New to Our Family Tree!

Author

Merlene Smith is a committed mother, grandmother, chaplain, teacher, and author. Her journey of faith and service spans decades and is marked by resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to God’s Kingdom. She served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher at The Potter’s House church in Dallas, Texas for several years before transitioning to Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, where she has been an active and dedicated member for over 16 years. At Trinity, Merlene ministers through prayer and prophetic intercession, nurturing lives with grace and wisdom. Known for her compassionate spirit and loyalty to family, friends, and community - both in the United States and abroad - Merlene embodies the heart of a servant leader.

Born in Belize City, Central America, Merlene grew up in a Christian family. Her brother, a pastor for over 40 years, left a spiritual mantle that she now embraces with boldness and purpose. Today, Merlene is passionate about winning souls for God’s Kingdom and stewarding His people wherever He leads her. Her mission is clear: to impact lives through prayer, teaching, and writing, using every platform God provides.

By Merlene Smith & Earline Connolly

In this uplifting and interactive 12-week journal created by Merlene Smith and Earline Connolly, you will receive daily prompts to engage with God, His Word, and prayer. Each week's activities will encourage you to draw nearer to the heart of the Father. Take notes, immerse yourself in the coloring pages, and find inspiration as you navigate through the thought-provoking activities. These will lead you into self-reflection regarding your relationship with God and with yourself. Let the weekly prayers serve as an anchor to strengthen your faith for transformation and purpose in your life. Embrace the opportunity for your imagination to connect with your childlike faith as you walk hand-in-hand with Jesus through the pages of this journal.

Author

Karen Shaver shares her enthusiastic expertise drawn from her marketplace successes to a child’s level of simultaneous educational learning while enjoying various activities. Utilizing both nostalgic and modern media, Karen has created several curriculum modules for children, designed for a variety of social gatherings intended for kids!

 Grateful for her career in sales and marketing, with three decades of dedication and recognition for her achievements in that field, Karen’s heartfelt desire is to invite others to explore scripture and experience the Almighty God, the Creator of faith. The creative ideas referenced in her curriculum promote faith awareness through unique events and personal connection, as well as targeted devotionals.

 Since 2015, Karen’s programs have been tested and approved by her grandchildren!

By Karen Shaver

Family Learning Adventure is a vibrant children’s curriculum designed to bring biblical education to life through an engaging, camp-style experience. This thoughtfully crafted series invites children and families alike to explore God’s truth through five immersive themed units, each blending storytelling, Scripture, and hands-on discovery.

 With a heart for both discipleship and creativity, Karen’s approach encourages young learners not only to understand biblical principles but to experience them in meaningful, memorable ways. Family Learning Adventure reflects her desire to equip families with tools that nurture faith, spark curiosity, and create lasting spiritual foundations.

Author

Linda Mutalahti is an internationally minded writer with a multicultural Finnish-Mexican background who has lived in seven countries across Europe and the Americas. She holds degrees in Business and International Relations from the UK and has a strong interest in human behavior, cross-cultural dynamics, and the forces that shape societies. Fluent in multiple languages, she draws deeply from her global experiences and Christian faith to inform her storytelling. Currently based in Finland, Linda is working on her debut novel—an exploration of connection, chance, and the relationships and chain of events that begin when someone chooses to speak.

The Whistle of Change is the first book of the “Nexus Series.” This dystopian science fiction novel explores a society fractured by control, fear, and false order. Through a week-long journey across the five districts of their nation, four young adults awaken to the truth beneath their world — and to themselves. Rather than portraying rebellion through spectacle or violence, the story focuses on inner revival, moral clarity, and the quiet beginnings of transformation. The series unfolds across three books, moving from awakening, to transition, and finally to reformation, offering a hopeful counter-narrative within the dystopian genre.

This series is comparable to The Hunger Games and the Divergent series. While written for young adults, it will appeal to readers of all ages, both Christian and secular.