This book is a collection of the writings, mostly in free verse, done over the last 40 years.  The writings are from those printed in the Lutheran Standard, the American Lutheran Church Women Scope, the Lutheran Ambassador, the Sioux Valley News column Country Style and for various church, family, or community events.  Her family encouraged her to compile all her writings into one book.  It is divided into six sections:  Country Days, Nature Entertains, Family . . . and Other People, Special Days, Unto Thee, O Lord, Do I Lift Up My Voice, Conversations With Eve.     The pictures at the beginning of each chapter and on the cover are of Doris' grandchildren and great grandchild when they were children.

  

Excerpts from: Special Days 

  

  

 

                              IS YOUR HEART READY FOR CHRISTMAS?  

  

                                 Is your heart ready for Christmas? 

                                 Is it full of excitement and joy? 

                                 Now's the time to get things in order 

                                 As we wait to celebrate His birth. 

                     

                                 Clean out the sin-webby corners; 

                                 Open yourself up to His Light. 

                                 Let Him funnel in love, warm and caring, 

                                 And make your heart sparkle with Hope. 

  

                                 It's time to get ready for Christmas; 

                                 Get prepared to receive your King. 

                                 For when you let your heart be His home 

                                 You'll discover the enjoyment 

                                           that Christmas can bring.  

                              

 

                                                                                    - Doris Stensland  

  

  

  

  

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS 

  

Lord, I can not truly celebrate 

Your holy day 

until I've knelt prostrate 

in humble shepherd style 

to worship and adore. 

  

Oh Lord, I can not truly celebrate 

Your holy day 

unless it makes me imitate 

the wise men who returned another way -  

for seeing You must alter my ways too. 

  

Oh Lord, let me so truly celebrate 

Your holy day 

that I have Mary's song 

rejoicing in my heart, 

that You are there beside me too 

and I am in Your will.  

  

                                                                   - Doris Stensland 

  

  

  

RESPONDING 

  

                   Mary witnessed God's blueprint unfold 

                   after she offered not to withhold 

                   her life or her wishes; 

                   In faith she concurred, 

                   "Be it unto me according to Thy Word."  

  

                   Though Mary did not understand the plan 

                   she placed her body into God's hand. 

                   Her answer was sure; 

                   She never demurred, 

                   "Be it unto me according to Thy Word."  

  

                   God's Kingdom still comes 

                   on earth today 

                   as God's men and women willingly say, 

                   "I'm available to do 

                   whatever I can.... 

                   Be it unto me according to Thy plan."  

  

                                                                   - Doris Stensland 

  

  

For more examples from On The Back Step, see Excerpts.  To purchase the book, see Buy the Book or you may purchase from amazon.com