Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Trials and Deliverance

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A number of years ago, a follower of my blog left this comment: How do you personally reconcile the two thoughts — embracing trials and praying God’s deliverance? I grew up in a church that strongly teaches pain and suffering are to be endured – almost to martyrdom, as some sort of penance, even as a way of offering a prayer up for others (i.e. if I have brain cancer I should just suffer and … [Read more...]

Taking Back the Arts

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When I awakened this morning, I discovered that I was writing this blog post in my head as I came to consciousness. I’m sure it was brilliant in that place between sleep and awake while what I actually write will fall short of that. But I’m going to try anyway. In the 1970s, when I came under the Lordship of Jesus the Messiah, there was almost no Christian fiction. The local Christian … [Read more...]

When God’s People Stand Together

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I've always known that God's people were a powerful force when responding to His call. Just look at the decimated walls of Jericho. Yet, I've gained an entirely new perspective these past few weeks as God's people worked a miracle in the opposite direction--shoring up my quivering infrastructure with divine support beams of prayer, encouragement, and love. On July 31, I was pronounced the … [Read more...]

Moving Forward

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For the first time in several years, I’m at the beginning of a story that will see publication. The blank page stares at me, mocking my previously noted ideas of character and plot. I have sudden urges to clean the house, reorganize my pantry, or go shopping. Even when I can hear the characters in my head and see the story taking place in my mind, putting those first words into black and white is … [Read more...]

Coeur d’Alene #18 is in the books!

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Late last night I returned from my 18th annual writers retreat in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where, each July, I meet with ten other women to plot, to play, and to pray. What a precious time we had together this weekend. Although we dearly missed three of our number who couldn't make it this year. Sniff, sniff. This year actually should have been our 19th retreat. But due to Covid, we didn't meet … [Read more...]

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