About Christy Brunke

Welcome, friends! I’m blessed to be a mom, a pastor’s wife, and the bestselling author of the fictional book, Snow out of Season. But my greatest claim to fame comes from being a child of the King. Because of that, I’m passionate about my family, unborn children, and God-written love stories. Though I used to live in China, now I love serving in ministry here in Maryland. Praying you’ll be blessed as you read my blogs, my story, and my award-winning novel!

Win an E-book for a Loved One!

Win When Losses Become Legacies e-book BrunkeWant to win an e-book for a grieving friend, neighbor, or family member? Follow the steps below for a chance to win!

1) If you haven’t already, read our short book, When Losses Become Legacies: Memoirs on Grief, God, and Glory.

2) Review it on Amazon here.

3) Comment below by April 10.

4) Winner announced here on April 11!

Want examples of reviews for When Losses Become Legacies? Read excerpts from endorsements by pastors, a counselor, and other authors here. Read excerpts from five-star Amazon reviews here and below.

FIVE-STAR AMAZON REVIEWS

Changed my grief into gratitude

This book was a game changer for me. I was feeling a lot of grief, confusion and guilt after my husband passed away. Multiple people recommended this book to me and I’m glad I read it. It helped me change my perspective on my situation, and provided me with an understanding of how God can turn your tragedies into triumphs.

When I finally finish reading the book, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. A weight I didn’t realize I had been carrying. I gifted my copy to my pastor so they would be able to utilize this book to help others. If you have experienced a loss, don’t hesitate. Get this book!

After less than 30 pages I was seeing parallels to my own experiences

Reeling from a tragic loss. My elderly uncle turned into traffic, tragically his bride of 65 years was killed. I purchased this book to send to him for comfort. Deciding to read it first so we could relate I was Blessed before page 30 by these stories of faith and loss and Redemption. Highly recommend to anyone who’s been affected by loss.

Uplifting Comfort for Anyone Who Has Suffered Loss

First, I must admit that I’m not an avid reader. But the title of the book, When Losses Become Legacies: Memoirs on Grief, God, and Glory, peaked my interest. After picking up the book, I found that I could not put it down. I realize that people often say that, but it’s true. It’s a short book, and a very easy read. Put this book in your Amazon cart right now, and check it out. You will be incredibly blessed.

HOW TO POST A REVIEW ON AMAZON

Ready to write your own review and possibly win an e-book for a loved one? Click here. Need help posting it? See the steps below.

Leave an Amazon Review in 5 Steps

The Truth We Never Tell

Mike Litzau doing carpentry with Landon Litzau

Dad taking a break from building their shed to hug one of his beloved grandsons.

In our culture, do we tell the truth?

Today is my dad’s sixty-seventh birthday. Throughout his life, his careers have included everything from carpentry and cable splicing to singing and songwriting. At his core, though, my dad is a thinker.

If you know me well, you’ve probably heard me talk about Myers Briggs personality types. If you’re familiar with this psychological system of typing people, my dad is an INTP. Nicknames for this personality type include the Thinker, the Architect, and the Logician.

According to 16Personalities, “…some of the most influential philosophers and scientists of all time have been Logicians.”

In Gifts Differing, Isabel Briggs Myers says, “INTPs are perhaps the most intellectually profound of all the types.”

Recently, my dad wrote this profound poem about our culture. I pray you’ll take a moment out of your busy day to read it.

GLASS HOUSES

 

The trouble with glass houses

As time has surely shown

Is you cannot make a ruckus

You mustn’t throw a stone

 

And if your neighbor builds a house

That you know cannot last

You must hold your tongue in silence

Lest a stone at you is cast.

 

And so, it goes as time goes by

And other houses built

That no one says, “You build on sand—

The glass will twist and tilt.”

 

Before long, there’s a city

That one strong storm could fell

Where we learn to live in silence

And the truth we never tell.

 

But the storm will come,

And the glass will break,

And the houses all will fall.

 

And Truth and Wisdom watch and weep

As no one speaks at all.

