Introvert

Sentences don't always flow smoothly from my brain to my mouth
But all is well when putting words down on paper
I'd like to be comfortable socializing with others
But something makes me pull away
Is this learned behavior
Or was I born this way

Recovery Road

Recovery Road is a new television series on abcfamily (soon to be called Freeform) based on the YA novel by Blake Nelson. After arriving at school with a high blood alcohol level, Maddie Graham (Jessica Sula) must spend ninety days at Springtime Meadows, a residential out-patient treatment facility. Thinking no phone and a curfew will be a problem, Maddie, who is in denial about her addiction, will learn that there are bigger challenges ahead.

I watched the first three episodes On Demand. I have seen all characters in present day and some in flashbacks, which made the show more interesting. I realize that Maddie is the main focus and I care about this character, but I'm hoping to be filled in on Trish Collins' (Kyla Pratt) backstory. I want to know all she's been through. She's perky and likable. I really want to see this girl accomplish the one important goal she talks about. Yes, I have found my favorite character.

The show is tackling serious issues. All of the residents of Springtime Meadows are dealing with more than alcohol and drug addiction. I plan on watching every episode to see how all of their lives turn out.

Too Much Profanity In Some Young Adult Fiction

I like to read YA Fiction. Some of the stories have way too much profanity, even more these days than I've noticed before. So much that maybe there should be a rating on the cover. The F-Bomb. I don't like to hear it. I don't like to see it. It seems to me these authors are using this vulgar word and others as fillers. Or maybe they think profanity makes the story more believable? I know there are teens who use bad language, but how about this - don't include it, showing readers there is a better way of communicating.

Morning Thoughts

Why care so much about appearances
Inside is what matters most
She can't afford expensive clothes
But she has a heart of gold
Beautiful landscaping, house painted just right, a decorative knocker on a pretty red door
But there's lots of fussin' and fightin' in the place, nobody getting along, not one happy face
It's good to look our best,  not keeping things in such a mess
But why care too much about the outside
When what's inside needs to be fixed

Nick at Nite's Instant Mom Is A Good Family Comedy

                                           

Instant Mom is a family comedy starring Tia Mowry-Hardrict (Stephanie), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Maggie) and Michael Boatman (Charlie). The cast also includes three talented young people: Tylen Jacob Williams (James), Sydney Park (Gabby) and Damarr Calhoun (Aaron).

Stephanie is twenty-five. Her husband, Charlie, has been married before and he has three children. Stephanie knows very little about parenting, but she's doing her best to be a good stepmother. She's learning as she goes and when she doesn't get something quite right, her mother, Maggie, does not hesitate to lend a helping hand - if Stephanie wants to accept it or not.

I first heard about this sitcom while watching an episode of Tia and Tamera on The Style Network. Tia had decided not to return to BET's The Game. I could see it was a difficult choice for her to make and I felt for her. Not too long after, she received a call from her manager about this role. For a little while there it looked like Instant Mom wasn't going to happen for Tia, but she eventually got the good news. She was extremely happy, of course, and I was happy for her.

I usually add a pilot to my library because it's free ($2.99 isn't much to pay for a HD episode, but free is so much better:), but I paid for this one because I like Tia, and it's a nice family show. Tia is doing a good job as Stephanie, and Michael Boatman's performance is very good. It's a pleasure to watch Sheryl Lee Ralph (I like Maggie's humorous words of wisdom). I like Aaron (Damarr is a little cutie) and James (Tylen is as good an actor as his brother, Tyler, who played Chris in Chris Rock's sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris"). And Gabby (Sydney Park): I like that her presence is nothing like some other television shows; the ones with teens who show their parents no respect at all, the ones that make me say to the TV screen, "C'mon, now. Who's the adult and who's the child?"

Instant Mom entertains while putting important messages out there for the viewers. What happens between scenes reminds me of TBS's 2010 sitcom "Are We There Yet", so I was thinking it would be nice if something different, more original, was going on there. But that's a small thing. I like this show. I've watched this episode twice and I look forward to the remaining episodes of Season One

Valentine's Day: A Holiday That Celebrates Love

I Love You - These words are spoken to spouses, sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, girlfriends, boyfriends, friends, best friends... Some use the word 'love' like they know what it means, but it's obvious by their actions that they have no clue.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is not always easy. Love is serious business. Love takes work.

I look at 1 Corinthians 13 and confess that I have stuff to work on - the 'keeping no record of wrongs', in particular. Especially when the wrong doing didn't just anger me, but hurt me to my heart. How about you?

Christmas Angel (2012) starring Della Reese, Tamera Mowry-Housely, Teri Polo and Kevin Sorbo

Olivia Mead and her classmates have been given an assignment to give oral reports about their impossible Christmas wish. Olivia's wish is for someone else, and she also wants to help other children's wishes come true. Is the run down house in the neighborhood a wishing house? Is it occupied by an angel who will grant these wishes?


