deborah wenzler farris

author

 

encouraging stories of hope in hard places one chapter at a time

 
When things don’t go according to plan, I know there is a greater plan and purpose unfolding.

Short Story Contest

I’m happy to share that “Turning Mourning Dancing” won a short story contest in @KaleidoScript Magazine: “After twenty-one years and forty moves, which included a career in theatre and dance, a marriage, a son, abuse, a divorce, a new career, a new marriage, and a...

Snow Angel—A City Steward

We come here almost every day, to the steps leading up St. Mary’s Hill that’s a little like climbing the stairway to heaven, in my imagination. Especially in the snow. We don’t know where she lives, but she comes to shovel and salt the 87 or so steps, even when the...

One Strong Force of Nature

I noticed my good friend Vivienne had pulled out and stopped in the parking lot as I was leaving Bible study last Friday. Then I noticed she was trying to tell me something. Then I noticed that I was standing in front of my good friend Annie’s car and Annie was inside...

Steaming Hot & Freezing Cold, Staying Young & Growing Old

My home feels like I’m in a poem.  “It’s going to be cold at the lake today if we go,” the tall red-headed man says as the heavy oak door opens and closes, bringing in a current of chill air.  I jump up from struggling with a sentence to feed the big red-haired dog...

Pondering the Young Mary

Something happened this past week I’ve been wondering if there are new ways to write about really old things. This particular pondering began when I was asked to read from Luke 2 for a wrap-up breakfast at church at the end of our Bible study on following Jesus. It’s...

Oh, the People You’ll Meet

Mailing the Agreement for Just Along for the Ride to my new publisher Sometimes I stand, hands in pockets (hopefully I have pockets) a little self-consciously, as people walk past me, mostly avoiding eye contact, because, you know, that’s what we do sometimes. And I...

Change of Direction

It was such an unexpectedly cold day yesterday. And windy. We thought it was going to be in the 60s but you know what they always say here, “Cooler near the lake…” The sand was blowing like gusts of fog so I walked with my head down. Todd tied his hood tight and...

Souls in Exile

  “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  The Rabbi read Psalm 16 in Hebrew then English to open the memorial service for my friend Jonathan Brostoff yesterday, November 8....

Conversations with Dad About Architectural Design

Sunday, November 3, 2024 Dear Dad, I’m hoping this letter might have wings to find its way to you. Remember our Sundays and your stories over lunch after church? And how much fun (mostly) we had working on the book about your architecture, faith, family and...

When Missed Opportunities Become Perfect Opportunities…

Sometimes when missed opportunities become new opportunities, something completely unexpected and beyond your imagination begins to unfold. It rises up and starts to spill over the rim of your cup... This morning, I received an unexpected message from an author friend...

The Call

“When a magazine publisher asks you to submit something, you do it,” Author Kim Suhr said last night at her book signing event with writer/poet Jim Landwher interviewing her at Boswell Book Company for her new book, Close Call. “Carefully crafted, surprising, and...

COMING SOON

Deb’s new biography, Just Along for the Ride ~The Missionary Journey Of Marc and Nancy Erickson will be released in october 2025 by Ten16 Press.

 

A true love story that reads like an adventure novel about a couple with missionary hearts, following God’s call.

“This is a glorious celebration of the lives of two individuals who have made a difference in many other people’s lives. This is a read that will lift souls and inspire all readers alike. This basic story of love attracts those who are religious, as well as those who may be curious of looking for more information about Christianity and how it moves people, cultures, and communities around the world. This is an essential biography for all individuals interested in religious topics and will serve as a beautiful statement in honor of Marc and Nancy Erickson. This is a not-to-be-missed religious biography crafted with great skill and love by writer Farris. 

Laurie Scheer, Vice President, Board Member – Wisconsin Writers Association

Conversations With Dad – The Book

Told with tenderness and humor, this is a love story—the love of a man, for his wife and family, his love for his work and church, and the love of a daughter for her parents. It is rich with memories of William (Bill) Wenzler’s life adventures and career as the daring trailblazing architect of hyperbolic paraboloid churches. Layered with the author’s personal account of her walk with her parents as they aged, their health declined, and the eventual loss, Conversations with Dad grew out of time spent together—father and daughter—sharing the stories of those who paved the way for her.

Purchase Yours Today

“Wenzler, a designer of beautiful, practical buildings who loved the Lord who makes practical beautiful people out of failing feeble sinners–and loved those people too. You will love this book!”

–Stuart Briscoe, longtime Pastor, Elmbrook Church

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