Relief

There's a fresh wind blowing in Christian fiction. Relief Journal is a new quarterly fiction journal that has high aspirations for bringing new literary works in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to people. An acquaintance from Faith*in*Fiction, J. Mark Bertrand, is the fiction editor.

From the look of their site, they have professional aptitude to match their ambition. I have ordered the first volume, and am anticipating its arrival. I will let you know more after I get it.

Check it out if you have any interest in Christian fiction.

Kingdom of Heaven

I saw a fairly disturbing snippet of Oprah yesterday. On the show they were talking about a book called The Secret. Some attractive and well-meaning people were talking about it earnestly. I don't fault any of them (don't know 'em, didn't watch long enough to find out), but the part that I saw had a flawed concept, and I wanted to address that.

Apparently the book in question talks about the law of attraction, saying that we receive what we think about. If we think about the obstacles in our path, that's what we'll get. If we think positively, and think about-say, the promotion we want, that's what we'll receive.

This all comes from the worldview that people are basically good, and we just need to think/do good and everything will be alright. Nevermind that this bedrock of postmodern society doesn't work and isn't changing life as we know it. There was a quote on the show that was the main kicker for this topic.

As a Christian, Maureen says she believes in heaven and hell, and she's concerned that The Secret's promotion of free will and personal choice imply that you do not face a final judgment.

James says that while he honors Maureen's Christian belief system, he suggests looking at the concepts of heaven, hell and judgment in a different way. "Jesus the Christ said the kingdom of heaven is within. He didn't say it was out there somewhere—[he said] within. And so is it possible to consider that the kingdom of hell is within as well?" he says.

"The kingdom of God is actually in us, and what comes out of your mouth, what you think about, how you express—you're either participating in the realm of ever-expanding good or you're cutting yourself off from the realm," Michael says.

Michael suggests that instead of living a life preparing for some ultimate reward, you should live in the now. "When you're anticipating some future good, you're preventing that good that is all around you from expressing through you," he says. "[Don't] put life on the layaway plan and try to anticipate that it's going to get good in the future."

It is too bad that this is the idea Michael has about the Kingdom of Heaven. I'm afraid to say that Christians can give support to the idea that all we're doing is putting "life on the layaway plan" by focusing on eternity rather than what is going on today.

The truth is that Jesus came to proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. As Christians, we are to live a life by faith. According to Romans 8, we live a resurrection life. In short, we look ahead to the life we will have when we are with Jesus, and by faith walk as if we were there now. According to Francis Schaeffer:

It means that, through faith, I am to die to all things both good and bad, but then to take my resurrected body, as though I had already been raised physically from the dead, and step back into this present world, to serve in the power of the indwelling Spirit.
(The Finished Work of Christ, pg 188)

As we walk as children of God, we are to bring light and life to those around us. Jesus said that "no man knows the hour" of His return. Keeping our head on a swivel trying to see if He's come back yet isn't going to help this world. By showing the love of Jesus in living out the example AND telling them about His great gift of salvation. The Kingdom will grow as we work with what God is doing to bring people to Himself. The Kingdom is invading this present age, but not as those on Oprah would suggest. It is only through people submitting to Christ as Lord that it is here. There is still a future aspect of the Kingdom, when it is fully revealed at His second return.

So I take the Oprah episode in two ways. In one way it is a rebuke. Christians need to be about loving people, and loving is not just an attitude but action as well. If we are seen as "too heavenly minded to be any earthly good", that isn't how we are commanded to live.

On the other hand, the world won't understand that the true "heavenly minded" will be the ones who make the most difference in this world, because we see the light of God and reflect it, helping others to see the Way. On Amazon The Secret is described as an ideal that permeates all cultures and religions, being brought forth all together for the first time now, although people like Plato and Jesus walked in it. Um, not my Jesus, sorry. My Jesus was the Son of God who was and continues to be rejected by the world. He was not just one of many great teachers in history. Without revelation, man cannot understand Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven, or His followers.

It is incumbent on us who call on His name to show the Way as best we can, knowing that it is Jesus that will ultimately draw people to Him.

Musical Minstrel of Ministry

I was blessed yesterday and today by a visiting speaker, Dick Williams. This man of God travels around with a gentle prophetic ministry of encouragement and exhorting the body of Christ. If you've never heard him, he's unlike any speaker I've ever heard.

He usually ministers with guitar in hand. As he talks, he strums gently on his 12-string, and often launches into song. He is poetic and lyrical in how he presents the truth of God. He is also quite gifted in how he gives personal words of edification to people in the audience. He doesn't know me from Adam, but he spoke a word to me yesterday that was spot on.

He talked about the ministry of the prophetic, which can be a controversial topic. However, he presented it with grace and making it understandable without a "Twilight Zone" factor. To quote Dick:

The testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10) is what He Himself communicates to people and prophetically through people. Therefore, truth spoken prophetically will be permeated with who Jesus is. He is majesty, might, light, and love. One or more of all of these ingredients will characterize true prophetic communication.

I could really launch into a lot of posts regarding what he taught, but that's not my intention. But if anyone is curious and wants to ask questions, leave a comment and we'll discuss it privately.

Books R' Katie

If anyone is looking to expand their library of Christian fiction, then Katie Hart may have the answer for you. She is an avid reader, and is looking to 1) make some room to move around and 2) make some dough to get a car to move around!

She has a good deal of only $5 per book. See her blog for more details.

CFBA Tour - Christian Writers' Market Guide 2007

This week we have a special feature for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance: A work that is non-fiction, one that none of us have read from cover to cover...

If you are interested in any kind of writing for the Christian market, then Sally Stuart's guide is it. It not only has updated listings on publishers for all sorts of projects, it is a great resource for writers with lists of different places for writers to find advice and help. I spent time studying the 2005 version while first developing a desire to write, and it encouraged me that I could, maybe someday, be a published writer (in some form or another).

For more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has offered indispensable help to Christian writers. This year, for the first time, this valuable resource comes with a CD-ROM of the full text, so you can search with ease for topics, publishers, and other specific names.

The 2007 edition also includes up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including information on forty new book publishers, eighty-three new periodicals, and thirty-four new literary agents. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource to get noticed–and get published.

It contains listings for: 695 periodicals, 228 poetry markets, 355 book publishers, 133 online publications, 29 print-on-demand publishers, 1185 markets for the written word, 321 photography markets, 31 e-book publishers, 122 foriegn markets, 112 literary agents,and 59 newspapers.

It also gives you comprehensive lists of contests, writers groups and conferences, search engines, pay rates and submission guidelines, editorial services and websites.

Christian Writers’ Market Guide is a "must have' for any serious Christian writer that is looking to get published!

Make It So!

Finally, vindication.

Click here to protect your heart.

I call upon corporate America, in the spirit of Jean-Luc Picard, to "Make it so, Number 1."

(Not like we're doing things all that important anyway...)

The Right Separation?

What would you say if a program existed that helped improve recividism rates for prisoners dramatically, was validated by peer-reviewed studies, and was partially funded by private parties to make it even more attractive for cash-strapped states? Sounds like a great thing, considering the financial crunches of many state budgets. Even better, considering the physical crunches of housing too many prisoners, releasing them only to see many rebound because they didn't learn how to properly cope with life in the first place.

Then what would you say if a judge threw out this program and ordered the sponsers to pay back money received in a legal contract, because of erronous views of how the program worked and who sponsered it? Sounds like a bad idea, right?

