Into the Fire

Sunday's Offerings

 

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. . . .

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

 

Matthew 24:36-44 (NIV)

Friday Five

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God, who cannot see you? Men are without excuse. Thank you for beauty amidst all the evil. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

                 

 

My friend Rick . . .

 

          

This picture doesn't say or depict what I want to say, but I couldn't find one that did.

My friend Rick . . . We met in my first year at the University of Washington. My two friends and I used to hang out between classes in the Hub pretending or attempting to study. The lighting was dimmed, it seemed "cool", and there were these cute guys who also congregated in there. Rick was one of those guys. Long story short, over time we all met each other and became friends during that turbulent time of '66 and the summer of '67.

Rick was and still is a genius on the piano. He composed two songs that I knew of during that tumultuous time. One a tribute to our friend Ron, a drummer and photographer, and another a tribute to me. The title of Ron's was "Ronaldo's Theme", and mine was called "Gallop". How I wish I had a recording of it. I'm sure it's long gone buried under layers and layers of old memories and forgotten melodies. I loved his work.

I remember riding in Rick's old green turtle-shaped Volvo named Spencer. I could always depend on Rick for wit, humor, kindness, talent, intelligence delivered in a practical format, and basic sensibility in totally un-sensible times. From what I gather, he hasn't changed much. I haven't spoken to him in over 20 years.

My first year on the racetrack he and some of our friends came down to the racetrack to visit me at the barn where I worked. I remember a grey filly I took care of named Spotted Lady stepped on his foot. He stood there in pain, helpless, not knowing what to do. Believe me, if you've never been stepped on by a horse with shoes on, you don't want that kind of pain. He was totally brave about it. 

Just a short time ago I found Rick on Facebook and felt overjoyed because of the emotions of those old memories. I didn't know much about him other than he'd married and had a son. Things changed from that last time we'd gathered at our mutual friend's. But he still "sounded" like Rick. And though I learned we had chosen different ideologies, he would always be the same Rick to me.

He said he'd be willing to update his lifestory, but he'd been experiencing some health issues and would get back to me when he felt better. Yesterday he told me he has cancer and is undergoing different treatments for it. No one wants to hear that report.

And so I'm asking for prayer for Rick from those of you who faithfully stop by here. I know you'll pray and ask for healing. That much we can do. I thank you for honoring my friend Rick with those prayers.

Rick, I love you, my friend.  

 

Father, you know Rick. You know his pain. You know what a sweet spirit you gave him. You know exactly what he needs. Lord, I'm asking for a miracle. I'm asking for his healing. I'm asking because he's a friend, someone who meant a lot to me. I know he means even more to you. Please let him know how much you love him and his family, how deeply you care. Watch over him and walk him through this. I pray you would not allow him to suffer, and I pray you would provide comfort. Bless and encourage him as only you can do. I ask it all in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Those "firsts" . . .

 

  

 

How important are those first sentences to you? As a reader? As a writer? Those first paragraphs? Those first chapters?  

For me, the genre has a lot to do with the impact of a first sentence, paragraph, and chapter. I've said before, and I mean it, I'm a patient reader. I'm willing to give an author some elbow room in developing a story. I'm also a realist. If I'm not interested or my curiosity isn't piqued by the end of the first chapter or first three chapters if they're short, it might not look good for the book I'm reading.

If I've been given the opportunity to review the novel, and I selected it, I'm going to trudge through the thing regardless of my lack of interest. If I have no obligation to the book, chances are, at this time in my life, I know by then whether or not it warrants any more of my attention.

"First" sentences don't need to be acutely dynamic for me to continue. I can tell you who writes dynamite first sentences, but they're all in the suspense/thriller categories, so they want to grab the reader and shake them if possible. These authors accomplish their goals: Robert Liparulo, Steven James, James Scott Bell, Athol Dickson, and Sibella Giorello. Certainly not the only ones, but definitely good at opening stories.

How do you rate your first sentences in the novel(s) you've written? And how important is it for you to get it just right?

 

Father, just help me to write the way you want it, to tell the stories you have for me to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Fill in the _____s.

 

  
If I could write any story, it would be about ________________.

If I could meet anyone in this world today, it would be _______________.

If I could change anything about Christian literature, it would be _______________.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to _______________.

