Author Archive

Posted on February 22, 2012 - by Brenda Anderson

2012 Movie Anticipation

I love going to movies with my family, and we have movie going down to a science. First, we locate which theater is offering the best price at the time we want to go. Rarely do we pay more than $5.00 per person. To make it easier to share popcorn, we bring along our own bowls. (Note: we always purchase the free-refill popcorn size which will get refilled at least twice. Yes, our family does enjoy popcorn, buttered popcorn of course.)

The movies we like to watch generally won’t be up for Oscars, unless you count special effects, but we go to movies to escape for two or so hours, to have fun. This year, we have our sights set on four must-see movies, ones our family of five will likely view together. As you can see by our list below, we tend to enjoy adventures and journeys. We like to watch movies with valiant heroes who battle evil villains.

The Avengers releases in theaters on May 4th. I guarantee we’ll be there as a family. Likely, at the midnight showing. Now, initially, I had no intention of becoming a Marvel movies’ fan. I went to Iron Man just because the rest of the family wanted to go. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Then, last year my husband won four pre-screen passes for Thor, so of course I went, rolling my eyes at the thought. But, I loved it so much that when my daughter returned from college, the evening before Thor opened nationwide, the two of us  hurried to the midnight showing. (Ladies, if you haven’t watched Thor yet, I encourage you to do so. As you can see in the picture above, Chris Hemsworth looks mighty fine in his Viking duds.)

Speaking of Chris Hemsworth, you’ll also find him starring in Snow White and the Huntsman, a dark retelling of the Snow White fairy tale. This movie releases on June 1st. Chances are we’ll be at the midnight showing for that movie as well.

Later that month, on June 22, Pixar is releasing its newest movie, Brave. If Pixar’s involved, I know I’ll love the movie. I marvel at everything they come out with, from Toy Story to my personal favorite, The Incredibles. (How can you not love that mom from The Incredibles?) While the tone of Brave sounds a bit darker than other Pixar efforts, I’ve no doubt this one will be a winner. Hmm, I think we might have to catch a midnight showing of this movie too.

And finally, a movie I know my fellow Inkspers can’t wait for is The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. If director Peter Jackson’s efforts equal that of The Lord of the Rings movies, this will be a movie to experience, not merely entertain. The Hobbit is coming out just in time for Christmas on December 14. Guess what, we’ll be watching this one at midnight as well.

Oh, I know, there are many more Movies Releasing in 2012 that sound interesting– Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds, Men in Black 3, The Dark Knight Rises, well you get the idea–but the four listed above are can’t miss movies for our family. The best part is, we’ll all go together.

What movies are you looking forward to seeing this year? Do you have a routine you follow? Any money-saving tips?

Posted on February 8, 2012 - by Brenda Anderson

File Not Found

“Let me tell you what my husband did now!” Your eyes flash with anger as you figuratively yank open your file drawer labeled “Wrongs.” That drawer is deep and crammed with accusations that you’re eager to whip out any time something doesn’t go your way. Even your computer file titled “Wrongs” is overflowing.

So, how does it feel to vent? Pretty good, right? Well, maybe at first, but then you look back down and see that your file drawer is bigger yet, and your computer’s about to crash. You realize your heart isn’t one bit lighter. The only purpose the “Wrongs” file serves is taking up space. It fills your heart with hate, leaving little room for love. Adding files to that drawer doesn’t give you release, rather the drawer becomes a custodian of bitterness.

The Bible is replete with stories of people who deserved to file away records of wrongs. Look at Joseph in Genesis. It wasn’t his fault he was his father’s favorite son, that he was given the gift of interpreting dreams, yet his brothers sold him into slavery. While in Egypt, Potiphar’s wife came onto Joseph, and he refused. She proceeded to have him thrown in prison. Joseph had plenty of reasons to be bitter, yet he greeted his brothers with love.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

Or consider Jesus’ parable about the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32) The father gave his son his complete inheritance, only to have the son squander it on an immoral lifestyle. Yet, when the son returned home, the father didn’t berate the son for being foolish, rather he gifted him with a party.

