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THE END OF THE SPEAR


Some of you may be aware of a controversy that has erupted over the movie THE END OF THE SPEAR. Before you believe the allegations that are being bandied about, or before you urge others to boycott a powerful, life-changing film, please take a moment to read the following two articles linked here.

My friend Randy Alcorn has written an article to address this issue, and he has spoken with all the parties involved. Please take the time to read these two articles.

Randy's article: http://www.epm.org/articles/end_spear_response.html

Steve and Mart's answers: http://www.epm.org/articles/end_spear_chad_allen.html

Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 @ 11:05 PM


for this post

 
Blogger Pam Kumpe Says: 3:16 PM  

Hubby and I watched the movie last Saturday. With no idea of the controversy linked to the actor in the show; I only saw my Lord reaching down with love and mercy.

I told my hubby (before I read your blog today) there's no telling how this movie will impact the man who played Nate. God's hand is reaching into his life - I just know it. That's the kind of God I serve...

 
 
Blogger Carrie Says: 7:10 PM  

I posted these links on my blog last night after receiving them in Randy's e-newsletter. He makes so many great points - I hope the truth gets out as quickly as the false statements did.

 
 
Anonymous Kristine dB Says: 8:20 PM  

I had heard about this controversy, but only that Chad Allen was gay (I actually knew that awhile ago, since I'm a fan of Dr. Quinn and stumbled across the information once). I had no idea there wer so many false accusations and such being spread, although I was sure that there would be controversy.
I believe that God will use this movie no matter what. I pray that through this all Chad isn't hurt to the point that he views Christians and God as something he wants nothing to do with.

 
 
Blogger Anna Says: 5:41 PM  

I haven't seen the movie --yet-- but I plan on it. Yes, I knew Chad Allen was a homosexual activist, and I know he is a talented actor, and I know God gave Chad his talent in the first place, so to me it's entirely appropriate that it's used to tell a story that glorifies God.

I hope that Chad was treated with love and respect while immersed in the environment of the filming process, and that seeds have been planted in his life that can bloom into a real, live relationship with Christ. I do believe Chad was cast for a reason.

 

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Switching the Price Tags


Yesterday an old friend spoke in church. Bruch McCoy, who I knew back in my Re'Gen days, is now a pastor and a "Dr." besides. Anyway, he was in town and spoke in our church. In his sermon I found a powerful metaphor--one so good I'm going to unabasedly steal it for use in my WIP.

Bruce (and I'm sure this was one of those sermon stories that all pastors tell) said that a jewel thief broke into a jewelry store and didn't steal a thing. Instead, he switched the price tags. The next day, in full view of the clerks and security cameras, he came in and bought the most valuable items for a pittance. And all the while, the store clerk thanked him for his business.

Bruce went on to describe how Satan has tricked our culture. We have sold the most valuable things--fidelity, honor, truth--for a pittance while placing too high a value on fleeting things--material goods, fame, appearance.

And as I sat there and thought more about it, I realize that this is what Michelle, my protagonist in the elevator, has done. I had written a scene where she shoplifts an outfit from the department store where she works. And while the scene worked, it pushed at the boundaries of credibility a bit. But now--ah! She can switch the price tags!

And later, at the moment of her epiphany, she will realize what she's done and how that philosophy, if you will, has affected her entire life.

So, thank you, Bruce. It's a wonderful metaphor.

Angie
By Angela on Monday, January 30, 2006 @ 3:23 AM


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This is my Daily Bread . . .


I gotta tell you--this morning in church we sang that Michael W. Smith song, "Breathe," that says, among other things, "This is my daily bread . . . your very word. . . spoken to me."

Since I've been partaking of the 90-Day-Challenge (or, as my friend Lisa calls it, "The Overachievers' Program"), my daily reading does feel more like a meal than a snack. My Bible margins are scrawled with smiley faces, exclamation points, and question marks . . . and I think God is happy with the fact that I'm reading and digging.

I sang a solo in church this morning, the first one in years. And I discovered that the world of accompaniment trax has gone to CD format, which leaves me with two drawers full of cassette tapes, a shiny new cord to link the tape player and computer, and a stack of blank CDs.

Yesterday I painted a room, upholstered three barstools, and recovered a hope chest that had seen much better days. Today I shall turn my thoughts toward technology . . .

I love weekends.

Angie
By Angela on Sunday, January 29, 2006 @ 2:11 PM


for this post

 
Blogger Cowboy Sunsets Says: 2:37 PM  

Angela, thank you for blogging. I enjoy reading you posts.

"Breathe." Ah, for me there is not a better worship song that sums up my heart.

As to singing in church, good job. (No, I wasn't there.) I'm glad you are using all of your talents.

God bless, Tim

 
 
Blogger Bayman4000 Says: 5:29 PM  

I am on the overachiever's plan, but it looks like it is going to take me closer to 120 days instead of 90. That is still 345 days faster than ever before. It was such a thrill to get through Leviticus in record time!

David

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 5:35 PM  

Hang in there, David! You'll love finding that the Chronicles are reruns!

Angie

 

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Where Memories Are Stored


The older I get, the more memories I have, and they've got to go someplace. If you think of your brain as a computer's memory, we all know that occasionally we need a defrag and a disk cleanup. The files we don't access every day are the files that usually get deleted.

So we all have systems, conscious or not, or depositing memories in other storage drives. For instance, I write in a daily journal. If something's bothering me, I write a lot. I can also find a lot of my memories in my books--no, none of my novels are strictly autobiographical, but sometimes my characters just happen to stumble on a painful or pleasant experience that comes straight from my memory disk.

