Five covers I love in no particular order. There are of course so many more, but for today there are five.
Father, you're so generous to your people. We don't always choose to see it, often we ignore it, and so often we miss it, but there's no denying your generosity in dispensing gifts and talents. May we always use them for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
(From Wounds . . . and Healings; unpublished completed manuscript)
Chapter 1
Faith Daniels looked up as the tiny bell over the door tinkled quietly. He was the first customer of the morning, the darkness remaining outside as he walked in and closed the door.
“Good morning,” she acknowledged him as he looked past her and above her at the menu of coffees, teas, and other beverages.
He gave her a hint of a smile to indicate he wasn’t trying to ignore her. She waited, not wanting to pester him. He’d come to a conclusion soon enough. They always did. The customers who couldn’t choose were almost always friendly, outgoing, bubbly even. He wasn’t one of them. She’d seen that kind of look before but wasn’t sure if she could place where or when. When it dawned on her, she blushed in spite of herself. She’d seen it multiple times looking in the mirror.
She busied herself with the pastries, putting the remaining selections in the case.
“Uh, I’ll take a double espresso and one of those,” he said finally, pointing to an éclair.
“Cream?”
“Oh. Yeah. A little cream, please.”
She began to fix the espresso and put the éclair on a plate. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring it right out to you, sir.”
He smiled slightly—surprised a bit by the “sir”, she supposed. He sat at a faraway table for two at the other end of the shop, folded his hands on the table and stared out the window into the dark rainy morning.
When the coffee was ready, she took it, the éclair, a fork, and some extra cream to his table.
“Thank you,” he said, finally looking directly at her. “What do I owe ya?”
“Five dollars and 50 cents,” she said quietly. “But you can pay on the way out if you like.”
Instead, he pulled out his wallet from a hip pocket of his faded Levis and handed her a 10 dollar bill. “It smells good,” he said gratefully.
“Thank you. Anything else I can get you?” she added, her voice quiet, her sincerity evident.
“I wish,” he said almost inaudibly, then smiled up at her again. “I’m fine.”
I commend those who seek to put something valuable on the big screen. God knows it's expensive, it's often near impossible to distribute, and, yes, there is a limited audience for these worthwhile adventures. In the past the films were perhaps cliché and maybe sometimes they still are, but like Hallmark movies there are important principles that surface and isn't that what audiences hope to see when attending "these kinds" of films? Isn't it time movies included those who want to view morality, principles, sacrifice, and meaningful content? I say: More power to them! May the Lord of all creation be honored in the process.
Father, thank you for those who strive to produce something that brings you honor, that portrays your creation with all of their flaws trying to make good happen in this evil world. May you bless them all in your abundance and give them the courage and provision to continue. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
The video complements the beautiful sound of Smooth Jazz artist Brian Culbertson. He plays more than one instrument, but his piano skills are mesmerizing. He produces some sublime music.
Father, your beauty cannot help but inspire and be incorporated within the sounds of amazing music. Thank you for each artist. May they know who has blessed them with their gifts and talents. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Are the genre classifications descriptive enough? Would you amplify them or decrease them? If you could stipulate a new genre or two, what would you choose for a type of novel?
Have you ever been disappointed in a novel labeled a thriller when in fact it was a mere mystery or mild suspense – because you expected more from it and it didn't deliver?
What qualifies as a bona fide thriller for you?
What genre do you read the most?
Father, we thank you for every good and perfect gift. We know you're behind every good thing and apart from you, we can do nothing. Help us all to know and remember this life is a gift with numbered days, and that each one depends on you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Never forget: that cross is empty! He IS Risen!
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."
Matthew 28:5-6 (NIV)
Five things I love about going to the ocean (in the off season) . . .
The constant sound of the waves.
The salt air.
Walking on the beach no matter the weather.
The "Home Port" restaurant for dinner at Ocean Shores – especially on Prime Rib night. Best I've ever had. Melts in your mouth.
Cruising the shops, buying some fudge, and driving the area.
Thank you, Father, for the getaways. You restore my soul. You show me beauty. Love. Forgiveness. Grace. Your magnificence. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
There are multiple reasons Christian Fiction is a genre, that it exploded into making its way in the publishing business because readers dared to read it. Some never will. Mention "Christian" associated with a novel – or any book for that matter – and there is instant rejection of the possibility of them ever reading "those" books. And authors, please don't kid yourself. Disguising the genre and not calling yourself a Christian fiction writer won't change their resistance and will actually make some of them angry if the "God-message" is too pungent. They will feel like you "tricked" them into reading that Jesus stuff.
My opinion is that Frank Peretti had a huge impact in bringing attention to the genre. This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness were a magnificent and powerful introduction to Christian fiction. Another author who hit it so far out of the park with her first effort in Christian fiction with Redeeming Love is Francine Rivers. Other Christian novelists preceded them, but these two in particular brought the publishing spotlight to the genre.
Since their first bold endeavors, both authors continued to write bestsellers, and a plethora of other Christian authors entered the publishing fray.
One thing that surfaced in the course of developing Christian fiction – and we've talked about it incessantly here – is the restrictive requirements demanded by certain Christian publishing houses. Author Brenda S. Anderson (and others) and I agree these restrictions haven't helped the genre and at times have caused damage which resulted in enabling a new generation of "indie" and/or self-publishing Christian authors who needed to write from a broader spectrum (myself included).
Another drawback has been the reluctance by these publishing houses to include certain genres (i.e. fantasy, sci-fi) in any quantity when these kinds of novels were flooding the general market. The repeated excuses stated that these genres don't sell in Christian fiction. I'm inclined to think that some of their readers loudly objected to these "unspiritual" types of fiction and spooked certain publishers who became unwilling to venture into those genres risking the alienation (pardon the pun) of their devoted and staid readership.
Just my thoughts on this Thursday . . . nothing new really.
Father, you know the end from the beginning. You see all hearts. Help me to keep mine set upon you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Oh those spring showers washing the beauty of the season.
Thank you, Lord, for all the colors of the seasons. Glorious. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
One of the great contemporary worship songs with the background to its composition which makes it all the better. I love this one big time.
Father, we can never offer you the praise you deserve. We try to worship in spirit and in truth. This is a gallant effort to do just that. Thank you for your musicians. Praise you forever. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
