Deb Farris
writes

 

encouraging stories of hope in hard places one chapter at a time.

Just Along for the Ride Book Cover

NEW BOOK!

New Release by Ten16 Press

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Alive. Still working. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Road Trip: Soak It Up (Like a Sponge)

A rainy winter road trip becomes a meditation on marriage, memory, Scripture, and the quiet ways God teaches us—through lost rings, wet Bible pages, and the grace of soaking it all in.

In the Spirit of Advent—Friendship & Peace

An Advent reflection on peace and joy, inspired by friendship, Ezekiel, and God’s breath bringing life, hope, and grace in a hospice moment.

On Loving Gretta

Sometimes the people who shape us are the ones who challenge us the most. Gretta—formidable, always unforgettable—made a place for my son and me when we weren’t sure where we belonged. In this tribute, I reflect on her generosity, her heart for children, and the small moments that carry a lifetime of gratitude.

Write Anyway: Advent Hope from the Valley of Dry Bones

When confidence is thin and courage a flickering flame, Ezekiel whispers hope. This devotional walks the valley of dry bones with a writer’s heart—where calling matters more than skill, and breath returns long before we feel ready to receive it.

It’s a Baby! ~A Story of Faith

With the birth of Charlie IV, I thought back to the birth of my Charlie III, Here’s the story I wrote for his 35th birthday on Oct. 15, 2017. Charles Lee Grimes IV, born Nov.18, 2025 As I think of you turning 35 today, I remember how my mom would always call me on my...

On Writing Us Home

—Reflection on finishing a novel Some stories are harder to write than others. Some truths are harder to face. In this reflection, I share what it feels like to write through grief, shame, and hope—through the characters of Not According to Plan (working title). “Can...

Sounds of Healing

In the silence, dog licks her paw. “She’s going to make me pay for this for a while,” he says. She licks. A nail clipped too short, a swath of blood on hard, wood floor. Yesterday, his worried look as I walked through the door. Today, concerned words breaking the...

On Throwing Off What Hinders

Throw off everything that hinders… Will I ever stop being nervous before I’m asked to say a few words to a room full of people? Sorry if I sound like a broken record, but… Will I ever stop second guessing the words written with tears, and an open, raw heart, just...

On Winning the Race

Winning the race is about saying yes to an extraordinary God who is still doing amazing things through ordinary people.

Which Way Home?

There’s a place set apart, where transformation awaits. Birch leaves shimmer, hinting at treasures—golden wisdom just one breath, one breeze, away— as one maple tree blazes a flame of red, as an unexpected guide with wings appears, reigniting something in me,...

Deb’s new book RELEASED July 2025

To order Just Along for the Ride click on the title:

Just Along for the Ride

Ten16 Press

Just Along for the Ride is an unbelievable true story of a family’s missionary adventures during times of great unrest in East Africa, China and the Middle East, and the founding of Eastbrook church in Milwaukee. It is also a beautiful love story!

“They were touched by God’s heart for the world. And that theme continued until, in humility, they released their ministry to the next generation with trust. This story is inspiring and important for our current moment.”  Pastor Matt and Kelly Erickson, Eastbrook Church

“This is a glorious celebration of the lives of two individuals who have made a difference in many other people’s lives, a read that will lift souls and inspire all readers alike.” Laurie Scheer, Vice President, Board Member – Wisconsin Writers Association

Conversations With Dad – The Book

Rich with stories of William (Bill) Wenzler’s career as the “daring architect of mid-century modern hyperbolic paraboloid churches,” the story is told with tenderness and humor. This book is a love story– the love of a man for God, his wife and family, and the love of a daughter for her parents. Conversations with Dad grew out of time spent together—father and daughter—sharing the stories of those who paved the way for her.

Purchase Yours Today

“Wenzler, a designer of beautiful, practical buildings who loved the Lord who makes practical beautiful people out of failing feeble sinners–and loved those people too. You will love this book!”

–Stuart Briscoe, longtime Pastor, Elmbrook Church

Deb Farris

Deb Farris

Author

Deb is a writer living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her stories and prose focus on the intersection of faith, art and being human. She is a former equity actress and singer who served on the adjunct faculties of Tulane University, the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, and the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. She was Executive Director of the nonprofit arts organization Danceworks, Inc. for 18 years and is the author of Conversations with Dad. Her new biography, Just Along for the Ride ~the Missionary Journey of Marc and Nancy Erickson, was released in July by Ten16 Press.

Farris holds a BFA in Inter-Arts with a focus on Voice and an MFA in Dance, both from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — though during her many moves and adventures in theatre, she also earned credits at the New School for Social Research in NYC, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She shares stories and vignettes on her blog to encourage hope in hard places and is currently working on her debut novel.

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