John the Baptist

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of woman there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist... (Matthew 11:11).

John the Baptist was a miracle baby who, like Isaac, was given to an older couple who had passed child-bearing age. He had been filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb and later given the task of preparing the way for the Messiah. Not only did he fulfill the Old Testament prophecy, but Christ called him the greatest of all the prophets, and he had the privilege of baptizing his Lord.

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, And said unto his servants, this is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him (Matthew 14:1-2).

John was outspoken against Herod Antipas when he divorced his wife to marry Herodias, his brother's wife. It led to John being beheaded sometime around 32 A.D. Herod must have realized that John was special because when Jesus came to Herod's attention, the ruler said He must be John the Baptist raised from the dead. Perhaps his conscience was bothering him.

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Phillip's wife. For John said unto him, it is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.... And he sent, and beheaded John in prison (Matthew 14:3-10).

John was related to Jesus and also had the great privilege of presenting Jesus to the world and preparing the people of Israel to receive him (Luke 1:5; 7:18-28). What a special person John must have been, and yet, it was necessary for him to pray, as well as teach his disciples to pray. Prayer is the key to a spirit-filled life, and John is just one biblical example of this.

(Parts taken from Prayer 101 by Warren W. Wiersbe)

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Poetry and Prose

Writers can have many different hats, and each one helps to make their writing stronger. I enjoy fiction writing the most, but before I published my first novel, I wrote non-fiction articles in magazines. They were quicker projects while I was teaching. However, the first piece I had published was actually a poem. I was in the eighth grade at the time.

I enjoy writing. Period. Every form of writing has helped teach me the craft and made me a better writer. Poetry, with the necessity to choose exact words, helps firm up any writing. I plan to continue writing poems for as long as I can write because I love it all -- novels, non-fiction, and poetry.

In fact, I've toyed with the idea of publishing a collection of poetry. I know poetry doesn't sell anymore, but that's not the main reason I write. I am a writer; it's what I do. It fulfills me. I haven't felt the time is right, but if and when I do, I would like to release a book of poetry. Who knows? There may be a resurgence in the popularity of poems sometime in the future.

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Cranberries for the Holidays

When colonists first came to North America, they found some of the Algonquian peoples around New England using cranberries in some of their food, like pemmican, and for a dye. Explorers wrote of this as early as 1550. In Plymouth, Massachusetts, a petticoat dyed with cranberries was auctioned off in 1633. Thirty years later, a recipe for cranberry sauce appeared in a Pilgrim cookbook. Their history is a long one.

Having been raised in the South, fresh cranberries were never a staple in our house, nor was cooking or baking with them common for us. However, when I found cranberries on sale for 25 cents a bag one year, I couldn't resist. The bag had a simple-looking recipe on the back of it, so I gave it a try. A new holiday tradition was born. We loved the cranberry bread.
Here's the recipe I used:

Cranberry-Nut Bread

2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Mix together dry ingredients. Blend in orange juice, egg, and oil. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in a greased 5 x 9 inch loaf pan. Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until done. Remove from pan and let set 5 minutes before slicing.

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A Thanksgiving Attitude

Giving thanks shouldn't be something we just do on a special Thursday in November or occasionally when we think of it. Even thanking God for our food before meals or when we recognize a special blessing isn't enough. We need to live with a thankful heart and make it "thanksliving." 

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).

We can cultivate a thankful heart since it's a choice we make. Paul gave thanks in all his situations (and he went through many hardships, beatings, imprisonment. and eventually, execution) because he knew God would bring good, even from bad circumstances. Do you trust God that much?

"As ye therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye with him: Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:6-7). "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20).

In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young writes, "A thankful heart opens the windows of heaven.... Thankfulness opens you up to these experiences [glimpses of heaven's glory], which provide further reasons to be grateful." Isn't this a marvelous cycle of blessings, understanding how great God is, and recognizing how good He is to us? Cultivate a thankful heart and attitude and see how much better your life becomes. 

"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever" (1 Chronicles 16:34).

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Longer Books

I find more and more readers telling me they are not looking for longer print or ebooks anymore. Most want books between 150 and 275 pages. They say these are long enough to develop the characters and plot without becoming tedious or taking too long to finish. The novella is growing in popularity all the time, too.

Audiobooks are the exception to this, however. On Amazon, those who subscribe to Audible are reluctant to spend a credit for a book under five hours, and they prefer those above eight hours. Authors with books over 300 pages should consider putting them on Audible. I find the process fun, and it's definitely an up and coming market. In our busy worlds, being able to listen to a good book while doing other mundane tasks is appealing.

As an author, I presently have ten books on Audible and three more in the works. I hope to soon have them all in this format and give readers/listeners another option. But I am also an avid Audible customer. I have almost 300 books in my Audible library, and I listen to an Audible book about every week and a half to two weeks. I especially have one going when I walk on the treadmill and when I drive alone. It's another way to enjoy a good book.

