Bøger af David Chaltas

Lost Letters from a Dough Boy relives the war to end all wars as seen through the eyes of two brothers. One brother is in Germany and the other France. Both of them see the last of the cavalry charges, trenched warfare, muster gas, and the privations of war. The letters offer insight into two country boys from the small villa of Brandywine, West Virginia, as they witnessed the world gone mad yet not losing their love of God, Country and family. Their letters provide detailed personal witness of being drafted, basic training, seeing flying machines, Christmas dinner and their longings to return home. The Dickenson brothers paint a picture of life not only during the war but life on the farm as well. Included in the book are several postcards revealing an unadulterated love each family member has for one another. As a bonus the author provides letters to Guy, the younger brother, and his son, Guy Dickenson Junior, who served in Korea and Vietnam as a pilot. We as Americans owe a debt of gratitude for what this forgotten generation gave on foreign battlefields so that we might continue to enjoy the fruits of freedom. For anyone loving history and wishing to see it come alive as well as preserved, Lost Letters from a Dough Boy is considered a must.

Bear in the Basement is a story of a young cub who finds himself alone in a dark place that is filled with mystery, adventure and wonder. After losing his mother, the cub finds refuge in a basement of a large house. The cub soon is discovered by a girl that befriends him. The child realizes she can't keep the cub. If her parents find out that he is living in the basement they might put him in a zoo. To avoid being seen as being a 'live cub' the young lady teaches the cub to act like a 'teddy bear' whenever grownups are around. The task becomes more difficult as the cub grows. Follow the cub's adventures as he finds ways of living in and around the home undetected by adults. This is a child friendly book.

Morning Song is a gift for those willing to accept it. The author endeavors to change his mourning song to a beautiful morning song through inspirational lessons of life, for life. Each story is based on sound Christian principles which can guide you through life's storms and help you find the strength to change a negative to a positive. Hopefully, the lessons and stories will help the reader realize that all of us hurts, suffers, and mourns. But through faith, we will realize that God has never forsaken us and that He will come to us in our time of trouble. He will guide you to a different plain. He will comfort you. He will show you new beginnings. He will help you find your Morning Song.

Brandywine's Billet-doux is the story in postcard and picture form of American families united by blood or bound by marriage. With over one hundred thirty postcards and numerous pictures, the early 1900s are vividly painted and portrayed in transcribed form. Each card represents a piece of American history and carries forth love of God, Country and family with each word. These love letters of sorts represents the best of American in the worst of times. They span the Great War, the roaring twenties through the Korean and Vietnam conflict. Sometimes the cards are simplistic in sharing news of the farms, home, gossip and events. Other times they are complicated in their descriptors. Truly they are part of the great American tapestry that must be preserved so future generations will know and appreciate their love and sacrifices. Brandywine's Billet-doux could easily be your ancestors' postcards and pictures locked up in a truck somewhere in an attic. You could be a descendent and hopefully through this endeavor rediscover your place in history. You could begin your own Billet-doux for your children's children and beyond. This is the legacy of Brandywine, West Virginia's lost postcards and photographs. This is a rare opportunity of owning a piece of American history. DPC

The Little Scrub Pine is a Christmas story about a little tree that thought it could never be beautiful. The Little Scrub Pine soon discovers that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and within each of us there is a special Christmas creation so unique and beautiful and it only waits to be discovered. Miracles still happen as discovered by the Little Scrub Pine. Allow yourself to become the Little Scrub Pine and find your destiny as you follow your heart...

Beneath the Falling Waters is a book designed for the forlorn and restless in spirit. Filled with lessons for life, the author has endeavors to offer stories, parables and personal experiences based on sound Biblical principles. Each saga is referenced via the Bible and shows the manner in which Christians walk in the footsteps of Christ. The purpose of the lessons is to help the reader realize there is always peace after the turbulence. The realization that God can do for you what you cannot do for yourself is paramount. Praising Him in the storms as well as the still waters will become a force so strong that nothing can separate you from the Most High. Though the raging waters of life threaten your journey; remember Him. He can calm the storm and lead you to the peaceful shores. Therefore friend, fear no evil for He is with you (Psalm 23).

A Horse on the Porch is about unconditional love between a terminally ill child and a young Shetland pony. Follow the pair as they first encounter each other and form a unique bond that nothing could destroy. Watch as the child is unable to go outside and how the Shetland Pony goes to her and refuses to leave the porch next to her window. The intent of the book entitled, A Horse on the Porch, is to bring comfort and peace to those who suffer. The author dedicates the book to Hospice and those healers who help others during the transition from this world to a greater one.

