Dying to Self

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (John 12: 24).

Planting season is almost here, and as any farmer knows, a plant which will yield much comes from a single seed. A corn seed sprouts to grow into a corn stalk with several ears of corn and many seeds. A bean vine produces many bean pods. One tomato plant will yield an abundance of tomatoes; and plants, like cucumbers and squash, are really prolific. But to have this new fruit, the seed must first die in order to bring forth new life.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We must do the same. To accept God's gift of salvation through grace, we must accept Christ into our life, dying to our old self and being born anew in Him. This is what baptism symbolizes. Christ served as our sacrifice on the cross and died in our place that we might live a new life and have a close, intimate relationship with Holy God. Then when we die physically, we will live forever with our Lord.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous (1 Peter 3:8).

But dying to self needs to follow us throughout our Christian life. Selfishness is what breaks up marriages, pulls people into crime, dirties politics, and is responsible for most of the ills of the world. We, humans, have a tendency to put ourselves first, to seek our own will and pleasures, and to think more highly of ourselves than anyone else. We like to think we deserve to be revered, have people cater to us, and get whatever we want. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We need to smother these selfish tendencies and die to self over and over again. The Holy Spirit is there to help us, but first, we must recognize the need.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this; THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF (Galatians 5:14).

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Why Write?

With all the pressures and struggles facing writers today, this is a legitimate question. Aspiring writers often don't recognize the work involved, especially after a writer starts publishing. They usually think that after their book is published, they've arrived. Too many look for wide success, becoming famous, and having the money roll in. However, the reality is often far different. Statistics I saw say that only about 1% of writers can even make a living at it. If you write for these reasons, you are setting yourself up for failure.

That brings us back to the question, "Why write then?" Write for the pure joy of writing. Write because you have stories to tell that won't let you go. Write because being a writer is an important part of who you are. Write because you are called to write and will feel incomplete if you don't.

Writers have sometimes looked for that illusive muse or inspiration. However, it will be a hindrance if you wait for inspiration to hit or that muse to come before you sit down to write. Often inspiration comes after you sit down to write. You become involved with the telling, and the words just flow.  Once you understand that you need to write regularly, daily if possible, and if you write because you love it, everything else will begin to fall into place. Commit to writing, believe in your stories, and be open to learning your craft. Then, you should find writing as satisfying as I do.

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National Johnny Appleseed Day

March 11th is recognized as National Johnny Appleseed Day in memory of the folk hero. John Chapman was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts, and died around March 11, 1845. He was a pioneer who is credited with planting apple trees wherever he went, especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana. His efforts have become legendary.

He loved plants and animals and worked for a while at an apple orchard. Then, he decided to travel west, taking apple seeds with him. However, the image of a poor vagabond roaming about planting apple seeds is somewhat distorted. He did give that appearance, but at the time of his death, he owned over 1,200 acres, which he left to his sister, because he never married.


Johnny Appleseed has become an American folk figure and legend. Songs, poems, and stories have been handed down through the generations. Plays have been written and performed and movies made about him. Tales of his benevolent spirit has lived on, and Johnny would have liked that.

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Get a Free Audible Book

I will be traveling several hours to an out-of-state book signing on Friday, when I normally post my weekend message. I have decided to do something different since I won't be here to repost and promote the blog. I've decided to give away some free audio-books. I will return to my regular schedule next week.

I have 6 of my inspirational novels already on Amazon audio-books. They are listed below, along with their links, so you can have a look. If you'll email me the one you'd like, I will send you a code where you can get the Audible book free. My email address is janicecolehopkins@gmail.com. I will take care of all the replies  next week. This will be limited to the number of codes I have, but I have quite a few and will be getting more, so try, even if you're seeing this later.

In addition, my Christian non-fiction book, On the Road to Jericho, is in production and should be out in April if not before. If you would prefer it, just email me, and I will send you a code for it when it comes out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1724172379/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BLOKRSS

https://www.amazon.com/Summers-Songs-Janice-Cole-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B01IC5TF6E

https://www.amazon.com/Promise-Farmers-Book-Janice-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B01N6R9DQA

https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Farmers-Book-Janice-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B06Y1DC43X

https://www.amazon.com/Pardon-Farmers-Trilogy-Book-3-ebook/dp/B072MHL2ZH

https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mishap-Janice-Cole-Hopkins-ebook/dp/B0756RMKL6

Enjoy!

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When to Correct Grammar


I just listened to to a speaker talk to beginning writers, and she said to never worry about grammar, proofing, or editing on your first draft -- just write. Get it all down on paper first and then go back through to edit. And this is the best technique for many writers, but it's not best for me. 

The problem is that once I get something down on paper, I often read what I know should be there and what I think is there, instead of what is actually there. It comes from always being focused on the story and content and from being pulled into the story each time I read it. However, I don't belabor the grammar and sift each section carefully as I write. As I catch mistakes, however, I do correct them, both when I initially write, and as I read back through the manuscript. I would never rely solely on myself either. I usually have beta readers and always have an editor. But I find the more mistakes I can take care of myself, the fewer that slip through.

This is just another example of what works for one may not work for all. I learned early, as I started writing novels for publication, to consider each piece of advice but filter out what wouldn't be helpful to me personally and use what is. Writers have different writing styles and different personalities. Choose what's best for you and your writing.

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First U.S. Congresswoman 

On March 4, 1917, Jeanette Pickering Rankin from Montana became the first female in the U. S. House of Representatives. In fact, she was the first female to hold any federal office in the United States. As a Republican, she ended up serving during both world wars. She is noted for her diligent work to get woman the universal, unrestricted right to vote and for promoting civil rights.

Perhaps some of her most controversial votes involved her pacifist leanings. For example, she was the only member of Congress who voted against declaring war on Japan after Pearl Harbor. This unpopular decision brought an end to her political career. As the vote came up to declare war on Germany and Italy, she abstained. When her brother, who had headed her campaign, called to tell her Montana was 100% opposed to her stance, she is reported to have told him that they all knew she was against war when they elected her and that she only voted the way mothers would have her.

Wanting to be closer to Washington, Rankin had bought a small farm in Georgia in 1924 to use between terms. She chose to live simply without electricity or running water. After she left politics, she traveled the world and especially looked at India and Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. She became popular again with a new generation advocating peace in the 60's and 70's. She died in May of 1973. She would have been 93 in June.

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Science vs Christianity

After I spoke to a Christian women's group last week, the mother of a former student came to me. Her son majored in science at a state university and has abandoned his once strong faith. She was concerned, and now I'm praying along with her. But this got me to thinking. Science doesn't have to be and shouldn't be opposed to faith. Science is simply the study of how God created, organized, and set up the universe to work. I have many friends in the field of science who are strong Christians.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).

John Scopes

I think the rift between the two became much greater and was spotlighted with the Scopes trial in 1925. The trial was staged to draw attention to the theory of evolution in the form that man had descended from apes. Since this disregarded the story of God creating man and then woman from the Bible, it started a great controversy. The trial got the attention those behind it wanted, and the theory of man's evolution has lasted, although the "missing link" needed to substantiate the theory has never been found.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

Dr. Ben Carson is one of those in the field of science who maintains his Christian faith. He tells of an incident when a man was trying to debate him on man's evolution. Finally, becoming rather frustrated with the man, Dr. Carson told him tongue-in-cheek something to this effect: "I believe that my all-knowing, all-powerful God created me, and you are trying to convince me that you evolved from a monkey. You are doing a good job of convincing me that, in your case, you might be right."

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