Should you go with a Christian Publisher?

Christian writers should concentrate on telling good stories with flawed characters rather than preaching at their audience. In fact, the whole concept of  'Christian Publishing' needs to be redefined to cross over the main stream. After all, what's the use of preaching to choir?

Some books and authors have done this successfully. The Left Behind series by Jenkins and LayHaye. C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia. J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings. The Love Inspired lines by Harlequin.

Yet, not all of the above is really 'great' writing. Despite its popularity, the Left Behind books have several plot problems, like our heroes being in a bunker in San Diego and all the coastal cities being flooded by the rising oceans, and card board characters. The Love Inspired lines are clean romances, yet most are not very well written and very good writers have a hard time getting their work accepted. Tolkien and Lewis are fun reads and great stories, but their style is archaic and somewhat alien to the modern readers.


So where are the new Christian writers who are very good and being published? Some are with Christian Publishing Houses, yet more and more are moving out into the secular world and getting their work accepted, even with Christian messages and characters.

Why is this happening? A combination of constraints placed on them by the CBA and God moving in ways we've not seen in a long, long while. The days ahead are exciting for Christian authors. Take advantage of the new doors being opened and don't be afraid to submit to a secular publisher.

After all, isn't the idea to reach out to the unsaved?

Wait on the Lord

One of the hardest things we do is 'wait on the Lord'. We live in a culture so used to instant gratification, that we tend to forget that sometimes, we need some maturity before we can move into what God has in mind for us.Honestly, we really do need to wait upon His timing because we're not always ready for what we think we are.

A good example is my writing career. I had everything all set up, my social marketing, my platform, and even finished work. Yet, I was made to wait until I was ready to move into this new venture.

Was it frustrating? YES! Was it worth the wait. YOU BET!

When the door opened for this new chapter of my life I had gained the maturity that I needed. When I get swelled headed - I know it and get humble because, I would not be where I am right now without waiting upon the Lord. HE knew when the timing would be best and all the wonderful opportunities I've been handed.

My best advice, whether you're waiting for a new job, a spouse, or a dream. WAIT. WAIT. and WAIT some more. God's timing is always perfect. It may not be OUR timing, but the right door at the right time will be there to be opened.

Question is - will you open it when it's offered? Or gripe because you didn't get what you wanted, when you wanted it, in the manner you wanted it?

The Pressure Cooker

Everything happens at once. How many times has this happened? Once? Twice? More times than can be counted?


Here's the current list:

Father recovering from minor heart attack.

Father-in-Law in hospital suffering from a major infection and not doing what the doctor's are telling him.

Need new car because the old one's transmission blew.

Starting a new job.

Strained relationship with spouse.

Trying to keep up writing career between personal and work conflicts.

What is keeping the blogger sane? Pure faith in God that every need will be met because He has proven Himself in the past to be faithful.

But my God shall, absolutely, meet all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
(Reference. No idea. But it's a verse memorized.)

Overcoming Fear

Overcoming fear is something we all struggle with. I'm no exception. Earlier this week I was forced to drive up into the mountains to check on the home and feed the cat of an older relative who is in the hospital. Was I scared? Oh, yeah. I really don't like distance driving particularly out of the 'safety' of the city.

However, when I arrived one very upset and lonely cat reassured me I had done the right thing. He allowed me to pet him, something he has not ever allowed before no matter how many times I had visited before, and he demanded to be brushed. 

I also picked up the mail and several days of newspapers plus help arrange a local pet sitter.

My relative can now concentrate on getting well and not worry the cat is being taken care of or that there isn't someone checking on the house.

I got over my fear of distance driving and next time I won't mind the drive if I have to help out again. The reward for the benefit of someone else, not to mention the cat, was worth it.

Generational Curses

Generational curses are spoken of in the Bible and were talking about the learned behavior of children whose parents worshiped idols. Today, we'd call it learned behavior from parents who teach their kids to beat their offspring or spouse, speak negatively about everything or everyone, and even hatred of others who are a different color, religion or political belief.

Yet, through Christ Jesus, those curses can be broken. The abuser can be delivered and  stop beating. The negative put on a new mind and think positively. Understanding and acceptance can cross international lines as the Word of God spreads. In fact it already has.

Don't think Dear Ones that whatever curse might be following your family can't be broken. It's happened the blogger's family already and will not be spread to the newest generation. Through Christ it can happened. God has ALREADY healed you. Reach out and accept it. Start a new legacy through the promises of God's word.

The next generation and those after will thank you.