Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

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Passionate: right or wrong. Writes love stories with a passion. Raw Romantic Redemptive

  • High and Mighty

     

    The above words ring synonymously with the Lord God Almighty. Rightfully so.

     

    He alone can claim them in every aspect of their fullest meaning.

     

    In no way do they apply to Christians. They just don’t. But, God help us, we sometimes display this attitude about so many things in which we have no right to do so. Name me one of us who hasn’t stumbled badly through the course of walking out our faith. We can talk a good line, but when it comes to living it out, we often fail. Miserably. Praise God, sometimes we obey in those circumstances when our flesh rages against the Holy Spirit and, lo, we forge through the temptations and do “the right thing”. We take no credit for it other than knowing the relief and blessing that follows such actions.

     

    Sometimes Christians pontificate with a moral absoluteness against things in which they’ve never been tested. “The high road” we often call it, choosing to exalt those actions which somehow place us above the masses both in the secular world and in our world of weaker-faith brethren. We know what’s right and those who do these things can’t possibly be smiled upon by our Great Lord because what they do is just plain wrong! Those right things can be attached to the simplistic and the complex and very often all they demonstrate is our ability to show pomposity in its “highest” form. Not to mention our hypocrisy.  

     

    From the rules of no makeup and long dresses to the ideal methodology of war in the 21st century, Christians expound on the lawlessness, evil, wrong-doing, and sinfulness of those who participate in the ideology that counters their own. We are a sinful bunch and one of the major faults is our incessant ability to dictate the way others must live according to our understanding of the “rules”, the “moral high-ground”, the “authentic Christian”, tending to ignore our own fleshly tendencies.

     

    There is a right way to live in Christ. It’s personified in dying to self on a daily basis, praying for the Lord to exceed us, to ask for the faith we need to persevere in doing what the Lord requires of us according to His word and personal instruction. We’re responsible for our salvation and behavior in Christ—not anyone else’s. When we speak against the evils in this world, we must do so with the understanding that at any time we could’ve chosen that road—and of number one importance: make sure what you come against is in fact wrong according to God, not you.

     

     

    God, forgive us for our short-sighted views on just about everything. Help us to see with your eyes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.    

  • Okay then . . .

     

    Monday, Fourth of July. Barbequed ribs at our neighbors. They’re wonderful people and so good to us.

     

    Home now and wondering what to do for a post on July 5th . . .

     

    What I want to write I probably shouldn’t. I know: not fair to tease like that. Maybe another day.

     

    So.

     

    Here’s what I will say. Karen Ball, one of Christian fiction’s premiere editors (now a literary agent for the Steve Laube Agency) and an author to boot declares the synergy that forms between author and editor when they understand each other and work toward the same goal is what she loves best about editing.

     

    A writer doesn’t always get that editor.

     

    A couple of times different authors have posted their before-and-after editing examples. Invariably I liked their version over the edited one. Geez. Not helpful.

     

    And what about when you read a novel which is terribly average. Who gets “credit” for that?

     

    Oh well . . .

     

     

    Father, you give the gifts. Thank you for all the different ones who use them to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

  • Naming the . . . Lion of Babylon

     

    First off in the CFBA Tour for July is Davis Bunn’s Lion of Babylon published by Bethany House. Davis Bunn is the consummate novelist with numbers of books sold in upward of six million copies published in 16 languages. So when you want to read those novels that exhibit skill and finesse, diverse plots with intense character development, you turn to a Davis Bunn novel.

     

    Ex-operative Marc Royce, fired by his hard-nosed boss because of attending to his wife who suffered a stroke at a very young age and eventually died, learns his best friend Alex has gone missing with a female American nurse and a female aid worker in Iraq. When approached by his former boss to go under the radar to rescue the trio, he accepts the request without hesitation.

     

    His contact in Iran sets Marc up with an Iraqi lawyer Sameh el-Jacobi from whom he learns that not only is the trio missing but also a young wealthy Iraqi man along with multiple Iraqi children disappearing and continuing to be kidnapped.

