Splendor Books was conceived in the pre-dawn hours of February 17, 2007 while seeking God's direction for my life.  In my journal that morning I wrote:

    Hannah and Hugh: age 9...10 more years at home
    Dennis: age 72...10 more healthy years, we hope
    Carolyne: age 48...10 more years working 50/60 hours a week and traveling?

How do I redirect the next 10 years to investing time in our family and finances?

Within minutes I was sketching out an idea that had been in the back of my mind for some time: creating photo books to help busy people like me preserve and share their special memories.  I drew a graph of possible target markets and services and did some quick financial projections...only to see that the financials were no where close to my HP income, and therefore not realistic as a near term venture.  That is, until three days later when HP unveiled an amazing and completely unexpected enhanced early retirement option for "veterans" like me.  Over and over during the month-long opt-in decision period, God confirmed that I was supposed to step out in faith and accept this opportunity to begin a new journey on a path He had already prepared for me. 

Why Splendor Books and Pressed in Press?

I named my book publishing venture Splendor Books, based on the verses in Isaiah 61 that describe what I believe is God's call on my life.  My desire is to be someone that God can use for His glory and that my life work might be "for the display of His splendor" (Isaiah 61:3).  Through the custom books I am creating for others, I hope to display God's splendor in their lives, as a legacy for their families for generations to come.  Through the books I'm publishing to share with others (like Radiation Rhema and Treasures in Heaven), I hope to fulfill God's commission to "preach good news...bind up the brokenhearted...proclaim freedom...proclaim the year of the Lord's favor...comfort all who mourn...provide for those who grieve...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise."

Branding the books I've published under my new Pressed in Press company name serves as a constant reminder to me of the position I continually seek: pressed into God, focused on glorifying Him and drawing all eyes to Him.