Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 58
March 12, 2012
A New Spin On An Old Tale
I love children's stories old or new and was pleasantly surprised when I read Judi Chesshir's story, My Finny Fin Fin.
My Finny Fin Fin is a retelling of The Three Little Pigs with a big bad
shark instead of a big bad wolf and three little dolphins instead of
three little pigs. I love this version of an old tale reborn and was
even more impressed when I read along with the sensational audio
version. Such an interesting story caused me to want to know more about
the author; and it is my hope you will enjoy finding out more about Judi as well.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself such as where you hail from and how many children's books you have had published.
I
am a mother to two wonderful boys and a wife to a drummer. I teach 2nd
graders during the day and market my book at night. I can't claim one
spot as my home while growing up. We moved around a lot every time my
dad was promoted in his job. By the time I was 17, I had moved 19
times. I feel like I grew up in California though; I lived there during
part of my high school years and most of my close friends are from that
time in my life.
What made you decide to write for Children/YA age groups? Are you currently working on anything else?
I
wasn't planning on writing a children's book. My dream was to write a
novel, but God had other plans for me. I needed a compare & contrast
lesson for "The Three Little Pigs." We had studied that story the week
before. I didn't have time to run to the library, so I wrote a story in
front of my class. I chose dolphins and a shark as my main characters,
since those animals were what my students enjoyed learning about
earlier. I let the students decide what happened to the dolphins. They
chose to follow the original version of "The Three Little Pigs." After
the story was finished, we compared it to "The Three Little Pigs." Then I
placed it onto an online writing portfolio. The public was able to view
the story. People commented that I should get this story published, so I
decided I should try. A few months later, I had a contract sitting on
my doorstep from the publisher and I was thrilled. I'm not currently
working on another book. My goal right now is to learn how to market
this book first and then I will work on another one.
What were some of your favorite books as a child?
I enjoyed reading fairy tales. I loved the made up stories and how anything could happen in them.
Do you have any humorous stories to tell about being an author or dealing with the public?
I
found myself smiling when my students had finished listening to the
audio of my story. Then they read out loud with a partner. I noticed
that some of them were using different voices for the shark and
dolphins. I thought that was so cute, since I didn't tell them to do
that.
What do you find the most difficult aspect of being an author and what advice would you give perspective authors?
The
hardest part about being an author is trying to get my book known.
There are so many books out there that it is hard to let the public know
it even exists. I have been spending lots of time on the internet to
try and tell others about my book and where to get it. I have found that
word of mouth, book reviews, and book signings seem to be the best way
to get my book known so far. My advice to any new author is to not give
up. If you have a dream of publishing a book, then do anything you can
to make it come true. There are different options for publishing. You
can go the agent route, find a publisher on your own, or even self
publish. Just find the one that fits you best.
What accomplishment are you most proud of (literary or otherwise)?
I
am proud to say that I have been a teacher for over 20 years. I have
had the pleasure of teaching writing to lots of children almost daily. I
also get to teach reading as well. Both of those are my favorite things
to do, so I hope I inspire the students that I teach.
What do you think causes a book to stand the test of time?
A story that captures a child's imagination and is well known will be around for a long time.
What hobbies or interests do you have besides writing?
I enjoy hiking, traveling, and reading. All of these activities take me into a different place where I can have adventures.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about such as awards or your website address?
I am happy to say that my book will be featured in the "50 Greatest Authors You Should Be Reading, 2011-2012 edition,"
by the Author's Show. A contest was held and the public voted on the
authors they were interested in and I was thrilled to be included. can
find out more about this book at: http://www.theauthorsshow.com/
My book will also be featured in "Taste and See First Chapters Book," by John 3:16 Marketing Network.
My book is available in paperback & e-book from:
Tate Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Nobel
You can order autograph copies & hard covers from me by contacting me on my website
My
Finny Fin Fin, paperback or hard covers also come with a free audio
download on the last page, so the books can be put on a phone, computer,
iPod, Nook, and Kindle.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 10, 2012
Sundays with Kristi - Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
I want it and I want it right now!
How often have we heard (or said) those words. Microwaves, weight loss pills, smart phones and so many other devices all promise immediate results. Why? Because people want what they want and they want it now.
Patience seems to go against our very nature. Right from birth, babies aren't exactly patient when they have a need they want met. So why do we need to bother with patience? Patience is a characteristic of God and is another facet of the Fruit of the Spirit that we are to display in our lives daily. (You can check out the others we've discussed already by clicking on the "Sunday" tab above.)
Despite our natural tendencies, the Bible is full of examples of people who displayed patience, not to mention God Himself. In order to figure out what patience is, let's start by looking at what patience is not.
Anger and Worry
When we don't get what we want when we want it, typically one of two things happen. First, we can get angry. We can get really upset and mad that things are not going our way. A second response is to start worrying. We can find ourselves worrying and nervous and having anxiety trying to figure out how a situation is going to resolve itself. The Bible talks about both of
these in Psalm 37.
"Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil doing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land." Psalm 37:8-9.
Anger and worry are not sinful, but according to these verses, they can lead to sin. If we allow ourselves to embrace anger and worry too often, we will ultimately find ourselves doing something that we ought not to do. However, according to that verse, if we wait for the Lord, we will not only avoid anger and worry, but will also inherit God's promises.
Walking and Not Being Weary
So what happens when we decide that we're going to be patient and wait on the Lord? Isaiah discusses this.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31
When we make the decision to be patient and wait on God, God gives us new strength. However, I find this verse interesting because it starts with flying, then goes to running and walking. It sounds backwards to me, yet if you think about it, that is actually how it happens in real life. Think about this scenario.
