Into the Fire

In this world it's impossible not to experience the explosion of sensationalism offered via every medium available to humankind. Whether it's the failing newspapers, various magazines, internet, television, radio, cinema, or name-your-poison, we see, hear, and emotionally feel the touch of graphic crisis-mode deliveries of both truth and lies. With the continual use of sensationalism, people eventually grow immune to its impact and tend to ignore the seriousness of the revelation because of the incessant shrillness of the message.

So what does this mean to novelists? Do we need to use this methodology to deliver our stories? Is it at least a partially viable approach for some genres such as thrillers, supernatural suspense, or fantasy novels?

We all receive and interpret information in similar yet different ways. Some of us "hear" information better, others of us need to "see" information, and still others of us need to have the hands-on approach to best understand what's being presented. We know the value of using the senses in telling stories. Give the readers a visual, a scent, a feeling, and if we do it well, we've roped them into the ring of our stories.

This is why the burden of truth-telling in story form remains critical and rests solely on the tips of the author's fingers. If an author portrays a real place without having any genuine knowledge of it, or if he writes of an occupation or an experience without understanding either, readers can recognize the lack of familiarity and deem it irresponsible and unreal. If in the fantasy genre, the other-world depiction comes off as insufficient or cliché or even too mind-bending to coax investment and believability, the truth factor absenteeism renders the work frivolous or uninspired.

Even though some writers refer to fiction as telling "lies", the burden of truth is the author's purpose. Good stories illustrate truth with a vibrant awareness of how people, places, and things interact and display innate qualities of both good and evil. The simplest or most complex tales portray how truth is sought, ignored, or demanded. Conclusions render true or false deductions, often dependent on the reader's decisions.

Without truth as the cornerstone of writing stories we read words on a page. They may be pretty and elegant, clever and  humorous, literary or pulp, but they either tell the truth or they lie. It's the author's choice, but the burden of truth rests upon his heart and erupts from the desire to write it.

Lord, your word tells us that we will be set free in the Truth. Please grant me the skill and beauty to reveal it in my stories. Thank you for who you are. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Since TNT began showing Castle reruns, I've been able to gradually catch up on the series from its beginning. Not having seen every recent episode, I can tell you, from what I've watched, I'm still undecided as to whether or not the chemistry of this odd couple works effectively. Another example of UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension) running its route before finally culminating in a relationship, it's debatable how the current romance suffices.

In the older episodes of this popular series, Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic) went through all the typical flirty pursuit, working relationship, grudging respect on her part, real admiration on his part, attraction, rejecting that attraction, subtle jealousy, and the gamut of romantic endeavors before finally realizing they've come to depend on each other and desire each other's exclusive attention, favor, and romantic relationship.

All the typical activities and conduct which comprise UST worked very well between these two onscreen, but now I'm not sure the chemistry between the two feels authentic. The actors seem like actors trying to morph their distinct characters into something meaningful beyond their former actions, but I wonder is it just me or is it not quite there for other fans of this entertaining little police drama?

Any Castle viewers out there care to comment or share an opinion? 

Father, thank you for all of those individuals who give their all to the creation of art. May they come to know who you are and why you've gifted them. Please bless the efforts of those who create to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

. . .

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

1 Corinthians 1:25;27 (NIV)

Love is not an enabler. In fact, love exposes. Love looks at sin, defines sin, condemns sin, but loves those who commit sin. Love in no way condones sin.

Both Christians and unbelievers manipulate scripture to suit their desires. Although devoted Christians do their best to get the interpretations of the Word of God correct, dissidence, factions, denominations, and variations of particular scriptures cause dissension at worst, disagreement at best. However, there are some scriptures which speak radically plain, and misinterpretation of those specific scriptures is simply an intentional act of wishful thinking.

Let me give you a few verses (Romans 1:24-27) which couldn't be more specific:

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator . . .

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also exchanged natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

Could these words speak any more clearly as to the definition, conduct, and offense of homosexuality?

So why risk writing about this topic on my blog again? Why risk being called a bigot or homophobe? I'll tell you why. It's estimated that less than 4% of the total population in America is homosexual – or "gay" if you prefer. Yet the agenda to make this relationship or sexual orientation seem "normal" and acceptable is being forced on us via every medium. The public education system is indoctrinating elementary school children with their propaganda, encouraging not only an awareness of this tendency but an endorsement.

Series television must feel obligated to support their homosexual writers and actors because more and more of them are featuring episodes promoting the gay and bisexual agenda. (The Following, Criminal Minds, Bones, Rizzoli and Isles, to name a few.) Frankly, I find the portrayal of two guys lip-locked thoroughly and utterly depraved.