We’ve a pact that won’t be broken—

“I’m okay, and you’re okay.”

Who’s to say what’s right or wrong?

No one’s going the wrong way.

 

So we ride lies to Destruction

No one saying, “Don’t go there.”

We pretend it’s just misfortune

When we end up in despair.

 

But one honest child could tell us

As we flee from Wisdom’s school

That it’s we who end up broken

When we’re breaking all the rules.

~Mike Litzau

Glass Houses the truth we never tell

Antique illustration: Conservatory

CLOSING THOUGHTS AND A CALL TO ACTION

This morning, when I opened the YouVersion app on my phone, this verse appeared:

“But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13, ESV).

I looked up Hebrews 3:13 in other translations, including EASY:

“…help each other to be strong every day. Today, you can still hear God’s message. While that is still true, do not refuse to obey God. Do not think that sin will not hurt you. That is a lie.”

Did you find Dad’s poem compelling? If so, will you share his poem and “help each other to be strong every day?”

E-Book Available & Book Winner Announced!

The e-book version of When Losses Become Legacies is now available! Amazon offers the best price, but you can also get it from Booktopia, Barnes & Noble, and other online stores. Will you help us spread the word by sharing this blog with your Kobo- and Kindle-loving friends?

And now, without further ado, our autographed book winner is Josselly from Chicago! Here’s what she said about our book in her five-star review:

So inspiring & uplifting!
I just finished the book and I’m smiling! My soul feels so inspired seeing how God works in our darkest moments to bring good, remind us of his faithfulness, and to increase our faith. Thank you ladies for writing this book! It’s a healing balm for the soul.

 

Other Five-Star Amazon Reviews

 

Grief Support Like Chicken Soup for the Soul Books
Such an encouraging anthology of stories to help process all kinds and levels of loss and grief. This read is similar to the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I highly recommend adding this book of support and hope to your resources as you move through the trials in your life.

 

A must read for the grieving
Heart grabbing descriptions of real people navigating real life situations you thought only happened to other people.

 

You do not suffer alone!
I read this book to be encouraged that I am not alone when I experience grief or loss of any kind in my life. It helps to encourage you to get to James:1:3-4.

 

These true life miracles were very uplifting and reaffirming of God’s great love
It was a fast read and I didn’t want to put it down especially when I began a new story and character!! The writing was easy to read and I loved the way both authors weaved the gospel throughout the book!! I would recommend it to anyone that has experienced loss in any shape or form.

 

My co-author and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who posted a review. Thank you for taking the time to support us and help us reach more readers! For those who still want to write a review, but aren’t sure how, here’s the link and the easy five-step process:

Leave an Amazon Review in 5 Steps

Thank you for helping more people turn their losses into legacies!

 

 

Book Giveaway to the Person of Your Choice!

My second book, When Losses Become Legacies: Memoirs on Grief, God, and Glory, is now available! Click here to order or learn more! Read on to enter our book giveaway!

Accolades from Other Authors

When Losses Become Legacies autographed book giveaway contest“A type of resurrection awaits you in these pages.” ~Dr. Mollie Bond, professor, nonprofit professional, and author of Hopelessly Hopeful During Separation

“Brunke and Cowan guide readers through a deep labyrinth of life’s grief and gloom, up toward a horizon of hope—Jesus’ empty tomb. When Losses Become Legacies offers a touching anthology of tragedies, delivering a peace that passes understanding.” ~Eric T. Eichinger, senior pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church, Clearwater, Florida, and award-winning author of Lord of Legends and The Final Race

“Through true-life stories ranging from postpartum depression to grief associated with the loss of a relationship, a loved one, a dream, and beyond, these authors weave the silver and gold of hope and healing through Jesus Christ into otherwise dark and dismal landscapes. I recommend this jewel box of a book to anyone who has found themselves in a dark valley and in need of light.” ~Linda Brooks Davis, award-winning author of The Calling of Ella McFarland