"You're in a tough situation, you want out of it and you know that God's promised to bring you through it. You make a choice that instead of getting angry about it, you're going to trust God and wait on Him and His timing. You sense His strength in and through you; you are flying high through the first few days, knowing that at any minute, God is going to come through. The days turn into weeks, you're still sure that God is going to come through. He's brought you this far through it, so you're still going to be able to keep running along. But when the weeks turn into months or years, that's when you really need the strength of God to fill you even to just keep walking day by day. You remember His promise, hope in Him, and wait for Him to act. That's when you're walking and through God's strength, you walk without growing weary."
For me, I've been in those situations and certainly continue on and there are days I walk better than others. Some days I will lose track, lose patience, and my walking turns more into stumbling because I don't have the strength I need. Other days I'm focused on God and His plan for me and
I have His strength to walk. I am learning to wait on Him.
My Father, day by day, moment by moment, I consciously choose to wait on You so that I will have the strength I need to be able to walk the path You have laid out before me. I want to follow Your plans and I will abandon my anger and my worry, knowing that they do not lead me to wait on You.
RESPONSE:
How about you? Have you felt that flying sensation of making that initial decision to trust God with a particular situation, only to lose hope or get angry when God's response doesn't happen immediately? Are you giving in to anger and worry, or are you walking without getting weary?
May you live out His Word today!
Kristi Burchfiel
Check out my daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pageLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
How often have we heard (or said) those words. Microwaves, weight loss pills, smart phones and so many other devices all promise immediate results. Why? Because people want what they want and they want it now.
Patience seems to go against our very nature. Right from birth, babies aren't exactly patient when they have a need they want met. So why do we need to bother with patience? Patience is a characteristic of God and is another facet of the Fruit of the Spirit that we are to display in our lives daily. (You can check out the others we've discussed already by clicking on the "Sunday" tab above.)
Despite our natural tendencies, the Bible is full of examples of people who displayed patience, not to mention God Himself. In order to figure out what patience is, let's start by looking at what patience is not.
Anger and Worry
When we don't get what we want when we want it, typically one of two things happen. First, we can get angry. We can get really upset and mad that things are not going our way. A second response is to start worrying. We can find ourselves worrying and nervous and having anxiety trying to figure out how a situation is going to resolve itself. The Bible talks about both of
these in Psalm 37.
"Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret, it leads only to evil doing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land." Psalm 37:8-9.
Anger and worry are not sinful, but according to these verses, they can lead to sin. If we allow ourselves to embrace anger and worry too often, we will ultimately find ourselves doing something that we ought not to do. However, according to that verse, if we wait for the Lord, we will not only avoid anger and worry, but will also inherit God's promises.
Walking and Not Being Weary
So what happens when we decide that we're going to be patient and wait on the Lord? Isaiah discusses this.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31
When we make the decision to be patient and wait on God, God gives us new strength. However, I find this verse interesting because it starts with flying, then goes to running and walking. It sounds backwards to me, yet if you think about it, that is actually how it happens in real life. Think about this scenario.
"You're in a tough situation, you want out of it and you know that God's promised to bring you through it. You make a choice that instead of getting angry about it, you're going to trust God and wait on Him and His timing. You sense His strength in and through you; you are flying high through the first few days, knowing that at any minute, God is going to come through. The days turn into weeks, you're still sure that God is going to come through. He's brought you this far through it, so you're still going to be able to keep running along. But when the weeks turn into months or years, that's when you really need the strength of God to fill you even to just keep walking day by day. You remember His promise, hope in Him, and wait for Him to act. That's when you're walking and through God's strength, you walk without growing weary."
For me, I've been in those situations and certainly continue on and there are days I walk better than others. Some days I will lose track, lose patience, and my walking turns more into stumbling because I don't have the strength I need. Other days I'm focused on God and His plan for me and
I have His strength to walk. I am learning to wait on Him.
My Father, day by day, moment by moment, I consciously choose to wait on You so that I will have the strength I need to be able to walk the path You have laid out before me. I want to follow Your plans and I will abandon my anger and my worry, knowing that they do not lead me to wait on You.
RESPONSE:
How about you? Have you felt that flying sensation of making that initial decision to trust God with a particular situation, only to lose hope or get angry when God's response doesn't happen immediately? Are you giving in to anger and worry, or are you walking without getting weary?
May you live out His Word today!
Kristi Burchfiel
Check out my daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pageLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
How Can I Know for Sure?
More than once this week I have been asked, "How can I know for sure that this ministry (or job) I feel led to do is God's calling instead of just my own desire?" This is a good question and one which I myself have asked regarding my own ministry. It is not uncommon for those who have been called to a particular ministry or vocation to question occasionally whether or not they are indeed doing what they believe God has called them to do. The Bible tells us that God does indeed have a good plan for each of us. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). But how do we determine what that plan or purpose is, and how do we determine if it is God's plan or simply our own desire? I believe that in many cases, the two can be closely related.
In Psalms 37:4 we are told to "take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." When we wholeheartedly seek a more intimate relationship with God through the study of his Word and prayer, not only does he give us a glimpse into what matters to him but he also begins to align our desires with his own desires for us. As we allow him to conform us more and more into his image, he begins to shape us to fulfill his purposes in our lives. We begin to recognize the ways God has gifted us to serve him. As we operate in those gifts, God begins to use us and we begin to recognize his call and purpose for our lives. Some people may have a greater sense and see a more immediate manifestation of God's call than we do. But that in no way minimizes God's call for us, or our ministry to him and those around us.
