A Year With God by R.P.Nettelhorst is a daily reading devotional book providing an overview of God at work in the Old Testament.
Compiled into sections highlighting facets of God’s character (such as love, forgiveness, mercy, faith…), each reading begins with a passage from the Old Testament followed by a brief, devotional commentary. Sometimes the commentary expounds the Scripture cited for that day’s reading; other times the author points to other relevant passages that add clarity.
This book is a great tool for those who’d like to grow in their understanding of the Old Testament. I wouldn’t, however, recommend it for new converts and babes in Christ because it’s hard reading.
My criticism of the book would be in the following areas: * The use of different Bible translations is distracting. * There are a number of serious editing mistakes including mixing up Bible characters. * There’s no bio. (Many readers want to know what makes the author an expert on their subject before they’ll believe a book’s content.)
Overall, though, this book is a great daily read to help you know God more deeply via the Old Testament.
As a Booksneeze blogger I received this book courtesy of Thomas Nelson publishers.
The more I study the Bible, the more I realize I've still got a lot to learn about two things: thankfulness and giving.
There is no question in my wee mind that I could (and must) give more. I don't need to be rich to give. (Phew!!! I'm really off the mark on that one.) I just need to do it--to give.
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and to give everything. Read my latest article in The San Diego Examiner here.
I have such deep esteem and gratitude for our veterans. Thank you.
Veterans are almost as close to my heart as orphans. In fact, à propos, there's a way to honor both veterans and orphans tonight. If you're near Costa Mesa, CA and would like to enjoy a special live TV event tonight honoring veterans (special speakers including Raul Ries) and also mentioning Orphans FIrst, contact me.
More about Veterans Day and snippets on some local military heroes in my latest article for The San Diego Examiner.
Comments welcome here or on page of the article. :)
The God Hater by Bill Myers is one of the most pertinent, relevant and exciting novels you can read. Here's what the book's about:
A cranky, atheist philosophy professor loves to shred incoming freshmen of their faith. He is chosen by a group of scientists to create a philosophy for a computer-generated world exactly like ours.
Much to his frustration every model introduced from Darwinism, to Existentialism, to Eastern beliefs fails. The only way to preserve the computer world is to introduce laws from outside their system through a Law Giver. Of course this goes against everything he believes and he hates it. But even this doesn't completely work because the citizens of that world become legalists and completely miss the spirit behind the Law.
The only way to save them is to create a computer character like himself to personally explain it. He does. So now there are two of him—the one in our world and the one in the computer world. (Sound familiar?)
Unfortunately, a rival has introduced a virus into the computer world. Things grow worse until the professor in that computer world sees the only way to save his world is to personally absorb the virus and the penalty for breaking the Law. Of course it's clear to all, including our real world professor, that this act of selfless love has become a complete reenactment of the Gospel. It is the only possible choice to save the computer world and, as he finally understands, our own.
Apart from my own recommendation of this thrilling novel -- and aside of the fact that Bill Myers is one of the finest authors of our time -- The God Hater has been endorsed by top-selling authors and theological icons. Here are two from a list of prestigious endorsements to whet your appetite:
· Jerry B. Jenkins, Author of Left Behind When one of the most creative minds I know gets the best idea he’s ever had and turns it into a novel, it’s fasten-your-seat-belt time. This one will be talked about for a long time."
· Tim LaHaye, Author of Left Behind A most fascinating story! Full of heart, suspense and intelligence, The God Hater engagingly illustrates the futility of man-made beliefs as well as the world’s desperate need for a God who offers hope, guidance and help."
You can find more about The God Hater -- and a plethora of resources for pastors, youth pastors, leaders and laymen -- here. You can buy the book at all good bookstores, such as Barnes & Nobles.
Get this book. You won't regret it. (And it'll make a great Christmas gift for anyone you you love. Shhhh! I won't tell.)
The most scary thing about Halloween is to see how Americans celebrate it. Just another excuse to spend disproportionate amounts of dollars -- and do a lot of useless things. But that's only on the surface level.
Truth is there are many horrible things that happen on Halloween. It is, after all, the celebration of the dead, a time to evoke demons, sacrifice life and honor the dark arts as this video clip, Halloween: Innocent Fun or Spiritual Perception, portrays.
No wonder, then, many parents prefer their children dress up in something other than a witch. Or, better still, they prefer the full fun package provided by Harvest Parties. You can read more about Halloween and Harvest Parties in my latest article in The Examiner. Comments welcome.
The Least Among You is based on the true story of Richard Kelly, a black man who becomes the victim of racial injustice and religious hypocrisy.
