Christa Kinde's Blog, page 25
August 18, 2015
OUTTAKE: Like an Angel
“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds
for which He is to be praised …. and so
He became their Savior …. and the angel of His presence
saved them … He lifted them up and carried them.”
ISAIAH 63:7–9 NIV
Like an Angel
Prissie adored little ones, so she never turned down the chance to babysit Amberly. Thankfully, Derick and Pearl Matthews didn’t mind when she asked if Koji could tag along, because the young angel was curious. Even more curious than usual.
“Does she not understand that her parents entrusted her to you?” he asked.
“She’s not even two,” Prissie said as she paced the room with the teary-eyed child. “All she knows is that her mommy is gone.”
“M-m-mama!” whimpered the girl.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Prissie sighed. “Not yet. It’s like Koji said. We’re your guardian angels for a little while.”
From his perch on the edge of the couch, Koji gazed intently at the little girl. “You are patient despite her complaints.”
“Babies cry when they’re tired or hungry or frightened,” Prissie explained, talking in a sing-song voice. “But Amberly does know me. And if I’m patient and talk softly, she’ll listen. And then she’ll cling to me instead of pushing away. And once she gives up fussing, she’ll fall asleep. And when she wakes in the morning, the one she loves best will be there, and everything will be better.”
Koji stared at her in fascination.
“What?”
“You have said many true things.”
“It’s not like I’d lie,” she mumbled, flustered by what felt like a compliment.
The boy’s gaze shifted to Amberly, and he said, “We can be her angels, just as God was like an angel for His children.”
Prissie swayed in place. “How can God be like an angel?”
Turning the question back on her, Koji asked, “How can you be like Him?”
“Do as He would do?” she guessed.
Koji nodded. “According to His kindness and many compassions, He lifted them up and carried them.”
“That I can do.” Prissie looked at him pointedly and asked, “But what would a real angel do in this situation.”
“Sing.”
With a soft laugh, Prissie addressed the baby in her arms. “Sweet girl, you are so lucky. Tonight, there’s an angel to sing you lullabies.”
And so Amberly’s sobs changed to sleepy sniffles as Koji sang about a kind God, a gentle Savior, a patient girl, and a joy that awaited her in the morning.
♦ Did you catch some of the “true things” Prissie said without realizing?
♦ ♦ ♦
August 15, 2015
POSTCARDS: Traveling to Nashville
I mentioned this mini-challenge in passing on the last Monday post, but I want to give it another push. Let’s do another review drive! I’ll be in Nashville, Tennessee next week, and I’ll be packing my postcard stamps. Would you like a postcard from my travels? If you’ll kindly take the time to post a new review for any of the books listed below (between 8/10 and 8/24), I’ll put a little something in your mailbox.
• Pursuing Prissie
• Tried and True
• Rough and Tumble
• Angel on High
Please do compose an honest review with potential readers in mind. Also, be sure to comment here, letting me know you took part. Have you already reviewed all those titles? I’ll be issuing the same challenge over on CJMilbrandt.com, where there are ten more titles to consider. And as always … thank you for lending these books your support.
Sage and Song, Chapter 29: The Stone Basin
Chapter 29: The Stone Basin
The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
PROVERBS 4:18 NLT
Morning arrived, and Lemuel slept on, heedless of dawn and the duties of servants. Kester eased his shoulder out from under the prince’s head and left the bed.
A Messenger must have already come and gone, for Asaph presented him with his share of morning manna. Concern gave way to amusement as Asaph remarked, “You look decidedly harried. What have you done to your hair?”
Kester bowed his head as his mentor tugged at his mussed curls. “Is this not appropriate?”
“Very authentic,” Asaph blandly assured. “Ah, well. I dare say you have time to bathe. Eat, and I’ll bring a basin.”
“I apologize,” Kester mumbled when Asaph returned.
“No need.” Fragrant steam rose from the heavy stone basin in his hands, and the sleepy smile was back. “Your attention to detail will serve us well. And fussing is a mentor’s privilege.”
Kester’s eyes widened when Asaph’s hair shifted from black to vivid blue. The boy shot an uneasy look in the direction of their sleeping guest, but his mentor’s unfurling wings banished him from view.
“What if he wakes?” asked Kester.
“Peace, child. He won’t.”