     

    You’ve heard of the clichéd “strong silent type”. Marc Royce is that guy. When he has no suitable answer, he simply doesn’t reply. He commands respect without ever asking for it and understands the value of recognizing the culture and adapting to its protocols without condescension, disrespect, or compromise. His relationship with Sameh is cemented not only in mutual respect and earned trust but in brotherhood of the Christian faith. If there is a miniscule fault in this novel, it’s Marc’s infallibility.  

     

    Marc’s skills in the field return with the rush of adrenaline, and with Sameh’s help and insights he begins to figure out the underlying plot of all the kidnappings eventually discovering why his friend and the others have disappeared. When Marc is able to gain assistance from Sameh’s old friend, a well-trained but demoted cop (Hamid Lahm) who is now a prison guard, he secures both the respect and trust he needs to employ the man in his attempt to rescue the missing victims. First accomplishing the rescue of several local kidnapped children with the help of the cop and his faithful men, suddenly Marc becomes a hero to the local Iraqis and Hamid and his men are instantly promoted to important positions in law enforcement. When the new “Major” Lahm hails Marc as a “lugal”, an unheard of praise and title for an American, the door opens for whatever Marc needs to find his friend and the rest of the kidnapped victims. He will need everything he can get because of where the victims are.

     

    With clean and crisp writing Davis Bunn once again delivers a fascinating story with current and ancient history carefully woven into the telling of Lion of Babylon. That mix of old and new, the clashes of different denominations in the Muslim faith and hierarchy, the politics of people lusting for power, and the bridge between an Iraqi’s family and a lonely American give the reader a clearer picture of a people’s innate distrust and the conflicts of nation building after its ruination by a dictator. The clever title speaks of both the physical and eternal. Another quick, interesting, exciting, and ultimately touching read for Davis Bunn.

     

    209055 

     

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764209051

     

      

     

     

    Father, you’ve given Davis so many fascinating stories, and I’m sure you’re not done yet. Please continue to meet the supply for stories that bring honor to you from the hand of your servant Davis Bunn. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Sunday’s Offerings

     

    " . . . I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one."

    John 17:14-15 (NIV)

  • First Born

     

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DONOVAN COLT TORP!

     

    May the Lord continue to bless your heart and soul and uplift your spirit in every way. May you follow Him close for the rest of your days accepting His love and heeding His voice. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • Independence . . . Day

     

                    July_4th_fireworks

     

     

    This blog honors God, country, family, and anything which upholds our soldiers, law enforcement, CIA, FBI, and all others who have sworn to serve, protect, and defend this great nation. Leading into the Fourth of July holiday, I want to express my gratitude to them and their families who sacrifice to keep us safe, who fight to preserve freedom all over the world, and who thwart the plans of vicious enemies who seek to cripple and eliminate us.

     

    No institution is perfect and imperfect human beings occupy important positions within our government. The heart of the United States of America has always been to reflect the grace of God founded on His principles. The corruption of the divine plan is the objective of an enemy far greater and more effective than the terrorists of today. He has been the force behind all acts of evil perpetrated on humanity since the beginning of our time.

     

    For those who think another country offers something better, something more than the USA, please feel free to leave this one and move to that one. Please. It’s your right, it’s your privilege, and if it’s going to provide you with what you need, then just do it. This nation is under God and yet it allows all kinds of citizens to occupy its lands. Those citizens need not try to change this country into something it’s not nor was ever intended to be.

     

    Mistakes have been made in our history and will continue to be made, but those who desire to change the basic structure and belief system of this country will be defeated until the time when godlessness will have its day. And only then because of what is written by God’s hand.

     

    For those of us who claim Christianity as our defining Truth, we must pray that those in places of power who defy the principles of our Creator be brought down and defeated. This country will always need a Savior and His Name is Jesus Christ. Not the name of any man or woman. The freedom to enlist the help and comfort of God has been and will remain the strength of the United States of America. Apart from Him we can do nothing.

     

    Honor a soldier this July 4th and remember the sole and soul purpose of the extra day off.

     

    God Bless America. 

