Erin Michael Grimm

Candles for God

For several years I have gotten into the habit of lighting a candle during my Bible reading and devotional time and then I travelled and got out of the practice. Last night a deep depression fell on me and so this morning I proceeded to light a scented candle again, one which happened to smell…
My Old Testament Class

My Old Testament class was good last quarter. It was very challenging and demanding. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take it because I am currently working on a new book entitled The Nine Principles of Hope: Making a Difference as a Christian with my friend and fellow student Rachel Hayden, and…
My Book is Published!

My book, Emergent Grace: Christian Hope for Serious Mental Illness, is number one in schizophrenia books new releases today on Amazon. Please have a look and consider reviewing it. Yes, it’s the book that many of you already downloaded for free (it was downloaded over 3000 times), but I dramatically updated it and added new…
Middle-Aged Expansion: Hope for the Future

I am 37, about to be 38. Antipsychotics have resulted in significant weight gain for me: I am 50 pounds heavier than I would be without them. But I exercise daily and find it almost comforting to not be flirted with constantly when I go out. Perhaps I’m also less of a flirt myself because…
On Becoming a Writer

I run a tutoring website (seahurstlearns.com) and have been an educator most of my life, but I was recently offered a job teaching Spanish at a prestigious high school and I declined it. Prior to that I was offered to be an adjunct at a local university. I declined that too. Even though my qualifications…
Trees

I’m trying to describe to my publisher what I would like the cover of my book to feature, and now I think I want it to feature a tree. If I could name one image that gives me hope it would be an image of a tree. Trees are so helpful to our planet and…
A Prayer for You

Dear God, please help my readers feel safe this advent season. Cover them with love, blessings, and with the assurance that they are loved. If it is hard during the winter, remind them that spring that follows winter. If they are lonely, remind them that Scripture is a constant companion and that it is available…
A Dedicated Husband in the Face of his Wife’s Multiple Sclerosis

by Andriel Scharff, one of Erin’s best friends, on how a dedicated spouse helps us when we live with chronic ailments…: Recently I had the pleasure of traveling with my better half, Scott, to visit family. I currently live on Guam. While back in the States, I noticed how each home we visited had unique…
Gratitude: St. Teresa of Avila

I am reading a book called Holy Daring about St. Teresa of Avila. Let’s just say that it is not pious scribble. No! It is invigorating, about the rich and joyful and marvelous life of St. Teresa of Avila, the bridal mystic from the 16th century. As I read, I am filled with joy. As…
Coming out of Fog

It’s not coming out of the fog. It’s coming out of fog. There are too many types of mental illness fog for me so I can’t just write that I’m coming out of the fog. Schizoaffective encompasses anxiety, depression, psychosis, mood, and also physical ailments related to the heart. What was my ailment the past…