That is what is going on with the InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) in the state of Iowa. Sponsered by Prison Fellowship (see link on right), this program has remarkable rates of success. However, the judge ruled that it violated the separation of church and state, even though it is a voluntary program to participate in for the prisoners. Worse, the judge went on to characterize evangelicals in broad catagories as almost cultish.

Prison Fellowship has filed an appeal, and oral arguments in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals are scheduled for tomorrow, February 13th. I would encourage you to read more about this here and here, and keep the lawyers and judges in prayer tomorrow. IFI is an opportunity to reach the lowest of society with the gospel, while also helping reduce crime and society burden. How the judge could see this as a bad thing is mind-boggling, but the beauty of our freedom is there are checks and balances. Let's pray for true justice, and that the IFI program can spread to touch more broken lives with true healing.

Any Given Sunday

Wow. An actual day of rest. Usually Sundays are pretty hectic around here, at least in the morning. Doesn't seem to matter what time we get up, we are always on the run getting to church. Beccy warms up with the worship team while I teach the adult Sunday school class. Then church, where my love leads worship and I do assorted things, whatever needed during the service. Sound board, usher, nursery - just point me in the right direction. Often in the afternoon we take it easy, but we're usually worn out by that time.

Today the boys and I were all fighting colds, so we decided to save our friends at church the company of our germs. Bec still had to go, so it was a boys' day. It was nice.

The boys asked me to draw them some superheroes, so we tried our hand at Spiderman, Batman, the Flash, among others. Whoa, I can still draw, somewhat. Later on they watched a DVD rental of Justice League while I soaked in a relaxing bath reading Relentless.

In the afternoon the boys entertained themselves while I worked on a short story I've been writing for a little while. Beccy ran home for lunch, then went off to a scrapbooking date with some other ladies. I missed her, but again it was just a restful day.

There's something to this "day of rest" thing. I wonder if we partake of it enough?

Blog Tour - The Longing Season

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducting The Longing Season (Bethany House July, 2006) by Christine Schaub.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Christine Schaub is the author of the MUSIC OF THE HEART series, including Finding Anna, the “rest of the story” behind the writing of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” (October 2005) and The Longing Season, the story behind “Amazing Grace” (July 2006) with Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK: All of the books in the MUSIC OF THE HEART series are based on a hymns and their histories. The Longing Season is about one of the greatest redemption stories of all time: John Newton and his song, Amazing Grace.

Nature conspires against him, tossing the ship like a toy. Directionless--just like his life. It seems his odyssey will end here, in the cold Atlantic.

Grief and terror grip his heart, but he will not surrender...not yet.

She reads the sentence again and again.

The first day I saw you I began to love you.

He'd written the words, sealed and posted them, then vanished.

She has a choice--turn toward the future, or wait, wating and hoping.

And so begins her season of longing.

"Good Morning God"

One of my favorite speakers, Tom Brock, is in town for a couple of days. He always brings a word that is encouraging, yet convicting at the same time. He never fails to call us up into the destiny that Jesus has for us as His church.

One of his favorite phrases is, "Are we waking up saying, 'Good morning God!' or, 'Good God, it's morning.'" Last night he shared how we are to be more than survivors, just getting by in this ol' world. He noted that people will say, "Oh, I'm doing pretty good, under the circumstances." Tom says that we shouldn't be under the circumstances, because that is not the place that God has for us!

He spoke something pretty profound: Often times in the church we focus on being "better fellowshippers" with God. You know how it goes: "Oh Lord, I just wanna be closer to You." Tom suggests this might be the problem.

We are not here to sit in church to learn how to be perfect people. We are sent as Jesus was sent (John 17). What was Jesus sent for? "To save the world through Him" (John 3:17). We are not called to hole up in church until Jesus comes back for us. We need to engage the world, reaching out around us to the lost. When we do that, we are in the purpose of God for our lives, and we are doing more than just "making it" in this world.

Tom's back for more tonight. Maybe I can share a little more profound and pithy at that time!

The Winners of the Super Bowl

Yeah, I'm posting this 1 1/2 hours before the game, but I already know of winners of today's big event.

Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith are two men who deserve to be coaching in the Super Bowl. They exemplify character and strength. And they are both committed Christians.

"God is the center of my life," Smith told the media during a Super Bowl press conference earlier this week. "It controls all that I do. I hope I don't have to spend my time telling my players I'm a Christian. I hope they see it in my life every day."

I've always been a Dallas Cowboys fan, but I am relieved that we are rid of the Big Tuna, Bill Parcells. He is seen as a coach in control, but it is by intimidating and berating his players. In contrast, Tony Dungy has this to say of his sideline rival for today:

"He does things the right way," Dungy said of Smith after the Colts and Bears each won their conference championship games. "No profanity, no intimidation, just helping his guys the best he can—and that's the way I try to do it. I think it's great that we're able to show the world not only that African-American coaches can do it, but Christian coaches can do it in a way that we can still win."

I don't care who you root for in this game. I really don't have a strong opinion who wins in this one. But I would like people to know about the great type of men that will be coaching their teams this Sunday.

"The Lord set this up in a way that no one would believe it," Dungy said after the Colts and Bears advanced to the Super Bowl. "The Lord tested us a lot this year, but he set this up to get all the glory."

All quotes are from the Christianity Today web article "Christian Coaches Face Off for Super Bowl XLI".

Blog Tour - Germ

"If you breathe, it will find you."

With a tag line like that, you know that you're in for quite a ride. This is the world that Robert Liparulo envisions in GERM, his latest novel. The latest book in the CFBA tour is quite the page-turner. I gave a sneak peek into GERM back in December, as it made my Top Six for Oh Six.

Liparulo explores the possibilities of "designer viruses" in this book. He sets up a tale of a vengeful biological weapons scientist, who manages to mutate the Ebola virus into a targeted killer that will only manifest with those who have certain DNA. If you don't, you just get a cold. If you are the unfortunate one, death will be merciful if it comes quickly via heart failure. Otherwise the torture of having internal organs liquify will be your fate.

Even though the book has a lot of biology in it, he wraps it around a slam bang action novel. You can't count on a protaganist always making it out alive! Despite the premise, the biological warfare takes somewhat of a backseat to the non-stop action. Being a biology major and a health care professional, that was slightly disappointing - but it didn't stop me from enjoying the whirlwind.

The plot is the standout point. As I said in my Top Six post, I started to skim a few pages when I got this and ended up disappearing for an hour to read. There is minimal down time. If suspense/thriller is your thing, you won't be disappointed.

He does a good job with the characterizations as well. Julia Matheson is a well-done protaganist, with doubts and strengths that show at key times in the book. Sometimes she gets introspective at interesting times, but this is a quibble. There is a subtle message of reconciliation and the value of sacrifice in here as well. It is too bad that this book gets sequestered in the Christian section at Barnes and Noble, because it would appeal broadly to any suspense fan.

My biggest (yet minor) criticism is the recurrent theme of the "super-assassin" that I've been seeing crop up in several Christian books. Sure, these guys have extrordinary skills that keep the pressure on the heroes, but it seems like a handy literary device that is being used a lot lately. Liparulo multiplies the effect in GERM (you have to read it to see!). Also, he seems to have a fascination with the mettalic taste/smell of blood. You'd think characters were bleeding pennies as much as the "copper" description is used. On that note, it is one of the bloodiest (if not the most) CBA books I've ever read. If battle damage is not your thing, then do think twice on reading it.

Overall a very entertaining and engrossing read. It combines real world fears in a thrill ride that will keep you turning the pages. For more great info, check out CJ Darlington's interview with the author, as well as others on the CFBA tour.

Let Justice Roll

"Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream!" - Amos 5:24

Anyone who is interested in social justice, not only Christians, should be concerned about the following item.

