Sunday, July 13, 2008

Birds of Feather or Otherwise

I have two dear friends, Margaret and Debby, who are book lovers like myself. Now that doesn't mean that we always like the same books, but it so fun to share our thoughts on each book. Both of my friends are now reading Three Cups of Tea. I am excited to hear their opinion on the book.



My stepmom raved and raved about a book titled, The Patron Saint of Liars. I read it, but I haven't called her yet to tell her that I didn't care for it at all. Now, I am not sure why I didn't like it, maybe the story of mothers given their children up for adoption, hit too close to home for me. (When I was forty-five I found out I had a full-fledged brother who was only 11 months older than I am. He was given up for adoption by my parents--it was a well kept secret for 45 years. ) Maybe I just didn't like the story line--it didn't come to any crisis point. I kept thinking to myself "And so . . ." Or perhaps I just didn't understand the author's intent. Anyway, I need to call my stepmom and let her know. No go--on The Patron Saint of Liars.



I tried to read Crime and Clutter a Christian mystery. I couldn't make it to the second chapter. It didn't grab me, and for me not to finish a bood is very unsual. But I just can't couldn't make myself read it.



Right now, I am between books. Let me know if you know another great summer read. I am going to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with five of my birds of feather friends and would love to have a excellent book to tote to the beach.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Books, Theology, etc.

Wow! Lots of comments on some of my past blogs. Amy asked about being responsible to our call and our to biblical accuracy in writing.


Absolutely! As I write and speak the verse from James 3:1, " Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly" comes to mind. YIKES!

I always work to be doctrinally sound and within the context of the Scripture of the verses I am using. However, I think our own personalities will show throughout the writing. I think of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John they all wrote through their own experiences and personalities guided by the Holy Spirit.

I am currently working through a revision for one of my books. The editor was out-sourced from the publishing house. (Meaning she's not on staff, but contracted to edit). As I read through her comments, the one thing I find is that we "view" our Lord God very differently. Does that make either one us of right or wrong? No, but our life experiences, our churches, and our personalities tend to influence our writing. Does Andy Stanley write like Charles Spurgeon? Does Beth Moore speak like Nancy Leigh DeMoss? No. However, they all try to the best of their abilities to stay scripturally accurate.

All that to say no matter what we do for Jesus, let's make sure we are doing our best for Him.

Comments?

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Home Again--Jiggedy Jig

I am back! I was only home for four days in June! I traveled from to Minnesota to North Carolina to Phoenix to Rome to Phoenix and finally arrived home late on July 3rd.

I spent time with my “Chick-a-dee Peeps in Minnesota. We celebrated Briana’s first birthday and taught Emily to ride a tricycle.











Then I was off to She Speaks! in North Carolina. What a wonderful experience being with my more than five hundred and fifty sisters in Christ. I am always amazed at multitudes of stories that are revealed during three short days. My heart breaks for the pain, yet my spirit rejoices in knowing that God is at work for eternal purposes. He never wastes a sorrow.

You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever
. (Psalm 30:11-12)


After She Speaks! I was off on a cruise my husband achieved through his work. We flew to Rome and went on a cruise. I had the privilege of standing on the island of Malta—where the Apostle Paul shipwrecked and bitten by a viper. Thankfully, I wasn’t shipwrecked, nor did I spy any snakes.

Anyway, I am home. It’s July! I am ready to celebrate summer in my own backyard!