I mentioned that I had been interviewed by the local paper, The Morning News, regarding my part in Brandilyn Collins' Scenes and Beans blog. Well, the article is in the paper today! Find all the sordid details here. The elusive author was even caught in his natural surroundings!
Nice article - I hope that people around will check out Violet Dawn and Kanner Lake and find themselves entertained. Thanks for the opportunity Brandilyn!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Freedom
I wish I had some blue face paint.
I am done going to my job. I have a little more work to do remotely from home, but otherwise I am FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I'm just a little relieved.
I also had an interview today from our local newspaper regarding my role as Pastor Hank Detcher on the Scenes and Beans blog. And, would you look at that! Seems like the good Pastor had an interesting post today: Scenes & Beans: Feast . . . or Fast! I'll give y'all more on this as I have updates on the interview for the paper.
I am done going to my job. I have a little more work to do remotely from home, but otherwise I am FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I'm just a little relieved.
I also had an interview today from our local newspaper regarding my role as Pastor Hank Detcher on the Scenes and Beans blog. And, would you look at that! Seems like the good Pastor had an interesting post today: Scenes & Beans: Feast . . . or Fast! I'll give y'all more on this as I have updates on the interview for the paper.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Power of Praise
I am certainly hoping to be done talking about my work situation soon, as it is tiring even to me. However, insofar as God keeps teaching me things through it, things that may encourage others, I feel compelled to continue sharing.
My last day was supposed to be September 7th. A couple of weeks ago I found out that the person who I replaced didn't like their job, so then decided to take MY place. Interesting, no? But I also found out that this person would be starting back full-time on 8/28. Hmmm. I was also responsible on 8/25 to help train them on the new computer system installed since they left. Oooooo-kay. The Lord had spoken to me about "finishing strong", so I endeavored to do so, even though it was an uncomfortable situation to say the least.
Friday I did what I could to train the person, although the way things were scheduled that wasn't easy to do. Also, I thought I had 2 more weeks where I could help train her, so I didn't feel the need to cram everything in.
At around 3:30 my boss called me aside and explained that they were going to be paying me and the new (old) person to do the same thing. He suggested that I cover Saturday morning and Monday night, 7 more hours in total, and then I could be done. They had to pay me until 9/7 anyway, but they were willing to pay me to stay away.
I had expected this, but since it was only 2 days away I still was a little shocked. I would've thought they'd have done it sooner. Oh well. I accepted, figuring 2 weeks paid vacation would pay writing and blogging dividends. Then on the way out, I noticed that my name had already been pulled from the hallway sign, replaced with the new (old) person.
I had a 25 minute commute home. When I left work in June after finding my contract wouldn't be renewed, I was a mess. This time, I slapped in Third Day, Offerings II CD and praised Jesus with all I had. When I got home I was in a great mood, and hardly had any lingering feelings about the day.
All of this story just goes to show: there is power in praise. When we can get our eyes off of our own situations and focus on the goodness of the Lord, then our troubles fall away in the light of His glory. If you are having a hard time, see if you can't lift your voice to heaven, and proclaim the faithfulness of Jesus. If you can, you should find comfort in the storm, reassurance that He holds you in His hands, and He will see you through. If you have a hard time finding that focus, read the Psalms. So many of them were written when David or other authors were in hot water, and even though they are crying out for deliverance, they see that His provision and grace will see them through.
My last day was supposed to be September 7th. A couple of weeks ago I found out that the person who I replaced didn't like their job, so then decided to take MY place. Interesting, no? But I also found out that this person would be starting back full-time on 8/28. Hmmm. I was also responsible on 8/25 to help train them on the new computer system installed since they left. Oooooo-kay. The Lord had spoken to me about "finishing strong", so I endeavored to do so, even though it was an uncomfortable situation to say the least.
Friday I did what I could to train the person, although the way things were scheduled that wasn't easy to do. Also, I thought I had 2 more weeks where I could help train her, so I didn't feel the need to cram everything in.
At around 3:30 my boss called me aside and explained that they were going to be paying me and the new (old) person to do the same thing. He suggested that I cover Saturday morning and Monday night, 7 more hours in total, and then I could be done. They had to pay me until 9/7 anyway, but they were willing to pay me to stay away.
