Principal & Author

Earline Connolly is the Principal and Author at Cypress & Pine Publishing. Earline was born in Savannah, Georgia but has been in Texas long enough to be called a native. Earline is married and the mother of Maegan Connolly, Art Director and Illustrator. She is a graduate of The Art Institute of Dallas and co-labored with the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and the Belo Corporation on the A World of Difference Multicultural Awareness Campaign. She oversees the day-to-day activities of Cypress & Pine Publishing, including writing, editing, art directing, and managing the business. She believes if we educate our children at an early age about the injustices of our history that they will recognize the importance of not repeating these injustices in their future. Earline is the Author of Annie’s Quilt Story, Officer Burke, and E.J and His Amazing Extraordinary, Exceptional, Ever-Expanding Afro, Black-Eyed Susan and the Field of Wildflowers, and several other children’s books to come.

by Earline Connolly

A young African-American boy listens to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech and his vocablulary increases as his mind is transformed.

Author

Courtney has created this faith-based mental health journal for individuals struggling, just like Courtney has in the past. The journal is a 90-day guided companion that fills the writer with hope, inspiration, and guidance for their day.

Courtney wants everyone to know that despite a mental health diagnosis, you can have a bright future. Your diagnosis does not define you. She went from a dark place to a place of light and hope, and her mission is to inspire others to know that they will achieve great things.

by Courntey Jordan

The Bright Faith Journal was created to empower individuals with mental illness. We want you to know there is help and hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you have suffered or are suffering from the pain of mental illness, you are not alone. The journal intends to help liberate you from the inside out and be there for you to process the pain you have been experiencing. It will take you through a full day. From the moment you wake up to the moment you lay your head down on your pillow, these pages will serve to prioritize your mental health, help you express your passions, and direct you in finding your purpose. The journal is faith-based and empowers individuals with mental illness all while keeping your faith at the center of who you are and who He created you to be. May you find strength, hope, and empowerment as you go through these pages daily. Your light is made to shine and if you feel that it has been dimmed, it is time to Ignite Your Light!

Author

Evelena Berry Jennings has written several pieces that were inspired by her 87 years of living. She saw everything from the Civil Rights Movement to our first Black President. Please enjoy the writings of the late Mrs. Evelena Berry Jennings by clicking on the Marketplace tab on this website.

by Evelena Jennings & Earline Connolly

A Black Soul Cries Out is Mrs. Jennings' personal expression of her thoughts on slavery, Black culture, and spirituality. This book of poems represents a Black soul that was never heard or seen.

Author

Pam White is a wife, mother, grandmother, and an ordained minister. She served on staff at Calvary Cathedral International under the leadership of Pastor Bob Nichols, in Fort Worth, Texas, from December 1996 – December 2019. Together, she and her husband, Robert, served as the full-time Children’s Ministers as well as serving in several other ministries within the church. Planning Summer Camps, Vacation Bible Schools, Fall Festivals, ministry to students at Calvary Christian Academy chapels each month, and teaming with the Outreach Department to bus in boys and girls to Children’s Church, are a few of her many experiences in ministering to children. Pam also hosted the Women of Grace Ministry at Calvary Cathedral International for 6 years. She earned her Associates degree in Theology from Calvary Cathedral International Bible College.

Pam married Robert in September of 1984, raised two sons together, have two wonderful daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren. Currently, she has been going through open doors of ministry at ladies’ groups, writing groups, writing new children’s books, and sharing Fuego books at “reading opportunities” in Elementary schools.

by Pam White

Fuego and his friends never lack for adventure! This story is no different. Jason, Margo, and Fuego have a Daily Encounter while riding their bikes to their favorite swimming pool. This time, the answer to the problem they face is found in the most unusual place, Fuego’s pantry. How do you think he got his answer to the challenge they were facing? It’s ALL wrapped up in this DAILY ENCOUNTER!

Misty Israel Marascalco is a Prayer Minister with Mining the Truth Ministries, a prophetic healing / deliverance ministry. Misty is a wife, mom, prophetic prayer minister, author, and teacher. She has served alongside her husband, Bryan, in children’s and junior high school ministries for the last 16 year. In 2024, Jesus also opened up the nations to Misty, and she has been able to minister via Zoom to churches in both Pakistan and India. Misty had a radical encounter with Jesus in January of 2023 that changed the trajectory of her life. She is passionate about the calling on her life to help others encounter Jesus and to enhance their ability to see in the spirit realm. Misty and Bryan live in Pearl, Mississippi, with their son, Elijah.

By Misty Israel Marascalco

Have you ever wanted to see angels and demons? What if you could catch a glimpse into the spiritual realm, a realm where God’s Presence, power, and purpose become vibrantly clear? This is the activation manual for you!

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

Jenny Cypher serves as Office Manager and Graphic Designer at Cypress & Pine Publishing, along with overseeing Social Media and Desktop Publishing. Jenny is also an illustrator, fine artist, and aspiring writer, collaborating with Earline Connolly on a unique collection of journals, including a Science Journal for kids. Jenny is a married mother of two married adult children and two grandchildren, living in Texas with her family for over 25 years. She was raised in New Hampshire and attended college at Syracuse University and the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, majoring in Fashion Illustration. At this time, Jenny committed her life to Jesus Christ, which changed the course of her college education toward Biblical Studies and finally to a major in Elementary Education. Following college, Jenny chose a corporate career, serving in various administrative roles. After taking time to (alongside her husband) raise and home educate both of their children, Jenny returned to the workforce and now brings her years of experience to Cypress & Pine Publishing. Jenny believes that readers of all generations can be inspired by quality literature that combines visual creativity with compelling storytelling.

By Earline Connolly & Jenny Cypher

My Daily Science Journal invites children to explore earth science and nature through a biblical lens, helping them discover God’s design in creation. Through guided daily entries, kids observe the world around them—recording seasons, weather, locations, and their own discoveries—while engaging with thoughtful prompts that encourage curiosity and creativity.

Each week centers on a key Scripture to anchor learning, with three days of hands-on exploration and journaling, followed by a fourth day of research, projects, experiments, or field trips. Along the way, children connect scientific discovery with faith, recognizing both the beauty of nature and the role of science in understanding God’s world.

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.