Into the Fire

Excerpt . . . again.

   

           This is from my WIP told in first person male voice.

Chapter 7

I’m not a great guy. I’ve been a player of sorts and tried to make it apparent to the women with whom I’d played that my intentions were not for the long term. But, like most of the women I’ve encountered along my disreputable journey, each one, who’d survived beyond that first or second liaison, believed they could change that claim and make me their own. I’d like to think it was because I showed them respect in my advances and was at least partly honest with them in my explanations being sure to assure them it was me, not them. I doubt that worked since most of our departures were, shall I say, unpleasant.

     As I re-showered and changed into my writing clothes, old sweats and socks - without holes this time - and a decent long-sleeved t-shirt, I pondered why my past occupied my current thoughts. Probably because I confessed a piece of the past to my “new-hire”. I seemed to enjoy lying to myself when it came down to analyzing my behavior, but deep down in that place some people call the soul, I knew it was because I was intangibly drawn to my new employee. “Intangibly” because I barely knew her. No surprise she met my physical requirements for a very attractive woman, but I wasn’t so consumed with lust that I failed to notice her character. You can’t fake character. I’ve seen enough in my business attempt it, but what they’d compromise for the love of that almighty dollar always exposed who they really were.

     While I contemplated all of this, I realized I stood motionless in the middle of my bedroom staring toward my large bay windows but seeing nothing. I cussed at myself and headed to my office, determining to shut down this meandering mindset and focus on the manuscript that had me frustrated seven chapters into it with not a clue where to go next. Being one of those seat-of-the-pants authors, I couldn’t force a story to take shape. It didn’t work that way for me, nor would I ever be inclined to change it up now. However, it did produce lulls and stoppages that sometimes gave me fits of frustration and quite often led to bad behavior – almost as if I thought cutting loose would somehow give me fresh inspiration. Inevitably, I’m ashamed to admit, my conduct would lead to even lengthier delays and add substantial folders to my regret files which, unhappily, had multiplied in volume in recent years.

     Or, perhaps, to be completely honest with myself, it had been ongoing since that love I once felt vacated my life a long time ago.

 

Father, you know me. Apart from you, I can do nothing. I treasure the stories you've given me, the words and characters, even the process hard as it might be at times. Please continue to give me what I need to write another novel to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Throwback Thursday

                                                             

One of the best covers I've ever seen, and A Man Called Outlaw is a very good western by K.M. Weiland. I loved this cover so much, I bought a poster of it from K.M. and it hangs in the entryway to our home. 

 

Father, please continue to bless K.M. in all she does. Give her what she needs to do those things that you direct. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday Wanderings . . .

     

The plight of authors is foreign to those who don't write. For readers who don't notice the mechanics of novels and just want to enjoy the story, it simplifies that enjoyment and/or the disappointment - whatever the case may be. The multitude of readers with different tastes in novels explains the necessity for multiple genres, styles, and lengths of novels. 

However, arriving at those stories is often a scintillating journey for the author or a feeling of crash and burn with significant injuries in the process. Some stories are definitely harder to write than others. When I attempted my one and only mystery Race, it felt like the latter for me. When I wrote Then . . . you, it felt like the former. Two very different processes. At the end of both, the results were rewarding and satisfying in different ways. 

I'm working on a new one now. Being a seat-of-the pants author, I rarely know where the story is going in the beginning - other than I know it will develop into a love story. But, like the reader, I meet my characters as I go even when I have a "feeling" for who they're going to be or some things they might be going to do. They can be very good at surprising me, often veering significantly off course from where I thought they were headed. In that regard it can be exciting to "see" their experiences.

A problem I'm facing early on in this current WIP is a rather climactic moment for the protagonist, and I'm thinking this is happening way too soon. How am I going to get around this problem? There are some very vague ruminations going on in my mental images, but I don't know if they're "for real". Yet. So, I notice as things similar to this happen in my stories, I hide from them. Yes, I figure out how to waste time or even be productive in other areas. Away from my story. Pretending I have these other things to do. Reassuring myself that it's just a break. Take it. Chill. Relax. You'll figure it out. 

That's exactly where my Wednesday Wanderings are taking me today . . .