Worshipers usually groomed in pairs or even groups, for the intricacy of their wings made the task formidable. Yet lovely. Kester unfurled and gave his kaleidoscope wings a gentle shake. High, sweet notes twinkled, and light scattered in rainbow hues.
Time stood still as Asaph helped Kester tend to his wings and tame his hair. Wrapped up in lessons and lyrics, news and notes, Kester forgot all about the prince, the king, and the risk of discovery. He had his Maker, his mentor, and a song. What could be better?
‘I will show you.’
Although there was no censure in his Maker’s tone, Kester’s wings trembled. Had God Most High found him lacking? What was in store? But He offered no further insight or instruction.
Asaph brought Kester back down to earth. “If you don’t rouse our sleeping prince, you’ll both be late. Solomon is expecting you.”
“But I sat at his feet yesterday.”
“Certainly.”
Had Asaph forgotten? Kester tentatively rehearsed the particulars of their arrangement. “I am only permitted to attend the king every other morning, and not on the Sabbath.”
His mentor furled his wings and calmly said, “I have two apprentices now. My lord the king believes that with the extra help, I should be able to spare you more often. I’ll release you into the king’s service every morning except the seventh.”
“Truly?” Kester’s fingers flexed in anticipation of taking up David’s harp once more.
Asaph hummed an affirmative. “Wake Lemuel, and the two of you can be on your way.”
Hurrying to obey, Kester knelt beside the sleeping platform and shook the prince’s shoulder.
Lemuel turned away, pulling his blankets up around his ears.
“Morning has come. We must begin our day.” The only answer he received was a squinting glare. But Lemuel seemed more sleepy than angry, so Kester tried again. “Sit up.”
He complied, though he drooped in a dramatic fashion. Can humans sleep sitting up? That might make things easier. Kester retrieved the stone basin and dipped his fingers into tepid water that still shone with heavenly light. But he hesitated. Should I go for well water instead?
Asaph sat at his worktable, back in human guise and copying a text. Without looking up from his work, he said, “Go ahead and minister to him, Kester. Our prince is unlikely to notice anything out of the ordinary. His eyes are closed.”
To the truth or to the brightness of the day? Either way, Kester forged ahead. With damp hands, he patted at Lemuel’s fuzzed and matted hair, coaxing it into better order. For the first time, he noticed that the golden circlet was missing. Had it been confiscated? Could a prince be demoted?
Lemuel sat in listless docility. At first. Nose twitching, he mumbled, “What smells nice?”
“You,” Kester answered.
The prince yawned and blinked, then focused on Kester’s face. His brow furrowed. “You don’t belong to us.”
Still fussing with Lemuel’s unruly curls, Kester offered reminders in polite tones. “You have been given as an apprentice to Asaph, who is my mentor. I am called Kester. The captain brought you to us last night.”
Lemuel stiffened and leaned away. “I know that.”
Kester inclined his head. “We must hurry to the throne room.”
“To see father?”
“Most assuredly.”
The prince’s expression turned skeptical. “Two days in a row?”
Sitting back on his heels, Kester shook his head. “Every day except the Sabbath.”
“He called for me?” Lemuel’s gaze skidding briefly to Asaph on the other side of the room. In a rushed whisper, he asked, “Every day? Are you sure?”
“Most assuredly,” he repeated, wondering why the news caused so much doubt.
Lemuel scrambled out of bed and hastily pulled on his robe, his sandals, and his sneer. “I will obey my father, even if it means going with you.”
All the way to the throne room, Kester wondered which Lemuel to believe—the haughty prince or the boy who’d whimpered and clung through the night.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates on Thursdays. More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page. Sage and Song, © Copyright 2015 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, subscribe to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
August 10, 2015
Angel Unaware, Part 8: Pushover
The August issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means you can read the next installment in my ongoing Threshold-based serial. Follow the links below to Part Eight, “Pushover.”
He was the new kid, and he needed a friend.
Story Summary: Marcus had never been a typical cherub. Raised on earth instead of in enclaves, he blended right in with humanity. The perfect Graft. But what Marcus wanted more than anything else was to become a warrior. So he asked God for a mentor. Marcus gets his armor fittings and swordsmanship lessons. But he also ends up with a couple of well-meaning foster parents, three nosy siblings, a lonesome landlord, and a new best friend.