If I could buy anything, I'd buy ___________________.

 

Give the long or short answer(s). Up to you.

 

Father, help me to be content with who, what, where, and why in you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sometimes . . .

 

 

 

Sometimes the words don't come, the thoughts run ranpant, the rants exceed their daily quota, and the wisdom won't prevail. Sometimes I'd just as soon touch the untouchable, activate the politically incorrect, graphically describe the absurdity and depravity of  how certain instances in our country are escalating, and I want to identify the effects of trickle down evil.

Sometimes I desire to celebrate football, but I'm weary of the "pinking-out" of the sport, the ridiculous assertions of commentators who clearly have never played the game, and the often game-changing calls by referees who, by their decisions, make it look like they've been paid under the table.

Sometimes I want to light up "the church" for failing so miserably to communicate the Truth of Jesus.

Sometimes it's hard to see the beauty over the ugly, but I know it's always there.

Sometimes . . . you ever have those days?

 

Lord, forgive me when I get like this. Restore in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

So will it be on the earth

 and among the nations,

as when an olive tree is beaten,

 or as when gleanings are left after the grape harvest.

 

Isaiah 24:13 (NIV)

Friday Five

 

    

This Friday's Five arrives with thanks to Brenda Jackson (aka BKJackson) who mentioned how much noise(s) affected her. So. Let's do five noises that our ears don't tolerate well.

Jackhammers

High piercing feedback

Yapping dogs (I'm sorry because I really love dogs, but little yappers drive me nuts.)

The M-80's fireworks and upwards of those. Explosions in other words.

Over 100 decibel music in a tight environment - no matter how much I like the song, group, musician.

 

God, you've preserved my hearing thus far. Thank you for that because the beauty of sound is marvelous, precious, and just one sense which will be purified and improved by the perfection of heaven. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sex Appeal (Fair Warning!)

 

This is a preview to a film (The Ugly Truth) that came out a few years ago. It deserved the R rating for plenty of sexual innuendoes and references. Don't watch it if you will be offended. I'm using it to demonstrate a point. (And, no, I didn't see the movie, but I will give kudos to Gerard Butler and Kathrine Heigl who definitely achieved the objectives of the film with plenty of humor and wit. I'm assuming there was at least a partially meaningful conclusion and a little bit of truth.)

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2212052/sex/

 

Some Christians seem eager to deny the sexual nature of our humanity. I presume there are several reasons for this.

For one thing, the current worldview in regard to sexuality can be raunchy and perverse. It doesn't emphasize, mention, or imply the beauty, the purity, or the holiness inherent in making love as it was intended by its Creator. Instead the worldview focuses strictly on the pleasure aspects in specific, intimate, and sometimes disgusting depictions and details with the goal being self-satisfaction at all costs, no matter what's involved, i.e. the ever-increasing discovery of the exploitations of children and young people in the sex-slave trade. Used profusely as a tool of the devil to corrupt even the purest of hearts, sex appeal cannot be underestimated. The media is all about sex appeal, flaunting it in every venue.

Sometimes, because of the prevalent worldview, it's difficult to disassociate the meaning and consequential fulfillment of lovemaking from the gross saturation of sexual power and pleasure.

How this plays out in Christian/CBA fiction for Christian writers who desire to present real and honest depictions of romance and sexual attractions is in requests for major rewrites, eliminations of incidental words, phrases, or scenes, in order not to "offend" those readers who want nothing to do with anything sexually nuanced, or rejection of their work.

Another possibility for the restricted choices in literature for some Christian readers is the component of sexual abstinence. The worldview mocks both the teaching and application of abstinence, but it's a fundamental instruction for most Christian parents and a personal objective for most Christian young people. Hormones and peer pressure - not to mention constant access to and the aforementioned serial saturation in every medium to succumb to sexual activity - contribute to some moral failures in young hearts and bodies.

It should be noted the objective of abstinence is not about suppression of sexual activity for the sake of forbidding pleasure but rather for teaching the huge responsibility involved in the sexual union between a male and female. Abstinence elevates a sexual relationship because of the spiritual element. Engaging in an act of uncommitted sex degrades it to a selfish physical pleasure instead of seeking the enlightened experience of enjoying full satisfaction with the one you truly love. People of all ages often have a rough time applying the critical nature of this decision in the heat of the moment. Abstinence is the sacrificial high road in the sexual arena. It requires dedication to the Lord and certainly requires allegiance to His ways. In literature it's a shallow endeavor to pretend sexual attraction or intentions do not exist. 

