Pursuing Peace by Robert Jones

 MY REVIEW

If you are looking for advice on how to handle difficult people, you won't find it here. Neither is this a book full of a magic formula in handling conflict with a person who won't reconcile. However, this is an excellent study book for a Bible study group, or even self study in the biblical way to handle conflict. It is all about tending to that plank in your own eye.

I disagree that all conflict is sin. All conflict is not sin, as the author seems to suggest. A Christian can only behave for himself or herself, and God does not hold us responsible for the hard hearts of others. But, the step by steps in this book are excellent to dealing with others offenses toward you, and how to decide on a heart attitude change by keeping God at the center of the conflict regardless of whether the other person wants to reconcile or not.

Jones puts the responsibility right where it belongs upon the Christian who is having conflict. The gist I get is that we are to recognize it truly is not about horizontal relationships, but about our vertical relationship with God. If we are right with Him, then He can trust us to act right with others. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simple to say, but no so simple to do. I guess that is why we need books like this.

If you are a church librarian and reading this, please purchase this for your library. It is a great handbook for a pastor to give church members who are not doing to others as they would be treated. It would be a good church wide study book as just a reminder of how we should act toward each other so that other will recognize Jesus in us.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Guide to Resolving Relational Conflict
You have conflict in your life—we all do. You encounter it in your home, your workplace, your school, or even your church. All around us tensions exist and disputes persist.
Offered here is a step-by-step process for pursuing peace in ALL your relationships and a tool you can use to help others. This guide is:

• BIBLICAL — relies on the absolute authority, sufficiency, and life-giving power of God’s Spirit-breathed Word
• CHRIST-CENTERED — depends on the forgiving and empowering grace of Jesus
• PRACTICAL — provides concrete action steps, case examples, discussion questions, and suggested language to handle specific situations
• PROVEN — offers tried and true methods from a pastor, professor, counselor, and certified Christian conciliator who has led couples, churches, and Christian schools to make peace for nearly thirty years

Packed with wisdom and practical techniques, here is a manageable book on reconciliation that will send you on your way to pursuing peace while helping others to do the same.

Published by Crossway Publishing, Wheaton, IL.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Robert D. Jones (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) serves as a biblical counseling professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a certified biblical counselor, a Christian conciliator, an adjunct instructor, and a church reconciliation trainer with Peacemaker Ministries. Jones is the author of Uprooting Anger and has written numerous ministry booklets and articles.

A Rabbi Looks At The Last Days by Jonathan Bernis

MY REVIEW

I was disappointed in this book for I was looking for some deep insights from the Jewish point of view. However, Rabbi Bernis' insights were completely in line with what I have learned from other Messianic Jewish rabbis and in line with my own understanding of Scripture.

It seems the main thrust of the book is pointed at Jews to explain why all the attacks upon them, and to explain that the powerful United States won't be in power when the Tribulation starts. Any one who has studied eschatology knows that. Satan has a twisted notion that somehow he will win this battle, but regardless he is out to destroy God's chosen people. That is the gist.

I do recommend this book for anyone who would like some insight into understanding how Jerusalem actually is the center of the world, and why Jews have been persecuted to death down through eons. I recommend it to those who would like a skimming read on the end times.

This book is not a deep study book, and Bernis doesn't give a lot of scholarly proof, therefore you might have to do some digging to get that, which would be a good study in itself.

It gets 2 stars out of five.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Bernis is the president and CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries International and the author of A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days. Bernis, who grew up in a traditional Jewish family, serves on the boards of several organizations that minister in Israel; he holds dual U.S./Israeli citizenship. His weekly television show, Jewish Voice with Jonathan Bernis, is broadcast throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and other countries in Europe and Asia. Jonathan lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife and daughter.

Swept Away by Mary Connealy

MY REVIEW
I really liked this first in a series. It does have quite a bit of violence in it, but then what good Western doesn't?

