Into the Fire

Wednesday Whimsy - meme style

 

                                      Ready? Let's do another one:

 

* Favorite Pie: my mom's cherry pie but I'll eat most every kind of pie except mincemeat 

* Steak or seafood: steak but I love some seafood

* Italian or Chinese: Italian and I do like Chinese food 

* Pepsi or Coke: Ack! Don't even say Pepsi in my presence! Coca Cola snob

* Chocolate or Vanilla: Ice cream? Vanilla

* How many tattoos: 0

* Ever hit a deer: No

* Netflix or Hulu: Never Netflix and don't use either

* Last text from: my husband Michael - I rarely text and only to him

* Favorite season: Summer and autumn are a tie with summer quickly gaining an edge

* Broken Bones: A pinkie finger and a broken nose - it's cartilage; does that count? Possibly a bone on the outside of my foot (never had an X-ray)

* Surgeries: 2: right pinkie finger and a heart valve repair

* Favorite colors: black, yellow, grey

* Mountains or beach: both (but only to look at the mountains)

* Dogs or cats: dogs

* Early morning person: Yes

* Favorite holiday: Christmas

* Beer or wine: neither now but way back when: wine 

* Mild or hot salsa: medium 

* Smooth or crunchy peanut butter: crunchy (Adams brand)

* Waffles or pancakes: both, but it depends on how they're made 

 

I know some of these are repeats, but oh well. Mindless fun.

 

Father, thank you for fun. I need it. I love it. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Tuesday Tunes

 

They had a lot of good songs. Here's one of them. 

 

Father, only you give creative abilities. May all of those who create know the source of their abilities. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Consumed with . . . Total Power

                 

Total Power, a Mitch Rapp novel by Kyle Mills, tells a terrifying tale that is even more terrifying because of the Author's Note at the beginning of the story. 

A smug condescending genius (John Alton) who works as a consultant, goes by the handle "Power Station", has made bundles of money at his job, put in five years of excruciatingly detailed study to set up his attack on America's power grid, and since the government hearing he attends doesn't take the ridiculously unstable condition of the country's electrical power facilities seriously enough, he's decided to peddle his abilities to totally put the United States of America in the dark . . . forever . . . to its enemies, aka the highest bidder. Or at least for long enough to exterminate its existence. And not so much for any monetary reward. John Alton wants total power and is capable of making it happen. 

A Russian sleeper agent is called up by her government from whom she hasn't heard in eons to meet with Alton in a remote location to assess whether or not what he claims he can do can be done. She is then reluctantly transported back to Russia to give her report. The Russian leadership chooses to ignore his claims and her report of his incredible abilities much like the USA had done in their assessments. 

Much as Alton wants nothing to do with any ISIS goons, he soon realizes they seem to be his only choice. Clever as he is, he senses a trap that results in an involuntary death and two suicides plus overall mayhem at a diner. This leaves him with the second in command of the ISIS contingent sent to participate in the downfall of America and three of his associates. It's definitely an unlikely match, but it's all any of them have to make this happen. 

Mitch and Coleman's team are dispatched to discover who's threatening what, but the resulting mayhem doesn't go well. And following that, the real abilities of this genius are discovered.

What's terrifying in this novel is the apparently fragile thread that is deeply frayed and unraveling within our country's power grid. Rapp and his group along with the retiring president and every alphabet department of the USA including Irene Kennedy and the CIA are facing the huge failings of neglecting the power grid for so long. There do not seem to be any immediate answers, and people are dying or killing each other just to grab whatever they can to survive.

When a discovery of Alton's whereabouts becomes a possibility, Rapp finds out quickly how little is available to help him do what he has to do. The remaining government is in chaos and provisions are limited. 

Total Power is a harrowing adventure against a despicable antagonist with a brilliant brain, but his brain capacity is all wrapped up in his super powers and he fails to note the old adage of "pride comes before the fall".

My two favorite parts of this novel are the scene where Mitch confronts a senator who insists on entering a compound that he doesn't have credentials to enter and Mitch makes it abundantly clear to the senator that he won't be entering, and another scene where Mitch explains to Irene why he's not cut out for a particular approach to a place where Alton might be. What he says to her is priceless. 

