Rockin' at Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan

Castles. This word ignites images of kings and knights, even horses and gilded carriages. The stuff of fairy tales, legends, and rich history. I mentioned in an earlier post there are resources claiming forty castles exist in the United States and tens of thousands in Europe. Before 2024, I had only visited Biltmore in North Carolina, USA. This summer I ventured to Michigan with my best friend and experienced Castle Farms in Charlevoix. If you have the opportunity in the future, see the castle and take the tour to learn how this edifice transformed over the years. There were multiple purposes behind the walls and on the grounds from its inception. You might be surprised at the origins.

Why build at this location in 1918? The train from Chicago passed through Charlevoix at the time. This resource provided circulation, supplies, laborers, and a method for income. Albert Loeb, Vice President of Sears, Roebuck, and Co, served as president while the current president was helping distribute items for war effort. Loeb needed to display items for the Sears catalog in photoshoots. In the first of a series of innovative steps, he secured land. Loeb then sought a design. He visited France and various castles. Some say Château de Chambord inspired portions of the architecture. At one time the estate included over 1,600 acres of agricultural land.

The title of this post, Rockin' at Castle Farms has a dual purpose. First, the rocks in these photos emanated from local western Michigan. The locals joked that you could clear a field and next day new rocks appeared. Farmers were elated to get rid of rocks and so contribute to the building of Loeb Farms and Stables.

Truth be told, the only people to live in the castle at any time, even today, were the single workers who built the castle. Their parlor photo below shows the original roof supporting one of the conical capped rooflines, known as witches' hats. None of the other witches' hats survived. 

Later during reconstruction artisans discovered how to use poplar trees after trying other materials. Moving quickly to mill the poplar trees in three days allowed them to bend the boards to form witch’s hat roofs. The at left is a reconstructed roof on a grain silo using the same techniques.



The tiles visible on the floor in the photo above at right originally lined the inside of silos to keep moisture at bay. During renovations, the tiles that fell off over the years were salvaged to create the current floor.

Loeb not only used the castle for catalog photo shoots, but he also created a working dairy farm. Milk, cheese, and ice cream were a few of the offerings. It was possible to pull up to the cheese house in a conveyance and order cheese to go. Our tour guide wondered, the first drive-through perhaps?

During this time, the county needed income. Those in power decided to tax cows to pay for a new school. Realizing the possible loss, Loeb asked instead what type of building they wanted and how much space.
He donated land and hired workers to build the school. It is still standing. Notice the photo at right.

Thirty-six stone masons toiled to fashion the walls of the main and subsidiary buildings. As visitors walk along the walls, the techniques and styles are on display, especially in the hay loft. The changes from mason to mason are apparent. 

Blacksmiths made all metal items, door handles, hinges, and other pieces on property. Many remain.

One of the current venue buildings was once home to twenty-six Belgian horses who lived in the stables. These horses had many jobs on the farm. One purpose was to help carry ice to the icehouse - image at left. They had ice all summer long. A benefit aiding in production of ice cream.

What was the purpose of making copious amounts of ice cream, you might ask? They could not ship the excess. It just so happens that spectators of the Sodbusters baseball team would buy the ice cream while watching games. Yes. You read that correctly. Loeb farms sponsored a baseball team that practiced on site.

During the decade Loeb owned the farm, his entrepreneurial approach encouraged the farm to thrive. After his death, the property sat vacant for forty years. Michigan's weather attacked the buildings.

John VanHaver purchased the land and buildings. He salved what he could of the parcel. VanHaver then hosted art shows and metal forging workshops for income. Many of the chandeliers hanging at Castle Farms are by his hands. Next in line to acquire the land and buildings holds the second reason for the title Rockin' at Castle Farms as you will be able to read in part two, next month.

                  

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 125 Plans in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of a soldier. If it were up to her, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. 

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

Stepping Into the Past: Ancient Mosaic Floors

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Blogger: Amber Lemus

As fans of Christian fiction, we're no strangers to exploring the ancient world. From biblical epics to historical novels, we've walked alongside characters through dusty streets and hallowed temples. But have you ever stopped to consider the art beneath their feet? Literally.

Ancient mosaic floors are a fascinating aspect of historical art and architecture. They showcase the intricate craftsmanship and taste of past civilizations. These mosaics, composed of small pieces of colored stones, glass, or ceramics known as tesserae, were used to decorate floors in various public and private buildings across the ancient world, especially in the Middle East and Mediterranean.

