Books published by Joshua Tree Publishing

Finding the Lost Art of Family Storytelling: A Guide for Parents, Grandparents, and Family Historians is a response to all the challenges for families raising kids in this generation. Experts tell us what to do in order to be the best we can be for our kids. Joe Jekot tells us who to be-ourselves. He is of the belief that storytelling is at the center of all aspects of family life and the formation of personal and communal identity. A good story told in the right way and at the right time can change the direction of a young person's life for the better. This guide empowers family storytellers to weave the tales that will allow young people to grow into purpose-driven and happy adults. Joe teaches a simple four-step process by which a person can take any significant experience of life and transform it into a powerful story. The guide includes more than seventy story prompts and reflection questions that will draw out the hidden tales just waiting to be told.Joe Jekot has a B.A. in Theology and M.Ed. in Community Counseling from the Loyola University of Chicago. He is a certified parent effectiveness trainer and has completed a certificate in narrative healing. He is an active member of the National Storytelling Network, the Northlands Storytelling Network, and Illinois Storytelling Inc.For more information onJoe Jekot's retreats, seminars,and performances, contact himat www.joejekot.com.

Enjoy the adventures of a tiny artist-spider, Michelangela, who discovers romance and herself. Searching for her place on earth, she inspires a prince who copies her intricate designs and becomes world famous.Then delight in the big-hearted heroine, Amore, who is ostracized by her family and townspeople because of her generosity and uniqueness. Follow her to one of the world's greatest cities, where she finds love and appreciation by those who see her as a "swan" rather than as an "ugly duckling." In a witty, alternative ending, a crafty lawyer markets her and enables her to become a world-renowned icon.Dr. Joan Thomson Kretschmer, Artistic Director and founder of the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York, attended Smith College, graduated from Barnard College, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in musicology from Columbia University, where she was a Clarence Barker Fellow. A pianist and teacher, she has been a music critic for The New York Post and has written articles about music for The New York Times and other publications. Joan is the author of Yona: Discoveries, Doorways and Musical Superpower.

A Drifter, A Hero, A DreamIn the year of 1882, a small group of individuals shaped part of our nation's history. In the decades that followed, our history books had nothing more than a paragraph detailing these events. Students were left to memorize and immortalize those that had been a canon of truth and righteous. The individuals have long since passed beyond memory, but this tale is what really happened.A drifter with no plan and a great skill with a revolver finds purpose as a hired gun for a mysterious figure. The money is too great to pass up as they travel across the west collecting ransoms, money, and property for the Company. During his travels, he befriends a young woman, and agrees to help her travel to Colorado causing him to question his choices, his humanity, and his life as just another outlaw in the west.Josh Turk is an author who grew up in a northwest suburb of Chicago. He developed a passion for writing and reading of literature during his teenage years after reading John Grisham novels and Ernest Hemingway. Studying economics and finance in college, he began writing short stories during law school as a way to entertain himself and others from the routine of school. It was here where he began writing his first novel and finished it over the course of four years.

Something Beautiful is Going to Happen . . .My Incredible Story of Fierce Devotion Embracing God, a Son, and Life ItselfHailing from a small Midwest town, Melissa Young has never let anything hold her back from chasing her dreams with passion and fortitude. Melissa won the title of Miss Wisconsin USA 2005 and that year was awarded the prestigious title of Miss Congeniality at the Miss USA pageant. Melissa became a media sensation after her public "thank you" to Donald J. Trump during the Wisconsin primaries went viral. She has been interviewed, extolling her immense gratitude on dozens of national news shows, including Fox's Sean Hannity, Stuart Varney & Company, On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, America's News HQ, CNN, and Inside Edition."Melissa Young embodies the spirit of a warrior and true patriot to this nation. Her determination to allow nothing to stop her from living and loving is an inspiration to millions. Her outer and inner beauty truly shines the light of Jesus Christ, Our Savior."Pastor Mark Burns, Renowned motivational speakerLabeled by TIME magazine as "Donald Trump's Top Pastor"It found me when I was born into severe poverty. It showed itself when I was receiving last rites in a hospital bed. Then it held me as I stood next to the President of the United States and the First Lady at the Inaugural Ball.It was faith. My faith in God has never wavered. He has sustained me through an unimaginable illness with an unrelenting determination to stay alive for my precious son, Jack.I am proof that the human spirit, grounded in God's love, is more powerful than the ills that can attack our bodies. I'm still alive because for some reason God needs me to be. There must be more for me to do, and maybe this book is that thing. Baring my soul and reliving each moment to share it with you was one of the most gut-wrenching things I've ever had to do, but I was determined to not allow my life story to die with me, and now it won't.My son Jack is my legacy. I will live on through him and the pages of this memoir, a life lived and written by me.Melissa YoungFor more information,visitMelissaYoung.US

Beautiful Lightning is not just another heartwarming tale of the magical connection between man's best friend and people. It is a unique true story where the author gratefully puts together the pieces of a puzzle he gathers throughout his journey that he and his family took with their rescued dog Bella whose breed faces a lot of prejudice and presented challenges for his entire family from the first day they adopted her.However, Bella became part of the family, too. Because their bond was so strong, they decided to do whatever it took to make things work out. Although, when things finally started heading in the right direction, the family received extremely bad news that sent them into a tail spin and the events that happened next left them devastated.As soon as the author gets the most important puzzle piece and begins connecting the pieces together, he realizes that all of them have been left behind for him intentionally and with a purpose.Bogdan Octavian Sopterean was born on October 1, 1980, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, which is located in the beautiful region of Transylvania-yes, the region where Dracula was born. When he began middle school, he started to practice martial arts, which helped him to become more focused in school work and helped him learn to believe in himself. At age seventeen, he was already part of the Romanian National Karate Team.He graduated from Nicolae Balcescu High School, where Spanish, English and Romanian were his major courses. Because sports were already a big part of his life, he graduated from Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sports. In 2002, Bogdan decided to move to America, known as the land of opportunity, where one could achieve anything they put their mind to, no matter who they are, and ever since, he looked for his calling.His true passion for writing came at a difficult time in his life, but at that moment, he discovered that writing books is his calling and that he will never stop writing.Presently, Bogdan and his lovely wife live in Illinois with their sweet nine-year-old daughter and their dog.

In 2016, as a practicing internist Dr. Heather Thompson is diagnosed with breast cancer and must abruptly enter the healthcare system for the first time as a patient. Her experiences, observations, and process of growth and transformation are outlined in her first book, Mirth is God's Medicine: Coping with Cancer as a Physician.A continuation of the story, With Mirth and Laughter: Finding Joy in Medicine After Cancernow moves beyond the early days of breast cancer treatment, including surgery, medication, and physical therapy, and further describes how a cancer diagnosis impacts her friendships, family dynamics, teaching and mentoring roles. More importantly, it changes her practice style and view of what it means to provide patient centered care. This book includes story after story of patient interactions, some ironic, many humorous, but all poignant and compelling; they serve to illustrate how being in one role ultimately benefits the other.Dr. Thompson also chronicles how becoming a patient changes her approach in how she teaches and trains future physicians. Those in academic medicine or in a teaching role of any kind can relate. Cancer survivors as well as health care providers will appreciate the observations and shift in perspective as she moves from doctor as patient to patient as doctor. All the while, Dr. Thompson maintains her keen sense of humor, sharing many amusing stories about primary care, academic medicine, and even the somewhat harrowing process of becoming a writer.Dr. Heather Thompson Buum is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota in the Division of General Internal Medicine. She graduated from Hamline University in 1993 with a BA in biology, then went on to complete both medical school and residency at the University of Minnesota. She joined the faculty in 2002 and devotes half her time to patient care, practicing both outpatient primary care and inpatient hospital medicine. The remaining time, she spends in various teaching and administrative roles. She formerly served as an associate program director for the internal medicine residency and now is a course director for Human Health and Disease and a small group facilitator for Essentials of Clinical Medicine in the medical school. Dr. Thompson has won numerous awards for both teaching and patient care, including Outstanding Medical School Teacher in 2016, the Department of Medicine Clinical Excellence Award in 2013, and Minnesota Monthly's Top Doctors for Women in 2013 and 2011. She is a member of the Society for General Internal Medicine and a fellow in the American College of Physicians. Her outside interests include choral music, performing with the Oratorio Society of Minnesota for over twenty years. She also enjoys cooking, running, and an occasional round of golf. She lives with her husband and two children in St. Paul.

As a primary care physician in her mid-forties, Dr. Heather Thompson Buum is diagnosed with breast cancer; she is now facing multiple medical decisions, this time about her own health. Experiencing the system firsthand informs her future approach in unanticipated ways; what initially seems like a negative event becomes a process of growth and transformation. The story illustrates how a doctor, as both informed medical professional and human being, copes with a new diagnosis and disease. She falls back on what sustained her previously: music, faith, exercise. Along the way, she discovers new coping mechanisms: writing and sharing her story. Opening up to others, finding common ground, allowing authenticity and vulnerability to permeate teaching, mentoring, even patient relationships-this is almost an opposing view to how doctors are trained, to value privacy above all else. The book is filled with stories and scenarios from academic medicine, both humorous and poignant, that illustrate the humanity of us all. Cancer survivors will resonate with many themes, including the emotional roller coaster that accompanies the entire ordeal. Readers will appreciate how she finds humor even in tough situations, sharing amusing anecdotes not only from her cancer journey but also her training and career as a physician.

