MY BLOG POSTS
Law Lover
But do I LOVE following rules? Um, not really. I just do it. Mostly for selfish reasons – I don’t want anyone upset with me.
This morning, I was finishing up a read-through of Psalm 119. I couldn’t believe how often the Psalmist talked about the Law. And he didn’t just talk about obeying it, he talked about how much He loved it. Loved it! He said the law delighted him, sustained him, he longed to meditate on it, to get up early and study it.
What Law is he talking about? The word of God. The Psalmist delighted in obeying the Word of God. It brought him joy, helped him through difficult times, made getting up worthwhile.
It made me think – do I follow God’s “rules” the same way I follow the speed limit – because I have to, so I don’t get in trouble? Or do I delight in following it? Do I get up and read my Bible because I have longed for it all night, or because I “should”, just like I should meet deadlines? Am I trying to earn God’s favor or am I delighting in the fact that I already have it? Do I hunger for God and His word, the way the Psalmist did?
I don’t want to be a “rule follower” when it comes to serving God. I want to be a “law lover.” I want to delight in the precepts, in the truths, in the hope that I find in the Word of God.
Why So Cranky?
Many of you who have read Luminary (don’t worry, if you haven’t read it, no spoilers here) have commented that Thalli is really cranky at the beginning. In fact, it gets a little annoying.
I know.
I did that on purpose.
Why?
It actually was because of a book I read a few years ago: 90 Minutes in Heaven. A guy wrote about his experience dying, going to heaven, and coming back. When he came back, his body was broken from a horrible car accident, and he was angry. He had been in heaven! No pain, no sadness, no hospitals. It was SO much better than earth. He wanted to stay.
When Anomaly ended (*spoiler alert if you haven’t read Anomaly*), Thalli was ready to go to heaven. She had made peace with her imminent death, and she knew that what awaited her in heaven was better than anything the earth had to offer.
But she didn’t die.
And not only did she not die, but the people she loves more than anyone else risked their lives to save hers. And, in running from the State, they continue to risk their lives. So she is disappointed and scared and feels terribly guilty (she was OK dying herself, but to be responsible for her friends’ dying?? Not OK). So, yeah, Thalli is a bit cranky at the beginning of Luminary. Thalli is an emotional person – she feels love and joy, but she also feels anger and frustration. You’ll see those emotions – and others – in Luminary.
But you will see cranky at the beginning. Because, even though I know it is annoying, it was the most honest emotion I could write for her, given what she had just experienced.
But just like the writer of that book I read, Thalli will learn that God knows best, and He has a purpose in keeping her on earth. So keep reading. She gets happier, I promise. She’s just dealing with a lot right at the beginning. 🙂
The “Stitches Story” Winner…
How I Got My Stitches
by Kristin
The room began to spin and the bitter taste of blood began to fill my mouth. It seemed as if an eternity had passed since I had been called to war, and yet, I still wasn’t used to the gruesome visage of death.
I gripped the hilt of my sword and prayed that I wouldn’t lose my composure. Keeping calm was the difference between life and death for me, as well as my young ward that I was assigned to protect.
At just 12 years old, young Natalia was a prodigy at her craft and a great asset to the efforts to keep our lands safe. She was already an accomplished healer; the likes that the world hadn’t seen since the dragons still walked along side humans and provided mythical aid and wisdom to those they had bonded with.
In fact, it was the sudden signs that the dragons were planning a return to this realm that had plunged us into this mindless war. This war was being fought for fear of the unknown and pitted those that supported the return of the great dragons against those that were quite content to continue living their lives without them.
In all honesty, I wasn’t always sure which side I was on. It wasn’t until my beloved mother lay sick with fever and I was told of a healer that may be able to help, that I finally made up my mind. As talented as Natalia is, she hadn’t been able to save my mother; tried, but even the most talented of healers cannot give life nor keep it from slipping away. Only the greatest of all dragons holds life and death in its hands.
That is why I chose to fight for their freedom to return, and to protect the chosen few who showed promise as a dragon’s apprentice. Those few that proved to be exceptionally strong were at great risk from the enemy who wished to annihilate anyone who might entice or encourage the return of the dragons.
So now I stand surrounded in a small corridor by all those who wish to slay my young friend. I inhale deeply, ignoring the blood trickling down from the cut on my brow. There is no time for the stitches I will surely need; Natalia can practice her healing after I secure the area.
I can see Natalia close her eyes to shut out the carnage that surrounds her. The healer in her begs to rush to those in need; to ease their pain and to take away their hurt. My only wish is to protect her and take away the hurt and pain I can see in her eyes. I wish that I could protect her innocence and shelter her from the violence of the world.
After the stench of battle has cleared I finally allow her to tend my wounds so that I will live to protect her another day.
Write Me a Better Story…Please!
dull: I woke up around 3:30am feeling sick, and walked to the kitchen to get medicine. As I walked, I got really dizzy and, apparently, fell forehead first into the spot where the hall wall meets the kitchen wall. (Don’t worry: I went to the ER and got all checked out — I’m all right, just slightly anemic.)
But I need a better story. Falling into a wall is boring. So can you help me out? Give me some really great story where I am the heroine in an epic tale of bravery and courage (500 words or less; deadline 1/9). To sweeten the pot, I’ll give away a signed copy of Luminary to the author of the best submission.
So go for it. Write me a better story. Please!