Today I spent a good deal of time at The Garden Tea Lounge in an antique mall, in the hope of getting my book, The Estate Sale, into the hands of many new readers. I set my table up attractively, ordered my cuppa, and took my place at the table. But where were the people? I brought plenty of books but few people were making their way to the back of the mall.

A gentleman and his wife arrived to set up for him to play his guitar. They took their place and he began playing in a classical guitar/flamingo style and it made the sparse line of customers more bearable. His wife was sweet and attentive to her husband…they were both elderly. I put some money in the “tip jar,” she had set on a nearby table.

I began making eye contact with women passing by, then engaged them in conversation (do you enjoy reading, are you an estate sale junkie, etc.). That resulted in some sales, but far fewer than I hoped for.

Finally I packed up, as did the musician, bid farewell to them and tea Lounge staff. On the way home I began praying for each person for whom I signed a book. I remembered each name. I included the musician and his wife, along with the staff, in my prayer. My spirit was lifted and I realized God put me where I would reach the ones He wanted to read my book. I’m thankful for the opportunities He provides.

December 10, 2018. Mary’s Journal

This time of year we hear multiple Christmas messages coming out of the Book of Luke. I have read the Biblical account of the birth of our Lord and Savior many times. Awe and wonder, fear and excitement, all hang from my heart like ornaments on a tree. Imagine the thrill of seeing The King as a babe in the manager. I love slipping silently back in time to observe and feel the emotions of those celebrating the birth of Christ.

A verse I love is Luke 2:19, “Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Now, Mary had a lot going on, having given birth to The King and sitting in a stable. She had much to ponder. The thing I love about this verse is she treasured it all. Mary held it close to her heart as she pondered. She didn’t pull her hair out, rant and ask God to find them better facilities.

My version would have her writing everything in her journal while sipping a steaming cup of tea. She would throw a lambs wool covering on her legs and snuggle baby Jesus close, singing softly. Mary’s mind might replay all that led up to this moment, and every detail would be captured.

Much later, after her precious Son is crucified, Mary would take out her journal and re-read her own Christmas story, while allowing her cup of tea to warm her heart and remind her of God’s promises. She treasured and pondered. All these things in her heart.

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November 22, 2018. Thanksgiving

Word of Mouth

Last night my 4-year-old Great-Granddaughter, Teagan, did a seven-second video, telling viewers who like to read, they need to buy her GG’s (Great-Grandma), book (which she was holding front and center). My FB friends and followers have viewed and shared the video with their friends and followers. She is adorable and very convincing.

Obviously, she hasn’t and can’t read the book, but she knows/loves the Author and believes what her GG wrote is great. Teagan loves books (which her GG buys for her), so telling others to buy and read them comes natural for her.

Christians have at least one Bible in their homes, and often multiple Bibles in different versions. Some have read it from Genesis to Revelation, but may have limited understanding. They know/love the Author, and believe what the Author wrote is great, so telling others to read it should come natural to them. Providing a Bible for others to read is a wonderful thing to do.

Word of mouth is how we spread the message of Salvation. One person shares, and it gets passed around. Teagan’s short video may or may not garner many purchasers of my book, but she’s not responsible for that. She merely told viewers about it. They then, must make a choice; buy and read it or not. When we tell people about God’s Son, Jesus, and His plan of Salvation, we aren’t responsible for what happens. They must make a choice; to accept and follow Him, or not.

One day, Teagan will be able to read and understand the book I wrote. It will be a legacy of love from me when I’m no longer here. When she has children she will share her love for the book and Author. Word of mouth is still the greatest way to advertise, and when someone as precious as Teagan does it, you can’t help but take notice. We are all precious in His sight…so let’s share about the Greatest Book in the world…the Holy Bible…and the Greatest Author…God!

Thank you, Linda Yezak, for having me as your guest. I am very excited to get the word out. The Estate Sale will be available for preordering soon!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by. My name is June Chapko, and  I am an Author and Certified Teacup Indulgent, located in San Antonio, Texas. My love for teacups started when I traveled to England in the nineties to attend the birth of one of my granddaughters. I fell in love with the tiny bundle of joy, and yes, with my granddaughter too. Delicate China teacups wrapped themselves around my heart, just as Baby Jessica did.

I love to attend estate sales and search for unsuspecting teacup treasures. When I find one needing a forever home, I begin listening for the story it wants to tell. Teacups will talk if they find a good listener.

I hope you’re a teacup lover (but if not it’s okay), and will return often. My teacups have many stories to share.

Tea is the magic key to the vault where my brain is kept.
-Frances Hardinge