I, Claudia, Just Out! Latest by Author Lin Wilder!

While he was sitting on the judgment seat,
 his wife sent him a message, saying,
“Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; 
for last night I suffered greatly 
in a dream because of Him.” 
—GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, 27:19

“M’lady, M’lady, are you all right?” I could hear Antonia’s concern. She knew how I had dreaded this journey, how fervent had been my prayers for some miracle to forestall what I knew was destiny—his, mine, and the world’s. Unlike the others, Antonia had known me almost since birth. 

“I’m fine, Antonia, fine. Please do not worry, I am just drained. We have been traveling now for more than thirty days. The heat makes it almost impossible to sleep at night—it never cools off here.” It was still only midmorning, and yet the temperature had to be over ninety. The fall weather in Athens had always been gloriously cool, crisp, wholly different from this unrelenting, insufferable heat. Antonia wasn’t fooled by my reply, in spite of my attempt at a smile. I did not blame her. I knew that the upturn of my lips was more rictus than smile...and with good reason. We were heading toward a doom of the kind the world had never seen, and I knew there was nothing I could do or say to stop it. 

Surveying my surroundings, I felt no relief at the unchanged jubilance, the joyous expressions on the faces of the crowds. It would come, and soon. I am nearing the end of my life. Seventy-nine years lived as a shadow, a face behind a curtain, whispering the residues of a dream. Insubstantial, unheard. But my time of silence is done. It is time to write the truth for those with ears to hear it. 

I am Procula, wife of Lucius Pontius Pilate. My husband has been dead for several decades now. Like me, Lucius is the subject of vast ignorance, lies, and injustice. The very name Pontius Pilate has become synonymous with cowardice and betrayal. Those who claim to know the substance of my dream believe it emanates from evil. Others insist that those words that will be recited by Christians, “Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, and died,” were the source of terror in my dreams. I was told by the Oracle that those eight words would echo throughout the centuries and be memorialized in something that would be called the Apostles’ Creed. 

Most of the people reciting the Creed would mindlessly overlook the word under and believe that the Righteous One was crucified by my husband. 

The slanderous claims, and all others like them, no longer break my heart; they are merely annoying. I often think of the writing of Socrates, a man I consider a good friend though he died before I was born. His wisdom and humility await those rare searchers of truth. “I know I am intelligent because I know I know nothing.” 

I was born in Delphi, daughter of the last of the Oracles of Pythia. It was a time of disorder, chaos, terror, and the death of nations. My mother broke her vow of virginity in lying with my father. She feared for both our lives, because what she had done was punishable by death—hers and mine. The time of the Oracles was coming to an end.

Men no longer listened to the whispers of the prophets, certainly not to the women—not even when we had the words of the gods on our lips. 

I survived, but my mother did not. I was taken to Athens, where I was raised by Adrian and Sabina. Only they knew that I was the last Oracle; my true identity remained a secret to all others—although my husband speculated as much, due to my foreknowledge of so many things.

~~~

I, Claudia

By Lin Wilder

Having read a number of Lin Wilder's books, I have loved each one of them. When she announced her new book, a literary historical novel set in the distant past, I confess I didn't think too much about it...Wilder writes continuously and in various genres. 

Nothing, however, could have prepared me for I, Claudia--not even the book description. Quite simply, I am honored to be one of readers of a novel so insightful, so fulfilling and inspirational, and, yet, so well written, that readers immediately sink in Wilder's choice of words, knowing that much research has had to be done to be able to emulate and expand upon one of the most famous stories ever told. Wilder's decision to write from the perspective of the wife of Pontius Pilate, and thus her husband's role in the crucifixion of Christ, allows readers to move away from the obvious spotlight on Jesus Christ, to those individuals that were actively involved in the background. Those individuals who were destined to be part of a murder--and yet not a murder--but a fulfillment of God's plan.

The key to the manner in which this book is distinguished from others, is that the story, I Claudia, seamlessly blends what historically is fairly well known to those who study theological history and in particular from the Bible. I appreciated greatly Wilder's inclusion of a reference to the writing of Karl Rahner, noting:

Karl Rahner who coined the phrase “anonymous Christian” to describe men and women of “good will” who have not been catechized. Rahner’s categorization provided the solution to a problem that had plagued me for much of my life. Whether because of culture or ethnicity, these are people who have never encountered the Gospel, but who, through some mysterious and unknown power known only to Christ, merit salvation. The phrase anonymous Christian describes men and women like Lucius, Claudia, and Quintillus: people who follow their conscience and live lives of redemptive faith, not mere belief.

For me, as with the author, this was a welcome answer to something that has bothered me all of my life... Thus, discovering that our main character, was the last Oracle born, and that she had special knowledge through her dreams, known to be directly from God, was not surprising...

By Albert Tournaire - École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Art (http://www.ensba.fr/ow2/catzarts/images/E_084_07-25544.JPG), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40736158

The only place I knew as home echoes in my mind and heart still, after almost eight decades of absence. The Delphian air is purer, the sky bluer, and the mountains redolent with wisdom. Scrambling through the tunnels beneath the Treasury of Athena kept me safer than I’d have been in a nanny’s arms, and infused me with more knowledge than did my later tutors. It was there, crawling alone around and under those sacred stone structures, that the unreliability of the senses, the language of the Forms, the highest Good, transcendent and absolute, impressed themselves into my very being. That there was just one god, not many, was a certainty I shared with the Hebrews.

