

 

Walking with Henry is a very personal story.

 

It's a story of learning how to let go of regrets, and journey forward with hope.

It's a story of coming to terms with doubts, facing tough questions about my faith, and finding comfort in new forms of prayer and practice.

It's a story of how God used a tiny donkey to create an open space in my heart for wonder, and mystery, and joy.

 

 

Walking with Henry releases on March 5.

 

I'm both excited and nervous about it. I'm excited because I love how the story turned out...but nervous because I have taken a huge risk in being so vulnerable.

It's not easy for me to share my struggles. I'm a very private Norwegian, after all. But faced with a choice to pretend I've had it all together all along, or allow my authentic journey to be seen and known, I swallowed hard and wrote my truest story. I couldn't NOT be honest...and it's my hope that you'll find encouragement and comfort in the pages of this book.

March 5 is just around the corner....

Which brings me to this question:

 

Would you consider being part of my launch team?

 

Book babies need help getting out into the world, and this one is no different.

I need people who will be willing to read advance copies, and share reviews and promotions on their blogs and social media spheres. 

If you are active on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and (preferably) if you have a blog, would you be part of Team Henry?

 

I need you. I really do.

 

To thank you for your help, Team Henry members will receive a free SIGNED HARDCOVER COPY of Walking with Henry, some personal time with Henry and me via Skype, premier access to a prayer devotional, and the undying love of an adorable miniature donkey in Texas!

If this sounds like something you want to be part of and can commit to, simply send me an email with "Team Henry" in the subject line and I'll give you more information. The official team will be limited to 25, but everyone will be welcome to help in whatever way they can.

In the meantime, Walking with Henry is already available for pre-order at places like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Tyndale.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of my journey here on the blog, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I hope you'll follow along and be part of the experience. As always, I am deeply appreciative of your friendship, readership, and encouragement.

You bless me.

With love,

Rachel

PS Did you know that Flash and Henry have their own Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram? I mean, of course they do. :) 

 

 

What I'm Working On

On Friday I posted a photo of my little office- the room I'm spending most of my life in right now.

 

You see, I'm working on another book! Yep, it's true.

What is this book about, you ask?

Well, it's a book about finding new purpose as you work through the uncertainties of transitioning from one season of life into another (remember I've gone from being a busy mom to an empty-nester).

It's about experiencing the pain of failure and disappointment, and discovering that these things make a way for a deeper, more joyful spiritual life.

It's got donkeys, and funny stories, and some deeply personal things that I've never shared before.

I've cried my eyes out, and laughed myself silly....and I've also done plenty of beating my head against the keyboard trying to get this book written.

Just for fun, here is a photo of my "idea" wall - color-coded post-it notes with words or phrases to jog my memory or keep me focused. I find that I need a big visual board to help me see the direction I'm supposed to go.

 

 

Did I mention the book has donkeys?

Well of course there is Flash, and his little friend Henry. They are my walking companions and sounding boards. Without them, I wouldn't have a story to tell.

These guys make me laugh, and they make me ponder some of the big questions in life. They help me remember Bible stories and prayer and all kinds of good stuff.

I will be writing all summer long, so if I have a far-away look in my eyes or you don't hear from me for days on end, you now know the reason why.

If you feel so inclined to pray for me, I would really love that. I so want to tell a good story, one that will capture my readers and inspire them to see their own circumstances in a new light, and I need God's help to do it.

Thank you to all of you dear people who keep buying and sharing my first book. You inspire me with your comments, emails and Amazon reviews!

I'm thinking of you every single day as I write.

 

Flash the Donkey

Books to Give + A Gift for YOU!

I've got a gift for you, and a sweet way to finish up your Christmas shopping! Read on!

 

Most of you know about my new children's book, Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends, which came out recently. I'm so excited that it is finding its way under Christmas trees and into the hands of little people everywhere!

