Sarah Holman's Blog, page 118

Book Review: The Voice

Book Description: The Voice™ is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of more than 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works, yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.
Features include:*Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively* In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts* Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies*Book introductions
I have never been one to run out and get the latest version of the Bible.  In fact, I am a skeptic when it comes to new versions. For years I have stuck to my NIV Bible, sometimes using the NAS or the KJV. That all changed with a trip to Mardel Christian Bookstore in Dallas. As I was waiting for my mom to finish checking out, I started flipping this Bible they had on the counter.
“That is a new version of the Bible, it isn’t out for another few weeks,” the cashier told me. “It is a Bible that reads like a novel.”
Reads like a novel. Words to strike fear into the hearts of people like me that view the Message Bible with suspicion. However, for some reason, I kept reading.  My mom ended up having to drag me away from the table, telling me she would find me a copy of the Bible. The very next week, my mom surprised me with a copy of The Voice: New Testament. I started reading, and I fell in love.
For the next week, I could hardly put The Voice down.  It wasn’t that they had changed it into an action story, but that they had updated the words to modern usage. They had translated the scriptures into not only English I can read, but also used words that better translate the ideas in the verses into the modern understanding.
No translation is perfect. If you want a perfect version start learning your Greek and Hebrew ;) If you are looking for a Bible that is a style that we in this age are more accustomed to without losing the integrity, check out The Voice.
I received this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Review: Purist of a Thirsty Fool

From the back cover: What are you thirsty for? T.J. MacLeslie wrestles with this question on his journey from childhood faith through the wilderness and back again. Having been abused in the church, MacLeslie turned his back on God and looked for fulfillment in many places. His search led him to drink from many wells along the way, none of which quenched his thirst. All the while he was being pursued by One who loved him unconditionally.
This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is an authentic story that tackles issues of abuse, addiction and personal failure. It also raises difficult questions about leadership, cross-cultural adjustment and disappointment in ministry. MacLeslie's prodigal pilgrimage serves as a cautionary tale, but ultimately a hopeful one.
Pursuit of a Thirsty Fool is a book for those who thirst, those longing for more. It is a reminder of our deepest desires and the Spring where they can be satisfied. It is for those who are in need of hope. Finally, it is for those caught in the dangerous pattern of doing things for God and who may have forgotten their first call: to love God.
My mom found out about this book and told me; “Sarah, this guy gives review copies to bloggers, you ought to get a copy.” I was skeptical but I did it, for my mom.
When I started reading, I have to admit, I cringed. Mr. MacLeslie struggles with a lot of lust and it was hard for me to swallow. I pressed on and I am so glad I did. Although, the he is very honest out his struggles, failings, and sins, this story was not about failures as much as it was about finding a relationship with God.
T.J. MacLeslie is more open about his struggles then many people are.  Yet, he does it in such a way the doesn’t glorify sin and shows how hollow that life is. He shows the transformation not from unbeliever to a believer as much as he shows the transformation from a faith that is dead, to a living, breathing, thriving faith.This book encouraged me that no matter how broken I am, no matter how I fail in the future, God won’t give up on me. This is a message that I need to hear sometime.  I need to hear that loves me for who I am, not for what I do for him
I wouldn’t recommend this book for children or young teens.  However, I highly recommend it to adults looking for inspiration and a closer relationship with The Father.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review.  The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Tag! I'm it

Rachelle Rea Tagged me!
The Challenge
1. Go to page 77 of your manuscript (since I don't have a page 77 yet I went to page 17). 
2. Go to line 7.
3. Copy the next 7 lines/paragraphs.
4. Tag 7 other writers to do the same.
I am pleased share some my FBI book.  Meet Kate Mayfeild
Kate’s voice dropped to a pleading whisper. “Then believe me.”
“I have to explore all the possibilities,” the officer said unapologetically.
Kate sighed and leaned against the wall.  “Look, I know lawyers make your job harder.  They will sit here and tell me to say nothing and neither of us will be happy.  But if you’re not going to start by at least thinking I might be innocent, then I will call for a lawyer.”
The officer stood up, the chair making a screeching noise as it scraped the floor. “I think we will take a few minutes for a brake.”  He quickly exited the room, leaving Kate alone.
Kate turned and stared at the wall, keeping her back to the tinted window. She put her hands over her mouth and blinked away the unbidden tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.
“God,” she prayed silently. “I know that I haven’t prayed or read in my bible as much as I should have lately.  I feel bad coming to you know when I need something, but here I am.  Please help me.  I don’t want to go to jail.  I don’t want to be put away for something I didn’t do.  I need someone who will believe me.”
She stood for a moment longer, and made she her eyes were dry. Then she spun around, ready to face even the intimidating window. She quickly found herself tripping over her chair and clutching at the table for support.  At that moment, the door opened, and someone she knew entered.
I Tag...Rebekah SnyderMolly Evangeline RebekahKatie McCurdy
RJ
Hannah Mills
E. Kaiser