The origins of mosaic art can be traced back to the Bronze Age, with early examples found in the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. However, it was during the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BCE that mosaics truly flourished as an art form. The Greeks developed sophisticated techniques, creating detailed and colorful designs depicting scenes from mythology, nature, and daily life.

From Pompeii, Casa di Orfeo National Archaeological Museum, Naples

By Marie-Lan Nguyen (2011), Public Domain

Roman mosaics, such as those in Ceasarea Martima in Israel, are perhaps the most well-known. The Romans built upon earlier traditions and used mosaics extensively in their villas, public baths, and temples. These mosaics often featured geometric patterns, intricate borders, and elaborate central panels known as emblema depicting mythological scenes. One of the most famous examples is the Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun in Pompeii, which portrays the Battle of Issus between Alexander the Great and Darius III.

Alexander Mosaic

Photo by: Magrippa at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

In Capernaum, where Jesus walked, stunning mosaic images of menorahs, flowers and geometric patterns adorned the synagogue floor as a testament to the Jewish community's vibrant faith.

In Christian contexts, mosaics often conveyed theological messages. The stunning 5th-century mosaics in Jerusalem's Church of the Nativity illustrated biblical narratives, while others featured symbols like the Ichthys (Jesus fish) and Alpha-Omega.

Mosaic of Menorah from Hammam Lif synagogue
 Tunisia, 6th c. Brooklyn Museum

In my travels, I noticed that the earlier mosaic floors were in black and white or monochrome designs, and later evolved into intricate colored designs, which reminded me of television and evolution into technicolor.

The most astounding part about all of this is the way these ancient artists carefully selected each stone, creating works of beauty and meaning. The process of creating a mosaic floor was labor-intensive and required great skill. Artists would first prepare the floor surface with a layer of mortar. Then, they would carefully place the tesserae according to a pre-drawn design, ensuring that the pieces fit together tightly. Once the design was complete, the gaps were filled with liquid mortar, and the surface was polished to a smooth finish. The craftsmanship was so well done that many of the mosaics survive today with remnants of their original color.

Mosaic floors were not only decorative but also served practical purposes. They were durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Additionally, the use of different colors and materials allowed for a wide range of artistic expression, from simple monochromatic patterns to complex, multi-colored scenes.

As you immerse yourself in Christian fiction, remember the real-life stories etched into these ancient floors. Imagine walking alongside biblical figures, feeling the texture beneath your feet, and deciphering the symbols that spoke to their faith.

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest".

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Unexpected Legacies: Horatio Spafford

By Matthew J. Elliott

Upfront, I am compelled to warn you that the story I have to share for this post is not one to be taken lightly. Aside from how purposeful the words Horatio Spafford wrote over 150 years ago, there is a story behind what led him to the words of the song ‘It is Well with My Soul’. Some stories just need to be told, and that have been told before, but hit differently once you understand where they came from and this story is one of those. 

To provide a little of background on why I selected this song. In truth, this is one song that is difficult for me to listen to. My father sang it at my mother’s memorial service in 2009 after cancer took her life much sooner than expected. While that is not a story for me to share with you in this post, knowing the story behind this song now gives me a much better understanding of the legacy ‘It is Well with My Soul’ has for us today. 

If you can imagine with me for a moment, or two…what it was like to live in the 1870s. There were no phones, computers, TVs, or even any type of vehicle we’d consider using today. It sounds like something the word would never survive today, doesn’t it? Now, let’s dig even deeper. Travel with me to Chicago, one of the nation’s biggest cities, and a bustling economy filled with opportunities to build something worth investing in. 

As we walk through the streets of this ever-growing environment, we find ourselves standing in front of a well-known district filled with thriving businesses and successful people living out their daily lives. Suddenly, everything changes! Out of nowhere, a huge, uncontrollable fire breaks out and changes everything. The once prosperous district is gone, and what’s more, the fire continues, killing hundreds of people and leaving a third of the population homeless. 

In the heart of a once vibrant metropolis, the feeling of desolation is overwhelming as the only visible sights for miles are blackened ashes and fragmented rocks. Almost everything in this society is beyond repair, leaving no choice but to start from scratch. The survivors are left in a state of complete shock. Their souls rattled to their very core, with little hope for a restoration of their former lives in any form. Many people ask themselves the same question: Does this mark the long-awaited culmination?

