Into the Fire

I know sadness. Heartbreak. Sorrow. Hurt. I've felt it inside my skin. There is so little that can be said to alleviate that kind of pain and loss. I always appreciated those who tried as long as they didn't use clichés  or hand out well-worn scriptures which, instead of actually giving comfort, come off as platitudes.

Serious loss cannot be understood by those who've never experienced it. You can't simulate that kind of ache. Really: some people never recover. It's like too much of them has died with the one they lost.

People on the outside of grief seem to want to hurry it along. Not because they're insensitive – although some are – but because it's too much for them to see their loved one hurting so badly. They want it to pass quickly. So things will be back to "normal". It's unfair, but they fail to realize it.

Christians receive built-in hope in Jesus, but He suffered more than anyone and He was no stranger to pain or tears. He knew the condition of hearts intimately, the failings of the human race. He wanted them to be forgiven so He gave His life for just that opportunity. I imagine He continues to weep in heaven over the horrors here on earth borne out of sinful hearts corrupted by the flesh and the enemy of the human soul. He knows the way of sadness and suffering, but He still offers hope to all – if they choose to turn to Him and lay out their sufferings to Him, seek His forgiveness, His comfort, His peace, His truth.

Honestly, I don't know how I made it through those first 30 years of my life without Him. Somehow He guarded my life and protected me in spite of me. There was a lot of self-induced pain, frustrating, terrible mistakes, bad conduct. Not at all how I was raised. Still, Jesus gave me the opportunity to enlist His salvation for my life. I knew when I finally found Him, I had met and found Truth. Nothing was or is better than Jesus.

Pain doesn't end with Jesus. In fact, sometimes it accelerates. We know He's there, and that's the difference-maker. The game-changer. The ultimate survival kit. Even with Him, we often fail to make it through our trials triumphantly. We are inherently weak. He makes us strong.

Just want to say, I'm truly sorry for the pain some of you are experiencing. There are no words sometimes to give real comfort. But there's only One who can manage such a huge endeavor. Jesus loves you. This I know . . .

Father, you are close to the brokenhearted and comfort those who are crushed in spirit. I pray your comfort and blessing over those who hurt deep. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Love the Lord, all his saints!

   The Lord preserves the faithful,

   but the proud he pays back in full.

Be strong and take heart,

   All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:23-24 (NIV)

Five things I love in no particular order:

Perfume/Cologne

My Ford Explorer named Mitch - as in Rapp

The smell of gardenias

Guns (Yes, guns. Particularly pistols.)

Seahawks paraphernalia

As you can see, it's the end of the week, and my creative spirit is waning . . .

Father, you are so gracious to me, so generous, kind, loving, and benevolent. I don't deserve any of it but am so so grateful. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Scott Harvath is a stealth counter-terrorism operative who prefers to work alone, but in certain operations he learns that exceptional assistance reaps mega-benefits, especially when it's crunch time for determining a critical attack against the USA.

Act of War by Brad Thor presents the sophisticated plot code-named "Snow Dragon" which adheres to the adopted Chinese philosophy of a no-holds-barred war effort. In other words anything goes to disable the great nation of America. But because the Chinese do not want the American government to know they're behind the planned attack, they incorporate outsiders to do their dirty work. From Beijing to North Korea to Cuba with multiple stops in major US cities, this thriller employs all of the US alphabet security and espionage forces to thwart the enemy's plans – provided they can figure out exactly what Snow Dragon is.  

Newly elected President Porter wants Scott Harvath calling the shots on the ops to discover the dangers turned up when a CIA agent is found dead overseas. That agent's contact reveals some information but no one knows if she can be trusted. The resulting operations code-named "Gold Dust" and "Blackbird" cannot fail or war will be imminent.

There were several paragraphs in Act of War I wanted to quote in this review, but it wouldn't have been practical. The insights to the current global cauldron and the potential for much of this novel to be indicative of possible plots against our country give readers a genuine look into the multiple crises and enemies across the globe. Reminding me of the poignancy and complex plots of the late Vince Flynn novels, Brad Thor writes a classic political/espionage thriller which will enlighten, educate, and make you exceedingly uncomfortable about the current state of affairs in our country today.

Well-written with chapter divisions of operations taking place in North Korea, the USA, and other parts of the world, I highly recommend Brad Thor's Act of War for the vacancy created by the loss of Vince Flynn.