I had expected this, but since it was only 2 days away I still was a little shocked. I would've thought they'd have done it sooner. Oh well. I accepted, figuring 2 weeks paid vacation would pay writing and blogging dividends. Then on the way out, I noticed that my name had already been pulled from the hallway sign, replaced with the new (old) person.
I had a 25 minute commute home. When I left work in June after finding my contract wouldn't be renewed, I was a mess. This time, I slapped in Third Day, Offerings II CD and praised Jesus with all I had. When I got home I was in a great mood, and hardly had any lingering feelings about the day.
All of this story just goes to show: there is power in praise. When we can get our eyes off of our own situations and focus on the goodness of the Lord, then our troubles fall away in the light of His glory. If you are having a hard time, see if you can't lift your voice to heaven, and proclaim the faithfulness of Jesus. If you can, you should find comfort in the storm, reassurance that He holds you in His hands, and He will see you through. If you have a hard time finding that focus, read the Psalms. So many of them were written when David or other authors were in hot water, and even though they are crying out for deliverance, they see that His provision and grace will see them through.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Why Do You Read?
Brandilyn Collins has an interesting couple of posts from Thursday and Friday. She asked her blog readers why they stopped reading books, and how long will they give a book a chance before giving up. You can read the original post here: Forensics & Faith: Why We Stop Reading--The Poll, and the results here: Forensics & Faith: The Poll--Results.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Crown of Fire
Day 3 of the CSSF Tour, in which the blogger discusses endorsements and the third book of Kathy Tyers' enjoyable trilogy Firebird. See the last 2 days for more intro.
First, I have a complaint about the endorsements on the 1 volume version of Firebird. On the cover the endorsement is from Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs. He is a gentleman I deeply respected for his position in the entertainment industry and the way he walked out his faith. But his quote sets up the book as "anticipating the coming Messiah. A must read for people of science and people of faith." The problem is, if you don't know who Bob Briner is, then any impact of the quote is lost. True, there's not a lot of Christian Sci-fi to go to an author for an endorsement, but there may have been a "better name" to go with this.
The endorsement by Christopher Parkening, premier classical guitarist, on the back cover is even more puzzling. Why would I care what a musician says about a book? I know Kathy Tyers is classically trained as a musician, but this endorsement is just a little bizarre. Anyway, these are quibblings, but goofy endorsements don't help the book! Had I seen this in the store, wondering about the book, they would make me think, "Ooooo-kay, they couldn't get anybody with authority in fiction to endorse it." What do my fellow tour folks think of this?
Again, the warning of spoilers if you continue...
Crown of Fire is the third installment of Firebird. This book has an interesting history. Firebird and Fusion Fire were written originally in the 80's, then were re-written in their "definitive vision" state along with Crown of Fire in the late 90's(a la George Lucas and the Special Edition of Star Wars perhaps?). I mention this, because the third book carries a different tone altogether from the first two books.
Firebird has been called back to Netaia to be reinstated as an heir to the throne. Brennan, weakened in his Sentinal powers from Fusion Fire, accompanies her and the two try to set up a trap to capture a Shuhr agent in order to mount a final attack on Three Zed. Through many official balls and events, Firebird is put into danger as they try to lure out the Shuhr agent tracking them.
Meanwhile, there is infiltration into the Netaian government, and Tel Tellai must rise up from his previous meekness to confront great danger to his homeworld.
Again, Tyers takes us through an explosive finale (I'm sorry, but it can't be explained any other way!). I can't really give away too much more about the plot in my synopsis here without major spoilers.
Here in lies one of the problems with Crown of Fire: it has one major set-up that takes up half the book. All the preparation for the major confirmation ball, and Firebird's personal conflict (again), takes too much time to develop. I really bogged down for a little while, waiting for things to take off. There would be little action events here and there, without much satisfaction as a reader.
As I mentioned before, I think I can really tell the time lapse from when the first two were written to this one. It felt like I was reading a different series, just with the same characters.
Now, once the middle to 2/3's point is reached, the book takes off and doesn't let you go - you end up catching your breath at the end, white knuckles and sweat running off your palms. So, don't lose heart in the beginning of the book. Those who are patient are rewarded with an exciting ending (even though some events are tied up a little too conveniently, but this is hard NOT to do).
