Tag Archives: Christianaudio

Healing Doesn’t Have to Be Linear – Sober Spirituality Releases on Audio!

Posted on by

FinalThis week a really beautiful book released into the world, that I’m so happy to celebrate – Sober Spirituality  by Erin Jean Warde.  I had the honor and joy of narrating this audiobook for Christianaudio, and what I found to be especially moving about Sober Spirituality, is Warde’s transparency as she candidly shares the journey that she took, as an Episcopal priest, to stop drinking.

Through personal stories, and supporting scriptural text, Warde illustrates that healing doesn’t have to be linear.  That on our road to recovery, there isn’t just one way, or the highway.  Our recovery is usually a series of “another day one…” and in Warde’s case, her road to sobriety involved many day ones that consisted of –  stop drinking, then start drinking again, then stop, then start again, stop … etc.  But within each of these moments lies the sweet spot – that recovery isn’t final – its fluid.  It’s constantly changing, flowing and moving.

Our healing (whether it be in our relationship with alcohol, our low self-esteem, or another area where we might need healing in) doesn’t have to follow a straight line.  What worked for some –  or many –  may not work for you and I – and that’s OK.  Recovery and healing isn’t usually neat and tidy.  More often than not, it’s downright messy, it’s spit and dirt (see John 9) and involves one step forward,  many steps back, then another step forward – until suddenly – we are at a new place.  We look around in amazement and see just how far we’ve come.  And in this new place, we can celebrate the joy that can be found in that moment, wherever that may be, knowing that our journey is ever-evolving, ever unfolding and always fluid.   And within that fluidity there is healing, and beauty and hope.  And hope does not disappoint.

Sober Spirituality is now available in print and on audio at Audible and Amazon.com.

Undo the Tech Trance … Digital Detox Releases on Audio!

Posted on by

41BBL+j5KeL._SL500_In today’s fast moving, tech saturated world, screens are everywhere, and there seems to be an app now for almost anything you can imagine.  While I love technology, and all that it has to offer, I also find myself longing more and more for those moments where I can just unplug, and give my mind a necessary brain break.  When I was offered the opportunity to narrate Molly DeFrank’s wonderful new book, Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset For Kids, by christianaudio, I was both intrigued and excited.  I couldn’t wait to find out what this digital detox was all about.

First, let me preface by saying that DeFrank is not against tech –  far from it – but she and her husband had started noticing significant behavioral changes in their kids – they were no longer their spunky selves. They were grumpy, dazed and slowly “morphing … into swamp creatures.”  One day, upon returning home after hours of being away, DeFrank noticed that she wasn’t greeted with a loving “Hi Mommy!” or  “I missed you.”  Instead, she was asked a rather irksome question, “can I play on your phone?” – something DeFrank describes in her book – as sounding more akin to “Hey, gatekeeper of electronics? Gimme a fix.”  This clarifying moment, prompted her and her hubby to take action, in what would soon become – a two-week tech reset for their kids –  cold turkey.

So what exactly is a tech reset?  And how do we undo this tech trance? Well, basically a tech reset, or digital detox, is the unplugging from ALL screens and electronics for a given amount of time. To undo the tech trance, DeFrank provides us with this helpful acronym:

Unplug cold turkey.

Notice your kid’s interests, talents, opportunities for growth.

Develop a list of screen-free fun together

Open the books!

In a book that is both warm, relatable and funny, DeFrank also weaves in facts, research, personal stories and studies that showcase, without a doubt, the negative impact that too much tech is having on our kids … and on us.  Of the families that Molly DeFrank later coached through this two week digital detox, 100% of families had positive results.

Our approach to tech media doesn’t have to be one way or the highway, it just needs to be on our terms.  In its right place, technology can be productive, helpful, relaxing and fun.  We just need to make sure that we, and not technology, remain in the driver’s seat.

Digital Detox is now available on Audible, Amazon and across all platforms.

Wonder Dogs: True Stories of Extraordinary Assistance Dogs – Releases on Audio!

Posted on by

wonder-dogs-635x330_b

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Meet Tucker.  Not only is he adorable, but he is also one of the many extraordinary Wonder Dogs in this beautiful and inspiring new book – Wonder Dogs: True Stories of Extraordinary Assistance Dogs written by Maureen Maurer, with Jenna Benton.