Sometimes my memories are left with the Lord. I love Psalm 56:8:

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in
your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

I don't have to keep track of my tears or sorrows; God is doing that for me!

By far my favorite place to deposit memories, however, is in the memory banks of friends. My dear pal Nancy Rue and I don't see each other often, but when we do have a chance to catch up, it's like we've never been apart. We tell each other lots of personal stories, and I'm always amazed at what Nancy remembers.

The other day she said, "I always love that thing Tyler told you when he was little."

I had no clue what she meant. It's been years since my son was little, and I couldn't remember sharing any funny things. "Please," I asked her, "remind me."

And then Nancy retold my story . . . and reminded me of a precious thing my son once said. I'd been so caught up in his adolescent trials that I needed to remember the precious things.

When Tyler was smaller--about six or seven, maybe--he was testing me, trying to get my attention, trying to come up with the worst possible thing he could imagine. I don't remember what he wanted me to do, but he said something like, "If you don't do it, I'm gonna . . . I'm gonna . . . I'm gonna fall down and worship idols!"

ROFLOL! Okay, idolatry's not funny, but the child's mindset is. Reminds me of when I was a kid and couldn't figure out how we "gave money to God" when we put it in the offering plate. I mean, how did it get up to God? So when the preacher spoke on the Old Testament burnt offerings, I figured that after church, the deacons took all the money out back and burned it. The smoke went to heaven, and everybody was happy.

And yes, that memory has just been deposited in my WIP. For safekeeping.

Angie

By Angela on Saturday, January 28, 2006 @ 7:32 AM


for this post



Let's Be Honest in Publishing


The recent flap over Oprah and Frey's book (clearly fiction, but labeled a memoir), combined with an email from a friend, reminded me of a resolution I made several years back. And since the spotlight is once again on truth in publishing, I'd like to write about this issue.

You know all those celebrities who write books and novels? You may be surprised to learn that they didn't actually write those books and novels. In many cases, if not most, a ghostwriter was hired to create those books.

I used to be a ghostwriter. At the time I accepted it as industry practice. I thought the publisher was hiring me in the same way I would hire an artist who was skilled with paints to paint my picture. After all, when the picture was done, it would still be ME, even though I had never even lifted a brush.

But then another godly friend helped me see that there's a huge difference in saying, "Yes, that's my picture" and saying (or even implying), "Yes, I'm an accomplished portrait artist."

My ghostwriting took place in the realm of nonfiction--I took people's ideas and put them into books. The ideas were theirs, the writing (and a lot of the research) was mine.

And I began to think--what would it cost the "ghostee" to admit that he'd had help in writing a book? Nothing. After all, we don't expect everyone to do everything well.

I'll let you in on a secret--it takes YEARS to become an accomplished novelist (I don't think I've yet arrived.) So these celebrities who apparently sit down and whip out a novel--well, my friend, it didn't happen. Either they had a complete ghostwriter or they had an "editor" come in and recraft the work after submission.

I think readers deserve truthfulness in advertising. I think celebrities need to be honest about their abilities. And I think it's time that publishers stopped the practice of hiring ghostwriters. You can still have a celebrity name on the cover (provided he did actually supply some ideas), but let's give the hard-working writer his due. As our mothers always said, "just because everybody does it doesn't make it right." Christians are supposed to be truthful in every aspect of life.

For the record--the novels I wrote with Grant Jeffrey were joint efforts. Grant supplied many of the ideas and a lot of research, together we plotted out those ideas, and I wrote every word. To his credit, Grant insisted that my name be on the cover from the beginning.

That may have been the beginning of my "seeing the light." That was a fruitful and respected partnership, and it serves as a model of the way things ought to be done if it must be done.

Mostly, though, I think people should exercise their own God-given gifts and abilities. "But we want to get this message out," a publisher might say. "So we'll let Famous Teacher publish a novel really written by Mr. X."

Why not let Mr. X write the novel under his own name and let Famous Teacher put a blurb on the cover? Should work just as well, and it's honest.

Angie
By Angela on Friday, January 27, 2006 @ 8:45 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Ruth Says: 9:32 AM  

Excellent post. Thanks for the call to truthfulness.

 
 
Anonymous julie Says: 11:52 AM  

I'm a former ghostwriter for trade pubs. My first novel will be released by Bethany House in early 2007. Anyway, I wrote for banking, insurance, etc. industry execs by interviewing them and then writing stories in their "voices". A strange thing happened. One of the execs felt underqualified and dropped out. The mag still wanted the piece so I agreed to research the topic (which I knew nothing about at all) and to write it for them. I did that, and can you believe this? The agent wanted to put someone else's name on it--after all, I was technically just a "ghostwriter." Ugh. You better believe I fought that one--and won. That was the last 'ghostwriting ' assignment I ever took.

 
 
Anonymous Kristine dB Says: 12:45 PM  

Hi Angie,
(Warning: off topic comment!) I might have said this in an earlier comment, but it bears repeating for this - I'm in a Book and Magazine Publishing program.
For one of my classes I have to write a sample page of catalog copy. The instructor said it was fine to use a book that is being written, but to ask the author first. So, just wondering if you would mind if I used your WIP and your name for mine. Let me know - if you want more info or anything, you can email me at kdenboon@hotmail.com.
Thanks in advance, Kristine

 
 
Blogger Katy Says: 2:21 PM  

Angie--I have a close friend who ghostwrote non-fiction books for some of the biggest name Christian "celebs" out there.

"Her" books have sold literally millions of copies, all told. She began to wonder if she should at least be earning a royalty on top of the flat fee, since the books were such huge successes. But, no. She finally got disgusted and quit.

Once, I saw her credited in the acknowledgements as something like an "admin assist without whose efforts I could not have written this book," but other than that, her name appeared no where.

