Just the other day I read Kendra by Coe Booth. This book taught me something I didn't know about the choices some young people are making when it comes to sex. As I read this painfully honest story, I was reminded of how my novel doesn't even touch on half of what teenagers are doing today. (Feel free to read the review I posted on Amazon.com) But mostly I thought about how important it is to make sure novels like mine - those that tackle the issue of teen sex - are available not just for teens to read but for their parents, because they really should be aware of the level of sexual activity among young people today.
So okay, I've said this before, but I feel the need to say it again. I wrote the first draft of Choices quite a while back. I was regretting choices I had made, so I wanted to write a story that would not only entertain young people but, hopefully, would motivate them to make better choices when it comes to sex. Like Angel, there are teenage girls allowing themselves to be used because they're so desperate for affection. Like LaKeeta, there are girls getting pregnant on purpose to have someone to love. Like Shauntice, there are girls who are sure they will not have sex until the wedding day, but stuff happens and... well, sometimes things are easier said than done. Like Hope, there are girls who are hurting and then there's a momentary lapse of reason and things get all messed up. If you're a teenage girl who can identify with one of these character's, then Choices was written especially for you.
Now Bridgette, she kinda gets on everybody's nerves with her judgmental self and I'd never want any girl to treat her friends the way Bridgette treats hers. But she does feel very strongly about abstaining from sex. She loves herself, knows what she wants and she is not going to let anyone compromise what she believes. So, honestly, if you don't identify with Bridgette's beliefs when you open the book, it is my deepest wish that you will at least be thinking more about abstaining from premarital sex by the time you finish the story. What can I say? I'm a child of God and He wants me to use my talents for His glory. If I can bring positive change to the lives of the Angels, LaKeetas, Hopes, and even the Shauntices of this world, then my writing has not been in vain.
To everyone who has purchased a copy of my young adult novel, thanks so very much for your support. I haven't heard many thoughts about the story, though, and I'd really like to. So whether you're a teen or a parent, whether it's positive feedback or constructive criticism, if you've read Choices please feel free to comment.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Are You A Child of God?
It's been quite a while since I stepped into the vestibule of my home church, Shiloh Baptist in York, PA, took the stairs to the balcony and sat where I knew I'd be able to see the Pastor clearly. But in all of the years I've been away there is one memory that keeps coming back to me. Not every single Sunday but on occasion there was a song the choir sang as they made their way into the sanctuary. I don't remember all of the lyrics. In fact, the only words I do remember are the ones that are the most important - "To be God's children you must be born again!"
So many times I have heard people say that we're all God's children, referring to each and every human being, and every time I hear it I am so saddened that these people really believe they're speaking the truth. What's more disappointing is that there are Christians who seem to believe we are all God's children and not too long ago I was reading "Christian fiction" and a Christian character said those very words. This statement is not the truth.
Holy Bible (New Living Translation)
John 1:6-13 God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world. But although the world was made through Him, the world didn't recognize Him when He came. Even in His own land and among His own people, He was not accepted. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan- this rebirth comes from God.
John 11:52 It was a prediction that Jesus' death would be not for Israel only, but for the gathering together of all the children of God scattered around the world.
1 John 3:1 See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are His children.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9 For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
Romans 3:22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Romans 8:16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children.
Every human being was created by God (Colossians 1:16) and He loves all of us (John 3:16) but the only way to be a child of God, to be adopted into His eternal family (Romans 8:15), to have the Spirit of God (also known as the third person of the Trinity or the Holy Spirit) live in you - God does not live in everybody, so please don't believe that lie - is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. This is what's called being saved or being reborn or born again; it's a spiritual rebirth. So, are you a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, a true believer? Are you a child of God? If so, praise the Lord! If not, please take to heart all that you have read and consider surrendering your life to Jesus, who died on the cross for your sins and mine.