After graduating from college, Kelly (Cedric Sanders) makes a successful career in the corporate world where he is accused of participating in the 1965 Watts riots and arrested. A plea bargain is made for Kelly’s release—one that will change his life drastically, and change the lives of other blacks thereafter. He agrees to study in an all-white seminary for two semesters.
As the first and only black student encouraged by the president to rise above the racial barrier, Kelly becomes the center of distasteful provocation. Surrounded by hypocrisy, corruption, indifference and disillusionment, his leadership qualities—and his faith—are tested almost to breaking point.
During his darkest moment, Kelly meets someone whose light shines in spite of hardships—the janitor, a God-fearing black man who becomes a father-figure and inspiration to Kelly.
Meanwhile, Kelly’s own relationship with God helps rekindle faith in the heart of a disillusioned ex-missionary. God is at work on every side.
The Least Among You can be summed up in these words: Inspiring. Highly recommended. Well worth seeing.
I’m delighted to share with my readers Her Daughter's Dream (Tyndale House Publishers, September 2010) by one of my favorite best-selling authors, Francine Rivers. Enjoy this review and questions and answers provided by Francine. It’ll whet your appetite for more.
In the dramatic conclusion to the New York Times best seller Her Mother’s Hope, Francine Rivers delivers a rich and deeply moving story about the silent sorrows that can tear a family apart and the grace and forgiveness that can heal even the deepest wounds.
Growing up isn’t easy for little Carolyn Arundel. With her mother, Hildemara, quarantined to her room with tuberculosis, Carolyn forms a special bond with her oma Marta, who moves in to care for the household. But as tensions between Hildie and Marta escalate, Carolyn believes she is to blame. When Hildie returns to work and Marta leaves, Carolyn and her brother grow up as latchkey kids in a world gripped by the fear of the Cold War.
College offers Carolyn the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her newfound independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady counterculture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, she reluctantly turns to her family to help rebuild a life for her and her own daughter, May Flower Dawn. Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow she will be a bridge between the women in her family rather than the wall that separates them forever.
Spanning from the 1950s to present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the emotional final chapter of an unforgettable family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.
Questions/Answers from Francine Rivers
Mother-daughter relationships are often complicated and fraught with emotional land mines. What was your approach to exploring the complexity of those relationships in a fictional setting? Questions, lots of questions! Every time I told someone I was working on a book about mother-daughter relationships, people wanted to share their family stories. As I wrote Her Mother’s Hope, I wanted readers to see through each woman’s eyes, and understand how the past shaped each in the way she responded to her mother. Hildemara doesn’t believe her mother loves her, but it is out of Marta’s pain and loss that tough-love techniques were forged. Marta wants to strengthen her daughter for whatever lies ahead. Sometimes what we view as rejection can actually be an act of sacrificial love. We seldom know the experiences that shaped our mothers, the deep hurts, traumatic events, broken relationships. I hope women who read this book will want to share those things with one another.
After readers finish this series what do you want them to remember? What questions and feelings do you want it to provoke on a spiritual and emotional level? I hope and pray readers who have had difficult relationships with their mothers or daughters will let go of the pain and anger and allow God to work in their lives. God can work all things together for good for those who trust and love Him. Following Jesus’ example changes the way we see people. It changes the way we relate to one another. Even when the chasm is too deep to cross, we can decide to forgive. Some people wear grievances like a dirty coat. With God’s strength, we can strip it off and be free. When people finish reading Her Daughter’s Dream, I hope they will want to extend God’s grace and forgiveness. I hope they will tear down their walls and use their life experiences to begin building a bridge.
Where may we connect with you further or to purchase a copy of Her Daughter's Dream? I would love for you to visit my web site at www.FrancinceRivers.com, browse through the various events and other resources available, as well as sign up for my mailing list. You may also join me on my Facebook page, please click here.
About the Author
Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.
Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then re-released by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade.
Since Redeeming Love, Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes—all best sellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa.
Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by the Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.
For more reviews, news -- and sometimes a tad from Janey's muse, stop by again soon. I'll be posting a cool movie review later this week. (Cool movie and cool review. You can't beat that!)
Two words describe What In The World Is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford to Ignore by David Jeremiah: MUST READ!
If you want to understand Bible prophesy regarding the rapture, the great tribulation and the second coming – if you want to see how current world events make way for the battle the of Armageddon and the Millennium – then read this book.
What In The World Is Going On? identifies the Bible’s10 most crucial prophecies and how they relate – in detail – to what is going on in the world today.