Overall, I though Firebird was the strongest book, though not by much over Fusion Fire. Crown of Fire is a little disappointing, but it still is worth pushing through to get the resolution to the series, and is rewarding in the end. It just takes a little more determination in the 3rd book. I enjoyed Firebird's journey, and there were some side characters like Tel who had very satisfying character arcs.
I enjoy Sci-Fi movies like Star Wars and Serenity more than reading these type of books. However, Firebird was a great summer journey, and it actually spoke encouragement to me in situations I was dealing with through the summer. I recommend Firebird heartily - just don't put me on the cover as an endorsement just yet...
Jim Black
Rachel Marks
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
First, I have a complaint about the endorsements on the 1 volume version of Firebird. On the cover the endorsement is from Bob Briner, author of Roaring Lambs. He is a gentleman I deeply respected for his position in the entertainment industry and the way he walked out his faith. But his quote sets up the book as "anticipating the coming Messiah. A must read for people of science and people of faith." The problem is, if you don't know who Bob Briner is, then any impact of the quote is lost. True, there's not a lot of Christian Sci-fi to go to an author for an endorsement, but there may have been a "better name" to go with this.
The endorsement by Christopher Parkening, premier classical guitarist, on the back cover is even more puzzling. Why would I care what a musician says about a book? I know Kathy Tyers is classically trained as a musician, but this endorsement is just a little bizarre. Anyway, these are quibblings, but goofy endorsements don't help the book! Had I seen this in the store, wondering about the book, they would make me think, "Ooooo-kay, they couldn't get anybody with authority in fiction to endorse it." What do my fellow tour folks think of this?
Again, the warning of spoilers if you continue...
Crown of Fire is the third installment of Firebird. This book has an interesting history. Firebird and Fusion Fire were written originally in the 80's, then were re-written in their "definitive vision" state along with Crown of Fire in the late 90's(a la George Lucas and the Special Edition of Star Wars perhaps?). I mention this, because the third book carries a different tone altogether from the first two books.
Firebird has been called back to Netaia to be reinstated as an heir to the throne. Brennan, weakened in his Sentinal powers from Fusion Fire, accompanies her and the two try to set up a trap to capture a Shuhr agent in order to mount a final attack on Three Zed. Through many official balls and events, Firebird is put into danger as they try to lure out the Shuhr agent tracking them.
Meanwhile, there is infiltration into the Netaian government, and Tel Tellai must rise up from his previous meekness to confront great danger to his homeworld.
Again, Tyers takes us through an explosive finale (I'm sorry, but it can't be explained any other way!). I can't really give away too much more about the plot in my synopsis here without major spoilers.
Here in lies one of the problems with Crown of Fire: it has one major set-up that takes up half the book. All the preparation for the major confirmation ball, and Firebird's personal conflict (again), takes too much time to develop. I really bogged down for a little while, waiting for things to take off. There would be little action events here and there, without much satisfaction as a reader.
As I mentioned before, I think I can really tell the time lapse from when the first two were written to this one. It felt like I was reading a different series, just with the same characters.
Now, once the middle to 2/3's point is reached, the book takes off and doesn't let you go - you end up catching your breath at the end, white knuckles and sweat running off your palms. So, don't lose heart in the beginning of the book. Those who are patient are rewarded with an exciting ending (even though some events are tied up a little too conveniently, but this is hard NOT to do).
Overall, I though Firebird was the strongest book, though not by much over Fusion Fire. Crown of Fire is a little disappointing, but it still is worth pushing through to get the resolution to the series, and is rewarding in the end. It just takes a little more determination in the 3rd book. I enjoyed Firebird's journey, and there were some side characters like Tel who had very satisfying character arcs.
I enjoy Sci-Fi movies like Star Wars and Serenity more than reading these type of books. However, Firebird was a great summer journey, and it actually spoke encouragement to me in situations I was dealing with through the summer. I recommend Firebird heartily - just don't put me on the cover as an endorsement just yet...
Jim Black
Rachel Marks
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Fusion Fire
Here we go with day 2 of the Christian Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog Tour (hereby christened the CSSF Tour). We are featuring Kathy Tyers, author of Star Wars novels and classical musician, and her trilogy Firebird.
