What’s on your writing desk? Featuring J’nell Ciesielski

Today our guest is J’nell Ciesleski who has generously agreed to share her writing space with us! Karla: J’nell, I’ve noted from your website that you write adventurous, historical romance. Where do you settle in to weave your stories? J’nell: I have two spaces of writing. One, my designated office with a pretty view of the tree filled backyard, a plush …

Public Shaming

Everyone’s talking about it. The recent scandal of a popular homeschooling family has tongues wagging all over the world. And even if I don’t mention their names here on this blog, chances are, you know exactly who I’m talking about. And it’s not all our fault. The family put themselves out there for public consumption. Except that, I like to …

Just a common soldier

JUST A COMMON SOLDIER (A Soldier Died Today) by A. Lawrence Vaincourt He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one. …

Behavior is communication

As a Mom with special needs children, my mantra has always been, “behavior is communication.” Before my twin sons learned to speak at the ages of 7 – 9, they were constantly frustrated because they couldn’t express their needs and desires in words. Tantrums were a constant. As I watch the riots on TV, I have to wonder if part …

Evening Prayers: For Every Day of the Year

“Deliverance Leads to Healing and Revival” To understand this book of prayers entitled Evening Prayers: For Every Day of the Year by Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, I think it’s important to understand their context. The only way to understand their context is to know more about the man who wrote them. The history of this author is fascinating. In 1838, Blumhardt’s …

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Okay, so I’m early (a proper lady is never late). But it’s never too early to plan for Christmas, right? I simply must share this little treasure with you. It’s a book called Watch for the Light and it includes readings from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dorothy Day, Madeleine L’Engle, Martin Luther, Kathleen Norris, Henri Nouwen, Philip Yancey, Karl Barth,  Síren Kierkegaard. Thomas Aquinas, …