The Faith-Filled Story Behind Guppy and the Silvery Hook

Imagine tucking your little ones into bed, their wide eyes begging for "just one more story." But what if that tale wasn't just entertaining—it sparked deep conversations about listening to parents, resisting peer pressure, and experiencing God's endless grace? In a world bombarding kids with mixed messages, finding Christian children's books about obedience and temptation can feel like searching for a lifeline. That's exactly what Pastor Randy Phillips and illustrator Amanda Jass unpack in this heartwarming episode of Backstage with Randy Phillips.

Randy, a seasoned storyteller and grandfather, shares how a bedtime story about a curious fish named Guppy evolved into the beautiful book Guppy and the Silvery Hook. Amanda, a mom of three girls and a creative powerhouse, brings it to life with vibrant illustrations. Together, they reveal how everyday temptations—like that shiny worm on a hook—mirror life's bigger lures. If you're a parent wrestling with how to teach kids about repentance through bedtime stories or an aspiring creative wondering about rediscovering God-given creative gifts as an adult, this episode is your beacon of hope.

Drawing from personal regrets and triumphs, they remind us that getting "caught" isn't the end—it's God's loving pull back to safety. Infused with humor, humility, and Scripture echoes, the conversation inspires spiritual growth for the whole family. Whether you're navigating pre-teen emotions or your own dormant dreams, you'll walk away encouraged: God redeems mistakes, reignites passions, and invites us to "try this again." Watch the latest episode by clicking the link above!

It all started with Randy's daughters demanding fresh tales beyond Goldilocks. He crafted Guppy—a spunky fish testing lake boundaries despite Mom and Dad's warnings about "hooks with worms."

Amanda fell in love instantly: "This needs to be a children's book!" Her illustrations upgrade the adventure—a little bear fisherman, expressive fish faces, and hidden surprises. The result? A fun, faith-filled resource tackling faith-based stories for kids on peer pressure without preaching.

As Randy notes, "Hooks have their own built-in pain." No need to pile on condemnation—just grace to swim free.

Modern media can challenge parenthood. Guppy and the Silvery Hook flips the script, showing wise parents worth heeding, giving parents some tools alongside their journey:

• Spark Conversations: End-of-book discussion questions dive into trust, mistakes, and starting over.
• Pray Together: A simple prayer reinforces Jesus' love.
• Relate to Real Life: Amanda shares about her personal experience of apologizing to her own parents.

This aligns perfectly with family devotions with discussion questions for elementary kids, turning story time into soul-shaping moments.

Amanda's path wasn't straight: From neuroscience dreams to higher ed, then church curriculum writing. Kids paused her career, but freelancing revived it—and illustration bloomed from necessity.

Amanda recounts: "I used to love drawing as a kid... we'll just try this and see."
She started with YouTube tutorials, using tools like the Procreate app, and simply praying for an open door. Then boom—her first illustrated book: Guppy and the Silvery Hook!

For those searching how to start freelance writing for christian ministry, Amanda advises:

• Connect via social media (cautiously).
• Attend writer conferences.
• Build community—DM authors, join calls.

Trusting God led Amanda to finding joy in her journey!

Both hosts get vulnerable. Amanda says: "I was that kid... questioning wise advice, needing grace."
Randy recounts: "Thank God I got caught. It brought repentance and another shot."

Echoing the Prodigal: The Father waits with His arms open wide. No condemnation—just "Let's try this again." For believers pondering overcoming regret from youthful rebellion, this is a healing reminder for the soul.

Whether you are in a slump or at a dead end, this episode offers some unique takeaways:

1. Pray Over Passions: Ask God if your gift is hobby or calling. Amanda did—and doors opened!
2. Start Small, Trust Big: Free resources, YouTube, local connections. But what if the journey is nonlinear? Amanda and Randy remind us that this is normal!
3. Embrace Second Chances: Like Guppy, repent and swim stronger.God's grace removes the hooks we get caught in!

From a curious fish's mishap to reignited creative-worthy dreams, this Backstage episode overflows with uplifting messages. It proves temptations hook us all, but God's grace unhooks with love. Parents gain tools for christian parenting resources for wise choices; creatives find courage in rediscovering God-given creative gifts as an adult; and every heart hears: Repentance leads to renewal.

Don't miss the full episode with joy, laughter, and inspiration—watch or listen to the episode today at the link above. Order Guppy and the Silvery Hook on Amazon, spark those family talks, and watch faith flourish. God's saying, "Come on, let's try this again!"