Writers’ Blog
A collection of devotionals, stories, and poems by writers at Heartland
Anna
My name is Anna and I’ve been living here in the temple for—well, I’m not going to tell you how many years. A woman must have her secrets, even at my age! I make my bed each night here on the porch of the Court of Women, grateful for the shelter. A...
Deathblow
The deepest cavern of darkness smothered her, distressing her spirit day and night. The gloom hung like blackened clouds, a miserable reminder of how He lightly esteemed Zebulun and Naphtali. O, that she was a haven of rest! The oppression afterward weighed heavily...
The Gifts Come Later
Christmas morning comes earlier than most days. Eager anticipation of a dream come true drives me out of bed hours before anyone else is awake. I grab my robe, shuffle into my slippers, and tiptoe down the stairs hoping the creaking doesn’t disturb the dog. Still...
Ex Nihilo
ex ni·hi·lo /ˈeks ˈnē(h)əlō,ˈnī(h)əlō/adverb: out of nothing (Latin) This Advent season I’ve been especially struck by the fact that Jesus, our Messiah, basically came to us out of nothing–ex nihilo. He was born from the womb of a virgin. Impossible!There was...
ADVENTures
Mary and Josephin faithful anticipation,awaited for what could not be imagined but was soonto arrive. Entrusted with the treasure Of God’s HOPE!Of God’s LOVE!Of God’s JOY!Of God’s PEACE! Presently, we arewaiting and anticipating what we’ve been...
Pressure and Promise
Fiery inferno: destruction or refining?Weight and pressure: crushing or cohesion?Yielding ashes and rubble, or gold and diamonds?Fear says the former; faith says the latter. Here’s the truth: There are no diamonds Save through fierce heat and pressure. Pure gold is...
No One Noticed, No One Cared
Most of our children eagerly await Christmas morning. Barely sleeping the night before, they awaken before dawn and rush to the tree in wonder and delight where they meet stockings and presents and candy and fun. Their wishes are coming true. Their hopes are being...
Formed in Darkness, Unveiled in Light
How do you interpret darkness, whether literal darkness or figurative darkness? Are you able to see our Lord with you, or do you wonder where He is in your darkness? Interestingly, to our Lord, the darkness and light are the same (Psalms 139:12). Scattered in the...
Strong and Courageous
I think I’m strong and courageous. I think I’m bold and capable. I think I’m smart and clever. But really, I’m young and immature. I shiver with fear and shake with dread. When the wind howls and the lightning flashes, I cringe and cower. The enemy confronts,...
Trees of Righteousness
Fifteen minutes into the school day, I could tell that it was going to be another challenging morning. Several of the kids hadn’t completed their homework, the noise level was higher than acceptable, and two of the boys had already been arguing. I sighed. I felt once...