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National Mickey Mouse Day

November 18th is National Mickey Mouse Day, and the character has a long history. He was created in 1928 with Ub Iwerke the main illustrator. "Plane Crazy" was the first short cartoon, but it had a poor reception, and Disney couldn't find a distributor. The second short, "The Gallopin' Gaucho" had the same experience. Neither cartoons were released.

The first Mickey Mouse animation to find a distributor was Steamboat Willie, which came out on November 18, 1928. In The Barn Dance (March 14, 1929), Minnie turns down Mickey in favor of Pete. Mickey wore his white gloves for the first time in The Opry House (April 28, 1929). When the Cat's Away followed (May 3, 1928).

From a meager beginning, the films continued, compiling a long list of successes. The first official color film of Mickey came with The Band Concert in 1935, and the movies just kept coming. In addition, Mickey appeared on television and in comic strips. He even started merchandising with numerous items for sale. He still remains a popular Disney character.

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Two Jameses 

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword (Acts 12:1-2).


Two men named James were important disciples in the Bible. The first one was John's brother, the son of Zebedee. He was one of the first disciples to join Jesus in His ministry. Mark 1:19-21 tells us James and John were at the seashore helping their father with his fishing business when Jesus called them to follow Him, and they remained with Him until His ascension. In fact, they were present at many of the events recorded in the gospels. James is believed to be the first of the twelve disciples to be martyred. Herod had him killed by the sword.


For neither did his brethren believe in him (John 7:5).

Fast forward a number of years, and the second James was the brother of Jesus. He became an important leader in the early church and was present during Paul's time. As Warren Wiersbe states in his book, Be Free, however, "Our Lord's brothers and sisters did not believe in Him during His earthly ministry." Paul writes that the risen Christ appeared to James and changed this (1 Corinthians 15:7). He helped make the important decision that Gentiles did not have to follow the Jewish rules and traditions to be saved. We get the Book of James from this apostle, and the teachings there are practical and deep. According to the historian, Josephus, James was stoned to death.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him (James 1:12).

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Local Settings

Many authors write about places close to them or where they live. Knowing a place well makes it easier to write about, but at times, it can also be more difficult, especially with historical fiction. Local research can be sketchy with plenty of information in certain areas but large gaps missing, and residents, as well as readers, expect the author to get it right.

Of my eighteen novels in paperback, three have been set where I lived, and eight are nearby. I have at least visited all the locations I've written about. However, I've been to all fifty states and about forty-five other countries, so I have many places from which to choose. I grew up in the Appalachians, and five of my books are set there. They are some of my most popular. Cleared for Planting has been my best-seller at presentations and book signings, and Mountain Mishap is my top-seller in ebooks and on audible.

Unexpected, the last book I released, is set in 1961 in Oakboro, NC,  where I live now. And I'm currently researching a book set in the same town around 1942 when there were military maneuvers in the area to train men to go overseas in World War II. As I expected, there is some good information, but I'm going to have to dig for some of the answers I need. But I find it all fun, and I actually like the research. I also like giving the readers authentic settings.

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Showing the American Flag

As anyone who has served in the military or any boy scout should be able to tell you, there are regulations for displaying and caring for our flag. These rules were adopted in order to honor the flag and what it represents. For example, we should never see a faded, torn, or tattered flag flying since it symbolizes our nation.

In addition, the flag should never be allowed to touch the ground, floor, water, or whatever is beneath it. When carried, it should always wave free, untangled, and unbound. If it is displayed with other flags at the same height, the American one should always be first to the observer's left. If the flags are displayed at different heights, the national flag should always be the highest one, the center one in a fan shape, or the top one on a pole. When placed against a wall, the blue field with stars should always be in the top left corner. It should also be folded according to specific directions. When the flag is raised or lowered in a ceremony or presented before a group, anyone in uniform should stand at attention and salute. Others should stand facing the flag with their right hand over their heart and holding any cap or hat.

A flag may be mended as long as the repair doesn't alter its appearance. When it becomes too dirty or torn, it should be disposed of properly by burning. An American Legion post, veterans' group, or local government offices may do this for you. Regulations also say that the flag should never appear on anything disposable, such as napkins, paper plates, or anything that can be thrown away. It should not be embroidered on items easily soiled, like handkerchiefs or throw pillows. I'm not sure we adhere to these anymore. In addition, the actual flag should never be cut up or used as clothing, bedding, or curtains.

The U.S. flag has had a long, honorable history. Many people have made great sacrifices to assure it remains flying proudly. As we remember those who have served our country on this Veteran's Day, let's treat soldiers, veterans, and our flag with respect and teach our children to do the same. "O long may it wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

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Being Thankful for Unanswered Prayers

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (Psalm 22:1).

Most Christians recognize the power of prayer, but dealing with unanswered prayer is difficult for many. Of course, the term itself is a misnomer. There are no unanswered prayers for the Christian. God always answers with some form of either "yes," "no," or "wait." "Unanswered prayer" is usually the name we give to prayers that aren't answered in the way we want them to be.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11).

