The Character Treasure Chest

“Jeanne’s book arrived today. WOW! It is EXCELLENT! Every home needs a copy of this fascinating character resource. Every school needs a copy for every classroom. Every college or university that prepares teachers needs this book in their curriculum. Never in the history of our country has a book such as this been more desperately needed. Buy it today. And buy a copy for each of your children and your grandchildren.”

“I took the book, The Character Treasure Chest with me on a vacation to Europe this summer, and I couldn’t put it down. Here I was in front of all these beautiful and historic sights, and all I could do was devour every page. It is full of powerful truths designed to build character through storytelling. How encouraging that these stories could impact the lives of my kids, grandkids, and my students at school.

As the Principal of Heart Cry Christian Academy, I am having all of my staff read the book as our school year begins. I am asking them to journal what the Lord is saying to them personally and as educators. I want us to have a character-building year. We are even changing our vernacular to match the way Jeanne explains character qualities. Character training will be the focus of every chapel. Our curriculum is set thanks to this incredible book!”

“Our home was marked by love and affection, belly-laughter, athletic pursuits, hard work, music (music, and more music), active ministry and service, generous encouragement and affirmation, clear values lived out with authenticity and consistency, reverence for God’s Word, and an abiding cultivation of godly character through lived example and steady teaching. In this warm, joyous, and nurturing context, my mother and father challenged us to view every situation as an opportunity to grow in the character of our Lord Jesus, constantly carving deeper the habitual rhythms of our actions, attitudes, and perspectives in accordance with the principles of Scripture. These years of formation had a profound impact on my life and have served as the foundation for any success or influence I have known as a husband, father, minister, artist, educator, and leader.

My hope is that as you read this book, you can transport yourself into our family culture, take a seat in the living room with us, and explore the riches of God’s eternal character revealed through His Word, the testimonies of His children, and His magnificent creation.”

“Looking back on the gift of growing up in the Bolin house brings to mind so many scenes filled with love and riches that can’t be measured with a calculator or bank statement. I can almost smell those “unique” one-pot meals my mom would create on our lowly minister’s salary. I can hear us rehearsing our gospel music in our old 15-passenger van. Stories and scriptures came alive on the faded pink carpet. The small nursing home and the little country church became our grand concert halls.

It always makes me smile when people say, “It’s amazing that all you Bolin kids have similar traits in leadership, energy, and confidence,” as if that just happened by chance. What they didn’t see were the day-in, day-out lessons from my mom and dad. Character, consistency, and excellence weren’t built in big, flashy moments but in the simple, everyday ones. Our home was a true training ground for so much of what I do in life today. It was the place where I learned about work ethic, creativity, public speaking, working with people, ministry, the arts and music, teamwork, navigating conflicts, character development, and, most importantly, the truth of Scripture and a life built on Christ. My prayer is that as you read this book, you will discover the treasures on each page and use them to shape your God-given training ground. You’ll begin to see your children not just who they are today but as who God has called them to be.”