It has only been in the past few years that God has revealed his calling on my life to encourage others with the truths of Scripture and to show its relevance in our daily lives. That didn't happen overnight but rather through a series of vocations, challenges, and seasons of my life which collectively worked to birth a passion for his Word and ministry. My speaking and writing ministry is unique to me. God did not call me to be a Beth Moore or Kay Arthur but rather the best me I can be. He confirms my calling through the encouragement I receive from those he has used me to encourage. For every word of affirmation, however, Satan hurls a dart of doubt at my shield, hoping to disarm me with discouragement.
The only way we can know God's calling for sure is to step out in faith and walk into the unknown with the assurance that God will show us the way when and as he sees fit. In the twelfth chapter of Genesis God called a man named Abram to follow him and promised that he would bless Abram in some pretty amazing ways. But God didn't give Abram any specifics in terms of which way to go. God merely said, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you" (v. 1). That's it. Just "go." "So Abram went" (v. 4). "Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).
If you feel called by God for a specific purpose, don't base your assurance of that calling on what you can see with your earthly eyes. Instead, believe with your heart that God has called you, step out in faith even though you can't see how God will accomplish his purpose, and know that God is with you to show you the way. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21). God will either direct you or redirect you to ensure that you walk in his will.
*********
To submit your question for "Dear Dee Dee", please email it to deedeewike@gmail.com orwrite to us at: Dee Dee Wike, PO Box 193, Collierville, TN 38027-0193.
*********Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 9, 2012
Old Fashioned or Not? - Poll
eReaders. Do you love them or hate them?
I know quite a few people that love their reader device. There's so many to choose from; Nook, Kindle, Sony, Kobo, iPad, etc. I like to read, I even have a couple different readers. But I'm not so sure I like them. Now, this post isn't to get anyone all in a tizzy, I'm simply telling you what I think (plus, asking for your thoughts) So please answer the poll below! :) Win-win, right?
My Pros:
- They save on my bookshelf space. Only the signed or my favorites even stay on my shelves anymore. I'm simply running out of room! :)
- Less paper waste ~ don't get me wrong. I'm not a hard-nosed advocate of everything green as I think everything needs to have balance. Too much on one side isn't good, but I do like the idea of less waste. (I can still hear my mother's voice now: "Waste not, want not!" I love my mom!) :)
- Cheaper ~ sometimes. Ok let me vent for a moment. I format the interior of paperbacks as well as for various readers. Why in the world are there eBooks out there for $100?! Good night! I shudder to think...
Here's what one reader said on Amazon for an ebook that was $16:
This book is too expensive for a Kindle book. I have never bought a book from Kindle costing more that 9.95 and will not.
I would like to read this book and the others in the triogy but not at 16.00 a pop.
And this isn't the first I've seen or heard.
But I digress.
My Cons:
- After a few hours of reading on either of my devices, my eyes are completely batty. Not just for a few minutes. The rest of the DAY. Hello! I can't read before driving because it would hinder my ability. Sheesh! I can see it now: (I'm sorry officer. I didn't mean to run over that nice Granny. I just didn't know which one to avoid as there were TWO...) I had thought it was my device because of back-lighting, so I got a different one. Nope. My eyes do the same for the paper ink, too. I guess my eyes are sensitive.
- Limited to where I can take my device for multiple reasons.
A) I know some women who put their readers in their purse, or they have this cutesy little bag (that alone is enticing!) but I hesitate. I have enough baggage to haul around. I don't want to add to the bulk! :)
B) Bragging. Now this one sounds kind of dumb, but to me it's important. I have no desire to 'show off' what I have by carrying around my little toys. (The story about King Hezekiah showing the Babylonians the treasures of Israel comes to mind.) What I have is my business. I don't need to proclaim it to the world, right?
When authors ask me to review their book, 9 times out of 10 they ask if they can send me the book in eCopy form. 9 times out of 10 I'll take it because, frankly, I know it's less expensive for that author and I don't mind helping them out. BUT I always stipulate ~ if they want their book to be reviewed faster, send the paperback, and it goes right to the top of my list. Because I'm old-fashioned. I love the feel and texture of books. The smell. (As long as it's not musty.) I will carry around a book EVERYWHERE ~ (for all you authors reading this, that's GREAT advertisement. No one can see what I'm reading on a device unless I TELL them. But they CAN see your book in my arm.)
And about 8 times out of 10, they'll send me the paperback copy. Because they want to be reviewed quicker. Just sayin... ;)
But these are just my thoughts. I realize I'm a dinosaur at times, so I'd like to know what you think.
Poll
What's your favorite way to read a book?
Hardcover, with dust jacket
Hardcover, without dust jacket
Trade paperback
Mass market/manga paperback
Audiobook/podcast, one narrator
Audioplay/podcast, many narrators
Read aloud by software
Read aloud by someone present
On a full-size computer
On a palmtop computer/phone
On an ebook reader
I prefer to read in a different way!
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
I know quite a few people that love their reader device. There's so many to choose from; Nook, Kindle, Sony, Kobo, iPad, etc. I like to read, I even have a couple different readers. But I'm not so sure I like them. Now, this post isn't to get anyone all in a tizzy, I'm simply telling you what I think (plus, asking for your thoughts) So please answer the poll below! :) Win-win, right?
My Pros:
- They save on my bookshelf space. Only the signed or my favorites even stay on my shelves anymore. I'm simply running out of room! :)
- Less paper waste ~ don't get me wrong. I'm not a hard-nosed advocate of everything green as I think everything needs to have balance. Too much on one side isn't good, but I do like the idea of less waste. (I can still hear my mother's voice now: "Waste not, want not!" I love my mom!) :)
- Cheaper ~ sometimes. Ok let me vent for a moment. I format the interior of paperbacks as well as for various readers. Why in the world are there eBooks out there for $100?! Good night! I shudder to think...
