Today I wanted to give an in-depth review of a book I just finished, written by a fellow author who lives in Alabama. Jase Rosenburg wrote a wonderful, emotionally and spiritually gripping story called Bryan's Journey. At first, I enjoyed the story because of the familiarity I have with the southern, lower middle class culture, and the good old fashioned things in life that Jase describes so well. But as I kept reading, Jase's story went deeper...and deeper.
Bryan's Journey is a novel that really does tell the story of a young man's journey. But what seems to start as just a well written story to convey the ideas of good moral values like work ethic, and appreciating family - goes on to tell a story of a more spiritual journey.
Now first, let me go ahead and tell you...this is not my typical choice of novel. I read thrillers. I love action, and I love to write action...and according to my editor, I'm pretty good at it. But what Jase does so well in this book is he takes the pace of the story, and makes the feelings and emotions that should be felt by the reader (if you have a pulse) and causes the same type of roller coaster that my action sequences cause when you read my books or the works of similar authors like Brad Thor, Ted Dekker, Tom Clancy.
There were times when I would get a little mad at the main character...I thought the 16 year old Bryan in the story was just being just a bit ungrateful. Then there are other times where I was absolutely floored by the compassion and care shown by Bryan's grandfather in the story. There were times when the dang book made my eyes well up...and there were even times I wanted to sing! If you want a book that takes you up, and down, and side to side like a roller coaster - here it is!
But the themes present in the story are the most important, I think. And Jase does not hold back the punches when it comes to showing that:
1)We should never take our family or loved ones for granted. Hold on to the ones you love with all your heart. Appreciate them while they are here - because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.
2)The power of prayer is real, and we should be persistent with it; the more persistent we are, the more proof God gives us that He hears us.
3)Bullying sucks...don't do it. :)
4)Miracles happen; get over it. There are some things in this world that just cannot be scientifically explained. But the good news is God has an answer - even if He doesn't share the explanation with us.
5)There is no greater power in the universe than love...and God is love.
So there you have it...I may include some more of these sporadic reviews to help out other fellow indie authors out there. But give Jase a read. He also has another one: The Lobby.
Please check out his link HERE!!!!!!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Us vs Them? Why not make it ALL OF US?
Today I attended the visitation of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It was a somber experience, and one that I did not take lightly...and I could get on this blog and turn this into a political statement, and ramp up the public outcry for violence against police - but that is not what this is about.
No; I wanted to comment on the amazing camaraderie I felt and was able to actually share in today, despite the loss of a person with which I had only had brief encounters. My hometown police department lost one of their comrades, and as I went to just represent our police department, the show of devotion and brotherhood from agencies all around was astounding. This display of brotherhood and camaraderie will be even more pronounced tomorrow at the funeral, but I knew I would be unable to attend. But the visitation to me was still special. You could tell that any one of those men or women there would have taken a bullet for anyone else there if evil had lurked about, the way it was lurking around a corner for the officer who was being honored.
Nevertheless, it felt good to be part of something made up of so many, yet so many in which I had something in common. And that feeling of acceptance among Greenville City, Greer City, Columbia City - Chicago PD, and even the universally recognized NYPD was such a fulfilling experience of unity and remembrance. So of course, these emotions made me think.
Now some may call this the 'mob' mentality...just wanting to be part of the gang. But I think it goes so much deeper.
Why do gang members want so bad to become gang members, despite the knowledge going in that they may have to get beat up, tortured, and even have to inflict such injury or even death on another individual? Because they have this longing to belong that usually isn't getting met at home, and usually, that yearning to belong has been there since they were very young, but the need was never met.
Why do soldiers ever want to be soldiers in the first place? Because that inner voice that tells them to join up or find something bigger than themselves is louder to them than it is for others. They will sign the dotted line, give their life to Uncle Sam, and know that they still have to endure drill sergeants, push-ups, hazing, and lots of running.
Why did Italian or Irish Americans in the big cities not too long ago want to become part of La Cosa Nostra, or the mob? Because they wanted to be a part of something where everyone KNEW they were a part of something, and they would be feared, and respected. They knew the risks going in; they saw the mobsters from the past come and go (and vanish), and yet their longing to belong to 'this thing of ours' overpowered whatever doubts they had.
Why do Muslims join groups like Al Queda, or ISIS? Besides their truly radical doctrine brought about by Muhammad himself - they all want to become part of something bigger...even though they are pretty much told to submit or die! But nevertheless, they still want to belong.