I've been in the mood to watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music for a couple weeks now. I heard about this movie while watching Tia & Tamera's reality show on Style Network. I looked forward to seeing it for two reasons: It is a Christmas movie. And watching Tia & Tamera has shown me how hard Tamera has worked to be cast in a television show or movie. When she announced on her reality show that she got the part, I was very happy for her.

Christmas Angel cast: Teri Polo (Melinda Mead), Kevin Sorbo (Nathan Davis), Della Reese (Elsie), Tamera Mowry-Housley (Daphney Conroy), Jaiden Kaine (Jeb Conroy), Izabela Vidovic (Olivia Mead), Tyler Humphrey (Lucas Conroy), Lisa Arnold (Mrs. Bell), Rob Boltin (Mr. Brennan), Toby Nichols (Bully). It was nice to see Della Reese after so many years. And child actor Izabela Vidovic - this little lady is talented.

It seems most Christmas movies are about Santa and reindeer and elves and magical things. I'm okay with those; I like make believe. Wishes are granted in this movie, but not in any magical way (I'll leave it at that, don't want to tell too much). Christmas Angel is a film I really enjoyed more than most, because characters believed in God. It was nice to see praying at the dinner table and at bedtime and to hear Scripture quoted.

My favorite characters: Olivia (She was an intelligent little girl and she made me smile) and Elsie (Her story was interesting and she gave me things to think about).

My favorite line: Some things only God can do. Only God knows how to help.

Christmas Angel is a good family movie. Yes, there is one child bullying another; however, the way it was done I felt bad for the child being bullied, of course, but I also felt bad for the bully - the reason for his actions is clear. Also, there's a beautiful song playing during the closing credits - Mandisa is singing `Somebody's Angel'. I highly recommend this film!!

Goodbye, Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith died this morning at the age of 86. I am so saddened by this news. I know I didn't know Mr. Griffith personally, but that did not keep me from shedding tears when I found out he was gone. I loved his work - The Andy Griffith Show, Matlock and one of my most favorite movies, No Time For Sergeants (Don Knotts is also in this classic film, and I believe that's when he and Andy first met). I thank Andy Griffith for sharing his talent; he made me laugh quite often and I always appreciate a good laugh. May God comfort his family and friends and give them strength during this difficult time.

Soon after I heard the news, I had to watch Brad Paisley's music video, Waiting on a Woman, and I'd like to share it just in case you haven't seen it.

Christian Erotica?

I saw the words ‘Christian Erotica’ the other day and I have not been able to get those words out of my mind. I even took the time to Google these two words - that don’t go together at all, in my opinion – to find out what’s going on... who in the world came up with this? Of course, in searching the word ‘erotica’ nude photos appeared; I expected that. Why? Because – whether you put the word ‘Christian’ in front or not – erotica is pornography. The definition of erotica: books, pictures, etc. having to do with or intended to arouse sexual feelings or desires. The definition of pornography: writings, pictures, etc. intended primarily to arouse sexual desire.

What about this fiction called ‘Christian Erotica’? After a bit of research, moral erotica vs. immoral erotica is what it all boils down to. It seems those who write these stories want to give Christian married couples erotica they can enjoy reading. It seems they want to enrich the sexual lives of these Christian couples. So, writing a story detailing sex acts of a married couple makes erotica a good thing, because the characters are Christians and the story is aimed at Christians? Christian Erotica is considered moral, but these stories are intended primarily to arouse sexual desire, and, again, that is pornography. Actually, I came across the words Christ-centered porn, and I didn’t know what to think about that. I wonder what Jesus thinks about that? Some bring up the Song of Solomon to justify Christian Erotica. I’ve never read it, but I’ve read different interpretations that lead me to believe the meaning of those 117 verses in the Bible is much deeper than sexual love.

God gave us the gift of sex. His plan was not for people to engage in premarital sex, but for married couples – one man and one woman joined together in holy matrimony – to join together in this intimate (most private and personal, closely aquainted or associated) way. Intimate is key here. Some couples are okay with sexual aids, but my thinking is this: If a married couple, Christian or not, has to read erotica to aid in sexual arousal, then when their bodies join together are they making love (expressing a genuine love for each other) or just having sex for physical pleasure? I believe the latter is the case, and there is nothing intimate about that. Yes, there is physical pleasure in love making, but there should also be a real feeling of closeness, a connection that is not there when ONLY physical pleasure is being sought. Physical pleasure alone is usually about her or him (self-gratification), not him and her as ONE. Mark 10:8 and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, 9 let no one separate them, for God has joined them together (New Living Translation).

I don’t believe God intended for married couples to ‘have sex’ without intimacy, and intimacy begins outside of the bedroom:

1. Married couples need to talk to each other - not at each other - and they need to listen to each other. In other words, they need to communicate. Honest - speaking the truth in love - communication is necessary in marriage. Depending on the discussion, sometimes during communication a ‘moment’ happens that could lead to sexual intimacy.