~~~

The mystical, the supernatural force of God is emphasized through Claudia's life and her continued connection to Delphi, even after she had married Lucius Pontius Pilate... In fact, the merger for marriage between Claudia's uncle and Pilate, took place at their first meeting when Claudia was just 5 years old. 

And the meeting of Lucius and Claudia on the date of their marriage, both falling immediately in love, lent a further mystical experience to their time together as husband and wife. Reading about their love affair marriage, even while often separated due to his position, was a lovely addition, in my opinion.

They had been married five years when Jesus arrived on the scene. Lucius Pontius Pilate had been specifically placed because of the difficult problems between those of religious faith who were also responding to the King.

Almost immediately after their wedding, Lucius was summoned by Caiaphas and, of course, when he had first arrived, "the game began..." Lucius knew what he would face and, in marching into town fully protected by his vast army, he had chosen to send them away and take a stand...

Striding forward until I was practically on top of the man, I extended my right hand. “Hello, Caiaphas. My name is Lucius Pontius Pilate. Emperor Tiberius has appointed me the new Prefect of Judea.”

~~~

Nevertheless, the priests did everything possible to bring turmoil to the new Prefect, to provide justice... even while graciously thanking him for his protection... But it was when Caiaphas decided what to do when the Christ became so popular... that Lucius knew he might not be the Prefect afterward...

Wilder paints a kinder, gentler Lucius Pontius Pilate than most of history has colored him. Interestingly, the same words may be used, but the tone, setting, and background of the occasion has completely changed as we learn what happened from the viewpoint of Claudia, Lucius' wife... Given the foreknowledge and understanding of Pilate as he accepted his position, together with his life with Claudia and their love, It is quite acceptable, actually believable from the tone set for the book, just how much Pilate hated what he was being forced to do...

If I'd had a chance to think about it, I could have imaged how Wilder would end her book. Still, it surprised, and completed out the lives of the couple who had been separated after only five years. Claudia had been told by the Oracle that would be happening, but she had never shared her knowledge with Lucius. But, in the end, both knew how it would have to be after Jesus had died... The law was the law--and could be used to justify anything if manipulated by those in power...

It's been awhile since a story has been so well written that I felt like I was right there, having entered into the book, visited the places where our characters traveled... Some characterization of those who have been earlier written about could be expected to be recognizable. However, most readers will not know what is based on fact and what has been creatively hypothesized based upon research. The book is magnificent in every way. Each of the main characters presents a unique perspective that dramatically improves the basic story of Jesus' death and resurrection. I cannot find the words to express my emotional response to Lin Wilder's story. I can only say thank you...it was wonderfully inspirational for me...

GABixlerReviews

Lin Wilder holds a Doctorate in Public Health and has published extensively in fields like cardiac physiology, institutional ethics, and hospital management. In 2007, she switched from non-fiction to fiction. Her series of the medical thrillers include many references to the Texas Medical Center where Lin worked for over twenty-three years. 
Her first novel, The Fragrance Shed By A Violet: Murder in the Medical Center, was a winner in the 2017 IAN 2017 Book of the Year Awards, a finalist in the category of mystery. The Fragrance Shed By A Violet was a finalist in the NN Light 2017 Best Book of the Year Award in the category of mystery. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath, the fourth in the Dr.Lindsey McCall medical mystery series, won Silver/2nd Place award in the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards Program for the Women's Fiction category. Malthus Revisited: The Cup of Wrath was selected for the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winners for Winter 2018 in the category of thrillers.
Finding the Narrow Path is the true story of why she walked away from -then back to God. I, Claudia is her latest nove. All her books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at her website, linwilder.com where she writes weekly articles

Note: Videos were selected based upon how close the words fit the novel and are not from any one musical selection. 

The Point by William E. Jefferson: Is It A Place, A Reality, Or Just The Word...

Tiptoe

Introducing Tiptoe from The Point! 

Tiptoe lives in the barnyard on the Isle of Estillyen.

 The mother of several litters, Tiptoe is

 known for her stealth like mouse catching skills.

Tiptoe’s début is Chapter 11, titled – 

‘Speaker’s House and Destiny’. 

You might be surprised to discover Tiptoe looks

 after a frightened little pig named Spook. 

There is, I must say, a certain resemblance

with Grizabella from the musical CATS.
~~~

The Point:

The Redemption of 

  Oban Ironbout

By William E. Jefferson

Pictures to Complement Review

From 

The Isle of Estillyen

And, of course, Tiptoe had to be first...

I spent well over a week reading The Point. It was suggested...

But The Word Demanded It...While The Third Gently Whispered...