According to Breakpoint, the country of Myanmar (Burma) is ordering that "Christians be wiped out" (from a report in the 1/21 edition of the British newspaper the Telegraph.) The world has learned what can happen if one group of people targets another for destruction. From Nazi Germany to Stalin to Rwanda and the Balkans, unspeakable evils can be attempted by misguided people.

A quote from the article from Breakpoint reads:

This is all part of a pattern of persecution, which includes “ethnic cleansing” of Christian minority groups, the destruction of villages, forced conversions, and even rape and murder. It’s part of the regime’s attempt “to create a uniform society in which the race and language is Burmese and the only accepted religion is Buddhism.”

I encourage anyone who reads this to pray and, if so inclined, to contact your representatives about pressuring China to apply pressure on Myanmar. We've learned painful lessons of what happens if we don't speak out. I would cry out if the situation were reversed - it doesn't matter who it is, no people group deserves terror like that. Standing for fellow Christians makes it even more pressing.

Put It on the Calendars!

Okay, I don't know how many read this blog from southeast Idaho (Hi Jenny, hi Chris). If you're in the Upper Snake River Valley, then you want to put February 7th and 8th on your calendar.

Tom Brock will be at our church, Harvest Foursquare Church, speaking at 7 pm both nights. He is a wonderful teacher, who challenges us deeply each time he comes. He was the one who told us about Calling All Nations in Berlin, and was a big blessing in helping us go there this summer. If you want to know more about him, check out his ministry's site at Wave of Life.

If you want to be challenged and encouraged by Jesus' heart for you, then don't miss this!

"Po-pourri, not Pot-pourri"

I'm still getting a handle on my schedule and getting blogging time in. The problem is with not having time to come up with anything worth reading! So in my internet perusals, I offer up the following menagerie of posts:

- Brandilyn Collins is a wonderful fiction teacher, and she has shared a lot of good insight on her blog. This week she is discussing the important topic of "Author's Voice". The first post is at this link: Forensics and Faith. Subsequent posts will follow.

- From writing to the importance of reading, see what J. Mark Bertrand has to say about the reader being as important as the author. And here's a link to Mike Duran's article, Unfashionable Reading, that Bertrand refers to.

- Charis Connection is a group blog of many of Christian fiction's top novelists. Last week they had a good series called Ask the Authors starting on 1/22 through 1/26.

- A new blogging buddy over at Think Virtue! has an encouraging post for writers dealing with the need for discipline and how to develop that in their lives.

(The title of this post refers to my mistaken pronunciation of "potpourri" for a long time as a kid. I was always something of a smarty pants, so my mom thought it amusing when I would blow it. Can't let the kid's head get too big, she thought.)

Blog Tour - If the Shoe Fits

Busy lady! How would it be to have two books coming out in one month! Here's the CFBA's take on Marilynn Griffith's other new book, If the Shoe Fits.

No, you aren't seeing double. This month we are reviewing not one, but two books by Marilynn Griffith! This prolific writer has TWO books coming out this month! This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about If the Shoe Fits (Steeple Hill Cafe', 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother of seven)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and Tangerine (Revell, January 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith (at) gmail dot com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...

If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).

In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!

Pray for Your Favorite Atheist!

Brandilyn Collins had a post today that I could whole-heartedly support. It seems there are a couple of guys running around saying that they have the truth, and the truth is that us religious folk are out of our minds.

Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have written two best-selling books that promote the idea that Christianity (and other religions, but we know who they're talking about) is irrational. Well, having read Francis Schaeffer I would disagree.

However, Brandilyn's point is not debating them, but suggesting prayer for them. To us, it is the best thing possible that we can do for them. To them, as BC puts it:

Of course, these two men and their followers can’t be the least offended by our campaign. No point in them leaving nasty comments on this blog. After all, there is no God, and we’re talking to thin air. So if we want to waste our time, why should that bother any of them in the least? What is the point of arguing with the deluded?

So check out the post from Forensics and Faith today. Here's a link to Isaiah 50:4-5 (NIV). If it so moves your heart, then I encourage you to partake in this prayer challenge as well!

Unofficially

I'm not officially part of this month's Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy blog tour this month. Starting my new job is a little too much right now - plus I haven't been able to partake of the feature this month: The Door Within trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson.

However, I want to point you in the direction of the CSFF tour. These books sound great, and I think that there is a mild groundswell of popular support for more quality speculative fiction from a Christian Worldview.

So check out A Christian Worldview of Fiction for the list of participants in the tour. I should be back on the tour next month.

Calling All Nations Live CD

Whoo-hoo! Just got the CD for Calling All Nations, back in July 2006. We were hoping for a DVD of the event (which doesn't seem to be in the works right now), but the CD is great to bring back memories of the day.

There was a little disappointment with a few aspects of this. The Psalm Drummers opened the day with amazing anointing and power, but the CD segment of them is very short. Some songs on the CD were edited such that they don't come across as live performances as much, until the end when the crowd cheers. (Side note: we also were bummed not to hear ourselves in the international choir on Brian Doerksen's song "Come", but I figure we were pretty hard to pick up properly)

We could argue about the choice of songs, but with 10 hours of worship, it is an impossible task to pick them all! Some highlights on the CD are "Consuming Fire", "Mercy Is Falling", "One Hope", "Don't You Know", and "All Over This World".

I know it was one day, and life in the Kingdom goes on, serving Jesus day by day. Still, it is important to remember where and when the Lord has met you, so when you are in a desert place you recall the faithfulness of our King in all we do - even in a time of trial. 

Blog Tour - Arms of Deliverance

I don't have time to read every book the CFBA reviews, but this one is on my list of to-reads right now. My wife is in the middle of it, but wasn't able to finish it in time for the tour. So I'll leave you with the CFBA promotional blurb, and follow up with Beccy's review when she's done!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Arms of Deliverance (Moody Publishers, 2006) by Tricia Goyer (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and homeschooling mom!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is one the members of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance (Tricia's Blog, "It's Real Life" Tricia's Parenting Blog, "Generation NeXt") and we are pleased to be able to review her exciting historical fiction book, Arms of Deliverance.

She was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. Tricia was also a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award and won ACFW's "Book of the Year" for Long Historial Romance in 2005 AND in 2006. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction (three other WWII novels, From Dust to Ashes, Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights. Night Song, the second title in Tricia’s World War II series, won ACFW's Book of the Year for Best Long Historical Romance.) and non-fiction books.

She's married to John, and they have three great kids whom she homeschools: Cory (17), Leslie (14), and Nathan (12). They make their home in Northwest Montana with their dog, Lilly.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.

EUROPE, 1944
Katrine, a Czech Jew, is so successful in her attempt to pass as an Aryan that she finds herself dating a Nazi officer. Having convinced him of her genetic purity, the officer sends her to stay at a Lebensborn home--a Nazi breeding program in which children are raised and indoctrinated by the state.

Meanwhile, two friends, Mary and Lee, one a socialite, the other a working class girl, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war’s outbreak. Now rivals with assignments on the frontlines of war-torn Europe, Lee joins troops sailing for Normandy, while Mary's destiny lies in the cramped quarters of a B-17 bearing down on Berlin. Before the presses roll, their lives will be indelibly marked by a caring American navigator, brave French resistors, and a maniacal Nazi officer. Arms of Deliverance is a story of unexpected redemption.

Read Chapter One on Tricia's Blog.

New Beginnings...Or Not

Well, I was supposed to start my new job today. I did start it, despite their best intentions!

