By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer As a novelist, my life often intersects with my fictional characters—or theirs with mine. A challenge they face may be one with which I’ve wrestled. A discovery they make could mirror one of my own. This was the case with my recent novella, Just
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Have you ever felt like you’ve lost it all? Have you ever really lost it all? Following a recent surprise that completed a trilogy of painful events, a familiar scripture came to me with fresh perspective. God remains the strength of my heart; He
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer One of my favorite promises in the Bible is found in Isaiah 40:31 where new or renewed strength is assured for those who wait on the Lord. “They shall soar high on wings like eagles,” says the New Living Translation. I’ve written quite a
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Last week I shared my life verse – Psalm 16:8 – and how it encourages me in the New Year as well as in every new endeavor. Recently I discovered what I consider to be a companion verse. As is often the case when
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer New beginnings. Technically, that’s a redundant phrase – like tuna fish. If something is a beginning, then it’s new. And if it’s new, then it’s the beginning of something different. However, our ears seem to like the sound of “new beginnings.” It rings with
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Shadows of the Season My baby’s hands so fine so perfectly formed hiding crease and fold within their tiny grasp as though from years of bending. What shadow do I see across his palm as he lies gently sleeping? My baby’s face so pure
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Repetitive action at keyboards has cost me a couple of wrist surgeries. Occupational hazard, some would say. Worth it, I would say. The piano came alive to me in kindergarten, a typewriter in high school. Dancing my fingers over a keyboard in emotive expression
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Welcome! This week I’m part of a multi-author Christmas scavenger hunt and I’d love it if you’d join us in the fun. At each author’s blog, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free preview for their book
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer I’m a Christmas-carol fan. The music takes me back to my childhood and all those candlelight Christmas Eve services we attended. From there I went on to high school choir and church choir and – okay, I admit it – I know all the
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer I have a time machine in my home. When I run my fingers over the smooth wooden doors, I’m transported to the turn of the century. Not this century, but 1900. It’s a primitive piece, one of three hutches that belonged to my grandmother.
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer When I taught sixth-grade world history, I grew accustomed to adolescent boys who dreamed of becoming soldiers and warriors like the ancient kings they studied. Later, when I taught English composition at the college, several of my students were young marines who bore unseen
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer What was that hanging from my bird feeder – a bat? I looked again. Sparrows swarmed the feeder and the ground beneath it, scrabbling for seeds and corn in the snow. The dangling creature flapped its wings and tried to upright itself. A bird.
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer A child’s perspective can open our eyes to things we’ve long forgotten about as adults. Like the vintage carnival-prize horse that belonged to my husband’s mother. Her great-granddaughter discovered that prize several months ago and let me know that she placed high value upon
It’s not uncommon for people to find spiritual insight through the behavior of their pets or other animals. I’ve experienced plenty of times when my eyes were opened by my old dog, Blue, or one of our other critters, including my husband’s clown mule, Ike. I’ve even
By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer Years ago when I dreamed of being an author, I wrote to a husband-and-wife team of authors who impressed me with their creativity and love for the Lord. They wrote back. Not only was I surprised, I was blessed and encouraged. Today I am