2. Married couples need to spend time together; either doing things they both enjoy or one caring enough to do what the other wants and vice versa. Spending time together -having fun and enjoying each other - could lead to sexual intimacy.

3. Married couples need to respect each other, and each should appreciate the ‘good’ the other brings to the relationship. Taking time to focus on what’s ‘right’ instead of always thinking about what’s wrong with a spouse, could help one married person feel close to the other and this could lead to sexual intimacy.

I’m sure there are more ways for married couples to get to a place of closeness that could lead to sexual intimacy or ‘intimate love making’ without an outside influence like porn, whether it’s online, in a movie or a television show, or in a book.

As for books, we all have our different reading tastes and here is mine: I read mostly Christian Fiction, Young Adult Fiction (Christian Fiction or not), and I read secular novels, depending on the story. Recently I have decided to expand my horizons and read Paranormal; again, depending on the story. No Horror, no Gritty novels (there were times when I did not expect gritty, but got gritty), no stories about vampires or werewolves or monsters, and no Erotica – if the word ‘Christian’ is in front of it or not.

Madea's Big Happy Family Movie Review

Shirley (Loretta Devine) has been fighting cancer for about seven years, but it hasn't gotten her down. She's thanking God for the days she's had and accepting what is to come. All she wants more than anything is to sit down at a nice dinner with her adult children so they will all be together when she tells them the sad news.

Madea's Big Happy Family sends much needed messages to husbands and wives, battling siblings, bad behind children, teenage single parents... any family dealing with sensitive issues, disrespecting each other and keeping secrets. There were `zany' parts in this movie - I can deal with zany for a little bit, but it gets on my nerves after a while - but there were also quite a few touching and eye-opening moments. The first time I saw this movie was in the theater. The Opening Credits shows like an animated mini-movie, so I was entertained even before the movie began. My main thought after the movie was that families really need to stop wasting time and taking each other for granted. A sequel would be nice, because I would like to know what happens with Kimberly's (Shannon Kane) situation.

Favorite Character: Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis) - she's honest, bold and witty.
Favorite Line: You don't feel bad for me. You feel bad for somebody who don't know Jesus.
Favorite Scenes: Something's Got to Give/Look in the Mirror

I appreciate the fact that Mr. Perry brings humor into people's lives. I've always seen the ability to make others laugh as one of the most precious gifts a person could have. This world needs more happiness; I know I could use a good laugh daily. Mr. Perry has created a character or two who can be a little over the top - zany - but as a whole I enjoy his work. Laughter is only one thing his films bring to my life. What I like most is the lessons he teaches with his movies. When she's not acting crazy and going off on people, Madea shares words of wisdom that can reach my heart like a good Bible teaching. (Don't ask her about The Bible, though, because she is not very good at interpreting Scripture). And even when Madea doesn't play a part in a movie, somebody is going to say something thought-provoking. I don't have many of Mr. Perry's plays on DVD, but I do own every movie. I will continue to support his work.

Book Covers

I believe a book cover should be a reflection of the story inside, so, yes, I do judge books by the covers. Sometimes that works for me and sometimes it doesn't. I don't decide to buy a book just because the beautifully designed cover has drawn me to it. I read the synopsis and if it interests me, then I buy the book. Well, not always right away. I still have so many books saved in my Amazon cart.

Some covers have been deceiving; a book that's nice on the outside but inside there's lots of profanity and other content I didn't expect or care to read. I do not like it when the cover misrepresents the content. There have also been times when the story wasn't what I thought it would be, even after reading the synopsis. I buy most books from Amazon, but I also buy books from Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million. From now on no matter where I shop, I'm going to have to 'search inside the book' to be sure it's one I really want to spend my money on.

The cover image in the corner is one that immediately caught my eye, and some others are: Sellout (Hardcover) by Ebony Joy Wilkins, Stars in the Night (Softcover) by Cara C. Putman, A Girl Named Mister (Hardcover) by Nikki Grimes, Hot Girl by Dream Jordan, Black Tuesday (Hardcover) by Susan Colebank, Saving Maddie (Hardcover) by Varian Johnson, Be Careful What You Pray For (Hardcover) by Kimberla Lawson Roby, After (Hardcover) by Amy Efaw, and Night Road (Hardcover) by Kristin Hannah.

Self Diagnosis: Uncomfortable, But Necessary

I’ve always been able to communicate better with the written word. Paper, pencils, pens, typewriter keys and now computer keys have always been my friends. And music is my friend; especially songs with uplifting lyrics. And movies on DVD and Blu-ray are my friends. But when it comes to people, it’s like I want to socialize but the thought of socializing brings on anxiety. I’d like to make a new friend or two, but the thought of those unfamiliar to me coming into my space brings on discomfort. It’s like I’m thinkin’ come and stay away from me at the same time. Sounds weird, I know. But this is how I am, been that way for a long time and it’s what I do not like about myself.

