My new book, Whirled: Life, Loss, and Healing on the High Plains will be released in Kindle format on Valentine’s Day.

In the book, I share my story as a minister who moves to a small town in Wyoming, where, despite a harsh climate, nagging self-doubt, and tragic loss, I find healing, wholeness, and a sense of place in the local landscape.

Section One in Whirled focuses on Wheatland, Platte County, and Wyoming. Section Two shares scenes from small town life. In Section Three I describe small town ministry, why I love life here, and the tragic loss of a friend. Section Four reveals my path to healing and contentment.

Shortly after publication on Amazon, Whirled will be available in other e-formats.

I share below the beginning of  Whirled: Life, Loss, and Healing on the High Plains:

Chapter One

I drive north on Interstate 25, traveling from Colorado into Wyoming, and the October winds pitch my tiny PT Cruiser convertible across the highway lines. I struggle to control the steering wheel in the turbulent air, and I suspect that I am flying near ground level instead of driving.

Tired from the battle to keep the PT on the road, I pull off the Interstate for a break. I force the door open against the wind, squeeze out, and scan the barren scene. The late October sky reflects a brilliant blue and brightens the otherwise drab, sepia-toned landscape. Fence rows to the east trap tumbleweeds as they advance across the high plains. Sharp yucca stand firm against the punishing winds while native grasses bend to the ground. Drab sagebrush dots the high plains. I see cottonwood trees with leaves more gray than orange now. Although water flows in narrow ribbons near the trees, this is an arid ecosystem in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

I wiggle back into the car and drive towards my job interview. I wrestle the wind once again, and I begin to dismiss any thoughts about moving here. I prefer working in an easy-going, low stress setting, and nothing in this place, so far, suggests tranquility.