Math and Christianity by Julie Arduini

Posted on April 11, 2013 by juliearduini

I apologize for posting late, one of those days. I started with a school trip to attend a rally in Columbus, OH and just sat down after a day of pouring rain, warm sun, a side trip to the zoo,  and great kids.

Anyway, I’ve been talking about math with fellow Christians. There has been so much Christian-on-Christian infighting lately, and it not only breaks my heart, it makes me mad. Every time we fall for such behavior we’re doing exactly what the true defeated one planned for all along.

Division.

My passion is to encourage others to find freedom in Christ. When audiences of all sizes embrace that, whether through mentoring, my speaking or writing, even their face transforms. It’s a spark that I believe can spread like wildfire, affecting others for positive change.

I tell others that freedom is all about multiplication.

A few days ago Beth Moore showed me how addition fits in.

check_it_outShe wrote a blog post so dead on about Christian bullies and the infighting that I have nothing to add. She nailed my heart and emotions. Because time is short, I thought I’d invite you to read her post, written in part after she witnessed the pleasure some Christians were taking at the expense of Pastor Rick and Kay Warren regarding the tragic loss of their son. It’s a post I’d classify as a must-read.

Beth Moore’s Sadness and Madness

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A Doctor With A Heart by Hannah Alexander

Posted on April 9, 2013 by alexanderhodde

No, I’m not going to lapse into song about my wonderful husband and our new clinic. That time for promotion has passed, and most folks reading this can’t drive far enough to have Mel check them out, anyway. We live in the boonies of Missouri.

Last week, however,  I searched for and found a doctor in Parsons, KS, who is a dream come true for any patient who has longed for a doctor to  sit and listen to medical burdens, who will never overcharge, will make house calls if the situation is serious, and who truly cares more for his patients than for the bottom line. At first, talking to this man, I had trouble believing him.

But Gary Yarbrough, MD, turned out to be the real thing. He has no overhead because he runs his own office, from answering phones to keeping patient records. He was a great deal of help to me when I asked him about our own clinic, and how we might increase patient load. I discovered he makes house calls for many more than I expected, especially the Amish in his area, who would have to ride horse and buggy through snow or heat to get to his office. He drives his PT Cruiser to them. He works with midwives and treats them with respect, and he keeps up with his beloved patients over the years. Like us, he keeps his business a cash-only set-up so he can pass along his savings to his patients.

After he asked me if I worked in the clinic with Mel, I explained that I’m not much practical help for Mel because I’m a novelist. That brightened Gary up. He, himself, has written a delightful book of stories about working with Amish and English alike, and he gives quite a good insight into the lives of the Amish without, of course, betraying patient confidentiality. If you think you might want to read some of his very well written vignettes about his experiences as a country doctor, check out his novel. I’ve tried to transfer a link to his Kindle Ebook titled House Calls by Gary Yarbrough. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=House+Calls+by+Gary+Yarbrough

I know, I’ve tried and possibly failed, but it would be worth your while to find and read the book if you want to read an inspiring book written by an inspiring human being.

If you do happen to read the book and enjoy it, please take the time to write a review. He’s a newbie in the writing business, and he could use as much support as he gives to his patients.

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A Double Standard?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by lynettesowell

I hesitated to write this, but I thought I’d think alound and ask the question. I think it’s safe to say that for many readers, books aren’t their only form of entertainment. The realm of what we call inspirational or Christian fiction is a rather small circle when compared to the general reading population.

We are quick to point out in a “Christian” book if there’s something that offends us or we don’t like. But we tune into television shows that cross many, many lines.

Take the crime shows for example. They show the grittiness of life. Some of us don’t take much issue with the violence and/or gore. “That’s part of the story,” we say. Characters dropping references with sexual innuendo, hopping in and out of bed with each other. “Oh, that’s part of the story,” we say. Lying for the sake of an investigation or to trick someone. “That’s what cops and investigators do,” we say.

For example, I adore the television show “Castle.” Why? Snappy dialogue, crimes with some good plot twists, the fact that there’s a writer as one of the main characters. However, all of the above have occurred in the story lines of this show. So I guess in a way I’m referring to myself and I’m not comfortable with the observation.

Yet, some of us can be so much harder on Christian writers in what they “show” and “don’t show.”

“You didn’t have that character get redeemed,” we say. Well, in real life, that doesn’t always happen.

