Guest Post-The Secret of Counting Gifts

Watching Kari Create Art

              Looking back, I had no idea what I had asked for when I called and said, "Kari, I need a book cover."  I simply asked.  She knew... and she came through.

              We stood and watched her work.  She moved slowly around the rooms... looking for something... seeing everything.  What seemed random to us fit her plan perfectly. 

              "What's she looking for?" I asked quietly.

              "I don't know.  I'm just enjoying watching her work and I'm staying out of her way," came the whispered reply. 

              In the end, she took my pathetic description and created a thing of beauty.  She took a reluctant model and made her laugh.  She taught the two of us a bit of her ability to make art.  Kari blessed me abundantly when I asked for a book cover... on that day when I didn't know of what I asked.

              Kari's art is now gracing the cover of my words in two books... The Secret of Counting Gifts and the accompanying The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal.  I'm excited to say that both books are now available in paperback through amazon.com.

              While The Secret of Counting Gifts is a novel, I wrote it from my life experiences.  I am a wife of 18 years and a mom of 3.  I've spent the past fifteen years at home washing dishes, folding clean laundry, blogging, and teaching my children.  My days are full of counting grace gifts with gratitude and asking for grace and forgiveness.  I am blessed with rich friendships and have prayed more friends than I care to count through the battle of breast cancer. 

              The Secret of Counting Gifts is a story about life, friendship, hardship, and gratitude.  It is the story of  Kris McClintock and Liz Bower and their friendship that spans twenty-eight years.  Through marriage, babies, and infidelity they stand by each other and hold one another up... until breast cancer delivers the final blow.  As she sits by Liz, Kris recounts the trials and   blessings that made them who they are.  She tells their story and recalls the many "gifts" they have been blessed with throughout the years. She shares of how Liz taught her to notice the gifts in each day and to live with a grateful heart. It is through the telling of their story that the secret of counting gifts is discovered....

              I'm thrilled for our team effort and the release of The Secret of Counting Gifts and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal.  It is a direct answer to our prayers.  I look forward to seeing how God will use these books!  Thorought this month, I am on a virtual book tour.  You can see the stops along the way on my website www.heidikreider.com.  While you are there, stop in and say "Hey!" and register for my giveaway... autographed copies of The Secret of Counting Gifts and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal in a hand-made basket. 

              I'd love to hear from you.  What art has Kari created for you?  How have you been impacted by her art?

              ** *Heidi Kreider is a wife, mother, author and friend.  She blogs about life, grace, and gratitude at www.heidikreider.com.