Archive for 2015

Interview by Dianne Anderson (Staff Writer)

Christmas is near.

The rush for gifts and hustle for toys, throw up the tree, hours over a hot stove, a fast six days till the New Year. Then, the moment is gone.

Local pastoral counselor, Dr. Angela Chester, thinks maybe this year, families can slow it down a bit and try to enjoy each other, and let the little things slide.

As often happens, at least some of the headaches around this time of year comes from long standing rivals hurling small insults across the table. She said a lot of it can be avoided if people can stay in a mindset of gratitude.

Her own recent close call, a car accident has left her bedridden for two weeks, gives her time to reflect on all the things that she is personally thankful for, despite extreme back pain.

In general, she said both the nation as a whole, and individuals in the community, are grieving from the latest of 355th mass shooting for this year alone. Stress at the individual level for African American families dealing with the loss of a loved one, either by gangs or wrongful death shootings by police, has a stronghold on the social psyche.

There is a lot of violence to take in.

“It’s almost like a double whammy. Our nation is having an identity crisis, trying to put a band-aid on a wound that keeps getting ripped open,” she said. Part of coming to grips is understanding the five stages of grief -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance -- which is a natural process for everyone.

“Whether it happened in San Bernardino, Boston Marathon, the children of Sandy Hook in Connecticut, in Columbine. Everyone is like, is this real, did that happen?” she said. “That’s a form of denial.”

At times, anger becomes, “how dare they do this?” leading to the bargaining stage, and trying to make sense or creating solutions. That often becomes a catalyst for action, such as mothers advocating through Mothers Against Drunk Drivers to stop the senseless loss of children.

Because of the grieving process, some laws are changed.

“Some schools now have more security cameras, metal detectors because kids were coming to school with guns. That idea came out of the bargaining stage of our grief. It was a good idea,” she said.

Through depression, both the community and individuals should do what they’ve been taught for maintaining emotional balance, turn to each other for support, she said. Others will cycle between depression and anger over a period of weeks, or months, depending on the loss.

“But we have to decide that we’re going to do something [in the healing process]. The same way that we can’t stay stuck in our depression, we can’t stay stuck in our anger,” she said.

More than likely, the recent events will be part of this family holiday conversation. But, it could also serve as a reminder to be thankful for family, not just playing lip service around turkey dinner holding hands.

For more information, see http://www.drangelachester.com

If you didn't know that Christians could read romance novels be inspired. Author M.A. Malcolm visits with us and shares more about why she writes and what got her started.

What do you do when you are not writing?

The truth is, I hardly ever have the time to write! I’m the wife of a successful entrepreneur and the mother of a three-year-old who has an insatiable appetite for all kinds of learning. That alone keeps me pretty busy! I’m also a certified copy editor with my own freelance service called Nitpicking with a Purpose, where I work on improving the writing of Christian authors and others. As if that’s not enough, I’m a part-time college instructor and administrative service provider. Every few months, I remember that I’m also a blogger. It’s a lot! There isn’t a lot of sleep in my world.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

The first drafts on my computer date back to 2010, but I started out on paper — probably somewhere in 2009. In 2013, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and started over from scratch using the same outline. I ended up writing over 50,000 words that month. That version became what is now His Last Hope, which I finished writing early this year (2015) and published in July.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

Christian romance is what I read, so that’s what I feel led to write. I’ve actually been an avid reader since I was a small child, and I still enjoy reading when I can; I love having an e-reader app on my phone – I can read just about anywhere. I love reading so much that I did a master’s degree in Spanish American Literature. Before becoming a Christian, I used to devour secular romance novels, and after dedicating my life to the Lord, I was thrilled to discover Christian romance. I’ve read so many novels that for me, it was the logical choice. I did try writing Christian non-fiction in 2009, but it just didn’t ‘click’ for me. I eventually incorporated the message I wanted to share in that book into my first novel.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

The main plot of His Last Hope is completely fictional. More than a decade ago, I read a secular novel about an amnesiac who fell for the detective working on her case, and I remember wishing at the time that the author had gone in a different direction and included a pregnancy. After waiting on someone else to write that book, I decided to try and write it. That part of the story was all my imagination; however, there is a sub-plot that deals with loss and how Christians feel when their dreams and expectations are shattered. The sub-plot was loosely based on an episode in my own life when my husband and I dealt with two pregnancy losses early in our marriage. I channeled my emotions into the sub-plot. I took what really happened to us and fictionalized it by adding and subtracting as I went along. A lot of what the character shares in her journal is based on my own journal entries from that period. Interestingly, the whole purpose of writing and publishing the book is to deliver the message of the sub-plot, not that of the plot.

