This Week…
I’ve been thinking about this verse.
I’m writing this in a hotel somewhere. The words, “God’s love and Christ’s endurance,” in this verse has not let go of me. I’ve actually never thought of the last two words very deeply until now.
When I think of Christ’s endurance, I think of Him taking my sin on the cross. It sounds so simple said this way, but if you have watched the movie, The Passion, you’d understand His choice wasn’t so simple or painless. He endured.
And so must we…
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says:
“That a patient waiting for Christ may be joined with this love of God. There is no true love of God without faith in Jesus Christ. We must wait for Christ, which supposes our faith in him, that we believe he came once in flesh and will come again in glory: and we must expect this second coming of Christ, and be careful to get ready for it; there must be a patient waiting, enduring with courage and constancy all that we may meet with in the mean time: and we have need of patience, and need of divine grace to exercise Christian patience, the patience of Christ (as some read the word), patience for Christ’s sake and after Christ’s example.”
As I finish out the week, pray for Friday and Saturday. God knows…
Wilderness Trekking Video Series Update
I know it’s been a while since I have edited a video. With raising financial partners, working 36-hour weeks, and, in addition to that, running my social media and websites, time has not been a friend.
I am hoping to get one done by January. When I am 100% funded, I will be able to do this full time, and therefore, have more time to connect with people who have amazing testimonies to share.
So keep praying!
Navajo Art
An overlook gave us the opportunity to take a break from driving for a while. Some Navajos had set up some booths there, too.
We admired the artistry of the Navajo gifts. One woman in particular created Christmas ornaments from pottery, paint, and horse hair. The price was reasonable–$25.
I mentally marked this spot. Positioned high above the canyons and several hours from our home town, I knew this is where I wanted to return. It’s a long ways to drive just to buy some Navajo gifts.
The Navajos, like the Hondurans, hold a special place in my heart. The Navajos captured my heart since the first short term missions trip I instigated on my own. I traveled to Kayenta, Arizona twice; once to discover my missionary heart, and the second time, because I fell in love with the people.
Have you ever heard a church service in Navajo?
I was blessed to hear their native language, and I encourage you to do your own soul searching and visit these people. This small congregation drives up to fifty miles every Sunday to hear the Word of God. The pastor of that church spends a lot of time in his car driving to spend time with his congregation and serve them. You could say they are committed to their church congregation.
I still recall how that pastor urged me to get a degree. At the time, I wasn’t seriously considering a degree. Now it is something I am seriously considering. I want to really understand the Bible so I can lose my fear of misusing it. Because of my past, I take Biblical accuracy and truth very seriously. Often, before I use a verse, I will look up the commentaries and writings around it to understand the context. I rely heavily upon different books and commentaries to make sure I get the meaning right.
That’s where my mind drifted as I stood so close to the blue sky overlooking the canyons that were etched into the earth.
We reluctantly returned to the car empty-handed. Even though it is a long way to drive to buy gifts for others, their work is one-of-a-kind.
Some photos from today:
FAQs: October Support So Far
We are at 11.37% financial support. Want to learn more? Email me and let’s set up a Skype or in-person meeting!
Amazon Says No
For all of you who blog for books, Amazon just released new community guidelines:
“Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review.”
Amazon’s move follows a string of lawsuits against companies who were paid to post positive reviews on their site and cheat Amazon’s system by using reviews to make a book seem like it was one of the top rankings. Over the years, some authors have tried to manipulate the system in the name of marketing. Some secular self-publishing sites even forbid anything less than a three star rating all in the name of “helping” each other sell more books, instead of improving their writing.
Book reviewers are trying to be optimistic. However, most publishing, book reviewing companies, and blog tours require a review in exchange for a free book. This is against Amazon’s new community guidelines. Only those in their Vine program are allowed to post reviews. While book reviewers remain angry with this new move, it is Amazon’s right to protect the integrity of their review system.
I urge you as Christians to also honor this system. Here are some suggestions for posting reviews on Amazon or another retail site:
- Free Book, But No Review Required. After you write your review, post this below the review: “I have received a free book, but the publisher has not required me to post this review. I do this on my own.” This satisfies the FCC and more than likely, Amazon.
- Free Book in Exchange for a Review. Post on other retail sites. Publishers aren’t usually requiring an Amazon review.
- Buy The Book You Want to Review. Now you are a customer. You can review the book.
The FCC requires the following on all blog posts (use your own variation): “Free book received in exchange for a review.”
Instead of being angry at Amazon, let’s shine as Christians. Let’s respect their guidelines and continue to use book reviewing as a way to influence and reach a lost world with the Gospel.
FAQs: Why Do I Review Books on This Site?
Reviewing books is a way for me to refuel my creativity. Unashamedly, it is also a way to receive free books. On a missionary budget, this is helpful. All books will be reviewed from a Christian perspective, but not all books are Christian in nature.
Reading secular books and novels allow me to understand the world in which we live. It’s easy to sequester myself in the coziness of the Christian world, reading safe fiction and nonfiction, but that doesn’t help me learn how to communicate with people from other worldviews.
Writing and grammar also change. This means I have to continually educate myself in trends and new writing styles. With my field being in social media, I also have to read and learn marketing trends. My goal is to make marketing human. Just because I have to market, doesn’t mean I don’t think of people as individuals. I put people and relationships first above my agenda.
That’s a promise.
Home by Harlan Coban #BookReviews
Home by Harlan Coban is like Rambo versus Hawaii Five-O with the tension occasionally broken by unexpected tender moments. However, compared to the last novel I read by him called, Fool Me Once, I thought Home was just okay. We’ll start with the story break down.
Ten years ago, two boys were kidnapped. No new leads were discovered until now. Win sees Patrick, now sixteen, standing in a place known for gay prostitution. Win suddenly becomes Rambo and takes out the three large men around Patrick. Patrick escapes and Win calls his friend, Myron, to come to London and help him find the two missing boys.
The realism portrayed in the grieving parents was riveting. With Patrick home, a new struggle ensues. Where is Rhys, the other boy who went missing, and why do the Moore’s have so many secrets?
Win, as a character, had very little to love about him. Both Myron and Win were difficult to connect with as a reader, except when Myron had those tender moments with his fiancee. Overall, I gave this novel three stars.
***Book given by publisher to review***
Don’t be a Judge and Jury #Marketing #SocialMedia
Social media is the judge and jury of the world. It doesn’t take much to discredit someone. It is all about algorithms and who can spin the story the most to get more readers and advertising dollars. A hashtag can be hijacked, a mere suspicion becomes judgment, and the key is to choose carefully what we share as that perpetuates a story, an agenda, a controversy, or a movement. As I thought about this I began examining my own sites.
What kind of story do you want to share? How can we use social media to change the direction of our world, unite our Christians, and encourage honest and helpful dialogue without condemning the other for being courageous enough to speak?