Angel Unaware, © Copyright 2015 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
Part Eight: “Pushover”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, August 2015 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
MONDAY: Do you ever pre-order books?
The last fortnight or so has been epic on several levels. I turned in a proposal to my agent. I booked a flight. I sent my editor a manuscript. And I survived a summer cold (only to come down with a second). All while learning the ropes of InDesign CC, which is the be-all and end-all program for typesetting. Which is turning out to be pretty fun. So … progress on several fronts! And some fun things to share (including new art). Come and see!
Baird’s Birthday. 8/8 is Baird’s “on paper” birthday. If you missed the festive post, be sure to check it out. I included a teaser from the epilogue to Tried and True. Teen!Baird anyone?
Exciting News! My artist friend Terri was able to pick up her chibi angel project! This week, I’m unveiling her rendering of Dorum, Taweel’s stalwart mentor from the early chapters of Tried and True.
Dorum by Terri Delgado
If you haven’t purchased your copy of Tried and True yet, it’s just $2.99. NOW ON AMAZON >> Don’t forget that the book includes an exclusive epilogue—”Flight and Hedge.” It’ll give you a glimpse of Taweel’s and Tamaes’s first months as new members of both Jedrick’s Flight and the Pomeroy family’s Hedge. If you have nabbed the story, I do hope you’ll take the time to leave a review. ♥
Need some incentive? I have a fresh batch.
Review Drive. I’ll be in Nashville, Tennessee next week, so I’m going to issue another mini-challenge. Would you like a postcard from my travels? If you’ll kindly take the time to post a new review for any of the books listed below. I’ll start counting from today … and you have two weeks to take part. [Please do post an honest review with potential readers in mind.]
• Pursuing Prissie
• Tried and True
• Rough and Tumble
• Angel on High
Angel Unaware. I’m not sure it matters one way or t’other, but just in case … I’ll update you on progress with Angel Unaware. Marcus’s story needs room to develop, so I won’t be wrapping it up at the end of this year. The tale will keep posting on Christian Fiction Online Magazine through 2016.
Pre-Order! Did you know you can pre-order my upcoming devotional? I just checked on Amazon, and you can secure your copy of Angels: A 90-Day Devotional about God’s Messengers at a considerable discount. (At the moment, it’s $5.60, regularly priced at $9.99.) The book releases in October. PRE-ORDER NOW >>
<< LAST MONDAY | NEXT MONDAY >>
August 8, 2015
AUGUST 8: Happy Birthday, Baird
Today’s a Threshold Series character birthday. We all know Baird’s a First One, but on paper, August 8 is his birthday. So we’ll mark the day with a celebratory post. And a teaser. For those who have been putting off buying Tried and True—with its exclusive epilogue “Flight and Hedge”—let me offer a smidgen of incentive in the form of an excerpt.
“Remember how Jedrick was saying we’d be gaining new members soon? Turns out soon is today!”
“I see.” Tamaes lengthened his stride to keep up with the excited Messenger. Shifts in team make-up were common enough, but that didn’t diminish his curiosity. “What order?”
“God Sent us two zamarim.” Milo was practically skipping. “Abner should be done with them by now.”
Baird is Baird no matter when he is or what he appears to be. But I sure do enjoy teen!Baird … and hope you will, too. ; )
Be sure to say hey the the birthday boy!
August 6, 2015
Sage and Song, Chapter 28: The Girl’s Name
Chapter 28: The Girl’s Name
A man who has friends must himself be friendly.
PROVERBS 18:24 NKJV
It was still night when Kester opened his eyes. Asaph was missing, probably recalled to heaven or visiting with the other members of their Flight. Without his vibrant presence, their room felt especially dark and quiet … but not entirely empty.
Lemuel.
Kester turned his head to consider the young prince. He was curled on his side, head pillowed on one arm, blanket clutched to his chest. Is he cold? Now that his attention was drawn to the predawn chill, Kester could feel it. Moving with great care, he draped his own blanket up across Lemuel’s shoulders.
Within moments, the boy uncurled slightly, and his sleep seemed easier.
Lemuel lost most of his princely attitude in sleep. Perhaps because his hair was an utter mess.
Realizing this was likely normal, Kester slowly reached up and tugged his own curls into disarray.