It does seem like a dishonest aspect of the business to me. Katy Raymond www.fallible.com

 
 
Anonymous BJ Says: 2:32 PM  

Angie said: Why not let Mr. X write the novel under his own name and let Famous Teacher put a blurb on the cover? Should work just as well, and it's honest.
_____
You'd think, wouldn't you? But unfortunately, publishers know that Famous Teacher's name will sell more books (thus making more money--ah!) than Mr. X. And that's why the practice continues.

However, I think there's hope that in the Christian publishing market, this will one day disappear. More and more authors and publishers are waking up to the reality that it really *is* dishonest and refusing to engage in it. It helps that honest authors--like Angie Hunt--are taking a stand against it.

BJ

 

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Novelists' Blogs



Wow! I had no idea there were so many novelists blogging!

I gave a shout out to some friends because I wanted to compile a list. Though this list is far from exhaustive, it should keep you happily killing time every day. One note: I thought about including a list of novelists who have e-newsletters, but nearly everyone does something like that these days. To sign up for a newsletter from your favorite novelist, just visit their web page and either drop them an email or look for a sign up box.

Novelists’ blogs:

Roxy Henke: http://www.roxannehenke.com/diary/
Angela Hunt: http://alifeinpages.blogspot.com/
Charis Connection: http://charisconnection.blogspot.com/
Robin Lee Hatcher: http://robinlee.typepad.com/
Brandilyn Collins: http://www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com
Linda Hall: http://writerhall.com.hosting.domaindirect.com/blog.htm
Lisa Samson: http://lisasamson.typepad.com/
Girls Write Out: http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/ (Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, Kristin Billerbeck, and Diann Hunt)
James Scott Bell: http://www.suspendyourdisbelief.blogspot.com/
Deborah Raney's domain name is also her blog: http://www.deborahraney.com/.
Alton Gansky: http://altongansky.typepad.com/
Kathryn Mackel’s fictional blog: http://www.esaudespised.com/
Donna Fleisher: http://www.donnafleisher.typepad.com/.
Janelle Schneider: http://janelleclareschneider.blogspot.com.
Donita Paul: http://412live.blogspot.com/
BJ Hoff: http://www.bjhoffgracenotes.typepad.com/

And that's it for today! If you're reading this on Wednesday, I'm in Nashville (Lord willing), signing copies of A TIME TO MEND for Steeple Hill. Looking forward to it!

Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 @ 12:23 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Ruth Says: 9:31 AM  

You were in Nashville and I missed the chance to meet you?!!! AAAHH!!! TRAGIC!!!!

Thanks for the blog list, that is awesome!

 

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The DaVinci Code Movie


Thanks to Robin Lee for pointing me to George Barna's column on Christians and the DaVinci code movie.

I so agree with his perspective. There's an appalling lack of theological knowledge in our nation today. I remember once getting into an argument with one of my professors at my community college--he kept insisting that "God helps those who help themselves" was in the Bible, I kept insisting it wasn't. (For the record, it's not.) People just assume things, and that's the danger of The DaVinci Code book and movie. People assume that it's true, but it's a fictional novel based on the writings of gnostics who came a couple of centuries after Christ.

I don't know why people were so excited about this book--I didn't read it, but even my UPS man stopped me to ask what I thought of it. People are so willing to believe heresy, but they resist believing, for instance, that Jesus lived a sinless life.

That's one reason I was so thrilled to be able to write MAGDALENE. In that book I was able to do solid biblical and extra-biblical research into the lives of first-century Christians. I hope that book will point people in the direction of truth, not heresy.

MAGDALENE releases in March; the DaVinci Code movie opens on May 19. If your friends ask you about whether or not Mary M was married to Jesus, please point them in the right direction.

--Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 @ 10:42 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Shauna Says: 5:57 PM  

I think that verse is somewhere in Hezekiah 12. ;)

 

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Bible Reading Comments

I had a lovely chart that listed the Kings of Israel and the Kings of Judah, and mentioned whether they were good, bad, or indifferent, but blogspot does not like my chart. So--the following may be muddled, but it's a list of the kings after Solomon and their heart's condition. I hope it helps you keep track of this complicated cast of characters.

Rehoboam (930–913) Evil King
1 Kings 11:43-12:24; 14:21-31

Jeroboam I (930–909) Evil king
1 Kings 11:26-14:20

Abijah (913–910) Bad King
1 Kings 14:31-15:8

Asa (910–869) Godly King
1 Kings 15:8-24

Nadab (909–908) Evil king
1 Kings 15:25-28

Baasha (908–885) Evil king
1 Kings 15:27-16:7

Elah (885–884) Evil king
1 Kings 16:6-14

Zimri (884) Suicide king
1 Kings 16:15-20

Tibni (884–880)

Civil Unrest (884–880)61

Omri (880–874) Evil king
1 Kings 16:15-29

Coregency (872–869)

Ahab (874–853) Evil King
1 Kings 16:28-22:40

Jehoshaphat (869–848) Godly King
1 Kings 22:41-50

Ahaziah (853–852) Wicked king
1 Kings 22:40-2 Kings 1:18

Coregency (853–848)

Joram (852–841) Evil King
2 Kings 3:1-9:26

Jehoram (848–841) Bad King
2 Kings 8:16-24

Ahaziah (841)Bad king
2 Kings 8:24-9:29

Jehu (841–814) Good king
2 Kings 9:1-10:36

Athaliah (841–835) (Queen) Evil
2 Kings 11:1-20

Joash (835–796) Good king
2 Kings 11:1-12:21

Jehoahaz (814–798)
2 Kings 13:1-9

Jehoash (798–782) Evil King
2 Kings 13:10-14:16

Amaziah (796–767) Good king
2 Kings 14:1-20

Coregency (792–767)62

Coregency (793–782)