“You character did something underhanded to help solve the crime,” we chide the author.

Where do we draw the line of what’s acceptable in “entertainment?”

Or, do we move that line to suit our own tastes or to fit the author or television show? Is all this relative?

I find it ironic that readers–viewers–will watch certain shows and not be offended, yet they will pick up a book and find all types of moral infractions, trivial or no.

Am I mistaken? Does this really happen? Am I the only one who has a double standard?

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When We Don’t Get Things Write

Posted on April 4, 2013 by bethrachg

Yes, I used the word “write” instead of “right” on purpose. Today during home school, I reviewed the differences between the two words with my youngest son and we worked on writing sentences for each word. While we worked through the correct use of each word, I pondered with another writing issue. A few days ago, I started reading a new book and discovered early on that the author had made a mistake. This isn’t something new and, to tag onto Maureen’s post, it’s part of the writer in me that I can’t turn off.

Except this error wasn’t a typo or anything simple, it was pretty big—an oversight, I’m sure, but still I thought maybe I was the one who was wrong because I couldn’t imagine this author or publisher would have missed this.

I’ve chosen to go with the grace card on this. I mean, we’re only human, right? We can’t be perfect all the time. We can’t get things right, every time, even when writing novels. I’ve made mistakes in my own stories, so I can’t throw any stones.

There is the element of artistic license, as well—when we choose to change the facts up to fit with our stories.

Here’s a question for you—do you feel that writers have any responsibility or obligation to get the story right—it’s fiction, isn’t it? Often writers include a letter to the reader to explain fact versus fiction, but sometimes not.

As readers, what is our responsibility to understand the difference between fact and fiction? How often do we believe the author, trusting that something we read in a novel is truth (beyond the obvious fictional storyline)?

Thoughts?

Blessings!
Elizabeth Goddard

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Writer-Readers

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Maureen Lang

Image compliments of:
http://www.book-clipart.com/free_book_clipart/child_reading_a_math_book_0521-1101-1321-5229.html

I’ve been a reader and a writer nearly all my life, and sometimes it’s hard to separate the two. When I was very young I learned to read a book not only to be entertained, but to try figuring out why a story or character touched me. Reading was both entertaining and instructive, because from a very young age I knew I wanted to write a story that I felt like reading.

The older I became, the more aware I was of how authors did things to make me enjoy the story. How clear their words must be, how important were their word choices, how vivid their descriptions. Eventually I understood there are two elements in producing a successful story: the mechanics, i.e. how clearly the writer can communicate, and the storytelling, i.e. how the overarching story either draws me in to the story world—or doesn’t.

There was a time in my adult life, however, when I wasn’t actively writing. Life was busy and demanding and I hardly had time to read. But when I did read, as strictly a reader, I was far less picky than I was as a writer-reader. Writer-readers, at least this writer-reader, is constantly looking to revise. It’s so easy to change the mechanics of a story. Writers do it all the time to their own work, so it’s almost impossible to forget the habit even while we’re being entertained with someone else’s work.

This habit can get annoying, though. I have to remind myself the stories I read for pleasure aren’t mine, and can’t possibly conform to all of my tastes, expectations and filters. Many times, though, when I’m completely immersed in a story world, I DO forget the writer in me and am in awe of another writer’s talent. That’s when I become a total reader!

I’m also less apt to want to revise a book that’s outside my genre, so that’s one of the reasons I have such eclectic tastes in reading.

I once asked my sister if she ever wanted to change a book, and the answer was absolutely not. She’s a pure reader and wants to be entertained. She might recognize if a book isn’t all that well written, but if the story or the characters are compelling enough she’ll easily look past or not even notice any flaws. She also finishes everything she starts.

I’ve come to believe that for those within any given industry, it’s harder to treat the object of their expertise very lightly. We’re like a chef in someone else’s kitchen: we can’t just enjoy the taste, we have to dissect what’s in it.

What about you? If you’re a writer, can you separate yourself to become only a reader? Do you find yourself wishing you could tweak someone else’s work? Do you wish you could be a pure reader again? If you’re a reader, do you find yourself wanting to change any of the stories you read, or does that not even cross your mind (like my sister)?

