The Fall Collection: TO THE MOUNTAINS
MASTHEAD
Sarah Steele, senior editor
Ashley Whittemore, editor
Kimberly Kralovic, editor
Heather Lobe Johnson, editor
Kimberly Phinney, editor-in-chief
Listen to the poets of The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal perform their work with our podcast, The Poetry Corner, a spin-off from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward Holmes and Deidre Braley.
Nobody’s Everest
Christel Jeffs expresses her counselor’s heart, as she takes us up her mountain, seemingly alone, in “Nobody’s Everest.”
Four Mountains in Fugue and Fine Art
In her poem “Four Mountains in Fugue,” Alison Giles reminds us of the highs and lows of life and how God meets us in each of them. Her mixed media reflects the diversity of colors and landscapes God uses to bring glory to His name.
Detour Through the Mountains and Photography
Alisha Roth describes in captivating detail her path to discovering God in unexpected places in her essay “Detour Through the Mountains.” Her photo evokes a sense of awe and highlights the natural highs and lows in creation.
Up Where the Wind Breathes
In her poem “Up Where the Wind Breathes,” Christina Wallace shows us what the wind is like from the top of a mountain.
My Kingdom
Reflecting on a new chapter in life in her essay “My Kingdom,” Tresta Payne reflects on how sometimes truth is staring us in the face if we will only pause to notice.
Waiting with the Mountain
In “Waiting with the Mountain,” poet Courtney Siebring contemplates waiting room artwork, with rich references to the images that steady us in our pain.
I Left It All for Vistas and Other Poems
In her poems, “I Left It All for Vistas” and “From This Time Forth,” Kristine Amundrud reflects on grief and her spiritual transformation journey.
485 Miles
Jaime Schaffer stands on a divide between two versions of herself; join her in her discovery in “485 Miles.”
In the Shadows
Poet Ashley Whittemore paints a picture of the quiet, soulful place “In the Shadows” of the mountains, where we can meet God and find a deep sense of His presence.
A Still Small Voice and Other Photography
Lift your eyes to golden skies as Janelle Ryan paints a beautiful masterpiece with her brilliant photography.
The Untamed Mountains
Hannah Sanders reflects on her childhood memories of the peace and harmony the mountains provided in her otherwise tumultuous upbringing.
On Horeb
Hannah Blankenship Herrera takes us through the victories and pain of several biblical scenes with the prophet Elijah in “On Horeb”.
Wildflower
Follow Megan Huwa on a nostalgic drive through the mountains in her poem “Wildflower.”
Creatio Ex Nihilo
Journey with Kimberly Phinney to the iconic mountains of the Bible and the important events that happened there in her poem “Creatio Ex Nihilo.” Also enjoy her original watercolors, all inspired by the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Every Colorado Hike
Megan Willome is late to her hike and learns that the hardest part is the trek down; reap from her experience in the poem “Every Colorado Hike.”
On the Mount
Poet Jessie Flowers shares “On the Mount,” a piece with references to Hebrews and how the Lord’s companionship can help us frame our suffering.
Winding My Way Toward Peace
Elizabeth Wickland explores the history of a mountain, all that has happened there, and who it formerly belonged to in both her poem “Winding My Way Toward Peace” and her watercolor “The Valley of the Flowers.”
Terra Viventium and Photography
Amy Buchanan’s poem “Terra Viventium” invites us to find the goodness of the Lord, even in the face of grief or the arduous climb to a new place. Her photos take us to a variety of stunning mountains from Wyoming to Switzerland.
I Am Not Lost
In her poem, “I Am Not Lost,” Heather Lobe Johnson takes us on a three-part journey of her faith—from firm, to wrestling, to at rest.
Descent to Grace
Influenced by the Christian allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, Sarah Steele takes us on a hike in “Descent to Grace,” represented as well by her photography and watercolor art.
Start your journey.
It starts today— in the small steps you take, the hands you hold, the prayers you say, the art you make, and the hard things you conquer… The way back isn’t as far as you think.
Get involved. Write for us. Attend our workshops and retreats. Hire us for creative counseling, editing, or speaking engagements.
CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM.
