Comparing Paul and Jonah

Rome

Surprisingly, Paul and Jonah have quite a lot in common. Both men were Jews who worshipped God and were called to serve Him. God called Jonah to go to Ninevah, the largest city in the Assyrian Empire, and He called Paul to go to Rome, another huge city and the center of the Roman Empire. Both cities were known for their wickedness, and these two preachers were supposed to deliver God's messages among the pagans there, messages they didn't think would be well-received. Both men boarded ships and experienced terrible, life-threatening storms which endangered the entire ship, passengers, and crew. Both men knew what they needed to do for the men to survive.

But of course, there were also differences. They lived in completely different time periods. We find Jonah in the Old Testament, while Paul helped build the early Christian church in the New Testament. Paul felt the need to go to Rome and even looked forward to telling them about Christ. Jonah abhorred going to Ninevah and ran in the other direction. Paul faced many obstacles on his way - a near beating, injustices, imprisonment, a shipwreck, etc. Jonah faced a storm and being swallowed by a great fish, but his main obstacle was himself and his attitude. 

Jonah

Although Jonah eventually learned he had to obey God, he did so reluctantly. If you search the book of Jonah, you will be hard-pressed to find a single incident where Jonah was happy. Perhaps he had been so in the past when everything was going his way, but not after God asked him to do something he didn't want to and he disobeyed. Paul, on the other hand, seemed to glow with happiness and peace after his conversion on the Road to Damascus. Despite all the terrible situations he found himself in, he could be joyous. Why? He was being obedient to God and knew he was in God's will. There is no better place to be. Obedience to God brings peace and joy.

Where are you in your Christian life? Are you more like Jonah or Paul? You can make any needed changes right now, and you have the Holy Spirit to guide and help you. Pray about it.

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Rewarding Readers

Most writers know to write an interesting beginning because they need to hook readers quickly if that person chooses to continue with the book. However, other parts of the book are just as important if the author wants to maintain their readership. Certainly, the whole book needs to be well written, but that's a vague observation, and such a shotgun statement holds very little meaning when it comes to application.

The conclusion is every bit as important as the opening, if not more so, in the long run. A good, emotional, satisfying ending is an author's way of rewarding the reader for choosing and sticking with the book. The more struggles and upheavals the main characters have experienced, the more important it is to knock the ending out of the park. I don't know how many novels I've read that didn't do this, and, as it turned out, the book just wasn't worth my time.

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Endings, even epilogues, shouldn't be just told or recounted. In fact, use epilogues with caution. Readers need the story to end at the highlight of the relationship or epiphany. They need to experience something special. This is why cliffhangers are not the best way to go. They turn a reader off more often than make them want to grab the next book, especially if readers must wait for it to be released. You can end this section in the character's life and begin the next book with a new set of problems. If you properly reward your readers, they'll become fans forever.

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Heart-Healthy Cooking Tip

Heavily seasoned foods aren't healthy, but what's a Southern cook like me to do? I can deal with limiting fried and red meats, but vegetables like green beans, greens (turnip, kale, mustard, and collards), and legumes (black-eyed peas, cornfield peas, pinto beans, etc.) need some sort of seasoning, and vegetable oil just doesn't give much flavor.

I came up with a solution years ago in the mission field. I was doing a semester interim in the Southern Philippines, teaching missionary children. The principal's wife had me over for dinner, and she used beef stock to season her soups and vegetables. She made it healthier by putting it in the refrigerator to cool completely and then skimming off the tallow that forms at the top. This is the part that causes so many of the problems, like clogging arteries. I liked it better than meat grease and have been using it ever since. Cooking this way also has fewer calories.

It's simple to do. Any time you boil beef, like stew beef, or bake a roast, save the broth in small jars. I save the ones jellies, etc. come in for just this purpose because they're smaller, but half-pint canning jars would also work. Freeze some of it for later use. It doesn't take much broth, and you can experiment to get the amount you prefer. Part of a beef bouillion cube can be added if you like even more flavor. It may take a little getting used to at first, but I think you'll come to like it better the way I do.

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Paul's View on Women

Most people seem to think that Paul didn't have a very positive view of women. They arrive at this conclusion by taking a couple verses from his epistles out of context, not always the wisest thing to do. Although most men during Paul's time looked down on women, Jewish society tended to hold women in higher regard and treat them better than many of the Gentile nations did.