 

Father, thank you for every word, every inspiration, every time you help me bring a story to completion. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Tuesday Tunes

     

This is a beautiful song sung by so many artists (Barbra Streisand, Katharine MacPhee, Carrie Underwood). I picked one I'd never heard of, but they all do it justice. 

 

Father, you are the giver of good and perfect gifts. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Monday Musings . . .

         

Above is a photograph of a small bookstore in London. It's not exactly what I'm picturing, but it'll do for the purpose of this post. I would really enjoy owning a bookstore. However, unlike many bookstores, particularly those that specialize in Christian literature of all kinds, my policies would be considerably different. 

To start with, there would be no returns on books, especially because the purchaser "didn't like it". Perhaps you've seen those signs in stores where fragile items were on display: "You break it, you buy it". Well, in my bookstore: You buy it, you own it. It would be posted, visible, and the cashiers would remind customers of the fact that there are no returns, all sales are final. 

My store would primarily be an outlet for Christian Fiction, but I would have one section for general market thrillers/mysteries/suspense which would also specify and give fair warning that there would no doubt be profanity between the covers of those novels, again emphasizing no returns. 

Thirdly, there would be little if any paraphernalia besides books. No jewelry, no nick-nacks, maybe a few empty crosses - hopefully crafted by a local talent, and no large paintings. 

There would be a few versions of Bibles and study Bibles but not all "translations". Very few if any "self-help" books and no Bible Study books.

I would hope to have warehouse space in order to have the purchasing power to offer lower retail prices. 

Indie authors would be welcome for book signings/appearances with their novels fitting right in - alphabetically of course - at their genre-designated sections. 

I might have a coffee/tea/etc. bar. 

I would probably keep the name as simple as the inventory. Feel free to submit your ideas for names. Right now I'm thinking I'd call it "The Bookstore". 

Yeah, I'd enjoy that. 

 

Father, thank you for the wonder of all that you've given us. Thank you for your wonderful authors who give you the recognition for their work. May each one with the talent to write know or learn from whom their abilities come. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

Sunday's Offerings

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. 

To the Church in Pergamum

"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

     These are the words of Him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live -- where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city --where Satan lives.

     Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

     He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it." 

 

Revelation 1:20 and Revelation 2:12-17 (NIV) 

 

 

Friday Five

                                             

Five things you would eat every day if you could justify it: 

Pie, Pie, Pie, Pie, Pie - oh, wait, I'll think of four more. 

Cheesecake 

French Fries

Pasta

Steak 

(Probably pretty obvious why I can't justify my list for everyday eating.)

How 'bout you?

 

Father, thank you for the elaborate food choices from all over your creation. Amazing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Throwback Thursday

           

Taken in Rome, Italy, by my traveling friend. We stayed in at night and took pictures to pass the time. Two American girls on a big adventure. Amazing trip. 

We worked and saved for a year after our first year at the University of Washington. I talked her into going, and we did it! Traveled to Europe and Great Britain. She caught the traveling bug and went back to see all the things we missed on our nearly 3-month adventure. 

 

Father, you watched over us and protected us, and I can't thank you enough for all the things you did for me before I met your Son. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Too "this" and Too "that"

   

Some of you probably don't know I made the efforts to go the traditional publishing route (nor do you care) for a few years. What I eventually discovered after discussions with some editors at the Christian writers' conferences I attended was this: My work is too Christian for the general market and too "raw" for the Christian market. The latter assumption is the one I feel is unreasonable. It's an assumption by Christian publishers that has always bothered me. 

I know there are those out there in "trad publishing" who've actually said, "If it's good enough, it'll get published [by trad publishers]." 

That implies that those of us who've chosen the indie way to get our work out there are on a lower level and the only way we'll see our words between two covers is to do it ourselves. There were and still are those novels out there in indie land that qualify for this evaluation. But, surprise, surprise, there are those novels in traditional publishing that qualify for that evaluation as well. 

Bottom line, I do it my way. Neither way is easy. Neither way guarantees "success", but at least in today's publishing network, indie authors have gained some hard-earned respect. That's a good thing. 