However, we should thank God, even when he doesn't answer them right away or if His answer is no. We can't see the big picture or the future the way He does. Knowing that He is the perfect, Holy, righteous God who always wants the very best for His children, why wouldn't we want His will to be done and not our own? What we ask for isn't always a good thing, although it may seem like it to us. We certainly aren't all-knowing. If we understand God at all, we should realize His way is always best.

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to those that trust in him (Psalm 18:30).

It all comes down to a matter of trust. How much do we really trust God? If we truly love Him, then our faith in Him will grow, and as our faith grows, we love Him more. Both of these cause our trust in Him to strengthen, and it's all fed by His Word. In fact, all of these are strung together in such a way that when one increases, it causes the others to also grow. It is a beautiful cycle that allows us to know, whatever happens, God will take care of us in the best possible way, although we might not understand or always see it. It's then that we will thank God for unanswered prayer, knowing that it was not good in the big picture or that He has something better in store.

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Talking Audible

Audio fans and Audible selections are growing by leaps and bounds in the publishing field. I am one of the listening fans, and I also have ten titles for sale on Audible with the eleventh waiting for approval. In addition, two more are lined up with their narrators to be produced soon. These are part of the over 166,000 titles now available on Audible.

My last Audible to be released

It can be a little overwhelming when choosing a narrator. I ran an unofficial poll, and listeners seemed to prefer male narrators 2 to 1, however, this didn't take into account the different genres. Since I find more females reading books that have some romance in them, I wonder if categories make a difference. Of my thirteen books on audible or soon to be in production, I've used six male and seven female narrators. I found a narrator I liked to work with, and she is responsible for five of these titles.

Douglas Birk narrated the Western historical,
Mountain Storms, now waiting for ACX approval

I normally try to choose the gender of my narrators based on the predominate main character in the book, although this may mean I have different narrators for each book in a series if the characters differ. At present, ACX has 107,777 producers to choose from, but they have a filtering system where authors can narrow the field down to the ones who fit their book and preferences. To let you know how popular this process is, right now, there are 1,881 titles open for auditions on ACX, so Audible fans will have an ever-growing supply.

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First Wagon Train to California

On November 4, 1841, the first wagon train arrived in California. It had started out on the Oregon Trail, but some of the people got to a point on the trail and decided to veer south, heading to California instead of Oregon. This would set a precedent that would be followed many times in the years to come. The trail had been established by members of the Emigrant Societies. Three parties of adventurers had recorded a passable wagon trail over two large obstacles, the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The 2,000-mile journey could be made in a single summer and fall if they averaged about 15 miles a day.

This first party had assembled at Sapling Grove, near Westport, Missouri, in May of 1841, headed for Oregon. About 60 people would eventually decide to take the southern route into California instead of traveling north into Oregon. They wanted to cross the Sierra Mountains into California and arrive at Sutter's Fort which would later become  Sacramento. The way became so hazardous, some abandoned California and decided to go the easier Oregon route after all. 

Unexpected events altered their intended route to California, and they ended up abandoning their wagons near Big Spring, Nevada, and using their pack animals. After more difficulties, the smaller group ended up following the same trail Jedediah Smith had taken in1827. On the way, they had to kill and eat many of their animals to keep from starving. All of the party made it, but it was a severely rough trip. They arrived in California and stopped at a ranch owned by John Marsh. Some of the men in the party would go on to become important figures in Californian history.

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Titus 

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother, but taking my leave of them. I went from thence into Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:13). 

Titus was a Greek Christian (probably from Antioch) who Paul had won to the Lord through his ministry and mission work. The new Christian had a special place in Paul's heart. In fact, Paul went to Troas to preach the gospel message, but when he didn't find Titus there as he expected, he left to go to Macedonia to find him. His care and concern were obvious.

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas; and took Titus with me also (Galatians 2:1).

Making disciples requires time and effort, but the rewards are great. Paul's ministry would have been much different without the men he recruited to work for Christ. We need to learn from him because our churches also need faithful disciple-makers. Titus became a strong man of faith, and one of our books of the New Testament is Paul's letter to him. In fact, when Paul went to the conference in Jerusalem to convince the followers there that a person didn't have to convert to Judaism before he could become a Christian and didn't need to follow the Jewish diet and customs afterward, he took Titus with him.

Whereas any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you... (2 Corinthians 8:23).

Paul

In a way, Titus became a testimony to Paul's beliefs at the Jerusalem conference. The believers there could see Titus' sincere faith and the light of Christ in him. His presence helped convince the leaders that Paul was correct in his doctrine that Gentiles shouldn't have to become Jews before they could be saved. Later, Titus also accompanied Paul to some of the troubled churches to help them solve their problems. He had become a faithful friend as well as a fellow minister in the gospel.

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