We first meet Tucker when he arrives at the Kahului Airport in Maui, just in time for Christmas. Tucker is the newest addition to the ohana (family) of “heroes in training” at the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii.  At this point in Wonder Dogs, it has been five years since Maureen took a leap of faith and sold her CPA practice, in order to follow her childhood dream of training dogs to assist people with disabilities.  

As we move through each chapter of Wonder Dogs, Mo introduces us to a new “hero in training” along with the incredible individual, that they will be paired with.  The person in need of an assistance dog, may be a child, or an adult and their disabilities range from limited mobility to severe.  As we learn about each of these incredible dogs and their courageous partners, we see lives change, a newfound quality of life emerging that had never before been dreamed possible, and a bond of friendship formed, that will last a lifetime. The journeys that both of these heroes embark upon, is not only extraordinary – but will leave your heart forever changed, and so full.

This book has truly been one of the most encouraging, uplifting and moving books that I have ever had the pleasure of narrating.  Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful team at christianaudio for inviting me along on this extraordinary journey. I couldn’t be more grateful. 

If you, or someone you know, is in need of a special assistance dog, or you would like to help make it possible for more Wonder Dogs to help children and adults with disabilities, and other special needs, please visit ADH/ADNW’s websites at assistancedogshawaii.org or assistancedogsnorthwest.org.

Wonder Dogs: True Stories of Extraordinary Assistance Dogs is now available across all platforms, and can be found on Audible and at Amazon.com

Help Your Kids Learn & Love the BIBLE – Releasing today on Audio & in Print!

Posted on by

helpyourkidsReleasing today on Audio and in Print is Danika Cooley’s wonderful and warm new book, Help Your Kids Learn & Love the BIBLE, published by Christianaudio.  It was such a pleasure and joy to narrate this helpful, down-to-earth, fun and insightful book that is woven with so much love.  Cooley keeps it real from the very first page, where we catch a glimpse of a busy mom, answering her three year old’s question, that’s being called from the back seat of the minivan, as to “Why … the Bible calls Jonah a prophet and not a missionary?” Cooley expertly navigates the road, as well as the question, as we learn that this is one of many conversations about the bible that this smart and savvy mom has with her young children, while en route “in a minivan littered with toys, raisins and an odd shoe.” 

Throughout Help Your Kids Learn & Love the BIBLE, Cooley keeps smiles on our faces as she shows us plenty of ways that helping our kids learn & love the bible can be interactive, loads of fun and engaging.  Imparting God’s word, love and wisdom into our kid’s lives doesn’t have to be difficult, dull or feel unattainable to include, in our already busy schedules. 

In one example, Cooley shows us how, in as little as 5 minutes every morning, we can teach our kids how to “put on the full armor of God” (see Ephesians 6:10-18) with a playacting memory game.  In her example, Cooley and her boys begin the day with Cooley shouting (as if in battle) –  “Be strong in the Lord!”  followed by  “Who do we fight?”  Her boys would eagerly yell back, in unison “Not against flesh and blood” Mom would then shout over the battlefield to them “What do we wear?” Enthusiastically, the boys would cheer back  “The full armor of God.” The family would then proceed to act out verses 10 through 18 from Ephesians Chapter 6, ending by victoriously jabbing the air with their “sword of the spirit”.  This is just one, of many examples, that Cooley shares with her audience, as to how we can communicate God’s word to our kids in an interactive and delightful way. This playful, but meaningful exercise, helped her boys to understand, not only the importance of putting on the full armor of God at the start of each day, but it also taught them about each action, what it meant, and why it was important, while at the same time committing the scripture to memory – all in about 5 minutes!

Throughout this book, Cooley shows us that even with a full schedule and littles in tow, each of us can find creative, engaging ways to help our kids embark on an amazing and exciting adventure through the Bible. An adventure, that will not only teach them about the love of God and His Word, but will also create lasting memories and teachable moments, that will stay with them for all of their days to come.  

Help Your Kids Learn & Love the Bible is now available at christianaudio.com, Amazon, Audible and across all platforms. 

Reach Out, Gather In – Now Available on Audio & in Print!

Posted on by

So excited to celebrate the audiobook & print release of New York Times bestselling author, Karen Ehman’s, new book Reach Out, Gather In: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home. I really enjoyed narrating this wonderfully warm and insightful audiobook, published by Christianaudio. Reach Out, Gather In is written as a 40 day journey – part devotional, part guidebook.

