David C. Alves's Blog, page 2
February 5, 2017
Memoir vs Autobiography
[image error]I recently wrote a memoir. A family member asked me, “Why wasn’t so-and-so mentioned in your book?”
“I didn’t include many special people, interesting places, and events of my life in the work, mainly because I wrote a memoir, not an autobiography.” I said.
“What’s the difference? I’m not sure I know. Isn’t a memoir supposed to be about all that you remember in your life?” he said.
That’s when I gave a brief comparison as I understood the differences.
“To me, a memoir presents slices of memory around a theme. The theme I chose was my adoption and healing love. The memoir began simply as a journaling of the various encounters I had as an adoptee with the love that finally healed my life and my wounded heart. Much of what I wrote when I started out was for my own personal reflection and not intended for publication. Only later did I see the theme emerge.
An autobiography, on the other hand, is a full, comprehensive accounting of everything in the life of the person writing. The autobiography organizes itself chronologically. The memoir or personal narrative, may meander through various memories and snatches of experiences surrounding the developing theme. Is that explanation helpful?”
“I think you should share that in an Introduction or Preface then.” he said.
“Perhaps a blog post will do. On behalf of my readers, I was trying to be brief and focused.” My family member seemed satisfied.
This is the simplified explanation of how I envisioned and wrote my recent book entitled, Adopted: An Adoptee’s Memoir of Healing Love. I hope I clarified the distinction enough to not be held guilty of leaving out him and others I love and value.
QUESTION: Is the explanation I gave clear and accurate as you think about the differences?
Filed under: ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE, Books, Consider It, FOR READERS, Journal Entries, ON THE JOURNEY, REFLECTIONS
January 30, 2017
Why Should Anyone Fear Radical Islam?
You are entitled to your own opinions; but, you are not entitled to your own FACTS.
“You shall know the TRUTH, and the truth will set you free.” from deception and wishful thinking.
This video is a factual education for anyone who, through ignorance of Islam’s holy teachings or ignorance of the history of Islam and the Ottoman Empire, believes that Islam is a peaceful religion. The facts are a wake-up call for those who don’t understand the need to vet the Muslims who enter our nation. Remember, fundamental Islam is the enemy of everything our nation and God has proclaimed and stood for.
If apocalyptic Islam ever gained a foothold in the USA, blood would run in the streets. They’ve told us as much. First the homosexuals, then all the feminists who exposed their shame, then Jews and Christians. Those who remained would submit from fear, not love. Fundamental, apocalyptic, radical Islam is a horrible and demonic totalitarian worldview couched in lies and founded by a sick, demonized sexual predator whom we should pity rather than submit to. His end is the Lake of Fire in the Book of Revelation.
Are there ANY peaceful, friendly kind, compassionate Muslims? YES. But they are ignorant of history and are considered nominal by the fundamental sects of Islam. Many would submit to a Caliphate if it were established though. Otherwise, we would see them protesting radical Islam and battling that instead of complaining that they can’t get more of them into our country. A rare handful have helped us but we have to be careful. One the camel gets its nose and then head into the tent, the body is not far behind.
Anyone ever heard of the Trojan Horse? Do a study. Learn history for Pete’s sake and you will understand part of what is going on here. Read the Book of Revelation and Matthew 25 and you’ll understand the rest.
This video is a wake up call for those spiritually ignorant regarding the true warfare and its demonic source:
Filed under: In the News, Islamization, LGBT, ON THE JOURNEY, Signs of the Times, Videos
January 20, 2017
January 14, 2017
Adopted Memoir Available for Kindle
“I thought I’d be dead by 21”
Great pain produces character. It can just as easily produce fear, rejection, and self-loathing.
My early life produced in me a fear that I’d be dead by 21. This personal narrative is my memory of a lifelong search for love, belonging, and a sense of place. Walk with me on my journey through abandonment, panic attacks, fear, rejection, bullying, and unbelief, out into the blinding light of healing love.
Adopted touches on the issues nearly every child or adult adoptee must face on the way to maturity, wholeness, and redemption. Along the way it provides valuable insights to adoptive and foster parents who long to see their children whole; and, to adult adoptees who wonder why they do what they do and how healing can be the next chapter in their life story.
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See product page at Amazon.com
Filed under: ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE, Books, FOR READERS, ON THE JOURNEY, REFLECTIONS 
January 9, 2017
Many Democrats Are Waking Up
Let’s hear from one man who woke up.
Filed under: Bits and Pieces, Consider It, In the News, Signs of the Times, Videos
November 22, 2016
Death and Democrats: Consider This
This is what I would have written. Best said by Bill.
Filed under: Consider It, ON THE JOURNEY, Signs of the Times, Videos
November 10, 2016
For Those Who Feel Angry and Afraid Following the Election of 2016
President-elect Trump has said that it’s “Time for us to come together as one united people.” President Obama agrees. So does Hillary Clinton. You can see their videos at my author Facebook page.
America has elected a new President, and given him a united House of Representatives, and Senate.
This is Democracy at its best in a Democratic republic. We survived President Obama’s reign and while continuing to pray for him and we worked hard to prepare for the 2016 election.