In this case, actions may very well speak louder than words. Let's look at how Paul treated women. Of all his followers, he considered Timothy most like a son. Yet, he gave Eunice and Lois, Timothy's mother and grandmother, credit for the young man's deep faith (see 2 Timothy 1:5). When Paul went to Philippi, he not only baptized Lydia, a successful businesswoman, but he and his followers also stayed with her while they were there. Then in Caesarea, Paul lived with the evangelist, Philip, who had four daughters that were prophetesses. If outspoken Paul had any problems with this, he would have likely made it known, but he didn't. Perhaps he remembered the judge and prophetess Deborah from the Scriptures.

These are only a couple of the many biblical examples of how Paul treated and felt toward women. He also wrote favorably: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). Beth Moore writes of Paul's attitude toward women in her book, To Live Is Christ: "A study of the entire life of Paul reveals an interesting fact. He had a vastly different view of women than many people think."

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Publisher's Mistake

I just had something happen that has never happened before with my books. My Appalachian Roots series is published by a traditional publisher, and they put all their fiction books on sale in July. The sale was supposed to end on July 31. However, when they got to my books, for some reason (I assume it was accidental) they only put the second book in the series, Sown in Dark Soil, back to the regular price of $4.99 on Kindle. The other three books in the series, Cleared for Planting, Uprooted by War, and Transplanted to Red Clay, remain at 99 cents.

These books continue to sell well. Just yesterday, I had someone buy the entire set of four books. In fact, Cleared for Planting continues to be the bestseller among all my print books, but that may because it was the first one published. I debated whether to mention the price discrepancy to the publisher, but I have a new book. Through the Wilderness, being released by them soon, and they will likely discover it then. They normally put some of my previous books on sale when I have a new release.

In the meantime, readers can take advantage of this mistake. Even though Sown in Dark Soil is back at regular price, they can still buy the entire set and get all four Kindle books for just $7.96 instead of the normal cost of $19.96. Don't you just love a bargain?

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National Radio Day

August 20th is designated as National Radio Day. No one person can take credit for inventing the radio. Instead, it was a succession of inventions spread across the globe that finally lead to the sound being transmitted and received successfully. The first radio broadcast just for entertainment purposes originated in Massachusetts in 1906. The first commercial radio station, 8MK (now WWJ) began operations in Detroit on August 20, 1920. By 1938, four out of every five homes in the United States had a radio.

The radio became a new way of spreading information from scheduled news reports to presidential addresses and political campaign coverage. It became a new form of entertainment, too. Programming soon included comedies, soap operas, mystery series, drama, quiz shows, talent shows, variety shows, and more. The Golden Age of Radio ran from the early1920s through the 1940s.

Although radio paved the way for the television audience to come, the introduction of television also marked its decline. However, radio is far from being dead. On October 1, 1999, the first satellite broadcast was launched, giving listeners another option and specialized radio. According to the FCC, about 15,000 licensed radio stations were in operation in 2012. So, to celebrate National Radio Day, it will be easy to find a station near you.

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Flawed

For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not (Ecclesiastes 6:20).

It's said Amish quilters used to intentionally put a flaw in their quilts to ensure they showed their human frailty and that only God could make perfection. I'm also a quilter and have always been struck by the arrogance in that attitude. I've never had to intentionally put a flaw in my quilts. They always have at least one naturally. Although it might not be obvious, some corner might not squarely meet the adjacent one, a stitch might be slightly irregular, or the binding not exactly uniform all the way around. The same is true in my writing. Despite all my best efforts and the efforts of editors and beta readers, a few mistakes often slip through.

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

The truth is that no one who has ever walked this earth has been perfect, save one - Jesus Christ. On our own, we remain highly imperfect and sinful. However, when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we become perfect where it counts through Him. Because of his sacrifice on the cross and subsequent resurrection, we're able to exchange our imperfections and sinfulness for his perfection and righteousness. Therefore, we can stand before the Father without flaws or fault.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, O am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:19-20).

This is the wonderous, glorious Good News of the Gospel, our hope and joy forever. This is the message we are commissioned to share with the world. To not do so is the epitome of selfishness and neglect. Remember love and faith only grow as we give them away. You will be richly blessed as you become a blessing to others in Christ's name. Go and be blessed.

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Audible Experiences

Now having three books out on Amazon Audible and two more in the works, I've taken some time to examine the process and the venue. I realize that each person's experience will differ, but we can certainly learn from one another. For example, an author posted on a Facebook page for writers that her audibles far out-sold her other books. That has not been my experience, but I can still see the potential. I certainly love listening to them when I do my daily exercise, travel for a distance, or do menial tasks.


