“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Today I want to introduce you to someone I believe was a God-arranged meeting for me! Her name is Janis Cox. She is beautiful and talented and inspirational. She is a watercolor artist and an author, and her children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, is delightful.
I was struck as I read it, that the message of the book is one that all chronically ill and disabled individuals desperately need. Janis graciously agreed to be interviewed here on my little space.
I can’t wait for you to meet Janis Cox and little Tadeo Turtle!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Oh that could take a while. I am a senior so have many years behind me. I have been married for 42 years; we have 3 children; 6 grandchildren and one more on the way. We spend ½ of the year in a little village in Ontario, Canada and the other ½ in a large (for us) metropolis in Arizona. There are just as many people in our gated community as in our entire municipality back home. In numbers that means we have 10 people per square mile in our community in Canada and 3333 people per square mile in our community in the States.
I love sharing God’s word through writing and my watercolour paintings. I also like to tap dance.
What one message do you want people to come away from this book knowing?
I believe every one should know how much God loves them. The whole reason God sent Jesus was to tell of His love for us and show us the way back home. While we are here in this foreign land we need to know that He made us how He did for a reason.
Just as Tadeo had to learn that his shell was made for protection we need to learn that everything about us was made to bring us closer to God.
What inspired you to write and illustrate this book?
That’s a funny story. I journal every morning, usually thoughts from the Bible, or from my devotionals or non-fiction books. One day I started to write a poem. The words started to flow and I kept up with my pen. At the end I said: “What is this?”
At the time I was taking watercolour lessons from Joann Mathews. She encouraged me to illustrate my story. With her help, Tadeo came to life.
How much of yourself is hidden in little Tadeo?
My blog “He Cares for You” is based on 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you”. One of the first Scriptures I memorized was Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I know that God has made each of us in a special way. So each of us is special to God.
How does your faith color your writing?
I am a late-bloomer follower of Jesus. Only 12 years ago did I finally understand who He is. At that moment I started writing in a journal as my faith journey began. I wrote 150 poems as I questioned and discovered who Jesus was. That led me to a writers conference in Canada called Write!Canada for editors and writers who are Christian. A whole new world opened up.
I write with God’s blessing. I read all that I can and learn all that I can. I pray to be wise in the ways of Jesus. I love writing about Him. Most of what I write is about my journey with Jesus.
What is one question you wish someone would ask you about your book, and please answer it?
My question would be: How did you come up with the name Tadeo?
This is definitely a God-filled answer. When I decided to publish the book I had the turtle named Tommy. After I sent the book to be printed my husband said, “Did you check the name Tommy Turtle?” Oh my, “no”. I was able with God’s grace to stop the printing. Then I prayed and God led me to a baby names site, where I found Tadeo – means, “praise” and is the short form for Thaddeus, one of Jesus’ disciples.
Can we look forward to more stories about Tadeo Turtle?
I have another book written but without pictures yet. Since I am both the author and illustrator I have to find time to paint. But yes Tadeo will have another book someday. I pray sooner but in God’s timing.
Did you have any idea that Tadeo could impact the disability community?
One author who is a friend and who is blind saw that possibility from the beginning. I didn’t really think of it that way. And until you mentioned it to me in our conversation I didn’t see the impact it could have.
I like the way you saw Tadeo’s shell as a blessing and how those with disabilities could approach their disabilities the same way.
I know that I suffer from allergies and have had to learn discipline to not eat the foods that will make me sick. I do thank God for that discipline and the perseverance that I have acquired through it. So yes I see that now.
I would love some help to know how to get this book into the hands of those with disabilities. That way children would learn that a disability is not being disabled but a blessing to be all that God intended for them to be.
You can connect with Janis in these places: http://www.janiscox.com/
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Please consider purchasing Tadeo Turtle for yourself of a loved one. I promise, you won’t regret it!
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Shelly, thank you for sharing Janis with us and allowing us to learn more about her book. I’ve seen her book recommended in various places and it looks so delightful. I love how the name came about. So beautiful. And, Janis, I think it’s super awesome that you tap dance. 🙂
Blessings to you both,
Beth
Beth+(@SimplyBeth3) recently posted…Friday Randomness
Thank you Beth,
It has been a pleasure to get to know you over the Internet and read the words God has led you to write.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Encouragement
Beth, thanks for lending your encouragement here, as always. I’m so glad to introduce you and Janis! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Janice, I loved listening to you read your book here on Shelly’s blog and learning more about how it came about through her interview For quite a while I’ve loved seeing your watercolors on Pinterest, too! God has blessed you with a beautiful talent!
Thanks for sharing your interview with Janice here on your blog, Shelly!
Blessings to you both, Joan
Joan recently posted…That First Step
Joan,
Thank you for the kind words. I love the interaction I have found with God’s people over the Internet.
Blessings to you as you write for Him,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Encouragement
Joan, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the interview and video! Janis is wonderful, isn’t she? Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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Janis is such a sweet woman with a beautiful, godly heart. I’ve enjoyed following her for some time now. What a treat to see her read her book. Thanks so much for this extraordinary post!!
Diane+|+An+Extraordinary+Day recently posted…Birch Branch Winter Woodland Tablescape
Thanks Diane,
I feel closely connected to you even though we have never met. Thanks for the kind words.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Encouragement
I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Diane! Janis is indeed an amazing sister. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I met Janis a short time ago when I also reviewed her book. Having received it, I want to say it is a beautiful book. The story conveyed, the illustrations, the entire book conveys a lovely message of worth in every way. I donated the book to my granddaughter’s kindergarten class. Her teacher has raved about the book and the activities. I also recommend the book.
Joanne+Viola recently posted…Of Hope, Purpose & Truth
Thanks Joanne (with an “e”),
I appreciate your friendship and your recommendation for my little book. Tadeo likes that too.
Blessings on your writing,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Encouragement
Thank you so much, Joanne, for adding your review to the interview here! Donating the book to a kindergarten class is a wonderful idea, I bet they love that! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly,
Thanks for offering to interview me on your blog. I value your friendship.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis+Cox recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Encouragement
Right back atcha, Janis! You are a treasure and it was a pleasure getting to know you better! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly…what sweet interview with Janis. It was nice to know her a better and to learn more about her book. And thank you for the link up as well. Blessings.
Naomi@WhatJoyIsMine recently posted…Read the Bible or a Devotional?
I’m so glad you enjoyed meeting Janis and Tadeo, Naomi! They are both very special! Thanks for linking up! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Hey Naomi,
Thanks for the comments. I hope you like listening to my book. Would love if you would pass it on.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Janis+Cox recently posted…Sunday Stillness – Psalm 139: 9-10
Janis: Beautiful story! What a blessing that it ministers not only to children, but to those with physical struggles as well! 🙂
Shelly: Thanks for hosting…. I was busy all weekend and am playing “catch up” today. 🙂
Lyli, so glad to see you here! I’m glad I could introduce you to Janis and Tadeo. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Thanks Lyli,
I hope more people start to know about Tadeo – He does have a special message.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Hi Shelly~I’m so glad you did an interview with Janis as a way of presenting her book. It was so interesting–and I’ve met Janis IRL (in real life) at a writing conference in Phoenix. I also had the opportunity to review Janis’ book on “Tadeo Turtle” but I like the interview style so much better. It gives more life to Janis and her book.
I also bought one of Janis’ books and a turtle to go with it! She graciously inscribed it for the children of my husband’s cousins.
Anyone purchasing this book will be well pleased by the message it conveys and the beautiful water color illustrations.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis is such a sweet sister, and Tadeo has way too important of a message not to share! Thanks for adding your review here! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3