So many times I have heard people say that we're all God's children, referring to each and every human being, and every time I hear it I am so saddened that these people really believe they're speaking the truth. What's more disappointing is that there are Christians who seem to believe we are all God's children and not too long ago I was reading "Christian fiction" and a Christian character said those very words. This statement is not the truth.
Holy Bible (New Living Translation)
John 1:6-13 God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world. But although the world was made through Him, the world didn't recognize Him when He came. Even in His own land and among His own people, He was not accepted. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan- this rebirth comes from God.
John 11:52 It was a prediction that Jesus' death would be not for Israel only, but for the gathering together of all the children of God scattered around the world.
1 John 3:1 See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! But the people who belong to this world don't know God, so they don't understand that we are His children.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9 For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.
Romans 3:22 We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.
Romans 8:16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children.
Every human being was created by God (Colossians 1:16) and He loves all of us (John 3:16) but the only way to be a child of God, to be adopted into His eternal family (Romans 8:15), to have the Spirit of God (also known as the third person of the Trinity or the Holy Spirit) live in you - God does not live in everybody, so please don't believe that lie - is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. This is what's called being saved or being reborn or born again; it's a spiritual rebirth. So, are you a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, a true believer? Are you a child of God? If so, praise the Lord! If not, please take to heart all that you have read and consider surrendering your life to Jesus, who died on the cross for your sins and mine.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I Visited Atlanta, GA For One Specific Reason
I was in Atlanta for the first time this past weekend. I've heard a lot about how nice it is there, how there's plenty to do, but that wasn't my reason for going. I have been feeling pretty strongly about not taking things for granted ever since August 2007 when I was in the hospital. My husband drove 6 hrs so I could be seated in Dr. Charles Stanley's church on Mother's Day. I have the upmost respect for this man of God. I have listened to his teachings for years and I always wanted to hear him teach in person, walk inside his church, sit in his sanctuary. And, let me tell you, it was so cool to see him in the flesh instead of on my television screen. Kinda sounds like I'm idolizing, I know, but I'm really not. I idolize no man or thing. But there are people I do admire and Dr. Charles Stanley tops that list.
Since it was Mother's Day, the message was about training up a child. I took notes as I always do when I attend church, and I'd like to share them. Dr. Stanley spoke and I kept on writing even if he didn't say to write this down. I'm sure I missed a few things, but this is what I have in my notebook:
Every child is a gift from God
We're raising children in a warfare. The enemy (Satan) has them targeted and if they're not raised well they will be destroyed by the wicked
Since it was Mother's Day, the message was about training up a child. I took notes as I always do when I attend church, and I'd like to share them. Dr. Stanley spoke and I kept on writing even if he didn't say to write this down. I'm sure I missed a few things, but this is what I have in my notebook:
Every child is a gift from God
We're raising children in a warfare. The enemy (Satan) has them targeted and if they're not raised well they will be destroyed by the wicked
Do not let anyone undermine your faith
Proverbs 22:6 - Train (dedicate yourself to that child) up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it
If you don't train your child someone else will - deal with your children with purpose and a sense of direction
Doesn't say train them all the same way (referring to those who have more than one child) - each child is different; can't pull them all into the same mold
Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (verse 7 is especially important)
Continually talk to your children about Jesus, teach them diligently - our relationship to God should dominate every aspect of our lives
Christians are to live by the Word of God - demonstrate the life of Christ
It's our spirit, our desire; not how much we know as far as quoting Bible verses
Have a heart for your children
Generation of technically minded children, but a lot of them need Jesus
Don't give your kids everything they want, but what they need - love & attention. Parents have an awesome responsiblity; a kid who feels unloved never knows where he/she is going. Love is a powerful thing. When children don't feel it they will find some way to fill that void.
Don't just pass on information, give of yourself
Teach children to love and obey, discipline them because you love them
The Bible is God's authority, not just another book - it is the Word of God Christians should live by
A Godly mother wants the best for her child and she will sacrifice not even seeing it as a sacrifice.