Of the five producers I've worked with so far, two have been female and three male. I try to choose a voice where the age and gender are based on the predominate main character in the book. In general, I've found the women to prove more conscientious and reliable so far, but this is probably because the men are more likely to have other pressing commitments at the same time. However, I've had listeners tell me they prefer to listen to a male voice. Regardless, many of the audiobooks I listen to are narrated by women, and I wonder if those authors have had similar experiences.


When we were producing my first audible, I only worked on With Summer's Songs. However after I found a narrator for Promise and it was progressing, I started Peace, the second book in the Farmer's series. Those two are now finished, and we're working on Pardon, the last book in the Farmer's trilogy and When Winter Is Past, a historical novel set in colonial Pennsylvania that has a slight connection to With Summer's Songs. I've found that I can handle two books at once but more than that becomes too burdensome. That's because I listen to each chapter and then relisten if there's needed corrections, and all this is time-consuming. 

Although producing audibles can have its headaches at times, it also holds satisfaction and joy. I think the market for audibles will continue to mushroom. Many of the younger generations prefer listening over reading, and this will likely only increase with time. My books are already in print and e-versions, and this gives my fans and potential fans one more option. 

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Left-Handers' Day

August the thirteenth is International Left-Handers' Day. Most people probably have at least one left-hander somewhere in their family. I certainly do. My mother tells the story of being forced to use her right hand instead of her left when she entered school years ago. I have two first cousins who were southpaws, and I had a tendency toward being left-handed. My mother followed the doctor's suggestion and handed me everything in my right hand, and I ended up with the right being dominant. I did the same thing with my daughter, but she always transferred it to her left hand, so she ended up being a left-hander.

About one-tenth of the world's population is left-handed with statistically more men than women. In ancient times, left-handers were looked down upon and sometimes even considered to be witches. In medieval times and in certain parts of the world, people used the left hand to wipe with after using the toilet, and they would not shake hands or eat with it. The Greeks and Romans wore their main rings on their left hand to ward off the evil associated with it.

However, in modern times, some declare that left-handed people are special and more apt to be creative. A few of the noted left-handers include Aristotle, Joan of Arc, Leonardi da Vinci, Wolfgang Mozart, Marie Curie, Helen Keller, Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Tim Allen, Prince Charles, and Prince William. Here's to all left-handers. Let's help them celebrate their day.

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Paul's Name

Of course, Paul grew up as Saul in Tarsus. Saul is the Hebrew name his Jewish family gave him, and that's the name he used for the early part of his life. It means "asked for or inquired of God." I've heard sermons where the pastor indicated that his name changed because of his conversion on the Damascus Road. However, the Bible doesn't say this.

This fact became clear to me as I researched and wrote my first Christian, non-fiction book, On the Road to Jericho, which is at the publisher now. Saul was first called "Paul" in the Bible at Antioch in Acts 13. "Paul" is actually his Roman name, and since he was a Roman citizen, it may have been used some earlier. I think it's used more at Antioch and thereafter because he's becoming an apostle to the Gentiles, and Paul is a Gentile name.

Paul became one of the first missionaries and one of the greatest. He helped shape the early church, fighting for a theology based on God's mercy, grace, and love and what Jesus did on the cross and by His resurrection. Much of our understanding of the Christian life comes from his letters. But Paul's accomplishments didn't come from his own strength. It came from surrendering to God and letting Him work through Paul. We should do the same.

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Raves and Reviews

Last week, I had a librarian tell me how popular my books are with readers. She said they flew off her shelves, and everyone was raving about them. This wasn't the first time this has happened, but it always puts a big smile on my face. I find such comments very encouraging.

I've been blessed that I've received such great comments from hundreds of readers. However, I'm a little disappointed that such sentiments haven't transferred into more reviews. In fact, as my fan base has increased, my reviews have decreased. Although my first book, Cleared for Planting, has decent reviews, two of my recent books have no reviews. I check them every day in anticipation but have been disappointed for a good while now.

I know some writers have a review team that reviews their books for free copies. I have a slight concern over the ethics of buying reviews like this but, nonetheless, other authors talked me into trying it. It didn't work for me. Only about a third of the people left a review, although they received the book and agreed to do so. Then some of those left were lackluster and mechanical.