It seems that HR got confused and had my start date as next Monday. It caused a fair amount of consternation to get me into orientation and get me going today. I had to wait all day for a computer password. I basically didn't get anything done today.

I would've liked to have more info about what I'm going to be doing, what the schedule and situation is. I like to plan and know what I'm getting into. Of course I know some of what is going on, but normally one would have a better idea at this stage in the game.

I have to do some training later this week and I'll need to do some studying at home for it. I may be AWOL for a few days. Understandable, I know. I've just been spoiled (snicker) at having my own schedule.

Meanwhile, check out some of the blogs and sites on the right. I'm sure they have some good stuff to keep you going!

Praise You in the Storm

How would you respond if in 1 week:

Your van's back door was hit and no one told you?
Your three kids got sick with the stomach flu?
While washing up from #2, the washing machine broke?
You had to call in sick due to the family being wiped out from the flu?
The next day your car breaks down on the way to work?
The day your washer is fixed, the dishwasher breaks?

I can't say that I've been perfect in this, but my response has mostly been to praise the Lord! Why, you ask?

Because this didn't happen two months ago.

In October I was just interviewing for my new job that starts Monday. I picked up some temp work in December, but didn't get paid for it until last week. Right when I needed it!

It seemed like a lot of bad mojo for us over the last week, but if it happened while I was unemployed it would've put a serious dent in our finances. Now, we can live with it because I have the money from the temp job, and will be on a regular payroll again.

The easy answer is that there are plenty of people that have it a lot worse than me. I got frustrated and wanted to pout and say, "Why all this Lord?" Thankfully though, my reaction was tempered by the timing in all of it. I could be an ungrateful lout, or realize the blessing in it. God takes care of His children very well, and He knows what we can handle.

Not a big storm by far (especially considering last June), but the choice is still mine. How will I respond?

Blog Tour - A Pagan's Nightmare

This week's blog tour is on the book, A Pagan's Nightmare by author Ray Blackston.

This will be the first time I've give a negative recommendation as part of the CFBA Tour. I have enjoyed each book that I've read so far (I haven't read all the books on the tour). I want my blog to be a reliable place for people to come on reviews about Christian fiction. I know it is just my opinion, and everyone has different tastes in books. However, I do try to give an analysis of what makes a book good, weak points, and hope that the info I give helps people decide whether to spend their money on the featured project.

I was intrigued by the premise of APN. The cover is delightful and grabbed my eye right away. (Tried to upload a picture of the cover, but Blogger doesn't like pictures lately. Anyone else have the problem?) It is written as a story within a story. An author conceives of a religious parody and pitches it to his agent, who loves it. The agent's Southern Baptist wife doesn't find it amusing. We follow the story of the author and agent interspersed with the novel in question: a world where almost the whole world has been "converted", and a few unlucky pagans deal with the new world. Gas for believers is 12 cents a gallon, while the pagans pay $6.66. McDonalds serves McScriptures fries. The holiest around speak in King James English.

Unfortunately, the book doesn't work. The parody story is just not very funny. I am all for tipping over the church's sacred cows. Evangelicals in particular are ripe for the picking as far as poking fun at their antics. The jokes just fall flat. Popular songs have their lyrics rewritten, such as the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Tithe", but they're not very creative. The pagans in the story's "novel" are looking for a girlfriend of one of them, but there is no tension in it. Similarly, the conflict between the agent, his wife, and the author also disappoints.

I normally don't think I should review a work if I haven't finished it. I made it over half way through, but I couldn't ever get into the book. Since it was a struggle to get that far, I thought I ought to offer my opinion so people don't end up with something they don't like. Take what I post with a grain of salt. I do encourage you to go to the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance website and see the reviews and comments of other members to make an informed decision. I thought the idea was clever - just the execution of it doesn't make it a worthwhile read.

Justice for All

Over the past few years I have become more aware of the great problem of modern-day slavery and sex trafficking. We think that we live in a world without such things, or that they occur in far away places. It is true that a lot of the torrid stories that do make the news are in places like South Asia or Eastern Europe. However, even here in Idaho we have people basically put into situations of forced labor, where they work to try and pay off their debts, only to have debts continually incurring in the process of working them off.

I am glad to see more publicity for these horrible crimes coming from more and more avenues. I've seen features on these subjects from Dateline NBC to my local paper. I think this is an issue that anyone can be against, but it should be particularly critical to Christians. We have a holy injunction to keep watch over "the least of these". We are to provide for widows and orphans. The Bible talks gravely about any who would cause a little one to stumble.

I have a link to International Justice Mission on my sidebar. They are a Christian organization that works with countries around the world to enforce their own laws in order to protect their citizens. (Some complain that Westerners are trying to impose their morality on this issue. First, as I said it does not require any faith to see that this is an evil practice, and secondly IJM specifically works within the legal framework of any country they're in.) They have a wonderful book discussing this issue in World Vision. Please check them out, and find out what is being done to combat this evil. We can make a difference through prayer and supporting the people who fight on the front lines, if nothing else.

Red-Light Rescue
Child Sex Tours
Sex Isn't Work

Blog Tour - Tangerine

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about Tangerine (Revell, January 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother of *GULP* seven!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and If the Shoe Fits (Revell, 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tangerine is the third book in the Shades of Style Novels.

Fans of Pink and Jade will eat up Tangerine, the third book in the cutting-edge Shades of Style series. Jean Guerra, a designer at Garments of Praise design firm, doesn't like surprises. These days though, the unexpected meets her everywhere. Since Jean's return to the church a year ago, her God-encounters occur with increasing frequency, along with thoughts of her husband-the one she vowed to divorce and gave up on long ago. The one nobody at work knows about, not even her best friend, Lily, or her boss, Chenille. But when the designer assigned to work with Jean on a line of men's suits shows up, her heart flips. It's her husband, Nigel Salvador. Jean is finally rendered speechless. Can her bruised heart become whole enough to love again? Or will she remain in the trenches of loneliness forever?

Fiesta!!!

Go Broncos!!!

No, not the Denver variety, the ones who dropped out of the playoffs on Sunday (my condolences for your fallen teammate - a tragedy).

Boise State University, of Smurf Turf fame, went and made all of Idaho proud, and shocked the big power-makers of college football. And they did it in the most imaginative, entertaining way possible.

Hook and ladder on 4th and 18 for a touchdown. Halfback option pass in overtime for a TD. The ol' Statue of Liberty play for the gutsy 2 point conversion that sealed the win.

Boise State proved against Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl that they can play with the big boys. So here's a shout out online for the boys in blue! Way to go guys. For an excellent article describing the Boise State win, click here.

Oh, and if all this wasn't enough, the running back who scored the winning 2 points proposed to his cheerleader girlfriend while on national TV. Dude!












AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

New Year

Every new year brings resolution, changes, promises. And everyone knows that so many of these fall by the wayside. I am glad that my new year is a good, secure change.

I have my job.

2006 became a crazy year back in June, when I blogged about how my contract at my job wasn't being renewed. The timing was very interesting - just after I was preaching about living in the adventure God has for us.

I finished up at my old job right at the end of August, and thought I would have a couple weeks at home before getting a new job. I had a few interviews lined up pretty quick, so it seemed like it wasn't a big deal.

Except for what the Lord was speaking.

As I prayed, I had a sense this process would take some time. My wife felt that I wouldn't get a job right away. My pastor had the same leading.

Great. ;)

None of the interviews worked out. The places decided they weren't ready to hire, or I wasn't the right person despite a good resume and interview. One place just never got a hold of me again (not too bad, I didn't want to work there anyway).