Some Christians have come out against young people reading romance novels - which is certainly understandable when referencing secular romance - but Christian/CBA romance novels cannot logically be accused of titillation, although some could definitely be criticized for idealizing relationship and providing pretentious portrayals of non-existent sexual attractions and challenges.

We are created males and females, and the sexual components of our natures can be more powerful than some of us care to admit. Ignoring, suppressing, or pretending this part of us is irrelevant does little to expose the awareness of sexuality and strengthen the intelligent and committed spiritual approach to the beauty God hand in mind when He created lovemaking.

 

Father, in this sin-torn world we need greater awareness of the beauty in all things you have given us. I was desperate for you in my youth but didn't yet know you in your fullness. I'm just as desperate for you now with this love relationship you offer to all who seek you. Thank you for saving me from the enemy of my soul and his eternal damnation. Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens . . . And I wish all would seek your Truth and Life and Way, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

Those "somedays" . . .

 

 

 

One day we face that some somedays never come. Maybe it's an impossible dream. Maybe it's a unique trip, a specific achievement, or a particular relationship. Someday . . . we say.

Our spiritual barometer can negate the useless somedays which will never - and should never - come to pass. However, we often elect to ignore that personal intimation and press on toward that desired someday. Usually a mistake. Disappointing. We might get angry even when we know we shouldn't have pursued that path.

For those somedays we put off, not because they're undoable, but more because we think we'll have the time "later", if they're important enough to you, don't delay. You're only promised today. Life jets by with somedays becoming fewer and fewer. Make sure your somedays are worth your hopes and won't prove to be a waste of precious time. We only have so much of it here on earth.

Love deep. Pray without ceasing. Laugh hard. Smile frequently. Cry intensely. Live the gift of life as if each day fulfills that special someday.

 

Father, help me to make the most of every day you give me. All for you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

The difficult journey . . . home.

 

  

Posted here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/leehough

 

August 18, 2013 12:19pm                                               

For some time now Lee has been on a slow but steady course of decline. Initially, he dropped 10-15 pounds, mostly muscle in his arms and legs. His once sturdy build has become thin and soft. His face is still handsome but puffy due to steroids. For weeks we talked about what things would look like once he began to ease down further. Always speculation as no one can say for sure what effects the cancer will cause. In the beginning we were told that the process would likely include headaches, nausea, seizures and eventually a coma. The weeks continued to pass with none of these symptoms. A few weeks ago, however, Lee dropped to a new visible low of physical deterioration (weariness, tremors). This past week has been the most notable. Standing has almost become more than he can do. Early this week, he started having short bouts of nausea and minor headaches, all easily treated with meds. His eyes reveal how tired he is. His thoughts come slowly but he still converses with sharpness. We are talking now about hospice arranging for a hospital bed at home in the not too distant future. Not pleasant thoughts, but necessary steps.

Most frustrating of late is his loss of taste for most foods. His appetite is healthy but he no longer enjoys Mexican food, pizza or fried chicken. I know, it's hard to believe! Fortunately, Blue Bell ice cream is  on the desirable list :)

Lee is still able to read and is currently enjoying a classic novel titled "The Robe" by Lloyd C. Douglas. And of course he is giving away copies of his former clients books to his hospice team.

As for me...it continues to be a privilege to walk this road with him.  The more the cancer takes the more privileged I feel to give and care for this man I love.

My hope is to provide you with a weekly update going forward.

Thank you for all of the many cards, letters, e-mails and prayers.

