Reflections - Past, Present, and Future with God: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

Remaining Clean

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

If we add a pint of dirt to a basin of water, the water will become dirty no matter how clear the water was to begin with. This is a good lesson for us to remember. Too many Christians think they can let filth into their lives and still remain clean. It doesn't work that way.

Keep thy tongue from evil and they lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34: 13-14).

It's better for us to keep unclean things from our lives, at least as much as we can and still go where God leads. The more we involve ourselves in television, movies, music, electronic games, books, etc. with sexual content, extreme violence, or profanity, the more those things become acceptable to us. Little by little such choices wear away our values and standards without our realizing it. It all comes down to the choices we make. Look at American society today. Can you see it happening? Has it already happened to some extent?

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand,... Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure...think on these things. (Philippians 4:5 & 8).

But we shouldn't fall into the trap of judging others on the issue. If we each take care of our own household, that will give us enough to do. Neither should we become legalistic or obsessed with the issue. But we should be directed by the Holy Spirit and make choices that are pleasing to Christ. Let's choose to keep our values in line with God's plan and stay clean for Him.

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but into holiness (1 Thessalonians 3:11).

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Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Historical Novels

Over the four years that I've been publishing books, I've always had more historical novels out than contemporary ones. My bachelor's degree is in history and the fact that I've always had a special love for the subject may contribute. Growing up in the Appalachian culture, I often joke that I lived the history, and this has a lot of truth in it. Without a doubt, however, I'm a history buff, and I find writing historical novels fun.

Roslyn's Rescue, Glenda's Gold, and Time Told Tales (the print edition of the two Kindle books) are set in England in the Middle Ages. When Winter Is Past and It All Started at the Masquerade are set in America in the 1700s. Novels set in the 1800s include Cleared for Planting, Sown in Dark Soil, Uprooted by War, Transplanted to Red Clay, and Mountain Mishap (in the Appalachian Mountains), Through the Wilderness (on the Oregon Trail), and Mountain Storms (set in Wyoming).

I have lived in or visited all of these settings, and you can be sure there will be more to follow. My latest release, Mountain Storms, will be part of a trilogy, and Time-Told Tales also has another volume in the works. I'll have one set in the 1960s coming out around the end of the year and some World War II novels in the future. I love to both read and write historical novels and eagerly look forward to continuing.

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Friday, May 17, 2019

Elijah in Training

See 1 Kings 16:29 - 18:66.

God often trains us for the tasks ahead and for the plans He has for us. Of course, at the time, we rarely realize that's what's happening. I can look back in my life and see how I was in training for years to be a Christian author. The prophet Elijah must have been able to do much the same because he went through some pretty serious training for what would come.

Elijah came from Tishbe, located in Gilead which contained hills and highlands to the east of the Jordan River. This wilderness area had only a few scattered, tough inhabitants. The forested hillsides were home to dangerous, wild animals. Gilead was a rough, lawless territory, and it took strength, stamina, and perseverance to survive there. Growing up here was the first part of Elijah's training.

Then, God sent him to King Ahab with a quick message. Because of their sins and idolatry, it wouldn't rain in the Northern Kingdom of Israel for three and a half years. Elijah didn’t mince words, he didn’t soften the blow, and he wouldn’t have made it in public relations today. He stood before the evilest, cruelest king the Jews had ever had and delivered this unwelcomed threat.

Next, God sent him to stay beside the brook of Cherith. Here, he would learn to depend totally on God for everything. God sent ravens to bring him food twice a day, but otherwise, Elijah was alone with God. It must have been hard for this tough, hardened man, who had learned to survive under difficult circumstances, now completely surrender, but he did. He also learned patience as he waited for his next marching orders.

When the stream totally died up due to the drought, God sent Elijah to Zarephath, a strange place to send his prophet since it was a town in Phoenicia, about thirteen miles north of Tyre. This was Jezebel's home, and Ethbaal, her father, still ruled there. It was deep in pagan territory where they worshipped Baal and other gods. And on top of that, he was to stay with a lowly, impoverished widow. At Zarephath, Elijah would continue his lesson on submission and reliance, but he'd also get an advanced course in humility.