So I had a long fall of hanging out at home, spending time with my family and with God. It was a good time of reflection and learning. I wish I could say I got a ton of writing done: I also had a wicked case of writer's block a lot of the time.

Right before Christmas I got the call that I was being offered the job that I was pursuing. It looks to be a great deal, with four 10-hour shifts a week and a steady schedule. More importantly, it seems to be God-ordained. My wife reminded me of when I said, "I would never work there" (I can't recall...).

One thing the Lord reminded me of during this time was the principle of letting Him work in His time. It was frustrating at times to be looking for a job for six months, and be out of work for four months (aside from a little fill-in work recently). But whenever I took it to Jesus, He spoke encouragement to me to let Him handle it. He provided for our needs. We didn't incur any debt during this time. He is faithful in all He says.

So 2007 promises to be a good year for me. I pray that whatever He has for you this year will be to your benefit. Of course, sometimes bettering ourselves means going through hard times to purge us, so be careful what you wish for!

Blessings (and thanks for the prayers and support to those who did)!

Jason

One More for Oh Seven

Whoops. I really meant for this book to make my list. I can't believe I left it off, but it was the book I read earliest in 2006. Maybe that's why the Oscar contenders are released in December usually.

Plague Maker by Tim Downs probably is my #2 choice in 06. It had a great story with suspense, humor, and interesting plot details. I learned more about fleas than I probably ever wanted to know. It had intensity and kept the page turning without the intense "ick" that comes off in Germ (although it does have its own ick, it just is smarter about it).

My apologies Mr. Downs. But this way you got a post all to yourself. Whoo-hoo.

Top Six of Oh Six

Yes, just what the world needs: another top 5 or 10 list. The proliferation of blogs, forums, and other internet outlets lets our opinions be trumpeted out to... no one in particular. But I have read some good books this year, and I wanted to share about them one more time. So without further ado my top SIX books of the year:

1. Scoop by Rene Gutteridge. If you want to laugh out loud at an original premise and great characters, then this is the book. I looked forward with delight at getting to sit down and read more of this very enjoyable piece. See 11/15 post and following.

2. Firebird by Kathy Tyers. Okay, this is a trilogy, but I'm counting it as one. (My blog, my rules) This was the best science fiction book I've read in a long time, probably since the Thrawn trilogy of Star Wars books. Good company, as Kathy has written some SW novels. The worlds she creates are vibrant and exciting, and it is very easy to get lost in the events of the book. Book 3 suffers a little in pacing, but overall the trilogy is very worth the investment of time and money! See 8/21 post and following.

3. Hood by Stephen Lawhead. Lawhead returns with a great read and retelling of the Robin Hood story. He creates a believable scenario for making the hero Welsh, and builds great characters and harrowing situations. Here's hoping the sequels hit the same high mark. See post here.

4. Waking Lazarus by T.L. Hines. A debut novel by the brainchild of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. I enjoyed it at the time, but I was going through such a tumultous time it was hard to truly appreciate it. As I reflected, it was an engrossing story with an amazing concept. Be sure to watch for The Dead Whispers On from Mr. Hines in 2007. See 6/26 post and following.

5. Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins. I had been enjoying BC's blog since March of 2005, but Violet Dawn was the first book of hers I read. To my regret. The book grabbed hold and didn't let go with the suspense of the story rushing through 14 hours of life in Kanner Lake, Idaho. With such a compressed timeline, she kept the excitment up while making the town and its denizens come to life. Of course, I have also enjoyed participating as Pastor Hank in the book's blog, Scenes and Beans! See 9/27 post and following.

6. Germ by Rober Liparulo. This one may be cheating, as it is scheduled for a blog tour in January. I don't want to give it away, you'll have to check back then for more. Suffice it to say, this book kept me in suspense more than any other book this year. When I got it I sat down to check out a few pages. 45 minutes and 50+ pages later, my wife came looking for me since I was so distracted.

There you have it. My top 6 of '06. Here's to more great books in 2007!

New Switchfoot!

Oh baby...


Oh! Gravity has landed.

The boys from San Diego released their latest album today. I wasn't going to get it right away, but thanks to my buddy TL Hines, Montana writer extrordinare, I had an extra $10 in my pocket (well, at least in my Paypal account).

I've listened to it a few times so far today (as I put together yet another Lego set for my boys. Legos must have been invented to give parents patience...). It is musically pleasing from the get go. The lyrics are thoughtful as always, a little different from their last couple of albums. It seems the theme is challenging the status quo of the cultural mentality. "American Dream" dashes the idea that life is all about money, and a similar vein runs through most of the songs.

So if you enjoy rockin' beats with lyrics to challenge you intellectually and melodies to worm inside your subconscious only to come out while waiting in line somewhere, check out Switchfoot. The cover art is bleah, but the music is well worth it.

Adoration

Newsboys - "Adoration"

I’m here with the others
Who saw the heavens testify
Now I hang back in the shadows
I want to come close
I want to know
She sees me shivering here
She smiles and with a nod
I walk through the mud and straw
To the newborn Son of God

Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to this barren land
Where we live
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration

He raises a wrinkled hand
Through the dust and the flies
Wrapped in rags like we are
And with barely open eyes
He takes my finger
And He won’t let go
And He won’t let go
It’s nothing like I knew before
And it’s all I need to know

Come, let us adore Him
He has come down to the world we live in
And all I have to give Him
Is adoration

God is with us here
Our Immanuel
God is with us here
Our Immanuel

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Jesus, our Immanuel
Is with us here and He won’t let go

Christmas - The Ultimate Second Chance

This is the article I wrote for our local paper, that was published in the Religion section on Dec. 15.

Many people feel that the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible describe two different Gods. I have heard it said, even from otherwise well-educated, thoughtful people, that the God of the Old Testament is a God of justice and wrath. Conversely, the God of the New Testament is a kind and loving God.

In reality, this is a great misconception. The God of the Bible remains consistent throughout His word – it is people reading that don’t understand the way His character remains true from Genesis to Revelation.

In the Old Testament, the focus is often on the wrath of God: Sodom and Gomorrah, the 10 plagues of Egypt, the exile of the Jews to Babylon are just some of the examples of the Lord showing His anger to people. And if this is how people see Him, then they will get that impression. I would come to that conclusion myself.

However, in reading the Old Testament carefully, a different picture emerges. One begins to see a God who is a passionate lover, chasing after His people, giving them many opportunities to return to Him. The Lord reveals Himself to be the God of Second Chances.

Instead of thinking of fire and brimstone, consider this: when Adam and Eve sin, they are punished for their actions. Their sin cannot stay in the presence of a holy God. But later in the Bible it says that the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23). Did God smite them down while in their fig leaf outfits? No, He revealed His plan for redemption right after their first sin.

After the serpent had deceived Adam and Eve, God curses the serpent and says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring (singular tense in Hebrew) and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This offspring was the promised Messiah. Even though God would’ve been justified in stopping the whole human experiment right then, He instead showed the way by which he would redeem people from their sin.

People may say that the Flood was a severe judgment. But God again would have been justified in wiping the slate clean and starting over; that’s how bad humanity had become in a short time. But he saved Noah and his family, so that we again could have a second chance.

The children of Israel rebelled against God over and over. He told Moses He would wipe them out and make him into a mighty nation. But God showed mercy when Moses interceded.

All through Israel’s history, they turn from the Lord who loves them time and time again. He sends prophets to the people and the leaders, encouraging them to turn back before it is too late. The prophets are always viewed as harbingers of woe. Except, this too is a misconception. Yes, they use quite colorful language to try and catch the ears of their audience, but over and over again the heart of the message is “return to Me”. God’s undying love cries out for His children to seek Him, the true source of all that is good, instead of fooling themselves with the things of the world that seem to bring fulfillment, but only end in disaster.

