Into the Fire

We remember. We honor you. Thank you is not enough for your sacrifice. The loss is immense. This Day is in memory of those who gave it all. We will not forget.

God, you created warriors to fight for the freedom we cherish. You knew and know each one. May those who fight today to preserve the freedoms provided by the warriors of the past, know you as their Lord and Savior, their shield and protection against the evil one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Woe to those who call evil good

     and good evil,

who put darkness for light

     and light for darkness,

who put bitter for sweet

     and sweet for bitter.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes

     and clever in their own sight.

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine

     and champions at mixing drinks,

who acquit the guilty for a bribe,

     but deny justice to the innocent. 

Isaiah 5:20-23 (NIV)

To be fair, this is not news to those of you who read or have read my blog. The thing is I believe it's an important statement. If not important, at least it's honest. And, there are variables in making it. Here's the statement: I write what I like and want to read. 

In the seemingly most popular genre of all for female readers of novels, although not for all female readers, the romance genre follows a basic formula. In general market fiction there is often a lot of graphic sexual content and in Christian fiction there is not. Boy meets girl and/or vice versa, there is attraction, there are problems, there is reaction, there is either resolution or tantrums, break-ups, good-byes, steamy make-up scenes in general market or pledges of love in Christian fiction. You get the drift. So, naturally, if the reader likes the characters, they're emotionally involved, pick sides or don't, and silently demand a happy or satisfactory ending to the story. 

As you well know, I claim to write love stories because I don't always follow the romance formula. I also say I "write love stories with a passion." And include my 3-word tagline: Raw Romantic Redemptive. Because passion is a fact of love. Failing to acknowledge it makes "romance" mundane – and by "passion" I don't mean getting between the sheets. I mean being physically attracted to the love interest and having to come to terms with the desires that person induces. "Raw" because my words are not graphic, but they definitely touch on the sexual attraction. 

I write this way because I see it as real. If nothing else, it's the reality I know. It's the truthful way to tell the stories I've written. And that's the reason I write the way I do. And that's the reason I write what I like to read. 

Father, you've given me every character, every story. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. Please help me to write as you lead. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

(This is from 10/22/09) 

The devil in your eyes

I’ve seen the devil in your eyes.

Lovely and cruel

Sweet and vicious.

I’ve heard the devil in your voice.

Kind and cutting

Whispers and threats.

Your skin is taut with fire.

Touching you is like being singed—

Skin peels back inflamed

In pain.

You wrap around them like a boa.

Striking like a cobra

After the mesmerizing dance

Venom, fatal.

The glee pervades your defiant stance.

Unleashed control

Head back howling

Exacting revenge.

The prettiness is encased in ugliness.

No longer do those blue eyes glimmer.

Instead they shout obscenities

In meager tones.

You are a shell.

Vacant.

Wicked.

Empty.

Father, you have given us the Holy Spirit to fight the dark forces of evil in high places. The power in the Blood of Jesus readies us for the necessary fight. Help us to fight the good fight, to do as you ask. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Rinse and Repeat Springtime in Western Washington. 

Father, thank you for the greens produced by the rains, the beautiful assortment of flowers, and all of the unique seasons. Thank you for leaving the touches of beauty to remind us of your splendor. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

This goes back a long way, but it's a familiar song Frank Sinatra made famous. Hope you enjoy it. 

Father, you bless us in spite of us. We tend to think we can do anything until we meet you and realize apart from you, we can do nothing. Thank you is never enough for all that you've done for me in spite of me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

If you know an aspiring writer, encourage them. If you are an aspiring writer, find someone to encourage you. Be courageous, show them your material, and do accept their critiques but make your own judgment. Only you know what's in your heart. Is it a whim, is it a way of self-expression, or is it something that's a passion? 

Christians, you know who matters in your decision to write. Is it the call God has on your life? Is it something you'll dedicate to Him, no matter the genre? Only you know if you're serious about it, and only you know if the Lord is pointing you in that direction. 

I encourage you to explore your options. Do the research, the hard work. Then enjoy the journey and give it all you've got. 

Encouragement: find those people who know how to give it, the ones you trust to tell you the truth and won't let you down. Most importantly: listen to the Holy Spirit. 

Father, apart from you, we can do nothing. Those of us who know you, know that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) 

As authors, it's impossible not to insert those things that have influenced our lives – good or bad or whimsical or worrisome. If we don't pull from our life experiences, our words and stories tend to be less relatable. Whether romance or sci-fi or historical or thriller, somewhere within those words, there must be someone or something the reader can recognize in a personal way. Of course, that "something" might be different for many readers. The variety is endless. 

Some novels are more confessionals than others. The author's passion shows up in multiple ways. Any intensity in a story – even in a comedic effort – must be heartfelt which makes it personal, emotional. 

Reading novels that leave us unmoved about what we've just read is a failure – no matter how technically well-written.

Passion for the story starts with the heart of the author's investment in telling it. 

Go deep. Get personal. 

Father, apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you for it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

What can I say? It was a long time ago. "Nicole" by Nicole. 

Father, you knew me then and you waited until my heart was ready to respond. I'm so regretful it took so long. Thank you is never enough for your patience, forgiveness, rescue, and redemption. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.