February 5, 2007

Please note that I did not include poetry as this was the only way to shorten the list to (approximately) 10 essentials and justify not including Sir Gawain and Chaucer, etc. 

The Mid-Winter Slump loomed dangerously close as the calendar hit that unimpressive time between Valentine’s Day and the Fourth of July.  No presents.  No barbecues.  Nothing to break the monotony.  But there was a cure.

There are many excellent books on the craft of writing; however most of them aren’t from a Christian viewpoint. While much of this craft has nothing to do with religious beliefs, the essential choices—metaphors, themes, symbols, and characters—in any art reflects distinct worldviews. Whether that worldview is only of this natural world (as most choose) or also infuses the supernatural presence of a biblical God, even through subtle means, allows the story to resonate with the reader on every level.  After all it’s only when combining the spiritual dimension with the physical, mental, and social that a complete picture of a character and his society can be seen.

Adaptability/Flexibility 
Most military spouses move quite often. My husband and I have been married for 6 years and we have already moved from Colorado to the Azores (Portugal), then to Louisiana, and now we are about to move back to our home state of Texas, where we will be for the next 10 months. There are many things that change from move to move--weather, people, churches, colleges, etc. Sometimes these things can be a challenge to adjust to, but it is important to make a successful adaptation. I have to admit there are things I have disliked about every place, but, if you dwell on it, you will be miserable. As a committed military spouse, you are forced to put away some of your own expectations and goals and focus on the positive things at every location. What I have learned is to look for new opportunities in each place. It’s not always easy, but is essential to a successful tour.

By Shirley McDonald
August 15, 2005

After years of talking about a vacation to Alaska, my husband and I, along with two other couples, finally made that dream come true a couple of weeks ago. And what an unbelievable vacation it was! We chose a Princess Tour, with five nights inland and seven nights on the cruise ship Sun Princess.

Last month my schedule opened up, and my mom, using airline miles as bribery, suggested we head off to England.  I had gone with her when I graduated from high school, and spent some time studying abroad my junior year of college.  Through those experiences England has become one of my favorite places.  With very little arm twisting, I agreed and we were off.

Reviewing a Dr. Seuss book is a lot like evaluating oxygen and recommending breathing. Everybody already knows and appreciates oxygen and breathing, so it seems a little needless. But since we sometimes take things for granted, perhaps I can offer a memory refreshment on the genius of Dr. Seuss and his special brand of books. In this “essentials,” I share six of my favorite Dr. Seuss books and celebrate their greatness. The Beginner Books division of Random House boasts that these books allow kids to read by themselves. But trust me, you won’t want to be left out on the fun.

By Lee Ann Alexander
January 24, 2005

Historical fiction has long been popular and, with so many possible time periods, there is never a lack of options. One preferred avenue of study is the American Civil War. It has fascinated scholars in its horrific violence and fierce heroism. It was truly the trial by fire that defined an indivisible nation. Whether serious Civil War historian or casual historical fiction reader, these works are outstanding pieces of literature that take up the American Civil War as their subject and setting.

Does anyone remember Y2K? Whatever happened to that year? And Y2K+1, +2…well, you get the idea. The years speed past in a blur. Here we are at the halfway point through another decade, so how about pausing to reflect on five essential poems to start your year off right.

If you are tired of thousands of links from your favorite Internet search engine, yet none of the sites prove relevant to your information needs, then this Essentials column is for you!