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

Luke 15:32

Neither Joseph, nor the prodigal son’s father recorded their family members’ wrongs, rather they forgave them and greeted them with love.

In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), when Peter asks Jesus, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”, Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.“

That sounds a little difficult to swallow, doesn’t it? It’s hard enough to forgive someone seven times for a wrong done against you, but seventy-times seven? I’m inclined to start keeping track after two or three times, much less wait till 490 or infinity.

Yet, Jesus keeps forgiving us. He’s seen all our wrongs, but He doesn’t have a file drawer stacked full of accusations against us. Instead, He left them at the cross.

When he opens our “Wrongs” drawer, it’s empty. When He searches our computer, an error message comes up, “File not found.”

My prayer is that I can follow Jesus’ example and purge my “Wrongs” files as well and learn to love as He does.

Posted on January 25, 2012 - by Brenda Anderson

Chatting with Sharon Hinck

When I first began writing, I joined a local group, the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild (MCWG). About that same time, local author and fellow MCWG member, Sharon Hinck, was releasing her debut novel, The Secret Life of Becky Miller. I immediately found Sharon to be very approachable and I periodically e-mailed her questions regarding writing. She ALWAYS e-mailed me back, and that was before she knew who I was.

Since that time, I’ve gotten to know Sharon and find her to be one of the most genuine people I’ve met. She inspires me with her heart for God, and she’s become a mentor, offering  advice, and critique with encouragement and gentleness. I’m so excited to have Sharon visit with us today at Inkspirational Messages!

Since Sharon’s debut release in 2006, she’s published six additional novels in a variety of genres–fantasy, contemporary, mom lit–and she writes them all well. In October of 2011, she re-released THE RESTORER through Marcher Lord Press as an expanded edition. Here’s a little snippet about The Restorer-Expanded Edition:

Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. When she’s pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a nation grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people.

She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?

While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and learns that God can use even her floundering attempts at service in surprising ways.

This new expanded edition of The Restorer includes an in-depth devotion guide for readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenes providing glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extras including links to songs and recipes.

Sharon, I read The Restorer when it initially came out, along with the two other books in the Sword of Lyric Series (The Restorer’s Son and The Restorer’s Journey), and loved them all. I’m looking forward to reading the expanded edition. I’m curious, what was it like developing new material for this new edition?

I loved these stories and characters so much that it was a treat to revisit the world beyond the attic. It was fun playing with scenes from new angles and exploring other character voices. The interactive devotion guide was rewarding to write, because it helped me dig deeply into the Biblical themes that inspired elements of the books.

How did you decide which bonus elements to add?

It was important to me that people would feel that it was worth the investment to own The Restorer-Expanded Edition, even if they had a copy of the original edition. I drew from all the mail I’ve gotten from readers about these books and created the things that I felt would do the most to enhance their experience of The Restorer.

Since many readers share that the spiritual themes had a big impact on them, I created the devotion guide to show the foundation of those themes – and also to give more glimpses into the way that Susan Mitchell is loosely inspired by Deborah in the book of Judges. The Bible study and journaling and prayers allow readers to go on their own spiritual adventure as they are reading the novel.

I also had fun creating new scenes from the perspective of minor characters. Since the book is in Susan’s first person point of view, it was fun giving other characters like Wade, Tara, Kieran, Nolan, and Tristan a voice. My publisher had suggested including “deleted scenes,” but anything that had been deleted from the original manuscript when the book was first published needed to be deleted. So writing fresh material from a new slant seemed like the way to go. I hope it’s as fun for readers as bonus material on a DVD is for me.

We also tried something innovative in using QR codes so that people with smart phones can hover over the symbol and go to a page to heart the music of a song in the story, or read a recipe for a meal that is described in the book.

Now, I’m even more eager to re-read it! Sounds like more than a novel, but rather what I’d call an interactive experience. What do you hope people experience in The Restorer-Expanded Edition?

