Soul Water Summer Newsletter

Dear Readers,

Before I get into the meat of this newsletter, let me tell you a little story.

As a writer, one of the topics drilled into us at workshops is to build our writing platform and particularly our email lists. As one who does not like to draw attention to myself, this has been an ongoing battle… one where I continually shoot myself in the foot. 

One of those feet was Facebook. Mine got hacked and I lost 18 years of contacts and memories. So, if you lost me, look me up again and click “add friend” to Keri L Willis.

You may not remember signing up for this blog/newsletter, because it has been a while since you did. But buried under a pile of papers on my desk was a list of about 45 names that sat ignored (or lost) for way too long. Most of these were from women’s retreats where I have spoken. 

Also, the email server and website host changed things up on me, and I did not realize many of my subscribers were dropped or not receiving my blogs. I apologize on both counts for not being more proactive where my readers are concerned. All of that to say, can we start over?

If you have not been receiving the blog, I encourage you to go back through them and glean any insights or encouragement you might gain from the almost 150 posts. I will include links to some of my favorites here:

This is the most recent post of the Be-Attitude series –  “The Be-Attitudes of the Christian Walk – Be Gentle.”

From the prayer series – “One Word Prayers”

From the RESToration series: “RESTored to Our Original Purpose“

I also wanted to let you know of a few other of my writing updates. In the last fifteen months, I have been a busy writer. It seems I am behind the computer more than anything else. I love sitting in my backyard “office” writing while the birds are serenading me with their worship. Every so often, I have to get up and pull some weeds and do some yard work, but this really is my favorite time of year… but I digress.

I had written a series of blogs on prayer and was encouraged to put it into book form as a devotional and prayer journal. It is ready and available on Amazon here: 

Restore Your Soul with Seven Days of Prayer

It would be great if you wanted to pick up a copy and leave a review. 

Also, many of you may have been present when I read my princess story that is my testimony written as a fairy tale. You may have received a xeroxed copy of it at a retreat, full of all my typos and misused words. Bless you for wanting that but it is now available as a full color kids’ book, illustrated by one of my former fifth grade students. If you purchase a copy, let me know, and I will send you a pdf of coloring pages where your little ones can practice their art as you read them the story. It can be found here:

A Girl Who Wanted to Be a Princess

I was one of ten collaborating authors on “Back to School, Back to You,” a book geared to help moms and other adults through the challenges of beginning the school year. The chapter I wrote was on building authentic confidence in your children. 

Speaking of books, summer is a fantastic time to catch up on your reading list. Here are a few recommended titles that pair perfectly with a sunny day:

• Tea With Elephants by Robin Jones Gunn – A heartwarming tale adventure and grace.
• The Timeless Series by Gabrielle Meyer – Stories that blend mystery, time travel, biblical truth, and adventure. 
• Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances by Tricia Goyer – Find where your true strength and joy come from. 

Dive into one of these (I have read and love them all) or revisit an old favorite—there’s nothing like a good book to transport you to another world or set your heart right.

Summer is a feast for the senses, and what better way to celebrate than with fresh, seasonal recipes? Here’s a quick and easy dish to elevate your summer meals:

Tropical Summer Salad

Ingredients:

• Fresh greens (arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce)
• Sliced mango, pineapple, and strawberries
• Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional)
• A handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds
• Honey-lime dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, the juice of 1 lime, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions:

• Combine the greens and fruits in a large bowl.
• Add the grilled protein for a heartier option.
• Sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Drizzle with honey-lime dressing and toss gently. Serve immediately!

Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at your next barbecue.

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, I’m thrilled to bring you this summer newsletter, filled with exciting updates, tips, and stories to make the most of this vibrant season. 

Summer is the perfect time to reconnect with God by soaking in the beauty of the world around us. Here are a few ideas to make your outdoor adventures unforgettable:

• Explore Your Local Parks: Take a stroll, have a picnic, or simply relax under the shade of a tree.
• Hiking and Camping: Discover hidden trails or set up camp under a starlit sky for a refreshing escape.
• Beach Days: Enjoy the soothing sound of waves, build sandcastles, or try your hand at water sports.
• Eat fresh strawberries, peaches, or watermelon!

Don’t forget your sunscreen, water bottle, and a good book for those quiet summer afternoons!

And last, the BIG project I am working on now is a novel based on the life of my eleventh great grandmother who lived in early colonial era Boston. It is a difficult story, but one I am trying to write with the grace and mercy she was not extended. The working title is “Grace in the Gallows,” and I am about halfway done with it. My goal is to have it completely written by the end of summer and into the right hands shortly after that. I covet your prayers and will keep you posted. 

Thank you for being part of this community and taking the time to read my summer newsletter. I hope it brings a little sunshine to your day and inspires you to make the most of this wonderful season. Here’s to a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories!

Dear God, Creator of the Seasons,

Thank you for the warmer weather and the beautiful sunshine. Please keep us in your care as we go about our days. Help us to be aware of those around us who are in need and always be prepared to lend a hand or a word of encouragement. Please guide our steps and keep us from harm. And, more than anything, thank you for loving us enough to save us and give us the gift of your beautiful world and promise of Heaven. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Warm regards,

Keri Willis

PS If this was a blessing, please share with your friends. Encourage them to sign up for the blog as well.

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