 

Father, you lead the way. May I always follow your directions. I know I fail miserably at times, but my desire is to obey. Thank you is never enough. I'm always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

   

                               

One of my absolute favorite smooth jazz musicians. Amazing talent. Another incredibly unique thing about him is his ability to make his music define the titles of his songs. It's like each one is perfectly titled. That's a gift, and he's got it. A wealth of it. 

 

Father, thank you for the beauty in music. Thank you for those you've gifted with that ability to reproduce it. May each one know from whom their incredible talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Rebel Writer

                                           

Not intentionally, I've become a rebel in Christian Fiction. And I've yet to find my audience. Yes, I have those who read my work. And they actually enjoy it. Perhaps that makes them rebel readers.  

Why "rebel"? Well, the current (for the past five or ten years, maybe longer) trendy label for Christian works of romance, cozy mysteries, regular mysteries, and suspense has been "clean". Notably because you can't really count on "clean" literature from general market/secular fiction in any genre including those geared to young people. The ominous cuss words, profanity, swearing, often graphic descriptions of sexual acts and encounters, etc., will often appear in non-Christian novels. So Christian fiction adopted the "clean" label to mark the difference between the two markets. The rebel in me figures that label implies unnecessary restrictions in those stories. 

I in no way want to read - or write - graphic descriptions of sexual encounters. I've read enough secular literature to be disgusted and skip the pages of those descriptions or bag the books in which they appear because they contribute zero to the story - and if the story isn't strong enough to make me continue, that book is history and goes unfinished. 

Having said that, I do believe in the reality of sexual temptation. Yes, even among Christians. I think it's an important factor in a love story or the romance genre. Especially for Christians. And that is where I differ from many Christian readers and authors. I've spoken with many women, young and old, along my life's journey. Those who were raised in the church, those who fell away for a season, and those who came to know Jesus later in their lives - as I did, after all the ugly mistakes, the sinful ways, the wrong decisions, etcetera. The experiences are all unique, some much harder, some much sadder than others. 

I write for those readers who love inspirational fiction and aren't afraid to see the raw aspects of falling in love, the tantalizing temptation of sexual attraction, the beauty of experiencing romance, all addressed with the contrast of that experience in the world compared to it under God's direction clearly in evidence in the story. I've thought Christian readers would expect and enjoy the characters and the struggles that challenge their love and romance. I write what I want to read. Apparently, that makes me a rebel writer and a rebel reader. 

If my design for the Christian fiction I write of the love stories heavy on the romance with the aforementioned contrast portrayed realistically appeals to you, try one my novels and discover if you're an undisclosed "rebel reader" too. 

Raw  Romantic  Redemptive

Writing love stories with a passion.  

 

Father, thank you for each book, every inspiration, everything. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

To the church in Smyrna

"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 

     These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty - yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

     He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." 

 

Revelation 1:20 and Revelation 2:8-11 (NIV) 

Excerpt . . . again.

       

From my novel Seeing . . . 

From the middle of Chapter One

He stared into the mirror above the sink, willing himself back to the present by focusing on his expression—clearing the evident sadness out of his eyes. It wasn’t that he wanted to forget any of it, even the grief. It’s that it was so long ago and he was just now desirous of moving on. To who knows where but somewhere else besides the gloom of sorrow’s place etched forever in his mind by the memory of his first and only too-short-lived love.

     “Lord,” he whispered as another man entered the restroom.

     A simultaneous nod and Micah exited. 

     He scanned the restaurant portion of the truck stop, noting the booth where he usually parked himself was occupied, so he sauntered over to the quieter side of the room and planted his now weary frame on the bumpy red vinyl seat. He picked up the menu from behind the condiment holder just to make sure he wouldn’t change his mind about what he planned to eat. A new breakfast special teased his hunger, and he couldn’t resist it. Before he closed the menu, a cup of black coffee was set on the table with three small cream containers. 

     “Thanks, Ros—” he started to say as he slipped the menu back in its place.

     Sexual abuse.

     “Not over here. This is my section,” the girl from outside the entrance said good-naturedly. “Rosie told me you take cream with your coffee.”