God can use ordinary people in unexpected ways. I truly believe that many women live lives of quiet heroism – whether their battleground is caring for aging parents, raising a child with a disability, fighting a long-term illness, volunteering at their church, or supporting a friend through difficulty. My hope is that Susan’s adventure in an alternate world breathes inspiration into anyone feeling that the road has been difficult in his or her world.

Love it–I believe Susan’s character does accomplish that goal.

What are you working on now? And what do you see in your future?

I just turned in all the bonus material for The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition (due out in October 2012), and have begun working on new material for a fourth book that I’d love to complete, Lord willing.

I for one, am rooting for the fourth book. The characters you created became like family that I want to revisit.

On another subject, if you hadn’t become a writer, what would you want to be?

Great question.

I would have loved to dance with the New York City Ballet company, but alas, that was not to be.

Another secret vocational dream would be to be a midwife. I always thought it would be awesome.

Instead, I’ve found ways to be a “midwife” in the birthing process of books for other authors – by doing some free-lance editing and mentoring.

I love your analogy of authors being midwives. I’ve met many writers who would fit that role and they’ve had a great influence on me. Who has influenced you most in your writing career?

I’ve always appreciated the authors of the books I devoured as a young reader. They have truly been mentors and influences without ever knowing the impact they had in my life, and I’m so grateful to each writer who poured their heart into stories. In recent years, I’ve been privileged to get to know several contemporary Christian authors as friends, and am so inspired by their example of sacrifice, faith, service, and humility.

Thanks again, Sharon, for stopping by Inkspirational Messages today, and thank you for being an inspiring influence in so many writers’ lives. Bless you!

~*~*~

Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as The Secret Life of Becky Miller or Stepping into Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric fantasy series which includes The Restorer–Expanded Edition. She’s been a Christy finalist and has won three Carol awards.

Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com.

You can find Sharon’s books at:

www.sharonhinck.com

http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com/

To order The Restorer-Expanded Edition: http://www.marcherlordpress.com/books/the_restorer_se.html

Kindle version: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VM4XL4?tag=sharonhcom-20&creative=384345&linkCode=kin

 

Posted on January 11, 2012 - by Brenda Anderson

Audience of One

Back in 2005, after typing The End on a manuscript for the very first time, I handed that newly birthed (yet very wrinkled) baby out to a few select friends/acquaintances, one of those being my pastor. It was vital that my theology stood on a firm foundation.

Pastor Steve has since become an invaluable supporter/encourager for this writing journey. A few years back, after receiving some discouraging news, he sent me a note that offered advice I’ve never forgotten: I write for an audience of One.

It was the most freeing advice I’ve ever received. I can write the books I choose; I can tell the stories I want to tell! Right?

Well …

Notice how that above statement is all about me, about what I can do, and not what God wants for me.

And He wants the best.

Sometimes, oftentimes even, that means going through periods of discouragement. That means listening to the advice of others. It means learning the craft and bringing our absolute best before Him. He doesn’t want our leftovers, our half efforts. He wants our best.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men … Colossians 3:23

As Lorna Seilstad said in her post on January 2nd, it’s not about me. If I’m to write for His audience, I need to listen for His voice, and I need to recognize His voice over the cacophony around me. Recognition comes from spending time with Him, reading and studying the Bible, worshiping, praying. Listening. Until the words typed on the page don’t come from my selfishness, but they’re breathed from a relationship with God.

When I sit at the computer in the morning, have I spent time with God first? Have I asked Him to guide my words for the day? Have I listened for His answer?

If not, then who exactly am I writing for?

Posted on December 28, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

A Christmas Visit

Good morning!

And welcome to my home. You’ll have to pardon me. I’m still a little frazzled from the weekend: attending three Spirit-filled church services, seeing War Horse (excellent movie, btw), and then spending all day Monday celebrating, first at my in-laws with only twenty-two relatives, then at my brother’s home with 34 more family members. Uffda, there was a ton of food (no lutefisk, thank goodness), and chaos, and music, and laughter. Loved it!

