Clearing Away the Dust

Can you hear the crickets chirping?

Crickets and dust bunnies have filled this blog for far too long.

Today, I'm sweeping them out!

My apologies for my long absence from blogging. The end of the semester is never easy, and summer is never quite as calm as one would like. As it is, I intend to keep up at least some sporadic blogging.
I have plenty of interesting things this summer to talk about, and there are yet untold stories from Ireland and Wales sitting in my cupboard.

After not blogging for so long, it is difficult to know where to start. But basically, my first year of college was more than I ever could have hoped for. Fulfilling once again the verses the Lord pressed upon my heart these past few years. "Now to Him who is able to so immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

When I think of all that I've seen and done and all the amazing people I've met, I'm overwhelmed.

Perhaps, some of the most exciting news -- and that which is easiest to share -- is the fact that I'm now published.

No. Not a book more even and article or short story, but I currently have two book reviews published online through the Evangelical Church Library Association.

My amazing professor provided me with books to read. I then wrote a review of each book which was submitted to the publisher and eventually posted on ECLA's website.

My first review was a biblical fiction novel by Tessa Afshar called Land of Silence. Set in Jesus's time, it tells the story of the woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years and was healed when she touched the hem of Jesus' garment. It is well worth a read. You can view my entire review here:
 (Book Review) Land of Silence

My second review was a completely different type of book, but it was just as wonderful. When I opened Crossing the Waters by Leslie Leyland Fields, I no idea what to expect. I'd never read a memoir before. But it also proved to be a thought-provoking combination of the days Jesus walked the earth and the modern commercial fishing industry in Alaska. My review was published on Saturday: (Book Review): Crossing the Waters

So there you have it. A tiny glimpse at what I've been up to the past few months. I thank you for your interest. If you're only reading for gorgeous pictures and stories of Ireland -- no worries those will continue to make appearances -- since they are not only forever tied into my life, but also the heartbeat of this blog.