God doesn’t even stop there. The Old Testament is focused on the Jews, but repeatedly He calls out to the other nations, that they might come to Him as well. “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6).

Hopefully you are starting to see a different picture of the Old Testament here. There is no lack of example on this principle: the God of Genesis through Malachi is a God of love. I could go on for a while on His love for His people, and how He promised He would make a way for them.

The fulfillment of this promise, of giving people a second chance to come back to God, took the form of a little babe in a manger 2000 years ago. The ultimate expression of this redemption took on human form. We could not make a way for ourselves, no matter how hard we tried. The Jews tried to keep the law. They sacrificed how many animals at their temple, to what end? The work of man and the blood of animals could not make up our debt.

There was only one way for our debt to be paid. There was only One, whose blood would be pure enough to wipe away all our stains. There was only One, whose perfect sacrifice would make a way for us to return to our Father in heaven, who desired in His great love, mercy, and longsuffering to have His children in His kingdom. It was unavoidable.

Love had to become flesh. Born of a virgin. He did not miraculously appear in that manger. He was birthed. He had to be cleaned off. His parents were so poor, that a stable for animals was their shelter. A feeding trough had clean hay placed inside so the babe could have a place to lie. The Old Testament, with its story of a loving God pursuing His creation finds its culmination in the greatest miracle of all: Jesus Christ is born. The New Testament, in full agreement with the Old, begins.

And the greatest of second chances is given to the peoples of the world.

Only "One Part Brave"

Since I've been pretty active with the Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy blog tour lately, I paid more attention to the movie Eragon. When my good friend Chris and I had the opportunity to get out for a movie, our choices were narrowed to Eragon and Casino Royale. Due to the CSFF Tour, I opted for Eragon, despite lesser reviews when compared with the latest Bond flick.

I don't usually hang my hat on other reviews, but in this case they probably were right.

I'll admit up front that I haven't gotten around to reading the book. If there are any Inheritance trilogy fanboys out there, I'm not dogging the novel, just the movie.

The plot centers around the defeat of the dragon riders long ago by the evil king, who turned on his fellow riders and instruments of justice in order to take power from his own. There is one dragon egg left that is known about, and the movie starts with the search for this stone.

Before the bad guys can take it from the beautiful warrior princess, she manages to magically get it right in front of the very one needed to unleash its potential. Eragon is a 17 year old boy raised by his uncle, content in his farm life. Only when the dragon hatches and he learns the fate he is slated for does he rise up to take a hold of his destiny.

That the movie has promise, is the best compliment I can give it. There's a good story in there wanting to get out. It is just buried by very stilted dialogue ("I suffer without my stone") repeated over and over again ("one part brave against three parts foolish").

The dragon is rendered beautifully, and the scenes of Eragon as the dragon rider flying in battle are exciting. However, at other times the visuals are like a direct-to-DVD knock off of Lord of the Rings. I don't know who the director is, but Peter Jackson he ain't.

John Malkovich is terribly wasted as the king. I enjoyed the magical Shade played by Robert Carlyle. I love Jeremy Irons, but he was hampered by the poor dialogue most of all. The young actor who plays Eragon, Edward Speleers, does the best job in the movie and seems to be a likeable star. Don't get me started about Djimon Hounsou, who has such great screen presence but is made to look ridiculous here. This movie must have brought in every overweight white guy in Hollywood to play the villanous Urgalls. There were more rolls than a NFL lineman reunion!

I heard that the young author of Eragon wasn't involved with the screenplay, which if true is a very good thing for his reputation. As another reviewer put it, the story comes off as a mish-mash of Star Wars and LotR. Yeah, blame the Hero's Journey (which may be the case), but still the plot line was done before and done better.

Overall, it was a fine diversion, but I would've rather caught it at the cheap second run theatre.

The Gospel in a Postmodern World

This blog post is a great mini-discussion of sharing the gospel in a post-modern world. As Christians we need to learn to talk to Western culture in this new language, as previous methods of evangelism just don't resonate with our neighbors any more. Hat tip to Mir, who also has a link to the audio of this.

World View

If anyone thinks Christianity is just a personal decision to receive Christ, then you need to read this article, an interview of Chuck Colson. If you realize the importance of worldview, then you'll still want to read it!

So basically - everyone go and read it. Now. Please.

Check It Too

Becky Miller had a litte more inspiration, and shares that in her 2nd Open Letter to Fantasy Readers. The main thrust: Pray! If you like quality fiction, if you support authors with a Biblical Christian world view, then I encourage you to remember them in your prayers. Making disciples of all men means influencing the sphere of entertainment and art, not leaving it to the Stephen Kings of the world.

End of the Wookiees

It was an up and down year for my fantasy football team "Wild Wookiees". I started off weak, going 2-4. I then won about 5 straight games, sometimes in very close fashion. I needed one victory to ensure going to the playoffs, but I lost 2 in a row. The last game came, and I had to get real creative on my lineup (whoever plays the Raiders this week is my defense!). I managed to squeak by my division leader 104-101 and make the playoffs as a wild card.

Unfortunately, the Wookiees' valiant effort fell short this week. I lost 121-104 to the league leader. If I had played the other two playoff teams I would have clobbered them, but it was not meant to be.

Sigh.

This from the man who passed on drafting LaDainian Tomlinson this year! Arrrgh.

Check It

Anyone who sees this, please go over to Becky Miller's blog today. She has a wonderful post: Open Letter to Christian Fantasy Readers. Even if fantasy isn't quite your thing, it is a thoughtful way to promote the type of fiction you enjoy, so there may be more of it!

Book Review - Hood

Most of the books I review are through the two blogging groups I belong to. I keep busy enough with those books, but I do venture out to the library for other stories. One I read this fall that I enjoyed very much was Hood, by Stephen Lawhead.

He seems to be a streaky writer. He'll have a very strong story followed by one that loses my interest quickly. I was very interested in his new King Raven trilogy, but would it catch my attention and hold it?

Thankfully, yes.

Hood is a re-imaging of the Robin Hood legend. And not of the Kevin Costner variety. I am sure there are many aficianados on this subject out there who might begin to argue with Lawhead's premise, but I think he will quickly short-circuit any criticism. He sets the story in Wales instead of England, during the time when the French (Ffreinc) control England and are encroaching into Welsh territory. As a point of interest, he gives an appendix that discusses his research and choice of scenery.

Bran ap Brychan is a spoiled lout of a prince when his harsh father is cut down by the troops of a Norman count. As a fugitive he is almost killed, but is saved by a withered old woman whose mysteries both repulse and intrigue the young lord. As he is nursed to health, he catches a vision of what he could become.

Meanwhile, political intrigue is stirring in the land, which may include a young woman named Merian. Will Rhi Bran follow his destiny and free his lands and people from their cruel masters? How will he overcome the invading forces of the Ffreinc?

The book will appeal to fans of historical fiction, action tales, and fantasy alike. Lawhead has a gift for tales of British folklore, and Hood is the perfect subject for him to tackle. He catches your attention quickly with tragedy and discovery. You will come across familiar faces set in new ways - and in this prepare to be enchanted! He does a fun turn with some of the famous Robin Hood supporting cast.

The turning of Bran's character is thoughtful and inspiring. The wickedness he is up against is a good foil - you're ready to root against the enemy. But you don't always know who the enemy is either. The book does slow a little in the middle, but it does not disappoint. The ending leaves you hanging and anxious for book 2 (Scarlet) due next year.