Jeroboam II (782–753)Evil king
2 Kings 14:23-29

Azariah/Uzziah (767–740) Bad king
2 Kings 15:1-7

Zechariah (753–752) Evil king
2 Kings 14:29-15:12

Shallum (752) one month reign, Evil conspirator
2 Kings 15:10-15

Coregency (750–740)

Menahem (752–742) Brutal king
2 Kings 15:14-22

Pekahiah (742–740) Evil King
2 Kings 15:22-26

Jotham (740–731) Good king
2 Kings 15:32-38

Pekah (740–732)63 Evil King
2 Kings 15:27-31

Coregency (735–731)

Hoshea (732–722) Evil King
2 Kings 15:30; 17:1-6

Ahaz (731–715) Evil King
2 Kings 16

Hezekiah (715–687) Good king
2 Kings 18-20

Coregency (697–687)

Manasseh (687–642) Evil king, but converted
2 Kings 21:1-18

Amon (642–640) Evil king
2 Kings 21:19-26

Josiah (640–609) Good king
2 Kings 22:1-23:30

Jehoahaz (609) Neutral
2 Kings 23:31-33

Jehoiakim (609–598) Evil king
2 Kings 23:34-24:5

Jehoiachin (598–597) Evil king
2 Kings 24:6-16

Zedekiah (597–587)64 Evil king
2 Kings 24:17-25:30

Have you noticed all the occasions where Scripture tells us that God put an idea into men's hearts (usually to go to war, etc), in order to punish a king or the nation of Israel for disobedience? I see examples of God's sovereignty in the affairs of men on almost every page of these readings!

Angie
By Angela on Monday, January 23, 2006 @ 9:42 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Lynda in MO Says: 10:06 AM  

Hey Angie,
Thanks for the kingly overview. One thing that always amazes and puzzles me about the good kings--almost all of them, with the exception of Josiah, failed to get rid of the idol worship places. I can't figure out why they didn't see that as a critical part of following God? I always hate reading that "so-and-so did what was right in the sight of the Lord, BUT he failed to tear down the high places, etc." Hmmm.

 
 
Anonymous Angela Hunt Says: 10:26 AM  

I think, Lynda (and this is just my supposition), that the reason they didn't go "all the way" and tear down the high places was that they were afraid to stand up to public opinion. I mean, it's one thing to honor God, and it's another to go into a man's backyard and say that he's not allowed to sacrifice a goat there.

The people were devoted to their sin of sacrificing on the high places, and I'm sure they had a superstitious loyalty to them. And while many, many kings determined to follow God, they weren't willing to be unpopular--at least not, "all the way."

There's a lesson in that, no?

Angie

 

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Bible Reading Challenge Update

For those of you who are still hanging in there with the 90 Day Bible Reading challenge, here are the readings for this coming week:

Bible Reading Schedule:
Sun: 1 Sam. 28:20-2 Sam. 12:10
Mon: 2 Sam 12:11-2 Sam. 22:18
Tues: 2 Am. 22:19-1 Kings 7:37
Wed: 1 Kings 7:38-1 Kings 16:20
Thurs: 1 Kings 16:21-2 Kings 4:37
Fri: 2 Kings 4:38--2 Kings 15:26
Sat: 2 Kings 15:27-2 Kings 25:30

And here's a hint: If you miss a day or two, don't force yourself to read those missed days. Just highlight them for later and stay on schedule. I'm finding that folks who try to make up AND keep up don't do either.

Lots of good stories last week: David and Saul and the witch of Endor and Jonathan and Methoboshith (sp?). BTW, if the witch of Endor interests you, be sure to check out Liz Higgs' Bad Girls of the Bible. Fascinating!

Angie

By Angela on Sunday, January 22, 2006 @ 8:23 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 11:27 AM  

Just to be different - I'm making up AND keeping up. I keep catching up and reading ahead and then getting behind ...it's all very interesting, though. Last night I read ahead because I didn't want to stop reading about David. Also, I remembered that one of David's wives scorned him and I didn't want it to be Abigail :)

 
 
Anonymous Angie Hunt Says: 10:28 AM  

Good for you, keeping up! I'm heading out on a trip today, but taking my Bible with me for some airplane reading time. Maybe I can even get a couple of days ahead!

Angie

 

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A Place Called Heavenly Daze


Once upon a time, a lady named Lori asked her good pal Angie if she'd be interested in co-writing a series of books. Lori wanted to write about small town life and Angie had a hankering to write about angels. So they put the two ideas together and Heavenly Daze, a five book series, was born.

The books have been out for some time, and as charming as they are, something far more than reader enjoyment has resulted from them. Heavenly Daze is a mythical island located off the coast of Maine, but it's also a real place. It dwells in the hearts of men and women who have bonded together in the spirit of Heavenly Daze . . . that is, in the Spirit of God.

Once the series came out, we established a yahoogroup for Heavenly Daze readers, and the site has been going strong for years. There are about 300 members, and on any given day they are sharing recipes, jokes, funny stories, and prayer requests. They may be separated by miles, even continents, but in their hearts, they are as close as the Wickam's parsonage is to the Heavenly Daze Community Church. They even have an annual reunion, where they meet in person to exchange hugs.

Heavenly Daze had a loss this week. It wasn't their first and it won't be their last, but as I watched these people come together to comfort, encourage, and pray, I couldn't help but stand amazed at what the Lord has done. He took two women, blessed their friendship and the work of their hearts, and used it to build a caring community that can and will make a difference for eternity. The writing work is done, but the ministry goes on and on.