Rosie... ah, Ruthy actually, is in the middle of a very hard life with a family that "charitably" took her in after her folks died. The son has designs upon her and doesn't want to wait to be married, and the parents are delighted to have a built in slave. Ruthy does all the chores without complaining except to ask God if this is the kind of life He has planned for her. Then she and the whole wagon train is swept away in a flash flood. She is saved by the handsome Luke. Sparks begin to fly in Texas.

The story gets better from there. Except for some repetitions.

I can see exactly where the other novels will go after this one, too. Not that it is such a bad thing, it is just that anticipation isn't there either.

Connealy is almost genius at developing characters. You can almost believe Ruthy and Luke are your best friends. Story line is really good except she has a habit of repeating storyline elements. She has a way of repeating storyline elements. Did I mention she repeats storyline over and over?

You can forgive her because of her vibrant characters. But, I take exception to being thought so stupid that I must be reminded so often about things and they aren't all that interesting sometimes. I give this novel 3 out of 5 stars because of this fact. 
 

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Swept Away Bethany House Publishers (March 1, 2013) by Mary Connealy

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a cowboy focused on revenge encounters a woman determined to distract him, there's going to be trouble in Texas!

Swept away when her wagon train attempts a difficult river crossing, Ruthy MacNeil isn't terribly upset at being separated from the family who raised her. All they've ever done is work her to the bone. Alive but disoriented, she's rescued by Luke Stone...so unfortunately, there are more chances to die in her immediate future.

Luke is on a mission to reclaim the ranch stolen from his family. But the men currently on the property won't let it go without a fight. Luke plans to meet up with friends who will help him take back the land, and since he can't just leave Ruthy in the middle of nowhere, she's going to have to go with him.

But the more time Luke spends around the hardworking young woman, the more he finds himself thinking of things besides revenge. Will Ruthy convince him to give up his destructive path and be swept away by love?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys. She is a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Finalist and an IRCC Award finalist.

The Lassoed in Texas Series, Petticoat Ranch, Calico Canyon and Gingham Mountain. Petticoat Ranch was a Carol Award Finalist. Calico Canyon was a Christy Award Finalist and a Carol Award Finalist. These three books are now contained in one large volume called Lassoed in Texas Trilogy.

The Montana Marriages Series, Montana Rose, The Husband Tree and Wildflower Bride. Montana Rose was a Carol Award Finalist.

Cowboy Christmas—the 2010 Carol Award for Best Long Historical Romance, and an Inspirational Readers Choice Contest Finalist.

The Sophie's Daughters series. Doctor in Petticoats, Wrangler in Petticoats, Sharpshooter in Petticoats.

She is also the author of; Black Hills Blessing a 3-in-1 collection of sweet contemporary romances, Nosy in Nebraska, a 3-in-1 collection of cozy romantic mysteries and she's one of the three authors contributing to Alaska Brides with her Carol Award Winning historical romance Golden Days.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Swept Away, go HERE.

Advice -- a bit about advice, or reviews from Randy Ingermanson

Organization: Meta Advice

 

This month, a little advice on how to deal with advice.

Over the years, you're going to hear every possible kind of advice on your writing:

"Your pace is too slow. It puts me to sleep."

"Your pace is too fast. I can't catch my breath."

"Your main character is a wimp. Make him more manly."

Courtesy of David Castillo at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

"Your main character is too macho. Rein him in."

"You have too much dialogue and not enough action."

"You have too much action and not enough interior monologue."

"You have too much interior monologue and not enough dialogue."

At a certain point, you're going to throw up your hands and ask whom you can trust. Not all of this advice can be right.

When people critique your work, they always filter it through their own set of likes and dislikes.

Those may or may not be the likes and dislikes of your target reader. If you know for sure that your target reader is going to like the way you've written it, then ignore advice that tells you to change it to something your target reader won't like.

But what if you don't really know whether your target reader would agree with the advice you're getting?

In that case, you are the final authority. It's your book. You get to decide.

