Local Voices
Justice, even divine justice, is concrete. It addresses flesh-and-blood persons and the systems, structures, and conditions under which they live. God's vision of abundant human living is not restricted to the spiritual realm but extends even to our material circumstances. But in today's complex economy, what specific changes to public policies and institutions could lead to a just economy?
In The Way of Abundance, economist and minister Edith Rasell examines Old and New Testament teachings on economic justice in the context of the ancient economic systems and circumstances they addressed. Drawing on the biblical narrative and on research from the social sciences, Rasell examines three eras--the ancient Israelites' settlements in Canaan, the time of the monarchies, and first-century Palestine--and describes the transition from a non-monetized, subsistence-based economy to a commercial one with wage labor, product markets, and a surplus that benefited a tiny elite. But across this vast expanse of time and economic transition, the Bible called for a just economy. And its vision of economic justice can be a vision for justice seekers today. The book concludes with specific public policy proposals and personal practices that would move contemporary society closer to the Bible's economic vision.
Life is perfect for fifteen-year-old Elinora Wolton...for the most part. Anxious by nature and resistant to the often painful metamorphosis of growing up, she is most content when she is able to avoid uncomfortable feelings and experiences. This proves easy enough to do living a secure, sheltered life at Kellandale, a quiet country estate that has been isolated from many of the world's problems.
But in Kellandale Wood (Book One): The Way of the River, a middle grade fantasy/adventure set long ago in the country of Eldmoor, this estate also happens to sit on the edge of a vast forest. Known as Wyches Wood to some, it is a forest with a centuries-old reputation of being haunted. No one has dared to enter it for the last two hundred years, and Elinora and her precocious, easily bored younger sister Tillie have been strictly forbidden from going near it by their parents-a fact that drives Tillie mad.
This all changes when they witness a man dropping a mysterious parcel into the river within their property. Despite Elinora's initial reluctance, Tillie, curious and relentlessly persistent, persuades Elinora to go searching for it with her, taking them deep into the woods. There they discover an abandoned young wolfhound with an extraordinary ability, setting them off on a dangerous rescue mission and pitting them against a greedy and unscrupulous man.
As they begin to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abandonment, they discover what links their family to the forest, and the forest to the pup's own traumatic past. Together with their many allies, Elinora and Tillie set out to achieve what seems impossible, ultimately revealing the truth of the legendary enchanted woods and the mystic river that flows through it.
Weekly Soul is a collection of 52 meditations on meaningful, joyful and peaceful living. The meditations begin with thought-provoking quotations from a range of people--writers, journalists, theologians, musicians and artists, activists--and touch on themes of Miracles, Aliveness, Purpose, Laughter and Joy, Presence/Mindfulness, Activism, Acceptance, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Creativity, Civility, and Hope. Each meditation also offers Dr. Craigie's stories and commentary, questions for individual and group reflection, suggestions for daily follow-up, and biographical background on the quotation authors. In Weekly Soul, readers will find a year's worth of affirmation and engaging exploration of wholeness and well-being.
Gold Medal Winner Mind, Body, Spirit in the Book of the Year Award/Indiefabs/Foreword Reviews competition 2020
Winner, Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Category: Inspirational 2023
American Book Fest Best Book Award finalist, Spiritual/Inspiration 2021
Silver Medal, Reader Views Literary Awards, Mind/Body/Spirit 2021
Silver Medal, Reader Views Literary Awards, Religion 2020
