Shadows on the Wall

My grandmother gave me this book years ago, I immediately loved it. It's simple poems and pictures give way to the primitive beauty of the words. A first hand account to the times of slaves in poem form.

The Cotton Bloom

The rose has a thousand lovers because

of the delicate grace and perfume,

But lovers for studier reasons give

Their hearts to the cotton bloom 

it grows in a dazzling ample land

Of measureless  breath and room-

And the wealth of a splendid tropical sun

Dowers this cotton bloom.

And Capitol keeps his eye on the feild

While he hears the hum of the loom,

And his anxious visage glows and pales

At the nod of the cotton bloom!

Beloved Bride

"My Beloved Esposa," the words that started many a letter from Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to his wife, Anna.  The military prowess of "Stonewall" is what he is best known for. But the real Jackson was also a humble Christian and loving husband and father. His tender, instructive letters to his wife Anna are a beautiful model of godly leadership, unwavering devotion and covenant faithfulness. The letters start before the war, continuing till his death. An excellent book for anyone learning about the Civil War or with a flair for the romantic. 

The Screwtape Letters

"The Screwtape Letters" is a correspondence between an experienced demon, Screwtape, and his inexperienced nephew on earth, Wormwood.


Through these letters, Screwtape advises Wormwood on everything from coping with his patient's Christianity, mother, love life and even his viewpoint on the war. C.S. Lewis creatively intermingles humor with the more serious aspects of life. After the patient is converted to Christianity, he begins to desire a better life and even pray for his mother.

An excellent insight into how temptation works.

I'm a fan of anything C.S. Lewis, but this is by far the best of his works.

A must read.

Primeval Saints

To the average Sunday School raised Christian, most of the patriarchs are pictured in our minds as cartoon figures from a picture Bible. We forget that these men were not only real, but giants in their times. They were leaders.

"These heroes of the city of God- Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and others- come to flesh and blood in ways that undo our normal assumptions. In stark contrast to the selfish heroism of pagan literature, the heroism of Genesis triumphs by breaking all the standard rules. Jordan inverts so many of the traditional negative judgments against there patriarchs' alleged weaknesses and "sins" of deception, struggle and tyranny that they stand forth as heroes rather than scoundrels." from  Primeval Saints back cover

Passion and Purity

Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot is part love story and part big sister guide to dealing with feelings and desires. The romantic yet conservative courtship between Elizabeth and Jim Elliot is a beautiful example of restraint and want, handling those years between awkward teen with raging hormones and womanhood. Answering questions like "How do I know if he/she is right for me?" and "How do I handle waiting?". The book is an excellent resource for girls who are ready for a serious relationship. Topics include: singleness or marriage, what men look for in a woman, the man's and woman's role in a relationship, dating, chastity, God's desires vs. personal desires.

" 'Dwell in my love' Jesus said. There is no other way to control passion. There is no other route to purity. There is no other route, finally, to joy." E. Elliot


Parental guidance is recommended.