Can you see how each step built on the previous one? All of this prepared him for the showdown on Mount Carmel where he would prove who was God. No matter what the Baal prophets did, their god did not light the wood on their altar. After hours of their trying, Elijah stepped forward and said one simple prayer. Not only did fire immediately descend from heaven and light the wood on the altar, but it was so hot and powerful that it consumed everything, even though it had been soaked in water. God's might was revealed through a prophet who had no doubt in his Lord.

What is God training you to do? Will you trust in Him, submit totally, and follow him in obedience step by step. That's what Elijah did.

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Wednesday, May 15, 2019

From Villain to Hero

It's very difficult to take the villain of previous books and make a hero out of him or her. It can be done with success, but it takes writing savvy. It can't happen suddenly, as so often attempted. The change must come gradually to be believable, and even then, readers don't usually like it. I've had plenty of secondary characters become the main characters in subsequent books, but I've never used a villain in this way.

Two books I've read recently attempted this and fell short in my opinion. They are both good books, otherwise, but the characters were just too despicable in the first books for me to accept them as a hero and heroine in later books in the series. One of the big problems was that the book where they became the hero started with them suddenly being kindhearted and caring when the previous books had ended with them being horrible. One tried to give a brief explanation in one paragraph, but it didn't work. The other had the change of heart with no explanation at all.

I've read many books where the main character was very flawed and made poor choices at the first of the book and then changed. This is not what I'm talking about. I'm referring to books that have vile characters causing problems for the main character(s) with no change of heart, and the author expects the reader to suddenly accept them as good-hearted, main characters. This rarely works.

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Monday, May 13, 2019

National Apple Pie Day

"As American as apple pie" is a common saying, so I guess it's no wonder that May 13th has been named National Apple Pie Day. Yet, historically, the apple pie started much before America was discovered by Europeans. It at least goes back to England in the Middle Ages. We know this because Chaucer wrote down an apple pie recipe in 1381. A Dutch version of an apple pie was published in a 1514 cookbook, and France and Sweden also had their early takes on the desert.

In fact, the apple pie was brought to the American colonies by the English, Dutch, and Swedes in the 16 and 1700's. It wasn't available earlier, because colonists had to wait for European varieties of the apple tree to be transported, planted, and grow enough to fruit. The only apple native to America was the crabapple, which might be used for jelly but not for pies. Actually, colonists were more likely to use apples to make cider than pies at first. To them, a pie usually meant some kind of meat pie.

However, by the 18th century, the apple pie had become common as a year-round treat in most of the colonies (and then states). In the 19th and 20th centuries, the apple pie came to symbolize the American dream and prosperity. During World War II, "for Mom and apple pie" became a slogan to inspire the soldiers. Around 1950, a patriotic song became popular that had "We love our baseball and apple pie" as part of the lyrics. Advertisers jumped on the idea, and soon Chevrolet had a catchy jingle about "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet."

No matter how you slice it, Americans have long declared apple pie their favorite. So, for National Apple Pie Day, perhaps you'll want to buy or bake one. The internet is full of great recipes if you don't already have your favorite. Bon appetit!

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Friday, May 10, 2019

About Jesus

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

Sometimes we Christians get too caught up in theology, doctrine, committees, and programs and lose sight of Jesus. This is why churches have splits, new believers become so confused, our faith grows lukewarm, and we have trouble witnessing. Jesus is the answer to all these problems and more.

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men... (Acts 22:15).

Over and over I hear people saying they have a hard time witnessing because they don't know what to say, or they're afraid they'll say something wrong. They're focusing too much on themselves when they need to put their focus on Jesus. All they need to do is tell people about Jesus and show them His love and acceptance.

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

When Jesus began to call his disciples, he didn't have training sessions, implement new programs, or set up committees. I'm not saying these things are bad, but they shouldn't detract from our focus -- Jesus. He should be the main part of everything we do. As we grow in our faith, He should be the main part of who we are. We should be Jesus followers, following Jesus.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Mountain Storms
https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Storms-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07R9X3PT1

My newest release is the first of a western trilogy set in Wyoming and Texas. When her family situation worsens, Aileas Douglas runs away, but she’s unprepared for the Wyoming mountains. A friendly dog leads her to safety, but his master just might pose the most danger of all, especially to her heart.