Father, the world is erupting as you predicted. Keep your hand of mercy over us and may your peace permeate our being as we watch in horror man's inhumanity to man and disregard for your power and glory. Thank you for your endless love and divine protection. Please bless Brad and those who reveal hidden things to him to keep us informed and thankful for those courageous souls who are called to serve our country in all kinds of ways. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.    

I've spoken of the summer TV series Reckless starring Anna Wood and Cam Gigandet. These two actors could not be more perfectly cast. I consider it an amazing talent in and of itself to be able to put together the actors who will best "sell" the product – be it a commercial, a TV series, or a film. 

The above photograph depicts the dance scene between the characters Jamie Sawyer and Roy Rayder at a social function for the mayoral candidates. Both attorneys on opposite sides of the courtroom, they battle constantly in public and privately with their desires for one another. The chemistry between them is as good as it gets in television. You recognize the lack of it when you see it forced on the screen, but it's truly impressive when it's done right. This scene captures the beauty of "the dance", the pull of the attraction, the burden of their career positions, and the reason the UST must remain. It's dazzling, sensual, and perfectly done.

I'm continually impressed with the stunning and exceptional camera work in this series. The camera takes the viewer up close and personal with the characters, and the actors comply by perfecting their expressions to accommodate and dictate to that peering lens. No one is spared from its examination, and each actor delivers his or her own important performance.

Add to all of this the attractive, scene-appropriate, alluring, and varied costuming prowess, and you have one very well done drama in Reckless.

Not to mention some absolutely fine writing. Very impressed with this drama.

Father, may those who don't know you find you. You are all I'm livin' for. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.    

Related articles

Acting . . . Reckless

Yeah, me neither. But I sure admire those who do. Talent. Work. Skill. Athleticism. Rock on.

Father, please bless all of your people who work to honor you with what you've given them to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sometimes I fluctuate between how "big" writing is and how actually "small" it can be. Constant discussions about the writing biz get to me because as important as it can be in an author's life, it really seems small when matched up against survival, terror, injustice, and this "cray-cray" world.

Anyone else feel like this?

Creative writing is an art. Art is important for multiple reasons. The primary reason I believe it's important and valuable is because God ordains that some should create elements of art to bless, enlighten, even instruct others in this world. To show beauty, to illustrate sorrow, to lead to hope. Writing and the other arts share a purpose, but as in all good and perfect things, the purpose is selected, orchestrated, and designed by the Lord of heaven and earth. Without His divine touch on all areas of the arts, they exist like fancy pastries – some, not all, wonderful to taste but of little nutritious value. Being entertained is empty without reason and purpose.

Monday, Monday . . .

Father, you are the reason I am able to even write my name. Thank you for your beauty and grace, your gifts and deployed talents. You are big. I am oh-so-small. May I be strong in you and in your mighty power. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

I am still confident of this:

   I will see the goodness of the Lord

   in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;

   be strong and take heart

   and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)

When you huff and puff into the ER, force out a whispered "shortness of breath" and "racing heart", sometimes it means you get to spend the night. And from someone who has never developed a fondness for doctors even though the majority have treated me well in the few times I've had to visit them, this is not the result you hope to achieve when you finally give in to what definitely begins to feel dire.

Yes, I spent Wednesday night in the hospital with some serious A-Fib issues which came on suddenly a few days before. Late Wednesday night the symptoms worsened instead of improving, and I had no choice. Couldn't catch my breath and my heart stomped furiously in my chest.

I'm home, thank the Lord, with three prescriptions for a season. And I'm really not a pill taker. However, I do not wish to experience any of those wretched symptoms again, so I will do my due dilligence for now.

Always appreciate your prayers. I'm fine now. Phew.

Spiritually, the devil tries to take us down at every opportunity. Sometimes it's in the health arena. We fight and we believe. We keep going and we know He's in charge. Whatever happens, God wins.

Thank you, Jesus, for providing healing of all kinds. Thank you for providing insights and revelations amdist the chaos and, yes, fear. Thank you, God, for always being there even in the darkness. We're desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Doesn't that look refreshing? Summertime. Can't beat it. I'm just down the road at Novel Rocket today. Would love to see you there . . .

Father, please bless those who give generously to others. Thank you for the amazing things you do for me on a daily basis. So grateful. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.