Sometimes the Blurb of a book does not even hint at the magnitude of impact that a book may make to readers. With a subtitle of The Redemption of Oban Ironbout, I was prepared to be told a story about a man...

Well, actually, I was--but it wasn't about Ironbout so much...

This book is about Jesus...You may know Him as the Son of God...

Those on the Isle of Estillyen have taken the time to know Him very well! In fact, you will be seeing the miraculous in relation to this man...Take, for instance, Mr. Kind...

"On Estillyen, the whole idea is about stilling, contemplation, reflection.
Those message makers are very much a mind of mission, they are> They
see words from ancient paths as pillars for the present, like you were saying
about your grandfather. Likely, your grandfather got the idea at Estillyen.
"What most folks don't know is that those message makers come onto the
mainland every six months and spend an entire week just listening and
observing. They discover what messages are floating around, filling the
atmosphere.
"Strange in one way, but not in another. Lots of people are strange, I suppose.
I'm strange, I suppose. The monks spend an entire week on a kind of
message retreat, exchanging what they see and hear..."
~~~

He met Hollie and Goodwin as they reached and started in to Estillyen... You know, even now, after I've spent time on Estillyen, with the Monks, Hollie, Goodwin and all the others, I'm still not sure whether it's real...

History does record an Order of Monks as early as 1637 and I've seen photos of buildings talked about in the book...

But is there possibly--really--a place like Estillyen on this earth and in this time? I don't know, but I know I visited there during the last week...

And, the time that Mr. Ironbout had his accident, I became so agitated because when I turned the page, the story was continuing on! Well, yes, life does go on in the real life, but by that time, I was ready to have Goodwin right up there at The Point...or I figured that Trip might be brave enough to go down to the town and bring somebody back...

"They have a knack for sticking words together in ways
they don't normally run, to help you see things you
don't normally see. They make their words thought
wrappers. Yeah, I believe that's how they say it.
Thoughts are invisible. They need visibility to be
transferred. They need apparel. They have to be wrapped
in words..."

But it was impossible to consider that Oban Otto would have to spend the night under that old "appendage..." Even now, tears come to my eyes in worry...

But I'm getting ahead of myself, forgive me... Needless to say, William E. Jefferson has a gift in creating characters that become so real that you are caught in their lives immediately!

What is fascinating about the book though, is The Word--or the Words that talk, explore and meander about The Word...

Confusing? Plan on being extremely confused if you don't pay attention in Estillyen! There, I can see I'm going to have to show you, so, along with a picture or two, I'll spotlight some of my favorite of those poetic words!

First though, let me highlight that most of the book is about attending "Readings." Think of it as something like a play in which both the actors and audience will participate.

Now, I was really thrown when the Devil was included in these readings. Hey, ever since I was a little girl, I refused to even acknowledge that guy by name! Remember that old children's song, I'm Going to Let It Shine? Wellll, I would never sing the third verse! You see, that name that I will not name is a name that I refused to say so that that name would never become a person to me--it was a name, just a word, a word not a name, because a word can't be a name if the word doesn't mean the name... And it can't be a name if you refuse to name that word... Why, I almost refused to share a quote from that which is not to be named... Hmmmm, I think a couple of the monks have got me talking like them! Fun, isn't it?!

"What Word sneezed on his disciples in private, they are to cough from the rooftops. The Third even came streaming down and set fire on the heads of a whole group of fleshies. The third is supposed to help the Word's core band to remember everything the Word taught 'em."

"This is the deal. Listen! This is Lucifer speaking. The Word is the center of this whole trumped-up enterprise. He's the one who is supposed to be remembered. It's the Word's words the Third is to bring to remembrance. It all revolved around the Word. Anyone who is for the Word is against us.

"So, what do we do! We do anything and everything that is possible to undermine the Word's words. With me, the impossible does not exist. I've never seen it; I don't know it.

~~~

"Hi, my name is Epic. or Narrative, or Story...or any other word that relates to telling a message..."

"The present is history's living patch, abiding between the future and the past. The present has paths to both, but is owned by neither. The present daily reaches, stretching for the future, yet with each passing hour it surrenders and slips into the past. Each forward grasp is matched by what must be released. The past, with a force unstoppable, gobbles at the present, pulling in those words no longer to be heard.

"There are, however, words of exception. Though swept into the past's vast repository of was, they do not sink. Instead, they float like buoyant byoys, calling, reminding, warning. Words of exception they are, ringing out with meaning, beauty, and provocation. Such words have a knack, a way of reemerging in the present sphere. Although into the past they've truly swept, they can't be held or smothered away. They keep casting lines that draw them back into present time.