Give your child the POWER OF "I AM" with mantras that are mindful and lay the foundation for healthy Chakras. When you read this book with your child on a daily basis, you will empower them and allow them to process the world around them and skillfully navigate life with Power and Balance. Children should have tools such as kind words to set powerful affirmations that can reach into their subconscious & to their energy fields and stabilize their chakras. We try to be mindful - set goals - have affirmations . . . WHY NOT OUR KIDS!My Personal Story (Journey) My children have all grown up in different ways. I am the first to admit I was not the best mother, and I can admit that it took me a long time to become enlightened. Once I found the power of "I AM" and applied it to myself, I was able to be transformed.I knew that I had to use it with my youngest child who is still at home with me. He suffers from many INTERNAL HIGH FREQUENCY EMOTIONS that are just too much for him to process. The tool of "I AM" has become a tool that I use and read to him daily. The little things that we can do to help our children will make an impactful difference.So, I wanted to share my tool (this book) with the world. WE ALL NEED HELP SOMETIMES.About the AuthorFaith Spencer, RMT, PHD has been an active practitioner of natural therapies for over 15 years. She has had wellness studios in San Diego, California, Maui, Hawaii, and now is working out of her own studio in Joshua Tree, California.Faith has not only spent her time as a holistic health practitioner but has also enjoyed teaching Reiki and many other natural therapies across the United States and Canada. While in Hawaii, Faith and her Mother Gloria developed a healing method called Omni-Rejuvenation.As a mother, she has continued to grow in her practice of natural therapies so that she can use them in her own home. Now that she is writing stories to give her gift to the world, she hopes that children will be able to have tools for the ups and downs of life. Her gift is spread with children's books for one and all to enjoy.

Creating Guests for LifeLessons Learned and Rules to Follow for Improving ServiceImproving service may be included on many businesses list of goals, but taking service to a level where "customers for life" are created requires dedication and a commitment to excellence that is often sought but rarely achieved.CREATING GUESTS for Life focuses on experiences from the hospitality industry. However, the principles within this book are relevant and easily incorporated into the business plan or training program of any business in any industry interested in improving service.To learn more, visit:creatingguestsforlife.comPaul Ruby's sometimes humorous, but always relatable stories of lessons learned during his career serving others, evolves into simple but valuable rules to follow in his quest to create customers for life.

Wondabubba and the Big Splash is a story about a young boy that lives in a wonderful forest. His home is a tree house on top of a sycamore tree filled with amazing things. At the base of his tree house is a pond full of talking fish. One day a powerful tornado comes to the forest and destroys Wondabubba's home as well as the home of his aquatic friends.The adventure begins for Wonda when he must find a way to bring water back to his friends. However in order to get the water, Wonda must get permission from Old Man River! Will Wonda save his friends or become the victim of the villainous Undertow?This story is an adventure in earth sciences, filled with fun metaphors, and stunning images for children of all ages.Gary Giles has been performing before many audiences as an actor, orator and vocalist for over 40 years. Finally, to all the children who have come to know Wondabubba down through the years, know that you are loved!James L. Whitley is a self-taught artist and creative professional with over fifteen years of industry experience in the fields of Illustration, design, animation and video production. James finds inspiration in seeing himself and others grow and flourish through beautiful co-creations aimed at improving the well-being and empowerment of everyone.

I Have the Power to GrowAffirmations for Young & Old Building a foundation for positive thoughts. To the young and old looking to make a positive change in this world. To all of the children reading this book or having someone read it to you,YOU ARE STRONG,YOU ARE IMPORTANT,and YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU DESIRE! Enjoy this colorful book that will help you grow using mindful affirmations. The use of affirmations that start with "I" will help you and your child lay the foundation for positive thoughts. When you read this book with your child on a daily basis, you will empower them and allow them to process the world around them and skillfully navigate life with self-confidence. Bring Power and Balance to your life.Children should have tools such as kind words to set powerful affirmations that can reach into their subconscious & build healthy thoughts about their own being. Being Powerful, Smart, Beautiful, and so much more.We try to be mindful - set goals - have affirmations.WHY NOT OUR KIDS! I would like to let you in on a secret...THIS BOOK HELPS THE ONE READING AS WELL AS THE ONE LISTENING!When you say things out loud and with repetition your subconscious takes note of this. By reading positive words you help yourself and the one listening.Enjoy!Faith Spencer, RMT, PhD has worked with people young and old across America to build positive foundations for everyone who would like to make a change. Faith takes being a Personal Life Coach to the next level when with working with a family. She takes families on a journey together to rebuild healthy bonds and relationships.As a mother of four amazing children, she understands the importance of living what you wish others to live. She reads her books to her son Sean Riley and does positive affirmations with him daily. She believes that children should have positive power given to them and that they take on what they hear.SO WHY NOT BUILD THEM UP WITH EMPOWERMENT AND POSITIVITY.Faith has been a Holistic Health Practitioner for over 20 years and has had wellness studios in San Diego, CA, Maui, HI, North Carolina, and now is based out of Joshua Tree, CA.Visit:faithspencerphd.com

