Haruah: A Magazine of Inspiration --update

[raindancer_ph]

We begin our first issue with a short fiction piece about endurance and faith....

"Joshua's Trek" by S.T. Forstner

Trapped in a blizzard, Joshua struggles to find home.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=10

We also have a wonderful column:

"On Being and Becoming: The Traveller as a Child of Faith" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz

http://haruah.com/columns.php?sub_id=5

And our cover is a lovely acrylic titled "The Pond" by Roberta Lee Small

http://haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=22

Come settle in beside the water and read.

Enjoy!

[raindancer_ph]

A great new poem at Haruah!

"Mangyan Child" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

A young woman on a visit to her ancestral home encounters a young Mangyan boy who is among the poorest of poor.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=27

[raindancer_ph]

In our newest column here at Haruah, Bill Snodgrass gives us a glimpse at the power of God.

Evidence and Inspiration: "Reflections on a Lightning Storm"

http://www.haruah.com/columns.php?sub_id=8

[raindancer_ph]

An interesting development results from poetry and photo publication on Haruah

http://www.haruah.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=204

[raindancer_ph]

Haruah: May. 08 Update

"Osmosis" by Selena Thomason

I think my mind is getting more porous as I get older. I'm starting to realize how much I unconsciously take in whatever I am exposed to, how much I learn by a process of osmosis. Unfortunately, not everything I pick up has a positive effect on me.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=28

[raindancer_ph]

Our newest fiction addition is a captivating piece on love and self worth.

"Halo Halo Means Mix Mix - A Short Story with Recipes" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

I wonder what Jerry could be dreaming now, with the deepness of the night still to come. There was a time when I knew our dreams were the same, that I could count on him to know my thoughts so well he would have a problem solved for me by morning. He’s good at giving answers, especially to his bride-to-be, but tonight I doubted that he would even comprehend the question I wrote on the inside front cover of my recipe binder:

Do you know who truly I am?


http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=24

[raindancer_ph]

Haruah: May. 14 Update

A Mother's Day Special

"A Mother's Life" by R. L. Copple

Where would we be without mothers willing to wear the spiritual crown of self-giving?

A sonnet in praise of such devotion.


http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=67

[raindancer_ph]

"Tao Po! I am a Human Being" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

The first gift we are given, Life, provides all we need to express our human experience.

http://haruah.com/columns.php?sub_id=9

[raindancer_ph]

A powerful story:

"One Day" by Deanna Rittinger

As long as I don’t know for sure, I am free to pretend. My father might have my brown hair, or the funny way my toes curl. Late at night, in the dark, I can pretend my true father is a tragic soldier who died while far away at war. He might be a kind man who loves to tell stories or a tall man who swings an ax and has a booming voice. He can be anything at all.


http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=49

And an illustration:

"This Day" by Melinda S Reynolds

A digital photo, not enhanced in any way. It was taken fall-winter 2005 after a major thunderstorm.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=61

[Joy]

I really liked Deanna's story.

I didn't realize you guys were over here as well. Nice to see you.

[raindancer_ph]

Hi Joy :) Actually, I'd forgotten I signed up for CW until I got a birthday greeting email from you guys. That was such a lovely surprise, I decided to come on over...it seems I signed up right before our old computer crashed. Which explains my forgetting as it took about a half a year before we got another computer that worked <g>.

Deanna's story is great, isn't it? I really loved it and am glad we were able to publish it too.

Nice to see you too :)

[Joy]

Well, I actually haven't been here for a year. I loved NB so much had have so little time, that I really only hang out there. I came back to find Christian mags to sub to.

[raindancer_ph]

"Snapshots of Life" by Karen E. Hoover

A glimpse into life.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=41

[raindancer_ph]

Hope you enjoy reading this too, Joy :)

[raindancer_ph]

Our newest story:

"For a Daughter" by Aliette de Bodard

Pao's ghost comes back to her house, but was Pao ever wanted by her parents?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=79

[raindancer_ph]

"Old Haunts" by Marcie Lynn Tentchoff

Is there value in looking backwards?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=50

[raindancer_ph]

We begin our second issue for June with a poem:

"Becoming" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz

Behold, the wonder of life.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=12

And our cover for issue #2:

"Butterfly on Blooms - Images of spring." by Bill Snodgrass

A celebration of rebirth.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=7

Happy reading this month!