"History records notable figures who have managed this remarkable feat of casting lines that speak out in time. There is one figure, however, whose words and lines are so incredible that the present daily plies them to chart its future course. Like ocean waves, His words wash upon the shores, filtering eternal truths through present's sandy beaches..."

~~~

The basic story line is that Goodwin and Hollie have come here for personal time to ponder, to think, especially about Hollie's recent health diagnosis. Goodwin's grandfather had talked so much about the place and the man, Mr. Ironbout, that Goodwin had drawn a picture of his home. Years have past and still the house has haunted Goodwin with a need to see it himself. But Mr. Ironbout has since lost his family, all of his sheep and has turned against the outside world, having only dogs for company. The nuns and Monks and other neighbors have attempted to bring him back into the community but have been turned away, even with things thrown at them to get them to leave!

His home, however, is on The Point, a place so beautiful that there has been a hope to allow the property to be used by those that come to Estillyen for retreats. Nobody has gotten through...except Goodwin...and then Hollie. This in itself is a beautiful story. Is it the centerpiece of the book? Perhaps, Perhaps not. It depends upon how you read the remainder, the majority of the book...

There is something about Estillyen that is like coming home--sitting in a chair that has "the chips and nicks of your life" or perhaps even from when your grandparents or great-grandparents lived. There is a feeling of welcome, love, and closeness...perhaps you felt it a long time ago, when you first heard The Word. But it has slipped into your past life, forgotten, or been purposefully neglected...

As you start to read, perhaps you felt that you were at the beginning of a long walk. Yes, that's how I felt, and so I did take the time to read and get involved with each reading, that begins right at the beginning when the guy who will remain nameless for me, first started to talk to Adam and Eve...Then to Jesus in the wilderness, to Moses... there is much discussed and the last reading is just for you to read...

The sun has set at Estillyen, but all the characters, including One the one-legged duck and other animals, the Monks, the Nuns and all the town people. Mr. Kind even showed up at the end and sent his cane to Mr. Ironbout...I told you he had an accident and really needed it...but I don't want to go through that horrible time again. Trip did help, by the way, because he cleaned out the wound and helped it heal much more rapidly...

Myself, I would love to travel to Estillyen, again and again. Where is it? Well, I leave it up to The Third to remind me daily... Sometimes it's In the Garden, or On a Hill Far Away where An old Rugged Cross Stood...

I never know where The Third will take me...today it was to Estillyen... Are you coming?

GABixlerReviews

William Jefferson, founder of Port Estillyen Productions and author of the breakthrough new novel, The Point - The Redemption of Oban Ironbout, has spent his professional career advancing Scripture mission programs through diverse forms of media. After 25 years of strategic leadership on behalf of well-known Bible societies and evangelizing organizations, Jefferson is uniquely positioned to present Scripture's ancient truths, in a modern context of media and culture.

Prior to authoring 'The Point', Jefferson helped to structure and implement global initiatives and programs for prominent organizations such as the American Bible Society, United Bible Societies, the International Bible Society (Biblica), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He holds an M.Th. in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School.

With his novel, The Point - The Redemption of Oban Ironbout, Jefferson shares much of the wisdom that he has gleaned during his career: that words matter, that every human being has innate worth, and that Christ alone is the perfect union of Medium and Message.

William Jefferson's preferred title is simply "Message Maker." He writes from his rural home in the Ozarks, where he lives with his wife, Lois, and Border collie, Archie.Related articles

• Review of The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout by William E. Jefferson
• Some of You Will Love This Book

Contemporary SciFi Studies Cultural Catalyst In Great Adventure

The Eternal Messiah:

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the
 Ahmadiyya movement, considered by
Ahmadis to be the Promised Messiah of the latter days
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah
"We have a chance to witness something amazing,
the precist turning point of an entire culture.
"Why do you believe that?" asked Win.
"Because I've seen it before. Cultures at this stage
in their development are at a critical point, a
teetering, you might say. Do they stay in one place,
technologically and culturally stagnant, or do they
move ahead? I believe the ones that do progress
need some kind of shock, a catalyst if you will.
This catalyst is often religious in nature--almost
always, in fact. It leads to a transformation, one
that moves the people either into an organized
society, or, in a place like K'Turia where an organized
society already exists, the transformation jars them
out of the stagnant ceremonial rules which limit
their development...
"I am explaining cultural development in a scientific
way. Just because it has an element of religion does
not mean that it is not scientific."
~~~

Jesus of K'Turia
Cold Maneuvers

By W. R. Pursche and
Michael Gabriele
Click Above, if interested, and Enjoy Gabriele's Relevant Music, Cold Maneuvers...sounding like the Lemians in action... Get it started then Click Back! 


The only negative issue I had with this novel was the usual slow beginning as readers move into another world, another planet and begin to meet strange names, learn about their lives, and try to follow different alien species. For me, since I don't routinely read scifi/fantasy, I had never heard of any of the places, so had no idea of the type of people they were, that may have been identified in some other book, except through actually reading the book. I would like to have known, for instance, more about a Treb, which is the species that Win, the main character, was. This type of information would have helped readers understand better what the words meant rather than trying to interpret what was happening... A glossary of the people and some groups was--but nothing was provided for the words specific to the species...