In this story Mitch is recognizing once again that his age and occupation have incurred the ever present fate of all kinds of body pain and aches and perhaps the hints of slowing down. His live-in girlfriend and her daughter have become increasingly important to him and that scares him. He's experiencing those life-defining moments more frequently, and they continue to make him uncomfortable. It seems the only emotional place where he can fully be himself is wherever his singular job that's he's done since he was just out of college takes him. It's who he is, and he "owns it". And there are ample opportunities for him to do his job in this story, none more satisfying than his final assignment.

Plenty of profanity in this one. 

 

Father, thank you for this incredible series, for the late great Vince Flynn, and for the talented efforts of Kyle Mills to continue this legacy. May you continue to bless Kyle as he writes and creates, providing all that he needs to tell the stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

  

 

 

 

Sunday's Offerings

 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord 

   than to trust in man.

 

Psalm 118:8 (NIV) 

Author Admiration?

                       

As authors, we admire other authors. As authors, we do our best not to operate in the comparison game. As authors, we can strive for certain characteristics we admire in other authors' writing. As authors, we invariably slip into the "I wish I could write like that" mode but we never say it out loud. As authors, after thinking that, we usually fall into a writing funk. As authors, we then attempt to rebound with a rush and relish of colorful language and magnificent metaphors, or at least we try to do that. As authors, only our habitual need to write forces us to abandon admiration and just attempt to do the best we can. As authors, will we ever be completely satisfied with our work? Completely? As an author: highly unlikely. 

So let me leave you with this interesting quotation: 

     "Admiration is the daughter of ignorance."         

                             Thomas Fuller 

 

Father, I would ask that you would help me to write to the abilities you've given me, that I would not be lazy in using this gift, that I would persevere through the hard parts, and that what I ultimately give way to would make you smile. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday . . . to Now

   

   

That girl and that guy would meet many years later and eventually . . . 

   

. . . they would marry. Now, we're celebrating 42 married years together on this date 09/24/20. (A few more than that together.) Just wow!

 

 

God, you kept us and built us and we owe every year to you. Thank you sounds so terribly small and it is. We are incredibly grateful for your longsuffering and grace and mercy. You're the reason we've come this far. And we simply cannot thank you enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Wednesday Whimsy . . . meme version

 

                                   Okay, let's hit it!

Reading preference(s): Fiction, Non-Fiction, Both (Bible not included as example of non-fiction) Fiction

Genre preference(s): List all that apply. Thrillers, Mystery, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, some Romance/Love Stories   

What genre(s) do you prefer not to read? (And I don't mean the secular "specialty" genres - i.e. porn, etc.) Fantasy, some Speculative, most Sci-fi, Women's Fiction, Chick-lit/Humor 

Do you like taking pictures (doesn't matter of what)? Used to love it, would love to again

Do you mind having your picture taken? Yes

Do you now or did you ever write in a diary or journal? Eons ago: a diary; I have several lovely empty journals (gifts)  

Do you like chocolates? What flavor(s)? Yes: milk and white chocolates

If you could only have one, which would it be: Pie, Cake, Cookie, Candy? Pie

Do you like steak? How do you like it cooked? Love steak. Rare and Medium Rare

What's the farthest distance you've driven from home? (If you don't know the mileage, you can state the city to city.) Renton, Wa. to San Mateo, Ca. - straight through

Do you like bike-riding (not motorcycles)? When I was a kid. Now? No.

Now: do you like to ride motorcycles? What kind? No - I always lean the wrong way as a passenger.

