Books with author Stephen Binns

Travel Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino Real in California with a pilgrim’s heart—and this book in hand— and prepare to continue, in your own way, the forward journey that he began in the 1700s. You’ll make your way to 21 missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma north of San Francisco Bay. The more you seek, the more you will find. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Such is the nature of a pilgrimage. Each of the missions is a unique jewel and a spiritual oasis. Some are found wedged into cities; others are surrounded by mountains and valleys. They range from simple to ornate. The grounds are filled with bells, statues, fountains, and gardens, all symbols of life and feasts of color. Old Spanish mission art can be found next to Indian wall paintings. Symbols of piety from two centuries form a wonderful holy mix. But author Stephen J. Binz does not gloss over the sometimes-painful historical aspects of the missions. The mission histories are difficult reading, documenting mistreatment and uprisings. But despite the many flaws of the Spanish mission system, the gospel still found ways in these missions to break through to hurting communities—and it continues to break through today. For each of the 21 missions, this guide offers you the street address for your GPS, the mission’s website, a brief history of the place, the story of the mission’s patron or namesake, and information about the mission bells. You’ll be given a tour of the mission church, as well as a prayer service for your visit.But this book is much more than a simple travel guide. You’ll learn more about the life of Saint Junípero Serra, whose vision is responsible for this holy Camino. You’ll be enriched by two interwoven traditions: the Spanish Franciscan and the American Indian. You’ll find yourself becoming more committed to being a missionary disciple, always desiring to communicate the reason for the joy and hope that is within you. Let the journey begin.

Travel Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino Real in California with a pilgrim’s heart—and this book in hand— and prepare to continue, in your own way, the forward journey that he began in the 1700s. You’ll make your way to 21 missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma north of San Francisco Bay. The more you seek, the more you will find. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Such is the nature of a pilgrimage. Each of the missions is a unique jewel and a spiritual oasis. Some are found wedged into cities; others are surrounded by mountains and valleys. They range from simple to ornate. The grounds are filled with bells, statues, fountains, and gardens, all symbols of life and feasts of color. Old Spanish mission art can be found next to Indian wall paintings. Symbols of piety from two centuries form a wonderful holy mix. But author Stephen J. Binz does not gloss over the sometimes-painful historical aspects of the missions. The mission histories are difficult reading, documenting mistreatment and uprisings. But despite the many flaws of the Spanish mission system, the gospel still found ways in these missions to break through to hurting communities—and it continues to break through today. For each of the 21 missions, this guide offers you the street address for your GPS, the mission’s website, a brief history of the place, the story of the mission’s patron or namesake, and information about the mission bells. You’ll be given a tour of the mission church, as well as a prayer service for your visit. But this book is much more than a simple travel guide. You’ll learn more about the life of Saint Junípero Serra, whose vision is responsible for this holy Camino. You’ll be enriched by two interwoven traditions: the Spanish Franciscan and the American Indian. You’ll find yourself becoming more committed to being a missionary disciple, always desiring to communicate the reason for the joy and hope that is within you. Let the journey begin.A 2018 Catholic Press Association Book Award winner.

One Knight Fallen is a tale of high drama and low comedy. Roger is the half-wild 15-year old son of a 13th century forester. Raised in the isolation of the Ardennes, he's never seen anyone but his father, his stepmother, and his two hateful stepbrothers. He begins his first person narration with the discovery of a wounded man lying in his father's storeroom. The man is Sir Aelfred. As he heals, he fills Roger's head with tales of Chivalry and battle. When Sir Aelfred departs, Roger goes with him. Before a week is out, Roger faces his mortal combat. These are just the first steps to a life of adventure.

The Labours of Heracles are some of the most famous tales from Greek mythology. In them we meet the Greek hero, Heracles who draws on both his strength and intelligence to carry out the Labours required by King Eurystheus. He has several death-defying battles with fierce or fantastic creatures. At other times he is sent on seemingly impossible tasks to bring back objects or creatures which no other being could either find or carry away. For his Fifth Labour Heracles has to clean thirty years’ worth of cow dung from The Augean Stables and during his Eleventh Labour he even has to hold the world on his shoulders for a spell. Heracles is helped by Athene, goddess of wisdom. But he is hated by the goddess Hera who does all in her power to harm him. As a result theses myths are wonderful tales of skill, cunning, physical prowess and supernatural intervention. Stephen Bibby vividly retells these famous tales in a way which will appeal to 11-year-olds. The account of each Labour is exciting and intriguing making the book both enjoyable and educational.

It is the year 2222 and the spacecraft 'Odysseus' is on a mission to discover alien life.But what is the curious object Captain Heathwood Bede has discovered on board and what is the true identity of his secretive First Lieutenant? Join the crew as they hurtle through galaxies unknown, encountering perils undreamt of. Billions of miles from Earth, how will they respond to unexpected challenges and, as their adventure reaches its climax, how will they resolve an unwelcome dilemma?This is an exciting novel aimed at younger readers, written by award winning author Stephen Bibby especially for his grandchildren.

One Knight Fallen is a mixture of high drama and low comedy. It will resonate with young readers, and amuse those who were once young. Roger is the half-wild 15-year-old son of a 13th century forester. Raised in the isolation of the Ardennes, he has never seen anyone but his father, his stepmother, and his two hateful stepbrothers. He begins his first person narration of One Knight Fallen with the discovery of a wounded man lying in his father's storeroom. The man is Sir Aelfred. As he heals, he fills Roger's head with tales of Chivalry and battle. When Sir Aelfred departs, Roger goes with him and takes his first steps to a life of adventure.

It is the year 2222 and the spacecraft 'Odysseus' is on a mission to discover alien life. But what is the curious object Captain Heathwood Bede has discovered on board and what is the true identity of his secretive First Lieutenant? Join the crew as they hurtle through galaxies unknown, encountering perils undreamt of. Billions of miles from Earth, how will they respond to unexpected challenges and, as their adventure reaches its climax, how will they resolve an unwelcome dilemma? This is an exciting novel aimed at younger readers, written by award winning author Stephen Bibby especially for his grandchildren.