Living Shoes Is Here!!!

Dear Friend,

It has been a dream of mine to write a book for my children and grandchildren for 30 years .  I am excited to announce that my book, Living Shoes, is now available.  It is written for "children" of all ages!  If you are interested in purchasing one, I would love to hear from you!

"BEHIND EVERY PAIR OF SHOES...

Behind every pair of shoes there is a story.  When I was a little girl, my father and I played a game when we went shopping.  We would run off to the shoe department and my father would pick out a pair of shoes.  He would ask me what family member the shoes were most like and I would try to guess the relative they portrayed.  Then it would be my turn to choose a pair of shoes and he would guess. We would try to choose the most outrageous shoes we could find.  Every selection seemed to trigger an old family story and we would get lost in reminiscing.  We had a great time and never seemed to tire of playing it.

This little game gave me the idea for the book, Living Shoes.  Since those early years of childhood, I have looked at shoes differently.  There is a story behind every pair!"

One dollar per book will go to “Joni and Friends” and their “Wheels for the World” program.  They refurbish wheelchairs and distribute them around the world to provide accessibility to people with physical disabilities.  This contribution is in honor of my precious students that sacrificed so much to raise over $3,000 for this wonderful ministry.

In addition, the proceeds from this book will fund the release of my next book, Living Grace.  This book encourages churches to provide ministry and support to the special needs community.  

You may contact me through the blog or e-mail me at theboggi@aim.com.  Thank you for your support!

Because of Christ,

Deana Boggess

Katie

Dear Katie,

     A little over 15 years ago the phone rang to let us know that you were on your way.  All four of us jumped in the car in Austin and drove to San Antonio to meet you.  We were all excited and anxious to meet the newest member of the family.  When we arrived at the hospital, we waited and waited to get an opportunity to see you.  The first moment I saw you you were in your momma's arms and her eyes were full of tears as she held you and kissed you.  Your dad was right by her side hugging both your mom and you.  I truly don't think there was a more special day to them, one other than their wedding day.  Your parents had waited for years to bring you into their lives.  They had prepared, prayed, and longed for a special little girl like you.

     Over the years, our love for you grew deeper and deeper.  You loved spending time with Pa and having him read stories to you and you loved shopping with Oma.  You loved being with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and they treasured you.

     A lot has happened since then, dear Katie.  You have grown up to be a beautiful young lady.  You have had many beautiful things happen, but also some tough things.  You have lost your daddy at way too young of an age.  
     When your dad looked at you for the first time he had all kinds of dreams for you.  He wanted you to have the very best and for you to know that you were deeply loved.  He wanted you to have a promising and happy life and he wanted you to feel and know the love God has for you.  Even though you can't be with him, none of that has changed.
     Just as you long for your dad, your mom longs for her husband.  I am so glad you have each other, because no one understands more than each of you.
     Over the years we have had a lot of laughs together, Katie.  Of course one of the best ones was when I got ants in my pants at your house and I had to borrow a towel to go home.  I know you loved that one!
     In all the pains of live and all of the laughter, we always have each other.  We can share life together, pray together, and lift one another up when the other falls.  I love you with all my heart, but more importantly, God loves you with a love far deeper than any of ours.  God created you with a beautiful design and an incredible plan.  Keep your eyes on God.  Truly, He is there to walk with you every step of the way.

With all my love,
Aunt Deana

,

Momma

     These are the shoes of my momma.  They have worked hard all of her life.  They have walked in faith.  They have walked with strength and they have walked to extend grace.

     Mom stayed home while she was raising us.  She read every book Dad read while he was in seminary so that they wouldn't grow apart.  She started college after we were well on our own educational path.  In her 40's she felt called into the ministry and I watched her continually serve the hurting in society.

     In 1997 she started, "Woman At the Well."  Women were being released from prison at two or three in the morning without any money and without a place to go.  She had become friends with women in prison as she led a Bible study there.  They were real women that needed the opportunity to begin their second chance successfully.  Since she began the program, over 300 women have graduated from the program with the opportunity to receive an education and even start a career path.

     One of my favorite stories about Mom was when she was a serving a church in inner city San Antonio.  A gang of boys had broken some bottles and were about to attack a little boy with the broken glass.  She ran out of the church and stood between the gang and the little boy.  With her hands on her hips she said, "You will have to go through me first!"

      Mom has always had the faith to do whatever God asked.  She has always had the strength to do what was right and she has the grace to extend to those in need.  She has been a powerful example in my walk.

Angel Wings

Silently he entered,

Loudly the prison doors slammed,

He never thought it would happen

That he would take the life of a fellow man.

His days will soon be numbered,

Either many or very few,

Somehow he must face this tragedy,

A nightmare he never knew.

His cell was cold and empty

With no escape from the day's events

His anguish may last forever

From his few moments of pain and anger.

In the midst of his silence she enters,

With a Bible and a heart of mercy.

The compassion in her eyes brings hope

To a child in the cell and body of a man.

Behind the glass between them

She sees a mischievous boy whose mischief

Grew to sin, whose sin grew to hatred

Yet behind his is an angel,

Just waiting to give him wings.

The woman sees it differently-

A boy whose sin cannot be erased by man.

For all mankind is damaged,

By the movement of a trigger in hand.

Yet with faith and determination,

She reaches the souls of the lost.

For she never met  a boy too guilty,

For the forgiveness of the Lord's cross.

Deana Boggess

February 27, 1995