In the Footsteps of History is the journey through the eyes of one man who walks within the confines of a bygone era. The author takes you to places where epic battles were fought and men of legend walked. He shares with you the lives of others who lived when America was being torn asunder and shares some of the sacrifices made to protect our enduring freedoms. His selections are from published articles in national magazines, newspapers and periodicals. The selected stories will give the reader a better understanding and grasp of how current day Americans honor those who served during the War Between the States, as well as modern times unsung heroes. The author takes you on a personal journey and saga; as you walk in the footsteps of those individuals who served the calling of their nation. "Those who forget the past are destined to tarnish the future."

In Search of Christ is a series of lessons I have learned along the way in my own personal search. Each day I awaken to the realization that 'Thou art with me' and though at times I lose my direction and footing, I know that Christ is always there. The obstacles in my daily walk turn into challenges and I know that we, "Are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (I John 4:4) There is nothing that our God cannot handle, if we simply surrender ourselves in faith and accept the storm with the same serenity as we do the calm. For He is with us always, even to the end of the world. I have been blessed in being able to write a series of Christian books that offer lessons of life, for life. I am also blessed beyond measure and highly honored to be able to have my dear friend, John Paul Strain, wondrous portrait of his interpretation of Christ as my cover. 'Thou Art With Me' is a classic painting and to me exemplifies the fact that no matter where we go, Christ is with us, as His Father was with Him. In my search for Christ, I have discovered that there were times when I neglected Him, but He never abandoned me. There were times when I did not feel His presence, but later I realized the purpose of the situation. There were times that I denied Him, but not once did He deny me. There were times that I walked away from Him, yet He always walked towards me. Then there were times that I drew neigh unto Him and He drew neigh unto me. I felt His presence and my body was filled with an overflowing presence of knowing that, 'Thou Art With Me'! I have come to realize that I am a chief of sinners but he is the chief of Saviors! He shelters me from all harm, he restores my soul, he leads me beside still waters. He is the one and only great Redeemer! In Search of Christ offers the reader lessons pertinent to these troubled times and helps direct the reader towards sightings of Christ's presence within his/her life. It is a personal journey taken by the heart, as each recognizes that the Risen Savior is walking beside you no matter where you might be or the direction you are headed. Thou Art With Me, even to the end of the world!

Raging Waters is a book designed to help others in their Christian walk. The book is filled with stories, parables and lessons based upon the sound teachings of the Bible. Raging Waters offers you a refuge from the storm and knowledge that God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. DPC

Ravin, Son of Dewey, is a compelling story of a man's search for his father's legacy. Ravin enjoyed his childhood while living in the land of the Cherokee. This was abruptly interrupted, as his family was forced to walk where the people cried. Dewey, Ravin's father, escaped somewhere along the way. Though Dewey tried to find his family, his search was interrupted. He returned to his land and moved to Virginia. When the War Between the States began, Dewey chose to fight for the Confederacy. Due to being injured he returned to his home and became the guardian of the Kelly family. Though Dewey's search for his family faded Ravin's desire to find his father never did. The settings are in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. This is the last installment of a four part series and answers the question of who killed Scrap Iron. Follow the saga through the following books: The Search for Butternut, When Ravens Dance, Old Maw and finally Ravin, Son of Dewey.

The Shadows of Gettysburg is a compelling six-act play, which embraces historical truths of a pivotal point in our great American History. The passion of the play is evident in the portrayal of the first encounter leading to a full-scale engagement, and ending with the fabled Pickett's Charge. The aftermath is a touching scene in which the boys in gray return from the charge and is greeted by a saddened Lee and Longstreet (Bill White) The finale is the fabled Gettysburg Address performed by Dennis Boggs as President Lincoln. Also included is a moving monologue by General Meade, as portrayed by Ken Creswell. Roger Kelley portrays a wounded soldier who encounters Lee after the battle. The ghostly voice of General Stonewall Jackson (Danny Buckner) narrates the play. The author offers a view from both sides into a war that pitted brother against brother, in the most horrific battle ever fought on American soil. The play has received rave reviews and is considered to be a must-see performance.