He continued his solemn contemplation, though his thoughts turned inward. Can an angel be given to hospitality? Up until now, he’d only been coached in accepting hospitality. The reversal was a pleasant surprise. At least … it was while Lemuel was sleeping.
A small sound interrupted Kester’s musing.
Lemuel slept on, but his lashes fluttered, and his brows drew together in an expression of discomfort.
A dream? Kester quickly checked the room for any sign of the boy’s Guardian, but he had yet to see any angelic warriors hanging around the prince.
Then Lemuel whimpered.
Propping himself up on one elbow, Kester touched the other boy’s shoulder. “Fear not,” he said softly. “You are safe.”
A single word made it past Lemuel’s half-formed sob, and a searching hand found Kester’s sleeve.
“I am not her,” Kester whispered.
But that didn’t matter to the prince, who wriggled closer. Lemuel nearly toppled Kester off the bed, and his nose was mashed into Kester’s shoulder.
This much closeness wasn’t something to which the young angel was accustomed, but clearly Lemuel needed more than Asaph and Kester had provided. And without his mentor there, remedying the oversight fell to him. With a soft sigh, Kester took their initial offer of hospitality and expanded it to include an offer of comfort.
“Fear not. I am here.” he soothed, patting the prince’s back. “But I am not Magdiel. I am Kester, and I will remain with you.”
Again, Lemuel mumbled the girl’s name. But in a happier tone.
Prompted by the voice of One whose kindness knows no end, Kester added a tentative, “Peace … friend.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates on Thursdays. More information can be found on the Sage and Song index page. Sage and Song, © Copyright 2015 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, subscribe to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
OUTTAKE: Many Brothers
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels;
You crowned him with glory and honor
and put everything under his feet.”
HEBREWS 2:6–7
Many Brothers
“Why do you find us so interesting?” Prissie asked, lifting the edge of the plaid blanket spread over her lap.
Koji sat beside her on a row of straw bales in the barn. “New reasons appear with each coming day.”
She tucked them back in, then called softly to the barn cats. By the time they each had a purring lapful, the Pomeroy menfolk arrived. Grandpa Pete led the march, a hatchet propped on his shoulder. “Choose wisely, boys! How many do we need, son?”
Jayce Pomeroy kicked snow from his boots. “Three should do it.”
Prissie’s oldest brother Tad followed with a stack of newspapers under his arm. Neil, Beau, Zeke, and Jude hustled in behind, and their dad slid the barn door shut.
“I’ll kick up the heaters,” said their dad.
“Yes, please!” Neil exclaimed. “This is a shirtsleeves job.”
“Sure, sure,” Mr. Pomeroy replied, giving Prissie and Koji a wink in passing.
The young angel quietly asked, “What is the purpose of this ceremony?”
“It’s supposed to be for food.” Prissie explained, “That old stable is insulated, so it works like our root cellar. Grandpa has crates in there for squash and our best keeping apples. We dip into the supply all winter long.”
“But the purpose is not food?” Koji checked.
“See for yourself.”
Tad and Neil emerged from the storeroom, each grappling an enormous Hubbard squash. Beau followed, helping their little brothers roll another monster. They managed a wobbling path to where their father was spreading newspaper on the floor.
“For normal squash, we can use a butcher knife. But these are too much, even for our big cleaver.” Prissie lowered her voice. “I’m almost positive Grandpa plants these squash just so they can take a hatchet to them.”
“I see.” Koji tickled a striped barn cat under her chin. “This will be a display of prowess.”
Prissie giggled. “And after all the manful bashing, you and I can help stew, mash, and stock the freezer.”
Neil jockeyed for the right to have the first go, but tradition held firm. It was more fun to watch the younger boys demonstrate how stubborn the squash was before letting the older boys drop the axe. Jackets were shed. Sleeves were rolled up. There was a twinkle in Grandpa Pete’s eye as he offered the hatchet to six-year-old Jude.
The ceremonial first whack skipped harmlessly off the tough outer shell.
“Not bad, buddy,” his dad soothed.
“Next time for sure,” said Tad.
Zeke’s enthusiasm wasn’t any more effective, but Beau did better. The fifteen-year-old wedged the hatchet into the squash, where it stuck fast. He had to plant his boot against the stubborn thing in order to yank it free.