PS Look for special e-book pricing on my brand new release, All In Good Time, at your favorite online vendor! Today (Wednesday) the e-book version is only 2.99, then it jumps up but only to 4.99 through Saturday (4/6). On Sunday it goes to the regular price for a new release of around $9.00. So the only thing you need to do to take advantage of the special price for this e-book version only is to act quickly! (Regular price applies to print copies.) Happy Reading!

All_In_Good_Time_Screen_Shot

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Has Christ Risen in You? – Removing Hidden Idols

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sarah Goebel

Today we celebrated Christ! We celebrated that He led a perfect life, stood in our place paying the penalty for our sin. We celebrated that He gave us His righteousness so we could be reconciled to God as a holy people – holy because He has called us holy. Christ hung on the cross and cried out “It is finished.” There is nothing else for us to do. The penalty was paid. We also celebrated Christ’s  resurrection today because He was proven to be God when He rose from the dead, and, only the life of God carries enough value to save so many lives from their sins for all eternity! Christ’s resurrection was the proof that His sacrifice was accepted and we now have the blessed hope for eternal life.Emptytomb

Christ’s resurrection is a historical fact. It happened, so it is not really the event that is in question for us. What is in question is whether we (you and I) have died and been raised again with Christ to new life. Or, to say it another way, has Christ risen in us? Ephesians 4:21 says: Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. And Galatians 2:20 says: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. In other words, if we have truly received Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are to surrender our will to God’s and by His grace begin to live the life He has destined us for. Still, we all stumble and fall down. God helps us up and sets us back on the right path. His grace is amazing! Nonetheless, today, I want to share with you the thing I believe most often hinders us in allowing Christ to rise up in us. That thing is our propensity to worship idols. It is not news to you that we are guilty in the 21st century, as are those in the past, of forsaking God as the fountain of living waters  by turning to people and things to fulfill us instead of going to God (Jeremiah 2:13). But oftentimes we don’t stop and consider what idols might be hiding within our own hearts.

Idols are “any thiidols_calfng or any one that takes the place in our lives that belongs only to God.” We must consider who or what has first priority with our time and resources. We should ask ourselves questions such as “Who or what has our love…our attention?” “Who or what do we trust in?” “Where do we spend our money, our time?” “Who or what is influencing us?” For some Christians their spouse or children may have become an idol. Some have even allowed their pastors to take that place. You get the idea. It is difficult for us to admit, but if we have allowed any person to be our “go to,” “our source,” “our first priority,” then we have put them in a place that is God’s and God’s only.

The ministries where we serve, our church, our job, our material belongings all can become more important to us than our relationship with God. When this happens, we find ourselves led to idolatry.  Another huge idol that we often overlook is ourselves. In our narcissistic culture, many times we ourselves are the #1 idol of our hearts. This is probably the most common amongst us here in the United States, if we just get honest about it. We can ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and reveal the hidden idols.

A fall into idolatry can be quite subtle. It begins with failing to spend time alone with God. We crowd Him out with tidolshe busyness of life thinking we will soon get back to Him. This is devastating to us as Christians because it is in this alone time that with our Father that our confidence in God is strengthened. When we fail to spend personal time with God where we talk to Him and allow Him to talk to us, we forget how much He loves us and we begin to experience emptiness. This is because God has created us in such a way that we need Him to pour Himself  into us, and we need this experience daily. We need His love, His peace, His comfort, His wisdom, His strength. Nothing else will do. Scripture says God has put eternity in our hearts and without the eternal One satisfying us, we are destined to be dissatisfied. This results in a temptation to find satisfaction from people and things in our lives. Our focus begins to move more and more from God to idols. Of course, they are unable to fill us, but we  easily get caught up on a merry-go-round of dissatisfaction as we experience the thrill and purpose these idols can bring to our lives, although fleeting.  When the fulfillment is lost, we tend to chase after them even more, becoming even more in bondage. We experience feelings of disappointment and discouragement which drain from us energy and life. True fulfillment and peace can only be found by seeking after God (Isaiah 44:20). Our attempt to satisfy ourselves with these idols is as useless as trying to quench the thirst of the desert sand (Isaiah 55:2).

The Psalmist cries out to God in Psalm 90:14: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”  Satisfaction begins and ends with receiving God’s unfailing love as a reality in our life.  Ignoring God, results in losing an awareness of His love. This then results in dissatisfaction and a restless soul which opens the heart to idolatry. May we break free from idolatry by drawing nearer to God. May Christ rise up a little higher in our lives so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10).