Paula (Hough)

 

Father, raising people from their sick beds or the grave is not difficult for you. When you choose to do it, it's huge for us. A miracle. But I also know it's precious when your saints experience death on earth and are raised to life in you. We don't understand even a small portion of life here, let alone the death of our days. You will provide the answers to each one of us who loves you, Jesus. I know Lee Hough served you. I know Lee Hough is a good man because of it. I know you love him. I wish he could stay and be whole and continue your work on earth, but that's not for me to say. I do pray for the miracle of his healing because with you all things are possible. Love on his family, Lord. They're brave and noble, kind and loving, but I know their souls are being crushed under the imminent - without your intervention - loss of their beloved Lee. Please keep them all in your loving care and hold them close as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death with Lee. Be their strength and somehow comfort them as only you can do. I ask it all in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Failure(s)

 

 

 

Although the current politically correct climate desires to shield its children from "failure", failure is an undeniable part of life. Without it, it's impossible to appreciate the lack of it. And without experiencing it, it's impossible to recognize success. Failure(s) will compel you forward to success, anything to avoid or resist practicing it again.

Most writers experience failure(s). It varies in substance, amount, and content, but failure is a definite part of writing if the goal is publication. The interesting part of an author's "failure(s)" is that the lack of success isn't always based on talent or knowledge or presentation. Some of the purported greatest writers of all time have been disrespected in rejections, addressed as abject failures with insulting rhetoric by publishing industry professionals, and never achieved any of their successes while alive. Daunting to consider.

The farther a writer proceeds in the area of fiction, the more he understands his limitations. He or she realizes that some sentences, some paragraphs, some chapters, some stories will not meet the ever-increasing bar of self-imposed standards. Failure hangs there like a manuscript in effigy on every page of work. The challenges are never-ending if writing is pursued. And failure(s) can be imminent.

However, it should be noted in the case of writing stories, you cannot please some professionals or some readers. Your endeavors might be considered failure(s) to one group but outstanding successes to others. This is the paradox of writing fiction. Personally, I would never include Ernest Hemingway in a list of great writers. In fact, I think he was a poor writer, conceding that he told some good stories. Yet he is viewed by many as a complete success, an author of classic literature, a style to be emulated. No way. Some also consider William Faulkner as one of the greatest authors of American literature. Oh, please. I had to force myself to read his work in school. I hated his writing style.

As a writer, a key to seeing where you've failed or if you've succeeded is to chase the love of writing with your whole heart. Make sure you're inspired, not just driven. Desire to understand the art of writing and make your reading a valuable commodity. Some writers who launch themselves into telling stories haven't benefitted from worthwhile reading. No better teachers than those who've written amazing stories. Craft books will help fill in the blanks or gaps in identifying problems or organizing approaches, but nothing will be as conducive to writing and creating good stories as reading the tales of truly good writers.

Another thing: can the false humility. If you don't like what you write, why bother? Writing takes mental and emotional exertion and investment. How much depends a lot on what kind of stories you write. Don't settle. Push yourself. Your first novel might be your best or it might be your worst. No telling if you don't finish it. And if you bury your manuscript under the dead oak tree, deeming it a failure, make sure you have no desire to resurrect it. The success of that experience is you finished writing a book. Now write a good one - or at least one you like. Determine for yourself if you really can.

The opportunities for good and bad writers are now abundant. The traditional publishing journey is getting to be a steeper climb and guarantees no success. E-books are presenting the grand alternative. Is that a good thing? Who can really say? There are good and bad writers in both venues. Failures and successes.

Failure is assured. Success isn't. But satisfaction can be.

 

Father, you have given me every inspired moment I've ever experienced. I acknowledge that apart from you, I can do nothing. Nothing. You are my success, my guarantee that I did one thing right and true in my lifetime: I bowed my knee to you. Thank you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

Can the Ethiopian change his skin

 or the leopard his spots?

Neither can you do good

 who are accustomed to doing evil.

 

Jeremiah 13:23 (NIV)

Friday Five

 

                 

 

Five things I cannot stand: (Notice we're talking "things" here, not character traits or actions)

Drippy faucets

Running toilets (ones that continually sound like they're filling)

Chick weed and other obnoxious weeds

Parsnips (and Beets)

Moss on the roof

 

Father, the curse of sin is far-reaching. One day all we know will be new. Thank you for allowing beauty to continue while we're here. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Weakness(es)

 

 

We all have them. However, I've noticed some writers think their strengths are their weaknesses and vice versa. If you read the fine print in red under weakness in the cartoon above, you'll see it says to "work out or remain weak". And that, my friends, is what novelists do. They keep working out their weaknesses in manuscripts that either get shoved in a drawer or taken to the basement and crammed in boxes or doted on until they find favor either with the writer or a publishing professional. What other choice do we have?

