THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES

Community Literary Journal

THE WAY BACK TO OURSELVES PRESENTS:

THE SPRING COLLECTION: IN HIS GARDEN

coming in April…

The Spring Collection: IN HIS GARDEN Print Journal Coming in May 2025

The Way Back to Ourselves is proud to present our FIRST print journal arriving in May 2025. Enjoy the free digital collection in this stunning keepsake for purchase on Amazon in paperback and hardcover from The Way Back Books, an imprint of TheWayBack2Ourselves.com.

Listen to the poets of The Way Back to Ourselves Literary Journal perform their work with our NEW podcast, The Poetry Corner, a spin-off from The Way Back Podcast, hosted by Edward Holmes and Deidre Braley.

Renaissance of the Soul
essay Kimberly Phinney essay Kimberly Phinney

Renaissance of the Soul

Caity Neub reminds us of the power of words and the open seat for each of us at the Lord’s table in her essay “Renaissance of the Soul.”

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Rain Is My Revival
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Rain Is My Revival

Joel Adcock shares his rhythmic poem called “Rain Is My Revival,” exploring how life’s rains can revive the soul.

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A Prayer for Spring
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

A Prayer for Spring

Spring invites us to taste the promise of renewal, and “A Prayer for Spring” is a stunning depiction of hope. Cheryl Safarin provides strength, upholding us as we bloom.

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Open Up and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Open Up and Other Poems

Sarah Steele once again challenges us to lean into the process of becoming and embrace the world around us in her beautifully relatable poems, “Open Up” and “A Better Gardener.”

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Raindrop Stories
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Raindrop Stories

In “Raindrop Stories,” Lee Kiblinger poetically evokes renewal. Every raindrop bears a story. Rebirth and joy are on the way, bursting into the heavens.

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Tears
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Tears

In “Tears,” Sue Fulmore demonstrates how our tears during suffering become the beginnings of new life.

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Joy Returns
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Joy Returns

Through the cherry-petal sidewalk snow in the luminous spring glow, “Joy Returns,” by Lori Smith, breathes life. Through the One who holds us, comes everlasting joy.

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Numbered Days and Years
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Numbered Days and Years

In “Numbered Days and Years,” Lauren Madsen beautifully speaks on the power of God’s miracles despite suffering. There’s no refining without fire and no rainbow without the storm.

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Stones Cry Out
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Stones Cry Out

Henrietta DuCap’s “Stones Cry Out” beautifully depicts change and metamorphosis. The heart is still made out of marble. One moment has become forever.

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Daughter’s First Spring
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Daughter’s First Spring

These words are a sweet reminder of rebirth while holding onto life. “Daughter’s First Spring,” by Rosa Gilbert, paints beauty and innocence, soaking in the tender moments.

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When Rainbows Disappear
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

When Rainbows Disappear

In “When Rainbows Disappear,” Stephanie Nygaard beautifully provides hope and comfort in the winter months as we await spring rainbows.

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Glass All Around Her
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Glass All Around Her

In his poem “Glass All Around Her,” Matthew Nash writes an anthem for women to never silence their voices as worthy daughters of God.

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Weedy Eschatology
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Weedy Eschatology

In “Weedy Eschatology,” Mark Stucky shows how we are more like weeds than roses—and how its resilience, not circumstance, that matters most.

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Vineyard Vision and Other Poems
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

Vineyard Vision and Other Poems

In “Vineyard Vision,” Hayley Rawnsley reminds us that what we call a desert place may just be a vineyard in God’s eyes. Then we journey to the first mundane signs of spring and how they mean spring nonetheless in “Sacred Spring.” And finally, “Fresh Coat” gives the picture of an abandoned canvas being repainted by the Master Artist Himself.

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The Rock
poetry Kimberly Phinney poetry Kimberly Phinney

The Rock

A.M. Everett reminds us of God’s unyielding faithfulness in her beautiful poem, “The Rock.”

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The Way Back to Ourselves and our Literary Journal is not for profit and FREE for all to read and enjoy. If you believe in our cause and want to support our mission and the creation of our journal and other content, like our podcast and blog, please consider donating. Thank you. God bless you. You belong here.

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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.

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