This week I want to introduce you to my friend, Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress and let you know about a book she has written about how to bring the real meaning back to the holidays.

     Lettie, before we talk about your book, we want to get to know you. Tell us about yourself. I know that you have faced some major life challenges. Will you tell us about those challenges and what you have learned from them?
     Someone once told me that our lives shouldn’t be defined by our tragedies – but I believe our tragedies offer opportunity to reflect God’s sufficiency.Part of that reflection would include honest wrestling and crying out to God in our suffering. My losses began early and have been ongoing. My mom died when I was 13 and our family disintegrated.My first child, Shela, was diagnosed with a terminal muscle disease on her first birthday- she was physically very challenged but God graciously granted her 19 years with us.Not long after Shela died, my first husband received a cancer diagnosis that took his life five years later. Two of my siblings died young, casualties of our childhood traumas. Then God blessed me with a wonderful husband in August, 2003. But almost 9 years later, Phil suffered a massive stroke. I am now his full-time caregiver as we prayerfully navigate year four of a very slow recovery. Our story is ongoing at “Pray-ers for Phil” on Facebook.I guess more than anything I have learned God and His ways are a mystery, but He is still faithful and loving . . . and that I desperately need the Body of Christ.

     Let’s talk about your writing life. How did you become a writer and what kinds of things do you write?
     Even in high school and college, I knew I would write someday. But life has seasons and I married and raised five children. My writing season began after Shela’s death. Through study and conferences, I became a student of the writing and marketing process and after my good share of rejections J finally began breaking into various magazine markets. Although I never expected to write books, it became a natural progression of article writing.
     I began writing with personal and inspirational pieces, but moved on to journalistic pieces (some by assignment), devotional, parenting, how-to’s, and even article series. I do consider my writing a calling – it is hard work, but also a great joy, especially when it encourages, informs, or touches a life.

     I want to focus today on your book Taking Christmas Back and Other Family Celebrations. Tell us what the book is about and why you felt the need to write it?
     Although I had no faith foundation, I knew I wanted to raise children to know, love, and follow Jesus. I also knew I did not know how to do that. I cried out to God, “Show me how to raise my children in a home where praying and speaking about spiritual things is as natural as breathing.” It must have been a prayer that delighted God because He began answering.One of the ways I was led to teach my children was by bringing spiritual truth into every holiday celebration. Later, I wrote an eight part series for ParentLife called “Making Holidays Holy Days”. I also did many other holiday articles and even began teaching workshops based on this topic. Moms seemed hungry to learn and follow the simple suggestions in their homes. I used so many handouts in the workshop that I developed a small booklet to sell. Later, as my published articles on the topic increased, I realized I could reach so many more homes if it was in book form.So now it is!

Will you give us some examples of what we will find in this book?
     Taking Back Christmas and Other Celebrations covers the history of every major holiday, revealing that many of our holidays are rooted in faith traditions. Then I offer suggestions for meaningful celebration, yet using simple and fun ideas. The Christmas section is full, urging parents to choose and personalize some of the activities that seem appropriate for their family. Often, just reading this book helps parents to begin thinking of other options to make their holidays “holy days”. I wanted more than anything for Christian parents to determine to help their children celebrate in a way that is different from the world. But those very celebrations can also be used to witness about our faith.
     Additionally, many of these suggestions can carry over into other settings such as Sunday School classes or group settings. I taught a Senior Ladies class that absolutely loved some of the Easter activities.

How can we get the book?
I can take orders through email (lettiejk@gmail.com) for signed copies, but they can also be ordered easily through my website, www.writingforhim.com by clicking on the picture of the book.

Thank you, Lettie, for visiting with us. How can we pray for you and your family?
Mostly, we need wisdom for the decisions we continue to make. Prayers are always welcome for Phil’s healing and our encouragement. Also, I have recently began to write again, I seek God’s direction and help in that endeavor.

Do you have a favorite scripture you would like to share with us?
Job 23:10 is both my assurance and my prayer. “But He knows the way I take. When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”

I hope you will join me in praying for Lettie and Phil as they continue to deal with their challenges. Also, be sure to order Lettie’s book in time for the holidays.