The road ahead leads us to a man named Horatio Spafford. He is a well-known lawyer, who invested his entire fortune into Chicago real estate. Much of which was no longer there. Recognizing this, he looks up at his wife and their four daughters. His mind becomes filled with fear and worry. Considering this, the family makes plans to journey to England for some time to recover and heal from the monumental loss they all had just endured. 

When the time comes to journey upon the sea to the old country, Horatio is unable to join his family because of other matters with the estate. He stays behind to tie up a few things and plans to join his family soon. As they depart, imagine his family waving to him from the ship as it leaves port and begins a journey it will never recover from. Along the way, their ship unexpectedly collides with another ship, resulting in the death of over 200 people, including his four daughters, at sea. 

Upon being rescued, Anna, his wife, sends a single note to tell her husband of what had transpired, “Saved and Alone, what should I do?” This note hits on so many levels, but Horatio immediately departs. Eventually, he finds his way to the exact spot where his daughters were lost. While the captain takes a break from the journey to remember those who have passed, Horatio stands in quiet contemplation. The significance of certain words are imprinted on his heart.

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll—

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know

It is well, it is well with my soul.

In the midst of this unprecedented storm, Horatio is given a gift. A promise that regardless of what he has faced, there is hope and it can be well with his soul. As the journey continued, he eventually reunited with his beloved, and things found a new routine once more. Nothing will ever be the same again, but there is something he can place his hope in. There is something he and his wife can hold on to. 

There is a profound depth to the story that extends beyond what has been mentioned in this post. In truth, immense tragedy marks Horatio and Anna’s path. While the rest of his story speaks to the unexpected legacy they have left behind, it is not my place to continue sharing their pain. Feel free to look it up, though, because it adds to their legacy’s value. It is a powerful story to discover as well. 

This article focuses on the message that was left behind. Horatio’s legacy, built through the words he wrote in the hymn we now call “It is Well with My Soul,” is meaningful to us all. The storms of life will always be there, doing everything they can to keep us from finding purpose in the pain and value of the trials we face. It is never easy to survive those storms.

Say what you will about the unexpected legacy of Horatio Spafford, but the proof is there. It is up to you to determine what you do with it. History has many stories that capture experiences like this, and each one has a lesson for us to learn from.  

  

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He has served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which has given him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is happily married to Traci, and they have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, Matthew's goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

A Kindle Vella Story in progress, Read the first 10 episodes FREE!

One Man. His Continued Journey. Working to Build the Early Church. 

John Mark is haunted by his past, and there is one person he has never been able to reconcile with. Join him on his continuing missionary journey as he leaves Cyprus to search for Saul, now known as Paul, before the epic ending of his Missionary Journey in Cyprus. Who will he meet along the way and what lessons will he learn? Will this journey help him find the answers he seeks?

HHH BOOK DAY September 2024

GREAT FALL READS

 

 

SMALL TOWN ROMANCES

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By Mary Davis, et al.

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BRIDE BY BEGUILEMENT

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TITANIC: LEGACY OF BETRAYAL

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By Kathleen E. Kovach, et al.

A secret. A key. Much was buried on the Titanic, but now it's time for resurrection. Follow two intertwining stories a century apart. 1912 - Matriarch Olive Stanford protects a secret after boarding the Titanic that must go to her grave. 2012 - Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones receives the key that will unlock the mystery of her past... and her distrusting heart. Review: “I told my wife to move this book to the top of her reading list... This titanic story is more interesting than the one told in the Titanic movie... She will absolutely love it.”

 

 

AN UNCOMMON GIFT

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APRIL’S PROMISE

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FINDING THE DOG GROOMER'S SOULMATE

BOOK #2 GROOMERS LOVE STORIES

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“THE ANGEL AND THE SKY PILOT”

From COURTING THE COUNTRY PREACHER

By Naomi Musch, et al.

Every Preacher needs a wife, right? But some might need convincing. Minnesota, 1910—A preacher with a checkered past sets off to win souls in the lumber camps like the "sky pilots" before him. But can he earn the respect of hard-living men—and still respect himself—after a local trader's daughter joins the all-male congregation? Pre-order Courting the Country Preacher to read “The Angel and the Sky Pilot” and three more stories of Faith, Hope . . . and Falling in Love.