Therefore, I appeal to my readers. If you've read one or more of my books and enjoyed it, please, please leave a review on Amazon. It is the best way to say thanks to an author, and once you start, it will take no time at all. Reviews don't have to be lengthy - just tell what you liked about it or how much you enjoyed it. A sentence or two are fine. New five-star reviews would warm my heart and bring much joy.

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Jamaica Celebrates Its Independence

On August 6, 1962, Jamaica obtained its independence from the United Kingdom. Jamaica is the fourth largest island country in the Caribbean and lies about 90 miles south of Cuba. The island was originally inhabited by the Arawak and Taino Indians but was settled by the Spanish after Christopher Columbus landed there in 1494. As part of their colonization, the Spaniards brought in African slaves. England later took over, and Jamaica became a leading exporter of sugar.

Jamaica has many faces. It is a tropical island with lovely beaches and points of interest. It has a strong musical culture with reggae being the most commonly recognized form, and Bob Marley its most noted musician. Jamaica is also known for its special cuisine which has been influenced by many different parts of the world. Popular dishes include curry goat, fried plantain, rice and peas, fried dumplings, and saltfish. However, the island also has its poverty and less appealing side.

Tourism has been strong in Jamaica for many years, although recent reports indicate this may be waning somewhat. Ian Fleming had a home there, and it became the setting for many of his James Bond novels. However, only one James Bond movie, Dr. No, was filmed there. Other movies filmed there include The Harder They Come; Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise; and Cool Runnings, which is partly based on the true story of Jamaica's first bobsled team to the Winter Olympics.

I've been to Jamaica a few times, and it has much to offer. I wish them all the best on this, their Independence Day.

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Paul's Early Years

Paul became such an outstanding apostle and missionary, we often skim over his early years, but these helped form him into a man God could send to take His messages and truths to the Gentile world. He grew up in Tarsus, one of the main trading centers on the Mediterranean Sea. His father was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin and also a Roman citizen. The son may have been named for the first king of Israel. Saul was his Hebrew name, but as a Roman citizen, he was also known as Paul.

Growing up in a Jewish community and strict Jewish home, Saul would have begun learning scripture early, as little more than a toddler. Normally, a Jewish child would begin reading scripture around age five, but Saul was more precocious than most. He started studying under a rabbi at the synagogue when he was six. As Beth Moore aptly explained in To Live Is Christ, "Being a Hebrew was not just a religion; Judaism wasn't even just a way of life. Being Hebrew defined who you were, how you thought, and what you felt."

When Saul turned thirteen, he left for Jerusalem to study under the famed teacher, Gamaliel, who was the grandson of the great teacher, Hillel. Saul took to his studies with a passion and excelled. He quickly moved through the levels, and many thought his zeal and commitment set him in a likely position to become the high priest and certainly an important leader.  He saw the followers of Jesus as enemies of the Jews and heretics who were trying to mislead the people and pull them away from God, and he attacked them with fervor for this reason.

His experience of meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus changed all this. When he was shown the truth of who Jesus is, he became as zealous for Christ as he had been in destroying His followers. He knew the Scriptures thoroughly, and he could use it to point to Christ and show people the truth of the Word. He was the most scholarly of all the apostles, but he had a practical side, too, and he could be content in whatever state he found himself. He developed a deep, abiding faith, and led others to do the same. Oh, would that the world had more Christians like Paul today.

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Preventing Hackers and Other Problems

Hackers are becoming an increasing nuisance on social media sites, especially Facebook. I don't understand all their motives, although I've had some invite me and my friends into some plan that is supposed to send a lot of money our way but will really only line their pockets. Over time, I've been fairly successful in limiting their activities on my pages.

If you recognize a new friend request as coming from a friend or acquaintance, don't automatically accept their friend request. Hackers often copy people you're already friends with, especially if you have many, so check to see. If there's another account that you are friends with them on, chances are this one's a fraud; and you can always message the older one to be sure. Next, check to see how long this account has been open on Facebook or how many friends the person has. Most hackers use new accounts, and you want to be wary of those. 

I have also learned to be more cautious of people living in third world countries. I find this very regrettable, but experience has taught me they often have ulterior motives. Many of them keep asking for money (for a good cause, of course). Others take liberties because they are almost anonymous. I even had one young man expose himself in a photo. I quickly unfriended and blocked him and his friends. If all of us are more cautious, perhaps the time and effort to hack accounts will prove futile, and hackers will become few and far between. One can hope.

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