Warning: if you haven't read any of the first book, this discussion will give spoilers!
Today I want to talk about the second book of the trilogy: Fusion Fire. Like any good middle book, it should be full of angst and drama, with darkness ready to overtake the heroes (think The Empire Strikes Back or The Two Towers). This book generally does not disappoint.
Here we find Firebird married to Brennan Caldwell, pregnant with twin boys who will carry on the Caldwell line and legacy. She wakes up to the discomfort due to the pregnancy, but ends up foiling an intruder who is trying to kill them. After calling security, it is discovered that Brennan's brother and his family were all killed. Who could be trying to destroy the Caldwells?
The Shuhr. The Sentinals and Shuhrs are descendents from the planet Ehret, which was almost destroyed due to pride, greed, and civil war. The Sentinals pursue a path of justice and righteousness, following the teachings of the Holy One and anticipating the Word to Come. The Shuhr reject any higher authority and look to only themselves and augmenting their epsilon powers to obtain immortality and destroy the Sentinals and the Federacy once and for all.
It is prophesied that a Caldwell will bring destruction to Three Zed, the Shuhr home world. Events are sparked by an unlikely source: Firebird's power hungry sister Phoena, who travels to Three Zed to enlist the Shuhr's help in throwing off Federate control of their home planet of Netaia. Her presence there forces Brennan's hand in trying to infiltrate Three Zed.
Meanwhile Firebird is coping with the eminent birth of their twins, as well as trying to develop her own epsilon powers. It was found that her lineage included an outcast Sentinal, giving her Ehretan genes that promise the mysterious abilities to her, if she can develop and control them.
Fusion Fire is darker than the initial entry. The villians are deliciously evil characters who scare you, make you cheer for their destruction, but leaving you wondering how they could possibly be defeated.
The pacing slows a little bit, dealing with Firebird's pregnancy and her attempts to access her epsilon powers, which leads to a lot of internal struggle. One of Tyers' strengths is establishing her new cultures in engaging ways, but since Netaia and the Sentinals were introduced in Firebird, only the Shuhr get that treatment here. Also, the twins drop off in importance once they come and events spiral in a different direction, making the investment in their well being somewhat misspent.
However, the tension is more intense, making up for any short-comings in pacing. The end is explosive yet again, and leaves you waiting for the conclusion of the trilogy. I definitely recommend this volume as well.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the discussion of Crown of Fire, as well as the overall impression of Firebird, and a couple of interesting observations. Also, check out the peeps below, who are my fellow participants in the CSSF Tour!
Jim Black
Rachel Marks
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Warning: if you haven't read any of the first book, this discussion will give spoilers!
Today I want to talk about the second book of the trilogy: Fusion Fire. Like any good middle book, it should be full of angst and drama, with darkness ready to overtake the heroes (think The Empire Strikes Back or The Two Towers). This book generally does not disappoint.
Here we find Firebird married to Brennan Caldwell, pregnant with twin boys who will carry on the Caldwell line and legacy. She wakes up to the discomfort due to the pregnancy, but ends up foiling an intruder who is trying to kill them. After calling security, it is discovered that Brennan's brother and his family were all killed. Who could be trying to destroy the Caldwells?
The Shuhr. The Sentinals and Shuhrs are descendents from the planet Ehret, which was almost destroyed due to pride, greed, and civil war. The Sentinals pursue a path of justice and righteousness, following the teachings of the Holy One and anticipating the Word to Come. The Shuhr reject any higher authority and look to only themselves and augmenting their epsilon powers to obtain immortality and destroy the Sentinals and the Federacy once and for all.
It is prophesied that a Caldwell will bring destruction to Three Zed, the Shuhr home world. Events are sparked by an unlikely source: Firebird's power hungry sister Phoena, who travels to Three Zed to enlist the Shuhr's help in throwing off Federate control of their home planet of Netaia. Her presence there forces Brennan's hand in trying to infiltrate Three Zed.
Meanwhile Firebird is coping with the eminent birth of their twins, as well as trying to develop her own epsilon powers. It was found that her lineage included an outcast Sentinal, giving her Ehretan genes that promise the mysterious abilities to her, if she can develop and control them.
