JSU Graduate Will Sign 'Heart Tree' Book June 16
Reprinted here in its entirety.

Sherry Kughn

06-13-07

Author Sherry Kughn’s first book, Heart Tree for Empty Nesters, was published on April 6 by Lambert Book House.

The book breaks new ground in exploring ways that empty nesters of all ages can influence their adult children for Christ.

“During a women’s devotional meeting,” said Kughn, “it dawned on me how mothers of all ages had hearts of concern for their children’s spiritual needs. I knew of no book related to the topic, so I decided that day to find out what the Bible had to say about the most effective ways of dealing with adult children. Heart Tree for Empty Nesters is a result of my study.”

The inspirational trade paperback is written in 13 chapters with questions at the end of each chapter that offer additional opportunities for Bible study. The book is filled with Bible stories of characters who interact with either their natural or spiritual adult children. Lessons can be gleaned from both the positive relationships in the Bible, such as between Naomi and Ruth, Jesus and Mary, and Timothy and Paul, and the negative relationships, such as between David and Absalom, the prodigal son and his father, and Paul and John Mark. Each chapter is punctuated with real-life anecdotes that give parents and adult children both humorous and poignant reflections about the empty-nest period.

Heart Tree for Empty Nesters takes its name from the Bible verse Matthew 13:32 that says the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that grows as big as a tree, “The birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” Kughn compares an empty nester’s heart to this tree.

“We all want our adult children to visit us and feel comfortable in our homes. We then want them to ‘fly away,’ and pursue their own lives while we take advantage of the newly found time to pursue our own dreams. Also, we want to create an environment in our hearts that keeps the lines of communication open to our children, no matter their age.”

Kughn lives in Anniston with her husband, Barry. She has served in a number of positions at The Anniston Star, most recently community page editor, staff writer and news assistant. She coordinated the annual Ayers Lecture Letter Writers banquet sponsored by the Star and Jacksonville State University from 1998-2002. She has a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in English and a master’s degree in English from JSU. She is an award-winning author of the manuscript, “The Gift of the Kaleidoscope” for children. She has also published in many Christian and literary magazines, such as Christian Woman, Home Life, First Draft, and Longleaf

Kughn will have a book-signing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Joy Christian Supplies. The book will sell for $7.95. She will be appear on Jacksonville State University’s television station WJXS-24 from 7-8 a.m. Thursday, June 14.

See story at The Jacksonville News's website: www.jaxnews.com .

Note: JSU faculty, staff and students may access The Jacksonville News online through their affiliation with the University. Those not affiliated with JSU may have to subscribe to receive The Jacksonville News online. If you already subscribe to The Jacksonville News, you receive a complimentary online membership. This provides complete access to all the content and services of the site at no additional charge. Otherwise there is an online monthly charge for their online service. Contact The Jacksonville News for information.

---

Submit items for news releases by using the request form at www.jsu.edu/newswire/request.