The topic of idols of the heart is thoroughly discussed in my book, “Experience Real Satisfaction” released in 2010, available at Amazon.com through this link: http://tinyurl.com/d3p9ek3 .

Remember my friends, God loves you and is with you always! His plans for you are good. You can put your trust in Him!
Humbly,
Sarah

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Today Only Special Sale: James L. Rubart’s SOUL’S GATE

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Vicki Hinze

Jimsoulgate

nook copy

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Every now and then we get a break from reality. A glimpse into the other world that is more real than the reality we live in 99 percent of our days. The Bible is about a world of demons and angels and great evil and even greater glory.”

What if you could travel inside another person’s soul? To battle for them. To be part of Jesus healing their deepest wounds. To help set them free to step boldly into their divinely designed future.

Thirty years ago that’s exactly what Reece Roth did. Until tragedy shattered his life and ripped away his future.

Now God has drawn Reece out of the shadows to fulfill a prophecy spoken over him three decades ago. A prophecy about four warriors with the potential to change the world . . . if Reece will face his deepest regret and teach them what he has learned.

They gather at a secluded and mysterious ranch deep in the mountains of Colorado, where they will learn to see the spiritual world around them with stunning clarity—and how to step into the supernatural.

Their training is only the beginning. The four have a destiny to pursue a freedom even Reece doesn’t fully fathom. But they have an enemy hell-bent on destroying them and he’ll stop at nothing to keep them from their quest for true freedom and the coming battle of souls.”

If you haven’t read Soul’s Gate,  or you’ve read and loved it and want to gift it to a friend, there’s no better time than right now.

For today only, Barnes and Noble has the Nook version listed as its Daily Find, and that saves you a lot of money.  Regularly $10.39, just for today, you can get the Nook version for $2.99!

Want to buy it now?  Just click the button!

nook copy

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Don’t Think About the Cross this Easter by James L. Rubart

Posted on March 30, 2013 by James L. Rubart

The cross has not only become the symbol for Easter, it’s become the symbol for all of Christianity.

The reason I say “become” is because it hasn’t always been that way. For the early Christians, the symbol of Christianity was the empty tomb. And by early, I don’t mean the first few years of the church.

The cross didn’t become into prevalent usage in art or churches until the 4th century.

Forgive me for repeating myself, but it was the EMPTY TOMB that the early Christians kept in the forefront of their minds.

Do we do the same?file000874028411

I’m not trying to lessen our attention on the cross, only make sure we give equal focus to the power of the resurrection -which is the triumph of Life over death. It is the picture of our rebirth into men and women who have become the temple of God and have the Spirit living in the new Holy of Holies, our hearts.

He is risen. The tomb is empty. Let us focus and rejoice in that, the greatest news of all time, and live our own resurrected life because of what He has done.

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Who, me? Deny Christ? Never!

Posted on March 29, 2013 by yvon63

Last night I went to a Maundy Thursday supper at church where we were reminded of the events taking place before Jesus’ crucifixion. I remembered my visit to Israel.

I walked down into the same prison where Jesus was taken like a criminal. I saw the area where Jesus was beaten, the games etched in the floor where Roman soldiers passed their time and laughed while prisoners suffered in the dark, cold, stone, stagnant cells.

I walked the Via Dolorosa along where Jesus carried his cross. I saw the garden where he cried out, “If there’s any other way…not my will, but thine.” I saw the hill shaped like a skull, Calvary where he was nailed to a cross.

I walked up onto Caiaphas’ courtyard where there’s a statue of Simon Peter, where he denied Jesus. The disciple who was so sure of himself, spoke out for Jesus, claimed he’d defend Jesus to the death and tried when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was so loyal and determined he even followed Jesus and those who arrested him.

But that strong, eager, confident, bold man not only denied Jesus, denied even knowing him, not once but three times. Would I do that? Probably not. I probably would have run and hid at the first sign of trouble.

Then, as we stood near that statue of Peter, our leader asked, “Have you ever denied Christ?” Up until that time, I had not cried although most in our group had. But then I couldn’t hold back. The tears came as I thought what it means to deny Jesus. How terrible if anyone sincerely says, “I don’t even know him.”

I wondered if that’s what I say when I miss the opportunity to tell someone I know him. Or when I’m complacent and don’t do my best with what he’s given me. When I don’t fulfill my human potential. When I want things that are in my self interest instead of his. When I take Him for granted. When I don’t take advantage of walking and talking with him.

