Spiritual posture

In one article I wrote titled, "Improve Your Posture and Improve Your Health," one tip I offered on improving poor posture was to imagine a spotlight in your chest. This spotlight should shine forward, never down. If you had to depend on this light to see where you were going, it would be a constant reminder to stand up straight.

 

 

Light of Truth

When character's in my Christian fantasy novel, The Inheritance, accept Truth's gift, the light of Truth burns within their chest. They become light bearers. In our realm, those of us who have the light of Christ are to be like a city set on a hill. That means we can be seen from a distance.

Let your light shine

I thought about the importance of letting that light shine forward for all to see. It lights our way and is also noticeable to others. However, if we have poor spiritual posture, the light shines down; it may even be dim from the dirt and grime of this world. It still lights our path, if we look for the illumination, but it is no longer evident to others. God calls us to let our light shine in a way that others will see it and give him glory.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16 HCSB).

 

How's your spiritual posture?

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Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

The Inheritance is available on Kindle, paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo (Christian fiction). When you read it, be sure to leave a review! Thanks for your support.

 

He changes times and seasons

 

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning (Daniel 2:21).

Back in 2011 when my book, The Inheritance, was accepted for publication, I was thrilled. It is a fantasy, but not your typical fantasy. It’s written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, and offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. I think of it as a entertaining story that's thought provoking. A discussion starter I wrote to be used as a tool to open doors to the message God provides in his Word about how to get to heaven. I didn’t know if it would find a home.

Not only was it picked up for publication, it was nominated for an Epic e-book award back then and placed in the top three in the spiritual category. Things were encouraging for sure. And then just like that, the owner of the publishing company passed away unexpectedly. The company closed their doors. The Inheritance was homeless. If I’m honest, it was a bit discouraging, but then I reminded myself that God has a plan. I had no idea what is was, but I trusted him.

In the meantime, I had some hard copies and would give them out. A neighbor of mine read it, and it opened the door for us to talk about spiritual things from God's Word. She came to knowledge of the truth and became a believer. Two years later she went to heaven. I figured if she was the only one to be influenced by the story, I was fine with that. But I hoped the book might be published again. 

The Inheritance 

His word says that "He changes times and seasons….” After all this time, I’m happy to announce that a new season has arrived, and The Inheritance has been picked up by Next Chapter Publishing. If you haven’t read it, I hope you’ll pick up a copy and leave a review. It helps to get the book noticed.

It's the story of Jejune (his name means incomplete). He begins to question how conflicting theories can all be true and the ruling Illuminati brand him a troublemaker. Miserable and longing for something more from life, he leaves his home in Lofty Thought, seeking out Wisdom. Things get complicated when he meets Worldly Wisdom and her sister, Heavenly. In the Valley of Shadow, dangers and temptations await. Ethereal shadows hurl fiery darts that send an injured Jejune off course, but danger isn’t always so obvious.

To make matters worse, Jejune learns that he has the Condition; no one with it can be granted citizenship to the Eternal City. His friends Understanding, Prudence and Humility help him see there's only one answer. But can he follow the Narrow Way and find Truth?

This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.

Times and seasons change as long as we walk this earth. Make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:16).

 

When you've read your copy, be sure to leave a review. It helps others find the book. Be blessed!

 

Perspectives: Want or Need?

I had a wonderful weekend. Not that it was all fun, as it included cleaning house and doing laundry, but I stop to realize how fortunate I am to have a house to clean and laundry to wash. When I lost my job, I had no idea what to expect. The one thing I knew was that God is faithful. That doesn't mean I get to keep all my creature comforts. It means he is what I really need.

 

I thought about the scene in The Inheritance when Heavenly Wisdom tells Jejune that all he needs will be provided and how often he tries to bend that to mean it will provide what he wants. Like when he picked the fruit and was told he wasn't to take it with him on his journey. Or when he meets Humility who is willing to share his last crust of bread and how Jejune feels when Lady Chary comes along eats it and then complains that it is stale. What did he do? ...well if I told you that, you wouldn't need to read the book.

"May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation. Selah" (Psalm 68:19 HCSB)

The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

Donna Sundblad's The Inheritance May Change Your Life

The characters in the book take on all the characteristics of Spiritual Warfare.  You will love it.  ~ Steele Magnolias review of The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad. 

 

I love when people "get it." The Inheritance is not a traditional Christian book in the view of some, but I have to wonder if the same was said in the past of other authors. I gave a copy of the book to an acquaintance  as a gift, and now we are friends. She turned back to the Lord after almost 50 years of backsliding. Consider giving The Inheritance as a gift. It's a great conversation starter. And please, after you read it, leave a review.

God's Word Does Not Return Void

When I read the story about the homeless man who found a diamond ring in his donation cup it touched my heart. Even though he slept under a bridge each night, instead of pawning the engagement ring, he held on to it. He knew that the owner would be back for it. Sure enough a couple of days later the woman returned looking for her ring. She had accidentally dropped her diamond ring in the cup with her spare change.

This story is inspirational because he chose to do the right thing. This man, Billy Ray Harris, admits to being tempted to pawn the ring, but he attributes making the right choice to his Christian upbringing. This real life story is such a good reminder that God is with us in prosperous times and lean times. The fact that Billy Ray Harris didn't sell the ring, shows that God continues to produce fruit in his heart. As a bonus, a fund has been set up for 90 days to pay the kindness forward. Initially, the goal was to bring in $1,000, but God has much more than that in mind. As of this morning it was at $150,000!

"So My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” (Isaiah 55:11 HCSB)

A Light Unto My Path

This past Sunday we enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship that included a large number of young people. By young, I mean teens and pre-teens. One by one, most of them took the opportunity to share from Scripture or song, and one of the guys by the name of Joshua did both. First he sang the old praise chorus made popular by Amy Grant. Thy Word. While he would never make it on American Idol, he didn't let that stop him from praising God and sharing from the heart. I thought about how we are to let our light shine in such a way as to give glory to our Father in heaven, and that's what Joshua was doing. I was blessed. He was being a light bearer even though he tends to be shy. It made me think of Jejune in The Inheritance, and how the light of Truth made a difference it his life.

 
Hearing that tune again created one of those good brain worms, too. The song stuck with me for days. It reminded me that it is God's Word that is to light my way and now here I am sharing it with you. See what a difference a little spark can make?

Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. -- Psalm 119:105.