Jeremiah uses relevant snippets of world history and thrusts us into the future to demystify eschatology. His practical expounding of the Scriptures reveals how the economic crises, governmental decisions, technological expansion etc. pave the way for the antichrist and a world government. Israel, an essential player, is constantly a central news focus. Islam us rising in strength against her and against the West, but Scripture shows God’s plan will not be thwarted.
What In The World Is Going On? is a top read to equip God’s people for the future as well as a great tool to help unbelievers come to the truth. I recommend it for pastors and laymen, young and old, men and women . . . Everyone should read this book—if for no other reason than the sheer exhilaration of witnessing our redemption unfold.
One of the greatest needs in Haiti since the earthquake is for children to attend school. Before the quake, over half of Haiti's children didn't go to school. Now those numbers have increased, complicating Haiti's future.
Orphans First is looking to provide schooling for as many children as possible in the tent cities -- beginning with thirty. $ 300 - $ 350 provides the needed funds for a child to attend school for a year. Find out how you can help. Read my article in Assist News Service here.
(Crayons photo compliments of www.gifart.com.) Summer's over and parents are preparing their children for the new school year. But what about foster children?
For many foster children the back-to-school season presents a huge dilemma. Read more about this in my latest Examiner article here.
I'm a huge advocate for adoption. And for stories. So today I'm featuring a special true story about a beautiful, adopted child right here on my blog. May it inspire you as it did me. “I feel a pulse,” one of the medics said.
The paramedics worked feverishly on Manisha to make sure she was still alive. My beautiful seven-year-old daughter from Nepal lay on the floor unconscious at the O’Connell Center of the University of Florida.
“Has she ever had a seizure?” another one asked.
“No, no,” I said in bewilderment. Manisha rolled over and vomited.
One emotion consumed me: Fear. The enormity of single parenting hit me like lightening.
I cried out, “Where are you, God? I feel so alone.”
After hooking up stabilizing IVs, Manisha was whisked off in an ambulance to Shands Teaching Hospital. I found a pay phone and called my mother. Her first comment was, “Do you know what day this is?”
I remembered—September 19. Four years to the day and almost to the hour, my father had died of a brain tumor. It was about 5:00 p.m. My shattered world continued to close in on me. A short time later my worst fears were confirmed.
“There is something on the CAT scan. We have a called a neurologist,” I heard the nurse say.
“No, no, no,” every cell in my body cried out. “God, you can’t let this happen. Not again!”
But God was silent. The next nine days of hospitalization were filled with tests—MRI, gallium scan, spinal tap, TB test, HIV test, numerous blood draws, and too many questions and not enough answers by doctors doing their daily rounds with medical students in tow. Manisha had what in medical parlance is called a “zebra.”
As the days passed in the hospital, I asked God for two things that humanly speaking seemed impossible. I prayed first that the doctors would not have to do surgery. I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing Manisha’s beautiful thick, curly black hair shaved off. The ugly scars of surgery still lingered in my mind from my dad’s brain surgery. And I prayed that whatever was in Manisha’s head would not be cancerous. I had asked God to heal my father of a brain tumor and he died. Could I trust God for Manisha’s healing?
It was critical that the doctor’s make the correct diagnosis. The wrong treatment could kill her. Did she have a malignant brain tumor or a worm inside her head? Manisha had been adopted by me from Nepal at the age of three—old enough to be exposed to the extreme poverty of Nepal and lack of clean drinking water. 57.1 percent of the water in Nepal is considered unsatisfactory for human consumption, contaminated with feces.
Manisha’s condition turned out to be caused by a tapeworm infection of the brain—the most common parasitic infection of the nervous system. The larvae can travel anywhere in the body—the muscles, brain, eye, and other structures. The condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is still relatively rare in this country, but is appearing more on the radar as part of the differential diagnosis for seizures.
Thankfully, twelve years later, Manisha is a healthy, well-adjusted 19-year-old finishing her A.A. degree at Santa Fe College—six months ahead of schedule.
Why did God allow this nightmare to happen? I don’t know why God allows the hard things in our lives, but I do know God never wastes anything. I hope writing about neurocysticercosis today will bring awareness to this very preventable disease. International adoptive parents and travelers to the developing world should seek appropriate medical care upon returning to the U.S. if they have been exposed to poor sanitary conditions or contaminated water.
In spite of the trials of single parenting, the years following that dreadful day of September 19, 1994, have been filled with life and joy. Manisha soon will be leaving home to make her own way in the world and I reflect on her middle name Hope—with God, there is always hope, and for that I am thankful.
For more on Manisha’s story, be sure to watch Animal Planet’s “Monsters Inside Me” on August 25, 10-11pm EST. The book, Children of Dreams tells the complete story, available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and your local bookstores.