What type of music do you like (i.e rock 'n' roll, country-western, classical, contemporary Christian and/or hymns, smooth jazz, opera, etc.)? List all. Rock 'n' roll (oldies), contemporary Christian and some hymns, smooth jazz, some orchestrations and movie themes 

If you had to go to one, which would you prefer: doctor or dentist? Dentist

What is the one athletic thing you wish you could do but never have? Krav Maga (marital arts)

Have you ever slapped someone across the face? Yes

Do you have an absolute favorite song? Movie? Can't do absolutes here - too many

What is/are your all-time favorite(s) TV series, past or present? Past: JAG & the original Magnum PI; going way back: Fury Present: NCIS, LA, New Orleans

List three favorite beverages. Coca Cola, 2% Milk, Spice Chai Tea

If you could shop for any piece of clothing to enjoy, what would it be? Shoes/Boots

Do you wear jewelry? If so, what do you wear primarily? Not so much anymore. Wedding band; just got a brand new ring from my husband with a "Larimar" stone only found along a single mountainside in the Dominican Republic! (Happy Birthday to me!)

Do you wear a watch? I'm out of the habit, need new batteries for my beautiful watches. : /

Do you have a hobby? What is it? Hmm. Reading is more of a passion than a hobby. 

Are you a smart phone addict? No. 

If you were given your choice of going anywhere in this world, all expenses-paid, with no threat of any disease/terrorism/etc., where would you go? (You may list 3 destinations.) Hawaii - the Big Island, maybe back to Aix en Provence, France, Tuscany, Italy

Have you been on a cruise? Where would you like to go on a cruise? No. Nowhere on water. 

 

Father, thank you for all those things that make our lives unique yet similar. You are the Author of Life and creativity. Amazing God. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

 

Tuesday Tunes

         

Great song, great group. The Four Tops made some good music. 

 

Father, we all need you. Thank you for your musicians and their wonderful talents. May they know who you are and be grateful for what you've given them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Arriving at an . . . Expired Refuge

                             

Lisa Phillips presents Book One in the Last Chance County Series. 

Expired Refuge begins with ATF Special Agent Mia Tathers showing up at her dad's place to heal up from injuries sustained in a take down of a criminal who she was forced to shoot dead. Technically she's on vacation, but her dad's off hunting or something, and she has his house to herself. Not that she's happy to be back in the hometown she couldn't wait to leave. In fact, she can't wait to get away once she's whole and cleared of the necessary shooting. Last Chance County holds bitter memories of her older sister's death and now her younger sister is hooked up with the area's number one dope and weapons peddler (Ed Summers) who both she and the Interim Chief Conroy Barnes hold responsible for the death of her sister Mara back in high school. But really Mia holds Conroy Barnes directly at fault for Mara's death since he was Mara's boyfriend,  and Mia's giant grudge shows no signs of weakening even when Conroy does his best to talk with her about a lot of things. 

Suddenly it seems both of their lives are in immediate danger with an explosion, a home invasion, a terrible attack by a drugged dog, and a kidnapping. Still, Mia bites at Conroy every chance she gets in spite of his efforts to keep her safe which get harder by the minute. Finally they have to put their heads together to figure out exactly which one of them is the target and if it's Ed Summers or someone else behind these deadly attempts. 

Mia's determined not to trust Conroy no matter how hard he tries to keep her safe. Her ATF associates back in Seattle proved to her that her value with them was limited, and since she blames Conroy for Mara's death, it's always in the forefront of her thoughts and reactions. What she doesn't know is critical to adjusting her attitude, and to Conroy's credit, he keeps trying to reach her in spite of her cutthroat words. 

Turns out her younger sister Meena is a mess and certainly can't be trusted. It's painful for Mia to realize, but it's only when she comes to terms with her unforgiveness that she's able to fall back on her Christian values and figure out how to forgive. 

The back and forth drama of the developing relationship between Mia and Conroy is filled with the prickly personality of the ATF Special Agent's stubbornness and determination to do what her physical injuries won't allow her to complete. Her endangerment brings her dad home and causes Conroy more difficulties than he expected. His admiration for her develops into more than he anticipated while taking the jabs she hurls at him repeatedly. 

Expired Refuge is a good story and well written. Perhaps the internal thoughts during critical moments might have interrupted for a bit too long, and the extenuated doubts about motives concerning Conroy seemed a bit misguided, but that didn't take away from the grit and narrative required to provide those intense moments of real danger. Lisa created interesting and unique characters injecting them into a battle of wills and a whole bunch of dangerous episodes. 