     Her eyes were a pale blue with little expression in them in spite of the smile. Always when his eyes connected with certain strangers, it happened. Nothing to foretell it. Just the information. Concise. Sometimes chilling, as this was. He looked at her nametag pinned above her left breast on the short-sleeved red and white striped uniform blouse. 

     “Bonita,” he said aloud. “Thank you.”

     Her eyes dropped slightly. “Crazy name, I know. My mom thought I was a pretty baby. She stuck me with it.”

     “It fits,” he said kindly with no flirtation.

     The girl had lived long past blushing, but she seemed to appreciate his comment, perhaps surprised there seemed to be no agenda attached to it. “Maybe once upon a time.  Not so much anymore. Now, what can I getcha?” She managed another smile.

     “The special, please. Eggs over easy. Skip the sausage. A tall glass of milk and please keep the coffee comin’.”

     “Got it. Rosie said your name’s Micah.”

     “That’s right.”

     “Is it short for Michael?”

     “No. Just Micah. Named after a biblical prophet,” he offered for explanation, more to see her reaction than for any other reason.

     “Huh. Like the guys who predict the end of the world and stuff?” she asked, no sarcasm.

     “Well, yeah, they did do that, but they also told of how and where God’s Son would come to earth and offer salvation.”

     “And that would be Jesus?” she asked with the hint of a smile.

     “That would be Him.” Micah smiled back. 

     “I’ll go place your order, Micah.”

     It wasn’t easy knowing such intimate details about strangers, but he’d learned from experience it was the way the Lord required him to pray for people. There were a few whose names he never got to know—just how to pray for them. Until the time came when the Lord let the burden pass on to someone else he supposed. 

     The coffee pouring into his cup brought him back to the present tense.

     “Sleepy?” Bonita asked.

     “Yeah, maybe a little.” He gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks,” he said as she pulled three more creams out of her pocket. 

     When he glanced up at her, coffee pot in hand, he strained to keep his face expressionless as flashes of the terror and pain on her face at a much younger age zipped through his mind. “I’m sorry,” he said without meaning to.

     “What? You’re sorry? About what?” she asked, confused.

     He scrambled for logic. “Oh, uh, you know, not very talkative. That’s all.”

     She laughed. “No problem. Sometimes there’s just nothin’ to say, you know?”

     “Yeah, you’re right.” 

     “I’ll have your order in a coupla minutes.”

     “Thanks.” 

     The place had gotten busy during his reflections. Hungry truck drivers and a few of the townsfolk who knew where to come to get a good breakfast. The food here was good.  Especially the breakfasts. Whoever their morning cooks were, they knew how to make the selections just the way you ordered them.

     He sipped on his coffee and wondered why the Lord had allowed him to see this girl’s pain so vividly. That was a new twist to these revelations, and it took him by surprise, threw him off guard.

 

Lord, apart from you, I can do nothing. So I thank you for every story, every word, for sustaining me through each book. You're amazing. Please continue to help me be the one you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus.

News Is Bitter/Sweet

         

Those of you who've kept up with the Mitch Rapp Series since Vince Flynn passed away in 2013, recognize Kyle Mills in the above picture. The article attached to the link of Kyle's name reveals he is leaving the series and being replaced by thriller author Don Bentley, whose second book in his Matt Drake Series is reviewed here.

A character in a previous one of his novels has surfaced in Kyle's literary life and must supersede all else at this time. Because of this, he's passing the torch to Don with all other series personnel intact to continue the amazing and iconic life of Mitch Rapp. Kyle concludes his journey with Rapp with much appreciation from his fans for a job well done. He didn't let us down when he undertook this huge endeavor. And for that reason, we give him our sincere thanks and applaud the job he did. He will be missed for his personal touch to all that the series entailed, i.e. the newsletters, responses to fans, book signings, podcasts, etc. 

We fans welcome Don to the daunting task of continuing the stories of Rapp, knowing he's stepping into the challenge with the background and writing chops necessary to further our fascination and love for Mitch Rapp and all that he does. 

Goodbyes are rarely fun, but often they can be appreciated when those that leave go positively into what they need to do. We wish Kyle the best with his future novels as we greet and welcome Don Bentley to the huge sphere of waiting Mitch Rapp fans. 