Writing Saturday: R is for Reading

For any writer to become really good, they have to read a lot.  Before I was a writer, I read about one to three books a week.  Yes, I was/am a bookaholic and I like it.  I don’t read quite that many books anymore, mainly because I am too busy writing them.  However, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite childhood books.
We Were There with Richard the Lionhearted in the Crusades by Robert N. WebbThe Sower series of biographiesThe Boxcar ChildrenBooks by Grace Livingston HillAny G. A. Henty
What were your favorite books when you were a child?

Vacation is here!

This week and next I am on vacation.  So, what do I use my vacation for?

Writing devotionals for this blog

Writing book reviews (catch these reviews on my blog soon)


Editing my Medieval book
Starting my FBI book(Sneak peeks coming soon)
Oh and other non-writing things to, like reading some awesome books



What are you doing for your vacation?

Writing Saturday: Q is for Quint

I was surprised at my readers’ reaction to the character of Quint.  I had the most fun writing his character but I figured that most of my readers wouldn’t enjoy him as much as I did.  I was wrong. Quint ended up becoming a favorite to many people.  Here are 10 facts you may or may not know about Quint.
Quint is based off of Hans Solo[image error]
Quint has an Australian accent
A few people have asked me to write Quint’s backstory.  So are you ready?  Here are the opening lines of my future book.
Crash! Quint flinched at the sound of the lamp shattering against stone wall. His mother had lost it.“You were a mistake!” His mother yelled. “I wish you had never been born!”Quint recoiled, taking a step back from his mother and closing his heart, never to be opened again for anyone.
 As you can see, Quint had a rough childhood.
The reason Quint decided to help Maria is because she reminded him of his sister.
I hope you have enjoyed this peek behind the scenes of my characters.  If you did, let me know which character you want me to do next. 

Writing Saturday: P is for POV

Writers use a lot of abbreviations.  To a new writer, many blog posts can seem to be written in code.  I mean what how you are supposed to know that they are talking about when they write things like this:
So I was writing in my WIP and found that I slipped POV in the third chapter.  I have been doing the POV from the FMC but in chapter three I did it from the MMC.  I was really hoping to finish editing my MS this week, but it looks like that isn’t going to happen.
Confusing, isn’t it?  Well here is a handy guide to know what all those little abbreviations mean.
WIP – Work in ProgressMS – ManuscriptPOV – Point of ViewMC – Main CharacterFMC – Female Main CharacterMMC – Male Main Character
Did I miss any?  Let me know and I would be happy to decipher them for you.

22, 4, 1, ~ Milestones

Today I turn 22

My blog turns four


 And I have had a book published for a year
It has been a wonderful year.  I am glad I have gotten to share it with you.

To a Friend

Dear Maria Morris,

Today I published the paperback version of the last and final part of your story. I have to say it was a happy, and sad, moment all at the same time.  You have been with me since 2007 and now, five years later, it is time for us to say goodbye.

In the years to come I am sure that I will write many characters, and books that people will say are better then the Destiny Trilogy.  However, I can't see any of them effecting me as much as your story did. As I wrote and edited your story, I often found myself praying or crying with the message God had in the story for me.  In 2009 and 2010, two of the hardest years of my life, God used your story to bring me hope and comfort.

I thank God for the stories and for a main character like you, Maria.  I couldn't have asked for any better.  I will miss you.  I will never forget the lessons you taught me, or the blessing you have been to me.  I hope that we will meet in a book again, someday (Quint is already bugging me about writing his story).

Farewell, for now.

Yours ever,
Sarah

Relaxing Sunday

This Sunday I spend most day reading a wonderful book you can read my review here.  Today, I am busy working on a new book which I will share more about tomorrow.  See you then!

Oh, I almost forgot.  This is post 700 of this blog! Pretty cool milestone.