by LearnAsYouGrow on March 12, 2013
In October, I will travel to El Salvador on a mission trip to install a fresh water well. This is an annual trip for our church working in conjunction with Living Water International.
During previous trips, much needed wells were installed in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Additional information and videos from past mission trips are available at Immanuel Lutheran’s website.
As a way to help fund my participation in the trip this year, I will be donating all proceeds from God Loves You So Much sales over the next few months to this effort. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, they are available at the book stores listed on the Learn As You Grow website or you can contact me directly.
by LearnAsYouGrow on February 22, 2013
It has been a very difficult week for many of our family members, friends and the local community. The loss of loved ones is always difficult to understand and accept.
I wrote a poem a few years ago and the events of this week reminded me of it. I rewrote and shared it with a dear friend earlier this week and hope it may be meaningful to others.
HOME
God called a friend home today
A friend to you and me
A beacon to the world around
No equal could there be
Courageous in her battle
She fought back the disease
Extra time for her and us
Precious memories
It’s hard to fight against the tears
Controlling fears and thoughts
When losing someone so unique
No way to measure loss
A wife and friend too soon gone
But never out of mind
Her light still shines through our eyes
And will for all of time
A trail of smiles and laughter
A path of joy and fun
Brightened days and touched lives
Her legacy is won
We always seek for answers
But struggle on the way
Impossible to know God’s plan
Still asking “Why?” today
A loss too tough to think beyond
But there the truth may be
To know her was a gift from God
Simple and complete
by LearnAsYouGrow on February 8, 2013
God never ceases to amaze me with the patience and opportunities to serve that He continues to provide.
I saw an article about a book drive benefiting REACH a Child at the UW men’s basketball game against Michigan tomorrow. While I am (unfortunately) not able to attend the game and event, I realized the founder of REACH a Child lived only a few miles from me. I contacted him and was able to donate copies of God Loves You So Much… for the event. I am admittedly a bit biased, but the book seems to provide a great message for children in times of crisis.
The organization, officers, EMTs, and others involved are provide such a great service to the communities they serve. Please take a moment to watch this short REACH a Child video and you can find out more about their efforts at www.reachachild.org.
I am so pleased that Learn As You Grow can contribute, in a small way, to such a great cause.
by LearnAsYouGrow on February 5, 2013
I just finished reading “Happy Birthday Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle” with my daughter. While this book was not my favorite in the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle series, one of the final chapters titled “The Never-Finish Cure” sounded very familiar.
With several books partially finished, a house project still underway, and numerous other projects in the works; I could relate.
As I visited my website today, I realized it had been almost a year since my last post, the favorite books listed were 3 years old, and much of the other information was stale as well.
Perhaps, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle will cure me as well. 
by admin on February 27, 2012
I just saw an announcement that Jan Berenstain , who co-wrote and illustrated the Berenstain Bears books, passed on Friday. She was 88.
The first Berenstain Bears book was published in 1962 and over 300 titles in 23 languages have been enjoyed by children and their parents.
She made quite an impact and will be missed.