Code Red is the final installment by Kyle Mills. Pre-order here.

 

Father, bless these men in their writing endeavors. Guide them, protect them, and continue to make yourself apparent to them as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

               

The Eagles had so many hits, so many great songs. This is just one of them to keep with the love theme. Hope you enjoy it. 

 

Father, no one can give the gifts of creativity except you. Thank you for the beauty, music, and all manner of gifts and talents. May each one at some point recognize from whom these wonderful talents come. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

 

 

Inside . . . The Outside Man

                         

The Outside Man by Don Bentley is the second book in the Matt Drake Series. 

For me, there are a few qualifications for espionage/political/military thrillers: solid heroes (or heroines or both), action-packed, necessary violence, wicked antagonist(s), and a fast pace. Usually, these kinds of thrillers have those unbelievable, unfathomable, illogical, and impossible moments. Can't be helped and unless you, the reader, are or has been in Spec Ops, CIA, even law enforcement, or are weapons specialists, etc., then it's probably best if you don't mention these "implausibles" in the story in your review because what the people in these professions have seen and done in unthinkable situations is no doubt in some cases stranger than fiction - and even physics. 

Having described what I expect from thrillers, Don Bentley managed to include them all in a horror story of sex-trafficking, betrayals, and rescues that never should have happened. While Matt Drake drives down a street in Austin, Texas, a team of assassins come after him. Managing to survive the attack while convincing a stroller-pushing mom he's the good guy in the mess, and watching them gun down a young cop, naturally he wants to know who wants him dead. Former Army Ranger who's worked lots of clandestine ops, Matt's managed to accumulate enemies, but at present he's out of the game with some evidence of PTSD - until this happens. 

Finding the culprit of the assassination attempt leads him to the Middle East after a disturbing anniversary dinner with his wife (Laila). After calling on an old informant who he assumed was his friend, now a highly successful Syrian smuggler (Zain), things take an unexpected turn but expose "The Devil" who assigned the attack back home. Turns out The Devil needs something from Drake (or Drake would be dead) and what he holds as leverage for Drake to do the job shocks him to his core. 

Three quarters of The Outside Man rushes at the reader, leading Matt Drake into one race after another against death for him and others close to him at breakneck speed. If it could go wrong, it did. Time and time again. And yet . . . the conclusion is not a cliffhanger in the truest sense, but it does leave the basis for a satisfying hope to come along in the next novel(s). 

I did appreciate the accurate Bible references. A refreshing change from most thriller characters even while establishing that this character was not a Christian man of faith. 

(Profanity present.) 

 

Father, you give talents and gifts generously. May each one know from whom their talents and gifts come. Please bless Don for using his. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday's Offerings

The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

To the Church in Ephesus

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

       These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

       Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

       He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."

 

Revelation 1:20 and Revelation 2:1-7 (NIV)

 

 

Excerpt . . . again.

       

Going back in time to The Famous One written as a fictional biography. A piece from the chapter titled "Different Endings".

     Joey got in trouble in his gym class for hiding the most popular kid’s tennis shoes. He told the teacher he hadn’t done it, but the teacher didn’t believe him because Larry Miller was the best athlete in the class, and he told the teacher he thought he saw Joey looking at his shoes while Larry was headed to the bathroom. Joey had hidden the kid’s shoes because he’d heard him bullying Trey the day before. Joey had tossed them over the fence at the far end of the playground where there was a large patch of overgrown brush and blackberry bushes that stood about three-feet high. The shoes were an expensive brand, and Joey never retrieved them or gave up their location. As far as he knew, no one ever found them, but it earned him a trip to the principal’s office.

      “So, Joey, do you have anything to say about this?” Mr. Welch asked, seated on the corner of his large desk with his hands folded.

      “I didn’t do it,” he lied.

      “Well, do you have any idea who might have?”

      “Could’ve been anyone.”

      “Why do you say that?”

      “Miller’s a jerk. There are all kinds of kids who don’t like him.”

      “I see. Any of these kids in your gym class?”

      “Sure.”

      “But you have no personal knowledge of which one might’ve hidden his shoes.”

      “That’s right.”

      “You know, Joey, those particular shoes will be quite expensive to replace,” Mr. Welch said thoughtfully.