What do you know about freedom? What would you do for freedom? Would you give all of your material goods for the sound of freedom's bell? Would you die so others might live? What does freedom mean to you? What offers you a spark of the spirit? I first met Miss Kessie at Lincoln Memorial University. President Lincoln (Dennis Boggs), Frederick Douglas (Michael Crutcher), General Forrest (Stan Dalton), and I were on stage getting ready to offer a presentation. We were aware that MS Kessie would be joining us but we had never met her. I recall the first time I saw her. She walked in with head bowed, her hands in a submission position, and dressed in a very plain dress with her head covered. She exemplified the image of a slave. When I was introduced, I noted how shy and quiet she seemed. She only glanced in my direction and stood a few feet from me looking towards the floor. I noted that she reacted in the same manner towards the other presenters. I have to admit that we were concerned because she was to speak first and set the example. She seemed so timid, shy, and didn't seem to have a living historian edge. Boy was we wrong! When the spotlight hit her, it was likened unto a morning flower blooming in the rays of the sun! She began singing in the most haunting beautiful voice the old song, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen. Nobody knows..." Then she stops. stares into the audience and says, "But Jesus"! Then she said the following words in the voice of a slave that still resonates in my mind. "I know that I am a slave. I have been a slave all my life and see those boys over there (pointing towards the audience) those men in blue, well they said they were going to free me. But I know the love of Jesus Christ and I am already free!" By the time she shared her story and became ingrained in my heart forevermore as MS Kessie, tears unabated ran down my cheeks. I noted that the other personas wept and one of us even sobbed. The audience reacted in the same manner. I struggled to offer my poor presentation, as did the others. Afterwards, we all talked to MS. Kessie and once again this humble little lady maintained the dignity of a person free from the shackles of sin through Jesus Christ. I have loved her ever since. That in essence is what the true meaning of Unbounded Freedom means! She personified it and then passed it to others. She lite the torch for others to see. Freedom comes from within the soul as only salvation can give. Unbounded Freedom are lessons I learned along the way and I offer them to you in that you too may know the peace of Unbounded Freedom.

Beyond the Sunset lies a land of milk and honey. We mortals cannot fathom its beauty. It will be perpetuity of joy and happiness with complete harmony. The author provides lessons of life in an effort to assist your spiritual growth. Through God all things are possible. We, as human beings, need only to believe, follow by faith, and seek Him when you rise, along with throughout the day, you will discover a closer walk with the Greatest Gardener. HIs peace passes all understanding. May you find it as you read lessons which will help prepare you for your trip beyond the sunset.

BIG UNCLE: The Saga of Martin Van Buren Bates is the story of the Kentucky Giant and Anna H. Swan, the Nova Scotia Giantess. Seen through the eyes of an unknown former student of Martin, the story reveals the life and times of Martin Van Buren Bates and his eight feet, one-inch-tall wife. Born in an area known as Kona, Kentucky, Big Uncle was the twelfth child of John and Sarah Bates. Martin became a teacher, captain in the confederate army, and traveled the world in different circuses. On one excursion he met Anna and the legend of the Giant Couple was born. They were married in England and the wedding was sponsored by the Queen. She even gave them gold watches to match their size and Anna received a brooch along with other finery. Follow their unique true story as seen through a distant relative who is proud to call Martin, 'Big Uncle'. The story of Big Uncle is written from a viewpoint of a former student with limited writing abilities. The focal point is for students to encourage them to learn more about history, heritage and the American legacy.

MEET ME AT THE BUFFALO is a collection of eclectic stories, events, reenactments, weddings, deaths, poems, Veterans, and other interesting knowledge. The author canvases the year with adventures along his life's journey.

Blue, the Three-Legged Cat is a story about triumph in the face of adversity. Injured as a kitten, Blue is left with a front leg that will not move. She has to learn how to manage in a world of four legged animals, along with her two-legged masters. She recalls her life and how she decided that she would live a normal life and find her purpose. Blue, the Three-Legged Cat is a celebration of the desire to strive and be happy with whatever situation life might offer. Blue offers the reader a heartwarming experience in how we all must adapt to our individual challenges and short comings.

In My Father's House is a book dedicated to offering the reader a mansion on the hill. Each lesson is filled with God's truths and will touch the very soul of the reader. The author has written over five hundred weekly lessons for life and offers them to the reader in his Christian based series. The lessons are taken from life experiences and provide insight into how each of us as individuals can lean upon the everlasting arms when the windstorms of life blow against us. It has been said that, "It is not that we suffer but how we suffer that matters." Through the stories, parables and lessons of an educator with over thirty-six years of experience, the reader can grasp a stronger hold upon the solid rock known as Jesus Christ. May you seek Him this very moment!

For the past ten years the author has offered weekly Biblical lessons for the reader's spiritual growth. Besides the Still Waters is another installment for the avid reader to supplement his or her walk with our God. You will rediscover the peace that passes our ability to understand when you lay down beside the still waters that is promised to all who will trust and obey.

Nellie, the General's Hen is a wonderful true story of a chicken given amnesty by a famed general. Seen through the eyes of Nellie, the author takes you on a journey when America's mettle was being tested and teetered on the brink of division. Though Nellie cannot understand the 'upright walkers' she is however able to talk to the horses and other animals. Follow her and the conversations as history comes alive through the eyes of a little black hen named Nellie!

Beyond Peaceful Shores is a series of lessons for life. The lessons range from parables to personal experiences based on the teachings found in the Bible. Beyond Peaceful Shores will not only touch your heart but will touch your life. Based on sound Christian principles, the book will take you beyond peaceful shores and lead you towards an utopian world known as heaven.

