AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: The Inspiration behind WHEREVER YOU ARE with Glenys Nellist (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Today it is my pleasure to have children’s author Glenys Nellist here to share the touching inspiration behind her newest book for children. Published by Beaming Books with illustrations by Sian James and told in gently rhyming text, WHEREVER YOU ARE is a reminder that God is with us through it all. Like Glenys’ other books, this one, too, reflects her heart for children. And now, join me in welcoming her as she shares the sweet inspiration behind the book. Take it away, Glenys! Oh, and be sure to check out the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win ONE complimentary copy of the book.

The Inspiration behind WHEREVER YOU ARE

by Glenys Nellist

Eight years ago, on an ordinary Thursday afternoon, when my first-born grandson was just three years old and I had the enormous privilege of taking care of him, it was snowing.

He stood by the window in our front room, and as he watched the snow fall silently outside, he was so very still that I took this photo. 

After a moment, he turned to me and asked, in his three-year-old voice, Where’s God?

“Well, Xander,” I replied, “God is invisible… remember? But I think God is in the gently falling snow, and in the trees. God is all around us. God is in me, and God is in YOU.”

“God is in my belly?” he asked, and we both started laughing as I scooped him in my arms.

I did not know it then, but that ordinary moment on that ordinary day would become a picture book exploring the simple yet powerful premise that wherever you are, God is there.

Neither did I know that the photo I took that morning would be used by Sian James as the basis for one of the first illustrations in the book… which all goes to show that ordinary moments can become something extraordinary.

Wherever You Are celebrates and affirms the presence of God in every moment of our lives. Be they ordinary, or extraordinary, significant or insignificant, momentous or mundane, triumphant or tearful… God is with us.

My prayer and hope for all who turn the pages of this book is that they might find time to pause, to remember and know…

Wherever you are, God is there.

BIO: Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England. The author of multiple award-winning children’s books, including the bestselling ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, The Wonder That is You, and five popular series: Love Letters from God, Snuggle Time, ‘Twas, Good News and Little Mole, her writing reflects a deep passion for helping children discover joy and hope in the world. Glenys lives in Michigan with her husband, David.

Access the downloadable activity kit here.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!! If you’d like a chance to win a fresh-off-the-press copy of WHEREVER YOU ARE (Beaming Books, 2023) follow this blog and leave a comment letting us know. (NOTE: Must be U.S. resident and at least 18 years old to enter.) Thank you, Beaming Books, for providing the winning book. This giveaway ends Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. 

[Note: Thank you, Beaming Books, for sending me a copy of the book which I was under no obligation to review. The views and opinions expressed on this blog about books and other things are purely my own.]