How about you? How did you celebrate?

Would you care for something to drink? I made coffee–but, I’ll warn you, since I don’t drink coffee, I have no clue if it tastes good. Perhaps you’d rather have hot chocolate. Oh, and my kids made a bunch of delectable cake-mix cookies to share with you. Try one of the fudgies too. They’re my personal favorite.

Please, don’t worry about your shoes. No snow was tracked in with our brown Christmas. It reached a record-high 52 degrees here on Monday! That’s nearly swimming weather. Next year, we’ll have snow piled roof high, I’m certain. I hope …

But, I digress, you came to see my house, not talk about the weather, you want the tour!

See that curving advent candle holder on our kitchen table? We get that out during Advent and read devotions before supper. I love that time! It’s a perfect way to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Although, my kids informed me that it’s time I choose an Advent devotional geared toward adults rather than children. <sigh> I suppose my kids aren’t little anymore.

Why don’t you follow me into the dining room? The ceramic gingerbread village on top of my hutch is still lit–probably will be for another week. I love the cheer beaming from the church, coffee shoppe, and train station. Hopefully in the coming years I’ll be able to put more of the homes out, but our two-year-old kitty is still a mite too rambunctious.

The silver and crystal nativity set on the table doesn’t fit with the gingerbread theme, but it does add a touch of elegance. (Besides, I have yet to find a ceramic gingerbread nativity scene.)

Please, come on downstairs and get comfy on the couch. Oh, I know, our artificial tree is nothing to brag about. It’s older than my two boys, and branches keep breaking off, but to us it’s beautiful. Most of the ornaments you see are either our annual family ornaments, or ones crafted by the kids. It has no theme, other than highlighting family. That’s what makes it beautiful.

The Christmas train stocking holders on the mantle are cute, aren’t they? But that isn’t what our children love the most. That clock at the end, the one surrounded with furry critters, that’s what the kids beg me to drag out of storage. You see, it’s a count down clock. It starts on December 1st and, on the hour, it counts down the days till Christmas. First, it’ll sing out the number of days till Christmas, then it’ll chime a quick Christmas tune.

But my favorite decoration is the porcelain doll nativity set in front of the fireplace. That reminds me of what Christmas is all about.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. My door is always open–just don’t count on the coffee.

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas

and I pray you have a blessed 2012!

Posted on December 14, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

Is Your Heart Prepared?

A little over a week ago, I was preparing to host a book club at my home. Anyone who has readied their home for guests knows how this goes.

The house requires a thorough cleaning which means unraveling those cobwebs in the corners of your 20 foot ceilings and evicting all the dust bunnies residing beneath your furniture and on top of your fridge. The windows must sparkle, the stove top should gleam. Then, of course, there’s the bathroom … and I’ve got two teenage boys. ‘Nuff said.

Now this book club meets to do more than just talk about the selected book; the hostess also makes a meal. Typically, these meals are uber-fancy. So, not only does my house have to be in spotless condition, but I have to create a gourmet dinner too! Now for many of you, that’s not a hardship, but my expertise lies with creating Crock-Pot roasts. Give me a recipe with more than three ingredients, and I’ll ruin it. Guaranteed.

Heaped on top of cleaning and cooking is the fact that it’s Christmas season. That means my house should be decked out in full Christmas adornment. The trees should be dressed with lights and ornaments. My gingerbread village should look alive with lights and little people. The nativity scenes should be laid out with reverence.

Oh, what we do to prepare for guests!

But, do you do the same for Jesus?

The season of Advent is meant to be a time of preparing our hearts for Jesus, but how much effort do we put into that preparation? How much time do we spend clearing out the cobwebs and dust bunnies from our heart? When we create a sumptuous meal and put up dazzling displays, who are we trying to impress?

Hmmm …

So, how do I prepare my heart?

The next time I stress over having an immaculate house, I’ll look inward at the cleanliness of my heart. I need to come clean before Jesus and lay my sins at his feet. And leave them there.