Scarred in the Civil War and deserted by his betrothed, Ian MacGregor becomes a recluse in a remote cabin in Wyoming Territory. He thinks Aileas might be an angel when she appears beside his sickbed, but even later, he’s drawn to her in ways he doesn’t understand. However, no woman would ever be interested in him now, and he needs to protect himself from another heartbreak. But is this even possible where Aileas is concerned?

Book One, Mountain Storms, is Aileas's and Ian's story. Past Storms, the second book, will be about Jeannie, Ian's sister. And Book Three, Dust Storms features Brady, Aileas's stepbrother who goes to Texas for a while. Although each book has a definite ending, all the books build on the previous story and include some of the previous characters.

The e-books are out now, but it will likely be about two weeks before the print version releases. There seems to be some glitch with the cover specs. However, I'm excited about this In from the Storms series and hope readers will find them exciting, too. So, mosey on over and check out Mountain Storms. You're apt to fall in love with Ian and Aileas the way I did.

Mountain Storms on Kindle -
https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Storms-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07R9X3PT1

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Monday, May 6, 2019

National Have a Coke Day

March 29 is National Have a Coke Day. This day in 1886 is usually given as the date John Pemberton invented Coca Cola, although it wasn't introduced until May 8. He originally intended it as a patented medicine. Its name came from its original two key ingredients: kola nuts, which had caffeine, and cocaine leaves. However, Asa Griggs Chandler bought the company and marketed it as a soft drink.

Pemberton had been a Confederate colonel in the Civil War. He was wounded and became addicted to morphine but wanted to find an alternative for the dangerous opiate. He developed the recipe for Coca Cola in his drugstore in Columbus, Georgia. To start with, he called it a coca wine. When Fulton County adopted prohibition laws, he took the alcoholic content out. Pemberton's first sale for the new drink took place at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta in May 1886. It cost five cents a glass at the soda fountain. His first ad ran in the Atlanta Journal on May 29.

Today Coca Cola is sold around the world. The current ingredients of the product remain a trade secret. The company markets over 500 brands in 200 countries. Shall we have a Coke to celebrate the day?

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Friday, May 3, 2019

Some Biblical Names for God

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (Exodus 20:7).

In the Jewish tradition, the personal name of God was too holy to be spoken. They wrote "Yahweh" without vowels (YHWH), and a word cannot be pronounced without vowel sounds. In our Bibles, this is usually translated as "LORD" in all capital letters. There were some different variations of Yahweh. Yahweh Jireh means the Lord will provide. Yahweh Rapha refers to God the Healer, and Yahweh Rohi addresses Him as our Shepherd.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you (Exodus 3:14).

There were other terms for God that referred to His character. Here are a few of them:
I Am - the name given to Moses to indicate that God is eternal - always has been, is, and will ever be
Elohim - the mighty, all-powerful One
El Elyon - the Most High One
El Shaddai - the sovereign One or God Almighty
Adonai - Lord or Master
Abba - Beloved Father

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9)

God as Father was a fairly new concept to New Testament thinking. Jesus taught this revelation. This term was only used 14 times in all of the Old Testament, and these all refer to God as the Father of the nation of Israel and not as an individual's Heavenly Father. But it's used nearly 250 times in the New Testament and becomes personal. The opening of the Lord's Prayer is an example of this. When we pray that God's name be hallowed and revered, we should consider who He is and be intent on never trivializing or taking His name in vain by using it in a common, off-handed way in general conversation. We, too, should understand that God is holy.

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Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Computer-Generated Readers

There are different ways to have a book read to you, other than by a live person. Most readers are familiar with audio-books, either on discs or from online sites, such as Amazon's Audible. Another source is computer-generated voices. For example, if you have an Echo Dot (Alexa) or similar device, it will read a purchased book for you, as will some pads. Smartphones can do the same thing.

There are differences in these devices, however. When a computer-generated voice reads, there is no inflection in the voice. Happy or excited dialogue is read in the same way as a sad or tragic scene. The accent also stays the same, regardless of where the characters are from. And, as anyone who's had a GPS in their car knows, these voices often mispronounce words.

I listen to audio-books when I drive alone on longer trips or when I exercise, and I use Audibles. I enjoy the books much more with a good narrator who pulls me into the story. You can listen to these on any of the above devices with a free app. There is no comparison to a truly engaging book read well.