I went inside a tomb like the one in which Jesus would have been buried. Or I should say, like the one out of which Jesus arose. While our group partook of The Lord’s Supper in the garden outside that tomb, and sang, so did another group of another race who sang in a different language. We felt as one with that group. Brought to me thoughts of heaven.

As I partook of The Lord’s Supper, the words were said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” and I did. Just as he forgave Simon Peter, he forgives me. The bread was remembering his suffering body, the fruit of the vine his blood shed so I don’t have to suffer and shed tears about my denials.

How blessed I am to be able to ask forgiveness, turn from the denials and proclaim him in thought, words and action. Thank him and praise him.

Yes, I know him. Hallelujah, he is alive!

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Happy To Be Here by Tara Randel

Posted on March 28, 2013 by tararandel

 Hello! My name is Tara Randel and I’m excited about posting here at Christians Read.

I’ve been writing for what seems like forever, but published since 2000. It’s been a long process, a lot of ups and downs along the way, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Writing is a passion for me and I believe that when you have a God-given gift, you should use it.  So with a giant leap of faith, I decided to take a chance and put my work out there. I’m so glad I did.

Since writers spend so many hours at the keyboard with only the stories in our heads to keep us company, it’s great to have a place to interact with readers. First and foremost I’ve always been an avid reader and love being in a community that allows me to touch base with others who love to read.  And being able to share my faith journey with others? That’s icing on the cake. We all have different paths we’ve traveled down.  Every one of us has a different life story and no matter what we’ve been through, when we band together, we grow stronger. You never know where life will take you and sitting here at my computer, writing this blog, is one of those places I never imagined I’d be.

This journey of life is not for the faint of heart, with all kinds of ups and downs and everything in between, but books help make the way more enjoyable. I know I have my absolute favorites, as I’m sure you do too, the dog-eared copies we can’t get rid of so we can reread those books from time to time. Books take us away from the day-to-day and bring us to a place where everything is right with the world as we spend a few hours immersed in a story we love. I’ve always been an avid fiction fan, but I have to say that most times in my life when I’ve needed a lift or answer to a problem or want to know God better, I reach for my Bible. No matter what I do, for me, it all comes back to books.  

In  August, Orange Blossom Brides, my newest title, will be released by Harlequin Heartwarming. I’m excited to be a part of this new line. While not an inspirational line, I believe the stories will still be an inspiration. The books I have previously published are similar to the Heartwarming line. Love. Family. Small town values. Books your daughters and granddaughters can share. I love the to write about those values. 

So I’m ready to take a new journey. Won’t you join me?

 

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Passion Play’s Supporting Characters by Julie Arduini

Posted on March 27, 2013 by juliearduini

Each year our church shares the greatest story ever told with a Passion Play. It’s a Broadway-like production with as many as 100 in the cast that also features an ensemble and live animals. The actors are lay people with a desire to gift the Lord and the community with five presentations between Palm and Easter Sundays.

We’ve been part of that church for eight years and my husband and children have been involved for most of those years. That means I not only see the presentations each year, I’m often there for rehearsals. I’m quite familiar with the story and what to expect in each scene. Thing is, each rehearsal and performance moves me. I’ve yet to watch even one healing scene and remain unfazed. When Jesus lifts the dead girl and she returns to life, I sob to the point of fearing emitting noises that would distract from the show. We nearly lost our daughter at three months old, and I envision Jesus lifting her for healing that day, something I will never take for granted. It truly is the greatest story ever told.

Our son, circa 2007.

Our son, circa 2007.

Between the play and the History channel’s The Bible, I’ve been  thinking about what writers would call the supporting characters. They are part of the story, well-developed if done right, but don’t overshadow the protagonist. When I think of Jesus and His journey to the cross, there are so many who have a story of their own.

Peter–The disciple who spoke first and thought later. He loved Jesus with fierce passion, only to deny Him when it mattered most.

Now a teen, he plays Philip, a disciple, this year.

Now a teen, he plays Philip, a disciple, this year.

Barabbas–A criminal set free. In our play, we reflect on the possibility that the one who first realized and perhaps appreciated Christ’s sacrifice would be Barabbas.

