Melea’s hope is that you will use Step Inside in all kinds of ways.  Here are some ideas from the author of Step Inside about how to use this special book and CD—

• Turn off the TV and read Step Inside out-loud as a family. Read the stories to your children and teenagers, using certain stories for certain ages.
• Between the stories, I have provided a number of small chapters called “Coffee Moments” where I chat with my reader about their amazing story and how to use story in everyday life.
• Use Step Inside for the purpose of illustration in a Bible study or small group setting.  For example, the story, “The Grudge Bearer,” can provide a wonderful illustration on forgiving others, holding onto resentment. “The Giants Without Manners” can provide a hilarious opportunity to share about manners and kindnesses, “Suitcases” would have a profound effect on a men’s gathering.
• A drama team, an individual storyteller, or a theater student can find a selection of 12 unique and time-tested stories.  Melea gives permission and guidance for a variety of public performance uses in her book.
• For pastors, these stories can provide great sermon illustrations.  Over the years, many pastors have used my stories to illustrate at a deeper level.  Worship pastors have used my stories in place of special music.
• Youth and Young Adult pastors, my stories will speak to your high school and young adults.  Parallel a story with a teaching you want to drive home.  Discussion can be powerful following a story.
• Why not make a storytelling event for families or another unique community gathering.  Use Melea’s stories from Step Inside, maybe a couple of folktales, fairytales, true stories from people’s lives and Bible stories. Serve refreshments and you have a great event.

• Step Inside was designed with a gift-quality eye. It is beautifully illustrated with fun complimentary graphic details, has a colorful cover with gatefold flaps and deckle-edged paper, the CD enclosed in its pocket in the back cover makes it more than a book.  Make it a gift for a shut-in, a sick friend, a birthday or special occasion gift.  Place it in a basket with some tea, coffee or cocoa, a mug or two, a teddy bear or soft blanket and you will give someone a one-of-a-kind gift.

• With its six musically scored stories, a variety of Biblically-based truths can provide a unique kind of focused listening moment in a worship setting or other gathering.
• Use the Step Inside’s audio as your “driving buddy”.  As opposed to being stressed and worn thin by the time you arrive at work or a destination, you’ll feel calmer and a bit wiser for those moments of story.
• Step Inside’s audio stories can be a great break in a long car ride.  The conversation that follows can be very fun and rewarding.
• It’s been said of me often: “You are great at getting my kids to sleep.”  Maybe it’s my voice, the music,… or maybe they need to de-stress, just like us, to fall asleep.

Here’s a list of Step Inside’s stories and their focus:

"The King Who Waits"—intimacy with God.  He says to us each day, “Come.”

*"A Song For The Darkness"—gratefulness, the Doxology is highlighted in the story

"The Worriers"—worry and stress meets the Peace of God, uses the fun alliteration of “W”

"The Regular Kingdom and the Beautiful Kingdom"—true beauty and acceptance

"The Sack"—forgiving others… ourselves and letting go

*"The Giants Without Manners"—a playful fairytale about manners and kindness

*"The Land of Sighs"—the power of unspoken discontent

"The Fountain"—For all who thirst, Jesus describes himself as Living Water

"The Land of Stinky Feet"—about serving others

*"The Grudge Bearer"—holding onto resentment and letting go

*"Suitcases"—self-righteousness, independence and the cross of Christ

*"The Great King’s Longing"—a deeper intimacy—the next part of the story in “The King Who Waits”

(*these stories are on Step Inside’s enclosed CD)