Here I am at the top of the mountain about to tip myself off the edge. You’d have to be insane to attempt what I’m about to do. But here we go. I’m steeling my nerves, pushing off with my ski poles, and facing my destiny. I may not come out of this alive, butContinue reading “A Song for the Ski Slopes”
Author Archives: nbrown
Arthur Conan Doyle’s Fairies
Reluctantly, Arthur Wright hands over his brand new camera to his 16-year-old daughter. It’s a Saturday afternoon in the summer of 1917 and Arthur’s daughter Elsie insists that she and her young cousin Frances simply must have the camera. Arthur entrusts them with the camera and one photographic plate—all the girls will need to takeContinue reading “Arthur Conan Doyle’s Fairies”
The Grumpy Little Fir Tree
In a bright corner of a beautiful forest there grew an evergreen—a fir to be exact. And the very first spring of that little tree’s life, it seemed clear that it would grow up to be quite a beautiful little tree. Children who played in that part of the woods would run their hands throughContinue reading “The Grumpy Little Fir Tree”
The Pineapple Craze
It’s August 14, 1668. You are dressed in your finest as you step from your coach and through the gates of Whitehall Palace. To be a guest at this banquet is a profound honor. You know the evening will be full of finery, rich foods, and lavish displays of wealth. The feast is hosted byContinue reading “The Pineapple Craze”
A Hard Story to Hear
It’s late on a Monday night. I’m tired, but I’m finishing up a few dishes before heading to bed when I hear a sound that I don’t like to hear late at night. It’s the sound of the boys’ room door opening. Normally, that sound means one of the boys will be asking for aContinue reading “A Hard Story to Hear”
Is It Still Well With My Soul?
Horatio Spafford’s blood runs cold. His ears must be deceiving him. He looks at his wife and sees a look of hurt bewilderment on her face that exactly mirrors the emotions swirling in his own heart. “I’m sorry. What did you say?” His visitor shifts in his chair, then says, earnestly, “Yes. I… I’ve comeContinue reading “Is It Still Well With My Soul?”
Did Jesus Miss Out?
The birds are silent. The lake is still. Jesus quietly leaves Simon’s house and climbs up into the hills. It’s still dark as he finds a place suitable to His purpose. Alone, He kneels to pray. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Jesus has narrowly escaped death at the hands ofContinue reading “Did Jesus Miss Out?”
The Man Who Hated Legos
There are tears in his eyes, but Ole Kirk Christiansen is not giving an inch. The Danish man is certain that his company is ready to undertake a building project that will cost 350,000 kroner. His son, Godtfred, is not convinced. The sum, equivalent to over $350,000 dollars in today’s economy, is far beyond theContinue reading “The Man Who Hated Legos”
Accidental First Date
Sitting in the bleachers, I’m beginning to think I’ll be watching the game alone. That’s ok, I guess, but I didn’t really come to see the game. It’s not that I don’t like basketball. Basketball’s fine. But there’s a reason that junior-high girls basketball doesn’t air on prime time TV. Please understand, junior-high girls’ basketballContinue reading “Accidental First Date”
Summer Religion
It’s bitterly cold. The wind off the water, the dark of the early morning, and the absence of any shelter on the small boat prompt John to wrap his coat more tightly around his body. But as the boat nears the town, John’s mind is not primarily on the cold. His mind is racing, thinkingContinue reading “Summer Religion”
Exempla 