Author Archives: Ann C. Averill

The Art of the Memoir

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Ann C. Averill

As actors in our own lives, we are seldom aware of an event’s meaning or impact at the time it occurs. Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Process | Tagged | 3 Comments

Shame Free and Brand New

Posted on December 31, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

After a year full of fear, sickness, grief, and lies, I want to wish you, dear readers, a very happy, New Year full of God’s truth, the truth that Jesus says sets us free in John 8:32. The truth that … Continue reading →

Posted in Spiritual Growth | Tagged , | 2 Comments

First Contact

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

Is there a God? Can you talk to him? Does he answer? As a fifth grader I wasn’t sure.  This is the story of my first earnest attempt to find out—on a Christmas Eve without snow. *******************************************************************   Upstate New … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash memoir, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Princess for a Day

Posted on December 17, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

Although this incident occurred a few years back, it continues to bring meaning to the name Immanuel, God with us. *************************************************************** A few Saturdays before Christmas, I’m browsing some open studios in my town, and find my way to the … Continue reading →

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The Soul Felt Its Worth

Posted on December 12, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

The dawning of a deeper understanding of the incarnation began with this episode from my life. ****************************************************************************************             I’m busy preparing for the first Christmas my daughter will probably remember. I’m the parent now, responsible for all the glittering wonder. … Continue reading →

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The Creche

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

This is a flash memoir about God’s patient sovereignty in a child’s life. The creche I made when I was six will reappear years later in my life with far greater understanding of the gospel. ************************************************************************************ After the first snow, … Continue reading →

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From Beer to Eternity

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

I just read Gary Morland’s From Beer to Eternity, a little story of addiction and beyond, and was instantly hooked by the tell-it-like-it-is voice of the narrator who I knew instantly was going to tell me the no-nonsense truth about … Continue reading →

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Man of Sorrows

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

This is an excerpt from my memoir, Teacher Dropout, Finding Grace in an Unjust School. I share it here in honor of the #Shameless conference I attended online sponsored by Olivia Alnes. You can check out her blog @ wildabide.com … Continue reading →

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Rise Above the Chaos

Posted on November 3, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

My come to Jesus moment was during a marriage crisis. In the midst of my confusion, and guilt, unsure what path to follow, I stumbled upon a savior through a Christian neighbor who believed what the Bible said was true. … Continue reading →

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The Battle of Good and Evil

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Ann C. Averill

It’s a misty, moisty October morning less than a week before election day. The air hangs gray and damp over what’s left of the vegetable garden, decaying squash vines and toughened Kale. The scene reminds me of another autumn morning … Continue reading →

Posted in Flash memoir | Tagged | 4 Comments