Book Promo

Now It Springs Up

This book has three authors: Carol Duerksen, Michele Hershberger, and Laurie Oswald Robinson. These three women are all unique writers in their own right and they have combined their talents into a very interesting, and inspirational devotional book.

A brief note about the authors: "Carol Duerksen is a freelance writer. She lives on a farm between Goessel and Hillsboro, KS. ....She is the editor of With, a magazine for Christian teens; has co-authored nine Amish novels with her husband; and collaborated with her cat, Slickfester Dude, in writing a children's book."

"Michele Hershberger serves as Chair of the Bible and Ministry Division at Hesston College, where she teaches Bible and youth ministry classes. She has authored A Christian View of Hospitality and God's Story, Our Story, the catechism resource for Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Michele also enjoys preaching, touring as a speaker for The Giving Project and speaking at several Mennonite youth conventions and conferences."

"Laurie Oswald Robinson is editor for Mennonite Women USA and its publication, timbrel: women in conversation together with God. She formerly served as news service director for Mennonite Church USA, and before that as assistant editor for Mennonite Weekly Review."

This book is a compilation of devotional readings, each accompanied by a scripture text. The segments of each day's writings are, PLUNGING INTO THE WORD, PONDERING ON THE WAY, and PRAYING AND WALKING IN THE WORLD. The latter segment gives suggestions for what one might pray for, and sometimes questions to help make the thoughts of the meditation practical. Included in the writings are special meditations written especially with interest for children and families. These most usually include things to do to as practical suggestions.

I am enjoying using this book in my morning quiet times. I like the variations in writing style and content. I have received permission to quote from the book at any time, and have done so a few times on my posts here. I would encourage my readers to consider purchasing this book and using it in your quiet times. And if you don't have a quiet time in your day currently, now would be a good time to begin that, and use this book to help you in your spiritual pilgrimage.

I conclude this promo by quoting a recent meditation by Carol Duerksen, entitled FAITH SHAPES.
Scripture text: Romans 12:1-8

"Heaven forbid
Cookie-cutter Christians
Shaped in the exact same mold
Same
Same
Same

Yet when your faith shape
Conflicts with mine
I cringe
I critique
I cry, "Foul!"

So what is it exactly
That I want?
I want sister and brother Christians
Who believe mostly like me,
Whose diversity is interesting
But never challenging,
Whose understanding of the Bible
Resonates with mine.
Not cookie-cutter
By any means.
Just the same dough
At least.

God forbid
I get
What I want."

Reprinted by permission from Now It Springs Up by Carol Duerksen, Michele Hershberger, Laurie Oswald Robinson. Published by Willow Spring Downs, email willowspringdowns@juno.com.

This book may be purchased by email request to the above address, or to micheleh@hesston.edu.