Author Archives: Ann C. Averill

Shame Free and Brand New

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

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First Contact

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

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Princess for a Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Halloween

This is a walk down memory lane to the Halloween of my 60’s childhood. Before the pandemic made the boogie man real. Before there were over 200,000 dead to remember on All Souls Day. Before I understood what we masquerade … Continue reading

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