The best way to describe the story is to picture a place where there is no technology. That alone is hard to imagine, right? K'Tura was town where religion was the most important condition of their life. Individuals were "born" into where they fit in a hierarchy that, of course, had the priests at the top, and the farmers, traders and other workers at the bottom. The priests were the only ones that determined The Way for them to live. There was no free will to choose...anything...

"The Rhean once known as Prome activated the
neural net which would connect its sentient
protoplasm to that of Rhean Ceme, millions
of miles away. After the slightest of hesitations
the link was established...
"This neural connection was their racial secret.
It is what set them apart from virtually all others
in the universe..."
~~~

But a man was there... His name was Jesus... And he was telling a different story...

The book centers on a small group of off-worlders who had been sent to find a freighter that had a cargo that must be either destroyed or taken away, but nobody knew what the cargo was. They assumed it was weapons.

Garrick was placed in charge. The three others were from a science vessel and had been pulled into a job that they really weren't prepared for.

Prentiss, in many ways, became the lead character. As a cultural specialist, she had hypothesized that societies remained primitive until a major catalyst, usually a very charismatic individual, became a leader to those in that society.

But she never expected to find Jesus on K'Turia.

Naturally she wanted to learn as much as she could while they were there. She had already studied the story of the earth Jesus Christ and assumed that the man who was there on that planet would take a similar role as had happened on earth.

At the same time on K'Turia, there were representatives of the Lemians, a military group that planned to take over the planet, if not as negotiated, then through military action. Those interactions had just begun...

As in most futuristic scifi stories, there are planets that have merged together, while others have remained independent, seeking to take over other planets. Indeed there were a number of negotiations that were taking place during the book. Readers will need to read carefully to see what was actually happening since the religious activities on K'Turia take center stage in the action adventure. I think the authors have done an excellent job in making religion a central part of the story, while not referring to any actual religions, religious books, or leaders...

And it is the character Jesus himself who proclaims that The Way [used in this book] was for everyone. What this results in is a contemporary novel that can speak to any individual about their needs, their desires, their search for what their life means--hopefully, a life of helping others, a life of sacrifice when required...a life with freedom to choose... Well Done Pursche and Gabrield!


GABixlerReviews

Bill Pursche lives in Orlean, VA, with his wife Kim and their son Ryan. They have two dogs, two rescued orphan horses, and a no-longer-feral cat. He splits his time between writing, painting, providing business advice, and doing whatever he can to help save and care for dogs and other animals. His writing has appeared in numerous publications and magazines, and many of his original "Canine Commandments" have been widely quoted and can be found all over the Internet. He donates 100% of the net proceeds of his book "Lessons To Live By: The Canine Commandments" to animal rescue groups and humane associations. With Michael Gabriele, he is also the author of "The Eternal Messiah: Jesus of K'Turia."

Michael Gabriele is a professional musician and artist in Rhode Island. For information about Mike's music, please visit www.myspace.com/michaelgabriele. 

Together they are working on the next two books in the Eternal Messiah series.

I Keep Revising and Revising; God is Patiently Waiting...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus

Revise Us Again:


Living From A 
Renewed Christian Script


By Frank Viola


Mike Morrell: “Perhaps you know Frank Viola as a prophetic voice lifting up Jesus Christ and God’s eternal purpose; perhaps you know him for his iconoclastic writings on church reform. Maybe you’re encountering his work for the first time. In any case, you’re in for a compelling treat with Revise Us Again. In ten easy-to-read chapters, Frank gently—but directly—invites us to revise our long-held ‘scripted’ assumptions about how God communicates to us, how Christians speak to one another, the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst today, and the content of the good news we proclaim to our friends and neighbors. The result is vintage Viola—a sacred-cow barbecue with little aftertaste. Highly recommended!”


http://youtu.be/gntAKRXfFeo (Book Trailer)



I've spent all of my adult life in some form of work that included working on writing and revising--letters, policies, pamphlets, reports, and books. So I thoroughly enjoyed the title and cover selected for Frank Viola's latest teaching text.

Perhaps it is my age, but I couldn't find one thing to which I didn't totally agree. What that means is that, at my age, it is somewhat easier to look back and recognize where and when you've not done what you would have wanted to do in a given situation. You've also had the time to stop and analyze what it is you truly believe about your Christian life. If you have not already done so, I highly recommend you take the opportunity to read Revise Us Again. Even if you have taken the time to "know thyself," this is still a wonderful, easy-to-read review--because we all need continuous renewal!

Viola begins by suggesting a revision of the Lord's Voice. Now, you will immediately realize as I did that what this is really saying is that we must consider how it is we "listen" for and then "share" the Lord's voice...

Here's where we fit...our background has provided a "lens" through which we have traditionally responded to the Lord's Voice. For example, here are a few examples for those who observe a stop sign.

A fundamentalist stops at the stop sign and waits for it to tell him to go. A Christian who follows the tradition of her denomination does not bother to read the sign, but she will stop if the car in front of her does. A Southern Baptist believes that God wants him to stop at the sign, but he will still be saved if he does not.