 

Father, please continue to bless Lisa and her stories. Fill her up with inspiration and provide what she needs to write for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Sunday's Offerings

 

For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death,

    my eyes from tears,

    my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before the Lord

    in the land of the living.

I believed; therefore I said, 

    "I am greatly afflicted."

And in my dismay I said, 

    "All men are liars."

 

How can I repay the Lord

    for all his goodness to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

    and call on the name of the Lord.

I will fulfill my vows to the Lord

    in the presence of his people.

 

Psalm 116:8-14 (NIV) 

Should I be . . . ?

 

Should I be . . . UNASHAMED? 

You decide. I know who my audience is, and it's not those who prefer what has been referred to as "clean" and/or "innocent", "family-friendly" (not sure exactly what that really means) fiction, or with similar descriptions for the stories. 

Bottom line: I write for adults. Although I portray the world accurately and specifically in my novels, the worst words that will be written out are "hell" and/or "damn" and they're used infrequently. Other cuss words are inferred and implicated because whether we like it or not, care or not, this is how much of the world speaks. It is reality. And if I do nothing else in my writing, I strive to make it authentic. Although there are definite sexual attractions and desires, characters' sexual histories if any or if necessary, there are no graphic sexual scenes in my novels.   

Every novel I've written is classified as Christian Fiction or Inspirational Fiction and rightly so. They are all redemptive. The gospel is an organic part and purpose of the story. It's not negotiable and by that I mean there's no question it's there in differentiation to some novels by Christian authors who write with Christian themes, might mention prayer in an intense scene, or imply faith in the story. Like all the rest of my writing, Christianity is "in your face" at some point. Take it or leave it. 

I do enough things wrong in my life where repentance is absolutely necessary. Most of the heavy duty things - but certainly not all - are in my past. In my opinion, and I'm not saying this with a brazen or self-righteous attitude, my writing is not one of them.

Which is why when it comes to my novels . . . I am UNASHAMED. 

 

Father, you give me every story, every word, every inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Literally: nothing. And thank you is never ever enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday

 

Nothing like a just-turned-20 drama queen practicing "selfies" with her new camera biding her time before her trip to Europe. I debated whether or not to post this one, but in the end it really doesn't matter how silly this young girl was, does it? 

 

God, it would be awhile before you rescued me, but I remember "defending" you (as if I could or needed to) to my "agnostic" friends in London and then almost dying in Aix en Provence, France. You saved my life then and many times since. About 10 years after this photo was taken, you were able to reach through this lost life and redeem me. Thank you is never enough. I love you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday Whimsy - meme style

   

1. Do you put ketchup on hot dogs? Never!

2. Choice of soda? Really? Coca Cola of course. 

3. Do you put salt on your watermelon? No, but my husband does.

4. Can you swim? Sort of.

5. Hot dogs or hamburgers? Both.

6. Favorite type of food? American/Italian/Mexican/Asian  

7. Do you believe in ghosts? Demonic spirits - yes.

8. What do you drink in the morning? Coca Cola first thing.

9. Can you do 100 push ups? Probably never.

10. Summer, Winter, Spring, or Fall? Summer and Fall 

11. Your favorite pet? Horses and dogs. 

13. Do you wear glasses? Cheaters.

14. Do you have any phobias? Heights and bridges.

15. Do you have a nickname? Used to be Nicki

16. Three favorite adult beverages? I could tell you what they used to be - no longer drink alcohol - so I'll pass.

17. Biggest downfall? Yeah, too personal - and, sadly, more than one 

18. Rain or Snow? Neither but we get plenty of rain here in Washington state, and I'm not a fan of snow.

19. Can you change a tire? I know how, but can I? Remains to be seen, but not on my Explorer - couldn't get the spare out! 