     “So? Kind of doesn’t matter, really, you know? I mean, a guy loses his shoes, he’s got no shoes. It’d be hard for anyone to replace their shoes, don’t ya think?” Joey asked cleverly.

      Mr. Welch stared at Joey with an expression of both understanding and concern for the young man who he could see had already acquired an edge and the beginning of a cynical attitude. “Good point, Joey. Well, since no one can verify that it was you who hid the shoes for certain, you are free to go. However, just in case you did hide the shoes—and hear me out, I’m sure you would’ve done so with a motive that you felt was justified—there are always consequences to wrong actions. They just don’t always happen right away, and sometimes they do more damage to the inside of a person than to the outside. Now I’d prefer not to see you in my office again for anything of this nature. Fair enough?”

      “Yeah, okay.”

      Joey never told a soul—not even Trey—that he had done the deed until much later in his adult life. When he and Trey and Kelsey walked home from school, Trey asked him all about the meeting with Mr. Welch. Joey shrugged it off, saying it was no big deal.

      “But, Joey, everybody says you did it, and some of the kids think it’s really cool,” Trey said excitedly.

      “Well, it wasn’t me, so I guess I’m not so cool, huh?” Joey smiled briefly.

      “Joey,” Trey said confidently, “you’ll always be cool.”

      Joey looked over at Trey with a little surprise and embarrassment and then resumed looking down at the sidewalk as they approached Trey’s and Kelsey’s houses.

      “See ya in about 15 minutes,” Trey said as he crossed the small lawn to the two steps that led to his front door.

                             

 

Father, only you know what's best for me. Only you give me words and inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Throwback Thursday

Going way back to some of the best days of my youth: camping with my BFF's family at Sun Lakes State Park. We had such fun. 

 

Lord, thank you for my friends and the blessings of growing up with them. You protected us and watched over us until the day we individually met you at different times in our lives. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

The Enormity of Redemption

   

Definition:

an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed

deliverance; rescue

Theology: deliverance from sin; salvation.

atonement for guilt

repurchase, as of something sold

paying off, as of a mortgage, bond, or note

 

RAW  ROMANTIC  REDEMPTIVE 

 

The enormity of the message is unclear to those who choose not to embrace the existence of the triune God. To those who believe mankind is inherently good, there is little that another human being can do to convince them otherwise, to explain that their belief is a fallacy and their need to be redeemed from the sin they're born into is actual and necessary for a heavenly eternity. It truly is an "act of God" to turn those who are lost in sin away from their lifestyles because they fail to notice, care, or attempt to right their wrongs. No amount of practiced understanding, empathy, communication, and/or warnings will move them away from their godless thinking. It takes the Holy Spirit to move upon them with dire conviction of their dilemma. Without Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they face eternal damnation. They will either scoff at their guilt and ignore it, or they will succumb to considering whether or not that message could be true. 

 

In Christian Fiction, authors choose to reveal the conundrum of the gospel either in a good vs. evil drama or whatever means they employ to tell their stories in whatever genres they choose. Some authors write "Jesus-lite" in that the reader might not even see His Name in the story. There are simple references to prayer with little else relating directly to Christian faith. Other authors make an effort to organically present the good vs. evil theme with their characters having to make the choice to do good based on their Christian faith.

 

This is where the readers might take sides. Some accuse authors of being "too Christian" and other readers attack the authors for being outside their doctrinal demands. Traditional publishing houses make their own requirements for their authors, catering to the bulk of their readers. Independent/self/vanity publishing normally has less restrictions simply because their authors incur all expenses for publishing their own work.  

 

Above you see my tagline in bold red print. My work is "raw-er" than most traditionally published work. I've explained why in previously published posts. It's definitely romantic without ever being graphic. But the most important factor in my stories is the message of redemption. Through the mire of life, redemption is available. 

 

If you are a reader of Christian Fiction, and you enjoy love stories and/or romance, and you don't mind raw realism in the drama and dance of love, I will suggest you try one of my novels to see if it appeals to you. You will experience the beauty and power of redemption within the pages. 

 

 

Lord, thank you for my redemption, for rescuing me from myself. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.