Fusion Fire is darker than the initial entry. The villians are deliciously evil characters who scare you, make you cheer for their destruction, but leaving you wondering how they could possibly be defeated.
The pacing slows a little bit, dealing with Firebird's pregnancy and her attempts to access her epsilon powers, which leads to a lot of internal struggle. One of Tyers' strengths is establishing her new cultures in engaging ways, but since Netaia and the Sentinals were introduced in Firebird, only the Shuhr get that treatment here. Also, the twins drop off in importance once they come and events spiral in a different direction, making the investment in their well being somewhat misspent.
However, the tension is more intense, making up for any short-comings in pacing. The end is explosive yet again, and leaves you waiting for the conclusion of the trilogy. I definitely recommend this volume as well.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the discussion of Crown of Fire, as well as the overall impression of Firebird, and a couple of interesting observations. Also, check out the peeps below, who are my fellow participants in the CSSF Tour!
Jim Black
Rachel Marks
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Monday, August 21, 2006
Firebird
Today is the start of the current Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour, sponsored by my good friend Becky Miller. We're working out of an exciting book, Firebird by Kathy Tyers. I was able to participate with this month's tour thanks to winning a copy of the book from Mirathon. Thanks so much Mir!
There's not a lot of Christian Sci-fi to my knowledge, but this effort makes up for it! Firebird is a trilogy, so I will talk about each book over the 3 days of the tour.
Firebird is also the name of the initial book in the series. We follow Lady Firebird Angelo, born in a royal family on the planet Netaia. Normally this would be a good thing, but not on a planet that encourages ritual suicide for excess nobility. Netaia has a tradition that only two heirs can live a full life, but other children are conceived just in case something happens. Since Firebird falls after older sisters Carradee and Phoena, she is trained in the royal Navy. She leads an attack on a neighboring planet, and if she can't die in battle, she is expected to do away with herself to appease the "Powers".
On the other side of the battle is Brennan Caldwell, a Federate officer who is a member of a mysterious race called Sentinals. His people are looked to for protection, but are also feared because of their unique abilities and tragic past. Caldwell swears himself to obedience to the Holy One, and works to prevent upheaval from the Shuhr, an off-shoot of his people that are interested in conquest and immortality.
Firebird and Caldwell are brought together in an explosive time, and their adventures hurl Firebird toward her destiny, one that she did not imagine was possible. Netaia and the Federation hang in the balance.
The opening book moves quickly to hook you into Firebird's world. The details of Netaian society are dizzying in their complexity. I always admire sci-fi and fantasy writers because they have to create their own worlds, and Kathy Tyers deserves special notice for the work she puts forth here. She builds tension, characterization, and action neatly through the first half of the book, so that you are compelled to finish the book quickly. The inner tension is as exciting as the explosians and battles. The book does not disappoint in its ending.
Overall this book is an excellent read and a great introduction to this series. I read most of it over traveling in Germany, and I was always pressing for time in our journey to slip a little more reading in.
I encourage you to check out others on the tour below, as they will have different insights to share. Be sure to catch up with Fusion Fire tomorrow!
Rachel Marks
John J. Boyer
Valerie Comer
Bryan Davis
Beth Goddard
Rebecca Grabill
Leathel Grody
Karen Hancock
Elliot Hanowski
Katie Hart
Sherrie Hibbs
Sharon Hinck
Pamela James
Tina Kulesa
Shannon McNear
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Cheryl Russel
Mirtika Schultz
Stuart Stockton
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Monday, August 14, 2006
Job Update
It was back in June that I talked about having my contract terminated, having 3 months to finish out my current position.
Three months is up on September 7th.
I suppose that should cause some sort of panic response, with me rushing around trying to find a job, maybe jumping into the first thing that comes along. Well, so far that isn't happening. The reason it isn't happening is because the Lord speaks to His people today, just as He has before. And He is speaking unbelievable calm and peace into my life.
Oh, I get uptight at times, starting to wind myself up into a tizzy. But He continues to speak to me: Don't strive. I am Your provider. I am your refuge.