Praise be to God for his glorious gifts. Thank you Father, for the ministry of Heavenly Daze. It is a real place, to be found wherever people carry the spirit of Heaven in their hearts.

Angie

www.heavenlydazeme.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/heavenlydaze/
By Angela on Friday, January 20, 2006 @ 11:46 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Linda G Says: 7:21 PM  

Angie, The Dazers all appreciate you
and Lori for writing the HD books.
Yes, this has been a hard week on the Island, but we grieve not as those who have no hope but look forward to that day when we have a HD Reunion in heaven.

 

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Jim Whitmire


Everyone needs a Jim Whitmire in his or her life. "Mr. Whitmire," as I knew him, was the minister of music at my church when I was a teenager. I have hundreds of memories from Merritt Island and most of them are affiliated in some way with Jim Whitmire and the music program. Because I am married now to a youth pastor, I’ve come to realize that while we didn’t have a youth pastor at Merritt Island in those years, we had Jim Whitmire and he functioned as a pastor in practically every area of our lives.

I remember a sign he had hanging in the choir room: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

I remember feeling my heart in my throat as I struggled to ring my handbell in the proper instant. A handbell choir with more than ten members was an insult to the music (fewer people is harder, but Mr. Whitmire assured us ten people should be able to handle anything), therefore we played a LOT of bells and a lot of notes . . . usually very quickly. He challenged us to do the near-impossible . . . and somehow, we rose to the occasion, though I was nail-biting nervous every time I slid on those white gloves.

I remember him asking us to consider what movies we went to see on Saturday night . . . because those were the thoughts that would follow us into worship on Sunday morning.
I remember him singing, “The love of God . . . is greater far, than tongue or pen can ever tell.” To this day, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing that song more eloquently.

I remember one Sunday in particular. I and a couple of friends had come in late, and we slipped into a pew down front while the youth choir was singing in the early Sunday morning service. During the benediction, Mr. Whitmire came down off the platform, leaned over the front pew, and caught our attention. “I want to see you in my office,” he said.

We—and I don’t remember exactly who was with me, though I have my suspicions—promptly went upstairs and took seats in Mr. Whitmire’s small office. He came in, opened his Bible to the last chapter of Hebrews, and read a single verse: “Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and now with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit” (Hebrews 13:17, NLT).

Mr. Whitmire proceeded to tell us that when we joined the choir, we made a commitment and effectively gave up our seats in the congregation. I don’t remember everything else he said, but I left feeling chastened and cared for, not brow-beaten. By reminding us that he watched over us in order to give a good account to God, Mr. Whitmire challenged us to do better, be stronger . . . and to get out of bed on time on Sunday mornings.

Those were the lessons of leadership, and I’m glad I learned them early, because they have followed me into adulthood, motherhood, and my “job” as a youth pastor’s wife. Thanks, Jim, for everything you taught me. I hope one day to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and hear “Well done” from Him . . . and catch a smile from you.

--Angela Hunt

P.S. Jim has recently retired as minister of music from Bellvue Baptist in Memphis, TN. I know they'll miss him!
By Angela on Thursday, January 19, 2006 @ 6:48 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Southern Girl Says: 4:11 PM  

I stumbled upon your blog when "googling" Jim Whitmire's name. He was MY minister of music at Bellevue until his retirement, and yes, we DO miss him enormously. I had the joy of hugging his neck just a couple of nights ago and telling him how much I missed him -- there will never be another Jim Whitmire. Thank you for your lovely tribute to him.

 
 
Blogger Bryan Says: 1:33 AM  

Jim Whitmire along with Adrian Rogers were the heartbeat and the passion of that church. He and all of his family are my friends even though I haven't talked to them in years. He was my minister of music and inspiration to do what I do best in ife.......Lighting Design. I so wish I knew now what I knew back then. The more you see, however, the less you know or so it seems. Jim, if you see this, please contact me..........J. Bryan Holcombe

 
 
Anonymous Jane Vineyard Says: 5:18 PM  

I knew Jim Whitmire when he was the Minister of Music at Merritt Island. He, along with Dr. Adrian Rogers were the spiritual leaders in many lives. I thank God for those early years (1966-1971) when my husband and I were members at FBMI. God is good!

 
 
Anonymous A very blessed FBC Jax choir member Says: 3:24 PM  

Jim Whitmire is now the Executive Minister of Music at my church, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida (Dr. Mac Brunson, Pastor). Although Jim has only been here for a short while, we already feel so blessed and excited to have him and his precious wife, Linda. We are so grateful to the Lord for Jim and his worshipful spirit, sincerity, genuineness, and great musicianship! We are surely a blessed choir, orchestra and congregation who the Lord has blessed with leading Jim and Linda Whitmire to FBC, Jacksonville! Praise the Lord!!!
www.fbcjax.com

 
 
Anonymous carolepiano Says: 10:32 PM  

Before Jim & Linda came to FBC, Jacksonville, we were DOUBLY BLESSED to have them at Germantown Baptist, in Germantown, TN. WHAT AN INSPIRATION! I am one of the pianists there and got to work closely with Dr. Whitmire and see him in action. But let me say this--he walks the talk in every aspect. When my daughter went into preterm labor & had her baby on Oct. 27th of 2006, and then he died 2 days later with a heart defect that we were unaware of, Dr. Whitmire was at the hospital that night after church to pray with us as a family. He is such a GIFT from God, and I feel honored to have had the chance to have any time working with him at GBC. GOD IS SO GOOD--and Dr. Whitmire, we miss you dearly at GBC! :o)

 
 
Blogger Frank Says: 1:00 PM  

I was in the Senior High-College Choir at First Baptist Merritt Island when Jim was Minister of Music, what a blessing to see him and Linda back in Florida leading music at First Bptist Jacksonville. If anyone out there can help me, I am looking also for the 1970 "Way of Gladness" tour choir record.
hiphopmurphy@aol.com
Thank you, Frank

 

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Another Writing Tip


Since when is it wrong to consider one’s market when writing a book? The writer who wants to be read--the writer who wants to even inadvertendly minister or teach or entertain or say "life is like this"--will certainly consider his/her reader in the writing process.

