From the Heart of Dixie

The Phillips are on staff at a Christian school, Lighthouse Academy, a ministry within their fellowship. All four of their children graduated from Lighthouse Academy. This fall, the Academy will celebrate twenty-one years of changing the world one child at a time.

Because of all the children in the church, Dixie began writing special programs for them to minister through drama and song. Several people suggested that she consider making her skits and recitations available to other churches. She submitted some of her ideas to Standard Publishing and they purchased them. Her skits, plays, recitations and stories have been published byRadiant Life Publications, Standard Publishing, Abingdon Press, Eldridge Publishing and LIVE Publications.

In August 2008, Dixie's first children's book, "Angel Eyes" was realeased by Guardian Angel Publishing. "Stubby's Destiny" will be released in November. of 2008. Both books were illustrated by Kim Sponaugle. Below is an interview Kim posted on her website at www.picturekitchenstudio.com.

Interview with Author DIXIE PHILLIPS

Dixie, what inspired you to write "Stubby's Destiny?"
My husband and I have been in fulltime ministry for nearly thirty years. We have a special love for children. After seeing so many precious little ones, who came from difficult circumstances, question whether they were “born wrong” and also question whether God could use them because they didn’t have a godly heritage, I wanted to write a book of hope. I sat down one day and “Stubby’s Destiny” was born.

What would you like children to come away with after they read your book? I want them to know that it doesn’t matter how you start this life, but how you finish that makes all the difference.

What kind of stories do you think children need the most? We live in a society of “dysfunctional orphans”. Many are being raised by someone other than their parents. They may not live in orphanages, and many have been left to fin for themselves. This neglect and rejection leaves big holes in their souls and sends them looking for love in all the wrong places. Children need inspirational stories filled with hope reaffirming to each child that their life is precious to their heavenly Father and He will be the Father they have always wanted.

Dixie, you write for adults and for children. Which type of writing do you find the most challenging, and which do you find the most fun? I’m ministry-minded to a fault and probably need to take some classes on setting “boundaries” in life, but I really enjoy writing inspirational stories for both adults and children.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
God blessed me with two of the most wonderful grandmothers in the whole world. My maternal grandmother had such a love for children. When I was just a little girl, she gave me a sample, a living example, of compassion. She took me with her to nursing homes and her kitchen was a soup kitchen for anyone who needed a meal. She has been gone for eight years, but even though she’s dead - her life resonates in my soul.

Quote from Kim Sponaugle

I just completed the artwork for "Stubby's Destiny" with author Dixie Phillips for Guardian Angel Publishing. It's a wonderful story about a little donkey named Stubby and a very special job meant just for him! I have really enjoyed getting to know and working with Dixie. Stubby's Destiny is our second book project together. Look for "Angel Eyes" and "Stubby's Destiny" to be released this fall. --- Kim Sponaugle

Kim Sponaugle

Learn More

Visit Kim's
Website

Kim Sponaugle is a native of New Jersey and is a graduate of The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Upon graduation, she was hired as an associate curriculum designer for Cook Publications in Elgin, IL. It was while she was designing children's products and hiring artists that she discovered that she really wanted to be at the drawing board.

Kim has designed and illustrated book covers, mural art, children's curriculum and children's magazines but primarily illustrates children's books since 2001.

Kim has taught K-8th grade art, workshops and writer's conferences to both children and adults encouraging them to use talent and imagination to bring their stories to life.

Children's books illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

The Adventure's of Beatrice - Beatrice Loses Her Doll - Concordia Publishing
New Clothes - Concordia Publishing
Anna Banana - Christian Focus Publications
Corey's Story - Christian Focus Publications
Tickle Land - Athse Publishing
Jamie's Dream - Guardian Angel Publishing
Mike Duffy's Adventure With the World's Smallest Person - Llumina Press
Grandma Kathy Has Cancer - Dog Ear Publishing
Benny & Marshmellow - A Day of Mischief - Ithaca Press

My little westie dog Casey enjoys sitting behind me while I paint. The studio is filled with old toys, antique books, rag dolls, pop-up books ... anything that inspires my imagination. Besides working at home in the studio, being able to spend time with my family and work with some wonderful authors, I have had the great blessing of being able to do the work I love to do and hopefully children will enjoy it too!
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Holy Ghostwriter

Recently the Lord has opened doors for Dixie in ghostwriting.

Below are other books, which you can find Pastor Paul and Dixie Phillips’ stories in.

Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God is a superb collection of stories and inspirational writings providing the reader with a powerful connection to the Heart of God. Women from various backgrounds and walks of life open their hearts with a fresh perspective on the ageless questions asking “Why do bad things happen to good people?” or “Why me?”

Regardless of the reader’s age, vocation, personal interests or level of spiritual maturity, the stories in this book will lead them to their knees in prayer, to their feet in thanksgiving, or to the phone to share with their closest friend.

Used as a devotional, shared in a small group setting for discussion, or picked up when there are only a few free minutes in her busy day, the reader is invited to press beyond her comfort zone to experience the unexplainably passionate love shared between a woman and her God.

There are four of Dixie's pieces in this book.

A Year of Celebration can be purchased at www.amazon.com
It includes five of Dixie's inspirational stories.
A Mother's Legacy
Zachary's Real Birthday
The Anniversary Letter
Friend or Foe
Christmas Before Thanksgiving

In the Beginning can be purchased at www.amazon.com.
It includes Dixie's story His Father's Eyes.

A Simple Prayer Changed Her Life is a true story Dixie wrote about her grandmother's conversion. It can be purchased at gospelpublishing.com.

Quilting Patches of Life by Lori Wagner includes Pastor Paul's personal testimony entitled The Arkansas Traveler.
You will also find within its pages the healing testimony of the Phillips' son, John -- A Dove in my Window.
You may purchase Quilting Patches of Life at affirmingfaith.com.

Singing News Presents Praise Reports includes powerful testimonies of ordinary people, who have faith in an extraordinary God. Included in its pages is the personal healing of Pastor Paul & Dixie Phillips' son, John. The story is entitled A Fighting Chance. It can be purchased at xulonpress.com.

Speeches & Recitations for Young Children by Dixie Phillips is a ministry resource for the small church. Simply assign the easy to memorize recitations to the children of your congregation and allow them to minister through drama for the special occasions of your fellowship. This valuable resource can be purchased at abingdonpress.com.

Glimpses of Heaven by Dixie Phillips was publishedin 1997 by Abingdon Press. It is a heartwarming play about two mischievous cherubs and how they felt when Jesus left Heaven and came to Earth. If you have a youth group, Sunday school class or homeschooling group that are looking for a charming Christmas program to perform - Glimpses of Heaven is guaranteed to warm the coldest heart. Glimpses of Heaven can be purchased at amazon.com.