“Have you considered adapting A Wild & Wonderful Life into a children’s book?” my friend, Linda, asked at the launch party of my first book written for grown-ups.

“Why no, I haven’t,” I replied.

And at that moment the Holy Spirit began to prick my heart at what would become an idea for a children’s book called Do You Like Peas? As an adult writer and teacher for twenty-plus years, I’ve never really been around children much. However, there is one topic in my first book that crosses all generational lines: Jesus wants to be your best friend.

For me personally, the greatest promise Jesus makes is when He says, “I have called you friend.” Through this promise, all the things that go along with friendship are what make my relationship with Him so wonderful. I think a friendship with Jesus is kind of like the relationship someone would have with her best friend.

Perhaps one of the most frequent struggles I hear from women is that they are lonely. In a world of activity, technology, and busyness, we still have a hard time making friends. I am learning this is not only true for women but for girls, too. I am grateful to my friend Linda who encouraged me to share the message of friendship —  with Jesus and others — to a young audience. It’s been so fun!

My prayer is that when a young girl reads Do You Like Peas? she will discover she is never alone. Jesus is truly her best friend and He goes with her on every journey life takes. Truly, in the midst of wild times — wildly good and wildly hard — Jesus is with her, and this makes life wonderful.

To learn more about or purchase a signed copy of Do You Like Peas? go to Buy Peas Book