Lorilyn Roberts graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Perelandra College. As a Certified Court Reporter, Lorilyn has made contributions to the National Court Reporters Association Journal. She provides real-time broadcast captioning for television. Lorilyn’s first book, The Donkey and the King, is a beautifully illustrated children's book. She also co-leads Word Weavers in Gainesville, FL. When not writing, taking graduate classes, or closed captioning for television/web, Lorilyn homeschools her younger daughter, Joy.
Lorilyn is offering a drawing for a free copy of Children of Dreams on her website and blog. The drawing will be on September 1, 2010. Go to the website for details. Lorilyn's website. Lorilyn's blog.
As for me, (Janey), thank you for stopping by. I'll be posting a new article here real soon.
Incredible! That’s what people are saying about what is happening in America today whether in New York or our own backyard here in San Diego.
While churches struggle to meet their budgets (both North Coast Church in Vista and North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad have built new edifices recently to accommodate their growing membership—a challenge in a declining economy), expensive mosques are popping up everywhere.
Recently, just in time for Ramadan, a new Islamic Center opened in Santaluz, North County—a building costing some 5.5 million dollars. Many San Diegans opposed this construction but eventually accepted their fate gracefully in the name of tolerance
Temecula now faces a similar problem. But so far the people have not relinquished their right to show their disapproval of building a Muslim edifice in this peaceful old town with a distinctly Christian penchant.
Of course, greater hoo-ha surrounds the controversy of building a mosque near Ground Zero, the sacred ground where 3, 000 people met their death caused by planes flown by Muslim terrorists into the Trade Center Towers on 9/11. While New Yorkers express divided opinions on this sensitive issue, most vehemently oppose it, considering it to be a slap in the face or even provocation—almost like erecting a statue of Hitler in the middle of Jerusalem.
But the biggest outrage centers around President Obama’s nonchalance over this matter. He not only doesn’t see any problem in building a Mosque near Ground Zero, he actually backs it up. (Is this one of the reasons why Rima Fakih—the first Arab Muslim to be elected Miss USA—shows such fondness for Mr. Obama?)
Why is the building of a Mosque so problematic (other than the obvious issue of blatent insensitivity when it comes to Ground Zero)?
It is a problem because a Mosque is considered a landmark stating, “This territory is ours.” And while believing in freedom of religion, many Americans don’t want to follow Europe’s downfall and lose their national identity which was founded on Christian principles. (Europe lost its identity one mosque at a time. England and France are now highly populated with Muslims—quite different from the old Europe Spurgeon knew—and most churches are empty.)
Is it any wonder that Jesus tells His people to watch and pray, to be vigilant and mindful of the lateness of the hour and to overcome evil by doing good. Praying for America is a good place to begin. Let God hear the voice of His people. Then let the people hear the voice of God as His people speak up boldly for what is right.
(Photo of boy drinking by Francesco Raphael DeMeo, Orphans First.)
Oceanside is where it’s at this weekend. At least for those looking for fun, food, music and purpose—an opportunity to give a cup of cold water to those in need.
Two fun-focused, Christ-centered events will take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons: one at the Oceanside Ampitheater, the other at Cafecito on The Strand.
Since I've written abundant details of these fantabulous events in my article in The San Diego Examiner, I'll send you over there to get the whole scoop.
Orphans First will have a booth at both events so please turn up and say Hi.
The unusual thing about Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson is that it brings you into what feels like a time warp, even though it isn’t. The story takes place in this century.
What gives this impression is that for most of the book, May Seymour, the centerpiece of the story, lives on a farm without a telephone, without a computer, without a car . . . She milks cows, gathers eggs and cooks up ol’ fashioned wholesome food so you feel as if you’re in Little-House-On-The-Prairie times.
This all comes about because May—a spoilt young girl from a middle-class family—a girl who spent her college years partying and waywarding in every way—spends a season soul-searching in Rwanda during the war where she finds herself caught in the genocide, witnessing horror at its greatest. The farm, then, becomes her place of refuge, of reclusion—and where her faith is rekindled.
May finds her deliverance in God’s fatherly patience mirrored in the loving people He brings into her life—including an old friend who awaits his fate on death row. These people, along with the flowers and animals, bring May’s healing.
This book is a good read, intriguing and warm. However, as with many of the books I read recently, I found numerous spelling mistakes, typos and incomprehensible sentences. Need better copywriters if you ask me. ☺
The world is marked by tragedy. But circumstances should not mold our happiness.
