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Deb Farris reading near river
It’s a Baby! ~A Story of Faith

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

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

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

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

On Winning the Race

Well, we all can’t be winners, can we, or can we? I guess that’s depends on which race we’re running. 🏃🏿🏃🏽‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️ Whichever race, we need to train, and we all know, a good coach is a good gift.  Yesterday morning, Fannie and I stepped out our front door early to find...
Which Way Home?

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,...
Oh, The Never Ending New Beginnings!

Oh, The Never Ending New Beginnings!

Does the story ever end? Ask any artist: the sonata could have one more movement or rest, the painting one more shade of light, the sculpture one more softened edge, the story one more period… or another new beginning. Does the story ever end? Why? Why is it so...
Just Along for the Ride

Just Along for the Ride

There is simply a beautiful story to be shared about an ordinary couple (by their own definition) and their extra-ordinary God. And I’m not just pedaling a book. I’ll be honest with you, though, I do remember the first time I did pedal something… I was five years old....
A Song of Praise and One More Story

A Song of Praise and One More Story

Last week, my friend said he wanted to understand Parkinson’s spiritually. I didn’t realize it then, but when we were together this week, I said. “Marc, you already understand Parkinson’s spiritually. It’s in the book.” I opened it and turned to the last chapter. Then...

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