Why do you join any kind of organization? Is it because you find unity with whatever causes that organization represents? Why is this important to you?
It is my opinion that God designed us this way...that he wants us to long to be part of something bigger, with one great cause. Jesus told the first two disciples he encountered to drop their fishing nets and follow Him...and what did they do? They started up their very own gang! But that cause that united them - was a cause that would change the course of history forever. If they hadn't decided to follow Jesus, I'm sure Jesus would have moved on to others who would follow Him - but they joined up and even helped start something bigger.
Here's the thing...Jesus told each and every one of us to love our neighbor. He referred to people with terms like brother, or sister. He filled people with hope with His wonders, and they wanted to follow Him. And the bigger crowds got, the more people wanted to join in the crowd. And Jesus told the disciples before He physically left them for the last time - Go, and make disciples of ALL NATIONS!
That means all of us.
So although my brothers and sisters in blue tend to be known for our Us vs Them mentality - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
So although gang members will attack anyone not wearing their colors, but embrace all of those WITH their colors - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
If you long to belong to something bigger than yourself, and you don't want to have to pick up a gun to do so, it's easier than you think. The answer can be found in the most influential book in history. Pick up a Bible, and find the verse John 3:16. I invite you to read the words over and over. Pay attention to the words "The world"...and "Whosoever"...because really and truly - God loves ALL OF US.
No; I wanted to comment on the amazing camaraderie I felt and was able to actually share in today, despite the loss of a person with which I had only had brief encounters. My hometown police department lost one of their comrades, and as I went to just represent our police department, the show of devotion and brotherhood from agencies all around was astounding. This display of brotherhood and camaraderie will be even more pronounced tomorrow at the funeral, but I knew I would be unable to attend. But the visitation to me was still special. You could tell that any one of those men or women there would have taken a bullet for anyone else there if evil had lurked about, the way it was lurking around a corner for the officer who was being honored.
Nevertheless, it felt good to be part of something made up of so many, yet so many in which I had something in common. And that feeling of acceptance among Greenville City, Greer City, Columbia City - Chicago PD, and even the universally recognized NYPD was such a fulfilling experience of unity and remembrance. So of course, these emotions made me think.
Now some may call this the 'mob' mentality...just wanting to be part of the gang. But I think it goes so much deeper.
Why do gang members want so bad to become gang members, despite the knowledge going in that they may have to get beat up, tortured, and even have to inflict such injury or even death on another individual? Because they have this longing to belong that usually isn't getting met at home, and usually, that yearning to belong has been there since they were very young, but the need was never met.
Why do soldiers ever want to be soldiers in the first place? Because that inner voice that tells them to join up or find something bigger than themselves is louder to them than it is for others. They will sign the dotted line, give their life to Uncle Sam, and know that they still have to endure drill sergeants, push-ups, hazing, and lots of running.
Why did Italian or Irish Americans in the big cities not too long ago want to become part of La Cosa Nostra, or the mob? Because they wanted to be a part of something where everyone KNEW they were a part of something, and they would be feared, and respected. They knew the risks going in; they saw the mobsters from the past come and go (and vanish), and yet their longing to belong to 'this thing of ours' overpowered whatever doubts they had.
Why do Muslims join groups like Al Queda, or ISIS? Besides their truly radical doctrine brought about by Muhammad himself - they all want to become part of something bigger...even though they are pretty much told to submit or die! But nevertheless, they still want to belong.
Why do you join any kind of organization? Is it because you find unity with whatever causes that organization represents? Why is this important to you?
It is my opinion that God designed us this way...that he wants us to long to be part of something bigger, with one great cause. Jesus told the first two disciples he encountered to drop their fishing nets and follow Him...and what did they do? They started up their very own gang! But that cause that united them - was a cause that would change the course of history forever. If they hadn't decided to follow Jesus, I'm sure Jesus would have moved on to others who would follow Him - but they joined up and even helped start something bigger.
Here's the thing...Jesus told each and every one of us to love our neighbor. He referred to people with terms like brother, or sister. He filled people with hope with His wonders, and they wanted to follow Him. And the bigger crowds got, the more people wanted to join in the crowd. And Jesus told the disciples before He physically left them for the last time - Go, and make disciples of ALL NATIONS!
That means all of us.
So although my brothers and sisters in blue tend to be known for our Us vs Them mentality - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
So although gang members will attack anyone not wearing their colors, but embrace all of those WITH their colors - Jesus wanted to include ALL OF US.