“Thanks for that, little brother,” Neil said, beckoning with both hands for the hatchet.
Koji smiled and said, “You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.”
Prissie’s brows arched. “I really don’t think the Bible was talking about squash.”
“No. The passage speaks of brothers.”
“Whose?”
“Those belonging to Jesus.”
She frowned thoughtfully. “I know Joseph and Mary had more children. So Jesus was like our Tad, the eldest in a big family.”
With a broad swing, Neil drove his hatchet through the weak point Beau had created. There was a hollow crack, and the tough rind split, revealing vivid orange flesh. Jayce took over, breaking the squash into smaller chunks while Grandpa Pete scraped away most of the seeds. Then another squash was rolled into position, and Tad took careful aim.
His younger brothers whooped when he split it neatly on the first try.
Koji picked up where he’d left off in the second chapter of Hebrews.
“Both the One who makes men holy and
those who are made holy are of the same family.
So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.”
“And sisters,” Prissie added primly.
“Indeed.” Koji kept his eyes on the continued demolition of squashes while he recited the remainder of the paragraph. “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Heb. 2:14–15).
Prissie did her part in applauding her brothers’ triumph, then jostled Koji with her elbow. “Which is just another way of saying that Jesus is the best big brother that ever was.”
“Or will be. World without end,” concluded Koji. “Amen and amen.”
CJ’S BOOKS: Sale
Just a quick note to call your attention to a book sale that’s underway. Today’s the last day you can nab Byways Book #3, Over the Bridge, A Zane Johns Adventure for FREE over on Amazon.
Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths
as they race each other across their homeland.
If you’re not familiar with the Byways books, I publish this family-friendly fantasy series under my maiden name. The books are geared for young readers, but the story’s meant to appeal to folks of all ages. I’d be pleased to know you’re reading along! ; )
July 28, 2015
MONDAY: What have you been reading?
Home Sweet Home. I’m back where I belong, safe and sound. With all the busyness of settling back in, I missed my Monday post, but I don’t want to wait another week. So we’ll politely ignore the fact that it’s Tuesday and enjoy a little chat. I have some pictures and some odds and ends of writerly news to share. Come and see!
Pretty in Pink. It’s always fun when someone sends me a snapshot. My good friend added one of my postcards to her board! Does it look familiar? ; )
Party Favors. Thank you to everyone who took part in last week’s Pursuing Prissie party. The watercolor notecards went out in yesterday’s mail. I settle on a camping scene and northern lights for this round of prizes. I have another set on reserve for our next party, which is now on my calendar. Those of you who couldn’t play along this time can look forward to September 21. I’ll host another giveaway leading up to the anniversary of the Threshold Series & the book birthday of The Blue Door. ♥
Family Fiction Edge. Every so often, I am asked what I’ve been reading lately. For instance, I was asked for a summer reading story recommendation by Family Fiction Edge, an online magazine for Christian YA fiction. [Don’t spoiler me! I’m still partway through the Remnants books!]
A Brotherhood of Monks. I’m well aware that my taste in stories is a little odd. Yes, I like to explore new worlds in science fiction and fantasy. And I adore a good mystery. Hints of romance are welcome, but I’m equally satisfied with books that celebrate friendship. And I enjoy gently-paced stories that stir my soul. Like this one. The Hawk and the Dove is set in a Benedictine monastery in the twelfth century, centering around the experiences of the new abbot of St. Alcuin. Father Columba (dove) is a strange name for a man with the proud bearing of a hawk. His tale is a story within a story, charmingly told by a mother to her daughter in a modern setting. I quickly fell in love with the main character Melissa’s turn of mind and imagination. I can’t wait to read the whole series! [Parental note: while this is a quiet little story, the monks face difficult situations. While not graphic, there are scenes of violence and mentions of immorality that may trouble tenderhearted readers.]
Writers Write. After my time away, I’m getting back into the swing of my daily writing routine. I’m wrestling a few proposals together, and in August I’ll be tackling my pile of notes and turning them into a full-fledged manuscript. And I’m starting a new author group with some of my friends from the ACFW who live here in San Diego. So I’m busy in my favorite ways! : )
What have you been reading? What are you plotting?
<< LAST MONDAY | NEXT MONDAY >>