Throughout this timely book, Ehman shares some of her favorite family recipes (all of which, I seriously can’t wait to try out!), fresh takes on how to make leftovers exciting, tips for cleaning, organizing & decluttering your home, as well as personal stories & ideas for the challenges of everyday life that are applicable to each particular day of study.  With devotionals, scripture study, challenge questions and suggestions to tackle to-do lists without the overwhelm, Ehman has weaved together a fun-filled 40 day journey, with humor and heart. 

Demonstrated with with warmth and practicality, we learn how – even during this time of social distancing – to open our hearts and share hospitality with family, co-workers and strangers alike, putting love into tangible action. 

Reach Out, Gather In is now available on Audible and at Amazon.com.

Grab those s’mores – Gathered Around The Campfire – Releases today!

Posted on by

Hello Campers!

Whether it’s in a tent, in an RV, in a cabin, or just under the stars, I have loved camping all my life and this little gem of a book, GATHERED AROUND THE CAMPFIRE: S’mores & Stories Under The Stars, written by Melody A. Carlson and published by Christianaudio couldn’t have been more fun to record! Gathered Around The Campfire releases today on Audio and in Print!

Carlson packs this camper full of charming, moving, and humorous stories that come equipped, not only with inspirational quotes and practical tips, but also with some delicious family recipes to bring with you on your next adventure! 

Two heartwarming stories in particular, that really made me chuckle, wereThe Kissing Bear  who … in addition to giving kisses to sunbathers – really liked potato chips! And The Deer Who Came to Dinner, who after getting a scent of some delicious aromatic stew that was left unattended, couldn’t resist the temptation to have a little taste … when no one was looking.

Grab those s’mores and head on over to Audible or Amazon.com to get your copy of Gathered Around The Campfire!

Laughing At The Days To Come – Releases on Audio!

Posted on by

51My6WLyEQL._SL500_Laughing At The Days To Come: Facing Present Trials and Future Uncertainties with Gospel Hope released this week on Audio! Written by Tessa Thompson and published by christianaudio, this audiobook was a joy and honor to narrate. Thompson’s timely message shows us how to keep calm as we look to find encouragement, hope and ultimately laughter – in the days to come.

While Laughing At The Days To Come is not about the COVID-19 virus, the lessons that we glean from Thompson’s journey, offer comparisons to the uncertain times we are all currently facing as we strive to adjust our lifestyles and livelihoods in order to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities, healthy and safe.

In Laughing At The Days To Come, author Tessa Thomspon shares with us how at the age of 15 years old she was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2).  This rare, neurological disease is an unrelenting and hereditary disease that gradually took away all of Thompson’s hearing, while also causing chronic pain and partial facial paralysis. Faced with a future of uncertainty, a kind family friend, who knew the trials Thompson would be walking through, handed her a note with a simple verse written on it. Hoping to bring comfort and encouragement, the verse was from Proverbs Chapter 31 verse 25: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” When Thompson first read this verse, she was not laughing at the time to come, she was doing anything but. She shares how she was full of fear, anger, remorse and much uncertainty. This verse, however, fascinated her enough that she began to study just how exactly the Proverbs 31 Woman was able to look at her future and amidst all her trials and difficulty, was able to laugh, with confident assurance, at the days to come.

As we face our own individual, societal and global challenges during this uncertain time, let us too – strive to find calmness, peace, goodness, encouragement and hope as we help one another, are good to our neighbors, and care for all – so that together we will be able to look toward our future with confidence and assurance – and laugh at the days come.

 “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” Proverbs 12:25

Laughing At The Days To Come is now available at Audible and on Amazon.com.

The Covenantal Life – Now Available on Audio!

Posted on by

51eAGweFOdL._SL500_

Excited to share the audiobook release of The Covenantal Life by Sarah Ivill published by Christian Audio.  This was an incredibly fascinating book that I so enjoyed working on!

In The Covenantal Life, Sarah Ivill  encourages us to delve deeper into covenant theology so that we can begin to get a firmer understanding of scripture and thus start to think more biblically as we face the various circumstances in our lives.  By applying these principles, Ivill suggests that we will then begin to more readily experience how the beauty of theology and community can transform our lives.

Available now on Audible and at Amazon.com