Many people are overwhelmed by what is happening in the world whether earthquakes, famines or the Gulf Oil Spill. The typical attitude is one of the following:
*apathetic optimism – “Oh, don’t worry, it’ll all work out just fine in the end. This is just history and nature doing its thing.”
*alarm and panic – “We’re doomed. There is no hope.”
One of the biggest shockers I got when I first came to rich America (especially Southern California) was to see so many homeless people -- even children. Shocking!
On another note, some sixty Orphans First friends (many from our House Church in San Clemente) attended TBN to view live TV -- a special End Times edition with Chuck Smith, Tim LaHaye and Josh McDowell. Orphans First was given a special mention and displayed across the screen. You can see the show at tbn.org and go into the archives for the July 21st live show.
(Pic of soldier jumping out of plane courtesy of clipart.com)
A few things are very dear to my heart. Of course, children and orphans (anyone who knows me knows that much). But also our military who serve us by keeping us safe. (A huge hug and thank you to our military.) And then there's homeless people; My heart breaks for homeless people -- half of whom are byproducts of a broken society and came straight from the foster system where they never connected to a loving family. But a third of those homeless folks are veterans.
Now, as Mike Turko (a local San Diego reporter) would say: "That ain't right!" And he's right. It ain't right.
That's why I love what's taking place this weekend in San Diego: a three-day event reaching out to about 1,000 veterans u this area -- most of whom are homeless.
Read more about this fantabulous event in my latest article in The Examiner here. And please leave a comment. I love to hear from you.
Lately it seems that things just aren't normal around here. For one thing, it's been awfully cold. (Well, cold by San Diego standards which, admittedly, defy the rest of the world in terms of perfect temperatures.) For another, it's been relatively quiet (or maybe that's because it's cold and people are not partying as much!).
But some San Diegans, it has been anything but quiet lately.
Oh, and by the way, the photo has nothing to do with San Diego, but a lot to do with earthquakes. It's a picture of us sitting under a building affected by the huge earthquake in Haiti. (We're sitting in rubble and under a house that could crash and tumble at any moment.) More on that later . . . (when you've read my article).
If you want to know how to reach the world for Christ during this high-tech, high-speed society, read NetCasters by Craig von Buseck.
NetCasters is a fabulous read of rich information and inspiration on how we can share God's heart to a lost world with a little wisdom and savvy. The Internet is it.
Evangelism does not have to come solely from the pulpit. Technology is evolving. The Internet is growing. Why should evangelists be left behind? Twitter, Facebook, and blogs are no longer just entertainment sites for bored college students. Social media is a super-highway of information accessible to users of all ages. When it comes to our society’s spirituality, research shows that fifty million people will rely solely on the Internet for their faith based experiences in 2010.
In NetCasters (B& H Publishing Group), Craig von Buseck attempts to enlighten today’s Christians on the benefits of using the Internet as a tool for evangelism. Yes, the Internet can be used for good, and it should be! People are on the Internet, and people need to be reached.
Craig von Buseck profiles those evangelists who are working effectively on the Internet. He also encourages the church as a whole to get on board with technology and carry out the great commission on web pages, facebook posts, blog posts, and even tweets. This insightful piece of literature is a one stop shop for a Christian’s guide to the Internet.
NetCasters, was written by Craig von Buseck, who serves as ministries director for CBN.com. He oversees all online evangelism and discipleship efforts for CBN.com, which is the web site of the Christian Broadcasting Network. He authors the ChurchWatch blog, and resides in Virginia Beach, Virgina where he actively seeks to educate believers everywhere on the possibilities of the World Wide Web.
Independence is celebrated in so many different ways around the world. This photo is of our children in Grace Home, India celebrating Indian Independence Day and having a lot of fun. More details here.
The interesting thing about July 4th (Independence Day) is that it's an opportunity to celebrate our freedom as a nation. The irony is that we're fast losing that freedom.
From a European perspective (I'm a Brit), it saddens me to watch America sell her soul out. In the past few years, I've watched this beautiful nation, land of the free, slide down one long slippery slope towards giving up her freedom. Just watch the news. Compromise upon compromise is gripping us at the throat and will lead to our downfall.
America is now promoting illegal activities (I'm not gonna go there, but if it's illegal, we shouldn't reward it). She is weakening the family structure (gay parenthood honored in schools, Obama honors gays on father's day -- hello!), accommodating Muslims while belittling Christians and rebuffing Israel. We are closing our eyes to things that are just darned wrong so we can enjoy ignorant bliss rather than asking questions. Disturbing questions.
There's also the oil spill. Huge oil spill that's done more damage than anyone dares tell us. Hardly a day of freedom for all the wildlife being killed.