Gainfully Employed...Sort Of

It's been a long road, and I bet some are wondering why this has taken so long? Well, I wish I could explain that. I've been searching, praying, and waiting for over 3 months at home.

But for now I have some employment.

I have some temporary work with a bit of a commute, but working a couple days a week will keep us secure for a while. God is good. Things were starting to stretch a little thin, but He meets us in our need.

I am still waiting to hear on a permanent job. It involves the government, so we know how that goes. I may be waiting a little while. So the temp opportunity that fell in my lap is perfect. I can still look for a permanent position, or if the sought-after one comes through, I am not committed.

Don't know why it has taken so long. There's been opportunities that have pretty mysteriously not panned out. But God sometimes works that way - gets us to the end of ourselves. He is never late, but He is not necessarily early either.

I'll let you know what I hear on the permanent position front. I may not be quite as active here in between. If you've prayed, thank you and keep up the good work!

CSFF Tour - Review of Trackers

Trackers is book 2 of the Birthrighters series. The book follows a young group called by God to restore Creation and to spread the gospel. The world had been devastated by wars that ruined everything, pushing mankind back to times of swords, horses, and magic. Rampant genetic tampering has made monstrosities of people, flora, and fauna, and is the major way the magicians stay in service to despotic rulers.

Before the devastation, a modern day ark was built and hidden under the Arctic ice with a faithful remnant. After a long time, these people in their late teens are sent out to establish camps and fulfill their mission of restoration. However, their agenda runs afoul of the local warlords who brutalize their kingdoms like medieval serfs. Lord Alrod of Traxx is the particular stronghold prince who intends on wiping out the birthrighters.

Having not read Outriders, I was in catch-up mode to understand what was going on in Trackers. Mackel brought me into the action quickly, managing to give a pretty good overview of what was going on without backtracking into the previous book much at all. We follow Timothy as he sneaks into Traxx and attempts to rescue a beautiful villager Dawnray, before she can be used as a surrogate for Lord Alrod.

His initial attempt is foiled, and on returning to the Birthrighters camp he receives a mission that takes him once again into Traxx. Another group follows the leader Brady on a hunt for unaltered species until they run into danger and horrors they must confront. Lord Alrod travels the countryside with his new master sorcerer to recruit a master army, while his deposed magician Ghedo conspires in the court to keep his mysterious hold on the lands as well.

Mackel does a great job with details of a new world. Sometimes she has a little slang for the Birthrighters that is not all at once apparent, but it is not too difficult to overcome. The action is crisp, and you want to keep turning the pages to see what will happen. I found the characters for the most part engaging and believable, which is always a key ingredient for me if I'm going to enjoy a book. I did find the magician Simon too mysterious to really get an appreciation for him as an antagonist.

My biggest complaint is that the overall plot seems a little disconnected. The thread with Brady is an important subplot that (apparently) brings resolution to problems from the first book. It just lacks the import somehow to carry as much of the book as it does, in my opinion. The mission back to Traxx discovers some amazing secrets, but the conclusion there is dealt with too quickly.

I've heard that the series was meant to be a trilogy, but is being limited to 2 books. This is too bad, because the ultimate confrontation between the good guys and bad guys would be an epic ending, as she has set the opponents against each other well. I would like to read Outriders to complete my understanding of her world, and would gladly purchase a trilogy if it did come through.

For more fun, check out the official Birthrighters site. It has music written for the books, a test to see what type of Birthrighter you are (I am an Outrider), and more. Good stuff. Also check out Kathryn Mackel's web site, as well as fellow tourmates below. Mirtika has a book giveaway on her blog. Beth Goddard has an interview with the author. Those are just a couple highlights I know about, but sample them all to find more goodies!

Jim Black, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, Frank Creed, Gene Curtis, Chris Deanne, Janey DeMeo , April Erwin, Beth Goddard, Mark Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Karen Hancock, Elliot Hanowski, Katie Hart, Sherrie Hibbs, Sharon Hinck, Joleen Howell, Karen and at Karen¹s myspace, Oliver King, Tina Kulesa, Lost Genre Guild, Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium, Terri Main, Rachel Marks, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Caleb Newell, Eve Nielsen, John Otte, Cheryl Russel, Hannah Sandvig, Mirtika Schultz , James Somers, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Chris Walley, Daniel I. Weaver,

CSFF Tour - Trackers, Day 1

This week is the Christian Sci-fi and Fantasy (CSFF) blog tour for December. Our goal is to promote CSFF as a viable genre within Christian fiction, and to raise the visibility of the genre and those involved with it.

Trackers is the highlight this month. It is book 2 of the Birthrighters series. You can find out more at Kathryn Mackel's web site.

The previous book is Outriders, obviously establishing the series. I haven't read Outriders yet, but that didn't put me off much in enjoying Trackers.

Check out my fellow bloggers below. Next time I'll have a review of Trackers.


Jim Black, Jackie Castle, Valerie Comer, Frank Creed, Gene Curtis, Chris Deanne, Janey DeMeo , April Erwin, Beth Goddard, Mark Goodyear, Todd Michael Greene, Karen Hancock, Elliot Hanowski, Katie Hart, Sherrie Hibbs, Sharon Hinck, Joleen Howell, Karen and at Karen¹s myspace, Oliver King, Tina Kulesa, Lost Genre Guild, Kevin Lucia and The Bookshelf Reviews 2.0 - The Compendium, Terri Main, Rachel Marks, Shannon McNear, Rebecca LuElla Miller, Caleb Newell, Eve Nielsen, John Otte, Cheryl Russel, Hannah Sandvig, Mirtika Schultz , James Somers, Stuart Stockton, Steve Trower, Speculative Faith, Chris Walley, Daniel I. Weaver,

A Modern Love Story

Ten years ago, a modern love story began.

Two people had grown up together, through church and school. Her mother taught both of them in Sunday School and youth group. They didn't run in the same crowd at school, but being in an area of few Christians, they had a connection there because of their faith.

She was popular, in student government and choir. He was a little awkward, in band and drama. He wrote some weird creative stories that could get him kicked out of school nowadays. He was pretty shy, and asked her to prom - only because he knew she was so nice she wouldn't say no. Otherwise he probably wouldn't have had a date! They had fun, but it was just as friends.

She was actually a year older than him in school. When she graduated, she went to Youth With a Mission for their Discipleship Training School in Lakeside, Montana. He was a little lost without his good friend that year, but ended up following in her footsteps, also going to YWAM after his graduation.

When he returned, they both attended the local university, actually carpooling together the first year. She didn't like it when he was snooty about having to listen to country music. He wasn't amused when she and her friends all got in the back of his car and treated him as their chauffeur. Sometimes they seemed to bicker like brother and sister, but they remained friends through it all.

She found that she could even call on him when he was about to sit down to a hot plate of homemade macaroni and cheese, when she was being chased by a vicious spider. He arrived at her house, only a few blocks away, to find her standing on the kitchen counter using a broom to fend off the ferocious arachnid. A well-placed sandal ended the threat.

After a couple of years he decided he needed something radical in his spiritual life, and signed up for a Bible school program through YWAM - in Australia. She is one of the last people he spends time with before leaving. He even calls her from Oz, since he has some extra time on his phone card. She wasn't quite expecting a call from overseas, since they were just friends.

After 9 months he came back from Down Under, and their friendship resumed. She noticed that he had actually matured in his time away. He had always honored their relationship so much that he never dared to make it more, because he didn't want to scare her off.