I was listening to a Sol Stein tape the other day. Just before my 20-year-old car’s tape player ate the tape, Mr. Stein had three people in the audience stand up. He pointed to one and said, “You’re the writer.” To the next he said, “You’re the book.” And to the third he said, “You’re the reader.” Then he told the “writer” to sit down, leaving the “book” and the “reader” standing.

His point? By the time the book gets to the reader, we’re done. We’re out of the picture.

If your editor or test reader asks a question and you find yourself saying something like, "You may not understand what's happening now, but you will by the time you get to chapter three--" well, that's a problem. Because you're not going to be around to say that when an editor or reader is plowing through your manuscript.

We had better do our best and think of our reader as we’re writing. We have to consider his needs (emotional, intellectual, and spiritual), his sensibilities, and his expectations. We can stretch him if we like, but we must think of him with every word we write because once we’re done, we’re gone.

Remember that. Mark it down. And don't ever believe that writers shouldn't write for the market they serve.

Angie
By Angela on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 @ 2:50 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Betsy Says: 12:54 AM  

On a previous post about issues dealt with issues in Christian Fiction. I don't know if this is going to be an ongoing list but here is a couple. Christmas Every Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren dealt with Alzheimer's. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols dealt with grief and the impact it has on a marriage. Deb Raney's A Vow to Cherish also with Alzheimer's. The title escapes me but Melody Carlson wrote a book about Crystal Meth addiction.

 
 
Anonymous Betsy Says: 12:56 AM  

Somebody mind and grammar has disappeared. Sorry about the major typo's

 

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The WIP Update


Photo: Regina, from the WIP

A couple of notes . . . first of all, the "Real Issues in Christian fiction" list is growing, so you might want to keep checking it. We write about real life, not usually to address a specific issue, but because the issues are THERE . . . as they are in life. Writers reflect the world we live in, and these are the issues we humans face.

THE ELEVATOR is coming. I'm either on the second or third draft, depending upon how you count (I wrote about half and started over, so I suppose this is really the second-and-a-half draft.) I'm at that stage where I know where the problems are--one character is pitifully underdeveloped, certain backstory passages have to go while more pivotal ones need to be included, and I still need to work on some technical aspects of the elevator. I also need to go back and check the senses--I like to include at least three in each scene (something to see, hear, taste, touch, or smell)--and I need to make sure that the interior monologue and even the vocabulary of each scene fits the character.

Gina is highly educated and rather literary--a bit of an elitist, actually.
Michelle is from West Virginia, and though she has polished herself to a shine, occasionally she slips back into mountain vernacular.
Isabel is Mexican and English is her second language. One tip I've learned--go easy on the contractions when you're writing dialogue/thoughts for folks who have English as a second language. It helps make the language seem just a little stilted.

In any case, even though this is only a 2.5 draft, I am still occasionally staring at one sentence for ten minutes, rewriting it, weighing it, trying on all kinds of words until I find the perfect fit. It's a 15-page a day pace, and I'm taking every available minute to do those 15 pages.

Now, time to fire up the computer so it can read yesterday's pages to me. My ear picks up a lot that my eye misses.

P.S. One note from the Bible reading challenge (Yep, I'm still on schedule): Is that dismembered concubine story not one of the strangest in the Bible?

Angie
By Angela on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 @ 10:49 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Michelle Says: 8:45 PM  

Hello, I'm a first time reader of your blog. I've read several of your books, and I've enjoyed them.

I'm leaving this comment because I've been intrigued by one of the characters in your WIP. You see, my name is also Michelle. While I am not from WV, I am from eastern Kentucky. My home county borders both Virginia and West Virginia.
In your short description of your Michelle, I see so much of myself. I too have tried to polish myself. I speak differently when I'm not in the mountains. I think about what I'm saying and how I'm pronouncing the words. Yet when I go home, I don't think, I just speak. My mom told me years ago that you can take a girl out of the mountains, but you can't take the mountains out of the girl. I didn't believe her when she first said those words to me, but since I've left home I've found them to be true.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading THE ELEVATOR.

 

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New Tech Terms to Use


Time Magazine had a wonderful collection of articles on the brain in the Jan. 16 edition. I've always been fascinated by the brain; in fact, I wanted to be a neurosurgeon at one point in my younger life. (I'm sure there are scores of medical school professors who are glad I chose another course.)

Anyhow—the article on multitasking included some new words that I thought you all might find interesting since they are likely to apply to anyone who's into blogging.

Screen sucking: wasting time online long after you have finished what you signed on to do. Ex: “I’d be done with my first draft if I hadn’t got caught up screen sucking.”

Frazzing: frantic, ineffective multitasking, typically with the delusion that you are getting a lot done. The quality of the work, however is poor.

(I need to teach my family that when I LOOK busy--doing many things at once--that's actually the best time to interrupt me. It's when I don't look busy--when I'm sitting very still staring at something--that's when I'm most occupied.)

Pizzled: How you feel when someone you’re with pulls out a cell phone or BlackBerry and uses it without an explanation or apology. A cross between p-o’d and puzzled.