 

 

 

(photo credit Ann Voskamp)

 

It's a story of an adorable donkey, whose curiosity sometimes gets him into trouble. With the help of his newfound friends – Jed the goat, Carson the pig, and Ruby the chicken – Flash manages to turn problems into adventures and learns valuable lessons along the way.

 

It's really a story about kindness, something this world needs more than ever right about now.

 

 

(photo credit Ann Voskamp)

 

I loved getting to write and illustrate a story that invites conversation and activities for you and your children (or grandchildren!) People are falling in love with Flash and his friends, and are treasuring the charming story in these pages.

 

Of course, the inspiration for the children's book was the Real Life Flash, who was featured in my personal memoir, Flash the Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me About Life, Faith and Second Chances.

 

 

 

 

Named a 2015 Best Summer Book by Publishers Weekly, Flash remains a top book to read and share with others. It's both funny and touching, and I am bowled over that people love it so much they buy copies to give away! It is now in paperback, which makes it even better.

 

 

With Christmas right around the corner, I want to help you finish your Christmas shopping AND give you a gift in the process! Here's what I'm thinking:

 

 

Purchase a total of five books (any combination of the memoir and/or children's books) and receive a copy of Made to Belong - A Six Week Journey to Discover Your Life's Purpose as my gift to you!

 

This book provides a simple daily devotional, plus prompts and questions that are perfect for personal or group study. It is a brand new book, which I wrote as a resource for The Belong Tour, and its message is near and dear to my heart. As a "late-bloomer" to discovering my own purpose, I know you'll enjoy walking with me through the pages of Habakkuk as our inspiration for this workbook. 

 

 

 

There are two ways to take advantage of this!

 

1. You can order directly from my store to receive signed copies. These are a little more expensive, but they are personalized by both Flash and I! I have a very limited quantity, so it will be first come-first served. If you'd like your books personalized, this is for you... but you'll have to hurry.

 

2. If you prefer Amazon, you can order there. After you order, email a copy of your receipt (a screenshot will work), along with your address, and I'll put Made to Belong in the mail to you, as my gift. Send it to [email protected]. This way is super easy and quick, and a bit less expensive.

 

 

Remember, just order any total of five books to receive Made to Belong as a gift. I hope you'll keep a copy of each to keep for yourself!

 

I so appreciate each of you reading my blog and books throughout the year.

 

I'm looking forward to 2017 and sharing my heart especially for us "older moms" and women in transitional seasons of life. We need encouragement, and I'm here to remind you that you are loved and you are important to God. 

 

You are a blessing to me, and I am grateful!

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Rachel

You're Invited to a Pajama Party!

When was the last time you went to a pajama party?

Well, that's too long.

WAY too long!

 

I would love for you to come to my PJ Party on Friday night (Oct. 7) at 7 pm!

 

Now, not everyone will fit into my living room, so this will be a VIRTUAL party, via Facebook Live! All you need to do is hop over to Flash the Donkey's Facebook page, and I'll be posting live video so you can join in!

There will be music, games, food, and a special book reading...and of course Real Life Flash will be there too.

So, gather your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and any other kids in your life, and let's have some fun together! 

Please wear your jammies!

PS There's a video invitation on Flash's page with a sneak peek at the "party set" we've been working on! (hint: there are life-sized storybook characters involved)

 

 

The winner in yesterday's drawing for Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends is Robin Brantley. Robin, send me your address via email and I'll get a book to you asap!

Watch out world, here's Jed!

 

Well, what can I say about Jed? This guy...

 

 

Jed....well you could say he wears his heart on his sleeve.

You never have to guess what he is feeling because it's written all over his face.

 

And then there's his body language:

When Jed is excited, he leaps on top of tables.

When he is mad, he harrumphs up a pile of hay bales.

When he's annoyed, he crosses his arms and looks away.

 

 

When he's happy, he grabs a ukelele and belts out a tune.

 

Jed is the goat who shoots from the hip, speaks his mind, jumps to conclusions, and commands the room. 

He's just like that "annoying little brother" that reeeally drives you crazy sometimes.

 

 

 

But you can't live without him because, after all, he's the one that brings the party with him wherever he goes.