Do not be careless with the most precious thing God has put in your hands.
Training Up Children
1. Spend quality (wisely invested) time with your child
2. Listen carefully to what they say
3. Admit when you're wrong - it will not lessen or degrade you; we're all wrong at some point
4. Love them unconditionally (because they know the difference)
5. Discipline them motivated by a desire to protect, not because you're angry -
do not allow Satan to take you down
6. Motivate them (so that they desire to do their best, be their best)
7. Carefully lead them to accept the truth that they are accountable to God -
do not give them any reason to rebel against you.
8. A personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing - make sure they know this
9. Spending time with God every day on their knees (honoring God) is necessary
10.God has a plan for their lives
11. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him
Lord willing, this won't be the last time I visit Atlanta. I went with my husband and youngest son this time. Next time I hope my oldest will be able to join us. We plan to stay longer than just the weekend. We may visit the aquarium and whatever else I really don't know (if you have any suggestons feel free to leave a comment), but we certainly will visit First Baptist Atlanta again.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time To Get Serious About the Next Book
When I published Choices I hoped to get a lot of emails from readers telling me what they thought of the story. I've read reviews and I've heard from a few people, but I haven't recieved many emails. I've gotten some, though. The one I found in spam this week did my heart good, so I'm glad I always take the time to check that folder. This person loved my book and wants me to let her know when I'm finished with the next one. My nephew, who loves to read, is my biggest supporter and he has asked this question many times.
I have bits and pieces of the next book here and there. There are typewritten pages in a binder and handwritten chapters in two different composition books. I started the story some time last year. I was on a roll for a while there, but then it got to where I worked on it when the mood hit me. Well, now that I think of it, I did get out paper and pen at times when I wasn't really in the mood to write. Characters got to having discussions and scenerios just popped up, so I had to write what was in my head before I forgot what was going on. These are the chapters in the composition books, and let me tell you, my girl, Angel, is still a handful. Choices is so intense at times - domestic violence, an angry teen with a bat he does not plan to use on the baseball field, girls fightin' over a guy and, sadly, an acquaintance rape - that I really don't want a whole lot of drama in the next book, but Angel and Randy still have their issues so I just don't know what she might do. I responded to a reader's email a while back and told her that Angel might have to beat down Randy, and she probably could, but we'll see.
Okay, so back to the writing. One thing about publishing my own work is that I don't have to answer to anyone. Having someone else deal with the whole publishing process while I focus on writing would be nice, and gettin' paid would be great, but that's just not where I'm at right now. And to not have anyone telling me when to get what done - rushing the whole creative process - or having me make changes to my story that may not be in my heart to make, that's what I do like about publishing my own work. So, I'm free to move at my own pace. I've been thinking for a while now that it'd be nice to have the next book published this year, and I even mentioned to some that it might be, but I must confess I haven't been doing much to make that happen. Then last week I had to sit down for a moment and remind myself why I published Choices in the first place. God gave me a talent to write and I wanted to use it for His glory by putting a story out there that wouldn't only entertain but one He could use to bless young people, parents and whoever else reads my book. So since this is not about me at all, I guess I really need to stop messing around. Who knows what God will have me write in the next book that will help someone? All I know is that if I don't write it, they can't be blessed by it.
So I decided to get serious about this second book in the trilogy and give myself a deadline. I'm not a person to sit at the computer for hours and hours at a time, so a couple days ago I bought myself three composition books. I'm going to sit in my favorite spot in my living room or I might sit out on the porch when it's not too hot or maybe even go to the beach (don't do that much but I might) and I'm going to finish what I started. I know I'm going to have to go back to Choices to make sure there are no contradictions, because I seriously do not remember everything I wrote in my debut novel. I'll write the rest of the chapters long hand, then take myself to the computer, type it all and save it on a USB flash drive. I plan to let it sit for a few days, maybe even a week or two, and then I'll print it out and read it from page one to the end, making necessary changes.