So. You want to know my weakness(es)? I'll tell you. In my estimation it's the points after A to F which will lead to X, Y, and Z. I roll into the story and then experience some confusion or meltdown before proceeding on pace to the end. It's filling out the plot. Being a seat-of-the-pantser, I rarely do any kind of external stimulus such as outlining, story boards, notebooks, or whatever highly efficient writers do to keep their stories on track.

Complexity. My life is rarely complex. Yeah, there've been some rough years with lots of confusion, hard times, struggle and strife, but those things are usually accompanied by intense emotional distress, not diverse complexities. So I tend to write for everyday people and invest a great deal of emotional crisis rather than the convoluted plot pieces which must be tightly knit together with the twists nearing the end. I'm not that clever.

Will you share your writing weakness(es)?

 

Lord, you know all my many weaknesses and yet you love me, you give me stories to tell, you saved my soul. You are the Wonder of all wonders. I'm desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Strength(s)

 

 

 

Writers have strengths and weaknesses. Rarely are any of us perfect although some seem moreso than others. There comes a time when we each must evaluate our skills and establish our strengths. What do we do well?

I've been told I'm strong at dialogue and character development, and there's no question those two things give me the most pleasure in creating. Do you think what we enjoy the most are the things we're most able to do well? I don't know the answer to that question.

So please tell me: what do you consider your strengths to be as a writer?

 

Father, you gift us with our skills. Help us to always acknowledge and realize what we can do well is because of you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

Asking . . .

 

 

 

What is the most annoying thing about a book you don't like?

What "rule" of writing is the most unsatisfying/unnecessary for you?

What particular characteristic is present when you thoroughly enjoy a novel?

 

God, so much to be thankful for. So much grace. Thank you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Why my position is shifting . . .

 

                            

 

Years ago I wrote a post about why I read Christian fiction exclusively. I covered the usual things like the overuse of cuss words and explicit sexual scenes that are commonly found in general market literature, but my reasons still include the overall sense of hopelessness and temporary solutions for life's trials, disregard or contempt for Christianity with much more respect for New Age philosophies or the religion of secular humanism. This may not be popular reasoning to those in the world, but it makes perfect sense for Christian readers. We face these issues daily at school, at work, even at play, so saturating our reading time with the same kinds of twisted dramas just isn't that appealing.

And as long as Christian authors such as J. Mark Bertrand, Athol Dickson, Chris Fabry, Sibella Giorello, Gina Holmes, Steven James, and Robert Liparulo (to name a favored few) continue to publish novels within or without the Christian publishing industry, I will continue to read primarily Christian fiction. And now that the wonderful and esteemed espionage/political thriller writer Vince Flynn has passed away, my general market options are significantly diminished. You just can't replace Mitch Rapp.

The shift for me won't be noticed by anyone but myself. I've become far more selective in my fiction options in the last year. There's a specific reason for this shift. The CBA is not producing those "fresh" voices it keeps trumpeting at conferences and on internet posts in as great a number as it used to do. Truly good authors have been abandoned, and the menu for reading material lists Amish/Historicals/SweetLittleRomances ad nauseam. The safe and staid formulaic and predictable novels are their bread and butter, and apparently they're serving fewer and fewer filet mignon entrees.

What my shift entails is simply reducing the number of novels I choose to read from the bulk of Christian publishers. I'm not settling for the average novel because I no longer think my time is worth wading through the shallow waters of a story I'll forget the instant I read the final page. Again, I applaud the efforts of every author who has completed the chain of events which led them to a publishing contract. I begrudge no one his or her success nor do I condemn anyone for their failures.

Reading is personal. We all have our certain tastes - acquired or inherent - and we own our preferences in reading and writing. So many readers are forced to squeeze their books into limited time allotments. I have a great deal of luxury in that regard, but I now demand the experience be pleasurable in a multitude of ways instead of a series of disappointments. And that, my friends, is why my position is shifting . . .  

 

Father, help me to do right by you with the time you've given me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

 

Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)

Friday Five

 

                                  

Five favorite Seahawks:

 

Marshawn Lynch 

Russell Wilson 

Richard Sherman 

Cam Chancellor 

Golden Tate 

 

Thank you, Lord, for the sport of football and the giftings you distribute to athletes. May they all honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.