The next time I worry about creating a gourmet meal, I’ll feed my soul with the nourishment of His Word. I can begin and end each day in the Word and share family devotions around the Advent candles.

The next time I fret over setting up decorations, I’ll let His light shine through me instead. What gifts can I bring to Jesus? Perhaps give a toy to a child who otherwise wouldn’t receive one. Pack meals at Feed My Starving Children. Spend time with my family. Sing.

When I focus on Him, I take the spotlight off of me, and my heart opens to receive the Gift of God’s
Son.

Now, that’s an event worth preparing for!

By the way, that book club meeting I told you about? My dust bunnies rested without fear of eviction. The meal was Crock-Pot pork and baked potatoes. Christmas decorations remained in their boxes. And we still had a good time. Imagine that.

Posted on December 10, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

The Perfect Gift

I met Mari Keisling through church a few years back, but only recently discovered that she writes devotions–beautiful, heart-felt, thought-provoking devotions. So, when Inkspirational Messages decided to host 12 days of devotions, I couldn’t think of a better person to write this weekend’s post than Mari. Please welcome her to Inkspirational Messages today.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

I need just the right gift, a special gift! What’s the point of it all if they are just going to return it, stuff it in a closet or give it away to someone else?

Gift buying can be one of the most stressful activities of the season. There are those who love it. They keep their list throughout the year; making notes and checking sales so they are all set when it’s time to shop. Then there are those who tend to be in denial most of the year. At the last minute, they run out and buy whatever they can find.

When all is said and done, what really makes a gift special or meaningful?

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2

In Matthew 2, the Magi had been watching, waiting and preparing for the coming Christ child. The day had finally come and in their preparation they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were not just gifts for a simple baby. These gifts were suitable for a King, a God, and a Sacrificial Lamb. They acknowledged who Jesus was and why He came.

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Luke 2:15

In Luke 2, the shepherds were minding their own business working the late shift. They were startled and afraid at the appearance of an angel announcing the birth of the Savior. The shepherds were not expecting this news. They were not prepared for the coming King and had no expensive gifts with them. But they heard the message of their Savior and they went to Him. Upon seeing Jesus, not a grown man as a King, but as a baby, they spread the word about what had happened. They gave themselves, told their story, and served their purpose for God.

So which of these gifts was special, more meaningful? The truth is they all held the same significance to God. Each person, regardless of background, position, or wealth, recognized the significance of the birth of Jesus and came to Him bringing what they had to offer. God has given us the perfect gift; the most precious gift He could, His one and only Son. The most important gift any of them gave was themselves in worship to their King.

Something to Consider…

God’s perfect gift of Jesus expressed His love and desire to be in a relationship with us. What will your gifts to others, whether purchased, homemade or simply a gift or your time, say about your relationships and their importance in your life?

As you celebrate the birth of Jesus, consider the difference He’s made in your life and the special place He holds in your heart. What will the time you spend worshipping and sharing the gift of Jesus with others say about your relationship with Him?

Introducing Mari Keisling …

My desire and passion is for women to live the life Jesus died for them to have. The resurrection life is a life of freedom, abundance and joy. We each have choices to make. First, choosing to trust Jesus and accept His gift of salvation. Second, choosing to follow Jesus and live by His example.

I have not always been a Christian. I struggled for years with difficult questions and what seemed to be even more difficult answers. If we do nothing to earn salvation, how do we explain to others why what we do matters? What does it mean to live out our faith in the same way Jesus did? Does what we do or say point others to Him?

Faith is meant to be experienced. As Christians, our lives should be an example, a reflection of our relationship with Jesus. We are to live a life worthy of the calling we have received and speak the truth in love. Through my writing, I seek to encourage others to put into practice the truths of God’s Word.

Visit my blog, LYF Moments…because faith happens, at www.liveyourfaithministries.com.

Posted on November 30, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

All I Want for Christmas

All I want for Christmas is a book to read,

A book to read,

I need a book to read.

