Larry L. Eddings

Growing Up Into Christ is written as a guide to Spiritual Formation for those who are Disciples of Jesus Christ and who have a desire to grow in their spiritual maturity. God's Holy Spirit "grows us up into the image of Jesus."

Real life stories illustrate the truth that life is often stranger than fiction. It also proves to be more exciting, hopeful and fulfilling than that which is imagined. Real life stories demonstrate the truth of what Jesus said, "He came that we might have life and have it abundantly, or to the full." He came also so that those who live and believe in him, have eternal life. Even an abundant and full life here on earth ultimately comes to an end. However, the eternal life of which Jesus spoke, has no end. It lasts forever. Some things come to pass. Other things come to last.

Where do you go to get away from the very ones with whom you once felt safe, but discover that is no longer the case? How do you find a safe place, far away from the ones who abuse you and take advantage of you? What do you do when you know you do not want to move yet again? Phyllis discovered that she and her two little boys could no longer take the abuse meted out by a once loving and caring, prize fighter husband. She needed to find a safe place to escape the constant verbal and physical barrage that left her without feeling or any sense of self-worth. Perhaps the new family that just moved to town can help her find such a place. Rollie wanted more than anything to finish his senior year in the local high school. He liked living here and he liked playing basketball with his best friend, Arnie. He liked Coach Richardson and his family who lived across the street. However, his mother has informed him that they were moving again, like so many other times before. He didn't like the men who were hanging out at his house, especially the Terrance guy who got his mother and sister hooked on drugs and also involved in other things. What can a high school kid do to get away from that lifestyle and find a better way of life? Maybe sleeping in his car is the answer, until something better can be found. The whole county, once a peaceful and quiet place to raise your children, seems to have been overrun by a group that is enticing the youth to get involved in a lifestyle that leads to destruction. And yet, sometimes there are those in that very group who experience a change of heart. Their once seared conscience is touched and awakened by some of the very kids they had been helping to destroy. Perhaps they can provide some answers that will help the county become a safe place to live once again. And too, they understand that when they tell what they know, it could mean placing in danger their own lives as well as the lives of the very ones they love. Still, it has to be done, regardless

One of the great questions with which the human race is confronted is that of what happens when life here on earth is finished? Is there life after death? All major religions have a belief system that deals with this question. Some systems state simply that there is nothing after death. Since there is no afterlife, then "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." The Christian faith that focuses on the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, believes that there is life after death. That life is made possible through belief in him as the Way, the Truth and the Life and anyone may come to God through him. The Holy Bible, Scriptures, provides God's direction for how that happens. We are saved by God's grace through faith. That salvation is God's gift to all who will receive Jesus as their Savior. And by that Grace, we are given a place in God's eternal Kingdom of Heaven, where there is no more death, sorrow, suffering, sickness or pain anymore. Heaven is the eternal habitation of those who believe in Jesus and allow God's Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus, preparing us for our eternal home with him.

This 90,000 word novel involves the life of a fifty-something black woman who, following a short-lived and devastating marriage, finds work in the King County system, ultimately as Court Stenographer. She encounters belligerent youth, judges like Horatio Morgan and inept defense attorneys who challenge her ethical and moral values. A convicted felon escapes custody, then terrorizes and threatens the life of everyone related to his conviction, including the court stenographer. Having previously worked with aggressive youth in the King County Juvenile Service Center, Shirley decided to find ways to legitimately defend herself. This ultimately proves to be instrumental in foiling an attempted robbery. It also serves to save her life in a later encounter with the escaped felon. While on vacation in a tropical paradise and away from the often hostile environment of her workplace, she meets a man who desires for her to spend all her ma anas with him. It could be like a dream come true, but it would mean moving to another country and learning another language. In the end, it could be well worth it - in more ways than one.