Here's what one reader said on Amazon for an ebook that was $16:
This book is too expensive for a Kindle book. I have never bought a book from Kindle costing more that 9.95 and will not.
I would like to read this book and the others in the triogy but not at 16.00 a pop.
And this isn't the first I've seen or heard.
But I digress.
My Cons:
- After a few hours of reading on either of my devices, my eyes are completely batty. Not just for a few minutes. The rest of the DAY. Hello! I can't read before driving because it would hinder my ability. Sheesh! I can see it now: (I'm sorry officer. I didn't mean to run over that nice Granny. I just didn't know which one to avoid as there were TWO...) I had thought it was my device because of back-lighting, so I got a different one. Nope. My eyes do the same for the paper ink, too. I guess my eyes are sensitive.
- Limited to where I can take my device for multiple reasons.
A) I know some women who put their readers in their purse, or they have this cutesy little bag (that alone is enticing!) but I hesitate. I have enough baggage to haul around. I don't want to add to the bulk! :)
B) Bragging. Now this one sounds kind of dumb, but to me it's important. I have no desire to 'show off' what I have by carrying around my little toys. (The story about King Hezekiah showing the Babylonians the treasures of Israel comes to mind.) What I have is my business. I don't need to proclaim it to the world, right?
When authors ask me to review their book, 9 times out of 10 they ask if they can send me the book in eCopy form. 9 times out of 10 I'll take it because, frankly, I know it's less expensive for that author and I don't mind helping them out. BUT I always stipulate ~ if they want their book to be reviewed faster, send the paperback, and it goes right to the top of my list. Because I'm old-fashioned. I love the feel and texture of books. The smell. (As long as it's not musty.) I will carry around a book EVERYWHERE ~ (for all you authors reading this, that's GREAT advertisement. No one can see what I'm reading on a device unless I TELL them. But they CAN see your book in my arm.)
And about 8 times out of 10, they'll send me the paperback copy. Because they want to be reviewed quicker. Just sayin... ;)
But these are just my thoughts. I realize I'm a dinosaur at times, so I'd like to know what you think.
Poll
What's your favorite way to read a book?
Hardcover, with dust jacket
Hardcover, without dust jacket
Trade paperback
Mass market/manga paperback
Audiobook/podcast, one narrator
Audioplay/podcast, many narrators
Read aloud by software
Read aloud by someone present
On a full-size computer
On a palmtop computer/phone
On an ebook reader
I prefer to read in a different way!
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 8, 2012
To Use "Be", or Not to Use "Be"
I often struggle with overusing forms of the verb 'be'. Usually this occurs during the first draft stage when the action of the story moves faster than my thoughts, and word choice is not my highest priority. However, when editing I often am appalled at the overuse of linking verbs such as 'is', 'was', and 'were'. Writing instructors discourage the use of linking verbs because they create wordy, weak sentences.
Let's look at some examples:
Yesterday, I was going to the store to pick up some peaches.
Rather than was going, choose a more accurate action verb, such as drove, walked, or ran. These actually help the reader create a more vivid mental picture.
She is trying to fly a kite.
How can we reword this without the linking verb? Also consider the picture you wish to portray.
She tugs the string upward, but the kite refuses to follow.
I once saw a post on FaceBook from a fellow author sharing the best tip she learned at a workshop: eliminate the word 'was'! It remains a personal challenge for me. But when I take the time to carefully consider the picture I want to show my readers, and word my sentences accordingly, the outcome is worth it.
Which of these examples creates a more moving picture for you?
Susan was feeling lonely because her friend moved away.
After Jake moved away, Susan's loneliness consumed her.
It takes time and energy to consciously limit the use of linking verbs, but the professionals I have studied claim it makes for much better reading!
Feel free to check these related discussions:
http://300daysofbetterwriting.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/keep-verbs-as-verbs/
http://www.dailywritingtips.com/5-ways-to-set-smothered-verbs-free/
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_can_you_replace_linking_verbs
Happy writing,
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 6, 2012
Do Not Disturb!
This is one of those posts that get the "reader beware" sticker. I am specifically talking to you guys. Reading any further requires maturity. If you are not mature, then do not read any further. I'm talking to you gals in this post, although the "beware" goes out to you guys. Confused yet? I know I am! Whew…onward we march!
On Wednesday night at Bible study, we were discussing I Corinthians chapter 5. If you are not familiar with this chapter, it is the account of a guy who was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother and ended up being kicked out of the church. Our pastor was asked this question: How would you deal with someone in the church that you know is committing sexual sin?
Let me preface the rest of the story with this, when I am tired I think everything is funny. When I am beyond exhaustion, it's almost like I am a very happy drunk. I have no inhibitions, everything is funny and I will pretty much say whatever, with "whatever" often times making no sense at all as my brain and mouth have stopped all communication between them. They are on individual commando operations and usually I am the only one in on it. Everything completely makes sense to me. Everyone else seems to be at a loss.
My pastor answered the question using Matthew 18 as a reference and how if someone is having sex they should be talked to and if there is a repentant heart, great, if not and they are openly rebelling and flaunting their sin (as was the guy in I Cor), then that would be the situation where he would ask the person/s involved to leave the church. At no time during his answer did he differentiate between sexual sin and an intimate relationship between a husband and a wife.