What project are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a prequel to my first novel. After my beta readers were given advance copies of His Last Hope, several said they would like to know the story of the married couple who were the focus of the sub-plot. It never even occurred to me before then that I might write another novel, but I found myself wanting to know their story, too. I started writing it in February 2015, but decided after seven months to scrap it and start again. That said, I hope to have it ready before the summer of 2016. I also have two more related ideas I’m toying with. I suspect this year’s NaNoWriMo is going to be very hectic for me! Readers may end up with a His Last Hope series before too long!

What brought you to write this book?

During my first pregnancy, it was prophesied that my son would reach people for Christ without opening his mouth. When he was stillborn, I wondered if the prophecy had died with him. Now I understand that this book is in fact the fulfillment of that prophecy. If I had never lost him, I would never have felt led to help others to deal with loss, and now that the book is “out there,” it really is “reaching people for Christ.” Sadly, I suffered a miscarriage less than a year after the stillbirth. That was when the idea of writing a book to help Christians deal with these challenges came to me. I prayed about it, because I’d never considered writing a book before, and confirmation was swift. As I mentioned, I tried the non-fiction route, but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t want to write a novel about pregnancy loss, though, so I decided to merge that message and the amnesia plot I’d already been thinking about for years. It took six years, but I’m humbled that since publication, God has allowed the book to bring a message of hope to the hearts of Christian readers. My first two children may not have lived in the flesh, but through the novel and the donation of part proceeds to the maternity ward of the Soddo Christian Hospital in Ethiopia, so many lives will be impacted by them. I pray that the Lord will continue to use the book to reach those who need it most.

=========================================================================

About author M.A. Malcolm

M. A. Malcolm still finds it hard to believe that she is a published Christian author. A certified copy editor and college instructor, she has been interested in writing fiction since her childhood. The lonely, blinking cursors surrounded by stark white space, however, convinced her that writing wasn't one of her gifts.

Until she had something she was desperate to say.

In the wake of multiple pregnancy losses early in her marriage, she felt led to write something that would help Christian women to deal with grief. After several failed attempts to translate her thoughts to the pages of a self-help book, she began to write a fictional story line that incorporated some of the painful issues she wanted to address. Soon, it was as if the characters had a life of their own, and she could only accompany them on their journey towards healing and love.

===================================================================================

Check out the LIVE interview on Modern Living with Dr. Angela on October 6, 2015

Check Out Books Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Modern Living with Dr Angela on BlogTalkRadio

Jesus Shared is a new website designed to encourage and connect believers and non-believers alike, through the power of God’s unconditional love and compassion. It exists to prove to the world that no matter how broken you are or what you’re going through, there will always be someone to help you through it. Jesus Shared is more than a website. It’s more than a platform. It’s an outreach meant to bring hurting people closer to each other, and to the God who loves them.

So how exactly does Jesus Shared accomplish that goal? The platform actually includes a variety of features that serve to fulfill the same purpose in many different ways. One of the highlights of Jesus Shared is the ability to request a prayer. Within a few clicks, anyone can send their prayer needs to the staff at Jesus Shared, who then pray as requested and send a blessing both through e-mail and on their blog. Though the Holy Spirit is all you need to approach God in prayer, it is always uplifting to know that someone cares enough to approach God on your behalf.

Another simple feature that goes a long way is the ability to talk to someone about your problems or concerns. Sometimes the most compassionate thing someone can do for you in your time of need is listen. These people don’t know you well enough to have biased opinions or thoughts about your situation. They are simply there to listen and give advice that ultimately directs you in the way of the Lord. When you’re hurting, that’s all you can ever ask for.

Jesus Shared does not only provide a safe haven for weary souls. It also equips passionate hearts for ministry. It gives people who care a platform to find people to care for. Whether you desire to counsel others or simply pray for them, Jesus Shared will never deny you the opportunity to shine the light of Christ in this dark and lonely world.

In this day and age of incredible technology, Christians are able to reach out like never before. Jesus Shared seeks to take a hold of the invaluable resource of the Internet and use it for the glory of God and the furthering of His Kingdom. The Church cannot thrive without people who are humble enough to admit their weaknesses and bold enough to find strength in the name of Jesus. The community at Jesus Shared is full of both kinds, and there are many who would testify to that.

Jesus Shared’s site verse is Matthew 5:3: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This entire ministry is living proof that the least of the least are loved by the King and that when we come to Him, together, as equally imperfect human beings, He empowers us. He gives us all that we need to make it in this life and to walk boldly into the next.

Author M. Obaseki was our guest on Modern Living with Dr. Angela, but we thought we'd bring you a little something extra to help you get to know this author. Her book How to be a GREAT Christian Leader: A Workbook for New and Aspiring Leaders in Ministry is available on Amazon.