I know gay people. Some neat individuals. Like all of us, they have the ability to live their lives making difficult choices and reaping the consequences of those decisions. We all have the freedom to indulge our sinfulness. Most of us have our weaknesses. Christians who love Jesus fight and scratch to combat that flesh which makes ungodly demands on us. It's never easy to live upright lives. Not with our nature. Not in this life.

I'm giving the Christian perspective from the scriptures quoted above. Other Christians campaign for homosexual "rights" and gay marriage. They use God's love as their prop. Homosexuality is just another sin. We're all sinners. That it is, and that we are. But to promote sin is to ignore the word of God, regardless of the sin. And there's something to be said for sexual sin because of the "oneness" that's created with the merging of bodies. Bodies were designed in a specific way for that oneness to occur – encompassing the physical, emotional, and spiritual unions our Creator had in mind. Anything other than His way is called perversion.

Honestly, I guess I'm sick of the homosexual agenda. I'm not against the individuals who live this lifestyle. They get to choose it. I don't endorse it any more than I endorse lying, cheating, fornicating, stealing, et. al, so don't expect me to do so. And don't expect me to settle for the redefining of marriage to satisfy the sinful conduct of same sex relationships. No.

Lord, you died a gruesome death, took all of our sins on your body, in order to forgive us. With all of our various perversions of your word, our inescapable willfulness, our repugnant disregard for what's right, your love prevails. How you can love us is beyond our finite comprehension. Please lead us in your ways everlasting. Forgive us for our disobedience. Bring more souls to your kingdom through the one and only Truth in you. We're all desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Although it's a familiar and well-used cliché applied to situational arguments with teenagers, in politics and relationships, and in corporate boardrooms or custodial closets, it's a valid instruction, its intent recognizable by all who hear it.

In my world it can also apply to those matters created by writing novels. Authors subject themselves to all kinds of decision makers. If they make it to the level of having their work on the threshold of publishing, they face the editing process. From ordeals to pleasurable experiences, writers must face certain battles to preserve or eliminate words they've strived to get just right.

I can't speak for most authors, but I know that some are far easier to work with than others. And, sad to say, I'm probably from the latter category rather than the former because of the strong convictions I hold regarding realism in Christian literature. I'm not speaking of arguing for inferior writing, but I'm definitely not into compromising truthful depictions of life portrayed as it is. And sometimes that is precisely what we don't see in CBA novels.

Even in the committed lives of Christians, sin is warred against, sometimes resulting in a victory for the sinful nature. That's not to say we don't read of adultery, divorce, drunken or alcoholic behaviors, physical abuse, or other such sinful conduct in offerings from Christian publishing. Specific novels from good authors and selective publishers have dared to produce some fantastic fiction dealing with difficult issues in their characters' lives, giving readers meaningful portrayals of sinful people in need of saving grace.

However, more often we read of characters who hide secrets which seem unqualified for such drama. No one uses hell or damn or smokes or drinks. Any romantic attraction consists of lingering looks and heavy sighs. And readers of these novels are not only pleased with such stories but rant against those which are quite the opposite of them.

I guess I'd face a few battles. Not sure I could win any of them. Not saying I'd accept defeat.

Lord, your plan for me is a single path. Designed for my steps, custom-made. The only one I want. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

This is how I felt when I attempted to think of a blog post for today. Sorry . . .

Lord, I need renewed energy. Please supply. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sometimes we talk big about regrets. Some of us boast about having no regrets. Some instruct others to live without regrets. Either way seems ludicrous to me.

Regret is built into the human psyche. It screams in our souls, but some of us learn to ignore it, pacify it with apologies, resist it and proclaim our lifestyles will be experienced to the fullest, all the while way down deep we know we're doomed to feel it, know it, and live with it.

We're sinners. Sin institutes regret. Lyrics to an older popular song went like this: "If lovin' you is wrong, I don't wanna be right." And that's a tale told throughout our world. Some things force us into regrettable situations by appealing to that insatiable source of desire known as our flesh. Constantly we are asked to disobey our righteous codes to live for the satisfaction of our physical bodies. But as Mick Jagger once pointed out so raucously – and correctly – we can't get no satisfaction.

There comes a time in a person's life when he or she makes the decision to live with fewer regrets. Or not. Mine came when I met Jesus Christ because I had a boat load of them when He gave me a new life. Forgiveness came easy for Him. Not so much for me. I'd packed a lot of wrong things into a several year period, and it didn't seem right for Him to let me off the hook for all those mistakes so easily. I continued to pay the consequences for them, but His forgiveness prevailed. Gradually the weight of regret lifted to a manageable memory, although I confess at times those memories taunt and haunt me unmercifully. At least I know the power of His Blood to cleanse me.

