Devotional book provides insights for every day
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A new devotional book, "Now It Springs Up," has been published by three central Kansas Mennonite women, including Carol Duerksen of rural Goessel.
Duerksen is experienced in writing and publishing, having collaborated with her husband, Maynard Knepp, in authoring two series of Amish novels. She also has written two other books, "Who's Kate?" and "Nobody's Kate."
Duerksen was looking for another project when she was inspired to produce a yearlong devotional book. She knew the task was too overwhelming for just one person, so she asked two longtime friends to help her.
Michele Hershberger of Hesston teaches Bible and Youth Ministry at Hesston College and is chairman of that department. She also is a coveted inspirational speaker for youth and adult groups and has written several books.
Laurie Oswald Robinson of Newton is a journalist and editor of "timbrel," a magazine comprised of articles written by "women in conversation together with God." It is published bimonthly by Mennonite Women USA. Robinson formerly served as news service director for the Mennonite Church USA.
The three women met for the first time in December 2005 to form an outline for the book. They wanted readers to experience the whole Biblical narrative, something that was Biblically truthful and also applicable to every day life.
The title, "Now it Springs Up," was inspired by a devotional based on Isaiah 43, given in a meeting attended by Duerksen and Hershberger. The subtitle, "Spiritual Insights for Every Day," indicates the yearlong coverage.
The women selected the Bible books and passages on which to base their devotionals, and divided them up among themselves. For certain months, they chose Scriptures relating to a particular church season such as Advent, Christmas, and Easter.
They also covered all the genres in the Bible including narrative, prophecy, and apostolic instruction, and found that some were more difficult than others to address.
Each day's devotional includes the reading of a Bible passage, the author's reflection on it, and suggestions on how to apply it to one's own life.
Two devotionals every week are geared to children but applicable to adults, as well.
The women said the writing of the devotionals caused them to be brutally honest with themselves. They wanted it to be more than "feel good" material.
"It made us vulnerable, but that's the way Christians are," Hershberger said.
"It remains true to Scripture but also true to our lives," Robinson added.
After a year spent studying and writing, the three began meeting at least once a week for two months to read and edit each other's work, making changes they agreed were necessary. They said it was a grueling but inspiring process.
A copy editor was hired to read the final product.
Nancy Miller of Goessel designed the book cover. She is a graphic designer at Hesston College and is marred to Corey Miller, pastor of Tabor Mennonite Church.
The book was printed at Mennonite Press, Newton, and came out in mid-June. It is available at Thee Book Store in Hillsboro, Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton, and directly from the publishers.
To order the book, contact Carol at WillowSpring Downs, 1582 Falcon, Hillsboro KS67063 or by e-mail at willowspringdowns@juno.com or from the website: allamish.org.
Duerksen will host a book signing from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at her farm home southwest of Hillsboro at 1582 Falcon. All three authors will be present, along with Nancy Miller. The book will be offered at a $3 discount.
The book signing at Robinson's house will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 3 Grove Court, Newton, and at Herschberger's house from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 300 Main, Hesston.
The authors hope to make the book available at other places throughout central Kansas, so don't be surprised if you spot it for sale in a retail outlet in your hometown.
