ELIZABETH RUTH OBBARD was born into an army family and educated in England and Germany. After completing her schooling she spent a year in nursing and then entered the religious life. At present she is novice mistress at the Carmel of Our Lady of Walsingham, Langham, Norfolk. Other publications include: Lamps of Fire, daily readings with St John of the Cross; Magnificat the Journey and the Song; La Madre, the Life and Spirituality of St Teresa of Avila; Introducing Julian, Woman of Norwich. She has also contributed to various books and periodicals and written and illustrated some books for children.