The thieves on the cross–One mocked Jesus. The other understood  they deserved their punishment, but Jesus did not. He asked Jesus to remember him, and Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43, NIV

Mary–I didn’t fully appreciate her place in the story until I saw Passion of the Christ. She sacrificed twice. First, choosing to be the vessel to her and our savior. Second,  watching His death. Not understanding how this violent murder equals redemption and life. A mama’s heart shattered.

John–He not only witnesses the crucifixion of his beloved friend, he promises Jesus to care for Mary.

Judas–Deceived by money and false promises, his kiss is remembered today. He died a tormented soul.

When I think I found the secondary story to focus on, another aspect of Christ’s love pops up and I’m enchanted by Jesus all over again.

Our daughter in her first year as a town's girl, 2011.

Our daughter in her first year as a town’s girl, 2011.

 

 

 

 

This holiest of weeks, what supporting character captivates you? Any of the above? Herod? Pontius Pilate? Someone else? I’d love to read your thoughts.

Have a blessed Easter!

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Community by Hannah Alexander

Posted on March 26, 2013 by alexanderhodde
Set in Jolly Mill, MO

Set in Jolly Mill, MO

What a life! I grew up in California, where freeways were already prevalent, crowds were the norm, and traffic in our valley north of LA was already bumper-to-bumper. Yes, I grew up as a valley girl.

My father, however, always dreamed of having a farm of his own, so when I was still too young to have a say in the matter, we packed up and moved to Southwest Missouri, where we lived 1/4 mile from the DIRT road, 1/2 mile from our nearest neighbor, 7 miles–an hour-long bus ride–from a small town school where I eventually graduated, but not before buying my own car to escape the hideous bus ride.

At first, and for years afterward, this transition was a shock to my system. My parents knew about country life. They grew up far from town, knew how to be country folk. All I knew about it I’d learned from them. I discovered that I spoke a different language from my neighbors down the road. For instance, do you know what botten bread is? My new best friend–who grew up in a two-bedroom house with seven brothers and sisters and no indoor plumbing (!!!!)–finally explained to me, very patiently, that botten bread is bread that’s been store-bought instead of homemade. Have you ever had cracklin’ bread? Daddy taught me this one when we  (meaning he) butchered our first hog and rendered the fat. Mom took what was left floating in the lard and baked it into muffins, which, if you bit into the wrong one, would break teeth. I won’t even go into the horrors of mountain oysters, and Daddy’s laughter when I found out he was going to cook them for us to eat. At least we did have indoor plumbing, for which I was exceedingly grateful after spending a few nights with my country friends.

We had a smokehouse for smoking meats, a pump house for the well pump–which, if it broke down, meant we had no water–and a barn that caught fire our first year there when we had over a foot of snow. And that was when I discovered the power of community. My parents were shoveling snow onto the fire, frantically trying to rescue animals from that barn, when we heard the put-put of a strange engine coming down the 1/4 mile driveway. Neighbors from a mile down the road had seen the glow in the sky. The snow was too drifted to drive to our house, and there was no fire department, so they hopped onto their John Deere tractor in the freezing cold and drove through the snow to our house with their shovels. Other neighbors followed, and they fought that fire as long as they could in the middle of the night in the freezing snow. With their help, we managed to save two litters of baby pigs, which I got to feed every day. I still love little piglets. Babe is one of my favorite movies

I’m still learning the meaning of community, and since I live amongst those same people who came to our rescue through the snow, I now write about it. There is a power and connection in physical community that transcends email, that shows the gritty part of human character that lives right alongside the nature of a good heart. When we post online, we usually show our best selves. It’s human nature. When we live near each other and see one another’s foibles and learn to accept one another as we truly are, that’s how a powerful community is forged. It’s why I love our small town atmosphere, why I characterize the small towns in my novels with the same kind of community. It’s what works for me.

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Soul Food and the Heart-Weary Christian by Vicki Hinze

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Vicki Hinze
Photo Credit: canstockphoto.com

Photo Credit: canstockphoto.com

 

 

 

It’s Holy Week.  Almost Easter.  A revered time for people of faith.  The most revered time for Christians.  Today, I need to chat.  That’s right, to chat.  I need to talk with like-minded people—people who believe.  My soul needs food.  

 

Most Christians go through times of sheer weariness.  We tire of the faith struggles in our own lives and in our society.  Our freedom of religion is being interpreted by some as freedom from religion, and we’re frustrated by it and weary of it.