Last week I even pulled a Gideon: Lord, I really need a lead or a word from You to help me keep going. He was gracious to give me a word, but only after He spoke about not striving, and I relaxed in Him again. When the encouragement came from a speaker at our church, I wasn't "grasping" for it. I did go talk to the speaker so he'd have the opportunity to speak if so lead, but I didn't go up begging for a word either.
This might come across as patting myself on the back, but it shouldn't. I would be a wreck if it weren't for the mighty grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To quote a song: He is my Rock, He is my Glory, He is the Lifter of my head. If anyone out there is discouraged, then run to Him. He is faithful in our time of need. (He happens to be faithful outside our time of need too, something we sometimes ignore, but that's another post ;) ).
So I don't have a job yet. But I have peace, and right now I won't trade that for anything.
Three months is up on September 7th.
I suppose that should cause some sort of panic response, with me rushing around trying to find a job, maybe jumping into the first thing that comes along. Well, so far that isn't happening. The reason it isn't happening is because the Lord speaks to His people today, just as He has before. And He is speaking unbelievable calm and peace into my life.
Oh, I get uptight at times, starting to wind myself up into a tizzy. But He continues to speak to me: Don't strive. I am Your provider. I am your refuge.
Last week I even pulled a Gideon: Lord, I really need a lead or a word from You to help me keep going. He was gracious to give me a word, but only after He spoke about not striving, and I relaxed in Him again. When the encouragement came from a speaker at our church, I wasn't "grasping" for it. I did go talk to the speaker so he'd have the opportunity to speak if so lead, but I didn't go up begging for a word either.
This might come across as patting myself on the back, but it shouldn't. I would be a wreck if it weren't for the mighty grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To quote a song: He is my Rock, He is my Glory, He is the Lifter of my head. If anyone out there is discouraged, then run to Him. He is faithful in our time of need. (He happens to be faithful outside our time of need too, something we sometimes ignore, but that's another post ;) ).
So I don't have a job yet. But I have peace, and right now I won't trade that for anything.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Deliver Us
An internet acquaintance of mine named Chris Well is celebrating his 40th birthday in a unique way: if you order his latest crime thriller Deliver Us from Evelyn now through August 14th, you will be thanked PERSONALLY in his next book, due next year. You are also entered to receive a treasure trove of goodies. See details here. Make sure you send your confirmation number to Chris at Birthday06@studiowell.com.
Wow! I made my order. Now get on, get over to Amazon! Hurry. And tell them Jason Joyner sent you! :D
Wow! I made my order. Now get on, get over to Amazon! Hurry. And tell them Jason Joyner sent you! :D
Confessions
In my description of this blog, I mention it being a blog about "life, faith, and writing". Life is obvious, and I think the faith part is pretty clear as well. What about the writing part?
Well, I have had a couple book reviews and discussion of Christian fiction topics. There is a reason I am interested in this. I have a little secret to share. Come closer...
I want to be a writer.
*Shock*
Probably not. I think aspiring to be a writer is a very common thing. Seems like everyone had a novel in them. Now everyone wants to write a memoir - not because we've had all terribly interesting lives, but it is easier to make things up to make it absorbing (a la James Frey).
I know several of the people who stop by here are buddies from a site called faith*in*fiction, so they would realize this. In fact, it was all the people from f*i*f that were blogging that made me want to check this out.
I've always enjoyed writing, and have been told I'm a good writer often. However, I know that just having some compliments doesn't make one a writer. I have been working on my craft slowly since I started this journey a couple of years ago. It has been an interesting story, I think at least. I hope now to hone my skills and use them to glorify God and further His kingdom, whether it be writing an engaging blog, having articles published, or even someday penning that novel.
I will share a little more about this journey presently. Until then, remember that God is good!
Well, I have had a couple book reviews and discussion of Christian fiction topics. There is a reason I am interested in this. I have a little secret to share. Come closer...
I want to be a writer.
*Shock*
Probably not. I think aspiring to be a writer is a very common thing. Seems like everyone had a novel in them. Now everyone wants to write a memoir - not because we've had all terribly interesting lives, but it is easier to make things up to make it absorbing (a la James Frey).
I know several of the people who stop by here are buddies from a site called faith*in*fiction, so they would realize this. In fact, it was all the people from f*i*f that were blogging that made me want to check this out.