This isolation mentality is not normal. A little while back I finally asked God, “What is wrong with me?” It may have been a few weeks after that I came across an article about Avoidant Personality Disorder. I read it and I said, “My goodness, that’s me. Some of the symptoms aren’t as extreme as they were when I was younger, but that’s me.” I grew up in a household where there was always confusion and chaos. I grew up being criticized quite a bit. I was bullied in grade school and in middle school, verbal abuse mostly. Some didn’t like my light skin, some made fun of the way I walked (I have my mom’s bowed legs and my dad’s slew feet), and some always had something to say about how skinny I was. Back then it was ‘stick and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you’. Yeah, right. That’s a lie from the pit of hell. WORDS CAN HURT and it took me a long time to get over some of the things that were said to me. No wonder I had low self-esteem. Not that I even knew it at the time, like I didn’t know that I suffered from clinical depression when I was around seventeen, eighteen. People didn’t talk about those things back then the way they do today. I heard the symptoms of clinical depression a good while back and that’s when I knew what had been happening with me all those years ago. If you have a child suffering from depression, please don’t think it’s something they can just get over. Take it seriously; find out what’s going on with them and seek help. I hear about young people taking their own lives and it breaks my heart.

I am still shy today, but not extremely shy. I am not a people person; I have trust issues. I’ve been trying to work at being comfortable around others. I participated in a couple of book events since I published Choices and it wasn’t easy for me, but I communicated with people, even waved them over to my table. When I’m out and about I always have promotional materials with me and I kindly ask people if they’d like a pen or if I could give them a bookmark. Before I published Choices, I was okay with a smile and a quick hello even if I didn’t know the person, but now I’m like ‘God’s just gonna make me talk’. I understand Him wanting to get me out of my comfort zone; not much growth comes from staying in a place where I keep to myself all of the time. We all have our gifts, though, and writing is the gift God has given me. I know I wouldn’t be very good as a public speaker, so Choices is my way of reaching out. I wrote a good story, if I say so myself. If you haven’t journeyed through the lives of Shauntice, Angel, LaKeeta, Bridgette and Hope, please consider buying a copy of Choices today. I do believe you will be entertained and enlightened and I’d truly appreciate the support.

Tyler Perry as Madea: Do I Have A Problem With It?

Years ago I was watching a preview for a movie and I kept thinking that the woman standing at her front door looked more like a man. I felt kind of bad about that, because it wasn’t like I was trying to judge or anything; I was only making an observation. Later I found out that I had nothing to feel bad about because there was a man under that gray wig and behind all that make up. Tyler Perry portrays Mabel “Madea” Simmons.

Even though he had been writing, directing and performing in stage plays for years, I didn’t know anything about Tyler Perry until the preview of the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman, inspired by the play of the same name. Ever since then, different people have criticized this man because he puts on a dress to play a woman. This is how I feel about it: The man is acting. I had no problem with Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie or Martin Lawrence as Big Mama (I loved Big Mama’s House 2, by the way) or Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire or Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari disguising themselves as women in Bosom Buddies, and I have no problem with Tyler Perry as Madea.

Why are some people always trying to find the worst in everything? Yes, Tyler Perry has flaws; we all have flaws. But as far as his work, he brings something good to people’s lives with Madea; he makes them laugh. And he’s not doing it like some comedians do, which is by making fun of another person’s weaknesses or imperfections or personal problems or using so much profanity that if there is a good joke in there, it’s difficult to find. Let me tell you, I always appreciate it when someone can make me laugh because laughter brightens my days. And, oh yeah, if you know anything about me at all, you know I’m gonna quote the Bible: A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. That’s Proverbs15:13 the New King James Version. The New Living Translation: A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.

I’ve gotten the impression after hearing Tyler Perry speak on occasion, that he’d rather not play Madea anymore. He said something like it takes four hours to get into the make-up and the entire costume, and it can get hot in all of that padding. I don’t think he feels good at all luggin' those big saggin' breasts around. I believe he said they are stuffed with bird seeds. If you have never seen the wild woman Tyler Perry created, check out the picture of Madea up in the corner. That’s a whole lot of birdseeds! But this talented man has said that as long as people want to see Madea, he’ll play the role. I do not condemn him for that choice. I applaud him for giving people want they want; a character they enjoy watching because she makes them laugh.

I admit that I’m not into everything Tyler Perry has created. I’ll watch Meet the Browns every now and then, because I like that the show addresses teen issues, but, I’m sorry, Mr. Brown is too zany for my taste. And I guess Madea can go too far every now and then, but it’s not like ‘ridiculous over the top humor’, but more like ‘this woman just does not care and in real life she’d probably be in jail a lot longer than she was in Madea Goes to Jail’. Anyway, like I said before, I have no problem with Tyler Perry as Madea. I like Madea’s humor and boldness, but what I like most is that she always has words of wisdom to share. Nobody should take her seriously when she tells Bible stories or quotes the Bible, though, because, even though she makes it funny, she does not know what she's talking about.