20. Favorite flower? Too many to name: roses, dahlias, gardenias to name a few

21. Can you drive a stick? Yes, but I'm far better with it on the floor than on the steering column. 

22. Ever gone sky diving? Nope. (Ever wanted to? Nope.)

23. Kids? 2 sons 

24. Favorite color? Black

25. Favorite movie? Too, too many so I'll go with POTC Curse of the Black Pearl 

26. Can you whistle? Not well.

27. Where were you born? Seattle, Washington

28. Siblings? 1 older brother who's gone from this earth sadly. 

29. Any surgeries? Yes.

30. Shower or bath? Shower 

31. Last song you heard? Probably "Heard It In A Love Song" by The Marshall Tucker Band since I based a character on the "narrator".

32. Broken Bones? Yes.

33. How many TVs in your home? 4

34. Worst pain? Shoulder pain two weeks after heart surgery

35. Do you like to sing? I like to but can't carry a tune

36. Are your parents still alive? No. (Not on earth.)

37. Do you like camping? Not anymore. 

38. What do you enjoy binge watching? NCIS (all three) for one

39. Pumpkin or pecan pie? Hmm. I rarely eat pecan but if it's a good one, it's a tie. 

40. Someone who will play? Bren, maybe Debra, BK? 

 

 

Father, apart from you I can do nothing. And when I am apart from you, it's a disaster. Thank you for every time you've rescued me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

 

He made some great tunes. This was one of my favorites of his. 

 

Father, only you give these great gifts. Thank you for your artists. May they know you are the giver of their talents. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Learning . . . The Truth About Fame

                         

Toni Shiloh presents Book 2 in the Faith & Fortune series: The Truth About Fame. 

Tori Bell (Astoria Bell) is a supermodel. Her parents are famous actors, and her brother is an award winning photographer. It seems Tori has acquired a stalker and her dad requires and hires her a bodyguard. Marcel Fox, who she calls Fox and who calls her Princess, gets on her nerves in spite of his 6' 3" drop dead gorgeous appeal which she chooses to ignore - for the most part - because of his uninvited presence which requires him to take care of her and shepherd her around 24/7. However, when the stalker escalates his threats and causes injury, Fox moves her out of her home which she shares with her two lifelong friends and into a place she least expects to occupy, reducing any possibility her stalker will locate her. 

Toni knows how to write romance, and, yes, this is a "typical" romance, but this time I do not mean it disparagingly. Because the heroine and protagonist share mostly equal parts in this story, it's who they are as people that separates this story from being tiresome or mundane. Well-developed characters with snap, crackle, and pop chemistry between them, a pledge of protection from Fox rocks Tori's pledge to remain man-less. Trust issues plague Tori because of her early and more recent experiences with predator men, but she's forced to place her trust in Fox because of his plan to flush out the stalker. When it works, Tori is forced to rely on her re-commitment to God because it seems her stalker has seen to eliminating her protection.

Tori does show some evidence of living the high life while desiring to be a regular person without really realizing all she's ever known is privilege. She can't help that, but she's kind, pleasant, fun, and giving - except when it comes to her bodyguard. Fox comes from a history of pain, is a man of admirable faith, absolute in his devotion to complete his job no matter what it requires of him. He knows how to push Tori's buttons and selectively takes pleasure in doing so.  

Ultimately, we get the happy ending after Tori realizes that she certainly can trust God and can always count on Fox.

The Truth About Fame is a quick, fun romance with plenty of heat between the two main characters. Well done, Toni!     

 

Father, please continue to meet every need Toni requires to keep writing the stories you have just for her to tell. Bless her in your abundance and keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sunday's Offerings

 

     For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard) - if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

     Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

     They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed - an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey - a beast without speech - who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

     These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity - for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

 

2 Peter 2:4-19 (NIV) 

And Never Forget.

                

One of the most horrible injustices committed by the then leaders of this country. Waiting for the country they served to rescue them, three of them fought to their deaths to defend this country's embassy. And died while politicians slept. 

 

Father, one day we will all face judgment. It won't be pretty for any of us, but for some who reject your Son, it will be exceptionally ugly as they realize their denial of Truth. Help me to always be faithful, thankful beyond my ability to express, and to serve you always. We're desperate for you, Lord, whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Never forget.