By the results of this historic 2016 election, a great portion of America has said:
“No” to corruption
“No” to the the entrenched “powers that be” on both sides of the aisle
“No” to politically correct buzzwords and clichés that have categorized and defamed fellow citizens who disagreed with the liberal agenda and its extreme positions
“No” to involuntarily disarming our citizens and quashing the 2nd Amendment
“No” to illegal immigration at the expense of Veterans and our own poor people
“No” to the violence and horror of ISIS and Apocalyptic Islamic terror worldwide
“No” to circumventing the American Constitution and the Legislative branch of government
“No” to radical socialism/communism–we are not going to be another Europe
“No” to the attack on the freedom of biblical religions
“No” to lawlessness, violence, and looting in the streets of America
“No” to the disrespect toward the rule of law
“No” to a continued erosion of our military readiness in light of increasing threats worldwide
“No” to apologizing around the world for our great nation
“No” to faulty and deeply flawed treaties and trade agreements
“No” to the irresponsible spending that places the burden of our national debt onto the backs of our children and grandchildren
“No” to the weight of governmental bureaucracy and bloated Federal offices
“No” to increased regulations that drive small businesses out of existence
“No” to the erosion of free speech
“No” to the unwillingness of politicians unwilling to cooperate in order to make America excellent for ALL its citizens
Shortly after the election, one of our young adult relatives wrote a scathing post on FB toward those who did not vote as she did. When my wife gave her a gentle admonition to not allow politics to instill in her bitterness, or resentment, our relative tore into my wife with disrespectful vitriol. It felt to my wife as though she had been slapped in the face.
This young adult was not brought up to treat family members that way–or anyone for that matter. I’d be surprised to find out that the adults around her modeled disrespect for elders or anger and hatred toward those with whom we disagree. Yet her own political agenda meant more to her than hurting or accusing her family member in a mean-spirited response. We can only hope that her heart will soften as she matures. I’m hoping that this was just a bad moment for her and not her typical way of treating people with whom she does not see eye to eye.
For those of you who are angry and afraid, we hope that your maturity and your love for this nation will overcome your anger and disappointment at the results of this hard-fought election and that you will help to tone down the shaming, name-calling, hatred, bullying and fear-factor. Political beliefs should not triumph over love of friends and family. I mistrust any worldview that treats people with hatred and anger, or that devalues or objectifies its opponents.
We can agree to disagree amiably yet still value and respect one another. As Hillary Clinton and President Obama have said in post-election speeches: Support the new President-elect. Give him and his team an opportunity to fulfill the office that the nation has elected him to.
Listen to Trump’s acceptance speech and help him to fulfill it for ALL Americans:
As one who voted for Trump-Pence, I am celebrating America’s victory, but not your defeat. All gloating is birthed and nurtured in an evil disposition.
May God Bless you . . . and the United States of America
QUESTION: Honestly, how would you have hoped that Trump supporters would respond if Hillary had won the election?
©2016, David C Alves (davidcalves.com)
Filed under: Consider It, In the News, ON THE JOURNEY, Videos
August 19, 2016
Review of “A Sabbatical Primer for Pastors” by Wayne Cordeiro
“If every beginning minister were given a start-up kit when they began, David Alves’ book, would be an essential. It contains the indispensable fundamentals for a long and fruitful ministry. Providing step-by-step guidance, this book could save many from premature erosion that takes place beneath the surface in ministry. I highly recommend this primer for every new and veteran minister who cares about his or her future vitality!”
Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, author of Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion and Senior Pastor of New Hope, Oahu
Filed under: Books, FOR READERS, Recommended Resources
July 3, 2016
I Love Living in the USA
This is outstanding and needs to be read by more readers. So I offer it to those of you following my blog. Thank you for your time, support, and kind responses. Happy 4th of July!!
I love living in the USA; and amidst all the political and ideological clashes we face in this nation, I am still thankful that I live in a country where people are clambering to get in, not out.
While I don’t claim to be a world traveler, I have visited several other countries for both ministry opportunities and pleasure. With each foray beyond the borders of the United States, I have been glad to come back “home”. I realize that some of my discomfort in other countries has sometimes been due to not knowing the local language – having to work through an interpreter – but it’s more than that.
Each culture, even those countries where English is the primary language, has necessitated adjustments for me; for instance using different English words for the same item – a sweater is a “jumper” in Aussie land, for instance.
But there are many other…
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Filed under: ON THE JOURNEY
June 19, 2016
My 4 Fathers
A Great post from my wife about our dads.
How many fathers have you had? Were they good ones? I’ve had 3 dads in my life +1 – all of whom brought something special into my life that have contributed to who I am and what I am becoming.
My birth dad’s name was James Robert Devers. He was one of 10 children and fathered a family of 7 children, of which I am smack dab in the middle, #4 child (1 sister – the eldest, and 5 brothers). Dad was a handsome, strong, viral, 6’ 2” tall man, with sandy brown hair, bright blue eyes and a pleasant demeanor. He and my mom married when he was 22 and she was 16.
Though we lived on our own land, financially we would have been considered a lower income family; living without such amenities as indoor plumbing, a furnace, or electricity. We heated with wood and coal and lighted…
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Filed under: ON THE JOURNEY