I've always enjoyed writing, and have been told I'm a good writer often. However, I know that just having some compliments doesn't make one a writer. I have been working on my craft slowly since I started this journey a couple of years ago. It has been an interesting story, I think at least. I hope now to hone my skills and use them to glorify God and further His kingdom, whether it be writing an engaging blog, having articles published, or even someday penning that novel.
I will share a little more about this journey presently. Until then, remember that God is good!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Time for a Plan
I can't believe it's been 4 months since I started blogging. Time flies when you're having fun, or when a ton is happening in your life, as it has since I started this enterprise!
It has been fun, and I had the privilege of being linked by the main Calling All Nations website, which really drove up my traffic and got me a lot of hits from Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Over these first few months I have been able to tinker and experiment with what I post here. A lot of what I've done was dealing with the Berlin event, which is understandable. I'm feeling now that I need to define this blog a little better, with a more focused mission. It is nice to have a little spot in the wide blogosphere to vent and express oneself, but I'd like this blog to have a little more about it as well.
I intend to define what this blog will be about over the next week or two. Now, I am interested in people's feedback, so if you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. Especially any of my German friends, if there is anything that you'd like to see to keep you coming here. My thoughts for this blog center around the Christian life as it relates to reaching the world. This comes in both the idea of classic missions, but also in using the arts to speak into culture, specifically writing.
Anyway, that's what I'm pondering today. We'll see how it plays out over the next couple of weeks.
It has been fun, and I had the privilege of being linked by the main Calling All Nations website, which really drove up my traffic and got me a lot of hits from Germany and elsewhere in Europe.
Over these first few months I have been able to tinker and experiment with what I post here. A lot of what I've done was dealing with the Berlin event, which is understandable. I'm feeling now that I need to define this blog a little better, with a more focused mission. It is nice to have a little spot in the wide blogosphere to vent and express oneself, but I'd like this blog to have a little more about it as well.
I intend to define what this blog will be about over the next week or two. Now, I am interested in people's feedback, so if you have any thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. Especially any of my German friends, if there is anything that you'd like to see to keep you coming here. My thoughts for this blog center around the Christian life as it relates to reaching the world. This comes in both the idea of classic missions, but also in using the arts to speak into culture, specifically writing.
Anyway, that's what I'm pondering today. We'll see how it plays out over the next couple of weeks.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Always Learning
I have a summer cold. No one likes to be sick, but it is worse when it is nice out, the weather is hot, and you can't bundle up to feel good.
I woke up in the middle of the night with my chest feeling like it was full of pudding. I staggered out of bed, fumbling for the cough syrup. I also dug around for the Vick's Vapor Rub, figuring anything to help would be great. Through bleary eyes I saw that the Vick's had an expiration date of 2000 on it. Vapor rub has an expiration date? Couldn't be that bad, so I slathered it on my chest and went back to bed.
Unfortunately, not back to sleep. This was due to the growing sensation that my chest was smoldering. I know that Vick's evaporates, giving a nice tingling sensation to help with the chest relief. But I don't think it goes as far as wondering if my chest hair was on fire. I seriously contemplated getting up and taking a shower, but it finally subsided after about a half-hour of tossing and turning.
I checked first thing this morning, and I didn't seem to lose any chest hair. However, you can bet I will be buying a NEW container of Vick's before I go home tonight...
I woke up in the middle of the night with my chest feeling like it was full of pudding. I staggered out of bed, fumbling for the cough syrup. I also dug around for the Vick's Vapor Rub, figuring anything to help would be great. Through bleary eyes I saw that the Vick's had an expiration date of 2000 on it. Vapor rub has an expiration date? Couldn't be that bad, so I slathered it on my chest and went back to bed.
Unfortunately, not back to sleep. This was due to the growing sensation that my chest was smoldering. I know that Vick's evaporates, giving a nice tingling sensation to help with the chest relief. But I don't think it goes as far as wondering if my chest hair was on fire. I seriously contemplated getting up and taking a shower, but it finally subsided after about a half-hour of tossing and turning.
I checked first thing this morning, and I didn't seem to lose any chest hair. However, you can bet I will be buying a NEW container of Vick's before I go home tonight...
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