  • Baring your soul . . . and other hidden parts

     

    Not body parts. Frequently noted on writing blogs of all kinds are the intimate parts of writing novels. Comments range from comparing fiction to the “art of lying”, somehow equating writing fiction with creating accomplished and praiseworthy lies, to a “sacred art”, an application which might just give words a bit too much esteem in the overall consensus of novels. Fiction does not equate to lying in my world. And only rarely can authors elevate a story to the pedestal of sacred art.

     

    Under the much-aligned label of Christian Fiction authors have an opportunity to elevate their fiction to a higher level because of the innate inspiration often associated with writing this kind of novel. The ability to infuse story with gut-level, heartfelt truth presents a divine chance to remedy commonality. No matter the specific genre, the story is eligible to capture something of the supernatural character/existence/power of God. Whether or not this possibility is overt or organically weaves its way into the tale, the ability to make a story profound in its telling remains a factor for authors who profess a Christian worldview.

     

    Inserting a worldview appears in all kinds of novels, again either subtly or pronounced. Of course when that worldview is considered “religious”—and tell me again why secular humanism is not a religion?—whether or not it is written in a “preachy” style, it will undoubtedly be accused of such. Christianity knows no favor in the world of the anti-God crowd, but it’s usually only the militant minority who criticize “religious” fiction the loudest and most profanely. No one forces them to read it. Rarely does anyone intentionally try to trick them into experiencing it. As with all people, reaching them is truly God’s work and whatever He chooses to use to do it isn’t really up to writers. Trying to “please” that bunch with stories geared to their emotional, intellectual, or vacuumed spirituality could easily fall into a category of vain pursuits.

     

    So am I suggesting the “non-choir” readers be ignored by authors who profess and practice Christianity? Not at all. I am suggesting that if this is the mantle chosen for oneself without the direction of the One who gives such appointments—and anointments—it might be wasted effort.

     

    The same “rule”—and you know how I feel about rules—applies to both or either scenarios, and that is the baring of your soul. Pour yourself out on the page. If you can’t draw from your reservoir of truth and transmit it to the page, what have you got to offer any reader? Whether or not your initial definition of “truth” was corrupted and then enlightened by the real Truth, stories take readers on journeys through all kinds of darkness. The difference allowed by a Christian worldview is the element of presenting Truth. Inside that Truth is hope. The rawness of Truth comes in many forms and can be told multiple ways. It needn’t be pretty and easy or soft and fluffy. It’s rarely any of those things when one finds himself at the Cross.

     

    Those hidden parts? The places full of fear and doubt, of faithlessness and sorrow, of depression and cynicism, of lust and pride, of prejudice and self-righteousness. Those ugly secret parts crawling around in our brain and bloodstreams. Expose them in stories. Writers can do this because fiction demands it of us. Truth prevails whether we decide to pen it or not. Someone will surely write brave stories. Their venue—be it drama, humor, or horror—will explore the hidden parts and admit they exist. Readers will be the beneficiaries of such naked revelation. Confront their humanity along with the author.

     

    Don’t be afraid to admit the fallibility of your soul. Everyone needs redemption. It’s a profound experience to decide to reveal that most basic desperation of the human spirit.

     

    Bare your soul in the written words and expose those hidden parts because God knows we all have them. Offer Truth in fiction.

     

     

    God, you see all those horrid parts. And yet you love. Me. Amazing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.     

  • Miscellaneous . . .

     

    Coming soon: reviews of the following novels . . .

     

    209055       206085           206382 
     
     

     

    Interesting combo:

    http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20075047-10391698.html

     

    Father, we're all desperate for you. Rescue the perishing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • I know what sin is . . .

     

    If you happened to listen to the two songs I linked to on Friday’s post, you know that the early to late 60s into the mid 70s contained some of the best rock ‘n’ roll, ballad-type music, and just plain amazing love songs ever written. Music achieved an unlikely pinnacle for certain types of music. Unequaled before or since. Yes, of course this is my opinion. I lived it.

