Christmas Presents with a Lasting Impact

I love writing this blog on a regular basis. However, writing books that I can hand a person to read when she (or he) is not connected to the internet or phone, one that can be passed from friend to friend and encourage them in a deeper way is my passion.

My first book writing adventure began with “Teapots and Power Tools” many years ago. While I have learned a lot about writing and publishing since then, the message in this book is still relevant. Each one of my books since then has come from a deep well in my heart and published to share my journey in order to help others to benefit from them and be encouraged.

I am confident that there is something for everyone here. I am putting a link for each of the books I have written (or contributed to) here, but you can also just search my name on Amazon.

If you or one of your friends loves a good cuppa tea but loves the creativity and fun of using power tools, this devotional might be for you. This is a collection of whimsical writings from my life with deep personal and biblical truths. The link is in the comments or you can just go to Amazon and type my name in the search bar.

Power tools are useless unless they are connected to the power source. They may work as a doorstop or a hammer, but unless they are plugged in, they cannot be used for their intended purposes. We are like those tools. We may fill a need here or there; we may have a seemingly meaningful job or life, but unless we are connected to the ultimate power source, our potential is quite limited. While He has equipped us to be a power tool, He also knows when we need to rest. God cherishes the times when we just sit and have tea with Him. It may represent a time of the day, such as our quiet time, or it may be a season in our life, such as unemployment, retirement, or even illnesses. These are the times when He makes himself real to us because we can “Be still and know that He is God.”

If you are looking for a fun story to share with a 2-4th grader, this would be a great Christmas present. This is my testimony told as a fairy tale and is illustrated by one of my former students. The link to purchase it is in the comments below (or you can just go to Amazon and type in my name). If you order it and then message me, I will send you a pdf of coloring pictures to accompany the book.

If you or someone you know wants to grow in the area of a consistent prayer life, this would make a great Christmas present or New Year kick off. The link will be in the comments or you can type my name into the Amazon search bar. (if you purchase this book and message me, I will send you a pdf of printable prayer journal pages.

When you pray, do you find yourself distracted or just offering up a laundry list of requests? Because of time constraints, do you just list the people who you think need prayer without digging in and praying for specific needs? With all of the blessings and needs we are aware of, our prayer lives can be overwhelming. But they don’t have to be. This devotional is designed to help you organize your prayers into daily segments and bite size reminders of who and what to pray for on any given day. There are no magic words to get your prayers answered just an invitation to communicate with our Heavenly Father.

Back to School, Back to You offers the inspiration and guidance you need to embrace this new chapter with confidence and hope. This collection of thought-provoking and inspiring chapters will help you navigate this transition with grace and optimism.

Together, these stories feature…

• Hope-Filled Insights: into the challenges and joys of motherhood during the back-to-school season, encouraging readers to embrace change and growth.
• Diverse Journeys: of experienced mothers, teachers, and faith-driven writers who bring a wealth of wisdom and heartfelt stories that resonate deeply with readers.
• Stories to Inspire: include reflections on the true purpose of education to fostering authentic confidence in children.
• Practical Exercises: designed to help you apply the insights and advice in your daily life, making the journey towards a fulfilling back-to-school season even more impactful.

The remarkable authors behind this collection—Jamie Inman, Keri Lynn Willis, Anna Dabill, Kayren J. Cathcart, Énid Meyer Tchir, Nikki Tigg, Bonnie Shue McDonald, Takhia Gaither, Amy E. Dyster, and Chelsea Garofalo—penned words that are sure to inspire and uplift. Dive into these pages, embrace the insights shared, and allow them to resonate within you. Let’s embark on this journey together, celebrating this next season with renewed vigor and a heart full of hope.

Keri and Marie go on a bike riding adventure at the La Purisima Mission. They just wanted to play and snoop around the ancient grounds, but they discover friendship and life-long lessons from the history of the Chumash people and the years they spent living and working at the mission.You will have fun going on an adventure with the girls while learning about the La Purisima Mission.

Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

My name is Keri Willis. I am a semi-retired educator. I spent a great deal of my career working with adults with developmental disabilities and many years in elementary education, in the classroom and as an administrator. My main ministry now is coordinating the women’s ministry for our church in San Diego, CA. I have been married thirty-four years and have two grown and married children. I now have a head of full grey hair and good ideas. I believe we are created to use our gifts and to be creative. That comes in many forms for me. I love to woodwork and use power tools, design, decorate, garden, and create new recipes. And I love to write. One major lesson I have learned in my writing journey is that I need to be still and listen to hear God’s voice before I am prepared to put into words the message he has instilled in my heart. This has been much easier since I am no longer working full time, but it is so easy to get distracted and not listen, which almost always ends with an empty page in the form of writer’s block. While I have written many articles for newsletters and local newspapers, I did not consider myself a writer until I self-published my first book, Teapots and Power Tools. https://www.amazon.com/Teapot.../dp/1466458763/ref=sr_1_3... The idea emerged as I was working on a project in my garage. I had worship music playing, power tools out and saw dust flying. I glanced up and saw my delicate teapot sitting on my router table. The message was clear. Sometimes we are using the power tools God gives us and sometimes he just wants us to be still and have tea with him. The book became the foundation for a women’s retreat, and then my amazing niece helped me work through publishing it on Create Space (now KDP). At least five other projects are in different stages of production. I joined hope*writers to help motivate me and keep me focused and accountable. I am still trying to figure out the whole website and blog thing. That is my next goal for myself; that and finish writing at least one of my projects! Teapots and Power Tools: Effectively using the tools God has equipped you with, while taking time to “Be Still and Know That He is God” View more posts