by Deryn | Mar 13, 2026 | Real Life, Social History, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
What Is Narrative Historical Non-Fiction? Writing true stories from the past with the heartbeat of lived experience History is often presented to us as a procession of dates, treaties, battles, and proclamations. Did you enjoy your history lessons at school? If you... 
by Deryn | Nov 1, 2025 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Social History, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL WOUNDING, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
Finding Beauty and Stillness in a Chaotic World In times of chaos and disruption, have you ever wondered how one individual can make a difference in an impossible situation? At a recent conference I attended, one speaker told a story so profound, it left a lasting... 
by Deryn | Sep 29, 2025 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Nature, Seasons of Life, Transitions
When I was a child, one of my favorite radio programs was called “The Answer Lies in the Soil.” It was run by the Natural Resources Board of Rhodesia, teaching farmers how to get the most out of their land. My grandfather, an agricultural extension officer, and my... 
by Deryn | Jul 29, 2025 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Seasons of Life, TRANSFORMATION, Transitions, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
The Parable of the Ginger Root “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” – Psalm 92:14 Old and wrinkled, ignored, unseen, Left to die – a “has-been,” Deemed no longer fit to cook, Discarded with a passing... 
by Deryn | Jan 27, 2025 | LANDSCAPES OF LIFE, LEARNING JOURNEYS, Real Life, Seasons of Life, TRANSFORMATION, Transitions, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
Winter in the northern hemisphere has always seemed so dark to me. In view of current affairs, it seems that darkness has covered the world, so I thought I would explore what darkness really means. In a world that celebrates light, progress, and visibility, darkness...