Gee, if I could only have a book to read,

Then I would have a Merry Christmas!

Well, that may be a slight exaggeration. I’ll have a merry Christmas regardless of whether I get a book to read or not, but for as long as I can remember, books have filled my Christmas list. And I love gifting books even more, especially ones autographed by my fellow Inkspers!

This year I have three books on my list, two of which I’ve read already (thanks to my local library), books I’m certain I will read over and over. I haven’t read my third choice yet as it doesn’t release until December 3, but it sounds like perfect Christmas reading.

So, if you happen to draw my name this year, here’s a little hint of what I’d like to receive:

 

DESERT GIFT, Side Roads Series #2, by Sally John (Tyndale House 2011). Jillian Galloway is nationally known marriage expert. As she’s about to fly off to market her first book, her husband blindsides her by telling her he wants a divorce. Is everything she’s built her life and career around a sham?

Sally John has long been one of my favorite authors. She’s never been afraid to delve into tough subjects or gloss over real life, rather she paints it with all its grittiness. Desert Gift is no exception.

 

THE FIRST GARDENER by Denise Hildreth Jones (Tyndale House 2011) – Mackenzie and her husband, Tennessee Governor Gray London, tried for years to have a child and are finally blessed with Maddie. Then tragedy strikes as Gray prepares for reelection. Depression threatens to swallow Mackenzie, but the man who’s been tending the governor’s mansion gardens for years does more than cultivate soil, he also tends broken hearts.

This is the first novel I’ve read by Hildreth Jones but it definitely won’t be the last. She not only writes a heart-wrenching/heart-warming story, but she tells it with poetic eloquence.

 

SAVANNA’S GIFT by Camille Eide (White Rose Publishing 2011) – I only recently discovered this e-book novella written by debut novelist Camille Eide. It sounds absolutely perfect for a Christmas read. Here’s the back cover blurb:

When Savanna gets a second chance at the love of her life, will her dream that divided them get in the way?

Forced to return to the ski lodge where she once worked, Savanna Holt is reminded of one special Christmas and how ambition led her to make the worst mistake of her life: Leaving Luke Nelson.

Stunned to discover Luke never left, but worked his way up from lift operator to manager, Savanna sees the opportunity as a gift from God. She’s determined to win Luke back. But Luke wants no reminders of his past hurt, or a relationship with the woman who put ambition before love. Can Savanna convince Luke she’s changed and her interest isn’t because of his position? And when her dream job beckons, will she sacrifice her dream for a second chance at love?

See, they sound good, don’t they? I can’t wait to add them all to my bookshelves

What books are on your Christmas wish list? Which books would make perfect gifts for others?

*         *         *

If you leave a comment on our Hot Reads posts between November 21 & December 2, your name will go into a drawing for Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh. For more details, click here.

 

Posted on November 23, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

Christmas Reading Wish List

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And I have chocolate to eat,

So I’ll read! So I’ll read! So I’ll read!

Can you think of anything better than snuggling beneath a fleece blanket in your favorite chair, a lit fireplace warming the air? You’ve got whipped-cream-topped hot cocoa in one hand and a novel in the other? Nope. Nothing’s better than that. Especially here in Minnesota where the temperatures sink below freezing for months at a time.

The hard part is choosing a book. There are so many good ones out there, I could spend the entire winter in that cozy chair. But, for you, I’ve narrowed down my Christmas reading wish list to two.

With Dickens you’ll sing a song

When Scrooge says he is wrong.

So I’ll hum and I’ll tap a beat

While I read! While I read! While I read!

A MARRIAGE CAROL by Chris Fabry & Gary Chapman (Moody Publishers 2011) — One of my favorite new authors is Chris Fabry (June Bug, Dogwood, and Almost Heaven). I can’t wait to read his and Gary Chapman’s version of the Dickens’ classic.

Jake and Marlee, a typical couple, are about to call it quits. Over time they have drifted apart; the sparks are dead. Marlee is convinced she married the wrong man and Jake feels tied down to the wrong woman. Jake is distant and tired of being controlled while Marlee is tired of being the only one trying to the save their marriage.