If the pace feels right to you, but people are telling you it's too fast, then you don't have to slow it down for them.

If you like your main character, but people tell you he's a wimp, then you don't have to change him.

If you like your dialogue the way it is, but people tell you it's too much, then you don't have to cut back for them.

I'm not saying you should always ignore advice.

I'm saying the opposite.

When you get advice, try it on for size. Think about how it'll change your fiction. Will it make your novel a better or worse experience for your target reader? Will it make YOU like your fiction better?

If the advice will improve your fiction, then run with it.

But if you don't like what the advice will do to your book, walk on by.

It's your book. You get to decide what advice you'll allow to mold it.

Choose the advice that makes you proud of your work. Ignore the advice that doesn't.

It's that simple. It's just not easy.

AND

Craft: Naked Dialogue

"What's naked dialogue?"

"It's dialogue without any action, description, interior monologue, or interior emotion."

"Can you do that?"

"In short stretches."

"Why would you do that? It sounds stupid."

"If the main conflict is in the dialogue, then adding anything else takes the edge off the conflict."

"I don't believe that could work. Give me three examples where you'd use it."

"Courtroom scenes. Interrogations. Um ... can't think of a third example."

"Maybe a Socratic dialogue?"

"Oh, right."

"So you can actually make this work without even one tag to tell me who's talking?"

"If it works, it works."

"What if it doesn't work?"

"Then add in the minimum amount of other stuff necessary to make it work."

"I suppose you'd call that bikini dialogue then?"

"You're stretching the metaphor too far."

"And you somehow imagine this kind of dialogue works?"

"I know it."

"Could you do a whole scene that way?"

"Orson Scott Card did several scenes that way in ENDER'S GAME."

"How did the reader know who was talking?"

"Readers are smart."

"Don't be ridiculous. Don't readers have to see at least one tag so they know the names of the speakers?"

"Not unless they need to know the names."

"But you'd have to limit it to two people, right? You couldn't possibly do this with three people, could you?"

"Hey guys! Whatcha talking about so violent-like over in the corner? Gretchen, are you practicing your interrogation skills on poor Grendel?"

"Get lost, Goober. I'm just trying to get the bare facts."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! I get the message. I'm not wanted, so I'm outta here. Give her heck, Grendel."

"So what was your question again? Something about three people?"

"Never mind, I figured it out."

"Any more questions?"

"Well, naked dialogue sounds difficult. Is it worth it?"

"You have to decide that after it's all written. You can always throw the scene away if you don't like it."

"Have you ever tried it? In your own scene?"

"Just once."

"When?"

"Just now."

"Oh, man, are you going meta on me? Mixing planes of existential reality again? You are so weird!"

"Admit it, Gretchen, you love me."

"That's it. We're finished and I'm leaving."

"It ain't over till I say it's over."

"You can't keep me here against my--"

"It's over."

~oOo~

This article is reprinted by permission of the author.

Award-winning novelist Randy Ingermanson, "the Snowflake Guy," publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine, with more than 32,000 readers.

If you want to learn the craft and marketing of fiction, AND make your writing more valuable to editors, AND have FUN doing it, visit http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com.

Download your free Special Report on Tiger Marketing and get a free 5-Day Course in How To Publish a Novel.

The Return of Cassandra Todd

MY REVIEW

The dreams of a high school nerd come true. Turner's secret crush who turned out to be so cruel to him in high school is running away from a very bad man and needs his help. So far so good. The story starts out truly gripping and I really like the inner dialogue of Turner's as he works fixing a faucet or some other maintenance problem at the motel where he works.

Then the story drifts a bit after he recognizes Cassandra. But that is in the prologue!

I have never, ever liked head jumping as Randy Ingermanson calls it. To get inside the head of each character takes truly great skill. Not many have it, or the patience for it. You have to take the time to introduce a character and develop the character before you go jumping somewhere else. It is a sad mistake that so many newer fiction writers do, and I'm not at all sure it is their mistake. I think the editors share a large part of the blame. But, when an author not only head jumps, but uses flashbacks as well. Unless done extremely well, you've got stew not a story.