[raindancer_ph]

Our second piece for the month:

"Sara's Winter" by Deanna Rittinger

“Why?” She took in a ragged gulp of air and banged her hand on the table in a violent thump. “Where were you when I needed you? Why did you let him die when you could have healed him?”

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=16

[raindancer_ph]

"Prophesy Fulfilled" by Keith Wallis

Behind, in the hot distance, in dust and haze,
a mystery-cloaked cloud approaches
a playful meander breaking the monotony of day.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=34

[raindancer_ph]

Our new Fiction piece for this week:

"Life's Casino" by Jenny Schwartz

What would you risk to be certain of your future?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=70

[pixydust]

Our new update is fantastic! First up:

A beautiful picture of the sea...

"The Sea Has Wings" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

A triptych focusing on the experiences of Filipino American woman who struggles to understand herself and her heritage.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=25

And it's illustration:

"Sunrise over Mindoro" by Jan Cornelis Loenen

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=37

And a column:

"The King of Kelp" by Rachel A. Marks

Watching my little warrior, as he learns to traverse life.

http://haruah.com/columns.php?sub_id=12

Happy reading!

[pixydust]

New fiction at Haruah:

"Seeking Heaven" by S.T. Forstner

Bobby wants to grow up to be just like his brother, even though he doesn't fully know what that means.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=73

And our new column:

"A Look at the First Testament of God - Affirming the Hebrew Canon" by Bill Snodgrass

Just what are we supposed to do with Bible stories that are 4000 years old? What can we learn from them? How do they apply to the Christian of the twenty-first century?

http://haruah.com/columns.php?sub_id=18

[pixydust]

Our great new poem takes us to the past:

"What I did this Summer" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz

Our connection with the past grounds us in the present.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=103

[pixydust]

"To My Sister Laura: With Love" by Nancy Juno Conrad

A poem describing the special relationship sisters have; how they share the same "heart space"

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=101

And it's illustration:

"Water Babies" by Deanna Rittinger

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=96

[pixydust]

To round off the month we bring you a true-to-life story:

"Hearing God" by R. L. Copple

Retreats are supposed to be a temporary retreat from the daily grind to regain your spiritual focus. Sometimes, that doesn't happen. Here is one experience of when it didn't and did happen side-by-side.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=33

[pixydust]

July kicks off with a photograph showing off the golden colors of the setting sun as our cover artwork. This striking photo contrast darks, golden shades, and bright sunlight. Thanks Melinda for this very nice photo.

"End of the Day" by Melinda S Reynolds

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=64

"Help Wanted - To find a Hidden Trove of Philippine Treasures" by Lolita Delgado Fansler

Poetry among the trees...

You once were passing this way
it's not long since you've been here
Your footprints are still around.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=87

With a wonderful illustration of the actual poetry:

"Bamboo Whispers" by Lolita Delgado Fansler

Mangyan poetry carved in a tree.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=88

[pixydust]

Haruah: Jul. 06 Update

"My Name" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

A meditation on the complex nature of naming practices.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=26

And the illustration:

"Spring Marriage" by W. Joy Robelen

Taken during a family nature walk.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=83

[pixydust]

Issue 3 continues with a fun poem:

"like water on stone" by J. M. Munsil

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=108

And a touching story illustrating the conflicts between cultural and personal values:

"Elisa's Wedding" by Rosalina Ramirez

In a culture where partnerships are born out of need, Elisa comes to terms with what life has offered her.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=90

"The Old Road" by Davide Trame

Your favourite as a child
to go to town and back, by bike.
Gravel and dust,
swirls of sunlight.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=119

[pixydust]

"Perfect" by K.V. Shaw (A Student Contributor)

Wu-ya wrestles with her loneliness even as her mother is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=112

[pixydust]

"Forgetfulness" by Rochita Loenen-Ruiz

A friend once teased me about my chronic forgetfulness, which resulted in the writing of this poem. A Forgetfulness Hay(na)ku.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=104

[pixydust]

"Look It Up For Yourself" by T.E. George

Randall has been searching for the meaning of a cryptic note passed to him by a dying man for twenty years. Its meaning holds the secret to prosperity left by one of the richest men to have ever lived. At last Randall has found the meaning and is ready to tell his story.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=81

[pixydust]

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[pixydust]

Issue #4 is planned to be stocked full of powerful and amazing stories and art. We start the month off with a painting for the cover:

"Moonsong" by Sandra Lee Legrow

An anhinga stretches his wings to dry.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=157

And a poem describing the beauty of summer.