My state of being at the time was just coming off one of the most stressful, tiring three-month periods that I have ever experienced. Our daughter got married three days prior. On Monday, we attended lunch at our son-in-laws parents house and watched the new couple open gifts, returned the tuxes, and saw the rest of the family off as they left for their own corners of the world. On Tuesday, I couldn't keep my eyes open. On Wednesday, still exhausted, I was determined to go to Bible study. That was my first mistake. My second was in thinking we were in kid's church. We weren't. Uh oh! In kid's church, I could be tired and still function. Wednesday night kid's church is low key. I could handle it. Bible study? Maybe not.
Well, you should have seen the gears in my brain turning as I listened to my pastor answer the question. Huh? Sex is sin? One person in the group said, "You mean outside of marriage, right?" at the same time I grabbed my hubby's arm and said, "We are finding a new church!"
There was a momentary look of startled fear on our pastor's face until he realized what he had said and he joking held his wife's arm and said if that were the case, they would have to find a new church too.
Later on, when my hubby and I were lying in bed, my head on his shoulder, he started chuckling. He told me he knew I was going to say something so he started the one-one thousand count down and sure enough, by the time he reached three one thousand, I had us leaving the church. We also commented on the reactions of those in the room; some chuckles, some laughter, some confusion, some completely ignoring the fact that our pastor just had all of us married folks in celibate relationships and some ignoring the conversation as a whole.
This got me thinking. Why is it we Christians can discuss sexual sin openly? As long as it is "bad" sex, we can have an intelligent conversation, put the people doing the "bad" stuff in their place and go on. But at the first mention of sex in the way God intended it to be, a time of intimate bonding between a man and a woman who are committed to one another for life in a marriage relationship, we shrink up and pretend we don't know what anyone is talking about?
Has anyone but me noticed most people in the world think we Christians are prudes? Do they, or for that matter do we, know that God created sex and everything He created is good?
I am not talking about discussing the intimate details of you and your spouse's love life. What I am talking about is, sex inside of marriage is not a bad thing. In fact, when used the way God intended, it is a wonderful, marvelous, loving, life giving, bonding, unifying, fun, spontaneous, self esteem building activity that God created for a married couple to not only use for procreation, but to also enjoy.
When life gets in the way, when the kids completely ignore the "do not disturb" sign on our door (yes, I really do have one hanging from the door knob!), when differing work schedules or being overly busy keeps me and my husband from spending quality alone time together, I get feisty. I begin to doubt his love for me. I need my time with my husband because he is part of me and I am part of him. This is one time when two halves do not make a whole. Coming together, in a very physical way with Christ as our center, creates one unit physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Christ desires the very same intimacy with His bride. He wants us to know Him, our groom, at the deepest level. His desire is for us to be open with Him, secure in his love for us; just like we women should be secure in our husband's love for us. If we do not spend quality, intimate time with our groom, whether our earthly groom or Christ, do we really know him?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me! DarleneLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
On Wednesday night at Bible study, we were discussing I Corinthians chapter 5. If you are not familiar with this chapter, it is the account of a guy who was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother and ended up being kicked out of the church. Our pastor was asked this question: How would you deal with someone in the church that you know is committing sexual sin?
Let me preface the rest of the story with this, when I am tired I think everything is funny. When I am beyond exhaustion, it's almost like I am a very happy drunk. I have no inhibitions, everything is funny and I will pretty much say whatever, with "whatever" often times making no sense at all as my brain and mouth have stopped all communication between them. They are on individual commando operations and usually I am the only one in on it. Everything completely makes sense to me. Everyone else seems to be at a loss.
My pastor answered the question using Matthew 18 as a reference and how if someone is having sex they should be talked to and if there is a repentant heart, great, if not and they are openly rebelling and flaunting their sin (as was the guy in I Cor), then that would be the situation where he would ask the person/s involved to leave the church. At no time during his answer did he differentiate between sexual sin and an intimate relationship between a husband and a wife.
My state of being at the time was just coming off one of the most stressful, tiring three-month periods that I have ever experienced. Our daughter got married three days prior. On Monday, we attended lunch at our son-in-laws parents house and watched the new couple open gifts, returned the tuxes, and saw the rest of the family off as they left for their own corners of the world. On Tuesday, I couldn't keep my eyes open. On Wednesday, still exhausted, I was determined to go to Bible study. That was my first mistake. My second was in thinking we were in kid's church. We weren't. Uh oh! In kid's church, I could be tired and still function. Wednesday night kid's church is low key. I could handle it. Bible study? Maybe not.
Well, you should have seen the gears in my brain turning as I listened to my pastor answer the question. Huh? Sex is sin? One person in the group said, "You mean outside of marriage, right?" at the same time I grabbed my hubby's arm and said, "We are finding a new church!"
There was a momentary look of startled fear on our pastor's face until he realized what he had said and he joking held his wife's arm and said if that were the case, they would have to find a new church too.
Later on, when my hubby and I were lying in bed, my head on his shoulder, he started chuckling. He told me he knew I was going to say something so he started the one-one thousand count down and sure enough, by the time he reached three one thousand, I had us leaving the church. We also commented on the reactions of those in the room; some chuckles, some laughter, some confusion, some completely ignoring the fact that our pastor just had all of us married folks in celibate relationships and some ignoring the conversation as a whole.
This got me thinking. Why is it we Christians can discuss sexual sin openly? As long as it is "bad" sex, we can have an intelligent conversation, put the people doing the "bad" stuff in their place and go on. But at the first mention of sex in the way God intended it to be, a time of intimate bonding between a man and a woman who are committed to one another for life in a marriage relationship, we shrink up and pretend we don't know what anyone is talking about?
