From Maker's Hollow
— ◆ —Don Shorey
dispatches on story, faith, beauty & the joy of life
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Northeastern Bible College, Essex Fells, New Jersey — the soccer field is on the left.
Thoughts from the Hollow · July 7, 2026
There's a Pipe Organ Buried
Under the Soccer Field
On Beauty, the Gospel & What We've Buried
The permed, gray hair; the familiar grandmotherly figure; the spectacles on a chain; the gruff(ish) demeanor — these things did not lie. She was the college librarian. And it was sometimes unclear if she considered it convenient to have students in her library.
Even as a guy who loved both books and libraries, I didn't give her the benefit of the doubt. Until, that is, I asked her if our Northeastern Bible College library contained any of George MacDonald's 19th century novels. Her face transformed…
Read on Substack →A Book is Coming · Autumn 2026
The Wonder of Is
An Introduction to Everything · A Story-Theology for Those Coming of Age
"A grandfather who thought he was dying. His grandson. The seasons of a year. And the greatest story ever told — heard as if for the first time."
About the Book →No Mere Mortals · Podcast
Enjoying Grace Story Co. · Art & Commissions
Maker's Hollow Enterprises & Events
Maker's Hollow Happenings
Don Shorey
Happenings
In future issues of the newsletter, this section will share news of events, newsworthy happenings, or special opportunities here at Maker's Hollow or in one of the businesses or ministries of our community.
Rumors from the Hollow — What We're Enjoying…
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: When I heard it described as 'a blend of P.G. Wodehouse and Anne of Green Gables,' that was that; I had to enter in. Turns out, it really is a charming little world that is comforting and just plain pleasant (with a backbone)!
Prizefighter by Mumford and Sons. Their latest album is a big return to form for me and my favorite album in a while. Feels like "essential" Mumford and Sons.
The Sheep Detectives: This movie was positively charming. We all piled on the couches for a highly anticipated family movie night and it did not disappoint. My cheeks hurt from smiling through the entire viewing. Witty, clever, and just enough mystery and plot to keep the whole crew fully engaged.
Most of you don't need to be introduced to the writings of C.S. Lewis; but you might want to know that Audible offers a remarkable deal where all 7 books of The Chronicles of Narnia and all 6 books of Six by Lewis are each available for just one book credit! The readers are excellent for all of these books and I personally have had my reading experience and retention grown significantly by a new habit of reading the physical book and listening to the audio book at the same time (even on a treadmill at the YMCA 🙂).
This is old news for those who know me, but while writing my own book I am re-reading my favorite 21st century novels—Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. They both affect me deeply and sustainedly.
The World Cup. Especially people from other countries enjoying the USA. I'm sure everyone is doing this/aware of it—but I don't care. I will consume infinite minutes of this content.
"God's pleasure and man's are reunited—and earth is shot through with flashes of heaven."
— Thomas Cahill, on Patrick of Ireland
Until next time — chase all that is good, true, or beautiful!
Don Shorey
Maker's Hollow · Tarpon Springs, Florida
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