A good read. Enjoy!

Here's a book for all of you who love to curl up with a good read that will make you sigh, dream, and just warm your heart with tender stories.
Janet Perez Eckles, committed to inspire you.
When stress clouds your day like a dark veil of smog, check out the joy that shines through my blog: www.janetperezeckles.com.

From author: Roberta Simpson:

It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Janet, and your bloggers. I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!

There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women - just waiting to be discovered or understood. I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life - but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.

Q: Why did you decide to begin a career at the age of 70?

ROBERTA: I was not looking for a career! I thought that raising 5 children, and being a stay at home mom was career enough! It was as if the “career” found me! It is so exciting, and I love the changes that are happening due to this new career.

I loved being a mother, and one that was able to stay at home. (Actually, it would have been very difficult to find someone to look after five kids!) Although, there were times I would have just loved to shut my eyes, shut my ears and hide for several hours! But really, I would do it all over again. I am so grateful to my husband for letting me be a “stay at home” Mom!

God chose for us to be mothers, and what a wonderful joy it is to have children, no matter how harassed we are or how tired we become. We are raising little armies for Jesus! And how wonderful it is that God continues to use us long after our children are grown!

Q: Your personal story is one of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.

ROBERTA: Challenges do come, and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few plays for church.

The gentleman who read and corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty little red pen. On the bottom he wrote, “You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought, “I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!” He was a very influential man in Barbados – in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this? When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in the way with his negative comments!

Years later, when I knew God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time, was obeying God, and not listening to man!

Friends and especially family have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!

Q: You are “Lady” Roberta Simpson. How did you receive that title?

ROBERTA: Actually, I did not receive the title. My husband received a title and was knighted. As a result he is titled Sir Kyffin Simpson, and I am Lady Simpson.

Q: The actress, Jane Seymour, and Christian artist, Sheila Walsh, each provided narration for your book. How did they become involved?

ROBERTA: I do appreciate the relationships we make in our lives. God puts the right people into our lives in the right time! I loved Jane Seymour’s beautiful voice and a good friend sent the book to her. She liked the stories and agreed to do the narration because of our shared passion for children.

It was a similar story with Sheila Walsh. She also loved the book and agreed to do the narrations.

I loved meeting these two lovely ladies, and can hardly believe how wonderful they were to do what they did for me, and what a wonderful job they did!

Q: You live on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados; yet, Michael W. Smith just presented you with President Bush’s Volunteer Service Award for your volunteer work in the United States. Why do you have such a passion for the United States?

ROBERTA: I believe that the United States of America is a great and wonderful country. The very roots are founded on the Scripture, and the US has helped more countries than any other nation.

It certainly is the leading nation in the wonderful world God has created. In addition, my husband and I have two children and five grandchildren that live in the US! We are so grateful for this mighty nation.

If she did not exist, well, life would be pretty grim! God bless the United States of America, now and always!

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross - the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly. I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a child and enjoy!