They go to bed Christmas Eve, in separate rooms, each rationalizing…life is too short to be miserable…love shouldn’t hurt like this…their marriage must end for happiness to return.

But their lives are about to take a turn. The ghosts of Marriage Past, Marriage Present, and Marriage Future reveal to Jake and Marlee how past choices, present realities, and their potential future might look if they do not change their “stories.” Jake and Marlee experience a Christmas gift that will radically change their thinking and cause them to look at marriage not for what they can get out of it but for what God can do in and through their marriage.

That O. Henry, he makes me cry

In The Gift of the Magi.

So keep the tissues handy

When you read! When you read! When you read!

PAPER ANGELS: A NOVEL by Jimmy Wayne & Travis Thrasher (Howard Books 2011) – Travis Thrasher is probably the king of writing across genres. And he does it well. So, it’s no surprise to see him tackle a Christmas book along with country singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne. I look forward to reading this one too. (I may even keep a box of tissues close.)

Kevin Morrell is a forty-three-year-old husband and father who runs a successful design and marketing firm that’s crashed into the suffering economy. Attempting to navigate the busyness of the mall at Christmas, Kevin is humbled when he stumbles across the Salvation Army‘s Angel Tree Project. His wife insists that he take a paper ornament.

The name on the ornament is Thomas Brandt, a fifteen-year-old still reeling from the implosion of his family—from years of verbal abuse from an alcoholic father to a mother who finally left him behind, only to find herself and her children penniless and struggling. The only thing has allowed Lynn to survive is her faith. Thomas shares that faith, but he also wonders why God has seemingly abandoned them.

This is the story about a man and a boy one December. A man whose life is changed by a simple expression of kindness, and a boy who takes that expression of kindness and shows the true meaning of Christmas.

If that doesn’t convince you to keep tissues handy, check out this music video by Jimmy Wayne: Paper Angels.

What’s on your Christmas reading wish list? Do you have any favorites from past years?

* * *

If you leave a comment on our Hot Reads posts between November 21 & December 2, your name will go into a drawing for Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh. For more details, click here.

Posted on November 16, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

A Letter to My Teenage Self–You Are Never Alone

Dear Brenda,

I understand it’s a lonely time in your life. Making friends has never come easy. The same holds true for many your age. I wish I could say that struggle will ease over the years, but few things worthwhile are achieved without effort. As you strive, always remember to be yourself. God made you uniquely you and He treasures who you are. Remember, you are never alone.

And don’t forget to look for friendship within your own home. Siblings make the best of friends and will always be there for you.

Those dreams you have of writing a book, they’re more than just dreams. God has crafted that gift especially for you. Don’t  bury those longings where you’ll never find them, but act on them. Receive God’s gift and multiply it. You’ll find no greater act of worship.

You’re growing up on a farm, one of the best places in the world, but it won’t always be there for you. Take time to enjoy the beauty around you. Cradle the kittens and roughhouse with the dog. Take walks through the cornfields and sing down by the lake. Throw snowballs and go sledding. Bike. Swim. Walk. Enjoy the skies dotted with innumerable stars and be awestruck by the northern lights. Breathe in lilac’s spring bloom and autumn’s spicy harvest.

Always accept your grandma’s offering of molasses cookies. Nothing fills her heart more than watching her children and grandchildren enjoy her baking. Your acceptance of her gift is her treasure.

Never stop making music, be it blending with a choir, harmonizing with friends, or playing guitar alone by the lake, praising the Creator of song. Music will always unlock your stoic facade and sing the truth to your heart.

And, in all things, remember the One who breathed life into you, the Giftor or your dreams, the Painter of nature, the Architect of music. Your life will climb peaks, slide into valleys, and plateau on the plains. Yet through every moment, He is with you.

Even when no one else is around, you are never alone.

Sincerely,

Your older, wiser, and always-learning self.