Now... all this happens in the prologue as I mentioned before. Another thing that I drives me crazy is the constant repeating what's gone on before. Then add to that a really stupid female and you've got something that literally drives me crazy.


However, Nelson deals with an issue that I wish more authors would tackle. Spousal abuse is rampant, but it is always shoved under the rug because it isn't a nice subject. Nelson tells Cassandra's story in a way that is not formulaic, and there are some really good turns of phrase that are not story flow stoppers, just pleasant gems for wordsmiths.

I give this novel 2 stars. It isn't horrible, but it isn't great. It's readable, and there are far too few out there that are unreadable.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Return of Cassandra Todd Realms (February 5, 2013) by Darrel Nelson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I am a schoolteacher by profession and have taught school for (thir—ahem!) years. I grew up in Raymond, Alberta, and attended the University of Lethbridge after graduating from high school and serving a two-year mission to Japan. During university, I met and married Marsha Smith, and we are the parents of four children, which has grown to include their spouses and our ten grandchildren.

I have always loved to write. I started writing stories before I was old enough to realize I was writing stories. It seemed a natural thing to pick up a pencil and paper and create a world simply by using words—worlds of adventure in steaming jungles (Tarzan was an early influence on me) or realms of adventure in outer space (Buck Rogers). But as I have grown older, I have discovered that the real inspiration for me is exploring the theme of love and how it can make such a difference in the world.

I’ve had an article published in Lethbridge Magazine and have written several dramatic plays, two of which won provincial recognition and were showcased at a drama festival. I won the CJOC radio songwriting contest two years running, and have had one of my songs receive international airplay. I have written four novels intended for the juvenile market. They are unpublished as yet, but I read them annually to my fourth grade students and my students tell me they love them, the darlings.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When the girl he hated in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, and asks for his help, Turner must put the past behind him if they are to survive.

Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he passes the bus depot just as Cassandra Todd and her young son arrive. He is shocked to see her, remembering how cruel she was to him in high school. She was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her mean-spirited pranks. Turner could never have imagined that the outdoor training and survival skills he learned at Camp Kopawanee, a summer youth camp where he worked three years as a leader, would one day become so crucial. But when Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner finds himself entangled in a situation that will require every skill he has in order to survive.

If you'd like to read the first chapter of The Return of Cassandra Todd, go HERE.

The Treasure Seeker by Teena Stewart

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE TREASURE SEEKER: FINDING LOVE AND VALUE IN THE ARMS OF YOUR LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER

One of the toughest women's issues is that many women, even the most outwardly self-assured ones, wrestle with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Though women want to believe they have value, messages bombard them daily, telling them that if they don’t look a certain way, dress a certain way, drive a certain car, weigh a certain weight, or work in a certain type of career, they have little value..

Stewart casts God in the role of a heavenly Treasure Seeker who knows every woman’s true value and will stop at nothing to recover her, His cherished one. He longs to come into a close, loving relationship so that she can not only feel cherished but also cherish Him, the greatest treasure of all.

 

Through practical truth this Christian Living book will draw women closer to the Treasure Seeker who takes on the role of Master Jeweler who: lovingly shapes, refines, polishes, even incorporating her flaws, to transform her into a jewel of stunning beauty. He will help her find her remarkable true worth so that she becomes the dazzling gemstone she was meant to be.

Unique accompaniments:

• Intriguing treasure stories
• A study of the "Lost" parables including the lost coin, the lost sheep, the prodigal son, the treasure hidden in a field, and the pearl of great price
• Points to ponder at the end of each chapter for reflection and discussion
• A chapter highlighting gemstone attributes allowing readers to determine which gemstone they are most like
• A Treasure Seeker Jewelry line created by author/artist Teena Stewart available at a discount through her website when you purchase the book

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Teena Stewart is an author and artist whose work reflects the spiritual message of being broken and yet valuable in God’s eyes—a message incorporated in her book The Treasure Seeker: Finding Value and Love in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father (Wine Press). When she isn’t creating up-cycled treasure (artwork and jewelry) from discarded and found objects, she is writing articles and books or leading ministry for Java Journey, an innovative coffee shop ministry in Hickory, NC.