Has anyone but me noticed most people in the world think we Christians are prudes? Do they, or for that matter do we, know that God created sex and everything He created is good?
I am not talking about discussing the intimate details of you and your spouse's love life. What I am talking about is, sex inside of marriage is not a bad thing. In fact, when used the way God intended, it is a wonderful, marvelous, loving, life giving, bonding, unifying, fun, spontaneous, self esteem building activity that God created for a married couple to not only use for procreation, but to also enjoy.
When life gets in the way, when the kids completely ignore the "do not disturb" sign on our door (yes, I really do have one hanging from the door knob!), when differing work schedules or being overly busy keeps me and my husband from spending quality alone time together, I get feisty. I begin to doubt his love for me. I need my time with my husband because he is part of me and I am part of him. This is one time when two halves do not make a whole. Coming together, in a very physical way with Christ as our center, creates one unit physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Christ desires the very same intimacy with His bride. He wants us to know Him, our groom, at the deepest level. His desire is for us to be open with Him, secure in his love for us; just like we women should be secure in our husband's love for us. If we do not spend quality, intimate time with our groom, whether our earthly groom or Christ, do we really know him?
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me! DarleneLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
Tolerance should equal Reciprocity, not Bullying
This morning, bright and early, my teenaged daughter received an email. She ever so kindly forwarded it to me.
And then it all hit the fan...
About one week ago, my daughter was obligated to delete a person from her Good Books for Picky Teenagers group on GoodReads. Being my daughter, she's used to rules, abiding by rules, and so, she decided it would be best to have a system of rules on her group. Nothing huge or terrible. Just the usual items.No swearing.No debating about anything other than book characters.No giving out personal information.Nothing that would stop the world and make most people cry discrimination. Let's make this a fun group, type of thing. Being a homeschooled child, she also isn't allowed on the internet without express permission after all schoolwork is finished. Imagine her surprise when she received a few emails from several of the people in her group complaining about one person in particular verbally attacking them. So, seeing as how it's her group and she must take care of situations that arise, I allowed her to check things out.Early in the morning.Before all the schoolwork was complete. Ha. Guess I should have thought about that one...Anyway. This woman, who, according to her profile, was 34 years old and ended up calling everyone that didn't agree with her views on issues terrible, horrible, turn-your-face-red-and-make-you-FURIOUS type of names. She even went so far as to post pictures for everyone's enjoyment (insert sarcasm here). Being the polite child, and rather argumentative, (this time it was totally all right with me) she proceeds to give Scriptural answers to this person, and deletes her off the group. I mean, hey. That's what the rules stated, right?Well, evidently she struck a nerve with this woman as she received a hate-filled, knock your socks off email this morning. A week AFTER the whole issue. I haven't read such horrible language in I don't know how long. Trust me. My ears were burning, and this momma bear was READY to TURN IT ON!
In essence, this woman, who is certainly old enough to know better, not only told my daughter to kill herself, to do such and such (think horrible language), and that she was a (ahem, we won't go there either. It wasn't the typical swear word for a girl, either) and blah blah blah.Her beef? She didn't like the fact that my daughter didn't agree with certain issues. She didn't like how this teenager told her something was *wrong*. So, instead of agreeing to disagree, being mature about the whole thing and allowing someone else to exercise their Freedom of Speech, she resorts to bullying, using abusive and atrocious language, and more.Whatever happened to reciprocity? Why is it that only certain people are allowed to voice their opinions while the others must remain quiet? Doesn't sound like freedom of speech to me. Sounds more like bullying.What's your opinion?
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 5, 2012
Three Books That Are Anything But Tired
Recently I was asked by author Dicy McCullough, who was unknown to me at the time, to review her three children's books. Dicy's first book,
Tired of My Bath
, made me laugh out loud because I happen to have a daughter much like her character, John Allen, who will do anything to get out of taking a bath. I think the rhyming verse which tells the tale of how John Allen decides mom knows best about bathing is a perfect read for all you parents with reluctant
bathers of your own!
Dicy's second book,
Tired of School
, tells yet another tale of John Allen and how he is tired of going to school; but then when summer is underway, he becomes bored and wishes he was back at school. This book took me back to my youth. I remember always being excited at the beginning of school; but then about halfway through the
year, I remember thinking that summer would never arrive. Tired of School is a nice book
for children five to eight.
Dicy's Third Book, Tired of Being Different, isn't available on amazon yet; but when it becomes available you will surely find it a wonderful tale as well. John Allen's family adopts a mother dog and her puppies and one puppy just isn't like the others. Tired of Being Different is a story of how being different can turn out to be a good thing.
Dicy, a retired music teacher, has created a fun character. I look forward to seeing more of what she has in store for John Allen in the near future. To find out more about this author and her books, check out her website Dicey McCullough.
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 4, 2012
Sundays with Kristi - Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
By Kristi Burchfiel
What does it mean to have peace?
I must admit that my first, rather sarcastic, thought when someone mentions peace is to think of modeling contestants being interviewed and stating that they want "world peace." I'm not even sure what world peace means. But, I do know what it means to have God's peace. We're continuing our look at the Fruit of the Spirit. We're studying each individual facet of the list found in Galatians 5:22-23 and today we're looking at what it means to display peace in our lives. You can find the previous sessions by clicking on the "Sunday" link above.
Steadfast of Mind
In looking at what it means to have and display God's peace, a couple of verses come to mind, but my favorite is Isaiah 26:3, "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You." This verse is Isaiah speaking to God. Isaiah recognizes that if a person will remain steadfast, the God promises to give that person peace. How do we remain steadfast? Isaiah goes on in verse 4 to say, "Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."