Of course, I picked out the ones that more closely reflected my own experiences; however, you will enjoy reading the other "silly" examples he uses to make us sit up and take notice.

Somewhere along in your life, if you've been a Christian for many years, you will have met one or more individuals who have said something like, "The Lord told me that your (whatever action that has caused the statement). The last time somebody said that to me, I responded, "I am hurt that you would say that my action is not from God..." (and then went on to discuss from there) Of course, it could be true that we do do things that offend God. But something that we do which offends an associate may be exactly what needed to be said in that circumstance. "The Lord helps us to revise our ears so that we may learn to hear the voice of the Shepherd through each one of His sheep." (p. 25)

Sometimes religion is used to hide behind. For instance, if you are asked to contribute extra toward a special activity your church or organization is planning. If your normal response is "I'll pray about it," most people will soon catch on that you don't intend to affirmatively respond. Are we using "Christian code language" for our own purposes?

I think the most important reminder for me was that we have an indwelling Christ. "Not I, but Christ" living in me. Can each of us truly say that our actions reflect Christ's spirit in me? I know I can't...If you also cannot, then this little gem will help! And how do we "deliberately [be] conscious of God's presence? By simply placing your attention upon Him." Using one of my favorite self-reminders, "be still and know..." (p. 77)

When I first started working on a college campus, I had an experience when "the dark night" arrived--when I could no longer sense His presence. Fortunately, I was able to talk with friends and realize that this was meant to show how others felt without the Holy Spirit. This is one of the important times about which you will learn! (p. 81)

Viola speaks on jealousy, envy, restoring God's spirit, the gifts of the spirit and challenges us by pointing out that "our" Christ may be toooooo small! (p. 129) If you were to ask me, and I hope you would, I would say Revise Us Again is a must-read! Highly recommended for new Christians as well as those of us who may have gotten set in our ways and need--revised!

Book Received Via
SpeakEasy Bloggers
Mike Morrell

GABixlerReviews

Near Death Experience Led to Writing/Publishing Career...and More!

                                                             Image via Wikipedia

Had The Choice 
Been Mine
.
Permission granted to republish by author

A true story by

Bettie Corbin Tucker

I was twelve years old, and near death, when I looked into the face of Christ.

No one, other than our Lord, who "chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong,” would have chosen someone like Bettie Corbin from Morgantown, West Virginia for such an incredible experience.

Here was no Elijah or Saul—just a skinny blond kid whose teeth seemed a bit too big for her mouth and whose stockings insisted on creeping down inside her shoes. Dad, a coke-oven mechanic, and Mom, a former schoolteacher, both called me "mischievous" but Jane, my older sister thought "public nuisance" was more accurate. I made average grades; hated school, sports, sweet potatoes, and neatness. I was a normal child, spoiled and demanding; careless of anything but my needs, my desires. 

If I ever thought of God, it was when I wanted something. He was rather like my Dad, but less accessible, or as easily manipulated.

I was in the seventh grade at Sabraton Junior High School when illness came into my life. At first the intruder appeared to be quite innocent—just a simple cold, but then this exploded into a vicious raging infection. I battled this enemy many years ago, but the memories are easily recalled . . .

Exhausted after vigorous basketball playing, our gym class of girls headed for the showers. My girlfriend Carolyn walked along beside me. "You OK?" she asked. "You look kinda funny."

"Just tired out," I replied. "I had that dumb cold and sore throat for so long that it took away all my zip."

Satisfied with my answer, Carolyn went on to something else, but later as I combed my hair in front of the locker-room mirror, I remembered her comments. There was something in my reflection that disturbed me. My eyes kept returning to the left side of my neck. Was it my imagination or was there a swollen place under my ear? I pressed my hand against the flesh and, sure enough, felt the outline of a lump. Probably nothing, I thought. Maybe just a swollen gland.

When Mom and Dad checked my neck that evening, they seemed to agree with my diagnosis.

"Does it hurt?" Mom asked.

"No," I answered. "If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't even know it's there."

Mom looked toward Dad; then spoke matter-of-factly. "Just to be on the safe side, I'll call Dr. Strawn tomorrow and set up an appointment."

"Good idea," agreed Dad. "No use in taking any chances." With a wry smile he added, "I know how much you'll hate missing school, Betz."

My own wide grin was the only response he needed.

Much to our surprise, Dr. Strawn put me in the hospital so that a biopsy of the lump could be done. The suspect, cancer, was found "not guilty" and the problem was diagnosed as an infection of the lymph nodes. Everyone seemed relieved and happy when I went home with an antibiotic and my doctor's assurance that within a few days I'd be feeling like my old self.

He was wrong! In a few days I was sicker than ever. The infection continued to spread until my neck and face became so swollen that I couldn't lift my head from the pillow. I was weak, nauseous, and in pain. 

It was back to the hospital where a drainage tube was inserted below my ear and more tests were conducted. Specialists hovered over me, and I was forever getting pills and shots but, still, I grew worse. Soon my confidence and spunky attitude gave way to confusion and fear. What was wrong with me? Kids didn't stay sick this long!