Teena understands firsthand what it means to go from something of seemingly little value to a beautiful and valuable treasure in God’s eyes.

Q:  Why Did You Write The Treasure Seeker?

A:  I guess you could say I discovered hidden treasure I wanted to share.  As I studied the Bible I couldn’t help but see a treasure theme that reoccurs.  It’s all through the old and new testaments. We see it in Jesus’ teachings and especially in what I call the “lost” parables. But as I studied these I realized that in some of the parables, such as the lost coin, the lost sheep and lost son, that we are the thing of great worth that is lost. God sees us as something very valuable and he’s earnestly trying to recover what he’s lost because it’s so precious to him.  In two other parables, (the pearl of great price and treasure hidden in the field) we are the treasure seeker who needs to recognize a lost treasure of great value-- a relationship with God to be had-- if we will just grasp that. 

So, there’s this mutual seeking. When we understand just how important it is to be in this relationship with God it is life altering. Imagine in your mind a scene played out in slow motion like in a movie where two people in love have been separated from each other for a long time. They run toward each other and meet in an embrace and passionately unite.   

That’s what it’s like but it doesn’t end there.

Once we unite with God, he moves into the role of a Master Jeweler who takes us in all our roughness, and shapes and reworks us into something even more remarkable. To really realize our true worth we have to stay in that relationship and allow him to refine us. So, to answer the question, why did I write the book? I want everyone to know they can have this incredible relationship that will make them  feel treasured and valued and that by having it they will become even more so.

Q:  Who is Your Target Audience?

A:  I wrote it with women in mind—women who are spiritually seeking and Christian women who want to grow more mature spiritually. I consider it a Christian Living book.

Q:  Is it Meant for Individuals or Groups?

A:  I originally wrote it for self-study, in fact, I include Points to Ponder at the end of each chapter to help readers reflect on the main theme of that chapter and consider where they might need to grow. But I’ve had people who read the book tell me they think it would make a great group Bible study.

Q: What are Some Unique Features that Set it Apart from Other Books?

Well, first, the treasure stories, other than the parables, that I include.  That was another thing that made me want to write the book. Over time I’ve heard and collected some intriguing stories about lost treasure and I wanted to share those, but I do so to tie into a point. 

The book also has gemstone trivia just for fun and I included a section on specific gemstones and a bit of their history. Readers have the opportunity to decide what gemstone they think they are most like and what their strengths and weaknesses are. The back of the book includes a spiritual gifts assessment because I want readers to understand a bit more about who God made them to be and how they can use that “gemstone” package to serve themselves and God best.

I also created a Treasure Seeker jewelry line and have designed necklaces and earrings based on these particular gemstones. Those who purchase my book can also order these handmade—for a 10% discount when they purchase my book. More info on that at http://serendipitini.com/

Q:  If There is One Message You Want Reader to Come Away With From This Book, What Would You Say That Is?

A:  The importance of a deep relationship with God & Christ. It will be the most fulfilling thing they have ever been a part of.

Q:  What is the exact book title and where can people purchase it?

A:  It is called The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father.  It comes in paperback or ebook version and is available on Amazon  http://tinyurl.com/a8j2okw and through my website www.teenastewart.com and most bookstores.


HOW TO CONNECT WITH TEENA

Her writing website  www.teenastewart.com

Her writing blog  http://nearly-brilliant.blogspot.com/

Personal Facebook http://www.facebook.com/teena.stewart

Facebook Author Pages http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Teena-M-Stewart/216334111720519

Twitter @TeenaStewart1

Her art website http://serendipitini.com/

Her art blog http://serendipitini.blogspot.com/