Doomdart: the internal distraction of a forgotten task that pops into your mind when you are doing something else. A side effect of frazzing. (Oh, yeah . . . I know that one!)

Angie
By Angela on @ 9:40 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 11:49 PM  

I can relate to every single one of these!!

 

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Perplexing Questions


Yea! 24 is back on TV!

I'm sure you've seen these before, but they're worth another giggle. Ah, the wonder of words.
-------------------

Why are there flotation devices under plane seats instead of parachutes?

Why are cigarettes sold in gas stations when smoking is prohibited there?

Why do fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing?

Why isn't phonetic spelled the way it sounds?

If you can't drink and drive, why do you need a driver's license to buy liquor, and why do bars have parking lots?

Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime?

Have you ever imagined a world with no hypothetical situations?

How does the guy who drives the snowplow get to work in the mornings?

If a cow laughed real hard, would milk come out her nose?

If nothing ever sticks to TEFLON, how do they make TEFLON stick to the pan?

If you tied buttered toast to the back of a cat and dropped it from a height, what would happen?
If you're in a vehicle going the speed of light, what happens when you turn on the headlights?

Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad of the drive-up ATM?

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

Why isn't "palindrome" spelled the same way backwards?

Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo?

You know that little indestructible black box that is used on planes, why can't they make the whole plane out of the same substance?

Why is it that when you're driving and looking for an address, you turn down the volume on the radio?

If someone invented instant water, what would they mix it with?

Why is it called a TV "set" when you only get one?

Why does your nose run and your feet smell?

Why does an alarm clock "go off" when it begins ringing?

If pro is the opposite of con, is progress the opposite of congress?

Why does "cleave" mean both split apart and stick together?

Why is it, whether you sit up or sit down, the result is the same?

Why is it called a "building" when it is already built?

Why do they call them "apartments" (apart-ments) when they are all stuck together?

Why is there an expiration date on SOUR cream?

Why do flammable and inflammable mean the same thing?

How can someone "draw a blank"?

Shouldn't there be a shorter word for "monosyllabic"?

Why is the word "abbreviate" so long?

Why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

When they ship Styrofoam, what do they pack it in?

If 75% of all accidents happen within 5 miles of home, why not move 10 miles
away?

Why doesn't "onomatopoeia" sound like what it is?

Why do 'tug' boats push their barges?

Why do we sing 'Take me out to the ball game', when we are already there?

Why are they called 'stands' when they're made for sitting?

Does a fish get cramps after eating?

Why does "slow down" and "slow up" mean the same thing?

Why is it when two planes almost hit each other it is called a "near miss"? Shouldn't it be called a "near hit"?

What does Geronimo say when he jumps out of a plane?

Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

Angie
By Angela on Monday, January 16, 2006 @ 9:02 AM


for this post

 
Anonymous Anonymous Says: 11:48 PM  

I've actually never seen these--ha, they are great! Makes ya really think.

 

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Christian Fiction On the Cutting Edge


All right, I'm climbing on my soap box for a moment. If I hear one more time that Christian fiction is nothing but "precious moments" platitudes written only to make money, I think my head might explode. There is a persistent chorus of criticism leveled at our genre, claiming that Christian fiction is not "literature," is not "real," and does not really present sinful people in a fallen world. I beg to differ, and can only assume that this chorus of critics has not read Christian fiction in the last ten years. Therefore I will give these folks the benefit of the doubt and try to be kinder to them than they have been to the authors who are laboring in this field to present relevent topics and serve both God and their fellow man.

My friend Deb Raney has compiled a list of current Christian novels that deal with real-world problems and present real, flawed, even (gasp!) sinful people who are struggling to find grace in a fallen world. I am happy to offer this list to you, and please know that it is not exhaustive. There are dozens of real, excellently-written novels out there and more appearing every day. There are scores of dedicated Christian novelists who are publishing with both an ear to the reader to whom they want to minister and to the Lord whom they serve.
Social Issues in CBA Fiction