I haven't seen all of Tyler Perry's movies in the theater; sometimes I waited for the DVD. However, I do plan to show my support this weekend and go see Madea's Big Happy Family. I’m not going just to see Madea, though. I really like Loretta Devine and Cassi Davis.

It's January 1, 2011 and Jesus Still Hasn't Come Back. Will He Ever?

Since I was young I’ve heard people talking about how Jesus is coming back one day. It’s taught from the pulpit, it’s in songs, Christians speak of it often, and it’s in the Bible (Matthew 24). But it’s been a very long time since Jesus died on the cross; almost two thousand years, I believe. Is His return ever going to happen?

On this New Year’s Day I’d like to share 2 Peter 3:8,9 (New Living Translation): But you must not forget, dear friends, that a day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise to return as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so He is giving more time for everyone to repent.

Romans 10:9-10: 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.

I feel like Jesus does, I do not want anyone to perish. If you haven’t received Jesus as Lord and personal Savior and you’d like to, just pray these words: Father, I confess that I have sinned. I repent of my sins and ask your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He died on the cross for my sins, and that He was resurrected, and by faith I receive Him as my personal Savior and friend.

Congratulations you are born again! Welcome to God’s eternal family! There is no better way to begin the New Year than to have your name written in The Lamb’s Book of Life! Praise God and Hallelujah!!!

YouTube - Spensha Baker - Hallelujah
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you peace.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY. HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!

When I Get Discouraged

I published Choices back in 2007. On the day it was released I was in a hospital bed with a staph infection in my bloodstream, but even though I was deathly ill I still remember wondering about my Amazon sales, hoping somebody bought a book. That first year months went by without a book sale and, even though sales have picked up, today there are still boxes of books stored in a closet in my husband's office (well, I guess I should call it our office now, since I kinda took over most of the space and placed books by other authors of YA fiction on the desk shelves). I have to say that I am disappointed. I imagined every book sold way before this time; not so I could feel like I was somebody important but to know the story was in many hands would help me to feel like I was doing something worthwhile with my life. My sons are older now, so they don't need me the way they used to. When I actually take the time to sit down at the computer and write - having scenes just seem to come from nowhere, writing dialogue, laughing at things a character says or does, getting frustrated with certain characters and situations, resolving issues - there's fullfillment. Choices is an emotional read, though, so writing certain parts drained me. And the whole domestic abuse thing, oh my goodness, I remember being so angry that I had to step away from the story for a while. I'm glad all of that drama is over with. But then again, as long as fiesty Angel is around there will always be drama. And in the next book LaKeeta will give birth. Now, if you've read Choices you know that I can write in a way that can make a reader feel a character's pain, so if you plan to read the next book be prepared.

Okay, so I admit that I didn't promote Choices at all before publication. This was all new to me and I didn't realize the importance of marketing. There were certain reviewers I knew about - reviewers readers seem to listen to - but they don't accept self-published works. So, anyway, after I got out of the hospital and began to feel more like myself again, I did what I could afford - and some things I couldn't really afford - to do to market my debut novel. I also attended a couple of events, which meant paying for a table and buying promotional items and needing money for travel and a hotel stay and gas to and from, etc... but, obviously, it wasn't enough. I didn't have the money mainstream publishers have for my efforts to ever be enough. My plan was to put profit back into the business and use it to publish the next novel in the planned trilogy, but with Amazon getting 55% of book sales (only a few have ordered direct from Kapri Books) I guess I'm just gonna have to be patient. I do thank everyone who has been supportive, but it would be nice if more readers would give Choices a chance. It would also be nice if there weren't people who trash self-published works without even reading a word. I supported self-published novels before Choices. Some stories I liked and some I didn't, which is no different from books I've read that weren't self-published.

I realize other publishers are in this same position; having books that could be selling better. But the difference between them and Kapri Books is that they have more than one book out there so if one doesn't do too well, maybe another will. I only have one book to focus on, so I am still doing what I can do to get it into the hands of readers, reaching out to one person at a time these days.

I entered the Writer's Digest 16th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. I didn't win but when I get discouraged about this whole book thing, I remember the positive feedback from Judge #5: Author Katrina L. Burchett writes with a warm, confident voice. Her dialogue is realistic and her scenes jump off the page. She knows how to write vivid scenes and chapter endings that make you want to read on. This book is not only entertaining to read but tackles a very important issue and will serve as an educational tool for young people around the world. This was one of the best books in a highly competitive category. This judge looks forward to Author Burchett's future novels... This judge is concerned that the young people who do not yet have a strong connection with God may not be able to relate to some of the characters devotion and belief. However, what makes the story work is that the characters are so openly struggling with all life's questions, including belief in God. The struggles make her story accessible. Great work!