It doesn't get much more steadfast than a rock. Not just any rock, but an everlasting Rock that cannot be moved or shaken. Why is that important? Because storms will come in our lives. Jesus even gives us an example of this in Matthew 7:24-27 with the wise man and the foolish man. The
wise man built his house on the rock and then came the storm. The wise man was steadfast and sure upon the rock, and as a result he had peace knowing that his house would not fall.
Last week, we talked about how having joy was a choice. We could consciously choose to have joy. Peace is not quite the same. Granted, we have a choice, but our choice is whether or not we will hold fast to the Rock, Jesus Christ. If we make that commitment and consciously choose to hold on to Him, then whether we're going through good times or bad times, God promises that He will give us His peace.
Peace that Surpasses all Understanding
I've heard people talk about the "peace that surpasses all understanding." What are they talking about? They are referring to feeling a sense of calm assurance even when everything around is screaming for you to come unraveled. The chaos is pounding at your door and demanding that you give in to your fears, worries, doubts, and everything that takes you away from being "steadfast." In the midst of all that, there's absolutely no logical reason why a person should be feeling peace. It makes no sense. Yet I can tell you, it's possible.
This idea actually comes from a verse, Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God doesn't want our feelings to be distracted by anxiety and worry. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to focus our hearts(feelings) and our minds on Him and He will guard them and fill us with His peace.
How do we display the peace that is part of the fruit of the Spirit? We anchor ourselves to the everlasting Rock, Jesus Christ. We make a choice to focus only on him and not get distracted by the ferocious waves bearing down on us from every side. We are steadfast in our mind, we trust Him in our heart, and God gives us peace that we can display to the world.
Father, I'm so easily distracted by the storms of life. I get caught up in the moment with the struggles, and even sometimes in the celebrations and I take my eyes off of you. You are the only Rock that will stay anchored firm no matter what I go through. I will choose to focus only on You today. I will keep my mind and my heart attuned to You, and I will rest in the peace You give. In Jesus' Name, amen.
RESPONSE:
What are some general areas of your life where it's easy to get distracted? How do you refocus? Have there been times when you've felt peace in the midst of a circumstance that was completely chaotic? How did having that peace help you to walk through the storm?Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
What does it mean to have peace?
I must admit that my first, rather sarcastic, thought when someone mentions peace is to think of modeling contestants being interviewed and stating that they want "world peace." I'm not even sure what world peace means. But, I do know what it means to have God's peace. We're continuing our look at the Fruit of the Spirit. We're studying each individual facet of the list found in Galatians 5:22-23 and today we're looking at what it means to display peace in our lives. You can find the previous sessions by clicking on the "Sunday" link above.
Steadfast of Mind
In looking at what it means to have and display God's peace, a couple of verses come to mind, but my favorite is Isaiah 26:3, "The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You." This verse is Isaiah speaking to God. Isaiah recognizes that if a person will remain steadfast, the God promises to give that person peace. How do we remain steadfast? Isaiah goes on in verse 4 to say, "Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock."
It doesn't get much more steadfast than a rock. Not just any rock, but an everlasting Rock that cannot be moved or shaken. Why is that important? Because storms will come in our lives. Jesus even gives us an example of this in Matthew 7:24-27 with the wise man and the foolish man. The
wise man built his house on the rock and then came the storm. The wise man was steadfast and sure upon the rock, and as a result he had peace knowing that his house would not fall.
Last week, we talked about how having joy was a choice. We could consciously choose to have joy. Peace is not quite the same. Granted, we have a choice, but our choice is whether or not we will hold fast to the Rock, Jesus Christ. If we make that commitment and consciously choose to hold on to Him, then whether we're going through good times or bad times, God promises that He will give us His peace.
Peace that Surpasses all Understanding
I've heard people talk about the "peace that surpasses all understanding." What are they talking about? They are referring to feeling a sense of calm assurance even when everything around is screaming for you to come unraveled. The chaos is pounding at your door and demanding that you give in to your fears, worries, doubts, and everything that takes you away from being "steadfast." In the midst of all that, there's absolutely no logical reason why a person should be feeling peace. It makes no sense. Yet I can tell you, it's possible.
This idea actually comes from a verse, Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God doesn't want our feelings to be distracted by anxiety and worry. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to focus our hearts(feelings) and our minds on Him and He will guard them and fill us with His peace.
How do we display the peace that is part of the fruit of the Spirit? We anchor ourselves to the everlasting Rock, Jesus Christ. We make a choice to focus only on him and not get distracted by the ferocious waves bearing down on us from every side. We are steadfast in our mind, we trust Him in our heart, and God gives us peace that we can display to the world.
Father, I'm so easily distracted by the storms of life. I get caught up in the moment with the struggles, and even sometimes in the celebrations and I take my eyes off of you. You are the only Rock that will stay anchored firm no matter what I go through. I will choose to focus only on You today. I will keep my mind and my heart attuned to You, and I will rest in the peace You give. In Jesus' Name, amen.
RESPONSE:
What are some general areas of your life where it's easy to get distracted? How do you refocus? Have there been times when you've felt peace in the midst of a circumstance that was completely chaotic? How did having that peace help you to walk through the storm?Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
March 3, 2012
Baggage Claim
The questions I heard most this week dealt with co-dependent relationships within the family and the need to set boundaries when dealing with the addictive or dysfunctional behavior of those we love. It is an issue we must all deal with from time to time, and one I struggle with daily.
How can we help those we love without enabling them or compromising the well being of our own families? Is it okay to say "no" when a friend or family member requests help? How far can we go in extending help before we become enablers or get in the way of what God is trying to do in the lives of those we love? These are all tough questions with no easy answers.