If you long to belong to something bigger than yourself, and you don't want to have to pick up a gun to do so, it's easier than you think. The answer can be found in the most influential book in history. Pick up a Bible, and find the verse John 3:16. I invite you to read the words over and over. Pay attention to the words "The world"...and "Whosoever"...because really and truly - God loves ALL OF US.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Senseless
"Do what makes sense."
It's my mantra, right up there with 'better safe than sorry'. I have been telling my son this phrase ever since he was old enough to learn a lesson. But all the news lately, and the news that has inspired me to write a whole novel in the past, and the news hitting so close to home - it's obvious people are not following this idea.
It is time people started caring more about using their minds for what matters in this world. If people would just stop and think before they act, their actions might just make a little more sense.I thought I would use this forum to make some suggestions as to how to do this by providing some examples. They may or may not 'make sense' to everyone - but they make perfect sense to me. And if people start to do some of these things, we will all get along better as the human race should.
1. If you are wanted by the police, and you encounter police officers - do what makes sense, and do what the cops say. It is senseless for either you or a police officer to die. You made the mistake of breaking the law; own up to your mistake and move on. Cops don't just go around shooting people. Even the bad ones somehow act because of whatever incident has occurred to bring them on scene in the first place. IT IS SENSELESS to go and do anything that will just make you more wanted by the police.
2. If a rule is in place, set about by some legislative or governing body, just follow the rule. You can question rules, but you still follow them. If a child questions a rule, but does what the parent says regardless, the parent is less apt to discipline for said questioning. In a similar sense, if your manager or boss at work asks you to do something - just do what they ask. If you want to question them about it, address it after you have done what was asked. It is SENSELESS to purposely break a rule, especially if you know there are consequences for doing so (losing your job, getting a spanking, getting grounded, etc. Do What makes sense.
3. If you believe in something different than a friend or acquaintance - fine - share your belief, answer questions, and move on. Chances are pretty good that people who believe in something have reasons for arriving at that decision. If they are interested in why you believe in what you believe, chances are pretty good that you can have a lively discussion about it. But don't get angry because they decide they don't see things your way. It is SENSELESS to think someone HAS to see things your way. I see things a certain way, and I am not shy about it. But those differences I have with others don't mean I can't be friends with others (unless they totally hate law enforcement BECAUSE they don't like following rules; sense I am in law enforcement and I am in the business of enforcing rules, it is a conflict of interest to remain friends with those individuals). Do what makes sense, and get along with those who are different than you. Obviously, if you believe in something that tells you to force everyone to believe what you believe, then this post is irrelevant to you and you can stop reading now; it will be SENSELESS for you to go on.
4. If you get up on any given morning, be grateful that you are alive. Go out and appreciate the world around you. Love the ones your with, and show kindness to others. Whether you are religious or not, you will find that it just makes sense to treat others the way you want to be treated - it is called peace. It is SENSELESS to go out wanting to cause harm to other people just because they wear different clothes, or vote a different way, or like guns and you don't, or have things that you don't, or have access to things you don't. You can still be kind to people despite these differences.
5. If you want to 'Rally' behind someone's cause - awesome...go to that person's rallies. But don't go to a rally of someone you have no interest in supporting, just to cause disorder and get attention. Start a rally of your own if you're that passionate...but you're not going to change the minds of the people already rallying to the cause of the other. THIS IS SENSELESS, so do what makes sense.
I am a police officer, but have the privilege of training civilians in self defense and de-escalation. I no longer have to call hop or pull people over on a regular basis. I envy the courage that road officers have this day and age, answering call after call, not knowing what they are going into. If more people would just do what makes sense, and think before they act, and treat other people the way they want to be treated...don't you think we'd all live more peaceful lives?
It's my mantra, right up there with 'better safe than sorry'. I have been telling my son this phrase ever since he was old enough to learn a lesson. But all the news lately, and the news that has inspired me to write a whole novel in the past, and the news hitting so close to home - it's obvious people are not following this idea.
It is time people started caring more about using their minds for what matters in this world. If people would just stop and think before they act, their actions might just make a little more sense.I thought I would use this forum to make some suggestions as to how to do this by providing some examples. They may or may not 'make sense' to everyone - but they make perfect sense to me. And if people start to do some of these things, we will all get along better as the human race should.
1. If you are wanted by the police, and you encounter police officers - do what makes sense, and do what the cops say. It is senseless for either you or a police officer to die. You made the mistake of breaking the law; own up to your mistake and move on. Cops don't just go around shooting people. Even the bad ones somehow act because of whatever incident has occurred to bring them on scene in the first place. IT IS SENSELESS to go and do anything that will just make you more wanted by the police.
2. If a rule is in place, set about by some legislative or governing body, just follow the rule. You can question rules, but you still follow them. If a child questions a rule, but does what the parent says regardless, the parent is less apt to discipline for said questioning. In a similar sense, if your manager or boss at work asks you to do something - just do what they ask. If you want to question them about it, address it after you have done what was asked. It is SENSELESS to purposely break a rule, especially if you know there are consequences for doing so (losing your job, getting a spanking, getting grounded, etc. Do What makes sense.
3. If you believe in something different than a friend or acquaintance - fine - share your belief, answer questions, and move on. Chances are pretty good that people who believe in something have reasons for arriving at that decision. If they are interested in why you believe in what you believe, chances are pretty good that you can have a lively discussion about it. But don't get angry because they decide they don't see things your way. It is SENSELESS to think someone HAS to see things your way. I see things a certain way, and I am not shy about it. But those differences I have with others don't mean I can't be friends with others (unless they totally hate law enforcement BECAUSE they don't like following rules; sense I am in law enforcement and I am in the business of enforcing rules, it is a conflict of interest to remain friends with those individuals). Do what makes sense, and get along with those who are different than you. Obviously, if you believe in something that tells you to force everyone to believe what you believe, then this post is irrelevant to you and you can stop reading now; it will be SENSELESS for you to go on.
4. If you get up on any given morning, be grateful that you are alive. Go out and appreciate the world around you. Love the ones your with, and show kindness to others. Whether you are religious or not, you will find that it just makes sense to treat others the way you want to be treated - it is called peace. It is SENSELESS to go out wanting to cause harm to other people just because they wear different clothes, or vote a different way, or like guns and you don't, or have things that you don't, or have access to things you don't. You can still be kind to people despite these differences.
5. If you want to 'Rally' behind someone's cause - awesome...go to that person's rallies. But don't go to a rally of someone you have no interest in supporting, just to cause disorder and get attention. Start a rally of your own if you're that passionate...but you're not going to change the minds of the people already rallying to the cause of the other. THIS IS SENSELESS, so do what makes sense.
I am a police officer, but have the privilege of training civilians in self defense and de-escalation. I no longer have to call hop or pull people over on a regular basis. I envy the courage that road officers have this day and age, answering call after call, not knowing what they are going into. If more people would just do what makes sense, and think before they act, and treat other people the way they want to be treated...don't you think we'd all live more peaceful lives?
Monday, March 7, 2016
To The Offended
Dear Offended
I have a question...what exactly isn't offensive out there? And when you happen to see something 'offensive', how long are you forced to stare at it? If you see a symbol that 'offends' you, do you have the sudden urge to gouge out your eyes? And if so, do you feel like someone forced you to look at the 'offensive' image? I mean were you held down in such a way that you could not pry your eyes away? Could you not turn your head? Or were you unable to avert your eyes?
In order to not offend you, do I have to only talk about food or word count if I write a book? Or does the food need to be kosher or halal? Am I allowed to write anything speculative, or will that enter your mind and invade and make you lack the will power it takes to ignore it? Can I write about stories with my family, or will it offend you that I happen to be white, and heterosexual, and in a monogamous relationship with my wife...and we had a child - dare I say - biologically?
Am I allowed to show a picture of a church? Or will that cross sitting on top of the steeple burn an image in your mind that hurts your feelings and makes you feel guilty for every sin you ever committed?
Can I speak of American icons, such as the American flag, and can I even mention the colors red, white, and blue? Or will that remind you too much of the country that for the last several decades has been the world's police and philanthropist?
Can I mention anything of conservative value? Or will that hurt the feelings of the many free-loaders who are offended by the word WORK as well?
Please, Offended, I really must know. I need these questions answered. I want to know how not to offend so many out there. I would like to write a book...but then, maybe that will offend the illiterate as well. I will look for a reply. However please know - I will only understand your reasoning if I lower my IQ!
If you can relate to this post, please share!
Sincerely,
A Fed Up American
I have a question...what exactly isn't offensive out there? And when you happen to see something 'offensive', how long are you forced to stare at it? If you see a symbol that 'offends' you, do you have the sudden urge to gouge out your eyes? And if so, do you feel like someone forced you to look at the 'offensive' image? I mean were you held down in such a way that you could not pry your eyes away? Could you not turn your head? Or were you unable to avert your eyes?
In order to not offend you, do I have to only talk about food or word count if I write a book? Or does the food need to be kosher or halal? Am I allowed to write anything speculative, or will that enter your mind and invade and make you lack the will power it takes to ignore it? Can I write about stories with my family, or will it offend you that I happen to be white, and heterosexual, and in a monogamous relationship with my wife...and we had a child - dare I say - biologically?
Am I allowed to show a picture of a church? Or will that cross sitting on top of the steeple burn an image in your mind that hurts your feelings and makes you feel guilty for every sin you ever committed?
Can I speak of American icons, such as the American flag, and can I even mention the colors red, white, and blue? Or will that remind you too much of the country that for the last several decades has been the world's police and philanthropist?
Can I mention anything of conservative value? Or will that hurt the feelings of the many free-loaders who are offended by the word WORK as well?
Please, Offended, I really must know. I need these questions answered. I want to know how not to offend so many out there. I would like to write a book...but then, maybe that will offend the illiterate as well. I will look for a reply. However please know - I will only understand your reasoning if I lower my IQ!
If you can relate to this post, please share!
Sincerely,
A Fed Up American
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Certainty, Peace, and a Day Without Death
I just got back from watching the movie RISEN with my son...and I really liked the movie! I thought it was one of the best Christian films to date. I am not entirely sure of the accuracy of the historical account from the Romans point of view - but it was really neat seeing the story of Jesus told from that perspective. I thought I would share my view on the main points in the movie; I may or may not include a spoiler or two - although, the gist of the story is in the New Testament :)
There is a scene where the Roman Tribune, Clavius, is sitting on a mountaintop discussing the finer things in life. In the movie, Jesus is referred to in the Hebrew name - Yeshua. Yeshua comes right out and asks Clavius, who is new to Yeshua's followers post-resurrection - he asks, "What is it you seek most in this world?" This takes the movie watcher back in their minds to a previous conversation between Pontius Pilate, and Pilate had asked Clavius virtually the same question. You can tell that the character of Clavius is pondering the same thoughts he had with Pilate, but before he can answer, Yeshua answers for him..."Certainty...peace...a day without death?" Clavius smiles and nods, not quite sure how Yeshua read his thoughts.
This was one of my favorite scenes in the movie because Yeshua goes into how what He came to Earth for made it possible to achieve all three of these goals sought by Clavius - and just about every other person who ever lived.
So I just want to ask those who read this the following question: Can you think of anything you would want more than knowing you were absolutely right about your belief system, having complete peace, and finally having a day where nobody - I mean nobody - dies?
Those of us who believe fully in God's Word know in our hearts that we will find all of these things one day. The possibility of ever seeing a time when we can have all three things listed above is pretty enticing - and here's the kicker: if we're wrong...who cares? We're no worse off than we were when we didn't believe. But if you do not believe, then what exactly do you have hope IN? Perhaps if you've never thought that deeply about it before, you should start to...really - what have you got to lose?
There is a scene where the Roman Tribune, Clavius, is sitting on a mountaintop discussing the finer things in life. In the movie, Jesus is referred to in the Hebrew name - Yeshua. Yeshua comes right out and asks Clavius, who is new to Yeshua's followers post-resurrection - he asks, "What is it you seek most in this world?" This takes the movie watcher back in their minds to a previous conversation between Pontius Pilate, and Pilate had asked Clavius virtually the same question. You can tell that the character of Clavius is pondering the same thoughts he had with Pilate, but before he can answer, Yeshua answers for him..."Certainty...peace...a day without death?" Clavius smiles and nods, not quite sure how Yeshua read his thoughts.
This was one of my favorite scenes in the movie because Yeshua goes into how what He came to Earth for made it possible to achieve all three of these goals sought by Clavius - and just about every other person who ever lived.
So I just want to ask those who read this the following question: Can you think of anything you would want more than knowing you were absolutely right about your belief system, having complete peace, and finally having a day where nobody - I mean nobody - dies?
Those of us who believe fully in God's Word know in our hearts that we will find all of these things one day. The possibility of ever seeing a time when we can have all three things listed above is pretty enticing - and here's the kicker: if we're wrong...who cares? We're no worse off than we were when we didn't believe. But if you do not believe, then what exactly do you have hope IN? Perhaps if you've never thought that deeply about it before, you should start to...really - what have you got to lose?
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