Abortion:
TEARS IN A BOTTLE, Sylvia Bambola (Multnomah)
THE ATONEMENT CHILD, Francine Rivers (Tyndale)
SHOWERS IN SEASON, Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Alcoholism/Drug Abuse:
BEYOND THE SHADOWS, Robin Lee Hatcher (Tyndale)
LOOKING FOR CASSANDRA JANE, Melody Carlson (Tyndale)
SHADOW OF DREAMS, Eva Marie Everson & G.W. Francis Chadwick (Promise Press/Barbour)
AN EMERALD BALLAD SERIES, B. J. Hoff (Bethany House Publishers)
AN AMERICAN ANTHEM SERIES, B. J. Hoff (WestBow)
Cancer/Breast Cancer:
AFTER ANNE, Roxanne Henke (Harvest House)
A TIME TO MEND, Angela Hunt (Steeple Hill)
HEALING QUILT, by Lauraine Snelling
SEASON OF BLESSING, Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
SEASIDE, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Domestic Violence:
SADIE'S SONG, Linda Hall (Multnomah)
SERENITY BAY, Bette Nordberg (Bethany House)
A NEST OF SPARROWS, Deborah Raney (WaterBrook Press)
CLOTH OF HEAVEN AND ASHES AND LACE, B. J. Hoff (Tyndale House Publishers)
EVIDENCE OF MERCY, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Drunk Driving:
THE LIVING STONE, Jane Orcutt (WaterBrook Press)
AFTER THE RAINS, Deborah Raney (WaterBrook Press)
WAITING FOR MORNING, Karen Kingsbury (Multnomah)
Homosexuality/AIDS:
TIGER LILLIE, Lisa Samson, WaterBrook Press)
SPRING RAIN, Gayle Roper (Multnomah)
A SEASON OF GRACE, Bette Nordberg (Harvest House)
Infertility:
THE LONG-AWAITED CHILD, Tracie Peterson (Bethany House)
LULLABY, Jane Orcutt (Tyndale)
IN A HEARTBEAT, Sally John (Harvest House)
ASHES AND LACE, B. J. Hoff (Tyndale House Publishers)
BREAKER'S REEF, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Infidelity/Divorce:
THE FORGIVING HOUR, Robin Lee Hatcher (WaterBrook Press)
THE SCARLET THREAD, Francine Rivers (Tyndale)
THE BREAKING POINT, Karen Ball (Multnomah)
REDEEMING LOVE, Francine Rivers (Multnomah)
BREACH OF PROMISE, James Scott Bell (Zondervan)
PRIVATE JUSTICE, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
TIMES AND SEASONS, Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
ULTERIOR MOTIVES, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Mental Illness/Depression/Suicide:
FINDING ALICE, Melody Carlson (WaterBrook Press)
SONGBIRD, Lisa Samson (Warner Faith)
WHEN JOY CAME TO STAY, Karen Kingsbury (Multnomah)
THE LIVING END, Lisa Samson (WaterBrook Press)
THE NOVELIST, Angela Hunt (WestBow Press)
CLOTH OF HEAVEN and ASHES AND LACE, B. J. Hoff (Tyndale House Publishers)
AN AMERICAN ANTHEM SERIES, B. J. Hoff (WestBow)
Pornography
LAST LIGHT, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Unplanned Pregnancy:
CHILD OF GRACE, Lori Copeland (Tyndale)
A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS, Karen Kingsbury (Multnomah)
CLOTH OF HEAVEN and ASHES AND LACE, B. J. Hoff (Tyndale House Publishers)
AN EMERALD BALLAD SERIES, B. J. Hoff (Bethany House Publishers)
FIRSTBORN, Robin Lee Hatcher (Tyndale House)
Rape/Incest/Sexual Abuse:
WHAT SHE LEFT FOR ME, Tracie Peterson (Bethany House)
WHEN YOU BELIEVE, Deborah Bedford (Warner Faith)
WHY THE SKY IS BLUE, Susan Meissner, (Harvest House)
MENDING PLACES, Denise Hunter (Howard)
THE ATONEMENT CHILD, Francine Rivers (Tyndale)
ANTONIA’S CHOICE, Nancy Rue (Multnomah)
IN THE STILL OF NIGHT, Deborah Raney (Bethany House)
A NEST OF SPARROWS, Deborah Raney (WaterBrook Press)
AFTON OF MARGATE CASTLE, Angela Hunt (Tyndale House)
AN EMERALD BALLAD SERIES, B. J. Hoff (Bethany House Publishers)
CLOTH OF HEAVEN and ASHES AND LACE, B. J. Hoff (Tyndale House Publishers)
A DISTANT MUSIC, B. J. Hoff (Harvest House Publishers)
JUSTIFIABLE MEANS, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Sexuality/Attraction
THE HIDDEN HEART, Jane Orcutt (WaterBrook)
Racism
TRIAL BY FIRE, Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
By Angela on Sunday, January 15, 2006 @ 9:15 AM


for this post

 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 12:29 PM  

Angela have you read any of those listed under "Infertility"? As I am the mother of two adopted children, that's something close to my heart.

 
 
Blogger Angela Says: 2:47 PM  

I have read "Lullaby" and found it excellent. And, as someone who has dealt with this issue herself, I've also written about it: a novella called "The Yellow Sock" which is included in the collection called "The Story Jar." It's only slightly fictionalized, but it's pretty much my story.

I have two adopted children, too. They are precious, but there are also challenges I never dreamed I'd face.

 
 
Anonymous BJ Says: 2:57 PM  

Borrowing the quote Jim Bell recently shared, which couldn't be more appropriate to this issue:

"Those big-shots could never dig the fact that there are more salted peanuts consumed than
caviar."

Could it be that peanuts simply taste better?

BJ

 
 
Anonymous Lyndsay Says: 11:10 PM  

I just suggested "Spring Rain" the other day to my pastor for his mom. He's got a brother who's gay and their mom struggles with how to love her son without compromising her convictions as a Christian. Gayle Roper handled the subject so well.

 
 
Blogger Dee Says: 3:56 AM  

Great information angela. I will definitely blog this back. I agree we aren't reading enough different writers within Christian Fiction.

However, I think part of that challenge is on the part of writers and publishing houses not promoting these books. If you walk into most Wal-marts, Lifeway and Family Stores there are the same authors that have been out for quite a while.

Although I understand the economics involved on the part of the publishers promoting their guaranteed best sellars, blogs like yours will help others to find these books that we seek. And open others eyes to the world of Christian Fiction.

 
 
Blogger Accidental Poet Says: 11:15 AM  

I haven't managed to write much about it. I have written a lot of "straight for the jugular" poetry but I can't get a handle on that one. The only thing I have is a very gutsy "keep the pen moving" kind of rant that is not in any way marketable, and yet I feel strongly that being transparent with our struggles is one of the reasons we're HERE.

 
 
Blogger Carrie Says: 6:28 PM  

Linda Nichols's books deal with some pretty heavy stuff:

"Not a Sparrow Falls" - suicide
"If I Gained the World" - divorce
"At the Scent of Water" - loss of a child, marital separation

 
 
Anonymous Pam D. Says: 10:51 AM  

I was just trying to categorize Linda Nichols' books in my mind, then read Carrie's comments, above. I've read each of Linda Nichols' books and I agree -- Linda is an anointed writer and does a great job with the