For those of you who, like me, were impacted by the Jesus Movement of the seventies (I guess everyone was impacted in some way or other), you'll be jealous of the fact I'm attending another Love Song concert. Yes, Love Song, the original band from the seventies.
Father's Day is not always so jolly for some dads -- and some kids.
For many children it's a painful, painful time -- a reminder that they don't have a dad who cares. And for some dads, it's a reminder that they're far away from their children -- perhaps serving overseas to protect our country, or perhaps caught in an ugly divorce situation. Whatever the reason, Father's Day can be tough.
Read my article on Father's Day in The Examiner here. And please leave a comment on my page in The Examiner.
Just posted my latest article on this weekend's earthquakes -- & a whole lot more -- on The Examiner.
Yep more earthquakes here in San Diego County -- and all around. What on earth is going on.
As Carole King and James Taylor sing so eloquently, so iconically, the earth is indeed moving under our feet. Please check out my article on The Examiner. And tell me what you think. Leave a comment there. (Comments in English or French only please -- or I won't understand them. Maybe poco Italiano.)
From Adam to Eve to potential visiting aliens, in Searching for God Knows What, Don Miller explores the human dilemma in his typical humorous, thought-probing style. Humans are both complex and simple, entangled in a web of fallen selfhood. Our biggest search – or felt-need – is for significance.
We spend our lives striving for identity and acceptance, subconsciously yielding to, as Miller puts it, a “jury of peers,” seeking their endorsement. Like people in a lifeboat, we strive for survival in a hierarchy based on humanly perceived worth. We hope to make it but we always fall short. No amount of human approval fulfills us and replaces what we lost in the Garden—our relationship with God.
Miller explains our hopelessly hollow hearts and desire for significance in his 5-point Genesis Theory. We are broken. Only Jesus can fix us. And He does this through relationship.
This book answers a lot of questions and could really help people in marriage, or any other kind of relationship. My only criticism: I had to read some sentences twice because of an absence of punctuation which, while expressing Miller’s unique voice, obscures the meaning. Still, this book’s a great read for both seekers and mature Christians alike.
I just voted. And you? In case you're still wondering about voting, read my article below. Or read the original article I published in The Examiner.
“A people that value privilege above principle will soon lose both.” --Dwight Eisenhower
“Our future as a country depends on an involved and concerned citizenry.” --George Washington
“Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.” –Ronald Reagan
“Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets. Please vote!” --Abraham Lincoln
Ok, so now it’s June, what happens in San Diego (other than June Gloom that is)? Well, for one thing, today is the ‘big day.’ Yep, it’s time to vote.
While politics and religion don’t mix – or so they say – it is the duty of every Christian to vote. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be light and salt:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13).
“Trampled by men” is a harsh term. Certainly, men will trample all over us, all over society, if we don’t exercise our influence. This includes our privilege to vote.
Christians are given not just the opportunity but also the responsibility to influence society in a beneficial way by choosing to act according to our eternal purpose – to act Christ-like.
But what has acting Christ-like got to do with voting Prop “XYZ” or voting for various candidates to hold key positions to improve the quality of life in our country and also our county?
Would Jesus have voted? If He did (and we can’t know), His choices would have been based on biblical principles. The question then is: Is this Prop or this candidate aligned with the principles seen in the Bible? As Christians, we share this same responsibility: to choose in a way that pleases God.
As America celebrates Memorial Day Weekend -- with the scent and buzz of barbecue in the air -- we have much to be concerned about. Local elections are on the horizon and we'd better choose carefully -- and prayerfully. We need to consider what took place in the last national election, and what has happened since. Many people find themselves saying, "I don't believe this is happening!" But it is.
What?
Well, that would take pages and pages to write about, and I'm smart enough to leave that with those who have eloquent expertise such as the American Family Association. But let's just say it gets weirder and weirder. If you don't believe me, check out American politics on snopes.com and see what's true and what isn't.
For example, it is true that they're building a Mosque right next to where the NY Trade Towers were -- where the 911 tragedy took place. Hard to believe isn't it? But it's true.
Still, I said I would write about it here so I won't. (Otherwise I'd also have to write about the increasing earthquakes, volcano eruptions, oil spill etc. to put it all in context.) We need to be vigilant and wise, think hard and pray. What is happening in this country is NOT normal. But, given what the Bible predicts will happen before Jesus' second coming, I guess it's to be expected. So, in that respect -- and only in that respect -- woo hoo!!!!!
Now, back to Memorial Day Weekend, this is a good time to pray for our military -- those that seek to protect our country's freedom -- and to pray for their families. Read my latest article on this subject in The Examiner.