I was Born a Grown ManDavid E. Miller As Told by Melvin "Buck" DuncanMelvin "Buck" Duncan's love for baseball began when a local insurance agent in Centralia selected him for a youth baseball team."I was fourteen at the time, and this is when I fell head over heels with the game of baseball. Now don't get me wrong-I loved all sports, particularly boxing and football. The neighborhood kids were a ragtag group of youngsters who had no uniforms."This early start led to a professional career which brought accolades and achievement, despite obstacles in the 1940s and beyond.The problem was Melvin "Buck" Duncan was black.Negro baseball leagues have a deep historical significance. Racism and "Jim Crow" laws encouraged segregation of African Americans and whites. Arguably, the players on the Negro baseball leagues were some of the best ever. Even today, they are still recognized and honored for their wonderful contribution to baseball as a whole. It's safe to say that the Negro league owners had made a "gentleman's agreement" to keep blacks from playing in the major leagues. It was once said by Martin Luther King Jr., "[Segregation] gives the segregator a false sense of superiority, it gives the segregated a false sense of inferiority." David E. Miller is a native of Centralia, Illinois. He is a Cum Laude graduate from Benedict College (South Carolina) in the field of Criminal Justice. He also attained a Master's of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University (Ohio).Miller is currently working on an upcoming book entitled, Small Town Black, a semi-autobiographical account of his life growing up in a small Illinois community.Visit,AuthorDavidMiller.com

YONA: Discoveries, Doorways, and Musical SuperpowerDr. Joan Thomson KretschmerWe meet Yona at age ten, an unwanted, scorned child, discovering her unique talents and beginning to exercise her special gift, the power of music. Multi Tasker is her dramatic, magic-wielding piano teacher with his Flights of Fancy, a flying piano. Her new friend, Ulysses, is a ten-year old boy who finds an abandoned, dilapidated trunk and its colorful, ebullient occupant, Gene E.Tasker arranges for them to attend The John Brook Summer Music Festival, where they live and study in the historic mansion donated by Mrs. Goodnkind, a wealthy, benevolent role model. Daily lessons include trips and exciting adventures as well as Doorways to Understanding, a series of entryways to learning about creativity, life, nature, the arts, and values.The tip of the iceberg of their unique curriculum includes: Music, art, talent, generosity, fear, positive thinking, leadership, science, the beauty and complexity of Mother Nature, the Moon, alleviating suffering, good and evil.Dr. Joan Thomson Kretschmer, Artistic Director and founder of the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York, attended Smith College, graduated from Barnard College, and received her M.A. and Ph.D. in musicology from Columbia University, where she was a Clarence Barker Fellow. A pianist and teacher, she has been a music critic for The New York Post and has written articles about music for The New York Times, Opera News, Stagebill, Keynote, The Greenwich Time, and other publications.Dr. Joan Thomson Kretschmer

<p><b>Princess Isabella and The Mystery of the Golden Keys<br> K. B. Lebsock &amp; Jessica Wulf</b><br><br>The day starts off normally for Princess Isabella when she goes to school to register and pick up her class assignments for the new school year. But then something strange happens: her teacher and all of her classmates each give her a mysterious Golden Key, with the puzzling message that she will one day know what all those keys are for and that she must be patient. Well, Princess Isabella isn't always good at being patient, especially when there is a mystery to solve! And so she sets off on the search for the meaning of the Golden Keys. <br><br><b>Princess Isabella</b> is an accomplished Dog Dancer and a member of three performing Dog Dance Groups with numerous public performances to her credit. <br><br><b>The Mystery of the Golden Keys</b> is the second mystery she has solved.<br><br><i>Princess Isabella Website:</i> <b>MyPrincessIsabella.com</b><br><br><b>K. B. Lebsock</b> lives in Colorado. She has a B.A. from Loretto Heights College and enjoys ballet, classical music, BBC TV dramas, and photography, which is why her camera goes with her everywhere. She has a deep love for animals of all kinds. <b>Princess Isabella and the Mystery of the Golden Keys</b> is her second book. <i>Author Website:</i> <b>KBLebsock.com</b><br><br><b>Jessica Wulf</b> is a native of North Dakota but has spent most of her life in Colorado, where she now lives with her husband and six happy dogs. She has a B.A. in History and has published six historical fiction novels. <b>Princess Isabella and the Mystery of the Golden Keys</b> is her second children's book. <br><i>Author Website:</i> <b>JessicaWulf.com</b><br><br><i>Another Princess Isabella Adventure:</i><br> <b>Princess Isabella and The Mystery of the Pink Dragon<br> ISBN: 978-0-9886577-7-9 </b> </p>