The Problem With Some Christian Novels

Christian fiction is my genre of choice, next to young adult novels, which I’ll read if the story is Christian fiction or not. I do have to start being more careful about my reading choices, though, because, in my eagerness to support authors of young adult fiction, I have bought quite a few books lately where characters are taking the Lord’s name in vain all left and right. To see or hear the sweet name of Jesus Christ - a name higher than any other name - being used as an expression or a curse word irks me straight to my spirit. Now, I don’t claim to know the Bible from cover to cover and I am certainly no theologian, but I do listen to teachings by men and women of God such as Dr. Charles Stanley and Joyce Meyer and Pastor Fred Price, Jr. and Dr. David Jeremiah who know how to interpret the Word of God and know how to break it down so anyone listening will be able to understand. I don’t take the time to open my Bible every single day (I’m working on that) but I never went an entire week without reading God’s Word and I use a study Bible so it’s not like I don’t know anything. There is quite a bit I do understand. So okay, to the point... There is quite a bit of Christian fiction that is not what it should be. Why? There are parts of the story that don’t line up with the Word of God. Christian fiction should always agree with what God says in His Word. Yes, the stories are made up but Christianity is real, God is real, Jesus is real and the Holy Spirit is real. So any part of a Christian novel that refers to any Person of the Trinity or anything that has to do with the Bible must be accurate or readers are being misled. This is a tragic mistake I have found quite often in Christian fiction and I am so disappointed each and every time it happens. When I read content in a Christian novel that doesn’t line up with the Word of God to me it’s like a man or woman of God standing at the podium and feeding the congregation wrong information. (This is something that does happen at times, which is why God tells His children to test the Spirits – Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the Spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world – 1 John 4:1)

Christian novels aren’t written just to entertain - or they shouldn’t be, in my opinion. Yes, it is great for Christians to read enjoyable stories that should reinforce life in Christ but I believe these books are also witnessing tools for people of other faiths or especially those who don’t seem to believe anything at all when it comes to spiritual matters. God is using the writing talents of His children to reach those who need to be reached, to send life-changing messages that need to be sent and to teach valuable lessons that need to be learned. That’s not to say secular novels can’t send positive, encouraging, uplifting messages but with Christianity Jesus is the key. People can make hundreds of positive changes in their lives that probably help them to feel better each day about themselves and circumstances and life but if they don’t have the Holy Spirit (God’s Spirit) dwelling on the inside - something that can only happen when Jesus Christ is received as Lord and Savior – all the happiness in the world really doesn’t mean a whole lot in the end. And that’s the same with Christian fiction. The book can have a beautiful cover or an established author’s name attached to it or an endorsement by a well-known author to draw readers , but what’s going on inside?

I realize Christians are all at different places in their spiritual walk: some are still babes in Christ, some are way more spiritually mature than others and some may even be stagnant in their spiritual growth. So my thinking is: authors of Christian fiction should always pass their manuscripts on to brothers or sisters in Christ who are further along in their Christian walk than they are. Actually, let more than one other true Christian read the story. Get as much feedback as possible. Also, Christian publishing companies should make sure there is an editor and proofreader on their staff who really knows the Word of God or won’t mind researching what they don’t know to make sure quality Christian fiction gets into the readers’ hands. Typos happen but perfection is crucial when it comes to the gospel truth portions of the story.

Okay, so I'm reading a Christian novel and a sentence or a paragraph or maybe even the whole page jumps out at me because I know God's Word says something totally different. When that happens I really feel like readers are being cheated. Christian publishing companies should care about what they put out there but I know from what I've read that there are some that don't. Christianity is not a game; it is serious business. Spiritual warfare is a reality and authors of Christian fiction should always keep in mind the unseen forces of Satan. If he can make his way into the stories and confuse readers, he will. One way God speaks to people is through His Word (the Bible) and for those who have no idea what His Word says, but they are reading Christian fiction, how can they know when the wrong message is being sent? There is no way they can know, so I mention these contradictions when I write reviews so readers will know. I am not against any author but I am most definitely against Satan. And, more importantly, I am for God and I am for the reader.

I won’t mention every contradiction I’ve found in Christian fiction, but I’ll end by listing two:

1. I have read more than one story where a Christian character seemed to be okay with karma and all I could do was shake my head with disappointment. Karma isn’t just about getting back what you put out or reaping what you sow, as God puts it; it also has to do with reincarnation. I do not believe in reincarnation and no true Christian should. When Christians leave this world our bodies will die and our spirits will go to heaven (For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it-Ecclesiastes 12:7 -New Living Translation) If you’re not a Christian and you’re thinking right now, well, I don’t believe that, then what you are doing is rejecting the truth of God’s Word and that’s your choice. But it would be really great if you would choose life. Please, please think about accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

2.This is something I have heard so many people say, and I have read a Christian novel or two where a Christian character spoke these words to someone who wasn’t saved: We are all God’s children. This is not the truth. (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 1:12-13 – New Living Translation) Every human being was created by God but every person in this world is not a child of God. To become a child of God you must be born into God’s eternal family or born again, which means your spirit is reborn. How do you do this? You confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and you accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. If you haven’t already made that choice, I pray that you consider it. Heaven is a real place and so is Hell. Please believe that.