My article includes many useful links and a fascinating video. I'd love to hear your comments either here on this blog or on the page of the article in The Examiner. Thank you.
I’ll soon post pics and details of my recent trip to Haiti. Meanwhile, I’m delighted to present an interview with Francine Rivers– one of my favorite authors. Read about her latest book, Her Mother’s Hope, and enjoy as she gives us glimpses into her life.
Can you tell us something about your Christian testimony? I was reared in a Christian home. My parents were active in church, my father an elder, my mother a deaconess. I attended Christian summer camps, youth group and said grace at every meal. I thought being born into a Christian family and raised in the faith made me a Christian. It didn’t. Each person makes their own choice, and it took me years to surrender to Jesus – not until after I’d gone through college, married, had children and started a writing career. Rick and I went to church, but came away dissatisfied and knowing there must be something more. We both had personal issues that brought us close to divorce several times. We wanted our own way and to have control over our own lives. Having control is an illusion. As a child, I’d asked Jesus to be my Savior. What I didn’t understand is I needed to surrender my life to Him and allow Him to be LORD of my life as well.
Our marriage was on the verge of collapse when Rick started his own business. We moved to northern California to be closer to family. We made many outer changes, but no change of the heart. As we moved into our rental house, a little boy came over to help and said, “Have I got a church for you!” We weren’t ready to listen. The lady on the other side of our fence also invited us to the same church. Out of desperation, I went a few weeks later. It was my first experience with “expository teaching.” The pastor taught straight out of the Bible, explaining the historical context, what the scriptures were saying, and what they had to do with me in the present. I drank it in! I took my three children to church. They loved it. Rick resisted (after having a somewhat disheartening experience with a denominational church in Southern California). I asked the pastor if he would be willing to teach a home Bible study. He agreed -- if Rick agreed, which he did. Studying the Bible changed our lives. Our hearts and minds opened to Christ. We both accepted Jesus as Savior and LORD and were baptized in May 1986. Since then, God has been changing our lives from the inside out. The Lord also healed our marriage. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this year.
How did you get started as a writer? From the time I was a child, I knew I would be a writer. Because I didn’t know what I would write, I majored in English (emphasis in literary writing) and minored in journalism (emphasis on who-what-when-where-why). My parents had always been non-fiction readers. Rick’s family loved all kinds of books – and lots of fiction. Mom Edith loaned me novels and I loved them. On a dare (from Rick) I decided to write a combination of my favorite genres and wrote a “western-gothic-romance”. Romance novels were booming in the general market, publishers were on the look-out for new writers. My first manuscript sold and was published. I was hooked! I followed with eight or nine more (of what I call my B.C. (before Christ) books). They are all now out of print, are never to be reprinted, and are not recommended.
When I turned my life over to Jesus, I couldn’t write for three years. I tried, but nothing worked. I struggled against God over that because writing was my “identity.” It took that period of suffering “writer’s block” to bring me to my senses. God was trying to open my eyes to how writing had become an idol in my life. It was the place I ran to escape, the one area of my life where I thought I was in complete control. (Hardly!) My priorities were all wrong and needed to be put right. God first, husband and children second (we had three children by then) and third-- work. I prayed God would change my heart. My love for writing and reading novels waned and my passion for reading and studying God’s Word grew.
Rick and I began hosting a home Bible study. I began working with Rick in his business. The children came along and played in the office, hiding in the shipping popcorn. Writing ceased to matter. I was in love with Jesus and my husband and children. God never stops with the transformation process. We began studying the book of Hosea, and I sensed God calling me to write again – this time a romance about Jesus’ love for each of us. Redeeming Love was the result. It is the retelling of the Hosea story, set in Gold Rush-era California. After I turned it in, I wasn’t sure whether I would write anything more. I had so many questions about what it means to be a Christian, how to live for God, different issues that still haunted me. I felt God nudging me toward using my writing as a tool to draw closer to Him. I would ask my question, create characters that would play out the different viewpoints and seek God’s perspective. I began work on A Voice in the Wind. Writing has become a way to worship the Lord through story – to show how intimately He wants to be involved in our lives.