 

How can we not be?  We look around and see children exploited, young girls being programmed that sexy is better than virtuous (look at the magazine covers targeting teens).  We see a barrage of attacks against even Christmas trees with governors wanting to call them holiday trees, and Christmas break being tagged winter holiday.  We see our leader insist that Christian statues be covered during a speech at a Catholic college and yet he speaks beneath a banner that includes a photo of the father of terrorism.  We know important things seem, well, upside down, and now comes a push to rename an Easter Egg Hunt a Spring Egg Hunt.

 

What?  We have Christians being crucified for their faith (literally and figuratively) and we (as taxpaying citizens) are giving them billions of dollars.  Why?

 

All this is just the tip of the heap, as you well know, but it’s sufficient to relay the reason for the weariness.

 

We trust God, we celebrate Holy Week and Easter.  We do not waiver on it being the holiest of holidays in Christendom.  The Resurrection…  It’s awe-inspiring and humbling.  And even those who are not Christians should respect that.

 

If they did, I doubt we’d be living in a culture of deep corruption.  In a society where half—yes, half—of the children born are born to unwed mothers.  Our values have eroded and our ethics along with them.  We’ve buried our moral compass.  Allowing it to happen, doing nothing to prevent it, condones it.  And what we condone, we own.

 

I’m not an idealist or standing on a soapbox or suggesting we become raging zealots, but I am suggesting that I’m weary and I know other believers are, too.  For me, I’m battling it, determined to follow our beliefs and to refuse not to support them.  In other words, the PC police can forget it.  They have their vision of PC and I have mine, and this weary soul is opting for faith.

 

The weariness is not to the bone.  Close, but not to the bone.  In part, I thank Roma Downey and Mark Burnett for that.  Yes, the star of Touched by an Angel and the reality show guru.  They did the five-part series The Bible that’s airing on Sunday nights on the History channel.

 

Okay, so there’s been a lot of controversy on the show itself.  Of course, there has.  But considering how many don’t and never have read the Bible, and considering that this series is the only exposure they’ll get to the Bible, can’t we see the good in it?  The series is like a missionary to the U.S.  And if you’ve seen the religious decline (which has been actively sought by factions within and outside this country), you know we need a revival of spiritual matters and food for our spirits.  Give us that and the other problems decline.  We know it.  Our country was built on the premise of putting God first.  Through diligent effort, particularly in the past forty years, we’ve had our identity muddied and now we’re muddled.  For that reason, while some might find fault with The Bible’s production, I’m celebrating it.

 

It’s said to be #1—most watched.  The Examiner  had an article on it that said Hollywood didn’t understand why the series was so popular.  It confounded them.  We, of course, know exactly why it’s popular and why other films or series like it will be popular, too.  People are three-dimensional—physical, emotional and spiritual—and our spiritual selves are starving!

 

Simple.  So very simple.  We need soul food!  We don’t just want it, we need it.  We need  a spark to recognize what we need.

 

So last night, I’m watching the fourth part of the five-part series, and I notice the commercials.  Christianbooks.com had one.  Walmart had one.  Advertising the Bible.  I’m sure there were others, but these were on when the advertisers caught my attention and snagged my thoughts.  And I sat there feeling extremely emotional.  An ad for the Bible.  The BOOK.  The Word of God.  I’m choking up again now.

 

This is good.  Even if you disagree with exactly the way this or that is done in the series, you’ve got to see that this series and these kinds of commercials (which are wholly suitable for viewing by all ages [and that certainly can’t be said for many, many ads or shows]) are good.   Sparks!

canstockphoto spark

Sparks!
Photo credit: canstockphoto.com

 

I hope that this series spurs an avalanche of films with spiritual themes that get people to thinking and talking and exploring and searching.  I hope it spurs a mountain of ads that are constructive and respectful.  But most of all, I hope it touches hearts.  The weariness and emptiness and longing that crushes so many in our society can be filled by faith.  We know it can, and I pray soon those who didn’t know it discover it, too.

 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to watch an early evening program with your family and not have to change the channel because of inappropriate content?  To have shows with content that is constructive and inspiring to viewers?