"June" by Davide Trame

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=116

[pixydust]

"Do We Tolerate Intolerance?" by R. L. Copple

Religious people can be some of the most intolerant people at times. How do we tell if we are intolerant and how do we fix it?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=143

[pixydust]

July continues with the heart wrenching true story:

"Heart of Stone" by J. M. Munsil

I am there when we bury Dad. The police and the preacher and I have reached an ‘accommodation’. Without that agreement I would be in jail and the preacher’s role would be public. The police are there also, but at a distance. They watch me now.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=125

[pixydust]

"Touching the Hem of Peace" by Michael Neal Morris

A suite or series of meditations in verse, written as part of the author's lenten discipline in 2000.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=133

[pixydust]

"The Gardener" by Matt Mikalatos

The only thought that will resolve itself in his head, the only image he can conjure clearly is that of the highly polished coffin lowering into the ground. He has the distinct memory of seeing through the coffin and seeing her within it, calm, at peace, eyes closed as for a long journey. He knows this cannot be, but his memory insists it was so.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=156

[pixydust]

Next up is a fun poem:

"in summertime" by J. M. Munsil

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=109

[pixydust]

"Death of a Song-Worm" by Helen Paynter

The Mondrone people, blighted by the curse of songlessness, are longing for deliverance.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=135

[pixydust]

"Fulfillment" by Keith Wallis

“It is finished”
though not over.
Breathing, pulsing, life extinguished
in wicked celebration,
blood, pain, tears and darkness.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=52

[pixydust]

Our Cover for issue #5:

"Wet Flower" by R. L. Copple

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=175

And a poem to start off the month:

"Stars for C. and C." by Davide Trame

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=118

[pixydust]

"Two Words" by Terri Tiffany

Sometimes a decision can change more than a moment - it can change a lifetime.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=144

[pixydust]

"Growth" by R. L. Copple

Even the cycle of life hits a bump when you throw humans into the mix.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=130

[pixydust]

"Nettles" by A.M. Stickel

When a young girl visits her godmother in the rest home, she learns a valuable life lesson and receives a priceless gift.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=187

[pixydust]

"Mikel's Hope" by Brandon Barr

A young boy named Mikel is about to have his world turned upside down. Through war and personal tragedy, Mikel must struggle to keep his faith in God alive. Mikel's simple devotion to God and the wisdom he finds in a nude statue may be the only hope he has of staying alive in a world full of empty promises.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=206

[pixydust]

Get Issue 4 for your friends and family, and put a copy on your coffee table or shelf!

http://www.lulu.com/items/volume_28/448000/448217/1/preview/detail_448217.jpg

Full Color Version $10.99 (http://www.lulu.com/content/448217)

B/W Version (color cover) $5.99 (http://www.lulu.com/content/448256)

[pixydust]

"Sea Silence" by Davide Trame


http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=114

[pixydust]

"The Lone Violin" by Rhonda Clark

Helen is convicted to end her affair. Will she be able to?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=197

[pixydust]

"for mother's day, joy asked - sorrow answered" by J. M. Munsil

I wrote this for my adopted son, who cannot yet understand why he feels so sad on Mother's Day.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=110

With image:

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=160

[pixydust]

We kick off the month with the 3rd place winner in our 2006 Contest!

"Counting Constellations" by S. E. Markey (A Student Contributor)

Caleb is on the beach and unsure of how he arrived, until he sees the ghost of a childhood friend who explains.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=202

[pixydust]

Our second place winner for the 2006 prose and poetry contest!

"Deep Calls to Deep" by Linda Watson Owen

When darkness calls the soul, who will fight for it?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=201

[pixydust]

Our contest winner!

"Riddling in the Margins" by Helen Paynter

Philip Banting has lived by power all his life. Suddenly rendered impotent, in the fullest sense of the word, he is perplexed and irritated by a riddle someone sets him.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=182

[pixydust]

"Country Road" by Jacob Hammond (A Student Contributor)

As Joe stares down the dusty road, he reaches a critical point in his life.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=189

[pixydust]

"The Least of These" by Cilla Larkin

Bondage and starvation is not always chains wrapped around a swollen belly.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=225

[pixydust]

"Silent Night" by Michael Merriam

In the bloody trenches of World War I on Christmas Eve, 1914, soldiers of both sides find they have more in common than they might imagine.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=238

[pixydust]

To round off the year, a few thoughts on prayer...

