Janet Sketchley's Blog: Tenacity, page 77

Review: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. Peterson

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene H. Peterson (IVP Books, second edition 2000)

Subtitled “Discipleship in an instant society,” this book is as relevant today as it was when first published in 1980. If anything, we need it more now, since the pace of life is increasing.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a call to Christians to leave the “tourist” mindset and take on the “pilgrim” perspective. Each chapter looks at one of the Psalms of Ascent (sung by the ancient Israeli...

Guest Post: What’s in a Name?

What’s in a Name? by Patricia Bradley

I’m sitting here staring at a blinking cursor. Or I was before I abandoned the blank page for Janet’s blog. Of course, that meant I was staring at another blank page and blinking cursor, but at least I have an idea of how to start. I’m going to talk about starting a new book and a new series.

I’ve finished the fourth book in the Logan Point series, and the third one just came out—Gone Without a Trace, which I’m giving away this week here.

My next series i...

God: Love and Power

Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Mark 4:40-41, NLT*

I always thought Jesus was asking why the disciples were afraid of the storm, as in, why hadn’t they trusted Him to save them? Why hadn’t they simply asked for His help instead of panicking?

But this “Why are you afraid?” came after He had stilled the storm, when they were terrified of...

Review: Trial Run, by Thomas Locke

Trial Run, by Thomas Locke (Revell, 2015)

With Trial Run, Thomas Locke delivers an international techno-thriller set just beyond our current technology. Gabriella Speciale’s research team has fled danger in the US and set up a secret base in Switzerland, where their experiments with out-of-body consciousness have resulted in an unexpected casualty.

In the US, a shadow group within the government wants to replicate their work for the purposes of espionage.

The third key players are two Califor...

Christian Suspense Giveaways

Just a quick post to let you know about two opportunities to win a copy of my books:

At suspense author Patricia Bradley’s blog: one copy of Secrets and Lies (Canada and US only, ends Aug. 16)

At the Koala Mom’s blog: one set of Heaven’s Prey and Secrets and Lies (Canada and US only, ends Aug. 31) There are plenty of other giveaways at this site, too, since author Bonnie Way is celebrating a blogging anniversary.

If You Love Christian Music

I think it was 2008 that I first heard Geoff Moore sing.I went home and forgot his name, his songs… but I remembered this guy who sang like he loved the Lord, so much that he practically glowed with it. When he came back to Halifax with Steven Curtis Chapman in 2011, I didn’t recognize his name. When he started to sing, I knew him.

I loved the songs he sang that night, bought his new album, Saying Grace,and loved it so much that I ordered some of his older material online.Buying a CD whenyou’...

A Slave of God

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
James 1:1a, NLT*

I think the word “slave” meant something different to James than it does in a North American context. In identifying himself this way, he’s not saying he’s dehumanized, abused, a victim, or in any way to be pitied or rescued.

He’s a willing slave. There existed in Bible times men or women who could have been freed but who chose to commit to a lifetime’s service to their master. Imagine how good a person...

Review: Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood, an anthology

Love Rebel: Reclaiming Motherhood, by Anna Eastland, Monique LeBlanc, Bonnie Way, Monique Les and Melanie Jean Juneau, edited by Roberta Cottam (Village Acres Publishing, 2015)

Love Rebel is a refreshing affirmation of the value of at-home motherhood as a valid life choice.

According to the introduction, “The women featured in this book are rebels in today’s birthing and parenting culture.” They’re not angry or defiant like many rebels, and this isn’t a book that attacks the choices of workin...

7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers

Introducing a new resource for Christians who write:

Available for Kindle (July 2015). Coming soon in print and in other ebook formats.

There are plenty of how-tos out there addressing various aspects of the writing craft, publication, marketing etc, but there aren’t many books that cultivate the writer as a whole person.

The editors of this anthology chose seven key areasthat areessential for a Christian who writes:

Time with God Healthy Living Time Management Honing Writing Skills Crafting...

Opportunity or Threat?

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James 1:2, NLT*

Do you see troubles as an opportunity?

Maybe I’m still too much of a child inside, but Ihave the child’s response (mentally) of cowering and shrinking. Of thinking the trouble is too big, and fearing it will overwhelm me. Of seeing a threat.

Another part of me raises my defenses. It’s a win-or-lose struggle, and I can’t afford to lose.

James gives us a much broader p...