Backstories, we've all got them. When writing a novel I give a backstory to all my characters, even the secondary ones, even if the information never makes it to the page. I want them to feel like real people, and real people interact with others, based in part, on their past experiences. If those experiences … Continue reading The Pain of Having a Real Life Backstory
"Fear Not" appears in the Bible more than 100 times. In fact, the Bible talks a lot about fear. We are commanded to fear God and not His angels, not the world, not death, the list goes on. Why does God want us to fear Him? Because He wants our focus on what's important, not … Continue reading Be Not Afraid: Updated for 2017
Since today is Columbus Day and the United States is still mired in political partisanship, your social media feeds are likely to be clogged with memes both praising and criticizing Christopher Columbus. Possibly one like this: Or maybe this one: Or this: Columbus day became an official holiday in 1937, but it had been celebrated … Continue reading Pick Your Battles Wisely: Or Why Columbus Day Is No Hill To Die On
As an ardent citizen of the United States of America I enjoy politics and debate, but the current climate is so very noxious that no true discourse seems possible. We're all at our keyboards in our little offices, caves, couches, and rumpus rooms tweeting, FaceBooking, and commenting, and it's all filled with...Hate. The four-letter word that poisons our happiness, … Continue reading Christianity and Culture: One Woman’s Worldview
True confession? I swear. Sometimes a lot. Usually in my car when no one is around, but sometimes at my husband. Sad, but true. It's also true that profanity and vulgarity are like the toxic twins of modern speech. They are everywhere and pretty well tolerated in most situations and definitely in most entertainment. Take … Continue reading Language Most Foul: Profanity vs Vulgarity
Christa MacDonald 