Our daughter, Maddie with our Olde English Bulldogge puppy, Ridley.

Hello ,

I wanted to share some good news with you, and also solicit your prayers for someone special in my life. 

My middle child, Maddie has had a very tough and discouraging past 18 months. I won't go into all the details, but she has had a heart-breaking time of trying to navigate it all.

She came back home (in April of last year), to try and get back on her feet. We are encouraged that she is slowly making progress towards healing from all the struggle that she has endured. 

Since she has been home, I have encouraged her to follow her childhood dream of becoming a published children's book author. Maddie has a B.A. in English, has studied some in England during her college years, and has written a number of articles (professionally), for various organizations. 

Here is a sample of an article that she penned a number of years ago: "My Flight Home."

When we are discouraged and despondent, it can take an enormous amount of effort to work towards realizing a dream that we've carried with us throughout our lives. 

Maddie was in that kind of a place this past April. It seemed like no matter what she tried, she just couldn't seem to catch a break. 

My daily prayer for her has been, 'Lord, help her to see Your Almighty hand in her journey, and encourage her to continue to carry on.",

Maddie wrote a children's book manuscript in college called "Pie, Oh My!" It's a wholesome, rhyming, catchy story of a little girl who works  in the kitchen to bake an apple pie. 

We encouraged her to get locate an illustrator, learn the ropes of the publishing industry, and launch this little book into the public arena for children everywhere to enjoy.

Just two weeks ago, the debut of "Pie, Oh My!" took place, and Maddie's dad couldn't be more excited. 

The book also includes my own mother's pie crust recipe, and encourages children to enjoy creating .homemade treats in the kitchen.

Her mom and I have been praying diligently for the launch of this book, because it represents more than just realizing a dream; it tangibly demonstrates multiple answers to prayer for our daughter.

Could I ask a favor of you?  

Would you be willing to join me in praying for the success of this little book that my "little girl" has written? 

I know it's a small thing, but (as her daddy), it would mean a great deal to me to have other believers join me in prayer for her endeavors. 

I have cried so many tears over this young lady's challenging life situations, but I know that God is in control. 

Prayer is powerful, and I believe that God has wonderful things planned for her future. 

The picture above is of the front cover of her children's book.

Should you wish to have a more in-depth look at "Pie, Oh My", please feel free to check it out here. 

Your prayers are coveted on her behalf, and thank-you in advance for any  that you can send up regarding her future. 

As she attempts to put her life back together, I am praying that God shows up in amazing ways to bolster her confidence and encourage her to stay in step with Him. 

Thank-you for interceding with me on her behalf!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word