During the next five months, I underwent surgery two additional times. Just when I seemed to be improving, the infection would strike again, becoming more invasive, involving more lymph nodes. How could I feel any worse? I wondered. The pain and high fever made me listless, unable to eat or get out of bed. Feeling betrayed by my own body and emotions, I leaned heavily on the strength and faith of my parents.

I remember one evening in particular when I was feeling very discouraged. I'd just come home from the hospital with a newer and larger drainage tube in my neck. Bandages covered the ugly incision, but nothing could cover up my pain and depression. Dad sensed my mood the moment he entered my room.

"Hi, Betz, How's my girl?" he asked.

"OK," I answered, managing a weak smile.

"OK," he echoed. "I hardly think so"

He sat down on my bed and covered my young smooth hand with his rough callused one."You have a right to be scared, Betz," he said. "You even have the right to cry." 

I swallowed hard. "I don't want to cry, but I'm just so tired of being sick."

Dad's voice was full of sympathy. "I know you are, Honey."

I looked straight ahead. "Am I going to die, Daddy?"

"Not for a long time," he replied. "God is our Healer, Betz, and He knows how much we want to keep you."

My response was a plea. "And I want to stay here with you. I don't want to die. Old people are supposed to die, not someone my age." I began to sob aloud. The release was good.

My next trip to the hospital was not planned. It was an emergency situation. The evening before, I had been home, feeling grateful that my previous operation had brought my infection under control. A whole month had gone by with no flare-up, so I was feeling hopeful, getting a little stronger. Maybe this was the turning point.

During the night I awakened to the sickening realization that my enemy had returned with unrestrained fury. Automatically, I lifted my hand and touched my neck. The rigid swollen tissue was sore, and the radiating pain made me feel nauseous. I knew that I was worse—much worse than I'd ever been. The room appeared to be spinning around me, but somehow I got out of bed and stumbled into the hallway. I believe I called out to my parents before collapsing to the floor.

I was rushed to the hospital and prepared for immediate surgery. Dr. Strawn was not optimistic. The massive glandular infection was out of control.

I remember being vaguely aware of the anesthesiologist placing the mask over my face. Then a journey began which at first was not a pleasant one. A sensation of helplessness engulfed me as a powerful force spun my body horizontally through a long dark tunnel. A roaring buzzing sound was emitted by the propelling pressure of this force. I had no control over my body and it frightened me. I began to scream and saw my screams bounce off the darkness as jagged flashes of green lightning. I began struggling for my breath. The screaming had to stop; it was a waste of precious air. I tried to close my mouth, but the shrieking sounds continued.

My body spun faster, my screams grew louder, and the lightning flashed brighter. The pressure was unbearable, and I thought my insides would burst from the strain. There wasn't another breath left within me when I called out to God. "Help me, please, help me."

Suddenly everything stopped. My body hung motionless; the darkness was stripped of all sound. I seemed suspended in "nothingness."

Then something stirred within me. My "body" responded to this awakening with a surge of strength that enabled me to pull myself upright.

I stood in a void, turning around several times before I noticed a faint ray of light interrupting the darkness from a distance. As I took a few steps forward, the light grew brighter and brighter; it became a magnet pulling me toward its source. I did not resist because the light was beautiful and somehow (I don't know how) radiated feelings of trust, warmth and love.

I was drawn outside the darkness into the center of this dazzling energy where I basked in what I can only describe as a stream of glory. How wonderful I felt! My body was actually absorbing the brilliance of this holy light, which seemed to be alive and filling me with love and peace. At the same time, a Presence was stripping me of all pretenses; I stood "naked" in the Light of Truth.

Realizing the source of this radiance came from above, I wanted to look upward, but a feeling of unworthiness and a tinge of fear stopped me. What or Whom would I see? Someone was looking down on me, perhaps judging me, even now. What choice do I hav , I thought. I can't stand here forever. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and raised my head. Very slowly I opened my eyes, trying to prepare myself for whatever I might see.

At first my vision was blurred, but gradually, as it cleared, I was looking into the most compelling eyes I'd

ever seen. Shining forth from those eyes was an all-consuming love. Then I saw the face. Immediately, by some spiritual process, I recognized it as the face of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

This vision occurred many years ago, but my heart still races with excitement as I recall that supernatural moment. The face of Jesus reflected everything that is eternal and good. Strength, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, forgiveness, and love poured from that face, saturating me with a peace and joy beyond all comprehension.

And because I was exposed to His perfection, my own understanding became Christ-like. I seemed to know the answer to every question that I had asked or would ask. I finally understood my existence—why I had been born and why I had to die. God had created me in His own image, but I hadn't been "finished "until now. Christ was my completion. The King of Kings had shed His blood for me, a silly kid from West Virginia. My heart was overflowing with love and gratitude.

Jesus’ eyes were all-knowing magnetic pools of Power and Truth, reflecting all colors. Love, however, was His most distinguishing feature. It could be seen, felt and absorbed. Jesus was and is love.

Inwardly I applauded Him, and I could hear myself singing in a voice that was mine, yet very different. Gone was all pain, fear, stress and worry! No longer did I have to seek the acceptance of others. No longer did I need the reassurance that I was loved! My every child-like need had been met by Jesus!