Don't flippantly dismiss the concept of regret. It packs a punch and it never fades away. It waits like a serpent to invite you back to that place which makes you want to forget about the pain it causes and how foolish and empty you feel when you indulge those things that return you to its hiding place.

You can't live this life without regrets. It's your nature. You can harden your heart to its somber reminders, ignore the stabs at your conscience, and claim you want to live life to its fullest so regrets be damned, but regret remains there lurking in the darkness concealed in all of us.

The more noble goal seems to be to live with as few as you can. The only way I know to do that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. The only way I know . . .

Thank you, God, for rescuing me and taking care of my regrets. Only you could do that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

It's always fun to win. Whether it's a contest, a competition, or a prize, it's fun to win. So here's your chance to win a Kindle copy of Athol Dickson's first novel in the crime/suspense genre, number one book in the Malcolm Cutter Series.

Author, publicist, and overall talented publishing geek Tim George will give away copies of January Justice. Leave a comment and see if you become one of the recipients of this very entertaining and well-written book.

http://Ez.com/JanuaryJusticeTour

                         http://Ez.com/JanuaryJusticeTour

Attaining . . . January Justice

January Justice by Athol Dickson presents a new page in the ever-changing writing endeavors by this novelist. Available in soft cover and for e-readers on Amazon.com, January Justice gives us the first book in The Malcom Cutter Memoirs. I loved this book. In fact, it replaces Winter Haven as my favorite in the Athol Dickson arsenal of novels. Athol was born to write this series. Without forfeiting the wordsmith label and by supplying a meaningful and desirable protagonist, January Justice excels in this crime fiction genre.

Malcolm Cutter, former Marine engaged in Special Forces, lost his mind and the love of his life, actress Haley Lane, during a break in the provided studio trailer while shooting a film. The beautiful Haley Lane plunged to her death as he broke his hand trying to put it through the trailer's wall under bizarre and terrifying circumstances which neither of them suspected or could control.

Malcolm Cutter recovers in the guest house on the expansive estate of Haley Lane after being released from a mental hospital. His thoughts often escape to surreal places accompanied by outlandish visions, and he is regularly having to talk himself out of believing what his mind conveys to his visual and sometimes his audio senses. His occupation is that of chauffeur and it used to include being "Miss" Lane's bodyguard until he failed to achieve that duty one freaky frightening evening which resulted in tragedy for both of them. Now he's still in the chauffeur business but has added private security/inquiry to his résumé.

Simon, the amazing, almost omniscient British butler, makes sure Malcolm has what he needs even when he knows Malcom doesn't intend to take care of himself. Teru, the pipe-smoking attorney-gardener, also insists on inserting himself into the well-being of Malcolm Cutter, all of them having one thing in common: their love and respect for the deceased Haley Lane. That one thing forges them into an odd but loyal camaraderie and friendship which proves beneficial to them all.

Two Guatemalan professionals hire Malcolm to debunk the evidence which stated  the old murder of an actress's husband, who was responsible for "the disappearing" of many Guatemalan's, was due to their political organization. When Malcolm takes the case, all kinds of chaos erupts, adding to the decision he must make as to whether or not life holds any value for him anymore now that Haley's dead and her case is cold.

With a variety of twists and turns leaving just enough loose ends untied for the next book in the series due out later this year, the complex plot lurches and dives into the old and new and eventually forces Malcolm Cutter to make those hard decisions about the fragile faith he barely clings to and why his life has been spared multiple times. 

I found the imagery of various locations in Los Angeles and Guatemala intriguing and well done, providing vivid pictures of all kinds of landscapes from the rich and famous to the dirt poor. The development of Malcolm Cutter provides us with an instant establishment of his pain and confusion but gradually adds the layers of his depth of integrity, devotion, and ingrained toughness even when he doesn't want to use it. Personal reflections flesh out the absentee character of Haley Lane and make it easier to experience his loss. Blaming himself for her death has robbed him of a vital part of his being, and we hope that in the next story he'll begin to reassess his value in the investigation of her death and that self-defining purpose he needs to survive.

I reiterate I loved this book. Highly recommend it to readers of crime fiction and thrillers. Kudos and high praise to Athol Dickson for excelling in a new thing with his writing.

Father, please continue to bless this new chapter for Athol. Supply the stories, the depth he always includes in his writing, and instruct him in all things he does for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Be very careful then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

. . .

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 5:15-16; 10-11 (NIV)

Looks, sounds, and remains as this:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/OvN1jTkzXbY?rel=0

Father, send us a man who loves you above all others. We wait on the latter rain. Please, Lord, send us a servant of the Lord to govern with your inspiration. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.