Spring 2025 Newsletter

Here's what's blooming this spring at Shop MaryAnn Kasper Books & Stationery: 

Book News First!
I've launched my second book, "But Be Brave!" in April! It's available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon.com.
I have begun working on my newest book, Abba, Father!  It's a deeply personal project with reflection prompts, prayer pages, field notes, and coloring pages to help you know Him more intimately.
And of course, my first book, "The Art of Believing," is still available on Amazon and continues to encourage hearts!

In the Shop
New Stationery alert! In addition to the Prayer Pad and Daily & Weekly Planning Pads, I'm adding a Gratitude Matters pad to help us remember to be grateful. Counting our blessings changes our mindsets from negative to positive and helps us live more joyful lives. Look for it in my shop next week!

A Quote to Go By:

"If it makes you happy, it doesn't have to make sense to everyone else." Professor Feynman

This one helps me to enjoy my freedom in Christ, and to remember it's okay to be misunderstood.

Life Lately:
Between writing, shipping orders, and creating new products, I've been taking daily walks in the park and connecting with friends and family as I go. I'm looking forward to a trip out west in June to visit my two sisters and three sons.

Fun Finds on the Go
I love browsing shops for unique stationery items. It inspires my creativity, and I get ideas for color schemes and new products without spending money! Some of my favorites are pictured below.

Thanks for being a part of this journey with me. Your support, encouragement, and prayers mean more than you know.

With love & paper,
MaryAnn

        

Fall 2024 Newsletter

 

Summer Newsletter 2024!

Visit maryannkasper.com to sign up for my quarterly newsletter!

 

Don't Compare Yourself To Others

 

This morning I flipped through the pages of my 2024 graduate's yearbook and shuddered. Pages full of superlatives for the most popular students helping them feel more or less adequate than each other. There were quarter-page, half-page, and full-page parent ads with pictures of their kid to show how rich they were (or at least how they were perceived to be) by others.

Oh, how I hated high school. 

And if that wasn't enough, there was a two-page spread for the teacher of the year. Now all the teachers can feel more or less adequate than each other, too.

How does that even work? Aren't all teachers certified and qualified? 

What if instead, we took turns celebrating everyone individually for the part they play in contributing to the whole? Perhaps students and teachers would feel more appreciated and continue to work hard.

Spotlight on Mrs. Jones this week for her after-school efforts helping out the ski club.

Better yet, what if we remembered that the work we do for others may not always be seen but we serve a God who sees us. 

Comparing ourselves to one another leads to doubt, and insecurity and takes our eyes off of the one who gave us our gifts and abilities in the first place. According to God's standards, we all fall short yet because of His Son we have His favor, and He made each of us unique for His purposes.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIRV), "I don’t dare to compare myself with those who praise themselves. I’m not that kind of person. They measure themselves by themselves. They compare themselves with themselves. When they do that, they are not wise."

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT) says, "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else."

Proverbs 14:30 says, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." 

Let's be thankful for how God intentionally made us, not comparing ourselves to anyone else so we can fulfill the callings He's given us.

Happy Summer!

Things I look forward to this Summer

What comes to mind when you think of summer?

For me, it's watching late-night movies without worrying about getting up in the morning, relaxing with my husband in the late afternoons, walking barefoot as much as possible, and being outdoors. It also reminds me of making a list of the books I'd like to read before fall. 

If you haven't picked up a copy of my book, The Art of Believing: Claiming God's Promises for a Life of Peace, Power, and Purpose, get your copy today! It's filled with spiritual truths of who we are in Christ, and how to walk in faith with God. Inside are crossword puzzles, verse finds, and coloring pages for mindfulness and verse memorization. 

 Available at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com

My book is officially launched on Amazon!

Writing and publishing my first book was no easy process. From beginning to end it took me 2 1/2 years!  But when it was done, the sweet satisfaction I felt was worth all the time and money I spent making it the best I could (with the help of some super-talented book cover designers, typesetters, and editors).

What is most unique about this book is that it is creative. It's interactive and allows the reader to go on their own journey of self-discovery along with the author. It is meant to be marked up as you wish with your favorite pens, pencils, or markers. It's supposed to be written in, colored, and doodled on. It will hopefully contain your most precious thoughts and desires, as you read each chapter and answer the question and reflection prompts to discover new things about yourself. The coloring pages and puzzles are meant for memorizing scripture and mindfulness and are to be savored and enjoyed.

If the topic of staying faithful to God, living out His plans, and claiming His promises for your life interests you, purchase a copy on Amazon today, and hit the follow button! If you are in another country than the US, go to Amazon in the country where you shop. I'd love to hear from you about what you thought of it at hello@maryannkasper.com.

Wanted: The Ultimate Dream Job

This morning's challenge from Andy Stanley’s Next Generation Leader was writing my ultimate job description. You know, the Want-Ad you've always dreamed about. This work will require you to use all your gifts and talents while minimizing your weaknesses. You'll do what you're passionate about while honing in on your core competencies. As I began to reflect on my assignment, it occurred to me. I am living, and working at the job I’ve always wanted. Praise God!

So here it is. My ultimate job description:

Wanted: 

Work from home and make your own schedule while prioritizing your relationship with God and your family’s needs. Research and write about God’s greatness, and connect, engage, and encourage others with what you've learned. Self-publish as many books as you’re led to. Travel the country and blog about what you’re doing on your website and other platforms. 

Responsibilities include: updating and maintaining the author’s website, making creative content, publishing regularly on social media, developing a small shop, and selling inspiring merchandise such as books, t-shirts, and stickers. Packing, and shipping orders. Making people smile when they open their packages. Must have freedom in Christ, be open to growth, and be able to honor God with your life and work.

Okay, now it’s your turn. Write down the ultimate job description. Pray about it, work hard, and see if you can turn your dream into reality. 

God bless.