It's More About the Lyrics Than The Music

I am a Christian who really needs to open her Bible more often. I'll read from God's Word every week, but not every single day. What I will do most days, especially first thing in the morning, is listen to Christian music. Well, it's not really about the music, but the lyrics. Meditating on the lyrics helps me to keep my mind stayed on Jesus or lifts me up when I'm down or brings me peace when I'm angry or reminds me that God has not forgotten about me or helps me to love others when I just don't feel like it, or helps me to feel even better when I've already tapped into the joy of the Lord within... Okay, I could go on and on but I'll stop there.

God speaks to us through His Word, and He also speaks to us in many other ways like through gifted artists like Mandisa. I was blessed to get her "Freedom" album for only $5.00 at Family Christian Stores on Monday (God knows me well; I love a good bargain). I love all of the songs Mandisa sings, however, He Is With You is my favorite. I found a video on YouTube. Bowmangirl22 is so creative!! Listen closely to the lyrics and be blessed :)

I'm Not A Book Blogger, But I Do Write Reviews

I've been thinking a lot lately about starting a book blog, but I'm going to have to think about it a little more. Book blogging looks like a lot of work and if I start one I want to keep up with it but right now I'm not sure I have the energy. I do post reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Shelfari, though, and I'd like to share my latest:

Three Novellas

Showers of Blessings by Angela Benson

Assistant Pastor Andrew Gooden has a gambling problem and his wife, Sandra is so tired of dealing with it. They have creditors calling, the house is about to go into foreclosure, bank accounts are overdrawn… they are about to lose everything. Pastor Gooden is in denial about his lust for gambling and he and his wife have been keeping it a secret. Then they win the lottery and start their own church, Showers of Blessings, and things get better for a while but when trouble comes again, Sandra no longer believes the words her husband has spoken so many times before, “I can fix this.” What is it going to take for Pastor Gooden to stop making excuses and deal with the addiction that could cause him to lose everything, including his wife and children?

I kind of felt for Pastor Gooden but I really felt for his wife, who knew deep in her heart he needed help in order to change but accepted his excuses anyway. Pastor Gooden didn’t know any of his blood relatives; he was brought up in foster care. I’m thinking that must have left a huge empty space in his life and maybe he was trying to fill that void with money and possessions and to have a prominent position in the church must have been something he also needed to feel like he mattered.

Doing God’s will and caring more about helping others means more than having material things is a lesson this story teaches. It was a thought-provoking read.

Second Chance Blessings by Marilynn Griffith

Craig Richards was a pro football player who had everything; a beautiful wife, a mansion and a career on the rise. After a knee injury he was cut from the team and his marriage ended in divorce. With little money, he left Atlanta to return to Tampa, Florida where he reconnected with family and old friends. He surrendered his life to Jesus and then became a public speaker to share his testimony. Would he continue to grow in Christ and live for Him or would he return to football, seeking fame and fortune once again?

This was a good story. Craig realized that people who really mattered wanted him around because they genuinely cared about ‘him’, not because of what he could give them. And Craig’s ex-wife Brianna learns a few lessons herself. Her transformation was nice to read about. And I liked TreShard, a sharp-minded teen who wasn’t afraid to voice his opinions. He could have been a little more respectful when he was talking to Craig, though. I was glad when this young man’s actions reminded Craig of what really mattered.

A Knight in Pink Armor by Tia McCollors

Dara is the daughter of a preacher. She likes to start her mornings spending time with God and she also has a heart for people. She takes part in street evangelism ministering to the spiritually dead while her parents, Hunter and Thelma Knight, tend to the physically dead. They want her to take over the mortuary business one day, but Dara has her own dreams; with a heart to serve others she earned a degree in Restaurant, Hotel and Institution Management. Dara wins the lottery and this young woman with a giving heart is able to reach out in a much bigger way. But when trouble comes, will she give up on caring about the needs of others?

The gang situation in this story wasn’t as violent as something I’d see on television or what is really going on in some people’s neighborhoods, but it was disheartening. It’s a sad thing when people are stuck someplace they don’t want to be because they can’t afford to move. And it’s even sadder when someone comes along to destroy the good someone else is trying to do.
After I read these stories I wondered why someone wanted to publish a book with novellas about Christians winning the lottery. Question: “Does God say gambling is a sin?”

In the fictional world: The first and last stories have Pastors who believe it is a sin to play the lottery and it doesn’t make it any less of a sin if the winner uses the money in good ways (The end does not justify the means). These stories also have the lottery winners keeping the money they won a secret because they were afraid of what others would think (Sounds like these Christians were being convicted by the Holy Spirit). In the second story I don’t remember Craig keeping his winnings a secret and it didn’t bother Pastor Green one bit to accept lottery winnings. He just ‘cleaned that money right on up’ and used it to help his church.

Biblically speaking: I’m not clear if the word ‘gambling’ is anywhere in the Bible but… A greedy person tries to ‘get rich quick’, but it only leads to poverty (Proverbs 28:22, New Living Translation) I take this verse to mean God doesn’t want His own (Christians) to take part in any ‘get rich quick’ schemes. What are people doing when they play the lottery? Trying to ‘get rich quick’.