 

I boldly dare to dream that this starts a trend.  One that renews faith, depletes weariness in believers, and offers all who want it a path out of the darkness and into the light.  Wouldn’t it be terrific to see a swell of enthusiasm that leads to truth and contentment replace the current destructive behaviors that assure the absence of both?  Who knows?  Maybe, just maybe, that spark will ignite a flame and those who choose to walk and live outside the light will at least respect the rights of those who choose to walk in it.  That would be refreshing, and constructive, too.

 

What I know is this.  I write books to help the broken heal.  I read books that inspire and enlighten.  I view films for the same reasons.  And I know that this morning my heart is less weary.  A series and some commercials and because of constructive, faith-filled content, my soul is less weary.

 

And I know that without a spark, there is no flame.  A spark serves. If we recognize hunger and what we’re hungry for, we can seek it.  It doesn’t take much to recognize it, just a little spark.  If you think about it, doesn’t it kind of remind you of the mustard seed…

 

Blessings,

Vicki

 

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Tolkien Reading Day

Posted on March 25, 2013 by alandkathi66

As I often do, I got up this morning and checked to see what sort of celebration I could come up with for today—you know, National Toenail Day, International Bad Hair Day, etc. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that besides being Waffle Day and Maryland Day, it was Tolkien Reading Day. How cool is that?
Now, I suppose if you’re not a Tolkien fan you’d rather just eat waffles or move to Maryland. I personally love Tolkien, and that’s really saying something because I’m not a fan of fantasy or anything even remotely resembling it. But I have a real emotional attachment to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Way back in the Dark Ages (1974 to be exact) just months before becoming a born-again believer on July 5, I picked up a book called The Hobbit. I have no idea how I came across it or it happened to be in my home, but I was living in Colorado Springs at the time, and it had been a long, cold winter. I’m not a skier nor do I like cold weather, so the ongoing winter months had seemed especially tedious. In response, I spent many, many hours with my nose buried in books (something I do regardless of the weather). So even though The Hobbit wasn’t my usual reading fare, since I had no alternatives handy and didn’t want to drive on the ice to try to get something else (remember, this was long before Nooks and Kindles!), I settled down to read about Mr. Bilbo Baggins and company.

Guess what? By the time I was done I rushed right out into the middle of a snowstorm so I could pick up the trilogy and continue with Mr. Tolkien’s stories. And boy, was he a great storyteller! But it was more than that. As I said, I read these just months before becoming a true believer, but already I was searching. In retrospect, I don’t believe it was purely chance that I ended up with nothing to read but The Hobbit; I suspect God Himself was directing my steps, even then, to woo my heart and open my eyes. Though it was subtle (and I didn’t even realize it at the time), Tolkien’s books were part of that wooing process.

Anyone else have similar experiences, either with Tolkien or some other author/book? As a writer of Christian books, I’d like to think God uses my words to nudge others toward his heart, and I imagine all other Christian writers feel the same. I’d love to hear from you along these lines (in between your Tolkien reading and waffle eating, of course).

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A Day in the Life

Posted on March 21, 2013 by bethrachg

elizabethgoddardOf a writer.

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. That’s a line from one of my favorite classic novels. Raise your hand if you can’t remember which one. Or Google it. (I love saying that.)

 
Those words best describe my week.  Yesterday I picked up my new laptop. That should count as the best of times. I’ve had my other laptop for four or five years and it crashes about fifty times a day. Now I have to transfer four years’ worth of information stored in every nook and cranny of software over to the new laptop. That should be easy, right?

 
How about more like getting a root canal? That seems an appropriate simile, and falls under the worst of times. Transferring my junk has been most painful and I haven’t even made a dent. I’m working off two computers now so that I can get everything done.

 
But add to that—and get this—I actually went in for a root canal this week. A root canal in addition to having to learn a new operating system and transfer all my information. What are the chances? Again, the worst of times.

 
Unfortunately the root canal turned into a complete extraction because apparently I cracked my tooth in half–thank you very much Peanut M&M’s. But I need the M&M’s to get me over the tough afternoons when my brain is drained and I need to push through a scene. (Ah, Peanut M&M’s—the best of times)

 
Since I’m a writer, I know how to turn the scene around. Having a tooth extracted means a liquid or soft diet at least for a day. Hello chocolate pudding. Chocolate ice cream. Many flavors of yogurt, oh and cream of potato, cream of everything soup.

 

 

One again. . .
It was the best of times.

Blessings!

Elizabeth
Words from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

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