Like I said before, I haven't heard from many readers, but for anyone who's interested, I really would like to have the next book released by December. That's another good thing about publishing my own work; it is possible to have a finished product by the end of the year.
I have bits and pieces of the next book here and there. There are typewritten pages in a binder and handwritten chapters in two different composition books. I started the story some time last year. I was on a roll for a while there, but then it got to where I worked on it when the mood hit me. Well, now that I think of it, I did get out paper and pen at times when I wasn't really in the mood to write. Characters got to having discussions and scenerios just popped up, so I had to write what was in my head before I forgot what was going on. These are the chapters in the composition books, and let me tell you, my girl, Angel, is still a handful. Choices is so intense at times - domestic violence, an angry teen with a bat he does not plan to use on the baseball field, girls fightin' over a guy and, sadly, an acquaintance rape - that I really don't want a whole lot of drama in the next book, but Angel and Randy still have their issues so I just don't know what she might do. I responded to a reader's email a while back and told her that Angel might have to beat down Randy, and she probably could, but we'll see.
Okay, so back to the writing. One thing about publishing my own work is that I don't have to answer to anyone. Having someone else deal with the whole publishing process while I focus on writing would be nice, and gettin' paid would be great, but that's just not where I'm at right now. And to not have anyone telling me when to get what done - rushing the whole creative process - or having me make changes to my story that may not be in my heart to make, that's what I do like about publishing my own work. So, I'm free to move at my own pace. I've been thinking for a while now that it'd be nice to have the next book published this year, and I even mentioned to some that it might be, but I must confess I haven't been doing much to make that happen. Then last week I had to sit down for a moment and remind myself why I published Choices in the first place. God gave me a talent to write and I wanted to use it for His glory by putting a story out there that wouldn't only entertain but one He could use to bless young people, parents and whoever else reads my book. So since this is not about me at all, I guess I really need to stop messing around. Who knows what God will have me write in the next book that will help someone? All I know is that if I don't write it, they can't be blessed by it.
So I decided to get serious about this second book in the trilogy and give myself a deadline. I'm not a person to sit at the computer for hours and hours at a time, so a couple days ago I bought myself three composition books. I'm going to sit in my favorite spot in my living room or I might sit out on the porch when it's not too hot or maybe even go to the beach (don't do that much but I might) and I'm going to finish what I started. I know I'm going to have to go back to Choices to make sure there are no contradictions, because I seriously do not remember everything I wrote in my debut novel. I'll write the rest of the chapters long hand, then take myself to the computer, type it all and save it on a USB flash drive. I plan to let it sit for a few days, maybe even a week or two, and then I'll print it out and read it from page one to the end, making necessary changes.
Like I said before, I haven't heard from many readers, but for anyone who's interested, I really would like to have the next book released by December. That's another good thing about publishing my own work; it is possible to have a finished product by the end of the year.
Friday, March 13, 2009
True Love Waits
Moments ago while visiting an online community I replied to a statement about adults being afraid to talk about sex. It's been a good while since I posted anything here, so I decided to share my answer with anyone who takes the time to stop by my blog. Thanks for that, by the way. You are so kind ;)
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An expression of love between a man and a woman who are married, an act that helps them to develop intimacy with one another – this is why God created sex. It’s called “making love” and that is nothing to be ashamed of. But through the years mankind took it and twisted it every whichaway, calling it everything but the intimate connection it is meant to be. What God created has been distorted because the flesh (human nature) wants to live by its own standards; sometimes selfish, sometimes ignorant. Now sex seems to be something people are embarrassed about when it’s supposed to be a perfectly natural part of “married life”. This is not good. A person is a virgin by choice and there must be something wrong? This is not good. There are men who use sex to control women; degrade and hurt them, even. This is not good. There are women who use it to get what they want from a man, even in marriage. There is another word for that – prostitution. This is not good. Some parents don’t talk to their kids because they just don’t know how to go about it. Their parents didn’t talk to them, afterall. Or they may think it’s best to just avoid the subject so they won’t put ideas in their kids heads, not realizing that this one important conversation could help that son or daughter decide to wait until marriage the way God intended. True love is patient and kind and it does not seek to please itself (1 Corinthians 13) – in other words, true love waits. If someone would had explained that to me years ago I don’t believe I would have made choices I immediately regretted. Parents, please talk to your preteens and teens about sex. And if you don’t know what to say find someone who does. There are a lot of “True Love Waits” programs these days.
