By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 7, 2019 – Out of a period of troubling circumstances has blossomed a faith-affirming new book of Christian poetry from Little Chute resident Karen Lueders.
Lueders, was born and raised in Kaukauna and lived in Sheboygan for 20 years before moving to Little Chute in 2018 to be closer to family, released her first-ever book in late August titled “To God Be The Glory!”
After enduring a low point in her life in 2010, Lueders found solace in writing poetry starting in 2016 through a deep connection with her Christian faith. Upon accumulating a large volume of inspirational poems, Lueders sought out a way share her work in a book collection with the hope that her words might help others overcome their own daily challenges.
Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “To God Be The Glory” features over 100 Christian-themed poems, as well as a section of shorter daily devotional-style poems to close out the 125-page book.
“My intent with publishing the book, was just to have all of my poems in a book instead of written on ‘scratch paper’ somewhere to share with my family,” Lueders said. “God had other plans. Since the book was released in August, I have heard from people who tell me how it has helped them. Whether it is how reading a few poems each night makes them feel more peaceful, or how they use the daily prayers each morning. It is interesting to me, how everyone uses the book differently. It is not a book that is meant to be read in one sitting.
“There are over 100 poems in the book,” she said. “Also, there is a section in the back of the book, called ‘Daily Prayers, Life’s Lessons & Daily Thoughts.’ These are short poems. All my poetry is rhymed and has meter.”
Lueders is eager to meet readers in person to share her personal story, which she hopes will help to shed some light on the sometimes dreary modern world.
“It is really easy to trust God when life is good but what about when life turns bad?,” Lueders said. “What about when we lose the life we’ve had? Who are we then? Who are we when all is taken away and nothing makes sense? How do we trust God then? My new book ‘To God Be The Glory!’ is a result of a powerful God, who can take a dark, horrible, hopeless mess and turn it into a message of hope. That is the message that l will share at my upcoming book presentations. I have been given a ‘new life’ and I am meant to share God’s sure hope and promises to a hopeless world.”
“2010 was a ‘nightmare’ for me, but little did I know how God would use my ‘dark story’ to share His love and hope through a Christian poetry book,” she said. “Starting in 2016, each morning I awoke thanking God for His promises of hope and love. Poetry began to flow and I journaled them. This book is a two-year collection of ‘morning poems’ the Holy Spirit enabled me to write.”
Lueders’ book tour is set to kick off with a book-signing event at St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books, located inside the Northland Mall at 972 West Northland Ave. in Appleton on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 1-3 p.m.
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Lueders will lead a book presentation at the Little Chute Public Library, located at 625 Grand Ave. in Little Chute beginning at 6 p.m.
Lueders has also scheduled a book signing at Sonlight Books, located at 709 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan, on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For those unable to attend an upcoming book signing or presentation, copies of “To God Be The Glory!” are available at The Carpenter, located at 120 East Main St. in Little Chute, St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books inside the Northland Mall at 972 West Northland Ave. in Appleton and Sonlight Books, located at 709 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan.
Copies of “To God Be The Glory!” can also be purchased at Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Karen Lueders can be reached at karenlueders@yahoo.com.
For more information, contact Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, by phone at 920-323-7970 or by visiting www.pedaldownpromo.com.
Karen Lueders
“To God Be The Glory!”
Book Event Schedule
Saturday, Nov. 16 – Book Signing
St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books (inside the Northland Mall)
972 West Northland Ave.
Appleton, Wis.
1-3 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Book Presentation
Little Chute Public Library
625 Grand Ave.
Little Chute, Wis.
6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Book Signing
Sonlight Books
709 North Eighth St.
Sheboygan, Wis.
11 a.m-2 p.m.
What a blessing your life obstacles has become. I am in awe of the way God works in ones life and love the book. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Congratulations, Karen on your special book getting published.