I was so happy. Though I believed myself to be physically dead, my spirit was bubbling over with life. Death was my beginning; not my ending! I loved my family, but I loved Jesus more. My family loved me, but their love could not compare with His love. I knew everyone would miss me, but someday they would understand this wonderful completion that I was experiencing.

Lifting my hands, I reached toward Jesus, eager to be received by Him. Yes, Had The Choice Been Mine, I would be with the King right now. I expected the Light to draw me closer and closer until there was nothing separating us. However, my choice was not Jesus' choice. Our Savior looked at me intently, His eyes searching, probing. He finally spoke, and although His expression was tender, His voice was commanding, "You must go back, Bettie! It isn't time."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing—Jesus was sending me back. "No," I cried out. "Oh, please no; I want to stay with you!"

There was no response and so, helplessly, I stood there watching Christ disappear into eternity. The light, too, began to lose its brilliance. Reluctantly, I returned to the tunnel and began my journey back into life...

Postscript from the Author

The doctors were so convinced that I would not be able to survive a similar outbreak that they referred me to a surgeon for additional and extensive surgery. Inwardly, I knew that whatever had been wrong with me could not have survived the radiance of that Light. I told my parents, "The Light burned it out of me." They took me to several specialists, and all agreed that I had to have an additional operation. But I knew they were wrong—that I hadn't been sent back to be sick. Anyway, the bottom line is that while my parents and doctors were deciding what to do in regard to surgery, the inflection left without a trace. No one could explain why. But I knew!

The Children's Rhyming Bible

Note: Bettie E. Tucker is presently working on the third edition of her Bible which will revert to the original title, The Children's Rhyming Bible scheduled to be out next year.

Review: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

Image by centralasian via Flickr

Quest for the
Nail Prints


By Don Furr










One of the favorite hymns, especially for the Easter Season, is Were You There?" Well, this weekend, I certainly was! Don Furr's book, Quest for the Nail Prints, took 13 years to complete, but there was no way that, once started, I did not quickly turn every page...at least once I traveled back in time to Jerusalem to personally meet Jesus...

Dr, Elizabeth Stewart worked mostly with emergency trauma. As the book opens, she is being called to yet another accident to, hopefully save a young boy critically hurt by a DUI. When he doesn't make it, she is affected more than usual. Her boss decides to "help" by at least changing her scenery as he assigns her to travel to Israel to jump start a new trauma unit at Rashaman Medical Center in Jerusalem.

Leonardo Van Eaton, Professor of Religious Studies, was scheduled to speak at the International Council of Religious Educators in New Delhi; however, when he arrived in Jerusalem, problems with his plane kept him there.

Reverend Paul Ryann had been gifted with a dream come true. He was going to the Holy Land as a gift from his parents. His wife had another commitment and so he would be traveling alone. His stepfather was seriously ill and he considered not going, until he received a mysterious message that he knew he must follow--he would go on his trip.

Each of the individuals met as passengers on the flight. In fact, they sat beside each other and as strangers began to share about why they were taking the trip. Paul and Elizabeth found common ground in their church activities, Paul as a pastor; Elizabeth teaching children in Sunday school. It wasn't very long before Professor Van Eaton had shared his position and had created tension as he explained that his knowledge of religions was purely academic and that he purposely remained objective so that he could better teach.

By the time they had landed, the Professor was quite happy to have them finish their journey, only to be somewhat relieved when they found each other again when his plane was delayed.


Later as they were sightseeing, they heard a scream. Paul running ahead soon found that two soldiers were getting ready to assault a young woman. As Paul called to them, he also was taping them, which caused the men to quickly knock the woman out and race after the three. There was no option but to run and hide from the two guards who were armed and clearly willing to eliminate their witnesses!

And it was as they hid in an old building, they were caught as the floor fell from under them and they were soon in danger as water began to rise in the space where they were. It was Paul who came up with the idea of using the old 8-inch nails to climb up and out.

But when they left the old building, the city from which they had escaped was not the same...they were back in time and the time of Passover was underway...

Consider if you would the Biblical accounts of what took place during Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and finally the trip to Calvary. Now think about what you would do if you were right there, in the middle of it all! Meeting Jesus. Having him accept that you were there. Introduce you to his disciples and invite you to...follow Him...

What would you do if you were the only ones in the world at that time that knew in advance that Christ was going to be crucified. Quest for the Nail Prints will place each of you who will read this book exactly in the middle of it all. You may have seen movies or read other books and felt you were there. But Don Furr has placed new characters into those ancient beloved stories.  What would YOU do if you Were There? Surely you have no choice but to join Paul, Elizabeth, and the Professor as each of them finds out what their role was. Chilling in its realism; commanding in its story; secure in it's being the greatest love story in which we may all play a part!

You got it - a Must Read Recommendation for this one! 

Book Received from
Sheaf House Publishers


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