 

 

LOVE AND CHOCOLATE

By Linda Shenton Matchett

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

 

 

The Destiny Series

SWEPT INTO DESTINY, DESTINY'S WHIRLWIND, DESTINY OF HEART, WALTZ WITH DESTINY

By Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Get whisked into the lives of the McConnell women in this historical Christian fiction series. Follow these strong women from the days of the Civil War through the epic battle with Hitler. Discover what has inspired readers across the world as these four books are brought together as a set for the first time. "The message of the Destiny series is even more applicable to today than when it first released. Praying for America’s repentance and to embrace God like never before." Debra B. From Antebellum Era to Word War II, The Destiny Series gives readers CHRISTIANITY—ROMANCE—PATRIOTISM with True-to-life adventures.

 

 

FALL FLIP

By Denise Weimer

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WHEN MEMORY WHISPERS

By Johnnie Alexander

Marie Wyatt longed for fame and fortune and found herself in wartime London working as an Allied courier. But when a routine mission turns deadly, a mysterious German agent becomes her unlikely savior. Yet the line between duty and loyalty blurs when the German agent is imprisoned in a Florida POW camp with Axis soldiers who consider him a traitor. Marie embarks on a desperate mission to save him before he’s fatally injured. Plummet into a heart-wrenching tale of courage, treachery, and a love that defies all odds.

 

 

MONTANA GOLD SERIES BOXED SET

By Janalyn Voigt

Love Wild West romance? Read the Montana Gold boxed set!

1. Hills of Nevermore – Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on protecting her?

2. Cheyenne Sunrise – After her wagon journey goes terribly wrong, a woman disillusioned in men must rely on a half-Cheyenne trail guide.

3. Stagecoach to Liberty – A Hessian woman must decide whether to trust a handsome stranger or remain with her alarming companions.

4. The Forever Sky – A young woman with no faith in love wonders if she can trust the man who broke her heart.

 

 

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By Michelle Shocklee

Ava must put her life back together after her husband is killed at Pearl Harbor. A job at Camp Forrest provides income, but it also puts her in contact with Enemy Aliens interned on the military installation. Can she trust the German medical student whose friendship means more to her than it should? Mattie ran away from the pain when her brother was killed in Vietnam. Now she’s back in Tullahoma facing another devastating loss. Yet it is the bundle of WWII letters Mama insists she reads that makes her question everything she thought she knew about herself.

 

 

LOVE’S FORTRESS

By Jennifer Uhlarik

In present-day St. Augustine, Dani Sango finds many Native American drawings inside her estranged art forger father’s home, leading her to seek museum curator Brad Osgood’s help to decipher whether this is her recently-deceased father’s latest scam. In 1875, God changes Sally Jo Harris’s dream of serving in foreign missions when seventy-three Plains Indians are incarcerated in Florida’s ancient Fort Marion. However, when Sally Jo’s friendship with Broken Bow leads to false accusations, it could cost them their lives. How does Broken Bow and Sally Jo’s story end, and how does it impact Dani’s family?

 

 

EL JIREH - THE GOD WHO PROVIDES

Compiled by Living Parables of Central Florida

Mary Dodge Allen, contributor

In A Mother’s Desperate Prayer, Mary Dodge Allen shares her struggle with guilt and despair after her son is badly burned in a kitchen accident. When we are at the end of all we have, El Jireh shows His hand. God doesn’t always give us what we want or when we want it, but He perfectly provides all we need at the right time. The stories, poems, devotions, and essays in this collection demonstrate the various and mysterious ways God is El Jireh—the God who provides—to His children.

 

 

DREAMS OF THE HEART

By Penny Zeller

FH&L Reader’s Choice Award Winner

Poverty and abuse at the hands of her drunkard father leaves Hannah Bane trapped and alone. Without hope, she prays for a miracle just on the off-chance God will hear her. Will the handsome new deputy be Hannah’s one chance to escape the only life she’s ever known? For as long as he can remember, John Mark Eliason has wanted to be a deputy sheriff. When a job opens, he eagerly accepts but finds his greatest mission won’t be bringing justice to the ruthless Wyoming town, but saving a beautiful young woman he barely knows.

 

 

OBEDIENT UNTO DEATH

By Liisa Eyerly

Winner of Eric Hoffer's First Horizon Award, Obedient Unto Deathlaunches the thrilling Secrets of Ephesus mystery series, weaving a captivating Christian twist into the heart of the first-century Roman Empire. When a scribe is murdered during an illicit Christian gathering, an innocent bishop is imprisoned. Sabina, a fearless believer, navigates a treacherous world of deceit and betrayal to save him. With time running out and his execution looming, she risks everything to uncover the truth—before the fragile Christian community is torn apart forever. Will Sabina's courage and faith be enough to stop the injustice before it's too late?