Over the next year, they continue their friendship. Best friends now, they even start working together at a local restaurant. But when asked if he's ever thought of dating her, he replies that "they're just like brother and sister." When you're both in your early twenties, and some of the only Christian singles around in a small town, that automatic pairing is inevitable. However, they both share a strong passion for the Lord, and they try as best to let Him guide their lives.

Their college studies are coming into focus: she is majoring in education, and he is trying to get into the physician assistant program. Come December, and he's dealing with finals in fun classes like anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry, etc. English papers aren't the highest priority, so that's why on a Sunday he is holed up in his basement most the day to research and write his next assignment. He might have been farther along, but his mind was distracted by what she said after church.

"I need to talk to you about something. But I can't do it right now."

Isn't that maddening?

"Well, when are you going to tell me? What if I call you when I get my research done?"

"Okay."

He finds that he can't concentrate, and his active imagination is spinning with different possibilities. Finally he gets enough done where he figures he can take a break and give her the long awaited phone call. Despite all his imagination, he can't expect what would happen next.

"Remember how you said we were like brother and sister?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, my feelings for you have changed."

Pause. "What do you mean?"

"I like you more than a friend."

That may not be the most amazing line ever spoken in a romantic film, but it was the most wonderful thing I have ever heard. This woman, who was my ideal, had just opened a door that I could not have ever hoped would open. She is beautiful. She loves the Lord with all her heart. She is sweet and kind, tender and caring. Her smile lights up a room, but she could also speak with God's fire when moved.

So our courtship began. Being good friends, we knew that this wasn't a trifle. The next day I fasted and prayed and the Lord spoke Proverbs 18:22 to me. Wow.

It wasn't easy to be single and waiting. Both of us railed against that at times, but mercifully Jesus kept us hidden in His hand, keeping us from any serious entanglements, keeping us pure.

March 28, 1998, was the day that we were joined into one, and that day will always be special. But our journey started 10 years ago. The day we fell in love.

I love you Beccy. Always and forever.

Blog Tour - Never Ceese

I haven't had the opportunity to personally read this week's featured book, but I must say, it sounds interesting. If this piques your curiosity, then check it out.

Today's blog tour is a member of the CFBA, Sue Dent! Sue Dent was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi and currently resides in Ridgeland. When not writing, Sue designs websites and works with digital photograpy. Sue loves to hear from her fans through her website; in fact, the push from eager readers has already set the ball rolling, and she's hard at work on Forever Richard, the sequel. In Never Ceese, Sue sets out to prove that faith and fun can live happily in the same story, and that vampire/werewolf fantasy can have a spiritual message too.

Never Ceese takes religious fantasy to a new level, bringing an entirely new Light to a very dark side of fiction, doing a very admirable job to prove that vampire/werewolf fantasy does not have to be evil to be enjoyed.

The story starts with the classic tale of an English manor owned by Richard, the vampire who righteously is the bain of his neighbor's existence, what with the missing goats and all!

Then enters Cecelia, better known as Ceese, the young werewolf maiden who's arrived via invitation by Richard's aging companion, Penelope.

Ceese and Richard would prefer to tear each other apart, literally, but they are drawn together by their mutual love for Penelope. She is dying and has one request...that the two of them love one another.

This is the overall theme throughout Dent's interesting tale of two who were wronged but learn to work together. Meanwhile they are threatened by an evil stem cell researcher who wants the immortality and power that he thinks their blood will bring him!

Dent's characters do differ from the stock one's we're all accustomed to in a very important way. They are not mindless, brutal killers. Bloodthirsty, yes, but they are constantly resisting the urge to kill, and, thus, curse another human. Feeding on rodents, goats, virtually any warm-blooded animal helps to satiate the never ending thirst for blood, but how long will they be able to resist that most delicious morsel, man?

There is a chance that their curses can actually be lifted if they can find the strength within to resist their selfish natures and act selflessly toward another. Will they succeed? That same basic choice lies before us all every day...

A vampire and a werewolf, one determined to, once again, be able to acknowledge what will get her to heaven, the other no so sure he can. A spiritual fantasy designed to spark the imagination, to speak to the heart as well as entertain.

Day of Infamy

My mother was a young girl during World War II. She remembers learning silhouettes of Japanese planes in school, in case there was an inland attack. She always stressed the importance of December 7, 1941.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it a "day of infamy". The attack was planned carefully on a Sunday morning, to catch America at its lowest point of attention.

Over two hours, chaos reigned. Airfields and shipyards were attacked. A bomb managed to detonate the magazine of the USS Arizona, blowing her out of the water and cracking her in half. 1,177 men go to a watery grave in this one instance alone.

We will never know all the stories of fear, courage, life, and death of this day until we all cross over. The death toll of this day reaches 2,390.

Please don't forget the sacrifice of the brave men and women who stood as our vanguard in the Pacific. They took the best shot our enemy could give, and within months the U.S. was taking the battle across the ocean.

I was privileged to visit the USS Arizona Memorial on our honeymoon in 1998. It was a honor to reflect on what Pearl Harbor represents for our country.

Here's an article on MSNBC discussing the living Pearl Harbor survivors reflecting on the 65th anniversary of the attacks. You can find a timeline of the day here. Breakpoint has a poignant commentary, with more links at the bottom of the page.

I, for one, will never forget.

Someone You Should Read

I haven't read any of John C. Wright's books yet, although I intend on rectifying that soon. But I have become a fan of his blog on Live Journal. He is a lawyer, philosopher, as well as an author. He used to be a devoted atheist, intent on exposing the deception of theists - and Christians in particular.

Funny thing happened though: He had an encounter with God.

Not just "god" as in some divine being, but the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Spirit. While his mind was slowly being convinced of the reason behind Christianity, his spirit was confronted with the reality of who Love is.

Now he posts regularly on religion, rationality, and whatever else piques him (much like any good blogger!). Check out this post specifically, and keep an eye on his blog in general. You will find much to challenge your neurons. And admit it, we all need a little synaptic work-out at times, right?

Pastor Hank Rides Again

Yep, it's that time again. Make sure you check out today's post: Scenes & Beans: The Skiing Spirit. Pastor Hank of Kanner Lake gets all spiritual about skiing. Would you let me know what you think? Thanks.

Blog Tour - Landon Snow

This week's blog tour for the CFBA is Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum. This book is the third in the Landon Snow series by R.K. Mortenson. It is a series that is ideal for kids from 8-14, but is also something any age can enjoy. Kinda like Harry Potter: it's considered a kids book, but it has greater appeal than that.

Landon finds adventures in the library across from his grandparents' house in Button Up, Minnesota. This time he has his two younger sisters tagging along, as a stone boat monument becomes the real deal. The siblings sail to the Island of Arcanum in order to return the kidnapped animals back to Wonderwood.

The author himself has an interesting tale. R.K.Mortenson is an ordained minister with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. He has been writing devotional and inspirational articles since 1995. He served as a navy chaplain in Florida, but recently accepted a pastorate in a similar place - North Dakota! Oh, and one other change. He and his wife, who already have two adoptive children, are expecting a baby boy in January. You can read more about Randy and his family in a great interview at Mom 2 Mom Connection. (Thanks to Becky Miller for the last link).

Randy got the idea for this series one late night, when flute music woke him from a sound sleep. As he stood at his window, trying to locate the source of the sound, he spied a library across the lawn. Suddenly, he envisioned an eleven-year-old sneaking out of his bed and stealing to the library in the dead of night...And thus Landon Snow was born.

This page at Barbour's site provides a few good links, two as recent as last week. The second link goes to an exclusive Landon Snow short at Clubhouse magazine.

Also, Valerie has a giveaway related to Landon Snow at her blog.