Words

I’ve been writing for newspapers and magazines for over 40 years, long before the digital age. I have also written and/or edited 19 books, some in hard copy, others in digital formats only. These include fiction, self-help volumes, history books, and art books. With the exception of Neighborhood Church (purchase here), the rest can be downloaded for free by clicking on these links. As I say on my homepage for this site, my beliefs have certainly evolved over the decades, but I share all of these without shame. You can also find many of these titles on my Amazon Author’s Page. I hope you enjoy!

Books

The Sanctuary: Tales of Hope and Redemption: Every life holds a turning point, a chance for hope to break through. An agnostic stumbles into an unexpected sanctuary. A father faces his last chance to reconcile with his son. A man must decide whether to open the door to ICE agents. A woman’s gift for seeing beauty is shattered by violence. A reporter, lost in darkness, reaches out one final time. A chaplain’s faith is shaken by a young recruit. A professor’s journey to Machu Picchu alters his grasp on reality itself. Krin Van Tatenhove weaves together gritty, unflinching stories rooted in compassion, struggle, and the possibility of redemption. With insight drawn from both lived experience and imagination, these tales reveal how even in our most fractured moments, light can break through. The Sanctuary is a testament to resilience—and an invitation to discover hope in the most unlikely places.
Voices of Celtic Wisdom: I had the distinct privilege of editing this stirring volume for Weaving Remembrance, an organization founded by my daughter, Hanna Leigh. It features 16 writers and is a companion piece to the online course of the same name.
The Bridge at Dawn: My debut novel. After suffering a devastating loss, Henry Thornwood, a former college professor, finds himself living in a homeless encampment in the Northwest. As me makes the rounds, extending kindness and cups of coffee to vulnerable members of the community, he meets Cindy Rhodes, a realtor and domestic abuse survivor, who is also running from a painful past. The two of them bond over their trauma and set out on a soulful journey. What follows is an unlikely love story that leads them to a commune along the Columbia River Gorge, the sanctuary they need to heal. Full of compelling human drama and plot twists that climax on a bridge at dawn, this novel is ultimately a tale of hope and spiritual redemption.
What Gives You Hope?: For many of us, this question has the weight of a Zen kōan, especially given the challenges of our individual and collective lives. It’s a query that demands deep reflection, a wrangling of our minds. To plumb the Buddhist notion further, it may reveal—as Buddha cautioned—that we are attached to notions of hope that are illusory and no longer have realistic meaning. In this compilation, 18 people from multiple generations and diverse backgrounds answer this critical question. You will be inspired and challenged by their perspectives, hopefully leading you to ask yourself, “What gives me hope?”
Texas Naturally: The Rise of the Texas Master Naturalist Movement: Written during the 25th Anniversary year of this movement’s first chapter in San Antonio, Texas, it is a testimony to concerned citizens making a difference on behalf of our environment.
Holy Ground: The Power and Influence of Christian Camps and Retreat Centers: Co-written with my colleague, Rob Mueller, this book featuring John Knox Ranch explores the unique role that camps and retreat centers play in our individual and collective journeys.
The Six Medicines of BodhiChristo:This booklet, co-written by me and my friend, Heiwa no Bushi, outlines some simple daily “medicines” that can benefit all of us.
The Smile on a Dog: Retrieving a Faith That Matters: Are you still going through the motions, practicing a faith that no longer addresses your deepest longings and questions? Have you extricated yourself from a particular religion or philosophy, but now feel unmoored, wondering what that word “faith” even means to you anymore? Are you suspect of spirituality in any guise, firm in your conviction that the mysteries of the universe are impersonally beyond our knowledge? If any of these questions stirs you, or if you are simply a fellow adventurer who wants to join a liberating dance, then this book is for you. This is your faith! Not that of others. Yours! Read how the author and 20 other people pushed through cultural conventions and religious prescriptions to find a Source that has transformed their lives!
The Pattern: Twelve Steps for Everyone: No matter your race, income level, political stance, sexual persuasion, or generational outlook; no matter if you believe in a spiritual pathway or not – if your thoughts are still causing you to miss life’s fullest freedom, this book is definitely for you. Why? Because you don’t have to suffer any longer. Because many of the truths found here, if placed into daily action, can set the course for a new life.
Invitation to The Overview: It’s a transformation experienced by those who have seen our planet from outer space. It’s something we ALL need for our world to survive and thrive. It’s The Overview, and you can learn about it in this life-changing book.
52 – Weekly Readings for Your Journey: A weekly devotional drawn from the newspaper columns of Krin Van Tatenhove.
People Across the Sea: One family’s struggles to survive the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, a dramatic testimony to the human spirit!
Have an Authentic Christmas: Learn the alternative history of Christmas and live it more authentically in your life!
A Century of Service: The fascinating history of two organizations on the Westside of San Antonio and how they have transformed their neighborhood.
A Medal for Two: Krin Van Tatenhove’s heartfelt testimony of raising his special needs son, Kristoffer.
Mission Diary: A devotional and journal for individuals/groups engaged in mission and service trips.
Street Saints: Voices of Hope from the Hopeless: Encounter the hope and brokenness of eight people experiencing homelessness, and the faith that is restoring them!
The Gravedigger’s Blessing: The year is 165 AD. A new religion called Christianity is stirring the heart of Rome. The Christians are peaceful, ministering to people from all walks of life—young and old, rich and poor, free and slave. Yet there is one thing about them that infuriates Roman officials. They will not bow down to the Emperor or any of the Roman gods. Marcus Aurelius decrees that all Christians must be arrested and given a choice: bow down to the Emperor or die a horrible death. One of the Christians is Titus, thirteen years old, who works as a painter of Christian tombs in the catacombs. He has already lost his parents in the persecution. Now he fears the Roman guards are searching for him and the rest of his family. What will he do if that moment comes? Will he have the courage to stand strong in his faith?
Two Missions You Can’t Live Without: Two practices for both individuals and churches that are essential to growth and vitality.
Consider the Lilies – Five Ways to Stop Worrying and Enjoy the Kingdom of God: Practical disciplines for every person who wants to overcome worry and anxiety in their lives.

Articles
Jesus Among the Navajos (pages 24-27)
Whose Closet is it Anyway?
Small Can Be Mighty
Paper for Water
Advent Devotions