An expression of love between a man and a woman who are married, an act that helps them to develop intimacy with one another – this is why God created sex. It’s called “making love” and that is nothing to be ashamed of. But through the years mankind took it and twisted it every whichaway, calling it everything but the intimate connection it is meant to be. What God created has been distorted because the flesh (human nature) wants to live by its own standards; sometimes selfish, sometimes ignorant. Now sex seems to be something people are embarrassed about when it’s supposed to be a perfectly natural part of “married life”. This is not good. A person is a virgin by choice and there must be something wrong? This is not good. There are men who use sex to control women; degrade and hurt them, even. This is not good. There are women who use it to get what they want from a man, even in marriage. There is another word for that – prostitution. This is not good. Some parents don’t talk to their kids because they just don’t know how to go about it. Their parents didn’t talk to them, afterall. Or they may think it’s best to just avoid the subject so they won’t put ideas in their kids heads, not realizing that this one important conversation could help that son or daughter decide to wait until marriage the way God intended. True love is patient and kind and it does not seek to please itself (1 Corinthians 13) – in other words, true love waits. If someone would had explained that to me years ago I don’t believe I would have made choices I immediately regretted. Parents, please talk to your preteens and teens about sex. And if you don’t know what to say find someone who does. There are a lot of “True Love Waits” programs these days.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Brandy Is Back!!!!
I used to watch Brandy on the shows "Thea" and "Moesha". I've always liked her. I have a few of her albums and I was so glad when I heard she had another one coming out. When I saw it available to pre-order on Amazon I did not hesitate to add it to my cart. But then not knowing how long I had to wait for it to arrive, I got another one on the day it dropped. This young lady is a gifted artist and I love to listen to her sing. I like every song on this album; especially Right Here (Departed), Human and A Capella (Something's Missing). I could hold onto both of the albums I bought (keep one in the house, one in the car) but I've decided to part with one so someone else can be blessed by the powerful lyrics Miss Brandy sings.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Shia LaBeouf
I love to watch movies on dvd and I have a lot of them, which include Sidney Poitier, Henry Fonda and James Stewart collections. In my opinion, these men are Hollywood’s best actors of all time. I don't go to the movie theaters much, but I get there every now and then. Yesterday my husband and I went to see Eagle Eye. Today I have gathered my Shia LaBeouf movies to include them in my special collection. This fine young man is an extremely talented actor!
I remember when my son used to watch Even Stevens. Shia played Louis Stevens in that Disney Channel show years ago and won a Daytime Emmy Award for the role. Now he’s entertaining viewers on the big screen. Of course, I have no idea what’s going on with him personally, but from what I've seen he had no problem transitioning from television to film.
Holes, The Greatest Game Ever Played, I,Robot, Disturbia, Transformers, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Eagle Eye are the movies I’ve watched - Shia LaBeouf did a great job in every one of them!
I remember when my son used to watch Even Stevens. Shia played Louis Stevens in that Disney Channel show years ago and won a Daytime Emmy Award for the role. Now he’s entertaining viewers on the big screen. Of course, I have no idea what’s going on with him personally, but from what I've seen he had no problem transitioning from television to film.
Holes, The Greatest Game Ever Played, I,Robot, Disturbia, Transformers, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Eagle Eye are the movies I’ve watched - Shia LaBeouf did a great job in every one of them!
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