“The personal and heartfelt testimonies in When Losses Become Legacies beautifully exemplify how to turn ashes into beauty on the difficult paths each of us must walk. Through poignant stories and steady reliance on God, readers will see how to let their lights shine in the darkness for the illumination of all.” ~Sandra Byrd, bestselling, award-winning author of The One Year Experiencing God’s Love Devotional

Praise from Pastors and a Professional Counselor

“Brunke and Cowan have dared to engage our souls at the place where believers and doubters meet at the same agonizing intersection—suffering. Their writing urges us to look for the irreplaceable presence of Jesus on the difficult journey we each will eventually walk through in our seasons of personal pain and loss. Their words and stories are compelling and filled with hope as we find our footing on the solid rock.” ~Tim Simpson, pastor of congregational care, Greenridge Baptist Church, Maryland, and former president of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware

“In their memoirs, Brunke and Cowan invite us to journey with them, bearing witness to grief and loss they have known. The testimonies are beautiful and sorrowful, inspirational and encouraging. Their losses are indeed legacies.” ~Nive Christodoss, licensed clinical professional counselor and certified clinical trauma professional at In Step Behavioral Health

“I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope in what may feel like a hopeless situation.” ~Dr. John C. Palmieri, pastor and coach at New Life Community Church, Chicago

Book Giveaway

Want to receive a free autographed copy of our book, mailed to you or the person of your choice? Follow the steps below for a chance to win!

Amazon logo1) Read our book by June 8.

2) Review it on Amazon.

3) Comment below by June 8.

4) Winner announced here on June 9!

“No Dog Daddy,” Angelina’s Winning Story

Angelina Brunke with her "No Dog Daddy" awardThis past fall, our seven-year-old returned from school wielding a flyer about the Young Authors’ Competition. For this contest, students could submit either a poem or a short story. Word count ranges varied by grade, and a winner would be chosen from each.

Angelina knew right away she wanted to enter the contest. That night, instead of reading before bed, she asked if she could start writing her story. Pen in hand, she started scribbling her thoughts in her journal.

In December, she submitted it. In January, she discovered she’d won first place in her school second in the whole county.

When I posted pictures of her and her award on Facebook, several people asked me to post her story. So, without further ado, here’s “No Dog Daddy.”

No Dog Daddy

Once upon a time there lived a little girl. Her name was Angelina, and her sister’s name was Michaela. They really wanted to get a puppy, but the only problem was their dad. He didn’t want a puppy. He said that it would be too much work.

So, Angelina and Michaela made a scavenger hunt for their dad. The clues took him all over the house and led to a picture of a puppy. But their dad still said, “No, maybe when you’re seven.” So, then they hung up pictures of puppies and wrote the word “dog” everywhere. They wrote “dog” on the door, on the railing of the stairs, on the wall, and in his office. They even wrote it on his computer screen. But their dad still said, “No, maybe when you’re seven.”

A few days later, it was Angelina’s seventh birthday party. At her party, her grandma handed her a piece of paper. Angelina didn’t know what it was at first. It had a picture of a puppy, a date, and the names of the puppy’s mom and dad. Then she realized that she was going to get a puppy!

Angelina started opening the rest of her birthday gifts. There was a puppy harness from her mom and dad, puppy bandanas from her aunt, and squeaky toys from her cousin. She was happy and excited. And then she realized that her dad agreed because she was seven now.

Mark Brunke with 9-month-old golden retriever puppy, ReillyAngelina, Michaela, and her mom wanted a boy golden retriever puppy. So, Angelina, Michaela, her mom, and her dad found a breeder but there weren’t enough boy puppies. So, they looked for a different breeder and finally found one with enough boys. So, they picked the cutest dog, and it was the right color.

It took a while until they got the dog they wanted, and they named him Reilly. And now, they sometimes call him Baby Boy, Booboo or Bubba. They play fetch, tug of war, and sometimes they cuddle with Reilly. Michaela sometimes runs around their house and Reilly follows. Their mom sometimes talks and sings to Reilly. Angelina sometimes hugs Reilly for five minutes straight. But the one who cuddles and plays with Reilly the most is “No Dog Daddy.”