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we celebrate the "Jeds" we know and love. Who is it that makes you laugh, drives you nuts sometimes, and lives life to the hilt?

Please share your own special "Jed" story today for another chance at a signed book!

 

I loved hearing about all the special "Rubys" in your lives yesterday! I got emails, blog comments, Facebook comments and tweets, telling me about the wonderful mother-hens who take care of everyone around them. The winner of the signed Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends book is:

Jane Carver! 

Jane, honey...send me your address and I'll get your book to you!

 

 

Meet Ruby

You know how awesome it is when you get to introduce people to each other that you just know will be instant friends?

That's how I feel about my friend, Ruby–and you.

See, when I wrote Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends, I knew that Ruby had to be a central character. A mis-matched collection of companions MUST have someone who's in charge!

 

 

Everyone should have a chicken for a friend, right? A mother-hen type who seems to know just what to do in any situation.

 

Feeling faint?

Ruby will direct you to a chair so you can sit down.

Have an injury?

She will produce a bandage and ice, almost out of thin air.

Hungry?

Ruby happens to have a pot of soup on the stove.

Sad? 

There, there. Ruby knows just how to cheer you up.

Has someone done you wrong?

Well, that ruffles her feathers just thinking about it.

 

 

Ruby fusses. She clucks. She talks to herself as she bustles about. 

And always stylish, she is never without her earrings and necklace.

You can be assured that Ruby is a fine feathered friend, who will forever believe in you, worry over you, and make sure you've eaten a good breakfast. She's always got your back.

See, I knew you'd love her!

 

Since I'm counting down the days until you meet Ruby in real life, (when my book releases on Oct. 1,) I'd like to do a little PRE-CELEBRATING!

One lucky commenter will receive a signed copy of Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends today.

Simply let us know: who is a "Ruby" in your life? Do you have someone who fusses, clucks and bustles about your life, making sure she knows all the details?

Let's cheer for all the Ruby's of this world! Where would we be without them?? (Mine is my daughter, Lauren - a first-rate mother hen of the finest sort!)

It's Almost Here....

My friends, I'm so excited I'm about to bust.

 

My brand new book, written especially for children and starring my dear friend Flash, will be out on October 1!

 

 

(Pause for nervous giggles!)

Here is the official synopsis:

"A Stray donkey with a penchant for inventions is taken in by a mismatched collection of barnyard friends. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends is the heartwarming story of a not-so ordinary donkey who needs a special place to belong. Flash is the inquisitive type who loves to invent things and solve problems, but his curiosity sometimes gets him into trouble! With the help of his new-found friends–Jed the goat, Carson the pig, and Ruby the chicken–Flash manages to turn problems into adventures and learns valuable lessons along the way.

Inspired by Rachel Anne Ridge's memoir, Flash, names one of Publishers Weekly's Best Summer Books of 2015, kids will fall in love with this endearing donkey as they learn to appreciate the value of true friendship."

 

 

This book was both harder (and more fun) than I could have imagined. As a mural artist, I went into it thinking, "Pfff, how hard can it be to create 9x10 inch pages?"

Turns out, pretty hard.

I drew and re-drew. I painted and repainted. I Photoshopped and re-Photoshopped.

I obsessed. Fretted. Gave myself hip bursitis from sitting in my chair for weeks on end.

And of course, I fell in love with my characters.

Above all, I wanted to create a story that kids would genuinely LIKE. One that pulled them in and made them laugh. I wanted a book that parents would enjoy reading out loud, possibly over and over again. You know how that goes, right? LOL

 

Between now and October 1, I'll introduce you to the characters and tell you why I chose them!

Until then, here is one of my favorite pictures of Flash:

You can pre-order Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends on Amazon – and I'll be honest, I'll love it if you do! Buy it for your kids, grandkids, students, and friends. You can even buy it for yourself, just because you know Flash personally and should probably have one of your own!

Here's a link to a bit more about the book. Flash the Donkey Makes New Friends.