Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman My rating: 3 of 5 stars Eighteen-year-old Anna Byler has never been on a date. No one has asked her. She suspects it is because her grandfather and guardian, Bishop Isaac Byler is at least partly to blame. His gruff manner and strict enforcement of all their Amish colony’s rules… Continue reading Plain Peace (review)
Anyone who has written freelance knows that wonderful writing isn't the only thing our piece needs to get accepted. It also needs to be timely. Write and submit an article about C. S. Lewis in 2014 and chances are editors will reject it, whereas they may well have accepted it in 2013. Why? Because 2013… Continue reading Freelance Writer’s Almanac – coming soon!
It's Christmas Eve, the time our thoughts turn to all things holy—and presents! How crass. But how real, especially if you're a kid. A few weeks ago when I was cleaning out some papers, I came across a picture book I wrote and illustrated way back when. It was one of my course requirements at… Continue reading A Child’s Christmas in Saskatchewan
Christmas Seed (For K.) All day you walk, trudge, shuffle, stumble, limp and yet not ever do you leave My sight. I see the slightest quiver of past’s corpse when through the haze you think, It’s Christmas night. I lead you then to Oppenheimer Park where friends of Mine are serving soup and gifts. I… Continue reading Christmas Seed
Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish My rating: 5 of 5 stars Running her own bakeshop, the Wild Rise, will finally fill the void in 30-something Liesel McNamara’s life—won’t it? She sure has wagered all her dough on it—and the array of artisan sourdough starters, some as old as her history itself. An artisan bakery… Continue reading Stones for Bread (review)
Kathi Macias' 12 Days of Christmas Volume 7 by Ruth L. Snyder My rating: 5 of 5 stars Cecile’s preparations for Christmas this year are nothing like they were last year when she lived in Alberta. Now, as a nurse working with the San Bushmen people of Botswana, she’s covering up to protect herself from… Continue reading Cecile’s Christmas Miracle (review)
Guided When confluence in the heavens shone brighter than any illuminated text they high-fived, then headed to the mall for myrrh and frankincense stopped by the bank for gold. Whenever, on that dusty trek needles of sand attacked camels were crabby thighs chafed, tailbones ached eyes rose again to blue-white beam that drew them like… Continue reading Guided
Pilgrimage: My Journey to a Deeper Faith in the Land Where Jesus Walked by Lynn Austin My rating: 4 of 5 stars A series of losses, disappointments, and unpleasant surprises have pummeled Lynn Austin. She is feeling bruised, spiritually dry, and, in plain words, depressed. And so she has high hopes for an opportunity to… Continue reading Pilgrimage (review)
Abel spilled their blood in the first acceptable sacrifice. Abraham’s flocks flourished though in the end his son Isaac knew the terror of lambs, lying bound on altar wood. Joseph was sold to Egypt from the pasture and the children of Israel were segregated in Goshen because shepherds were ‘unclean.’ Moses ran from the palace… Continue reading Of Shepherds and Sheep
Christmas on the West Coast Twigs stunning in diamonds doors lined running pearls scribble reindeer all lit up under Christmas tree swirls. Balconies wearing ruby emerald, agate bling like necklaces, bracelets scarves, pins and a ring. Roof lines cascade ice lights twinkle bells and bright stars. Windows beam the old story. Velvet antlers deck cars.… Continue reading Christmas on the West Coast
Violet Nesdoly 