My Walk upon the Wind is a book not only about the author's adventures while living on a reservation but, more importantly, about what he learned about life along the way. It is a journey taking the author from being broken to becoming a wounded warrior, setting him on the right path and teaching him the way of the warrior. His travels include scenic routes, the people who guided his progress, his struggles, failures, and his changes for the better. The author brings to life what it was like living on the reservation, as well as offering sacred sayings to live by. The setting is the Navajo reservation in the early 1980s and follows the experiences of the author as he best recalls them. If you wish to get a better understanding of the culture and the wisdom of Native Americans, My Walk upon the Wind should be considered a must read.

In the Beginning is a book of sayings about life, for life. They have been compiled by the author as a way of affirmations. Now he has graciously consented to share with the reader in hopes they bring as much peace and joy as they have to him. The sayings cover the ABCs of the alphabet and enlighten the spirit with words of hope, love, wisdom, and wonder.

Where's My Pony is the author's personal journey down memory lane. His experiences growing up in eastern Kentucky during the sixties paints a picture of the culture, environment, way of life, and the poverty of the Appalachia region. His portrayal offers insight into how life was during that era and how it changed over a period of time. His descriptions and honest appraisals of life provide the reader with a look into the past and how far we have come in terms of changing our lives for the better. Through the laughter, tears, and struggles of growing up in a setting of poverty, the author shares his triumphs, and failures as he grows into adulthood. Where's My Pony chronicles those days of yesteryear, and preserve undaunted memories of the past. As the author stated: "You can never appreciate where you are until you recognize where you have been".

There is a Cross in the Woods is a journey for not only the author, but also those who choose to follow the path to the cross. The book entails lessons of life, for life, and embraces sound Biblical principles through stories the author has read or created. Christian living is a daily walk with God and by studying his word, meditating upon his wishes through earnest prayers, and reading stories and lessons that guide your walk will help strengthen you for the struggles that occur along the way. The author has focused on the Word of God for his inspiration, as well as the teachings of those, like Reverend Billy Graham, who follow Christ's footsteps. There is a Cross in the Woods is the latest installment of Christian books by the author. It is the author's fervent prayer that the cross he found in the woods leads you to your own cross, no matter where you might encounter it. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9) In Ephesians 2:8-9, it is written, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: "

AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE is a combination of lessons for life based on sound Biblical principles. Each lesson is scripture based and is designed to offer personal insight into daily issues which arise. The author will guide you on your quest for a better relationship with Christ through the venue of the parables, sagas, stories, and personal experiences composed by the author who is also another seeker of the truth. Relax, read, and reflect as you will find yourself inspired and motivated to strive towards a closer walk with God.

When Ravens Dance is a fictional saga, based on historical events, about a former slave's journey before, during and after the War Between the States. Attempting to stay neutral, he never the less gets caught in the web of war and realizes that all must pay for the cost of America's rebirth.

The Misadventures of Bubba Lee is a compilation of stories, saga, 'stretched truths' and embellishments of a fictional character growing up in the mountains of Appalachia. The author paints a colorful portrait in words of a young man's life during the sixties while growing up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Though fictitious in nature the misadventures offers insights into the unique Appalachian culture and the influence of folktales upon the mountainous regions. Bubba's misadventures will remind the reader of hi/her own mishaps and unique individuals met during the days of innocence. Along the journey the reader will develop a greater respect for days gone by and might actually recall his or her own friend by the fictional name of Bubba Lee.

Go Outside and Play is a book that captures the essence of games played during the mid-fifties and early sixties. More importantly, the author brings to light the need for children to not only go outside and play, but also for them to use their imagination. In today's society, technology is taking away the very essence of creativity and discovery for themselves. Those wondrous games of yesteryear taught character, rules, discipline, self-management, and values. They taught how to take turns, as well as how to win or lose graciously in the competition. The games of yesterday offered us a change to expand our horizon and explore the wondrous world of imaginings. Go Outside and Play has captured several of the games for prosperity but more importantly, the author hopes that it will spark the memory of other games played during those golden years of youth, and create a genuine effort in preserving them.

RELEE, Reflections is about the Essence of Lee's Christian Character. It is a revised edition of the Legend and Legacy of Lee. The book entails details about Lee's character from those who knew him and those who studied him. By all standards, Lee was one of the greatest generals of all times. His sterling Christian character, humbleness of spirit, values, and devotion to duty are legendary. His tenacity in battle, unique deployment of his men, ability to fight off an army with more resources and man power for four years, is renowned. His love of country and genuine concern for his soldiers were all part of the dynamics that comprised his spirit. Yet it was his Christian character that left an indelible mark. He was a man of God serving his convictions at a tremendously high personal expense. He lost everything while maintaining his principles and honor. Not once did he flinch from his duties and placed it all in the hands of God. His view on education and his implementation of his plans at Washington College (Washington Lee University) still impacts the educational world.