90&9 - Essentials

Essential Literature: Titles That Can’t Be Missed

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:39:35 -0600

February 5, 2007

By Sarah k. Holland

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.

Essentials for a New York Quick Fix

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 14:11:16 -0600

By Shannon Dunlap
December 4, 2006

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.

Essential Titles on Christian Writing

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:58:29 -0500

By Kent d Curry

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.

The Essentials for a Military Spouse

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 16:45:15 -0500

By Nancy Lewis
June 18, 2006

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.

Essentials of Alaska

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 16:43:11 -0500

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.

Essential London

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 16:41:38 -0500

By Sarah k. Holland
June 20, 2005

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.

The Essential Dr. Seuss Collection

Mon, 07 Mar 2005 15:40:17 -0600

By Lee Ann Alexander
March 7, 2005

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.

Essential Civil War Literature

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 15:37:15 -0600

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.

Essential Poetry for 2005

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:35:19 -0600

By David Bunch
January 10, 2005

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.

Essentials for Finding Information on the Hidden Web

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 15:33:18 -0600

By Shirley McDonald
November 29, 2004

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!

Essentials for the Job Search

Mon, 25 Oct 2004 16:31:47 -0500

By Sarah K. Holland
October 25, 2004

With today’s job market being what it is (somewhat non-existent), we need every possible hint to help us land the perfect position. While God promises to reward the faithful, it’s awfully difficult to make your resume jump from the stack if you’ve not bothered to submit one. Here are the six essentials for the professional job search.

Essential Reference Sources for Women in the Bible

Mon, 13 Sep 2004 16:29:43 -0500

By Shirley McDonald
September 13, 2004

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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I enjoy studying remarkable women of the Bible. What wonderful stories of women—sometimes virtuous, sometimes just plain evil—yet all of them can provide lessons to strengthen our spiritual lives.

Essential Foreign Travel Wisdom

Mon, 16 Aug 2004 16:28:08 -0500

By Danan Benson
August 16, 2004

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Perhaps you are thinking of visiting a foreign country. Or perhaps you’ll be staying for an extended, if short term, period. You need to prepare yourself that circumstances and cultures may be quite different from those you are accustomed to in the good ole USA.

Essential Summer Poetry

Mon, 05 Jul 2004 16:26:27 -0500

By David Bunch
July 5, 2004

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Looking for something to satisfy that poetry “jones” that’s been hounding you this summer? From serious to cryptic to down-right singable, here are (portions of) 10 works that are a must for the hot summer day.

Essentials for Studying Abroad

Mon, 21 Jun 2004 16:25:03 -0500

By Chantell Smith
June 21, 2004

In a society saturated with choices, sometimes it’s nice to receive some knowledgeable recommendations.

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Studying abroad—it’s something that everyone should take advantage of if the opportunity presents itself. God blessed me with two wonderful opportunities to establish my home-away-from-home on the Iberian Peninsula, in a little country called Spain. The first time was for a month in the summer of 2002, with a program coordinated by my university. I didn’t get my fill, so I figured out a way to get back, this time for a whole semester (four months). No, I wasn’t there just for fun; I got some Spanish credits toward my major in the process!

90&9 - Essentials

Essential Literature: Titles That Can’t Be Missed

Essentials for a New York Quick Fix

Essential Titles on Christian Writing

The Essentials for a Military Spouse

Essentials of Alaska

Essential London

The Essential Dr. Seuss Collection

Essential Civil War Literature

By Lee Ann AlexanderJanuary 24, 2005

Essential Poetry for 2005

Essentials for Finding Information on the Hidden Web

Essentials for the Job Search

Essential Reference Sources for Women in the Bible

Essential Foreign Travel Wisdom

Essential Summer Poetry

Essentials for Studying Abroad

By Lee Ann Alexander
January 24, 2005