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Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness

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I don't do book reviews. So what you're about to read isn't one. However, in preparing to write a book where my characters wrestle with forgiveness, I needed to do some theological research. Along with my Bible study, I read Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness by Brian Zahnd.
 
It is, quite simply, one of the most profound books I have read. 
 
Eloquent. 
 
Powerful.
 
Convicting.
 
If Christianity is not about forgiveness, it s about nothing at all. (p. 2) Christ’s followers are called to radical forgiveness, unreasonable forgiveness, reckless forgiveness, endless forgiveness, seemingly impossible forgiveness. (p.74)
 
Forgiveness is not optional.
 
 
Your Turn: What have you read lately that impacted you?
 
 
(P.S. I don't know Brian. I'm not getting any swag for recommending his book. This is just an old-fashioned "I read a really great book. You might like it." deal.)
 
 

 

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Indemnity Releases Today

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Indemnity Cover‘You will not succeed by your own strength or power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD All-Powerful. Zechariah 4:6 (New Century Version)

Yesterday afternoon sitting in my office, thinking about (stressing about) the book's release, I closed my eyes for a moment, and this is the verse that I thought of. Not in the New Century Version. I never read the New Century. I'm NKJV, almost as old school as you get. But in thinking about sales and reviews, the word "succeed" really struck me.

Indemnity's success doesn't depend on my abilities as a writer. I did my best on it, don't get me wrong. I edited, cut, trimmed, deepened, strengthened and polished, and then some. And I would be mare than pleased to sell hundreds and hundreds of copies. But still, the success, and how that success is defined, depends on the God who gave the story.

Regardless of how many copies it sells, it is a rare privilege to be able to offer it back to God for His glory, and not mine. My name is on it because I typed it, but God is in it. I am humbled.

 

 

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Friday update- 21 down, 4 to go

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Wow! Friday again. We survived the first week of camp and saw a bunch of elementary and jr. high guys and girls meet Jesus for the first time. Pray for them as they take their first baby steps. Next week- the high school kids. I have a few things to accomplish today then we plan to head to the pool (that is, if it will stop storming for a few hours). Baseball tonight.

Friday update- I am about to finish chapter 21 for this round of edits. I just need one killer/cliffhanger-y line for Bobbi, something that will pull the reader to the next page. Once that’s accomplished, I’ll have 4 more chapters to edit. Whew!

Next up- something new. I’m not sure if I’ll go to Matt and Shannon or if I’ll do Claire and Mike. Stay tuned. After that, I’ll need to edit something else, I’m sure.

Reading- I got almost nothing read this week. Check with me next week, or maybe after camp.

Psalm 39:4 Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am.

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Writing Update

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Happy Friday- The older kids are in a wedding this weekend AND my niece is getting married back home tomorrow. Blessings, Ashley and Kyle!

From this week’s Bible study – “I will be glad and rejoice in Your [unfailing love] for You have considered my trouble. You have known my soul in adversity.” Psalm 31:7

A quick writing update- I was ready to start edits/ revisions on chapter 20, but Amanda pointed out some holes in 19. I had cut a chunk of exposition, but left some plot points unresolved. Now I’m crafting a new scene to get some of that info back in.

Here are the steps- 1.) Decide point of view (Rita’s, I think)  2.) Set the goals for each character coming into the scene 3.) Determine what the conflict is  4.) Hit our beleaguered protagonist with another setback. 5.) Square this scene with the rest of the book.

A reading update- As part of the submission process for Contingency, I’m checking out the competition so I can demonstrate there is a market for my theme, but that mine story is still unique. This week I read Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Steven Arterburn. In a modern day take on the story of the woman caught in adultery, a professor at a Christian college is photographed with her lover. The book then explores her journey through repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. It is smart, intense and well-crafted. Demi is sympathetic from the outset even though she has been in a five month affair with a colleague. My only issue was that Christopher never confessed to his father all the lies he had told.
Bottom Line: I’m hard to please in fiction and I highly recommend it.

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Adams Media Sale

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Edited by James Stuart Bell and Susan B. Townsend  
Reg Price $12.95
Your Price $11.01
(With 15% savings)

Buy Now >>

Daily reminders of God’s love and grace. This moving new collection shows how God’s love and compassion for mothers and daughters is at work in their lives every day of the year.  

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