Where do you get your ideas for your plots? Almost every story I have written since becoming a Christian has come from a question that regards a struggle in my own faith walk. The plot centers around the different ways that question can be answered by “the world” – but the quest is to find God’s answer. Here is a list of my novels with the questions that started each story:
• A Voice in the Wind: How do I share my faith with unsaved family members and friends who have no desire to read the Bible or hear me talk about my faith? • An Echo in the Darkness: How many times are we called upon to forgive people who hurt us deliberately -- and (in many countries) would like to see us dead? • As Sure As the Dawn: How do you deal with anger – especially when there is “good” cause? What is “righteous anger” and how does it look? • The Scarlet Thread: What does “sovereignty” mean in man’s relationship with God? If He is in control of everything, what does that say about the bad things that happen to people? • The Atonement Child: Is there complete forgiveness and restoration for a woman who has aborted her child? Does abortion have any effect on the woman and the man involved in the crisis pregnancy? Does it impact people around them? (This was my most painful and personal book because I needed to face and deal with my own abortion experience. The character of Hannah is based on my story; Evie is based on my mother’s.) • The Last Sin Eater: What is the difference between guilt and conviction? This book came out of The Atonement Child. What I learned: guilt kept me imprisoned for years. Conviction sent me to my knees before the Lord where I received forgiveness and experienced His love and grace. • Leota’s Garden: Are abortion and euthanasia connected? Is euthanasia merciful or an act of murder? This novel also came out of my work on The Atonement Child. While studying the abortion issue from all sides, I realized the arguments for abortion are exactly the same as those for euthanasia. While going through a post-abortion class with other women (one a nurse), I learned that the elderly are already at risk. One scene in the book continues to shock people. I wrote it for that purpose. I want people to understand life is precious. The movement toward legalizing euthanasia continues to gain momentum (and has less to do with “mercy” than saving money for care). • And the Shofar Blew: What is a church? How do you build it? During my travels around the country and speaking at various churches, I saw many struggling through building projects and massive programs to draw more parishioners. Size of building and number of people in the pews seemed to define success or failure. Like a government out of control, the “church” (in many cases) has forgotten its foundation and purpose. Christ is the cornerstone. Believers meet together to study the Word of God, worship Him and encourage one another – and keep their doors and hearts open to those seeking God. Unfortunately, too many congregations have left their first love (Jesus Christ) and turned to idolatry (placing a building/drawing a crowd/being “politically correct” above a relationship with the Lord). • Her Mother’s Hope / Her Daughter’s Dream: What caused the rift between my grandmother and mother? When my grandmother had a stroke, my mother raced from Oregon to the Central Valley of California to be with her. Grandma died before she arrived. My mother was heart-broken and said, “I think she willed herself to die just so we wouldn’t have to talk things out.” I have wondered since: What causes people (even Christians) to hold grudges? What might have brought resolution and restoration to these two women? Could my grandmother have loved my mother without my mother understanding it? The two books have many personal, family details woven in and I will be sharing this information in my blog.
Which is your favorite book of those you’ve written? My favorite book is Redeeming Love. It was my first as a born-again Christian, my statement of faith, and the most exciting year I’ve spent writing anything. I felt God’s presence throughout the months of work, as though He were telling me His story through thousands of Scriptures as well as explaining the inner heart-ache and quest of each “my” characters.
Which book was the hardest to write and why? The Atonement Child was the most personal and difficult to write because I had to face my own abortion experience. Added to the considerable research I did, and women who shared their experiences with me, I went through an intensive post-traumatic stress Bible study for post-abortive women at our local pregnancy counseling center. Reliving all aspects of my abortion decision and experience was excruciating – but healing. After twenty-six years of being imprisoned by guilt and shame, I was free through the power and love of God. Though the book was the most heart-wrenching to write, it also proved to be the most life changing. I’ve received countless letters from other post-abortive women and have learned my experience is not unique. Our nation is filled with wounded men and women. The character of Hannah is based on my story, Doug is based on Rick’s, and Evie is based on my mother’s.
Which character is your favorite? My favorite character is Michael Hosea from Redeeming Love. He is like Jesus – the lover of my soul. I have another favorite: Hadassah from A Voice in the Wind. She is the kind of Christian I want to be.
What advice would you give to a new writer? Write what you need to read. Write from your heart and. Write truth. Sometimes it hurts to peel away the layers of self-deception and see ourselves in the mirror, but it will also draw us closer to Jesus. And your work may minister to others struggling with the same issues. Read the Bible every day so that it will flow naturally into the story. Study the Bible from beginning to end. It is the most exciting reading in the world. It is also alive – and will help you recognize when you are entering into sin and need to realign yourself with the Lord. Keep your focus on Jesus. Tell us about your current work.
I have just completed the second in a set of two books about mother-daughter relationship over four generations. This was intended to be one long novel dealing with the different ways generations have lived out their faith – but became so long it needed to be divided. Her Mother’s Hope will be released March 16, 2010. Her Daughter’s Dream will follow in September. There are numerous family and personal details woven into both books and I plan to share those things on my blog.
PLEASE NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided to the me as a blog tour host by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.
