Return to the Middle is the story of one man's journey, both physically and spiritually. He had always strived to do the right thing, but seemed to be missing the mark. During a short-term mission trip to the Philippines, that man not only traveled through a foreign land, but also through foreign territories in his own heart. What he experienced and discovered are in these pages.

A PencilWe all have them. They're cheap. If we break one, it's no big deal. If we break two . . . it's still no big deal.Raymond didn't have one.****A GlobeEvery classroom has one. We touched them in grade school. We spun them really fast when the teacher wasn't watching.Ms. Maribel didn't have one.***A Pair of ShoesWe get our first pair before we can even walk. Most of us have three or four pairs. Some of us have fift...

Tanner is one of those older dogs that hangs around the rescue shelter. While the younger puppies and kitties are worried about getting adopted some day, Tanner is just trying to help his kennel mate, Duggie, from being taken to the back room for a bath.Children, young and old, appreciate a simple story about the pets we have around us.

In "Consolation in Life and Death, Derived from the Life of Christ," J. Church presents a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of Christian theology. This text intertwines philosophical reflection with spiritual insight, offering a narrative that shines a light on the dualities of existence'—joy and sorrow, hope and despair'—rooted in the life and teachings of Christ. Church's literary style is characterized by eloquent prose and a contemplative tone, reflecting the...

In "The Precious Name, Proofs of the Godhead, and a Hymn," J. Church embarks on a profound exploration of theological concepts centered around the divinity of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of scriptural references and doctrinal discourse, Church employs an erudite yet accessible literary style that balances scholarly rigor with devotional fervor. The work is presented in three distinct sections, each meticulously crafted to engage readers with both intellectual inquiry and spi...

All boys enjoy wandering through the woods or fields.They are attracted to ponds and streams, where there is a whole world of fascinating creatures. This piece is just a short poem about such an encounter between a young boy and . . . a dragonfly. See if perhaps you can relate to your own childhood as you think about some of your own experiences with nature. This is a fun little poem that can be used at school, camp, or a quiet evening at home. Share it with your child and see what ideas h...

"This true life story does that rare service of inspiring the reader with its courage, honesty, and heart." Trishna Gurung in ECS.Scott Berry is a very well-known name to me. I came across his book A Stranger in Tibet when I was working on the life and works of Ekai Kawaguchi in Tokyo in 1997-1998. I was very impressed by his narrative style and his ability to combine humanism with the wisdom of culture. Berry has precisely done that in this book From Goddess to Mortal. In this boo...

In 'Parts of Speech,' Brander Matthews masterfully navigates the intricacies of the English language, dissecting its fundamental elements with both precision and flair. The work is characterized by its engaging prose and analytical rigor, blending scholarly critique with accessible explanation. Matthews explores the nuances of grammar, punctuation, and syntax through a series of meticulously crafted essays that reflect the author's deep understanding of linguistic structure, placing the wo...

Tanner has started feeling comfortable in his new home. The people who have adopted him from the animal shelter are also feeling comfortable with him. Today, the trusted him to be off his leash for a while. Of course, Tanner was ready for a little fun.

In "Is This Your Likeness? A Scriptural Definition of Hypocrisy and Sincerity," J. Church embarks on a profound theological exploration that dissects the constructs of authenticity and deceit as portrayed in scripture. Employing a meticulous literary style infused with reflective prose, Church masterfully weaves together scriptural exegesis and contemporary moral inquiry, inviting readers to confront their own moral standings amidst the dichotomy of hypocrisy and sincerity. The book is sit...

In "With Methuen's Column on an Ambulance Train," Ernest Nathaniel Bennett offers a gripping firsthand account of the Boer War, capturing the harrowing yet heroic experiences aboard an ambulance train servicing the British forces. Written in a vivid, journalistic style, the book blends real-time observation with reflective narrative, bringing to life the tumultuous emotions of soldiers and medics alike. Bennett's prose is characterized by its immediacy and detail, which situates the reader...

In "Days and Nights in London; Or, Studies in Black and Gray," J. Ewing Ritchie intricately weaves a tapestry of urban life in Victorian London, portraying the stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. Ritchie employs a vivid, impressionistic literary style that captures the rhythms and nuances of the city, immersing readers in its sights, sounds, and social dynamics. The text serves as both a reflection of the contemporary societal struggles and an incisive commentary on the human condi...