"Prayer" by Davide Trame

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=115

[pixydust]

Starting off the New Year...

"Late Again" by Moura McGovern

Sometimes taking a short cut saves more than time.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=239

[pixydust]

"Mail Order Bride" by Rebecca Mabanglo-Mayor

She's marrying a man she has never met and speaks words she will never say.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=217

[pixydust]

"Could You Handle It?" by Todd Tribble

What if you were blind?

What if there was no way for you to see the world that you live in, and yet the whole world was able to see you?

Could you handle it?

Michelle can.


http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=233

[pixydust]

"Welcome" by Linda Watson Owen

An invitation to dinner may not be what we think it is!

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=231

[pixydust]

"Inner Skies" by Dean F. Wilson (A Student Contributor) with illustration "By The Sea", an oil painting by Roberta Lee Small

Whispered words of wonder...

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=248

[Bill Snodgrass]

The statistics are in for Haruah's January site traffic. I believe this is very telling about the quality of the magazine!

The site was visited 8384 times in the month and 81,010 pages were read. This is a 19.3% increase in site visits over December, which had experienced a 50.5% increase over November.

Haruah is now a paying market for non-genre fiction and poetry. An exceptional romance, mystery, or other genre work might also find a home in Haruah.

I am very proud of Double-Edged Publishing's first non-genre publication. The authors and poets who are being published there are very loyal, many supporting the ministry by declining payment for their works. I'd like to share this magazine with all Christian Writers. It is great. The print version is like a little journal--good acid-free paper, nice glossy cover! It is a worthy addition to any resume of writing, a nice touch to any coffee table, or a worthwhile addition to any fiction bookshelf.

Do consider giving it a visit, and consider further submitting your work there. Help us continue to provide quality Christ-centered works to the world!

http://www.haruah.com

:D

[pixydust]

Here's a love story treat for Valentines Day...

"Too Shy" by Bill Snodgrass

Jeff's life changes drastically when a job changes relocates him to a new city and he is forced to develop new relationships. But what would happen if he relied on the Internet for meaningful friendships? Could the results be anything like he'd hope?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=270

[Bill Snodgrass]

By whom? ;)

[pixydust]

"Annie Kissed Me" by Marvin Brauer with an illustration by R.L. Copple.

What could be more beautiful than a kiss?

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=268

"Light Burst" by R. L. Copple

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=139

[pixydust]

A new poetry selection...

"R. S. Thomas" by Davide Trame

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=117

[pixydust]

Starting off a new issue with a debut author...

"A Mother's Love" by W. Joy Robelen (with illustration)

Quiet sobs shook Maria. She knew her days were few. Maria wanted to let her son, Jose, know that she would always love him. She had so much to say; yet she did not know exactly what to say.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=275

[pixydust]

"Back in the Game" by Rachel A. Marks

The storm has passed...

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=321

[pixydust]

"Speak To Me" by J. M. Munsil

We have all thought, at some time, of what our loved ones will feel after we die. This short piece speaks to that.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=271

With illustration:

"Silent Upon the Grave" by W. Joy Robelen

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=286

[pixydust]

"Anything for Love" by R.F. Long

Sometimes we make promises while in love that we can never keep. Margot's expectations were always far too high.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=279

[pixydust]

"Arboreal" by Richard Sederstrom

The kid goes for broke--broken bones.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=245

With illustration:

"Up the Tree" by R. L. Copple

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=283

[pixydust]

"The Elementary Limbo" by Donna Pennington

The only bad opinion is an old one, especially when a life hangs in the balance.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=319

[pixydust]

"Letters" by K. Vincent Shaw (A Student Contributor)

When Cassie stands in line, she sings. When she sees a lonely new kid, she befriends him: because Cassie just wants to love God.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=223

With illustration:

"Little Flower Moments - An Illustration" by K. Vincent Shaw (A Student Contributor)

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=324

[pixydust]

"Coming to Be" by Marianne Watts

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=262

[pixydust]

"Ushering the Soul" by R.F. Long

In ancient Irish mythology, the spirit passes from this world to the next in the form of a butterfly.

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=318

With illustration:

"Ushering " by R.F. Long

http://www.haruah.com/item.php?sub_id=369