     

    The lyrics of these two particular songs capture the burgeoning reality of moral decline, an unfortunate “changing of the guard” in relationships, tapping into the non-committal liaisons that opted for taking advantage of opportunities which presented themselves for, or previously presented obstacles to, emotional and physical satisfaction. The structures of the moral fibers of marriage, purity, restraint, and commitment to these values were shaken and gradually shredded with the assistance of drugs and alcohol and reactions to a war where thousands of young men, friends to this generation, were losing their lives on foreign shores. I lived it.

     

    Believing in God was not enough. It never is. I had the bare minimum of knowledge concerning Him. And though I staunchly believed He existed, that’s all I knew. I didn’t know Jesus so the Holy Spirit was not therefore available for my constant counsel and comfort. That basic understanding of right and wrong definitely imprinted on my soul through the examples and teachings of godly parents who communicated God but not a personal relationship with Jesus. And it wasn’t enough to withstand the gradual wearing down of my convictions as I absorbed the lyrics to some powerful songs, some truly great music. Therein was a seductive kind of romance. I lived it.

     

    There was a time, a fairly long time, after my salvation when I could no longer listen to those songs of which I knew every word. I’d attempt to occupy my mind with other things when shopping as those songs played in the background over the airwaves. It hurt to hear them because they reminded me of my old lifestyle, of my seduction, of my downfall, of my sin. And I knew their hypnotic appeal. I’d lived it. 

     

    Perhaps you don’t understand the mindset I’m describing here. The challenges I faced and failed to defeat led me through the sinful lifestyle and on to heartbreak, hardness, and humiliation when faced with Truth. What I lived I knew was wrong even while in the middle of it. I lied to myself. I played the game. I lived it.

     

    The things I’ve shown you here depict the basis for my love stories. Love stories which demonstrate the love of men and women and more importantly the love of God for them. Sinful people. Sinful lifestyles. Sinful states of mind. All available for salvaging. Some succumb to the romancing of the God who gave it all and loves them in spite of them. Others just succumb to the romance. I can write it because I lived it.

     

    It’s not just to challenge the accepted norms in what has become Christian Fiction, generally referred to as CBA. No. I think sometimes those who’ve grown up with Jesus in the picture of their lives forget that those who remain lost are equal to them. Those who play the world’s game unaware of the damage and destruction to themselves are equal to the ones who decided at the age of five or fifty to embrace the love of God through Jesus His Son. Equal. Still lost but equal. Those ladies of the night that slang references call ‘ho’s”? Equal. Those passed out in alleys with urine stained trousers. Equal. Those in pulpits carrying on with church secretaries. Equal. In the eyes of God, we’re equal in value. He’s no respecter of persons.

     

    As Christians, we have equal spots in our communities of life. Whatever we do if we know God has given us the assignment, we know our tasks are equal to those of others. As writers, we have equal tasks.

     

    So I do mine. I portray the lost and found in love stories because I’ve lived it from both sides. I know the passion of each lifestyle. I know what it’s like to be naïve and “innocent” and eventually succumb to the thrill of worldly enticements, surrendering it all for those overrated indulgences. To feel the loss. To engage in convincing myself I’ve somehow gained something I couldn’t do without.

     

    I write for those who love and lose something of value. I write for those who stand strong in the face of incredible temptation. I write for those who desire passion in every area of their lives. I write for those who know sin upfront and personal. I write for those who let it take them down. I write for those who are resurrected by the love of Jesus. I write for those who need real on the page. I write for those who want a tangible rescue by the Living God. I write with a passion. Because I’ve lived it.  

     

     

    Thank you for my life, Lord God. You rescued this sinner. You’ve used the ugly to minister the beauty of your Son. There’s no better redemption than using that sorrow to bring joy. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

  • A Few Great Book Covers

     
     

    Here they are. What do you think?

     

         Outlaw-161 
                                                       14790eb_w185

     

    110684              59348

     

    420994                    551589

    542113                     541799

     

     

                                       206382

     

    Thank you, Lord, for the amazing talent you give. Thank you for those who use it for your glory. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.