The first thing we must do is commit all these things to prayer and place our trust in the Healer and Restorer of the brokenness in our lives. We must learn to set boundaries and recognize that our best efforts to help someone may not be what is in their best interest. We need to let God be God and pray for His Spirit to direct our affairs, particularly when it comes to helping those who can't quite seem to find their way.
The devotional below was one I wrote a couple of years ago, but it is as timely a reminder to me now as it was then. While it may not answer your question or solve your dilemma, I pray it will be an encouragement to you as you seek God's answers for your circumstances.
Baggage Claimby Dee Dee Wike
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -- John 8:31-32, 36
Because of the economy, traveling anywhere by plane is a luxury many people can no longer afford. Although driving to a destination makes travel time significantly longer, there is the benefit of not having to deal with baggage claim or the possibility that your luggage may not even make it to its destination by the time you do. Those who travel by car are, for the most part, in control of their baggage. In life, however, that is not always the case.
Each one of us has baggage we carry with us. Whether failed relationships of the past, physical or emotional abuse, or addictive behavior, we journey under a heavy load of care that can, if not properly handled, cause unwanted detours along the way.
In Galatians 6:2, we are called to carry one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ. The NIV Study Bible footnotes suggest that the emphasis is on moral burdens or weaknesses, and that the law of Christ most likely refers to Christ's teachings. There are those people who have a tendency to attract individuals with "baggage" -- burdens that are brought into their relationship, often uninvited. The danger in being such a person is not in caring for the one who has the issues, but in thinking that we can heal their brokenness or solve their problems. This tendency to fix others often backfires by causing us to fall into sin and compromise our beliefs, or endanger the well-being of our own family. Certainly God desires that we love those with addiction or other issues, but we must be careful to realize that he alone can heal and restore the wounded hearts and spirits of those we love.
Whose baggage are you carrying today? There is no need to carry it one step farther. Christ, who took your sins--your baggage--on his body when he died for you, is able to carry the baggage of the ones you love. His shoulders are strong enough to carry your burdens, his arms are long enough to wrap you in the protective shelter of his embrace, and his grace is sufficient to enable you to love that special someone, baggage and all.
Father, we live in a world full of hurting people and we all carry baggage that weighs us down and threatens our relationships with those we love. Help us to lay down our baggage and to help others know that they can do the same. Set us free, Jesus, so that we will be free indeed.
To submit your question for our Saturday "Dear Dee Dee" column, send your email to: deedeewike@gmail.com or write to: Dee Dee Wike, PO Box 193, Collierville, TN 38027-0193.
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
How can we help those we love without enabling them or compromising the well being of our own families? Is it okay to say "no" when a friend or family member requests help? How far can we go in extending help before we become enablers or get in the way of what God is trying to do in the lives of those we love? These are all tough questions with no easy answers.
The first thing we must do is commit all these things to prayer and place our trust in the Healer and Restorer of the brokenness in our lives. We must learn to set boundaries and recognize that our best efforts to help someone may not be what is in their best interest. We need to let God be God and pray for His Spirit to direct our affairs, particularly when it comes to helping those who can't quite seem to find their way.
The devotional below was one I wrote a couple of years ago, but it is as timely a reminder to me now as it was then. While it may not answer your question or solve your dilemma, I pray it will be an encouragement to you as you seek God's answers for your circumstances.
Baggage Claimby Dee Dee Wike
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." -- John 8:31-32, 36
Because of the economy, traveling anywhere by plane is a luxury many people can no longer afford. Although driving to a destination makes travel time significantly longer, there is the benefit of not having to deal with baggage claim or the possibility that your luggage may not even make it to its destination by the time you do. Those who travel by car are, for the most part, in control of their baggage. In life, however, that is not always the case.
Each one of us has baggage we carry with us. Whether failed relationships of the past, physical or emotional abuse, or addictive behavior, we journey under a heavy load of care that can, if not properly handled, cause unwanted detours along the way.
In Galatians 6:2, we are called to carry one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ. The NIV Study Bible footnotes suggest that the emphasis is on moral burdens or weaknesses, and that the law of Christ most likely refers to Christ's teachings. There are those people who have a tendency to attract individuals with "baggage" -- burdens that are brought into their relationship, often uninvited. The danger in being such a person is not in caring for the one who has the issues, but in thinking that we can heal their brokenness or solve their problems. This tendency to fix others often backfires by causing us to fall into sin and compromise our beliefs, or endanger the well-being of our own family. Certainly God desires that we love those with addiction or other issues, but we must be careful to realize that he alone can heal and restore the wounded hearts and spirits of those we love.
Whose baggage are you carrying today? There is no need to carry it one step farther. Christ, who took your sins--your baggage--on his body when he died for you, is able to carry the baggage of the ones you love. His shoulders are strong enough to carry your burdens, his arms are long enough to wrap you in the protective shelter of his embrace, and his grace is sufficient to enable you to love that special someone, baggage and all.
Father, we live in a world full of hurting people and we all carry baggage that weighs us down and threatens our relationships with those we love. Help us to lay down our baggage and to help others know that they can do the same. Set us free, Jesus, so that we will be free indeed.
To submit your question for our Saturday "Dear Dee Dee" column, send your email to: deedeewike@gmail.com or write to: Dee Dee Wike, PO Box 193, Collierville, TN 38027-0193.
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com
God is Good, God is Great
A little of this, a little of that. I love doing many different things, but I'm going to share my love of good books, fun crafts, freebies, contests, and scrapbooking with this blog. Enjoy!
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