                                

9/11 brings images of incredible damage, hardship, death, mayhem, and sacrifice. Loss and mourning. Grisly pictures, scents, sounds. Horror, fear, shock. 

Rescues, testimonies of miracles, professionals at work without hesitation.

Never forget the sorrow of 9/11.

Remember that life can be short or long. Remember that ultimately all of our days are numbered. Live fully.  

Find the One who longs to take you with Him to heaven whenever your life comes to an end. That makes it all more meaningful. 

 

Jesus, you suffered and died to provide the peace between God and man. Took every sin and allowed it be nailed to the Cross with you. All we need to do is believe you gave your life for ours. Confess our sins and give our lives back to you. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday

                   

                                    Originally posted on 01/12/07 

Everyone knows that life can be tough. Miserable for some. Horribly treacherous for others. Some of us cannot imagine the existence some people suffer. Sometimes it’s invisible to us, other times it’s blatant.

I think it’s important to say right here, right now, that without Jesus Christ as our Savior, there is no “happy ending”. Those people who are blessed to go through this life with many creature comforts, relatively few episodes of drama and trauma, yet refuse to acknowledge the sacrifice which ensures their eternal life will be even better than the one they’re living, stand to lose it all. The memory of a fortunate life on planet earth will be so distant amidst the torment of their eternal destination that it simply won’t matter nor will it bring any comfort.

Randy Alcorn wrote a based-on-truth novel called Safely Home. It’s not only an eye-opener to the perils of the underground church, it is a soul-wrencher. You cannot read Safely Home without enduring the pain of acknowledging such bravery and wondering, “Would I be able to do the same?” It crushes you while it inspires you. And it reminds you of eternity.

Many people today see nothing but the flaws in the good ol’ USA, its deterioration, its moral decline. But I try to remember everyday to thank my Lord for allowing me the privilege of living in a country who is struggling to survive in a world gone mad. A country that still has a remnant of those who are willing to fight for what is good and right, whether it involves survival or the war against the demonic slaughter of unborn children. Most citizens have their strong issues to champion. Having been to Europe many years ago and visited several countries, appreciating their ancient beauty and unique structures, I can say without reservation the governments of those countries offer nothing in comparison to ours and in spite of the EU, they are in decline more severely, and have been, for much longer than this country.

All of this has been foretold between the pages of the bestseller of all time: the Bible. The long, large book with the happy ending . . . for some. Not most. For the “peculiar people” who acknowledge and live for the One who gave His life that we could all have a “happy ending” after these “light and momentary troubles”.

Although few things wrap up neat and tidy in our lives, if we love Jesus Christ, they will wrap up happy. In the end. When life on earth says farewell and gives way to life which lasts forever.

So, to sum it up, if you’re writing a novel, at least let your readers know at some point there will be a happy ending. Not a perfect life, not a happy-go-lucky life, not a life of luxury and perfection, but for having known the Savior, there will be a reward. Real and eternal. If you doubt that, read the non-fiction bestseller of all time.

 

Father, thank you for giving us the opportunity to be redeemed, to experience true happiness which alludes us in the lasting sense on planet earth. Born into sin, without hope, doomed to destruction without Jesus Christ and the redemption He provided by sacrificing His life that we might experience a "happy ending". Let me be always faithful. I need more faith, more of you. I need it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

If you could meet . . .

 

If you could meet your favorite novel character, who would it be? You may pick three of each male and female. Go! (Authors, you may not pick your own . . . this time.)

I know I can't get away with not naming mine. So they will be no surprise to most of you, but it's really, really hard to limit the males to just three. Ready? (You know I'm going to have to cheat, don't you?)

Mitch Rapp  Roman Velasco (aka Bobby Ray Dean)  John Milton and Cole "Tox" Russell are tied. 

Raleigh Harmon  Grace Moore  Rachel Hatch and Ham are tied.

Your turn. 

 

Father, please bless your writers/authors. May each one know that you are the giver of all gifts good and perfect. Apart from you, we can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.