Back to A Million Blessings: Showers of Blessings and Second Chance Blessings made me smile here and there. A Knight in Pink Armor made me laugh (I loved the relationship Dara had with her cousin and best friend India). I recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for entertaining stories, no matter what your beliefs are about playing the lottery.

Growth Is A Good Thing

I think back to the past every now and then. Well, actually sometimes more than I should because there were a lot of things in my past that don't make me feel good to remember. But today I thought about a conversation I had with my youngest sister. I was visiting her and she was listening to music and I remember asking, "You listen to that?" It was a white artist. Her response, "I listen to all kinds of music." I got to thinking about my narrow-minded self after that and today I also listen to all kinds of music no matter the race of the artist just like I'll read a book, giving no thought to the race of the author. With music and books there are some genres I'm not into but I no longer feel I should just listen to music by black artists. I don't know why I felt that way back then; maybe because that was all I knew. Anyway, I changed my thinking before I got into reading, so I never had a problem with reading books that weren't written by black authors. Feel free to check out my Amazon profile to read my reviews of books written by authors of different races and I also reviewed some movies. I have plenty of books saved in my Amazon cart that I'll get around to buying. Lots of good books out there I would have missed out on if I didn't care enough to check myself. Growth is a good thing!

So now I'd like to share a video I have on my iPod. I love this song and I really love how Brandon Heath sings the word Yeah. Enjoy :)

This Book Thing Is Not Easy

I never believed this whole book thing was going to be easy but it is even more difficult than I thought it was going to be. Even though sales have picked up a bit, it is taking a long time to build a readership. I've done what I can afford to do to let people know my book is available. I have a website. I paid for flyers and promotional pens and business cards and cute little promotional flashlight keychains (Shauntice has one, so that's why I bought these) and handed them out. I've advertised online (wish I could get the money back from the one's that weren't really worth it) and I've attended two events. I haven't done any book signings, but from what I heard about those I'm not sure how much that really matters; for an unknown author, anyway. I did try to schedule one (yep, I was proud of myself for speaking up), but it didn't happen even after I pointed out to the manager that the local authors section, which had quite a few self-published works, could use a teen novel. It seemed I really had to prove myself to this man. Now, I don't know if that was a "black author" thing or a "self-published author" thing, but I do know that weeks later a white male author was having a signing and I didn't see one person approach his table. When I walked into the bookstore he wasn't faced forward to greet people; his body was turned slightly in the chair with one arm hanging across the back of it and he had a look on his face that asked the question, "Why did I even bother?" I guess he wasn't expected to contact all kinds of people or have lots of people call into the bookstore to say they'd show up like I was asked to do. I would have done what I could if a signing had been scheduled; advertised some kind of way - on my website, facebook, whatever. But, anyway, moving on.... The things I have done to get my book attention has helped, but not nearly as much as I expected.

Let me tell you, book events aren't easy for me. I mean, I have to actually put myself out there in front of people. I've never been good at that; I've always been a behind-the-scenes kinda person. It seems some people expect writers to also be good public speakers. If I believe in my story, and I do, I guess I should be eager to get out there and talk about it. Well, I'm workin' on it but I really believe it's going to take a while. I write. That's it. That's what I do. I have always been able to express myself better with the written word and that's why I wrote a novel instead of deciding on speaking engagements to talk to young people. I'm starting to believe, though, that I need to be more 'hands on', but, like I said before, I'm working on it.

In the meantime, thank God for blogs! And because you're taking the time to read this, I thank God so very much for you. What I really wanted to say today is that even though the decision to publish my novel has left me feeling discouraged at times - and I mean discouraged to the point of not wanting to finish the second book or write the third - there have been good days; especially when I receive emails like these:

April 13, 2010

Hello this is Eriyana,
A couple of weeks ago you blessed me with your book at the hair salon. I am keeping my word and emailing you about my thoughts. Your book was excellent. I enjoyed every minute of it. The different characters were perfect examples of real life things that occur. My friends saw me reading the book, and there is now a little list of people who want to read it. Thank you for being a blessing, and i am positive your book will have a positive effect on teenagers everywhere. I look forward to your future books.

April 18, 2010

I have read your book and I must say that I enjoyed it. My friend Eriyana, shared her copy of the book with me and I am glad she did because that was the best book I have ever read. I Love the way you write about real life situations and I can relate to the characters in your book. Do you know when you will make another book? I can’t wait if you do. Once again I enjoyed your book.

Sincerely,
Caila

I wrote Choices because I was hoping to make a difference in the lives of young people; especially teenage girls. I forget the 'purpose' for this book and the ones to follow when I get caught up in the whole 'doing my best to sell books' thing, but these emails reminded me at a time when I really needed to be reminded. Thanks so much, Eriyana and Caila, for taking the time to write.