TELL US ABOUT YOU:

I’m Deconess M. Obaseki (Author M. Obaseki) and I’ve been a practicing born again Christian for the last 25 years. I’m married to a Pastor and serve as the Head of Training and Development in a Pentecostal Ministry and Executive Assistant to a Senior Pastor.

I am an author, owner of a publishing company and sought after public speaker on Church development, growth and Training needs.

REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES IN MINISTRY AND MY MOTIVATION FOR WRITING THE BOOK:

I’ve been a strong worker and Leader in ministry and I’ve also experienced good and bad leadership practices which have had a positive OR negative effect on church members and the body of Christ. Things usually go wrong starting with the leadership.

My passion is to impart what God has given me (a commission to train and develop workers at all levels right up to leadership) to impact the body of Christ so that we concentrate on the great commission i.e. the saving and winning of souls.

I believe to do this we must start with the Leaders in Ministry who have a direct influence. If a leader is a late time keeper, their workers and staff will be the same remember the children will do what their parents do! Leader gossips their workers will gossip and so on and so forth. The problem is that sometimes leaders don’t see this in themselves and don’t realize their affect on those who are working under them.

So it’s important for leaders to understand their influence and its link with the growth (or not) of the church and the body of Christ.

TELL US ABOUT THE TITLE OF THE BOOK:

The title How to be a GREAT Christian Leader was a very calculated move on my part. There are lots of good even great leadership books which I’ve read particularly by the late Dr Myles Monroe who I greatly admired. BUT I wanted something that addressed very new leaders because so often they find themselves in leadership without knowing what a leader really is.

How to be a GREAT Christian Leader addresses the basic step by step practical things a leader must know in order to be GREAT. It includes an analysis of the 4 main personality types and how that can affect relationships with the people they work with or report to them.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CHAPTER IN THE BOOK?

My favorite chapter in the book is a fantastic 360 degree self-assessment to help the reader understand their own strengths and weaknesses as a leader so they know how their behavior and ideology affects those they are working with.

SO WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I have the intention of getting an audio recording of How to be a GREAT Christian Leader book made especially for those who drive a lot or are busy but still want the practical help with their leadership approach this book offers. I’m also writing a book especially for Workers in the Vineyard as we speak which will address some of the challenges they go through.

Years ago as a freshman, I was on the mock trial team. My brother was a star high school football player. I role-played lawyer games at courthouses around the state. Often, the student lawyers would make a game out of objecting to actions and questions of the opposition. The judge would then respond, "overruled" or "sustained."

This week at The High Calling, we're talking about sustainability, which is a relatively new concept. Prior to 1960, something was sustainable if it could be legally defended, like our pretend objections during a mock trial.

Forgive me for being a word nerd: by the mid 1960s and early 1970s, the word sustainable developed a business nuance for healthy economic practices that aimed for long-term sustainable growth rather than short-term profits. Only in the 1980s did the word carry the ecological meaning that many of us hear.

Sustainability is a new concept even in our own culture, but at its essence, it is an awareness of future generations. We want to be good stewards of the resources given to us--ecological, economic, educational, and spiritual.

The biblical parallel might be the consummate human integrity, virtue, and maturity associated with teleios. This is the Greek word New Testament Christians used when they looked to the future and imagined the most perfect outcome. Teleios is the perfect end game: the movie that wraps up in exactly the right way. The court case that delivers the perfect verdict. The perfect play at the end of a football game that wins everything for your team.

Paul reminds the Corinthians how we reach these perfect endings. We reach them through love, and love never fails. It is patient. It is kind. It is the perfect attribute of our perfect God.

Our world needs sustainability--and the higher virtue of love--because our world is not perfect or complete. Most of what we experience, we experience in part. Partial things are useless, but love can distinguish partial things from whole things. Love can recognize what things will become useless in the future and what things will lead us to perfection. When we let love rule, when we love God and love our neighbors, we will live and work in ways that are sustainable for future generations.

BIBLE PASSAGE:

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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

1 Corinthians 13:4-10

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: What comes to mind when you hear the word sustainability? Is this an idea that inspires you or not? Why? Are you living in such a way that will leave the world a better place for future generations?

PRAYER: Dear God, some ideas like sustainability seem to come from a different world than the world of faith. I know that everything is connected and everything matters to you, but the words we use sometimes divide our lives into God things and other things. Help me to hear your desires underneath all the different types of jargon that people use, and help me stay committed to your desires as I go about my daily work. Let me recognize the long timetable of love--loving not only you and my immediate neighbor, but the neighbors I will never see because they are too far away from me in space or in time. I praise you for being a God beyond space and time. Amen.

Article By: