I was ready to jump in, making my list of goals and plans for what I would do. A brainstorming session provided a number of topics, stoking my excitement over the prospect of time spent in research. It seemed like the task would be easy, a simple matter of turning my love of history into a website. Yet there is one big stumbling point. What should it look like?
I wonder if other writers face this obstacle, having an idea of what they want to do but no idea of how the final product will look. Is it easier for a novelist? After all they know ahead of time if the book will be a comedy or a drama. The novelist works page by page until the pages become chapters. Those chapters come together to form the story. Design some eye catching cover art. Add in a title that pops and the final form sort of takes care of itself.
It all sounds so easy, a cover and some pages. Yet writing is anything but easy. The art of putting words to a page in a way that entertains and/or informs is quite a challenge. Like other artist, the writer does not always know for sure what the end product will look like. This is where I find myself as I plan a new website and as I reshape Fire & Hammer, wishing I could read the final chapter to see how it all turns out.
Right now all I have are a list of topics and the beginnings of a couple of history themed posts. Included on those lists are topics I hope to develop into books. I do not know how things will look in the long run but right now I am having fun. My research is allowing me to meet new historical figures and granting me better understanding of the lives of some I thought I knew. At the same time my preparation for posts and writings concerning the Christian faith are challenging me, helping me better understand the path I walk daily.
What should it look like? Like a parent waiting for the birth of a child I suppose the writer and the artist will not know until the end. I hope you will join me as I move forward, unfolding what promises to be an exciting journey. I also hope to hear from others as they travel their own creative journeys. What challenges and victories have you uncovered as you draw closer to finding out what your project will finally look like?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Shaping Our View of Abortion (Repost)
{Repost – Originally posted in 2008 on Fire & Hammer, prior to hitting the reset button on my blog. This version has been edited from the original.}
Genesis 25:22-23
For decades the issue of abortion has divided our country politically and socially. The weight of abortion has even divided the church, joining with other issues to cause those who profess Christ to question each other. This is a problem when we consider what our Lord says about a house divided. Abortion is an issue where the church should speak in one united voice, yet we do not because quite often our view of abortion is shaped by emotion and not by God’s Bible. It is time we return to the Word of God, recognizing it as the Lord’s tool for shaping our view of abortion.
In the Bible we see the story of Rebekah and the birth of her twins. The two children began fighting while still in Rebekah’s womb. Their struggle caused so much discomfort that Rebekah called upon the Lord to find out why such a great blessing was accompanied by such trouble. In his response the Lord spoke of two nations. In the eyes of God Rebekah carried much more than two children. She carried the blessings of the promise of Abraham, the guarantee of offspring too numerous to count. In the eyes of God Rebekah carried a great future, including the Messiah.
Clearly the Lord God saw more than two fetuses living in Rebekah’s womb and we have the blessed opportunity to join in as Rebekah sees her children through God’s eyes before they were born. As we read this we must ask if this is an exception or does God see in every fetus a human life with great God given potential. The true follower of Christ must consider how God sees every unborn baby. Our view of abortion must begin by seeing through the eyes of God as he looks upon every child as it is conceived.
The abortion issue is a clash of world views. As followers of Jesus we need to seek God’s view. God speaks of a human with a future living in the womb of a woman. What should this tell us about abortion?
Genesis 25:22-23
For decades the issue of abortion has divided our country politically and socially. The weight of abortion has even divided the church, joining with other issues to cause those who profess Christ to question each other. This is a problem when we consider what our Lord says about a house divided. Abortion is an issue where the church should speak in one united voice, yet we do not because quite often our view of abortion is shaped by emotion and not by God’s Bible. It is time we return to the Word of God, recognizing it as the Lord’s tool for shaping our view of abortion.
In the Bible we see the story of Rebekah and the birth of her twins. The two children began fighting while still in Rebekah’s womb. Their struggle caused so much discomfort that Rebekah called upon the Lord to find out why such a great blessing was accompanied by such trouble. In his response the Lord spoke of two nations. In the eyes of God Rebekah carried much more than two children. She carried the blessings of the promise of Abraham, the guarantee of offspring too numerous to count. In the eyes of God Rebekah carried a great future, including the Messiah.
Clearly the Lord God saw more than two fetuses living in Rebekah’s womb and we have the blessed opportunity to join in as Rebekah sees her children through God’s eyes before they were born. As we read this we must ask if this is an exception or does God see in every fetus a human life with great God given potential. The true follower of Christ must consider how God sees every unborn baby. Our view of abortion must begin by seeing through the eyes of God as he looks upon every child as it is conceived.
The abortion issue is a clash of world views. As followers of Jesus we need to seek God’s view. God speaks of a human with a future living in the womb of a woman. What should this tell us about abortion?
Friday, January 20, 2012
International Prayer: Tuvalu
During World War II Japan’s plan to control the Pacific ran into a major obstacle in the form of a little nation of islands called Tuvalu. Japan moved quickly through south-east Asia, claiming the Solomon Islands and the former Gilbert Islands by 1941. From there they had hoped to move to Tuvalu but their plans were put on hold during the battle of Midway where Japan had planned to stage an ambush on U. S. forces. Code breakers working in the states warned the navy of the exact day and time of the attack, turning thing s in favor of the states. While Japan regrouped following this defeat, the United States secretly established an important strategic presence in Tuvalu.
Located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu was formally known as the Ellice Islands. Unlike what we usually think of when we speak of land, Tuvalu’s islands are examples of atolls made of coral reef and shaped like a ring with a lagoon in the middle. There are nine atolls making up Tuvalu’s 26 square kilometers (10 sq mi). The fourth smallest country in the world, Tuvalu has a population of just over 10,500.
A former British colony the Ellice Islands voted for independence in 1974. Realizing the people were in fact two very different cultures, they voted to split upon their independence. The Gilbert Islands would become Kiribati. The other part of the Ellice Islands would become Tuvalu, gaining their full independence in 1978. The people of Tuvalu, 98% of whom are Christians, are Polynesian whose ancestors came from Tonga and Samoa, settling the islands around 3000 years ago. There is also a small minority whose ancestors were Micronesians who came over from Kiribati.
Most Tuvaluans do not earn traditional wages, working instead as farmers and in other jobs designed to provide items needed to sustain the population. The highest wages are earned by those employed in the nation’s fishing industry. Because so few of the people earn a wage, Tuvalu does not have a strong tax base. Their government has had to look for other sources of income such as the sale of stamps and coins. The government also receives support from a trust fund which was set up during Tuvalu’s independence with help from other nations such as Australia. The fund is an investment fund with proceeds supplementing Tuvalu’s fishing industry. Tuvalu has also made money by selling license to its ‘.tv’ internet country code. However this endeavor has not been as lucrative as expected.
Unfortunately the islands that make up Tuvalu are sinking…or perhaps they are not. An online search leads to all sorts of opinions on the topic. Some say the islands are sinking due to global warming. Others say this is a scam, an opportunity to make Tuvalu a cause while the islands rake in tourists dollars. Still others say Tuvalu is sinking but not due to global warming, blaming the people for ecological missteps which allegedly have lead to erosion. Then there are those who say the islands are adjusting by replenishing the coral that makes up the atolls. Sinking or not Tuvalu has a problem where sea water is causing living conditions to deteriorate.
With no rivers Tuvalu depends on rain water for fresh drinking water. A recent drought combined with salt water moving into the few areas of existing fresh water has left the people with a shortage of clean drinking water. Neighboring countries have tried to help, offering things like desalination plants for making fresh water. Pray for the people of Tuvalu as they deal with their water problems.
The people of Tuvalu have limited career options and poor access to a good education. The government is trying to make their schools more accessible for their youth in order to give more opportunities. Pray for these initiatives. Their main source of income is fishing, a very volatile industry. Pray for stability in Tuvalu’s fishing industry and for the safety of the men who leave their islands chasing the next catch. Pray also for better housing as some extended families live together in overcrowded homes.
Pray for the church as it deals with the problems of this Christian island nation and for the spiritual growth of the people.
Continue always in prayer with thanksgiving and check back next week as we continue to pray for our neighbors here on earth.
Located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu was formally known as the Ellice Islands. Unlike what we usually think of when we speak of land, Tuvalu’s islands are examples of atolls made of coral reef and shaped like a ring with a lagoon in the middle. There are nine atolls making up Tuvalu’s 26 square kilometers (10 sq mi). The fourth smallest country in the world, Tuvalu has a population of just over 10,500.
A former British colony the Ellice Islands voted for independence in 1974. Realizing the people were in fact two very different cultures, they voted to split upon their independence. The Gilbert Islands would become Kiribati. The other part of the Ellice Islands would become Tuvalu, gaining their full independence in 1978. The people of Tuvalu, 98% of whom are Christians, are Polynesian whose ancestors came from Tonga and Samoa, settling the islands around 3000 years ago. There is also a small minority whose ancestors were Micronesians who came over from Kiribati.
Most Tuvaluans do not earn traditional wages, working instead as farmers and in other jobs designed to provide items needed to sustain the population. The highest wages are earned by those employed in the nation’s fishing industry. Because so few of the people earn a wage, Tuvalu does not have a strong tax base. Their government has had to look for other sources of income such as the sale of stamps and coins. The government also receives support from a trust fund which was set up during Tuvalu’s independence with help from other nations such as Australia. The fund is an investment fund with proceeds supplementing Tuvalu’s fishing industry. Tuvalu has also made money by selling license to its ‘.tv’ internet country code. However this endeavor has not been as lucrative as expected.
Unfortunately the islands that make up Tuvalu are sinking…or perhaps they are not. An online search leads to all sorts of opinions on the topic. Some say the islands are sinking due to global warming. Others say this is a scam, an opportunity to make Tuvalu a cause while the islands rake in tourists dollars. Still others say Tuvalu is sinking but not due to global warming, blaming the people for ecological missteps which allegedly have lead to erosion. Then there are those who say the islands are adjusting by replenishing the coral that makes up the atolls. Sinking or not Tuvalu has a problem where sea water is causing living conditions to deteriorate.
With no rivers Tuvalu depends on rain water for fresh drinking water. A recent drought combined with salt water moving into the few areas of existing fresh water has left the people with a shortage of clean drinking water. Neighboring countries have tried to help, offering things like desalination plants for making fresh water. Pray for the people of Tuvalu as they deal with their water problems.
The people of Tuvalu have limited career options and poor access to a good education. The government is trying to make their schools more accessible for their youth in order to give more opportunities. Pray for these initiatives. Their main source of income is fishing, a very volatile industry. Pray for stability in Tuvalu’s fishing industry and for the safety of the men who leave their islands chasing the next catch. Pray also for better housing as some extended families live together in overcrowded homes.
Pray for the church as it deals with the problems of this Christian island nation and for the spiritual growth of the people.
Continue always in prayer with thanksgiving and check back next week as we continue to pray for our neighbors here on earth.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
What Pleases God?
One of the advantages of being a dad is having a built-in excuse for watching children’s programs. One of my favorites is “Thomas and Friends,” a show staring a group of talking locomotives. As I enjoy shows like this which teach good life lessons, I never expected anthropomorphic trains to leave me examining my approach to God’s will.
Thomas and Friends is based on a series of stories originally created by Rev. W. Awdry. Looking for a way to entertain his son who was sick with measles, Awdry made up a tale about a talking locomotive named Edward. Eventually he would publish the story as a children’s book. Its success would lead to more stories and more locomotives, including Thomas the most popular resident of the Island of Sodor. Thomas spends most of his time trying to be a really useful steam engine as he pulls his passenger coaches around Sodor. But when called upon by the owner of the railroad (Sir Topham Hat) to take his mother on a fun tour, Thomas makes a major mistake.
Instead of asking Mrs. Hat what she might enjoy, Thomas puts together a tour based on advice from one of his fellow locomotives. After two or three stops he finds Mrs. Hat has fallen asleep out of boredom. When she wakes she orders Thomas to take her home. Embarrassed Thomas does as she wishes going as fast as he can along a shortcut home. As he races down his tracks he hears Mrs. Hat laughing. A speedy ride across a wobbly bridge makes the tour a success as Mrs. Hat has a wonderful time. Seems she wanted adventure, something Thomas would have known had he asked.
I wonder sometimes if I am like Thomas in my relationship with God. How often do I pour myself into some religious activity, trying to drag God along as I do what I believe to be His will? I do what I think best or what well meaning Christians declare is right but am I doing what God will honestly enjoy? I think Thomas’ mistake with Mrs. Hat is a reminder to us all. God’s prayer lines are always open. We need to makes sure we ask the Lord what He will enjoy us doing. We also need to spend time in the Bible, letting God reveal that which will bring joy to his heart.
Have you asked God what will please Him or are you boring the Lord to sleep?
Thomas and Friends is based on a series of stories originally created by Rev. W. Awdry. Looking for a way to entertain his son who was sick with measles, Awdry made up a tale about a talking locomotive named Edward. Eventually he would publish the story as a children’s book. Its success would lead to more stories and more locomotives, including Thomas the most popular resident of the Island of Sodor. Thomas spends most of his time trying to be a really useful steam engine as he pulls his passenger coaches around Sodor. But when called upon by the owner of the railroad (Sir Topham Hat) to take his mother on a fun tour, Thomas makes a major mistake.
Instead of asking Mrs. Hat what she might enjoy, Thomas puts together a tour based on advice from one of his fellow locomotives. After two or three stops he finds Mrs. Hat has fallen asleep out of boredom. When she wakes she orders Thomas to take her home. Embarrassed Thomas does as she wishes going as fast as he can along a shortcut home. As he races down his tracks he hears Mrs. Hat laughing. A speedy ride across a wobbly bridge makes the tour a success as Mrs. Hat has a wonderful time. Seems she wanted adventure, something Thomas would have known had he asked.
I wonder sometimes if I am like Thomas in my relationship with God. How often do I pour myself into some religious activity, trying to drag God along as I do what I believe to be His will? I do what I think best or what well meaning Christians declare is right but am I doing what God will honestly enjoy? I think Thomas’ mistake with Mrs. Hat is a reminder to us all. God’s prayer lines are always open. We need to makes sure we ask the Lord what He will enjoy us doing. We also need to spend time in the Bible, letting God reveal that which will bring joy to his heart.
Have you asked God what will please Him or are you boring the Lord to sleep?
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Reset Button
I did it this weekend. I hit the reset button here on Fire & Hammer. Every post prior to January of this year erased, leaving me with a new beginning. After years of trying different styles and of wandering this way and that, I have restarted.
Why did I hit reset? It was time. After six years I am a different person. My views on some subjects have changed. My idea of how Fire & Hammer fits into my life has also changed. Originally I had planned to use the blog to combine writing about my interests with commentary on the news items of the day. I lacked focus, not being real sure of who I was as a writer or as a person. In the past couple of years I have discovered some interesting details about myself and I have uncovered truths which have changed my perspective on my world.
When I started Fire and Hammer I only had one child and one very old dog. Since then I have gained a son and lost a pet. I have seen my faith in the Religious Right shaken. I was forced to deal with questions I had about the public face of what is called “conservative Christianity.” My relationship with God has matured and as I see the world in the light of the truth my views on many issues have either changed or become more refined. It is time my blog changes to reflect who I have become while revealing the clarity I have gained by confronting my own doubts.
2012 is a new chapter in my life, a new leg in my life’s journey. Hitting reset allows Fire & Hammer to continue as a part of that journey. The future promises a lot of fun. I hope you will continue to join with me along the way.
Why did I hit reset? It was time. After six years I am a different person. My views on some subjects have changed. My idea of how Fire & Hammer fits into my life has also changed. Originally I had planned to use the blog to combine writing about my interests with commentary on the news items of the day. I lacked focus, not being real sure of who I was as a writer or as a person. In the past couple of years I have discovered some interesting details about myself and I have uncovered truths which have changed my perspective on my world.
When I started Fire and Hammer I only had one child and one very old dog. Since then I have gained a son and lost a pet. I have seen my faith in the Religious Right shaken. I was forced to deal with questions I had about the public face of what is called “conservative Christianity.” My relationship with God has matured and as I see the world in the light of the truth my views on many issues have either changed or become more refined. It is time my blog changes to reflect who I have become while revealing the clarity I have gained by confronting my own doubts.
2012 is a new chapter in my life, a new leg in my life’s journey. Hitting reset allows Fire & Hammer to continue as a part of that journey. The future promises a lot of fun. I hope you will continue to join with me along the way.
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